Long sleeves, UPF 50+ and a good hooded towel: our simple guide to choosing sun-safe swimmers for babies and toddlers this Aussie summer.
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If you've started researching baby products you've probably noticed that muslin comes up everywhere — muslin swaddles, muslin wraps, muslin blankets. It's become a bit of a catch-all term for "soft baby wrap," but it's not the only fabric worth knowing about.
At Mae & Rae, our swaddles are made from 100% crepe cotton — a different fabric to muslin, with its own set of benefits. So what actually is crepe cotton, and why did we choose it?
Here's everything you need to know.
Crepe cotton is a woven, 100% cotton fabric with a distinctive pebbled, slightly crinkled texture. That texture comes from the way the fabric is woven (sometimes called a crepe or granite weave), not from a chemical treatment, which is why it holds up so well over years of washing.
In the context of baby products, crepe cotton refers to a soft, breathable, lightweight cotton fabric that's tightly woven enough to hold its shape and drape beautifully, while still being gentle and flexible enough for newborns and young babies.
It's breathable. Crepe cotton is woven from 100% natural cotton fibres, allowing air to circulate freely which helps regulate your baby's body temperature and reduces the risk of overheating — particularly important in Australia's warm climate.
It gets softer with every wash. Like most quality cotton fabrics, crepe cotton becomes softer and more comfortable the more you wash it, without losing its shape.
It's gentle on sensitive skin. Crepe cotton is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fibres, making it ideal for newborn skin which is sensitive and delicate.
It holds its shape and resists fraying. Because it's more tightly woven than an open-weave fabric, crepe cotton is less prone to fraying at the edges and keeps its structure wash after wash — a big plus for a swaddle that's getting near-daily use.
It's versatile. A crepe cotton swaddle can be used as a swaddle wrap, a pram cover, a breastfeeding cover, a change mat, a burp cloth and more.
It's lightweight. Crepe cotton swaddles are light enough for Australian summers but can be layered for cooler months.
Crepe Cotton vs Muslin. Muslin is a loosely, openly woven cotton gauze — light and breathable, but the open weave means it can be prone to fraying and can thin out over time. Crepe cotton is more tightly woven with a pebbled texture, giving it similar breathability with better durability and shape retention, so it stays looking newer for longer.
Crepe Cotton vs Fleece. Fleece is warm and cosy but not breathable — not ideal for Australian conditions or for babies who run warm. Crepe cotton is a much safer choice for temperature regulation.
Crepe Cotton vs Jersey Knit. Jersey knit is stretchy and soft, but as a knit fabric it doesn't hold a snug swaddle wrap as securely as a woven fabric like crepe cotton, which is the more traditional choice for swaddling specifically.
Crepe Cotton vs Bamboo. Bamboo is another excellent option — it's incredibly soft and also breathable. Both are great for babies with sensitive skin, so it often comes down to personal preference between the two.
The basic swaddle:
Safe swaddling tips:
Our Mae & Rae Swaddles are made from the softest 100% crepe cotton and come in a range of beautiful prints — from the classic Posy Floral to the warm Choc Moon.
They're large enough to get a proper swaddle wrap, breathable enough for Australia's climate and beautiful enough for all the newborn photos. At $40 they're one of the best value baby essentials you'll find.
They also make the most beautiful baby shower gift — especially paired with a matching bow in our Newborn Bundle.
Mae & Rae is an Australian handmade baby accessories and kids clothing brand. Made with love for your little one.
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Packing your hospital bag is one of those tasks that feels simple until you sit down to do it and realise you have absolutely no idea where to start. Here's our ultimate hospital bag checklist for Australian mums — including the things nobody tells you about.
Most midwives recommend having your hospital bag packed and ready by 36 weeks. Babies don't always arrive on schedule and having your bag ready early means one less thing to stress about in those final weeks.
Clothing & Comfort:
Toiletries:
Other Essentials:
Clothing:
Accessories:
The Perfect Hospital Bag Baby Bundle: Our Newborn Bundle — a soft handmade swaddle paired with a matching bow — is the perfect addition to any hospital bag. Beautiful, practical and already paired together. $44.
A good lip balm (or two). Labour is long and hospital rooms are dry. Your lips will thank you.
Snacks for your support person. They're not allowed to leave you to get food at the critical moment. Pack snacks for them too. I lived off Allens Snakes and Powerade through both my labour's!
Dry shampoo. You won't always have time or energy for a proper hair wash but you'll want to feel human for the photos.
A portable phone charger. You will take hundreds of photos and your phone will die at the worst possible moment.
A going home outfit for baby that you'll actually love in photos. These are the photos you'll look at forever. A beautiful swaddle, a special outfit and a gorgeous little bow make all the difference.
Headphones/Airpods. For both of you. Labour can be long and having your own music or a podcast can help enormously.
Pack for a minimum of 2–3 days for a vaginal birth and 4–5 days for a planned caesarean. Have a second bag ready at home with extra supplies in case you stay longer than expected so hubby or your support person can easily grab it if needed.
Everything your baby needs for those first precious days is at maeandraebows.com — from soft crepe cotton swaddles to handmade bows and headbands.
Mae & Rae is an Australian handmade baby accessories and kids clothing brand. Made with love for your little one.
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Winter on the Gold Coast might be mild compared to the rest of Australia, but the cooler mornings and evenings still call for something warm, cosy and — let's be honest — incredibly cute. Here are our favourite kids winter outfit ideas for 2026.
Nothing says effortless winter style like a matching tracksuit set. It's the outfit that looks put together without any effort, photographs beautifully and keeps little ones warm all day long.
Our Little Dreamers Tracksuit is exactly that. Soft, cosy and available in Chocolate Brown and Pink — two of the biggest colour trends in kids fashion right now. The matching set comes in sizes 0–8 and once your little one is in it, good luck getting it off them.
Style tip: Pair the chocolate brown set with white sneakers for the perfect winter day look.
An oversized graphic tee layered over a long sleeve is the easiest winter outfit formula for kids. It's relaxed, comfortable and looks cool without trying.
Our Dreamers Tee is 100% soft cotton with our signature Mae + Rae graphic print on the back. Available in Baby Pink and Charcoal — both perfect for layering over a white long sleeve on cooler days.
Style tip: Layer the Charcoal Dreamers Tee over a white long sleeve with our Stardust Flares for a complete winter look that's warm enough for Gold Coast winters.
Flare pants have been having a major moment in kids fashion and they're not going anywhere. The wide leg silhouette is comfortable, easy to move in and looks amazing with almost anything on top.
Our Stardust Flares in Pink and Blue tie-dye are the perfect winter bottom — soft, stretchy and finished with a beautiful scalloped hem. Pair them with a cosy knit jumper for the perfect cool weather outfit.
If you want to keep it simple — the Dreamers Set has you covered. Our Dreamers Tee paired with the Stardust Flares, available as a bundle for $69.95.
It's the outfit they'll reach for every single winter morning — soft, warm enough for Gold Coast winters and stylish enough for anywhere the day takes them.
For those slightly cooler days, a puffer vest over any of the above outfits adds warmth without restricting movement. Choose a neutral — cream, khaki or black — that works with multiple outfits rather than buying colour specific.
Style tip: A puffer vest over the Little Dreamers Tracksuit with white sneakers is one of the cutest kids winter looks going around right now.
Dress in layers. Australian winters — especially on the Gold Coast — can go from cool in the morning to warm by midday. Layers mean you can add or remove pieces as the temperature changes throughout the day.
Choose soft fabrics. Kids have sensitive skin and scratchy fabrics make for unhappy little ones. Look for soft cotton, jersey knit and fleece fabrics that feel gentle against skin.
Don't forget accessories. A cosy beanie, a soft knit cardigan or a simple hair accessory can completely transform a basic outfit into something special.
Invest in versatile pieces. Choose pieces that mix and match with multiple outfits rather than buying too many single-use items. A great tracksuit set, a versatile tee and a pair of flares can create dozens of different outfit combinations.
Our full kids clothing range is available at maeandraebows.com with free shipping on orders over $100. We ship across Australia as well as internationally and stock is limited — especially in the popular sizes.
Mae & Rae is an Australian kids clothing and baby accessories brand. Made with love for your little ones.
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Finding the perfect baby shower gift can feel overwhelming. You want something beautiful, something practical, and something that feels a little bit special — not just another generic gift card or a packet of nappies.
The good news? You don't need to spend a fortune to give a gift that genuinely means something. Here are our favourite baby shower gifts in Australia under $50 that new mums will actually love and use.
If there's one thing every new mum needs, it's a beautiful swaddle. Newborns are swaddled constantly in those first precious weeks — for sleep, for comfort, for newborn photos, for hospital visits. A swaddle gets used every single day.
The key is quality. A soft, breathable cotton swaddle in a beautiful print is something mums keep and treasure long after their baby has grown out of it.
Our Mae & Rae Swaddles are made from the softest crepe cotton with scalloped edges and come in a range of beautiful prints — from the classic Posy Floral to the warm Choc Moon. They're large enough to get a proper swaddle wrap, breathable enough for Australia's warm climate, and beautiful enough for all the newborn photos.
Why mums love it: Practical, beautiful and used every single day in those first weeks.
Baby bows are one of those gifts that feel small but make a big impact. Every time a mum puts that little bow on her baby girl for a photo, an outing, or a special occasion — she'll think of you.
The trick is choosing a quality bow that actually stays on and doesn't leave marks. Our Signature Bows come in a beautiful range of colours — from soft neutrals like Stone and Oat to gorgeous pinks and violets — and are designed to be gentle on even the tiniest little heads.
If you want to give a little more, take advantage of our Buy 2 Get 1 Free deal across our bow range. Three beautiful bows for the price of two — and still well under $50.
Why mums love it: Pretty, practical and perfect for photos.
If you want to give one gift that does it all, this is it.
Our Newborn Bundle pairs a soft swaddle with a matching Mae & Rae bow — already beautifully paired and ready to gift. No wrapping stress, no wondering if things go together. It arrives gift-ready and looks gorgeous.
It's the baby shower gift that always lands — practical enough to be used from day one, beautiful enough to feel special, and thoughtful enough to show you really cared.
At $44 it's one of the best value gifts you'll find, and the kind of thing mums genuinely remember receiving.
Why mums love it: Everything they need, beautifully packaged and ready to give.
Topknots are having a major moment in Australian baby fashion and for good reason — they're adorable, they stay on better than traditional headbands, and they work in neutral colours.
Our Topknot range comes in a gorgeous selection of colours and fabrics. Pick one in a neutral like Cream or Stone for a neutral loving mum, or go bold with a print if you know the baby is a girl and mum loves a pop of colour!
Why mums love it: Versatile, on-trend and a statement piece.
Sometimes you genuinely don't know what size to get, what colours the nursery is, or what the mum already has. In that case a gift voucher is always the right move — especially from a brand you know she'll love.
A Mae & Rae gift voucher lets her choose exactly what she wants, in the size and colour that works for her little one. No guessing, no returns, no stress.
Think practical first, pretty second. The most loved gifts are the ones that get used every day. A beautiful swaddle beats a decorative ornament every time.
Neutral colours are always safe. If you don't know the gender, or want to play it safe, soft neutrals — creams, oats, stones and chocolates — work for any baby.
Presentation matters. A thoughtfully wrapped gift feels more special than the same gift thrown in a bag. Our Newborn Bundle comes ready to gift — no extra wrapping needed.
Think about photos. New parents take thousands of photos in those first weeks. A beautiful bow or swaddle that photographs well is a gift that keeps giving every time they look back at those memories.
All of our products are available online at maeandraebows.com with free shipping on orders over $100. We ship across Australia and also Internationally and our products are also available in selected stockists.
Whether you're looking for a small but beautiful gift or a complete newborn bundle, we've got something for every budget and every new mum.
Shop our full Bundles & Gifts range here →
Mae & Rae is an Australian handmade baby accessories and kids clothing brand. Founded with love, made for little ones.
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Welcoming a new sibling is a big moment for little ones. We chat with Little Love Chapters about supporting your child through the transition with connection, confidence, and care.
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👉 Explore our collections and find the perfect piece for the little one on the way.
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Tell us a bit about yourself? Who is the sweet Tahlia?!
I am just a regular every day mamma. I'm 25 years old, married to my high school sweet heart and have a beautiful daughter Summer who has just turned 18 months. I am a part time wedding coordinator and part time photographer. I love spending my days off roaming farmers markets, taking trips to Byron Bay and just general adventuring with my little tribe.
What is your new business + how did it start?
Last year I started my own Brisbane based photography biz called Wylde Folk Studios. I have always loved photography but I really dove into it since I have had Summer. She is my muse and inspiration. It was from the support of friends and family that I really got the confidence to go out and put my passion into action when it came to photography. Its been such a magical ride already, I adore getting to know families and being able to photograph those special moments in time for them to treasure. I have really been focused on family portraits, children, bloggers and businesses the last few months.
How do you find balance being a working mama?
To be completely honest the last few months have been a total whirl wind of work and motherhood. It is only recently that I feel I have mastered the whole working mamma thing. The biggest help I have found is purchasing a diary, now normally I am the type of girl who buys a dairy uses it for a week and never sees it again ( please don't tell me I'm the only one that has done this haha ). This time its been completely different with so much going on between my two jobs, mum life, friends etc I was finding my mind was all over the place, I felt unorganised and anxious. Its so nice now to be able to see exactly whats planned in the coming, day, week or month right in front of me. I also make sure I schedule in time to look after myself. Wednesday evening I always have Jesse my hubby take Summer for an hour while I enjoy a long shower, and just bliss out for a while. I also exercise 3 times a week I find this keeps me positive and in a really focused state of mind. Its so important to keep our cups full us mammas because if we are not looked after it makes looking after our loved ones very difficult.
Who or what inspires you?
Gosh I am inspired by so many beautiful people, places and things ( pintrest is super addictive isn't it ). I love fashion my favourite brand would be Spell Byron Bay I have been wearing it for many years and I just feel so confident whenever I put a little bit of spell on. I love travelling and places like Italy and Greece have really inspired me. In regards to my photography style I think as a photographer it really is about trying out lots of different style that catch your eye, experimenting and exploring. I feel I have really fell into my photography style quite early I always come back to my really organic, natural, bright, clear style that I really adore.
Fav IG mamas or accounts?
So many favourites but heres a few Insta mums I have total crushes on:-
@aliceinhealthyland-
@blossom.and.boheme-
@_dimity_-
@luciademello_-
@melissaambrosini
What's in store for your gorgeous new biz?
I actually have some really BIG, EXCITING things coming for Wylde Folk Studios in the coming weeks but its all a bit top secret for a couple more week, so make sure you check back because Its just so exciting and I cannot wait to tell you all !!
Instagram @Wyldefolkstudio_
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wyldefolkstudio/
