News
Celebrating 15 years of OB
Thu, Jun 01, 23 Kate Nicolson
Just like our eldest daughter Evie, this year our family company turns 15. Evie's birth in Australia also inspired the birth of OB, starting with a koala rattle toy and wooden teether, sewn by hand at the kitchen table especially for her. Everybody loved it and OB's was born! The Koala soft rattle toy became our most talked about and iconic product, hence the reason we choose a Koala as our mascot. Now, 15 years on, we are excited to share with you our new logo, carefully curated to reflect both our Australian roots and our ongoing commitment to premium, sustainable...
Why silicone tableware is the healthy choice for your little one…
Thu, Apr 06, 23 Luke Nicolson
Silicone tableware has become a popular product in recent times, and for good reason. It is extremely durable and convenient, but it also has a number of fantastic health benefits. It’s Non-Toxic meaning it does not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food, unlike plastic and other petroleum products. The main ones you need to watch out for are BPA’s and Phthalates (go on, try and pronounce it - we can’t). They’re bad. Silicone is incredibly easy to clean. Most silicone products can be turned completely inside out, meaning it’s easy to get into the nooks and crannies...
Mother's Day Interview with our Founder Kate
Tue, May 03, 22 Marketing OB Designs
How did you start O.B. Designs, and why? I started O.B. Designs in 2008 when I became a new Mum to my beautiful daughter Evie. Naturally, being a new Mum, I took an interest in baby products. At the time, there weren’t many affordable toys and furnishings that related to modern family tastes or lifestyles. The industry seemed out of touch. On one hand there were mass produced brands with primary colours and on the other were very expensive designer products I couldn’t dream of affording. I decided to create a brand that found the balance. So we began our...
Choosing O.B. Designs = Good for the environment
Mon, Apr 18, 22 Kate Nicolson
At O.B. Designs, we are passionate about creating and manufacturing the safest, most precious toys and decor for our children. But, we are also passionate about creating our dream products as eco-friendly and sustainably viable, as possible. We have gone to great lengths to improve O.B Designs’ overall footprint on our planet, and we are consistently looking at initiatives to progressively achieve this. We don’t stop at just products and packaging, we want our postage options to reflect our vision, tool; using only compostable polybags to get your goodies to you safely and on time, our postage bags alone save...
At-Home Sensory Play Made Easy
Tue, Mar 29, 22 Marketing OB Designs
Sensory and dexterity are part of babies’ and children learning and developing their motor skills in order to sit, stand and grow. The more your baby can do with their hands, the more they can play and explore. Different toys and objects require different grasps and manipulations, and by building dexterity it can open many doors for your baby, which also means more paths for learning. Sensory play can be so beneficial for dexterity as play is often with their hands, feeling textures and learning with different toys. Sensory Play Ideas with @homewithharlow "Hi, I'm Tee and I am Mum...
A Holistic Approach to The Fourth Trimester
Sun, Mar 06, 22 Marketing OB Designs
Written by Alana Mulhall BHSc Naturopath | Mothers Mylk It is mind blowing that in modern Western Cultures, postpartum care beyond leaving the hospital does not exist. Outdated social norms make it common for both the new mother and her physicians to predominantly focus on care of the newborn. We are now seeing many mothers feeling overwhelmed, fatigued and an unrealistic pressure to “bounce back”. Mothers are far too often reassured that anxiety, mood changes and fatigue are a normal part of motherhood. Whilst it may be common, it is certainly not normal! Postpartum Planning: It is important for Mothers...
Muslins Wraps | The hardest working accessory for you and your baby
Wed, Feb 16, 22 Stacey Grant
The essential, year-round item all parents need is Muslin Wraps and Blankets. They are the most versatile accessory for any parent; nursing, sleeping, pram throw, picnic rug, snuggle item, security blanket, change mat; you name it and I’m sure a parent has tried to use a Muslin Wrap for it. Why are Muslins the perfect gift for all Parents? To name only a few.. Change Mat: An on the go change mat to use in the car, on the grass, in a shopping centre, in the pram bassinet, literally anywhere. Nursing accessory: Those public feeds can be overwhelming in the beginning,...
Crochet that lasts a lifetime
Tue, Feb 01, 22 Stacey Grant
Eco-friendly, hand-crafted, and breathable crochet can be hard to find but O.B. Designs has perfected timeless blankets, booties and nursery decor. Not only to last a lifetime but provide ultimate comfort for your baby. O.B. Designs heirloom quality, crochet blankets are handmade from a beautifully soft blend of materials and come in a range of refined, natural colours designed to match all palettes and nurseries. For many to-be parents, finding a versatile blanket for all seasons can be difficult. Crochet provides warmth and comfort without compromising quality or that soft touch. Why buy Crochet? Babies are very sensitive to different...
O.B. Designs Christmas Gift Guide
Sun, Dec 05, 21 Kate Nicolson
The festive season is upon us and we have taken the hassle out of finding the perfect holiday gift for the littles on your list this year. At O.B. Designs we are lovers of creating a memorable, yet relaxing Christmas experience, which is why we have curated a selection of products for all ages, learning stages, and personal styles. Designed in beautiful Byron Bay, Australia, we have taken inspiration from our surroundings and produced gifts to last a lifetime. Our sustainable, eco-friendly, products make the perfect gifts for children of all ages, to-be-parents, nursery revamps and reveals, and baby shower gifts,...
O.B. Designs & Rafiki Mwema - A Powerful Partnership
Sun, Oct 24, 21 Tori McAnallen
Rafiki Mwema first met the legends at O.B. Designs back in 2015. At the time we didn’t know that we were embarking on a partnership that would provide for our children well into the future. Today, the organisation’s support comes in many forms from products to funds and cute collaborations. They are a small team of big-hearted and passionate individuals dedicated to Rafiki Mwema, having donated a massive $6,150 in addition to boxes of products for our children and fundraising activities. Their generosity continues as they sell our much loved Rafiki Lions and help us raise awareness through their community. Meet O.B...
Our Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Your Baby’s Wooden Toys
Thu, Sep 23, 21 Kate Nicolson
With the global shift to more environmentally-friendly alternatives in various sectors of society and the presented health risks of plastic, Switching to wooden teethers and toys seems like the best choice to make both for the environment and your little one. The benefits of opting for wooden teethers and toys for your baby are endless! They may be a bit different from the traditional toys you’ve played with when you were little, but they serve just as much of a critical role in encouraging imaginative play—without the expense of the environment. Taking Care of Your Baby’s Wooden Toys However, since...
How To Properly Name Your New Stuffed Animal
Thu, Sep 23, 21 Kate Nicolson
Getting a new stuffed toy can be a magical experience, especially since it serves as a companion for the years to come. Countless people all over the world recount personal experiences regarding their favorite stuffed animals, which they likely grew up with. While your little bundle of joy or children deserves to experience the same story, keep in mind that it’s never too late for you as well! One of the best parts about investing in a stuffed animal is coming up with its name. It further makes the experience magical, especially since this makes things more personal. The name...
Best Tips for Parents Before the Baby Teething Stage
Fri, Sep 03, 21 Kate Nicolson
Most people grow up without never really knowing how their teeth grew out to form the smile that they have today. However, as parents, it can be quite the situation to prepare for as your baby comes closer to the teething stage. The teething stage can be long for your baby, and some often find it difficult to go through. The pain of allowing teeth to grow out can make the young ones even more restless than before, with some being unable to eat, drink or sleep at all. It’s best to do whatever you can to prepare and ensure...
3 Benefits of Stuffed Toys to Your Child's Development
Fri, Sep 03, 21 Kate Nicolson
Technology affects our lives in more ways than one. Besides making our lives more comfortable, it changes the way we handle different problems and habits. For example, modern parents nowadays are more comfortable having their toddlers play with digital devices. As a response, these techy toddlers can gain access to a wide range of entertaining and educational apps. However, there are plenty of things a screen can’t teach your child, especially during their formative years. Stuffed toys have been around for ages, with archeological digs unearthing early forms of these toys in the form of pieces of cloth and cotton....
Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Teething Remedies For Your Baby
Fri, Sep 03, 21 Kate Nicolson
Teething is often the bane of existence for many babies, so it’s only natural that they’d want to ease their sore gums by chewing on anything their little hands can grab on as they explore the world around them. Without the proper toys that can soothe them from the uncomfortable experience of teething brings, your baby can become cranky as they experience poor sleep, excessive drooling, and sore gums. While there are other natural remedies for teething, they can be a hassle to prepare every time compared to buying a toy that can get the job done safely and sustainably. ...
Babies Who Play With Toys Have a Deeper Understanding of the World
Tue, Aug 17, 21 Kate Nicolson
Your newborn is constantly soaking up everything around them as their sense of sight is only growing. Soon, your baby will also utilize their other senses: hearing, taste, smell, and touch. It is through contact that the sense is among these four the most trustworthy. The sense of touch is the one they are most secure with, beginning when the embryo is around eight weeks old in the womb. With delicate senses, your kid has touched and felt their way from the moment of conception! It's inborn to them. This is why your infant will require items they would want...
3 Reasons Why Wooden Toys Are the Best Teethers for Babies
Thu, Jul 29, 21 Kate Nicolson
Teething is one of the most important milestones in any newborn’s development. However, although teething is indeed an exciting moment, it can also be quite dreadful, as babies can lose sleep, cry in pain, and develop rashes from drooling. No parent wants to see their little one cry or suffer, but there’s nothing you can do—teething is an inevitable stage in development, and whether you look forward to it or not, your baby will grow their teeth eventually. If your baby is already crawling on their arms or feet, then a tooth may sprout anytime soon! It’s normal to feel...
What Makes Wooden Teethers Good for the Teeth of Your Baby?
Thu, Jul 29, 21 Kate Nicolson
The need—not want, but full-on need—to bite is one of the first things that babies tend to do the moment they start to grow from infancy. At that stage, they're only able to get relief from a teether. It's usually brought on by teeth that are starting to grow, which makes things very uncomfortable for them. This happens even before milestones like standing properly are achieved, which means teething has to be addressed right away. What Are Teethers? There are many teethers available in the market, such as eco-friendly teething toys. Sometimes, they are referred to as teething rings. They...
Baby Teething: A Parents' Guide to Soothing Teething Pain
Wed, Jul 14, 21 Kate Nicolson
As a parent, you are excited to witness and share the experience with your child as they go through the wonderful stages of life. Although teething is a major milestone, this stage may be uncomfortable for you and your baby. It is when their first few teeth tend to come out, which can be extremely painful for them. Thankfully, they can get relief and soothe their irritated gums by giving them a teether. When to Use a Teether Most babies get lower central incisors between six and ten months of age, while their upper central incisors appear between 8-12 months....
The Best Ways to Go About Properly Washing Soft Toys
Tue, Jun 01, 21 Kate Nicolson
One of the most adorable parts of the early days of many children is the way they suddenly get attached to a particular toy. Typically, it's a koala stuffed animal or similar. Many people tend to opt for buying animal soft plush toys even before a baby is out of their mother's womb. This is largely due to them making for great gender-neutral gifts. Why are plush toys so important? The more a kid is attached to their plush toy, the more likely they are to go basically everywhere with them. This means that there's a tendency for the toys...
A Quick Guide to Choosing Teething Toys for Your Baby
Tue, Jun 01, 21 Kate Nicolson
As a parent, taking care of your baby entails a huge responsibility. Once they reach a stage in their life where they begin to crawl, it’s also time for them to become more curious about their environment. Moreover, they could start teething, the moment where their baby teeth appear slowly one by one, encouraging them to chew on everything they get their hands on. Teething is an essential part of your child’s development, so to make the transition easier for them, you may want to get them teething toys to ease the discomfort and pain. Your baby’s teeth will begin...
The 3 Main Benefits of Sustainable Pacifiers and Teethers
Fri, Apr 30, 21 Kate Nicolson
It can be hard to quell a baby’s mood when they’re going through a tantrum and cry after cry. Luckily, it’s been proven that any sucking sensation helps soothe a baby when they’re crying as all of their focus goes towards that object. When babies can start using a pacifier is subjective, but experts recommend parents to wait a while before introducing any teething toys to a newborn. When that baby reaches 4-5 years old, they can start removing the use of any pacifiers or teethers just to protect their incoming permanent teeth. Some families are wary of any pacifier...
Pacifier Chain: What Is It and Why Should Your Child Use It?
Fri, Apr 30, 21 Kate Nicolson
Your baby crying does not always mean they are hungry. Since they have the urge to suck on something, this desire can linger even right after being just breastfed or bottle-fed. Satisfy this sucking reflex by giving them a pacifier. It can help calm them if they get cranky and encourage them to self-soothe as they learn to control their feelings and feel more secure. It can also lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) to keep the airways open by pushing the tongue forward. Giving your child a pacifier instead of a bottle of milk can help...
Kids and Stuffed Animals: Benefits of Having Soft Plush Toys
Tue, Apr 20, 21 Kate Nicolson
There are a million changes that take place with children at a young age — from learning how to walk to finally starting school — all these major changes will shape how your children will develop. When your kids start school, they'll be forced to encounter new people who are much different from them on top of being in a sudden unfamiliar environment. These changes can encourage them to navigate through social interactions independently when they get the proper support they need, but letting them handle it alone can make it a emotionally tiring experience for your tiny humans. Since...
4 Gender-Neutral Baby Gifts You May Want to Consider
Wed, Apr 14, 21 Kate Nicolson
Gender reveals have become common for many years. This is because many would-be parents prefer to delay the announcement of the gender of their babies. While doing so can be quite fun and exciting, it can also make it a struggle for relatives and families to find a perfect baby gift. As they are clueless about whether the child is a boy or a girl, they will likely end up choosing a gender-neutral present instead. The good news is that there's a wide range of unisex baby gifts readily available in today’s market. In this article, we will share four...
4 Helpful Tips for Buying Safe Toys for Your Children
Wed, Apr 14, 21 Kate Nicolson
When it comes to choosing toys for your children, the “fun factor” is not the only aspect that you need to look for. Even if it seems like just a harmless fox stuffed animal, you have to make sure that they are safe to use and won’t put kids in danger. If you are thinking “they’re just toys,” you should know that you can’t be too careful even if they’re “just toys.” After all, there were roughly 226,100 toy-related injuries that were treated in emergency departments in the U.S. back in 2018 – that number is too large to ignore! ...
A Sustainable Lifestyle Applies to Children’s Toys, Too!
Mon, Mar 29, 21 Kate Nicolson
Living a zero-waste, sustainable lifestyle is no longer an option—it’s become a necessity. Everyone should be doing their best to contribute as little as possible to the world’s waste and pollution problem. If you’re already using canvas grocery bags and eco-friendly cleaning products, and you’re eschewing single-use plastics, then that’s fantastic! But did you know that you could apply this to your children’s toys, too? Zero-Waste Toy Packaging Practicing a sustainable lifestyle should apply to everything that you do and everything you purchase. One of the most important considerations is your household trash production—it’s no longer just about separating recyclables...
5 Great Reasons to Get a Wooden Toy for Your Toddler
Thu, Mar 18, 21 Kate Nicolson
There is no such thing as good toys and bad toys. All toys are designed with a specific goal in mind depending on the age of the child and what the parent or guardian wants the child to achieve by playing with that toy. One type of toy that has multiple benefits, however, is wooden toys. These toys have multiple qualities and benefits for babies and young children, but this article will focus on the top five. Wooden toys are sustainable, non-toxic, and timeless. If you are looking for a great gift option for your child or the child of...
The Surprising Connection of Brain Development and Soft Toys
Tue, Mar 16, 21 Kate Nicolson
Choosing and buying toys for young children may sometimes be a difficult task. As parents, we want to find toys that can stimulate their intelligence quotient, help them gain more stable emotions, and are fun to play with all at the same time. While there are many gadgets and technological advancements in the toy industry, nothing beats a good old stuffed animal. All of us had a favorite soft toy growing up. Whenever we had a hard day in school, felt frustrated about something we had done (or failed to do), that soft toy was always there to seemingly offer...
10 Presents You Can Bring to a Gender-Neutral Baby Shower
Tue, Mar 16, 21 Kate Nicolson
Baby showers are always an exciting event for any parent as they anticipate welcoming a new member to the family. When parents hold a gender-neutral baby shower, it can be for several reasons. They may not want to reveal or find out the sex of a baby or be progressive in valuing the baby developing their own gender identity without stereotypes or norms. You may feel stumped and unsure about what kind of gift you can bring to the party. Plenty of stores still market and sell gender-coded items. Upon contemplation, there are tons of gender-neutral gift ideas you can...
Why You Should Invest in Stuffed Animal Toys for Your Kids
Wed, Feb 24, 21 Kate Nicolson
It's easy to see children having a collection of stuffed animal toys in their room to keep them company. In fact, they may be the kids' first gifts or toys that they've ever played with, and most of the time, they stay with them as they grow older. However, many of us think that they are just common toys that are ideal for babies, toddlers, and schoolchildren. What we fail to realize is how valuable they are because they actually offer educational benefits to children of all ages. If you're still unconvinced, here's why you should invest in stuffed animal...
Playing Sustainably: Making the Move to Eco-Friendly Toys
Wed, Feb 24, 21 Kate Nicolson
Wherever we turn to look, we see plastic in almost everything. There is no industry that uses plastic more than the baby industry. Taking care of a baby is difficult, and much as we try to deny it, plastic baby products are convenient and readily available. Even the most eco-friendly parents may still end up using plastic in some way shape or form. It is understandable that it may sometimes be unavoidable to use plastic, however, the environment will suffer if we do not try and lessen the use of these unsustainable materials. The effort to have less plastic in...
Reasons to Give Your Baby a Teether for a Comfortable Experience
Thu, Feb 11, 21 Kate Nicolson
When dealing with your child’s first baby tooth, it is a time in their lives worth paying attention to due to the excitement and uncertainty the moment can offer. Unfortunately, while it is a significant part of a baby’s life, it can also bring discomfort and pain to your child. You will know when your baby is starting to grow their first tooth if they become restless more often, aren’t as hungry as usual, experience red sore gums, and come down with a fever. The most obvious indicator of your child’s teething involves the habit of biting more often than...
What Are the Benefits of Soft Plush Toys for Babies?
Thu, Feb 11, 21 Kate Nicolson
These days, there is such a wide variety and selection of children’s toys available. Sometimes the first thought and preference of parents will go straight to electronic toys. Some parents think that soft toys and stuffed animals are outdated and offer no value to parents who want to buy educational toys for their children. However, there are many benefits to buying soft toys for your children. A huge number of studies have shown that soft toys have numerous benefits on the development of children. This is why soft plush toys are still being sold today. No matter how many technological...
Why You Should Choose Ethically-Made Toys for Your Child or Infant
Thu, Feb 11, 21 Kate Nicolson
Besides food, parents are more aware today of the effects of children's toys on their offspring. It is not enough to buy a baby gym or a playmat and let children have a go at it. Today, parents are more discerning about the materials used in making these items. It makes sense since small children explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Parents today are more likely to choose eco-friendly and ethically-crafted toys for their children. These toys are typically handmade and from 100 percent natural materials, free of harmful elements like phthalates and cadmium. Phthalates supposedly cause...
Parenthood 101: The Importance of Toys for Babies
Sun, Feb 07, 21 Kate Nicolson
Every parent should know that toys are an essential part of any child’s upbringing, especially because toys are a huge part of their mental development. All children, no matter the age, benefit from having toys to play with, but this is even more crucial for babies and toddlers. There are many reasons why children of such ages require toys and a playmat to play safely—and one of them is to support their development, specifically in their empathy faculties. Children must be taught at a young age to be more understanding of others since being able to understand others is the...
7 Reasons Little Kids Adore Cute Stuffed Animals
Tue, Jan 19, 21 Kate Nicolson
From the time they were first made, stuffed animals have been a part of everyone’s childhood. Most kids consider their bear or bunny stuffed animal their first best friend. It’s not surprising because animal plushies are some of the cutest and most comforting toys ever made! Today, you can find a stuffed version of almost any animal you can imagine, from the usual cats and dogs to more unusual ones like hedgehogs, armadillos, and llamas. But with all the newer and fancier types of toys coming out in the market, it’s a wonder that kids still love stuffed animals. In...
How to Find the Safe Crochet Blanket for Your Infant
Thu, Dec 31, 20 Kate Nicolson
Every mother only wants the best for their children, and that means ensuring that everything that their infant uses is safe at all times. If you are here, you probably heard of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the unfortunate situation when parents lull their babies to sleep at night only to find out that they never wake up the next day. Many researchers believe that SIDS happens because of low oxygen levels, high carbon dioxide in their blood, and rebreathing their exhaled carbon dioxide, especially when sleeping face down. Is Blanket Harmful for Your Baby? This report from...
4 Reasons Babies and Toddlers May Benefit From a Baby Gym
Thu, Dec 24, 20 Kate Nicolson
There are many parenting trends that are scattered all across the internet. Some of these are quite strange or senseless, but there are a few that parents or guardians may find beneficial. One of the best trends nowadays comes in the form of a baby gym. What makes this an ideal play place for babies, and how can it aid in a child’s development? Babies and toddlers need physical movement and exercise to grow properly. Baby gyms can provide this and a whole lot more. They can help stimulate a child’s growth in various ways. If you are considering getting...
Why Playing With Plush Toys Is Vital In Child Development
Thu, Dec 24, 20 Kate Nicolson
Little children are fond of plushies and soft toys. These cuddly companions are indeed lovely to be around; even adults find them cute. However, did you know that soft plush toys have a role in helping a child's development? Here are some of the ways they do! Plush Toys Provide Comfort To Babies Stuffed animals ease a child's anxiety. A wooden teether with a plushie holder, for example, can soothe a distressed infant. Even older children feel comforted by a favorite stuffed animal since these toys are familiar and reassuring. Providing children a sense of normalcy and giving them anchors...
Baby Teethers 101: Why Wood Teethers Are Best For Your Baby
Mon, Dec 07, 20 Kate Nicolson
As a parent, you’ll be worrying about everything, and you'll keep asking questions like, “Is my baby eating enough?”, “Why is my baby crying?”, or “Are you in pain?” All these questions are valid and expected, especially because deciphering what your baby wants can be quite tricky. One of the significant stages of development your baby will go through is when they start teething. Teething happens when your baby reaches 6 to 24 months of age, wherein their first set of teeth begin to break through their gums. During this time, they tend to be irritable since they have swollen...
4 Important Considerations When Buying Baby Toys
Tue, Dec 01, 20 Kate Nicolson
The holidays are just around the corner. If there is a new baby in your family, it will be an exciting honor to shop for one of their first toys! However, you need to be aware that babies and toddlers tend to put things in their mouths. Whatever they're able to get their hands-on, it's most likely going in there. This is why you need to be wary about the toys you give to babies. Knowing this, it may have gotten a little bit more difficult to choose a present for the little one. However, don't give up just yet!...