The hotMaMa Diaries Blog - Breastfeeding blog and parenting blog

Breastfeeding and parenting blog

Everyone has a different experience of parenting and motherhood and there is no right or wrong path. The hotMaMa diaries is a place to read stories from other mothers and even share your own!

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Category: Shopping

  1. Our pre-loved and end of line breastfeeding clothes

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    breastfeeding clothing - sustainable

    As a small business we don't have the luxury of large warehouses or storage facilities, this means that it can be tricky to keep hold of off-season or end of line stock. Take our winter jumpers for example, they are lovely and snuggly but their bulky size means they take up lots of room.  This can mean I hold off ordering summer items as I simply don't have the space for them!  Equally offering customers pre-loved options of our styles is something that's I've been looking into for a while.  So we've collaborated with Holleo to bring you a hotMaMa outlet featuring end of line items along with pre-loved hotMaMa breastfeed clothes.

    sustainable breastfeeding clothes

     

    What are the benefits of a hotMaMa breastfeeding clothing outlet?

    Amazing bargains

    Shopping for pre-loved or end of line items is a great way to grab a bargain item at a fraction of it's original price.

    Unique pieces

    You'll find some discontinued items there that I no longer stock or manufacture.  Lots of our printed fabric styles for example are now really expensive for me to to manufacture, but they're something I know customers love and can be found in the outlet.

    Sustainability

    Not only is it great for you as the customer it's also beneficial for the environment.  By purchasing pre-loved items, you're giving a second life to clothing that may otherwise end up in a landfill which seems crazy as I've always aimed to produce high quality clothes designed to last for years, so they still have so much life left in them!

    Mums supporting mums

    Both hotMaMa and Holleo are both small mum run brands.  By purchasing products or services from mum entrepreneurs, you are directly supporting them and their families, supporting mums to contribute to the economy and pursue their passions without compromising time with their little ones. Additionally, many mum-run businesses offer unique and innovative products that may not be readily available in mainstream markets, giving you the customer access to a more diverse range of goods.

    Shop the hotMaMa breastfeeding clothing outlet here

    holleo breastfeeding clothes

  2. Last Post Dates

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    Christmas shopping has ramped up in the last couple of weeks, I'm posting our your orders as usual throughout December.  If you're ordering something you'd like before Christmas then have a look at the last post dates below.  Please note these are guidelines, once I've passed on your order to Royal Mail I can't control the speed of delivery and it is possible there may still be some delays (Royal Mail has been particularly overwhelmed this year).  I always appreciate all of your support, regardless of the time of year so if you are thinking of buying something as a gift then please order earlier to make sure your parcel is with you in good time.  

    hotMaMa breastfeeding clothes - Christmas post dates

  3. It's September, so it's baby boom month!

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    Breastfeeding ad parenting blog - baby boom
     
    Tis’ the season of babies! 
    In the UK September is the most popular month to give birth in.  According to the UK Office of National Statistics September the 26th is the most popular birthday date in the UK. Eight of the other top 10 dates of birth occurred in late September - with the other two occurring in early October.  This suggests more babies are likely to be conceived around the Christmas holidays.  So even if you're not due this month then you may well know someone coming up to their due date. Take a look at our round up of gorgeous mum and baby gifts! 
     
    For baby
     
     
    Baby bib
    Stylish AND practical! This beautiful neckerchew from Cheeky Chompers is packed with thoughtful features, you can just tell this is a mum run brand and Julie and Amy really have though of everything.   Plus this new muslin neckerchew is comprised of a sustainable bamboo and organic cotton muslin mix for a luxurious, silky, extra absorbent finish.
     
    Bandana style neckerchew features:
    3 super absorbent layers to help keep your baby dry.
    Reversible design - meaning you get two looks in one bib!
     
     
    Muslin
     
    The perfect baby shower gift and of course an absolute changing bag essential!
     
    Our 100% organic cotton muslins are the ultimate multi-use product and a must have for any mum or mum to be. They can be used as baby blankets, nursing covers, burp cloths, swaddling sheets, changing mat covers, a handy wipe and everything in between. Newborns' color perception is limited to white, black and shades of grey, because their eyes and capacity for sight are not fully developed at birth. As a result, babies love to look at high-contrast black-and-white patterns like this simple but striking pattern which stand out in their blurry worlds, attracting their attention and helping them focus.
     
    At 110cm x 110cm these muslins are extra-large & made of super soft organic cotton.  They can handle any task without irritating delicate skin and are available in a range of other eye-catching and colourful designs.  Plus they make a great new baby gift as each muslin will arrive to you in its very own gift box.
     
    100% GOTS OEKO-TEX STANDARD Cotton
    110 cm x 110 cm
    Each muslin will arrive in its own gift box for a ready to go gift!
     
     
    Another beautiful and multi functional item from Cheeky Chompers is this multi functional comforter for your little one to snuggle up with!
     
    Neckerchew
     
    -Beautiful star pattern
    -Soft cuddle fleece reverse to snuggle into
    -Sensory ribbon tags for little one to feel and play with
    -Attached teether designed to massage and soothe those tender little gums and is 100% safe to chew.
    -Elasticated strap for attaching to your baby's wrist, carseat or pushchair so no more dropping or losing those precious comfort blankets!
    -Machine washable and is safety tested to the highest standards  
    -30cm x 44cm
    -Suitable from birth
     
    For mum
     
    Mums often put others first, so here's your chance to make her feel special. A little self-care is so important during this busy, sleep-deprived time.
     
     
    Breastfeeding Clothes Voucher
     
    Perfect if you want to treat someone to one of our breastfeeding wardrobe staples but you're unsure of her size. Plus our vouchers give mum the flexibility to treat herself to something special when she's ready.
     
     
    Fiddle Necklace
     
    A stylish accessory for mama to wear when her expensive metal jewellery just doesn't cut it around a baby. The BPA free beads are made from the same material that bottles and dummies are made from, so they are safe and fun for your little one to grab, hold and even chomp away on whilst serving as a stylish fashion accessory for Mama!
  4. Support a small business

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    Supporting a small business - hotMaMa breastfeeding clothes

    When was the last time you shopped small? 

    Well, if you're reading this then perhaps it wasn't so long ago. Whether it was an online purchase or a vising a local bricks and mortar store supporting any small business makes a big difference to the person behind the brand. Since becoming a mum I'verealised just how many small businesses are run by mums just like me, building mini business empires from their kitchen table, juggling parenting and business in between nap times and school runs. But supporting a small business doesn't just mean parting with your hard earned pennies and pounds, there are loads of different ways to support small business that matter just as much: 

      

    1. Tell your friends and family about the business 

    Original old school way to spread the word about a business before the days of social media is just to tell those around you about it. If you love it then chances are they will too! 

    2. Like their posts on social media 

    How long do you spend each day scrolling through content on social media? You probably read lots of great content from brands you love. Don't forget to like their posts so that future posts from the brand will stay visible to you...if you don't regularly interact with a small business (through likes, comments or saving posts) you'll find algorithms of social media will stop showing you posts from them and small businesses often end up finding that their posts just aren't getting seen by their audience, a quick like will make sure you stay in the loop with their brand. 

    3. Comment on their posts 

    A simple comment can really make someone's day. A lot of small business owners feel nervous about putting themselves out there on social media, putting their face and their work on show for the world to see and possibly judge is incredibly daunting. A simple comment can offer amazing words of encouragement the person behind the brand sometimes needs to keep at it! 

    4. Get tagging 

    Have a photo of a product you've bought? If you're uploading it to social media anyway why not tag the brand in to them know you love it? This isn't just great for the brand but for their other customers too. I know with clothing people love to see a top or a dress on people with different colouring and body shapes. It's also a lovely way for you to help generate brand trust for new customers, they see you like and trust this brand so it can encourage them to take the plunge and buy too! 

    5. Say thanks 

    You know that feeling you get when someone gives you a compliment on something you've worked really hard on? It makes your day, you smile from inside to out. A quick comment on social media or a private email can feel amazing for a little business – It makes my day when people take the time to drop a quick note of thanks! 

    6. Subscribe to their newsletter 

    Small businesses rarely bombard you with emails (unlike so many massive chains!) If they’re anything like me I just don’t have the time to send out endless emails, but when I do it’s something important I really want you to know about and genuinely think you’ll want to know about like a new product, sale or special offer.   

  5. Summer collection - Breastfeeding clothes for your summer wardrobe!

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    breastfeeding clothes - summer collection
     
    I'm usually really organised when it comes to planning, designing and getting the ball rolling on production when it comes to new products. This year I've ended up leaving things a bit later, I'm not really sure why really perhaps it's that with covid restrictions lifting this year we've been able to take some more much needed quality family time? Or perhaps I'm just becoming a bit more laid back! Coupled with that along with a more complex process with initial samples going back and forth between myself and my manufacturer several times it's taken longer than usual to get new summer collection on the website. But a long last it's here! Some items are available in the full size range, some are very limited edition and in limited sizes but there are some gorgeous additions for your breastfeeding wardrobe!
     
    Breastfeeding occasion wear
    Dress up for a special occasion be it a wedding, christening or day at the races or dress down for every day wear! Our zip access ruffle breastfeeding dresses make stylish breastfeeding easy. 
    • Zip access for breastfeeding carefully concealed under the front ruffle, you'll wear this dress long after you finish feeding!
    • Lightweight fabric, perfect for summer

    • Adjustable straps
    • Machine washable polyester

    • Midi length (approximately 112cm from shoulder seam to hem)

     
    Black Breastfeeding Maxi 1
     
    Blue maxi Breastfeeding Dress
     
     
    Add a splash of colour to your breastfeeding wardrobe with our two sunshine inspired newbies. You can't fail to feel happy and summmery when wearing these!
     
     
    Orange Leopard T-Shirt
     
    Orange Leopard Breastfeeding Top
     
    • Short sleeved breastfeeding and nursing top
    • Bright leopard print 
    • Easy empire line access for breastfeeding without leaving you feeling exposed. 
    • V-Style underlayer for breastfeeding access
    • Soft fabric with a lots of stretch.
    • Machine washable
    • 95% polyester 5% Elastane

    SHOP HERE

     

    Sunshine Yellow Breastfeeding Vest

    Yellow Breastfeeding Vest

     

    Our basic nursing vest is back in a bright colour perfect for summer.  Our vests are much loved by mums and are a must have for your breastfeeding wardrobe: Perfect for a simple classic look or wearing with your pre pregnancy wardrobe to make breastfeeding easy and discrete! 

    • Classic vest style in a bright summery colour

    • Fitted yet stretchy

    • Easy empire line access for breastfeeding without leaving you feeling exposed

    • Vest style underlayer to be pulled down to feed
    • Machine washable

    • Length appriximately 74cm depending on size, see size guide below

    • 95% Cotton 5% Elastane

    SHOP HERE

     

    Black Breastfeeding T-shirt

     

    Breastfeeding T-shirt

     

    • Short sleeved breastfeeding and nursing top
    • Classic black colour
    • Easy zip access for breastfeeding. hidden within the garment seam
    • Machine washable
    • 95% cotton 5% Elastane

    SHOP HERE