Early Times Winter Edit

The Fox, the Bear & the Bunny: Sew Playful Kids Clothes
by Natalie Martin and Naomi Regan (Kyle Books)

With the help of Olive & Vince founders, create unique and adorable animal-themed clothing for 1 -5 year olds with this easy to follow book.  From a Bunny Duffle Coat to Fox Face Dungarees and Paw Print Mittens, each project will please parents and children with practical, wearable ideas. Clear diagrams, step-by-step instructions and full-size pull-out patterns are included, with each chapter dedicated to a particular animal. Aimed at crafters with some experience of machine sewing, fun and quirky patterns are for 14 individual items of clothing, plus 3 animal coats. 

Chickenpox can be a worrying and distressing time for parents

Happily, symptoms tend to be mild in young children and chickenpox usually runs its course without serious consequences. In most cases, the biggest problem is likely to be stopping little hands from scratching as this can cause infection and even scarring. Before developing the distinctive rash, your child might have some flu-like symptoms, including: feeling sick, raised temperature/fever, loss of appetite, and generally feeling unwell. After a couple of days, a red rash appears which starts as small, itchy red spots and then fluid-filled blisters which eventually scab over. The rash can occur anywhere on their body and face and even the soles of their feet. If you are at all worried, call your GP.  Chickenpox is a virus so there is no cure for it and your child’s immune system should deal with the virus over a few days.

Virasoothe Chickenpox Relief Cooling Gel is a revolutionary product specifically formulated and clinically proven to relieve the irritating symptoms of chickenpox. Available in gel and Spray gel, it is suitable for children over six months of age and can be applied to both body and face. Virasoothe provides rapid cooling and soothing relief and helps break the itch, scratch, infection cycle. Keep your child as cool as possible. Dress your child in light, loose clothing and keep bedding to a minimum. Keep your child’s fingernails clean and short to prevent deep scratching and make sure your child drinks plenty of water to prevent dehydration. ViraSoothe is only available in pharmacy. www.itchi.ie

Baby Touch and Feel Christmas is a fun DK baby book that helps little ones learn new words and identify objects and is full of Christmas fun!

With touchy-feely pictures and word labels, it uses photos with foil or textured areas to inspire your baby's senses, while simple visuals and labels promote language skills. From a reindeer skating on ice (touch his red squishy nose!) to a gift wrapped in sparkly polka dot paper; all packed in a handy, small format perfect for preschoolers to hold, and develop fine motor skills. (Dorling Kindersley).

SkinFix – the experts in specialised skincare have just launched a specialised Gentle Baby Regime range.  Targeting ultra-sensitive skin, the range uses natural ingredients and is nut, steroid, fragrance, paraben and phthalates free. SkinFix products are paediatrician tested and dermatologist recommended. The Baby Regimen includes; Gentle Hair & Body Wash, Gentle Lotion, Gentle Eczema Balm and the Nappy Balm.

SkinFix’s Gentle Baby Regime Range is available exclusively at Boots stores nationwide.