Product reviews: tested and recommended by London Mums

TOYS

Traintastic adventures for Chuggington toys 3D Wilson Carry Case

RRP £14.99 where kids can store their collection of trains Wilson, Brewster, Koko that are on sale for £8.99 (for twin packs) - As always London Mums favourite toys are by Learning Curve www.learningcurve.com. Visit also www.chuggington.com

Rumbling Radio Control fun on the farm with Massey Ferguson 6480 Tractor SRP 19.99

Rumbling Radio Control fun on the farm with Massey Ferguson 6480 Tractor

SRP £19.99 www.learningcurve.com.

Thomas the Tank Toby's Winmill Story Pack by Learning Curve

VOTED BY LONDON MUMS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH IN MAY 2010: Thomas The Tank wooden trains and railway systems by Learning Curve are probably the best toys for pre-schoolers. Celebrating his 65th Anniversary in 2010, Thomas the Tank Engine is right on track with a new range of Thomas Wooden collectable play sets and engines for ages 2+. Made from real wood, the Thomas Wooden Railway System from Learning Curve encourages traditional role play for toddlers to bring their very own Island of Sodor to life. All aboard! The toddlers can recreate the story of Toby & the Windmill with the magical 11 piece Toby's Windmill Story Pack (RRP £40) including Toby engine, barrel car and flour, Knapford covered bridge and track pieces, there is also a spinning Windmill and built-in barrel loader. www.learningcurve.com

Save the sheep Game by LEGO

This is another great LEGO game. Easy to play with school kids and loved by parents too. Who will get the most wool from their sheep? Shear wool whenever you can  the other players will try to steal it from you or send the scary wolf your way! Grow, swap and scare your way to victory in this fast, fun and unpredictable game. For 2 to 4 players. 7 - 12 Years http://games.lego.com

BRIGHT STARTS has some of the best toys for babies and toddlers - not the cheap 'Made in China'- check some travel and bath toys here / they are highly recommended by London Mums:

Bath and foam letters are brilliant for toddlers and pre-schoolers to learn the alphabet while taking a bath www.brightstarts.com (October 2008)

BABY PRODUCTS

CUDDLE YOUR DUMMY (Cream/Blue) Baby Pacifier Holder: really useful double use soft dummy holder and companion to help baby sleep through the night. (May 2010)





SLING: Lifft Slings (www.lifftslings.com): this is a new sling which first of all is proven to be the only sling scientifically proven to improve the wearer's posture, and part of the design that enables this, is the fact that the slings come in different sizes. Secondly it looks amazing and the fabric is probably the most luxurious you can find on the market for a sling. The slings come in 3 colours - cocoa and coral/ khaki and black/ vanilla and stone - they all look gorgeous. This is a perfect gift for mums-to-be or new mums. The sling is easy to put on with no buckles clips or straps to do up, meaning the sling can be used without help and can be put on with just one hand - also allowing for fuss-free and discreet breastfeeding. Two padded rails makes it easy to put on either shoulder and allows a range of positions to be used according to the size of your baby. Finally if you are a fan of UK made products this sling is designed and made in the UK, thus reducing carbon emissions, and folds down to the size of a nappy - perfect for squeezing into your bag when you're on the run. (December 2009)

POT OF GOLD BALM (FOR BOTH BABY AND MUMMY): 100% natural, only active and 'Guilt Free' ingredients, and works. Nappy rash plus moisturiser - all in 1 product ideal for London mums always on the run. Why buy several products when you only need one? Baby balm is made in New Zealand from 100% natural ingredients and is 75% organic too. It can be used for nappy rash, dry and cracked nipples, prevention and reduction of stretch marks and any chapping and chafing both mother and baby may have dry skin and dry lips. Available from The New Zealand Honey Shop (Southfields, London based, where physical shop is) - and www.NewZealandHoneyShop.co.uk (November 2009)

DRIBBLEBUSTER: The fashion dribble bib that whisks away drool before chin, clothes and chest get wet. Find out more about keeping babies' and toddler's clothes dryer and cleaner with Dribblebusters and Silly Billyz on the website http://www.dribblebuster.co.uk/ (February 2009)

HEALTH PRODUCTS

KNOCKS AND BANGS: Arnicare Arnica Kids Stick is a pocket-size stick ideal to keep in your handbag always available on the go for soothing sports day knocks and bangs, it glides on in a fun natural green colour, transforming tears into smiles in seconds. Available from Boots and all good independent pharmacies and health food stores nationwide.

TODDLER AND BIG KIDS

MINI MICRO SCOOTER

VOTED BY LONDON MUMS PRODUCT OF THE SUMMER 2009: The Mini Micro Scooter is the winner product for this summer. If you have to spend any money in toys for the kids this is certainly THE gadget to have. SW London and other areas even in Central London should be called 'scooterlandia' for the amount of mini scooters going around.A couple of fellow London Mums with 3 years old toddlers tested the Mini Micro scooters and they felt the ids seemed to be glued to the new toys. The feedback on the testing was amazing and everybody seemed to agree that this is THE product to have this summer. At a playgroup in the last couple of days a brave mum of triplets said that she did not know how to do it as she would need to buy 3 scooters but would also need to manage 3 'independent' toddlers, which we all admit would be a very big challenge!

We have also interviewed the two ladies who have transformed London into 'Scooterlandia'. They have told us how they got started and what the inspiration was for setting up the business. READ THE FULL TESTIMONIAL IN THE MUMPRENEURS' PAGE http://www.londonmums.org.uk/busmums/busmums.html.

HEALTHY FOOD FOR TODDLERS

FRUIT SWEETENER: SWEET FREEDOM is the first all natural fruit sweetener made 100% from fruit that tastes just like sugar. This delicious syrup comes in a no mess no fuss top down drip free bottle and is brand new. It looks like honey and it tastes much better than maple syrup. It's the perfect product for busy Mums looking for a healthier option to sugar in their coffee / baking / everyday family use without resorting to artificial sweeteners. I find it a little 'guilt free' sweetness I can have without having to think too hard about it. Check the websites www.sweetfreedom.co.uk and www.dietfreedom.co.uk (October 2008).

Potty training related Products' Review:

Mamas & Papas Squeaka Duck Potty - If you want to turn potty training into a fun experience for yoruself and for your tot, i recommend this duck potty. It is suitable from 18 months. The Squeaka Duck Potty features an ergonomically designed, comfortable seat and a squeaka beak to amuse your little one. This potty also has a lid for easy transportation and a detachable front for easy cleaning. RRP £15 www.mamasandpapas.co.uk

FOR POTTY TRAINING TIPS READ OUR EXPERT'S ADVICE

To read this article click here www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/mumtips.html

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

MUMMY'S MUST HAVE...

MUMMY's MITTS are a warm, weatherproof and comfortable pair of mittens, that allow for the quick release of your hands, whilst the mittens stay attached to the handles, or handle bar of any buggy or pram. The beauty of Mummy Mitts is that they provide a simple solution to the problem of having to constantly remove your gloves everytime you tend to your Childs needs, or answer your mobile phone,etc. You might have seen this on BBC Dragons Den. RRP 21.50 pounds - it's money well spent. www.mummymitts.com (March 2008)