Babies are gross. That's a fact. They're forever dribbling, and sicking, and getting covered in mysterious substances you never feel inclined to examine too closely. For these reasons - and more - a bib is an absolute must, even if all too often they feel like a necessary evil, detracting as they do from your carefully chosen outfit. (The baby's, that is. You feel accomplished if what you're wearing is relatively clean.)
I was really excited then to be asked if I would like to review a selection of bibs from Funky Giraffe, a brand which really understands that style and comfort are not concepts which have to be mutually exclusive.
Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Armed with a £15 voucher I was let loose on the website. I knew as soon as the page opened that this was my kind of place - bright colours, cool patterns, and easy navigation. What comes across more than anything is that Funky Giraffe really care about the products they've created, and the individuals who are going to be using them. Check out the '
About Us' section for more on why the brand came into being, and what is important to them now they are established.
The main page.
Next, choosing what to spend the dosh on. There is more to Funky Giraffe than bibs - they also sell adorable socks, cool scratch mitts, cozy scarves, and trendy burp cloths. Even within the bib section there is plenty of choice. Formal bibs (so cute!), bandana bibs, cotton summer bibs, bamboo bibs, personalised bibs, and even bibs with frilly collars. I was also really impressed with their range of larger bandana bibs for 'older children and adults who need dribble protectors'. Everybody deserves the chance to inject a bit of fun and colour into their lives.
Some of the cute stuff I didn't buy.
I decided to go for the classic bandana bibs, made from 100% cotton with a fleece backing. The only problem was whittling down the designs I liked to a reasonable number. When I began adding items to my basket I had a pleasant surprise - the more you buy, the more you save. So while a single bib costs £4, buy two and it will only cost you £6. The following table gives the full details:
If you spend over £7 - and let's face it, how could you not? - UK postage is free. EU postage is £3 / £5 (under or over 0.25kg up to 0.5kg - the equivalent of around 25 bandana bibs), worldwide is £3.50 / £6.50. Orders are generally dispatched within 48 hours, and there is a 60 day
'no-quibble' return policy. My order was with me in two days!
Put To The Test
Once the bibs were here, I couldn't wait to try them out on Marianna. I had been primarily using regular 'din-dins' time bibs with a plastic backing for the purposes of dribbling, but Marianna was far from pleased about the arrangement. While the plastic
did make an agreeable scrunching noise, she didn't like the velcro fastening and, as her arms grew stronger, soon learned how to pull the bib off.
Some of the designs I chose. The ranges are updated frequently, so it's worth visiting often.
The Funky Giraffe bibs were an entirely different story. They feel really soft and cosy to me, and that must translate because she didn't pull or scratch at them. The fleece backing does the same job as the plastic (far better, I must say, than the fleece backing on the supermarket dribble bibs we had), but without being uncomfortable. Instead of velcro they have a double popper fastening which is more secure, gives a bit of growth room, and doesn't destroy your tights in the washing machine. And talking of washing, they wash really well. We've been using them for over three weeks now - allowing for a dozen or so washes - and they still look fresh and vibrant. If I ironed them they would look like new, but that would be a step too far for a houseworkphobic mum like myself.
On top of all that they just look really really
cool. We've had lots of nice comments while out and about, especially on the pterodactyl print. Anthony wants one of his own! Marianna, however, is not keen on sharing...
Cyberman is playing Butler.