Veggy Knitted Rattle Set

These were bought before Issey was born. I thought they were very unusual and funny. I couldn’t resist getting several: Carrot, radish, pea pod, cauliflower and squash (in the wash).

Issey plays with them regularly now, especially since she started shaking anything that rattles. They are soft and nice to handle and easy to keep clean, just pop them in the wash with baby's clothes.

Available from Urchin.

Brightspark Slings

This sling was a recommendation from my NCT antenatal class teacher and a complete winner for me during the first couple of months of Issey's life. My husband and I took turns carrying her around in this fleecy sling. She loved it, the sling kept her warm and close whilst freeing up both of our hands to get on with chores. I've heard mums say how they felt so trapped during the first few weeks on the sofa with the baby because it needed to be held all the time.

I imagine the sling must recreate to some degree the experience of being in the womb for the newborn, the same rocking motion of the mother moving around and the sound of your heartbeat. It was sometimes the only way to soothe her at night, walking around with her in the sling.

I wouldn't have another baby without one of these. I was able to get out and about, get my shopping done and nurse her discreetly when necessary. Plus it is easy to wash and dries quickly. Available in a number of colours and sizes. We ordered one a size too large, but they were quick to despatch a replacement.

Knitted Finger Puppets

Hand knitted wool finger puppets, sometimes very odd and funny. They make lovely gifts for new babies, even just to include as part of the gift wrapping at a babyshower. They are super useful to take with on long trips. Easy to carry around in your pocket and provided you have a free hand can be a great source of amusement for your baby. Great for teaching animal names and sounds or for acting out stories.

I found my first set in a sale at a local plant shop and bought all their stock. Then I found a shop in Paris that only sold finger puppets, but fortunately they were closed otherwise my bank account might have taken quite a hit. Most of these in my collection come from Peru (bought by a friend) or a nun in Greece who knits these for charity. But you can find them all over the internet and I have seen them for sale on some markets in London too.

Its possible to collect them endlessly as the range is vast and very inventive.

Handmade Cat Doll

I bought this for the nursery before Issey was born. You can find the most amazing handmade toys on the internet these days. I am very inspired by Loobylu and her softies (I think she played a major role in popularising the trend), and the softies for sale on sites like Etsy. I found this little doll at Bettyjoy.

She’s fragile and not for playing with, just for looking pretty on a shelf or windowsill. I love that little smile and her apricot fuzziness.

Pink Panther Music Box

I found this little treasure in Paris some time ago when we were rushing to find the kitchenware shop E. Dehillerin. It was in a shop window full of curiosities that caught my eye and after the kitchenware we came back to browse. The naked music boxes charmed me instantly – the only difficulty was deciding on which song to get. But there’s something about the Pink Panther theme and the clear plinky plonky sound that is just made for each other.

I love the fact that it’s unadorned: the exposed machinery looks beautiful, and it’s fun to be able to control the music’s speed as you turn the little handle. The sound is amplified when you hold the music box against a flat, resonant surface like a table or cupboard. Little kids love it.

Looking for music boxes online while writing this, I found this wonderful music box that plays happy birthday and comes with a blank score and a punch so you can compose your own tune. I’d love to make a special tune for my sweetie.