- Adventure Mat (from £362.33 + VAT), Asco, www.ascoeducational.co.uk
Wondering how to provide lots of physical, full-body activity for the very young? This adventure mat, new and exclusive to Asco, could well provide the answer.
Simply place the mat over cushions, beanbags and the like to create a safe and exciting adventure landscape of mountains and valleys.
Every time, a different landscape can be created for children to crawl, slide or romp over, activities that will build muscle and help develop motor skills, balance and co-ordination.
The mat, which has a soft, imitation-leather skin and non-slip backing, is easy to wipe clean and to roll up (but it is bulky). It comes in five colours (blue, orange, yellow, red and green) and three sizes, with the smallest at 280 x 250 x 3cm (9.8kg).
- Miracle Band (£9.99); Miracle scarf (£19.99), Yes! SuperBaby, www.yessuperbaby.com/miracle-bands.html
Slip this soft and washable Velour band over your wrist - or baby's leg - for some stimulating play.
The band comes with four satin tabs, a squeaky fish and musical fish, which are attached by a Velcro loop and can be replaced with other small toys. The band follows on from the company's Miracle Scarf (£19.99, which hangs easily around the parent or practitioner's neck and comes with features aimed at encouraging soothing and playful interactions between adult and child.
It features satin tabs and chunky knots, a peek-a-boo pocket for storing a soother or favourite toy, a musical flower and animal squeaker and Velcro links for attaching other small toys.
The scarves help enhance positive attachment between carer and baby, both at home and in the nursery, says the company. Older children like to use the scarves in their role play.
SPECIAL OFFER
Save 10 per cent on a Starter Kit of 2 Scarves and 2 Bands for only £53.90 (save 10 per cent). Available online on www.yessuperbaby.com/quote SET or call 020 8749 7733
- Young Builder's Set (£169), Morley's, www.morleysearlyyears.co.uk
Eager young builders will love this set of replica tools of the building trade. Included are a cement mixer, wheelbarrow, builder's buckets (x6), brick makers (2), trowels (2), floats (2), helmets (6) and a broom.
The self-assembly cement mixer is made of sturdy plastic and has a rotating drum.
- Baseline tables and chairs (tables from £129, chairs from £16.95), Morley's, www.morleysearlyyears.co.uk
A sturdy range of tables and chairs to brighten up your setting is now available and exclusive to Morley's.
Tables come in a variety of shapes (square, circular, rectangular and kidney-shaped), in two sizes (46 and 56cm) and with a five-year guarantee. The matching chairs are stackable and available in three heights (23,28 or 33cm). Both tables and chairs have rounded edges and are easy to clean.
- Sleeved Wonderbib (small, £6.50; large £7.50), Mum 2 Mum, www.ukmum2mum.co.uk
If very young children want to take cover during messy play, then try the new Sleeved Wonderbib. Made from 100 per cent cotton with a nylon water-resistant backing, it completely covers a child's torso and arms and comes in two sizes: six to 18 months and 18 months to three years.
Like the company's Original and Bandana Wonder Bibs, they are said to be super-absorbent.
- Giant Umbrellas (from £800; 5m diameter kindergarten umbrella from £2,150), M&D Gee, www.mdgee.co.uk
A range of 80 giant umbrellas, suitable for protecting young children from the sun or rain, are available from this Hertfordshire-based company.
The umbrellas come in different shapes - square, rectangular and round - and colours, and have an aluminium frame, removable winding handle and five-year guarantee. Options include a portable stand.
PRODUCTS FOR REVIEW?
If you have a new product that you would like reviewed, then e-mail details to: ruth.thomson@haymarket.com
