Articles by Melissa Carton
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  • My toddler has picked a new name and I don’t know where she got it from

    My toddler has picked a new name and I don’t know where she got it from

    When you’re pregnant one thing you think about a lot is what you’re going to name your baby? Will it be something modern or traditional? A family name or something different? One thing you don’t count on is your baby deciding that they’re going to do their own thing and pick their own name. When […]

    7 years ago

  • Study finds that breastfed babies have less antibiotic resistant bacteria

    Study finds that breastfed babies have less antibiotic resistant bacteria

    Another plus for breast milk. A study has found that babies who are breastfed have less antibiotic resistant bacteria in their gut. This was particularly true for babies that were breastfed for at least six months. The study performed by the University of Helsinki analysed the genes of 16 mothers and babies over eight months. It […]

    7 years ago

  • Parents are spending hundreds to have celebs record messages for their child

    Parents are spending hundreds to have celebs record messages for their child

    Would you do this? Parents in the States are paying hundreds, if not thousands, to have celebrities record messages for their kids. Using an app called Cameo you can access a number of high profile celebrities that will record a message for you or someone you know but it often comes with a hefty price […]

    7 years ago

  • The Stella are hosting a special baby friendly screening of Dirty Dancing

    The Stella are hosting a special baby friendly screening of Dirty Dancing

    Nobody puts baby in the corner. If your a mum who is a big Dirty Dancing fan then have I got good news for you! The Stella cinema and Mum Talks have teamed up to bring you a special ‘baby on board’ screening of the 80s classic! Taking place this Wednesday, July 3, you and […]

    7 years ago

  • Dublin women’s refuge make urgent appeal for children’s clothing for girls

    Dublin women’s refuge make urgent appeal for children’s clothing for girls

    Can you help? A women’s refuge in Dublin has put out an urgent appeal for clothing for young girls. Saoirse Women’s Refuge which opened in 2006 provides short term crisis accommodation and 24-hour support for families as well as a 24-hour helpline service. The charity put out the appeal last week asking for the publics […]

    7 years ago

  • This is how a man’s body changes when he becomes a father and it’s fascinating

    This is how a man’s body changes when he becomes a father and it’s fascinating

    It seems that it’s not just mum’s body that changes during pregnancy. While many women find that their bodies go through a lot of physical changes during and after pregnancy according to a study by the National Academy of Sciences, men can also experience physical changes. In fact, some men find that their testosterone dips quite […]

    7 years ago

  • Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone have a summer break that is not to be missed

    Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone have a summer break that is not to be missed

    Looking for a family break away? Pack up the bags and don’t forget the teddy bears as Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone has a summer break that is not to be missed, even by the smallest members of the family. To celebrate the arrival of the school holidays at the 4-star waterfront Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone […]

    7 years ago

  • Psychologists say our kids need to get bored during the summer and I agree

    Psychologists say our kids need to get bored during the summer and I agree

    My summers were never planned out as a kid. There would be the odd summer camp week or a summer project trip to Mosney but for the most part, we just went where the day took us. Now having my own kids I’ve felt the pressure to keep them occupied with activities 24/7 and honestly […]

    7 years ago

  • These shopping trollies will make trips to shops a lot easier for children with autism

    These shopping trollies will make trips to shops a lot easier for children with autism

    This is a fantastic idea! On a recent trip to my local SuperValu, I spotted that they had new shopping trollies and on closer inspection discovered that they were ALF trollies. ALF (Autism Lifeskill Friend), trollies are specially designed for young children diagnosed with autism or sensory difficulties. The trolley is designed with a clipboard […]

    7 years ago

  • Gardaí in are appealing to the public for help in locating teenager Elaine Sweeney

    Gardaí in are appealing to the public for help in locating teenager Elaine Sweeney

    Gardaí are worried about missing teen Elaine Sweeney. Gardaí in Ronanstown are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 16-year-old Elaine Sweeney who is missing from Lucan, Co. Dublin since Wednesday 26th June 2019. Elaine was last seen in Lucan when she got into a grey BMW (no registration number) on […]

    7 years ago

  • Gardaí are appealing to the public for help in tracing 15-year-old Christine Greene

    Gardaí are appealing to the public for help in tracing 15-year-old Christine Greene

    Can you help? Gardaí in Ronanstown are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Christine Greene who is missing from Lucan, Co. Dublin since Wednesday 26th June 2019. Christine was last seen in Mulhuddart, late on the night of Wednesday 26th June 2019. She is described as being 5ft 6″ […]

    7 years ago

  • Here are my tips on how to create the perfect personalised baby box

    Here are my tips on how to create the perfect personalised baby box

    Baby boxes are a huge trend at the moment. The Scandinavian inspired sensation has been sweeping Ireland, with more and more companies offering boxes in every shape and style possible. I love the idea of baby boxes but often times the contents are all baby and nothing for mum. After having two kids myself believe […]

    7 years ago

  • How to explain to your child the difference between ‘not nice’ and bullying

    How to explain to your child the difference between ‘not nice’ and bullying

    What is the difference between someone not being nice and a bully? Even as an adult it can be hard to differentiate so how do we explain it to our children? Parenting safety site Code 9 Parent recently shared a post that explains perfectly how to tell if someone is being ‘not nice’, mean or […]

    7 years ago

  • The phone apps that all parents of teenagers should be aware of

    The phone apps that all parents of teenagers should be aware of

    As parents, we always want to keep our children safe, but it’s not always easy. With most teenagers having access to the internet there is the constant worry of cyberbullying and online grooming. It can be difficult to know what to look out for without coming across as too overprotective but knowing what apps and […]

    7 years ago

  • These worry boxes are a great way to ensure your child has sweet dreams

    These worry boxes are a great way to ensure your child has sweet dreams

    What a wonderful idea! Irish company Love Alice Gifts has come with an adorable way to ensure that you child has a peaceful night’s sleep. Their new ‘worry boxes’ are an ideal way to help rid your child of any nightmare anxiety they have before bedtime. Children can write or draw their worries and place […]

    7 years ago

  • The 10 kids’ films that completely traumatised me as a child

    The 10 kids’ films that completely traumatised me as a child

    When watching modern children’s films I have one question, where is the trauma? Growing up with films from the 80s and 90s, there was no end of trauma. I’m sure it helped me build character but seriously, were they not allowed to release a movie unless it was going to scar you for life? I know […]

    7 years ago

  • Why your baby stops crying when you hold them while standing up

    Why your baby stops crying when you hold them while standing up

    It’s something that’s always baffled me. Why do babies calm down when we walk around with them as opposed to when we sit with them? You wouldn’t think it would make much difference as they are being held and cuddled either way, but it does and science has figured out the exact reason why. My […]

    7 years ago

  • Why The Address is the perfect spot for a romantic central Dublin break away

    Why The Address is the perfect spot for a romantic central Dublin break away

    Being a Dublin native I’ve never considered spending my night off from the kids at a Dublin hotel. Typically when I think of having a breakaway I think of popping somewhere down the country or even abroad but never to my own hoofing ground. Last night though my husband and I decided to spend our […]

    7 years ago

  • Jervis Shopping Centre to host free events for the whole family all summer

    Jervis Shopping Centre to host free events for the whole family all summer

    As every parent knows, the summer holidays can be an expensive time. Schools are out, the kids are at a loose end and parents are tasked with keeping them entertained! With that in mind, Jervis Shopping Centre, Dublin’s favourite family shopping centre, is hosting the ultimate summer of fun with events every Saturday in July […]

    7 years ago

  • Tayto FunFest is happening this week and we have all the details that you’ll need

    Tayto FunFest is happening this week and we have all the details that you’ll need

    Are you ready for Tayto Park Funfest this weekend? This weekend, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of June from 10 am, the inaugural Tayto Park Funfest will take place at Tayto Park, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Over the weekend a host of entertainers from the worlds of music, circus, family entertainment, dance and art will come […]

    7 years ago

  • This non-alcoholic gin is the perfect treat for expectant mums on sunny days

    This non-alcoholic gin is the perfect treat for expectant mums on sunny days

    Perfect for summertime. Having a gin and tonic out in the summer sun is a very popular past time once the sun finally arrives in Ireland. If you’re an expectant mum having a G&T has always had to fall the wayside but now there is a pregnancy-friendly alternative. CEDER’S is a new, non-alcoholic distilled gin […]

    7 years ago

  • Does your child love Harry Potter? Then they’ll love these magaical teepee parties

    Does your child love Harry Potter? Then they’ll love these magaical teepee parties

    As close as it gets to staying in the Hogwarts dormitories. Irish party company The Dream Teepee have come up with a magical sleepover idea that any future wizard would love. Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff you and your fella Hogwarts house pals will be able to enjoy a full movie marathon in […]

    7 years ago

  • Gardaí release statement to say that Mary Ellen O’Donnell has been found

    Gardaí release statement to say that Mary Ellen O’Donnell has been found

    Mary has been found safe and well. Yester Gardaí asked for the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 16-year-old Mary Ellen O’Donnell who is missing from Leamlara, Co Cork. Mary Ellen O’Donnell was reported missing on the 12th June 2019 but she was last seen on the 19th June 2019 in the Glebe area […]

    7 years ago

  • Penneys is stocking super cute matching mum and daughter Minnie Mouse pjs

    Penneys is stocking super cute matching mum and daughter Minnie Mouse pjs

    These are too adorable. If you truly believe that twinning is winning then you are going to love these matching mum and daughter jammies. These super cute Minnie Mouse mother and daughter PJs are currently being stocked in Penneys and they are just too sweet. Spotted by one of my favourite bloggers Ballina Style Guide […]

    7 years ago

  • Gardaí ask for public’s help again as Nadine Walsh has gone missing a second time

    Gardaí ask for public’s help again as Nadine Walsh has gone missing a second time

    Earlier this month Nadine Walsh was found safe and well after the teen briefly disappeared. Now Gardaí are asking for the public’s help once again as the 15-year-old has gone missing for a second time. Nadine has been missing from the Mountjoy area since June 24. She is described as being 5’5”, of slim build […]

    7 years ago

  • 10 things to know before travelling abroad with a 10 month old

    10 things to know before travelling abroad with a 10 month old

    Last summer I brought my ten-month-old to Berlin with me. It was not only the first time she was brought abroad but also the first time I had ever travelled alone with one of my children. To say I was nervous is a serious understatement. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to […]

    7 years ago

  • Superheroes take over Dublin this July and August with lots of free events

    Superheroes take over Dublin this July and August with lots of free events

    The kids are going to love this! With the summer holidays upon us, many parents will be planning summer camps and activities to keep the kids entertained over the next two months. Saying that I know myself as a parent, that all of these events can be pricey and even more so if you have […]

    7 years ago

  • Water Babies present €34,000 to CMRF Crumlin for Cancer Support Centre

    Water Babies present €34,000 to CMRF Crumlin for Cancer Support Centre

    A wonderful gesture. Carol McNally and Aideen McGinn from Water Babies this week presented a cheque for €34,000 to Grainne Kennedy, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at CMRF Crumlin. Over 5000 babies and toddlers and their parents from across Ireland raised funds for CMRF Crumlin during Splashathon 2019, a national sponsored swim which took place […]

    7 years ago

  • Lena Headey to join the cast of Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance

    Lena Headey to join the cast of Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance

    So excited! I already felt like Netflix had dropped a big nostalgia bomb when they announced they would be creating a series based on the classic movie The Dark Crystal. Now they have dropped an even bigger bombshell by announcing the cast and all I can say is wow! As well as some familiar faces […]

    7 years ago

  • From Donegal to Belfast : family breaks to Northern Ireland that everyone will love

    From Donegal to Belfast : family breaks to Northern Ireland that everyone will love

    If you’re looking for the perfect family break away, look no further. Sometimes the idea of travelling the kids abroad really fills us with the fear. Between getting them through airport security checks and temper tantrums on the plane, it can get a little too much. If you would rather a staycation for your family this year […]

    7 years ago

  • Mothercare launches their biggest summer sale EVER across the country

    Mothercare launches their biggest summer sale EVER across the country

    The Mothercare summer sale is here! Popular baby and children’s store Mothercare has announced that they will be holding their biggest summer sale EVER! Even better it will be in all of their stores nationwide and begins this week. There will be up to 50 per cent off across clothes, nursery, travel and accessories starting […]

    7 years ago

  • The things they never, ever warned me about during my antenatal classes

    The things they never, ever warned me about during my antenatal classes

    There are a lot of books and classes on becoming a parent and childbirth, and yet they still don’t cover everything. You would think with childbirth being around for several thousand years we’d have all the information locked down, but no. Two children on there are some things I had to learn without any preparation […]

    7 years ago

  • Lough Eske Castle launches mid-week breaks perfect for a romantic getaway

    Lough Eske Castle launches mid-week breaks perfect for a romantic getaway

    Book me in ASAP! As much as I love a family holiday it’s also lovely to get a breakaway for just myself and my spouse. If you’re thinking along the same lines and want to book the perfect little break just for two, look no further. Donegal’s Lough Eske Castle has just launched its new […]

    7 years ago

  • Boarding pass hack will turn your phone into a mounted TV during your flight

    Boarding pass hack will turn your phone into a mounted TV during your flight

    This is such a clever idea. I find as parents we always come up with the best solutions when we’re at our wit’s end. This parent certainly did when they thought up this handy hack for anyone flying with small kids using nothing but a boarding pass and their phone. So clever. I’ve flown with […]

    7 years ago

  • Schoolbox Ireland will deliver all your child’s school supplies to your door

    Schoolbox Ireland will deliver all your child’s school supplies to your door

    Does shopping for your child’s school supplies fill you with dread every year? You’re happily enjoying the summer holidays when it suddenly dawns upon you that you need to pick up their uniform and a new school bag. Lucky for you there is now an Irish business that will sort all this out for you […]

    7 years ago

  • Vanuatu has announced that it plans to ban the use of all disposable nappies

    Vanuatu has announced that it plans to ban the use of all disposable nappies

    The Pacific nation of Vanuatu has said that it plans to ban the use of disposable nappies. This comes along with the news that the country plans to make an all-out ban on all types of single-use plastic. The decision was made after a study showed that nappies are one of the most disposed of […]

    7 years ago

  • Japanese schools are making all of their uniforms unisex, should we do the same?

    Japanese schools are making all of their uniforms unisex, should we do the same?

    Do you think that Ireland should follow their example? Japan has announced that it intends to make all school uniforms unisex in the near future. The move is being made in the hope that it will make the uniforms more inclusive and comfortable for all students. With most Irish schools also requiring students to wear […]

    7 years ago

  • These rain coats are specifically designed with little wheelchair users in mind

    These rain coats are specifically designed with little wheelchair users in mind

    These are brilliant! As parents we all joke about the struggle of trying to get our children into their coats, but for parents whose children have additional needs, it can be a real challenge. This coat from Willow Bug is specifically designed with small wheelchair users in mind and will help keep your little one […]

    7 years ago

  • LEGO to launch Braille Bricks next year to help blind and visually impaired children

    LEGO to launch Braille Bricks next year to help blind and visually impaired children

    An amazing idea. LEGO has recently announced that they will launch Braille Bricks next year in a bid to help blind and visually impaired children learn braille. The kits, which have been in development for the last few years will finally be released in 2020. The iconic LEGO bumps will now serve as learning tools for […]

    7 years ago

  • This Dublin city centre venue can be hired for the ultimate birthday experience

    This Dublin city centre venue can be hired for the ultimate birthday experience

    This sounds amazing! It can be tricky knowing what to do when your child’s birthday rolls around, especially once they get into pre-teen/teenager territory. Recently while scoping out film listings I discovered that you could rent out this Dublin city centre venue and now I’m looking for any excuse to throw a party there! Yes, […]

    7 years ago

  • Cecelia Ahern announces she’s pregnant with Royal Ascot bump photograph

    Cecelia Ahern announces she’s pregnant with Royal Ascot bump photograph

    Congrats! Writer Cecelia Ahern has just announced that she is pregnant with her third child during a visit to Royal Ascot. The mum-of-two posted a photograph of herself and her husband David Keoghan showing off her baby bump. https://www.instagram.com/p/By3GxsdnW_H/ Already a mum to Robin and Sonny, the happy couple are all smiles. Known for her popular […]

    7 years ago