As Snug as a Bug in a Rug - Review and Giveaway

It is that awkward time of year where it is not quite cold enough for a full on padded snow suit  but I still want to wrap Archie up and a cardigan just doesn't seem as snug.  Babyrug's innovative Bug in a Rug is a cross between clothing and a blanket and is perfect for this weather.  

The bug has a space for little legs and the elastic round the ankles stops the baby kicking them off.  The middle section is a wrap over though, meaning a sleeping baby can be unwrapped with having to fiddle too much or wake them up.  Perfect if you are coming in from the cold outdoors and they are fast asleep.

The separate leg holes mean that the bug in a rug is so versatile.  It can be used in an infant car-seat,  in a carry-cot or pushchair and even in a sling, unlike a blanket, and the micro fleece material means it is lovely and warm.

We have been testing the pale blue version on our newest addition and he seems to like it!  I often wear him in a wrap and a snow suit is not practical so this is the perfect alternative for us.  I love it in the carry-cot too as I find Archie can get too hot in a full on snow suit with the apron on as it tends to trap in the warm air.  The Bug in a Rug is the perfect thickness and allows him to have a kick around as we travel.  The Bug folds up so small, that it easily slots into the nappy bag if we are planning on staying out later and don't trust the Great British weather.

I did find that the crossover body section didn't keep Archie's arms in as much as I would have liked, but I am not sure if this is him getting to the end of the size or not.  I would love to see the velcro coming furthur round the body so I could wrap it slightly tighter and keep his arms wrapped up too.

We are really enjoying using the bug in a rug and it is perfect for our little man as he is often in the pram for part of the day and in the sling for the rest, so it gives us more versatility than a blanket without compromising on his warmth.

Baby Rug not only sell warm winter wraps, but also light cotton wraps, perfect for protecting a little baby's skin from the sunshine, whilst keeping them cool - much easier than rubbing in sunscreen every 30 minutes!  I have one of the gorgeous summer wraps to give away to a reader and entry couldn't be simpler, just follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I was provided with a bug in a rug for the purpose of this review, but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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It Goes So Fast

When you are pregnant for the first time, everyone warns you how fast they grow up, yet you still find yourself wishing away the days and longing for the next milestone.  I loved the first few days, but I was in an adrenaline haze and they flew by.  Before I knew it, my little baby was sitting up, eating solids and showing off his cheeky personality at every opportunity.

This time I am determined to enjoy every single precious moment, because I know how fleeting the newborn days are.  I still find it hard to believe that a whole month has gone by since that wonderful day when I met my beautiful little boy for the first time but I have been trying to enjoy and capture every single day.  

Despite knowing the advice, I have let Archie nap on me when he wants to (which is pretty much all the time!).  He may form bad habits but in my opinion there is nothing more precious than curling up with a sleeping newborn snoring away on your chest.  He is my little hot water bottle and we are both happiest snuggled up together.  Our cuddles are limited due to an energetic toddler and his busy social life so I really make the most of the ones we do get. 

Our baby bath is sat on the bathroom floor unused, as Archie has shared all of his baths with me.  I love the excuse for skin to skin which we don't get many chances for with the cold weather and he is so relaxed lying in my arms in the warm water.  It won't be long before he is sharing his baths with his big brother, splashing away and singing the penguin songs, so I am enjoying the extra quiet time together whilst he is so small.

It won't be long until Archie is in jeans and T-shirts looking like a real little boy, but for his first month we have chosen to keep him in comfy sleepsuits (apart from his red nose day outfit).  I love him looking like a baby and whilst he sleeps all day (or is meant to), pajamas seem like the best choice!  We are introducing some little outfits now too, but staying with soft and cosy as I know I will have plenty of chances to dress him in trendy togs when he is bigger.

I may be over enthusiastic with my camera phone, but not a day of Archie's life has gone by so far without a photo being taken,  Every day he amazes me with his beauty and I want to remember the moment.  The first time Dylan held his hand, the first time he wore a hand knitted cardigan from Nanny, the first time he fell asleep snoring with his mouth wide open - each moment precious and perfect and eternally recorded to terrorise him as a teenager.  

These newborn days go so fast and as I watched my 4 week old baby boy roll over this week I remembered exactly why I am trying so hard to slow down the time.  Every milestone is precious, but every ordinary day is equally so.

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Officially Autumn : John Lewis Dressing Gown Review

It is officially autumn.

The leaves are falling, knitwear is back on the rails and my gas bill is taking a beating as the heating is getting put on far too often under the pretence of   'keeping the baby warm'.  Pjs are making an appearance earlier and earlier and some days I am only dressed for a couple of hours!  John Lewis were kind enough to offer me a new dressing gown and suddenly my evenings are a whole lot more snuggly.

They have a great variety,  but my criteria was big, soft and cosy and I quickly chose the perfect one for me.  

My absolute favourite thing about it is that it has a hood.  I have never had a dressing gown with a hood before and I feel twice as snug sat right in my little den on our corner sofa with my hood up.  The duck egg blue colour makes me think of winter as I tend to dress a lot in creams and greys and softer colours and it is lovely and soft and warm.  Luckily, it also has plenty of growing space as I don't imagine I will be getting any smaller over the coming months!  In fact I can tell you for certain it will be added to my hospital bags come February as being comfortable is definitely a priority with a newborn baby.

The main problem I am having with it is deciding which pair of slippers to team it with every evening! (I *may* have a slight slipper addiction)

Disclaimer:  I was provided with a bathrobe from John Lewis for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.  

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