What to consider when choosing baby gear

At Breastmates we understand it can often be a daunting task when purchasing baby gear for your little one (especially for first time mums to be). To make life a little easier we've prepared a few tips on what to consider when you're shopping for baby gear.

Think seasonal

If you are still pregnant when buying your first baby layette, consider your due date and the season it falls on. Not all baby stores will have the season range in stock. For example, if you are pregnant during the winter months and your baby is due in summer, then you'll need to wait until the store has summer stock for newborns.

However if you want to take advantage of any current baby gear or clothing sales in the store then it's a great idea to estimate how old your baby will be next winter so you can not only take advantage of a sale but also have a small stash of baby clothes for when your child is older.

Buy quality products

Check the quality of clothing when you are out buying. Avoid choosing thin, stiff cotton garments. These days most baby clothes are soft cotton knit.

Look for baby clothes with domes

When buying t-shirts and jumpers, look for items that have domes on the shoulders that enable you to open the neck out wider. This will help make it easier to dress your baby and stop the neckline stretching.

Baby trousers and pants often have domes on the bottom allowing you to easily unfasten them for nappy changes without having to undress your baby.

Also look for baby pyjamas that have domes on the bottom (so that when you do a night feed and nappy change you don't have to undress baby).

Buy smarter

Baby fashions don't really change much, particularly for newborns. So if you choose the right sort of garments it is likely that you could save them for future children. Particularly for newborn and small size garments which don't get very much wear and tear.

If you think that you might save the clothes for future children, avoid buying gender specific colours and stick to neutrals and white.

Baby clothes don't get a lot of wear, although they do get changed frequently due to spills and accidents. We recommend that you buy 3-4 garments in each style (e.g. 3-4 singlet's, 3-4 t-shirts, 3-4 pants etc). This means that you'll have one in the wash, one spare, and one to wear.

Baby clothing sizes typically include Prem, NB, 000, 00, 0, 1, 2, 3 based on ages.

Good luck with your new arrival!

So for all HOTmilk purchases from 1st April to 14th May 2012, you have a chance to win a Babymoon... Plus there are 10 consolation prizes.

All you need to do is buy HOTmilk from Breastmates.  Keep your packing slip as proof of purchase, and then enter on the HOTmilk Facebook Page.

Babymoon prize pack includes:
Dinner & accommodation for two. A sexy hotmilk lingerie set - to wear under your new outfit. A Hotmilk nightfall chemise - to slip into something more comfortable.  EGG maternity pleat dress - the flattering crossover style brings out the gorgeous pregnant goddess in you!  Sparkling swarovski earrings - to complete your outfit and put a twinkle in your eye.  Chocolates - to share during those midnight munchies.  Gorgeous scented candle and massage bar - to relax and unwind.

So start shopping..... HOTMILK LINGERIE

Dinner and accommodation only to the value of $500NZD - paid out in applicable currency to value of NZD direct to the hotel of your choice. Prize not redeemable for cash. The winner will be chosen at random. Entries close Monday 14th May 2012.  Hold on to your receipt for proof of purchase in case you are a lucky winner.  This competition is run through HOTmilk and is just something Breastmates are involved in as a retailer.

You shouldn't encounter any problems or issues when buying maternity clothing, especially from a trusted brand and well established retailer like us here at Breastmates. If you're shopping online it's a good idea to double check whether sizing guides are available (as various brands have different sizing classifications).

How to choose the correct size

In general sizing is based on 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or alternatively S, M, L, XL, XXL. Sizings are usually based on standard pre-pregnancy sizing with a special maternity design built-in to accommodate your belly.

So for example, if your usual size is Small (that is before you got pregnant), then you would generally be a size Small when purchasing maternity clothes.

Women usually purchase maternity clothes early in their pregnancy and can often worry about whether or not the garments will still fit in eight months time when they have no idea how big their belly will be.

Maternity clothes are specially designed to stretch across the belly and a little longer in length for tops. If your maternity top fits your shoulders and bust then it will be fine in your later stages of gestation.

Some maternity clothing brands will provide key measurements such as hips, bust, inner leg, so that you can measure your body at home and order your size.

Maternity pants are designed with a stretchy waistband, or special extendable elastic. This means you'll have to judge the fit of your maternity jeans by how they feel on your bottom.  Avoid wearing any pants that are tight on the crutch. For some maternity jeans the inner leg and hip measurements are also specified that helps you determine your correct size.

When buying maternity clothing it also pays to double check the returns policy. We, at Breastmates, offer a no-fuss returns policy for anything (apart from sale items). So if you order maternity clothing but decide you don't like it, it doesn't fit, or even if you just don't like the colour, then simply return it for a swap, credit, or refund.

Happy Shopping!

Congratulations on your pregnancy and soon-to-be new arrival. It's lucky that pregnancy gestation is nine months, as that allows you plenty of time to research about labour, breastfeeding and life with a newborn baby. We understand that everything can certainly get confusing, especially when you start heading into baby stores to look at baby gear.

We've tried to make things a little easier for you here, by summarising our Top 10 Baby Gear Must Have's. These recommendations are based on our experience with our own children, and from feedback of hundreds of mothers in our Breastmates community.

Breastmates Top 10 Baby Gear Picks

Nappies - perhaps you are considering using reusable nappies? Whether going with reusable or disposable we recommend that you get some of both, to trial what you like and also for emergencies. If going with disposable nappies - don't purchase too many packets in newborn size because your baby will soon outgrow them.

Swaddling wraps - look for swaddling wraps that have a large amount of material, particularly designs that keep baby bundled up tight with their arms in position so they can't get free.  Many designs have fastenings or zips so that you can secure baby in. Swaddle wraps just help baby to be snug and secure, so they are less likely to wake themselves up in the night. A useful  addition to your baby gear.

Baby Room Thermometer - a room thermometer is a handy baby gear item which helps you to know how many layers of clothing to put your baby in, and how much bedding to use.  Babies don't self-regulate their temperatures like grown-ups do, so you should always dress baby in one layer extra than you are wearing yourself.  A baby room thermometer will also help you to know when extra heating is required.

Slings - a baby carrier such as a sling or front-pack is a highly recommended baby gear product (even more so if you a toddler as well as a baby). Perhaps the older child is still using the pushchair so the new baby can be carried in the sling. Slings are also really practical to use when shopping at the supermarket, and they are often used as a way to settle baby as they are snug and secure next to mum and can easily sleep in a sling. Slings are very commonly worn at home by mothers around tea-time, when baby starts to grizzle!

Strollers - if you invest in a good quality stroller, it may last you from newborn to when your child is around 3, or longer if they still don't want to walk! Many strollers can recline into a cradle position for newborns, and can then adjust into upright and toddler style buggy positions. When buying a stroller - another recommendation that is often overlooked - is to test drive it with a heavy child sitting in it. They all test very easily with a lightweight newborn, but see if you can borrow a friend's child to sit in it and test drive the steering with their heavier weight. Also check how small they fold up to see if you can fit them in your car.

Onesies - baby bodysuits are an essential purchase. These are little baby bodysuits with domes that fasten under their bottom. They keep baby warm without chills around their back. You can wear them as t-shirts, singlet's, or layered under other clothing. Mums can never be without too many onesies. And when baby starts to grow too big - you could cut the bottom domes off and just turn them into t-shirts. That's a bit of thriftiness.

Nappy Cream - Nappy cream is another top baby gear must have, use it at every nappy change to protect your precious baby's skin.  Because of the moisturising and healing properties of nappy creams (such as our Papaw Cream) you can also use it on cuts, bites, and sores.  Look for nappy creams that are natural and don't contain petroleum.

Amber Beads - These have become really fashionable in recent years - but there is a reason to this… It's because they work!!  Amber Beads, also known as Baltic Amber, or Teething Beads can be worn around baby's neck, angle, or wrist. The beads are all secured so they are not dangerous or loose.  The beads have natural properties that work to soothe and heal, and they are commonly used when babies are teething, and when worn all the time they just help baby to be very settled and calm - even if not teething.  (Adult version of the beads can help too with flu etc).  Amber beads make a really great baby shower gift.

Insulated Bottle Bag - Insulated bottle carriers are portable and convenient when you're expressing breast milk away from home, travelling with baby bottles and formula, or keeping your baby's bottle chilled.

Baby Bibs - You can never have too many baby bibs! You could be using baby bibs from a young age even before your baby starts solids. They may get a little milk upchuck after breastfeeding or bottle feeding, so it pays to put on a small bib at feeding time. Then off course these will be high use baby gear items when your baby does start solids. There are loads of bibs to choose from, large, small, bandana, and even wipeable ones!

Because our selection of maternity clothes is the largest collection available online in New Zealand. We also have products that you'll need in the later months when your baby is born, such as breastfeeding clothes, breast pumps, baby gear, and bottle feeding gear.

Breastmates Maternity Clothes - A Brief History

Breastmates is a well established New Zealand owned business. Breastmates is family owned, and run by mothers. In fact all our employees are mothers! Our business was started from scratch in 2004, with one simple product, and we have slowly grown over the years.

We're not a quick start up company, or overseas owned. Our company has grown steadily over the years and has built a great reputation for being a leading provider of quality maternity wear. We firmly believe in all of the products that we sell, and we stand by them. Although we encounter hundreds of products each season, we narrow them down to what we believe in, and what we know and trust will work well.

Customer Service

When you order online at Breastmates, you know that you'll be treated respectfully as an individual. We take great pride in our customer service, and we want to pamper you a little bit with your order (at no extra charge of course!) This includes overnight delivery right to your doorstep (in the rare situation this is not possible, we'll let you know).

The Breastmates website has an outstanding reputation as New Zealand's leading online maternity clothes store, with hundreds of testimonials from happy customers. You can also join over 13,000 Breastmates friends on Facebook (other mums that love and trust our brand).

Looking after mothers (and mums-to-be) is the key to our business.

In addition to our online store of maternity wear and clothing, you can also find useful resources such as child birth educators, breastfeeding advice, including a question & answer section. You'll find hundreds of shared birth stories including other topics of interest for you to browse. Yes, we're much more than just a maternity wear store.

Meet our new model Sarah and her fourth child Lucy, locals in Cambridge, NZ

We've created a limited edition tshirt, the Hooter T, and Lil' Hooter so you know you're not the ony one stirring in the darkness!  At Breastmates we give two hoots about what you are going through.

We have 10 prizes up for grabs (the winner can choose if they want a woman's t or a baby t).   These are promotional tshirts, so we have to run a competition where you can help us promote Breastmates.  Thank you!

1. First - you have to 'like' our page on facebook, if you haven't already www.facebook.com/breastmates
2. Then you need to update your own personal status, on your Wall, write a catchy phrase that could include something about hooters, owls, boobs, squawkers. Serious or funny, its up to you. Or share our link.  Just make sure you Tag Breastmates (by typing @breastmates so that our link comes up into your status).
3. When that is done, just flick us an email to franny@breastmates.co.nz and you will be in the draw.

SORRY THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

these products are also available to purchase online at Breastmates here Hooter T,  Lil' Hooter

We know that mums often need a new valve or breastshield etc in a HURRY so we have them in stock so that we can send them as soon as you order.  Loads of mums loose parts, or actually melt them when sterilising.

All the models of breast pumps do have different parts, and it can be confusing working out which parts you need - so contact us and we can help you.  Or we have also put together extra info and diagrams too - categorised by the pump model (see links below)....

Shop Online for Breast Pump Parts

Further Information and Diagrams for Each of the Pump Models

• Spare Parts for Medela Manual Breast Pump
• Spare Parts for Harmony Manual Breast Pump
• Spare Parts for Mini Electric Breast Pump
• Spare Parts for Medela Swing Breast Pump
• Spare Parts for Mini Electric PLUS Breast Pump
• Spare Parts for PNS Breast Pump
• Spare Parts for Freestyle Breast Pump
• Spare Parts for Symphony and Lactina
• Avent Spare Parts for Manual Breast Pump
• Avent Breast Pump Parts for Electric Pump
• Avent Double Breast Pump Spare Parts

SORRY THIS PROMO HAS NOW FINISHED

With Valentines Day approaching (Tues 14th Feb) we thought we'd do a special promo.

Treat yourself and you'll get a free gift. Simply spend $100+ on HOTmilk lingerie, and you'll get a free pair of Milkman Undies for the man in your life.  Offer valid until midday 13 February 2012, so that we can ship them out in time.

To do this:

• Shop for Hotmilk products on our website (we have lots of new styles)
• Check your Hotmilk Total is $100
• Then choose your Milkman Undies (colour and size) from this link> Milkman Undies, and add that to your cart too. Price $0.

One pair of free undies per $100 spent. We will be checking this manually while processing orders, so you won't be able to score extra freebies from us unless your order total qualifies!

Sorry no exchanges or size swaps for the Free milkman undies.

Sorry this can't be backdated to previous purchases.

Limited time only. While stocks last.

First up are some new workwear maternity pants - formal pants for the office with expanding, comfortable waistline.  Bootleg.  Great fabric. We have these available in solid black colour (although the photograph shows grey).  View all Maternity Pants
A maternity tunic top Great for in the office, with leggings and jeans.  Dress it up or down this will be so versatile.  View all Maternity Tops
Hooray, we have now restocked the popular maternity cargo pants.  These can be worn long or rolled up.  They are made from a quality fabric which is a good weight (not too thin.)   View all Maternity Pants
Restock of the maternity tube dress - (stripes) LOVE THIS.  It grows with your size and hugs your belly to show off your shape.  PLUS it can also be worn when not pregnant.  (I wear mine all the time, and there's no baby in my tummy!)  View all Maternity Dress
We also have a little black maternity dress (the same tube dress as the striped one above - just in plain black).  Black is always hard to photograph as the shape doesn't show up so well.  Angled neck line, ruched tummy, LOVE IT!!  View all Maternity Dress

Breastmates maternity wear - YEAH BABY!