Online and in the shops

Trolley treat: Brand Newbies waterproof trolley seat cover will keep your little one dry and cosy on shopping trolleys, which are sometimes damp from being out in the rain. 

The padded cover is available in a germ-resistant, black and white Marrakesh print, with a safety strap and loops and pouches for toys or a drink.

Easy to assemble and machine washable, it comes in a zippered bag and can also be used on restaurant highchairs and playground swings.

Suitable for babies from six months (or once they can sit independently) up to about age four, the trolley cover costs €24.95 from Sligo-based www.brandnewbies.com

Go pro: Giving infants a probiotic could help ease colic symptoms. A recent trial involved infants aged two weeks to four months who had been diagnosed with colic and were randomly assigned to receive a placebo or probiotic mixture for 30 days.

Parents of infants who were given the probiotic reported a significant improvement in symptoms. Average daily crying time was reduced by at least half for 82.6% of infants in the probiotic group after seven days and 39% experienced a resolution of symptoms.

The probiotic used in the trial, Bio-Kult Infantis, contains a seven-strain mixture of probiotics and prebiotics, Omega 3 and Vitamin D3 and comes in an easy to use powdered sachet, €11.95 for 16 sachets from pharmacies and health food stores; http://www.bio-kult.com

Perfect pop: Looking for a healthier savoury snack? British gourmet brand Propercorn believe in popcorn ‘done properly’ which means they hand-pop their corn and it’s designed to deliver on health and taste.

Made using natural ingredients, suitable for vegetarians, gluten-free and under 130 calories a packet, there are five flavours to choose from including bestselling Sweet & Salty, their signature blend of sea salt and brown sugar.

Watch out for Propercorn’s distinctive hand-illustrated packets which are now available in supermarkets here, €1.20, with sharing bags €2.69; www.propercorn.com

Tiger treasures: For back-to-school stationery with a little Scandi style, check out your local Tiger store. With packs of pencils, markers, gel pens, folders, sticky notes, etc, there’s lots to choose from, with most items priced at €1 or €2. These pretty notebooks with a House Design come in large €3, medium €2 and small sizes €1; www.tiger-stores.ie