What to expect with a Rooster baby!

Congratulations if you are expecting a baby in the lunar year of 2017! According to Chinese Zodiac your baby will be a Rooster sign. We have put together some information on the character and personality of a Rooster so you can get prepared!

Your Rooster child is a self-starter, disciplined and not shy about expressing their opinions, they could even have an eccentric character! An optimistic dreamer, as his parent, you may have to stand by and watch as your fearless Rooster child heads toward certain failure, you’ll learn early that wild horses couldn’t drag them away from their intention. And, to be fair, many of the schemes do pay off!

With their boundless energy, optimistic outlook, and healthy self-regard, they are capable of reaching for the stars. Their personality can be misunderstood, imposing, opinionated and critical. However they are loved for their witty, amusing, efficient character that has a heart of gold.

The Rooster is the strutting peacock of the Chinese Zodiac! Roosters can be blind to their own faults and stubborn to accepting when they are wrong. They love taking the spotlight, and are gifted at self-expression. With their cool swagger life often leads them to a career in the public eye.

These quick thinkers are practical and resourceful; preferring to stick to what is tried and true rather than taking any unnecessary risks. Roosters are keenly observant, this quality can lead others to think the Rooster is psychic, but that’s not generally the case. This sign enjoys a keen attention to detail that makes them good at anything requiring close analysis. Roosters make great lawyers, brain surgeons and accountants.

Roosters tend to be perfectionists and expect to be in control, especially over their appearance. They also love going out and socialising, that’s after many hours of getting ready in front of the mirror. The Rooster will also be the best-dressed, style is important with this sign, regardless of the cost, so start saving now!

Roosters also expect to be in control of their surroundings, including the people that are in it. They keep a tidy house and expect others to maintain the same high standards as they do. This can cause problems with others who take a more relaxed approach to life.

Rooster Baby Parenting

Focused at school and a fast learner, they enjoy learning and will approach their studies tirelessly with 110% commitment.

The rooster likes being centre of attention, is knowledgeable and has a love of being right. They would never admit to being wrong, you can help them understand it is very human to not know everything and that we learn from being wrong sometimes.

As a parent you will certainly learn from caring for a Rooster, they sound like a great character. Good luck in the year ahead and hopefully you won’t be pulling out too many feathers!

Rooster Baby Gifts

You can add a Rooster baby gift tag design to any of our gifts with your own personal message.               We also have a Year of the Rooster baby clothes bouquet. Packed with baby clothes rolled as flowers, beautifully finished with red flowers and red floral wrap. Take a look here.

Rooster gift tag design

Year of the Rooster baby gift

 

Baby Names & 2017 trends

Before you get pregnant you think you have your baby names in the bag, done! Naming
baby is the first big decision parents make for their child.

If you are anything like me when you sit and think about it there are a number of things you have to consider, which makes it a lot more complicated than when you first thought. The biggest issue being that I had to agree with my husband, who didn’t like any names, whatever I suggested, hmmm!

I’ve rounded up the latest tips and topics to give you the complete guide to baby-naming. Once you have a name in mind you may want to consider the following:

• The initials of the full name doesn’t make a silly or offensive word
• If the name can be shortened make sure you also like that
• If it’s a modern name make sure it doesn’t mean anything bad in another language
• If it’s a long or unique name will people be able to spell it and pronounce it right?
• What does it sound like when people who speak other languages or accents say it?
• Which last name will the baby have?
• How many names will your baby have?
• Will you opt for a gender neutral name?
• You may want to Google the chosen name

I’ve probably made this even more difficult for you now! Here are some name ideas from Disney Baby after taking a look at the trends from 2016 and making their predictions for 2017’s most popular names..

Boys:

1. Declan: A unique name that means “man of prayer.” This name is strong and masculine and a great pick for a little boy.
2. Silas: Another celebrity baby name that is rising in the charts. It’s a biblical name that also means forest.
3. Oliver: A classic name for your baby boy that means “peaceful” or  “olive tree.” We see the feminine version of this name topping the charts and the male version is doing the same!
4. Noah: Noah means “rest.” We saw this name top the chart in 2016 and we think that it will stay on the top in 2017 too.
5. Bodhi:  A name that means awakening, Bodhi might be topping the charts next year because of the new Star Wars movie coming out at the end of 2016.
6. Mason: Another name that continues to stand strong on the top of the list. This classic name for boys is one that will likely stay popular for a while.
7. Jack:  This traditional name will never go out of style!
8. William: Meaning “resolute protection,” this name continues to be on the top of the popularity list for boys’ names. It has a lot of staying power with the option of many nicknames.
9. Milo: A strong name with a unique twist. This name means “soldier” and could be the perfect choice for your little one.
10. Owen: A short and sweet name that means “young warrior.”

Girls:

1. Olivia: Olivia, meaning “olive tree,” topped the list in 2016 and was #2 spot in 2014 and 2015. Due to its ongoing popularity, we think it’s going to top the list again next year!
2. Charlotte: This name continues to rise in popularity. It’s a classic and feminine name that is the female version of Charles, meaning “free man.”
3. Amelia: Amelia has been on the top five most popular names for the past couple of years and it’s still going strong. While we don’t think it will take the top spot, it will definitely continue to be a popular name for 2017.
4. Mia: Another classic name that means “mine.” We love the cheerfulness that this name brings.
5. Emma: Another lovely feminine name, Emma means “universal.” A simple and pretty name for your little one.
6. Ava: It feels like we are hearing this name all the time now — and we think it’s going to stay that way! A popular baby name that means “like a bird,” in Hebrew.
7. Luna:  After a famous celebrity couple named their daughter this this year, we have a feeling this name is going to keep climbing up the chart. Luna, the Latin meaning of moon is a beautiful and sweet name.
8. Aria: A name that has a bit of lightness to it. Perhaps because it means “air.” It’s a unique and sweet feminine name.
9. Isabella: A name that is classic, and continues to be a constant on the popularity charts! We love the many nicknames this name has as well.
10. Arabella: This name that resembles Isabella, but is a little bit more unique. We expect to hear a lot more of this name in the upcoming year.

It’s helpful to have a baby name book to flick through, they also tell you the meanings behind each name. There’s also some good websites that you can search on when you tell them the gender and you preferences in names, try www.babynames.com

This is an exciting decision to make! Try not to over think it and let’s hope you are more decisive than my husband and I! Who was still ringing me while at the counter to register the birth to make sure we were certain.

Now to think about a baby naming ceremony…!

At Dotty Bee we provide beautiful 100% cotton baby name blankets, they make a lovely gift once a baby has been named. Take a look here

 

What you really need – Newborn baby clothing

Preparing for your first new baby is a lovely but daunting experience. With so many great products available now and so much choice it can be overwhelming, I know I was! I was living in another country to my family and so I had to start from scratch with everything. It can fast become an expensive habit and as I was so clueless you can quickly buy things that you may not use and can do without.

So here I have put together a list and information on what baby clothing you need for the first six months, from my own experience.

Babies grow fast, so it’s best not to spend a lot of money on many outfits in the smallest sizes. In the first few weeks, your baby needs clothes that are comfortable and easy to get on and off. Arrange to get the basics and you will find that friends and family will buy a lot of great outfits for the new bundle of love!

Sizes

Size 000 is intended to fit babies from 0-3 months, and size 00 is for babies from 3-6 months. Some bigger newborns might be ready to go straight into a size 00. I also had one set of premature clothing just in case, stores and online shops make it very easy for you to get more quickly if needed.

Sizes vary a lot! So trust your instinct. If you don’t know the sex then there are plenty of yellow, white and grey clothes available.

What to get

Look for stretchy bodysuits that button or zip at the front makes it easy to change a nappy, and tops with envelope necks that are easier to take off.

Clothes should be soft, comfy and easy to take care of. Cotton is most comfortable for babies. Synthetics can make your baby clammy, and wool can irritate the skin.

As a guide, the following will see you through for a newborn baby:

• 6-8 sleepsuits
• 4 vests
• 6-8 bodysuits
• 3 tops
• 3 trousers/shorts depending on time of year
• Cardigan/ jumper (if it’s winter)
• 6 Muslin cloths
• 2 Hats (if it’s winter)
• 4 Pairs of sock
• 2 Sleep bag/Swaddle

Doing laundry will now happen most days I’m afraid so you should buy clothing that can be easily washed at 40C and in an ideal world doesn’t need to be ironed.

If you are having a baby shower or friends and family ask you what you need then have suggestions in mind to tell them so they can get practical items of clothing that you still need.

Layers

It’s important to keep newborns warm, but they cannot regulate their own temperature for the first six weeks so it’s just as important that your baby doesn’t over heat.

As a guide your baby needs one extra layer of clothing more than what you’re wearing. It’s a constant worry as a new mum, but trust your instinct and layer so you can easily take clothing on and off.

Washing baby clothing

You can wash baby clothes with the rest of your laundry, but strong detergents and fabric softeners can irritate your baby’s skin. It is best to use non-bio detergent.

Cloth nappies and clothes that are soiled need to be soaked in a nappy sanitiser before washing. Nappy sanitiser also makes a great pre-soak once your baby is eating solids – even with a bib, your baby’s clothes will be covered!

I hope that helps, by doing a quick search you can find many lists and information on the internet, but try to stay focused on the necessities it is very easy to get entertained with all the cute outfits available out there!

Dotty Bee provides a baby clothing hampers for new baby gifts and is packed with all the clothing necessities a new baby needs. All our bodysuits have both an envelope neck and buttons at the bottom to make it quick and easy to change a nappy or outfit. All our clothing is made with 100% cotton, excluding the trimmings. The cotton is soft and durable and has been tested well now with my two boys and numerous customers that we have had the pleasure to send our gifts to in the last five years! To find out more about our clothing please link here.

We have just launched a yellow baby clothes bouquet and baby name blanket which makes a great gift for  a new baby, take a look here!

Here’s our winding cloth being used as a comfort blanket..bliss!

 

 

Repair & Soothe Mum & Baby Gift Set

We have teamed up with Native Essentials to give you a new mum and baby gift set with oils to soothe and repair skin issues and scars. The best bit is both oils can be used during pregnancy and on a newborn baby!

Each Native Essential product is formulated and made in an artisanal fully equipped laboratory in Hong Kong. Production is made in small batches to ensure ultimate freshness. Each ingredient that is incorporated has been directly and personally sourced, and as such Native Essentials can be personally proud and delighted to share their creations with you.

The mama and baby gift set contains a baby clothes flower bouquet and a soothing oil set from Native Essentials. The Mama and Baby Soothe & Repair Oils are two essential skin care oils for new mums and little ones, a perfect flower and gift to celebrate a new baby!

 Rosehip oil to repair broken skin and heal scars

 Calendula infused oil to soothe minor dermatitis and skin inflammation

 Ideal with nappy rashes and stimulate skin cell growth

 Conveniently packaged in roll on, very useful when travelling

To view the new product click here!

The hand-tied bouquet contains 100% cotton items of baby clothing and silk flowers. All clothing in this gift for baby are size 3-6 months, so the new parents can display the bouquet first before unwrapping the flowers to make use of the baby clothing, it’s like receiving two gifts in one a beautiful gift for new born baby!

Rosehip and Calendula are wonderful plants so gentle yet effective that can be used to soothe and heal the skin even for a newborn baby. Rosehip seeds are cold pressed to obtain a rich oil oil and Calendula flowers are gently infused in organic Sunflower oil; they are not essential oils and therefore ready for skin application. months so the recipient can first enjoy the look of the bouquet, before unwrapping each flower to unfold an item of clothing.

Rosehip oil can be used to heal the skin and stimulate new cell growth, and is perfect not only for the baby, but also as repair face oil and scar healing oil for new mamas. Calendula calms delicately inflammed skin whether it is a simple irritation or general dermatitis.

This product is free to deliver anywhere within Hong Kong!

The oil set contains:

Rosehip cold pressed oil (refined so lighter texture) + organic Vitamin E 10 ml

Calendula flowers infused in organic Sunflower oil + organic Vitamin E 10 ml

This gift set contains:

1 x Winding Cloth	1 x Hat	4 x Pairs of Socks	2 x Bodysuits	1 x Bib	2 x Oils

 

Made with true Aromatherapy products blended with premium quality botanicals. These products are nut free.

Delivered in a presentation gift box, it is delicately finished with tissue paper and an organza ribbon. There’s a gift tag to add a personal message and a swing tag highlighting the contents with care instructions. The bouquet stands by itself when it is out of the boxes to make a great display. To find out more about the baby clothes in our bouquets please click here.

Box dimensions 250 mm x 250mm x 250mm.

Our wings have spread to Singapore!

Yes it’s official we are now live in Singapore!! The lovely Niamh Daniels is managing our Singapore office and stocked with all of our best sellers!

Take a look at our Singapore website here

Even if you are not in Singapore you can order from this website to get next day delivery and free shipping in Singapore on orders over $100SGD. We can place a personal gift tag message in with your gift and send it straight to the new parents!

Our bouquets are like receiving two gifts in one! They can stand alone and be displayed like a flower bouquet, then when baby is over 3 months the flowers can be unwrapped to make use of the baby clothing! All clothing is made with 100% cotton and sized 3-6 months!

Welcome to the team Niamh. We are looking forward to this new adventure with you!

Kat x

http://www.dottybee.net

Dotty Bee baby gifts, 5 years old today!

We are delighted to be five years old today! It’s such a great job sending gifts with love to newborn babies and parents on such a special time in a families life.

We have evolved and worked with our customers from small beginnings to now a business that is not only well known in Hong Kong, but  we are also now progressing overseas and have recently launched in Spain! And soon to launch in Singapore!

It’s definitely exciting times here! We have learnt a lot in the five years too. Having had babies ourselves the products have been tested well and it gives us a more relevant view into what new babies and parents really need and would like as a gift.

We are proud to say our own brand products are a great hit, we have never had a complaint about any of our products, with only positive feedback. We have learnt through the years the best courier to use for each location so ordering is a fast and reliable service. Which makes the process stress free for both of us!

From customer suggestions we have also partnered with other companies to add extra products like the Small Print kits, that offer an inkless hand and foot print. And skin care products from Native Essentials to help relax both baby and mumma, double bonus!

To celebrate hitting five years we are offering $55 off our website orders throughout the month on June. Just add code ‘5years’ at checkout to receive $55 off any order over $300!

We have plans to launch in other countries and to add some new products along the way, so look out for our updates in the future. We’ve had a great time learning and evolving and hope to be here in another five years too!

Thanks for the support we couldn’t have done it without our lovely, loyal customers!

Kat xxx

Our Yellow Bouquet in Playtimes

We are excited to be featured in this months Playtimes magazine. Our new Yellow Baby Clothes Bouquet baby gift!

Read the Playtimes Magazine page hereOur yellow bouquet contains pale yellow clothing made with 100% cotton. It’s gender neutral so can make the perfect baby shower gift! It can stand alone so makes a lovely centre piece for a baby shower table. A new baby gift that is full of clothing surprises!

Take a look at out website here.

Our new baby gifts photo shoot

We have had a lovely photo shoot of our products, here’s a peek at our favorites!

Our new baby Blue Clothes bouquet

Pink new baby clothes bouquet and baby sock cupcake gift set

New baby gift sets from Dotty Bee.

We love getting great feedback!

Just because we can and we want to! Here are some pictures of recent happy customers receiving their baby clothes bouquets.

It’s great to be working in the baby gifts industry, we get to see and meet cute new babies all the time!

Here’s our white baby clothes bouquet being displayed in a nursery window

Here’s our winding cloth being used as a comfort blanket..bliss! You can just spot the Dotty Bee embroidery!

New baby boy receiving his baby clothes bouquet

Launching our new product specifically for 100 Days Celebration!

100 Days Celebration

100 Days Celebration Baby bouquet made with baby clothes

100 days celebration gift tag

baby clothes included in the 100 days celebration bouquet

is a custom that is growing in popularity across many countries. Just like the Baby Shower tradition it provides another occasion to gather family and friends to celebrate a new baby, so you can see why it is getting popular, why not!

Originating from Korea when a lot of Korean babies wouldn’t survive past 100 days, so that milestone is still significant in their culture. Even today, new parents hold a 100-day celebration for their babies and invite lots of friends and family.

It is a great time to celebrate when the baby is 3 months old the parents are in some kind of routine and can hopefully relax and enjoy the party.

At Dotty Bee we have had requests for specific bouquets to take as a gift to 100 Days Celebration party and so here we are launching a new product specifically for 100 Days Celebration baby party!

This baby clothes bouquet includes lucky red flowers, wrapped in red tissue paper and a 100 days gift tag its a perfect gift to celebrate when a 100 days has passed and is sure to impress the new parents and friends at the party. Take a look at our 100 Days Celebration Bouquet.