BloomBabies

Play and early development

Sophie la Girafe Gift Box

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Sophie La girafe

The Perfect Newborn Present That Actually Gets Used

Let’s be honest — most baby gifts are sweet, but not always… useful.

Some look lovely in a photo, but end up collecting dust or getting re-gifted.

But when we received the Sophie la Girafe newborn gift set (with the classic Sophie teether and Colo’ Rings), I didn’t realise how much we’d actually use it — every single day.

It quickly became one of those rare baby gifts that’s both beautiful and practical.

Here’s why I now include it in every “new baby” gift list I share with friends.

What’s In the Set

The gift set includes:

  • The iconic Sophie la Girafe teething toy
  • A Colo’ Rings rattle with soft textures and pastel colours
  • A ready-to-gift box that feels genuinely premium (without looking over-the-top)

It’s designed to be gifted straight away — no wrapping needed — and it just feels thoughtful and high quality from the start.

Why We Loved It

1. Sophie Isn’t Just Cute — She Works

Sophie la Girafe is one of those baby toys that’s stood the test of time — and now I get why.

When teething started, Sophie was the only teether my baby actually liked.

She’s the perfect size for little hands, soft enough to chew without hurting gums, and lightweight enough for tiny babies to manage on their own.

Plus, that gentle squeak and soft texture make her feel like more than just a bit of rubber.

We’ve taken Sophie everywhere — from cafés to flights to buggy walks.

She’s been drooled on, chewed, dropped, rescued from under sofas… and still going strong.

2. The Colo’ Rings Were a Total Surprise Hit

I wasn’t expecting much from the rattle — but it’s one of those quiet, sensory toys that babies love.

The contrasting textures (hard and soft), the gentle pastel colours, and the easy-to-grab shape made it ideal from 2–3 months onward.

It helped our little one learn to grip, shake, and pass objects between hands — all those early milestones we don’t notice until suddenly, they’re doing them.

Also: it doesn’t make a loud, annoying noise. A small win that matters more than you’d think.

3. The Gift Box Is Actually Lovely

Unlike so many over-wrapped boxes full of plastic filler, this one feels tasteful.

It looks nice, feels sturdy, and made me smile the moment I opened it.

If you’re giving this as a gift, you’ll be proud to hand it over — no wrapping needed, no extra packaging stress.

It’s one of the few “ready to gift” boxes I’d genuinely recommend.

What I Genuinely Love About It

  • Sophie is a classic for a reason — she works, and babies love her.
  • The rattle isn’t just filler — it’s well-designed and developmentally useful.
  • Safe and natural materials — 100% natural rubber and baby-safe paint.
  • A real gift that gets used — not just “shelf-pretty.”
  • Lovely French design — soft, elegant, and never tacky.
  • Perfect price point — not too cheap, not too much — just right for thoughtful gifting.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Sophie squeaks — just FYI. Some babies love it, some ignore it. (Ours was obsessed.)
  • Natural rubber scent — there’s a mild scent when new, but it fades quickly.
  • Clean it gently — Sophie is a sealed teether (so no mould risk inside), but avoid submerging fully — just wipe with damp cloth and mild soap.

Would I Recommend It?

100% — for gifting and for your own baby.

It’s elegant, practical, beautifully made, and genuinely gets used through those first 6+ months.

If you’re looking for a gift that’s both adorable and actually helpful, the Sophie + Colo’ Rings set is a winner.

Honestly?

This is the baby gift I now keep a few of in the cupboard, just in case someone announces they’ve had a baby.

It always lands well.

Where You Can Get It

Related Reads

Dream Upon a Cloud tummy time roll

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Tummy Time Roll

The Toy That Actually Made Tummy Time Bearable

Tummy time sounded simple enough.

But when my baby hated it from day one — face red, arms flailing, legs kicking in protest — I realised I needed help.

We tried mats, blankets, even lying on my chest… nothing worked for more than two minutes.

Then we tried the Mamas & Papas “Dream Upon a Cloud” tummy time roll, and something clicked.

It didn’t magically turn tummy time into baby yoga — but it made it easier, calmer, and even… enjoyable?

Here’s why this small, soft roll became a big win in our baby routine.

What It Is

The Dream Upon a Cloud tummy time roll is exactly what it sounds like:

  • A soft, plush support pillow that props baby up during tummy time
  • Filled with gentle sensory features (crinkle sounds, mirrors, rattles)
  • Suitable from birth onwards

It’s part of the gorgeous “Dream Upon a Cloud” collection from Mamas & Papas — soft greys, neutrals, and cloud shapes that blend beautifully with any room.

But more than that — it works.

How It Helped With Tummy Time

1. Gives Baby Just Enough Lift

The roll is the perfect height — not too high, not too low.

It props baby’s chest up so they can see more of the world without the full face-plant situation.

This position made tummy time less frustrating, especially in the early weeks when neck strength is still developing.

We started with 2–3 minutes a day and built up — and it was one of the only ways my baby didn’t instantly cry.

2. Engaging Without Overstimulating

The attached toys are simple but clever:

  • A soft mirror that actually gets noticed
  • Crinkly textures that encourage reaching
  • A rattle that isn’t obnoxiously loud

It kept my baby curious just long enough to stretch and push up a bit — and that’s a huge win when every minute counts in those early sessions.

Also, the muted colours and gentle textures mean no rainbow overload — great for babies who get overstimulated easily.

3. Soft, Supportive, and Safe

The fabric is plush and gentle — no scratchy seams, no plasticky surfaces.

I never worried about skin irritation or discomfort, even during longer sessions.

And because it’s compact and lightweight, I could move it from the nursery to the living room or even pack it when visiting grandparents.

Why I Genuinely Recommend It

  • Actually made tummy time doable in those tough early weeks.
  • Soft and safe for tiny babies.
  • Light and portable — easy to store or carry.
  • Engaging but calm — no flashing lights or chaotic colours.
  • Machine washable cover — because, obviously.

It’s one of those things that doesn’t seem essential at first — until you realise it’s making a difficult part of daily baby life easier for both of you.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Not a miracle toy:It won’t solve tummy time on its own — but it absolutely helps make it more manageable.
  • Wash cover before first use:It’s fine out of the box, but like anything baby-related, I gave it a quick wash first.
  • Outgrown eventually:Once baby is confidently lifting and rolling, you’ll use it less — but by then, you’ve already got your value.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes — especially if:

  • Your baby hates tummy time
  • You’re struggling to do it consistently
  • You want something soft, gentle, and beautifully made

It’s one of the few baby toys that felt genuinely helpful, not just decorative.

And those first weeks are hard enough — anything that helps, even a little, is worth it.

Where I Got Mine

(Tip: If you love the neutral colour scheme, check out the matching “Dream Upon a Cloud” playmat and mobile.)

Related Reads

  • [How to Survive the Fourth Trimester: My Realistic Essentials]
  • [Helping Your Baby Enjoy Tummy Time: What Worked for Us]

Little Dutch Soft Balls

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Blue Soft Ball

The First Toy My Baby Could Actually Grab and Play With

There’s a moment when your baby first starts interacting with the world — little fingers reaching, eyes tracking movement, tiny hands trying to hold onto something.

And in our case, that “something” was the Little Dutch Blue Forest Friends soft balls.

I didn’t expect much — they looked cute and harmless, so I added them to a basket one day.

But they turned out to be the first toy my baby genuinely loved using — and kept coming back to.

Here’s why I recommend these soft sensory balls to every parent with a curious, chubby-handed baby.

Why I Chose Them

Honestly? I was tired of hard plastic toys and overwhelming noisy things that did too much.

These felt simple, soft, and safe. Plus:

  • They’re lightweight (so no risk of baby head injuries)
  • They fit perfectly in small hands
  • They look lovely — calm blues and gentle animal illustrations

And being from Little Dutch, I already trusted the brand to make things that are well made and thoughtfully designed.

What Made These Balls a Hit

1. Easy to Grab, Hold and Chew

At around 3 months, my baby couldn’t quite manage most toys — they were too heavy, too slippery, or too complex.

But these? He could:

  • Grab them with both hands
  • Pull them to his mouth
  • Roll them across a blanket
  • Even squeeze them like a stress ball (which made a satisfying crinkle sound)

The soft texture and small size made them the perfect first toy to build hand strength and coordination.

2. Gentle Sensory Features Without Overstimulation

Each ball has a different texture or sound:

  • One crinkles
  • One rattles
  • One squeaks slightly
  • One is just soft and squashy

No batteries, no flashing lights, no “learning mode” voices — just good, quiet stimulation.

Great for tummy time, nappy-free time, or gentle play before naps.

3. Safe Enough to Be Left Alone With

By the time my baby was rolling confidently, I felt totally safe leaving him with these balls in his play gym or cot while I made tea.

No sharp edges, no choking hazards, nothing hard or awkward — just soft, easy, harmless fun.

Why I Keep Recommending Them

  • Perfect for 2 to 6 months and beyond
  • Great gift idea that’s not plastic or loud
  • Machine washable (yes, really)
  • Looks good in your home — soft blues, not neon chaos
  • Keeps baby busy independently for short stretches (gold dust!)

Honestly, they’re the sort of toy that doesn’t try to do too much — and that’s exactly why it works.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Not teething rings — they’re chewable, but not made for gnawing hard
  • Very soft — so older babies (10m+) might move on to balls they can throw or bounce
  • Hand wash or gentle cycle recommended — they wash well but don’t overdo it

Would I Recommend It?

100%.

If you want:

  • A first toy that actually fits baby’s abilities
  • Something calm and developmentally helpful
  • A lovely soft item that doesn’t scream “baby toy!”

Then these soft balls from Little Dutch are a quiet winner.

Perfect for gift-givers, minimalist parents, or just anyone who wants to give their baby something they’ll actually use.

Where I Got Mine

Related Reads

  • [The First 5 Toys My Baby Actually Used Before 6 Months]
  • [Tummy Time Toys That Actually Helped Build Strength]