Baby Universe - Baby Shopping, Directory, News and Reviews

Introducing Ramalama’s Innovative Baby Bags ~ Style with a Conscience

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:21:05 +0000

Stylish, practical and socially responsible these are only a few words to describe Ramalama’s new collection of luxurious baby bags. Designed with busy, but style-conscious mums in mind, Ramalama’s designer and founder Deena Ramadan has created a range of bags in cool colours and sizes, that are simply easy and elegant to use, with or without baby.

Lovingly hand-woven from fairtrade canvas and detailed with fine leather and metal hardware, these parenting bags include some fantastic features that you won’t be able to live without!

Some of these features include; a generously sized quilted changemat and co-ordinating wet pouch, several internal pockets as well as a zippered pocket for valuables, a dummy/key ring clip and discreet pram straps that can be tucked away when not used.

Channel your inner Charlie’s Angel with totes named ‘Farrah’, ‘Jaclyn’, ‘Kate’ and ‘Drew’ and feel confident that armed with one of these fabulous Ramalama baby bags, you’ll be ready to combat anything that baby throws your way!

Priced from $250 Ramalama bags are available directly from www.ramalama.com.au selected children’s boutiques nationally.

Kiddimoto accessory range is finally here…

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:17:34 +0000

Gone are the days when a child would simply refuse to wear their helmut. Yellow stackhats are a thing of the past. These days there are stylish options for mini-bike enthusiasts everywhere!

Kiddimoto has released a new range of super cool helmuts for kids between the ages of 2-8 years. With 8 ball, Italian racing stripes and vintage goggle designs (to name but a few), there is bound to be a helmut to suit all little tastes and personalities.

With a helmut to match the prized Kiddimoto bike or scooter, parents can rest assured that style won’t sacrifice the most important element – Safety! The entire range has been approved by Australian safety standards.

There is one small safety warning issued by the manufacturer – these helmuts may cause extreme envy from fellow bike enthusiasts!

Kiddimoto helmuts are available online for $79.99 at www.kiddimoto.com.au and selected retailers nationally.

Local Child Care Online Directory Expands Service

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:13:06 +0000

Local Child Care website founder Donna James has expanded the comprehensive online directory to include listings for professionals and special needs services that help children, making life that much easier for busy parents.

The site has new sections for professionals offering services specifically for children, such as doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Specialists who have additional or special needs services for children, such as pathologists, speech therapists and natural therapists, are also listed in each area.

“What began as a website listing child care centres in Sydney’s suburbs is now a more far-reaching service for parents and carers,” founder Donna James explained.

“Professionals and special needs providers can now add their listings to the directories in the areas they service, making it much easier for parents and carers to find what they need for their children.

“Adding these extra directories to the website has been invaluable for parents searching for good service providers in their area, specially if they are looking for services for a one-off or short-term consultation,” Ms James added.

And the Local Child Care directories get the big tick from parents too.

“I have used the directory and found it a fantastic source of information for local parents. It was easy to navigate and gave me everything I needed to know,” Nicole said.

“Instead of me searching through the Yellow Pages looking for child care places in my areas of choice, in just a few clicks I have all the contact details in front of me with useful info on each centre,” Amanda said.

Local Child Care has recently launched a new regional directory in Western Sydney and is currently inviting child cares centres, professionals and special needs providers to list on the website.

Ms James created www.localchildcare.com.au in 2006 after having difficulty finding child care places for her children in southern Sydney.

Local Child Care is a free service for parents, and features detailed online directories of child care centres, which can be searched by care type, age and suburb.

The website’s comprehensive directories also feature listings of professionals for children, special needs services, resources for parents and care providers, nanny and babysitter services and even job vacancies.

Local Child Care directories are available in the following areas:
• Sutherland Shire
• St George
• Canterbury Bankstown
• Parramatta
• Liverpool Fairfield
• Camden Macarthur
• Western Sydney

A monthly newsletter provides updates on child care news, current vacancies, new centres opening, upcoming open days and local events, ensuring parents and carers are kept up to date.

The Local Child Care website is a great place for child care centres and professionals and service providers who deal with children to advertise what they have to offer.

For more information visit www.localchildcare.com.au

Sudo shoes hit the pavements

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:10:13 +0000

This winter, kid’s label Sudo will launch their fantastic new children’s shoe collection. Already well renowned for their fashion forward kids clothing, the label will now diversify with a funky range of street style footwear for girls and boys. The collection takes the key elements of Sudo style, blended with premium fabrics and quality craftsmanship to offer a designer look that breaks from mainstream children’s footwear.

Sudo kids can hit the pavements in a collection of street style shoes, boots and sneakers. Premium leathers and the finest quality natural fabrics are used across the collection, so hardwearing without compromising on fashion. Each style is expertly crafted sneakers, moccasins, ankle boots and ballet pumps that are designed to be kind to a child’s growing feet. The Sudo children’s footwear collection will be available in sizes US 9 – 6, at key Sudo stockists.

The boy’s range includes old school street sneakers, such as the Maxwell super boot and Austin high and low top sneakers. Which are actually named after and inspired by Sudo designers Terry and Rachel Lay’s two young boys Max and Austin. The sneakers are styled in perforated leather, with patent leather trim and Sudo flash in black on white or white on black. For the smarter occasion, or the less casual young man, the Cameron calf boot in soft premium nappa leather, is for the style conscious kid. Available in a warm and subtle colour pallet of chocolate, black or bordeaux nappa, there is a colour to suit every outfit choice for winter.

The girl’s collection offers everything from casual street sneakers, ballet flats, and a range of cute ankle and moccasin style boots to suit all tastes. The cute Pocahontas style moccasin boots in butter soft suede come in tan or chocolate with colourful beading and are super comfortable. The Audrey High Top sneakers are named after the Lay’s daughter and will suit little ‘B’ Girls. The Ava ballet flats, inspired by Suri Cruise’s style, are available in pillar pox red, cobalt, golden bronze or black. For hip young things, the Corey ankle boot comes in soft calf nappa leather in cobalt or white or for the more daring, there is the red or black patent leather versions.

“Every year the Sudo collection grows and diversifies. Many of our customers and retailers have been asking us to do an accessories range for a while and I have always wanted to do a shoe range. So this year we are really excited to launch the footwear collection and also a capsule collection of hats, which we know the kids and mums and dads are going to love,” said Terry Lay Designer for Sudo.

The Sudo label was established in 2003 by Melbourne based Terry and Rachael Lay. Young parents to three beautiful children themselves and fashion industry veterans, the couple found that when shopping for their own children’s clothing everything was predictable and cliché. So, this trend setting duo decided to create a fashion forward range of clothing for kids. Designed for kids aged 2 to 12, the Sudo label features pieces that are funky, modern and extremely fashion orientated. Combining Melbourne style with global influences, Sudo collections are unique while still embodying the current trends of the season.

Sudo collections are sold in over 64 stores across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and several online e-boutiques. For more information or your nearest stockist visit:

www.sudo.com.au, info@sudo.com.au or 03 9555 4489

Introducing the newest ‘Nico’ Tote by Il Tutto in Navy, this season’s It-Colour!

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:08:47 +0000

Bring out your inner rock chic with the newest Nico tote by Il Tutto. This stylish and practical tote will be the envy of every mother, standing loud proud in winter’s most glorious shade of navy.

Made from a durable and vintage-feel material with a patent finish, and featuring unique hardware pieces and a metallic silver monster teddy, the navy ‘Nico’ offers the look and feel of a designer handbag, but with so much more!

With all the usual features we’ve come to love from Il Tutto’s fabulous baby bags, such as insulated bottle holder , waterproof changing mat with easy velcro closure, clear plastic zip pocket case for wet items, a zip-out printed lining for washing, large back zip pocket and roomy end pockets, this luxurious nursery bag is so versatile.

Priced at $249.00, the new ‘Nico’ tote is available online at www.iltutto.com.au and selected boutiques nationwide.

Winter 2010 at chillikids

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:06:46 +0000

Winter 2010 represents chillikids second season, with the collection being picked up nationally by David Jones & Shoes and Sox – this type of success for a newcomer is true testament to the brands appeal

Chillikids and their much anticipated Winter 2010 collection will have fans excited about new colours, bold textures and exciting fashion styles in this seasons hottest collection.

The debut Summer 2009 collection introduced Chillikids as a brand offering a selection of classic, affordable, easy to wear shoes for Aussie kids. Following on from their initial success, Chillikids have applied that same formula when designing their exciting new Winter 2010 collection.

Reworking some of the styles you already know and love, but in brand new luxurious wintery tones and fabrications, this collection will have the kids ‘singing in the rain’ this winter.

With deep hues of navy, purple and green, the popular sneaker collection still delivers on fashion, comfort and wearability, while the all important ballet flat is a must-have for every young fashionista!

Suede and leather boots in shades of brown, as well as corduroy sneakers complete this collection, offering just about every cool style kids will need this winter.

Chillikids Winter 2010 range will be available from March 2010 at selected children’s boutiques and selected David Jones & Shoes and Sox stores nationally.

Mambino Organics: For Every Woman that cares for their skin

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:04:40 +0000

Your skin is the first thing people notice about you, so why not make it supple, radiant and healthy? Mambino Organics offers a concise range of 100% pure, and simply delicious products for women who care about their skin.

Mambino Organics creator and top LA Aesthetician Maki Maodus believes that “radiance is just one of the side effects of healthy skin” and her philosophy is manifested in these products that will nourish and invigorate the body and soul.

Youth Glow Omega Face Complex is a special serum that repairs and soothes skin with primrose and rosa mosqueta. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C, it absorbs instantly to give stressed skin the fresh boost it needs.
RRP $52.95 30ml

Kissable Lips Balm will deeply moisturise dry and chapped lips keeping them kissable, moist and supple and ready to combat the harsh winter elements. Made from shea butter, olive fruit oil, jojoba oils and meadowfoam wax, lips stay soft and moisturised for hours.
RRP $12.95 7g

Mandarin Crème Organic Body Wash is rich, soap-free and designed to clarify and brighten skin with saponified oils of olive, coconut and red mandarin. It lathers up gently without stripping the skin’s protective oils, and is free of sulfates and parabens.
RRP $35.95 240ml

Moisture Me Body Toning Oil, to be applied after a shower, bath and sun-bathing will lock in moisture boosting collagen production while firming up those trouble spots like stomach, décolleté, arms and legs. It can also be used to soothe irritated skin including eczema.
RRP $54.95 180ml

Summer in Tuscany Organic Soy Candle enhances some much needed time-out, helping you to relish a moment of peace and tranquility, as the inviting scent of fresh fruits, wild flowers and a warm Tuscan summer breeze fills the home. This divine signature candle is hand-poured, eco-friendly and biodegradable and is made from an aromatic blend of pomegranate, red grapefruit and wild berries.
RRP $45.95

Busy mums, working women or mums-to-be can all enjoy Mambino Organics products as every woman deserves to feel like a pampered princess and by relaxing and invigorating tired stressed skin, these unique products will help her get there!

Mambino Organics is available directly from www.mambinoorganics.com.au, www.ramalama.com.au and select boutiques including Kido Store, Ecobabe and Kristian Isabella Maternity & Newborn.

Fabuliciously natural skincare rolled into a Gift Pack

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:01:32 +0000

Introducing Mambino Organics; products crafted using pure, luxurious and highly effective 100% natural ingredients, synergistically blended without the use of chemicals or additives….ever.

Whether you’re expecting a baby, have become a new mum or know someone that is new to motherhood, the generous gift packs are a cost-effective way to try these deluxe products, and decide which ones are perfect for you..(or for your friends as indulgent gifts!)

Mambino Organics offer 6 value-packed gift packs to rejuvenate, nourish, protect and repair your skin, taking care of mum and baby from day one and beyond.

The Bun in the Oven Gift Pack offers a combination of natural products designed to prepare your body for all it’s glorious changes during pregnancy.

Including products such as Oh baby! Belly Butter for softening the appearance of stretch marks, and Moisture Me Body Toning Oil to firm trouble spots, this pack uses healing botanicals like Avocado, Pomegranate & Mandarin Oils.

Once baby is born, the Just Hatched Baby Arrival Kit is essential to protect your newborn’s delicate skin.

Little Bottoms Baby Ointment and Oat & Milky Bath relieve dry and itchy irritated skin, making life a little easier for mum!

Gift packs for new mums include Mommy on the Go, Mommy Care and Mommy Comfort all helping mum get feel relaxed and revitalized.

The packs include Oh baby! Belly Butter, Youth Glow and Moisture Me and many other important post pregnancy care products.

For the perfect introduction to Mambino the 5 Little Tapas Sampler includes 5 of the best-selling products for new and expectant mothers all with Mambino’s promise of enriched natural ingredients.

Great things come in small packages.

Mambino Organics Gift Packs are available directly from www.mambinoorganics.com.au and select boutiques including Kido Store, Ecobabe and Kristian Isabella Maternity & Newborn.

Priced between $65.95 – $134.95 there is a gift pack for all mums at all stages of new parenthood.

Modern grunge with a dash of lime

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:57:58 +0000

Classically cool juxtaposed with texture and warmth, Sudo’s 2010 Autumn/Winter designer collection oozes comfort and wearability. This latest range blends grunge inspired fabrication and modern trends with a hint of vintage. Beautifully constructed garments use premium fabrics, quirky styling and colourful linings that are synonymous with Sudo. The ability to multi-layer and mix and match each piece makes for a diverse winter wardrobe for kids with style.

A soft and subtle colour pallet of grey, neutral and black is highlighted by moss green, chestnut brown and indigo blue in the boys collection. For the girls there are highlights of violet, spearmint, electric red, tortoise shell and cobalt blue.

Key items for the boys include the Marius Zip Hoodie, which comes in charcoal and grey marle with highlight zips and is fully lined with soft cotton jersey for extra comfort and warmth. The Ceaser Reversible Vest is finished in stunning wax coated cotton and a Nylon/Polyester blend on the reverse. The range also offers highly detailed “faux” leather jackets such as the Curtis, in a solid black and gorgeous chestnut brown, a must have item for boys this winter.

The girl’s collection consists of a wonderful mix of garments for every occasion. The Portia Dress is great for parties or special occasions and comes in a beautiful charcoal and mocha brown. A key stand out piece is the Adrianna Faux Leather Jacket, a cropped ruffle front jacket in tortoise shell brown or electric red for total 80’s Glam. Complementing the collection is a cute fur trimmed vest called The Celina, also in Faux leather and is sure to have heads turning in your little ones direction.

Sudo’s trademark bottoms once again lead the way in children’s fashion, introducing wax coated (dry look) denim jeans. Also, due to popular demand as the kids favourite, Sudo are bringing back a “highlight black” Skinny Leg Cord. Super Low Crutch Track Pants complete an amazing range of boy’s bottoms and give what can only be described as a “High Fashion” look, for your little man.

The girl’s legs will be more than hot this winter in Sudo’s great “Super Tubes” leggings constructed in a comfortable and warm, thick cotton elastane in raven black and invincible indigo. The Dominica pant is a great highlight piece with multiple feature zips in wax coated cotton. Set to be a favourite is the Daniella Patchwork Jean, a multi, denim patch skinny jean, in various washes for a unique vintage feel.

A/W 2010 also sees Sudo launch its first children’s footwear range. The collection completely focuses on style and quality, offering a designer look that breaks from mainstream children’s footwear. The boy’s range consists of classic style street sneakers and boots in mixes of leather, such as perforated and patent, as well as canvas. The girl’s collection offers everything from casual street sneakers, patent leather ballet flats, and a range of edgy ankle and moccasin style boots to suit all tastes. All of the shoes use natural fabrics for the uppers and contain all leather linings and foot socks. This will clearly see Sudo’s shoes are guaranteed to stand out in the children’s footwear market.

The Sudo label was established in 2003 by Melbourne based Terry and Rachael Lay. Parents of three beautiful children themselves and fashion industry veterans, the couple found that when shopping for their own children’s clothing everything was predictable and clichéd. So, this trend setting duo decided to create a fashion forward range of clothing for kids. “Every year the Sudo collection grows and diversifies. This year we are really excited to launch the shoe collection and we are sure that the range is going to be a hit” said Terry Lay Designer for Sudo.

Sudo collections are sold in over 60 stores across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and several online e-boutiques. For more information or your nearest stockist visit:

www.sudo.com.au, info@sudo.com.au or 03 9555 4489

GEOGAMI: Architectural Textiles for Tweens.

babyunivers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:56:22 +0000

From the makers of POLKA we announce the exciting arrival of GEOGAMI for Tweens debuting this Winter 2010. An extension of the Polka Collection with slightly more sophisticated styling designed to suit the pre-teenage consumer. With the same architectural attention to details, angles, finishes and folds Geogami is a refreshingly different aesthetic rife with scandinavian flavour. Get lost in space, and Tune in your transmitters to Tokyo and Norway.

Alpha Male’s salute bias cut tshirts, layering, angular panelling and assymetric detailing. Modern Misses dance to tunes from Planet Plastica in wetlook lycra leggings, Concave cut diamond dresses and Mod Computer Knit Dresses.

Marika Hemer, Polka founder and designer comments "It was the perfect timing for Geogami, there has been a huge gap in the market for suitable fashion forward garments for tweens, it was as if fashion just stopped after size 8 in childrenswear, forcing tweens to look for fashion much older than their years".

Geogami is available from sizes 8-14 and will be available through selected childrenswear boutiques nationally.