TIPS Ltd | Award results just in

TIPS tip of the month
	When out and about use moistened colour flannels as baby wipes (bright colour for the top and dark colour for tail) by Lorna, TIPS parent tester.
	Email us your 'tip of the month' suggestion for a chance to win a dedicated copy of Breastfeeding: the essential guide.
	JULY

The TIPS Awards scheme is evolving.
Although I try to source the best products available within a category at the start of a test, some may inevitably slip through the net. If one such product is brought to my attention within 12 months of the first trial, I will consider including it in a retrospective trial.
The same guidelines and score sheets will be used for retrospective and initial tests. Awards will be allocated to any product that scores high enough to be featured alongside the initial winners. This means you will not have to wait two years to hear about any worthy new product.
Results of such tests will be posted on this page.

Baby skincare

Editor's choice - Weleda Children’s tooth gel
RRP:£2.50 for 50mls
Overall score: 80%
www.weleda.co.uk
Tested May 2008

This all-natural tooth gel contains only the safest ingredients. It is free from any detergents, bleaches, foam boosters, whiteners, artificial colours, flavours or synthetic additives. Testers were unanimous in their praise for this product. From its subtle minty taste and fluoride-free formulation to its great cleaning power this is an all-round winner. Weleda Children’s tooth gel does not foam, which means that there is no need to spit. This is especially important as babies are unable to spit, and should they swallow some tooth gel, this is completely harmless. Although this product is for children, many parent Testers also enjoyed using it (an adult Weleda toothpaste is available). Testers were reassured by the eco-friendly credentials of this product, and its suitability for vegetarians and vegans too.

Breast treatments

Highly commended - Kamillosan Ointment
RRP: £4.95 for 50 grams
Overall score: 75%
www.kamillosan.co.uk
Tested March 2008

Kamillosan ointment scored 75% in this retrospective trial, achieving joint second in the TIPS breast treatments tests.With its wonderful consistency, Kamillosan ointment is easy to apply and while some testers found the scent too strong, others loved it. It is worth noting the warning about the possibility of staining, but any stains do wash out. This product is made from mostly natural ingredients and minimal amounts of ointment left on the skin are perfectly safe for your baby. You are advised to apply after feeds to make quite sure there is no scent to confuse your baby during feeding. This advice also ensures that sore nipples are well protected between feeds while they heal.

By any standard this ointment is a winner. One tester said: ‘it was a pleasure to use on my raw nipples’. However, Kamillosan’s strength comes from its versatility: not only is it great for protecting and soothing sore nipples but, as our testers found, it is also an effective treatment for sore bottoms, cracked elbows, and other more intimate areas that we will not list here!

Baby wipes

Best of the best and Editor’s choice - Jackson Reece wipes
RRP: £1.99 for 72 wipes
Supplied by:www.jacksonreece.com
Overall score: 88%
Tested March 2008
Price per change (2 wipes): 5.5p
Jackson Reece’s new soothing herbal baby wipes are the gentlest and most environmentally friendly baby wipes available on the market today. It is refreshing to know that each stage of the development process has been carefully and responsibly overseen by the dedicated team at Jackson Reece. Production has been moved to the UK (ensuring an excellent carbon footprint) new biodegradable cloth has been sourced, eco-friendly packaging introduced and the mildest ingredients possible have been used for these new wipes. This attention to detail not only gives these baby wipes the greenest credentials possible but also sets a new standard for others to follow.
The only concern raised by testers related to the over generous dispensing of wipes and the potential for the re-sealable lid to lose its stickiness. However they were unanimous in their praise for the new design. Here are just some of the testers’ comment:

'the wipes feel very soft and strong’ with ‘no reaction even on the most sensitive skin’
'it has been an absolute delight and eye opener to use such a well thought out product that appeals to those of us who demand better performing products for our babies and the environment’
'it appears that I now have a wipe I can trust’
‘it is the only company I have come across who actively recommends the use of plain water during the first month of life’.

The original Jackson Reece wipes were awarded ‘Best of the best’ in the very first TIPS trial. At the time, testers expressed concerns about the packaging (which was not degradable) the cloth (which was not biodegradable) and the fact that the wipes were manufactured in the Far East. These issues have all been addressed and for this reason I am delighted to award this new design an additional TIPS ‘Editors choice’ award in recognition of this exciting and innovative design in baby wipe.

Editor’s choice - Nature babycare eco-soft baby wipes
RRP: £2.49 for 70 wipes
www.naty.com
Overall score: 84 per cent
Tested September 2007
Cost per nappy change: 7.1p
These wipes fulfil expectations on strength, effectiveness and softness while also being flushable, biodegradable, chlorine free and environmentally friendly. Manufactured by the Swedish company Nature babycare the baby wipes are only one of a range of eco-friendly products including nappies, toddler pants, bibs, breast pads (see our Editor’s choice in the Breast pads section) sanitary pads and nappy bags. This company is a refreshing addition to the baby market with a novel approach to marketing that involves ‘word-of-mouth’ recommendation through an ‘Ambassador’ programme. The full range is now widely available in UK supermarkets and further information is available on their international website. [back to top]

Editor's choice - Natracare baby wipes
RRP: £2.45 for 50 wipes
Supplied by www.natracare.com
Overall score 79 per cent
Tested September 2007
Cost per nappy change: 9.6p
With excellent eco-friendly credentials these baby wipes were highly praised by testers for their strength, effectiveness and softness. They coped with any cleaning job no matter how messy and the scent was a ‘fresh’ alternative to those already available. Ideal for babies, these wipes were equally enjoyed by mums for removing make-up no matter how sensitive your skin type.
Natracare products are chemical and additive free, biodegradable and contain only organic and natural ingredients sourced from sound ecologically managed producers. Products are sold all over the world and founder Susie Hewson is committed to offering organic and natural solutions for personal health care that leave a soft footprint on the earth. [back to top]

Breast pads

Editor’s choice - Anita 100% cotton washable breast pads
RRP £10 for 3 pairs (Including wash bag)
www.bras4mums.co.uk
Overall score: 71 per cent
Tested September 2007
These non-bleached, bio-degradable breast pads were well liked by parent testers. They were comfortable and absorbent though not as soft as velour varieties. Their eco-friendly credentials made them a great choice for environmentally conscious mums. Testers commented these pads may be more suitable for smaller breasts. This product is a great all-rounder and the introduction of a variety of sizes and material could further increase their appeal.
[back to top]

Editor’s choice - Nature babycare ECO breast pads
RRP: £2.95 for 30 pads
www.naty.com
Overall score 63 per cent
Tested September 2007
As I explain in my guidelines it is difficult to source a disposable pad which does not contain a plastic liner. The ECO pad’s solution to this dilemma is a fluid-resistant and hygienic film based on 100% natural maize that is GM-free and breathable. Testers found these breast pads comfortable to use and encouragingly discreet. Despite no adhesive backing they remained in place while the maize layer helped to keep testers dry throughout the day. Some leakage was experienced when used for longer periods overnight but maybe a choice of sizes could solve this problem? The fact that these pads were eco-friendly, plastic free and biodegradable must be applauded which is why I am happy to award this innovative design with a TIPS Editor’s choice. [back to top]

	Weleda Children’s tooth gel


	Jackson Reece wipes


	Kamillosan Ointment


	ECO soft baby wipes


	Natracare baby wipes


	Anita washable breast pads
Supplied by


	ECO breast pads


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