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I am delighted to announce that Milton Fabric Solution (one of the Ceuta family of brands) has just secured a TIPS Award in the recent Baby Wipes 2009 trial. We tested conventional disposable baby wipes, washable wipes (with the Milton fabric solution included to wash these wipes) and an antibacterial foaming cleanser.
The Milton Fabric solution is a bleach-free product that can be used on all the family’s laundry, even silks and wool. Adding Milton antibacterial fabric solution to the wash ensures that all laundered items are left 100% germ-free. It is effective even at low temperatures (as low as 15 degrees). Testers were so impressed they voted overwhelmingly to give this new product the very first TIPS ‘Must-have’ award.
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Baby wipes were the first products tested under the TIPS Award Scheme launched in March 2007. Since then we have completed eight standard trials and six one-off trials (covering 26 categories of products), and allocated 172 TIPS awards.
Only products that comply with our strict criteria can be submitted for a TIPS trial this is part of our robust selection process which means that any product accepted to go through to the testing programme is already a winner.
Over 650 Parent Testers have joined the TIPS online community. When selected for a trial, volunteer Parent Testers receive products to test and asked to provide their comments using a questionnaire. Testers’ feedback is collated, evaluated and reviewed by Sharon Trotter. On completion of the judging process, awards are confirmed and the results are published on the TIPS website. You can check out the final Baby Wipes 2009 results (including the full review of the Milton Fabric solution) on the TIPS website at: http://tipslimited.com/AwardsBabyWipes09.html
As the winter months are drawing near I thought I would include a couple of seasonal FAQs for those of you expecting winter babies:
Q1: Can you give me some advice on how to maintain my baby’s temperature in the winter months and where is the best place for my baby to sleep?
A: The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your own room for at least the first six months of life. This is especially important if you are breastfeeding as it is easier to bring your baby into bed with you to feed, without having to disturb anyone else. Extra periods of skin-to-skin contact increases your chances of successful breastfeeding and just having your baby in sight helps to stimulate your milk supply. Overheating can be very dangerous to a new baby as their temperature regulation system is still immature. Remember never to cover a baby’s head, even if you think a room may be cold. Use baby sleeping bags instead of sheets and blankets and follow the manufacturer’s recommended advice on what sizes, layers of clothing and tog ratings to use (merino wool varieties are ideal as they help to keep a baby warm in winter and cool in summer). Make sure the sleeping bag is not too big to avoid a baby slipping down into the bag. Buy a nursery thermometer to help keep your room a constant 18 degrees. Once your baby can turn over, stop using a sheepskin. Do not use duvets or pillows under a year old. Avoid using hot water bottles or electric blankets in baby’s beds. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa, armchair or settee. Never share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:
- are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke)
- have been drinking alcohol
- take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
- feel very tired.
Q2: Swaddling babies appears to be fashionable again now what are the benefits of swaddling and are there any potential drawbacks? How can parents prevent their swaddled babies from overheating?
A: A new baby likes to feel secure as this reminds them of their time in the womb. Swaddling is a good way to recreate this environment. There is a wide variety of swaddling blankets available but you could also cut a flannelette sheet into four squares and sew the edges to make your own swaddling blanket. Remember to fold this gently around your baby. Never cover their head as this could lead to overheating. Do not wrap too tightly and remember to lay your baby on their back at the foot of the bed. This stops them wriggling under covers and getting too hot. Some babies like their arms to be free so just swaddle their body and legs. Take care to use fabrics that are natural and breathable. There are some lovely new designs on the market including the innovative swaddlesock at: http://swaddlesock.com/nzproducts.html
What’s TIPS been up to lately?
As well as completing the Baby Wipes 2009 trial we have been busy planning the largest ever trial of Baby Skincare Products which we hope to complete by the end of this year. We have 52 products within eight categories from 14 forward thinking companies (including HalosnHorns) who go that extra mile when it comes to safe baby skincare. I will bring you news of the final awards in the next newsletter which is due in February 2010. This just leaves me time to wish you all a very Merry Xmas and all the best for 2010!
If you have any particular questions relating to your little one’s skin (or any other parenting topic for that matter) then please feel free to email me.
See you next time
Sharon
Sharon Trotter©2009
For more information go to: www.tipslimited.com
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced in any material form (including photocopying it or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of TIPS Ltd.
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