How did the Warmtemaantje come about?
After closing my webshop for handmade baby clothes, I was left with fabric remnants. I used these to make sensory play-beanbags, which proved to be a success. However, I was frequently asked for a larger beanbag for warming up. To create a shape that wasn't already available, I started sketching and experimenting, and that's how the Warmtemaantje was born.
What is a Warmtemaantje?
The Warmtemaantje is a moon-shaped beanbag filled with cherry pits. The moon shape was very quickly well-received and proved to be a hit for babies with colic. Our own daughter, no longer a newborn but 5 months old, just starting solids in combination with breastfeeding, also benefited greatly from it.
The moon shape is not only trendy but also very practical. The filling is distributed in such a way that it doesn't sink to the sides, as often happens with other beanbags. In addition, the Warmtemaantje does not press on the (often newly filled) stomach but only on the lower abdomen, while also providing warmth to the sides.
What is the Warmtemaantje made of?
The Warmtemaantje is made entirely of organic materials, making it safe for you and your child. The cherry pits are also organically cleaned, without the use of chemical agents.
How do you use the Warmtemaantje?
The Warmtemaantje can be used both warm (from the oven or microwave) and cold (from the refrigerator or freezer). The Warmtemaantje comes in a box with included instructions for use. These can also be found here in the webshop.
For warming, it is important to first remove the cover and sprinkle the beanbag with water before heating it. It can be heated in the microwave within a minute or in the oven in about 10 minutes. When using the oven, it's a bit more about estimating when you'll need the Warmtemaantje, as this takes more time due to preheating the oven and then the warming. Tip: if you want to use the Warmtemaantje for abdominal cramps: preheat the oven when you start feeding, put the Warmtemaantje in the oven immediately after feeding so you can use it as quickly as possible after feeding.
If you want to use the Warmtemaantje cold, I recommend placing it in the freezer for 1 to 1.5 hours before use, in a bag or cloth. It can, of course, stay in longer.
The Warmtemaantje is not only a hit for babies with tummy aches. Here are some more uses and benefits:
For babies:
- Preheat the crib or bassinet so your child is less likely to wake up when being put in bed.
- Warm towels and clothes by wrapping them around the Warmtemaantje. This way your child will feel less cold when getting out of the bath.
- Place it in the stroller when going for a walk when it's cold outside.
For moms:
- Use it as an aid for breastfeeding: warm when you want to promote the let-down reflex. This is harder when you are cold. Or cold for engorgement and a (developing) mastitis.
- Nice on your belly for afterpains.
- Nice on your belly for menstrual pain.
- Can also be used on other body parts, both warm to warm up stiff muscles, for example, and cold for a bruise or swelling.
For older children:
- Cold on the sore spot for falls or bumps.
- Nicely warm on your tummy for stomach aches.
- Nicely warm under a blanket on the couch when you don't have to do anything.
What is the advantage of a Warmtemaantje compared to a (hot) water bottle or beanbags with other fillings?
- The Warmtemaantje is filled with cherry pits. I chose this filling because it is more durable than, for example, flaxseed or wheat. This is because cherry pits can get wet and are even washable. By sprinkling the beanbag with water before use, the chance of the pits drying out is smaller and the lifespan is extended. In addition, there is a chance that a baby may spit up or urinate on the Warmtemaantje. The Warmtemaantje does not then have to be thrown away immediately.
- The cherry pit is a non-edible residual product. Both flaxseed and wheat are food items that might be better used elsewhere.
- With the Warmtemaantje, you don't have to deal with boiling water, which can be very dangerous if the hot water bottle (unnoticed) starts to leak. A newborn baby cannot indicate this, with all the associated consequences.
- A metal or rubber hot water bottle can be useful for preheating the bed or clothes, but it is not practical for use with a young child or as an aid during breastfeeding. In addition, it is not possible to use a hot water bottle cold from the freezer.
Is the Warmtemaantje safe to use?
The Warmtemaantje has been extensively tested for safety by an external party using a heat test. When used correctly according to the instructions provided with each Warmtemaantje, the Warmtemaantje is safe to use.
The Warmtemaantje is not intended for your child to play with.
The fabric used for the beanbag is organic poplin cotton. The cherry pits are organically cleaned, so you or your child will not come into contact with chemical substances. This beanbag has a cover made of a fabric and print of your choice, which also determines the appearance of the Warmtemaantje as the final product. The fabrics you can choose from are: organic Nicky velour, merino wool jersey, merino wool teddy, or cotton jersey with a print.
How do I keep the Warmtemaantje clean?
Should it be necessary to wash the Warmtemaantje because, for example, it has been spit or peed on? This is no problem at all! Cherry pits can be washed. There are several options:
- You only wash the cover in the washing machine.
- You also wash the beanbag in the washing machine. Use neutral, unscented detergent or no detergent and let it air dry. Shaking it occasionally promotes the process.
- You wash the beanbag by hand with a neutral, unscented detergent or no detergent. Shaking the beanbag occasionally makes it dry faster.
- Store the Warmtemaantje in a dry place, preferably at room temperature, as this is the best temperature to reheat it.
- In the webshop, you'll find a Storage Bag made of organic cotton with the text 'mijn Warmtemaantje' (my Warmtemaantje) on it, where the Warmtemaantje fits perfectly, keeping it dust-free and clean. This Storage Bag is also very handy for your (diaper) bag.
Tip: Add the Warmtemaantje to your baby registry or give it as a baby shower gift!