Online and in the shops

ALBA IN ARGOS: Technology brand Alba has received the biggest overhaul in its 98-year history this autumn with an affordable new range in vibrant colours designed to appeal to children and teenagers. 

There’s Bluetooth speakers €17.99 in blue, green or pink; on-ear headphones €7.49; a SIM-free mobile available in blue or green, €29.95, and Alba’s first 7-inch tablet, €79.99, with 8GB of storage and two bumper cases to protect it from knocks and bumps. Alba products are available exclusively from Argos; www.argos.ie

LICE PATROL:

As children return to school, pharmacists are reminding parents that checking their children’s hair once a week is the most effective way to prevent an infestation of head lice.

“Treatment should only be applied if a living, moving louse is found. While it is understandable that parents want to try and prevent an outbreak, using treatment products as a precautionary measure does not work,” said Bernard Duggan of the Irish Pharmacy Union.

Your pharmacist will advise on the product that best suits your child as some children, particularly if they suffer from asthma or allergies, may be more vulnerable to a reaction to treatments; www.ipu.ie

Picksan Lice Stop Shampoo, €14.04, a chemical-free treatment which contains neem seed extract, is recommended by Wholefoods.

This shampoo is formulated to make combing easy, has a pleasant scent and is suitable for children from the age of two; www.wholefoods.ie

LET IT RAIN:

With vibrant original designs, Hatley childrenswear is designed to be both stylish and functional.

The range includes cosy coats, fleeces and wellies like their cheerful Farm Tractors Raincoat, €39.99.

The colourful polyurethane shell keeps the rain out, while the contrast terry lining keeps the warmth in.

Raincoats are PVC-free, machine washable and available is sizes from 12 months to eight years from www.bumpsnbabies.ie

SOAP SUCCESS:

Hygiene experts Initial are urging parents and schools to show children how to wash their hands properly to prevent the spread of illness as the new school year starts.

Their Hygiene Angels tour visited eight primary schools last May, where they found that 41% students were carrying high levels of bacteria on their hands.

Using UV glow gel and a UV torch, the germ-busting team showed children how germs can lurk on fingers and nails even when they look clean. Washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds removed up to 93% of bacteria; www.initial.ie