Camping With Kids - Some Top Tips!

 Its that time of year again and what better way to make the most of summer than to spend a few nights under canvas with your family. Camping can be a great way for your child to explore nature as well as having some quality bonding time with you. Here are our top tips for camping out with babies and young children.

Things to consider:

• Sleeping - Smaller babies who are unable to roll over would be suited to a pop-up bassinet or for larger babies, pop-up bubble cots are the ideal place to sleep. For extra snugness, a small sheepskin rug for your child to lay on is perfect for a little extra insulation. Layers of clothing are easier to peel off a couple if weather is warm rather than trying to keep warm with blankets etc. I personally would opt for a warm junior sleeping bag for young children, one that is suitable for a chilly temperature! Its not much fun shivering during the night! Take extra blankets just in case.

• Feeding - For young babies breast-feeding is the ideal camping solution to nourishment on-the-go. Prep some meals in advance - handy to give to a hungry tot while camp is being set up.

• Fridge. Unless you have a shop on site, it is handy to take a small gas powered fridge. Albeit a luxury item, its great not having to worry about dairy products going off in you warm tent during the day. Also handy for keeping Daddy's cider and Mummy's wine cool too! You can pick up a second hand gas fridge for around £50 and new ones will cost £100 plus. See it as a long term investment into happy camping!

• Organisation - Try to keep the tent tidy and these essential items close to hand. A small head torch means you can keep both hands free if you need to change a nappy or rock a baby back to sleep again.

Waterproofs and wellies

• Clothing - Take more clothing than you need. Be prepared for the inevitable rain shower and falling over in puddles! Waterproof all-in-one suits are the perfect companion for a camping holiday, and lets face it, you are likely to see a muddy puddle or two when camping in the great British outdoors! Wellies are great protection in the mud, but really easy to slip on and off as you go in and out of your tent. 

• A few toys - Don't forget to bring comforters and favourite teddies! Take favourite books, colouring and drawing paper, pens/crayons. Handy when you want them to have some quiet time or to keep them amused when you are busy.

• Forget about bedtimes... you will only stress yourself trying to get your toddler to sleep at 7pm. Be flexible and put them to bed when they are proper pooped out! Usually bedtime gets easier after the first night under canvas, as all the time spent in the fresh air does the trick.

• Pack a first aid kit and be prepared for splinters, stings etc. Antihistamines are also a must have in your first aid kit, in case insect stings cause swelling or if anyone is allergic to any pollen that may be in season. 

• Dirt rules. Your children will get grubby. Very grubby. Accept it.  Don't worry about it... they will be fine! A few wet wipes for sticky fingers and a wash before bed is good enough for most, and you could always keep the antibacterial gel handy for more interesting types of grub... like cow poo. Enjoy it, become one with the grub.

   

Boba Air

• A good baby carrier is a great thing for camping. Forget pushing a buggy through muddy campsites! We love the new Boba Air - the most lightweight baby carrier on the market, it is a great price and it packs away very small in its own travel pouch. Perfect for days out. If you are hiking its a good idea to bring a waterproof backpack cover to slip over the baby backpack in case of rain. That way baby stays nice and dry and warm from your body heat. 

• Toileting. Most campsites will have on site toilets and showers. Its always handy to have a special 'wee bucket' or a potty to hand. It will save you traipsing to the toilet block in the middle of the night.

• Keep your sense of humour... it will help no end! Be flexible and go with the flow. Enjoy watching you child explore the world around them. Take lots of photos!

Baby Sling and Carrier Hire

Baby sling and carrier hire is a great option...

Ever wanted to try out a certain baby carrier before committing to buy? Maybe you going on holiday and reluctant to pay full price for a baby carrier that you may not use much after? Well, the answer is at hand. Hire a sling from us!

Often, new baby carriers can be an expensive purchase.  We offer sling hire for just £5 per week!

To see our selection of slings and carriers available for hire, and to view our terms and conditions, click here.

Email  your questions to: info@monkeystars.co.uk

Gym Tips For Beginners

With my kids in pre-school I have the luxury of 2 morning per week to myself. So finally, after not really doing much exercise apart from the occasional long walk or bike ride, I have joined a GYM! 2 weeks in and I'm going almost every 2 days (admittedly the steam room and Jacuzzi are very tempting but I make sure i have a workout first).

Here are some tips for beginning the gym... things that I have learned during the past 2 weeks.

• Don't be embarrassed if you are not as fit as you thought you were. We all have to start somewhere. I have seen the stereo typical gym-rats - scantily clad women who manage to run for an hour on the treadmill without breaking sweat, as well as the massive men strutting around the 'Muscle Beach' weightlifting area who gasp for extra effect when lifting anything. I have also seen an equal number of 'normal' people - big, bigger, small, thin, wobbly, weak, elderly, knock kneed, bumpy elbowed and poisonous warts on the end of their nose... (or is that another story?) People join the gym for very different reasons and I think its great that such a diverse range of folk can work towards their goals in a kind of unlikely community.

• Take your own music. Listening to my favourite tunes increased my stamina and effort enormously. It really helps you zone out and get on with the job. 

• Use clothes or accessories that are specific to doing fitness activities. I have some Zaggora Hotpants which increase sweating by up to 80 per cent, making inch loss happen more rapidly. (I have taken some measurements around my thighs, hips and bottom... I will let you know how it goes). It doesn't have to be expensive either. For instance I recently purchased for about a fiver, a running belt to wear so i can put my iPod in it while exercising. It will help me feel more serious about going to the gym as every time I see it I will be reminded!

• Be prepared to see a lot of naked flesh in the changing room! Why not towel your privates vigorously while chatting to your friend about last night's telly? How about standing completely naked for 15 minutes while you send a text message or two? I am not ashamed of a naked body, but I don't think I could skip over to the hair-dryers with everything on show either. There are cubicles for the more self conscious of us.

I am enjoying my gym experience much more than I thought I would. I joined as they had a special offer on and the monthly fees are half that of other well known fitness centers  I am determined to get fit and finally tone up that post preggo belly that I 've had for a few years now. Wish me luck!

Beco Butterfly or Gemini? Which suits your needs best?

Beco Butterfly

Separate hood (attaches with snaps) that protects even taller babies from sun, wind, rain or just gives a little privacy for a nap.
Removable infant insert, which can be used for even premature babies and on up to about 15 lbs.
Internal y-shaped panel that goes between baby and wearer. This creates a nice seat for baby to sit in, allows for easier back carries, transferring baby from one wearer to another (without taking baby out of the carrier). Butterfly also offers another way to put baby in the carrier rather than putting it on and lifting baby into position... Lay the baby in the carrier first, secure their position and buckles and then lift the whole ensemble to your chest (or your back). Perfect for smaller babies and nervous parents!
Can carry heavier babies than the Gemini - Weight limit of 45 lbs.

Beco Gemini
The Gemini can be used as a forward facing carrier for curious babies, whereas the Butterfly does not allow this. With the Gemini, the base snaps down to make it narrower, allowing baby to face out comfortably while in the front carry position.
Headrest is attached and can be snapped down or left up.
Carrier is all one piece- no extra panels or inserts.

Weight limit of 35 lbs.

Both Beco Gemini and Butterfly carriers accommodate newborn babies without buying extra inserts or needing any other accessories.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Competition 2012

After a fantastic competition last year, we are really excited to announce our new Halloween Pumpkin Carving Competition, where the best spooky pumpkin wins a Patapum Baby Carrier!

The Prize
The Patapum Baby Carrier is one of the best baby carriers on the market. It is lightweight, comfortable, stylish and easy to use.

Can be worn front or back.


Clean stylish design, lightweight and compact.
Excellent for heavier babies and toddlers, when one-shouldered slings and pack carriers without waist belts are no longer comfortable.
Soft padded shoulder straps, and supportive padded waist belt.
Adjustable shoulder straps, chest straps, and waist belt (up to 45" waist, or 54" with included Waist Extension).
Detachable head hood made of soft cotton mesh.
100% cotton fabrics (canvas outside, brushed twill inside).
Durable and easy to clean. Machine wash. (Cold water.)

RRP around £60!
Prize is available in red or navy.

How To Enter
'Show us ya pumpkin' by uploading using the linky below. You can share from photo sites such as Facebook, Flickr and Photobucket or you can upload directly from your own files. The winning pumpkin will be chosen by us on Halloween night 31st October. It might not be the most technically brilliant, symmetrical masterpiece but will be the one we think most captures the fun of Halloween. To enter, simply add your photo of your finished pumpkin below. You can upload directly from your own blog or from online sharing sites such as Photobucket and Flickr. Good luck, we can't wait to see them!

Want some inspiration? Check out our competition from last year.