Top Tips by My Favourite Things

Here's an uncomfortable truth: the cot with the prettiest canopy and flowing fabrics in the shop window is very often the one we'd tell you to walk past. Cot shopping is one of those purchases that feels like it should be simple — four sides, a mattress, done. Then you start scrolling and every listing has a different set of extras: bumpers, liners, canopies, "sleep pods." All of them photograph beautifully. Almost none of them are things a sleep safety body would actually recommend putting in the cot. So let's separate what actually keeps a baby safer from what just looks nice in a nursery photo. Start with the standard, not the style Before you fall for a finish or a colour, check for BS EN 716 on the cot and EN 16890 or other prominent international safety accreditations on the mattress. These aren't marketing stickers — they're the legal safety standards that govern slat spacing (between 25mm and 60mm, so a head can't get stuck but a limb can't slip through either), the gap between mattress and frame (no more than 2–3cm, or a baby's face can wedge into it), and the height of the sides at each mattress setting. If a secondhand or hand-me-down cot — and we see a lot of these in Malta, passed between cousins and family friends — doesn't have this marking anymore, or predates it, it's worth a proper check rather than an assumption. Wood quality: what to actually ask Solid wood (beech and birch are the most common, sometimes ash or pine) holds up better over years of teething, rocking, and eventual toddler-proofing than composite boards or MDF. Ask what finish has been used — you want a water-based, non-toxic finish tested to EN 71-3, and ideally FSC-certified wood, meaning it's come from a forest that's actually being replenished rather than stripped. It's worth knowing what "good" looks like in practice. Stokke builds its Sleepi range from FSC-certified European beech, chosen specifically because it resists denting and holds its shape over years of use. Gaia Baby's Serena range uses sustainably sourced German birch, fully composite-free with no MDF or chipboard anywhere in the frame. And their newer Eos range goes a step further again — it's built entirely from solid New Zealand pine with no glue used anywhere in the construction, which as far as we've seen is genuinely rare in this market. If a secondhand or hand-me-down cot doesn't carry a recognisable standard or certification anymore, that's a reason to check it properly rather than rule it out on sight. The mattress matters more than the cot If you only get one thing right in this whole purchase, make it the mattress. It's the one surface your baby will spend more hours in contact with than almost anything else they own, and it's doing more safety work than people realise — a mattress that's too soft, too small, or past its best is one of the more overlooked contributors to unsafe sleep. What to actually check: Firm, not soft. Press it with your palm — it should barely give. A mattress that lets a baby's head sink in even slightly is a risk, not a comfort feature. Completely flat. No wedge, no incline, no "anti-reflux" slope. The Lullaby Trust and NHS are explicit on this: flat is safe, inclined is not. Waterproof and wipeable. Babies leak — nappies, reflux, night sweats — and a proper waterproof cover or protection sheet means you're cleaning the surface, not the mattress core. Exact fit. No more than a 2–3cm gap anywhere around the edge. If your cot is a slightly unusual size, buy the mattress made for that model rather than the nearest standard size. Breathable core. Look for a construction that allows airflow through the mattress itself, not just the cover — this matters more in Malta than most sizing guides written for cooler climates account for. Condition, not just origin. If you're reusing a mattress between siblings, check it hasn't sagged, softened, or developed a smell. When in doubt, replace it — it's not the place to economise. Why you'll need to air it out — properly, and often This is the bit that rarely makes it into UK-written guides, because it doesn't apply to their climate the way it applies to ours. Babies produce a surprising amount of moisture overnight, through sweat and breath, and in a Maltese bedroom — with our high levels of humidity — that moisture doesn't evaporate the way it would in a drier climate. It settles into the mattress and, worse, into the base underneath it. Left unchecked, that trapped damp is exactly what mould, mildew and bacteria need to take hold, usually on the underside of the mattress where you won't spot it until there's a smell. For a baby breathing a few inches above that surface every night, it's worth treating as a routine job rather than an occasional one: Lift the mattress and prop it against the cot side or a wall for an hour, a couple of times a week, especially after particularly hot or humid nights. Check the cot base itself has ventilation — slats, not a solid board — so air can actually move underneath. Look underneath the mattress periodically for damp patches or a musty smell, not just at the top surface. Choose a waterproof protector that's breathable rather than a solid vinyl barrier, which traps moisture in rather than letting it escape. None of this is complicated, but it's the kind of thing nobody tells you until it's already a problem — and by then you're dealing with a mattress you probably need to replace anyway. The clear cot rule — and why it matters more than it sounds Here's the part that surprises a lot of new parents: the current Lullaby Trust and NHS guidance is that a cot should have nothing else in it. No bumpers. No liners. No canopies. No nests or positioners. Even products marketed as "breathable" bumpers carry the same warning, because the risk isn't just overheating — it's the fabric coming loose and becoming a strangulation or suffocation hazard. The safest cot, by every current safety body's own words, is a clear one: firm mattress, fitted sheet, appropriately dressed baby. That's it. That being said, we do know why bumpers and canopies get bought anyway — they're trying to solve something real, they do help eliminate some noise and light - Malta's shutters let in a lot of light on a summer evening, and if you're in an older block near a busy street, noise is a genuine problem at bedtime. The fix just needs to live outside the cot rather than inside it. Canopies, white noise machine on a shelf as opposed to in the cot, totally clear of the sleep space. The rest of the safe sleep basics, briefly Back to sleep, every sleep. Room temperature between 18–20°C (genuinely tricky in a Maltese August even with AC — a lighter-tog sleeping bag does more here than an open window – see tips on dressing baby by temperature below). Room-sharing for the first six months. No smoking around baby, and no sofa or armchair sleeping, which carries a much higher risk than people expect. Save this one before your next scroll through a nursery listing — and if you've already got a cot you're not sure about, send us a photo of the safety marking and we'll help you check it. Dressing Your Baby By Temperature 18°C–20°C (64°F–68°F): Long-sleeve bodysuit, pyjamas, and a 1.0 tog sleep sack. 20°C–22°C (68°F–72°F): Short-sleeve or long-sleeve bodysuit and a lightweight 0.5 tog sleep sack or light swaddle. Above 24°C (75°F): Just a single short-sleeve bodysuit or diaper alone; avoid heavy blankets

Key takeaways from our Parent Space sleep session in Malta — expert advice on safe sleeping, nap schedules, and white noise from a paediatric sleep coach.  

Joolz Unveils a New Version of Its Iconic Stroller Introducing the NEW Joolz Aer2 with a Unique One hand use! Joolz, the world's fastest-growing premium stroller brand, is excited to unveil its latest ride, launching today (26.05.2025). The brand has reworked its most iconic stroller, the Joolz Aer, introducing a number of game changing functionalities that enable folding, steering, and adjusting—all with one hand!  Meet the new Joolz Aer2, an ultra-compact and lightweight stroller that gives parents exactly what they need: an extra hand! Joolz knows that parenting often feels like you need at least three hands—one for the baby, one for the bags, and one to juggle it all, which makes the incredibly easy Joolz Aer2 an absolute must-have for parents looking to lighten the load. Quite simply mum or dad can do nearly everything with this stroller one handed, in seconds – whether it's folding (into its self-standing mode), steering, reclining (into lie flat mode) or adjusting the integrated leg rest or harness, it is truly effortless! Genius!   Weighing just 6.5kg, the latest version of the super lightweight stroller is ideal for everyday use, city living and is an essential for family holidays! And, thanks to its ultra compact folded dimensions (just 44x53x23.5cm), the space saving stroller fits in the tiniest places and is completely airplane compatible. Truly simplifying every adventure, the Joolz Aer2 also has a handy integrated shoulder strap for those grabs and go moments! Suitable from birth up to 22 kg, the stroller features an ergonomic, fully lie-flat, reclinable seat, but can also be seamlessly paired with a foldable cot accessory (available at the end of summer). Not only is the stroller still super compact, but parents will also love the fact it folds just as easily with the cot attached… It’s as compact as it gets without compromising on comfort.  Other features include new front wheels and more kick space, as well as a larger 8kg basket and a new storage accessory, the basket bag. Keeping the much-loved extendable SPF50 sun hood with ventilation from the Joolz Aer+, the new model promises an abundance of stress-free adventures ahead! The product has garnered an impressive reputation and scooped many awards, including the prestigious iF award 2022 and Red Dot award 2022 for its design and innovative quick one-handed folding mechanism. Alongside an epic 4.8 product rating, it's no wonder more than 350,000 parents around the world are strolling with the iconic Joolz Aer today. Joolz is a brand passionate about supporting parents globally to give their children a promising start during the critical early years. The Joolz Aer2, like all the brands strollers, has been designed with sustainability in mind and comes with the brands unwavering promise. Available in 6 sustainable fabrics, made from recycled PET bottles, it comes with recyclable and reusable packaging, a unique 10-year transferable warranty (which means it can be passed to another family in the future) and the promise to plant a tree for every Joolz Aer2 sold. Every step (and stroll) counts!  

With the rise of social media, even young kids as early as six are becoming curious about skincare. While some debate whether this is necessary, experts agree that a simple routine—gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection—helps maintain healthy skin. Establishing these habits early fosters long-term self-care and prevents future skin issues. Lav Kids offers natural, kid-friendly products designed specifically for young, sensitive skin, ensuring children learn healthy habits without using harsh ingredients. Plus, their packaging is adorable!

Joolz, a premium stroller brand, has launched the Joolz Hub2, a compact yet comfortable stroller designed for urban families. This new model is an update of the Joolz Hub+, incorporating feedback from 5,000 parents to ensure it meets the needs of modern families. The Hub2 is just 52 cm wide, making it easy to navigate through narrow spaces and busy city streets. Key features include one-handed manouverability, four-wheel suspension, an ergonomic reclinable seat, a ventilated cot, and a spacious basket. It weighs only 9 kg and has an integrated shoulder strap for easy carrying. Made from recycled materials, it also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and comes with a 10-year warranty, with a tree planted for every purchase.

New mothers sometimes worry that cooking baby food at home is a very complex activity when in fact you don’t have to be a Masterchef to cook good recipes for babies.   So here are some super simple kid foods shared by our friends at Everyday Baby, that are very nutritious for your children and tasty too!

Infant Massage and its Benefits an article shared from our partners, Linea Mamma Baby Massaging a unique and exclusive bonding moment between parents and their baby. It stimulates the senses and conveys a deep feeling of fulfilment, helping to relax before bedtime or providing relief from minor ailments, such as colic. The massage ritual is anchored in ancient traditions and specific courses are held to teach it. Learning how to massage your infant is more about investigating a new channel for bolstering the relationship with your child rather than the simple matter of learning the techniques. Infant massage also has a positive effect on the baby’s physical, psychological and emotional development and growth. Massage is a game, a joyful way to bond that is good for the baby. How your baby reacts and responds to your touch will help you understand your newborn and yourself. It is important to remember that massage is with – not for – your baby. All parties must be active participants and this is how this deep communication is established. The distinguishing factor of the approach promoted by Vimala McClure, from Colorado who spread the infant massage culture in the West, was the observation of the child’s reactions. She teaches to modulate the massage according to the responses she receives from the baby. This is essential to give a massage together with the child who is not a passive recipient. This process is called “reading the signs” and parents must understand its relevance to better respond to their child’s needs. MASSAGE OIL A number of courses are organised to teach the basic massage techniques (locally do have a look at MyMama - https://www.mymama.mt/courses) and most will recommend the use of oil to facilitate it. The main benefit of the oil is to facilitate the movement of the hands on the baby’s skin. Experts will typically recommend using natural, unscented oils. Linea MammaBaby® is the official supplier of Sweet Almond Oil for A.I.M.I. (Italian Association of Infant Massage) The product is a cold-pressed oil from almonds with no added chemical additives. It is a delicate, light, fragrance-free oil that maintains the natural vitamin E content beneficial for healthier skin. The sense of smell is a key component in the development of the attachment bond and the olfactory system develops as early as the 17th week of gestation. It is considered to be an important function for the infant because it helps the baby to pick up chemical signals from the mother already at birth. The infant’s sense of smell can be assaulted by odours and fragrances that could inhibit the bonding and this is why an odour-free natural oil should be preferred. HOW TO MASSAGE The massage starts with the parents sitting in a circle, on the floor, on a mat, with their baby resting on comfortable cushions in front of them. The teacher, also in the circle, shows the parents the massage sequences using a doll without ever touching the babies directly, respecting the important bond that is being created. The parents moisten their hands with almond oil and rub them in front of the child’s eyes. The infant will learn to recognise this gesture as the beginning of the massage. Finally, they will seek eye contact and ask for permission to start. As mentioned, reading the signs is important and even the youngest children have several ways to show if they want to be massaged or prefer to stop. Following their cue is a great demonstration of respect. Massaging a child has four basic benefits: stimulation, relaxation, relief and interaction. As a stimulant, it acts on all the systems of the body, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory or gastrointestinal systems. It has a relaxing effect and helps to fall asleep. It calms the baby and regulates their sleep-wake and circadian rhythms. It is soothing because it activates endorphins and alleviates pain from stomach aches or teething. At the same time, parents activate beneficial hormones, such as stress-reducing oxytocin. Finally, the interaction process is fostered through the exchange of loving messages, both verbal and non-verbal, while observation, patience and attention help the parents to understand the baby and the baby to feel loved and pampered. Massage time can also be an opportunity for mothers and fathers to discuss parenting issues. It is precisely this possibility that they have to exchange opinions in a peer-to-peer context, which becomes a profound moment of well-being for parents, who objectively do not have many chances to share experiences   Find out more about our Linea Mamma Baby Sweet Almond Oil here

Same base, next stage   The Nuna NEXT system™ offers ultimate flexibility with four solutions for the first four years. Conveniently utilize one base for all compatible products.  The NEXT™ base offers ultimate adaptability as the foundation of this modular system. Compatible with CARI next, a carry cot car seat; PIPA next, the versatile infant car seat; ARRA next, a lie-flat infant car seat; and TODL next, a sleek seat that grows with baby from newborn to toddler. The NEXT base provides simple and secure installation,  features a rotation that allows for simple harnessing, and has built-in side impact protection for ultimate safety.  With 10 adjustable ISOFIX positions to boot, this is one can-do car seat base.   COMPATIBLE SOLUTIONS Cari NEXT.... In bed, on board Yes, it's really a carry cot car seat! You're not dreaming… but they will be. The super comfortable, CARI next allows baby to lay peacefully at a full recline - the best position for a developing spine. You can travel from home, to car, to pushchair, wherever life takes you while they head off to dreamland. Doubling as a car seat and a carry cot, even when life doesn’t stop, their snuggly sleep won't be interrupted as they lie flat in the CARI next. Suitable from birth up to 9 kgs   PIPA NEXT... From first rides to your next adventure Feel the freedom to go anywhere with PIPA next. Lightweight enough to tote while doing your shopping— just 2.8 kg*! Versatile enough to take from the taxi to the family car, thanks to the option of belt path or base installation. It’s i-Size-approved and designed with all the details that make for a cosy ride. Everything you’ve been dreaming of to make your life with baby easier. Suitable from birth to 13kgs     ARRA NEXT.... From cosy seat to deep sleep For those busy days and long journeys, ARRA next provides a smooth transition from crib to carrier. Its three recline positions allow baby to lie comfortably, whether ARRA is buckled in the backseat or attached to a pushchair. It’s i-Size-approved and lightweight, weighing just 3.5 kg*. Doubling as a car seat and a carry cot, this reclining carrier means that even when life doesn’t stop, their sleep doesn’t have to. Suitable from birth to 13 kgs TODL NEXT... Relaxed riding, secure fit The sleek and sophisticated TODL next is ready to hit the road from day one through toddlerhood. The first few years of life are a whirlwind of joy and major milestones, and adaptability is a must for your baby gear. This car seat easily adjusts to accommodate all your little one's stages of growth, so you can focus on what matters most - making memories. Suitable from birth to 19 kgs

Linea MammaBaby®, a brand by Olcelli Farmaceutici that has been standing alongside families with its baby care and hygiene products since 2012, and Dr. Daniela Sabbioni, pediatrician and allergist of Milan’s pediatric polycenter, have provided practical hints to follow in order to make keep safe from the sun and enjoy your summer by the sea.

Following in the footsteps of YOYO2 , BABYZEN introduces YOYO connect, revolutionizing two-child transport.

Every parent wants to see their child successfully grow and develop. Plan Toys believes that creative and educational play can help them do so! By playing with our educational toys, children learn and evolve in nearly every way.#Sustainable #eco-friendly #safe and #non-toxic #unique

This uber cute cuddly toy mimics the comfort of the womb with soft pink glow and selection of soothing ‘pink noise’ sounds , including an actual recording of a heartbeat and womb, to lull newborns and toddlers into a peaceful sleep. Inspired by paediatric sleep research, ewan also includes the calming SHUSH of a real human voice to help soothe even the most fussiest of babies. The effects are magical and have to be seen to be believed! Suitable from birth.

Our partners at Everyday Baby have shared some recent findings on harmful microplastics with us... A new study investigating microplastics has found that baby bottles made of polypropylene (the most common type of baby bottle) release millions of these plastics during the process of sterilizing, rinsing and preparing baby formula in a bottle -- highlighting the need for more research into the effect microplastics have on the human body. Read on to find out more

Sleep is fundamental to the health and well-being of your baby. It is vital for your baby’s growth and development.  We wanted to share these 5 simple tips to help both you and baby get more zzzz, as published by Sweet Dreamers, the brand behind the Award winning Ewan the Dream Sheep.

Belly Bandit postpartum recovery wear - What are the benefits? Unlike other compression garments, the benefits of Belly Bandit® extend beyond "Mummy Tummy" to include the other important post-pregnancy physical and emotional issues many women experience. Here are some of the benefits we thought we would share…

Keep your little one safe in the sun Protect the delicate skin of your precious little ones now and instil lifelong sun safety skills that they will carry with them into adulthood. If you’re planning a sun filled summer, lots of fun, sea and sunshine… it is imperative to be sun safe!

Belly Bandit®, Yes it really works and here's how... The inspiration behind the brand comes from a centuries-old tradition of postpartum belly binding. Belly Bandit has modernised this age-old practice for today’s mothers and yes, it works! Here is some more information about how Belly Bandit works …

Bonding with baby at bath time Bathing your little one can be a magical experience and help nurture early bonds.  Little Butterfly London, believe that life is a gift to be treasured and enjoyed. That special time when your belly is growing, those precious moments gazing at your little one … They're aim is to contribute with skincare that goes beyond cleansing and conditioning to bring pleasure and lift the mood. Here we share some tips on Bonding with baby at bath time by Little Butterfly London

With a large number of sleeping products on the market The Lullaby Trust have put together some guidelines to help you make an informed choice. Download their checklist for additional peace of mind

We thought we would share this useful Blog post published by Little Butterfly London... What a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy is her baby’s main source of nourishment. So, experts recommend that a mother-to-be choose a variety of healthy foods and beverages to provide the important nutrients a baby needs for growth and development.