A dummy that gives medicine and a hands free thermometer!

4 little 1   it was while I was at the baby show that I re-discovered a wonderful company that strives to develop worthwhile medical products and equipment for babies. From personal experience with my own children, they sell the only baby nasal aspirator that works which can now be obtained on prescription. They have recently released a vapour ring that fits onto bottles, a dummy that releases a safe vapour to open up blocked noses and cold remedies. I am quite excited by their Eezimed medicine dummy, a new dummy which can also be used to give medicine through; this may be the answer for the number of parents I know who struggle to give medicine to their babies. http://www.4little1.com/

Syner-med were there with their new Syner-Med Veratemp thermometer, which they kindly gave me to trial. It is a non-contact infrared thermometer which they report to be as accurate as the ear thermometers but less fiddly and no ear probes needed.  I have so far been impressed with its accuracy and ease of use and continue to use it and compare to my digital ear one.  They are offering a discount to those who attended a course with me.  http://www.syner-med.com/pro_products.html

The Cozy Shop, which makes and sells beautiful baby blankets and toys as well as a versatile and helpful cuddly nursing pillow. I can see that this pillow provides good support for your breasts and baby while nursing and, unlike other pillows, has a number of other uses.  Clare Byam-Cook who was at the Babyshow picked this nursing pillow out as her top favourite this year. http://www.thecozyshop.co.uk/

Ergo, swaddling is always a controversial issue but the ergopouch gives parents the option to swaddle or not. What I particularly liked is that unlike other swaddling products, it comes with poppers in the arms for an easy transition into a sleeping bag when your baby is ready, it converts into sleeping bag. The ergococoon gives your baby the option of sleeping arms free or tucked in. They have also developed the 2.5 tog hybrid swaddle or sleepbag if you are unsure about swaddling or not.  I really like these products as I felt they had taken into account parents wishes and worries – the products come from Australia where they are very popular.  http://www.ergopouch.co.uk/

BigMuz, big muslins are a firm favourite of mine because of their diversity of uses; They sell sells basic muslins at very reasonable prices.  Katie has kindly agreed for a £3 discount on a pack of 3 muslins if you mention Be Ready to Parent.  http://www.bigmuz.com/

Aden and Anais,  if you fancy some gorgeous patterned muslins but more costly, try http://www.adenandanais.co.uk/.  The nearest place to buy them is in Mill Hill, with Annabel Passer, who kindly offers a discount. Tel. 07956162690.  Email: annabelpasser@hotmail.com

In addition, I also bumped into Clare Byam-Cook and heard her practical and informative breastfeeding talk; what to do if your baby is unsettled, if you have sore nipples, how to position yourself to maximise feeding, when to try a bottle and if it is needed how to do it, advice on expressing and tips on how to avoid the guilt issues and problems with breastfeeding that some new mothers fall into the trap of.  Annabel Karmel was also there with a large stall, selling her books and baby food; I had no idea she has written 24 books and now has released an app!  She spoke very well, highlighting the need for iron-rich foods from 6 months to avoid anaemia, the importance of protein in the diet and my favourite the absolute necesssity for early introduction of finger foods, texture and lumps.