Online and in the shops: Messi contract

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi has signed a three-year contract to promote the Dutch-manufactured Space Scooter, available exclusively at Smyths in Ireland.

The Space Scooter, €119.99, is driven by moving the foot deck up and down to power the wheels, which is said to feel like walking in space — hence the name. Messi has been riding the scooter with his nephews and the manufacturers are expecting increased demand in the run-up to the World Cup. The Space Scooter is suitable for ages 8+ and available in Smyths stores or online at www.toys.ie

100% UV-protection: Light-coloured Irish eyes are just as vulnerable to sun damage as our fair skin, so it’s important to ensure that children cover up with a pair of sunglasses that offer 100% UV-protection. New in at Little Ones in Ennis, Zoobug is a specialist brand of sunglasses created for children. There are six styles suitable for children up to age 12, €16.50 from www.littleones.ie

DHA dosage: It’s now well known that DHA omega-3 is good for the brain, and that as our bodies can’t manufacture this beneficial nutrient, ensuring that we get enough from our diet is important, especially during pregnancy when 200mg DHA a day is recommended to support infant brain and eye development. Two new studies have confirmed that increased DHA during infancy and early childhood can also lead to measurable improvements in reading, memory and behaviour. The most abundant source of DHA is oily fish. Pregnant and lactating women can also supplement with a good quality fish oil like Eskimo 3, available in liquid or capsule format. Eskimo 3 capsules are €14.99 for 105, from pharmacies and health stores; www.eskimo3.ie

Specsavers’ charity: Specsavers has selected Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, as its national charity of the year, and to kick off the partnership, stores nationwide have committed to cycling the circumference of Ireland (5,600km). With Specsavers aiming to raise €100,000 for Crumlin’s new ophthalmology unit, each of the 47 Specsavers stores will be literally putting their wheels in motion tomorrow as they hold static cycles in-store to raise funds. For further information visit www.olchc.ie