Online and in the shops

Natural healing: Around 15% of the Irish population suffer from hay fever, an allergic reaction to pollen, which causes itchy or watery eyes, a blocked or runny nose, and frequent sneezing and coughing. 

A Vogel’s Sinuforce nasal spray, €8.99, contains 100% natural ingredients and provides relief for a blocked nose. It reduces swelling of the nasal mucous membranes and can be used by children over two and during pregnancy for up to 30 days.

A Vogel Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray, €12.20, is recommended for runny noses and can be used by children over six but not while pregnant or breastfeeding.

A.Vogel’s moisturising Eye Drops, €13.60 are designed to soothe tired or irritated eyes and can also be used during pregnancy and for children over three. A Vogel products are available in pharmacies and health stores; www. avogel.ie

Positive energy: The Hay-Band, based on traditional Chinese acupressure methods, provides natural relief for hay fever symptoms.

Applying pressure on the LI-11 or “QuiChi” point on the outer elbow is believed to draw negative energy away from the head.

A Hay-Band can be worn by adults and children over three but should not be used during pregnancy, €14.46 from pharmacies; www.haybands.co.uk

Day and night: When a new baby arrives sleep will be in short supply for a while, and if you already have another little one, you may find they are waking up too.

Harriet Croft, nursery buyer at Argos, recommends the Gro-Clock, a visual aid to help toddlers understand day and night and get the sleep they need. Explain to your child that although there may be noise going on, and it might seem like it’s time to get up, it’s not morning until the image of the night time turns to the sun on the clock.

The Gro Clock comes with a story book called Sleepy Farm to reinforce the message of getting a good night’s sleep, €33.99; www.argos.ie

Big toddle: Thousands of toddlers are taking up the challenge to become little heroes and toddle a half-mile in The Cow & Gate Big Toddle for Barnardos. Schools, crèches, parenting groups and families can register their little ones for A Big Toddle, which can be held anytime from today until June 31.

Everyone who registers at www.barnardos.ie/bigtoddle will receive a free pack with all the fun things they need to organise this fun sponsored walk.