Lately i've been wishing I could just pause time. Life is so busy and chaotic that one day turns into a week and then a week turns into a month. Life just seems like a blur. It only seems like yesterday that I gave birth to Eva, my first born child. Now, here I am 4.5 years down the line and only a couple of months away from her starting her reception class at school.
Eva and I were kindly sent some Ice-Watch timepieces from Ice-Watch and it was when I was looking at pictures of the two of us wearing them that I started to reflect on our time together as mummy and daughter.
She currently goes to preschool for 2.5 hours a day. I'm angry at myself for wishing she was in school for longer and fantasising what it will be like with all my spare time. I feel like I've been wishing her life away instead of pausing and enjoying the precious time I have with her before she grows up.
I have such fond memories of when it was just me and her, all the special moments and days out we took together. Then her sister came along and our family dynamic changed. Life became hectic. I become preoccupied with daily life rather than focusing on those moments in time.
If these last 4.5 years of parenting has taught me anything, it is to appreciate those small moments, those precious little exchanges between you and your children, the smiles, the laughter and even the tears. Believe you and me I have moaned through the clingy phases, the sleepless night phases, the terrible two's and now I would give anything to have that time back. I just wish I could make time stand still and soak in those moments.
I'm loving the stage where Eva and Ophelia still think i'm cool. We quite often twin or triplet each other with our clothing and instead of them thinking it's silly, they think it is amazing. These are the moments in time i'll never forget. They may want to forget it when their older but it'll be too late by then as i'll have the photographic evidence and the memories. Haha unlucky girls.
The gorgeous watches that you can see in our photos are from Ice-Watches. Mine is from the Ice sixty nine range and Eva's is from the ICE ola kids range.
These watches will always hold a special place in my heart. I have a jewellery box of all of my special things from when I was younger which includes my very first watch which was a pink, my little pony watch given to me by my great grandparents. This Ice-Watch timepiece is Eva's first watch which is a super special moment in her life and I am so pleased that we have twinning watches to share this experience together. I'll keep these watches in that special Jewellery box when she grows out of hers.
Do you think time goes too fast? Do you have special moments in time? Have you got keepsake jewellery items from when you were younger?
*Thank you to Ice-Watch's for sending us our watches*
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Oakwood Theme Park is engraved in my childhood memory. We had many school trips there and I always loved it, so when we were asked if we would like to visit with the girls, I jumped at the chance to show them something I enjoyed as a child. Both hubby and I haven't visited since we were teenagers so we were intrigued to see how it has changed.
Oakwood theme park is located in South Wales and is easily accessible by Car. We enjoyed the scenic drive which took us 1 hour 45 minutes from Cardiff. The parking is free (a bonus as other theme parks sometimes charge) and it is close to the theme park entrance which is always handy when you have children and strollers.
You can enter the park via a short train ride. I used to love this as a child. They run every 15 minutes but we had literally just missed a train departure so we took the very short walk to the park instead which took a couple of minutes.
We headed straight to the circus section of the park which is aimed at preschool age children so perfect for our girls. At that point it was lovely and sunny so they enjoyed the park area and the swings.
We then decided to sit on the grass and enjoy our picnic that we had brought with us for lunch. There are plenty of areas for you to sit down and eat your own food or alternatively there are restaurants and food outlets to purchase food from the park.
Next up we headed over to the Neverland area. This is quite a recent opening so we were looking forward to seeing this. Peter Pan is one of Eva's favourite films and one of my favourite books so we were hoping this section would do it justice.
You enter into Neverland through the London area. There are a few things to see and do here. We enjoyed the London Cab ride and we loved the journey through the home of the Darlings. Eva thought it was amazing spotting Peter Pan's shadow and Ophelia found the whole house fascinating. She was mesmerised by the lights.
Next up we ventured into 'Hook's House of Havoc' which is a giant soft play area. This was ideal for hubby and I to get a little rest whilst the girls ran riots.
The next ride we went on was a small log flume in skull rock. It's fairly safe to say we got quite wet. Our last adventure in Neverland saw Eva and Ophelia running around 'The Lost Boys Adventure' area which was a themed outdoor play area.
JM Barrie's book is really brought to life in here and represents the essence of the story. I adored having the music from 'Hook' being piped around the park. It really added to the atmosphere. This section is themed very well and captures the essence of what theme parks are all about. It takes you back to your childhood and allows you to embrace it.
We then headed towards the 'Bobsleigh' which was one of hubby's favourite rides here when he was younger. Eva thought it was fantastic and went on it twice. Apparently she preferred riding with daddy as he was much faster than I was.
Hubby and I then decided to ride 'Megafobia' which is a wooden roller coaster that we both loved as teens. Knowing that the ride was quite old we wondered whether it would still be as exciting as it was back when we first rode on it.
Luckily, it was as good as we remembered. It's fast and rickety and still has that wonderful wooden shaky sound which puts the fear inside you. It's a definite adrenaline pumper and in our opinion is still the UK's best wooden roller coaster by far.
Last up we visited 'Dahland' which will be opening fully at some point this year. As the name suggests it is themed around Roald Dahl. There is a rollercoaster based upon James and the Giant Peach and a walkthrough attraction based on Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spike's house, opening soon. This was a lovely section of the park with lots of flowers and nice decorations around.
Overall, we had a lovely day. The kids particularly enjoyed it. There was plenty there for them to do but hubby and I felt like the park could do with a few more 'thrill rides'. Our favourite section of the park was Neverland which is perfectly themed. The newness of this area and Dahland made some of the other areas look a bit tired and in need of a facelift.
It was quiet whilst we went so we managed to go on all of the children's rides that we wanted to go on. It will probably be busier during the half term so maybe the fast pass service would be needed then.
Hubby and I didn't get to ride all of the older 'thrill rides' that are there as we found it a bit of a task whilst waiting for one person to queue up per ride. I'd like to see them offer a parent swap service where one parent can queue for a 'thrill ride' and then the other can go to the front of the queue once they have rode. This is much easier when you are visiting parks with young children.
I think the park is reasonably priced for what is there and if you book in advance then you can get some great discounts. If we lived closer then I would consider an annual pass as the kids really did have a great time. You can get more information here about them, Annual Passes.
If you want a better view of our day then make sure you watch our video on youtube.
I'm very excited to announce that I am giving away a family pass to Oakwood which includes 2 adult and 2 children's tickets. You can enter via rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The next ride we went on was a small log flume in skull rock. It's fairly safe to say we got quite wet. Our last adventure in Neverland saw Eva and Ophelia running around 'The Lost Boys Adventure' area which was a themed outdoor play area.
JM Barrie's book is really brought to life in here and represents the essence of the story. I adored having the music from 'Hook' being piped around the park. It really added to the atmosphere. This section is themed very well and captures the essence of what theme parks are all about. It takes you back to your childhood and allows you to embrace it.
We then headed towards the 'Bobsleigh' which was one of hubby's favourite rides here when he was younger. Eva thought it was fantastic and went on it twice. Apparently she preferred riding with daddy as he was much faster than I was.
Hubby and I then decided to ride 'Megafobia' which is a wooden roller coaster that we both loved as teens. Knowing that the ride was quite old we wondered whether it would still be as exciting as it was back when we first rode on it.
Luckily, it was as good as we remembered. It's fast and rickety and still has that wonderful wooden shaky sound which puts the fear inside you. It's a definite adrenaline pumper and in our opinion is still the UK's best wooden roller coaster by far.
Last up we visited 'Dahland' which will be opening fully at some point this year. As the name suggests it is themed around Roald Dahl. There is a rollercoaster based upon James and the Giant Peach and a walkthrough attraction based on Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spike's house, opening soon. This was a lovely section of the park with lots of flowers and nice decorations around.
Overall, we had a lovely day. The kids particularly enjoyed it. There was plenty there for them to do but hubby and I felt like the park could do with a few more 'thrill rides'. Our favourite section of the park was Neverland which is perfectly themed. The newness of this area and Dahland made some of the other areas look a bit tired and in need of a facelift.
It was quiet whilst we went so we managed to go on all of the children's rides that we wanted to go on. It will probably be busier during the half term so maybe the fast pass service would be needed then.
Hubby and I didn't get to ride all of the older 'thrill rides' that are there as we found it a bit of a task whilst waiting for one person to queue up per ride. I'd like to see them offer a parent swap service where one parent can queue for a 'thrill ride' and then the other can go to the front of the queue once they have rode. This is much easier when you are visiting parks with young children.
I think the park is reasonably priced for what is there and if you book in advance then you can get some great discounts. If we lived closer then I would consider an annual pass as the kids really did have a great time. You can get more information here about them, Annual Passes.
If you want a better view of our day then make sure you watch our video on youtube.
I'm very excited to announce that I am giving away a family pass to Oakwood which includes 2 adult and 2 children's tickets. You can enter via rafflecopter below.
Terms & Conditions:
- Closing date is 00:00 am UK time on Wednesday 26th July
- No cash alternative to the prize stated
- This competition is open to the UK and Ireland only
- Entrants must log in and follow the directions given via the Rafflecopter widget
- All entries will be verified
- One winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter
- The winner will be notified within 5 days of the closing date. The winner must respond within 7 days of receiving the email to claim their prize
- The brand will dispatch the prize directly to the winner
- The competition is not affiliated with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Youtube
*Thank you to Oakwood for providing us with a family pass in exchange of our honest opinions*
So your first child is starting school. You're already a mixed bag of hormones and emotions and you have so many unanswered questions. You're crying cause you're eldest baby has grown up, what if they don't like it? What if they don't settle in? Did i get the right lunchbox? What if everyone else is having dinners?
After you've sent yourself into a frenzy, the anxiety about yourself as a mother kicks in. You realise you're nervous about your first school gate encounter. You've heard all about the various mums at the school gate, the gym mums, the helicopter mums, the mean girls, the always late mums, the practically perfect in every way mums and let's not forget the rumours and horror stories you've heard about those PTA dictator mums. Admit it, you thought PTA was code for parents to avoid.
The PTA mums are usually the stay at home, stepford wife type who look preened from head to toe and are holier than thou. They are attention seekers, full of themselves, over achievers, self righteous know it alls who can't do anything wrong. They wear a smug, I can and I will look on their faces and they certainly see you as the no good slummy mummy who is less of a mum than they are because you won't 'volunteer' your precious time for the good of the school. They drive 4x4's, they wear heals and they will quash you with their clipboards faster than you can run away from them at the school gate.
Image from Flickr by Athena LeTrelle https://www.flickr.com/photos/blacksnob/2423556199
You've heard all about their cake and coffee mornings. The pristine tablecloths, the Cath Kidston style napkins, the doily's and let's not forget about the perfectly baked cakes. Why would you want to offer your shoddy cake baking services when you have to compete with those pinterest crazy, Martha Stewart whipped, Mary Berry impersonating PTA dictator mums. You do not fit in that cliquey. Maybe you could buy your cake from the shop but if they find out they weren't homemade you will be made an example of. They will stand around you in a circle and hurl abuse at you and chant you are not worthy.
You've heard all about the meetings. The make up of the committee is like every family and army in Game of Thrones. Everyone wanting to get into power and everyone trying to take control. Make one wrong move or one stupid suggestion and you will face the axe. Anyway why would you even want to attend a meeting. You finally get an hour away from your kids so why on earth would you use that alone time to spend discussing kids and getting involved in school politics. Those type of politics that have you wondering whether you're 4 years old again in the preschool playground or defending yourself from the bullying 'mean girls' at high school.
Now you've heard the rumours, let me tell you the ugly truth about the PTA mums. Spoiler alert....the PTA mums are normal, regular, mums just like everyone else. I know it's hard to believe but they are.
I can assure you they are not what they are portrayed to be. Despite contrary belief, lots of them have jobs, they do want to join up for the good of the school, they do want to join to make friends and they want to join as they take pride in bringing a smile to their children's faces. I know this doesn't fit the PTA dictator stories but honestly they are just as down to earth as you are. The PTA is not a cult. You will not change if you join. You do not have to conform you can be yourself.
As a working mum, I joined the PTA to help feel involved in my daughter's school. I knew I wasn't on the school run everyday so I wanted to take an interest in what she does in other ways. She loves the fact that mummy helps organise events and when she comes back from a disco or a fair and tells me how much fun she had, I know all the hard work is worth it. Even if it means staying up till 1am drinking a bottle of wine and being up to my eyeballs in shopping lists and timetables.
I also wanted to make some mum friends. I didn't know any mums at my daughter's school and seeing as we are there for quite a few years I wanted to get to know people. I've made some fantastic friends since joining up. Some of which I may never have met had I not made that leap when I nervously attended my first meeting.
If you've seen the film Bad moms, we are very much like Mila Kunis and her gang. We drink, we swear and guess what we actually have fun. Yes we work hard and yes it's tough but we are normal human beings. We are not robots.
Why not try lending a hand? Sure you'll probably be jumped on straight away and welcomed with open arms of desperation but you never know, you may actually make some friends for life.
Basically what i'm trying to say is spare a thought about your PTA mums before you judge them and declare them as self-centred, control freaks. They are not the arseholes they are made out to be.
You may have read my recent blog post called, The Unconventional Guide to Flying Long Haul with Young Kids, (if you haven't pop over and read it, it's a good one). Many of you enjoyed it and therefore I have decided to turn it into a full blog series. I will be presenting you with my unconventional guides for all aspects of family travel such as hotel stays, the beach, camping, road trips etc.
Next up in the series is my Unconventional Guide to Packing a Suitcase with Young Kids. This in my opinion, is one of the most stressful parts of going on a family holiday. Read on for my tips. As always these are all very serious and sensible tips but told in the reality that actually occurs.
1) Buy a fancy new notepad to start making lists
Before you go anywhere start making lists. Lists of things to buy, things you like and then packing lists by person. All these lists of course, require a fancy new notepad from somewhere like Paperchase.
You'll then find you can't keep up with your notepad so you'lI start making some visual lists to place on the fridge and also some on your phone. That should do it.
After making all these lists you'll realise that you've spent so much time writing said lists and making them pretty that you actually haven't managed to tick anything off. You'll hate yourself for how unproductive you've been when you thought you were such an organised person.
Before you go anywhere start making lists. Lists of things to buy, things you like and then packing lists by person. All these lists of course, require a fancy new notepad from somewhere like Paperchase.
You'll then find you can't keep up with your notepad so you'lI start making some visual lists to place on the fridge and also some on your phone. That should do it.
After making all these lists you'll realise that you've spent so much time writing said lists and making them pretty that you actually haven't managed to tick anything off. You'll hate yourself for how unproductive you've been when you thought you were such an organised person.
2) Play a game of Jenga with yourself for 3 weeks
If you've got the room in your house then I'd always recommend starting to compile separate piles of clothes for each person going on your trip. Depending on when you start this (if you're truly hardcore you'll probably start 3 weeks in advance) then your piles of clothes become exceptionally high. For the next few weeks you'll find yourself engaging in what can only be described as the worst game of Jenga you have ever played.
You'll add clothes to the pile, it becomes higher and higher. You realise you need something from the middle of the pile, you take it out and wham, you're at the bottom of a heap of swimwear, vests and various other clothing essentials. Whilst you're underneath the heap you start to sympathise with the various people you've squashed during an encounter of pile on in your childhood years. You start to realise how awful it is to be at the bottom.
Up you get and you start the whole process again. Time for the next round of Jenga, round 212.
3) Find someone muscular to wrestle with the suitcases
If you're like me then your suitcases are in the attic or placed somewhere ridiculous that you can't easily get to. Find yourself someone that resembles 'The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson' and send them up into the attic on your behalf.
If you've ever had to wrestle the suitcases out of attic you will know that finding someone else to do it should be top priority. Let them get the sweat on and enjoy watching them struggle and inevitably start swearing.
4) Pour yourself a glass of wine
Packing for an one adult is stressful enough, packing for everyone including young kids is the stuff of nightmares. You'll thank me later for the wine.
5) Use ulterior motives to keep the kids busy but productive
Make sure the kids have a suitcase of their own for the cabin section of the plane, something like a Trunki. You can then get them to pack their own hand luggage whilst you're packing the suitcase. This will be the most exciting task you've ever asked them to do.
This task has lots of benefits:
6) Keep receipts of new clothes
Remember all those fancy new outfits you bought for the kids? Well make sure you try them on. We went on holiday last year and absolutely nothing (not exaggerating here) fit our baby at all. All the new shorts, skirts. vests etc, all wasted and baby spent most of the holiday in her nappy. Parenting fail.
7) Find bigger suitcases
Whether you're aiming to take 1, 2, 4 etc suitcases, you will need more room. The little people in your life take up so much space. For such small people they certainly require a lot of stuff.
8) Make your suitcases pretty
There is nothing worse than standing around at baggage claim looking at what feels like 5001 black suitcases wondering which one's are yours. The kids wanna be on the move, you'll be sick of hearing are we there yet? Let's Go, I need the toilet, so make sure your suitcases are easily recognisable.
Either get some coloured suitcases or start decorating yours. This is another tip for keeping the kids excited and entertained. They will love adding ribbon etc to the cases.
9) Keep the important stuff up high
When you're packing the important bits like passports, tickets, insurance documents, basically anything you cannot go on holiday without, make sure they are out of arms reach. Actually, just make sure they are as high up and as far away as possible. If your kids are like mine then they do some fantastic Spiderman impressions. Literally jumping off the walls and climbing anything and everything in sight. If they know there is something very important in one of those bags, they will seek it out and believe me they will find it.
10) Learn to become an expert at shape sorting
You know those games you used to play when the kids were very little, the shape sorting ones, where you put various shapes into holes in a tub and then tip the tub back out and start again. Well packing suitcases with young kids is just like that, except the gigantic version that'll send you into fits of despair.
You mould everything into different shapes, you stick and stuff them into tiny spaces in the case, then you take them all back out and start again. This process will be repeated about 100 times.
11) Never ever leave the suitcases unattended
Unless you want your child to pull everything out of that neatly packed case, just like they do with their own wardrobes and drawers, then make sure the zips are fully closed and locks are on. If they can get in that treasure chest (that's clearly what they imagine the suitcase to be), they'll be in it and emptying it faster than they've ever done anything.
12) Take a break
Remember that glass of wine I was telling you about earlier. Step away from the case and pour yourself another. All that packing is exhausting. You need the rest.
13) Remember you are not going to the Amazon
Unless you're going on holiday to the Amazon rainforest or the Sahara desert just remember that things can actually be bought once you arrive. Don't stress when trying to cram 440 nappies and 20 packets of wet wipes into a suitcase, simply buy more when you are there.
14) Pack industrial stain remover
Remember all of those lovely new outfits we were referring to earlier? Unless you want them permanently etched in sun tan lotion, ice cream, poo, sick, tomato sauce and any other stain you can think of, make sure you pack a stain remover. It'll save you the bother of crying over a ruined £20 outfit from Next which they've only worn once.
15) You don't need it
A phrase which I need to embrace more. You're going away for 7 days so that means you each need 28 outfits, yes? Seriously we've all been there. We tend to overpack and over compensate. Our favourite phrases are 'just in case'. There's being cautious and there's being plain stupid. Say it with me 'YOU DON'T NEED IT'.
That's it from me. Enjoy your travels and happy packing.
If you've got the room in your house then I'd always recommend starting to compile separate piles of clothes for each person going on your trip. Depending on when you start this (if you're truly hardcore you'll probably start 3 weeks in advance) then your piles of clothes become exceptionally high. For the next few weeks you'll find yourself engaging in what can only be described as the worst game of Jenga you have ever played.
You'll add clothes to the pile, it becomes higher and higher. You realise you need something from the middle of the pile, you take it out and wham, you're at the bottom of a heap of swimwear, vests and various other clothing essentials. Whilst you're underneath the heap you start to sympathise with the various people you've squashed during an encounter of pile on in your childhood years. You start to realise how awful it is to be at the bottom.
Up you get and you start the whole process again. Time for the next round of Jenga, round 212.
3) Find someone muscular to wrestle with the suitcases
If you're like me then your suitcases are in the attic or placed somewhere ridiculous that you can't easily get to. Find yourself someone that resembles 'The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson' and send them up into the attic on your behalf.
If you've ever had to wrestle the suitcases out of attic you will know that finding someone else to do it should be top priority. Let them get the sweat on and enjoy watching them struggle and inevitably start swearing.
4) Pour yourself a glass of wine
Packing for an one adult is stressful enough, packing for everyone including young kids is the stuff of nightmares. You'll thank me later for the wine.
5) Use ulterior motives to keep the kids busy but productive
Make sure the kids have a suitcase of their own for the cabin section of the plane, something like a Trunki. You can then get them to pack their own hand luggage whilst you're packing the suitcase. This will be the most exciting task you've ever asked them to do.
This task has lots of benefits:
- It keeps them busy and entertained whilst you're concentrating. Winner!!
- It saves you a job later on. Winner!!
- They've packed what they want to take so they can't get upset when they've not got something. Just remember they packed it not you. Winner!!
- They become very attached to their case and will remain responsible for it throughout the holiday meaning you won't have to carry it. Double Winner!!
6) Keep receipts of new clothes
Remember all those fancy new outfits you bought for the kids? Well make sure you try them on. We went on holiday last year and absolutely nothing (not exaggerating here) fit our baby at all. All the new shorts, skirts. vests etc, all wasted and baby spent most of the holiday in her nappy. Parenting fail.
7) Find bigger suitcases
Whether you're aiming to take 1, 2, 4 etc suitcases, you will need more room. The little people in your life take up so much space. For such small people they certainly require a lot of stuff.
8) Make your suitcases pretty
There is nothing worse than standing around at baggage claim looking at what feels like 5001 black suitcases wondering which one's are yours. The kids wanna be on the move, you'll be sick of hearing are we there yet? Let's Go, I need the toilet, so make sure your suitcases are easily recognisable.
Either get some coloured suitcases or start decorating yours. This is another tip for keeping the kids excited and entertained. They will love adding ribbon etc to the cases.
9) Keep the important stuff up high
When you're packing the important bits like passports, tickets, insurance documents, basically anything you cannot go on holiday without, make sure they are out of arms reach. Actually, just make sure they are as high up and as far away as possible. If your kids are like mine then they do some fantastic Spiderman impressions. Literally jumping off the walls and climbing anything and everything in sight. If they know there is something very important in one of those bags, they will seek it out and believe me they will find it.
10) Learn to become an expert at shape sorting
You know those games you used to play when the kids were very little, the shape sorting ones, where you put various shapes into holes in a tub and then tip the tub back out and start again. Well packing suitcases with young kids is just like that, except the gigantic version that'll send you into fits of despair.
You mould everything into different shapes, you stick and stuff them into tiny spaces in the case, then you take them all back out and start again. This process will be repeated about 100 times.
11) Never ever leave the suitcases unattended
Unless you want your child to pull everything out of that neatly packed case, just like they do with their own wardrobes and drawers, then make sure the zips are fully closed and locks are on. If they can get in that treasure chest (that's clearly what they imagine the suitcase to be), they'll be in it and emptying it faster than they've ever done anything.
12) Take a break
Remember that glass of wine I was telling you about earlier. Step away from the case and pour yourself another. All that packing is exhausting. You need the rest.
13) Remember you are not going to the Amazon
Unless you're going on holiday to the Amazon rainforest or the Sahara desert just remember that things can actually be bought once you arrive. Don't stress when trying to cram 440 nappies and 20 packets of wet wipes into a suitcase, simply buy more when you are there.
14) Pack industrial stain remover
Remember all of those lovely new outfits we were referring to earlier? Unless you want them permanently etched in sun tan lotion, ice cream, poo, sick, tomato sauce and any other stain you can think of, make sure you pack a stain remover. It'll save you the bother of crying over a ruined £20 outfit from Next which they've only worn once.
15) You don't need it
A phrase which I need to embrace more. You're going away for 7 days so that means you each need 28 outfits, yes? Seriously we've all been there. We tend to overpack and over compensate. Our favourite phrases are 'just in case'. There's being cautious and there's being plain stupid. Say it with me 'YOU DON'T NEED IT'.
That's it from me. Enjoy your travels and happy packing.
Diono recently launched their brand new multi-mode pushchair, Quantum Travel System and I was kindly invited along to the event. It was held at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge last month. I haven't used any of their products before but I have heard amazing things about their Radian Car Seat so I was very keen to see what features they had put onto a travel system.
The event itself was great. I got to catch up with some other bloggers, Hannah from Budding Smiles, Lucy from Mrs H's Favourite Things and Al from The Dad Network. There was food, drink and DJ Sara Cox on the decks. The atmosphere was lovely.
The Quantum Travel System looks fantastic. Its stylish and modern in design and perfect for both mums and dads. I say this because I have a very bright, vibrant, patterned stroller which my husband hates using but I know he would be more than happy to be seen pushing this one. It is available in black, navy, teal and red. I really liked the navy.
The first thing I noticed is all the clever design features. It's clear that Diono has engineered the Quantum to ensure that it makes the parent's life easier and that baby's ride will be safe and comfortable.
The feature that I was blown away by was the brake. It is easily the best brake I have ever seen on a pushchair. Laugh all you like at me but this honestly was a revelation. It is a very simple one step brake which is easily located in the middle of the bar. Finally a brand have listened to all our grumblings. No more stubbed toes and scuffed shoes.
A massive thumbs up is given to the convertible 3 in 1 smart seat. I've never seen anything like it. The carriage is able to be transformed into a toddler seat with clips and therefore you don't have to have 2 different seats like other strollers. This is such a space saver and a genius idea in my opinion.
Another feature which is perfect for us as a travel loving family is the extra large eclipse hood. In sunnier weather we often struggle to find a hood that shields the sun away from all areas of Ophelia's body. It also has a sun visor, peekaboo panel and a ventilation panel making it ideal for all the elements.
There are numerous other designs that made the stroller fab such as the extra large basket, one hand easy fold, parent facing option, 6 position handle bars and the list continues.
There was a small test track set up so that we could really put the Quantum to the test. It had various terrains along the track to put the stroller through its paces. The test track actually reminded me of my school run journey. I encounter curbs, rough pavements and grass. The Quantum was easy to manoeuvre and incredibly lightweight.
My first impressions are wonderful. I was very impressed with the stroller. It's really been designed with parents in mind making it adventure ready. It would certainly make any journey enjoyable and stress free. I would love to give it a full test as it seems perfect for our outgoing, travel loving, adventure craving family. For £500 I think it is fantastic value for money and very competitive against the rest of the market.
*Thanks to Diono for inviting me to the launch. I was not paid to attend however, my expenses were covered. All opinions are my own*
The event itself was great. I got to catch up with some other bloggers, Hannah from Budding Smiles, Lucy from Mrs H's Favourite Things and Al from The Dad Network. There was food, drink and DJ Sara Cox on the decks. The atmosphere was lovely.
The Quantum Travel System looks fantastic. Its stylish and modern in design and perfect for both mums and dads. I say this because I have a very bright, vibrant, patterned stroller which my husband hates using but I know he would be more than happy to be seen pushing this one. It is available in black, navy, teal and red. I really liked the navy.
The first thing I noticed is all the clever design features. It's clear that Diono has engineered the Quantum to ensure that it makes the parent's life easier and that baby's ride will be safe and comfortable.
The feature that I was blown away by was the brake. It is easily the best brake I have ever seen on a pushchair. Laugh all you like at me but this honestly was a revelation. It is a very simple one step brake which is easily located in the middle of the bar. Finally a brand have listened to all our grumblings. No more stubbed toes and scuffed shoes.
A massive thumbs up is given to the convertible 3 in 1 smart seat. I've never seen anything like it. The carriage is able to be transformed into a toddler seat with clips and therefore you don't have to have 2 different seats like other strollers. This is such a space saver and a genius idea in my opinion.
Another feature which is perfect for us as a travel loving family is the extra large eclipse hood. In sunnier weather we often struggle to find a hood that shields the sun away from all areas of Ophelia's body. It also has a sun visor, peekaboo panel and a ventilation panel making it ideal for all the elements.
There are numerous other designs that made the stroller fab such as the extra large basket, one hand easy fold, parent facing option, 6 position handle bars and the list continues.
There was a small test track set up so that we could really put the Quantum to the test. It had various terrains along the track to put the stroller through its paces. The test track actually reminded me of my school run journey. I encounter curbs, rough pavements and grass. The Quantum was easy to manoeuvre and incredibly lightweight.
My first impressions are wonderful. I was very impressed with the stroller. It's really been designed with parents in mind making it adventure ready. It would certainly make any journey enjoyable and stress free. I would love to give it a full test as it seems perfect for our outgoing, travel loving, adventure craving family. For £500 I think it is fantastic value for money and very competitive against the rest of the market.
*Thanks to Diono for inviting me to the launch. I was not paid to attend however, my expenses were covered. All opinions are my own*
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