Online and in the shops: Clevamama

So soothing: Back in September, Irish baby products company Clevamama got a boost when celebrity mum Peaches Geldof tweeted that their ClevaFeed — a soother-like device designed to introduce babies to solids without the risk of choking — was her son Astala’s “new fave thing”.

Peaches has also used Clevamama’s Formula Mixer and ClevaScoop. Suitable for babies from 6+ months, the BPA-free ClevaFeed is also useful for teething babies and has been awarded a Bizzie Baby Gold Award. Since the tweet, it has become one of Clevamama’s top sellers. The ClevaBed Waterproof Mattress Protectors, €11.99 — €16.99, also won a Bizzie Baby Gold Award. Made from a 100% brushed cotton top and a polyurethane waterproof under-layer, they are machine washable and can be tumble dried. Clevamama products can be found in Argos, Smyths, Mothercare and other retailers; www.clevamama.com.

Weaning wonder:

Another useful weaning product is the Tommee Tippee Explora Tip It Up Cup, a non-spill cup which only releases liquid when lips are placed over it, with a soft spout to ease the transition from bottle to cup. The Tip It Up Cup has a hygiene cap for extra protection and comes with an interchangeable lid that will fit any other base in the Tip It Up range. It is BPA-free and suitable for babies from four months in a choice of fun colours, €3.99; www.tommeetippee.co.uk.

Childbirth recovery:

A study by Dr Julie Wray of Salford University has concluded that on average, a woman needs one year to recover after childbirth, although many believe they will be recovered by their six-week check-up. There were more than 73,000 babies born in Ireland last year but in a survey of new mums, only 31% felt knowledgeable about post-natal recovery prior to childbirth. The survey also asked mums what they did to aid recovery after birth: 29% of women did pelvic floor exercises, 10% slept more, 10% exercised more and 9% took homeopathic arnica to help with bruising and healing. It is important to check with your doctor before taking anything during pregnancy and post labour and the Irish Society of Homeopaths advises women using remedies at these times to do so under the supervision of a homeopath. Nelsons Arnicare arnica cream 30g, €7.25 and arnica 30C, €8.25 and 6C , €6.75. www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com.