Baby August 2019

Amy

Schumer

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AUGUST 2019 • BABY-MAGAZINE.CO.UK

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PA R E N TI N G M AGA Z I N E

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BY BA

baby T H E LUXU RY P R EG N A N C Y &

BABY SUSSEX PARENTING LIFE IN THE ‘FOURTH TRIMESTER’

BECOMING A MOTHER

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE

first year BUYING GUIDE How to choose your perfect pushchair

Holiday with baby in tow WEANING WONDERS

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR FIRST FOOD SUCCESS

TEETHING TROUBLES

HELP SOOTHE TINY GUMS £4.99

Magical MOMENTS e m esto es ss e

TAKE FLIGHT

Car safety made simple Our new car seat collection offers solutions from birth to 12 years, so you’ll easily make the best choice for your child. They’ll always travel safely, while our soft natural bamboo fabrics surround them in comfort.

Our unique mobile app provides extra peace of mind with simple step-by-step fitting guides.

Dream

Motion

Balance

Discover

i-Size

360º i-Size

Group 1/ 2/3

Group 2/3

silvercrossbaby.com

i-Gemmâ„¢ signature Welcome to a luxurious world of soft, textured, quilted fabrics; aged cognac leatherette touches in all of the most elegant of spaces; and beautifully tailored lines; all exquisitely crafted to make memories of each moment with baby last forever.

A SIMPLY TIMELESS i-SIZE INFANT CARRIER WITH LAYERS OF PLUSHNESS AND LAYERS OF PROTECTION.

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Available from Argos, Boots, Halfords, Mothercare, Very and all good independent nursery retailers.

CONTENTS AUGUST 2019

FEATURES

48 BEING AMY After blazing a unique trail through Hollywood, we talk to Amy Schumer about her new role as a mother 54 PICKING A PUSHCHAIR Rebecca Moore rounds up the best strollers on the market 57 WELCOME TO THE WORLD Royal author Katie Nicholl explores newborn life for Baby Archie 61 PARTY TIME: SECOND BIRTHDAY Carole Middleton offers her tips for celebrating this special milestone 64 NOT SO MINI MILESTONES Becky Dickinson explores baby’s development throughout her first year 94 BABY COMES FIRST Weighing up various childcare options?

Georgina Blaskey explains how to make the best decision

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Ariella wears cotton top £ 95, Marie-Chantal.

Printed bloomer, £40, Caramel.

Sheepskin throw, £45, John Lewis.

Basket, £19.99 (set of two), H&M.

Queen of comedy Amy Schume r opens up about being a rst time mum p

STYLE

38 WILD ABOUT YOU Embrace the botanical trend with ditsy florals and delicate all-in-ones 46 AHEAD OF THE CURVE Antonia O’Brien shares her favourite maternity fashion finds

SHOPPING

23 BABY LOVES We adore this super-cute collab from The Bonnie Mob and Kiwi footwear brand Bobux 25 SHOP THE THEMES Whatever your nursery style, say hello to summer with this season’s latest offerings

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH WINBORN

FOOD & TRAVEL

77 FOOD NEWS The latest and greatest treats for babies, children and parents 79 WEAN SUPREME A few helpful tips and tricks to aid baby’s weaning journey 80 SUMMER LOVIN’ Alice Fotheringham whips up some delicious seasonal dishes for baby to try

85 TRAVEL NEWS Dreaming of sunnier climes? We round up the hottest new escapes and products for families 86 POSTCARD FROM JAMAICA Chelsea White heads to Negril Beach for a special family holiday 88 BABY ON BOARD Flying with baby? Navigate mid-air tantrums with Kerry Spencer’s travelling tips Head to page 61 for Carole Middleton’s top party tips

REGULARS

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BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small 19 WIN! A BLUEBELL BABY MONITOR We’re giving away one of two monitors, worth £299.99 each 20 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Pens at the ready – we have a few suggestions to keep you busy this August

baby-magazine.co.uk | 5

86 Editorial Director Maxine Briggs Editor-at-Large Kate Freud Editor Rebecca Moore Online Editor Jennifer Read-Dominguez Sub Editor Natalie Keeler Freelance Sub Editors Charlotte Methven, Sally Jones Digital Content Producer Ruby Norris Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado Freelance Designer Matt Bookman Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West Digital Publishing Director Paul Rayner Director of Media James Dobson Advertisement Director Lyndal Beeton Head of Market Julie Price Senior Sales Executive Miranda Gyamfi Ma Sales Executive Emma Cain

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MY ESSENTIALS We chat to TV presenter Helen Skelton about eco-living, running marathons and raising two young boys CLEVER READS Emma O’Donovan rounds up the best educational books for baby bookworms LEO’S LITTLE LUXURIES Leonora Bamford shares her favourite things this month DIARY OF A MUM In this month’s instalment, Joanna Ellner goes in search of a nursery for baby Noah TOT GEAR NEWS What’s new in baby kit, plus we put the Thule Urban Glide 2 to the test HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS From skincare to baby tech, we reveal the latest products and innovations in the world of wellbeing Q&A WITH ZITA WEST The fertility expert addresses why discovering you’re pregnant can lead to stress and anxiety

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Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin Baby is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: baby-magazine.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700

Helen Skelton reveals why he r son inspired her to run yet an other maratho n (p.33)

69 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ Is it true that breastfeeding stops babies from sleeping? Professor Amy Brown offers her insight 71 TIME TO TALK Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt discuss what to expect when your baby is breech 72 THE REVIEW Looking for something to soothe baby’s gums? Laura Mason rounds up the best teethers on the market 75 INTERIOR NEWS From ultimate slumber pads to rainbow rugs, these are the stylish nursery updates we’re coveting this month 92 NURSERY NEWS What’s going on in early years and beyond, from new nurseries to the latest educational toys 96 BOUTIQUES Our pick of the most beautiful baby boutiques nationwide 98 INSPIRE We meet the three Robinson brothers, Jamie, Nick and Ashley, founders of parenting brand BabaBing!

Email: baby@chelseamagazines.com BABY (print) ISSN 2516-5178 BABY (online) ISSN 2517-813X | 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 2019 All rights reserved

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PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH WINBORN Woods wears cotton romper, £50, Lille from Dawn and Day.

The International Hip Dysplasia Institute acknowledges this baby carrier as a hip healthy product.

Keep them close Introducing You can’t hold your baby all the time. Even though you may want to.

CUDL™ makes it easy to keep baby close and secure, all while keeping your hands free. It’s comfortable and customisable with mesh fabric, padded shoulder straps and waist belt and the magnetic buckles ensure an easy and secure attachment.

Keep baby facing in and snuggled up starting with an integrated infant booster for newborns, which then easily unzips as your child grows. As baby wants to explore the world, have them face out (up to 18 months) or switch to backpack mode (up to 36 months) for growing toddlers.

Find out more at nuna.eu

Create a cosy yet chic den in the garden for little ones to play in during the summer Plum Play wooden teepee £299.95, scandiborn.co.uk Cotton romper £9, matalan.co.uk

EDITORS

LETTER

REBECCA MOORE, EDITOR

@baby_mag_insta

VISIT •

New baby gift box £44.99, blossomandbear.com

@BabyMagazineUK

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@BabyMagazineUK

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#babymagishere

P-TO-DAT

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• B A B Y-

We’d love to see pics of you and your bump, or baby, with our current issue

PU

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Babyzen Yoyo complete stroller £579, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

A Z I N E .C

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SPF 50 Sun Screen £20, frezyderm.co.uk

not new parents! Kerry Spencer’s ultimate guide, from clever packing hacks to tips and tricks to keep baby entertained on the airplane, will have you booking that getaway in no time. Head to page 88 for advice aplenty.

One lady that knows about travelling en famille is photographer and mum of two, Chelsea White. She heads long haul with kids Harlen and Harlow on a dreamy escape to Jamaica; check out her trip on page 86.

As summer is in full swing, Blighty should be treating us to many sun-filled days, too, and what better time to have a birthday bash? If you’re in the throes of organising a summer party, you’ll find all the inspo on page 61, as our resident party expert Carole Middleton gives a rainbow-inspired party.

This time of year is also a great time seasonally if you happen to be starting the weaning journey. We’ve pulled together a selection of delicious recipes, plus expert advice, to help you on your way on page 79.

Have a wonderful summer one and all!

KEE

Sleepyhead Deluxe spare cover £75, sleepyheadofsweden.com

When we started putting this special milestones issue together, it dawned on me that those momentous ticks go well beyond the baby years. We continue to hit those highpoints throughout our lives, whether it’s birthdays, big occasions or for many of our readers, that pivotal moment you find out you’re expecting for the first time.

To kick things off, there’s no bigger milestone for Harry and Meghan than having their first child. As we all await any further glimpses of Master Archie, royal author Katie Nicholl looks into life in the fourth trimester for the Sussexes, on page 57.

Baby Archie’s arrival was just pipped to the post by Amy Schumer’s first son, Gene Fischer.

Hear how the comedienne and actress is finding her feet in the world of motherhood, and how she’s keeping it real on page 48.

As any parent knows, regardless of royal or celebrity status, that first year flies by in a sleep-deprived fug. Becky Dickinson investigates all those mini milestones on the lead-up to turning a first birthday in her piece on baby development on page 64.

There’s no doubt about it, your first flight with baby in tow is bound to be a big moment for even those most intrepid travellers. Fear

@baby_magazine_uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 9

Where were you born?

Oakham, East Midlands.

Do you have any summer holidays planned?

We’re lucky to live right next to the sea and are in the process of converting a camper van so are planning to explore some of the more hidden parts of Devon and Cornwall this year.

Any baby milestones that stand out for you?

Those first smiles are always so special, but the first steps are also memorable, too.

Becky looks into baby milestones on p.64

BECK Y

SAR A H

D

Where were you born?

I was born in Cuckfield, West Sussex.

Do you have any summer holidays planned?

As we live abroad, we’ll be over with the kids in Sussex to hang out with their grandparents.

Any baby milestones that stand out for you?

Yes, the moment my oldest son walked for the first time. We had been waiting and waiting and then, one day I looked around and there he was taking five firm steps!

Check out Sarah’s photoshoot on p.38

W

ON, JOURN INS A K IC

T LIS

Where were you born?

Farnborough, Kent.

Do you have any summer holidays planned?

We’re taking a road trip up the Californian coastline. We’re all very excited about it!

Any baby milestones that stand out for you?

I can clearly remember the days both my children smiled at me for the first time. It was such a strong connection and, weirdly, I don’t think their smiles have changed much since.

Check out Georgina’s childcare guide on p.94

RN, PHOTO BO G IN

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GEOR GI N

CONTRIBUTORS

When you’re on the go or grabbing a coffee with a moment

-DATE, VI S -TO

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KEEP U P

BABY O NL INE

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YM A G A ZI N

We talk about all things parenting and pregnancy

The latest news in baby world to keep parents in the know Head online to check out our fabulous selection of competitions

N U F T N A W E W IN T HE SUN

ly developed to ial ec sp is e ng ra re ca n su r ou A and UVB rays.

UV om fr in sk e’s on e tl lit ur protect yo suitable For it’s so moisturising, it’s even ople who sensitive skin AND safe for pe may be prone to eczema. ch ilds farm .com

O F TH E MO NTH

Lyla

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LITTLE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

WANT TO SEE YOUR BABY HERE? UPLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE SNAP AT BABY-MAGAZINE.CO.UK/BABY-OF-THE-MONTH Entries close at 11:59pm on 26 June 2019.

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N U F T N A W E W IN T HE SUN

developed to our sun care range is specially A and UVB rays.

UV om fr in sk e’s on e tl lit ur protect yo suitable For it’s so moisturising, it’s even ople who sensitive skin AND safe for pe may be prone to eczema. ch ilds farm .com

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baby

NEWS

NEWS

U PDATING YOU ON ALL THINGS GR E AT AN D SMALL

THROW SOME SHADE

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KEEP U P

We love a cool collab, and this new collection from Bonpoint and Izipizi is going right to the top of our lust list.

Available in two vibrant colours – aqua with yellow mirror lenses, and orange fluo with pink mirror lenses – these stylish sunglasses for babies are the perfect accessory for family holidays or sunny days outside, with 100 per cent UV protection.

The flexible hinges and arms ensure they adapt to your child’s face as she grows, and better yet, there’s also a softer Blanc Lait model for adults. From £30, uk.izipizi.com

YM A G A ZI N

BOOTS MINI CLUB HAS LAUNCHED ITS VERY OWN RANGE OF PREMATURE CLOTHING, COMPRISING A SUPER-CUTE COLLECTION OF BODY SUITS AND SLEEP SUITS. THE COLLECTION, WHICH IS AVAILABLE FOR BABIES AS SMALL AS 3LBS, ALSO FEATURES SOFT VELCRO FASTENINGS AND IS DESIGNED TO OPEN OUT FLAT, ALLOWING PARENTS TO TAKE EXTRA CARE. BOOTS.COM

baby-magazine.co.uk | 15

Mother of pearl Sleepyhead’s Cabana addition to its pod will help keep your sleeping beauty in the shade when she is out in the sun

Looking for the perfect keepsake for baby, or a special gift for a new mum? This month, we’re coveting this new Pearl Drop necklace from personalised jewellery brand Merci Maman. Available in gold-plated or sterling silver, the necklace pairs an elegant pearl with your hand-engraved words on a simple disc. Engrave significant dates, a special phrase or the names of loved ones. From £129, mercimamanboutique.com

SOFT TOUCH

A new baby brand to put on your radar, Pattie & Co designs organic cotton muslin swaddles and blankets, available in a range of vibrant rainbow patterns. The lightweight, breathable muslins are ideal for use as swaddles, pushchair covers, nursing cover-ups and more. Better yet, £5 from the sale of every swaddle is donated to baby charity Tommy’s. pattieandco.com

TAKE COVER

Whether you’re planning a staycation this summer or heading somewhere balmy, keeping baby cool has never been easier thanks to the new Cabana addition from Sleepyhead. Designed to fit with the brand’s Deluxe+ pod, the lightweight shelter features a retractable UV-protection shade of SPF 50+, shielding baby from the sun and other elements as you bask in the glorious sunshine. There’s also a stow-away insect net! From £130, sleepyheadofsweden.com

TWO-THIRDS OF BRITISH PARENTS REGRET INTRODUCING SCREEN TIME FOR THEIR CHILDREN AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE, RESEARCH HAS REVEALED. THE STUDY FROM MONEY SAVING HEROES ALSO FOUND THAT THE AVERAGE CHILD HAS A TV IN THEIR BEDROOM BY THE AGE OF TWO, AND ONE IN 11 USE TECHNOLOGY FOR MORE THAN FOUR HOURS PER DAY.

WIN £100 WORTH OF BABY AND TODDLER FOOD

Packed with flavoursome and nutritious ingredients, Little Freddie’s 7M+ meals are bound to be a hit with your hungry little human. New recipes include aromatic beef and coconut curry with wild rice, and free-range chicken and ratatouille linguine. And with 20 per cent beef or chicken in each pouch – which is double the amount of some other brands – the dishes are naturally high in protein and a natural source of iron. As part of their Big Green Plan, the pouches can also be recycled, so nothing goes to landfill; simply send them off in a pre-paid envelope. To celebrate the launch of these two new flavours, we’re delighted to be partnering with Little Freddie to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a bundle of tasty products. littlefreddie.com

Enter online at baby-magazine.co.uk/competitions 16 | baby-magazine.co.uk

NEWS

IN THE OPEN AIR

Scandiborn’s latest outdoor collection is sure to keep tots amused for hours. It’s no big surprise that there’s a natural, Scandi-inspired feel to the designs; each wooden structure is made with sustainable sturdy timber, while the sand play set uses leftover rubberwood.

You can find treehouses, sandpits, wooden teepees and easels in the range, plus a brilliant mud pie kitchen. scandiborn.co.uk

Stylist Gemma and beauty journalist Samantha want to help new mums feel good

BEST OF THE BLOGS

The internet is awash with information but these brilliant bloggers cut to the chase with honest and practical advice

Yours to keep

THIS IS MOTHERSHIP

Treasure all the magical childhood moments with this special book from Colour Chronicles. The Book Of You works as a wonderful continuation of your tot’s baby book, where they can jot down special memoirs. The hardback book, which is designed with a natural woven rayon cloth cover, can be filled out each year until your child reaches their 16th birthday. £20, colourchronicles.com

Created by beauty journalist Samantha Silver and celebrity stylist Gemma Rose Breger, This is Mothership is a lifestyle blog filled with fashion, beauty and travel tips. Covering everything from new mum make-up and spa treatments, to hospital bag essentials and pregnancy party guides, these two friends are all about helping you look and feel fantastic, even when you’re up to your neck in laundry and smell a bit like baby sick. thisismothership.com

THE UNMUMSY MUM

IT’S IN THE BAG

The bumbag is back and cult brand Tiba + Marl have made it that little bit cooler with its take on the summer essential! We’re going wild for the stunning tonal snake print, or keep it classic in a cool black shade. This hands-free unisex bag features a wipe-clean lining, adjustable-length belt, and interior and exterior pockets with room for all your bits and bobs.

Simple wear it cross-body or around your waist, while ensuring you have everything you need to hand. £55, tibaandmarl.com

Sarah Turner is the face of this honest blog, which details the good, the bad and the ugly of all things parenting. As a mum to three boys, she is now writing her third book, having already published two bestsellers in the last three years. Her posts span from think-pieces on parenthood, to product reviews and hilarious tales from time at home with her little ones. She’s also in the process of renovating her home, and you can track the progress on Instagram. theunmumsymum.co.uk

TOBY & ROO Harriet Shearsmith was an international children’s merchandise retailer before becoming a mother, so she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to parenting products – be it car seat safety, weaning, breastfeeding and choosing a pushchair. Alongside bucket loads of advice, she also writes about life in the Northern English countryside with her three children, plus kids’ recipes, meal plans and how to handle fussy eaters. You’ll also find tips on fashion, travel and beauty. tobyandroo.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 17

NEWS

Baby news roundup KATE FREUD Editor-at-large

T

here’s no doubt that award-winning babywear brand Mori’s sleepwear is as soft as it gets, but its new collection with children’s favourite The Gruffalo has it set to make bedtime even more dreamy.

The signature cotton and bamboo blend range is available from newborn to four years, with muted Gruffalo illustrations adorning everything from onesies to sleepbags. You’ll have to wait until 15 September to get your hands on them, though!

Storytime with baby has never been sweeter as Mori launches its collaboration with The Gruffalo. From £18, babymori.com

TRENDY TOTS

I love nothing more than choosing quirky and fun hair accessories for my girls, and they don’t come much cuter than the wild range at Turbans for Tots. The collection features oversized hairbands and baby turbans in a rainbow pattern of colours and designs, from pastels to florals in crochet and lace, wool and linen. And the best news? You can get them in adult sizes, too.

BAG IT UP

Pack like a pro for your summer travels with the chicest new baby bags from Bow & Rattle.

From £118, bowandrattle.com

If you’re looking for a practical but stylish baby bag you’ll want to use long after baby’s out of nappies, look no further than Bow & Rattle. My favourite design, the Jenny backpack, comes in soft black leather, complete with a bottle warmer and changing mat inside, and plenty of pockets for all of baby’s bits.

CHEW GOOD TO BE TRUE

Every baby’s favourite teething toy Sophie la girafe is turning 58 this year, and in celebration of the special occasion, the brand has collaborated with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to create a special Award pack of goodies. The set, containing Sophie la girafe and a Sophie la girafe vanilla scented teether, is not only great value, but with every one purchased, three measles vaccinations go to children in need through MSF, with over 200,000 vaccinations delivered so far.

With the sale of every Sophie la girafe award pack, three measles vaccinations go to children in need through Medecins Sans Frontieres. £16.99, 1two.co.uk

Turbans for Tots has a gorgeous range of hair accessories for baby, kids and mums alike. turbansfortots.etsy.com

LET’S GET SOCIAL… There are plenty of ways to get the lowdown on all things Baby

ONLINE

baby-magazine.co.uk

18 | baby-magazine.co.uk

FACEBOOK

@babymagazineuk

INSTA

@baby_mag_insta

TWITTER

@BabyMagazineUK

PINTEREST

@baby_magazine_uk

COMPETITION

WIN!

ONE OF TWO BLUEBELL SMART MONITORING SYSTEMS WORTH ALMOST

£300 The smart Bluebell system comprises wearable teachnology, a hub and an app

T&C’S: COMPETITION CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON 16 JULY 2019.

T

his spring saw the exciting launch of Bluebell, a game-changing smart system that supports parents’ and baby’s wellbeing. This clever piece of kit offers next generation innovation; introducing advanced wearable technology for both parent and baby, staying connected through the seamless Smart hub, as well as the nifty Bluebell mobile app.

The Bluebell Baby Monitor silently observes baby, sending alerts to the mobile app and wristband; the waterproof monitor has a hypo-allergenic soft casing and strap that easily attaches to clothing. Working on its own thread connectivity, independent of wifi, it also has extremely low radio energy.

Monitoring breathing, skin temperature, crying, activity level, sleep or awake status, and also alerting if no breathing movement

is detected and baby rolls on to her tummy. For parents, the wristband keeps you informed with monitoring and routine alerts; and easily tracks baby’s activities like baby feeds, and nappy changes, while also monitoring your sleep, step count and activity levels.

The hub not only monitors noise and temperature in the nursery, but it also charges the whole system. The technology doesn’t stop there, either; it creates the ideal sleeping environment by playing gentle lullabies and giving off a soft night light.

The mobile app completes the system for tracking and planning baby’s routine while logging milestones. It also tracks parent’s mood and helps them understand and improve their wellbeing. But maybe the best bit is that it doubles up as an audio monitor and allows parents to speak to baby via the hub.

To celebrate our special milestones issue, Bluebell is giving two monitors away (worth £299.99 each). Good luck! bluebell.io

To enter, visit baby-magazine.co.uk/competitions baby-magazine.co.uk | 19

31 AUGUST

Just a spoonful of sugar The height of summer means it’s time for one of our favourite things: outdoor cinemas! Pop Up Screens is taking over the capital with multiple events this August, with lots of kid-friendly showings to look out for.

Today, head to Priory Park for Mary Poppins Returns, where you can enjoy a slice of pizza as you sing along.

From £8.80, popupscreens.co.uk

Tots will love Squires’ Create & Grow programme

AUGUST 1 MILK IT!

Today marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week – an initiative that raises awareness for the benefits of breastfeeding across the globe. Head to page 69 for feeding tips from our resident expert, Professor Amy Brown.

dates for your

2 BLAST FROM THE PAST

If you want to see how much parenting has changed over the years, head to Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood for the fascinating Bringing Up Baby exhibition, uncovering the history of raising children. edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Stella McCartney Kids linen shorties, £90, childrensalon.com

6 MAKE WAVES

Bring your little sailors along to the Brunel Institute in Bristol today for a swashbuckling story session.

From 11am, children are invited to hear tales of pirate treasure and stormy seas. ssgreatbritain.org

28 AUGUST

Elephant in the room Celebrate Elmer the Patchwork Elephant’s 30th birthday with a bright and lively stage show at Midlands Arts Centre. Featuring 21 colourful puppets, you can catch one of two performances today at the Birmingham-based theatre.

From £10.50, macbirmingham.co.uk

20 | baby-magazine.co.uk

DIARY

Give Birth Like a Feminist, £14.99, harpercollins.co.uk

Pens at the ready – we have a few suggestions to keep you and baby busy this month

3 FESTIVAL FEELS

Ready to take the plunge and festival en famille this summer? Head to Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire this weekend for Wilderness.

The festival is bursting with family-friendly activities and there’s even nannies on hand for some adult-only partying!

Adults tickets from £179.50, wildernessfestival.com

11 ALIEN ANTICS

Giggles are guaranteed at this hilarious performance of Aliens Love Underpants at the Troubadour White City Theatre, London. Based on the bestselling children’s book, expect stunning effects and madcap action. £16.50, troubadourtheatres.com

17 MUCKY PUPS

Baby can make as much mess as she likes at Art Bites, a fun, multi-sensory session at Gallery Oldham in Manchester. Open to babies up to two years, little hands will love the homemade playdough, edible paints, cooked pasta and more. £2.50, galleryoldham.org.uk

19 GREEN FINGERS

Don’t miss the chance to decorate your own flower pot at Squires Garden Centres this weekend across the South East. All the activities in this year’s Create & Grow programme are completely free; simply turn up on the day to take part. squiresgardencentres.co.uk

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LEARNING CURVE Get a new take on preparing for labour with Give Birth Like a Feminist, which goes on sale today. Written by the founder of the Positive Birth Movement Milli Hill, this thought-provoking guide offers advice on finding your voice in the birth room and more. £14.99, HarperCollins

24 PARTY TIME

Notting Hill Carnival is a dazzling hub of colours, music and dancing. If you’re attending with little ones, go on Sunday’s ‘Family Day’ when it’s a little quieter. Make sure they look the part, too; this Stella McCartney shortie with embroidered pineapples is a total showstopper!

Put logo here

Start Your Adventure Part of the

family

Go Anywhere... micralite.com

LOVE S Made with soft leather, these colourful creations allow little feet to have plenty of movement

SWE ET FE ET

Ah, the summer is finally here – but even if the sunshine isn’t, we have something guaranteed to brighten up your days. Here at Baby HQ, we’re practically fawning over this super-cute collab from The Bonnie Mob and Kiwi footwear brand Bobux comprising three colourful styles of soft-sole shoes.

Designed to reflect themes of peace and love, expect pretty pandas, musical notes and vibrant rainbows in the new limited-edition collection.

Available in August in sizes newborn to two years old.

Bobux x The Bonnie Mob Soft Sole collection, £22, thebonniemob.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 23

A new concept in luxury bassinets.

Available exclusively at Harrods.

Customizable & Convertible Choose from 4

Interchangeable bases

Once your baby has grown out of the Aristot

bassinet styles to

and bassinets in a

bassinet, the base can be reconfigured into

match your dĂŠcor.

variety of finishes.

an heirloom-quality piece of furniture.

ARISTOT.COM

SHOPPING

EP TIG

SLE

HT Bonpoint romper £87, alexandalexa.com

From a selection at pepaandcompany.com

Bamboo sleep bag £98, littleearthbaby.com

PRETTY PASTELS

Wall art £12, mamasandpapas.com

Swaddle baby in clothes and accessories in the sweet shades of summer, from cool blues to pretty pinks

Cotton-mix jacket £143, diesel.com

Cotton onesie £58, velveteenclothing.com

Cotton bloomers £18, ceciliabelle.co.uk

Globe stroller £219, icklebubba.com

Chambray romper £70, bonnetapompon.com

Cam Cam Copenhagen changing bag £68, nubie.co.uk

Denim dress from £6.50, next.co.uk

Liewood sandals £19, beyondthestork.co.uk

Muslin swaddles £44.95, adenandanais.co.uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 25

SHOPPING

Cotton briefs with braces £12.99, zara.com

Leather shoes £49, rachelriley.co.uk

Laranjinha cotton shorties £37, childrensalon.com

Nuna Leaf £99, kiddies-kingdom.com

Neutral shades keep things cool in the hotter months

Wooden house £49.99, zarahome.com

Cotton sweater £53, omibia.com

From a selection at merrybonbon.com

Cotton dungarees £32.50, babymori.com

Rubber toy ¤16, oliandcarol.com

UTE CR

IB

C Bermbach Handcrafted crib £819, scandiborn.co.uk

26 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Chloé cotton dress £136, childrensalon.com

Fabelab mobile £24.95, mamaandmax.com

Cotton romper £49, lacoquetakids.com

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SHOPPING

Linen romper £36, lunaandcurious.com

Sheepskin rug £89, binibamba.com

Cotton tunic ¤35.90, playupstore.com

Tripp Trapp chair £178, stokke.com

Cotton-blend booties £14.95,reima.com

Cotton bodysuit £28, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Leather clutch bag £45, jemandbea.com

Emile et Ida cotton-mix romper £44, smallable.com

Cotton dungarees from £35, petitbateau.com

Plush toy £15, jellycat.com From a selection at numero74.com

TY IN

PRET

PINK Liewood play gym £74.95, beyondthestork.co.uk

A wash of dusky rose tones look adorable in a nursery

Belle Enfant cashmere-mix leggings £52, melijoe.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 29

SHOPPING

NY SID

SUN

E UP

Cheerful yellow clothes are perfect for summer

Canvas trainer £25, superga.co.uk

Pili Carrera cotton dress set £149, childrensalon.com

From a selection at tocotovintage.com

Cotton dress ¤59, bobochoses.com

Silver Cross Balmoral £1900, lesters-nurseryworld.co.uk

Limited edition cot £89, mokee.eu

Cotton romper £28, boden.co.uk

Cotton basket £71.50, torimurphy.com

Cotton two-piece set £59, lacoquetakids.com

Cotton-mix trousers £55, diesel.com

Body oil 100ml £8.99, kitandkin.com

Yellowpelota linen-mix blouse £52, smallable.com

LED night light £24.95, hurnandhurn.com

30 | baby-magazine.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

elen is a fan of the fun bol prints that appear on mall tories tops Cotton sweatshirt £28, smallstories.co.uk

elen lo es a family sel es with her hu sban ichie an their two boys Whenever Helen is training for an event, she tries to get Ernie and Louis involved

MY ESSENTIALS Let’s start with your partnership with Smart Energy GB – what inspired you to get involved?

For me, it was a no-brainer. Smart meters are just so easy; they’re something everyone can have in their home without having to think too much about it, and the more people who have them, the closer we get to attaining a more sustainable future. The overriding thing to consider when it comes to climate change, particularly for parents, is that feeling of responsibility for the next generation. And I relate to that because I’m always outside with my kids, and I want them to have this green and glorious land to explore when they’re parents.

Is there anything you like to do to get your boys – Ernie, four, and Louis, two – to be more conscious of the environment?

We try to get the bus and ride our bikes whenever possible, so we’re not always using the

HELEN SKELTON

The TV presenter talks eco living, running marathons and raising two young boys car. We’ve even changed the way we use our fridge, because I recently learned that it uses less energy when it’s fully stocked. So, we always try to keep the fridge full now, even if it’s just filled with bottles of tap water. The shower is a bit of a running joke for us and we challenge ourselves to take shorter showers in the morning, and we try to shop at our local market, too, rather than big supermarkets. It’s so important to normalise

Oi Frog! £6.99, waterstones.com

this kind of behaviour, so in time it just becomes instinctive to recycle, use less plastic and so on.

You’ve completed multiple sporting challenges over the years, including ultramarathons and cycling to the South Pole,

Helen ran the London Marathon this year

but obviously had to take a break when you became a mum. What was it like giving up your adventurous lifestyle?

Before you become a parent, the idea of having children is so overwhelming that it can feel like you’re reaching the end of something. But I see being a mum as a totally different adventure.

Yes, things change, and I don’t sign up to trips that are going to take me away for three months, which I had the freedom to do before.

Now I just try to do things that fit in with Ernie and Louis.

Congratulations on running the London Marathon in April!

What do you like to do to keep fit now you’re a mum?

Thank you! The marathon was actually the first event I’d trained for since having kids. I’d not run it since 2014, because it’s so hard to commit to any kind of training regime as a parent. I don’t have a strict workout process at all, and just try to go to the gym

baby-magazine.co.uk | 33

Helen searches online for cool bits and and pieces to use in her boys’ bedrooms.

Wildcats wallpaper £69, wildheartswonder.com Mummy cuddles are always a winner

Puppy love for the family dog

34 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Any favourite interior brands for the boys’ bedrooms?

I shop a lot online for that sort of stuff. Wild Hearts Wonder has also some lovely bedroom bits; my boys have the ‘Wildcats’ wallpaper, which looks really cool.

If you’ve got time on your own, what do you like to do?

We have a puppy now, so we go on lots of dog walks, and that’s really therapeutic and peaceful.

And lastly, what’s the best thing about being a mum?

Everything! But most of all, the endless entertainment. Even when they’re being lunatics or having a meltdown, they’re both still so cute. My youngest had a massive strop the other day and he just looked adorable – he even put his little bottom lip out!

Helen Skelton, together with Smart Energy GB, is encouraging everyone to get a smart meter.

Visit smartenergygb.org

INTERVIEW: NATALIE KEELER. PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/HELENSKELTON

that I hope will for a bit when I’m Don’t Eat Bananas and Oi Frog! help young people not working. What are ones we read all the time, and believe anything I’ve found is that Ernie is quite into Mr Stink. is possible, and it’s so much better encourage them to when you get the Where do you like to shop back themselves kids involved. I only for your children’s clothes? more. did the marathon My boys are a nightmare when because we went it comes to clothes shopping; I Wild Girl £12.99, Is storytime a big swimming once and never thought it was possible for waterstones.com thing in your house? a two- and a four-year-old to be saw these women Do your boys have training, and Ernie so adamant about their fashion any favourite books? said to me, ‘Why don’t you get fit choices. I like Small Stories and My two are book obsessed, like them, Mummy?’ And I had to Wild Hearts Wonder, and Man be like, ‘Er, I’ve actually done loads mainly because they know it Cub has really cute matching of stuff!’ It’s great for them to see delays bedtime! They know that outfits for dads and kids. My I’m never going to say yes if they me working towards something – friend and I have actually started ask to stay up and watch TV, but they both get really into it. our own range of children’s if they ask me to read them 50 clothes called Toy Breaker, which books, I’ll be won over. Piranhas Tell us about your second should be out by September. children’s book, Wild Girl, Richie uses his which comes out in September. bike more to go It’s all about getting outdoors out with the boys and having incredible adventures.

I wrote it for my boys, because they weren’t around when I was doing all these big challenges.

And I feel like I need a record for the days when they tell me I’m Matching cotton not cool; I can show them, I used sweatshirts £85, man-cub.com to be really cool! It’s also a book

CLEVER

READS Emma O’Donovan ROU N DS U P TH E BE ST EDUCATIONAL R E ADS FOR BABY BOOK WOR MS

HOW BIG IS OUR BABY?

By Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Britta Teckentrup A delightful observation for toddlers of the month-bymonth development of a baby. Perfect for preparing a little one for a new sibling. £12.99, Wren & Rook

BOOKS

See the funny side of potty training with this light-hearted picture book

WHAT ARE FEELINGS?

By Christine Pym and Katie Daynes

For little ones working on dealing with being happy and sad, this helpful yet fun, lift-the-flap story embellished with cute characters helps unravel the complexities. £9.99, Usborne

RED RED RED

ILLUSTRATION: BRITTA TECKENTRUP

By Polly Dunbar We all know what toddler tantrums can be like, but this insightful and calming story exudes understanding even in the most dramatic outbreaks. £12.99, Walker Books

DON’T GO THERE!

By Jeanne Willis and Hrefna Bragadottir

Potty training is tough, but this jolly picture book looks at the funny side of toilet situations.

A little girl tries her best to help her alien friend learn the rights and wrongs of where to go. £11.99, Andersen Press

features no less than five pop-up surprises to help little ones become familiar with a bedtime routine. £6.99, Dorling Kindersley

other goodnight all over the world. A warming and educational read for everyone. £11.99, Caterpillar Books

THE RABBIT LISTENED

DUCK & PENGUIN ARE NOT FRIENDS

By Libby Walden and Richard Jones

By Julia Woolf

By Cori Doerrfeld

A beautifully mindful and poignant story about how to deal with life’s heartaches, large and small. Complete with eye-catching and heart-melting illustrations throughout. £12.99, Scallywag Press

POP-UP PEEKABOO! BEDTIME Part of an award-winning series, this brilliant bedtime read

A hilarious and beautifully illustrated observation of friendship, with all its up and downs. The perfect tool for helping children in their first days at nursery. £12.99, Andersen Press

GOODNIGHT WORLD

By Nicola Edwards and Hannah Tolson

A poetic exploration of the ways in which we wish each

AS WE GROW

This stunning and lyrical book gently explores what happens as you grow up.

A beautiful, thought-provoking read for all ages. £7.99, Caterpillar Books

HARRIS FINDS HIS FEET

By Catherine Rayner

An enchanting, nature-inspired read about self-belief and the bold courage needed to take your first steps on a big adventure. £6.99, Little Tiger Press

baby-magazine.co.uk | 37

THIS PAGE: Olive wears jumpsuit, from £28, Boden. Dolls house, £65, Olli Ella.

RIGHT PAGE: Olivia wears cotton Liberty print romper, £123, Bonpoint at AlexandAlexa.

Crochet toy, ¤29.50 AnneClaire Petit at Smallable.

Wild about you delicate all in ones and a smattering of verdant hues PHOTOGR APHY: SAR AH WIN BOR N ST YLING: FR ANCESCA BARTOLI

LEFT PAGE: Woods wears cotton and merino knitted romper, £63, Stella McCartney Kids at Smallable.

THIS PAGE: Ariella wears cotton jumpsuit, £45, Christina Rohde at AlexandAlexa.

THIS PAGE: Rheo wears cotton romper, £61, Bobo Choses at Smallable. Cushions, from £35, Monsoon Home.

RIGHT PAGE: Woods wears cotton-blend romper, £58, As We Grow. Sheepskin throw, £45, John Lewis. Basket (in background), £19.99 (set of two), H&M.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MODELS: ARIELLA, OLIVE, OLIVIA, RHEO, WOODS. MODEL AGENCIES: BRUCE & BROWN, MINI MODELS, NCA, USI AGENCY, SIGNATURE MODELS. SET DESIGN: SUSIE CLEGG. ART DIRECTOR: CHLOË COLLYER.

BABY TALK

A

ugust is such a nice time for me; it’s very quiet at work and I love being able to spend serious quality time with the whole family. Our BBQ is in full swing and we’re spending most of our days lying on a huge rug under the apple tree.

This time last year, my little one was sleeping quietly in a moses basket next to me and I just can’t believe how quickly time is passing.

I am absolutely obsessed with the new Mini Rodini store in London. I have been buying this adorable parrot woven body – which is made from beautiful, organic cotton – for friends with newborns. Cotton body, £45, minirodini.com

I have been giving these gorgeous dribble bibs, which are so super soft and come in lovely prints as newborn presents. My favourite has be the Liberty ‘Toy Garden’ dribble bib. Liberty dribble bib, £10, weaselandthewhale.etsy.com

Leo’s

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

WHERE TO GO

Last year, Baby Broadway gave away free children’s tickets for the whole of August, so I am hoping they might do the same again this year. They have loads of family concerts for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and grandparents.

There really is something for everyone, with the likes of Dumbo and Mary Poppins, La La Land and Frozen, so keep an eye on their website. babybroadway.co.uk

LITTLE LUXURIES OU R COLUM NIST Leonora Bamford SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE THINGS THIS MONTH

I worry a lot about the products I use in my home, especially in the children’s rooms. I have come across Tincture London who sell not only the most beautiful cleaning products, but ones that really work. The All Purpose Cleaner is a must. All Purpose Cleaner, £4.99, tincturelondon.com

My niece just had her first birthday. The theme was Teddy Bear’s Picnic, so I gave her this Steiff Disney Christopher Robin Gift Set with a basket of wooden cakes and sandwiches. I love presents like this because you know they’ll be loved for years to come and passed down generations. Christopher Robin Gift Set, £350, steiff.com

FASHION

AH E AD OF TH E C U RVE Timeless Pearly mismatched earrings £245, mytheresa.com

ST YLIST AN D PR E SENTER Antonia O’Brien SHAR E S H ER PR E- AN D POST-NATAL WAR DROBE LUST-HAVE S Straw shoes and accessories will add summer style to every outfit

Eugenia Kim satin-trimmed straw hat £280, net-a-porter.com

Oversized seventies sunglasses are this year’s holiday must-have LOVE BINETTI Wipe Out textured kaftan £260, matchesfashion.com Chambray midi dress £42, warehouse.co.uk

Solid & Striped bikini £160, beachflamingo.com

For an elegant beach cover, keep it long, light and sheer to skim over the bump and body

HOLIDAY STAPLES

Front twist black maternity swimming costume £39, seraphine.com Silk maxi dress £1,195, borgodenor.com

Castañer canvas and jute espadrille wedges £105, matchesfashion.com

Don’t shy away from vibrant colours and bold prints for evening drama, instead be mindful of the neckline; a deep V will flatter and frame the décolletage

Woven straw tote bag £49, stories.com 46 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Leather sandals £239, uk.maje.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

No matter what stage of pregnancy or motherhood you’re at, you can still enjoy the colour and style of summer dressing; this season that means punchy prints, seventies glamour and gold accents.

Chloé sunglasses £235, harveynichols.com

You don’t have to buy maternity styles, instead size-up from your favourite brands

FASHION

Style your bump…

Right now, I’m all about white shirt styling. A wardrobe staple that can belt and unbutton meaning it works for both pregnant and breastfeeding

Make blue, white and tan your go-to palette this summer, whether that’s in the city or on the beach

summer with blue denim, tan leather and coloured stone jewellery.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Maternity shorts, £32, topshop.com; Poplin shirt dress, £79, cosstores.com; Leather sandals, £150, arket.com; Twill maternity shirt, £85, uk.isabellaoliver.com; Denim jacket, £75, stories.com; Hatch Carson cotton-blend twill pants, £220, net-a-porter.com; Seashell necklace, £69, uterque.com

ISABELLA OLIVER

Wear with blue denim, khaki or over a bikini for easy-chic summer dressing

COS

Cinch a long white shirt or wear it open with tailored trousers, flip-flop heels and a statement necklace

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The Flip-Flop Heel: The flip-flop has had a minimal heeled makeover and has been seen on some of the most stylish feet around. Wear with monochrome or to sharpen up a floaty feminine dress; just don’t forget the pedicure!

baby-magazine.co.uk | 47

INTERVIEW Schumer has built her career on honesty and a whole lot of humour

48 | baby-magazine.co.uk

INTERVIEW

• TA L K I N G W I T H A M Y S C H U M E R •

BEING AMY

She has been blazing her unique trail through Hollywood, but as her life turns to motherhood, humour continues to prevail on’t expect Amy Schumer to riff endlessly about the rosy joys of parenthood. There will be no airbrushed portraits or Instagram filters of the 38-year-old comedienne and her beloved son, Gene Attell Fischer, who was born on 5 May. Nor will we be treated to glamourous ‘date night’ shots of a svelte Schumer and her chef husband Chris Fischer as they hit the town a few weeks postpartum. Instead, the queen of comedy is keeping it real – much to the relief of ‘ordinary’ mothers everywhere, even unveiling her son with a bleary-eyed snap of them both with the caption: ‘New Kid, who dis?’

Not since the advent of the contraceptive pill in the Sixties has a woman bared her soul – and her vagina – so fearlessly. For Schumer, such profound honesty is neither a gimmick nor a savvy career move, but the cornerstone on which her brand is built. In a world where women are expected to speak and behave in a certain way, it is her willingness to speak the truth and dig deep into personal life that has seen her rise to become one of the biggest stars in comedy.

“I was brought up to be myself, and I had situations when I was a lot younger where I was specifically instructed to hold back, or change what I said. And that wasn’t me.

“It felt perverse, and I hated myself for having to be someone I wasn’t. So quite soon in my adult years, I decided I would only ever be myself, and that’s how I want my child to grow up.”

Having built up a following through stand-up and her award-winning sketch comedy series Inside Amy Schumer, she boldly took a bite out of the Hollywood apple with Trainwreck. Written by and starring Schumer as the lead, the film proved a revelation of the female narrative, blasting predictable rom-com preconceptions and replacing them with gut-wrenching truths about what happens when a woman allows herself to be both promiscuous and vulnerable in a dating environment which seems to frown upon both.

Her cinematic debut was followed by acting roles in Snatched – co-starring Goldie Hawn – and I Feel Pretty, which, despite grossing over $100 million worldwide, was panned by critics. As she accepts, such heady highs and punishing lows are an inevitable aspect of life.

“I think good and bad creative experiences are perfect metaphors for the highs and lows of parenting. Excessive joy, excessive pride, sometimes interjected with intense frustration.

It’s like my professional life has morphed into my home life.

“What’s useful is you realise how little the ups and downs matter, because everything ends up coming back to the centre; and

WORDS: VIOLET WILDER PHOTOGRAPHY: DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES FOR SAKS OFF FIFTH; INSTAGRAM.COM/AMYSCHUMER

D

if that centre is a happy, loving, secure place, then what a perfect world that is for a young child to be a part of.”

Schumer was the subject of some criticism given how quickly she returned to work following the birth of Gene – she was back on stage within a fortnight. “People can interpret things any way they want – work to one person isn’t work to another; getting back out in the world to one person is sinful, while to another it’s inspiring and empowering to new mums. And actually, all I talk about is motherhood anyway!”

You could certainly forgive the New York-born star for wanting to throw off the shackles of a tough pregnancy. Even before giving birth, Growing – released on Netflix in March and starring a heavily pregnant Schumer – was a comedy special that saw the comedienne back to her finest, leaving no stone unturned in her quest to simultaneously honour and send-up the great journey of early motherhood.

“I wanted to get that out there – I wouldn’t say it was a form of therapy for me, just a debunking of the myth of perfect pregnancies and perfect mums. That stuff isn’t healthy or truthful, and I wanted to support mums who didn’t have it easy.”

In a relentless and raucous hour, she revealed the true extent of hyperemesis gravidarum – she estimates to having vomiting over 1,000 times during pregnancy – talks of her tedious transformation from wine-guzzling party girl to sober mum-in-waiting, mocks fellow bump-hugging mamas-to-be and even jokes about begging her gynaecologist to forbid marital sex while pregnant.

There is also the unavoidable comparison to the Duchess of Sussex who gave birth to her son Archie Harrison a few hours before Schumer, and whom Schumer refers to in Growing as ‘her nemesis’.

“It’s okay to look at other pregnant people and do that thing with the corner of your mouth… for months,” she says. “It all goes away once you give birth – you then start on a whole new path of resentment.”

She is now busy adapting to the next great challenge of parenthood.

Already she has broken several unspoken rules of motherhood, admitting (via Instagram) to “fully neglecting a newborn” in order to read Howard Stern’s latest book, posting a less than flattering shot of herself on the toilet on Mother’s Day; and, of course, there was a howlingly accurate portrayal of childbirth in the Saturday Night Live sketch, ‘The Day you were Born’. “None of it matters… woman are warriors, capable of anything,” declared Schumer in another unglamorous snap. And it is this sentiment we must all embrace, understanding that no matter the circumstances, motherhood is no walk in the park for anyone, Duchess or otherwise.

Amy’s Instag ram bares w arts and al with hilariou l along s captions: ‘Milf alert 1 o’clock’

baby-magazine.co.uk | 49

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BABY TALK

‘

ow many times is it appropriate to ring a doorbell before admitting defeat?’. ‘What’s the general statute of press-and-hold time that won’t make me look like a passive-aggressive idiot?’ I am mind-dumping outside a local nursery, waiting to be buzzed in for a viewing appointment. Finally, a voice from somewhere yells, “Use the other door!”

Linda cannot remember booking me in. She will finish showing around the couple in front, then get to me. I unleash Noah from the pram and float around the reception area. The walls are filled with sugar paper posters, parent notices, awkward head shots of the staff (66 per cent are smiling), fire regulations and an A3 laminate of ‘healthy foods’ from 2003. And there is the not-so-distant thrum of toddler life; crying, shrieking, laughing.

A thrum is good, I reason. It’s lively, like a sort of beehive.

Linda has returned. Proper introductions are made and we’re off. The playground first: parkadjacent (the babies are bundled into wagons and taken for picnics there during the summer months), it’s spacious, there’s a sandpit, but it’s all in a bit of disrepair. The

THE GOOD STUFF

H

An all-natural, certified organic formula containing unrefined shea butter from Ghana, that smells like a patisserie and feels like whipped cream on the skin. Works a treat on Noah’s dry patches as it does on my neglected shins. Eléngé All Purpose Shea Butter 50ml, £14.99, elenge.london

DIARY OF A MUM part 13

You will have seen this book in magazines and across your social channels. With good reason. It is sobering, exposing, enlightening and sharp.

Not always comfortable reading, but essential for modern-day healthy parenting.

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, £10.99, waterstones.com

Now that I’ve mastered the art of buying just the essentials, fewer and further between to avoid the constant charity shop runs, I’m spending a little longer to find those well-made, magical pieces that will hopefully last beyond one child. Denim jacket, ¤65, louislouise.com

Joanna Ellner DECIDE S TO TACKLE N U R SERY GATE, BUT HAS SH E LEF T IT A LIT TLE TOO L ATE? paint peels from the walls and the buckets and spades are cracked.

We pass by the kitchen. “Pasta with tomato sauce for lunch,” Linda says. A sugary yoghurt for dessert. No fruit. No side of veg.

Finally, we enter the room that houses the six to 18-monthold babies. Though noses are streaming and one seems upset, they appear happy and engaged.

But the assistants charged with their care seem almost catatonic in their nonchalance. Presumably, this is when they are on their best behaviour? What happens when the doors are closed? I poke my head around another corner into the baby changing room and it is horribly unkempt. The changing mats are old and torn, the nappies are mixed up in a pile, and the smell. Oh, the smell.

Perhaps I’m judging too harshly.

I know government cuts have

served to rip the engine out of small, reasonably-priced nurseries like this one. Plus, it’s the first I’ve visited. I have no barometer for reference. I spent the evening researching. Turns out I wasn’t being a judgy snob; the nursery in question hadn’t done well in its Ofsted report. Published last year, it was rated ‘needs improvement’.

Of course, I’ve left all of this too late, blindly thinking that when the time came, we’d have already moved out of London.

Well, we are still here.

Days passed. The low-level stomach churn of anxiety remained. I was reminded of two close friends who’d sung nothing

but praises about their shared nanny setup, a boon in terms of practicality as well as a safe and happy environment for their little people. A shared nanny.

The more I chewed around the idea, the more the anxiety fizzed away. And, fortuitously, a mum friend – who lives two streets away – was thinking the exact same thing. Her part-time work days drew parallel with the university days I’d be attending from September. We are united in our refusal of bad nurseries.

And united in our absence from the waiting lists of the good ones.

Now we just need to find our very own Mrs Poppins.

baby-magazine.co.uk | 51

TOT GEAR

EASY UPGRADE

The iCandy Cerium is the very first single to double of the brand’s Designer Collection of pushchairs.

Fusing multi-functionality with finesse, the Cerium can upgrade into a double pushchair using the clever iCandy converter kit. The freedom to transport two little ones simultaneously, be it twins or a toddler and baby, does not affect the single footprint or sophistication of the pushchair, meaning it’s good in town or country! From £1,300, icandyworld.com

tot gear

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

UNCOVERED! SnoozeShade, the original breathable, blackout sun and sleep solution for pushchairs, car seats and travel cots, recently made its TV debut on BBC’s The One Show! Founder Cara Sayer has been subject to an infringement of her business by supermarket giant Aldi producing a copycat version of her product, as well as mimicking the packaging. Cara became determined to ensure this story was exposed! snoozeshade.com

il er ross has re eale its rst car seat collection esigne to make car safety simpler he four bran new esigns offer solutions from birth to years with each pro uct sharing a stan out look an feel n a ition il er ross is launching a mobile app linking to a co e on each car seat to pro i e an installation gui e gi ing parents peace of min From £160, silvercrossbaby.com

ROCK AND STROLL! Cheeky Rascals has introduced a new limited-edition design to its range of luxury pushchairs from Mima. The sleek Xari Rebel offers a fashion-forward look and, thanks to its perforated black fabric and orange leatherette details, is sure to stand out from the crowd! Parents can also get accessories to match, including a stylish change bag and parasol so little ones can stay as cool as they look during the warmer months.

From £1,500, cheekyrascals.co.uk

THE CHATWAL, NEW YORK, IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE NEW FAMILYFRIENDLY AMENITIES FOR THE SUMMER; HOTEL GUESTS WILL NOW HAVE ACCESS TO COMPLIMENTARY UPPABABY MINU STROLLERS DURING THEIR STAY – THE PERFECT LIGHTWEIGHT COMPANION FOR DAILY ADVENTURES.

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REVIEW

THE REVIEW

MUM OF TH R EE Annabella Ward PUTS TH E TH U LE U R BAN GLIDE 2 TO TH E TE ST WITH BABY Delphine

S

ince moving out of London to the countryside, my needs for a pushchair have changed quite a bit. And it’s taken me until baby number three to find my perfect chariot of choice – and with the Urban Glide, they really have thought of everything.

Little Delphine loves riding in her sporty Thule Urban Glide 2 stroller

THE LOWDOWN The Thule Urban Glide 2 is the Bugatti of buggies. A magnificent piece of Swedish design and engineering that is sleek, lightweight and sporty. Suitable for use from six months (or newborn with additional carrycot or car seat) and up to a whopping 34kg. The chunky wheels and suspension make it great for offroading while the handle brake and jogging strap make it a great running companion.

It’s easy to assemble

GOOD LOOKING? Certainly. The Thule Urban Glide 2 comes in three colour choices. We opted for the black on a black chassis.

PRACTICALITY AND DRIVEABILITY It’s been six years since I last assembled a buggy and things really have moved on.

“Just turn the blue button, Mummy!” my seven-year-old William helpfully suggested, which I did, and, easy as pie, the Urban Glide sprung into life.

The pushchair has been very cleverly colour-coded so that every blue piece of plastic has a function; from lifting and lowering the height of the handle bar; controlling the central brake, which is surprisingly useful for navigating hilly terrain or stopping suddenly

on a jog, to collapsing the buggy with one hand and removing the rear wheels for storing or popping in the boot. Unlike previous buggies I’ve owned, most of the noisy velcro elements have been replaced with magnets, which not only have a satisfyingly gentle ‘clunk’ to them, but also help reduce the noise around a sleeping baby. There are well positioned air vents, and an especially large zipped storage area under the seat.

COMFORT

Peek-a-boo! Delphine’s all set for winter’s cooler temperatures, too

Eight-month-old Delphie couldn’t be happier with her new wheels. It’s extremely easy to adjust the seat from sitting to flat, where she’ll happily nap for as long as possible. It’s not small, but this means that my baby can grow with it. In fact, her five-year-old sister loves nothing more than a cheeky ride, which is great, as I know it’ll really last.

It’s smooth as silk to drive, even

The large zipped storage area under the seat is particularly handy

one-handed, with terrific suspension – a first for us and especially useful for country walks.

THE VERDICT I happily give this buggy 10/10. I only wish it had been around eight years ago when we were starting our family, as I know it would have stood the test of time. £550, thule.com

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TOT GEAR

Picking a pushchair E ACH AN D EVERY PAR ENT HAS DIFFER ENT N EEDS AN D TH E SAM E CAN BE SAID FOR TH EIR PUSH CHAIR OF CHOICE, Rebecca Moore ROU N DS U P SOM E STRONG CONTEN DER S THE CLASSIC

Silver Cross Marie-Chantal Kensington

The Balmoral and Kensington models are icons of British pram design, and if you’ve always dreamt of that traditional pushchair, then Silver Cross is sure to be your go-to brand.

When we thought strollers couldn’t get more deluxe, Silver Cross launches a collaboration with Princess Marie-Chantal.

The hand-built coach pram has been reimagined with a vintage-inspired gloss body for a stunning lightweight finish, complete with the signature Silver Cross suspension. The luxurious grey flannel fabrics, hand-stitched tan leather handle and chrome chassis complete the look beautifully. £1,750, silvercrossbaby.com

THE LIGHTWEIGHT

Micralite ProFold

This nifty new stroller from Micralite, weighing in at just 7kg, really does have an ultra-compact fold, only requiring one hand – and it even free-stands, saving precious space. Suitable from birth, what really impressed us is the four-way suspension, making it a real contender as an everyday pushchair.

The comfy ride is enhanced by the cosy super-soft bamboo liner. The storage pouch on the UPF50+ hood is also a nice touch when you’re nipping about town. From £225, micralite.com

THE ALL-ROUNDER

BabaBing! Raffi

The Raffi by British brand BabaBing! really does tick all the boxes. Travel system? Check. Good looking? Check. Value for money? Yes, you guessed it. The carrycot with built-in cosy liner and airflow system offers a snug ride, while the one-hand quick fold is a doddle. Car seat adaptors also included. £599.95, bababing.com

THE INVESTMENT

Nuna Demi Gro

It’s hard to know what the future holds, but with the Nuna Demi Gro, at least your pushchair can be ready for whatever life throws at you! The smart design means it’s easy to convert from a single pushchair to both a double or a twin, leaving parents to purchase the necessary accessories when required. The generous suspension makes it a smooth ride even on bumpy terrain, while the all-season seat is plush and cosy! From £600, nuna.eu

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THE OFF-ROADER

Out n About Nipper Sport

Available as both a single and double, the rugged Nipper Sport is born to tackle adventures. If you’re looking to off-road, or run with your buggy, then this is the perfect companion. The fixed front wheel offers maximum stability over rough terrain, while the larger-than-average 16-inch wheels guarantee a smoothe ride for baby. Has a handlebar-operated brake to give extra control. £239.95, thebabyroom.co.uk

RUNNING HEAD

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PARENTING

Welcome to the world ROYAL AUTH OR Katie Nicholl E XPLOR E S N EWBOR N LIFE FOR TH E SUSSE XE S

PHOTOGRAPHY: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA WIRE/PA IMAGES

Meghan and Harry are enjoying their new life as a family of three with baby Archie

baby-magazine.co.uk | 57

PARENTING

e made his world debut just two days after his birth, and his first family photograph was with the Queen. But despite being the new seventh in line to the throne, Baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is enjoying a remarkably ordinary ‘fourth trimester’.

While there has been a steady flow of VIP visitors (Meghan had Fortnum & Mason tea delivered so that she could entertain the Cambridges, Prince Charles and her A-list friends in style), life behind the closed doors of the Sussexes’ new family home, Frogmore Cottage, has been surprisingly low key.

It is, according to aides, the way Harry and Meghan want to do things, and how they plan to parent moving forwards. Despite their royal status, they have opted not to have a team of staff to support them at home. They didn’t hire a maternity nurse, instead Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, moved in and helped the couple prepare for the birth, and in the end, Meghan opted not to have a doula; it is understood her mother was present instead.

While they have the resources to afford any number of experts and night nurses, sources close to the couple say they want to be hands-on parents. Meghan, a keen and talented chef, has been doing the cooking at home and diligently prepared and froze meals before the birth knowing she would be time-stretched. And sources say Harry has been incredibly hands-on, helping with night feeds and nappy changes.

“They might be royals, but there is nothing stuffy about how they are parenting. They are like every other parent, muddling through, managing on very fractured sleep and learning on the job,” comments one of their friends.

Meghan is understood to be embracing the notion of the fourth trimester, and following a baby-led routine rather than any strict regime during these early weeks. “Meghan likes to have a level of control, which has been visible in her decisions to date as a royal, so starting the fourth trimester off on her own with just family support shows how keen she is to really learn and understand as a parent those early weeks and months,” says Heidi Skudder, from London’s Parent and Baby coach.

“They seem to be embracing the idea of modernday parenting. Harry strikes me as a modern man, who has clearly understood the pregnancy and birth process and is supporting Meghan brilliantly.”

The Duke, who is already back at work having taken a remarkably short paternity leave, revealed at a recent engagement that Archie is keeping them up at night, but he still beamed with pride and happiness. Meghan, who described her son as ‘calm’ and having the ‘sweetest temperament’, has not been seen in public since that debut photo but sources say she is ‘loving every minute of motherhood, she is a natural’.

H

58 | baby-magazine.co.uk

The duchess is nursing, and has been well supported by the other most important person in her life, her mother Doria, who stayed with the family for six weeks only recently returning to her LA home two weeks after Archie’s birth.

“Doria has been indispensable,” reveals a source close to the couple. “She has been there for Meghan and Harry, making sure they are looking after each other, eating and getting some sleep, and she has loved every cuddle with Archie. She is smitten.”

Doria has her own en-suite at Frogmore Cottage, where she will be a regular visitor.

However, the couple will be appointing a nanny in due course and are said to be hunting for the perfect candidate. They are understood to have sought recommendations from their friends the Clooneys, who live half an hour from them, and are even considering an American. Meghan is said to be keen to hire a bilingual nanny because she wants Archie to grow up speaking another language.

She plans to return to work later this year and aides say there are engagements in her diary from October so they will need help. For now, the couple are enjoying their new life as a family of three.

“Meghan will hopefully be spending time getting to know her little one and ensuring feeding is going well,” says Heidi. “She will also be adjusting to life as a mother, which, first time around, can be a bit of a shock to some. Hormones are at an all-time high and there will be moments of extreme happiness followed by tearful moments, too.”

Blissfully tucked away in 440 acres of Windsor countryside, Frogmore Cottage is an oasis for the Sussexes who left Kensington Palace earlier this year because it was too much of a ‘goldfish bowl’.

They are shielded from prying eyes and walk Archie in the grounds of Frogmore House where they celebrated their wedding reception, without the worry of being photographed.

It is, they have told friends, the perfect place to raise their child.

They have apparently already agreed they want Archie to have an ordinary life, which is why they chose not to give him a royal title and gave him a somewhat un-royal and untraditional name.

While they have yet to map out the long-term future, there is every chance Archie could be raised as a private citizen. He might not follow in his father’s footsteps to Eton, but instead go to the local international school.

Given her strong feelings on gender equality, it’s fair to assume that Archie will be raised a feminist, and if he has inherited his mother’s drive and work ethic, he will grow up knowing that while he might simply be ‘Master Archie’, the world is his oyster.

Katie Nicholl is the author of Harry and Meghan: Life, Loss, and Love (£13.99, Hachette Books)

EARLY DAYS EDIT

Cotton dungarees from £26, boden.co.uk

Muslin swaddles (pack of four) £44.95, adenandanais.co.uk

Vital Baby bottle (pack of two) £9.99, johnlewis.com

Merino wool shawl £105, ghhurt.com

Nursing chair and ottoman £1,290, teddyone.uk

ADVERTORIAL

MONKEY BUSINESS AS IF WE N EEDED AN OTH ER R E ASON TO LOVE MATCH STICK MON KEY; SAY H ELLO TO TH E TEE THING BR AN D’S N EW SU PER- COOL N OR DIC R ANGE

The handheld design is perfect for little hands and mouths

imeless and well-loved, it seems as though Scandi designs will never go out of fashion – so, we’re fully on board with the fact Matchstick Monkey is embracing the trend with its latest range of teethers. The Matchstick Monkey Nordic collection comes in a variety of four cool colours, from Airforce Blue and Claret, to Mint Green and Dusty Pink, and the new designs look truly fantastic.

Of course, that’s not the only thing to love about this hugely popular teething toy. Having developed into a global sensation over the past four years, the brand has become a firm favourite with families all over the world, enabling little ones to play their teething pain

T

away. Its ingenious handheld design allows babies to easily hold onto the toy as they chew, while the soft texture massages their little gums to relieve pain.

Better yet, all the materials are environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and FDAapproved, leaving you safe in the knowledge that your child’s Matchstick Monkey is doing them the world of good. You can also use the toy to apply teething gel, and thanks to the monkey’s thin, looped arms, it also

helps baby to develop fine motor skills from a young age, as they learn to grip and play with this special toy.

Simple yet effective, you essentially cannot go wrong with a Matchstick Monkey teether, and the new Nordic designs certainly make these toys a must-have item.

Why not try it out for yourself? £9.99, matchstickmonkey.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 59

1

PARTIES The baby world isn’t short of rainbow-inspired products

PARTY EDIT

PARTIES

Set the scene with these finishing touches

with Carole Middleton

2 Balloon arch £25.99, partypieces.co.uk Helium balloon £4.99, partypieces.co.uk

SECOND BIRTHDAY

3

4

Cotton T-shirt £18.95, bobandblossom.co.uk

Six-inch rainbow cake £53, flavourtownbakery.co.uk

5

6 1. Activity centre £189, mymuro.com 2. Playon crayons £10, trouva.com 3. Djeco play tent £59.50, jojomamanbebe.com 4. Wooden blocks £29.95, letoyvan.com 5. Wishborn Design ride-on £120, kidly.co.uk 6. Grimm’s Toys 12-piece set £69, mollymeg.com

Paper straws (pack of 30) £4.49, partypieces.co.uk

Number candle £1.29, partypieces.co.uk

As your baby turns into a toddler, mark this milestone with a party to remember

S

ummer birthdays really do open up so many opportunities when throwing a celebratory party.

When the sun is shining, it’s lovely to go with a theme that involves bursts of colour. Little ones love all things bright, so as your toddler reaches her second birthday, why not go for an all-out colour explosion and choose rainbow as your party theme?

The sky really is the limit with this playful theme; give guests an indication from the very beginning by sending out brightly-coloured invitations – this is a great way to excite people from the start. A colourful backdrop or balloon arch will make for great photos of the special day, plus, as fun is the order of the day, why not create a giant ball pit for mini partygoers? If you already have an inflatable pool, these double up well – just fill it with plenty of bright multicoloured balls. And be sure to dress the birthday boy or girl in their favourite popping colour, ready for them to jump in!

When it comes to refreshments, you can really go to town. For little ones, healthy fruit kebabs look and taste delicious. Strawberries, pineapple and kiwis work really well for this. Cut open a watermelon and arrange the skewers in the flesh of the fruit – a great table centrepiece and just the right size for tiny hands to hold. For the adults, mix up some delicious fruit punch and pour into brightly coloured paper cups. But the real showstopper has to be the cake.

Rainbow cakes have been hugely popular in recent years, cutting in to reveal the multi-coloured sponge layers guarantees a good reaction from your guests.

Paper napkins (pack of 16) £4.49, partypieces.co.uk

Paper plates (pack of 12) £4.99, partypieces.co.uk

With you every step of the way

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4. A beneficial effect can be obtained from a maternal daily intake of 200mg DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg DHA / EPA for adults – Annex of Commission Regulations (EU) No. 440/2011. *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 23 Feb 2019.

SKIN SAVIOURS Make way for a new bundle of soothing superheroes; ORGANii has launched a range of Parent & Child products made exclusively with natural and organic ingredients, including soaps and sun cream.

Ideal for tots suffering from soreness, the brand’s nappy cream cares for and nourishes sensitive skin, while the baby cream uses chamomile extract to reduce itchiness. Add a spritz of ORGANii’s scented water afterwards to keep baby smelling fresh. pravera.co.uk

ALL THINGS MOTHERHOOD with NEEV SPENCER

M

e and my ever-growing bump are in our eighth month of pregnancy now and suddenly time seems to have stood still.

This last leg of the journey takes so much patience as you eagerly await the arrival of your precious miracle; my mind is racing.

What will they look like? What will they be like? How will the birth go? So many questions seem to spiral around as I lie awake at night.

My body is feeling uncomfortable already, so I decided to investigate natural methods to try to combat the aches and pains. As someone who’s never practised meditation before, I needed to find a person with a great deal of experience to help me on this new journey. I found a brilliant lady called Kiki Felipe; she has been helping me to create a lot of calm in my mind and space in the body.

I’ve also had a few sessions with osteopath Kam Panesar, from London Osteopathic Care. I noticed that my left leg was starting to suffer from shooting pains, and getting up and down from the sofa or out of bed for my tenth trip to the loo in the night, was really painful. Kam has been helping me with the movement of my pelvis and lower back, not only relieving the leg pain, but also preparing me for labour. The combined expertise of both professionals has helped me so much.

In toddler world, we have been preparing Genevieve for her new ‘big girl’ status with ‘her’ baby arriving soon and have been successfully potty training her! I’m so relieved she’s taken to it so well.

See you next month for all my pre-birth tips, and don’t forget to check out my online blog at baby-magazine.co.uk.

health & beauty

NEWS

TH E L ATE ST PRODUC TS AN D IN NOVATION S IN TH E WOR LD OF WELLBEING EXPRESS YOURSELF If breasts come in all shapes and sizes, isn’t it time breast pumps be created in the same vein? Introducing the Medela Flex, a pump that adapts to your breast shape. Available in four sizes, this oval-shaped shield helps to produce at least 11 per cent more milk than a normal pump, reducing pressure and allowing milk to flow more freely.

It can also be rotated 360 degrees, so you can find the position to suit your shape as you express. From £139.99, medela.co.uk

The lack of sleep and stress has also been playing havoc with my skin and I’ve seen it look more washed out than it’s been in the last six months. Weleda Skin Food hydrates the skin like a light mask that lasts all day. Weleda Skin Food, £7.95, weleda.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

I’M LOVING...

MUMS-TO-BE ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO PUT THEIR #FEETUPFOR30, USING HALF AN HOUR TO FOCUS ON THEIR BABY’S MOVEMENTS. THE CAMPAIGN, LAUNCHED BY BABYOPATHY, ADVISES WOMEN TO CONNECT WITH THEIR UNBORN CHILD’S WELLBEING AS THEY RELAX. ROUTINEINTHEWOMB.COM

baby-magazine.co.uk | 63

DEVELOPMENT

Not so mini

milestones

LIFE WITH A BABY CAN FLY BY. BUT AS Becky Dickinson INVE STIGATE S, ON TH E LE AD -U P TO TU R NING ON E, IT’S CHAR AC TERISED BY A SUCCE SSION OF FIR STS he first year of a baby’s life is a fascinating and remarkable journey of discovery, full of rapid change and development. With each passing week, your helpless newborn transforms into a wilful, inquisitive little being, with an innate desire to explore the world around them. Every day is a sensory epiphany, and very young babies use their senses to take in their surroundings, starting with the sound of your voice and sight of your face. And what could be better than simply gazing into the womb-fresh eyes of your miraculous little bundle of joy? By the time they are two weeks old, most babies can recognise their parents.

Talking, singing and cooing to your baby are important, too, not just for bonding, but for boosting future speech and language development. Babies are able to respond to noise from a very early age, so while they may not understand the words yet, the sound of your voice is where it all begins.

In the early days, it can seem as if the only milestones are those anxiously recorded pounds and ounces.

And during those first few sleep-deprived, cracked-nipple weeks, it’s not unusual to feel like life is an endless cycle of feeding, changing and laundry. Then, at around four to six weeks, something happens that causes you to explode with happiness. Your baby smiles! This heart-melting moment is, for many parents, the first real definable milestone of a baby’s life – and, no, it’s not just wind! Suddenly, your little one has a way of communicating that doesn’t involve screaming. And that adorable smile makes them the most beautiful child ever to appear on Instagram. It also marks the beginning of a chain of developmental events.

T

By the time babies are around two months old, most can follow objects with their eyes and hold their head up for a few seconds. By four months, many can roll over, hold their head steadily and push themselves up while lying on their tummy. By now, most babies are also babbling and chuckling away– another precious milestone.

Play becomes increasingly rewarding, as babies discover the joy of grasping objects, shaking things that make a noise and batting things that move – and putting everything in their mouth! This isn’t a sign of hunger, but a way of exploring taste and texture.

That six-month birthday marks another significant milestone, with the introduction of solids and often the appearance of a

forwards, while others ‘bottom-shuffle’, and some skip this phase entirely. Giving your baby plenty of ‘tummy time’ is important for strengthening the muscles needed for crawling, while placing toys just out of reach encourages movement.

However, with so much scope for variation, it’s important not to get caught up in a game of comparison. Anna Taylor, a research psychologist with Fundamentally Children, says: “Remembering that there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ child can avoid unnecessary worry. Parents need to trust their instincts, and speak to their health visitor or GP if they are concerned.” And while it can be easy to panic when your baby doesn’t appear to follow the crowd, Anna says: “If parents feel their baby isn’t reaching certain milestones, it can help to remember that (a) it’s no one’s fault and it doesn’t make you a ‘bad parent’ – all babies develop at their own pace; and (b) most delays can be sorted out with early intervention.”

With that in mind, there’s no need to rush out for that first pair of shoes. However, as a guideline, babies often pull themselves up to standing by the time they are 10 months old, using furniture for support at first, before finding the courage to let go. This, of course, opens up a world of possibility – that of staying upright while placing one foot in front of the other. For many parents, those first eye-watering steps represent the most monumental milestone of all. And whether they happen at 10 months or 18 months, they signify not just a major accomplishment, but the beginning of a whole new era: welcome to the adventures of toddlerhood.

64 | baby-magazine.co.uk

shiny white tooth (along with other less welcome side effects!). Meanwhile, strength and coordination continue to develop. Most babies learn to sit independently between four and seven months, and by eight months, most can sit for several minutes without support. This frees the hands for more sophisticated play, including pulling, turning, reaching, releasing things intentionally and transferring toys from one hand to the other.

And with a better view of the world, it won’t be long before your baby wants to explore.

Cue: crawling – and the need for stair gates!

Babies commonly make their crawling debut between the ages of six and 10 months. Some learn to crawl backwards before they crawl

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

PLAY BECOMES REWARDING, AS BABIES DISCOVER THE JOY OF GRASPING OBJECTS

DEVELOPMENT

TOYS TO GROW WITH

The best thing you can give your child is time and attention. You can teach them through playing, singing, reading and talking. However, for those times when you need them to entertain themselves for a while, here are some of our favourites.

For many parents, a smile is the rst real e nable moment of a baby’s life

Suitable from nine months, the Ball Drop Piano helps children explore sound, light and play. Infantino Senso Ball Drop Piano, £24.99, amazon.co.uk

Whirli is a subscription service which allows parents to order toys that meet their child’s current developmental needs and swap them as they grow. With toys from newborn to seven years, including this sensory toy that encourages colour and shape recognition.

From £9.99 per month, whirli.com

Sebra wooden stacking toy £33.95, scandiborn.co.uk

B Kids sensory toys (pack of 20) £25, kidly.co.uk

Designed to support baby’s development from day one, the black and white design encourages newborn vision, while the range of features promote exploration, coordination and cognitive development. Magical Tales Gymini, £59.99, tinylove.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 65

RUNNING HEAD

Q&A with fertility expert

Zita West

“I’ve just found out I am pregnant and though I’m excited, I’m also feeling very anxious. Is this normal?”

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

P

Having a healthy mindset is also linked with regnancy can feel so overwhelming sleep – and during pregnancy, one of the first that, even if you have yearned for a things to suffer is sleep. If you’ve been through baby, a positive test can quickly lead to an IVF cycle to conceive, you may already be stress and anxiety. After the initial period of physically and emotionally exhausted, and happiness, pregnancy can seem very lonely most women I see are working full-time jobs, and scary, and your head can start to fill with renovating houses and running on energy thoughts of what might go wrong. reserves. Get to bed early and get plenty of We all experience a host of emotions as rest; you can also build up those reserves by we go through change, and most pregnant eating a varied and balanced diet and going women’s feelings are heightened by the out for gentle walks. This will all help you to hormones rushing around their bodies. The feel healthier and better about things. bottom line is that the process of having a Nutrition plays a key role, and at my baby is profoundly life-changing. In extreme clinic we stress the importance of taking cases – those where you feel low, anxious multivitamins and Omega 3 to help or stressed continuously for more than supplement your diet. Finally, if you have a fortnight – you may be suffering from any burning questions, ask your midwife antenatal depression. It’s less commonly for support. She’s there to help you. Never known about than postnatal depression, be afraid to share how you are feeling. but it affects one in 10 pregnant women. For You should also consider joining a local most of us, it’s just a case of some emotional antenatal group. turbulence, which can be managed with a few simple techniques. ed Recommend Firstly, don’t give yourself 5 WAYS TO BEAT product a hard time: it’s only natural MORNING SICKNESS to have some anxiety. It is Feeling sick or vomiting essential to manage your is one of the most stress, so I always advise common symptoms of techniques like visualisation early pregnancy. Here are Vital DHA supplements to help you relax. my tips on how to cope: £15.50, zitawest.com

• Drink lots of water Staying hydrated is very important during the whole of your pregnancy, in order to avoid fatigue and dehydration, and it can also help with nausea and headaches.

• Eat small, simple meals more frequently Choose foods that appeal to you and eat small amounts of them often to keep your blood-sugar levels stable.

• Try acupuncture As well as helping you to manage stress, acupuncture can help with morning sickness, and there are bands you can buy which work on the key pressure points.

• Ginger is good Ginger is rich in zinc and is one of the best remedies for nausea. Try a warming cup of ginger tea or snack on ginger biscuits to help combat feelings of sickness.

• Try yoga or meditation Whether you’ve always practiced or are just a beginner, regular yoga and meditation can help to relax your diaphragm and alleviate feelings of nausea.

Zita West is the founder of the Zita West Fertility Clinic which specialises in a holistic approach to IVF. Instagram: @zitawestivf

baby-magazine.co.uk | 67

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Choose your colour pink or blue

BREASTFEEDING

The Breastfeeding Café with

PROFESSOR AMY BROWN

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

IS IT TRUE THAT BREASTFEEDING STOPS BABIES FROM SLEEPING?

T

here’s no denying that having a new baby is a shock to the system – not least in terms of how little sleep everyone now seems to be getting. If you are breastfeeding, you might find that people suggest that if you stopped, or gave a bottle of formula before bed, then it would help your baby sleep.

Let’s face it – you’re willing to try just about anything at the promise of more sleep. But, unfortunately, formula is highly unlikely to make your baby sleep longer.

Overall, the research shows that in the very early weeks babies who are formula-fed might sleep a little longer, because formula is more difficult to digest.

However, we’re talking extra minutes not hours and this difference soon disappears. By the time your baby is around three or four months old, babies are sleeping (or more like not sleeping) just as much however they are fed. And research shows that breastfeeding mums actually get more sleep overall as it’s much easier just to breastfeed when your baby wakes, compared to having to get up to make a bottle.

Unfortunately, there is no magic fix for infant sleep. It is normal for babies to just

Bravado nursing bra £34, johnlewis.com

Water tracker bottle £14.99, hydratem8.co.uk

wake up at night throughout the first year and beyond. Just like adults, babies wake up for reasons other than being hungry. They wake because they are cold, need a nappy change or just want some comfort – and need your help and reassurance. Formula or solid foods won’t make these completely normal needs go away.

You might have friends who claim their baby sleeps all night. It might be true – around 15 per cent of babies do sleep through the night (although that is often defined as a five-hour stretch, which, to me, is definitely not a full night’s sleep). But there is a lot of pressure to pretend your baby is sleeping, to fit in with the notion of having a ‘good’ baby – a question we saw raised even for a royal baby just a few days old recently. A good response to this question is ‘yes, he’s a great baby, he tells me exactly what he needs’.

Although waking is normal, this doesn’t make it easy. It’s important to try to look after yourself as much as possible – be kind to yourself. It’s okay to rest and take it easy – you don’t need be Superwoman doing it all.

Professor Amy Brown is the author of The Positive Breastfeeding Book (£14.99, Pinter & Martin Ltd), which is available now

bbhugme nursing pillow £63.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Nipple balm £12, mioskincare.co.uk

HOW YOUR PARTNER CAN HELP • Help settle the baby in between feeds by carrying them close in a sling or taking them out for a walk if this helps her relax.

• Provide nutritious meals!

Sometimes you’ll need to literally feed her, but it will help her feed your baby.

Don’t forget the drinks – breastfeeding is thirsty work.

• Be her advocate – this might include rationing early days visitors or ensuring she gets the professional support she needs if she runs into if culties • Although you can’t feed your baby at night, you can help her by getting up and passing the baby to her for feeds, and helping settle them after. This is particularly useful in the early days if everything hurts after the birth.

• Most of all, just be there for her, be her champion, and tell her you’re proud of her – often.

Izmi wrap carrier £45,cheekyrascals.co.uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 69

The right temperature.

Every time

Warm baby’s milk in seconds

milkymeter™ makes it possible to measure the temperature of the baby’s bottle of milk while it is being warmed in the microwave. It gives you real time information on the temperature development, so that you can stop the microwave at exactly the right time, enabling you to serve the milk to the baby at the right temperature, ready to drink.

10 x faster than using a bottle warmer

Safety Feature

Nutrients and vitamins in baby’s milk are important for a baby’s development and digestion. However, overheating milk above 45˚C or if it is kept warm for a long time period whether warming it using a microwave, water bath, bottle warmer or any other method can damage the nutrients.

Thankfully, the milkymeter ™ safeguards the nutrients when milk is warmed in the microwave by alerting you to when it has reached the correct temperature. Just stop the microwave when the milkymeter ™ starts flashing a green light and more o f those lovely nutrients and vitamins are preserved. Peace of mind for you is the ability to achieve the right drinking temperature after the first attempt.

Meaning you can serve the baby’s bottle in seconds, after testing as normal.

Available to buy today from; Amazon.co.uk | BabyLurve.co.uk Direct4Baby.co.uk | Milkymeter.com

Suitable for breast milk, milk and formula

More nutrients preserved by warming accurately

Avoid overheating thanks to safety feature

HEALTH

TIME TO TALK with MARINA FOGLE & DR CHIARA HUNT

BREECH BABIES

This issue the sisters discuss what to expect when your baby is breech ne of the things your midwife will check towards the end of your pregnancy is whether or not your baby is in the head-down position. Because a baby’s head is the largest part of their body, it is safer if they are born head first. While a lot of babies are in fact the wrong way round (or breech) at around 30 weeks, most babies do turn so that they are head down by 36 weeks.

Only about 10 per cent of babies are breech at term.

If your baby is breech at 35 weeks, your midwife will talk to you about having an ECV (external cephalic version) where an obstetrician will manually try to turn your baby by pushing on your abdomen, using ultrasound to see what they are doing. This is usually done at around 36 weeks – they want the baby to have room to change position, but for it to also not be too early to deliver the baby in case she becomes distressed.

However, this procedure only has a success rate of around 50 per cent.

It is safe, though; it’s always done by an obstetrician, in hospital, and your baby’s heart rate would be constantly monitored. If they were worried about the baby, they would stop.

How likely this is to work depends on the position of your baby. It’s less likely to work if your baby’s bottom is firmly lodged in your pelvis, for example, whereas if your baby is lying diagonally, you have a better chance. Having an ECV is not an enjoyable experience.

As the obstetrician tries to move your baby, it does feel uncomfortable (you will usually be offered gas and air) and it somehow feels wrong for someone to firmly manipulate your tummy. If

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

O

you are uncomfortable and want to stop things, you just have to say.

An ECV is not something you need to have. If you’d rather not, that’s fine.

Remember, too, that some babies turn, only to turn back around the next day.

If the ECV fails or if you choose not to have it, you need to think about your birth plan. While it is possible to have a vaginal birth with a baby in the breech position, it is generally considered to be more risky.

However, recent data suggests that, for some women, the risk might be substantially less, particularly if they have had straightforward vaginal births previously. Unfortunately, because vaginal breech deliveries have not been done routinely in the last two decades, many midwives are no longer skilled at doing them. Your own situation should

be addressed in this discussion. If you have had one or more previous vaginal births that have been straightforward, your chance of delivering a breech baby safely is higher. If this is your first birth or if there have been previous complications, it’s a more risky decision. The other option is to have a c-section, which is sometimes safer under these circumstances.

Finding out your baby is breech can be stressful, especially if you have been looking forward to a natural labour.

But just because this part hasn’t quite gone to plan, it doesn’t mean the birth can’t be just as magical. Have an honest conversation with your doctor and embrace the decision you’ve made.

What we can promise is that meeting your baby is an amazing moment, as long as you go in with an open mind.

Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are the founders of The Bump Class, which provides antenatal classes in South West London.

Their podcast, The Parent Hood, is free to download on iTunes and Acast. Visit thebumpclass.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 71

SHOPPING

THE REVIEW

LOOKING FOR SOM E THING TO SOOTH E BABY ’S GUMS? Laura Mason PUTS TH E BE ST TEE TH ER S TO TH E TE ST

Best for

BIB

Best for

STYLE

Best for

YOUNGER BABIES

Best for NATURAL

Gertie can lend her feet and beak to your baby for pain relief

Best for

TOY

MOONCOW

CHEEKY CHOMPERS

NIBBLING

MATCHSTICK MONKEY

Nordic

THE ORIGINAL TOY CORP

This adorable teething toy, Ethan the Fox, is made from 100 per cent natural rubber from the Hevea tree, making it soft and smooth to touch.

Stimulating all senses, babies will love grabbing hold of his slender neck and legs, while his tail is a super-chewable spot, reaching gums that are further back. He also makes a distinctive squeak that little ones will love. £13.99, mooncow.co.uk

This super-absorbent bandana bib is great for mopping up the copious amounts of saliva while baby is having a good chew on the teether end. The unique two-in-one design is also very hygienic, as it won’t drop on the floor and can be safely machinewashed. The bib and matching accessories are available in a range of stunning prints. £11.99, cheekychompers.com

This monochromecoloured sensory toy makes for a chewable treat for babies. The natural wood and BPA-free silicone beads are the perfect size for little fingers and extra tactile for exploring through the mouth and hands. The contrast of the two materials and different textures create a lovely sensory experience for young babies. £18, nibbling.co.uk

Smaller hands will naturally affix a firm and comfortable grip on to the monkey’s arms of this simple teether. Made of a tough silicone, the monkey’s head is similar to a toothbrush that fits nicely into a small mouth.

The head shape is also ideal to add teething gel if you’re struggling to apply it direct to your baby’s gums. Available in lots of colours. £9.99, matchstickmonkey.com

One of the newest teethers on the market, Gertie is an all-natural rubber toy featuring a strong contrast of colours for easy focus. Super-soft and squidgy with lots of flex, babies will love to bend Gertie so that it can be effortlessly directed into the mouth to soothe tender gums. £13.99, gertiethegoodgoose. co.uk

Ethan the Fox

72 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Neckerchew

Nib Cube

Gertie the Good Goose

ADVERTORIAL

Skin deep IS YOU R BABY SU FFERING WITH CR ADLE CAP? COLIEF ® BABY SCALP OIL OFFERS A GENTLE SOLUTION

Keep baby’s scalp super-soft with the help of infant health brand Colief®

s parents, we want the best for our babies, especially when it’s concerning their health.

Finding brands that strike the balance between natural products which are scientifically proven and that do what they say on the tin is no easy feat. Colief’s range of natural products provide health benefits to babies and young children. The brand’s scientific knowledge and proven expertise in temporary lactose intolerance informed the development of Colief® Infant Drops nearly two decades ago. Today it is the most commonly prescribed treatment for colicky symptoms, and is widely recommended by health visitors.

Colief also offers an extended baby care range, including Colief®Baby Scalp Oil. Babies are celebrated for their super-soft skin, but many babies can develop cradle cap – dry or flaky patches on the scalp – particularly in their first year. And, while it usually doesn’t cause any harm to little ones, it can be unsightly and distressing for you as a parent, so it’s reassuring to know that there’s now a gentle solution on hand.

A

This soothing oil can be massaged into the scalp to help remove dry skin and flakes. Enriched with naturally-derived ingredients, including hydrating rosehip oil, healing chamomile and nourishing vitamin E, Colief® Baby Scalp Oil gently moisturises and soothes, from when your baby is two months or older.

Simply massage a few drops of Colief® Baby Scalp Oil into baby’s scalp to loosen any flakes and then gently brush the scalp with a soft baby brush to further loosen the flakes. Don’t be tempted to pick them. If you suspect your baby’s cradle cap has become infected at any point, make sure you speak with your GP or health visitor.

The complete Colief® range is available for sale through major pharmacies and supermarkets.

Its mission is to bring peace of mind to families for generations, leaving you and your baby happy and healthy to celebrate life’s best moments.

Find out more at colief.com and facebook.com/ColiefCare

KEEPING IT NATURAL What goes in to Colief® Baby Scalp Oil and why?

• Rosehip oil – A light moisturiser containing essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6, which is thought to help hydrate the skin.

• Chamomile – Renowned for its calming and healing properties, chamomile has been used as a natural anti-inflammatory since ancient times.

• Vitamin E – A natural antioxidant thought to repair and protect skin.

baby-magazine.co.uk | 73

INTERIORS

DIAMOND LEAGUE

If storage is a struggle, it’s time to get involved with Scandi brand Cam Cam Copenhagen’s award-winning Harlequin collection. Among the selection of prominent wardrobes, cosy cot beds and elegant changing tables, new to the range this summer is a stylish cabinet and a shelf with sides, both featuring Harlequin’s iconic rhombus-shaped pattern. Great for storing baby’s clothes, the cabinet can be easily mounted to the bedroom wall, while the shelf makes an ideal spot for books and toys. camcamcopenhagen.com

interior

NEWS

ST YLISH U PDATE S AN D IN SPIRING FIN DS TO MAKE YOU R HOUSE A H OM E

TAKE THE FLOOR

SNUGGLE UP

Add a splash of colour to baby’s bedroom with the new rug collection from The Great Little Trading Company.

Made from 100 per cent pure wool, these cosy, hand-tufted creations offer a soft surface for little ones as they play.

Rocket into the depths of the universe with the cool space design, or brighten up the area with a rainbow rug.

From £60, gltc.co.uk

As if we needed another reason to love the stylish Mokee Mini Cot, now the brand has unleashed a premium bedding collection to go with it. Comprising a pillow cover and quilt cover, the Peony Peaks range features simple white, pink peony and navy peony designs made from 100 per cent cotton, plus lilac grey and melange grey sets made from cotton jersey. £29, en.mokee.eu Keep your little one close as she sleeps with the new Baby Elegance BeByMe crib. Whether you use it as a normal four-sided cot or as a co-sleeper next to your bed, the BeByMe allows baby to snooze safely in her own space while you rest nearby for security, breastfeeding and cuddling. Designed from birth to six months – or until she can sit up unassisted – the crib also fol s away an ts into a tra el bag so it s great for on-the-go, too. £145, babyelegance.com

PURE AND SIMPLE

A one-of-a-kind baby food brand is hitting the shelves; containing all the delicious taste, texture and nutrient value as homemade puréed food, Mia & Ben is the first fresh baby food brand that’s produced without heat. In its convenient pouch format, each product gives little ones the experience of eating real ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible. £1.59, miabenorganic.com

food

WONKY WONDERS

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

GREEN EATING Looking to cut down on plastic? 3 Sprouts has launched an ecoconscious Litterless Lunch collection. The range includes reusable, resilient sandwich bags, ice packs, bento boxes (great for wet foods, like yoghurts), plus snack bags and water bottles. Each product features five of the brand’s much-loved characters – the lion, fox, owl, bear and deer. Buy a matching set, or mix it up! 1two.co.uk

Did you know that up to 40 per cent of food produce is thrown away before it even leaves farms, due to its size and skin markings? Educate your tots about food waste while packing healthy, tasty snacks into their diet with Oddbox’s new Fruit Booster Box. Containing up to 30 portions, inside you’ll find up to five varieties of seasonal ‘wonky’ fruit. Another reason to feel smug for eating healthily. £9.99, oddbox.co.uk

NEWS TH E L ATE ST AN D GR E ATE ST TR E ATS FOR BABIE S, CHILDR EN AN D PAR ENTS

Introduce tangy raspberry, sweet strawberry an moreish blackcurrant fla ours to baby s expanding palate with Unicorn Fruit Flakes, a fruit snack bran new to the shel es of Waitrose and Morrisons. Made from real fruit purées, these soft, chewy pieces are packaged in shiny, holographic wrapping that little ones will lo e £2, fruit-bowl.com

NOT SURE WHAT THOSE UNUSUAL FACIAL EXPRESSIONS BABY PULLS AS SHE’S EATING MEAN? YOU AREN’T ALONE; RESEARCH

BY BABY FOOD COMPANY PICCOLO HAS REVEALED THAT 53 PER CENT OF PARENTS REGULARLY MISREAD THEIR BABIES’ FACES, WITH 32 PER CENT ADMITTING THEY’RE UNSURE ABOUT WHETHER THEIR LITTLE ONES ARE EATING ENOUGH FOOD.

baby-magazine.co.uk | 77

Build healthy habits for a lifetime

Little Tummy delivers fresh, cold-pressed baby meals directly to parents’ doorstep! The brand’s recipes are mainly vegetable-based, full of plantbased protein and developed by co-founder and in-house Paediatrician Dr Sophie Niedermaier to support babies’ to set up healthy habits from early on. Little Tummy never heat-treats their products, instead the company used a gentle cold-pressure-method to lock in the fresh taste and vitamins of their products.

Order today and use the code BABY50 to get 50% your first order! www.littletummy.co

78 | baby-magazine.co.uk

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RUNNING HEAD

Wean Supreme HIT TING TH E WE ANING JOU R N EY IS A R E AL MILE STON E FOR BOTH PAR ENTS AN D BABIE S. H ER E AR E SOM E H ELPFU L TIPS AN D TRICKS ON H OW TO MAKE A GR E AT START aking a healthy introduction of solids into the world of food is so important. Here, Dr Sophie Niedermaier-Patramani, paediatrician and cofounder of Little Tummy, provides her top tips.

M

START GREEN: Once your baby is ready, start with single ingredients, such as dark-green vegetables. They are relatively rich in iron and a great way to train your little one’s palate.

Continue with single veg and fruit over the next few weeks. You can offer them both as purée or finger food. It really depends on your own and your baby’s preferences.

EMBRACE THE VEG FACE: Babies’ faces show an inborn reaction to bitter tastes. They crunch their face as if they just bit into a slice of lemon. Researchers have found out that this facial reaction goes away when babies try the same taste repeatedly. If your little one makes a funny face when you try spinach for the first time, look out for this reaction. It will be great to observe how it vanishes over time.

HUNGER HEROES

BE PERSISTENT: Don’t give up when your baby doesn’t accept a new taste on the first go. It can take between 10-15 tries for your little one to like the broccoli you steamed for them. If they didn’t want it the first time, try

TE ETHING LOLLIES INGREDIENTS

• Little Yeos Fromage Frais • 6 x lolly sticks or feeding spoons METHOD

again after a few days. You will love the feeling when they start devouring it after a few tries!

MAKE HEALTHY HABITS LAST A LIFETIME: By eating a variety of vegetables from the start, babies get used to the different taste and texture. These healthy food choices mean your child will be more likely to eat vegetables later on in life. Listen to your baby’s cues of hunger to support their sense of when and how to eat.

Remove the lids from a pack of Strawberry and Mango Little Yeos and freeze for an hour. When they are semi-frozen, push lolly sticks or feeding spoons into the middle of each pot, and continue freezing for another 3 hours. When ready to serve, dip the pots into warm water and pull the lollies out of the pots. Soothe gums and rumbling tums!

Tip: Little Yeos Fruity Fromage Frais already contains real fruit purée, but you can add a fruity boost to these lollies by adding in squished or chopped berries!

For Aisha Mild Curried Chicken Dhal with Lentils £1.50, sainsburys.co.uk

Wooden highchair £129.99, koo-di.com

Little Yeos Fromage Frais £1.55, waitrose.com

Prepare healthy foods for your kids in this eco-designed food processor Babycook Neo £160, beaba.com

Itsy Blitz portable weaning blender £39.99, myitsy.com Piccolo Cooking stock cubes £1.50, mylittlepiccolo.com

Little Tummy subscription box From £1.90 per meal, littletummy.co

FOOD

Summer Lovin’ WH O SAYS BABY FOOD HAS TO BE DU LL? Alice Fotheringham SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE FAMILY R ECIPE S

B L AC K B E R RY & A P P L E Q U I N OA P O R R I D G E Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 25 minutes Serves 4-6 Suitable from 6 months Not suitable for freezing

This yummy porridge made from a combination of oats and quinoa with a fruity twist makes a delicious breakfast or snack.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp ground ginger • 250ml almond or oat milk • ½ vanilla pod • 40g quinoa • 25g porridge oats • ½ eating apple, peeled, cored and chopped into small chunks • 50g blackberries METHOD

Split the vanilla pod down the middle and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and pod to a saucepan and add in the almond or oat milk and ginger.

80 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Rinse the quinoa in cold water, then add the quinoa to the milk and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered, or until the quinoa tails sprout.

Add the oats and 80ml water to the quinoa and cook until it reaches a porridge consistency – about 10 minutes, uncovered.

Add more water or milk if desired.

Meanwhile, make a blackberry and apple coulis: add the apple chunks with 3 tablespoons of water and simmer for 4-5 minutes, covered, add the blackberries and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes. Mix well and mash with a fork until the fruit has broken down.

Remove the vanilla pod from the porridge and mix in the coulis to the porridge, reserving a little to drizzle over the top of the porridge when serving.

Oats and quinoa combine well to make a tasty and lling breakfast or snack

baby-magazine.co.uk | 81

FOOD

A clever use for leftover pasta that kids will love!

C E L E R I AC A N D SWE ETCOR N PUR É E Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Serves 4 Suitable from 6 months Suitable for freezing

T O M AT O S PAG H E T T I M U F F I N S Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 25 minutes Makes 8 Suitable from 10 months

A brilliant way to use up leftover pasta from dinner – bake it into lunchbox or picnic muffins, for the perfect finger food for the whole family!

INGREDIENTS

• 200g spaghetti • 500ml tomato sauce (preferably with herbs) • 50g frozen peas • 40g grated carrot • salt and pepper to taste • 100g grated cheddar, plus extra to top METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the spaghetti in a pan of boiling water

and cook on the hob as per the package instructions.

In a separate large saucepan, add the tomato sauce and gently heat, adding the grated carrot. Cook the sauce for 4-5 minutes until thickened, whisking regularly. Add the cheese and remove from the heat.

When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the tomato sauce along with the frozen peas. Season to taste.

Grease a muffin tin with a little butter or spray oil and spoon in the saucy pasta. Top with some extra cheese and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Once the spaghetti muffins have been baked, allow them to cool before attempting to remove them from the muffin tins or they will fall apart.

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The muffins can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave or oven.

This tasty smooth purée uses simple seasonal vegetables. Sweetcorn can have a bit of a grainy texture, so make sure to blend thoroughly. Celeriac is the root of the celery leaf, so please be mindful if there are any celery allergies in the family.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ celeriac, peeled and cut into chunks • 1 carrot, peeled and chopped • 200g sweetcorn, frozen or tinned • 1 tsp olive oil METHOD

Put the celeriac, carrot and sweetcorn in a steamer over simmering water for 15 mins or until tender. You can boil in a pan with water for ten minutes if you do not have a steamer.

Once cooked, drain, reserving 3-4 tablespoons of cooking liquid.

Blitz all of the ingredients to a purée, with half of the reserved cooking water and the olive oil to create a smooth texture. Add any additional water if you want a thinner purée.

Alice Fotheringham is co-founder and infant nutritional therapist at Piccolo baby food. Piccolo make a range of 100 per cent organic baby meals, snacks and cooking ingredients to inspire your family to start a lifetime of food adventures. 10% of Piccolo’s profits go to charities that support local families. Visit mylittlepiccolo.com or follow Piccolo on Instagram @mylittlepiccolo

82 | baby-magazine.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Bottled up

IS TH E MILK YOU BUY DELIVERING TH E N UTRIENTS YOU E XPEC T AN D N EED?

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. 1 nhs.uk. 2 milk.co.uk/nutritious-dairy/. 3 Whited, L. J.; Hammond, B. H.; Chapman, K. W.; Boor, K. J. Vitamin A Degradation and Light-Oxidized Flavor Defects in Milk. J. Dairy Sci. 2002, 85 (2), 351–354.

4 Whited, L. J.; Hammond, B. H.; Chapman, K. W.; Boor, K. J. Vitamin A Degradation and Light-Oxidized Flavor Defects in Milk. J. Dairy Sci. 2002, 85 (2), 351–354. 5 Jung MY, Lee HO, Min DB. 1998. J Food Sci 63:408-412.

FIVE BODY BOOSTERS

According to the Department for Education, on average, UK children miss over a week of school during term time because of sickness. Any parent will know they pick up their fair share of colds and bugs at nursery. So, what can you do to help?

After 16 hours in a conventional bottle, fresh milk will have lost half of its vitamin A content

e expect things to do what they say they will. Cars take us from A to B, Hollywood blockbusters entertain us, and food should be nourishing. So, if we don’t get what we were promised, we have every right to be annoyed.

What it says on the label should be exactly what’s in our food. Simple as that. But is it?

When it comes to fresh milk, for example, we’re promised that it’ll nourish our children1, providing them with important nutrients such as calcium, vitamins A, D and B22, also known as riboflavin.

These are all essential to keep them healthy and full of energy.

But what you might not know is that light causes these nutrients to degrade, so nutrient-rich milk fresh from the farm may have arrived in your fridge with less of the good stuff than you’d expect. Indoor

W

lights in the supermarket and even the lights in your fridge can damage the vitamins in your milk!

After just two hours of exposure to LED lighting – the type often found in your supermarket – fresh milk begins to lose vitamin A3. And after 16 hours, milk found in a conventional bottle will have just half the vitamin A it started with4.

But what’s the answer? Believe it or not, it’s the bottle. Buying milk in light-protected packaging will help keep the nutrients safe and ensure that you and your family get the nourishment you deserve.

Fresh milk protected from light by dairy companies remains fresher and tastier for longer5.

Stand up for milk goodness and fight the light.

Learn more about light damage at lightdamageisreal.com

• Eat a healthy diet: make sure your toddler gets plenty of vitamin A, C and D, found in lots of fruit, veggies and milk.

• Milk matters: recent studies have shown that indoor lights can damage the freshness, taste and nutrients we love in milk before it even gets poured. The good news is milk bottles can now be light-protected and certified to keep in all the yummy goodness your kids love and need.

• Start the day right: the first meal is key, so serve up a nutritious brainboosting breakfast.

• Keep them hydrated: water and milk are the best drinks for children as they do not contain free sugars. Check out nutrition.org.uk for a handy guide on keeping little ones hydrated.

• Plenty of ZZZs: it is said that kids aged one to five need 12-14 hours of sleep a day, including naps.

baby-magazine.co.uk | 83

NEXT ISSUE

IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF

STOCKISTS

As We Grow

aswegrow.is

Anne-Claire Petit

en.smallable.com

Bobo Choses

en.smallable.com

Boden

boden.com

Bonpoint

alexandalexa.com

Caramel Baby & Child

caramel-shop.co.uk

Christina Rohde

alexandalexa.com

Looking to express? We put the best breast pumps through their paces

H&M

hm.com

John Lewis

johnlewis.com

Roadtesting the iCandy Raspberry stroller

Lille

dawnandday.com

Marie-Chantal

mariechantal.co.uk

Monsoon Home

uk.monsoon.co.uk

Mori

babymori.com

Olli Ella

olliella.com

Stella McCartney

en.smallable.com

All smiles! A guide to your baby’s dental hygiene Having a baby can play havoc with your pelvic floor, so we look at how you can regain control Taking care of baby’s sensitive skin, and what to do if your child suffers from eczema

ON SALE

�� JULY 84 | baby-magazine.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH WINBORN

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Woods wears cotton romper, £50, Lille at Dawn and Day. Basket (in background), £19.99 (set of two), H&M.

TRAVEL

travel

THIS MONTH W E V I S IT…

The Landmark London

NEWS

WH ER EVER YOU R DE STINATION , TR AVEL IN ST YLE WITH BABY IN TOW

Editor REBECCA MOORE goes in search for the ultimate staycation

I

“

just want a night off!” declared a longstanding friend. And she deserved it. With a babysitter sorted for toddler Remy, I started plotting the best night off ever; I’d been invited to check out Marylebone’s Landmark London hotel, dubbed as ‘an oasis of luxury in the heart of London’.

The Landmark certainly had all the ingredients required; sumptuous rooms and suites, an enchanting restaurant and its own spa. This heritage hotel oozes quintessential charm. It’s unfussy but elegant, with high ceilings, wood panelling and bouquet upon bouquet of fresh flowers. The staff are pretty charming, too, with a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ ethos.

The Marylebone Suite was our sanctuary.

We settled in by ordering cheese, biscuits and a bottle of wine to the room, feeling rather smug with our place of residence, albeit for the one night. Beautifully appointed, the suite is generous in both size and style. And with the living space separated by French doors, it’s the perfect space for a family stay, despite being child-free for the evening. The marble bathroom is an empire in itself; boasting luxurious Molton Brown toiletries.

Unlike the rest of the hotel, the Winter Garden Restaurant couldn’t feel further from Blighty.

The eight-story glass atrium combined with lavish palms is one of the best restaurants I’ve been lucky enough to dine in. And the compliments don’t end there… the modern European menu offers creativity and bucket loads of flavour.

Of course, our indulgent break wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the spa. We swam, steamed and dozed in the solarium. Even the gym was a pleasure. Working closely with Germaine de Capuccini, one of Europe’s top skincare houses, the spa offers some of the best treatments in the business. If you visit while expecting, an Africaninspired full body massage is the perfect pick-meup during pregnancy. Oh Landmark, you’re divine! landmarklondon.co.uk

GREEK RETREAT

Award-winning tour operator Mark Warner has just opened its Paleros Beach Resort, bringing the brand’s signature activities and leading childcare to the Greek mainland. Situated close to the seaside town of Paleros, with its tavernatrimmed harbour, sweeping beaches and unspoiled coastline, the company’s multimillion pound refurbishment brings a mix of 130 contemporary doubles, suites and family rooms set in beachside gardens to an unspoilt stretch of west coast Greece. markwarner.co.uk

AND RELAX… Nestled in the middle of the Isle of Wight is idyllic Northcourt Manor, which hosts Bump & Mind Retreats.

During a three-night stay, mums to be and their birth partners engage in a KGHypnobirthing course, exclusive maternity fitness programme, pregnancy yoga, a series of relaxation workshops, and full body massages. Upcoming dates are 6-9 September and 8-11 November. bumpandmindretreats.co.uk

LOOK OUT FOR GREEN PEOPLE’S ECO-FRIENDLY SUNCARE RANGE: IT’S REEF SAFE AND NON-TOXIC TO MARINE LIFE, AND ALSO USES RENEWABLE SUGAR CANE PACKAGING, A CARBON-NEUTRAL RAW MATERIAL THAT REMOVES 3KGS OF CO2 FROM THE AIR FOR EVERY 1KG PRODUCED. GREENPEOPLE.CO.UK

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RUNNING HEAD

Ten hours to paradise...

JAMAICA

One of the world’s best beaches

Chelsea White H E ADS TO N EGRIL BE ACH FOR A SPECIAL FAMILY H OLIDAY ondon Gatwick to Sangster airport is just shy of 10 hours, but this didn’t seem to phase my daughter Harlow, aged seven, or son Harlen, who had just turned three.

They were just as excited as I was to visit Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, on the sun-kissed island of Jamaica, and thankfully were too occupied by movies and in-flight treats to notice the long journey. After landing in Montego Bay on the west coast, our late-night transfer to the coast took 90 minutes. Upon arrival, we all crashed into bed at our spacious family suite, drifting straight off to sleep.

Waking up the next morning to views of the bright-blue Caribbean was just the thing to revive us! It’s no surprise that the famous seven-mile stretch of sand on which the resort sits has been crowned one of the world’s best beaches; many of the resort’s activities centre around it, with complimentary snorkelling trips to the nearby reef as well as kayaking, diving and paddle-boarding.

It didn’t take Harlow and Harlen long to start exploring – there’s a playground, mini-golf and waterpark equipped with waterslides galore, kid-friendly pools and a lazy river. My two really got a kick out of the swim-up bar where they could order a mocktail, while the adults could enjoy the real deal with premium spirits, at no extra cost. It’s details like this that sets this resort apart from other all-inclusives – catering for youngsters as much as adults in every respect. The complimentary Kids’ Camp is for babies

L

The cast of Sesame Street make regular visits

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up to teens, staffed by certified nannies, and rife with energy-burning activities.

Visitors of all ages will love the resort’s partnership with Sesame Street. The colourful characters are regulars in the kids’ club, where you can book your little ones into bird-watching with Big Bird, cookie-baking with Cookie Monster or island-exploring with Grover. For super fans, character ‘Tuck-Ins’ can be booked for bedtime, or you can start the day with a Character Breakfast.

All-inclusives have a reputation for blah buffet style food, but we were spoiled for choice, with nine top-notch restaurants to choose from. For lunch, we loved the woodfired pizzas at Dino’s Pizzeria that we demolished beside the main pool. And you can’t visit Jamaica and not try the jerk chicken, which is available all day from the Bar.B.Q. Park.

Somewhat reluctantly, on our last day, we decided to leave the resort, as I had promised horse-mad Harlow a Horseback Ride ‘n’ Swim excursion with Island Routes Adventure Tours. It proved every bit as amazing as the pictures, with the tour passing by farmland and the ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation. It gave us a chance to learn a bit about Jamaica’s history before ending with a quick horseback ride into the sea, which had Harlow squealing in delight! Thanks for the special memories, Jamaica.

Seven nights from £6,679, based on a family of four with return flights. beaches.co.uk

A ride on the beach was a highlight for Harlow

Children love the lazy river

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TRAVEL

Babyon board

NAVIGATE MID -AIR TANTRUMS ON YOU R FAMILY ’S FIR ST – OR N E X T – FLIGHT WITH Kerry Spencer’S TIPS FOR TR AVELLING WITH BABIE S

ne of the most daunting ‘firsts’ for new parents is often that initial flight with your baby. Flying with your little one doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing experience if you approach your trip with some careful planning.

O

DO YOUR RESEARCH If you already have a destination in mind, the next step is to do your research and choose an airline and flight time that best suit your family’s needs. You can use any pushchair up until boarding, but now many travel strollers can also be stowed overhead – just check the airline’s policy first. A car seat is not counted towards luggage allowance and you can usually check in extra items, such as a travel cot. For longer flights, it’s important to know if a bassinet is available in the cabin.

The availability of a bassinet depends on how many babies are booked on the flight and the age of your little one at the time of travelling, with priority typically given to babies under six months old. Speak to your airline and find out if you can pre-book, which will have the advantage of allowing your baby to sleep flat and free you up to eat and rest.

Find out if the airline offers baby food.

Most airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines, offer a variety of puréed or bottled foods for weaning babies or baby meals for toddlers, providing they are given 48-hours notice.

Etihad is a popular choice because of its unique nanny service. The airline’s in-flight Mary Poppins is equipped with a goody bag

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of games to keep little ones busy and offer parents a break during the flight.

If it’s within your your budget, consider upgrading. The extra space and comfort is worth it, though there are less-expensive options, such as pre-booking extra leg room.

Another tip: If you’re travelling with a partner and your little one is a kicker, consider booking your other half the seat in front. That way, if your baby kicks, they don’t impact other passengers (just your poor partner!).

BEFORE THE FLIGHT New regulations mean that a mother with a different surname to her baby might be asked to provide the baby’s birth certificate at the airport before being allowed to fly. Keep a spare copy of your baby’s birth certificate with their passport to avoid awkward situations.

If you’re travelling with a toddler that has nuclear energy levels, try and tire them out before the flight with a trip to the park.

Many airports, including London Gatwick and Heathrow, offer complimentary family rooms with soft play areas and games rooms to use pre-flight.

When it comes to boarding, don’t be afraid to ask to board first if the airline doesn’t

tiha irw ays has an in flight Mar y Poppi ns to keep lit tle ones bu sy

TRAVEL

TAKE FLIGHT Going abroad this summer? Then don’t leave home without these handy travel buys to help you have a happy holiday Sun cream spray £12, garnier.co.uk Babiators sunglasses £22.50, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Careful planning before your flight can make flying with your baby a less fraught experience

Briggs & Riley cabin suitcase £449, johnlewis.com

Baby Carrier One £159.99, babybjorn.com

Piccolo pouch £1.10, waitrose.com

Sleep & Go Travel Cot £175, micralite.com

3-in-1 Swim £4, childsfarm.com

Hooded towel £16.99, splashabout.com

Jet stroller £275, silvercrossbaby.com

Floatsuit £22.99, konfidence.co.uk

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TRAVEL

already offer this. It will give you more time to settle in before the crowds board.

such as Singapore Airlines, are equipped with nappies, disposable bibs, feeding bottles and wipes, available on request. For mess-free healthy snacks, take puréed pouches, such as Piccolo’s raspberry and apple to ensure they still get their fruit while travelling.

Don’t forget to pack any medication your little one is required to take, plus Calpol, Nurofen and teething gel, in your hand luggage. Stick with what your baby is familiar with, too. Your baby’s first flight is not the time to try out a new type of bottle. Pack a familiar blanket, pillow, favourite book, toys and comforter in your hand luggage, and visit your local pound store before your trip to create a fun goody bag of bargain tricks to entertain them during the flight.

When it comes to organising your hand luggage, consider investing in nifty packing cubes to arrange the contents of your bags.

PACKING & HAND LUGGAGE Pack for every eventuality, including delays and your baby needing spare outfits, nappies, wipes, bottles, snacks, games and fully-charged devices for entertainment. Don’t panic if you find yourself running low, as most carriers,

ON THE FLIGHT It’s a good idea to feed your baby at take off and landing as swallowing can help offset discomfort in the ears caused by changing pressure. If your baby is prone to nodding

off while feeding, you might find they’re asleep by the time you’re fully in the air.

Make friends with fellow passengers.

Particularly other families, as it’s fun for your baby to interact with others and it will help pass time. When it’s safe, take your little one for a walk up the aisle to offer him or her a change of scenery, and be prepared to do this frequently during the flight.

Dress your baby for comfort. Think cotton leggings, T-shirt and a sweater to keep them warm, with the option of a sleepsuit or pyjamas to change into.

When it comes to entertainment, load up some baby sensory videos on your phone or tablet device and consider investing in a baby headset to protect their little ears from onboard announcements while they’re sleeping.

A cost-effective and screen-free distraction is a simple notepad and triangular-shaped crayons that won’t roll off the table tray during the flight.

Cabin crew love babies and whether you’re travelling alone with your little one or with a partner, too, always ask a member of the crew to help if you need an extra pair of hands.

WHERE TO GO

Check out these holiday hot spots where baby comes, too

Flying time: Around two hours Time difference: +1 hour Stay at Villa Seolane for a glamorous Riviera getaway with your family. Along with a gorgeous swimming pool, this chic terracotta country house boasts a private walled garden with plenty of lawn space for little ones to play. Pampelonne beach is just a 15-minute drive, while the quaint hilltop village of Gassin is only 2km away. The four-bedroom villa sleeps up to six people and features a fully-equipped kitchen and a living-dining area with a TV and DVD player. simpsontravel.com. British Airways fly direct to Nice from several UK airports. ba.com

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NEW YORK CITY

Flying time: Around eight hours Time difference: -5 hours Visit landmarks such as Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, or visit the new Hudson Yards for the city’s latest sky-high viewing platform. For a true New York experience, stay at The Plaza Hotel, overlooking Central Park.

Caveat: Its location near FAO Schwartz — the famous toy shop on Fifth Avenue — means your bank balance might take a hit. Don’t forget to organise your family’s ESTA (visawaiver programme) when travelling to the US. theplazany.com. Virgin Atlantic fly direct to New York JFK from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. virginatlantic.com

BALI

Flying time: Typically 17 hours Time difference: +7 hours For a far-flung escape, head to Bali, Indonesia, for the island’s wildlife, hiking, fishing and beaches. Stay at the eco-conscious Six Senses Uluwatu, perched on the Bukit Peninsula.

The resort is home to kids’ clubs and extra beds and cots can be arranged in rooms. A babysitting service is also available, with two days’ notice given to the hotel. Pack insect repellent to deter mosquitos, and consult your doctor about anti-malarial treatments pre-trip. sixsenses.com. Singapore Airlines flies to Bali, via Singapore, from London Heathrow. singaporeair.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

COTE D’AZUR

Inspire your child to make sense of the world through sensing their world!

We’ve sourced products perfect for children to explore with no instruction or direction.

learningbugs.co.uk

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Dame Judi Dench was at the Chelsea Flower Show to see the children’s gold-winning garden

COME UP ROSES

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show seemed even brighter thanks to the blossoming Montessori Centenary Children’s Garden, which scooped up a coveted gold medal. Designed to celebrate 100 years of Montessori education, the space aimed to teach children about how the natural world is embracing the digital age; pupils were even invited to grow micro vegetables in the garden’s greenhouse, using hydroponic equipment. montessori.org.uk

nursery

NEWS

Dino-loving little ones will delight at SmartMax’s ‘My First Dinosaurs’ set.

Designed for babies from one year, simply pull the dinosaurs apart, and mix and match different elements to create weird and wonderful combinations. Better yet, each piece is soft to touch, easy to grab and connects effortlessly using magnetic bars. £17.99, amazon.co.uk

H ER E YOU ’LL FIN D TH E L ATE ST E AR LY YE AR S U PDATE S A CLEVER READ Save the Day for Ada May!,

by Elizabeth Dale, is a brandnew picture book due to be published on 1 August, which offers preschoolers a truly interactive read on every page.

Little bookworms will be invited to tip, turn and shake the book in order to be the hero, improving their fine motor skills and word and picture association along the way. £6.99, Willow Tree Books

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Tops Day Nurseries has added Portsmouth’s First Steps Nursery to its growing portfolio, welcoming children from three months to four years. Now under new ownership, the nursery is also endeavouring to be more eco-conscious, with plans to reduce waste, cut down on plastic and increase the number of plants both inside and out. topsdaynurseries.co.uk

ALMOST A THIRD OF TODDLERS SPEND LESS THAN THREE HOURS OUTDOORS PER WEEK, ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY. THE RESEARCH, CONDUCTED BY CHILDCARE BRAND KIDDI CARU, ALSO REVEALED THAT 44 PER CENT OF TODDLERS HAVE NEVER HELD A BUG, WHILE 30 PER CENT HAVEN’T EVER FED THE DUCKS.

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ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH CHILDCARE?

Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future

Here at Baby Steps Nannies we aim to make the search for a nanny as seamless and pain free as possible!

We pride ourselves on providing a bespoke and personal service depending on your individual requirements, whether you need a full time live in nanny or after school help we aim to find the perfect childcare solution for you.

If you want to know more, we are always on the end of the phone so give us a call on 0208 652 9949. Whether you are just curious as to what we do or if you want a hand with your search, we will be happy to help.

Visit our vibrant, friendly co-ed nursery nestled in the stunning grounds at Parkside School, Cobham, Surrey To book a private tour, contact Lindre Scott, 01932 862749 or visit www.parkside-school.co.uk Parkside School, The Manor, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3PX

Baby Steps Nannies Ltd babystepsnanniesltd

Co-ed 2-4 years, Boys ages 4-13 years

@babystepsnanny www.babystepsnannies.co.uk

www.parkside-school.co.uk

twitter.com/parksideprep

facebook.com/parksideprep

OUT !

NOW Catherine Rayner’s Harris Finds His Feet, now in beautiful board book! The perfect gift for babies taking their first steps.

littletiger.co.uk T: (0)20 7385 6333 Catherine Rayner, Little Tiger Press, published in celebration of 10th anniversary of winning the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2009.

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CHILDCARE

Choose a childcare option that best suits your baby’s needs and requirements

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CHILDCARE

Baby comes first STRUGGLING TO DECIDE ON TH E BE ST CHILDCAR E FOR YOU R FAMILY ? Georgina Blaskey WEIGH S U P TH E OP TION S eciding on the type of childcare that’s right for you and your little one depends on many factors – how many days and hours you need each week, and your budget, just for starters. There are myriad options available, so here are the pros, cons and costs of each.

D

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. *SOURCE: FAMILYANDCHILDCARETRUST.ORG, NANNYPLUS.CO.UK

CHILDMINDERS Childminders are self-employed and usually take care of children within their own home.

Registered with Ofsted in England, they are inspected every two years. By law, registered childminders can look after up to six children under eight years old. Three of these can be five and under, and only one can be under 12 months. They must have completed a local authority-approved training course and a 12-hour paediatric first-aid course. Hours are agreed between the childminder and parents.

How much does it cost? On average in the UK, it’s around £113 per week (for under-twos) for 25 hours a week*.

Pros: Childminders are qualified and inspected regularly, they can provide tailored care for your child in a secure home environment, and there may be some flexibility with drop-off and pick-up times.

Cons: If your childminder is ill or away, you will need a Plan B, and you may have to subsidise additional outings and activities.

DAY NURSERIES Day nurseries offer care for children from about six weeks old to when they start school (normally around four years old).

The number of children attending will vary from nursery to nursery, and many have multiple rooms to separate the various ages and stages. There are different types of nurseries, including private, community, local authority and workplace nurseries. They are inspected by Ofsted and there are legal ratios for each child: for babies aged five weeks to two years, it’s one carer per three

children; children aged two to three years is one carer to four children; for children over three, it’s one carer to eight, or 13 if led by a teacher.

How much does it cost? The typical cost of a full-time day nursery place is about £242 per week for a child under two. In London, the average cost rises to around £330*.

Pros: Staff are well trained with valid childcare qualifications, and nurseries are inspected every two to three years. If someone is off sick, there should be enough staff to cover, and they will stay open during the holidays.

Your employer may even subsidise your fees.

Best of all, there are lots of other children for your child to interact with.

Cons: Drop-off and pick-up times are fixed, and staff turnover can be high. You may feel your child isn’t getting the one-to-one care

How much does it cost? The UK average for a live-in nanny is £434-£718 per week, and £500-£800 per week for live-out.

You are also responsible for their tax and national insurance*.

Pros: Hours are flexible depending on your needs, especially if you have a live-in nanny, but you will need a back-up plan if they are ill or on holiday. Your child may develop a strong bond with their nanny.

Cons: It’s the most expensive form of childcare and nannies are not inspected unless they’re registered. You will have to arrange back-up care and cover their tax and NI.

AU PAIRS These are generally students from outside the UK, here to study and improve their English, who live with you. You can expect them to

AT DAY NURSERIES, THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER CHILDREN FOR YOUR CHILD TO INTERACT WITH other options can give, and little ones are more likely to pick up illnesses.

NANNIES A nanny is employed by you to care for your child in your own home; they may live in or live out. Depending on what you want your nanny to do and the age of your child, they may be responsible for feeding, bathing and dressing your baby, changing nappies, or helping him use the potty, preparing his meals, cleaning his room, washing and ironing his clothes, and planning activities, such as swimming, reading and social interaction, for example, going to a playgroup. Be aware that nannies aren’t required to hold a qualification in childcare, but many have a form of training or study, the most traditional being Norland Nannies.

help around the house a little and look after your children when needed, working about 35 hours a week over five days. However, due to their lack of experience, it may not be the best option if your child is under two.

How much does it cost? They must be provided with a bedroom and meals, and they receive ‘pocket money’ (£70-£85 per week*) rather than a wage; they are not classified as employees so they don’t need NI or tax.

Pros: The ‘big sister’ role can be very beneficial to older children (au pairs tend to be aged around 17 to 27) and your child may enjoy the exposure to another language and culture.

Cons: They are quite young and may have a poor command of English. You need to give them time to attend their college, which may impact the hours you need them.

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Boutiques THE LITTLE WHITE COMPANY, NATIONWIDE

The Little White Company’s immaculate stores are a favourite with stylish mamas looking for luxury clothes, bedding and toys that are still practical and affordable. From gorgeous cashmere sweaters to the cutest ballet slippers and pure cotton sleepwear, everything at The Little White Company maintains the simple, elegant aesthetic of the adult collection, but with a touch of childhood magic thrown in too.

STORES ACROSS THE UK thewhitecompany.com

MARSHES & FLINT, NORFOLK

Based at Creake Abbey in north Norfolk, Marshes & Flint is a lifestyle store showcasing some of the best independent children’s brands around. From local names to global labels, shop clothing and accessories, toys and homewares for all ages, with a mix of traditional and modern designs for every taste. The store, which opened earlier this year, has proved wildly popular and little ones love the mud kitchen outside.

CREAKE ABBEY, NORTH CREAKE, NORFOLK NR21 9LF marshesandflint.co.uk

SISTERS GUILD, SOMERSET

As the name suggests, Sisters Guild is run by siblings Carla and Bekka in the picturesque town of Frome. Set on a pretty, cobbled hill, the shop truly is a treat for the eyes, with a plethora of beautiful design-led products available to purchase, from kids’ clothing to bits for mum, décor and nursery furniture. Brands stocked include well-known names such as Meri Meri and Oeuf NYC, as well as newer labels like Sleepy Doe. 30 CATHERINE HILL, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BY sistersguild.co.uk

MAMAS & PAPAS, NATIONWIDE

LUCY & BELLE

ON LIN E

SCANDIBØRN

ON LIN E

From cots to clothing, pushchairs to playtime accessories, Mamas & Papas is your go-to store for everything you need for baby. Founded in 1981, the business was born out of a desire to better meet the needs of new parents, debuting with a range of coloured prams. Now, 35 years on, and with branches and stockists across the world, we challenge you to leave its boutiques emptyhanded. Be sure to check out its most recent launch, the Ocarro pram.

STORES ACROSS THE UK mamasandpapas.com

After being inspired to set up her own online boutique by the arrival of her twin daughters, Clara Bentata founded Lucy & Belle as a shopping destination for discerning parents. The site prides itself on delivering the best customer experience with an extensive selection of products, from baby clothing and changing bags, to outdoor pieces and accessories. Top brands include Pasito a Pasito, Cam Cam Copenhagen and Babidu. lucyandbelle.com

For those who love the Nordic aesthetic, Scandibørn is the name to know. Launched in 2016, the family-run online retailer stocks a whole host of Scandinavian brands, plenty of which are new and exclusive to the UK market.You can shop for everything from clothing and shoes to nursery furniture and toys, with stand-out pieces from Nordic labels, such as Cam Cam Copenhagen and Ooh Noo. scandiborn.co.uk

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Helping Mums Make Milk The Tasty Way

www.boobbix.co.uk

BUSINESS

The Robinson brothers have been working together to make award-winning bags for parents

Backpack changing bag £49.99, bababing.com

RockOut Rocker 2 £49.99, bababing.com

INSPIRE What motivated you to set up the brand BabaBing!?

JR: About 14 years ago, my brothers and I were all in different industries. I was working for leading sports and fashion brands, Ashley was working for another leading nursery brand, and Nick, who is an engineer, was working for a company specialising in the design and manufacturing of keyhole surgical instruments.

NR: Ashley came up with a brand name we all liked and thought we could do something with. At the time, there was a lack of father-friendly changing bags, as everything seemed to be very floral. The DayTripper Changing Bag was born and we were lucky enough to get into John Lewis. The bag was a great success and since then we have grown and expanded our range into bouncers, rockers and most recently our first pushchair, Raffi.

What are the dynamics like with a team of three brothers?

AR: We are all very close, but like any family-run businesses, we have our moments, but we try to keep to our specific roles and not to cross over into each other’s

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THE ROBINSONS We meet the three Robinson brothers, Jamie, Nick and Ashley, founders of parenting brand BabaBing! fields unless asked to do so. That said, we all seek advice if we think we could do with a different perspective on something.

NR: When decisions are to be made, we trust each other 100 per cent that it is the right decision for the business going forward. We try to run our business in a very inclusive manner and encourage our staff to not be afraid to take decisions themselves if they think it is the

right thing to do. Everyone in our business can pick up the phone to speak to one of us if needed.

Being based in Yorkshire with the Yorkshire Dales on our doorstep, me and my brothers regularly go out on our bikes together, giving us the chance to do something non-work related!

How do you all balance work with family life?

NR: Jamie is married to Sarah who works at Bradford Royal Infirmary and has two children, Charlie, who is 10, and Tilly, who is three. My wife, Louise, is a head teacher at a local primary school in Bingley and we also have two children – Noah, who is nine, and Martha, six – so as you can imagine, things at

The brand’s changing bags are both mum- and dad-friendly

Last year BabaBing! launched the Raffi pushchair

home are pretty hectic. Like most families, we are often pulled in opposite directions through the week with mum going in one direction and me going in the other. That said, our families will always come first.

What’s been your proudest business moment?

JR: Setting the business up from nothing with no help from anybody but our own investment and seeing it grow to where it is today. I hope more proud moments will follow.

AR: One that does stand out for me is scooping two awards at a prestigious London nursery event. We were nominated for an award in two categories, and to be honest with you, we didn’t expect anything and to win them both for our designs was unbelievable and a testament to all the hard work we’ve been putting in over the last 14 years.

Are there any exciting plans in the pipeline for BabaBing!?

JR: Absolutely, but you’ll just have to watch this space! bababing.com