Sweet gifts for babies

What do you buy a new mother? Hospitals don’t encourage fresh flowers, and cuddly toys in gender-defining colours seem so dated…

What do you buy a new mother? Hospitals don’t encourage fresh flowers, and cuddly toys in gender-defining colours seem so dated. Baby Cupcakes, clothing for newborns wrapped to look like bouquets of flowers and cupcakes, is a stylish alternative.

The idea is Australian in origin and rooted in common sense. Mumtrepreneurs Kathy Bellingham and Marianne Camper offer all sorts of chic starter packs, such as the Posie, containing one bodysuit, one bib, one vest and three pairs of socks (€48); the Smoothie, which contains a pair of baby socks, bib, hat and vest (€33); or a bodysuit disguised as ice-cream (€21). The cupcakes contain a single pair of socks (€6). Violette Interiors, at 3 Hillside Road in Greystones, Co Wicklow (01-2016875) is a Baby Cupcakes stockist and can post the gifts directly to maternity hospitals. PP nationwide costs around €2.50.