Body Text Images:
Jay-Z lullabies and Bob Marley-inspired baby grows are just a few of the items in our alternative baby gift guide
FROM ROC-A-FELLA to Rockabye Baby – Jay-Z has had his music immortalised in a lullaby style.
Yes, the hip-hop hero is the latest star to have his hits reworked by Rockabye Baby, a US label that transforms pop music favourites into lullabies for little ones. And with my own nine-month-old often in need of soothing (we’ve hit the teething phase), needless to say, the album was well received in my household.
Some of the Jigga hits to receive the baby-friendly makeover are Empire State of Mind, Big Pimpin’, Can’t Knock The Hustle and Hard Knock Life.
Oh, and parents needn’t fear about hearing any expletives from the rapper and founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, as Rockabye Baby creates instrumental versions of classic hits. In addition, guitars and drums are traded for xylophones and bells, to create lullaby versions of pop favourites (say ‘awww’).
Other hits to make the album include Run This Town, Show Me What You Got and Girls, Girls Girls.
Inspired by this unique album, we put together a selection of alternative baby gifts. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a baby shower, a christening, or you’re expecting yourself, you’re bound to find the perfect prezzie in our gift guide for tiny tots.
.....................................................................................
Rockabye Baby CDs
JAY-Z isn’t the only artist to have his music transformed into lullabies. Bob Marley, Kanye West, Madonna, Coldplay and The Beatles are amongst the stars whose music has been made baby friendly by Rockabye Baby.
If you’re looking for soothing music for your little one, you can’t go wrong with these. I guarantee you’ll feel at ease hearing Marley’s Stir It Up delivered in a lullaby style!
Albums priced at £11.99.Visit www.rockabyebabymusic.co.uk
.....................................................................................
Nappy cakes
I WAS in complete awe when I received a nappy cake from a friend during my pregnancy. Beautifully designed – and hugely practical – the unique gift comes complete with a variation of goods – most significantly, nappies – all wrapped and packaged in the shape of a cake.
This two-tier cake includes a bib, a vest, a blanket, scratch mittens, a face cloth, a teddy bear, a handwritten card and – the main essential – approximately 20 nappies. A great start-up gift for new parents or parents-to-be.
Priced at £29.99. Visit www.newbabybundle.co.uk
.....................................................................................
Dolls by Verona
AS featured in Life & Style in our June 6 issue, Dolls By Verona creates unique dolls in a range of skin tones, all dressed in African-print clothing. Made from felt and fibre hollow filled, each doll is individually made.
For more information email claswald@aol.com [12] or find the company on Facebook: Dolls by Verona C
.....................................................................................
Deluxe Baby Print Impression Kit
The Mothercare Deluxe Baby Print Impression Kit includes everything you need to make a beautiful impression of your baby's hands or feet, and includes a high quality wooden frame to display your impression alongside a photo of your baby.
Priced at £20. Visit www.mothercare.com
.....................................................................................
Cool clothing for nippaz with attitude
IF you’re after a bit of music-inspired fun, Nippaz With Attitude provides some cool clothing. Whether it’s the Tupac-inspired mama ain’t raisin’ no fool baby grow; others that pay homage to The Wailers and Wu Tang Clan; or the Jay-Z driven 99 problems bib, the company provides plenty of cool clobber for kiddies.
Baby grows £16.99, bib £9.99. Visit www.nippazwithattitude.com [13]
.....................................................................................
Converse baby socks
THIS pack from Converse comes with two pairs of baby bootie-shaped socks, both of which have woven trainer motifs and printed logo detailing on the ankles. A cute baby-version of the popular footwear brand.
Priced at £8. Visit www.debenhams.com
.....................................................................................
Colorblind Cards
INJECTING ethnic diversity into greeting cards, Colorblind Cards offers a selection of designs, perfect for new parents. A lovely way to offer congratulations on the arrival of a new bundle of joy.
Priced at £2.99. Visit www.colorblindcards.com
.....................................................................................
Personalised baby shoes
LOOKING for a cute keepsake for a newborn? How about baby shoes personalised with the tiny tot’s name and date of birth? Chic and unique all in one go.
Priced at £24.50. Visit www.notonthehighstreet.com [14]
.....................................................................................
African-print clothing
IF you’re after baby clothing that’s different to that on the high street, these garments are a great alternative. Using African-inspired prints, House of Loulee creates a beautiful range of outfits, boots and bibs.
Pink outfit £19, bib £5. Visit www.houseofloulee.co.uk
.....................................................................................
Books
IT’S never too early to read to a little one, so why not encourage a love of literature with a selection of baby books? Where’s Lenny? by Ken Wilson-Max or So Much from Trish Cooke are just a couple of suggestions of books that offer imaginative stories for young minds.
For Where’s Lenny? visit www.franceslincoln.com [15] For So Much visit www.trishcooke.co.uk