SWADDLE LOVE
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Have you ever wondered where this strange word comes from? I still remember thinking there was definitely a whole new language I was yet to learn when words like “swaddle”, “bugaboo” and “dream-feed” were being bandied about during my first pregnancy back in 2005. Well, there is a rich history of mothers swaddling their babies dating back to 4000BC with the migrating people of ancient central Asia. If you think about it we’ve all seen historical images of babies wrapped in various textiles, but until I actually witnessed the effect on my baby I honestly viewed it as more of a tradition that matronly midwives felt a duty to impart.
Of course, now we have access to Paediatric studies explaining why babies who are swaddled sleep more peacefully. With the right textile and technique, a baby’s reflex motion is prevented from waking them during the night, plus it has been proven that swaddled infants stay in REM sleep longer (the most restorative sleep). There is also growing evidence that the practice may indirectly help prevent cases of SIDS.
Swaddling is said to mimic the security of the womb for the baby, but as I pushed through those first hazy days in the hospital I think it offered me a comforting ritual too. And so began the quest for the perfect sized cloth, the right amount of stretch, the safest fibres and the cutest designs~it can become somewhat of an obsession when there’s little else going on in your life! Sadly an Alex&Ant wrap wasn’t there for me but I have been fortunate to gift this perfect swaddling cloth for friends and family. At 120cm x 120cm it is large enough for the textile to be tucked snuggly around baby without being overly restrictive and has just the right amount of give so not to unravel. This size makes the Alex&Ant wrap truly useful to mothers also as a stroller cover, nursing shield, tummy time blanket or a burping cloth.
Your Alex&Ant wrap is designed to be on display with several gorgeous designs available. Nothing cutesy, just simple shapes and soothing colours~there’s a design to match any “bugaboo”!
Love Fleur X
THE BIRD IS THE WORD
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Miu Miu, Karen Walker, Marc Jacobs, Alex&Ant….we’re in good company when it comes to a beautiful bird motif. Ok, so Alex&Ant is not setting worldwide trends in the high fashion and luxury goods stakes, but we are about luxury in all that we do. Our rompers and tees are made from a luxurious cotton/lycra fabric that washes and wears like no other. We think it’s important that our clothing fits snug against the body, particularly in the cooler months. It also keeps its shape when your children can’t easily sneak their arms inside and make believe it’s a straight jacket!
Luxury also comes to you in the hand sewing of our appliques and the special trims we use, the velveteen prints and the leather in our shoes…
Even our stainless steel drink bottles offer you the luxury of a unique surface that has no pores or cracks to harbour dirt, grime or bacteria. After all, the substance of luxury is longevity and our bottles will stay clean and completely non-toxic for many years to come.
We know that the parents and friends who purchase from the Alex&Ant collections are themselves, advocates of luxury. You appreciate it in everything that Alex&Ant creates and we love it when you tell us so! Please keep the feedback coming as we keep our focus on designing the desirable.
F x
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TOP TO TOE THURSDAY – GET OLIVE’S LOOK
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
My little darling, Olive, just loves her Alex&Ant ‘Apple a day’ tee. Today we teamed it with a few items from a couple of our favourite Alex&Ant stockists.
Sooki Baby ‘It’s raining on me’ full frill legging from My Baby Rocks
http://www.mybabyrocks.com.au/cart/index.php?cmd=products&prod_id=1480
IKKS denim jacket from I Am Kidz store, Avalon NSW
Giddy Giddy owl hairclip from Baby’s Got Style – we bought the owl but the apple would have MADE the outfit!
http://www.babysgotstyle.com.au/catalog/apple-hairclip-p-8654.htmlXX
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TOP TO TOE THURSDAY – THANK YOU MENA!
Friday, May 28th, 2010
Mena and all the staff @ Baby’s Got Style are wonderful Alex&Ant fans and long-time supporters. Check out this groovy boys look and more Alex&Ant style tips at http://www.babysgotstyle.com.au/catalog/
Love Fleur x
P.S. If anyone has been following our entire Alex&Ant blog journey, you may be wondering if my sister-in-law had her baby…it’s a girl! Coral Love was born last night after a fairly easy labour. Sister to Oscar, Claudia Dream, Levi, Lotus Joy & Lilac Sammy, she’ll be well cared for. Can’t wait for her to model our baby girl ranges.
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