1) A baby record book is the perfect present to document and treasure all those first memories and special occasions such as baby’s and family’s details, Baptisms or baby showers and birthdays. Also the ideal place to document special events like taking first steps and saying first words. Personal, unique and handmade, whilst made ethically in helping less fortunate communities to support their families, they are made with natural linen cover and closed with twine and complimented by a baby tag. Perfect as a newborn baby present for your own baby, or a special gift for a newborn baby of relatives or friends. East of India range also includes first memory boxes, birth certificate holders and photograph albums all made with their rigid adherence to ethical guidelines.

2) The Fairtrade Cotton Crochet Pixie Rattle Doll by Pebble obtainable in six distinctive designs with a rattle inside to promote hand and eye co-ordination and stimulate hearing. Without a face these dolls are recognised to stimulate creativeness and role play. Pebble encourages stable and maintainable rural jobs in a reliable and secure working environment for over 5,000 women of all ages in 52 different regions of Bangladesh. More than simply a unique gift, these toys are both educative and ethically made. Other fairtrade gifts by Pebble include, knitted vegetables, crochet pink flower rattles, knitted floppy bears, knitted little wonky bird rattles and pastel knitted cupcake set.  

3) The Maxine Pharoah customised cushion, in its handmade traditional style, incorporates a high quality printed image from her original artwork. Made with linen, cotton, ribbon and buttons, stitched by hand and finished with button flap detail on the reverse, they are personalised and made by hand to order. This unique and personal baby present is ideal for a New baby gift, Baptism or Naming Day gift, special birthday present or to go with baby’s nursery. Lovingly made and individually chosen, they are guaranteed to become a favourite keepsake.

4) The Trousselier Giraffe rattle by Trousselier Paris is crafted from the highest quality soft fabrics and perfect for new baby gifts. His soft mane and long neck make him easy to clutch by small hands. Beautifully presented in his own pale blue Trousselier box, he is certain to be a favourite and precious present. The Trousselier range includes Bunny Angel, Squeaky lamb, Squeaky Kangaroo and bab, Dotty Rabbit Set and Long eared bunny. As an alternative to soft toys, Trousselier also have a wonderful range of Magic Lanterns which project eye catching moving images onto the lamp and also Wooden Music Boxes, a contemporary design of a classical toy, with Mozart and Skaters Waltz tune, for 3 years plus. 

5) For an unusual and eye catching baby gift with soft textures, bright colours and ethically made taking environmental considerations to mind, the Lilliputiens selection of toys consist of everything from Noah’s ark, Farmhouse, Pirate Ship and Wigwam and little Indians set. The range also includes a beautiful range of dolls and animal squeakers. They are all refreshingly unique, something different. They encourage creative imagination through play and look beautiful. The Lilliputien Xmas Nativity Set would certainly make an excellent gift for Baby’s first Christmas.

In recent years, being able to bring your pet with you is becoming more and more popular among travelers. Before you take your four-footed baby with you, there are a few important considerations that you need to keep in mind before you go to make your experience a more positive one for you and your pet.

Check out any potential destinations to make sure if they are pet friendly. Some places might insist you put your pet in an onsite kennel facility while others will allow you to keep your pet in the room with you during your stay. Some might require the use of a travel kennel, while others do not, and in some cases, the hotel will provide a magnetic sign that can be placed on the outside of your room door to alert the cleaning staff that there is a pet inside. Each location has a unique set of rules, so make sure you are well acquainted with them and any additional fees they might require to house your pet. Also, many of these places get booked quickly, so make sure to get your reservations in as early as you can.

Check the regulations of any location you plan to travel to. Even though some airlines and cruise ships allow your pet to travel with them, you might find that your pet is not welcome to go around with you once you get there. As examples – No pet may be brought into the state of Hawaii, even if it comes from other American states, unless it goes through a period of quarantine that lasts a total of six months first. Likewise, the province of Ontario, Canada has recently passed legislation that says that if a dog looks to have pit bull in its parentage, the dog may be seized and destroyed based on the judgment of a customs officer, whether this is the case or not. Don’t place your pet in this situation. Know before you go.

If you are driving a rental car to get to your destination, make sure to see that transporting your pet is allowed. In most cases, the rental company simply insists that the vehicle be returned in the same condition as it was rented in, or you have to stand the cost of the cleaning. Blankets or other seat covers can be used to guard against unintentional accidents, or your pet can travel in the travel kennel where ever it will safely fit.

Along with your pet’s food, water, dishes and a few favorite toys, make sure to carry a copy of your pet’s current immunization records. Research the name of any veterinary practices operating in your travel destination, and make sure that you have the complete name, address, and fax and phone numbers of your own vet with you. This way, you have the proof of vaccination with you, and should any emergencies arise, you can get your pet’s medical history quickly to help any treating vet you might have to visit.

There are, of course, a number of other tips you can think of to make your pet’s trip as smooth and as enjoyable as possible, but the ones listed here are essential for keeping him healthy and happy as he accompanies you in your travels.

This article was written by Kelly Marshall of ohmydogsupplies.com – supplying you with high quality dog collars and leashes.