Baby Surrey January/February 2018

b b JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

BABYSURREY.CO.UK

How you can beat

MORNING SICKNESS

Bedtime reading New books for baby

Find your

THE BEST BUGGIES REVIEWED

FIRST STEPS How to pick your nursery

All wrapped up Cute and cosy fashion for wintry days

POOL PARTY Is a water birth right for you?

W IR !

A SPA BN E AK FOR TW O WORTH

£900

BALANCE

• HOW TO EXERCISE AFTER BABY ARRIVES • HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FAMILY RECIPES • WHAT NOT TO MISS IN THE COUNTY

£2.99

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CONTENTS

b b Editor-in-Chief Kate Freud Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Features Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson Head of Market Freddy Halliday Advertising Manager James Waldron Sales Executive Caroline Kimber Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Baby Surrey is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: editorial@littlemedia.co.uk

Baby Surrey Print ISSN 1757-6156 Online ISSN 2059-9838 | Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2017 All rights reserved

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2018

FEATURES

34 LITTLE LONDON AWARDS 2017 Meet our winners and go behind the scenes of our fun-filled party 42 BEHIND THE BRAND: BODEN Danielle Wilkins meets the label’s head of childrenswear design, Harriet Earle 50 STRONG LIKE MUM Athlete and postnatal fitness expert Shakira Akabusi on how to approach exercise after baby is born 54 MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT The facts behind your morning sickness, and how to manage it 56 THE CORE OF THE MATTER How much do you know about diastasis recti? It could be time to find out 66 EAT YOUR GREENS Get baby’s weaning off to a healthy start with these veg-packed recipes 73 CRACKING THE DAY CARE CODE Here’s how to choose the right nursery for your little one

STYLE

17

SUBSCRIBE

Enjoy our special subscription offer and you’ll receive Baby Surrey magazine for a year, delivered straight to your door, for just £18.

PLUS we’ll send you a Cheeky Chompers MultiMuslin worth £28.99, absolutely FREE! Simply visit:

SHOP THE SEASON New-season fashion and aww-inspiring pastel pieces for baby’s first nursery 26 BUNDLE UP, BABY! Snuggle together in style with super-soft layers and luxury knits

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15

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

24

41 PHOTOGRAPHER: KEN COPSEY MODEL: RIVER River wears cashmere cardigan, £125, Blue Almonds.

Knitted dralon bonnet, £26, Pepa & Co.

BABY NEWS Keeping you up to date with all things great and small WIN! AN OVERNIGHT SPA STAY AT CLIVEDON HOUSE We couldn’t think of anywhere we’d rather be this January…

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY What’s hot in Surrey over the next two months IT’S ALL NEW Brighten up bedtime with the latest books for baby PARTY TIME: BOY OR GIRL? Will you find out? Carole Middleton is here to help you plan the ultimate genderreveal celebration

24

River wears cashmere leggings, £95, Blue Almonds.

Leather moccasins, £42, Amy & Ivor. Cashmere blanket, £169, Brora.

26 47 TOT GEAR NEWS What’s new in the world of baby kit, plus, we review the new and improved Uppababy Vista 53 DIARY OF A MUM Martha Alexander ponders competitive parenting and the politics of raising a girl 58 MEET THE EXPERTS Advice from our panel of trusted healthcare professionals 61 TIME TO TALK Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle discuss the benefits of having a water birth 63 FOOD NEWS The latest offerings for busy families 69 EDUCATION NEWS All you need to know from the classroom and beyond 71 MEET THE HEAD Behind the scenes at Notre Dame School in Cobham 77 MINI AGENDA What’s going on in the county throughout January and February 82 INSPIRE Talking business with Björn Jakobson of BabyBjörn Check out the newest releases for baby’s bookshelf

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 5

NI NE I NTH E M I R R O R .CO M

Mori’s range of cosy and comfortable sleepwear is designed to protect baby’s sensitive skin From a selection babymori.com

Rose gold earrings £575, astleyclarke.com

EDITORS

LETTER

Soft toy mouse £20, mothercare.com

KATE FREUD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Moumout cotton muslin swaddle £17, en.smallable.com

BabySurrey

KEE @BabySurrey

UR

S

Join us online…

PU

P-TO-DAT ISIT • E, V

We’d love to hear what you think about our latest issue

• B A BY

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

Cashmere cardigan £185, mariechantal.co.uk

how to fix it (p.56).

Choosing the right nursery for your child can be a tricky business, especially with such hot competition. Georgina Blaskey tells you all you need to know about finding the right fit for your little one, and the questions to ask when you’re visiting potential nurseries (p.73).

Danielle Wilkins goes behind the scenes at one of our favourite labels, Boden (p.42) and we meet Björn Jakobson, the brains behind BabyBjörn, who started his inimitable brand in 1961 at the age of just 27 (p.82).

If you’re looking for the cosiest winter fashions for your little one, you’ll love our hygge-inspired shoot full of fresh ideas for the new year (p.26) and we’ve put together a chic edit of the cutest finds for baby in the softest shades of cream, blue, green and pink (p.17).

And last but not least, we give you a peek inside our Little London 2017 awards and reveal all the winners and runners-up (p.34).

Congratulations to all those who won and everyone who took part!

K

Cotton shirt and dungarees set £32, johnlewis.com

Happy new year and welcome to Baby Surrey’s first issue of 2018! After an over-indulgent Christmas period, our perennial list of new year’s resolutions has been reinstated; exercise more, spend less, relax more, eat less, the list goes on. And as ever, this year we’re determined to keep them! If you are too, take inspiration on the fitness front from the extraordinarily gymhoned Shakira Akabusi who offers plenty of ways to exercise around your little one (p.50).

When it comes to your baby, many parents say they find weaning one of the most stressful parts of early parenthood.

Step forward infant nutritional specialist Alice Fotheringham, who has created a delicious selection of recipes to tantalise little tastebuds (p.64).

Our friends at The Portland Hospital take an insightful look at morning sickness and how to cope with it (p.54) and The Bump Class’s Marina Fogle and Chiara Hunt discuss the merits of water births (p.61). Becky Dickinson explains the relatively unknown condition of diastasis recti – where the muscles of the stomach don’t knit back together properly after the birth of your child – how its surprisingly common amongst mothers, and

R E Y.C O

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babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 7

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NEWS

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FIT FOR A PRINCESS

O-DATE, V P-T

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KEEP U

Silver Cross and Marie-Chantal have come together to create a luxury collection for baby. The range, which includes three styles of pram, a cot bed, chest of drawers and baby bedding, has been designed to reflect Marie-Chantal’s classic childrenswear, and is inspired by English heritage colours and classic cars. Expect plenty of cream, grey flannel and tweed, with tan leather trims and the designer’s signature angel wing motif. Available from spring, silvercrossbaby.com

.C SU RREY

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 9

NEWS

THERE’S A NEWBIE IN TOWN Swedish childrenswear brand Newbie has arrived in the UK with two new stores in Surrey – one in Kingston and the other in Richmond.

With affordable clothes and accessories for boys and girls, from newborn to eight years, there’s a focus on print, which this season is inspired by botanical florals. newbiestore.com

MODERN ESSENTIALS

Cos, the home of minimalist, design-led fashion, has arrived in Guildford. Sandwiched between Russell & Bromley and Kikki K, the brand has worked hard to preserve the building’s original architectural features while incorporating the Cos aesthetic. Head here to shop a range of stylish garments for the whole family, with childrenswear sizes starting from one year.

80-82 High Street, cosstores.com

IF THE SHOE FITS Baby’s first steps are something you’ll want to remember forever. With every purchase from Bobux’s range of Step Up shoes, you’ll receive a keepsake cotton dust bag and leather swing tag; once your toddler grows out of them, add their name and walking date, and store to be treasured for years to come. bobux.co.uk

WIN!

A LUXURY COT BED QUILT FROM THE WHITE COMPANY, WITH METANIUM During the winter, there’s nothing quite like a quilt for extra comfort, particularly if your little one is under the weather. You could be in with a chance of winning this lovely Noah’s Ark design from The White Company, worth £85, along with Metanium goodies.

If your baby has a cold, this can be a trigger for nappy rash and using a barrier ointment such as Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier will help protect her delicate skin. If nappy rash does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is specifically designed to treat it. Always read the label. metanium.co.uk Enter online at babysurrey.co.uk/competitions

10 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

ALL SMILES NOW According to a new study by C&G Baby Club, 65 per cent of mums are convinced their baby experiences a ‘witching hour’ – a period typically between 5pm and 6pm where they’re cranky.

In response, C&G is rereleasing The Happy Song, a track that’s been proven to lift the spirits of irritable infants. soundofhappy.com

NEED TO KNOW… Get all your questions answered with the useful new e-book from skincare experts Mama Mio. Mama You’ve Got This: An Honest Guide to Pregnancy covers all bases – from sex to mental health, fashion to food, there’s 270 interactive pages of knowledge and advice. Available online now as a free download. mioskincare.co.uk

WINTER PROOF Be ready for a sudden drop in temperature with Aden + Anais’ new range of buggy blankets. Made with four layers of pure cotton muslin – which just so happens to get softer with every wash – the five new prints include blue stars, hearts and bicycles.

Perfect for snuggling up in the pushchair, car seat or at home. £25 each, adenandanais.co.uk

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS LAUNCHED AN INITIATIVE TO INCREASE HEALTHY PREGNANCIES AND HALVE THE RATE OF STILLBORN BABIES BY 2025. THE NEW MEASURES WILL INTRODUCE MORE RIGOROUS INVESTIGATION INTO CASES OF STILLBIRTH AND INJURY DURING LABOUR, AND ENABLE SHARED LEARNING BETWEEN THE ROYAL COLLEGES AND THE NHS. DH.GOV.UK

CAT’S CRADLE

The latest range from Vild House of Little is just purr-fect for your little kittens. The brand has teamed up with Puss Puss magazine – a publication for culture, fashion and cat lovers – to create a new jungle cat illustration print, with leopards, panthers and tigers hiding amongst the foliage. Shop a range of bodysuits, jackets, hats and leggings in the design, with each sale resulting in a donation to paediatric AIDS charity mothers2mothers. From £15, vildhouseoflittle.com The imaginative new collection boasts bold illustrations on c t fi o a c mat a

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 11

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Olivia

PHOTOGRAPHED BY HELEN MARSDEN

Sixteen-month-old Olivia Belle lives in Richmond. Her favourite things are food, playing with dollies and her toy buggy. She also loves reading The Gruffalo and dressin up in di erent outfits at her play roup babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 13

RUNNING HEAD

Take to the water in style at the breathtaking new Cliveden Spa

WIN!

C

liveden House was once home to the first female MP, Nancy Astor – and several dukes and duchesses before her – and now you, too, can enjoy a taste of the high life at this five-star country pad in Berkshire. It’s become the ultimate place to unwind, with its award-winning spa opening last summer. So if a touch of R&R in a luxury setting is what you’re after, look no further.

If you can entice yourself away from the cosy comfort of your room, start your day in the Cliveden Spa; a tranquil oasis tucked away in the walled garden. Breathe in the surrounding roses and lavender as you swim

in the infamous Profumo pool – the last remaining listed outdoor pool in England, or sink into an outdoor hot tub and while away the hours with a good book.

If you’re expecting, you’ve come to right place. Let the therapists massage away your aches and pains with one of its specially formulated pregnancy treatments.

Meanwhile, if you’re feeling a little more energised, make the most of the spa’s state-of-the-art gym, which features

a stimulating timetable of classes, including ballet barre and yoga, or enjoy a stressbusting stomp around the 376 acres of National Trust grounds.

Best of all, we’ve teamed up with Cliveden House to offer readers the chance to experience all of this for free.

One lucky winner will enjoy an overnight stay for two in a deluxe double room, with full English breakfast, use of the spa facilities and classes, and a one-hour treatment for each guest. Good luck! bs

WORTH £900

To enter, visit babysurrey.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES 11:59PM ON 15 FEBRUARY 2018. VISIT CLIVEDENHOUSE.CO.UK

14 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: PRIZE IS VALID FOR 12 MONTHS AFTER THE COMPETITION CLOSING DATE. BOOKABLE SUNDAY TO THURSDAY ONLY, EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

AN OVERNIGHT SPA STAY AT CLIVEDEN HOUSE

JANUARY 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Perhaps 2018 will bring a new baby, or you’ll enjoy seeing your little one grow – enjoy!

New-year boost

Ease yourself into 2018 with some much needed downtime and treat yourself this January to the New Year New You spa experience at The Runnymede on Thames Hotel. You’ll enjoy an Espa Ritual Wrap (there’s three to choose from), a personalised facial and full access to the fantastic spa facilities. £100 per person,

5 NIGHT SHIFT

Ewan the Dream Sheep welcomes a new member to his flock with the launch of the Baa Baa Blankie – a comfort blanket with plush edging that’s perfect for bedtime snuggles. £13.99, sweetdreamers.co.uk

runnymedehotel.com

dates for your

8 ROYAL FEVER

DIARY

Luxury baby gear brand Mima is ready for the upcoming royal arrival with its latest colourway for the Xari pushchair, launching today.

15 CLIP AND COLLECT

Bravado launches its Clip & Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory today. Mums will be able to keep both their top and bra on while expressing! £23, bravadodesigns.com

Mima Xari in Royal Blue £1,099, cheeky rascals.co.uk

IT’S FREE!

Antenatal education Check out the new complimentary antenatal classes happening through inspiring online community A Mother Place, founded by Roger Marwood, a newly retired obstetrician and gynaecologist with more than 40 years of experience, and two mothers, Becca Maberly and Emmie Faust. You’ll have easy access to expert advice and webinars on all the important topics, so you can feel prepared and in the know, wherever you are. amotherplace.com

Pens at the ready, we have a few suggestions to keep you and baby busy for the next two months

23 HEART-Y

FEBRUARY

Share the love with Heavenly’s new organic heart-shaped corn puffs, which have been added to its 12 months + range.

The all-natural snacks blend corn with two wholesome superfood ingredients, including sweet potato and carrot, and apple and strawberry. 69p, Ocado

5 CHINESE

SNACKS

24 WANDER WEAR

Already dreaming of those long summer days ahead?

Frugi’s SS18 collection launches today featuring travel-inspired prints. Plus, if a beach holiday is on the cards, keep your eyes peeled for its brand new swimwear. welovefrugi.com

CELEBRATIONS In Guildford for one night only is a unique and exciting show of cultural celebrations with the Chinese New Year Extravaganza at G Live.

Adults, £26.50; children, £18.50, glive.co.uk

9 LEGO LOVERS Have you a mini Lego fanatic at home? This half term, join the fun at the Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel for Junior Builder Week: Minifigures Edition! From £150, legoland. co.uk

13

FLIPPIN’ TASTY… Frying pans at the ready, folks, Shrove Tuesday is upon us.

Head over to babysurrey.co.uk to make a stack of chef Sophie Wright’s delicious, nutritionally balanced ‘pregnancy pancakes’, and chow down!

14 IT’S A

LOVE THING

Happy Valentine’s! And now you have a new addition, you have full permission to go as cheesy as possible. Enjoy!

15 WIN BIG!

Today’s your last chance to win prizes online at babysurrey.co.uk/ competitions

Heart-print cotton blouse from £24, petit-bateau.co.uk

Marie-Chantal x Silver Cross cot bed available spring 2018, silvercrossbaby.com

Bamboo dinner set £29, mollyandmoo.co.uk

From a selection silvercrossbaby.com Faux fur snowsuit £178, bonpoint.com

Gray Label cotton top £30, thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

Fiona Walker wall decoration £69.99, diddletinkers.co.uk

Merino wool romper £69, bebe-organic.com

Bacabuche faux fur sweater £74, en.smallable.com

SOFT TOUCH

Pick the purest cotton, cashmere and cuddly au ur or baby s first ardrobe in the season’s most versatile shade Cotton crochet blanket £90, wildwawashop.com

Polka Dot Club teddy bear £120, rosesandthestars.com Navetta Elite pushchair £550, uk.pegperego.com

FUB wool sweater £58, cubscartel.com Suede pre-walker shoes £61, cashmirino.com

Cotton babygrow £70, bebebombom.com

Wool smocked dress £183, cashmirino.com

SHOPPING

Wool mobile £49, frenchblossom.com

Hand-painted wooden chair £315, dragonsofwaltonstreet.com Elephant soft toy £22.90, steiff.com

Cashmere sweater £175, mariechantal.co.uk SnüzPouch sleeping bag £36.95, snuz.co.uk

Sleepydoe cotton bodysuit £24, thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

From a selection pepaandcompany.com

Bloomingville cushion £41, en.smallable.com

Cotton romper £34, patachou.com

INTO THE BLUE

Cotton shirt £39, lacoquetakids.com

Suede pre-walker shoes £55, cashmirino.com

From cloud cushions to carriers, and everything in between, reach for the sky with winter’s coolest colour Cashmere mittens £55, cashmirino.com

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One £114.95, meandbuddy.com

Cotton cardigan £45, bebebombom.com

Cotton dress £52.90, benedita.co.uk

18 | JAN/FEB | babysurrey.co.uk Pehr2018 cotton muslin

£14.40, rosesandthestars.com

Kids Concept wooden stacking truck £32, daisiesanddinosaurs.co.uk

ew N lle Co on cti

Inspired

by Nature

Perla Collection

With its two-toned design and angled feet, the Perla makes a stunning edition to any Scandi-style nursery. Crafted from premium quality wood, you can be sure the Perla will withstand family life and when the time comes, it can be transformed into a secure toddler bed.

www.boori.com/uk

Follow us @booricollections

5 year warranty

Premium grade wood

Cotton sweater £17, arket.com Liberty print cotton dress £28, la-petite-collection.com

Zapp Flex Plus pushchair £295, quinny.com

Cotton bodysuit £30, scampanddude.com From a selection thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

Design Letters melamine plate (part of set) £27.95, meandbuddy.com

Seagrass basket £35, olliella.com

HINT OF MINT

Cotton top £25, organic-zoo.com

Sleepyhead of Sweden Deluxe Pod £195, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Refreshing pops of pastel green will wake up baby’s nursery style. Just add print for a thoroughly modern twist The Bonnie Mob soft toy £11, kidly.co.uk

Cotton bodysuit £27.99, trixie-baby.com

BabyBjörn high chair £209, alexandalexa.com

Merino wool bonnet £28, scarletribbonmerino.com Soft toy frog £19.99, zarahome.com

Adidas Originals Stan Smith trainers £35, alexandalexa.com

Linen smocked dress £165, cashmirino.com babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 21

Meri Meri tassel garland £16.50, decobaby.co.uk

From a selection next.co.uk

Nobodinoz cotbed £699, nubie.co.uk

Soft Gallery babygrow £50, cubscartel.com

Lined coat £50, myhbaby.com Design Letters scrapbook £39.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Bonheur Du Jour cotton top £43, milieethector.com

Aden + Anais bib £8, nubie.co.uk

Knitted T-Rex rattle £6.25, bestyears.co.uk

MADE YOU BLUSH From cosy coats to sleeping bags, this season’s fresh crop of rosy hues will put baby in the pink

Leather clutch £45, jemandbea.com

Cotton romper £63, shirleybredal.com

Cotton sleeping bag £20, next.co.uk Cotton dress £75, rachelriley.co.uk

Silicone teether £11.99, foxsfelts.co.uk Kids Concept xylophone £17.50, daisiesanddinosaurs.co.uk

Cotton dungarees £39, lacoquetakids.com

22 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

Angulus wool-lined shoes £82, cubscartel.com

Nobodinoz cotton teepee £153.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Reception and Junior School Open Mornings 9.15-11.00am Friday 2 March Friday 27 April Tuesday 12 June Contact us: 01483 796040 registrar@tormeadschool.org.uk

Independent Day School for Girls 4-18 years www.tormeadschool.org.uk @Tormead_JS Tormead School, Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD Registered Charity No: 312057

It’s all new

Emma O’Donovan IS H ER E TO BRIGHTEN U P YOU R BOOKCASE WITH TH E L ATE ST BOOKS FOR BABY

LITTLE CONCEPTS: ABC FRENCH

By Daniel Roode

Learning the alphabet and French words has never looked more fantastique than in this beautifully stylish book. Colourful and engaging illustrations bring this learning experience to life. £8.99, Quarto Kids

BOOKS

Mr Panda shows little ones how to do bedtime properly!

A TINY LITTLE STORY: FARM

By Lisa Jones and Edward Underwood A delightfully squishy cloth book full of bright farmyard characters.

Perfect for the youngest readers. £10.99, Nosy Crow

CAR, CAR, TRUCK, JEEP

By Katrina Charman and Nick Sharratt

A jam-packed rhyming story about things with wheels, designed to be sung to the tune of Baa Baa Black Sheep. £6.99, Bloomsbury

GOODNIGHT, MR PANDA

By Steve Antony

A wonderfully anarchic

observation of the importance of a proper bedtime routine and the mayhem that ensues if things aren’t done just right. Completely charming and full of fun. £12.99, Hodder Children’s Books

A BEAR IS A BEAR (EXCEPT WHEN HE’S NOT)

By Karl Newson and Anuska Allepuz

Is he a squirrel? Is he a bird?

Bear has woken up with some confusion over his identity. This is a funny and beautifully illustrated story about just being yourself. £6.99, Nosy Crow

SPLISH, SPLASH, DUCKY

By Lucy Cousins

Embrace the inclement weather

and embark on an outdoor adventure with Ducky and friends.

A joy to share on a rainy day. £11.99, Walker Books

A LION IS A LION

By Polly Dunbar

When a devilishly debonair lion comes to visit, he has mischief in mind. A wonderfully raucous read-aloud romp. £11.99, Walker Books

TEN FAT SAUSAGES

By Michelle Robinson and Tor Freeman

This madcap, laugh-out-loud counting book follows the misadventures of 10 sizzling fat sausages on a quest to escape the frying pan. Will they succeed, or will the cat, blender or plug hole be their downfall? £11.99, Andersen Press

DINO DUCKLING

TEN LITTLE FINGERS AND TEN LITTLE TOES

A touching reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of The Ugly Duckling, Dino Duckling’s differences are celebrated, but what will happen when his family fly south for the winter? £6.99, Orchard Books

A glorious celebration of diversity and those precious early parenting moments filled with lots of tickles and play. A perfect first baby gift. £5.99, Walker Books

By Alison Murray

By Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 25

THIS PAGE: River wears cashmere sweater, £155, Marie-Chantal. Cotton sleeping bag, £59, Numero 74 at Smallable. Grey wool-blend blanket, £60, The Little White Company.

Cream cashmere blanket, £255, Bonpoint. Soft toy, £12, Jellycat.

RIGHT PAGE: Olivia wears cotton sweater, £48, and matching cotton bloomers, £31, both Piu Pia. Cottonblend top (worn underneath), £14, Marie-Chantal for Marks & Spencer.

Wooden spool (set of three), £3.50, Grapat at Babipur.

Bundle up, BABY! PHOTOGR APHY: KEN COPSEY ST YLING: Y VADNEY DAVIS

THIS PAGE: Lana wears wool romper, £46, Pepa & Co. Cashmere sweater, £145, Brora. Cotton-blend tights (pack of three), £9, Marks & Spencer.

Pink cotton-cashmere blanket, £60, The Little White Company. Grey acrylic blanket, £24.99, H&M Home.

RIGHT PAGE: Darcy wears cotton cardigan and leggings set, £80, Mori.

Cotton bodysuit (worn underneath), £38, Oeuf NYC. Knitted dralon bonnet, £26, Pepa & Co. Cashmere booties, £45, Brora. Cashmere blanket, £595, Brora. Wooden alphabet blocks, £48, Ooh Noo at Scandibørn.

THIS PAGE: River wears cashmere cardigan, £125, and leggings, £95, both Blue Almonds. Knitted dralon bonnet, £26, Pepa & Co. Leather moccasins, £42, Amy & Ivor.

Cashmere blanket, £169, Brora.

Cotton mobile, £24.95, Liewood at Natural Baby Shower.

LEFT PAGE: Isaac wears knitted dralon sweater, £48, Pepa & Co.

Olivia wears alpaca wool hat, £35, Oeuf NYC. Merino wool cardigan, £60, Piu Pia. Merino wool top (worn underneath), £42, Mabli.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: DANIEL HACK MODELS: AMINA, CHARLES, DARCY, EDISON, ISAAC, LANA, OLIVIA, RIVER. MODEL AGENCIES: BRUCE & BROWN, KIDS LONDON, MINI MODELS. STYLIST’S AGENCY: ROXY & JACK REPRESENTS.

DK Glovesheets cotton blanket £19, lucyandbelle.com Cotton tights (pack of two) £10, mamasandpapas.com

Cotton cardigan £9, marksandspencer.com Cotton bodysuit £9.99, hm.com Faux shearling coat £19.99, zara.com

Edison wears cotton cardigan and leggings set, £80, Mori. Cotton blouse (worn underneath), £27, Patachou. Leather moccasins, £32, Easy Peasy. Pink cottoncashmere blanket, £60, The White Company. Grey acrylic blanket, £24.99, H&M Home. Cotton mobile, £24.95, Liewood at Natural Baby Shower.

Cotton bodysuit £19.95, gap.co.uk

Cotton bodysuit (pack of four) £8.50, next.co.uk

George cotton sweater £9, direct.asda.com

Cotton leggings £9.99, zara.com

Cotton bloomers £20, mini-la-mode.com Acrylic throw £25, made.com

Cotton throw £15, hemashop.com

Cotton tights £4.95, gap.co.uk Dr Kid cotton-blend dress £33, childrensalon.com

Mamas & Papas cardigan £24, mothercare.com

COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER

Cotton trousers £10, mothercare.com

SHOP THE SHOOT

Cosy up to faux shearling, peachy-soft cotton and knitted throws this winter

Suede moccasins £14, johnlewis.com

Wool-blend cardigan £30, marksandspencer.com

Fina Ejerique cardigan £39, aliolikids.com

Cotton bloomers £6.99, zara.com

Cotton sweater £12.99, zara.com

Cotton cushion £7, matalan.co.uk Cotton-blend trousers £7.50, vertbaudet.co.uk

Cotton throw £55, lauraashley.com

“ This is a b the right to rand that gives women pregnant, w be both st yli sh and (ga sp!) ith p the all-impo ieces that work well in to rtant fourth trimester” M IC H EL LE K EN N EDY, FO U N D ER O F P EA

N UT

2017 fter months of planning, nominating and voting by you, our loyal readers, in your thousands, the great and good of the pregnancy, baby and children’s industry came together to celebrate the third Little London Awards 2017.

Held at the beautiful Grace Belgravia, one of London’s leading health, wellbeing and lifestyle clubs for women, a 150-strong crowd enjoyed free-flowing champagne and delectable canapés as editor-in-chief Kate Freud took to the stage to announce this year’s much-deserved winners.

Set up to champion excellence in every area of the baby and children’s industry, the awards featured 22 categories in total, covering everything from pregnancy to fashion, nursery essentials to food, travel and toys. And while many of these were voted for by almost 70,000 of you, four of the winners were specially selected by our panel of judges, all of whom are mothers and businesswomen themselves; BBC news broadcaster and journalist Kate Silverton, Leonora Bamford of My Baba, Michelle Kennedy, CEO and founder of parenting app Peanut, Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham and Baby Surrey editor-in-chief Kate Freud.

We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our winners and nominees, all of whom are at the top of their game and deserve to be applauded for their achievements. bs

A

BRAND OF THE YEAR

Nine In The Mirror As a one-stop shop that celebrates pregnancy and new motherhood by helping women find stylish solutions that work for both, it’s little wonder Nine in the Mirror was awarded the coveted Brand of the Year award. Founded by former fashion buyer Adriana Chryssicopoulos and online marketer Tatiana de Boisanger, the site features a curated edit of designer pieces to suit women in their first to third trimester and beyond, as well as pieces for baby.

RUNNER UP: NATURALMAT

“Scamp & Dude is truly in spirational; a tangible example of deter mination and triumph in the face of ad versity” NATALIE PIN KH AM , SKY SPO

RTS PRE SEN TER

BEST PRODUCT

BEST NEW BRAND

BEST NEW PRODUCT

Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser

Scamp & Dude

Storksak Cabin Carry-On Bag

When founder Joanna Jensen realised she couldn’t find products to help with her daughters’ fine hair and sensitive skin, Childs Farm was born, and since 2010 the brand has been delivering kid-friendly, free-from toiletries to children up and down the UK. Its luxurious Baby Moisturiser has proven to be a parenting staple, especially for those with little ones suffering from eczema-prone skin.

RUNNER UP: Stokke Tripp Trapp

The designs may be playful and cool, but the heart of Scamp & Dude is about helping kids cope with separation anxiety and trauma.

In 2015, Jo Tutchener-Sharp suffered a brain haemorrhage, which resulted in her having to leave her children for lengthy surgery. It was then she felt inspired to create clothing and comforters that helped kids feel secure, with the slogan ‘A superhero has my back’ to remind them that someone is always there.

RUNNER UP: Kit & Kin

Parents everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when changing bag favourite Storksak announced the launch of its travel collection last summer. Practical and stylish, the Cabin Carry-On has proven a hit with travelling families, featuring a unique fold-away hanging organiser inside that allows you to remove and hang up when you arrive, without the need to unpack a thing.

RUNNER UP: Smalls Merino Swaddle

The judges M EE T OU R PAN EL OF HIGH-PROFILE BUSIN E SSWOM EN , AN D SEE WHAT HAPPEN ED BEHIN D TH E SCEN E S DU RING TH E JU DGING PROCE SS

Natalie Pinkham Sky Sports presenter and mother of two

Kate Freud Baby Surrey editor-inchief and mum of two

Michelle Kennedy CEO and founder of Peanut, and mum of one

Kate Silverton BBC newsreader and mother of two

Natalie, Leo and Kate

Comparing notes

Just some of the products on display

Natalie and Kate talk through the options

“Judgin g th women wa e award s with such in s a n h on o u spirin g to be a lot r – and it t urned out of f un , too! ” K AT E F R E U D, E D ITO R-I N

-C H IE F

Tallying up the scores

Leonora Bamford My Baba blog founder and mother of three

Lego Juniors’ ea allow children sy-to-build toys imaginative pla to experiment with y and build con fidence BEST CHANGING BAG

BEST CHILDREN’S TOY

BEST PUSHCHAIR

Jem + Bea Jemima

Lego Juniors

Bugaboo Cameleon 3

Ever since the brand burst onto the scene in 2015, Jem + Bea turned the idea of the standard baby changing bag on its head, creating beautiful designs that offer both functionality and style. The ‘Jemima’ has been a firm favourite with mothers this year – this grey version in soft tumbled leather features a number of multifunctional pockets that will take you seamlessly from baby to work meeting in no time at all.

RUNNER UP: PacaPod Madison

When it comes to choosing a toy that will help develop your child’s confidence, inspire storytelling, teamwork and conversation, and boost the boundaries of their imagination, Lego Juniors – designed for children aged four to seven years – does all that and more.

The brand’s range of easy-to-build products include everything from trains and pets to entire town squares complete with shops, garages and fire departments.

RUNNER UP: Gymboree Bubble Ooodles

Light, compact, versatile – let us count the reasons why we love the Bugaboo Cameleon 3. Incorporating more than 15 years of iconic Bugaboo design, this cult pushchair is suitable right from birth. The carrycot easily converts into a seat (and vice versa) while its manoeuvrability makes navigating any terrain easy. And of course, it’s simple to make your own, with a selection of on-trend colourways and accessories.

RUNNER UP: Uppababy Vista

Kate Freud with Baby Surrey publisher Caroline Scott The beautiful setting of Grace Belgravia

The winning team from Gymboree

Runner-up blogger Louise Boyce of Mama’s Still Got It

Awards party As glasses were raised to the winners, it was time to celebrate and enjoy the party at the elegant Grace Belgravia in London

Team Nine In The Mirror celebrate their Brand of the Year award

Caro Greenwood of Spikey Mama and Emma-Jane Adam of Smalls

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Simon Meeke of Powder Byrne presents Nine In The Mirror with their award

PHOTOGRAPHY: SAM CHURCHILL

Kate Freud and Jo Tutchener-Sharp of Scamp & Dude

AWARD WINNERS FIN D OUT WH O CAM E TOP IN TH E R E ST OF OU R CATEGORIE S B E ST C H I L D R E N ’ S FO O D B R A N D

Little Dish BEST APP

Hopster Designed for preschoolers, this ad-free entertainment app allows parents and their little ones access to the best age-appropriate TV shows, nursery rhymes, educational games, music and HarperCollins children’s books for a minimal monthly fee.

Runner up: Ebookadabra -----------

Tiffany & Co for girls’, Molly Brown London creates beautiful jewellery for children, lovingly produced and hallmarked in sterling silver. Head here if you’re looking for a sweet and stylish keepsake gift.

Runner up: Lucy & Belle ----------BEST CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND

Emile et Rose

For beautiful babywear from BEST BABY ESSENTIAL newborn up to 23 months, this British BabyBjörn label creates Baby Carrier everything One from dresses and B E ST BA BY When it comes ESSENTIAL knitwear to rompers to baby carriers, BabyBjörn and accessories, this cult buy is at Baby Carrier all presented on One the forefront of wooden hangers. design, featuring You can even luxurious padding, purchase matching toys. ergonomically correct wideleg positioning, lockable zips Runner up: Wild & Gorgeous and a sturdy waist belt for improved pressure relief.

-----------

Runner up: Huggies Little Swimmers

BEST CHILDREN’S FOOD BRAND

-----------

Little Dish

BEST BLOG

The Dad Network Spearheaded by dad of two Al Ferguson, The Dad Network is one of the fastest growing dad communities out there, providing support to thousands of dads worldwide on the bumpy but exhilarating journey that is fatherhood.

Runner up: Mama Still Got It ----------BEST BOUTIQUE

Molly Brown London

When it comes to feeding our children, time is often of the essence. Thankfully Little Dish boasts some of the healthiest chilled ready meals around, not to mention a range of tasty, nutritional snacks.

Runner up: Annabel Karmel -----------

Runner up: Start-rite Shoes ----------BEST FAMILY DAY OUT

ZSL London Zoo Explore and enjoy, learn about and get close to some of the world’s most precious animals in our very own capital at ZSL London Zoo. You’ll find workshops, exhibitions and special events happening daily, meaning there’s something new to see every time you visit.

Runner up: Envie de Fraise ----------BEST NURSERY NECESSITY

Sleepyhead of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe This multifunctional breathable cotton pod has proven to be a must-own for many parents bringing home a newborn, offering a safe and comfy spot for baby to sleep, rest, enjoy tummy time and have their nappy changed.

Runner up: Matchstick Monkey teething toy -----------

Runner up: Lapland UK

BEST ONLINE RETAILER

-----------

My 1st Years

BEST KIDS’ CLUB, GROUP OR CLASS

Gymboree Play & Music

Loved by the Royals and B E ST M AT E R N I T Y With classes celebrities FA S H I O N B R A N D that utilise a worldwide, Isabella combination My 1st Oliver of music, play, Years has movement and props, become the it’s no surprise to hear go-to brand for that every day thousands personalised gifts, including of parents are choosing clothing, furniture and toys.

Gymboree Play & Music We love the price point, for their little ones. too, with a whole range of beautiful gifts under £20.

Runner up: Little

House of Science Little Discovery

Runner up: Alex and Alexa

Clarks

-----------

-----------

As a firm favourite with families all over the UK, Clarks needs little

BEST MATERNITY FASHION BRAND

BEST PREGNANCY ESSENTIAL

Isabella Oliver

Bump & Baby Club

As an award that recognises an outstanding contribution

The friends you make during pregnancy become

BEST CHILDREN’S SHOE BRAND

Dubbed by Vogue as ‘the B E ST C H I L D R E N ’ S S H O E B R A N D

Clarks

introduction. The brand is known for its impeccable quality, fit and reliability, particularly when it comes to choosing your little one’s first school shoes.

to the maternity fashion industry, Isabella Oliver is a worthy winner. The label has been helping women look and feel confident with its flattering designs for almost 15 years.

invaluable – swapping stories and learning together along the way. The brilliant Bump & Baby Club has been providing modern antenatal classes to London parents for many years, with support that continues long into the months after baby is born.

Runner up: Elderflower & Delilah Maternity Feed 3-in-1 ----------BEST TRAVEL COMPANY

Powder Byrne The line-up for Best Travel Company was a competitive one, but Powder Byrne stands out for its bespoke style and flexibility, offering only the highest quality trips and kids’ programmes to parents and their children. With this brand, nothing is too much trouble.

Runner up: Abercrombie & Kent ----------BEST TRAVEL ESSENTIAL

Sleepyhead of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe Lightweight and portable, the Sleepyhead Deluxe allows for easy travel, whether you’re moving from room to room or heading long-haul.

Runner up: Bundle Beds

B E ST T R AV E L E S S E N T I A L

Sleepyhead of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe

Who said a classroom had to be indoors At Downsend, learning does not just happen in the classroom.

We link learning to real life so when we grow potatoes, look after chicks, tend to our garden and grow lots of plants, the children are measuring, counting, observing, recording and becoming independent learners and thinkers.

Our approach produces happy, achieving children in the classroom.

As our results show – 98% of our Reception children ‘meet or exceed’ Early Learning Goals* and our Year 1 children achieve 17% higher in English and 19% higher in Maths**.

We would love to talk to you more about our schools.

Open Week 26 February-2 March Daily Tours – please call to book

*Compared with a 69% national average ** As measured by national GL progress tests at end of Year 1

Please call to book a visit

•

T: 01372 372311

•

www.downsend.co.uk

1

This adorable selection of bodysuits are designed for baby boys and girls alike

Hanging decorations (pack of five) £2.79, partypieces.co.uk

DECORATE

2

3

Find the perfect finishing touches

Tiered reveal cake £165, cakeology.net

4 5

7

8

1. The Animals Observatory bodysuit £103.50, cissywears.com 2. Organic Zoo bodysuit £25, thelittlenaturalco.co.uk 3. Denim dungarees £39.50, dottydungarees.com 4. Bobo Choses bodysuit £42, alexandalexa.com 5. Hooded cotton bodysuit £42, tobiasandthebear.com 6. Cotton-cashmere bodysuit £56.45, thebonniemob.com 7. My K by Myleene Klass bodysuit £15, mothercare.com 8. Tinycottons bodysuit £55, alexandalexa.com

with Carole Middleton

BOY OR GIRL?

Either way, it’s cause for celebration! Here’s how to make your big reveal one to remember Paper plates (pack of eight) £3.49, partypieces.co.uk

6

BABY PARTIES

Giant balloon trio £58, bubblegumballoons.co.uk

Personalised cupcakes From £18 (box of six), lolascupcakes.co.uk

O

ver the last few years, gender-reveal parties have become a modern way to cherish the surprise and share the sex of your baby with loved ones in one wonderful, memorable afternoon. Whether you choose to find out the gender of your baby beforehand and surprise your guests, or hand the results over to someone else so it’s a surprise for you, there are many ways you can make the big announcement.

Gather up a stash of balloons filled with pink or blue confetti and pop away! You could do a similar thing with party poppers, too. The confetti looks great in photographs.

Give your results to a cake maker and ask them to create a design made with pink or blue sponge covered with vanilla or chocolate icing. When it’s time for cake, gather everyone around the table and make that first slice with a flourish!

A piñata that explodes with pink or blue coloured sweets or confetti is a fun way to get everyone involved, and younger guests will love it. Serve up with a colourful, nonalcoholic punch for a full-on family fiesta.

Piñata (not filled) £6.99, partypieces.co.uk

Personalised invitation From £1.09, papier.com

Unwrap a package in front of your guests to reveal a boy or girl outfit. If you want to be surprised on the day, you could pick out one of each outfit in store and ask the shop assistant to wrap the correct one for you.

Paper napkins (pack of 20) £4.99, partypieces.co.uk

PROFILE

There are pieces designed to be worn by both boys and girls

Every collection starts with a theme

PROFILE

Harriet Earle

Behind the brand

BODEN

ITS COLOU R FU L CLOTHING HAS BEEN SPORTED BY LIT TLE ON E S FOR MOR E THAN T WO DECADE S N OW. Danielle Wilkins M EE TS TH E BR AN D’S H E AD OF CHILDR EN SWE AR DE SIGN , HAR RIE T E AR LE

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 43

PROFILE

“

h, now here’s a cardigan inspired by a big-top tent. There are spots. Some jacquard stripes and bows. Oh, and here’s a circus horse print with a tassel mane.

This is supposed to be a novelty shark hood, but it needs a bit of work,” says Harriet Earle, Mini Boden’s head of design, a wry smile on her face. She knows how bonkers it all sounds, but her words perfectly capture the joy of Mini Boden – it’s playful and fun, and really, anything goes.

I’ve come to meet Harriet at Boden HQ – a 90,000 square-foot office building in London’s North Acton, outside of which a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer reads: ‘Ugly building. Nice clothes’. Mini Boden is located in a separate building down the road, where we sit in a room surrounded by moodboards and cuttings, fabric swatches and rails of kids’ clothing, as the designer talks me through the new collection. This season’s theme is Treasure Island, with the first drop this January featuring travelling circus inspired prints (think horses, acrobats and jugglers), while ‘drop two’ will see the more traditional ships and pirates.

“Our conversational prints form a really big part of what we do here,” says Harriet. “The whole story element is something I feel is unique to Boden – it’s a huge part of every range.” And something that has ensured Mini Boden’s enduring popularity over the years.

After all, despite launching the mail-order brand in his Bayswater flat with just eight menswear products in 1991, Johnnie Boden has become best known in the UK for dressing women and children. Womenswear launched in 1992, and the Mini Boden line, which followed in 1996, has become synonymous with childhood nostalgia – quintessentially

A

The quality pieces retain their colour and shape wash after wash

44 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

British storytelling prints, colourful appliqué and, most importantly, exceptionally wellmade pieces that stand the test of time.

Baby Boden was a later addition, in 2007.

“Johnnie loves this idea of a wholesome childhood; adventure, the seaside, being outdoors, he loves that stuff and it stays at the heart of what we do,” says Harriet. She reveals that the founder is also very involved in the design process, even during those early stages.

“He casts his eye over absolutely everything,” she says. “We have to present the storyboards to him – child engagement is something that’s really important to him, so he’ll often challenge us, asking, ‘how is this going to appeal to a modern-day child?’”

So how does the team come up with ideas for its vast collection of prints? “For a typical piece, like a dress, we take a lot of inspiration from vintage pieces,” reveals Harriet. “Right now we have been working with Angela Lynne who lives at the amazing Shropham Hall in Norfolk. She wrote a book called Nursery Days and has the most incredible vintage archive of children’s clothing, furniture and dolls – everything you can imagine – which she has collected over decades. For us, it’s the most amazing source of inspiration, particularly for Baby, because nostalgia is something that’s so important for us to convey in the baby range.

“We always show Johnnie the prints separately first. We’ll lead with a

Harriet was responsible for the shake-up of the Baby Boden range

conversational print and then a small-scale floral. Spots are a part of our brand DNA too.”

This year, Boden has launched a cashmere range for Baby, which the team will add to in conjunction with the new royal birth in the spring. The range features the most beautiful, super-soft pieces, including leggings and tops.

In addition, Baby Boden’s range of newborn clothes will all be organic from this year.

Harriet works primarily on colour palettes (“that’s generally my creative job at the beginning of the season”) and admits she’s always been artistic. After studying for a knitted textile degree at the Chelsea College of Arts, the designer attended the Royal College for her fashion knitwear MA. “Actually, I wish I’d appreciated my time

PROFILE

The brand’s attention to detail is impeccable

Key

PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/BODEN_CLOTHING

styles for spring there a bit more,” she recalls. “Looking back, it was an amazing couple of years and it opened so many doors for me. The people they have there are so inspiring.”

Following that, Harriet worked at Pringle for three years, where she designed for the brand’s runway collection, before joining Boden as a women’s knitwear designer. It wasn’t until she had her second child (of three) that she moved on to Mini. “Having my own children definitely sparked a passion for kidswear,” she says. “I still love womenswear – and knitwear – but I absolutely adore it here on childrenswear. It has a slightly less-serious side. You can try more fun things.”

Her children are eight, six and three now – two girls and a boy. Have they always been guinea pigs for her designs? “Absolutely!” she laughs. “In fact, Martha – my eldest – used to be nicknamed ‘Baby Boden’ at nursery because that’s all she was ever dressed in!”

When the designer came back from maternity leave with her third child, that was when she was made head of design for childrenswear, a moment she cites as one of her proudest: “I wasn’t keen on the direction Baby was heading in – I wanted to make it softer, more nostalgic, more premium. And when that season launched it did brilliantly.

That made me extremely proud,” she recalls.

There’s a brand new stor

e in Chelsea

So what’s next for Boden? This year the office buildings are being redeveloped and merged into what promises to be an even more fascinating and thriving hub of activity and, of course, the empire has launched its brand new store on Kings Road in Chelsea, which includes a whole floor of Mini and Baby Boden. More than 800 staff are employed at the label now – it’s come a very long way from a one-man band in Bayswater, that’s for sure.

“It’s really clichéd to say ‘all the people are amazing’ but they do make coming to work a pleasure,” adds Harriet. “And of course, I love having the opportunity to create lovely products that I can see my children in. When people say, ‘Oh, your children look lovely, is that from Boden?’ it doesn’t get better than that. Unless, of course, it’s my kids saying, ‘I absolutely love this. Well done, mummy, you’re amazing!’” she laughs. bs

Cotton dress and matching bloomers £20

Cotton dungarees £24

Cotton blouse and trousers set £30

Cotton top and trousers set £28

Cotton cardigan £22

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 45

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TOT GEAR

GREAT SCOTT

Fashion designer and creative director of Moschino, Jeremy Scott has once again joined forces with style-conscious family brand Cybex for a third collection. Cutely named Cherubs, the range showcases kitsch adaptations of the classic motif, with a bold colour palette and a smattering of gold accents. The collection will launch in the UK in February, with Mios and Priam pushchairs, and a range of accessories to choose from. cybex.com

AIR TRAVEL Get set for a revolution in seat safety as Maxi-Cosi launches the AxissFix Air – the world’s first child car seat with builtin airbags. In the case of a collision, two airbags located in the shoulder pads of the harness inflate in 0.05 seconds, reducing the force on a child’s neck by up to 55 per cent compared to other forward-facing car seats. It can be used for both rearward- and forward-facing travel, and is suitable from four months to four years. £550, maxi-cosi.co.uk

tot gear

The road is your runway with the latest high-fashion range from Cybex X Jeremy Scott

NEWS COOL AN D CLEVER BABY KIT FOR N EW FAMILY LIFE

IF YOU’RE HEADING TO THE SLOPES THIS WINTER, MAKE SURE YOUR PUSHCHAIR IS SNOW-READY WITH THE HELP OF WHEELBLADES XL. SIMPLY CLIP THE BACK WHEELS OF YOUR STROLLER INTO THE ‘MINI SKIS’ AND YOU AND BABY WILL GLIDE EFFORTLESSLY ACROSS THE TERRAIN. £149.90, WHEELBLADES.CO.UK

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 47

TOT GEAR

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Bugaboo has gone down under to collaborate with Australian swim and activewear label We Are Handsome.

The bold new jungle print will be available on tailored fabric sets for the Bugaboo Bee 5, Cameleon 3, Donkey and Buffalo, as well as on a limited-edition footmuff.

From £129.95, bugaboo.com

ONE GIANT SLEEP Finally! Say goodbye to achy arms, as the Rockit comes to the rescue.

The portable rocker fits all strollers and prams, and has been created to help parents on the go keep babies moving and snoozing. Simply attach, switch on and adjust the speed to gently rock baby, just as you would by hand. £39.99, rockitrocker.com

The fully-foldable SmarTrike collapses down to 85 per cent of its original size for easy travel

SMART THINKING The brains behind SmarTrike launched the Smartfold this autumn – think a travel-friendly part stroller, part trike – and this winter sees the launch of the Smartfold 700, boasting more features than ever, not to mention it’s now suitable for babies as young as six months. The design features eight different stages to grow with your child. £149.99, smythstoys.com

CALLING ALL FAMILY ADVENTURERS! SPRING 2018 SEES ICANDY JOIN FORCES WITH LAND ROVER TO CREATE A SPECIAL EDITION OF ITS PEACH ALL-TERRAIN PUSHCHAIR. THE DESIGN INCORPORATES LAND ROVER’S ICONIC GRILLE PATTERN IN THE HOOD, AS WELL AS A LIMITED-EDITION BACKPACK. ICANDYWORLD.COM

48 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

REVIEW

TOTGEAR

Caroline Scot t AN D H ER TODDLER , RU PERT, PUT TH E N EW AN D IM PROVED U PPABABY VISTA TH ROUGH ITS PACE S

W

e haven’t had much luck when it comes to baby kit and seem to have broken an inordinate number of big-ticket items! Therefore, we felt hugely reassured by the strong, handsome and streamlined design of the 2017 Uppababy Vista – this is a pushchair with presence.

The stroller is available in four new colours, too

THE LOWDOWN A key factor which draws many towards the Vista is that it can be turned into a double buggy and used in myriad combinations – additional accessories can accommodate twin babies in carrycots or car seats; toddler plus baby, and even two toddlers. Many parents can’t resist the excellent value and intuitive design – Uppababy strollers feel contemporary, and are something that both mum and dad will feel comfortable pushing.

GOOD LOOKING? Yes, we certainly think so! ‘Austin’ is a sophisticated racing green hue, complemented by a full-grain leather handlebar and bumper bar. As soon as I saw it, I thought it was the smartest pushchair ever. I feel like I’m pushing the Range Rover of buggies.

PRACTICALITY & DRIVABILITY The Vista delivers a smooth, comfortable drive and for a couple constantly living in fear of breaking something, it feels very secure.

Navigating pavements is much easier than with other buggies and for weekends in the country, it manoeuvres like magic when you’re

All smiles as Caroline and Rupert take on the new Vista

off-roading or struggling down a muddy towpath. In fact, I would say it offers the perfect balance between town and country.

One of the most noticeable features for me is the deep basket space – you can conceal rather a lot of stuff in here without the pram looking like it’s overflowing with junk. As the Vista can also function as a double buggy, it’s slightly wider than the sister pushchair, the Uppababy Cruz. Does this matter? To us, not so much, but it does mean it’s a little tricky to get through a single door when going into a shop or café, and perhaps not the nippiest for catching a bus, but otherwise it doesn’t cause any problems. It also stands when folded, which is handy when not in use.

COMFORT

The redesigned wheels make it easier to navigate

The carrycot feels luxurious and can also be used for overnight sleeping. A rain cover and insect net are all included, and there’s a pullout, extendable UPF50+ sunshade on both the bassinet and the toddler seat, so you can weather all elements without worry. The high seat position means Rupert can sit easily at a

The new and improved model is bursting with upgrades – and is 1.5lbs lighter

table when we eat out. Four-wheel suspension, five reclining seat positions and a moveable footrest mean that even at Rupert’s age he’ll still happily take a nap while on the move.

THE VERDICT The Vista is a solid buy. The name gives a lovely sense of all the adventures you and baby will have in this rather grand-feeling pushchair. bs £949.99, including carrycot, johnlewis.com

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 49

FITNESS

STRONG LIKE MUM ATH LE TE AN D POSTNATAL FITN E SS E XPERT Shakira Akabusi SHAR E S H ER TIPS ON H OW TO APPROACH E XERCISE AF TER YOU ’ VE HAD A BABY

’d always been aware that the information available on pre- and postnatal health was lacking, but it wasn’t until I had my son that I realised how limited it really was. According to findings from the Register of Exercise Professionals, only five-and-a-half per cent of fitness professionals are qualified in pre- and postnatal training, and it’s even more difficult to find those who have updated these qualifications in the last five years. It’s no wonder new mothers are confused about how and when to start exercising. These are my five need-to-know pointers on postnatal fitness:

and delivery are uncomplicated, a mild exercise programme of walking and pelvic floor exercises may begin immediately. You should work on your pelvic floor throughout your pregnancy, too, as this has been shown to reduce the risk of incontinence.

I

HOW TO WORK IT CORRECTLY

Shakira says she tri es to make exercise fun for her son, thr ee-year-old Rio

EXERCISE AND BREASTFEEDING To date, there has been no scientific evidence to suggest that exercise negatively affects breast milk supply, in fact regular exercise has proven to not only improve blood lipid profiles and insulin response (both vital for good health), but also reduce stress levels and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in new mothers. However, it’s important to note that after high-intensity exercise the content of your breast milk may be altered with increased lactic acid build up, although the effects are only short term and will replenish within 90 minutes or so.

On the other hand, breastfeeding can impact our workout routines. The hormone relaxin is produced from around two weeks into pregnancy, right up until five months postpartum and longer for breastfeeding women. Relaxin softens the ligaments to prepare your body for labour, but causes instability of the joints, so it’s vital to work within a comfortable range of motion, particularly when weightlifting and stretching.

MY TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING MUMS Express and go: If you’re still concerned about

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the content of your breast milk you may wish to express prior to exercise or schedule a workout after a feed. Also remember to wipe down your breasts as sweat may cling to your skin, making the taste unknown to baby.

Bring in support: If you’re serious about exercise then now is the time to invest in a good sports bra, especially when you begin high-intensity exercises such as jogging.

Stay hydrated: Breast milk contains a high level of water (about 87 per cent) and as such, a mother’s fluid intake is crucial. Always replenish your water stores prior, during and post-exercise.

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR CORE Pregnancy and labour can take its toll on your body and for the first few weeks postpartum you want to make sure you give yourself time to recover. I would always advise waiting until your six-week check before committing to a fitness programme, but something you can start on right away is your pelvic floor.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that if pregnancy

You may wish to begin working on your pelvic floor lying down, building up to a seated and, finally, a standing position. As you begin to develop strength, you can squeeze stronger and for longer. Try to do this approximately three to five times a day for five minutes. In order to test the strength of your pelvic floor muscles, you should be able to stop your urine midstream, however this should only be done occasionally. Continuing with these exercises throughout your life is crucial. These muscles support and stabilise your core, which is the basis for all future abdominal work.

LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE Creating a workout routine that works alongside your new life as a mum should be gradual, making it sustainable and healthy rather than a quick fix. Your body has gone through a dramatic change and your hormones need time to level out.

Alongside pelvic floor exercises, walking is a great way to begin exercising before your six-week check. Then focus on low-impact exercises to mobilise the body, as it can help to reduce the amount of pressure on your ligaments and joints.

If you’re lucky enough to have time to hit the gym, the cross trainer is great machine to slowly raise your heart rate, and swimming is another great alternative.

DIASTASIS RECTI REPAIR It is imperative to check for Diastasis Recti

FITNESS

A ROUTINE THAT WORKS ALONGSIDE YOUR NEW LIFE SHOULD BE GRADUAL

(separation of the abdominals, which you can read more about on p.56) before training.

Once you’ve consulted a professional and been given the go-ahead, heel raises and heel slides can be performed by lying on your back on the floor at home (more on p.57).

Over time you can progress these exercises to include squats where the core continues to be challenged, gradually increasing the intensity.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

STAYING MOTIVATED Having a workout partner has proven to help sustain a fitness programme, so if you can, buddy up with other new mothers or a friend.

And when it comes to staying motivated my biggest tip is to avoid boredom. Trying different forms of exercise such as jogging, swimming, resistance training or dancing is a brilliant way to get your body moving.

However, as we all know, new motherhood means it’s not always possible to find time for yourself outside of the house, so get creative with at-home exercise instead.

For example, a kitchen chair, bench or garden stoop are great places for a few decline press-ups, tricep dips or step-ups. I also remember filling my washing basket with shoes and tin cans to use as a weight. Another favourite of mine is using a five-litre bottle of water as a dumbbell – which is equivalent to five kilograms – great for tricep extensions, lateral raises and shoulder presses! There are also plenty of exercises you can do with your little one. I often work out with my son, making fitness a fun game for him while I still get the work completed.

Most importantly, try not to be too strict about your workout routines. Children are unpredictable so if you need to skip exercise one day, just try again tomorrow. The greatest tip to a sustainable fitness programme is to enjoy the process. bs

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 51

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BABY TALK

PART

Diary of a MUM

IN HER FINAL COLUMN, Mar tha Alexander PON DER S COM PEITITIVE PAR ENTING AN D TH E POLITIC S OF R AISING A GIR L

H

“

ow old?” A mother in the park assesses Robin, who is dragging herself along with her arms like a mermaid washed up on dry land, with suspicion.

“Just 12 months,” I say.

“Still not walking?” The mother raises her eyebrows and does a downward smile of sympathy before pointing at a girl who is attempting to throttle a pigeon.

“Mia was walking at nine months.”

“Great,” I say.

“They say if children never crawl it means they…”

“Yeah, I read that, too,” I bark, scooping up my slithering child and walking away. The conversation was so over. I mean, what was that entire exchange meant to achieve other than a mental middle finger from me?

Parents can be so competitive. From eating (“he’ll eat anything – he had beef wellington on Christmas Day!”), to sleeping (“seven ’til seven from seven weeks!”), and talking (“she knows all the words to Dear Zoo!”), or perceived intelligence (“the nursery staff couldn’t believe she stacked that stacker in five seconds flat!”) it’s at best, maddening. At worst, unwittingly cruel.

Of course, it’s normal to be proud of your children.

In the privacy of our own home Mikey and I inflate everything Robin does. She comes back from the childminder with cotton wool sheep and we think of the Turner Prize in 30 years’ time. She stirs the mixture for a sponge cake and we imagine her as a future Mary Berry.

She identifies an animal and we wonder where she will read veterinary science. She kisses the cat clumsily and we revel in the knowledge she is not a psychopath.

But I do, of course, find other things to worry about.

“What a lovely boy,” says an old lady, hair the colour of Parma Violets. She leans over to chuck the chin of my baby. “What’s your name little man?”

“Her name’s Robin,” I say, evenly.

“I’m so sorry!” The old lady looks stricken. “You can’t tell, can you, with the little ’uns?”

This isn’t the first time Robin has been mistaken for a boy. Any time she isn’t wearing pink or a dress, people assume she’s male. There’s also the fact she almost

always has a plastic triceratops clasped in her hands.

I’m not a fan of head-to-toe pink for little girls.

For me, pink is not just a colour. It’s a message about expectation. Pink stands for domesticity and decoration.

If you don’t believe me, go into any department store and take a look at the girls’ toys: Tiny kitchens and tumble driers; vanity sets; jewellery; baking kits with heart-shaped cookie cutters, all in varying shades of powdery blush or the playful punch of Pepto-Bismol.

Even the animals aimed at girls are tame lapdogs and fluffy white cats with silky bows around their necks.

And what does all this say? Girls are gentle, girls are pretty, girls belong in the home. Meanwhile boys have their fat-wheeled cars and monsters and tool boxes.

Because all boys are manly and gruff and physical, right?

There’s much discussion at the moment about how children play, the choices they make, what gives rise to these choices – and what these choices might mean in their future. I want Robin to make her own decisions, but at the same time, how many of these are the result of subliminal messages about femininity that she’s been exposed to since birth?

I’m now fretting about people telling Robin she is pretty. Everyone likes being told they’re pretty, don’t they? What’s the harm? Well the harm is this: she will grow up thinking it’s important to be pretty, more so than anything else. So I tell her she’s clever. But most of all, I ask her if she’s happy. “’Appeee!” she repeats.

“You need to calm down about all this diamantecovered baby ironing-board stuff,” my friend Sophie told me, as her daughter sashayed into the kitchen in an Elsa dress. “You’re going to make her feel like being a girl is wrong. And it’s not.”

No, it’s not wrong to be a girl. And Robin will probably be in a Frozen frock within the year, asking for a pair of glittery heels in which to hoover the carpet. But I have the right to be wary, don’t I? I have the right to want to make sure my daughter knows that being a pretty princess isn’t the only thing a girl can be. bs

This bold, fun and friendly fox print was designed with both girls and boys in mind Tobias & The Bear cotton jersey leggings £18, alexandalexa.com

Twitter: @marthalondon

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 53

RUNNING HEAD

Morning, noon and night Dr Penelope Law, CON SU LTANT OBSTE TRICIAN AN D GYNAECOLOGIST AT TH E PORTL AN D H OSPITAL, U NVEIL S TH E FAC TS BEHIN D MOR NING SICKN E SS orning sickness can affect many women, in fact, around 70 per cent suffer from it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, leading to nausea and vomiting.

And while this is most commonly known as ‘morning’ sickness, unfortunately symptoms can in reality affect pregnant women at any time of day. For a very unlucky few, the vomiting does not stop at 16 weeks but continues until the last trimester, and even sometimes until delivery.

Morning sickness is usually mild, however you should always mention your symptoms to your GP, midwife or obstetrician. If you are vomiting continually throughout the day and not passing much urine, you should seek help. If you are also experiencing additional symptoms such as diarrhoea or fever, you may have an infection and should see your GP. The symptoms of morning sickness are undoubtedly unpleasant, however there are tricks which you can try to help alleviate them.

The combination of the pregnancy hormone and the acid in your stomach is what we think makes you feel like vomiting – so the sickness often improves if you can take just a sip of fluid or a teaspoon of food each hour. Plainer, starchy foods will be less likely to worsen the nausea than spicy or acidic ones and ginger tablets (but not fresh ginger or ginger-flavoured tea or biscuits) can also have an anti-sickness effect.

A good tip is to put something – rice cakes,

M

a plain biscuit or oatcake – by the side of your bed before you go to sleep, so you can nibble on it before you even lift your head in the morning. Don’t worry if you can only face a limited range of foods, your baby will still have all the nutrients she needs to grow. Sometimes just cooking smells can be enough to make you feel dreadful – if so, delegate the cooking to others until you feel better.

Staying hydrated is also very important, and you should ensure you are sipping on water whenever you can. Peppermint and camomile teas are also helpful to sip on through the day – although milky drinks tend to make you feel

serious form of morning sickness has been affecting as few as one per cent of women in pregnancy, known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

Until recently it’s been fairly unknown, but hyperemesis gravidarum has been a hot topic of conversation since the Duchess of Cambridge experienced the condition with each of her pregnancies.

True hyperemesis gravidarum is much less common than morning sickness, but the symptoms can be significantly more severe.

This is when you have vomited so much that your kidney function and electrolytes in the body are disturbed. Many women worry that their baby will be affected. This is not usually the case, but on rare occasions women do need to have fluids given intravenously just to help them feel less dehydrated. This can now usually be done in hospitals during the day – allowing you to sleep at home. In the extremely rare situation that this does not improve your vomiting, you may be prescribed anti-sickness medication and even steroids to reduce your symptoms.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, speak to a medical professional such as your midwife or GP who will assess you and refer you on for further treatment. This is particularly important if you are unable to pass urine or keep down food or fluid for 24 hours, despite trying simple remedies, such as those suggested previously. bs

EVEN IF YOU CAN ONLY FACE LIMITED FOODS, BABY WILL STILL HAVE THE NUTRIENTS SHE NEEDS

54 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

worse because they take longer to digest.

With the first feelings of nausea you could also start to wear Sea-Band anti-sickness bands. These go on both wrists, covering a pressure point just above your palm which really improves the awful waves of sickness.

For best effect they should stay on, even in the shower, until about 16 weeks when the majority of women will feel much better.

For most women once their baby is born and their memories of nausea and vomiting are fading, the mind has a very clever way of persuading us that actually things were not that bad, suggesting that we might even do it all again one day. But in recent years, a more

RUNNING HEAD

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Feeling peaky? Eating little and often is said to help alleviate symptoms of sickness

babylondon.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 55

HEALTH

The CORE of the MATTER Becky Dickinson E X AMIN E S A CON DITION WHICH AFFEC TS COU NTLE SS N UM BER S OF N EW MOTH ER S, YE T MANY HAVE N EVER EVEN H E AR D OF IT or most women, pregnancy is not without a degree of collateral damage. Few of us are lucky enough to escape completely unscathed. I remember my midwife blithely remarking, a few days post-partum, that I may never return to my ‘former svelte self’. She was right, of course.

But while a few stretch marks are a small price to pay for a healthy baby, for many mums the physical legacy runs much more than skin deep. Around two thirds of women are left with a condition called diastasis recti, or DR. This is where the muscles of the abdominal wall, the rectus abdominis, or ‘six pack’ muscles, separate during pregnancy and fail to knit back together afterwards, leaving a gap down the centre of the abdomen. It can affect anyone, but is more common in women who have had previous pregnancies as the muscles have already been weakened. It’s also more likely to affect petite women, or those carrying multiples, as the bigger the bump, the greater the strain on the abdominal muscles.

As GP Dr Rupert Critchley explains, DR is often unavoidable: “As the body prepares for the expanding uterus, hormones thin the connecting tissue between the right and left abdominal wall muscles. This is part of the body’s preparations for giving birth.”

While it’s natural for most women to have some DR during pregnancy, problems can arise if the gap fails to resolve itself within a few months after giving birth. As well as leaving an unsightly bulge, the condition can also cause

F

back pain, constipation, stress incontinence and in extreme cases, a hernia, where organs bulge through the torn abdominal wall.

Despite its prevalence, scores of women have never heard of DR. Even more worryingly, most women aren’t checked for the condition at their routine postnatal appointments.

However, it is possible to check for the condition yourself. Simply lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place one hand behind your head, and the other hand on your abdomen, with your fingers (palm down) just above your belly button. Raise your head and neck off the floor very slightly, rolling your upper body into a

Instead, you need to focus on rebuilding your core and pelvic floor: “With a deep or large gap, it’s unsafe to return to high-impact exercise such as running. Avoid anything in forward flexion – this means sit-ups and crunches, as well as things like sitting up in bed (roll to one side to get up instead) and bending to tie shoe laces (elevate your foot). Even if you had an emergency c-section, you probably did a lot of pushing before surgery, and with a planned c-section you still carried the weight of a baby for months,” she adds. “Taking the time to rehab your core means you will have a much better recovery and can get back to your exercise regime with full efficiency.”

Gentle pilates and targeted exercises can help, however, it’s vital to find an instructor who specialises in postnatal fitness. Personal trainer Claire Gregory developed DR herself following the birth of her second child four years ago, and was shocked at the number of mum-and-baby bootcamps on offer. She says: “New mums are a vulnerable group, and exercise can do a lot of damage if you’re not doing the right thing. I felt there was nowhere safe to go.”

Claire is now on the committee of The Guild of Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Instructors. Like Caroline, she’s passionate about raising awareness of DR. And while it is incredibly common, the good news is, for the vast majority of women, the condition can be improved with the correct exercises. Only in extreme cases will surgery be needed to reconnect the muscles. bs

WORRYINGLY, MOST WOMEN AREN’T ROUTINELY CHECKED FOR THE CONDITION

56 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

‘crunch’ and press down with your fingertips. If you can feel a gap that is wider than two finger widths you may have a muscle separation.

Repeat the test a couple of inches above and below the belly button.

So what happens if you do have a gap? The first thing is not to panic. And the second is to resist heading straight back to the gym. In fact, Caroline Bragg, head PT with postnatal retreat group &Breathe, says jumping straight back into exercise is the worst thing you can do.

“If these muscles are worked before the gap has healed, this is when a permanent bulge might occur as your muscles can’t retake the shape they had pre-pregnancy,” she says.

THINK YOU HAVE DR? If so, it’s best to consult a professional first.

Once you’ve been given the go ahead, here are some basic exercises to try at home.

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING “Diaphragmatic breathing is key as it works with your pelvic floor and core,” says Caroline. Lie on your back, with your hands on top of your lower ribcage and inhale.

Feel the diaphragm make the lower ribs expand into your hands. As you exhale, focus on contracting your diaphragm.

SINGLE LEG HEEL SLIDES Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keep your arms by your sides.

Engage your pelvic floor muscles (as if stopping the flow of urine). Keeping your pelvis and spine neutral, exhale to slowly extend one leg out, keeping the heel on the ground. Inhale to slowly slide the leg back in. Repeat on the other side.

TABLETOP TOE TAPS

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Lie flat on your back and lift both legs to a tabletop position, with your knees directly over hips. Without letting your lower back lift off the ground, slowly lower one leg to the floor keeping the same tabletop shape.

Keep pulling your navel into your spine as you exhale. When your toes touch the ground, inhale and lift your leg back up to the original position. Repeat with other leg.

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 57

HEALTH

meet

the

EXPERTS OU R H E ALTHCAR E PROFE SSIONAL S AN SWER YOU R QU E STION S ABOUT PR EGNANC Y AN D BEYON D

I’M 14 WEEKS’ PREGNANT AND LOVE RUNNING, CAN I CONTINUE TO RUN AND IF SO, HOW SHOULD I ADAPT MY ROUTINE? Running during pregnancy is a great way to maintain your cardio fitness – if you were running regularly before you became pregnant there’s no reason not to continue for as long as you feel comfortable. Accept that you might not be able to run quite as far or as fast – pregnancy is a time to maintain your fitness, not to beat your personal best. If you need to slow down and walk up hills, that’s fine!

Warming up is even more important when you’re pregnant. Be sure to cool down too, allowing your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature to gently return to normal. The hormone relaxin will soften your ligaments during pregnancy, so be careful not to overstretch. It’s also important to remember the ‘talk test’ – you shouldn’t be running so fast or exercising so hard that you can’t continue a conversation while doing so.

A well-fitting sports bra is a must, and you’ll find running much more comfortable if you wear supportive maternity running gear.

Choose garments designed to support the weight of your baby bump during exercise.

Finally, always check with your doctor before exercising but be reassured that the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends all healthy pregnant women should aim for 30 minutes’ exercise every day to benefit both mother and baby – exercise is good for both of you!

Alexandra McCabe, pregnancy fitness expert and founder of Fitta Mamma maternity activewear

58 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

HEALTH

I’M RETURNING TO WORK NEXT MONTH BUT I’M FEELING QUITE ANXIOUS ABOUT IT. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO MENTALLY PREPARE MYSELF?

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

I HAD MY SON FIVE MONTHS AGO AND REALLY WANT TO GET RID OF MY POST-BABY BELLY. HOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND I GET STARTED? It’s great that you now have some time to start thinking about yourself and getting back into exercise. With regards to working the core postnatally, pregnancy and birth puts strain on the whole body, and abdominal separation is common, therefore a holistic approach to postnatal exercise is vital, with no single solution suitable for all. Although you would like your stomach to be the focus, by working the whole body you will quickly become stronger and more toned – and as result your body positivity will grow greatly.

The abdominals are not an isolated muscle group, they work closely with the back muscles and are vital in any full body movement. I would recommend a combination of whole body circuits interspersed with targeted abdominal exercises to really start firing up the whole body, including the core.

Try to be aware of your abdominals as you go about your daily life – keep them activated.

Imagine a connection between your belly button and spine, and that the sides of your body are pulling in a little. Stand up as straight as you can with shoulders back, as good posture automatically engages the abs. Find a time when you can focus on this, for example, when you are pushing the buggy around.

Far more important than focusing on post-baby belly ‘flab’, though, is to be strong and fit both for yourself and your little one.

When engaging in a type of exercise that you enjoy, you will naturally feel energised and motivated. You will feel great about yourself, and be proud of your body and all it does for your baby.

I often run bootcamps which are filled with like-minded mums sharing their experiences and reaching their fitness goals, which can be great motivation, while private sessions are great for more targeted goals and injuries.

Rosie Stockley, personal trainer and founder of MamaWell pre- and postnatal fitness

Firstly, if you can, it’s a good idea to have a couple of taster days for baby at the nursery or childminder you will be leaving her with to reassure yourself that she will be fine. Talk through her routine, so it will be as close to daily life at home as possible.

I usually recommend arranging to go back to work on a Wednesday or Thursday, to ease yourself (and your baby) in with a short week.

Your body may have changed, so be kind to yourself. Don’t try and squeeze into pre-baby work clothes, which may make you feel selfconscious. Treat yourself to something new that you will feel fabulous and comfortable in.

Have a run-through of the morning routine, so you know how long it will take to get you both ready, drop your baby off, and get to work. The night before, get your clothes ready and in the morning allow a little extra time, so you arrive at work feeling relaxed.

You could ask the nursery to text you a photo of your little one during the day, so you can see your content baby and feel reassured.

Understand that it may take a while to get back into the working groove – don’t expect too much of yourself on day one. Later on, you may not feel like cooking, so consider getting a takeaway.

Many mums returning to work experience guilt, which is a draining and negative emotion.

There are several steps to feeling guilt-free but the first is to appreciate the decision you have made is the right one for you and your family.

Don’t be hard on yourself. Be kind to yourself and make your work-life balance a priority.

Emily Thorpe, author and founder of Happy Working Mum

I’VE BEEN USING A CHIROPRACTOR EVERY NOW AND AGAIN WHEN MY BACK PLAYS UP, I’M NOW 12 WEEKS’ PREGNANT AND ALREADY FEELING QUITE ACHY. IS IT SAFE TO STILL VISIT DURING PREGNANCY, AND WILL I FEEL THE BENEFITS? In short, yes. Seeing your chiropractor is absolutely safe in all stages of pregnancy. As a drug-free therapy, many women prefer to have this gentle treatment as they do not have to resort to taking medication, or using temporary over-the-counter pain relief.

In many respects, pregnancy is a key time to receive this kind of treatment. It will ensure that your spine and central nervous system is at optimal health. Your body is going through huge change; every day it’s adapting and growing to accommodate your baby.

Whether you’re in your first or third trimester, chiropractic can help with the stresses of pregnancy, such as back, leg and pelvic aches.

Women seek treatment to stay comfortable and mobile during their pregnancy.

Prior to any adjustments, your chiropractor will assess your medical history, lifestyle (such as work-life balance, diet, sleep and stress), and any current musculoskeletal complaints.

Chiropractors will always recommend keeping an open dialogue with your midwife and doctor, too. Alongside treatment, your practitioner can advise on nutrition, supplements to take during pregnancy and give tailored exercises to do at home. All in all, chiropractic is an effective natural treatment to add to your pregnancy wellbeing toolkit, and your practitioner is there to support you.

Maximillian Hirschman, chiropractor at London Wellness Centre

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Alexandra McCabe

Rosie Stockley

Maximillian Hirschmann

Emily Thorpe

fittamamma.com

mamawell.org

thisislondonwellness.com

happyworkingmum.com

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 59

Time to Talk

WATER BIRTHS Marina Fogle & Dr Chiara Hunt

TH E SISTER S DISCUSS TH E BEN EFITS OF TAKING TH E PLU NGE hen we discuss pain relief options in The Bump Class, women are often surprised to see water at the top of our list. That’s right, not needles, not drugs – water can be a great help to women throughout their labours. The vast majority of women find that being in the bath in the early stages of labour really helps ease the intensity of contractions, but wish they could be more upright and mobile in this watery environment, which is why so many birth centres and labour wards now offer a birth pool in which women can labour.

The feeling of weightlessness makes women more comfortable but it’s also a lot easier to get into the squatting positions that are so great for labour, but difficult to maintain out of the water.

The water also eases the pain of contractions (which a lot of women only come to realise once they get out) and reduces your

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

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risk of tearing. But it is also safe to deliver your baby in the water.

If there are any concerns about you or your baby, the midwife will recommend that you get out, but all being well, you can spend as long as you like in the birth pool.

You should have your own dedicated midwife on hand for your water birth. While they will not get into the pool with you, they will support and encourage you from the sides, using a mirror and a torch to examine your perineum and your baby’s progress, and you can use gas and air if you want.

With one contraction your baby’s head will be born and because she does not want to stimulate your baby to breathe, the midwife will not handle baby unless she has to. With the next contraction, your baby’s body will be born and the midwife will reach down and gently pass your baby to you, allowing you to bring her to the surface and watch that

very special moment as she take her first breath.

Many women worry that giving birth in the water carries with it a risk of the baby drowning.

But remember that right now your baby is floating happily in a watery environment inside your uterus, not using her lungs at all. Once you reach the pushing stage, the midwives are careful to keep the water temperature exactly the same as your body temperature. Because babies are only stimulated to breath with the cold air hitting their face and by being handled, it is very safe.

The midwife will handle baby as little as possible in the water and your baby will be oxygenated through the umbilical cord until she takes her first breath.

Birth pools aren’t cheap, easy pieces of kit to install and the NHS would not have gone to all the trouble and expense to consistently include them in their facilities if there wasn’t a huge

amount of evidence showing how beneficial they are in labour. We always recommend giving a birth pool a try. If it’s not for you or you want a stronger method of pain relief, such as an epidural, you can get out any time you want. That said, approach your labour with an open mind. If the professionals are recommending that you get out of the pool for you or your baby’s safety, remember that they only have your best interests at heart.

Time and time again we hear women rave about the experience they had in the birth pool. So do ask whether this is something your hospital can accommodate and give it a go! bs Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are founders of The Bump Class. Their book, The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond (£20, Vermilion) is available now. thebumpclass.com

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 61

Prep School - Day, Weekly & Full Boarding 8-13 Years | Nursery & Pre-Prep 3-7 Years

“A First-Rate Education” ISI Report

“Full Marks for Pastoral Care” Good Schools Guide

Highfield Open Morning Saturday 24th February 10am - 12 noon

Brookham Pre-Prep & Nursery Bespoke visits – please call to arrange

For more information or to arrange a bespoke visit please call 01428 728000 www.highfieldschool.org.uk | Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

Working

TOGETHER

St Nicholas’ School F L E E T

•

H A M P S H I R E

Celebrating the Individual

Open Morning

Saturday 3rd March 2018 10am-1pm

An independent day school for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-16

• Small class sizes • Inspirational teachers • A caring, family ethos • Purpose-built facilities • Idyllic grounds • Focus on the individual • ‘Excellent’ ISI Inspection

st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

01252 850121

registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk 62 | JAN/FEB18 | babysurrey.co.uk

FOOD

ALL-STAR DINING Baby deserves beautiful dinnerware too! We love the latest constellation print from Molly & Moo. The five-piece set includes a plate, bowl, cup, fork and spoon crafted from eco-friendly bamboo – a great anti-slip material for little hands to grip. This is children’s tableware you really won’t mind showing off. £29, mollyandmoo.co.uk

food

MINI MOUTHFULS

NEWS

Annabel Karmel has turned two of her best-loved recipes into quick and easy bites for those busy days. Mighty Meaty Bites and Yummy Chicken & Apple Bites come pre-prepared, ready for you to heat in the oven and serve on their own or as part of a meal. Suitable from one year. £2.30, tesco.com

The Bumkins grip dish is ideal for little ones learning to self-feed

WE BRING TO TH E TABLE TH E L ATE ST AN D GR E ATE ST FOOD FOR TH E SMALLE ST OF DIN ER S

TEETOTAL TIPPLE

DISHED UP There’ll be no more plate-throwing with Bumkins’ clever new grip dish design.

Divided into three sections for serving different food types, the dish is made from sturdy dishwasher-safe silicone with a strong suction base that fits most highchair trays. Choose from four colours. £17.99, hippychick.com

Whether you’re expecting or just detoxing this New Year, fill up your glass with alcohol-free fizz from The Bees Knees. Perfect for those who favour traditional sparkling wine, the drink is made from grape juice lightly infused with green tea, and tastes just like the real thing. Available in white or rosé, one glass contains around half the calories of the real thing, so it’s easy on the waistline, too! £3.99, ocado.com

ACCORDING TO RESEARCH BY WATER WIPES, 40% OF PARENTS HAVE NEVER TRIED SENSORY FOOD PLAY WITH THEIR BABY. ALLOWING LITTLE ONES TO EXPLORE WITH THEIR HANDS DURING THE WEANING PROCESS CAN HELP REDUCE FOOD FUSSINESS IN LATER CHILDHOOD, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGE THEM TO TRY NEW TASTES. WATERWIPES.COM

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 63

FOOD

Eat your

GREENS

TO H ELP GE T BABY ’S WE ANING OFF TO A H E ALTHY START, PICCOLO’S IN FANT N UTRITION SPECIALIST Alice Fotheringham SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE VEG-PACKED R ECIPE S

reen foods often need to be introduced a few more times, compared to naturally sweeter ingredients such as carrots and apples, but persevere and don’t be put off if they are rejected those first few times. Dark leafy greens are stuffed full of good nutrients and can be introduced a wide variety of ways – roast, steam or whizz into a dip, mix into omelettes, chop into batons and serve with a dip or yummy salad dressing – the options are endless, as are the varieties of vegetables to get you inspired at this time of year.

G

64 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

FOOD

APPLE , PEAR & KALE PURÉE Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 5 minutes Makes 4 portions Suitable from 6 months Suitable for freezing

This green purée also makes a fantastic smoothie. For the smoothie, try adding frozen banana or avocado to make it creamier.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 apple, peeled and chopped • 1 conference pear, peeled and chopped • 25g curly kale • 25g spinach • 75ml tinned, full-fat coconut milk (to make a smoothie for older children use sugar-free coconut or almond milk drink) • 1-2 fresh basil leaves • Water, for consistency METHOD

Steam the apple, spinach and kale (raw spinach and kale can be a bit tough on little tummies) for 4-5 minutes. Drain and refresh in cold water.

Add the steamed ingredients to the pear, coconut milk and basil, and blend together.

Add water or more coconut milk to get to the desired consistency.

Tip: Use frozen cooked spinach cubes for a more nutrient-dense purée. You could also add ground walnuts or seeds for healthy fats.

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 65

FOOD Pasta sauces are a great way to cram in lots of nutrient-dense vegetables

S P I N AC H & R I C O T TA C A K E S Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Makes 10 cakes Suitable from 6 months Suitable for freezing

A great finger-food option that’s quick to whip up, these are great for breakfast or a snack. Spread on a little marmite, pesto or cream cheese for extra flavour!

INGREDIENTS

• 200g fresh spinach • 50g oats • 3 fresh basil leaves or ½ tsp dried basil • Pinch of paprika • 100g ricotta cheese or full-fat cream cheese • 40g parmesan cheese, grated • 2 large eggs, beaten • 1 clove garlic, minced • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

V E G G I E P E S T O & P E A PA S TA Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 25 minutes Makes 4 portions Suitable from 8 months Not suitable for freezing

METHOD

Pulse the spinach, oats and basil in a food processor or with a hand blender until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add the ricotta (or cream cheese), parmesan, eggs, garlic, paprika and pepper; stir to combine.

Heat the oil in the pan on a medium heat and drop tablespoons of the mixture into the pan and flatten with the back of the spoon.

Bake on each side for around 2 minutes.

You can alternatively bake them in a greased muffin tin for around 20 minutes at 200˚C. Tip: This recipe also works well with cooked broccoli as an alternative to spinach.

It’s easy to cram vegetables into this take on pesto – and try pasta made from pea flour, which contains more protein than standard pasta (and is gluten free).

INGREDIENTS

• 1 clove garlic, crushed • 1 sweet potato, peeled and finely chopped • 1 medium courgette, chopped • ½ medium aubergine, chopped (optional) • 50g frozen peas • 50g curly kale • 10 fresh basil leaves • 2 tbsp olive oil

• 40g parmesan cheese, grated • 200g pea pasta • Ground black pepper to taste METHOD

Heat a large frying pan with 1 tablespoon of oil and add the onion. Stir for five minutes until it starts to turn translucent, then add the garlic, sweet potato, courgette and aubergine, and cover. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the peas and kale and continue to stir and cook for a further 5 minutes, adding water if the pan dries out.

While all the vegetables are cooking, cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water, and drain.

Once the veg is cooked, take off the heat and add the basil, parmesan, remaining olive oil and pepper, and blend to make a sauce.

Mix the pasta into the sauce, and grate over any extra parmesan.

Alice Fotheringham is infant nutrition specialist at Piccolo. Piccolo is an organic baby food brand with roots in the Mediterranean approach to feeding children. The brand supports the NCT and gives 10% of its profit to food education. For more information, visit mylittlepiccolo.com

66 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

FOOD

Your weaning guide Once your baby is six months old you can begin introducing solids. Remember, breast or formula milk is still giving your baby the majority of her nutrients, and will continue to do so for the first year. Those first tastes are really about introducing new flavours and textures, so don’t worry about the amount of food you are giving, it really is about experiencing tastes over quantity. There is also no evidence to show that one food is better than another to introduce first. You can either start with a soft finger food or a purée, or a combination of the two.

Great foods to start with Vegetables: Broccoli, butternut squash, carrot, cauliflower, courgette, peas, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, turnip Fruit: Avocado, apple, banana, mango, melon, peach, pear Protein: Beef, chicken, legumes (peas, beans), fish, lamb, turkey, pulses (lentils) For those ingredients that need cooking (all of the above apart from avocado, banana, mango, ripe pear or peach) you can either peel, chop into chunks and steam until soft, or bake and scoop out the cooked flesh. If puréeing, you can add a little breast or formula milk, and mix until you get the texture of yoghurt.

When to start It’s a good idea to introduce food in between milk feeds, so your baby is not starving or too full from a feed. Either sit her in a highchair at the table with you, or feed her on your knee.

Responsive feeding She may only take a teaspoon of food to begin with. Don’t worry, it can take up to 12 times for a new food to be accepted. Your baby knows when she is hungry, and when she is full, but at this stage it is hard for her to communicate this. If your baby is turning her head away, it may mean she is not hungry. Avoid using distractions to give her more food as she may not need it. Just try again another time. bs

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 67

The Hawthorns is a thriving independent school in Bletchingley, Surrey, for girls and boys aged 2 to 13 years

Please join us for one of our forthcoming

Open Mornings from 9am on Thursday 1st February Friday 16th March

A school for life

Where childhood is more rewarding

Call us to discuss late admissions throughout the year

01883 743048

www.hawthorns.com 68 | JAN/FEB18 | babysurrey.co.uk

education

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP

Researching schools

EDUCATION

NEWS

EVERY THING YOU N EED TO KN OW IN AN D OUT OF TH E CL ASSROOM

NUMBER PLAY

Make maths exciting with The Curious Dragons learning games.

Developed by a maths teacher, the interactive system nurtures numerical and reasoning abilities in children aged three to five.

From filling nests with dragon eggs to matching numbers, the games are a brilliantly fun way to learn. £29.99, thecuriousdragons.co.uk

If you want to know more about schooling and are keen to plan for the future, then check out our sister title. Published twice a year, The Guide to Independent Schools is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector. The Guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.

ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independent-schoolparent or call 020 7349 3700.

The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.

The games will instil a love of maths in your little one that will last a lifetime

BRIGHT SPARK

EQUAL PLAY

There’s a new character joining the Little Miss collection – and she has a passion for all things STEM. Little Miss Inventor is full of ideas, which she turns into inventions in her garden shed. The book launches on 8 March, to coincide with International Women’s Day and British Science Week. £3.99, Egmont Publishing

There’s two new specialised sessions at the Lets Explore soft play centre in Horley. On the first Tuesday of every month, children with disabilities can enjoy the facilities, with extra staff on hand to help. And for primary school kids, there’s a homework club every Friday during term time, with the promise of a run-around after some hard work in the dedicated quiet zone. lets-explore.com

PUPILS AT THE HAWTHORNS SCHOOL IN BLETCHINGLEY RECENTLY RECEIVED A SPECIAL DELIVERY FROM THE WOODLAND TRUST. CHILDREN FROM NURSERY UP TO YEAR 8 HELPED TO PLANT 240 SAPLINGS AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL, INCLUDING SILVER BIRCH, OAK AND – OF COURSE – HAWTHORNS.

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 69

FH BABYLONDON ad 99mm x 129mm P advert_Layout 1 01/12/2017 10:12 Page 1

FOREST HOLIDAYS - THE PERFECT FAMILY GETAWAY An academically challenging education for girls from Nursery to Sixth Form

Save 10% at Forest Holidays It's your family, your holiday. It starts with your luxury cabin in the woods; how the story then unfolds is up to you.

60% of all A Level grades at A*/A in 2017

Simply enter promo code BABYLONDON to save 10% on a Forest Holiday when you book before 28 February 2018 and holiday before 30 September 2018.

Find out more at our OPEN MORNINGS

The 10% discount can be taken across all of our cabin types, from the great value Copper Beech to the ultimate luxury of a Golden Oak Treehouse. This discount applies to the cabin price only and not any extras. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be applied retrospectively. Forest Holidays reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

1 March 9 May

www.suttonhigh.gdst.net admissions@sut.gdst.net 020 8225 3001

NURSERY • The best start in life for girls and boys from rising three • Happy, secure and purposeful learning environment • Children grow in confidence and independence • Specialist teaching in music, PE, Music & Movement and Forest School • Eligible provider for Nursery Education Grant Scheme (our fees are reduced by the relevant amount)

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent”

• Stand alone prep school, which allows choice for senior school • Outstanding pastoral care

- ISI Report June 2017

• A small school buzzing with opportunities where every child is known • Catholic ethos underpins friendly, warm and welcoming environment • We welcome all denominations • Excellent track record of senior school places • High number of scholarships to senior schools awarded year on year • Accept girls up to age 11 and boys until age 7 • Morning minibus service

To arrange a private tour and discover the wonderland of opportunities at RYDES HILL please contact Mrs Jacqui O’Neill e: admissions@rydeshill.com

• Catholic Independent School • Girls 3 - 11 and Boys 3 - 7 • Happy family atmosphere • Outstanding Senior School Scholarship record

Rydes Hill House, Aldershot Road, Guildford, GU2 8BP t: 01483 563160 e: admissions@rydeshill.com

www.rydeshill.com BabyS 12-17

Baby Surrey 2017 ARTWORK v1.indd 1

70 | JAN/FEB18 | babysurrey.co.uk

28/11/2017 15:43

EDUCATION

MEET THE HEAD How long have you been at Notre Dame School?

I joined in September 1995 as a Year 4 class teacher. It was a big adjustment to be in such a busy school, but I was delighted to be part of a school with such amazing facilities and ample parkland. Best of all, the pupils were hungry for an exciting and well-rounded education.

How would you describe the ethos of the school?

Notre Dame is a Catholic School in the broadest sense. Everyone who arrives is welcomed, regardless of faith, culture or language. The family values we hear so much about in the media are evident here, alongside the highest academic and personal expectations. Boys (two to seven) and girls (two to 18) are happy, and this enables them to thrive.

Does the school have a long history?

The school here in Cobham was opened in 1937. We are however, part of a worldwide network of schools established in 1607 by St Jeanne de Lestonnac.

MERINDA D’APRANO Notre Dame School

We find out more about the Cobham-based independent preparatory school She had a vision of education that reached out to families, and specifically young women, believing they were the best agents for change in society. The network now extends across the globe and includes schools, health centres, community projects and nurseries. Much of the work is missionary and aims to support the poorest in society. Here in Cobham, we help our children to have an understanding of the world and to recognise the benefits available to them in their own lives.

How do you ensure every pupil achieves their potential?

This question could have a variety of answers about pupil tracking, assessment, careful marking and monitoring, all of which we do as

a matter of course. However, the real answer is that we all know the children so thoroughly and care deeply about their happiness and progress, that children have the space to thrive as individuals and are supported where necessary.

No two pupils are the same, and nobody is ever invisible. Quality of caring teachers and support staff is key to this, and the fact we see ourselves as a community.

What feedback do you receive from parents?

Parents are incredibly kind and supportive. Over the five years I have been Head, I have received personal and professional gratitude, suggestions for tweaks to improve systems and some brilliant ideas. Positive feedback has been overwhelming in regard

to our new facilities for sport, with an all-weather pitch for hockey and netball, and the development of several acres of land to house athletics and a forest school. My door is always open, and I enjoy hearing about families’ experience of this school.

Where do you see Notre Dame School in the future?

Right here and continuing to blossom! In 2017 we introduced boys into Reception and I look forward to seeing them populate the whole infant department in the next couple of years. We will also continue to expand our extra-curricular programme and aftercare arrangements to minimise what families need to find beyond the school day. What I hope for the children is simple: happy, well-equipped people who can live successful, compassionate lives; the foundations are here, but the sky is the limit! bs Merinda D’Aprano is the author of Head Teacher in your Pocket: The Essential Guide to your Prep School Journey available from amazon.co.uk

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 71

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Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future

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nurtured Because your child deserves to be

A supportive community that nurtures individuality, talent and confidence.

Co-ed 2-4 years, Boys aged 4-13 years PARKSIDE SCHOOL, COBHAM IS SET IN 45 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE. SCHOOL BUS ROUTES IN PLACE.

Church Hill House, Horsell, Woking, Surrey GU21 4QW Telephone: 01483 760943 www.st-andrews.woking.sch.uk Reg. Charity No. 297580 ~ Established to promote and provide for the advancement of education

Next Open Morning, Friday 2nd Febuary 2018

‘Excellent’ in all areas - ISI Inspection 2016

To register please email office@parkside-school.co.uk

INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS & BOYS AGED 3-13

www.parkside-school.co.uk

twitter.com/parksideprep

facebook.com/ parksideprep

~ Developing potential for life ~

chinthurstschool.co.uk

Open Days 25 January, 8 March, 3rd May

Outstanding 11+ Results 2017

Co-educational school for children aged 3-11 years 52 Tadworth Street, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5QZ admissions@chinthurstschool.co.uk Telephone 01737 812011 @Chintschool

72 | JAN/FEB18 | babysurrey.co.uk

facebook.com/ChinthurstSchool

Part of the Reigate Grammar School Family

D

EDUCATION

Cracking the day care code IT’S A BIG DECISION DU RING TH EIR E AR LY YE AR S, SO HOW DO YOU CH OOSE TH E RIGHT N U R SERY FOR YOU R CHILD, ASKS Georgina Blaskey he inaugural day your child goes to nursery is the first milestone in their education. For some children it can be an exciting journey, the prospect of which leaves them totally unfazed. For others, it can be a daunting, nerve-wracking first rung on the learning ladder. For a parent, it can be a time of adjustment and reflection, when we can explore our choices and ponder what kind of child we have and where they are best suited.

In order to make this transition run smoothly, it is worth taking the time to prepare and fully investigate all options. No one knows your family’s needs as well as you so while recommendations are invaluable, nothing can replace a personal visit to work out what the right fit is. “Visit a nursery early in the day when the children are being dropped off,” advises Laura Randall, principal of Woodentops Nursery in Balham, London.

T

“Ideally you will see the children reaching out to their teachers. You want to go where your children will feel loved.”

It’s worth noting that pre-school education isn’t compulsory and there are many options beyond the standard local nursery school, but what’s important is that your children are able to flourish and thrive – socially, cognitively, emotionally and physically – wherever they are. One gently alternative option is the Montessori method, developed by Italian doctor Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, now far more mainstream, with many ‘normal’ nurseries adopting some of her techniques. In a true Montessori classroom, children work largely on their own with special equipment designed to develop their sensory, numeric, language and practical skills.

Handwriting and numeracy are not formally learnt, they are experienced through play and

at the behest of the child.

Forest nursery schools are becoming increasingly popular as an antidote to our rapidly advancing technological lives, too.

Leanna Barrett was so dismayed by the outdoor facilities in her area when looking for a nursery for her daughter, she decided to start one herself. “When visiting nurseries, I’d often be told the children went out for an hour a day and be shown a man-made spongy surface where they’d play,” Leanna recalls. “I was so disappointed, I started Little Forest Folk on Wimbledon Common. It’s an outdoor forest nursery that immerses two to five year olds in nature, helping them become creative, resilient little learners.” The concept has been very popular. “Now we have three nurseries in London, with two more opening this year, and a waiting list of more than 1,000 parents!”

Making the decision about how to tackle

EDUCATION

Children learn through play, so look for somewhere that places high value on children doing activities they enjoy

pre-school education involves many stages, so a good place to start is location – do you want to be close to home, work or the station you commute from? Some nurseries have strong connections to junior schools so if you have your heart set on a certain school, it may be worth asking which ones they recommend.

Always try to speak to other parents (you could aim to arrive when they’re dropping off and have a quick chat) and read up on the latest inspection reports. It’s always wise to visit a few to be able to make comparisons and get a clear idea of the differences between them. It may be the class size, playground facilities or staff, but the better your understanding, the more relaxed you’ll feel when September comes around.

The Good Schools Guide suggests parents take time to consider the environment their child is most suited to – somewhere with a busy, purposeful setting, somewhere calm and ordered, somewhere with rules and boundaries or a place where children are free to explore and experiment.

It also advises, whatever your thoughts on the type and nature of the school, when

74 | JAN/FEB 2018 | babysurrey.co.uk

entrusting the care of your child to others, you should look to find a nursery that will: • Work with you and listen to your child.

• Work from your child’s current development stage and needs, not from pre-conceived notions of what a two, three or four year old should do.

• Seek to develop your child’s confidence.

• Encourage good behaviour and cooperation.

• Develop an awareness of, and sensitivity to, others and their feelings.

• Be interested in the personal, social and emotional development of your child.

Once you’ve decided where your child is best suited to, it’s important to get them registered so you don’t miss out on that nursery place. In some areas nursery places are over-subscribed and it’s elbows at the ready to bag that in-demand seat at the Playdoh table.

Do your homework early and your preparation should make the journey easy and successful.

A final thought to remember – if it doesn’t feel right, you can always change your mind.

As your children grow, your views on nursery education may also change, so be flexible and alert to their progress and happiness. bs

Attend your visit armed with queries about how each place operates and how the children learn. The impartial education website gettherightschool.co.uk has compiled these questions to aid your decision-making: • What resources and equipment do you have to support children’s learning?

• How are activities planned and organised to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage?

• Do you provide any additional help and support to under-fives with special education needs?

• How many children do you have attending?

• What sort of activities do the children do?

• How is the average day/session organised?

• How do staff manage bad behaviour?

• What qualifications and experience do the staff have?

• How long have you been operating?

• Do you have outdoor and indoor areas for children to play and learn?

• Do children have a rest during the day?

• What time do sessions start and finish?

• Is there a sibling policy?

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

THE BETTER YOUR UNDERSTANDING, THE MORE RELAXED YOU’LL FEEL WHEN SEPTEMBER COMES AROUND

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A NURSERY

Weekly Local Classes

Fun and skills that could save your child’s life

classes held...

Across Surrey, East Hampshire, Twickenham and Richmond!

We feel incredibly proud that we’ve helped save a number of very young children’s lives after they’ve fallen into water and survived – thanks to the skills they learned with us.

Our world-class teachers could have trained as private pilots – five times over – in the time it takes to fully qualify with us.

You can trust us to take the very best care of you and your little one.

Let’s teach your baby to swim!

To give your baby a splashing start call

01932 227 428 www.waterbabies.co.uk

Here We Play Happily

Come along and join in our activities in a welcoming and toddler friendly environment with other parents and carers.

All children under 5 welcome.

Rowan Toddler Group Friday afternoons during term time from 1.45pm-3.15pm £2.50 per session

For further information, please contact Mrs Drake: 01372 462627 Rowan Brae 41 Gordon Road, Claygate, Esher Surrey KT10 0PJ rowanprepschool.co.uk

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB18 | 75

reigatestmarys.org

reigatestmarys.org

An Extra Year 3 Class From September 2017 HAPPI NE SS • C ON FID EN CE • AC HIEVE ME N T

‘Excellent’

An Extra Year 3 Class -From September 2017 ISI Inspection 2016

‘ Excellent ’ Latest ISI Inspection

OPEN MORNING Open Days 17 Wednesday Jan, 14 Mar and316May May OPEN MORNING Reigate St Mary’s School Chart lane, Junior School of Reigate RH2 7RN 01737244880 Wednesday 3 May office@reigatestmarys.org

Co-ed School for children aged 3-11 Reigate St Mary’s School, Chart Lane, Reigate, RH2 7RN 01737 244880 office@reigatestmarys.org @RSMPrepSchool

Reigate St Mary’s School Chart lane, Reigate RH2 7RN 01737244880 office@reigatestmarys.org

facebook.com/ReigateStMarys

Open Mornings 6 March & 2 October 2018 A happy, caring environment for girls & boys in Woking aged 3 - 13 & just 25 minutes from London

hoebridgeschool.co.uk admissions@hoebridgeschool.co.uk 01483 772194

Junior School of

MICKLEFIELD SCHOOL

Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School Children join the Pre-Nursery class in the term they turn three.

Please come and visit us.

To arrange an appointment, telephone 01372 463695 or email preprepschool@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

Co-Educational Independent Preparatory School Rising 3s - 11 Years Drop-in toddler group Tues, Weds, Thurs, term time 2pm - 3:00pm

OUTSTANDING

Micklefield School is a happy flourishing, Independent Preparatory School for boys and girls. We aim to create a family atmosphere that encourages each child to become confident, responsible and to develop their potential.

T: 01737 224212 E: office@micklefieldschool.co.uk www.micklefieldschool.co.uk Open Morning 10th March 2018 10am to 12 noon

76 | JAN/FEB18 | babysurrey.co.uk

www.claremont-school.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

mini

AGENDA

Charlot te Tomlinson-White ROU N DS U P SU R R EY ’S BE ST EVENTS

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

PHOTOGRAPHY: JAZAMIN SINCLAIR

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

Noggin the Nog

Ice Skate Camberley

Creative Explorers

FARNHAM MALTINGS Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR farnhammaltings.com

ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL 020 8174 0090 rosetheatrekingston.org

PARK STREET Camberley GU15 3PQ 01276 707600 christmasincamberley.co.uk

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.com

Designed for families with children aged newborn to eight, enjoy live techno, house and hip hop with DMC Legend and throw some shapes on a dancefloor filled with bubbles, balloons and glitter. There are chill out areas and craft tables, and a licensed bar and café.

Admission: Adults, £12; children, £8; pre-walkers go free.

Saturday 24 February, 2pm to 4pm.

Based on the popular TV series, go north on a journey of adventure and discovery to battle the fearsome Ice Dragon and the dastardly deeds of Noggin’s wicked uncle, Nogbad the Bad! With silly Vikings, puppets and live music, it’s the perfect theatrical treat for little ones and their families.

Admission: £15 each.

Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 January, times vary.

Wrap up warm and grab a steady hand (if you need one!) for 45 minutes of fun on the ice in the heart of Camberley town centre before it ends. Suitable for children aged three and over, kids’ skate aids are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

It’s the perfect opportunity to do a spot of shopping, too.

Admission: Adults, £9.50; children, £7.50.

Until Friday 5 January.

These weekly 45-minute sessions are delivered by one of Polka’s experienced workshop leaders. Using play, movement, games and stories, they aim to develop communication and social skills, build confidence and encourage self-expression in little ones aged ages three to four, and four to five.

Admission: £70 per term.

Fridays from 12 January to 23 March, from 2:45pm.

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OUT AND ABOUT

Painting

Half Term at Hampton Court Palace Half Term Family Fun

Orchids Festival

Half Term at Hampton Court Palace HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU 020 3166 6000 hrp.org.uk There will be lots going on during half term at the Palace.

Venture on the Great Palace Quest for a time-travelling voyage of puzzles, games, crafts and characters from the past.

Plus, enjoy live performances.

Admission: Adults, £15.90; children, £8.

Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February, 10am to 4.30pm.

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales G LIVE London Road, Guildford GU1 2AA glive.co.uk Scamp Theatre presents this delightful production for little ones aged three and over.

Venture under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle to meet a host of characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles.

Admission: £15 each.

Monday 19 February, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

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Mozart and Muffins

Orchids Festival

A Real Alien Adventure

THE GUILDHALL High Street, Guildford GU1 3AA 01483 444334 guildford.gov.uk

KEW GARDENS Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB, 020 8332 5655 kew.org

FARNHAM MALTINGS Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR 01252 745444 farnhammaltings.com

A musical treat for babies and pre-schoolers! Delight in classical music while enjoying tea, coffee and a muffin. Each short session features music in bite-sized chunks delivered by musicians from the professional orchestra Southern Pro Musica.

Admission: £10 per child and accompanying adult; additional children, £3.

Tuesday 23 January and 27 February, 10am to 11am.

Half Term Family Fun BROOKLANDS MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN 01932 857381 brooklandsmuseum.com Take a trip in a vintage-style car, partake in workshops and look out for Bertie the Brooklands Bear. Plus, there will be kids’ tours on the concorde.

Admission: Adults, £13.50; children, £7; under-fives go free.

Monday 12 to Friday 16 February, 10am to 5pm.

Forget the winter blues and immerse yourself in the vibrant colour, culture, and magnificent plant life of Thailand. Venture to Kew Gardens to enjoy its 23rd annual Orchids Festival with creative designs and experiences to appeal to all ages. Highlights include the handcrafted floating umbrellas.

Admission: Adults, £11.50; children, £2.50; under-fours go free.

Saturday 10 February to Sunday 11 March.

The Jungle Book RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1Q J atgtickets.com Rudyard Kipling’s family classic comes to life with memorable characters, new songs and brilliant storytelling. Follow Mowgli the ‘man cub’ as he battles for survival in the jungle.

Admission: From £15 each.

Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 February, times vary.

Ripstop Theatre presents this engaging show for all the family, packed with gadgets, magic and shadow play. Join intrepid explorer Amelia Buttersnap on an intergalactic adventure to discover if aliens really do exist.

Plus, what do they want with her cat? For families with children aged four and over.

Admission: £8 each.

Saturday 27 January, 2.30pm.

Painting THE LIGHTBOX Chobham Road, Woking GU21 4AA 01483 737837 thelightbox.org.uk Little ones are welcome to embrace their creative sides with some painting fun. All materials are included – don’t forget to dress for mess!

Booking required.

Admission: £3 per child and accompanying adult.

Friday 12 January and 9 February, 11am to 11.45am.

OUT AND ABOUT

Mini Floating Boats

Teddy Bears Picnic

PHOTOGRAPHY: H ISTORIC ROYAL PALACES; JASON DODD

The Gingerbread Man

The Chit Chat Chalk Show

Teddy Bears Picnic

Mini Floating Boats

Hush-A-Bye

CAMBERLEY THEATRE Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3HD 01276 707600 camberleytheatre.co.uk

THE LIGHTBOX Chobham Road, Woking GU21 4AA 01483 737837 thelightbox.org.uk

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.com

This is your invitation to the best picnic in town! Head to the forest and join Big Bear for singalong songs, dancing and stories in this enchanting, interactive musical adventure.

Don’t forget to bring your favourite teddy!

Admission: £10.50 each.

Tuesday 13 February, 11am.

Children aged four and over are invited to make their own mini boats using corks and recycled materials. Try them out by floating them down the canal or in your bathtub at home!

Admission: Free; suggested donation, £3.

Wednesday 14 February, 1.30pm to 4pm.

Tidy Up

The Gingerbread Man

Explore the sights, sounds and smells of a woodland wonderland in this multisensory production, with live music and puppets. This show is presented in two versions – one for babies aged six months to two years, and another for three to five year olds.

Admission: £12.50 each.

Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 February, times vary.

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.com

G LIVE London Road, Guildford GU1 2AA 0844 7701 797 glive.co.uk

Venture on an uplifting journey to discover if chaos and order can live side-by-side. Inspired by a child’s desire to create order, patterns and systems, expect plenty of surprises along the way in this dance theatre show for little ones aged three to six years.

Admission: £12.50 each.

Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 February, times vary.

Hiccup Theatre presents this brand new version of the classic fairytale. With original live music, storytelling and plenty of fun, chase after the cheeky gingerbread hero as he sets off on the biggest adventure of his life. Can he avoid that sly old fox?

Admission: £10.50 each.

Wednesday 14 February, 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Morgan & West: More Magic for Kids!

FARNHAM MALTINGS Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR 01252 745444 farnhammaltings.com Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West return to the stage with this marvellous magic show packed full of crazy capers for the young, old and everyone in between. Be sure to expect the unexpected!

Admission: £8 each.

Sunday 11 February, 2.30pm.

The Chit Chat Chalk Show FARNHAM MALTINGS Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR 01252 745444 farnhammaltings.com Kiko is shy, reserved and confused. With the help of a pair of guides, she embarks on a quest to discover the mixture of emotions and colours that make her unique. There’s also a free workshop to enjoy at 1pm.

Admission: £8 each.

Monday 12 February, 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Storytelling THE LIGHTBOX Chobham Road, Woking GU21 4AA 01483 737837 thelightbox.org.uk Head to The Lightbox for stories, rhymes and hands-on fun for under-fives. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at reception from 10.30am.

Admission: Free; suggested donation, £2.

Tuesday 9 and 23 January, and 6 and 20 February, 11am to 11.40am.

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OUT AND ABOUT

Tiny Explorers

Half Term at the Farm

Half Term at the Farm

Peppa Pig’s Adventure

Tiny Explorers

Riverbank Landscapes

BOCKETTS FARM PARK Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS bockettsfarm.co.uk

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG 0844 871 7646 atgtickets.com

HAMPTON COURT PALACE East Molesey KT8 9AU hrp.org.uk

THE LIGHTBOX Chobham Road, Woking GU21 4AA 01483 737837 thelightbox.org.uk

There are up to 70 lambs due from 9 February – you may even see one being born! Birds of prey will also be there from Monday to Friday; meet them up close and watch the flying demos twice daily. What’s more, there’s a full programme of activity, including pony and tractor rides and pig racing.

Admission: Adults, £10.50; children, £10.95; under-twos go free.

Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February, 10am to 5.30pm.

Turner’s Journey THE LIGHTBOX Chobham Road, Woking GU21 4AA thelightbox.org.uk Become a time-travelling storyteller by going back to Turner’s time and drawing the journey he made along the river. All ages welcome.

Admission: Free; suggested donation, £3.

Friday 16 February, 1.30pm to 4pm.

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Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on a camping trip to the woods with George and her friends. With lunch-boxes packed, everyone is super excited! This new live show is full of games and live music.

Admission: From £16.25 each.

Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 February, times vary.

Zootastic Sleepover CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE 0871 663 4477 chessingtonholidays.co.uk For a winter adventure like no other, the Zootastic Sleepover includes a stay at the resort hotel, entry to the zoo and Sea Life centre, meet-and-greets with the animals and entry to How to be a Zoo Keeper Live.

Admission: From £33 each.

Selected weekends in January and February.

These multisensory sessions for under-fours will transport little ones into a magical world of stories. Each session involves music, movement, messy play and more, dedicated to different development levels.

Booking is essential.

Admission: £6 per child and accompanying adult.

Thursday 8 and 22, and Saturday 10 and 24 February, 10.30 to 11.30am, 1pm to 2pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

Space Explorers HASLEMERE EDUCATIONAL MUSEUM 78 High Street, Haslemere GU27 2LA 01428 642112 haslemeremuseum.co.uk Learn all about the wonders of space, listen to a story and create your very own ‘universe’ in this hour-long session. You might learn a thing or two as well… Suitable for under-fives.

Admission: Adults, £1; children, £2.

Friday 19 January, 1.30pm.

Children aged four to eight can embrace their creative side at this workshop, making their own 3D Riverbank landscape using pipe cleaners and new and recycled materials.

Admission: £8 per child and accompanying adult.

Tuesday 13 February, 1.30pm to 3pm.

Invasive Species Trail CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN Postmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG 01372 467806 nationaltrust.org.uk Have fun in the fresh air this February half term with the family trail at Claremont Landscape Garden. Find out more about the many creatures and critters in the grounds, and where you can find them.

Admission: Adults, £8; children, £4; plus 50p per trail.

Saturday 10 February to 18 February, 10am to 4pm.

Groups & Classes A SELEC TION OF LOCAL AC TIVITIE S FOR YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E

Charles wears wool romper, £49.95, The Bonnie Mob. Merino wool top, £42, Mabli. Cotton-blend tights (pack of three), £9, Marks & Spencer. Cashmere blanket, £155, Brora.

Acrylic blanket, £24.99, H&M Home. Wooden spool (set of three), £3.50, Grapat at Babipur.

Wooden blocks, £48, Ooh Noo at Scandibørn.

STOCKISTS Amy & Ivor amyandivor.com Babipur babipur.co.uk Blue Almonds bluealmonds.co.uk Bonpoint bonpoint.com Brora brora.co.uk Caramel caramel-shop.co.uk Easy Peasy easypeasy.fr

CLASSICAL MUSIC CLASSES

FOR WATER BABIES

Classes held in Esher for babies and toddlers Baby Maestro offers a whole world of music to discover each week. Fun percussion instruments, puppets and other props are used to engage and stimulate your child’s interest in music. Each session, a well-known piece of classical music is used to act as a theme which is explored through nursery rhymes and interactive play to create an exciting and stimulating musical experience. The classes are taught by a professional musician who will be playing the clarinet or piano each week, exposing your child to the beautiful world of classical music throughout each session.

07973 119855 info@babymaestro.co.uk babymaestro.co.uk

Teach them to swim The UK’s leading baby swimming company, Water Babies, runs fun and innovative swimming classes for newborns through to toddlers in Surrey, providing core swimming skills that could potentially save your little ones’ lives. The lessons are taught by world-class instructors and the company’s award-winning programme gives babies confidence in the water and teaches safety skills from birth.

They are great classes for you and your baby to experience together.

Water Babies was also voted best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Contact Melissa, or visit the website for class details.

01932 227428 waterbabies.co.uk

RHYTHM AND NO BLUES

AS SOON AS YOU CAN WALK, YOU CAN PLAY FOOTBALL!

H&M Home hm.com Jellycat jellycat.com Liberty libertylondon.com Marie-Chantal mariechantal.co.uk Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com Moon Paris moonparisclothing.fr Mori babymori.com Natural Baby Shower naturalbabyshower.co.uk Oeuf NYC oeufnyc.com Pepa & Co pepaandcompany.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

Piu Pia piupia.co.uk Smallable en.smallable.com Scandibørn scandiborn.co.uk The Bonnie Mob thebonniemob.com The Little White Company thewhitecompany.com

Classes held six days a week Monkey Music is the pre-school music group for children aged three months to four years, which won Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity – as voted for by parents!

Monkey Music introduces music to children in a fun way that they can easily understand, with specialist teachers who gently encourage social and musical skills in a stimulating environment. The classes use a combination of music, percussion instruments and visual props. More than 300 songs, musical games and movement ideas are used. Enjoy a complimentary introductory session.

For contacts and classes in your local area, visit the website. monkeymusic.co.uk

Classes across Surrey The very best football coaching for toddlers and children for ages 18 months to seven years. The classes are unique in that they involve the whole family and encourage parent participation. Join the fun and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun with Kiddikicks Football Classes! Birthday parties, private and holiday classes, nursery and after-school sessions can all be arranged. Kiddikicks is also available to franchise – contact Kiddikicks now for more information. Sign up to receive your free kit (registration fees apply).

01932 489 335 | 07590 467571 jen@kiddikicks.co.uk kiddikicks.co.uk

babysurrey.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 81

BUSINESS

The brand’s accessories include long-sleeved bibs for meals and messy play

INSPIRE What first inspired you to set up BabyBjörn?

My brother had five children and I babysat a lot for his family so I knew anything that could make life easier for families would be welcome. My aunt also had a group of children from Finland living at her house during World War II, so I had grown fond of babies and small children at an early age. When I came to realise that a product like the baby bouncer would keep babies happy and therefore give mum a little time to get everyday things done, I was inspired to create BabyBjörn. I was just 27 when I founded the company in 1961, and together with some designers, the baby bouncer was the first product we brought to the market.

What was your background before you set up the business?

I studied for an academic degree in Political Science. And from a business point of view I worked for Swedish Shell and in a meat cutting business, so starting BabyBjörn was definitely a great departure from what I was used to doing every day.

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BJÖRN JAKOBSON The Swedish-born entrepreneur and founder of BabyBjörn discusses family, business and proud moments Were your own children an inspiration for the brand?

We have four children who are all grown up now – Joakim, 54; Siri, 53; Lisa, 50, and Josefin, 44.

We also have 10 grandchildren who range in age from three to 23 years. All 14 of them have certainly been inspirations for the brand over the years as our products have evolved. Our daughter Lisa was so messy when eating that we needed to develop a bib! So we did this when she

was a year old, in 1968. Josefin was the only child I could carry in my own baby carrier and that was such a precious time.

Describe a typical day for you.

I have retired from my position as chairman of the board for BabyBjörn but I do a lot of consulting work for the brand still to this day. I read a lot of news and take long walks to think things through. My wife Lillemor and I have an art centre in Stockholm’s archipelago called Artipelag, that needs a lot of my attention but is also a great passion of mine. Then I am also the CEO and chairman for the group’s parent company, Lillemor Design, so as you can imagine it all keeps me very active!

What’s your advice for anyone wanting to start a business?

Keep a close eye on your cash flow, and believe in your ideas and have the courage to realise them. As a businessman it was always my goal to be independent of external money and investment. It’s also important to take care of your health when your brand has been around for as long as mine has!

What has been your proudest moment for the business?

We have huge numbers of celebrities who love our products, and the brand is constantly evolving to remain at the cutting edge of the market, but for me it’s about the simple things. To see fathers around the world walking about with their little babies on their chest in our baby carrier, enjoying that wonderful feeling of closeness, that is very special indeed.

What are your plans for 2018?

To stay healthy and to do my best socially, business-wise and family-wise. bs babybjorn.co.uk

The Sky's the The Sky's the Limit!

Limit!

Now enrolling boys and girls for Reception 2018 Now enrolling for boys and girls for Reception 2018

www.notredame.co.uk

Notre Dame School, Cobham 01932 869990 A Foundation of the Company of Mary Our Lady