Our Blog

Everything you need to know about choosing your child’s first proper bed, once they’ve outgrown the cot… It may not be on quite the same scale as the first moon landing but when your little one moves from a cot to their first bed, it certainly does feel like a giant step.  As a parent, you want to make sure that it’s the right bed at the right time, and that this milestone transition goes smoothly. You’ll have plenty of questions! For example, what should you look for in a …

It’s strawberry season, so here are 5 simple recipes for making marvellous things with them. Get in the kitchen with your kids and these strawberry delights will forever be remembered as the taste of summer… by Misti TrayaIf summer had a flavour, it would definitely be strawberry. Strawberries are so full of sweetness and sunshine. Just walking past a patch on a warm summer’s day and breathing in that heavenly scent can lift your mood. The TCFC team loves picking them too ̵ …

How about a spontaneous family adventure at a festival this summer hols? Here’s a guide to the best festivals for kids in the UK… A weekend at a festival can make for a fantastic family adventure – camping, dancing, sharing interesting food, and plenty of entertainment for parents and little ones alike. It’s a chance to let your hair down and loosen the usual rules.. .But of course when you have kids in tow you don’t want anything too wild.  Here are some of the best …

What lighting do you need in a children’s bedroom? Here are 7 top tips from an experienced mother… Getting the lamps, pendants and general lighting scheme right in a nursery or child’s bedroom isn’t easy. Their sleeping habits can change as quickly as their favourite colours or animals. Some tips for lighting may be key to keeping these habits in check. My daughter was a very light sleeper throughout her toddler years, when the merest crack of light would stop her from dropping off. & …

Meet the brilliant artist behind The Truth Pixie and the fabulous new edition of The Iron Man… “…the things I remember that I loved in childhood were imagined things… I remember my childhood in stories…” At The Children’s Furniture Company we love books – especially ones with striking and beautiful illustrations. The pictures we see in childhood stay with us for life –  so we thought it would be fun to meet the people who are making those memories for o …

Facial furniture, cookie duster, crumb catcher or face lace…Call it what you like, the moustache is back in fashion! For Father’s Day we’re doing some special hairy deals – and to kick it off, here’s our ultimate ‘tache style guide for Dads (and even Mums)… A brief history of the ‘tache In many places in the world, from India to the Balkans, moustaches have long been a sign of strength and virility. When a boy’s facial hair grew in, the bushier and wilder it wa …

Want to make sure your kids get a great night’s sleep? From hypo-allergenic to memory foam, here’s a complete buyer’s guide to choosing the right mattress for a child’s bed… When it comes to choosing a bed, most of us give as much thought to our mattresses as we do to the bed frame and style – with good reason. Choosing the right mattress can make all the difference between sleeping soundly and tossing and turning all night. So, we ask all the right questions. Is i …

Lauren Child’s illustration for the HarperCollins Gift Edition of Mary Poppins You know their pictures, but do you know their names? Here are 12 contemporary children’s illustrators we love – some very famous, others who deserve to be. Which is your favourite? by Misti Traya Some children’s illustrators are extremely famous – you see their work the world over, emblazoned on bags, posters, lunchboxes ….even books. Pick up a Korean edition of Roald Dahl for examp …

They don’t make snacks like they used to – how many of these classic (and often bizarre) tuck shop treats of the last century do you remember?Things were different in our day. We didn’t have wall-to-wall, multiple channel children’s TV or iPads, or any of the other instant gratifications our kids enjoy. No, our treats came as sweets and lunchbox fillers. Perfect. Instant. Pleasure. But some of them were decidedly odd. How many of the following 10 retro treats do you remember – and which of y …

Having a family can be expensive. Having fun doesn’t have to be. Thankfully, there is a lot on offer for families in London including many activities that are totally free. Hurrah! From city farms to art activities to parks, here are some of our favourite free days out in the capital…By Misti TrayaCity farms – a breath of fresh airCity farms are great destinations with little ones. Not only are there animals to see but there are different seasons to experience. Children can observe the natural w …