baby london SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2015
CAPRICE MY STRUGGLE
WITH SURROGACY AND IVF
YOUR ULTIMATE PREGNANCY
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IN THE ZONE HYPNOBIRTHING EXPLAINED
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FIRST AID All you need to know
ANNABEL KARMEL WEANING STEPS TO SUCCESS
CAROLE
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Roll up, roll up, it’s circus time!
HEALTH
The essential guide to your family’s wellbeing
PREGNANCY • NUTRITION • EXERCISE • DEVELOPMENT
The Natural Choice. Safe and Better Sleep for Newborns, Babies and Toddlers. Merino Kids™ is an award-winning 100% natural collection of baby and toddler sleepwear made from the world’s finest Merino wool. Layers of Merino work perfectly for extra warmth on cold nights, trapping air between its fibres – which is why it keeps us, and the sheep on the tops of cold, wet mountains, so warm! But its unique ‘breathability’ ensures never getting too hot. Worn next to skin, Merino has the amazing ability to keep a little body dry and cool because it can release up to 40% of its own weight in moisture before it feels damp. Merino is also light to wear, very soft to the touch, fine and non-itchy, hypoallergenic, fire retardant, odour releasing and easy to wash. No wonder they call it nature’s wonder fibre! Our new Autumn & Winter collection of clothing and sleepwear is suitable for newborn to 5 years and includes Dresses, Hoodies, Leggings, Throws and the award-winning Go Go Bag™ Sleep Bag in different weights.
www.merinokids.co.uk Call +44 (0)207 738 0977 or visit us at 151 Northcote Road, Battersea SW11 6QB facebook.com/MerinoKidsUK twitter.com/MerinoKidsUK google.com/+MerinoKidsUK instagram.com/BungleandThump pinterest.com/MerinoKidsUK * 15% discount is only available on full-priced items. Use the coupon code BL0915 on our website or present this advert at our showroom. Offer ends 30/11/15 while stocks last and excludes certain items. Visit website for terms and conditions.
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Why Six Pilates… It’s new, it’s physio-led and it’s exceptionally different We use real-time ultrasound to assess your core
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CONTENTS SEP T/OC T 2015
33
50 FEATURES
42 SPANISH STYLE Why we’re in love with all things Spanish 46 ONE MOTHER’S MIRACLE Caprice Bourret talks surrogacy, motherhood and business success 63 DRESSED FOR SUCCESS Yoko Shimada, mother and founder of fashion label Mitera, shares her story 68 KING OF MOTHERHOOD Actress Jaime King opens up about her struggles with infertility 72 CIRCUS PARTY Carole Middleton channels the fun of the fair for the next in her party series
77 TOT GEAR Get your trainers at the ready! Greg Rutherford reviews the Bugaboo Runner 84 DUMMY TALK Following the Harper Beckham controversy, our expert looks at the pros and cons of giving your baby a dummy 90 FROM SCARED TO PREPARED We discover how hypnobirthing can help before, during and after childbirth 93 BABY FIRST AID Feel confident when faced with an emergency with our step-by-step guide 106 BATHING BABY All you need to know about tub time
149 LEARNING THE FUN WAY Maggie Bolger explores how play benefits educational learning
STYLE
50 ROLL UP, ROLL UP The sweetest circus-inspired fashion 60 SHOP THE SHOOT Look the part with our favourite designs inspired by our fashion shoot 66 BEYOND THE BUMP Your ultimate breastfeeding style fix 114 SWEET DREAMS The cosiest, cutest getups in the world of merino wool
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 7
Editor Kate Finney Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Senior Sub Editor Natalie Milner Editorial Assistants Caroline Leeper, Lily Smith Senior Art Editor Chloë Collyer Senior Designers Emily Weller, Pio Blanco Designer Maria Sagun Contributing Editors Susannah Warren, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton
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Publisher Annabella Ward Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Marketing Manager Will Delmont Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Stephanie Organ, Chatty Dobson
SHOPPING
25 BABY LONDON LOVES Two great British brands join forces 29 SHOP THE ELEMENTS Style that channels mother nature 74 CIRCUS INTERIORS Fill your home with the bright lights, spots and stripes of the circus 81 THE REVIEW Laura Mason tests out breast pumps 102 GET APPY The latest apps for pregnancy, new mothers and toddlers
TRAVEL
121 TRAVEL NEWS Prepare to pack your bags 122 ISLAND ESCAPE Expecting baby number two, editor Kate jets off to Crete for a family holiday
FOOD
127 FOOD NEWS Delicacies for mum and baby 128 JUICING JOURNEY Rosemary Ferguson on motherhood and healthy eating 133 DESIGN YOUR DIET What to eat during and after your pregnancy 134 HIGHCHAIR HITS Annabel Karmel’s favourite dishes 138 HAPPY AND HEALTHY Get baby eating their five-a-day with Organix
REGULARS
15
BABY NEWS Stay in the know
8 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
Client Development Manager Lesley McDiarmid Sales Executives Amy Thacker, Katie Amps Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross
Discover baby’s mo re tuneful side (p. 14 2)
37 MY ESSENTIALS Patricia Dente Haimes shares with us her journey into motherhood 40 LITTLE ARTISTS Beautifully designed books for baby 83 HEALTH AND BEAUTY NEWS The latest in wellbeing 86 MEET THE EXPERTS Advising you on bump, birth and more 88 FEELING GOOD Louisa van den Bergh looks at how to maintain a healthy and happy pregnancy 99 TIME TO TALK… Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt discuss the best vitamins for your little ones 100 DIARY OF A MUM Becky Dickinson tackles potty training 141 EDUCATION NEWS The latest developments from the classroom and beyond 142 MUSICAL MOMENTS The wonderful world of music for babies 150 MEET THE HEAD We get the low-down on Sinclair House 153 MINI AGENDA What’s on in the capital 160 GET MORE… Our exclusive competitons and offers 170 INSPIRE Fertility expert Zita West tells us how she got started Indulge in some bathtime fun with our pick of tub-time treats (p.106)
Baby London is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: babylondon.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: editorial@littlemedia.co.uk
Baby London ISSN 2040-8550 | 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 2015 All rights reserved
SUBSCRIBE Enjoy our special subscription offer and you’ll receive Baby London magazine for a year, delivered straight to your door all for just £14.99. PLUS we’ll send you a £20 JoJo Maman Bébé gift voucher absolutely FREE! Simply visit:
babylondon.co.uk/subscribe 01442 820 580
PHOTOGRAPHER: HELEN MARSDEN MODEL: BEATRIX Chloé Ruffle Long Sleeve Dress, £94.95, harrods.com
Karen Brost Cream Print Body £35, the-mini-edit.com
EDITORʼS
LETTER
Blune Kids Superpower Stars £23.63, smallable.com
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to melt hearts Baby Alexandros continues com ids. rosk and £39, alex
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KATE FINNEY, EDITOR
@Baby_London
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Gorse Candle £39, laboratoryperfumes.com
in a healthy pregnancy and beyond (p.99), fertility guru Zita West discusses her holistic approach to motherhood (p.170) and Caprice opens up about her experiences of infertility and surrogacy as well as juggling her business with two babies (p.46). We have plenty of fashion and shopping as usual, with shopping pages galore (p.25), circusthemed fashion, interiors and parties, and an interview with Hollywood starlet and motherof-two Jaime King about designing babywear for Sapling Child (p.68). As I depart on maternity leave for a few months, I’m delighted to be leaving my other baby, Baby London, in the very capable hands of Susannah Warren – who has also been investigating the joys of introducing your baby to music for this issue (p.142). I look forward to reading the magazine as the mother of a new baby again, but in the meantime it’s back to my last-minute hypnosis preparation and fitting in as much sleep as I can before I’m faced with a needy toddler and a new baby… wish me luck!
KEE
The cutest circus stickers £20, my1styears.com
Preparing for childbirth is a bit like knowing you’re about to be whisked away to a mystery destination at an undisclosed time – so for someone who likes to plot and plan it can be hard to accept that it will happen when it happens! One thing that’s been helping me relax and take it day by day is Maggie Howell’s brilliant Natal Hypnotherapy book and CD. I only started investigating hypnobirthing in the last few weeks and despite leaving it so late, Maggie reassured me that the last two weeks of your pregnancy are the key. Finding the time each day to switch off, light a candle to help conjure up my happy place (the coconut scent of gorse on my favourite beach in Suffolk!), and listen to the hypnosis CD has been a revelation, so if you’re interested in trying it, don’t miss Maggie’s introduction in this issue (p.90). We’ve been focusing on health in particular for this issue, with expert tips on first aid for babies (p.93), nutritionist Gabriela Peacock’s advice on healthy eating (p.133) and Team GB long-jumper, and father-of-one, Greg Rutherford’s review of Bugaboo’s new Runner buggy (p.77). The Bump Class founders Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt explore the role vitamins play
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@babylondonmagazine
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 11
CONTRIBUTORS CAP RIC
HEL EN
PATR ICI
RRET, BUSIN OU ES B E
XPERT
N & MO OMA DE SW
M
SDEN, PHOTO AR G
R PHE RA
TY E AU
A
NTE HAIMES, DE BE
L Where were you born? New Jersey in the US. What’s the best thing about being a mum? I have the privilege of laughing and being silly with my children and reliving childhood again. What’s your secret to staying calm? I’ve never been a very zen person, but I’m lucky to have a loving and kind husband who keeps me grounded and calm. He’s the best. Patricia talks motherhood on p.37
Where were you born? I was born in Tooting, south London. First school memory? My first school memory is that my teacher was called Mrs Heart, which was cute, and that the school dinners smelt revolting. Best thing about being a mum? My kids have a great sense of humour and really make me laugh. It’s fabulous for the soul. Helen captures the fun of the circus on p.50
Where were you born? Hacienda Heights, California, US. What’s the best thing about being a mum? Everything. Waking up in the morning at 7am and going into the boys’ room and seeing them hold their arms out and saying, “Mama!”. What’s your first outfit memory? It was at an Earth Wind & Fire concert with my mom and sister and we had matching outfits. Caprice shares her surrogacy story on p.46
BABY LONDON ONLINE
When you’re on the go or grabbing a coffee and have a moment to spare, dip in and get your daily digital fix. Here’s what we’ve been up to recently…
THEY SAID… @Baby_London #TBT @SkySports_AlexP revisits his daughter’s premature birth #Fatherhood #DadPerspective @NataliePinkham @Baby_London @SkySports_AlexP gorgeous piece, thank you for posting x
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We’ve given our website a fancy facelift
KEE
@SkySports_AlexP @NataliePinkham @Baby_London Thanks Pinks. These are the days of our lives, eh?! x
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Join in
We want to see your pics of you and your little ones enjoying Baby London
#BLLOVES facebook.com/babylondonmagazine twitter.com/baby_london instagram.com/babylondonmagazine babylondon.co.uk Say hello to the winners of this year’s Face(s) of Merino Kids
12 | JUL/AUG 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
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NEWS
NEWS
U PDATING YOU ON ALL THINGS GR E AT AN D SMALL
BAGS OF LOVE
PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM GRIFFITHS, ADEN + ANAIS, JOHN BARTON, DANIEL BUXTON PHOTOGRAPY, DARRIN JENKINS
TIBA + MARL redefines the prim and pragmatic tradition of baby changing with its new baby bags. London mothers Anna Tizard and Lydia Barron are launching their new company this September, retailing chic changing bags that have a sports-luxe feel and come in florals, neons and even leopard print – practicality meets fashion! Worn here by Irish micro-blogger, model and mum Eimear Varian Barry. Pricing starts at £35 | tibaandmarl.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 15
NEWS
WIN!
THE ULTIMATE BABY SHOWER from aden + anais
WORTH £2,500
SWEET PEA Luxury American online pregnancy brand A Pea in the Pod has just opened its first shop in Europe on the fourth floor of Harrods. Browse BCBG, Splendid, Ella Moss, PAIGE Denim and JOIE and more; plus British favourites Madderson London and Isabella Oliver. And don’t miss the denim collection featuring A Pea in the Pod’s patented Secret Fit Belly on denimwear. harrods.com
Let The Essential Bag Company do the hard work for you
W
hat better way to celebrate an impending arrival than a get together with friends? Baby London has teamed up with aden + anais to offer one reader a money-can’t-buy exclusive party. One lucky mum-to-be will get the chance to invite 14 of her friends and family to the event where everyone will be showered with gifts. There’ll be goodie bags for all guests, worth over £50 each, while the mum-to-be will receive a huge bundle of aden + anais goodies, selecting her most favourite prints
16 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
worth over £1,000 – that’s almost one of every aden + anais product, including a full set of the new layette range. A guest midwife will be teaching the group how to swaddle and be on hand to answer any questions. There’ll also be pampering for all alongside cocktails, mocktails and delicious snacks and treats. This ultimate baby shower will take place at aden + anais’ head office in south west London – the fabulous space boasts a ping-pong table, pool table and table football. So enter our competition for your chance to select either yourself or a lucky mum-to-be and celebrate in style! Competition closes on 15 October, at 11.59pm. Enter at: babylondon.co.uk/competitions adenandanais.co.uk
GOODIE BAGS The Essential Bag Company gathers the crème de la crème of must-have new baby products and places them in a designer changing bag for the perfect baby shower gift experience. And it’s not just about mum – New Father Bags, Big Brother Bags and Big Sister Bags are available. essentialbagcompany.co.uk
Beautifully crafted British design www.icandyworld.com
NEWS
WONDERFUL WOODLY
THE MINI EDIT
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Little fashion just got serious. The Mini Edit launched this summer, and since then its team has been gathering the coolest selection of contemporary baby and kids’ fashion, toys and gifts. The founders, mother and daughter Beverley and Jessica King, created The Mini Edit with the aim to strip away the tradition of children’s fashion and start from scratch. The Mini Edit hosts products from an array of top designers such as Kenzo, Little Marc Jacobs and MSGM and picks the quirkiest bits from each collection. We’re loving the chilled sweats, applique tees and metallic booties. Think ASOS, but for babies and kids. the-mini-edit.com
MODERN BABY The gorgeous little gifts from inside The Peekaboo Baby Company’s giftboxes are now available to buy individually. New sister site The Modern Baby Company features beautiful clothes, swaddles, muslins, bibs, hats and toys. themodernbabyco.com
ONE OF A KIND The Silver Cross Balmoral Bespoke Limited Edition pram is a handmade to order baby carriage exclusively from Harrods. Choose the colour of the premium leather and engrave your little one’s name on a special plaque. silvercrossbaby.com
PUSH YOUR PERSONALITY iCandy’s new Designer Collection combines functionality with character. Choose between the Classic Edition or the sassy Black Edition, both superstylish and brimming with features, including a colour-matched carrycot, fluid steering and a special one-hand fold technology. icandy.com
18 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
This Italian gem is the sweetest and most sustainable brand around. The hanging cradles are the perfect nests of comfort and cuteness for your baby – and a tree is planted for every cradle or cot bought. woodly.it
LOCO FOR COCO New Kokoso Baby uses the purest raw organic coconut oil, sourced from Thailand, in its multipurpose cream. Use it as a moisturiser, bottom butter or to combat cradle cap. It’s naturally antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial with no nasties. It also smells like a pina colada. kokoso.co.uk
Beautifully crafted British design
www.icandyworld.com
Nursery Enrolment Week Monday 14th - Friday 18th September Come along any time throughout the week and view our fantastic facilities and to see how happy your child could be in our care A Busy Bees nursery may be closer than you think
2 week’s FREE childcare when you book a nursery place to start before 30th September 2015* *t&c’s apply
Nurseries in and around London Visit our website www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk to find out more
COMPETITION
SILVER CROSS GIVEAWAY
Baby London has teamed up with iconic British brand, Silver Cross, to give one lucky reader the chance to win a Surf 2 pushchair
THE BEST BITS • The multi-position seat unit offers ultimate comfort. • Perfect for shopping, the storage cleverly folds down. • Use the hood and apron on both the newborn carrycot and pushchair seat. silvercrossbaby.com
WORTH
£725
You could be the proud owner of a Silver Cross Surf 2 in one of eight beautiful colourways with our competition. Ideal from birth, this travel system provides parents the complete package for transporting your newborn in style. Use the carrycot as a lie-flat pram or for overnight sleeping, and as your baby grows you can switch to the seat unit and transform
into a rearward or forward-facing pushchair. And if you want to create a flexible travel system, clip on Silver Cross’ Simplicity car seat. With its large foam-filled pneumatic tyres and air-sprung suspension inspired by mountain bike technology the Surf 2 is a dream to drive, while the adjustable handlebars and a deep basket make it practical for everyday use.
The winner will receive the Surf 2 chassis, pushchair seat unit, newborn carrycot, hood and apron pack, rain cover, cup holder, shopping basket and the car seat adaptors, all you have to do is enter to be in with a chance! Visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions to enter. Competition closes at 11.59pm, 15 October. silvercrossbaby.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 21
SPONSORED BY
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN PREGNANCY, BABY AND CHILDREN’S BRANDS AND PRODUCTS
VOTE BY 3� SEPTEMBER
Go here to vote
babylondon.co.uk/LLAwards
*TERMS AND CONDITIONS: THE PRIZE IS FOR A FIVE-NIGHT STAY IN A JUNIOR SUITE SEA VIEW AT SANI BEACH HOTEL, GREECE, ON A HALF-BOARD BASIS (BREAKFAST AND LUNCH OR DINNER). FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED. THE HOLIDAY IS FOR TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN AND INCLUDES AIRPORT TRANSFERS FROM THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SKG). THE HOLIDAY MUST BE TAKEN BETWEEN 20 SEPTEMBER AND 31 OCTOBER 2015 OR 1 APRIL AND 20 MAY 2016 AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. THE HOLIDAY CANNOT BE TAKEN DURING SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS SEE BABYLONDON.CO.UK/SANI-TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS.
RUNNING HEAD
PLUS, BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO
WIN
is enter th ! ards to 00 w a ,5 1 r £ u o worth vote in n o ly ti p ti e im S comp holiday dream
Sit bac k and e Sani B njoy gloriou s views each H otel in a Halkid t the iki
A LUXURY FAMILY HOLIDAY TO GREECE You and your family could enjoy a five-night getaway at the beautiful Sani Beach Hotel in Halkidiki. Whether you choose to stretch out on the 7km pine-fringed beach or relax by the large lagoon-style swimming pool, guests will enjoy the five-star experience on this resort in northern Greece. Worth a fantastic £1,500, two adults and two children can enjoy an extensive offering of the finest Greek cuisine, on a half-board basis which includes return airport transfer from Thessaloniki International Airport. So if you fancy experiencing some breathtaking views of the azure waters with your family, vote for your favourites in our awards to be in with a chance. 22 | JUL/AUG 2015 | babyhampshire.co.uk
*
Silver Lining View the complete range at www.clair-de-lune.co.uk FREE next working day delivery! www.facebook.com/clairdeluneuk T: 0161 491 9800.
Made in the UK.
BABY STYLE
LOVES
Life, Love, Liberty This autumn sees two great British brands join forces to create a truly stunning collection of children’s fashion, interiors and strollers with matching accessories in six different Liberty prints. The range celebrates the British heritage of Liberty with the trusted style of Mamas & Papas. From £8 | mamasandpapas.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 25
LE T US BUILD YOUR D R E A M N U R S E RY
INTRODUCING NOT TING HILL The wow factor you want. The storage you need. The quality you expect, and the peace of mind that we even build it for you.
23-25 October
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Everything You Need For Bump, Baby & You
Exclusive Offers Leading & Boutique Brands Expert Advice
Exclusive Advance Tickets Book Tickets Now & Save Up To 40%* – Quote ‘BABYL’
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*Saving based on standard ticket price of £20. To book by phone call 0871 231 0844, calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Advance Booking Office closes 22/10/15, £2.10 transaction fee applies per booking. For more information on the products featured visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.
SHOPPING Dolfie Low-tops £59, yoox.com
These fun wooden puzzles are available in water, air and fire themes too Earth Nesting Block £20, littlegoldie.com
Forest Friends Mobile £20, munalondon.com
Leaf Baby Seat £160, shopnuna.co.uk
earth
Anywayup Cup £4.95, johnlewis.com
Organic Sleep Balm £9.95, littlegreenradicals.co.uk
Celebrate nature with these earthy browns, gorgeous greens and creature comforts Turtle Grasping Toy £7, jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Postcards to Colour £9.99, amazon.co.uk
Tractor Tank Top £35, jumpjunior.co.uk
Sebra Crochet Rattle ¤15, smallable.com Sleeping Bag ¤75, lab-boutique.com
Romper Suit £36, yoox.com New Sprouts Vegetables £14.99, learningresources.co.uk Minnetonka Kids £39, myfashiontribu.com
Oeuf Donkey Onesie £126, nineinthemirror.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 29
SHOPPING
Checked Bibshort and T-shirt £18, marksandspencer.com
Tartine et Chocolat Airplane £31.73, smallable.com Cloud Mobile £25, thewhitecompany.com
air
Sage Cherubin pyjama ¤39, cdec.fr/en
Rainbow Nesting Block £20, littlegoldie.com
Baby Sleeping Bag £69, superlovemerino.com
Easy breezy blues, whites and greys for adorable outfits and nursery accessories ISO Cushion £15, made.com
Monkey & Mole Moccassins £43, rebeccakiff.com
Angel Wing Onesie £45, mariechantal.co.uk
Plui Rain Cloud £7.99, toyella.com Height Chart Sticker £19, vertbaudet.co.uk
30 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
Planes Board Book £4.99, harpercollins.co.uk
Baby can be just as cool as the grown-ups in these mini kicks Nike Air Max £37, store.nike.com
Ink Blue Cloud Hat £10.95, bobandblossom.co.uk
Belly Button Babygrow £24, childrensalon.com
now OPEN in Bagshot, Surrey
STUNNING PRAMS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD We’re a new family business producing unique and stylish prams with regularly changing, beautiful prints, created by our daughter Pops
We are donating £30 from the sale of each pram in the UK, to the charity ‘Hope for Children’; this is enough to buy a replacement limb for children injured in war-torn Sri Lanka. We are also donating 1% of our turnover to the ‘Niemann-Pick Research Foundation’, which supports research into Niemann-Pick, a rare, terminal neurodegenerative disease which affects children.
Mint Dipped Basket £29, olliella.com
SHOPPING
When You Were Born £6.99, waterstones.com
Whale Mobile £28.35, smallable.com Geen Toys Submarine £9.99, johnlewis.com
water
The Water Babies £5.99, amazon.co.uk
Water Nesting Block £20, littlegoldie.com
Whether it’s bathtime or puddle-jumping here’s our pick for your water babies
Seaside Print Grobag £22, johnlewis.com
Floating Ducks £15, bebemoda.co.uk
Have a whale of a time with this cuddly companion
Ergobaby Organic Carrier £114.90, ergobaby.co.uk
Organic Biblet £4.95, sillybillyz.co.uk
Walter Whale £12, jellycat.com
Beach & Bunting Playsuit £31.50, pigeonorganics.com Nobodinoz Changing Mat £15.39, smallable.com
Pebble Grey Squiggle Hat £10.95, bobandblossom.co.uk Wooden Pirate Ship £32.95, theletteroom.com
Matthew £119, vevian.co.uk babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 33
SHOPPING
Hape Fire Truck £29.99, babipur.co.uk
A crimson classic overall for whatever the weather Pico Baby Overall £76, minirodini.com Fire Nesting Block £20, littlegoldie.com
Star Dream Blanket £44.95, uk.adenandanais.com
The Jemima £265, jemandbea.com
fire
Crawl Away Tights £14, welovefrugi.com
PO.P Originals Grow Bag £18, polarnopyret.co.uk
Blazing reds and bright oranges – turn up the heat with these red-hot buys
Fire Station Wooden Playset £32.95, theletteroom.com
Maria Gold £119, vevian.co.uk
Fire Engine Crew £15, next.co.uk
Flame Ride On Car £69.99, thetoycentre.co.uk 34 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
Peppa Pig: The Fire Engine £4.99, ladybird.co.uk
© L i t t l e C r e ati v e Fac to r y
© Yo ung S o le s
© Po p p y Ro s e
The Online Kids Department Store for 0-16 year olds. Over 450 designer brands and 10,000 items of fashion, furniture, decorations and toys. WELCOME OFFER* £15 off with the code BLSML15 *Offer valid on orders over £80 until the 31st of October 2015. One use per person only. Non-cumulative with other current offers or voucher codes. The value of the voucher is non-refundable in the event of a return and is not taken into account in the event of an exchange.
#heyworld
Empower girls when you purchase from our new collection. A collection in collaboration with – Ellen DeGeneres’ new lifestyle brand of products that embody her iconic style, values and charm.
INTERVIEW
Grayson with big brother Weston
joy “Double the laughs, double the
of life”
’Patricia loves the Olli Ella’ ’Da-da Glider chair she bought for Grayson’s nursery’
MY ESSENTIALS PATRICIA DENTE HAIMES
How are you finding life as a mother of two? Double the laughs, double the fun, double the joy of life! What were your favourite pregnancy treats? With little Grayson I craved large, sweet, navel oranges, and with her big brother Weston, who is now three, my taste buds called out for sweets! So I ‘indulged’ in chocolate digestives. The addiction continues. Any unexpected finds you can recommend for new mothers? For travel I started using an inflatable baby bath for Weston. It’s especially helpful when a hotel tub is too deep – bring a hand pump to save your lungs! Another travel item I found is the microwaveable Medela Micro-Steam Bag for sanitising bottles – it’s safe, quick and practical.
Mother-of-two, the beauty expert and founder of non-toxic children’s nail varnish company Little BU shares her motherhood must-haves What’s in your changing bag? I never invested in a traditional changing bag, I just use my Chanel Biarritz tote. When on the go I separate my bag into two sections: essentials and snacks. The essentials include a travelsized Diprobase cream, that I swear protects against diaper rash, Pampers, Derma H20 wipes which are 99.9%
water and unscented, Purell hand sanitiser because germs are everywhere, Kleenex pocket tissues for running noses, Disney plasters for little accidents and a back-up set of clothes. On the other side of my bag I tuck in water, Organix rice crackers or sweetcorn rings (all children know I have food on me at all times!) and Huggies travel-sized hand wipes. Leaving just enough room for my wallet and lip gloss! How have you decorated the nursery? I’m a totally pink, girly stereotype but with an edge. So for Grayson’s
Patricia keeps things chic, using her Chanel tote as an organised changing bag
nursery I created a feature wall using Manuel Canovas wallpaper in a very modern, pink and brown toile with room accents of white and baby blue. Her cot bed is a Maclaren, designed by David Netto. I adore her Olli Ella Da-da Glider chair in baby blue with brown piping accents. Her white furniture is mid-century as I love the era. She has one incredible stuffed friend from her godmother, Saskia Winbergh, which is a giant six-foot Ovale polar bear. Where do you like to shop for your little ones? I shop more for my children, than myself. I find special pieces at Jacadi, Marie-Chantal, Ralph Lauren and CdeC by Cordelia de Castellane for both Grayson and Weston. For baby jeans, Gap is the best. When I’m in the U.S. I stock up on my favourite pyjamas from the American brands, Carter’s and Roberta Roller Rabbit.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 37
INTERVIEW
The Natural History Museum
What prompted you to set up Little BU? When Iiving in New York, I always had my nails painted and one day I noticed that a lot of the salon’s clients were little girls using adult nail polish. It was a trend that continued when I visited other U.S. suburbs and cities, so I wanted to create a non-toxic, odourless, water-based nail polish that was safe for them.
website called Mini Style Diary. Luckily, working in the children’s industry means it’s easier to incorporate my little ones into my working day. As a New Yorker living in London, what do love about your adopted city? I love that London has suburban attributes but within a city. I love the cultural attractions right on my doorstep, whether it’s the V&A, Natural History Museum
Where do you like to go with the kids? My mother always told me that you create your own fun, and that’s what I now do with my
little ones whether at home or out having an adventure. We like to spend time at the communal gardens near our house to play the classics: ‘what’s the time, Mr Wolf?’, ‘red light, green light’ or ‘duck duck goose’. Battersea Park has a sprawling playground space (we never wait for swings!) and of course, ZSL London Zoo. The key is to visit the Zoo first thing to say hello to the animals, but to take a spin on the carousel and to burn some energy at the playground before the Zoo fills up.
The Four Seasons, Hampshire
And where do you escape to when you need a break? We typically head outside of London for a mini romantic retreat. My top choices are Coworth Park in Ascot and the Four Seasons in Hampshire. Both provide a haven of peace and quiet, and are close by but far enough away from home.
How do you juggle running a business with two children? Balls are in the air all the time! I decided to make it even more challenging with last year’s launch of my children’s lifestyle
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or local theatre. The historic buildings are beautiful to admire and the city offers exposure to other cultures, which is important for my children to see and learn about. Also, London’s proximity to Europe makes for fast and easy holiday travel.
What’s in store for Little BU over the next year? To create a bestselling colour for Weston and expand our global reach to the U.S. iluvlittlebu.com Little BU is a safe, odourless, non-toxic nail varnish that easily washes off
PHOTOGRAPHY: GREG GOODMAN, PATRICIA DENTE HAIMES, CHANEL, FOUR SEASONS, TIGI HAIRCARE, JOE WILLCOCKS, ©NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM/TRUSTEES OF THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
What are your favourite skincare products for babies? I’m very particular about children’s products because both Grayson and Weston have sensitive, eczema-prone skin. I use Weleda Calendula Shampoo and Bodywash, and Aqueous Cream, and have recently started using Original Sprout Shampoo on Grayson, which smells delicious.
r, Grayson Weston dotes on his little siste
LITTLE artists
Emma O’Donovan ROU N DS U P TH E MOST BE AUTIFU LLY DE SIGN ED BOOKS FOR BABY
THE WHITE BOOK by Silvia Borando, Elisabetta Pica and Lorenzo Clerici
A boy begins to paint on a stark white wall, but there are magical surprises in store. This is a story about the hidden joy yet to be discovered in the pages of a book. Beautifully simplistic! £9.99, Walker Books
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BOOKS
Support the NSPCC with this chunky board book
ANIMAL GALLERY by David Pelham
See the different animals come to life in this brightly coloured, intricately designed, pop-up paper sculpture book. This piece of art will delight all ages. £9.99, Tango Books
LET’S GO OUTSIDE by Katja Spitzer
This stunning small format series combines retro illustrations with familiar scenes and objects. Introducing first concepts with vibrant illustrations. £5.99, Flying Eye Books
THE GAME OF LINES by Hervé Tullet
A bright graphic game that
introduces little readers to the wonderful world of lines. There are dozens of combinations to be made in this mix and match book. £7.95, Phaidon Press
MIFFY AT THE GALLERY by Dick Bruna
Miffy gets more creative than ever in Miffy at the Gallery. Join in on the little bunny’s adventure as she dives into a colourful world of paintings, statues and more. £4.99, Simon & Schuster
WHEN I WAS BORN
by Isabel Minhos Martins and Madalena Matoso We all love to hear the story of how we arrived in the world. Breathing, seeing, hearing, tasting
and touch are encountered afresh in this beautifully illustrated tale. £8.99, Tate
as her grasp of making concepts accessible to young children. £9.99, words & pictures
ABC
PANTONE: COLOURS
by Jane Foster Iconic designer and textile artist, Jane Foster has created a stylish and cheerful look for these beautifully produced firstconcept books. These would make perfect gifts for a new baby. £6.99, Templar Publishing
TAKE A SQUARE
by Britta Teckentrup Learn about squares in this creative exploration of shapes. With bold, graphic images, Britta once again shows her innate understanding of design as well
A stylish introduction to 10 basic colours. Every spread features a monochromatic image, a colour heading and a variety of shades and tints in the same colour. £6.57, Abrams Appleseed
ART FOR BABY by Yana Peel
An introduction to modern art by well-known artists, including Damien Hirst, Keith Haring and Julian Opie. This is a funky, chunky and brilliantly stylish book that supports the NSPCC. £14.99, Templar Publishing
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 41
TRENDS
LA COQUETA
Inspired by the childhood of founder and mother of five, Celia Muñoz, La Coqueta’s collection channels the sweeter, more old-fashioned look of the Spanish aesthetic faultlessly. Timeless designs, ruffled collars, vintage-style frocks and delicate pointelle knits, all with a good dose of smocking, are given a contemporary twist with fresh cuts and rich colours. Total perfection for autumn, this is nostalgic Spanish style designed for our modern world. lacoquetakids.com
SPANISH STYLE
TH E CHAR MING NOSTALGIA OF SPAIN ’S MINIATU R E DE SIGN S IS PER FEC T FOR TH E VERY SMALLE ST M EM BER S OF YOU R FAMILY. Caroline Leeper SELEC TS TH E BR AN DS THAT DO IT BE ST 42 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
TRENDS
PEPA & CO
Bringing a touch of nostalgic Spanish style to British shores, each and every outfit in Pepa & Co’s collection is whimsical, delicate and irresistibly sweet. Thankfully, founder Pepa is also a mother and understands the needs of busy little ones, so she has scrupulously selected each Spanish brand in the collection for its gorgeous designs, as well as its practicality. pepaandcompany.com
NECK & NECK
EDITOR’S PICK
Spanish children are always impeccably well dressed – think beautifully presented and perfectly coordinated miniature outfits that wouldn’t be out of place in a well-edited Edwardian wardrobe. And Neck & Neck, with its smart classical designs that are, unsurprisingly, a favourite of royal trendsetter Prince George, achieves this with ease. Prim and proper in all the right ways. neckandneck.com
BLOOMERS ¤20, shop.condor.es OSIT CHAIR ¤125, nuunkidsdesign.com
COTTON SHIRT £25.75, sissonne.com.pt
AZUL BABY £39.99, solillas.com
CUCOS MOSES BASKET £265, pepaandcompany.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 43
TRENDS
NANOS
No round-up would be complete without the inclusion of Nanos. The super-luxurious label is a favourite of the Spanish royal family’s smallest members, and so should it be for your stylish brood. The charming designs range from utterly exquisite bloomer and blouse sets with matching Peter Pan collared jackets to chic Mediterranean-inspired looks for everyday wear – think corduroy shorts and mandarin cotton shirts. nanos.es
MESSAGE IN THE BOTTLE Possibly the cutest and most perfect gift for new mothers, this Spanish brand takes traditional milk bottles, filled with adorable little outfits for newborns, and delivers them to the new mother’s doorstep. The whole concept has been beautifully thought out, from the milkman’s bottle carrier that is left at the doorstep to the sweet name-tag message personalised by you. A totally original gift. messageinthebottle.es
PICK FROM PORTUGAL Wool bonnet £32
Alice dress £42
Joana dress £62
Booties £21
Winter romper £41
D·O·T BABY
TOCOTÓ VINTAGE Dungarees £41
Founded by three Portuguese mothers with the aim of providing easy and affordable clothing for babies and children, Dot Baby designs the most adorable little outfits that don’t cost the earth. See website for London stockists. dot-baby.co.uk
44 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
Inspired by finds in local markets and antique shops, founder Marta Navarro takes vintage Spanish design and brings it into the 21st century. A palate of dusty pinks and weathered greys combines with delicate lace trimming and mandarin shirt collars to hint at times gone by, but modern materials, fun patterns and a splattering of denim gives a bit of edge to the collection. tocotovintage.com
Fabulous Footmuffs & Buggy Liners in retro, vintage and classic designs.
www.bettybramble.co.uk | hello@bettybramble.co.uk
Jump Junior is a cheeky collection of knitted tank tops.
www.JumpJunior.co.uk 8430_Jump_Jnr_Ad_Sept_Baby_London_202x129_Landscape_v4.indd 1
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07/08/2015 20:04
RUNNING HEAD
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INTERVIEW
miracle
ONE MOTHER’S
ON E OF TH E WOR LD’S MOST PHOTOGR APH ED MODEL S, MUM- OF-T WO Caprice Bourret TALKS TO Jessica Jonzen ABOUT H ER N EW AUTOBIOGR APHY, BUSIN E SS FE AT AN D SU R ROGAC Y SUCCE SS here are times, when deep in the trenches with small children and wild-eyed with exhaustion, that it can be easy to forget what a miracle it is to be a mother. For the women lucky enough to conceive naturally and have uncomplicated pregnancies and births, it can be even easier to forget. But sometimes we are reminded when we hear about the extraordinary lengths that some women will go to in order to become a mother. Caprice Bourret – the supermodel turned business woman – has one such story. “You couldn’t make it up,” she laughs over the chatter of her two-year-old sons, Jax and Jett at her Notting Hill home. Her boys are not twins as one would assume, but were born just one month apart. “They truly are miracle babies,” she says. Now 43, Caprice spent her twenties and thirties pursuing her modelling and presenting career in London, dating ‘playboys’, footballers and rock stars. She lived a glamorous life but didn’t meet the man she wanted to have a family with until she was 39. Ty Comfort, a London-based financier six years her senior, had three children from his previous marriage but understood Caprice’s need for a child of her own. After only a few months of dating, they moved in together and started trying for a baby around her 40th birthday. But hope turned to despair when she miscarried twins. Caprice recalls it in her new autobiography: “Through the curtain of physical pain the word ‘twins’ filtered into my awareness and as I lay there in agony, my heart felt as though it were breaking… I cannot possibly explain the feelings of loss and sadness.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
T
In the spring of 2012, the couple sought the help of a fertility doctor in America with a staggering success rate. The doctor identified that the lining of her womb was unusually thin, meaning an embryo would find it difficult to embed itself. In order for IVF to have a chance of success, Caprice was given oestrogen injections to increase the thickness of the lining by around 1mm a day until the environment was right for an embryo to be implanted. However, three attempts failed and the doctor made a suggestion: a surrogate. Caprice was still producing healthy eggs. A ‘gestational carrier’ could carry Caprice and Ty’s biological child. The couple had their concerns, but as time marched on, their window of opportunity became smaller and smaller and they decided to find a surrogate in America. “We would have done it [surrogacy] in England but the laws in this country say that even though it’s your biological child, the carrier could take your child away – they have more rights than in the USA so you have to be very careful, and that’s why I went to the States,” Caprice says. “It also meant my carrier could get on with her pregnancy in peace, away from the media.” After rigorous questioning and screening, they found a woman who suited them perfectly. A 32-year-old, mum-of-four who had decided that while her own family was complete, she wanted to give the gift of motherhood to another woman. Caprice is fiercely protective of her surrogate’s privacy and calls her ‘Tina’ in her book. ‘Tina’ even contributed a chapter about her experience.
Tina was impregnated with twin embryos – a boy and a girl. Delighted but discombobulated as her children grew in another woman’s womb 2,000 miles away, Caprice threw herself into work and was training rigorously for TV show Splash! with Tom Daley when something truly miraculous happened: Caprice had conceived a baby. She’s clearly still amazed, and she recalls finding out, “I did test after test after test because I just couldn’t believe it. I had really looked after myself, though. I had detoxed, had no caffeine, no alcohol, took folic acid and 31 vitamins a day and was exercising regularly, so I had really taken care of myself for five years, but trust me it was totally against all the odds,” she says. Sadly, Caprice’s surrogate lost one of the babies – a girl. “But we ended up with two beautiful, healthy biological boys so it is such a blessing”, she says tearfully. Tina agreed to eat an entirely organic diet and was in touch with Caprice throughout
Time to ce le
brate… C aprice at her baby shower in 2 013
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 47
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Caprice’s lu
xur y home collection launches th is autumn
her pregnancy, and they have maintained a strong bond ever since. In the summer of 2013, the couple flew to the States for the arrival of their sons and their first child’s birth was nothing short of extraordinary. “There I was with my mom, my sister and Ty and my carrier’s husband in the theatre, and I was having my first child while I was eight months pregnant,” she says incredulously. “I was holding my carrier’s
section. “I breastfed them both straight away so my first son had to wait a month but he still got my colostrum,” she says proudly. Initially, Caprice hadn’t wanted to talk about her experience and she still feels strongly about never revealing to the public which son was via the surrogate. “Surrogacy is still taboo – it’s not traditional and there are not a lot of women who have gone down my road,” she explains. But The Sun found out what was
I WAS HAVING MY FIRST CHILD WHILE I WAS EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT hand and the second my son came out I cut the umbilical cord and stripped off all my clothes and he stopped crying the second he touched my skin – and that was my bond. That moment was unbelievable, it was one of the best moments of my life.” To Caprice’s amazement, her carrier then started taking pictures. “She had just popped my first child out and then she started taking pictures of us! It was really special.” The new family stayed in the States where about a month later Caprice delivered their second son by caesarean
48 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
going on while Caprice and her carrier were pregnant and told her they were going to publish the story. “I was scared people were going to ridicule me, and even more so, I was scared for my children. I don’t want them to go through that and they shouldn’t have to. I could have been litigious but then the story would still be on the internet forever so Ty and I decided to be open about it. The support I got was overwhelming.” This led to her writing her autobiography along with a ghostwriter which recounts her
childhood in California, her first modelling jobs and that fateful move to London back in 1996 – and it was here that she made her name and graced more than 300 magazine covers. It’s a fun read, but the chapters about her quest to become a mother are searingly honest and eloquent. What advice does she have for women who want to have a family? “If you’re thinking about it, please, don’t just think – act,” she says. “I wish I’d thought about it at 30 rather than 35.” Today, Caprice juggles her successful business By Caprice, which includes her lingerie, swimwear and bedding lines, with running around after her two boys. “Sleep isn’t part of the equation – you learn not to sleep and you have to be wonder woman,” she laughs. “We just have to get on with it and figure out how to make it work. It’s empowering because mothers are the glue of our families – if we’re good then our family is solid. I moved my office to my house recently and that’s really helped.” A good work-life balance is high on Caprice’s agenda, and she is keen to inspire others as she continues to share her vision in many influential speeches. This autumn, she launches her By Caprice home line (stockists include Very, House of Fraser online and Look Again); a new mummy blog; and in early 2016 an interactive children’s playcentre. “It’s so hard to find a good one – I want to be able to sit down in a nice area and see my children, and not have to run after them all the time, a place where you can meet other mummies and a place where my kids are going to be educated as well as entertained. Everything that I saw and experienced as a first-time mum, I want to cater to, as I know what is needed.” bl
Caprice – My Boys, My Body, My Business is published by BLINK Reality, £16.99; capricebourret.com
Notting Hill, London W11 2AJ 020 7229 5855 Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UY 020 7586 1552
www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk
THIS PAGE Flynn wears Toby Vest Shirt, £24, Elfie. Festoon Coloured Lights, £24.99, Lights 4 Fun.
RIGHT PAGE Henry wears Smocked Set, £85, Rachel Riley. Patent Button Strap Slippers, £65, Rachel Riley. Hoop, £5, Hedgehog.
ROLL UP ROLL UP PHOTOGR APHER : HELEN MARSDEN ST YLIST: KELLIE DAGGET T SET DESIGNER : SOPHIE MARTELL
THIS PAGE Monty wears Circus Little Miss Marc Print T-shirt, £26, Little Marc Jacobs. Star Print Shorts, £12 (part of set), Next. Gold Shoes, £10, Monsoon. Crown, £7.10 for pack of eight, My Little Day at Molly Meg. Festoon Coloured Lights, £24.99, Lights 4 Fun.
RIGHT PAGE Myla wears Acacia Baby T-shirt, £27, Noé & Zoë. Cord Pleated Skirt, £15, JoJo Maman Bébé. Animal Side Table, £125, Graham and Green. Musical Box, £8, Hedgehog.
LEFT PAGE Kaleb wears Red Tartan Dungarees, £32.50, Patachou. Acacia Baby T-shirt, £27, Noé & Zoë. White Ruffled Socks, £6 for pack of two, John Lewis. Scotch Boots, £58 to £68, Step2wo. Top Hat, stylist’s own. Pink Pom-Pom Ribbon around hat, £1.75, Paperchase. Drum, £18.50, Hedgehog. Star Light, £58, The Little House Shop.
THIS PAGE Beatrix wears Cream with Black Dot Collar Dress, £80, Bonpoint. Gingham Trousers, £10, Marks & Spencer. Clown Hat, £18, Elfie. Felt Tiger, £35, Graham and Green.
THIS PAGE Flynn wears Striped Jersey Polo, £32, Rachel Riley. Denim Jumpsuit with Printed Stars, £18, Marks & Spencer. Hat, stylist’s own.
RIGHT PAGE Henry wears Knitted Andy Pandy All In One, £20, Monster Vintage Kids. Party Hat, £18, Elfie.
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO: STYLIST’S ASSISTANT: FLORENCE STAFFORD MODEL AGENCIES: BONNIE & BETTY, GRACE AND GALOR, URBAN ANGELS. MODELS: AZANA, BEATRIX, FLYNN, HENRY, KALEB, MONTY, AND MYLA.
LEFT PAGE Azana wears Ruffle Collar Onesie, £35, Hucklebones. Orange Cardigan, £8.50, Next. Pretty Lace Skirt, £30, Boden. Pom-Pom Broach, £25, Simple Kids. Earnest Geo Flowerbed Hairband, £32, no added sugar. Braise Shoes, £54 to £64, Step2wo. Socks, £6 for pack of two, John Lewis. Blue Mini Vintage Suitcase, £42, Graham and Green. Lights as before.
THIS PAGE Beatrix wears Giant Bow Shift Dress, £72, Hucklebones.
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1. Paul Smith Junior Circus Bib £19.95, harrods.com 2. Mothercare Tusk Cot Bed Quilt £34.99, mothercare.com 3. Mini Club Elephant and Flower Romper £6, boots.com 4. Mini Leather Bluchers £19.99, zara.com 5. Circus Strong Man Bodysuit £10.57, etsy.com 6. Long-sleeve Printed Top £6.95, gap.co.uk 7. Star Print Dungaree & Bodysuit Outfit £18, marksandspencer.co.uk 8. Happy Lion Bonnet £15, poconido.com 9. Little Joule Leggings £14.95 pack of two, johnlewis.co.uk 10. Polka Dot Print Leggings £4.99, zara.com 11. Elephant Blue Cord Dress £28.50, powellcraft.com
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Kaleb wears Long Sleeved Top, from £18, Billybandit at House Of Fraser. Blazer, £265, Armani Baby.
SHOP THE SHOOT
11
Bring the circus to town with our fun edit 6
Wrap up your own strong man in this cute print
9
TOY BOX
7 10
Babyplay Large Elephant £20.95, mamasandpapas.com
Fisher-Price Lion On Wheels £9.99, johnlewis.com
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Beautifully crafted baby & children clothes from newborn to four years of age
www.alexandroskids.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 61
Autumn ‘15 collection
Call us on 0871 423 5656 or visit our website at www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk Visit one of our London stores: Balham, Battersea, Blackheath, Chelsea Green, Chiswick, Crouch End, Dulwich, Muswell Hill, Notting Hill, Putney, Stoke Newington, West Hampstead & Wimbledon * Free delivery to UK and Ireland. See website for full details.
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INTERVIEW
DRESSED for success YOKO SHIMADA , FOU N DER OF FASHION L ABEL MITER A , TELL S Lily Smith WHY SH E’S PASSIONATE ABOUT SU PPORTING MODER N MOTH ER S oko Shimada is a woman on a mission. Her aim is to make motherhood easier for women across the world – something she plans to do through her US-based fashion label Mitera. The Japanese-born Yoko is not shy of a challenge. She moved to the US at the age of 16, graduated from college and worked as a health specialist at the World Bank in India and Africa. But her biggest challenge to date, she admits, has been becoming mother to Hugo and Emmeline. “Nobody really tells you how truly challenging it can be.” Yoko felt there was a social expectation of mothers to be superwomen: handling home life, breezing back into work and to be happy.
Y
Breastfeeding, for example, was an unforeseen hardship. “I spent my career educating women all over the world about the importance of breastfeeding,” she says. “But when it was my turn, I realised how hard it actually was. Constant breastfeeding sessions every few hours meant no sleep and my nipples cracked and bled and hurt.” Then came the challenge of breastfeeding in public and at work. Yoko returned to her job as a health specialist – where she’s been working for the last 15 years – just four months after having her first baby, Hugo. Despite her avid preparation, she felt uncomfortable and awkward in the workplace. The tiny lactation room was in a dark, ill-suited
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 63
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Mitera’s dr esse
basement so she ended up having to pump in her office. Clothing had become a problem, too. She wore nursing clothes that were unflattering and unsuitable for work. Her selfesteem dwindled completely. “I felt exhausted, unattractive, unfit and unappreciated,” she says. “As well as that, I couldn’t dress normally. There was nothing on the market that worked for me. I wanted something well-designed and high-quality that I could wear beyond the nursing and pumping period of my life.” Yoko believes fashion has an important place in people’s lives, not only as a means of self-expression but also of empowerment – particularly important when you’re not feeling your best. “Women can feel self-conscious after pregnancy. Maternity and postpartum wardrobes can either hinder or support women’s transition into motherhood.”
The beautiful Ellen dress
64 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
s have class ic designs
em allows d liner syst n a p zi en pumping The hidd eding and discreet fe
After experiencing theses challenges first hand, Yoko started to create nursing dresses designed to be more feminine and functional. She wore the dresses herself, and after the compliments she received at work, decided to launch her business. And so Mitera was born. Designed to fit the lifestyle of a busy mother, Mitera’s dresses come in neutral colours and have a built-in patent-pending zip and liner system for easy and discreet feeding and pumping. The high-quality stretch material is easily washable, while the fitted modesty bra offers extra privacy. And style is not compromised for functionality, with chic, timeless and elegant designs. “I want women to feel like they are done the minute they put on our dresses – mums are always short of time, right?” Providing support for modern mothers is at the forefront of Mitera’s ethos and this includes women in the developing world. “Pregnancy and childbirth should be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life, yet the reality in many places is different,” says Yoko. “Each year, one million babies die the same day they are born and around 290,000 mothers die during pregnancy or childbirth. “With our Mother to Mother programme, we identify companies working to improve maternal and newborn health and partner with them to help save newborns and radically improve their chances of living healthy and productive lives.”
With plans to expand the dress range, Mitera’s future is looking healthy, too. And Yoko remains committed to closing the gap between society’s unaccommodating expectations of mothers in the workplace and the tools available. Raising a baby isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. But with Mitera, Yoko hopes to make it just that little bit easier. bl miteracollection.com
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Maternity Shirt Dress £36, topshop.com MOTO Oversized Denim Shirt £34, topshop.com
Aurelie Dress £150, maddersonlondon.com Chambray Tunic Dress £59, cosstores.com
Don’t be afraid to add a splash of colour
The Front Maternity Shirt £75, isabellaoliver.com
BEYOND THE BUMP LOOK GORGEOUS AT EVERY STAGE, H ER E’S YOU R U LTIMATE BR E ASTFEEDING ST YLE FIX
Cosy 4-in-1 Cardigan £39, jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Polka Dot Dress £65, welovefrugi.com
Reilley Adoring Set £65, nineinthemirror.com
Emilia Wickstead Bell Top £990, nineinthemirror.com
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Feel gorgeous from the inside out
Cowl Neck Bibee Front £20, bibeematernity.co.uk
PROVING THAT PREGNANCY IS NO OBSTACLE TO GREAT STYLE
W W W. N IN E IN T H E M IRRO R. CO M 3 . 1 P H I L L I P L I M • E M I L I A WI C K ST E A D • J OSEPH • MA RNI • MISSONI • VAL ENTI NO • AND MANY MO RE
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KING OF
MOTHERHOOD AC TR E SS Jaime King TALKS CAN DIDLY TO Emma Oliver ABOUT IN FERTILIT Y, MOTH ER HOOD AN D H ER L ATE ST DE SIGN VENTU R E WITH SAPLING
s I wait by the phone for my interview with Jaime King, I wonder what she’ll be like. I expect vulnerable, closed and abrupt. What I get, though, is resilient, honest and, well, really rather lovely. Once a troubled teen model, Jaime is now a contented woman who is loving motherhood and living her dreams. With multiple films and the hit series Hart of Dixie under her belt, Jaime King is Hollywood elite. And she has the director husband to boot. She first met Kyle Newman 10 years ago, while working on the set of his film, Fanboys. But love didn’t blossom until after filming had finished. “I had a very strict work ethic. Actors can get lost in the idea of a beautiful relationship, not me. I continually focused on my scenes. “Six months later when we met again, it was as if I’d never seen him before. It was love at first sight. Our destiny.” Within three months of dating, the couple had moved in together,
before getting married in 2007. It was only when they started trying for a family that the going got tough. Jaime had five rounds of IVF treatment and suffered five miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy before she conceived her first son naturally. James Knight was born in October 2013. Last year, she bravely went public about her struggles with overcoming infertility. “Women grow up believing they are able to have children. When disease or illness takes that gift away, it is soul destroying.
A
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Friend Taylor Swift, threw a fabulous baby shower and is godmother to new baby Leo
INTERVIEW With actress Hailee Steinfeld, husband Kyle, actress Joey King, niece Bella Newman
Jaime’s galaxy bear print designed in collaboration with Sapling
Jaime and Taylor Swift
“So many pregnancies result in miscarriage. As a woman you feel so broken. It’s not talked about enough. I wanted to raise awareness in order to help others.” Jaime certainly wishes that she had been more open about her pregnancies and what she was going through at the time.
adventurous little boy. Strong, both physically and spiritually. That little boy has brought me a superman cape of gratitude.” Then I bring up the infamous photo she posted of her breastfeeding James at eight months, and ask her to explain why she decided to share the moment. “Why not? Whatever the subject, be it motherhood or something else, there’s a dire need for responsibility when it comes to social media. Famous or not, people continually hide behind their computers. I chose not to. “I want women to be able to celebrate their choices without judgement. I put a picture of myself on Instagram. I took off all my clothes. It’s a blanket image, a statement to all to love
HE IS A LOVING, ADVENTUROUS LITTLE BOY WHO HAS BROUGHT ME A SUPERMAN CAPE OF GRATITUDE
PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM, JAIME KING
“For seven years I went through IVF. Filming at the time, afraid of letting colleagues down, I’d miss clinic. I had no protection or support and I had to be at work rather than receive treatment for what I truly wanted – a baby. Hollywood is harsh. “I’m sad I wasn’t honest about it at the time; it could have helped change things.” She has no regrets, though, as it has made her who she is today and she admits that she appreciates things more. “I’m grateful I went through that part of my life though, because I believe every part of our journey forms us as human beings.” As she moves on to talk about her eldest son James, she lights up: “He is a loving,
themselves, whatever. Shot in stark light, I was hiding nothing, simply asking: ‘Why can’t people support free choice and expression?’”
Jaime, Kyle and James at Barely Lethal premiere babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 69
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James looking stylish with his ‘baby bun’
“Being pregnant on set was a joke. I was given so many props to cover my belly: tables up to my chin, bouquets of flowers in front of me. They so clearly tried to hide the fact; it was hilarious. When the programme aired, Twitter hosted games of ‘spot the bump’!” Jaime couldn’t be happier after the birth of her second son Leo, although admits that she found things tougher this time around. “Pregnancy was much more difficult. I suffered terrible migraines and I didn’t sleep well. I managed it all with meditation.” It obviously did the trick, because now Jaime has such a positive mental attitude and exudes energy. It’s this energy that allows her to juggle motherhood with her work. Her latest venture is with Sapling, and her collection of children’s clothes designed in collaboration with the Australian brand. Jaime has poured her heart and soul into the collection, which contemplates childhood, motherhood, imagination and the universe. “It took a year and a half. Every painting, colour, design, all the drawings, the
From 2011 to 2015, King played the role of Lemon Breeland in the hit show Hart of Dixie, the fourth and final season of which ended in March. Will she miss it? “The cast loved each other, but we could fight like family. It was the most intimate and intense experience, probably the best of my life. I’m so sad it’s over.” Unlike her co-star Rachel Bilson, whose reallife pregnancy was worked into the script for Hart of Dixie’s fourth series, King had to go to great lengths to hide hers in Season Two.
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James makes a famous friend
New baby Leo Thames with Jaime and godmother Taylor Swift
affirmations, such as ‘shining bright’ and ‘being brave’, I designed myself.” Jaime shares the same ethos with Sapling: love of the earth and love of organics. The partnership allowed her to create affordable, non-toxic, vegetable-dyed designs. “I wanted to make sure that, if I did a collaboration, it was hands on.” “I want the parent to see the child in the clothing, and feel happy. I want to make everyone’s lives a little easier.” A force for good, it feels as if Jaime is on a mission. I end our phone call by asking what her hopes are for the future and her reply is as positive as our entire chat. “As people, we never stop evolving. And that’s the beautiful thing about art, too. I’m excited about bringing all my ideas to fruition. “As I keep learning, so I hope to keep leaving a positive footprint behind.” I’m in no doubt she will. Sapling Child at Little Giant littlegiantcompany.co.uk
k s a t ’ n o d e W
e f a s t i is we ask afer? s n e v e e b t i n ca Over the years our questions have led to some remarkable breakthroughs. Like inventing ISOFIX with Volkswagen in 1997 – to tackle the startling 70 %* of car seats that were installed incorrectly by seat belt. Or taking a stand on safety for older children – by developing Europe’s first highback booster seat to be awarded a ‘Very Good’ safety rating**. Or extending 5-point-harness protection all the way to 25 kg – with our industry-leading ADVANSAFIX that keeps growing children safer than ever. Because we believe freedom starts with being safe. Find your freedom at britax.co.uk
*Source: The German Insurance Institute GDV, Group 1 **Stiftung Warentest and ADAC Motorwelt, 11/2013, when used with ISOFIX.
be free
Toot Sweet Paper Lanterns £9.99, partypieces.co.uk
Big Top Cake Price on request, cakesbyrobin.co.uk
Canvas Circus Play Tent £139, ellajames.co.uk
CAROLE’S TOP TIP
“The fun will continue long after the party ends with these circus accessories” Polka Balloons £1.99, pack of six, partypieces.co.uk
Elephant Centrepiece £4.99, partypieces.co.uk
“Beanbags are great for playtime and downtime. A must-have nursery addition.” Woouf Circus Bean Bag £62.50, amara.com Silly Circus Train £16.99, partypieces.co.uk Paper Jelly Bowls £2.49, pack of eight, partypieces.co.uk
DRESS THE PART
Circus Baby Sleepsuit £15, jojomamanbebe.co.uk Playin’ Circus All in One £20, rockinbaby.com
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Long Circus Romper £21.20, pigeonorganics.com
“A beautiful gift to give – and almost too lovely to use!” Circus Breakfast Set £26.99, borngifted.co.uk
“These cute hats in the style of a big top are such a fun design.”
PARTY TIME
Crazy Circus £8.99, pack of eight, partypieces.co.uk
CIRCUS PARTY with
Carole Middleton
CHAN N EL TH E FU N OF TH E FAIR AN D SE T TH E STAGE FOR A PART Y TO R EM EM BER he circus theme has never been more popular – both for baby showers and for birthday parties – and it’s one of my favourites given how much fun and colour is involved. As a unisex theme it also works perfectly when you want to host a joint party for siblings or friends. Whether you stick to the classic red and white stripes for a more traditional look, or mix in other bright colours and patterns for a modern twist, the end result is always spectacular.
T
Our contribu ting editor and party specialist C arole Middl eton
“I love unusual ways to decorate a party table. These balloon hangers are so entertaining, young children will be fascinated watching them bob around the table.” partypieces.co.uk
IT’S SHOWTIME! There are lots of options for invitations – an iconic big top, clown faces, animal-themed or even a ticket to the circus itself. Decorate your home or venue with lots of colourful balloons, hang streamers and add a few metallic tassles for some sparkle. Clown hats or striped party hats will bring everyone together, and you could even include a few red clown noses!
ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS The animals are a large part of the attraction for babies and toddlers, from cheeky monkeys to roaring lions. Animal or clown face painting is a big hit with toddlers and older siblings, and you’ll have some great photos. A balloon animal kit can provide fun for all ages, and a clown entertainer will keep the party alive. Don’t forget carnival music for pass the parcel.
TIME FOR TEA Popcorn is always popular, serve up in redand white-striped bags. Animal-shaped biscuits and sandwiches, and plates of fruit shaped into faces always go down well. Don’t forget the jelly and frozen yoghurt, too!
Silly Circus Party Invitations from £7.99, pack of eight, partypieces.co.uk
PARTY BAGS You can fill coloured bags or little boxes with circus-themed stickers, bubbles, animal toys, bouncy balls, and of course a piece of delicious birthday cake!
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 73
SHOPPING
Mimi’Lou Paper Lanterns from £17, en.smallable.com
Bailey Toy Chest £1,995, gigibrooks.com
BIG TOP
BUYS
Princess Hat £18, elfielondon.com
Merry Go Circu s W allpaper, katiebourn £8 6 einteriors. com
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls ‒ fill your home with the vibrant lights, spots and stripes of the circus Circus Blanket £22, naturalbabyshower.co.uk
Oskar & Ellen Circus Playset £35, tildaandtom.co.uk Circus wallpaper by Paper Moon £47, wallpaperdirect.com Curved Arrow Marquee Light £95, bhs.co.uk
Circus Elephant Storage Bag £50, powellcraft.com
Wooden Giraffe £13.50 each, littlegoldie.com Armadillo & Co Circus Rug £415, northwoodhome.co.uk
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Th eB r oo iD e iff ce
ren
Our stringent commitment to providing the very best environment for your child has been rewarded by Greenguard awarding us their highest ‘Gold’ level of accreditation for all our collections -
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REVIEWS
TOTGEAR
Greg Rutherford AN D PARTN ER Susie Verrill R EVIEW TH E BUGABOO RU N N ER TO SEE IF IT’S U P TO SPEED Greg prepping to test the Runner’s agility
BUGABOO RUNNER Now Milo is nine months old and already the size of a small yacht, carrying him in a sling on walks in the woods is doable, but it’s not particularly enjoyable and quite often we play rock, paper, scissors to decide who’ll be doing the arduous task. Thankfully, there’s light at the end of the backbreaking tunnel, in the form of the wonderful Bugaboo Runner.
THE LOW-DOWN The Runner is an easy-to-fit extension which works with all variations of the Bugaboo family (Cameleon, Buffalo etc.) and takes your pram from ordinary chassis to one which can battle all manner of terrains. With two large wheels on the back, a smaller one to the front and a basket underneath for all your essentials, this attachment provides active parents with a stroller that allows baby to join in with the fun. The seat direction is adjustable, so baby can watch you stay fit or face forward and watch the world go by at a pace – there’s a brake on the handlebar in case things get too speedy!
GOOD LOOKING Very much so. Despite trekking into the woods with ours, it remained relatively mud free (a mug guard is included) and the sleek, streamlined frame will no doubt make it popular with any parent.
Taking on tricky terrain
comfortable or safe. The wheels slid through the mud with ease; our only suggestion would be a swivel option, as turning could be tricky.
COMFORT PRACTICALITY The suspension on the Runner was fantastic. It was bouncy across the tree roots and over sand dunes without throwing Milo all over the place, and there were no concerns he wasn’t
Milo loved lounging back in the seat and watching our dogs run alongside him. If the weather had taken a turn for the worse, the cover was ready and waiting to be pulled over, and the ride itself appeared to be smooth.
Milo joins Susie for a run
THE VERDICT As parents who love the outdoors and who both want and need exercise on a daily basis, this is the perfect way to keep Milo involved. The Bugaboo Runner offers your little one the chance to be outdoors and will work wherever you fancy going for a jog. bl Runner: £334, with seat: £583 | bugaboo.com Read Susie’s blog at mymiloandme.com
Full impact absorption
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 77
REVIEWS
MOUNTAIN BUGGY TERRAIN
One of the best looking running options on the market, the Mountain Buggy Terrain glides effortlessly over different terrains while looking stylish. The front wheel can be easily switched between three different modes: lock back, lock forward or swivel, depending on your needs. Your baby’s weight is perfectly distributed meaning wheeling around obstacles and bumping up kerbs is a doddle. £499 | mountainbuggy.com
PHIL&TEDS SUB 4
The Sub 4 uses state-of-theart technology to ensure your running style and speed is uncompromised. The geometric design means your natural stride length isn’t disrupted by the pushchair, while the one-hand control ensures your running posture isn’t affected. For running on hilly terrain, a complete-stop button locks the brakes tight. £699 | philandteds.com
BABY JOGGER SUMMIT X3
BOB SPORT UTILITY STROLLER
This sporty number is a great companion for active parents. The front wheel is fixed in position and this paired with its tough suspension system means the world is your oyster. There’s also control support with a handbrake for the front wheel! £455 | britax.co.uk
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This is incredibly lightweight jogging pushchair has a remote-wheel lock which allows you to lock the front wheel straight, putting you in total control, whether you’re going for a jog or just taking a stroll in the park. The light aluminium frame and QuickFold Technology means it can be easily folded. £429.95 | johnlewis.com
Twister Let's twist again‌ and turn pram, car seat or seat unit by 360° using only one hand.
SHOPPING
THE REVIEW
THIS ISSU E Laura Mason FOCUSE S ON BR E AST PUM PS AN D TE STS OUT TH E BE ST ON TH E MAR KE T
Best for ELECTRIC
Best for
VARIETY
Best for
VALUE
Best for
DOUBLE Best for MANUAL NUK
Jolie Breast Pump Proving that breast pumps don’t have to be pricey, the Nuk Jolie is a manual pump that is easy to use and generates a good regular flow of milk. The cushion, made of a textured silicone, is a comfortable mold, while the ergonomic handle makes it easy to express milk with just one hand. £29.99 | nuk.co.uk
LANSINOH
MEDELA
TOMMEE TIPPEE
MAM
If you’re unsure about how you want to, or will be able to, express milk then this is a great choice. There are endless options, with a variety of pumping styles and power modes, all with a detailed information panel on the system. Battery-powered, it has the added bonus of mobility while in use. £149.99 | Babies R Us UK
Similar to previous Medela pumps, the evolution of the newer Swing Maxi is heavily based on helping new mums. Featuring the same unique two-phase expression technology, it is extremely comfortable. Better still, by doubling up you not only get double the milk, but it’s proven that your body will naturally produce more. £239.99 | johnlewis.com
After some recent changes, the latest version of this pump is a great piece of technology. It’s compact and simple to use, with a three-speed setting that ensures mothers are comfortable. It produces good suction that garners a strong flow of milk with the benefit of minimal effort. £99.99 | mothercare.com
This pump is the easiest to assemble by far with just four parts. In addition to the time-saving element, cleaning it really is a doddle, ensuring no traces are left in the system. Thumbs up goes to the flexibility of the funnel, allowing you to pump whatever your position, so prepare to relax. £38 | mothercare.com
2 in 1 Electric Breast Pump
Swing Maxi
Closer to Nature
Manual Breast Pump
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 81
“By far the best agency I have ever dealt with. Everything was sorted within a fantastic time, every detail we wanted was catered to”
Babycare you can trust
Deearna’s Maternity Agency is one of the UK’s top providers of babycare. Run by a maternity nurse with more than 26 years experience, we guarantee only the best: • Maternity Nurses • Night Nannies • Twins and Multiples Specialists • Trouble-Shooters • Sleep Trainers • Feeding Consultants We provide a global service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
01252 351076 or 07771 660121 www.deearnas-maternity-agency.co.uk
Imperial Healthcare offers world-class Imperial Private Private Healthcare offers world-class private maternity care, with the added security private maternity care, with the added security of 24-hour specialist in London’s most of 24-hour specialist services services in London’s most trusted NHS hospitals. trusted NHS hospitals. Having with that us means that you Having your babyyour withbaby us means you receive carereceive from care from your chosen supportedsupported by our specialist team of yourconsultant, chosen consultant, by our specialist team of midwives, throughout pregnancy,pregnancy, birth and beyond. midwives, throughout birth and beyond.
THE THE TRUSTED TRUSTED CHOICE CHOICE IN MATERNITY
IN MATERNITY
THE LINDO WING OF ST MARY’S & QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S CHELSEA THE LINDO WING OF&ST MARY’S
& QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S & CHELSEA
82 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
With private suite rooms, a secure, Withenprivate en suite rooms,supervised a secure, nursery supervised nursery run by fully qualified nursery nurses, and highly experienced run by fully qualified nursery nurses, and highly experienced midwives and support staff, you can expect the very best midwives and support staff, you can expect the very best personal care throughout your pregnancy journey.
personal care throughout your pregnancy journey.
All our profits are reinvested to support our NHS services.
All our profits are reinvested to support our NHS services.
The Lindo Wing, St Mary’s Hospital, London, W2 Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea W12London, W2 The Lindo Wing,Hospital, St Mary’sLondon Hospital, Queen & Chelsea Hospital, London W12 | private.healthcare@imperial.nhs.uk +44 (0) 20 3311 7700Charlotte’s www.imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk +44 (0) 20 3311 7700 | private.healthcare@imperial.nhs.uk
www.imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk
HEALTH
health & beauty
NEWS TH E L ATE ST R E SE ARCH AN D DEVELOPM ENTS IN TH E WOR LD OF WELLBEING
1. IRON LADIES
Although scientists aren’t completely sure what causes those wierd and wonderful pregnancy cravings, some believe that an iron deficiency may be the cause. Combat low iron levels with Spatone, a supplement that contains water naturally-rich in iron sourced from the mountains of Snowdonia. £10.55 for 28 sachets | spatone.com
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2. YIPPEE FOR YOGA
Relieve stress and stiffness during pregnancy with sessions from the UK’s foremost expert on prenatal yoga, Nadia Narain. The Pregnancy Yoga DVD is based on her unique teachings, including breathing techniques for labour, visualisations, birthing affirmations and yoga routines. You’ll be left feeling tranquil, toned and in touch with your inner zen. £9.99 | nadianarain.com
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3. A DOSE OF LOVE
Research reveals that 66% of mums aren’t sure they are administering the right dose of medicine, so the baby specialists at Dentinox have made life easier. The Medicine Dispenser provides a simple way of giving a premeasured dose to your child. It’s easy-to-use, portable and can be used from three months. £6.99 | dentinox.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
4. PEACE OF MIND
Digital health platform Headspace, dubbed a ‘gym membership for the mind’ and used by three million people worldwide, is launching a book designed to psychologically guide you through pregnancy. The Headspace Guide to a Mindful Pregnancy will help you tame anxieties and achieve mindfulness at every stage, right from conception to taking home your newborn. Stress less and focus more with the meditation app for the modern mother. From £7.95 | headspace.com
HELPING HAND PAI SKINCARE
BAMFORD
Combining bio-active ingredients to hydrate and relieve dry skin, this cream is especially effective for chapped hands.
A luxurious combination of botanical butters, oils and honey to hydrate. This silky cream bestows tranquillity and inner peace.
Bonpoint’s Crème Mains £31, bonpoint.com
BONPOINT Fragonia & Seabuckthorn Cream Therapy £16, paiskincare.com
Containing floral extracts, shea butter and the hydrating power of glycerine, it leaves hands nourished and as soft as your baby’s bottom.
Bamford’s Rose Hand & Body Lotion £24, bamford.co.uk
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HEALTH
SOOTHERS AGE 0-6m
After the recent dummy debate with Harper Beckham, consultant paediatrician Dr Robert Arlt looks at the pros and cons
B
abies do cry; they have to, because for them it’s communication. They have to keep us informed of their real, or felt, needs. An hour of crying a day is average in a healthy baby, which means that a couple of hours can still be quite normal. Depending on how stressed parents are, they may perceive this amount of crying very differently. That is where the dummy (or pacifier) often comes in.
therefore advise offering a dummy at the start of any period of sleep. On the other hand there are possible drawbacks. If your baby can only get to sleep using a dummy, it could easily fall from their mouth when they fall asleep. You will then have to replace the dummy after every sleep cycle, which may sometimes last as little as half an hour. Also, if a dummy is introduced
THE RHYTHMIC AND NATURAL SUCKING PROCESS CAN HELP TO INDUCE SLEEP Dummies have a naturally soothing effect and can be very helpful with infant colic and teething. Many babies love to suck for comfort, and the rhythmic and natural sucking process can help to induce sleep, too. Thumbsucking could be seen as an alternative, but it’s much easier to get rid of a dummy. An argument in favour is that dummies may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The Department of Health
David Beckham hits back at critics on his instagram page
84 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
too early, there’s the risk of nipple confusion when learning to suckle. Plus, dentists warn of possible orthodontic problems with frequent use of dummies, although this may happen with frequent thumb-sucking as well. Recent psychologists’ studies suggest that heavy use of dummies robs the chance to learn facial mimicry during infancy. This can lead to poor levels of emotional maturity, curiously, especially among baby boys. Apparently, disrupting the child’s use of facial mimicry impairs the ability to identify the emotions behind expressions on other faces. So, if you choose to introduce a dummy it’s important to bear in mind the following: • If a baby is being breastfed wait until breastfeeding is well established, usually when baby is at about one month old. • Do not use a dummy for long periods and remember it is mainly useful before sleep. • Wean them off before they are one year old. richmondpractice.co.uk
AGE 0-6m
Avent Animal Soothers £5.90 for two, philips.co.uk
Milton Mini Soother Steriliser £6.95, johnlewis.com
Teddykompaniet Dummy Holder £7.50, johnlewis.com
AGE 6m+ MAM Perfect 6+ £5.75, mamonlineshop.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, INSTAGRAM.COM@DAVIDBECKHAM
DUMMY TALK
Genius Size 1 Silicone Soother £5.49 for two, nuk.co.uk
Stokke® Home™ Design by Stokke® Norway, Stokke® Home™ Bed, Stokke® Home™ Cradle, Stokke® Home™ Changer and Stokke® Home™ Dresser.
The little nursery with big possibilities. Stokke® Home™
Create a special place for your baby – a home within a home. All you have to do is move in. Stokke Home is a modular nursery line that lets you choose your preferred products and design your individual room setting.
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From newborn to toddler
HEALTH
meet
the
EXPERTS OU R PROFE SSIONAL S GIVE YOU TH E LOW-DOWN ON BIRTH AN D BEYON D
Etienne Horner Obstetrician and gynaecologist Over the recent months I have had many women asking me about tearing, or even stating that they do not want any tearing or cutting. How can I reply to this? My aim, like many expectant mothers, is to not perform an episiotomy (cut). But we also want to avoid any tears of the anal muscle. Most importantly, we don’t want to have a slow recovering baby due to the fact that I have not performed an episiotomy. In the ideal world there is no injury to the vagina when giving birth, but in reality there is often a tear or the need for an episiotomy. This may happen because delivery needs to speed up due to baby’s heartbeat not recovering or baby showing signs of distress. When performing an assisted delivery (using a ventouse or forceps) there is not always the need for an episiotomy, but often one is performed. With a forceps delivery, in most instances there is an episiotomy to save the anal muscle, as the blades from the forceps can lead to a third-degree tear. A lot depends on the position of the baby, too. If the baby is in an ideal position then there is less chance of tearing or need for cutting, but there is not much one can do to ensure baby is in an ideal position, you should expect all sorts of moving and changing of position while giving birth. The size of the baby doesn’t make a significant difference to tearing or cutting, but a woman’s tissue does make a difference. You can try to prepare your tissues with either perineal massage or by using a device called Epi-no: this is a small balloon which can be inflated to mimic the baby’s head and therefore stretch the perineum in preparation for delivery (start at around 37 weeks).
86 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
PARTIAL WAKES
Deearna Withey Maternity nurse A partial wake is when baby has a sudden scream, cry or moans for up to a minute.
WHY DO THEY HAPPEN? When this happens do not worry, normally these will coincide with sleep cycle changes, or during a regression where your baby will be processing everything that has been learnt.
HOW OFTEN CAN THEY OCCUR? Anything up to 10 times during the night.
DO I NEED TO WAKE MY BABY UP DURING THIS PERIOD? No, your baby may appear to be awake but they will not normally know this is occurring. If the crying continues but eyes are closed I’d suggest you leave her. If eyes are open, lift baby and hold for two minutes then put back in the cot. 07585 118650 deearnas-maternity-agency.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
YOUR DELIVERY…
Personally, I always say that massage and/or Epi-no can only be beneficial. I never intend to perform an episiotomy if there is no need or no benefit to either the baby or the mother. However, if I feel the vaginal tissue is frail and not stretching well then an episiotomy is advantagous – without one a large, natural tear may occour and this (a perineal tear) can take twice as long to repair as as episiotomy tear. Let me assure you that the power of healing in both instances is generally very good. When the day comes, it depends on your tissue, how well the pushing can be controlled and the baby’s position. 07868 972920 etiennehorner.co.uk
The smart Urban stroller.
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Feeling GOOD
Louisa van den Bergh OF LU LU BABY ON HOW TO MAINTAIN A H E ALTHY AN D HAPPY PR EGNAN C Y 88 | JUL/AUG 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
WELLBEING
hether you are absolutely knackered or feeling better than ever, we all do pregnancy – and the various stages – differently. In our first session of our Lulubaby antenatal courses, we take a little time to focus on you, how you are feeling and how you can enhance your health and wellbeing in the crucial few months and weeks before your baby is born. Here are some of our top tips.
W
KEEP MOVING: Studies have shown that babies born to mothers who have exercised during pregnancy have babies with healthier heart rates and, naturally, being fit will help you cope during labour. It is important to listen to your body and take advice from your doctor as there are several circumstances where exercise is inadvisable. In addition, the hormone relaxin (great for stretching in labour), can make you more prone to injury – so be prudent. Strenuous exercise is not recommended, as you don’t want to divert blood flow from your baby to your skeletal muscles. The general guidance is that you should be able to carry on a conversation (even if a little puffed out) when exercising. In addition, we know that yoga and Pilates are wonderful forms of strengthening and relaxing exercise, which can be particularly beneficial during pregnancy (only after 12 weeks). Try Tara Lee’s fantastic pregnancy yoga classes at the Life Centre (thelifecentre.com).
protein and slow-releasing carbohydrates, will make you feel more energised than a convenience diet of ready-meals and sugary snacks. Nothing new there. But did you know that eating a diet rich in oily fish (or at the very least supplementing with important omegas) can have a positive impact on your mood? And research has recently shown that (taken with zinc) omegas can help reduce the chance of you developing postnatal depression. So oily fish is good for your mental wellbeing as well as physical health. In addition, make sure you have enough calcium and iron in your diet. Your baby will be taking calcium from you as it grows and your blood volume will be rapidly increasing (peaking at 40% higher than normal) diluting your blood cells, which is why pregnant women are more susceptible to anaemia. It can be very tricky to have the perfect diet, particularly if you are working full time, so do consider taking a good quality supplement such as Zita West’s pregnancy multivitamins (zitawest.com).
DE-STRESS: Whether you are feeling exhausted, running after older children or working full time (or all three!), life can be stressful when you are also carrying a baby, and we know that chronic stress can have an impact on your baby’s weight and potential health. Taking time to look after yourself is not only good for you but also for your baby, so don’t feel self-indulgent for booking yourself into a relaxing pregnancy massage or reflexology session (both after 12 weeks). Alternatively, consider downloading a mindfulness app or reading a book. Even just taking a few deep breaths can make you feel a whole lot calmer at flash points in the day. Essentially, try and put aside time to relax – you and your baby will appreciate it!
ACUPUNCTURE: Many of our mums-tobe find acupuncture to be one of the most successful all-round treatments for general wellbeing. More research needs to be done, but some studies have shown acupuncture to help alleviate morning sickness, reduce back and pelvic girdle pain, improve sleep, help to turn breech babies and even reduce the second stage of labour. It can also help relax, de-stress and re-energise. Perfect! Try Justine Hankin (justinehankinacupuncture.co.uk) or Emma Cannon (emmacannon.co.uk) both of whom are pregnancy experts. OSTEOPATHY: Don’t put up with pain and discomfort. Many pregnant women think that a sore back is to be expected. Yes, it is commonplace, but that doesn’t mean it is normal and should be endured. If you do find that your back is playing up, see your doctor and consider seeing an osteopath or physiotherapist for some treatment. Often back pain and pelvic girdle pain can be successfully treated and you will receive further tips on how to avoid it in the future. Try Kane and Ross (kaneandross.co.uk) and Fulham Osteopaths (fulhamosteopaths.co.uk). It is really worth taking time to look after yourself; whether that means putting a little more thought into what you eat, uncluttering your diary, or booking some acupuncture. Birth and those early days with a newborn are hard enough, but if you are fit and healthy entering this next chapter, then you will be able to recover and cope more easily with all that having a new little baby entails. bl
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK
SOME STUDIES HAVE SHOWN ACUPUNCTURE TO HELP ALLEVIATE MORNING SICKNESS
EAT WELL: It goes without saying that what you are putting inside you has a major impact on how you are feeling. We don’t like to preach, and for most mums it is common sense that having a varied diet, with plenty of
DOWN THERE: We urge mums to make time for pelvic floor exercises. If you need help or encouragement with that, try the new Elvie (elvie.com), a clever device you insert which tells you how you are doing on your phone app. These exercises will pay off as they will help prevent incontinence and prolapse (yes, as bad as it sounds, with your internal organs collapsing and eventually heading down the vagina) plus they will improve your sex life! As for your perineum, to help prevent tearing and episiotomy massage it with oil (from 34 weeks) or try the Epi-no, a device which can be gently blown up in order to stretch tissues (epi-no.com), making them less likely to tear on the big day (from 37 weeks).
lulubaby.co.uk
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From
scared to
prepared CLINICAL HYPNOTH ER APIST Maggie Howell E XPL AIN S H OW SELF-HYPNOSIS CAN SU PPORT WOM EN BEFOR E, DU RING AN D AF TER CHILDBIRTH
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LABOUR
Download the book and CD online
or many women, when thinking about giving birth, words like ‘painful, scary, and traumatic’ will likely spring to mind. It has become the norm in our culture to regard labour as something to be fearful and anxious about. However, if women feel like this leading up to the birth, their mind and body will be in a high-alert state, fuelled by the ‘danger’ hormone, adrenaline. This will then trigger the body’s ‘fight or flight’ mechanism, tensing the muscles, diverting blood away from the uterus, increasing the heart rate and preparing the mother for battle, or to run like hell – neither of which is particularly conducive to birthing a baby. If this continues during labour, it can lead to an exhausted mother, an exhausted baby and often ‘failure to progress’ – the most common reason for an emergency caesarean.
F
HOW TO COPE WITH LABOUR As any midwife will tell you, the secret to coping with labour is to relax and breathe – however, that’s a lot easier said than done. Unlike other mammals we have incredibly intelligent and active brains which have been filled with enormous amounts of information leading us to make certain assumptions about giving birth. Fuelled by the negative-birth culture of today, it is these assumptions which often stop our bodies from being able to simply relax and go with the flow.
or attending a two-day class. The method teaches you how to overcome any fear or anxiety; how to enter into deep relaxation at will; how to use your breathing effectively; how to get back in control of your thoughts; and how to tune into your instincts and trust your body. It is essentially a tool box of coping strategies that you can use for the big day.
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS HYPNOSIS? A lot of people worry about the concept of hypnosis – that they’ll be left singing like Elvis Presley or clucking like a chicken. However, although you may not be aware of it, hypnosis is actually quite common and you may find you go into a hypnotic state several times a day. It is a time when your conscious mind
IT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A TOOL BOX OF COPING STRATEGIES THAT YOU CAN USE FOR THE BIG DAY (the analytical, rational mind), takes a step back and your subconscious (your feelings, memories, emotions and instincts) come more to the forefront. For example, when you are daydreaming or driving on a long journey and don’t remember anything about the journey.
HOW DOES HYPNOTHERAPY WORK? HOW CAN YOU BE MORE RELAXED?
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
Listening to natal-hypnotherapy tracks can be one of the easiest ways to learn how to relax and breathe effectively during labour. The use of hypnosis is now recognised in the NHS as an effective tool to help women prepare for birth. The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital runs natal hypnotherapy workshops and the NHS recently funded a large trial into the use of hypnosis in birth (the Self Hypnosis Intrapartum trial), which was shown to significantly reduce anxiety and fear in women.
WHAT IS NATAL HYPNOTHERAPY? Natal hypnotherapy is a set of tools and techniques that women learn and practise through listening to hypnotherapy downloads, reading the Effective Birth Preparation book
practising natal hypnotherapy over and over you are laying all the groundwork before going into labour, so when labour actually begins, your mind and body instinctively know how to respond to contractions – by relaxing deeply, breathing effectively and just going with the sensations – just like your midwife would tell you to.
With intended hypnosis, you purposefully take yourself into a daydream-like state using music, soothing images and guided visualisation. You can do this yourself by just imagining being on a beach or beautiful garden and then indulging yourself in imagining your perfect birth scenario, or by listening to one of the Natal Hypnotherapy downloads. Once the critical and analytical part of your mind switches off, you become more receptive to positive suggestions and images, and therefore the more you listen to the tracks, the more likely these positive feelings will take hold. So by listening to the downloads, you will start to form confident, positive feelings towards the birth, learn effective triggers to help you relax and to cope with pain, and most importantly, learn how to turn fear into confidence. By
HOW TO GET STARTED Start by listening to one of the downloads. The full range takes you through your pregnancy to six weeks postnatal. They are half an hour long and all you have to do is close your eyes, listen and relax. The next step is to read the book. It is very practical with lots of exercises and techniques for you and your birthing partner. The third step is to attend a class to take your skills and practical learning to another level. The classes are especially good for birthing partners, to show them effective ways to help you stay calm. Finally, it is important to note that natal hypnotherapy is not just for those planning a drug-free birth. The tools can be used for any labour scenario including those wanting to have an epidural, needing an induction or caesarean section. The ultimate goal of natal hypnotherapy is to help you feel more positive, more in control and more confident about working with your body’s natural instincts, no matter what kind of birth you are planning. bl natalhypnotherapy.co.uk
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CHELSEA AND WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL
The Kensington Wing Private Maternity Unit The birth of a new baby is a very special moment for any family and the Kensington Wing at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital ensures that you will be in the hands of experienced Consultant Obstetricians and Midwives, all dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care. You'll enjoy the privacy and comfort of our private en-suite bedrooms and can be reassured that you are in a dedicated private maternity wing within one of the safest hospitals in the UK.
To find out more about our services, please call us on:
020 3315 8616 Š Merino Kids 2014
SAFETY
Baby
First
aid
TAKING CAR E OF A N EWBOR N BABY IS A DAU NTING PROSPEC T. Emma Hammet t FROM FIR ST AID FOR LIFE, PROVIDE S A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ENABLE YOU TO H ELP WITH CON FIDENCE IF FACED WITH EM ERGENCIE S babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 93
SAFETY CHOKING Babies love to put things in their mouths and anything small enough to fit through a loo roll can prove a potential choking hazard. When starting on solids, cut foods into sticks rather than into perfect circles as these could block the airway completely if they were to get stuck. Babies have sensitive gag reflexes and often appear to struggle when trying new food textures and this can be frightening. The majority of the time they manage to clear the obstruction themselves, but repositioning them so that their head is lower than their body can help. Keep as calm as you can as they will quickly pick up on panic and this can make things worse. If they are able to cough, encourage them to do so – if they are quiet and struggling to breathe, help immediately.
HOW TO HELP • Stay as calm as you can. • If they are able to cough, reposition them to see if they can clear it themselves. • Have a quick look in the baby’s mouth and carefully remove anything obvious. Never blindly sweep inside the baby’s mouth with your fingers as it can cause damage and push the obstruction further down. • Lay the baby downwards across your forearm, supporting them under their chin. • Using your hand, hit the baby up to five times firmly between their shoulder blades. • Check after each back blow to see if the obstruction has cleared. • If still choking, lay the baby on its back across your knees, head downwards. Place two fingers in the centre of their chest at the nipple line and give up to five, firm upward chest thrusts. • If the baby is still choking, call 999/112 and continue giving your baby five back blows, alternated with five, upward-chest thrusts, until help arrives. • If the baby becomes unconscious start CPR immediately.
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RESUSCITATION Having to resuscitate your child is every parent’s worst nightmare, but not knowing what to do if in the unfortunate event that something did happen would be a disaster. As a parent or carer, do you know what to do if your baby is unconscious and not breathing? You are far more likely to need to resuscitate an adult than a baby – but here is a step-bystep guide to help just in case.
• Push hard and fast on the centre of their chest – roughly between the nipples. • Push down by a third of the depth of their chest, ideally with two thumbs or fingers, at a rate of 110-120 beats per minute – roughly two per second. • After about 30 compressions you will need to give them two more short, sharp breaths and then continue with the compressions, again at a rate of 30:2. • Keep going – you are being a life support machine and keeping them alive. • When you push on the chest, you are being the baby’s heart. • When you breathe into them, you are being the baby’s lungs. • If you are on your own, you should perform one minute’s CPR before phoning for an ambulance (five breaths and 30 compressions to two breaths works out at about a minute). • Do not expect them to come back to life until the paramedics are there to help.
HOW TO HELP • First check ‘The Primary Survey’ (Danger, Response, Airway and Breathing). If you are not absolutely sure whether or not they are breathing, you will need to start CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation). • Carefully tilt the head and lift the chin to roughly a horizontal position to take the tongue off the back of the airway. • Look, listen and feel to check for breathing. If they are not breathing give five rescue breaths to re-oxygenate them. Babies and children are much more likely to have a breathing problem rather than a heart problem causing them to lose consciousness. • Seal your mouth around both their mouth and nose, and blow into them gently with a puff of your cheeks. • Make sure their chest rises each time, if it doesn’t, you probably haven’t opened the airway sufficiently – tilt the head a little further but do not over extend their neck and try your rescue breaths again. • If they start to gurgle when you breathe into them, you will need to briefly turn them onto their side and empty the vomit from their mouth, before continuing with the breaths. • You will then need to circulate the oxygenated blood by pushing down on their chest with two fingers or thumbs.
FIRST AID COURSES
It is strongly advised that you attend a practical first aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. There are many courses available in local areas across London: firstaidforlife.org.uk lulubaby.co.uk thebumpclass.com Or complete an online course at: onlinefirstaid.com
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SAFETY
Ensure your first aid kits, both at home and on the go, are beautifully organised with these fun ideas
HEAD INJURIES Babies and children often bang their heads and it can be difficult to assess how seriously they are hurt. Fortunately, most head injuries merely injure the scalp, which is usually more frightening than life threatening as the head and face are very vascular and consequently bleed profusely! A severe blow to the head or repeated injuries can cause damage to the brain and are far more serious.
First Aid Tin £34.99, apreciouslife.co.uk
First Aid Kit For Preschool £16, firstaidforlife.org.uk
Your
first aid kit
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Ideally every house and car should be equipped with a Family First Aid Kit and parents should also have a small handbag or nappy-bag-sized kit for emergencies when you are out and about. • Sterile saline (a salt water solution) or nonalcoholic wipes to clean wounds or rinse sand and dust from eyes.
Observed by others: • Appears stunned or dazed. • Loses consciousness (even briefly). • Is confused or can’t recall events. • Trouble thinking or concentrating. • Shows behaviour or personality changes. • Answers questions slowly or repeats the questions asked.
• Non-adherent, absorbent dressing along with scissors or a conforming bandage to dress a wound. Remember to pack hypoallergenic plasters.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, FIRST AID FOR LIFE
• A burn dressing is helpful if your child is wriggly and unable to tolerate prolonged running water, or if they are burnt somewhere that is difficult to cool. • An instant ice pack is great when you are out and about to quickly reduce swelling if your little one has a nasty fall or bump. • TraxIt thermometers are specifically designed for use with young children and are handy to have.
The following signs and symptoms can appear immediately or over the next couple of days. Keep a close eye on the casualty and seek medical advice if at all concerned.
BURNS AND SCALDS Burns are horrible and the pain and damage caused can be devastating. Knowing what to do if this should happen can make a massive difference in reducing the amount of pain and scarring and may avoid them having any tissue damage at all. A hot drink that was made nearly 10 minutes ago can still be hot enough to scald a baby.
HOW TO HELP • For all burns, treat them straight away. • Immediately, but extremely carefully, remove loose clothing covering the burn. However, if the skin has stuck to them or blistered, do not take the clothing off. • Hold the affected area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes. • Reassure the child and keep them warm and dry. Be aware of any signs of clinical shock, such as a fast heart rate, confusion or loss of consciousness. • Phone an ambulance; particularly if a large area is affected, if the skin is broken or blistered, or if your child shows signs of shock. Keep the area under cool running water while you are waiting for the ambulance. • Never touch the burn, pop blisters, or put on any creams whatsoever. Take burns very seriously and always seek medical advice as soon as you can. • Always get a professional to assess a burn.
Experienced by casualty: • Headache or pressure in the head. • Balance problems or dizziness. • Nausea or vomiting. • Sensitivity to light or noise. • Blurred vision or double vision. • Feel dazed, sluggish or groggy. • Difficulty concentrating or remembering. • Feeling irritable, sad, nervous or emotional. • Sleep disturbances. If your baby or child loses consciousness, even momentarily, won’t stop crying, complains of head and neck pain, or isn’t walking normally call 999 or 112 immediately. If the child is not an infant, has not lost consciousness, and is behaving normally: • Apply a wrapped ice pack to the injured area for 10 minutes. • Observe your child carefully for the next 24 hours. If you notice any worrying signs (see below), get medical help immediately. • If the incident has occurred close to bedtime or naptime, check in continually to look for anything unusual – in particular twitching limbs or disturbances in colour or breathing. It is perfectly ok for your child to go to sleep and there is no need to keep a child awake after a head injury. However do not confuse falling asleep with losing consciousness. fi rstaidforlife.org.uk
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INTERVIEW
Time to Talk…
VITAMINS
MARINA FOGLE & DR CHIARA HUNT
This issue the sisters look at the benefits of supplements for your little ones
O
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
nce pregnant, women often become obsessed about the nutrients they consume, eager to ensure that their precious foetuses are getting the vitamins and minerals they need to flourish. As soon as our little ones are born, though, we lose that control. But are vitamins the answer? Will they give our children much-needed nutrients, or are they simply preying on the insecurities of anxious parents? The advice is surprisingly clear: all children aged six months to five years are to be given vitamins. Which vitamins should my child be having and why? Vitamin A: As well as strengthening the immune system, vitamin A helps vision in dim light and promotes healthy skin. It is commonly found in dairy products, fortified spreads, orange fruit and vegetables, and dark green vegetables.
Vitamin C: Important for general health, vitamin C is found in lots of fruits and vegetables. Oranges, strawberries, kiwis and tomatoes are great providers, and since it helps the body absorb iron, it’s a good idea to think of recipes that combine the two. Vitamin D: Even though oily fish and eggs contain vitamin D, the best source comes from sunlight, which is why supplementation is particularly important for children who live in cloudier climes. Probiotics: If your child is on antibiotics, it’s a good idea to give them probiotics at the same time, otherwise they aren’t necessary. Do babies need vitamins? Formula is fortified, so as long as baby is having 500ml a day, there’s no need. Breastfeeding mothers who didn’t take vitamin D while pregnant might be advised by their GP to give vitamins.
2
3
1
1. My Baba Zita West Children’s Multivitamin and Multibiotic Powder (age one to four) £29.95 (three months’ supply) 2. Wellbaby Multivitamin Drops (four to 12 months) and Wellbaby Infant Liquid (four months to five years) from £4.95 (one month’s supply). 3. Wellkid Smart Chewable (four to 12 years) from £7.10 (for 30).
DOS AND DON’TS Don’t forget: nothing beats the vitamins and minerals that come from having a healthy, balanced diet. Do look for something that your child will eat easily. Most vitamins contain sugar, which makes children want to eat them – and one sweet a day won’t harm your child. Don’t expose your child to too much sunlight to boost their vitamin D. Always make sure
your child is protected with a high-factor sunscreen. Don’t be seduced by an attractive brand, instead look at the amounts of individual vitamins and minerals each dose contains. Don’t give your child more than one type as overdosing on vitamins can be dangerous. Do keep them out of reach of children because they look and taste just like sweets.
thebumpclass.com
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y r Dia of a
BABY TALK
mum
Part 14
MUM- OF-TH R EE Becky Dickinson TACKLE S TH E M E SSY ISSU E OF POT T Y TR AINING ne of the most adorable things about having a baby is celebrating the milestones: first smile, first tooth, first steps. It doesn’t matter that babies have been accomplishing these feats for centuries, because when your baby does it they will seem like the most gifted child on the planet. Then there is the rite of passage that is memorable for all the wrong reasons: potty training. Introducing your child to their own bladder is not so much a milestone, more a hurdle that will threaten to push you and your washing machine to breaking point. Potty training normally happens between the ages of two and three. Don’t be intimidated by those smug parents who manage it before their child’s first birthday. Most of us have better things to do than spend every minute of the day watching for the first signs of a wee wiggle or a poo face. Also, if your child insists on wearing nappies after the age of three, don’t worry.
O
“nappeeee”, I ended up making an emergency dash to the supermarket instead. Lesson number two: nobody wants to wear second-hand knickers. So a couple of months later, I embark upon the ‘exciting new pants’ approach and take my youngest daughter out for a spot of toddler lingerie shopping. “Ooh, look at these,” I say, holding up a packet of tiny pants decorated with Russian dolls. I wouldn’t mind some myself, except they only go up to age six. The Toddler, on the other hand, is not impressed. “Don’t want those!” she huffs. Then grabbing something from the rail opposite, she starts jumping up and down and shrieking: “Frozen ones!” Oh no! It’s bad enough that we have the film on repeat, please not the clothing too. Sighing at my daughter’s lack of taste, I put them in the basket. They are a) hideous in a way only Disney can manage, b) expensive, c) don’t come in a small enough size. But if it gets her out of nappies, who cares?
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK
“DO YOU NEED A WEE?” I START TO SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD IN A UROLOGY DEPARTMENT Having already potty trained two children, I was hoping it would be a bit of a breeze the third time round. However, as I am continually discovering, previous qualifications don’t necessarily equip you for future children. Shortly after my daughter’s second birthday, I decided to go for it. Admittedly, this was due to a shopping oversight on my part. Lesson number one: running out of nappies is never a good reason to start potty training. After failing to convince her to try on a pair of pink spotty pants (a big sister hand-me-down) and listening to her impassioned wails of
Back at home, and she can’t wait to try on her new purchase. There’s something slightly disconcerting about seeing Elsa’s head on a two-year-old’s nether regions, but I try to ignore this minor detail. Not content with just one of the Frozen characters, she puts the whole lot on until she is wearing six pairs of pants – mainly the wrong way round. “Darling, you only need one pair,” I say gently. “You can wear a different pair tomorrow.” Who am
I kidding? Tomorrow? We’ll be lucky if those pants are still dry in half an hour. Once I’ve persuaded her to remove five pairs of pants, I spend the rest of the day asking: “Do you need a wee?” until even my own bladder wants to run away. The moment I stop asking, of course, is the moment she pees all over the carpet. Brilliant. By the fifth accident, I’m wondering if she’s actually taking the proverbial. I press on and stock up on more pants. Lesson number three: a Disney six-pack is never enough. The rest of the week is spent mopping up puddles (and worse) and pulling over in lay-bys. Lesson number four: car journeys and potty training are not a good combination. Meanwhile, I’m beginning to sound like a broken record in a urology department. I’m actually worried I may start asking total strangers if they need a wee, such is my fixation on bladder control. Despite this, my daughter continues to wee anywhere and everywhere. One afternoon, I bravely take her to a friend’s house. Thankfully it’s sunny so we can sit outside and I don’t have to worry about their carpet. But then I turn around just in time to see her pull down her leggings and piddle all over their new patio instead. At least she took her clothes off. I’m beginning to wonder if we should just give up. Then one evening, I walk into the bathroom to find my daughter actually sitting on the potty; without even being asked. She stands up, beams and points to the swishing contents. “A wee!” “What a clever girl!” I exclaim, smothering her in proud kisses. She’s a genius. It turns out even potty training is a milestone to be celebrated. All I had to do was stop asking. bl Next issue Becky tackles bath time.
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 101
GET
appy WITH N EW APPS HIT TING TH E MAR KE T DAILY, E XPERT ADVICE COM PANY TH E N EO PR AC TICE PUTS FORWAR D TH E VERY BE ST APPS FOR PR EGNANC Y, N EW MOTH ER S AN D TODDLER S
102 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
FOR PREGNANCY MY PREGNANCY TODAY (BABYCENTRE) Many people discover BabyCentre through its website, which offers detailed daily updates on everything that is happening in your body and with your baby’s development during pregnancy. This app contains the same detailed information plus many other useful features, including a pregnancy checklist to keep track of ‘to-dos’ and appointments, and a Bumpie tool to capture images of your growing bump. Free.
CONTRACTION TIMER LITE This contraction timer is perfect for when you’re approaching your due date as it helps to take some of the guesswork out of when to go to hospital. The app records the start and end point of each contraction, so you can have a record of how your labour is progressing, and you or your partner can update your hospital and birth team. Some women also say that it provides a nice distraction, or that it helps them to feel more in control during the early stages of labour. Free.
DELIVEROO If you are craving all sorts of weird and wonderful foods during your pregnancy, Deliveroo might just be the answer. It is an app that delivers meals from local and well-known restaurants direct to you at home, usually within 30 minutes. You simply put in your postcode and when you’d like to eat, and a range of restaurants that you can order from will be listed. This is a useful pregnancy discovery that might also keep you sane, and equally fed nutritiously, after your baby arrives. Free.
APPS
FOR PARENTS OF BABIES TOTAL BABY
THE WONDER WEEKS
BABY EARS
This tracks and records all the common baby activities like feeds and nappy changes. Track milestones, doctor visits, vaccinations, height and weight, your child’s temperature, and when to give them medication. And you can have data for multiple children in the one app. £3.99 on the App Store.
From the bestselling book, The Wonder Weeks, this is a popular app among first-time parents. It offers insights into your baby’s mental development, which can initially manifest in poor sleep, bad appetite, crying, clinging and crankiness. £1.25 on Google Play, £1.49 on the App Store.
This app helps you to listen for, and understand, the five sounds every newborn makes before they cry, representing: feed me, burp me, sleepy, tummy pain or discomfort. This can help you feel more in control and you can respond quickly to calm baby before crying starts to escalate. £2.99 on the App Store.
ESSENTIAL BABY CARE GUIDE Narrated by Professor Robert Winston, this app contains all the advice you need for your baby’s first year, with over eight hours of videos and demonstrations from leading experts. The subjects cover new baby, feeding, sleeping, care and development and first aid. Free.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. DOWNLOAD ON THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY. THENEOPRACTICE.COM
FOR TINY TOTS MONKEY PRESCHOOL LUNCHBOX
TOCA KITCHEN MONSTERS
Help your toddler learn their shapes, colours, sizes and numbers. Through a series of activities, your toddler can complete each task and earn a virtual sticker on his or her own, listening and learning as they go. £1.23 on Google Play, £1.49 on the App Store.
Most toddlers love mimicking their parents cooking in the kitchen, but this app takes it to a whole other level. Your toddler will use the (thankfully virtual) sharp knife, blender, microwave, frying pan and more to make creative meals for two slightly naughty monsters. Free
CBEEBIES PLAYTIME
LEGO DUPLO TRAIN
There are several activities within the CBeebies Playtime app, but the best for small tots is Something Special Paint Pop with Mr Tumble. Your child chooses a shape – a wellington boot, a bow tie or a handbag – and then colours it using paint splatters in different colours and shapes. Simple but engaging. Free.
Copying grown-ups is important to a toddler’s development, here your child is the train driver, and drives the train from station to station choosing and loading wagons, building bridges, stopping at crossings, refuelling and laying a new track. The fun app features toddler-friendly animations and soundtrack. Free.
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 103
A healthy future is in your hands Like every parent, you’ll want to do whatever you can to protect your child’s future health. Now you have the opportunity to do so in a unique way by storing your child’s stem cells. Stem cells are the ultimate repair kit. Should your child face any of a vast range of health issues in later life, stem cells may be the key to repairing and restoring their good health. Future Health Biobank is the largest and most accredited cord blood bank in the UK, processing and storing more samples than all other UK banks combined. To find out more about our services and interest free payment plans, contact our customer care team or request a free information pack via our website.
0115 967 7707 | custcare@fhbb.com | www.futurehealthbiobank.co.uk
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Medical matters PAR ENTS CAN NOW R ECEIVE TH E MOST E XPAN SIVE IN FOR MATION FROM A SIM PLE PR ENATAL BLOOD SAM PLE THAN KS TO TH E MaterniT21 PLUS TE ST hen going through pregnancy, especially during those first magical months, it is completely normal to feel vulnerable and worried about the baby you’re carrying inside. The yearning for support and reassurance is completely natural. Living in a world full of technical advances means a wealth of information is available to us along our pregnancy journey. All pregnancies are different and anyone can have a pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality – mothers of all ages, races and health conditions can be at risk. There is nothing a mother can do to cause a chromosomal abnormality, or prevent it. A laboratory-developed test, from prenatal specialists Sequenom Laboratories, called the MaterniT21 PLUS test, is the most advanced non-invasive prenatal test of its kind, giving more content than any others out there and putting parents in the know.
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WHAT IS A CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITY? Chromosomes are structures inside every cell of your body. They hold the genes, inherited from your mother and father, which tell your body how to grow and develop. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, each carrying thousands of genes. The first 22 pairs are called the autosomes, and are identical in males and females. The 23rd pair is the sex chromosomes – X and Y. Females usually have two X chromosomes; males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. Some people are born with an extra or missing chromosome, meaning they have three copies of a chromosome instead of two. This is known as a trisomy. The most common fetal trisomies are trisomy 21 (Down’s syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards’ syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome).
WHAT IS THE MATERNIT21 PLUS TEST? Commercially available in the UK, the MaterniT21 PLUS test detects fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Thanks to industry-leading clinical performance, parents can feel confident they have chosen a highly-accurate test. The test is non-invasive, requiring only a blood sample. And it can be performed as early as 10 weeks’ gestation with results provided to your healthcare provider approximately five days from receipt of your sample.
SIMPLE, CLEAR RESULTS The MaterniT21 PLUS test reports positive or negative results for trisomy 21, 18, and 13. Although less common, MaterniT21 PLUS is the only test to date that can detect seven fetal chromosomal abnormalities known as microdeletions, giving you and your healthcare provider the information and confidence you need to plan effectively. Book your MaterniT21 PLUS test at: The Medical Chambers Kensington 10 Knaresborough Place Kensington, London SW5 0TG 020 7244 4200 themedicalchambers.com
While highly accurate, cell-free DNA testing does not replace the accuracy and diagnostic precision of prenatal diagnosis with an invasive procedure. Following a positive result, your healthcare provider should refer you for genetic counselling and offer prenatal diagnosis for confirmation of test results. A negative test result does not ensure an unaffected pregnancy. Non-invasive prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities, including fetal sex chromosomes, could involve potential discovery of both fetal and maternal chromosome abnormalities, including those that may be of minor, major, or no clinical significance.
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RUNNING HEAD
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RUNNING HEAD
BATHING BABY Rebecca Moore TALKS TO IN DUSTRY E XPERTS TO TAKE TH E TER ROR OUT OF TIM E IN TH E TU B oing anything for the first time can be a little daunting, but add a newborn baby into the mix and even the calmest of parents can quake. “Bathing your baby for the first time can be nerve-wracking for new parents,” reassures Rebecca Maberly, co-founder of trusted parenting website doctoranddaughter.co.uk. “Your baby may seem tiny and fragile and you may be concerned about not doing it correctly, however it should be a lovely experience for all involved.” If your baby is full term and healthy then you may bath her as soon as you feel ready. “Do not feel rushed to bath your baby on her first day, or even her second, third, or fourth.
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Bear in mind that a baby does not sweat and get smelly like an adult, so do not worry about anyone thinking your unwashed baby is unclean,” explains Rebecca. Your baby may have traces of vernix on her skin (the waxy or cheese-like white substance found coating the skin of newborns), but this doesn’t need removing as it acts as your baby’s natural moisturiser. For the first week try topping and tailing your baby with some warm water and cotton wool starting from head to toe. All babies are different, some may love bathtime and some may take a while to get used to it. Check out Doctor and Daughter’s guide to get you started, over the page, and create happy splashing with our product edit.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 107
RUNNING HEAD
TIP Test the water temperature with your elbow as this is more sensitive than your hand
NASTY OR NICE? What you put on your baby’s skin is incredibly important if you want to maintain good hydration levels, which means cells are plump and able to defend against irritation and infection. Joanna Jensen, founder of baby and child toiletry brand Child’s Farm, shares her essential list of bath beauties and baddies.
NASTY Rebecca Maberly and Roger Marwood, of Doctor and Daughter
TOP TIPS FOR BATHING YOUR BABY
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK
Doctor and Daughter share their step-bystep guide to bathing a newborn baby. Time: Choose a time when you are feeling relaxed and your baby is not too hungry or too tired. Your baby’s bathtime only needs to last a few minutes; water is very dehydrating on the skin. Place: It is fine to bathe your baby in your normal bath, but some people feel more comfortable using a small baby bath or tub. Temperature: Make sure that the room is warm and draft-free. The bath water should be about 37˚C. When testing it, this should feel warm, not hot. Frequency: You do not need to bath a newborn baby every day, but lots of people like to incorporate bathtime into their bedtime routine.
TECHNIQUE: 1: Run the bath to about 15cm deep. We suggest cleaning her face and bottom before
you put her in the bath. Lay a towel on the bath mat then lay the baby on top and take all her clothes off except her nappy and vest. 2: Remove her nappy and then wash her bottom and genitals with clean cotton wool. Watch out for wee and poo, babies often wee when they are cold or when their nappies have been removed. 3: Next remove her vest and then gently lower her into the bath using your hand to support her head and neck. The water should cover all of her body up to her neck so that she stays nice and warm. 4: Use your other hand to move the water around over her body, taking care not to splash her in the face. Do not scrub or rub your baby, just use your hand to gently swish water over her skin. 5: Lift her out of the bath after a few minutes, or earlier if she starts to cry. It is probably easiest to place her on the towel on the floor and then wrap her up quickly so she does not get cold. Carefully dry her all over, especially in her little creases and then put a clean nappy on before she wees on you.
Parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate These common synthetic detergents can cause, or contribute to, skin irritation in sensitive skins. Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, DEA, MEA, TEA and isopropyl Mineral oils are a by-product of the petrochemicals industry and create a film over skin which is hard to remove. Fragrance Fragrance is very different from Parfum, as it will be made of many unnatural components – so avoid ‘fragrance’ and any colourant should be avoided, too, as many pigments can cause skin sensitivity. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) This can strip moisture from the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
NICE Cocoa butter, shea butter and sunflower seed oil These are naturally moisturising, containing lots of vitamin E or tocopheroyl. From a plant or nut If you recognise the name from a plant or nut, then the chances are it is fine.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 109
BATHTIME
TIP
Aquanest Bath Tub £39.99, babymoov.co.uk
If you have had a caesarean section, it may be easier for you to use a baby bath than to lean over a normalsized bath
Bubble Bath £3.99, childsfarm.com
Stack and Nest Cups £11.99, toyella.com
3 Sprouts Fox Bath Storage £36, huggle.co.uk Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker £24.95, prezzybox.com
Blue Submarine £12, my1styears.com
RUB-A-DUB-DUB Make bathtime fun with these tub-time treats
TIP
Non-contact Thermometer £39.99, brothermax.com
If your baby gets distressed, wait a few days and then try again, you could always try get ting into the bath with her. But make sure the bath is a bit deeper so you don’t get too cold
Personalised White Hooded Towel with Ears £20, my1styears.com
Cuddle Robes £20 for pack of two, pinklining.com/uk
Milky Bath Oil £12, naifcare.com
Dunck Stacker Ducks £10, maguari.com
Play n Splash Frog Family £2.49, vitalbaby.co.uk 110 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
Linea MammaBaby Pochette £32, conranshop.co.uk
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YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS The birth of your baby is a moment you’ll always treasure. Having your child delivered by a team you know and trust gives you the comfort every mother wants. At The Portland Hospital, you’ll have the security of knowing our critical care units are in-house. With our resident Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetist, Adult High Dependency unit, Neonatal Intensive Care unit, Special Care Baby unit and Transitional care unit on hand 24/7, we’re ready for those very rare occasions when extra immediate support is needed. You’re guaranteed one to one care from some of the country’s finest consultant obstetricians and midwives, so it’s no wonder more than 1,600 expectant mothers a year choose to have their babies with us. Plus your partner can stay with you overnight in our range of luxury en-suite rooms.
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FINE DINING
SWEET DREAMS PHOTOGR APHER : MARIA MURR AY
LEFT PAGE Ella wears Essential All in One in Turtle Dove, £40. THIS PAGE Rio wears Essential Singlet and Shorties in Turtle Dove, £44.
THIS PAGE Gethin wears Essential Singlet and Shorties in Turtle Dove, £44. RIGHT PAGE Nyah wears Cocooi Swaddle/Baby Wraps in Raspberry, £40. Luca wears Cocooi Swaddle/Baby Wraps in Mint, £40.
LEFT PAGE Esme wears Toddler Go Go Bag in Honey Oat, £80. Scarlett wears Toddler Go Go Bag in Turtle Dove, £80. THIS PAGE Willow wears Essential Bodysuit in Mint, £32.
ALL CLOTHES FROM MERINO KIDS, MERINOKIDS.CO.UK STUDIO LOCATION: MERINO KIDS SHOWROOM, NORTHCOTE ROAD, LONDON SW11 MODELS: ELLA, ESME, GETHIN, LUCA, NYAH, RIO, SCARLETT, AND WILLOW
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120 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
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Join us next term! For children who love science and numbers, Little House of Science is a place for children to learn, experiment, explore and play! 0800 092 1062 info@littlehouseofscience.com
Travel
NEWS
WH ER EVER YOU R DE STINATION , TR AVEL IN ST YLE WITH BABY IN TOW
TAKE A BREAK Head to coastal Cornwall this autumn for one of Bedruthan’s two- or three-night toddlerfriendly breaks. Have family fun, as well as enjoying some precious couples’ time thanks to the complimentary childcare sessions. Kids equipment is free to use, too, including allterrain pushchairs, backpacks, toys and wellies. Prices start from £478. bedruthan.com
LIFE’S A PICNIC An ideal travel picnic blanket, the PACMAT is made of waterproof, non-rip nylon and packs up into a tiny pouch, ready for any impromptu picnic or play session in the park or on the beach. Available in three different styles and sizes. rubbastuff.com
UP, UP AND AWAY The SkyBaby is a cosy little carrier mattress that’s designed to make flying with your baby a little simpler. Its infant loop belt means your baby feels snug while lying on your lap and can be carried on and off the aircraft undisturbed. It rolls up into a carry bag. jojomamanbebe.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: XXXXXXXXX
STAY SAFE IN THE SUN The sun still plays in the autumn and Mustela’s Very High Protection Sun Lotion range is perfect for the delicate skin of babies. The rich SPF50+ lotion has UVA protection, too, and comes as a sun spray, a pocket-sized tube and a body milk. mustela.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 121
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
ISLAND ESCAPE WHILE E XPEC TING BABY N UM BER T WO, EDITOR Kate Finney AND HER HUSBAND TAKE TH EIR DAUGHTER TO CR E TE, FOR TH EIR L AST HOLIDAY AS A FAMILY- OF-TH R EE
S
itting on the EasyJet flight from Gatwick to Heraklion, I wondered what on earth had made me want to leave the comparative calm of my own home at a time like this. Being 28 weeks pregnant, and wrestling with a 22-month-old toddler in a confined space is perhaps one of the trickier situations I’ve found myself in, and that was before I attempted a mid-flight nappy change.
122 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
However, I was determined to block out the events of the four-hour flight in order to get a much-needed dose of sunshine and the chance to spend some quality time with my husband Ben and daughter Martha, before baby number two appeared. But finding a holiday that was both babymoon- and toddler-friendly is no mean feat. We were after somewhere with a gentle beach with lots of shade, a family-friendly pool, a hotel with a restaurant that catered for toddlers and a creative kids’ club, as well as somewhere we could squint our eyes to block out all the children and feel like we were somewhere vaguely glamorous. We opted for Domes of Elounda, on the eastern side of Crete, with views out to the island of Spinalonga, made famous by Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island. The hotel is split into two sides: the main hotel with restaurant, adult pool and beach club, and the poolside half, which feels more like a contemporary design hotel, with family swimming pools and a selection of beautifully designed two- and four-bedroom villas, all with their own private pools and a lovely poolside restaurant.
Grabbing a juice at the local taverna in the nearby village of Plaka
TRAVEL
The idyllic view from the Royal Spa Villa
It’s all laid out to mirror a traditional Cretan village with winding paths and little cobbled roads, which is atmospheric but not so great for pushchairs! But there are eight golf buggies on hand to ferry you around – a huge hit with the children and a godsend to parents with babies – which helps to ease the journey between the two sections of the hotel. The write-up on Mr and Mrs Smith promised that children were ‘exceedingly welcome’ and it couldn’t have been more true. From the moment we arrived and our overtired toddler was given a refreshing drink and
THE HOTEL’S WINDING PATHS MIRROR A TRADITIONAL CRETAN VILLAGE a sticker book, to her favourite buggy driver presenting her with little flowers every time he picked us up, family is very much the focus at the hotel. Looking around, many of the other guests were either expecting number two, like us, or had a baby with them. Seeing the line-up of Bugaboo Cameleons on the beach, and watching frazzled fathers pushing prams up and down the boardwalk quickly became the norm, to the extent that I occasionally wondered whether this was NCT-on-tour. Another big benefit for us was that other guests were happy to turn a blind eye to toddler tantrums, and rather than cast disapproving looks it was a conversation opener or prompted weary smiles. The hotel’s kids’ club is cool and friendly, with lots of activities and makes a nice change from being out in the sunshine every day. And the teenager’s chill-out zone, in a very cool warehouse building with computer games and pool tables, attracts more than a few fathers there to ‘pick up’ the kids. For families with babies, the hotel’s kitchens can provide freshly-made purées as well as sterilisers, Brevi baby monitors, and cots and high chairs. Without a doubt, our favourite thing about Domes of Elounda was the beach-
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 123
TRAVEL
Kate and Martha take a dip in one of the heated children’s pools
side restaurant, Topos 1910, where we went most days for an early lunch. We happily ate traditional Greek salads and seafood, gazing out to sea, while Martha played on the beach or pottered on the decking. The food was spectacular, far better than the main buffet restaurants, and there were fewer babies in high chairs – offering a more grown-up feel. Our days passed in a happy blur of sandcastle-building, swimming, visits to the spa for wonderful pregnancy massages, overdosing on Greek salads and trips to local tavernas and markets. We chose to use the hotel as a base, however lots of families
I chatted to were happy to stay put and alternate between the beach club and the children’s pools. Far from being an oxymoron, babymooning with our toddler was the loveliest way to spend a few days together as a threesome. At the time it sometimes felt like a lot of hard work, but looking back now, we have so many happy memories and are so glad we took it on. As long as you go with realistic expectations, having a toddler in tow can enhance a holiday, and add a lot of fun, but definitely means early nights for all! bl Rooms at Domes of Elounda, Crete, start from £120 per night for a sea view suite, including breakfast and taxes. domesofelounda.com
124 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
0844 482 2152 luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk Search for us socially
Have fun with your nearest and dearest, yet still have some grown-up time for yourselves. We offer our guests an unstuffy mix of elegant yet comfortable interiors, fantastic seasonal food, pampering spa treatments, extensive gardens and even a complimentary crèche. Bliss! The Ickworth, Suffolk / Fowey Hall, Cornwall / Moonfleet Manor, Dorset / Polurrian Bay, Cornwall Woolley Grange, Wiltshire / The Elms, Worcestershire / New Park Manor, Hampshire.
We use the finest organic ingredients in our follow on milk, which means no chemical pesticides and no GM ingredients: maybe that’s why 10 out of 10 mums who have changed to our milk say their babies seem happier.* We’ve been researching breastmilk for over 50 years, so you can rely on us to include the ingredients your baby needs from 6 months onwards to grow strong and healthy (like iron, vitamins A, C and D, and PRÆBIOTIK®).
Science and nature - hand in hand
For more information ask your healthcare professional or visit hipp.co.uk Important notice: Breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastmilk provides babies with the best source of nourishment. Infant formula l milks ilk and d follow f ll on milks ilk are intended i t d d to t be b used d when h babies b bi cannott be b breastfed. The decision to discontinue breastfeeding may be difficult to reverse and the introduction of partial bottle feeding may reduce breastmilk supply. The financial benefits of breastfeeding should be considered before bottle feeding is initiated. Failure to follow preparation instructions carefully may be harmful to a baby’s health. Infant formula and follow on milks should be used only on the advice of a healthcare professional. *99.8% of 515 mums using HiPP Organic who have changed from a different brand agreed either ‘strongly’ (62.5%) or ‘slightly’ (37.3%) with the statement ‘my baby seems happier’. Research conducted July 2013.
FOOD
Food
NEWS
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
SQUEEZE PLEASE
For those super organised mamas out there, these reusable squeezy pouches are the ultimate in homemade portable snacks. Fill with purées or smoothies and use over and over again. picklebeelimited.co.uk
TASTE SENSATIONS
Goodness Gracious serves up a new fabulous flavour to satisfy discerning young taste buds. The latest addition to this family of 100% organic purées blends mango, orange, coconut milk and brown rice. Packed full of fibre, it’s also free from any hidden salt, gluten, sugar or preservatives. goodnessgraciousfoods.com
BOTTLE IT There’ll be no more crying over spilt milk as feeding time can be quick, easy and completely stress-free with these super-sleek, ingenious formula-making machines.
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK
FANCY FITNESS
Research has shown that babies born to women who are fit and healthy are less likely to be obese in later life. So aiming for a healthy, active pregnancy is more important than ever. To help you along the way, fittamamma.com is a free fitness resource for expectant women with helpful info about safe exercise, nutritional guidance and general tips on how to be healthy during pregnancy. There’s quick and easy recipes for smoothies, snacks and mocktails for a guilt-free alternatives. You can also have a go at the trimester specific workouts – which makes a great excuse to buy some of the cool maternity fitness wear, too! fittamamma.com
Baby Brezza’s Formula Pro works with all types of formula brands and baby bottles to prepare the perfect feed. This chic machine heats water to body temperature and mixes it consistently, with no nasty lumps or bubbles. £159.99 | findmeagift.co.uk
Diluo can prepare infant formula or baby porridge in under 20 seconds, at the perfect temperature, with the correct ratio of ingredients. It self-cleans after every serving and you can control it from your smartphone with the Diluo app. £299 | mydiluo.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 127
Juicing
Journey
Rosemary Ferguson, TH E FOR M ER MODEL TU R N ED NATU ROPATHIC N UTRITIONIST, SHAR E S H ER THOUGHTS ON MOTH ER H OOD, JUICE AN D H E ALTHY E ATING
How did you end up focusing on food? I have always been interested in healing and self care. I think I focused on food because, for a start, I love it, and it seems obvious to me that food is the first port of call for taking care of yourself. Your grandmother owned one of the first health-food shops in the country. Did you learn a lot from her? Being surrounded by that sort of energy rubs off, and it becomes part of who you are. I know that it definitely made our whole family very receptive to, and big believers in, alternative medicine. And what is it about juice in particular? Juice is just a great vehicle for boosting your nutrition, and it’s very accessible for everyone. It is simple and easy to make, and a great addition to your daily routine. In a world where most food eaten is a variation on the colour beige, a juice is a step in the right direction. Has becoming a mother changed your perspective on food? Yes, definitely. I think you become much more
128 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
Use beetroot as a bright, attractive superfood for your tots
conscious when you are solely responsible for someone else’s food intake. It is a big responsibility. Another thing that changed was cooking. I started cooking properly when my first daughter was born and I love it – I love what you can do with food. And what food can do for you. Are your girls willing guinea pigs when it comes to trying out your juices and recipes? They try everything and they don’t hold back with their critique. But they actually eat really well, and are happy to experiment. When I was writing my book they would come home
FOOD
from school to glasses of juice lined up on the counter and they would try them all and give a thumbs up or down. Do they ever have treats? Oh, my poor children! I have always given them super healthy food, but when we go to a friend’s house they are in the snack cupboard straight away. It is embarrassing! We always laugh, but then I was the same as a child. They are children, though, and I know that no extreme is good. I want them to have a healthy relationship with food and themselves, so a bit of everything is ok: soul food, health food, happy food, body food, you need to feed all facets of life. Mothers-to-be need extra nutrients and are often coping with fatigue and stress in the run-up to the birth. What juices should they be making? There is an old adage that being pregnant isn’t an illness – and that is exactly right. Women I speak to feel empowered and energetic when they are pregnant, and often full of energy. I think juices of any sort are a good way of boosting nutrients. I would look at the stress juices especially, because it is true that pregnant women feel very pressured with the upcoming birth and need help relaxing. And what would you advise for new mothers who are dealing with serious sleep deprivation and low energy levels? Nourishing your adrenal glands and trying to keep your blood sugar balanced is key. Try to eat small and often, whether that is three meals and two healthy snacks or five small meals. Don’t let yourself get to the point of starving.
PHOTOGRAPHY: NASSIMA ROTHAKER
Boost your iron levels with plenty of green vegetables
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Are any of the juices adaptable to give to babies or toddlers? I think smoothies are great for toddlers. They are a brilliant way of getting kids involved with food and tastes. Including groundnuts and seeds would be good for protein and growing bones and bodies. And you could try to add more vegetables gradually as their taste buds develop. Any nutrition advice for new mothers? New mums may be low on nutrients, especially if they are breastfeeding. Iron can be a particular problem, so eating plenty of green vegetables such as spinach can be useful here. Increasing iron in the diet means more red blood cells and more oxygenation. If you’re not already a juicing convert, what do you need to get started? For smoothies, you need a blender – you can use a hand blender, Nutribullet, Vitamix etc. For juices, you need a juicer, and you can get masticating juicers that crush the juice from the fruit and vegetables or you can get centrifugal juicers that whizz the juice out. The most common is the latter and it is important to get one with a fast motor, the higher the power the better.
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Juices are a quick and easy way to rejuvenate yourself after exercise
CLEAN AND STRENGTHEN
CRYSTAL CLEAR
MAKES 1
MAKES 1
BE NE FITS
BE NE FITS
Great for skin and hair, the B vitamins in the greens help detoxify the body and build healthy glossy hair. Beautiful skin is boosted by the oranges, which are high in vitamin C – essential for collagen repair. The vitamin A in the carrots helps strengthen the skin tissue.
Rosemary is renowned for helping memory and concentration while the sage will help balance your hormones.
INGRE DIE NTS
Small handful of coriander Handful of kale Handful of watercress 2 carrots Juice of 2 oranges
INGRE DIE NTS
¼ pineapple 2 beetroots 2 stalks of celery 6 radishes 1 tsp rosemary leaves 1 tsp thyme leaves 6 sage leaves METHOD
METHOD
Pass all the ingredients through the juicer. You can juice the oranges in the juicer, or by using a citrus press, or squeezing by hand.
Peel the pineapple and then pass with all the other ingredients through the juicer, wrapping the rosemary and thyme into the sage leaves, otherwise they will get lost in the juicer.
RAINBOW JUICE MAKES 1 BE NE FITS
This is multivitamins in a glass! It contains all the colours of the rainbow, so you are getting a whole spectrum of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals – all necessary to heal and repair the body. The live enzymes in the blue green algae, plus the B12, will leave you feeling totally regenerated after your yoga class. INGRE DIE NTS
½ beetroot 1 carrot Handful of spinach 5 strawberries 10 blueberries Juice of ½ lemon 2 tsp blue green algae METHOD
Pass all the ingredients, except the blue green algae, through the juicer, juicing the lemon through the juicer, or by using a citrus press, or squeezing by hand. Then you can stir in the blue green algae at the end. Enjoy!
130 | SEP/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
For more fabulous juice recipe inspiration look out for Juice by Rosemary Ferguson (£15.99, Ebury Press). Visit rosemary ferguson.co.uk
FOOD
DESIGN YOUR DIET FOOD FOR TH OUGHT DU RING AN D AF TER PR EGNANC Y FROM N UTRITIONAL TH ER APIST Gabriela Peacock
f you’re pregnant, or have just given birth, you will already know how important nutrition is for both yourself and your baby. Nutritional therapist Gabriela Peacock has worked with many celebrities to maintain a healthy diet throughout pregnancy and beyond. So why not make like Katherine Jenkins, and follow Gabriela Peacock’s advice on what to eat throughout your pregnancy, and how to shift the extra pounds afterwards?
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gpnutrition.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is a must while pregnant
During your pregnancy
After your pregnancy
• Include wholegrain carbohydrates in every meal. Choose slow release varieties such as porridge oats, rye bread and pearl barley. They help you feel fuller for longer and provide energy when levels are flagging.
• Fried and sugary foods should be limited to a minimum by mothers who are breastfeeding and have gained excess weight during pregnancy. Avoid eating cakes, biscuits, ice cream and fizzy drinks.
• Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are some of the best foods to eat while you’re pregnant because the omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the development of a healthy brain and nervous system in your baby.
• Eat alkaline rich foods to boost your nutrient and energy levels. Asparagus, avocados, beetroot and broccoli are just four of a long list. Avocados are a particularly nutrient dense choice, rich in vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium and folate, leafy greens are a must. Folate is necessary for the production of new DNA and new cells, making it incredibly important as folate allows the foetus to engage in constant cell division, and ensures the mother can expand her blood supply with the production of new red blood cells.
• Eggs are a complete protein source combined which will help to keep you fuller for longer. Studies have shown that eating eggs for breakfast, rather than a breakfast consisting solely of carbohydrates, reduces cravings for snacks during the day. Great for breastfeeding mothers as the choline in eggs is essential for brain development.
• Snack sensibly and regularly. Nuts, seeds, fresh fruit and natural yoghurt are great. Limit refined sugars, artificial sweeteners and nonorganic dairy or meats. Avoid the following foods during pregnancy: non-pasteurised dairy products, soft cheese, undercooked or processed meats and poultry, and undercooked eggs.
• Boost your energy as a new mum with iron-rich foods like lean beef. A lack of iron can drain your energy levels, making it hard for you to keep up with the demands of a newborn baby. Breastfeeding mums need extra protein and vitamin B12. Lean beef is an excellent source of both, as are legumes, beans, and leafy greens.
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FOOD
Highchair
HITS
Annabel Karmel RUSTLE S U P SOM E DELICIOUS DISH E S FOR LIT TLE MOUTH S
ibs at the ready! It’s easy to rely on similar dishes when preparing food for your little ones. Introducing them to different flavours, colours and textures will encourage them to have a good relationship with a variety of foods as they continue to develop. Mealtimes should be a fun experience (if not a little messy!), and those first foods can kick-start a love of good food. So whether you’re making the first steps on your weaning journey or getting to grips with finger foods, the queen of weaning Annabel Karmel shares her nutritious highchair favourites for your babies and toddlers. For more recipe inspiration download Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding Your Baby & Toddler app. Access more than 220 delicious recipes, as well as a host of features to keep your family on track and enjoying mealtimes. Download the new version from the App Store now (£3.99) or visit annabelkarmel.com
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FOOD
STRAWBERRY AND BANANA PURÉE SUITABLE FROM 6 MONTHS • MAKES 2 PORTIONS INGRE DIE NTS
150g strawberries, hulled and halved 2 small bananas, peeled and sliced 2 tbsp apple juice METHOD
• Measure all of the ingredients into a jug. • Blend until smooth using a hand blender.
CHICKEN, CHEESE AND TOMATO ON TOAST SUITABLE FROM 12 MONTHS • MAKES 8 FINGE RS INGRE DIE NTS
2 slices of wholemeal bread A knob of butter 50g cooked chicken, chopped 20g cheddar cheese, grated 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives 1 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tomato, deseeded and diced METHOD
• Preheat the grill. • Toast the bread in a toaster then butter one side and place it on a baking tray. • Mix the chicken, cheddar, chives, mayonnaise and tomato together and spread on top of the toast. • Grill until bubbling. Remove the crusts, then slice each toast into four strips.
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FOOD SWEET POTATO, SALMON AND TOMATO MASH SUITABLE FROM 6 MONTHS AS A PURÉ E OR FROM AROUND 7 OR 8 MONTHS MASHED • MAKES 4 PORTIONS INGRE DIE NTS
350g sweet potato, peeled and chopped 100g salmon fillet 4 tbsp milk 25g Parmesan cheese, grated 2 tomatoes, skinned and chopped 1 tbsp basil, chopped METHOD
• Cook the sweet potato in boiling water or steam for about 10 to 12 minutes or until soft, then drain and mash. • Put the salmon into a bowl, add the milk and cover with cling film. Make a few holes in the cling film and cook in the microwave for 1 ½ minutes until it is cooked through. • Flake into the mash and add the cheese, tomatoes and basil. Stir over the heat until the cheese has melted. You can mash again if your baby can’t yet cope with bigger lumps.
CHICKEN WITH COUSCOUS SUITABLE FROM 9 MONTHS • MAKES 4 PORTIONS INGRE DIE NTS
15g butter 25g chopped onion 25g frozen peas 175ml chicken stock 65g quick-cooking couscous 50g diced cooked chicken METHOD
• Start by melting the butter in a saucepan and sauté the chopped onion until softened but not coloured. • Stir in the peas, pour over the stock, bring to the boil and cook for 3 minutes. • Stir in the couscous, remove from the heat, cover and set aside for 6 minutes. • Fluff the couscous with a fork and mix in the diced chicken. Serve and enjoy!
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The must-have family Cooking app Filled with delicious recipes for the whole family to enjoy and a fun interactive cookery course for children, Annabel’s app is the ultimate kitchen staple. Download from the app store www.annabelkarmel.com
HAPPY & healthy IN SPIR E CHILDR EN TO ENJOY FRUIT AN D VEGE TABLE S BY GE T TING TH EM TO E XPLOR E TH E FOOD AROU N D TH EM e all know a fussy eater, many of us even have one under our roof, so it’s no surprise that a recent survey shows that 52 children in every 100 don’t eat any vegetables, and 44 in 100 have no fruit on a daily basis. What we’re eating is a big issue, with one in three children in the UK classed as obese or overweight, a figure which has trebled in the last 25 years. In response to the latest figures, baby and toddler food brand Organix has fought back with its latest healthy-eating campaign. As your baby grows into a toddler, it’s a time of rapid change and development, in particular it’s when diet habits and eating preferences start to form. That’s why Organix is launching its #LoveGoodFood campaign, designed to help toddlers love good food in the early years, so they grow up to be healthy, little food explorers. With the help of children’s food expert, and founder and author of Mange Tout Lucy Thomas, plus registered dietitian Dr Frankie Phillips, Organix has curated the Little Book of Good Food especially for the campaign. Aimed at toddlers and families, it’s packed with advice for parents on providing a healthy diet for little ones as they continue their exciting journey with food.
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Toddlers need nutritious foods to promote healthy growth. According to Dr Frankie Phillips, nutrition advisor to Organix, encouraging and starting to make healthier food choices in the toddler years will make it much easier for children to eat a good balance of foods later on. So what does a healthy diet for very young children look like? And what’s the right portion size? Dr Frankie Phillips suggests that you follow these tips: • Regular healthy meals and snacks – toddlers need to snack as their tummies aren’t big enough to take on board enough energy and nutrients from just three meals a day. • Plenty of choice and balance – a varied diet containing a selection of foods will provide the essential nutrients they need. • Each day aim for five portions of starchy
foods, five portions of fruit and vegetables, three portions of dairy foods and two portions of meat, fish, eggs, nuts and pulses (increase to three portions if vegetarian). • Lots of tastes from a range of fruit and vegetables. • Different colours, tastes and textures to add interest and nutritional variety to a child’s diet. • ‘Me-sized’ portions. There’s no such thing as an ideal portion size for all children, as size, growth and physical levels vary. • Not adding extra sugar or salt – too much salt isn’t good for a toddler’s kidneys and sugary food encourages a sweet tooth and can cause tooth decay. • Plenty of water and enough healthy drinks to keep them well-hydrated.
PHOTOGRAPHY: BARBARA EVRIPIDOU
Download your free copy of The Organix Little Book of Good Food from organix.com/ lovegoodfood or check out the short videos on YouTube by using #lovegoodfood.
Healthy eating for toddlers
DEVELOPMENT
Encouraging little ones to enjoy fruit and vegetables Just when you think you know what your toddler likes to eat, and you are confident they are eating a healthy, balanced diet, your little one’s growing independence with food means they might suddenly refuse to eat at mealtimes or become fussy. Inspiring children to enjoy fruit and vegetables is Lucy Thomas’ passion. As author and founder of Mange Tout, her methods have been recommended by a number
of experts including nutritionists from Great Ormond Street Hospital. Lucy says, “Toddlers are naturally curious, so encouraging them to learn about the colours, shapes, smells and textures of a variety of fruit and vegetables in a fun environment – and away from mealtime – can really help get them excited about food. “As parents we tend to think about food as simply eating, but we forget the pleasure that children can get from peeling their own banana; encourage this and reap the rewards!”
LUCY’S TOP TIPS
1 2 3 4 5
Encourage a wider interest in food, without asking them to eat or taste anything. Get them to smell, kiss, lick or crunch. You can show your child how to smell strawberries and lick one to feel the bumpiness of the seeds on the outside. Give them lots of opportunities to touch and handle fresh fruit and vegetables, whether out shopping, at home cooking or even growing food. This will help them be more relaxed and interested in food. Get a little messy – let your little one squash a tomato or squeeze an orange while you are cooking. If they feel comfortable handling a food they are more likely to want to eat it. Let your child explore the wonderfully different textures of foods by juicing, blending, grating or mashing foods with your help. Explore vegetables raw as well as cooked, it’s a great way to overcome a dislike of a vegetable. For example, small crunchy florets of cauliflower for dipping are delicious – and taste very different to cooked cauliflower.
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babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 139
EDUCATION
Education
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP
Researching schools
NEWS
EVERY THING YOU N EED TO KN OW IN AN D OUT OF TH E CL ASSROOM
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK *JOLANTA LASOTA, CEO OF AMBITIOUS ABOUT AUTISM
OPEN DAYS
PHILEAS FOX NURSERY
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.
EATON SQUARE NURSERIES
ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW!
9.30am to 11am, 18 November
AMBITION FOR AUTISM
ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL – NURSERY
The NHS is improving the care of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in the UK, with the ‘Transforming Care for People with Learning Disabilities’ programme. There will be more proactive care, a greater sense of empowerment – such as the expansion of personal budgets – and reassurance that people will have access to educational and leisure services, all of which Jolanta Lasota, CEO of Ambitious about Autism, believes are vital.
Visit chelseamagazines. com/independent-schoolparent or call 020 7349 3700. The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.
Belgravia, 9 November Knightsbridge, 15 October Pimlico, 5 November
EATON SQUARE SCHOOL 12 November
LYCEUM SCHOOL First Tuesday of every month at 9.30am
SINCLAIR HOUSE SCHOOL – MONTESSORI NURSERY 9.30am to 11am, 25 September
RAVENSTONE PREPREPARATORY SCHOOL
8 October, 5 November, 26 November
ST CATHERINE’S BRAMLEY 18 September, 7 October, 10 November
Opening autumn 2015, Phileas Fox Multilingual Nursery combines traditional British early education with the learning of modern languages from a young age. Taking its name from the globe-trotting hero from Around the World in 80 Days, the nursery endorses multicultural exploration as a vital aspect of child development, alongside Montessori principles. Situated on Paddington Green, it welcomes children aged from two to five and there’s also a Baby Club (six months to two years). phileasfoxnursery.com
ONE IN A HUNDRED PEOPLE IN THE UK HAVE AUTISM, SO IT IS CRUCIAL THAT WE UNDERSTAND THAT WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT, PLANNING AND OPPORTUNITIES, MANY PEOPLE WITH AUTISM HAVE THE ABILITY TO LEAD A FULFILLING LIFE*.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 141
EDUCATION
S M U I CA L moments
Susannah Warren INVE STIGATE S MUSIC FOR BABIE S
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EDUCATION
Miaomiao Yu,
founder of Bac
h to Baby
obody puts Baby in a corner – certainly not at a Bach to Baby concert, where little ones are given the unlikely opportunity to experience topquality, classical music concerts in spectacular venues alongside their parents or carers. “We don’t dumb down the music just because it’s for babies. It’s for people. It’s about giving everyone the opportunity to hear, to feel, however young,” explains Miaomiao Yu, the founder of the critically acclaimed series. A concert pianist herself, Miaomiao came up with the idea after having her first child. “I was leaving my baby in the green room while I went and performed for other people and that was just a bit unfair really,” she explains. “And when I had to go to all these baby classes I felt like I needed something that was really good.” After a trial run with her baby group mums, she put on her first concert in 2011, which attracted a huge crowd. “We realised people wanted it and so we got down to work.” Today, there are more than 30 Bach to Baby concerts a month across London and the South East, including a monthly concert series at Buckingham Palace. With varying themes, the hour-long concerts offer a carefully thought out programme of chamber music with featured instruments that caters not only to young babies – the youngest audience member to date is just three days old – but also to professional musicians looking for some topquality classical entertainment. “We choose contrasting pieces and change the pace [to suit our audience]. Our performers make the concerts. There may be a performer whose skill is drawing in the audience with a quiet performance. Then there are those that let rip and everyone starts clapping and stamping, things you wouldn’t normally see at a regular classical concert.”
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EDUCATION
MUSICAL CDS 50 Classics For Babies £7.29, amazon.co.uk
Although there are moments when the organisers ask for quiet, babies and toddlers are given the freedom to react to the music in whichever way they want. And more often than not, they are full of surprises, proving the wonder and joy of the experience.
Indeed, she is a firm believer in the power of music to help children develop, “It’s like language, isn’t it? Language is complex, but we still talk to children. Music may be complex, but you put it in front of them and the synapses in the brain fire up and connections are made. The mind works in mysterious ways.” At the end of the concerts, the audience can make requests, be it a favourite nursery rhyme or even something popular like Disney’s bestselling Let It Go. Babies and toddlers can interact with the instruments and experiment with plucking strings, familiarising themselves with classical instruments. Miaomiao continues, “It’s really about everyone coming together and gathering around the musicians and emphasising that music-making is really a part of the human experience. And about having fun together.”
MUSIC MAY BE COMPLEX, BUT IF YOU PUT IT IN FRONT OF BABIES THE SYNAPSES IN THE BRAIN FIRE UP “Sometimes people think children can’t sit still and listen to music. What’s the point? [they think]” says Miaomiao. “But you can hear the hush at the beginning of the concert. It’s not about them concentrating like an adult for a whole hour. If you can give them that one moment, that one special moment that they can remember, that they can catch on to, that’s going to open the door for them.”
If classical music isn’t your thing, though, Monkey Music offers an entirely different experience, but one that is equally fun and educational. The classes cater for babies from three months to four years old, and follow a progressive curriculum that takes into account a child’s development. “What we do for the tinies at ‘rock ’n’ roll’ [up to age one] is quite different from what we do for the two year olds in ‘jiggety-jigs’,” explains Jeni Eastlake, who runs Monkey Music in Putney, Barnes and Fulham. “There’s a real progression through the classes: socially, musically, and creatively. If you envelop them in this wonderful musical environment, it paves the way for all sorts of development.” With younger babies, the main focus is on the beat of the music and the relationship between the parent or carer and child. “When they start at three months, they begin to turn towards a sound and start to vocalise and become interested in the world around them,”
My First Orchestra Book £9.99, naxosdirect.co.uk
Bach to Baby: Miniatures £10, bachtobaby.com
MUSICAL APPS Classical Music for Babies Free on the App Store
Music Color Lite Flashcards Free on the App Store
My Baby Piano Free on the App Store
Baby’s Music Box Free on the App Store
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 145
says Jeni. “It’s all about enjoying the music and sharing the music with lots of cuddling and swaying to the music to feel the steady pulse.” The pulse is the foundation to all Monkey Music classes. “We’ve all got rhythm as we’ve all got that steady pulse inside us,” says Jeni. “When babies are in tummies they’re surrounded by the womb sounds and heartbeat. I like to think we’re reinforcing that, and instead of having to relearn it as a child, it’s just something they’ll always know. It gives them a rhythm to life and it helps with language, dancing, playing instruments… If you can feel that pulse you’ve got a headstart.” By six months, they are imitating sounds. “We play music and join in with it to help
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develop their language.” Jeni continues, “We open up their sound vocabulary and try and get them to make lots of sounds. The noise of a train, for example.” Repetition and structure help children learn and the weekly classes have regular songs, as well as a regular ‘time to move’ and ‘time to play,’ when age-appropriate instruments come out. “The children know what sort of activity is coming next and that way they feel comfortable with what is happening and they start hearing oral cues, which helps them when they start school,” says Jeni. But it’s not just the children that benefit. As well as being a great bonding experience with your little one, it’s also a great way to meet new friends. “When your world’s been turned upside down, to go along every week and have this nurturing environment with the same people at the same stage and have some time out to be with your baby and not worry about all the other stuff, is so important.” And in addition to going out to classes and concerts, including music in your everyday routine with your baby is easy to do. Whether it is playing baby-friendly music at home or in the car, or singing nursery rhymes together at bedtime or in the bath, music can help to strengthen the bond between a parent and child, with the added benefit of developing those little brains. bl bachtobaby.com | monkeymusic.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEJANDRO TAMANGO, JACK WOODHOUSE, MONKEY MUSIC, ISTOCK
EDUCATION
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RUNNING HEAD
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Learning the
FUN WAY
LE T CHILDR EN ’S IMAGINATION S TH RIVE BY BUILDING ON PL AY SAYS Maggie Bolger, CO -FOU N DER OF MAGGIE & ROSE
t’s a known fact that children learn best through play. Theorists and philosophers agree on this and it is core to our curriculum at our Maggie & Rose nurseries, classes and camps. Every parent is aware of the EYFS – the programme that all schools and early years Ofsted-registered providers must follow. We believe it is what you ‘add on’ to these base standards that can make a huge difference to how your child develops in the early stages of development, influencing how your child grows emotionally, intellectually and physically throughout their school life and beyond. Over the past few years there has been more and more of a push for children to start being academically minded at a much younger age. However, early years providers are generally reversing on this trend now, instead focusing on reigniting the passion for fun.
PHOTOGRAPHY: MAGGIE & ROSE
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The theory of ‘learning through play’ is widely acknowledged these days, yet what exactly counts as play? Is it letting your child run screaming around the garden pretending a dinosaur is eating him? Or is it building a LEGO Taj Mahal? Well, I think it’s both. A child who is allowed an abundance of free-flow playtime thrives in their learning. Of course every child does need the routine and structure of being involved in groupled activities, however it is the freedom of allowing them to choose to play as they wish which will be of greatest benefit. Within our nurseries, we have a number of set groupled sessions where the children participate together. In between these, it is all about free-flow play. In our Chiswick nursery the main space is set up like a mini village green, complete with library, grocery store and barn, allowing the maximum level of inspiration possible – where imaginations can thrive. Play promotes emotional wellbeing and builds confidence, actively motivating children to learn new things without the need to attain an end goal. Even for the child escaping the clutches of a dinosaur, they are expanding on their imagination and creating their own world
Let toddlers get a little messy and imagination will thrive
of problem solving, building up a formidable knowledge of the world around them. Learning is fun and children are born to learn – the appeal is lost if they are forced into having the control taken away from them in every action. Old-fashioned fun is our preferred choice of activities for developing dexterity. Forget the iPads full of numerous games (save that for emergencies on long trips!) and instead curl up together turning the pages of a book; ignite the senses with mud-pie making and erupting volcanoes in the garden. Imagination is a big part of childhood; Maggie & Rose harness the power of this with our favourite ‘Make and Make Believe’ classes. Practise skills together that will take them through their lifetime, leaving the structured flash cards for another period of their lives. Early childhood is precious and mustn’t be eroded by too stringent a focus on formal ‘academic’ learning – it’s counterproductive and risks making children much less happy and effective learners in later school years. Nurture their needs and follow their direction as much as you can – you’re all bound to have a much more enjoyable journey together. bl maggieandrose.com
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EDUCATION
MEET THE HEAD How long have you been working at Sinclair House school? I joined as a teacher 15 years ago and I have been head of the school for 10 years. How would you describe the ethos of your school? Sinclair House School celebrates each individual’s unique achievements. Academic progress is supported through child-centred learning, allowing pupils to fulfil their potential, at their own pace. An emphasis on emotional and social development alongside academic success ensures that every child feels supported, confident and above all happy. What is the school’s history? The school opened in the heart of Fulham in 1989 as a small coeducational nursery and pre-prep, offering a warm environment with a strong tradition of academic success at the Seven Plus stage. Since then, the Montessori Nursery has expanded and now encompasses two sites in Fulham, each with outside garden space. In September 2013, we opened
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CARLOTTA TM O’SULLIVAN SINCLAIR HOUSE SCHOOL
We talk to the headteacher of the Fulham-based school the new premises on Fulham High Street and now take children from four to 13. The new building offers enhanced facilities including a large multi-purpose hall, an art studio, science lab, and ICT suite. This year has seen further development with the opening of an additional 5,000 square feet of covered space, for all-weather sports facilities and a gardening area, alongside new practice and music rooms.
How do you ensure every pupil achieves their full potential? We place emphasis on value-led teaching with individual attention and support, and provide a consistent gradient of learning from the Early Years through to 11+ and 13+ Common Entrance exams. Small class sizes help to develop each child’s personal learning style and interests. What’s the atmosphere of the school like? It is a motivational learning environment which is dynamic and challenging, but also enabling and facilitative. We also have charity, community and pastoral events which help to prepare pupils for life beyond SHS.
What kind of feedback do you receive from parents and pupils? Our feedback from parents is consistently positive, reflecting the strong and supportive relationships between our staff, parents and pupils. Parents tell us that they feel that their children are well looked after, feel safe, and are happy. Parents are part of our community and are involved through our fantastic PTA. Also, we encourage communication through our newsletter, survey and Open Morning session. Where do you see Sinclair House School in the future? This autumn term will see the first two-form entry up to Year Two in our prep school. Recent demand indicates that this growth in pupil numbers will continue up the school, but we will keep a ratio of 16 children per class. I want to lead future development in the same vein as I have in the past, with commitment to maintaining the special culture of our school, and the unique values that drive that culture. bl sinclairhouseschool.co.uk
St Benedict’s, Ealing Independent Catholic Day School Teaching a way of living Co-education from 3 years through to 18
OPEN MORNINGS
• Full time day care from 8 months to 5 years
NURSERY: 8 October, 5 and 26 November JUNIORS: 17 September, 3 October SENIORS: 15 September, 3 and 15 October
• Open 7.30am - 6.30pm • Montessori Teaching from 2 ½ years • Flexible childcare options • Fantastic Outdoor garden space
‘Outstanding’ Diocese of Westminster Inspection Report (Sept 2013) SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES IN THE SENIOR SCHOOL To book a place at an Open Event or for more information please contact:
T: 020 8862 2254 E: enquiries@stbenedicts.org.uk W: www.stbenedicts.org.uk We respect the dignity of all and welcome children of other faiths.
WEE ONES DAY NURSERY 4 St Ann’s Crescent, Wandsworth SW18 2LR T: +44(0) 208 870 7729 E: enquiries@wee-ones.co.uk www.wee-ones.co.uk
• Good daily balance of play, learning and social interaction • Exciting afternoon activities for 2 ½ years +, including Spanish, Drama and Sports Please speak to our Registrar, Phillipa Straker Nesbit, to find out more about the childcare we provide.
Independent Day School for Girls from 4 -18 years Queen’s Gate School offers girls a friendly, supportive environment, where individuality is nurtured, academic standards are high and where a broad based curriculum ensures a well rounded education. For a prospectus, or to make a private visit to the School, please contact the Registrar Miss Janette Micklewright, on 020 7594 4982 or email, registrar@queensgate.org.uk Queen’s Gate Junior School 125-126 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5LJ
Queen’s Gate Senior School 131-133 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5LE
www.queensgate.org.uk babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 151
Mr Brennan welcomes you to The Hampshire School
For For boys boys aged aged 33 to to 8 8 years years old old For boys aged 3 to 8 years old For boys aged 3Street to 8 years old 27 Edge
Now enrolling
Limited places available For a school tour please contact Miss Ollie o.baskett@ghs.gemsedu.co.uk
The Hampshire School C H E L S E A EARLY YEARS, PRE-PREPARATORY & PREPARATORY
Building confidence & character since 1928
15 Manresa Road, London. SW3 6NB
Tel: 020 7352 7077
www.ths.westminster.sch.uk
Phileas Fox Nursery School offers a unique learning experience for children aged two to five, specialising in Early Years bilingual education. We are distinctive in offering traditional British Early Years and Montessori programmes with a choice of learning either Chinese or Russian language and culture simultaneously. Other languages can be added to the curriculum based on demand. We provide a happy medium between teaching the children academically and holistically through bilingual education, in a playful, fun, caring and educational environment. We offer excellent standard of daily care and education, a nurturing and safe setting with beautiful premises and vast outdoor areas. Bilingual Baby Club from 6 months Afternoon Activity Club from 2 years
OPENING SEPTEMBER 2015 PLACES STILL AVAILABLE. T: 020 7164 6018 E: enquiries@phileasfoxnursery.com W: www.phileasfoxnursery.com St Mary’s Square, London, W2 1SE
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27 Edge Street Kensington, London 7PN 27 Edge StreetW8 Kensington, London W8 7PN Tel: 020London 7727 9090 Kensington, W8 7PN Tel: 7727 9090 27020 Edge Street Fax: 020 7727 9090 9988 Tel: 020 7727 Fax: 020London 7727 9988 Kensington, W8 7PN Fax: 020 7727 9988 Tel: 020 7727 9090 Fax: 020 7727 9988
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LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk
BUSH THEATRE 7 Uxbridge Road, London W12 8LJ 020 8743 5050 storystock.co.uk
This is the ultimate event for new and expectant parents in the South East – and Baby London will be there! As well as many experts and over 150 top baby brands, there is free parking, bump and babyfriendly facilities and it’s easy to get to from London. Admission: adult £10, grandparents £7, child free. Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. Friday: 10am to 4pm. Weekend: 10am to 5pm.
The London Transport Museum’s new play zone invites kids to get in the driver’s seat of a bus, sail the Thames Nipper, fly the Emirates Air Line and much more. Plus babies and toddlers will love Baby DLR. Admission: children go free. Adults pay £16 for unlimited admission for a year. Saturday to Thursday: 10am to 6pm. Fridays: 11am to 6pm.
Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell is headlining this travelling story circus next half term. There’s live storytelling with the likes of Blue Kangaroo and other much-loved characters, workshops and a host of authors. Admission: prices vary. Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October. Doors open at 9am, but see website for specific event timings.
Bach to Baby Magyar Magic Family Concert ST PAUL’S CHURCH Covent Garden, Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED bachtobaby.com/tickets Families with under-fives are invited to a concert of folk rhythms from Central Europe, with Adam Römer, principal viola of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and the Folktone Banda. Inspiration from Bartók to Brahms. Admission: £10. Children go free. Reduction available for multiple seat bookings online. Saturday 5 September, 11am to 12pm. Doors open at 10.30am.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 153
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND
ZSL London Zoo
Breaking the Ice
Countryside Live
Jungle Jukebox at ZSL
UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com
WALTHAMSTOW AND LEYTON Marshes, Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL 0845 6770600 visitleevalley.org.uk
LONDON ZOO ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY 0207 449 6236 zsl.org
Join Team Polar Bear or Team Husky and watch as the animals learn to play together. Admission: £15 for one child and an adult. Wednesday 2 September to Sunday 4 October. Times vary, see website for details.
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort LEGOLAND Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY 0845 373 2640 legoland.co.uk Expect a mix of fun fancy dress, activities and entertainments with guest appearances from Lord Vampyre and Frankie, the friendly monster. Plus, lots of LEGO building and fireworks on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Admission: in advance online, adults from £36.90, child from £33.75 and under-threes go free. Saturday 17 October to Sunday 2 November.
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Enjoy arena displays, falconry, sheep dogs and ferret racing. Try corn dolly making and identifying mini-beasts. And there will be animals galore. Admission: £5 for one day pass or £7 for two; children go free. Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 10am to 5pm.
Dinosaurs Weekend DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk Play at being an archaeologist in a sandpit, dress up with dinosaur friends, make a skeleton fossil and enjoy dinosaur-themed storytelling. Admission: children and adults pay £5, Newham residents £4.50 and under-twos go free. Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 11am to 5pm. Storytelling session at 2.30pm.
Jungle Jukebox is a brand new daily show in the zoo’s amphitheatre, packed full of sing-alongs, dancing and puppetry displays. Admission: free with a standard zoo ticket. Children £16.65, adults £22.50 and under-threes go free. Runs until Sunday 6 September. Performances at 11am and 2pm.
LEGO Brick Animals at WWT London Wetland Centre WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, London SW13 9WT 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk Giant LEGO brick sculptures, including a giant otter, will form an inspiring nature trail. Admission: included in standard entry, adult £12.75 (including Gift Aid), child £7, under-fours go free. Runs from Saturday 3 October to Sunday 8 November.
Junior Farmers’ Market
Mum + Baby Bootcamp
SALUSBURY ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL Salusbury Road, London NW6 6RG lfm.org.uk
SLICE STUDIOS 11 Heathman’s Road, London SW6 4TJ 020 7186 6007 slicestudios.co.uk
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the farmers’ market with seed sowing, junior diggers, face painting, cake decorating, live music, and mini market stalls. Admission: free, small charge for certain activities. Sunday 20 September, 10am to 2pm.
Mum + Baby Bootcamp is an all-round workout including fat-burning, core-conditioning, toning and stretching. The class usually runs outside. Bring baby or book the on-site crèche. Admission: free for members or £12 for non-members. Classes run between 10.40am and 11.25am on Thursdays.
OUT AND ABOUT
Ratatouille hits the stage Simon Webbe in The Three Little Pigs
Shaun in the City
Ratatouille Live in Concert
See London’s sites
Sightseeing Cruise
The Baby Show
The Great River Race
WESTMINSTER, LONDON EYE, TOWER AND GREENWICH 020 7740 0400 citycruises.com
OLYMPIA Kensington, London W14 8UX 0871 231 0844 thebabyshow.co.uk
BEST VIEWING POINTS: RICHMOND BRIDGE AND ALONG THE SOUTH BANK greatriverrace.co.uk
Children can experience their first orchestral performance while watching one of the most acclaimed Disney family films, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Admission: from £22.90 to £68.80. Under-fours go free. Wednesday 28 October, 2pm and 6pm.
Jump on the River Red Rover to see London’s iconic sites up close. Stopping at Westminster, the London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich, you can hop on and off wherever you choose. Admission: adult £16.20, child £8.10, under-fours go free. Cruises depart every 30 minutes daily.
Shaun in the City
16 Singers
Professor Robert Winston, Annabel Karmel and baby sleep guru Jo Tantum are among the many experts who will be on hand to share their wisdom. There are classes, drop-in sessions and plenty of shopping opportunities. Admission: standard door price is £20, plus online reductions. Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October, 10am to 5.30pm.
The Great River Race is a spectacular boat race up the Thames that attracts over 300 international crews and appeals to every level of competitor from those who enjoy fun, fancy dress and charity stunts, to serious sportspeople. Admission: free. Saturday 12 September. Starts in the Docklands in the morning and finishes in Richmond in the afternoon.
ALL AROUND COVENT GARDEN grandappeal.org.uk
LONDON Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 watermans.org.uk
The Big Draw
The Three Little Pigs
VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS LONDON AND NATIONWIDE thebigdraw.org
PALACE THEATRE Cambridge Circus, London W1D 5AY 0844 482 9676 nimaxtheatres.com
ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com
This year London hosted the charity sculpture trail of 50 individually-designed sculptures of Aardman Animation’s Shaun the Sheep and 70 more have since been on show in Bristol. Now all 120 go on display in Covent Garden, before they are auctioned off in aid of Bristol Children’s Hospital charity. Admission: free. From Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September.
Created by director Katherine Morley, for babies up to 18 months, 16 Singers captures imaginations using breath, rhythm, movement, song, and an intricate, moving set. Admission: £12 for one adult with one baby. Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 October. Performance times vary, see website for details.
The Big Draw is the largest drawing festival in the world and is run by the Campaign For Drawing in 20 countries. Activities vary and involve anything from painting to crafting makeshift houses out of cardboard boxes. Admission: mostly free, but check website for details. Runs throughout October.
Discover how the three little pigs become world-renowned celebrity superstars in this musical reinvention of a classic tale. Simon Webbe stars in this West End production. Admission: from £15 to £29.50. Runs until Sunday 6 September. Performance times vary, see website for details.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 155
Expert Advice Workshops | Baby Feeding Area & Baby Changing Area | Free Baby Carrier Trial
FREE PARKING
25–27 September Amazing shopping and expert advice for new and expectant parents to give their baby the best start Over 150 of the finest brands to compare, try & buy plus 100s of unique, handy products not found on the high street
FREE GOODYBA G FO R EVERY MU M-TO-BE AND NEW MUM
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Save 30% on tickets Adult tickets £7, quote BTS31 at babyandtoddlershow.co.uk Offer closes 24 September. Standard adult ticket £10, VIP tickets package £45 and discount does not apply, child tickets free. Booking fees not included. Show content subject to change.
OUT AND ABOUT
Chessington Zoo
1 YE AR F OR
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THE STYLISH MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS IN THE CAPITAL
CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE 0871 663 4477 chessington.com Kids will love the new Dreamworks’ show, Penguins of Madagascar Live: Operation Cheezy Dibbles, and there’s a newly themed Penguins of Madagascar ride, too. Then see real-life Humboldt penguins frolic in a brand new enclosure. Admission: from £27. Children under 90cm go free. Open daily from 10am.
Totally Thames VENUES ALONG LONDON’S RIVER THAMES totallythames.org September sees the Thames come to life with plenty for kids to do. The 30-day programme of events includes arts, music, colourful regattas, river races, environmental and educational activities. Runs throughout September. Check the website for full listing details.
Turtle Fest
Little London guides you through the next stage of the adventure that is childhood – from nursery, first trips away from home and the most exciting activities and events in and around the capital, to the hottest holidays, coolest kidswear and interiors ideas. PLUS expert advice on your child’s health and education.
SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB 0871 663 1678 sealife.co.uk/london
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Watch resident rare Green Sea turtles in the Ocean Reef, as well as crafts and competitions. Admission: adult from £18.36, child from £13.52. The first 50 children dressed as a turtle every Saturday get free entry. Saturday 3 to Friday 23 October. Open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
KIDS SUNGLASSES
Under Foot STRATFORD CIRCUS ARTS CENTRE Theatre Square, Stratford London E15 1BX 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com An interactive sound and movement performance exploring different surfaces, textures and sensations through movement, dance and play. Admission: £8.50, or £6.50 for Newham residents. Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October. See website.
£20 SUNGLASSES AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST
The Year of the Penguin at Chessington
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babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 157
Groups & Classes
ACTIVITIES
LOCAL AC TIVITIE S FOR YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E
Why Six Pilates…
Why Six Pilates…
NEW PHYSIO-LED PILATES LITTLE It’s new, it’s physio-led and it’s exceptionally different It’s new, it’s physio-led and it’s exceptionally different MATHS, RHYTHM Perfect for postnatal mums in Fulham AND SHAPES We use real-time ultrasound to assess your core We use real-time ultrasound to assess your core
Six Pilates is a new physio-led Pilates Classes for ages two to three and Classes are small and focused on you service which offers a safe and three to four years All classes are reformer based and tailored just for you All classes are reformer based and tailored just for you effective way for postnatal mothers Encourage your little one’s natural to regain the strength and tone curiosity for the world around them LAUNCHING IN LAUNCHING IN and of their abdominals, gluteal with Little House of Science’s funOCTOBER… OCTOBER… pelvic fl oor muscles. Six Pilates is filled Little Maths Toddler workshops Check out our fantastic Check out our fantastic the only UK clinic which uses realfor children aged two to four years. offers at sixpilates.com offers at sixpilates.com time ultrasound. Before your first Classes are aimed at building your FOLLOW US... FOLLOW US... class your Pilates instructor, who is child’s confidence with quantities and @SixPilatesSix for tips @SixPilatesSix for tips and news. news.will assess your a qualifiedand physio, numbers from one to 10, with exciting Share your experiences Share your experiences core muscles and tailor all Pilates themes like Sea World and Arctic #simplybetter. #simplybetter. exercises just for you. Six Pilates is Animals, and a mix of rhythm, music, machine-based, with its new studio shapes and colours. Classes and times: just a two-minute walk from Fulham 10am to 10.50am, 11am to 11.50am; SIX PILATES is a safe and effective way for postnatal mothers to regain SIX PILATES is a safe and effective way for postnatal mothersSW3 to regain the strength and tone of their abdominals, gluteal and pelvic floor muscles. the strength and tone of their abdominals, gluteal and pelvic floor muscles. Broadway (39 Harwood Road, London, W8 Thursdays 10am to 10.50am, 3pm to SW6 4QP). Check out the website for 3.50pm; W11 Mondays 3pm to 3.50pm; For more information contact: For more information contact: October launch offers. NW3 Tuesdays 10am to 10.50am. T. 020 7736 0193 T. 020 7736 0193 020 7736 0193 0800 092 1062 fulham@sixpilates.com fulham@sixpilates.com fulham@sixpilates.com info@littlehouseofscience.com sixpilates.com littlehouseofscience.com Classes are small and focused on you
A SELEC TION OF
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AS SOON AS YOU CAN WALK, YOU CAN PLAY FOOTBALL!
FUN FRENCH LESSONS FOR CHILDREN
Classes across London The very best football coaching for toddlers and children aged 18 months to 10 years. The classes are unique as they involve the whole family by encouraging parent participation. Join the fun and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun with Kiddikicks Football Classes. Includes sporty birthday parties with a variety of themes to choose from for children aged three and up; private and holiday classes; nursery and afterschool sessions. Sign up to receive your player’s free kit (registration fees apply). Quote BABY LONDON to receive a 5% discount. 020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk kiddikicks.co.uk
Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, has a unique approach and offers innovative, stimulating immersion programmes for children from eight months old. Led by a team of passionate, qualified native teachers, the children flourish and learn French effortlessly while having great fun with a wide range of activities, and using the contemporary songs from their educational CD. Language experts agree that learning a second language early in life enhances overall cognitive skills and improves brain development. 020 7385 5565 admincpp@btconnect.com clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
The Little London Music School The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joytoof Introducing your child themusic joy of music
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COMPETITIONS
GET MORE… The very best competitions exclusively for Baby London readers
WIN THE STUNNING
JOIE CHROME PLUS! Step out in style with the Joie Chrome Plus, a master multi-tasker this pushchair effortlessly combines a sophisticated and modern look with a practical and versatile design. Stand out with fantastic colour packs including electric blue, sand, tomato red, and gorgeous green. A comfy carrycot and the i-Gemm infant car seat from Joie are also available to buy, making the Chrome Plus a real stand out travel system. A delight for parents to push, win the Chrome Plus pushchair and colour pack of your choice worth £320! joiebaby.com
SLEEP EASY WITH METANIUM
We’ve teamed up with Metanium to give away an easy-to-use Digital Colour Video Monitor, worth £150. The two inch colour monitor means you can see your baby from anywhere in the house – reassuring when your baby first starts to sleep through the night. It’s known that long periods of sleep without a nappy change can make your little one more prone to nappy rash, so the winner (and six runners up) will also receive a Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion. The doubleaction lotion moisturises the skin to help prevent nappy rash. metanium.co.uk
TRANSFORM YOUR BODY Ahead of the October launch of a new physiotherapist-led Pilates class in Fulham, win a postnatal body assessment and five free Six Pilates reformer classes, worth over £200. A specialist women’s health physio will help postnatal mums regain the strength and tone of their abdominals, gluteal and pelvic floor muscles to safely get their body back to feeling great. sixpilates.com
ENTER ONLINE AT BABYLONDON.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS 160 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
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FOR PREGNANCY, RECOVERY & BEYOND
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babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT 2015 | 161
Trust Pregnacare® for the most important time of your life? The postnatal and breast-feeding period is a time when you are adjusting to the demands of becoming a new mum and providing the very best care for your newborn baby. With a new member of the family, and the inevitable tiredness and fatigue1, it’s also a time when you must not forget to look after yourself. Trust Pregnacare’s specially formulated range to help safeguard your diet at this especially important time.
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From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores & www.pregnacare.com Pregnacare® contains iron which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. 2For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 3UK Health Departments recommend mothers take a supplement containing 10mcg vitamin D during breast-feeding, and a healthy diet rich in calcium. 4A beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg of DHA/EPA for adults. Do not exceed a supplemental daily intake of 5g DHA/EPA combined. *IRI value sales 52. w/e 6th September 2014.
1
SHOPPING
London
Boutiques A FIN E SELEC TION OF HAN D -PICKED LON DON BOUTIQU E S. H ER E’S OU R SHOPPING GUIDE
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2015 | 163
NOT SO BIG
Named after Roald Dahl’s imaginary crocodile, Notsobig brings the life and soul of these childhood tales to the world of fashion. Unique, fun, and eclectic children’s and baby’s wear is sourced from around the world, and includes cool, colourful pieces for everyday activities, as well as some special occasionwear. The collection has real character with just the right amount of ‘trendy’ thrown into the mix, making this little store in leafy north London a worthwhile visit. 31A HIGHGATE HIGH STREET, LONDON N6 5JT notsobigshop.com
KIDSPACE
Designer boutique Kidspace on Sloane Street sells both necessities and indulgences for both babies and children up to 14 years. Shop for everyday but beautifully finished basics, with cool camisoles and simple shorts on offer; or for that special occasion, there are rows and rows of ultra-stylish designs. The clothes are fresh, fun and, unsurprisingly considering its roots in Milan, have a wonderful dose of Italian flair. 3 SLOANE ST, LONDON SW1X 9LA kidspace.it
MERINO KIDS
Merino Kids’ showroom, located on Northcote Road, is a breath of fresh air, bedecked with all things cute and cosy. The team at Merino Kids know how important sleep is to little ones; check out their award-winning Go Go Bag and Cocooi swaddle baby wraps. From the fabric to the finish, their collection is internationally renowned for its quality. If you’re looking for silky soft, light, kind-to-delicate-skin sleepwear, Merino Kids is the perfect solution. 151 NORTHCOTE ROAD, BATTERSEA, LONDON SW11 6QB merinokids.co.uk
BONPOINT
Bonpoint is the haute couture of baby fashion. The French boutique is brimming with the likes of taffeta dresses, cashmere gilets and charming chinos made for the most stylish of babies. They also have skincare and perfume ranges which, like the clothes, are elegant, soft and luxurious. Born in Paris, Bonpoint now has stores all over the globe and this year marks its 40th anniversary, so keep an eye out for extra special designs and in-store activities. STORES ACROSS LONDON bonpoint.com
IGLOO KIDS
We know that being a parent can be so much more than a little hectic, but busy family life is made that bit easier with the help of Igloo – the one-stop wonder for just about anything and everything. The vast array of goods and products is what makes Igloo brilliant. From ballet shoes to balloons, puppets to pyjamas and stationery to skiwear, they cover everything from school kit to holiday wear. Stop running up and down the high street and head to Igloo instead. STORES ACROSS LONDON iglookids.co.uk
PAPOUELLI
Have your little one step into a pair of shoes by Papouelli. This high-end shoe store designs and sells mini footwear which is classically cute but with a focus on comfort, fit and practicality. Designed by three mums, the collections for both boys and girls ranges from trainers, slippers and sandals, to booties, ballet pumps and even first-walking shoes. With three wonderful boutiques dotted across london they make it easy to find the perfect fit. STORES ACROSS LONDON papouelli.com
164 | SEPT/OCT 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
SHOPPING
AMAIA
Since first opening in Chelsea in 2004, Amaia has become one of London’s leading children fashion boutiques with buyers charmed by its distinctive style. Worn by only the smartest mini Londoners, of course including Prince George, the designs have a unique blend of classical and modern styles, infused with a hint of European panache from the store’s French and Spanish owners. 14 CALE STREET LONDON SW3 3QU amaiakids.co.uk
CARAMEL BABY & CHILD
Caramel’s gorgeous collection for babies up to 12 years manages to be both understatedly cool and adorably sweet at the same time. You’ll find a mix of trendy and timeless pieces for everyday dress as well as for special occasions, and there’s also a small but well-edited selection of home décor pieces. With boutiques dotted across the globe from Notting Hill to Madison Avenue you can easily enjoy the ultimate experience in beautifully crafted children’s clothing. STORES ACROSS LONDON caramel-shop.co.uk
ELFIE BOUTIQUE
An antidote to today’s glut of sugary sweet childrenswear, Elfie’s vintage style is sweet in all the right ways. With inspiration drawn from nature and the great outdoors, the designs of this homegrown British children’s and baby’s brand are fun and creative while still being practical. The boutiques’ shelves are lined with quirky offerings, from Elf bonnets and ethereal capes to Fair Isle jumpers and desert boots. Possibly the most charmingly British boutique around. 27 CHILWORTH STREET, LONDON W2 3HA elfielondon.com
LITTLE FLOCK OF HORRORS
New Zealand’s most talked about, new children’s label, Little Flock of Horrors (LFOH) fuses edgy design, adventurous colour and a lot of attitude into a chic line of 100% Merino playwear for little Monsters! Hand-made from nature’s “wonder fibre”, a full range of LFOH can be found in the heart of Battersea. We would never pull the wool over your eyes - trust us when we say that Merino is the best fabric on earth for kids! 151 NORTHCOTE ROAD, SW11 6QB littleflockofhorrors.co.uk
LA COQUETA
CHILDRENSALON
Childrensalon has been keeping kids well-dressed since 1951 when it started as a charming little shop in Tunbridge Wells. Now, it is the world’s largest online store for designer childrenswear stocking over 270 brands. The little shop is still running and you can order anything you see online to the store to try on before you buy. The brand may have evolved, but its passion for beautiful clothes remains just as prominent. childrensalon.com
ON LIN E
Putting a contemporary spin on classic designs and simple silhouettes, La Coqueta offers a range of adorable items for children from newborn to 12, including little Bermuda shorts with braces for boys and sweet smock dresses with Peter Pan collars and cosy, cashmere cardigans for girls. The traditional elements of the brand’s designs are balanced with fun, retro patterns and cuts, creating a collection that has timeless appeal but with a modern twist. 5 HEATH STREET, LONDON NW3 6TP lacoquetakids.com
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YOUR SHOPPING
emporium Artistic. Relaxed. Timeless.
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EMPORIUM
ABC Arbonne Baby Care
Pure and simple baby care formulas with the most mild, soothing ingredients from nature for baby’s delicate skin.
uct Prod s e Parti le b a l Avai
Artistic. Relaxed. Timeless.
Our delicately produced products include a 2-in-1 tear-free Hair & Body Wash, which is also perfect for a bubble bath. A 24-hour moisturising Body Lotion. A gentle Sunscreen with a broad spectrum, and the perfect solution to tackling a nappy rash with our Nappy Cream. Ever wanted to become your own boss? Ever dreamed of working hours that fit around family life? Then why not join Arbonne and become and Independent Consultant in your local area. Contact your Arbonne Independent Consultant Tracy Berner for more information on tracyatarbonne1977@gmail.com or call 0792 177 4356
B
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bethanblasephotography children’s portraits, family, newborn Capture your children’s spirit and personality through beautiful location photographs, taken in your own home or favourite location
Gift vouchers available Tel: 07939447786 • Email: bethan@bethanblasephotography.com or visit the website: www.bethanblasephotography.com
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EMPORIUM
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EMPORIUM
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Breastfeed with discretion & style. Discover the stylish way to breastfeed in public with our smart, chic and effortless breastfeeding cover. The Breastfeeding Butterfly is a great alternative to breastfeeding tops, it provides cover for your breast, post-pregnancy stomach, side and back. Feeding in a calm and cosy environment your baby can maintain eye contact with you. Other products from Faye & Lou: Rainbow Muslins have an extraordinary range of uses and come in bright, eye-catching colours which are stimulating for babies. Where white muslins can become dull and grey with time, Rainbow Muslins stay bright and colourful.
Cozio extra large muslin squares are perfect for swaddling your baby. They can also be used for the following: burp cloth, sheet, play mat, changing mat, towel, lightweight blanket and much more.
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BUSINESS
Zita at her daughter’s wedding
INSPIRE
How did you end up training in acupuncture? I suffered postnatal depression after giving birth to my son, Jack, and although my doctor was fantastic, he could only offer me antidepressants, which I didn’t want to take. I researched alternative therapies and came across acupuncture. It had a huge impact on me, so I decided to train in five-element acupuncture. Many women experience common ailments in pregnancy such as morning sickness, but are reluctant to take medication, so acupuncture caters to that group. I believe that acupuncture also has a role to play for those women trying to conceive.
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ZITA WEST
We talk pregnancy, babies and business with the midwife and founder of the holistic fertility clinic Studies show that acupuncture may help to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce stress by helping the release of endorphins, and improves blood circulation to the reproductive organs.
every aspect of a couple’s profile – medical, nutritional, lifestyle, psychological and emotional – all of which can affect one’s ability to conceive or the success of an IVF cycle.
Why did you change career to specialise in fertility? It seemed to me a natural progression. Following my training in acupuncture, I also studied nutrition and saw how nutritional deficiencies can impact on fertility and pregnancy. I wanted to bring all these strands together so I created the Zita West Clinic. Our world-renowned medical director, Dr George Ndukwe, brings in the latest medical developments allowing us to cover
Has your own experience of childbirth affected your work? I gave birth to my daughter, Sofie, in Oman where I was working as a midwife at the time. It was a very simple, local hospital and through my work and giving birth there, I really understood how to be with a woman in labour, away from the highly technical environment of UK hospitals. Also, the aforementioned complementary therapies I had following my postnatal depression, profoundly affected my career.
Why did you choose to launch your own range of vitamins and supplements? Through my work with thousands of couples, it became apparent that there was a need for a supplement that boosted key nutrients important for fertility, pregnancy and for postnatal support. There was nothing on the market that was specifically designed to provide the range of nutrients needed for each of the distinct stages of reproduction or pregnancy, such as the different requirements of each trimester. I have also recently designed a multivitamin and multibiotic powder specifically for children. Are your patients receptive to the holistic approach? Yes, they absolutely love the fact that we don’t just focus on any underlying medical issues, but ensure that they give themselves the best chance of conceiving. We offer a plan of action that covers anything that could affect their fertility, or chances of a having a successful IVF cycle. bl zitawest.com
Zita’s specialised vitamin range is designed for each stage
PHOTOGRAPHY: DAILY MAIL, JACK WEST, DONALD MCLELLAN
Why did you go into midwifery? I grew up surrounded by my mother’s friends, who were all nurses and midwives. When I went into midwifery, having a baby was highly medicalised and I was keen to explore a deeper, more holistic approach to childbirth and extend that to preconception, too. I learnt that being with a person on every level – mind, body and spirit – is invaluable.
birth–19.5 kg, 40–105 cm
cleverly convertible Why settle – when you can have it all (from the start!)? REBL, our one-click smart 360° seat not only meets and exceeds the i-size standard (allowing your little one to ride safer for longer – rear facing) but is also cleverly convertible, from their first outing all the way up to their fourth birthday.
We’ve checked all the boxes, so you can focus on the road ahead – knowing what’s riding behind you is safe and sound.
learn all about it at nuna.eu