Toys For Cuddle-Time: The Miracle Scarf & Band

written by Carolyn McLeish

Many mums reading this will nod in agreement when I suggest that babies and necklaces don’t bode well together. Many of my beaded accessories have met an untimely death in the last four years thanks to the wandering hands of my sons. However, there is a solution! May I please introduce the Miracle Scarf (£19.99) and Miracle Band (£9.99) from award-winning ‘Yes! SuperBaby’. (www.yessuperbaby.com)

The Miracle Scarf and Miracle Band were invented by Susanne Chisti when she realised that her children were most comforted on her lap, playing with something worn by her. The vast range of brightly-coloured velour material with squeaky/musical add-on’s can be purchased separately or as a set. And if you think you recognise them, you might well be remembering an episode of Dragon’s Den from November 2007. Peter Jones congratulated Susanne on her unique concept which has since gone on to win the ‘British Female Inventors & Innovators Network: Special Recognition Award’ among others.

Each scarf and band is designed to stimulate your child’s brain development as they explore the tags, knots and toys sewn onto the material. Velcro tabs enable other toys to be attached and there is even a concealed pocket in the scarf big enough for a soother (or for the modern parent: an iPod or mobile phone!) I was able to try out the yellow and blue fish and star design that has delighted everyone who has seen it. My eldest son (4) is looking forward to wearing it when his baby brother (6 weeks) can start reaching out and exploring it with his hands.

While looking through the range, parents can coo over spots, stripes, butterflies, bees and flowers that can be personalised with the child’s name. The bands do match the scarves as a possible set, but each item is just as wonderful purchased alone. I would recommend the Miracle Scarf to anyone wanting to buy a baby gift as a refreshing alternative to clothes or umpteen plush toys