TrendLife Tags

We recently tried out the Mothercare Floating Ring.  Being an inflatable, it's great to pack into the suitcase and it didn’t require a pump, just a bit of lung power.  It supported a five month old well, but my baby did tend to float forwards or backwards, as the swim nappies caused her to have a buoyant bum!

Smaller babies can’t reach over the edges to splash the water which is one of the main swimming appeals for little ones.

It didn’t deflate very easily at all, which meant that in a rush to pack, we had to leave it behind.

All in all – I would suggest going for a small swimming aid.

£13 - www.mothercare.com

Forget the unisex changing bags, this selection is for the Mummies!

Take the Charlotte changing bag from Dwell Studio. This is a lovely tote design - pricey but possibly too good to resist?  Made from sturdy coated canvas and features: dual bottle pockets, zip-up wet bag, a plastic baby wipes case and coordinating changing mat £120 www.polkadotbaby.co.uk

A designer label at a good price, Radley's changing bags are equipped to carry everything your baby will need on a day out. This bag is made from waterproof nylon and has a zip expander around the sides and base, to make it larger or smaller. This bag has many features including a waterproof baby changing mat, elastic pockets and a buggy strap. £71.20 (currently in the sale) www.debenhams.com

So candy pink it almost hurts … this versatile pink changing bag from SkipHop is for the ultra girly girl.  This colour is exclusively available at Mothercare. It comes with a changing mat and a strong buggy strap. The multitude of pockets includes a large main compartment and side pockets for phone and bottle as well as easy access waterproof pockets for keeping your personal items safe and dry. £53.99 www.mothercare.com

With sheepskin being all the range this year, this pink sheepskin changing bag is right on trend.  Although the exterior is not wipe clean like other materials, instead it is made from soft microfibre suede, the interior is swipe clean and there is a removable and washable dry bag.  It comes with a thermal bottle holder and padded changing mat. £43.95 www.sugarplumtree.co.uk

A great, and more subtle way to add some festive elements to your baby’s Christmas than dressing them up in a Santa outfit (!) is a festive bib.  There are lots on the market and here are a few of our faves:

Ladybird pack of five Christmas Bibs £8 www.woolworths.co.uk

Musical Robin Bib from Mothercare £3.99 www.mothercare.com

Christmas Pudding Coverall Bib £4.99 www.mothercare.com

Two pack of Christmas Dinner Bibs £6.40 www.mamasandpapas.com

...but fear not! Trendlife has compiled a selection of the funkiest on offer, whatever your style!

1. Boys Funky Knitted Baby Blanket by Lily and Sid £35 www.notonthehighstreet.com

2. Orange Polka Dot Blanket £19.99 www.jellybabys.co.uk

3. John Lewis Knitted Star Pram Blanket, Red £15 www.johnlewis.com

4. Fur Cow Baby Cot Blanket £22.95 www.jellybabys.co.uk

5. Baby K Knitted Blanket £32.99 www.mothercare.com

Animal print is a trend that never fades out of fashion, you can go all out print-mad, or just take a few little pieces to finish an outfit.

Here are a selection of our faves:

Gap's animal print velour suit is a snuggly outfit for winter £15 0-24 months www.gap.eu

Mothercare do the cosiest, cutest animal print snowsuit £26 0-12 months www.mothercare.com

Marks and Spencer have  a lovely animal print outfit with matching pink tights £14 3-24 months www.marksandspencer.com  

The Leopard Print shoes from Mamas and Papas are a lovely accessory for any budding Imelda Marcus £14 0-18 months www.mamasandpapas.com

It means you can put everything in together without worrying about colours running together or fading on hot washes. Beige doesn't have to mean boring, there are some beautiful clothes with subtle, pale patterns and embroidery such as these from Mothercare in the sale (so be quick!):

Easter Embroidered linen dress from £15 (SALE)

Teddy Bear Dungaree Set, £7 (SALE)

Giraffe Long Sleeve bodysuit-7 pack, £8 (SALE)

All from www.mothercare.com