Review: Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind

When it comes to creating spaces for kids parents try to design comfortable environment for little ones to play and sleep in. I'm one of those mums who like to be very organised and have a certain routine which helps me to get on with my day and stay sane. Sleeping during the day plays major role in L's mood be it weekday or weekend at grandparents. As napping at in laws doesn't always go to plan (I blame non-blackout blinds for that) I might have found a solution for that- Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind (£34.99). 

Our surprise delivery arrived few weeks ago giving us enough time to test it fully. Gro Anywhere blackout blind can be easily used whilst you are away travelling or visiting family or friends as it is packed in a lightweight travel bag. The blind itself is made of a thick and durable fabric with cute stars and moon print, it measures 198 x 130cm and can be adjusted (depending on the size of the window) by Velcro straps attached to it. 

Few other pros:

- offer maximum protection from sunlight

- can be easily cleaned with a cloth or washed 

- can be used at home or when travelling for both kids and adults

- minimal sound isolation 

- seems to reduce the heat (tested on a sunny day)
- Velcro fastening to fit any size and shape windows
- suction cups all round 

Applying process is very simple and doesn't need any manuals: 

- make sure the window is clean and dry

- slightly moist the centre of suction cups prior to applying to window

- attached suction cups by pressing firmly on the middle of each cup

- pull on and release the tab on each suction cup when the blind is not in use.

Tip: I would advise to trial and test Gro Anywhere blackout blind first before using to see how well it fits the window or if the width needs adjusting. It will also give you an idea which side of the window gives away more light. 

With these all in mind we have tested the blackout blind for the first time at my in laws. The applying process seemed a little fiddly at the beginning but once suction cups were applied I have noticed a difference, the room that was full of light before became much darker than it normally would be.

I have tested Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind in different rooms so that it gives us a feel of what it may be like when we are on a holiday abroad or somewhere in the UK. Here are some of the pictures with before and after shots which speak for themselves:

We will be certainly using our new blackout blind on a more frequent basis and it even prompted me to allow L to stay at grandparents overnight too! 

Disclaimer: I was sent the item mentioned above for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Grobag Candy Cloud sleeping bag review

I have had the privilege of reviewing the Grobag Baby Sleeping Bag £19 on sale (Candy cloud 6-18 months). The sleeping bag is a beautiful pink striped design in 100% cotton, designed to keep my little one nice and warm.

I selected the 2.5 tog due to the current/approaching cold winter weather. I must say that my little girl seems to be more than happy in the snug warmth (whilst the parents battle the cold temperatures).

The idea behind the Grobag, is promoting safe sleeping, which is endorsed by the Lullaby Trust. The ease at which it takes to secure my daughter within, demonstrates this safety concept.

I will also like to state that the Grobag has certainly assisted with what used to be an exhausting evening. The fact that the Grobag keeps my baby snug and limited in movements, means less kicking and fidgeting, and more time sleeping.

When I received the Grobag, the first thing that sprung to mind was the lovely packaging. The cardboard packaging that the Grobag comes inside, is superb and there is a nice touch, with a small card showing how the sleeping bag design looks like.

You can also find information about choosing the correct tog, size, safety.

I am particularly impressed by the enclosed thermometer, which we use in our living room, to check the temperature.

Design features:

- double popper for extra security

 - under arm poppers to be used for babies between 8.8- 10lb 
- Zip-click cover stops adventurous little ones from opening their zips

Due to L being a little bit small for it, even though she is 7 months old I have some feedback which would help improve an already excellent product. They are as follows:

• more broad/specific sizes required, such as 0-6, 6-12 etc.
• buttons/option to fold lower half of Grobag to make it less long
• perhaps a plain/budget option would appeal to those unable to afford a Grobag.

Despite the minor disadvantages, the Grobag is a lovely sleeping bag product for my baby and I would definitely recommend to my friends & family.Disclaimer: I was sent the above item for the purpose of this review. All thought and opinions are my own.

Health & Safety items for a baby Wish List

This weeks I am starting new section "Health & Safety" and as always I picked the cheapest options I could find. Please let me know if you can think of any other newborn essentials.

Digital Video Baby Monitors:

1. Summer Infant Secure Sleep Digital Video Baby Monitor- BabiesRUs £39.96

2. Summer Infant Baby Zoom Video Monitor- BabiesRUs £39.96

3. Motorola MBP20 Digital Video Monitor- BabiesRUs £49.96

4. Motorola MBP26 Digital Video Monitor- BabiesRUs , Kiddicare £69.66

5. Chicco Essential Digital Video Monitor- BabiesRUs £69.96

Non- contact thermometers:

1. Kinetik Non-Contact Thermometer- Argos £19.99

2. Janosch FT90 Non Contact- Kiddicare £24.99

 Room thermometer:

Grobag Egg Room Thermometer- Kiddicare, Mothercare £13.50

Nasal aspirator:

Baby nose-clear Nasal Aspirator- 4 Little 1 £7.29

Disclaimer: I have a written consent from all brands mentioned to use above pictures.