How long will my order take?

For our standard delivery service:

Engraved 'More than words' Products - We aim to dispatch these personalised products within 10 working days of your order being placed.

Engraved 'Handprint' Products - We aim to dispatch these products within 10 working days of receiving your useable handprints.

Standard delivery service is sent via Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For
For our Express Service- We aim to dispatch 3 working days from receiving your usable prints/artwork and the order will be posted with Royal Mail Special Next Day Delivery by 1pm.

How do I take prints for my handprint/fingerprint order?

We are able to use any prints that you already have, which may have been taken with paint, ink or invisible ink. If you don't have any prints that you would like to use, then all of our handprint products offer you the option to order a FREE handprint taking kit when you place your order. These kits are really easy to use and less messy than using paint!

Once you've taken your prints you can send them to us via post (there is a freepost envelope included with your kit). We do recommend that you send your prints back via email though, as it is quicker and safer to do so, it also means you can keep the original prints as a keepsake. You can either scan your prints, or take a high resolution photo with your phone and send them to studio@bellaandbow.co.uk.

How do I use prints that I already have?

We simply need a copy of the prints that you already have. You can either scan the prints or take a high resolution photo and email them to studio@bellaandbow.co.uk. Alternatively, you can photocopy them and send them via post to our studio:

Bella & Bow Ltd, 3b The Common, Parbold, Lancashire, WN8 7DA.

Can I return/exchange my item or cancel an order?

Goods that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to your specific requirements are non-refundable, unless faulty. All other items can be returned if they are in their original packaging, please contact us within 7 days to arrange any returns. 

Please see here for our full returns ad cancellation policy.

    How do I upload prints that I already have?

    For our handprint products, you are able to upload a jpeg (photo) file with your order. Use the 'upload prints' facility when you pick your product options. If you have more than one image to send us, then please email them to studio@bellaandbow.co.uk, using your order number as a reference.

    My item has not arrived on time, what should I do?

    Once an order has been dispatched via Royal Mail you should receive a confirmation shipping email. Your order can be tracked here http://www.royalmail.com/ . If you are unable to receive your delivery, then the postman will usually put it thorough your door or leave a delivery card. If the item is not received by the confirmed date, please check with the local depot. Occasionally deliveries may be delayed during busy periods such as Christmas. Unfortunately we have no control over delays that are due to Royal Mail. Please be patient if this is the case and keep tracking the item via the Royal Mail website.

    What do I do if I'm not happy with the prints that i've taken?

    There are very few handprints that we are unable to use, and most of the time we can clean up any smudges that are made during the print taking process. If you are unhappy with the prints that you've taken, then please send us a photo or scan of them anyway, along with a note explaining that you would like us to take a look at them for you. We can normally edit them and send a copy back to you to check before processing your order.

    If you would prefer to order a replacement kit to take another set of prints, then they are available to purchase via our website.

    News

    Tips to soothe your teething baby

    Tips to soothe your teething baby

    Tips for teething baby

    Time and time again you hear the same question about teething: "what is the answer?!" I became so fed up of asking this question myself that I decided to do my own research. As a first-time Mum, I had no idea about what remedies were on the market, I had never perused the baby aisles or been into Mothercare, I was clueless about this development and with no leaflets or books to help me I felt at a complete loss. I had to sit on the internet and look up all that I wanted to know, I had to ask family and friends what their experiences had been, I even wrote facebook statuses begging for others’ advice! My son was in pain, very dribbly, had eczema brought on by his distress, had nappy rash, was off his food, wasn’t sleeping and of course, neither were we. From all of my research and questioning, I became a bit of a ‘go to’ person amongst my Mum friends and when one joked that I could write a book. The idea just stuck. I sat down and began to write, covering every area I’d had questions about. I had this need to help other parents where I found very little, and so, ‘Your Teething Baby, from one parent to another’ was produced. A one-stop informative book which covers what teething is, the order the teeth (usually) arrive, the history of teething, remedies on the market, homemade remedies, old wives’ tales, remedies from around the world, symptoms and oral care; as well as helpful tips, quotes from parents and reassurance.

    So, from my book I am going to share with you some of the remedies which feature and explain how they may be able to help your little one through this tough time.



    Infant Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

    There are plenty of versions of these available across the market and all work in the same way but please do check each for their own dosage rates as these may vary. Paracetamol is a remedy for pain, fevers, colds and shouldn’t be overlooked when your baby is teething. Some parents think this should be a last resort due to it being a medicine but if your child is in pain you can help their discomfort straight away with this. Always follow the advice on the box.

    Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and will help to reduce swelling in the gums, reduce the pain and a fever. You can alternate these throughout the day when your baby is having a particularly tough time. Keep track of dosages by noting them down and make sure you do not go over the recommended amount for the day.



    Teething Granules

    These are naturally homeopathic or traditional herbal registration products which are designed to calm and soothe babies during distraught periods due to teething. They are administered orally by allowing the powder to dissolve on the tongue. They contain Chamomile which has been used for hundreds of years to help soothe bloated stomachs, trapped wind and to relax the body and mind to aid in a good night’s sleep. These will not only reduce flushed cheeks, dribbling and soothe gums but they will also help with tummy upsets caused by the excess saliva produced during teething. I spoke to Ashton and Parsons, Nelsons Teetha and Weleda during my research and all three feature in my book. If your baby is lactose intolerant you will need to purchase the granules produced by Weleda as these are sucrose based. Always check ingredients and dosage rates on the boxes.



    Teething Gels

    These have antiseptic and anaesthetic properties and are applied onto the area of the cutting tooth to provide temporary pain relief. If you cannot get your finger in the right place to apply the gel, try applying it to a toothbrush and gently brush over the gums. The brushing sensation will also be very soothing. Examples of gels available on the market are Bonjela, Dentinox, Nelsons Teetha and Anbesol- which is also available as a liquid.



    Amber

    This is one of the controversial remedies- although if you look at what has been tried over the years, this one is far cry from some of the crazy ideas we once had! (Hare brains anyone?!)

    The facts of amber are that if you buy an item of jewellery from a genuine stockist it is designed to break before causing strangulation (if you choose a necklace). If it does break each bead is individually knotted on and therefore cannot become a choking hazard. You can opt for an anklet, as I did, which can be worn under a sock, sleep suit and kept on at night. In Europe, it is the ‘norm’ to see a child wearing amber from birth.

    It was a last option for us but I immediately saw less dribbling, he settled more easily and slept better. He wore his for about 8 months whilst his last molars were cutting through. I would personally use amber again.



    Teething Toys

    There are some very well-known products on the market, such as Sophie la girafe, Nuby toys and MAM teethers. All are specifically designed to aid in softening the gums in order to help the teeth cut and to really satisfy those chewing and biting needs. Be careful with other toys you have around the house and even more so if you are visiting playgroups/baby groups because these toys will be much more well-used and possibly prone to breaking easily. At this time anything will be placed in the mouth to ease teething and you need to keep a very close eye on them. Also, make sure these items are regularly sterilised. Excess dribble, friends’ babies also putting the toys in their mouths, toys ending up on the floor and a lot of viral infections at this age means you need to sterilise more often.



    Distraction

    This one is a very simple method to help to take your baby’s mind off the discomfort they are in. Baby classes, day’s out, visits to friends and family and playing games will all help. Plus, if things get too much for you, if you are worn out from the sleepless nights and tired from the upset do remember to take time out for yourself and have a Grandparent/family member babysit. Chances are your baby won’t kick up such a fuss with them!

    Tip- Make sure you always pack all your remedies in your bag for going out. If you are really organised you could have one set for home and one set in the nappy bag, that way you will have one less thing to think about!


    Homemade Remedies

    • A clean finger to rub onto the gums.
    • A cold flannel to chew on.
    • Homemade *ice lollies.
    • Homemade teething biscuits. In Germany *Zwieback Toast is a popular remedy.
    • Baby massage techniques.
    • Acupressure and Acupuncture. Always seek professional advice.
    • Cold carrot and cucumber to chew on. Never leave a baby unattended.
    *recipes are provided in the book

    DO NOT freeze any items in case of damage to current teeth or the chance of parts breaking off and becoming a choking hazard. I have often heard of bananas being frozen but I wouldn’t personally take the risk.

    The key to helping your baby through their teething journey is to get the balance just right. You need to look at each symptom and treat each one with the appropriate remedy. If they are in pain use your infant paracetamol, if they have flushed cheeks try the granules, if they are biting everything in sight try teething toys, if they aren’t sleeping well at night try an amber anklet. The worst thing you can do is panic and become worked up. If they aren’t eating very well just go with what they will eat, their appetite will return once their symptoms subside. If they are screaming the house down get them out and about, go somewhere they like and you should both be able to relax. If they have nappy rash try some nappy free time to allow the air to dry it all out and use a barrier cream to help with healing. And if you need to co-sleep, if you need to rock, if you need to drive around for an hour to get them to nap just go with it. They won’t be teething forever and even though it seems endless right now I can promise you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.



    If you would like to find out more about Emma’s book you can read more over on her blog. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    You can purchase Your Teething Baby, from one parent to another on Amazon








    6 comments

    Apr 15, 2017

    i think much like illness, teething symptoms can have a really negative impact on a baby’s appetite.

    amitushar
    Apr 11, 2017

    It’s a good thing that people of any age for tooth.

    amitushar
    Jan 08, 2017

    Such a good post, my eldest never got on with granules but they worked really well for my youngest. We never tried amber, but a friend of mine swears by it.

    Emma
    Jan 07, 2017

    I think every child is different and its just a case of finding what works best for you. sadly its one of these things we have to watch them go through and do all we can to help

    Candace
    Jan 07, 2017

    Anbesol was our teething pain relief gel of choice – the only one that really seemed to work. Mine all had amber anklets too

    Kara
    Jan 06, 2017

    My eldest just slept when teeth were on the move but my third is struggling at the moment. We tend to have lots of cuddles and various toys to chew on and that seems to help him x

    Sarah - let them be small

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