January 2010
Happy New Year!
Wishing you all the very best for 2010!

We are delighted to announce we have just reached another milestone with over 650 TIPS Testers now signed up. If you wish to join our dedicated team of Testers then all you have to do is follow the instructions on our registration page here....

You will be informed of all new trials and if you fulfil the entry requirements you will be added to the next trial. Just click on one of the links below to check out the results of all the TIPS trials:

• Aquasolari bed pad
• baby baths
• baby skincare products
• baby wipes
• Bentley Organic toy sanitizer
• breast pads and breast treatments
• cuddle towels
• decongestants
• Dribblebuster bib
• Ella's Kitchen baby food
• Miracle Scarf and Miracle Band
• nursing bras and nursing tops
• open cups
• Shampoo Rinse Cup
• Swimava products
• TENS machines
• thermometer and Milton wipes

December 2009
Win one of 50 celebratory bottles of Weleda Baby Calendula Baby Oil worth £7.95

This competition is run in association with the December/January 2010 issue of The Green Parent Magazine. Find out how to enter here.....

19 November 2009
TIPS Top Brand (Baby Skincare 2007) and Best of the Best (Baby Wipes 2009) both win Gold at the annual Mother & Baby Awards!

Weleda and Jackson Reece were both Gold Winners at the recent Mother & Baby Awards Dinner where I was lucky enough to be a guest of Weleda.

I am thrilled to see these excellent companies finally being recognised for their safe and responsible approach to baby skincare and would like to congratulate them both on their well deserved win!

Our pictures show Karin Calladine (Marketing Manager for Weleda) receiving the award from Mother & Baby Editor in Chief Miranda Levy and guest host Hugh Dennis plus Colin and Janet Cordner (Founders of Jackson Reece Baby Wipes) celebrating with me after collecting their Gold award.
You can read the full list of winners here.

14 November 2009
CLIC Sargent Blues Ball

A great night was had by all including TIPS prize winners Fiona and Iain (see picture) at the yearly CLIC Sargent Ball held at the Princess Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse.

The evening began with a champagne reception then we were treated to a delicious four-course meal. Entertainment was provided by local schoolgirl singing sensation Rebecca Shearing, Frank Sinatra sound-alike Paul Ellis and the excellent Glasgow Soul band ‘Counselled Out’ who kept us on our feet until the wee hours! Charity auctioneers Willie Hamilton and Robbie Taylor kept bidding brisk (including me!) during an exciting auction as dozens of amazing lots went under the hammer and not forgetting the HUGE tombola and raffle prizes making sure that most guests went home with an armful of goodies.

An update on next year’s Kilimanjaro Challenge in aid of our friend Allister Boyd (you can read more about this here) with 31 brave trekkers already signed up – good luck to all of you and we will bring you news of their adventure when the time comes.

Despite the credit crunch we are delighted to announce that this event went on to raise a whopping £46.000!

It is 20 years since Malcolm Sargent House opened its doors to help provide individual support to children and young people with cancer and leukaemia.

Supported by members of the fundraising committee, May Gilchrist, Community Fundraising Manager, succeeded in pulling off yet another success. By the end of the evening we were all ready for a seat (see picture of May and Sharon) but it was worth all the hard work. A BIG thank you to all the sponsors, especially Brown Brothers printers who wowed us with the stunning programme which was cleverly presented in a mock LP cover (see picture). This was a truly memorable night.

For more information or to make a donation go to: www.clicsargent.org.uk

16-18 October 2009 - Congratulations to Greatvine on their Baby Show success at Earls Court!

Greatvine are just back from their first Baby Show, where they achieved a tremendous 468 signups in total - the equivalent of 1 signup ever 3 minutes over the course of the 3 days! An innovative website, Greatvine.com offers individual advice, by phone, direct from the country's best experts - Sharon is one of Greatvine's many consultants.

Sadly Sharon could not be at there, but the stand was very busy (see picture to the right) and the team gave away 1700 Greatvine goody-bags with promotional materials for the site and the experts, including the TIPS Babycare – back to basics™ leaflet. Each bag also contained a £10 Greatvine voucher for people to use against a Greatvine consultation of their choice.

You can find out more or book your very own one-to-one consultation with Sharon here...

October 2009 - Baby Wipes Awards 2009 now online…

Find out how we set-up the brand new 2009 Baby Wipes trial and read the final reviews here.

September 2009 - Weleda need your vote…

Weleda Lavender creamy body wash has been nominated for Best Organic Product in the Bloom Awards 2009.

Weleda Lavender creamy body wash has been nominated for Best Organic Product in the Bloom Awards 2009. For your chance to win the entire selection of nominated products (worth £600!) all you have to do is take part in the consumer online vote at www.askamum.co.uk

Find out more about the survey here.

August 2009 - And the lucky winner is....

Baby Evie shows off her brand new BumGenius colourful collection!

Mum Jo won the main prize in TIPS e-newsletter 14: the ultimate bumGenius package to become a reusable family: 10 bumGenius One Size nappies, a pail liner, a travel bag, 100% unbleached cotton washable wipes and Baby Legs, worth £200!

Of the washable nappies Mum says: "I've been really impressed with them, i've had no leaks at all, they are incredibly absorbant and the fact that they dry in no time means they have a quick turnaround which is fantastic."

Thank you Mum Jo and Baby Evie for the lovely photo!

July 2009 - Congratulations to our 600th Parent Tester!
We are delighted to announce that our family of Parent Testers has just broken through yet another amazing milestone!

Clare from Leeds was unaware she had become the 600th TIPS Parent Tester until Sharon called her up with the good news. To mark this special event, a signed copy of Sharon’s book, Breastfeeding: the essential guide and a huge soft and cuddly one-off celebration towel are on their way to Clare.

Perfect timing too because Clare recently gave birth to her first son who is now seven weeks old (watch this space – photo to follow).

21 June 2009 - TIPS double Award-winning baby wipes available from Superdrug
Jackson Reece Soothing Herbal Wipes coming to a store near you!

Lots of people ask where they can buy TIPS Award-winning products and we are delighted to announce that from today (21 June 2009) you can buy Jackson Reece double award winning wipes at your local Superdrug. Initially the wipes may not be stocked by all stores so if you can't find them in your local Superdrug, ask the manager to order some in for you.

More information on the Jackson Reece Soothing Herbal Wipes and the full TIPS reviews are available here.

TIPS Award winning Tummy Tub goes stateside!!!
Tummy Tub clean up following US feature on
the ‘Today Show’

Janis McKellar’s, hubby Brent and their 14 month old son John made an appearance on the Today Show. They joined presenters Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Ann Curry Friday in New York Studio 1A to demonstrate the Tummy Tub, a baby bath new to parents in the US. Janis first used the Tummy Tub for her fourth baby in 2007 and loved it so much she decided to become a distributor in the US selling it on her website www.bathedwithlove.com

You can read the full article here, or get more information on the Tummy Tub and see the video clip here.

10 - 17 May 2009
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week
win a set of Boobie Buddies....

To celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Week I am delighted to offer TIPS members the chance to win a set of Boobie Buddies dolls (worth £40). In the TIPS e-newsletter 7,
I told you about Pip Wheelwright and her inspiring story about her Boobie Buddie breastfeeding dolls. These really are the most innovative dolls to hit the market and their ingenious use of magnets allows children to role play by letting the dolls hold hands, kiss and breastfeed (there is a mummy and a baby dolly in each set).

This competition is only open to TIPS Members and TIPS Testers. Find out how to subscribe here.

If you are a TIPS Member or a TIPS Tester email the words 'Boobie Buddies' to Brigitte here for a chance to win a set of Boobie Buddies

The draw will take place on 22 May

4 April 2009
Allister Boyd – tragic loss of teenage fundraiser!
Please donate to his favourite charities…

Our hearts go out to family and friends as they mourn the loss of their beloved Allister (see our 28 June 2008 stop press news below). Having met Allister and heard his story I know his spirit will live on and the fundraising will continue so please support his two chosen charities and donate whatever you can to:
https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/allisterboydfund or
http://www.justgiving.com/teenagecancertrustallisterboyd

Allister was 19 years old and had been battling cancer for the last three years. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour just before his 17th birthday and since then has had cancer in his spine and, very recently, a second brain tumour was discovered. The doctors could not operate and Allister did not know how long he had left. He helped to arrange a full day of events on 5 April which sadly he did not live to see. We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his family at this very difficult time. Allister was a force to behold and I for one will never forget him.

Support Allister's chosen charities:

Allister Boyd's Especially For Clic fund

Allister Boyd Fundraising Page on justgiving

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5 April 2009
Natural & Organic Products Show
Olympia, London

BABY SKINCARE: BACK TO BASICS, NATURALLY - a seminar presented by Michael Bate (Weleda) and Sharon at the Natural & Organic Products Show.

Sharon's baby skincare guidelines have become policy in many maternity units. Sharon will talk about these guidelines and explain how natural products can promote healthy skincare. Weleda head gardener, Michael Bate, will give a profile of the Calendula plant, and explain why it is selected for use in baby products.

This is being organised in association with Weleda, the TIPS Top Baby Skincare Brand 2007-2009.

Even if you miss the seminar, come and see Sharon at the Weleda stand (number 3002) where she will be available to answer any of your baby skincare queries. So come along and say hello!

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Find out more about this event here

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Boxing Day 2008

Boxing Day Dip with a nip!
Charity event to raise money for CLIC Sargent as the 20th Anniversay of the Malcolm Sargent House approaches

As a member of the CLIC Sargent Ayrshire Fundraising Committee I am delighted to update you on our latest event which took place on Prestwick Esplanade on Boxing Day 2008.

It goes to show how hardy the Scots are and game for a laugh. Many thanks to the hundreds of participants (almost 500 took part) who dressed up as penguins, Borat, Rab C, Spiderman, The Hulk, Fred Flintstone etc and to the crowd for getting behind everyone and cheering them in to the icy Firth of Clyde. Between them they raised an amazing £40,000!
Scotland Manager, George Burley, came along to lend support to the event and West FM presenter Colin McArdle who was on fine form. Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped set up at 8am in the morning (you know who you are), the Cumnock & Doon Valley Sub Aqua Team, Strathclyde Police Traffic Division, CLIC Sargent staff and our Unsung Hero, Eileen Granger who is the main organiser of the Dip – what a star!

We hope that 2009 will turn out to be another record breaking year. There will be no limit on numbers this year so let’s celebrate the 20th anniversary of Malcolm Sargent House and support children with cancer.

19 November 2008

Sharon Trotter wins the Dermatology award in Nursing in Practice Inaugural Award Ceremony!

We are thrilled to announce that Sharon and her Babycare- back to basics™ leaflet has just won the very first Nursing in Practice Dermatology Award for her work on baby skincare issues. This came as a wonderful surprise as she attended the Awards lunch at the Birmingham NEC.
The Nursing in Practice Awards 2008 rewards best practice in a variety of clinical areas, and are designed to recognise excellence and innovation in the primary care setting.
Categories included: Cardiac care, Childhood immunisation, Dermatology, Diabetes, Mental health including dual diagnosis, Obesity, Respiratory care, Sexual health, Travel health and Team of the year.
Thank you to the team of judges at NIP and to Espere Healthcare Ltd sponsors of the Dermatology Award.
This is not just a wonderful honour for Sharon and her tireless work in the field of neonatal skincare but adds weight and credibility to the growing evidence that a simpler regime for all babies and children really does make a difference. A special edition of the Babycare- back to basics™ leaflet is planned to promote this recent win.
If you would like a free copy please contact us.
For more details of the NIP Awards plus news of the other winners on the day go to: www.nursinginpractice.com/awards

If you would like to use this in a news feature and need more details please email Sharon or call 01292 312 410 or 07921 674 987.

15 November 2008

CLIC Sargent Winter Ball raises more than a smile!

An amazing £67000 was raised on Saturday night following another highly successful event at the Princess Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse. Thanks must go to the many volunteers who have worked so hard all year to help make this such an enjoyable evening.
Guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne, followed by a delicious four-course meal plus a goody bag full of treats.
Our wonderful host Andy Cameron had us laughing from the start of what turned out to be an amazing night of first class entertainment. Andrew Merry, fresh from the X Factor (their loss!!) wowed us with a selection of songs including a delightful ballad with up and coming singing star Rebecca Shearing. The big band sound of LEGEND kept us all on our feet dancing until the small hours.
Most poignant of all was Eileen Granger’s personal account of her journey through the agonising experience of coping with a child diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She eloquently described the devastating effect this has on everyone involved but the overwhelming message was that of hope. Her son Ross is now a normal school boy and his story (see picture) is testament to the importance of charities like CLIC Sargent and how they can make all the difference when times are hard. Eileen now works tirelessly to promote the cause of CLIC Sargent and was recently crowned Ayrshire’s ‘Unsung Hero’ at the local West FM Community Awards in September 2008.
Guests were visibly moved but they showed their support by digging deep and bidding high for a multitude of incredible prizes which went on to better last year’s target of £65000.
Well done to everyone!
For more details of the wonderful work of CLIC Sargent go to: www.clicsargent.org.uk

1 November 2008

Gordon Ramsay – a signature dish!

Just back from three days at the BBC Good Food Show in Glasgow where I was giving advice on the Jackson Reece baby wipes stand (see pictures). I even managed to snap a picture of the gorgeous Gordon Ramsay! It was a pleasure to meet so many lovely people and I would like to thank those who have already signed up on TIPS or emailed me for more information on breastfeeding or baby skincare issues. Thank you to Colin and Janet for helping me to spread the word about safe skincare. Their TIPS award winning baby wipe were flying off the shelves and I can guarantee that these new customers will be converted for life. For more information about this wonderful product go to www.jacksonreece.com

28 October 2008

Another great milestone for TIPS…

We are delighted to announce that the lucky 500th Tester signed up last night!
Congratulations to Kirsty from Ayrshire who will be getting a Tummy Tub with a uniquely embroidered bath towel plus a signed copy of Breastfeeding: the essential guide. This couldn’t have come at a better time for Kirsty as she awaits the arrival of her new baby.

1 October 2008

Could you be the 500th TIPS tester?

With the publication of our 10th newsletter today we are tantalisingly close to the magic number of 500 TIPS Testers! At last count we were on 488 so you could be the lucky 500th? There is a very special prize for the one who hits this milestone. Click on the registration button on the top right hand corner of the TIPS homepage, follow the online instructions and your picture could be featured on this stop press page very soon…

27 August 2008

400th Tester signs up and parents just keep on joining!

Word seems to have spread very quickly since the launch of our TIPS forum a week ago. So much so that registration of new parent testers had to be closed for a few days while Brigitte and I caught up! The current total is standing at 470 so it will not be long until we hit the big 500! Watch this space for more news and a very big welcome to all our new members. Please feel free to register on the forum where you can get to know each other better.
Just to make it clear that what we are offering to parent testers is the chance to be part of an independent and totally unbiased testing scheme. We are not here to provide free samples of products. All testers must complete a detailed information form and sign the TIPS Terms & Conditions before they are allowed to take part in a TIPS trial. We are proud to be able to boast a pool of highly motivated parent Testers whose input helps make the TIPS Award Scheme the most impartial testing programme of its kind within the mother and baby market.
Here’s to reaching that magic 500!

22 August 2008

TIPS forum goes live!

The brand new TIPS forum is now online with over 100 boards for you to make your own. Log in to view our forums on conceiving, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, parenting, mums, dads, shopping and health professionals. More will be added on demand and Sharon is planning to have live web chats in the coming weeks.
Pop in and out to chat with your friends, make new ones along the way and welcome others who join in too. You can also access all the TIPS newsletters and the latest news on the TIPS forum.
Hope you enjoy this wonderful new TIPS resource
Happy chatting!

2 August 2008

We are thrilled to announce that the 300th TIPS parent tester has now registered.

And we are delighted to welcome Sarah from Loughborough to the TIPS online community. Sarah's registration beautifully coincides with the publication of the brand new TIPS newsletter which can be accessed from the home page. Read all about what TIPS have been up to for the last couple of months and have a look at not just one but the seven wonderful newsletter competitions you can to enter. Remember you’ve got to be in it to win it!

Sarah's beautiful baby Ben is pictured right.

28 June 2008
CLIC Sargent Ladies night
Ayr Racecourse

A great night was had by all!

Still getting back to normal after another amazingly successful charity event where over £27.000 was raised for this excellent cause!

I first became involved with this charity at my book launch in 2004 and I have been a member of the Ayrshire Support Group Committee ever since. This was my fifth party night (two Winter Balls and three Ladies nights) which was, as always, great fun. So much so that word has spread and many people had travelled up from England to join in!

However we must never lose sight of why this and other events are held throughout the year all over the UK.

May Gilchrist (see picture of May and me at the end of the night), Fundraising Chief in Ayrshire would like to thank everyone who came along to support us at this glitzy event and especially to Allister Boyd for speaking about his cancer journey.

This was, without doubt, the highlight of the evening and brought a tear to the eyes of many. Allister’s eloquent description of his roller coaster ride, since his diagnosis with a brain tumour two years ago, was told with heartbreaking honesty and sensitivity but always with humour. You can see Allister pictured with his proud Mum and we all send him love and hope for the future.  It’s only by holding events such as these that we can raise awareness of childhood cancer and the devastating effect that it can have on the whole family. 

So the hard work begins again as we plan for the Winter Ball in November which this year has a Big Band feel to it. If any of you would like to donate a prize for this or just wish to offer your support, please email me anytime.

Allister Boyd and his Mum

Julie and Jacqui – TIPS testers having fun in their Tiaras!

June 2008
Publication of ‘Fit to Bust’
by Alison Blenkinsop
RRP: £9.99 (ISBN: 9781906206895)

My good friend and Lactation Consultant Alison has just given birth to her latest project after a long and sometimes arduous road. I am pleased to say that author and book are now in high spirits but I would recommend you get your hands on this delightful celebration of motherhood and breastfeeding while stocks last!

Profits from the sale of this book will be given to Baby Milk Action.

More details are available here or from www.linkable.biz .

13 - 14 June 2008
BabyGROE Awards Conference in Chester

Just back from an inspiring experience where winners of the BabyGROE awards were presented with their prizes at a dinner and ceilidh on 13 June at Trafford Hal. This was followed by an exceptional opportunity to network at the BabyGROE conference with organisations and individuals from all walks of the ever increasing natural health and ethical business scene on Saturday 14 June.

It was an honour to be one of those shortlisted in this well respected event. Sarah Brown (judge for the health professional category) was unable to attend but it was a pleasure to meet up with Brigit Strawbridge (judge for the ethical business category). We were given the opportunity to meet other nominees during an extremely enjoyable weekend (complete with dancing at the ceilidh and a firepit under the stars!).

Thank you to all the staff at BabyGROE who helped to make this an exciting weekend. More details about the event, the winners and statements from the judges are available here.

6 June 2008
Press launch of First Response
Early Result Pregnancy test

I am just back from an exciting day in London where I provided technical information about ovulation, fertilisation and early pregnancy at the press launch of First Response Early Result, the most sensitive pregnancy kit on the market. I was joined by nutritionist Yvonne Bishop Weston (see picture of us both on the right).Yvonne's information on diet and nutrition was fascinating.

Thank you to all the team at PR4.com for helping to make the day so enjoyable. We will be running a mini competition in the next TIPS e-newsletter with a total of six ovulation and pregnancy test kits up for grabs. Keep watching for more details.

11-18 May 2008
Radio interviews by Sharon
for National Breastfeeding awareness week
I would like to thank Kamillosan for inviting me take part in a morning of radio interviews that were broadcast live on 9 May or pre-recorded for broadcast during national Breastfeeding Awareness week. I managed to cover all aspects of breastfeeding advice from the usual to the not so usual including the fact that breastfeeding actually boosts a mother's IQ while she is feeding as well as her baby's!
I was joined by Jemma, heavily pregnant with her second baby and together we highlighted the issue of breastfeeding in public, citing a recent poll carried out by Kamillosan that found one in four UK restaurants would not allow a mother to breastfeed during dinner! Thankfully English law now prohibits this behaviour. Legislation introduced in April 2008 allows breastfeeding mothers to feed their babies anywhere in public. In Scotland this has been law since 2005.
We will add some of the podcasts online as soon as we have them but until then listen out next week around the UK and you might hear Sharon (and breastfeeding mum Jemma) popping up on a radio station near you!

25-27 April 2008
Glasgow Baby Show
Advice on the Jackson Reece stand

I am just back from three days at the Glasgow Baby Show as baby skincare advisor on the Jackson Reece baby wipes stand. I would like to say thank you to all the parent testers who came to meet me. It was lovely to put faces to names and to be able to speak to you in person. The recent trial on the new formulation of Jackson Reece baby wipes was completed a week before the show. This meant that Colin and Janet were able to promote their well deserved TIPS Editor's choice award alongside their Best of the best award from last year. Their new formulation really does tick all the boxes and these wipes were flying off the shelves to satisfied customers who had travelled from all over Scotland to be at the show. Here we are together at the end of the show (see picture).

www.brianpalmerdds.com 

C4 – Maverick TV programme ‘ Embarrassing Illnesses’

Breast health event – Shoreditch Town Hall

I was lucky to be invited to attend this exciting event on Mother’s day. Thank you to Bio-Fem (winners of the TIPS Awards for their soothing compress and balm) who sponsored me to be the breastfeeding expert on the day and to be interviewed about breastfeeding issues for the programme covering breast health.

The day included a mass breast screening with brave volunteers agreeing to carry out breast examination on screen. There was a photo booth where women could get a picture of just their breasts taken, which will be included in the programme. There were also many inspiring stories of women who had fought and beaten breast cancer. One such story was that of Chrysteile who suffered from breast cancer at the tender age of 32. She went through traumatic chemotherapy, radiotherapy and reconstructive surgery following a full mastectomy. Miraculously she was given the OK to try for a baby last year and she now has a gorgeous son Enzo (see picture on the right) whom she fully breast fed from her unaffected breast for three months! Her story will be featured on GMTV on 5 March. I feel privileged to have met and chatted with Chrysteile and will include mention of her breastfeeding experience in my next book. At the end of the shoot I am featured as one of the women in the closing shots of this programme on breast health which highlights the sobering statistics of breast cancer today – necessary to get the message across!

Proceeds from this event were divided between the breast cancer charities attending on the day.

The programme is due to be aired on Channel 4, Tuesdays at 9pm, from 29 April 2008, so look out for me on your screens (I am wearing a black dress in case you miss me!)

January 2008

Sharon’s latest article on baby skincare and cordcare has just been published in the Nursing in practice magazine. Follow this link to view the full article.

January 2008

Mum and Me Magazine peer support groups in the UK:

• Have you got a positive birth/breastfeeding story you would be happy to share?
• Are you a member of a UK breastfeeding peer support group?
• Would you like to post details of your group on the notice board of a national website?

If so please email Stella:groups@breastfeedingcommunity.co.uk

For excellent advice and information about breastfeeding support groups in your area go to: www.breastfeedingcommunity.co.uk

December 2007

Working in association with her good friends at MIDIRS, Sharon has been asked to write the skincare advice for an article in the forthcoming Mum Plus One publication. This is an exciting opportunity to spread the word about safe skincare advice to parents everywhere, promote the Babycare - back to basics leaflets and highlight TIPS as an online community whose growing daily in popularity. Click here for a preview of the article.
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October 2007

BabyGROE are hosting an all new Awards programme: the BabyGROE Natural Choice Awards.
As an eligible company, we'd love to win the top prize in the Small Ethical Business Category. You can help us to do so by casting your vote using the Vote Now button. And remember - all nominees are entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic GROE Hamper.
If you think that TIPS fulfils this criteria please feel free to vote for us by clicking on the link on our home page. Thank you for your support and keep spreading the word!

Kindest regards
Sharon

October 2007

Here is Sharon at the Glasgow Costco at the start of her month long feature as ‘Business of the month’. Glasgow Costco members are invited to take part in a special TIPS raffle to win a signed copy of Breastfeeding: the essential guide and a luxurious bath towel embroidered with the unique TIPS branding.

September 2007

June - July 2007

I am pleased to say that the TIPS testers have been very busy. The latest results from tests in the breast pads/treatments category are now online. The ongoing test of TENS machines is due for completion shortly, so more news about that soon. An amazing 248 baby skincare samples were sent out to 47 parent testers a few days ago. This is the largest TIPS test so far and it will take a while to collate and review all the results when they come in. I would like to thank all the wonderful companies taking part in the TIPS Award scheme for donating their lovely products for testing. Keep checking online for new results.

June 2007

My latest paper called ‘Baby products – its all in the labelling’ has just been published in the June issue of the Midirs Digest. This article focusses on the wider issues surrounding the use and labelling of manufactured baby products and the legislation in place to protect consumers. Follow this link to read the full draft. [back to top]

June 2007

Thank you to everyone who has registered to become a TIPS member since our re-launch in March.
I hope you are enjoying the new ‘Members Area’ and taking advantage of the competitions and extra tips, only available to members. My web chats are going well on the Mother & Baby Magazine website. Thank you to my sponsors Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure. After each web chat I will be adding new FAQs on each month’s topic. Check out the ones on sun protection. These will help you to take the best care of your infant’s skin during the summer months.
Thank you to my wonderful parent testers. The latest test on breast pads/treatments is well under way and the results will be posted online ASAP. All parent testers get to keep all the lovely products they are sent to test (remember only the best products get through to testing). Following testing a special thank-you present will be posted out to testers, once their results have been returned to me at TIPS.
We will soon add animated TIPS ducks for your little ones to look at on the Members page. Join up and you too can be part of the new TIPS online community. [back to top]

May 2007 – Babycare – back to basics™ (version 4) is now available

The latest version of my popular leaflet has just been published. Version 4 has been kindly sponsored by Ceuta Healthcare Ltd (manufacturers of the famous Halos n Horns range of children’s sulphate free range of products). It not only contains the most up-to-date advice on baby skincare (in line with government recommendations to use no products for the first few weeks of life) but also includes many other common sense tips on feeding, baby massage, cot death and much more. Used all over the UK by antenatal teachers and healthcare professionals who have been unable to find a leaflet as comprehensive, this is sure to be another winner. If you would like a free sample of the new leaflet please contact us

May 2007

I was delighted to be a guest at the recent book launch of 'Imperfectly natural baby and toddler' by Janey Lee Grace. I am thrilled that she has included some of my tips, particularly advice on cup feeding. My book is also on her 'highly recommended breastfeeding books list' - thank you Janey and I would like to wish you all the very best for sales of your wonderful new book. It is packed with excellent tips and advice for would be green parents. It is realistic without being a battle cry and user-friendly to boot. [back to top]

March 2007 – New TIPS website launched

Welcome to the new look TIPS website. We hope that you will enjoy the changes and find the interactive design easy to navigate. Please sign up to be a TIPS member and you will be able to download Sharon’s articles and product reviews as well as receiving our exciting new newsletter with competitions and all the latest news from TIPS. If you would like to become a parent tester for future TIPS Testing then sign-up today. Sharon will only include the best products on the market which must comply with the TIPS ethos on breastfeeding and safe baby skincare. If you have any suggestions on how we can provide even better advice please feel free to email us with your comments. [back to top]

August 2006 – Link with Annabel Karmel’s excellent new site…

Having met Annabel Karmel at the ‘Big into Baby’ show in Belfast, we got chatting about breastfeeding and infant nutrition. I explained my passion in breastfeeding, how I answered FAQs on various websites and we exchanged books. She asked if I would take a look at her breastfeeding information and update where necessary. I was happy to oblige and the breastfeeding advice on Annabel's new-look site is now updated and online. Thank you to Annabel for her positive comments regarding my book and for having faith in my work. To get more wonderful tips on baby and child nutrition plus recipes and a new range of ‘Make Your Own’ equipment and food range go to Annabel's new site.

Summer 2006 – links with other parenting sites…

My advice on breastfeeding and baby skincare is now featured on many parenting sites including:
www.aromababy.com
www.babyworld.co.uk
www.bickiepegs.co.uk
www.bjornandme.co.uk
www.cheekyrascals.co.uk
www.comfortpure.co.uk
www.expressyourselfmums.co.uk www.forparentsbyparents.co.uk
www.freedomslings.co.uk
www.halogb.co.uk
www.ivillage.com
www.jacksonreece.com
www.lilypadzonline.co.uk
www.medela.co.uk
www.stiefel.co.uk
www.thebabygurus.com
www.thebabywebsite.com
www.tommeetippee.co.uk [back to top]

July 2006 – NICE Guidelines

As a stakeholder with The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (www.nice.org.uk ) I played a small part in the latest update of the Postnatal Care Guidelines (No:37 – July 2006) which now advocate the use of plain water (no cleansers or baby wipes) in the immediate postnatal period and ‘open cordcare’ without the need for alcohol wipes or antiseptic powders. Click here for more information and to read the latest Postnatal Care Guidelines.

April 2006 - Neonatal skincare

My latest paper on neonatal skincare was published in the April issue of the RCM Midwives Journal. This updated professionals on the safest skincare regime for new born skin and I hope it will lead to the introduction of evidence-based guidelines that can be followed in the UK and beyond. TIPS Limited is now a stakeholder with the NICE organisation and my comments have been used to help update the latest consultation document on postnatal care. To read the draft article click here. Please email me with your comments.

Spring 2006 - Breastfeeding: the essential guide

My book remained in the top 10 best selling breastfeeding books on www.amazon.co.uk and I was thrilled to announce that it had just been added to the American book giants; www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com . Thank you to all my new customers and I hope you are enjoying the tips
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August 2005 - Journal of Human Lactation Review

I was thrilled to announce that my book received an excellent review in the August 2005 issue of the JHL. Permission was granted for me to post this online.
To read the review click here

May 2005 - Book launch

The official launch of 'Breastfeeding: the essential guide' went ahead on Friday 6 May 2005 at Kidzplay Prestwick.
The venue was packed and a wonderful time was had by all. I would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who took the time to come and support me on this very special day.
Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE was delightful and managed to steal the show. The whole day went without a hitch and was better than I had dared hope.
Thank you again to all those who donated prizes to the raffle. I am thrilled to announce that we raised an incredible £825 for CLIC/Sargent.
Click here for photos of the event [back to top]