Baby Hampshire July/August 2017

baby JULY/AUGUST 2017

BABYHAMPSHIRE.CO.UK

WIN!

BUGGY Z L O O J A

WORTRH OVE £1,000 SEE INSID

AIL S E FOR DET

PREPARE FOR BIRTH Making the right choice for you

Your local guide

Family days out

ON TEST

We review the Mountain Buggy Holiday special

THE TRUTH ABOUT ZIKA

THE BIG SPLASH! Discover the joys of

swimming from birth

For the love of…

SUMMER

• BEST BABY CARRIERS • SEASONAL WEANING RECIPES • SUNSHINE FASHION FOR BABY

SCREEN TIME How much is too much?

£2.99

Wave Family planning As all parents know, it’s good to plan ahead.

With this thought in mind, we created the Wave – a flexible travel system designed to carry your newborn in comfort and style, yet future-proofed for the arrival of a second baby.

All available in one ready-to-go package.

So, whatever the plans for your family, visit: Selected nursery specialists nationwide silvercrossbaby.com

CONTENTS

baby Editor-in-Chief Kate Freud Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Features Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Chatty Dobson, Ginny Maclean Marketing Executive Catrina Linz Head of Market Freddy Halliday Sales Executives Harriet Cottrell, Emma Payne Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Baby Hampshire is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: babylondon@chelseamagazines.com

Baby Hampshire Print ISSN 1748-0973 Online ISSN 2059-9811 | Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2017 All rights reserved

JU LY/AUGUST 2017

FEATURES

37 TOT GEAR We put the Mountain Buggy Duet and Cybex Sirona through their paces, and round up the latest strolling products 42 THE MOTHER OF ALL WORRIES Postnatal anxiety is more common than you might think – here’s how you can manage it 46 THE BIRTH YOU WANT Discover more about the birth options available to you 56 IN THE SWIM OF THINGS Realise the benefits of taking to the pool with your little one 62 SUMMER FLAVOURS TO SAVOUR Make the most of the season’s bounty with these family-friendly weaning dishes 70 IS YOUR BABY PLUGGED IN? How damaging is screen time for our children? Georgina Blaskey investigates 72 EDUCATION EXPERTS We put your Early Years questions to local heads

STYLE

19

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

Plus, we’ll send you a £20 JoJo Maman Bébé gift voucher absolutely FREE! Simply visit:

webscribe.co.uk/magazine/babyhampshire

01442 820 580

SHOP THE THEMES From ice creams to rainbows, these pieces are guaranteed to add some summer cheer 28 YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE Striking stripes, fun prints and cool colour; baby’s beach wardrobe beckons!

REGULARS

9

Back Issues chelseamagazines.com/shop

15

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

26

35

45 PHOTOGRAPHER: KEN COPSEY MODEL: MARGOT Margot wears cotton-blend dress and matching bloomers, £67, Hucklebones London.

BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small DATES FOR YOUR DIARY What’s hot in Hampshire over the next two months HOLIDAY TALES Book releases for your little one’s summer travels PARTY TIME: BABY SHOWERS Carole Middleton shares her planning tips for welcoming your new arrival DIARY OF A MUM Spoons at the ready: Martha Alexander shares her daughter’s weaning journey Snap up these gorgeous baby shower gift ideas

Kingsley wears cotton-blend vest, £38, My Little Cozmo at The Mini Edit

28 49 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ This issue we explore how you can boost your breast milk 50 MEET THE EXPERTS Pregnancy and wellbeing advice from our healthcare professionals 53 TIME TO TALK Marina Fogle and Chiara Hunt of The Bump Class give the lowdown on the Zika virus 54 THE REVIEW The best baby carriers to help you get around this summer 61 FOOD NEWS The latest offerings for mini diners and busy families 67 DIARY OF A NIGHT NANNY Georgie Bateman is on hand to help one mother with her baby’s dummy battle 69 EDUCATION NEWS All you need to know from the classroom and beyond 75 MINI AGENDA What’s going on in and around the county throughout July and August 81 CHANCE TO WIN Exclusive giveaways and offers for Baby Hampshire readers 82 INSPIRE Talking business with Alice Hedley of baby shoe label Amy & Ivor

35

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 5

BUGABOO CAMELEON3 KITE THE ONE THAT’S INSPIRED BY FREEDOM • • • •

easy-open canopy window unique geometric print lining three-layer muslin blanket handstitched leather-look trim learn more at www.bugaboo.com © Copyright 2017 Bugaboo® International BV

If you’re looking for some seriously stylish holiday clothes for baby, Boden’s summer range is practical and dreamy From a selection at boden.co.uk Personalised basket £170, raefeather.com

EDITORʼS

LETTER

KATE FREUD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Join us online…

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Swim shorts £85, vilebrequin.com

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

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PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

Sunnylife inflatable £49.88, en.smallable.com

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Printed kaftan £42, octaviahix.com

most mothers-to-be, but Dr Asma Khalil, consultant obstetrician and fetal medicine specialist at The Portland Hospital discusses how to get the birth you want (p.46). And nutritionist Louise Pyne explains the best things to eat to boost your breast milk once baby has safely arrived (p.49).

I remember when my babies were small I was surprised by how anxious I felt, but for some mothers this can become an overwhelming problem. Becky Dickinson looks at the surprisingly common phenomenon of postnatal anxiety (p.42).

Georgina Blaskey reveals how much screen time your little one should really be having (p.70) and before you book your summer holiday, make sure you read The Bump Class’s invaluable and up-to-date advice on the Zika virus (p.53). And finally, if you’re reading this without your babe in arms just yet, Carole Middleton shows you how to throw the perfect baby shower (p.35). Enjoy!

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Mini Melissa jelly shoes £52, childrensalon.com

Ah, for the love of summer!

From picnics in the countryside with your little ones to stealing an evening for yourself spent dining al fresco with good company and a glass of chilled rosé in hand, it’s a time to really appreciate all the county has to offer.

But it’s also a time when life as a parent somehow becomes just a little simpler. I love that as the weather warms up it means less layers to put on and peel off with each outdoor adventure. Less clothes to wash. Less time spent in soft-play centres. And more time enjoying the simple things in life: watching your baby feeling the grass between their toes for the first time, tasting their first summer fruits or squealing with delight while sitting in a makeshift washing-up bowl paddling pool in the garden.

So, in celebration of this and so much more, we’ve put together a summer diary of outdoor events to enjoy with the whole family (p.75), and cherry-picked the best tropical-inspired fashion for baby to wear (p.28). We also have a comprehensive guide to baby swimming, which many parents are often surprised to hear can be enjoyed from birth (p.56).

The thought of childbirth is daunting for

IR E.C

@BabyHampshire

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 7

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NEWS

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LITTLE ANGELS

Olivier Baby & Kids has created a special capsule collection to raise funds for FAST UK – the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics. The genetic disorder affects the nervous system, causing severe disabilities. Cashmere rompers and sweaters feature sweet angel wings on the reverse, crafted from Liberty print fabrics. The range is available in sizes newborn to four years, with all proceeds going to the charity. olivierbaby.com

JO JO MAMAN BÉBÉ IS OPENING TWO NEW STORES ACROSS THE COUNTY; ONE IN WHITELEY SHOPPING CENTRE, FAREHAM, AND ANOTHER ON LYMINGTON HIGH STREET. BOTH WILL STOCK THE BRAND’S SIGNATURE CHILDRENSWEAR, AS WELL AS A MATERNITY RANGE AND NURSERY ESSENTIALS, WITH IN-STORE BABY FACILITIES AVAILABLE, TOO. JOJOMAMANBEBE.CO.UK

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 9

NEWS

THE BEST OF BRANDS If it’s independent children’s brands you’re after, new online boutique Marshes & Flint is the name to know. With a mix of labels, from local start-ups like Willa & The Bear to cult favourites Aden + Anais, you’ll find clothing, toys and homeware for every mood. The founders also offer a bespoke service, bringing their pop-up to your home for a shopping experience like no other. marshesandflint.co.uk

GIRL POWER Superhero Collective is looking to go global with its new Kickstarter campaign. The online marketplace sells a range of sustainable children’s clothing, toys and décor from brands all founded and run by mothers. If the target is achieved, there are plans to launch the site in Europe, empowering even more women around the world. superhero-collective.com

The sweet baby designs feature wooden buttons and the brand’s signature polka dots

TREND SPOTTING

The new Diddy Dotty designs from children’s favourite Dotty Dungarees are made from pure combed cotton jersey. The range features rompers and dresses with the brand’s signature polka-dot print in adorable shades of pale blue, pink and grey.

Sizes start from newborn to 12 months. £30, dottydungarees.com

BABY BOUNCE Flip Out trampoline park in Southampton has launched ‘stay and play’ sessions for preschoolers, where children under five can enjoy dedicated mini trampolines and soft-play areas with parents. Sessions run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 12pm. From £4 per session, flipout.co.uk/southampton

BABY MASSAGE AND YOGA BRAND BIBBLE & BUBBLE IS SET TO EXPAND ACROSS HAMPSHIRE WITH FIVE NEW FRANCHISES. THE POPULAR CLASSES WILL SOON BE POPPING UP IN FARNBOROUGH, CHICHESTER, PORTSMOUTH, HAVANT AND EMSWORTH. BABY MASSAGE HAS NUMEROUS BENEFITS, INCLUDING PROMOTING BETTER SLEEP AND RELIEVING COLIC. BIBBLEBUBBLE.COM

10 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

ANIMAL MAGIC Marwell Zoo will be showcasing animal characters of a different kind this summer, at its Great Brick Safari. The exclusive exhibition features over 80 sculptures made from Lego dotted about the site, creating an interactive trail designed to connect children with nature.

See if you can spot all 25 species!

From 1 August to 1 October, marwell.org.uk

A NATURAL PAIRING

SUPERMARKET SWEEP

Mamas & Papas’ new limited edition collection with nursery label Bunny & Clyde is designed to grow with baby, and includes a cot that transforms into a toddler bed, a changer that turns into a dresser and a rocking chair. Handcrafted in solid, sustainable birch wood, the sleek collection has an art deco feel that’s synonymous with Bunny & Clyde’s signature geometric designs. Be sure to get in quick though – there’s only 100 of each item available! From £599, mamasandpapas.com

Waitrose has unveiled baby clothing as part of its new line for little ones; charming prints and embroidery feature on babygrows, bloomers and more. The Waitrose Mini collection also includes skincare and laundry items, so you can pick up all you need alongside your regular food shop. From £3, waitrose.com

CARTOON COOL

MILKING IT You’ll notice a distinctive difference about new board book What Does Baby Want? by Japanese design duo Tupera Tupera, which tells the story of a hungry baby and his breastfeeding mother. Perfect for reading aloud to nursing babies and their older siblings.

Out 26 June. £8.95, Phaidon

Vans and Peanuts are collaborating again for an upcoming autumn collection that’s sure to put a spring in their step. The range brings back Charles M Shultz’s iconic 60s and 70s characters atop Vans’ classic footwear styles and apparel for men, women and children, with special toddler designs featuring vintage Snoopy and his alteregos. From £32, vans.co.uk

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 11

+44 (0)1978 664362

www.hauckuk.com

info@hauckuk.com

WITH THANKS TO: SIGNATURE MODELS

baby

Larnie

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEN COPSEY

As you can tell from this adorable snap, Larnie is always laughing and shows an interest in everything, particularly when the camera comes out.

She lives with her mum and dad in Canvey Island, Essex. babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 13

AWARDS 2011/12

With Konfidence’ Award Winning Holiday Essentials

There is only one Original Konfidence® BuoyancyJacket

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different designs, including our beach-chic themed nautical stripes inspired by our Cornish heritage

Safety. Style. Fun. Head to the beach this summer with the essential holiday accessory for kids.

See them online now at konfidence.co.uk Telephone 01566 777 887

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email sales@konfidence.com

Europe’s leading designer of premium protective swimwear for babies, infants and children.

LITTLE LONDON AWARDS

Cast your votes…

JULY

Now in its third year, the Little London Awards are back! Don’t miss your chance to vote for your favourite brands in the baby world, and you could win a holiday to the luxury Kurumba family resort in the Maldives. Yes please! littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards

4 BIRD SONG

Flying into the Gro Company’s range today is Ollie the Owl, an adorable sleep aid with built-in cry sensor technology.

He plays four soothing sounds; heartbeat, rainfall, white noise and a lullaby. £34.99, mothercare.com

17 IT’S A MATCH

The adorable Animals at Home by illustrator Claudia Boldt teaches little ones about their favourite animals and their habitats. Pair the rabbit to his warren, a fox to his den and the hamster to her hutch.

Pick up a copy from today. £12.99, laurenceking.com

26 ESCAPE TO

THE COUNTRY

Visit Staunton Country Park from today for its Spectacular Summer event; get creative with crafts, meet the animals in special sessions and enjoy family-friendly trails. See if you can crack the maze, too! Until Sunday 3 September.

Middle Park Way, Havant

dates for your Animals at Home by Claudia Boldt £12.99, laurence king.com

DIARY

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

29 GET OUT OF TOWN

Make the most of the weekend at baby’s first festival! Family-friendly Camp Bestival will be providing more fun and frolics at Lulworth Castle in Dorset from 27-30 July. Babies under one year go free; adult tickets start from £65. campbestival.net 12 & 13 AUGUST

A feast for foodies Lymington is hosting its very first seafood festival this weekend, featuring some of the region’s best chefs, restaurants and artisan producers. What’s more, it’s hoped the event in Bath Road Park will raise £250,000 for the Blue Marine Foundation, which is working to return the Solent oyster to its native waters. lymingtonseafoodfestival.co.uk

The stylish new SnüzKot makes its debut this August SnüzKot from £349, snuz.co.uk

30 CELEBRATE

FRIENDSHIP DAY

Whether you choose to enjoy a morning with the NCT girls, or a picnic playdate with your little one’s bestie – make sure you surround yourself with your nearest and dearest today, as it’s International Friendship Day!

AUGUST 1 SNÜZ TIME

From the brand that brought you the bedside crib SnüzPod, today sees the launch of the cot bed version – the SnüzKot! From £349, snuz.co.uk

5 BACK IN TIME

Travel back to the 18th century and enjoy period games and activties for the whole family at Gilbert’s Games. gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

10 WIN BIG

Today’s your last chance to enter our comps! babyhampshire.co.uk/ competitions

13 TEA FOR TED

Take your teddies on a day out to Hollycombe. There’s a special picnic, Teddy Bear woodland trail, teddy tombola and bouncy castle, plus the popular Quarry steam railway. hollycombe.co.uk

17 WILD CHILD

Get back to nature today with hands-on activities at Lepe Country Park, with its Summer Holiday Nature Detectives.

10am to 12pm, £4 per child.

28

EMSWORTH SHOW The traditional horticultural show is back, with stalls, shows and more for the whole family. emsworthshow.org.uk

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 15

COMPETITION

WIN!

A PERSONALISED JOOLZ DAY² TAILOR The Day2 Tailor boasts Joolz’s signature luxe fabrics and stylish accents

Y

ou are unique. Your baby is unique. So naturally you want your pushchair to be unique, too. We’ve joined forces with Joolz, the premium pushchair brand that fuses Dutch design with a luxury aesthetic, to offer you the chance to win the pushchair of your dreams.

Joolz’s latest creation, the Day² Tailor, is set to hit the UK at the end of 2017, but you could be one of the first to own one. Firstly, choose one of two fabric colours; silver or grey, then your wheel colour, and finally, finish your Joolz with one of 20 colour accents for your handle and bumper bar.

With a whole host of new and improved features, the

WORTH £1,119

pushchair offers comfort, style and sustainability together in one design. The super-smooth fold, easyaccess, extra-large shopping basket and adjustable handlebar ensure you’re all set – from those very first strolls with your newborn in the carrycot, to trips to the park in seat mode with a toddler.

The Joolz Day² Tailor also comes complete with a matching lightweight nursery bag for all your baby bounty, and a footmuff to keep your little one cosy.

So what are you waiting for? Your custom ride is just an online entry away… bh

To enter, visit babyhampshire.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON 10 AUGUST 2017. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT MY-JOOLZ.CO.UK

16 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

2017

Have you voted yet? êêêê ê

FIVE STAR R E S OR T

Vote today for your chance to WIN a luxury family holiday in the Maldives A destination in itself, the stunning Kurumba Maldives was the first private island resort in the Maldives. Just 10 minutes by speedboat from the airport and Malé, the resort draws on its proud history and dedicated service to offer families a compelling experience amid a cosmopolitan island setting, with a variety of accommodation options and a diverse choice of restaurants and bars. Young explorers can also make the most of the Majaa Kids’ Club, which offers a varied programme of events for little ones.

Fun in the sun: Kurumba Maldives is a slice of bliss for beach-loving families

Enter now at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards TERMS & CONDITIONS: PRIZE INCLUDES ACCOMMODATION IN A DELUXE BUNGALOW FOR FIVE NIGHTS, MAXIMUM TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN (CHILDREN UP TO 11 YEARS OLD), ON A BED & BREAKFAST BASIS. INCLUDES RETURN SHARED AIRPORT TRANSFERS, ONE SUNSET CRUISE EXCURSION FOR THE FAMILY, ONE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT EXCURSION FOR THE FAMILY AND ONE SNORKELLING SAFARI EXCURSION FOR THE FAMILY. FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED.

18 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

From a selection nobodinoz.com

Guimo cotton canvas banner £23, shak-shuka.com

A Little Lovely Company night light £14, decobaby.co.uk

Engel bamboo plate (part of a set) £23, decobaby.co.uk

Emile et Ida cotton T-shirt £25.80, en.smallable.com

SUNDAE’S CHILD Harness this summer’s coolest motif and scoop up these super-sweet ice cream designs. Talk about a sugar rush…

LED light garland £16.95, alittlelovelycompany.nl High chair £199.99, babybjorn.co.uk

Cotton jersey leggings £13, lilcubs.co.uk Cotton sleeping bag from £23.50, gro-store.com

Cotton cardigan £19.95, gap.co.uk

Dapperbaby denim romper £38, lobellaloves.com

Knitted cotton rattle £6.75, bestyears.co.uk

Mini Melissa sandals £40, alexandalexa.com

Lulujo cotton muslin blanket £11.95, potwells.co.uk

Le Toy Van wooden gelato set £20, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 19

SHOPPING Leather moccasins £40, amyandivor.com

Plan Toys wooden stacking tree £15.95, consciouscraft.co.uk

Organic cotton romper £34, palava.co From a selection mariechantal.co.uk Baby Liberta cotton bodysuit £27, milieethector.com

GREEN PARTY

Take inspiration from the natural world with a verdant palette and flamboyant foliage. It’s a jungle out there!

Cotton rattle £12, olliella.com

Kalon Studio crib £1,160, nubie.co.uk Rice DK melamine cup £4.99, sistersguild.co.uk

Soft Gallery cotton-blend babygrow £34.95, harrods.com

Limited-edition BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One £134.99, johnlewis.com Mini-A-Ture cotton-blend T-shirt £27, milieethector.com

Fiona Walker faux cactus plant £29, bijoulifestyle.co.uk

Lorena Canals cotton rug £110, cuckooland.com Organic cotton muslin blanket £21, littlebabycompany.com 20 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

Soft Gallery cotton sweater £39.56, en.smallable.com

BUY TWO PRODUCTS & GET OUR STORY BOOK WORTH £16!

CODE:

SLEEPTIME1

ENCHANTING, BIOORGANIC, LUXURY SKINCARE for LITTLE ONES Introducing Little Aurelia from multi award-winning Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, designed for babies and little ones. Little Aurelia blends gentle yet effective botanical ingredients with soothing essential oils to calm and settle at bath time and before bed.

www.aureliaskincare.com/littleaurelia

SHOPPING Pom Pom Galore wool garland £16, hurnandhurn.com Oeuf NYC wool pillow £77, shak-shuka.com

RAINBOW BURST Let your little one show their stripes in bold prints and a dazzling spectrum of colour

Organic cotton chambray dungarees £24, welovefrugi.com

Organic cotton romper £28.45, thebonniemob.com

Grimm’s wooden puzzle toy £79.95, consciouscraft.uk From a selection boden.co.uk Tobias & The Bear X Mr Men cotton T-shirt £16, tobiasandthebear.com

Bajo wooden abacus £20, lilyandfred.co.uk

Go Everywhere waxed cotton mat £65, avery-row.com

Fly pushchair £279.95, cosatto.com Wool wall hanging £600, luluandnat.com Chloé cotton-blend T-shirt £38.99, en.smallable.com

Bamboo muslin blanket £15, storkandco.co.uk Leather trainers £54, step2wo.com

Knitted cotton sweater £62, stellamccartney.com

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 23

SHOPPING

Konges Sløjd knitted pram toy £23, cissywears.com

Cotton chambray jacket £55, wildandgorgeous.co.uk

Rice DK enamel plate £11, sistersguild.co.uk Leather pram shoes £20, bobux.co.uk Printed dress £12, next.co.uk

From a selection alexandalexa.com

TUTTI FRUITTI

Myum knitted musical toy £42.14, en.smallable.com

Printed romper £39, rachelriley.co.uk

From banana prints to watermelon toys, these cherry-picked pieces definitely pack a punch Knitted cotton rattle £12, roseandrex.com

Wee Gallery stroller cards £12, kidly.co.uk

Organic cotton romper £34, palava.co

3Sixti2 high chair £184.95, cosatto.com

Cotton romper £24.50, boden.co.uk

Tutto Piccolo jelly shoes £19, childrensalon.com 24 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

A Little Lovely Company night light £11.18, en.smallable.com

Woven Kip & Co wool blanket £89, antipodream.co.uk

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Holiday tales

MAKE THIS SUMM ER’S TR AVEL S TH E HAPPIE ST, WITH Emma O’Donovan’S SELEC TION OF BOOKS FOR BABY

THE SAFARI SET

By Madeleine Rogers Set off on a sunny safari and meet the inhabitants of the savannah in this early learning animal adventure. Hippos, zebras, elephants, lions and giraffes are brought to life with a fun rhyming text and bold illustrations. £4.99, Button Books

BOOKS

Yasmeen Ismail brings little readers another delightful story about Kiki and Bobo

A HOME FOR GULLY

By Jo Clegg and Lalalimola Join gull-about-town Gully as he explores the big city looking for a home and ends up finding a family. A touching story about friendship and belonging. £6.99, Oxford University Press

THAT’S NOT MY PLANE…

By Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells

Develop sensory and language awareness with this fun addition to a much-loved series. Plane illustrations with a variety of textures will be a holiday hit. £6.99, Usborne Books

BING: EGGY HEADS Join familiar friends Bing and Flop

as they get busy making their very own cressy egg heads. This story is sure to inspire lots of craft activities over the holidays. £5.99, Harper Collins

MAISY’S BUS

By Lucy Cousins Take a trip with Maisy the bus driver and all her friends as they head to the coast, in this bright, engaging board book. £5.99, Walker Books

NOODLE LOVES THE BEACH

By Marion Billet

Enjoy a day at the seaside with the adorable Noodle. Digging, splashing and having fun are what holidays are made for in this

tactile tale with a rhyming story. £5.99, Nosy Crow

KIKI AND BOBO’S SUNNY DAY

By Yasmeen Ismail

A beautifully witty exploration of feelings featuring confident Kiki and her shy friend Bobo. Will Kiki’s support help Bobo take the plunge and go for a swim? £10.99, Walker Books

ONE HAPPY TIGER

By Catherine Rayner

This first counting book for little ones exudes sunshine from every page. Help them learn number skills while falling in love with Tiger along the way. £7.99, Little Tiger Press

LIFT-THE-FLAP AND COLOUR: OCEAN

By Alice Bowsher

The perfect opportunity for little ones to start getting creative. The bold and simple line illustrations featuring underwater worlds provide the perfect canvas for toddlers to colour in. £5.99, Francis Lincoln

LOIS LOOKS FOR BOB AT THE PARK

By Min Flyte and Gerry Turley Take a jolly jaunt outdoors, searching under the flaps to help Lois find Bob. This quirky and vibrant book for young explorers is perfect for enjoying together in the garden or the park. £6.99, Nosy Crow

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 27

THIS PAGE: Raegan wears cotton dress, from £12, Next.

RIGHT PAGE: Oscar wears cotton jersey vest, £23.22, + 1 In The Family at Smallable. Cotton bloomers with braces, £50.74, Babe & Tess at Smallable.

Sunglasses, £60, ZooBug.

You are my

sunshine PHOTOGR APHY: KEN COPSEY ST YLING: Y VADNEY DAVIS

THIS PAGE: Wynter May wears cotton romper, £19.99, Zara.

Cotton bodysuit (part of a set), from £11, Marks & Spencer.

Cotton cushion, £55.90, Grampa at Smallable. Velour beach towel, £9.50, Marks & Spencer.

RIGHT PAGE: Leo wears cotton romper, £80, Caramel. Cotton sun hat, £30.50, Noé + Zoë at Harrods. Cotton beach towel, £12.50, Marks & Spencer.

Ice cream soft toy (part of a set), £29.99, Oskar & Ellen at Crafts 4 Kids.

THIS PAGE: Elena wears cotton romper, £44, Pepa & Co. Cotton beach towel, £12.50, Marks & Spencer.

RIGHT PAGE: Leo wears cotton sweater, £92, Bonpoint.

Cotton bloomers, £22, Elfie London. Cotton blanket, £35, Marks & Spencer.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: GEORGIA SHANE. MODELS: ELENA, KINGSLEY, LEO, MARGOT, OSCAR, RAEGAN, TRISTAN, WYNTER MAY. MODEL AGENCIES: ALPHABET, BRUCE & BROWN, GRACE & GALOR, RAY & ROBIN, TINY ANGELS

PARTY TIME

This adorable design comes presented in a beautiful gift box

PARTIES

DECORATE

1

Sweet finishing touches for a stylish celebration

with Carole Middleton

Foil balloon £3.99, partypieces.co.uk

2

3

Baby showers Hand-tied bouquet POA, blomst.co.uk

Make this joyous occasion with friends and family one you’ll never forget

A

baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate the impending arrival of a little one – not to mention a great way to get a group of friends together to share advice and revel in all things miniature!

4

Paper plates (pack of eight) £3.99, partypieces.co.uk

5

‘Secret Centre’ sponge cake £30, marksandspencer.com

6 1. Cotton-blend babygrow £68, mariechantal.co.uk 2. Ewan the Dream Sheep soother £29.99, johnlewis.com 3. Wool baby shawl £69.95, ghhurt.com 4. Mother & Baby Organic Collection skincare set £45, nealsyardremedies.com 5. Aden + Anais muslin swaddles £44.95, naturalbabyshower.co.uk 6. Hooded towel £24, mollyandmoo.co.uk

Advice cards (pack of 10) £4.99, partypieces.co.uk

Start by picking a theme or colour scheme.

If you don’t want to stick to pink or blue, a mixed palette of ice cream shades will work beautifully in the garden or indoors.

Set the scene with bright floral tablecentres.

Nothing says, ‘it’s a girl!’ quite like a bouquet of hot pink roses, ranunculus or carnations.

For blue blooms, try delphiniums, cornflowers, hydrangeas or sweet peas.

A buffet of easy-to-prepare finger foods works best for gatherings like these, or why not serve up a simple brunch? Whatever you choose, don’t forget to finish with sweet treats and cake. Passed down recipes, such as Granny’s famous carrot cake, will add a memorable and personal touch.

Finally, get everyone involved with a few games. Ask your guests to write their own pearls of wisdom, or baby name ideas, and drop them into a box. Or why not try a babygrow decorating station, complete with fabric pens and paint?

Party balloons (pack of six) £2.49, partypieces.co.uk Edible biscuit card £9, biscuiteers.com babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 35

10% OFF Quote BHA72

Visit one of our stores Lymington, Whiteley & Winchester www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk Offer can be used in store and online. Offer expires 31.10.2017.

See website for offer details and store addresses.

REVIEW

TOTGEAR

Catherine Balston AN D H ER T WIN GIR L S CLOCK U P TH E MILE S WITH TH E MOU NTAIN BUGGY DU E T MOUNTAIN BUGGY DUET The Duet cruises comfortably across mud, snow and sand

My twin daughters, Frances and Marcela, turn one this week, which means not only have I made it through the first year with my sanity intact, but their Mountain Buggy Duet has proven to be a trusted four-wheel companion.

Most mothers of twins I know have tandem buggies – the slim option for getting around, albeit with one child always stuck in the back seat. What first sold me on the side-by-side Mountain Buggy Duet was its claim to be no wider than a single buggy (63cm). And as yet, no door or alleyway has defeated us.

GOOD LOOKING? The Duet is definitely a looker, with a choice of colours for the seat and sun covers. The handlebar easily accommodates different heights, and the basket is tucked neatly away underneath, though this does mean you’ll be down on your knees to access it.

The real innovation, however, is the buggy’s versatility. The two front-facing seats are the default, but you can buy accessories to create a jigsaw puzzle of seat options to suit your set-up – from a single seat and tote shopping basket, to two parent-facing bassinets for newborns. There’s even a scooter attachment for toddlers. I picked the Carrycot Plus, an interchangeable set of two bassinets and two parent-facing seats, to see us through from the girls’ first outing to their first birthday.

PRATICALITY & DRIVABILITY The Mountain Buggy Duet can turn corners so tight, it makes a black cab look cumbersome.

Its manoeuvrability is exceptional, taking on the highest of kerbs, the knottiest of tree

roots, and gliding on and off buses with ease.

With all-terrain credentials, it’s given us a great sense of freedom. We’ve been for walks along beaches in Brazil, down dirt tracks in Dorset and through snowy fields in Wiltshire, and we’ve yet to get stuck. There’s even a ski attachment for the wheels.

The off-road action of Mountain Buggy owners is perhaps the reason why the standard air-filled tyres reportedly don’t survive hard wear and tear. I heard from friends, and read in a number of reviews, that tyres started to puncture after a few months.

The thought of juggling two crying babies and a puncture repair kit convinced me to fork out for the puncture-proof rubber tyres from the start, and they’re still going strong.

The compact design has a plethora of seat options

The twins snooze in their smooth ride

THE VERDICT The Mountain Buggy Duet has certainly lived up to its reputation as an all-terrain stroller. It’s comfortable and reliable, and has accessories that can adapt the buggy to your growing brood – although be prepared to spend around 50% more on top of the buggy price for these. The storm cover and mesh cover, and the puncture-proof tyres, were nonnegotiable for me, but the carrycot set for newborns is a nice-to-have. The standard seats recline fully, and with a lambswool liner to keep them cosy, my girls have loved cruising in the buggy right from the very start. bh From; £599, mountainbuggy.com

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 37

Summer strolling

The latest and greatest baby gear to get your hands on

ICANDY STRAWBERRY iCandy has revamped its Strawberry pushchair with six new nature-inspired colourways, featuring a luxury leatherette handle and bumper bar. £645, icandyworld.com

STOKKE ATHLEISURE COLLECTION Chic and practical, this range includes the My Carrier baby carrier and the Xplory pushchair.

The mesh fabrics are super breathable, with quicky-dry properties. From £129, stokke.com

MACLAREN X DYLAN’S CANDY BAR In the mood for something sweet? Maclaren has teamed up with American confectioners Dylan’s Candy Bar to offer a capsule collection of three buggy designs. From £50, maclaren.uk

BUNDLEBEAN BUGGY ORGANISER With two Velcro straps, these organisers fit both one- and two-handled buggies. We’re definitely getting summer vibes from this flamingo design. £14.99, bundlebean.com

38 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

QUINNY ZAPP X Arriving just in time for summertime saunters, the Zapp offers one iconic frame but endless seating options, all of which slot in with just a single click. From £195, quinny.com

SILVER CROSS AVIA The new sleek and stylish Avia comes in two special editions – Eton Grey and Henley. We love that the bumper bar can be used as a carry handle, too. £225, silvercrossbaby.com

TOT GEAR

ON THE ROAD

Laura Harris and baby daughter Evie review the Cybex Sirona It’s protective

It grows with them

The Cybex Sirona has won multiple awards for its safety and design. It installs using Isofix and features a five-point harness, telescopic shock absorbers and removable covers.

Suitable from birth to four years (or 18kg), the seat has an 11-position adjustable headrest which changes the length and angle of the harness, so it grows as your child does.

It’s easy to adjust

The base rotates 360˚ so you can move baby in and out of the car seat with ease. The clever rotation system also allows you to adjust the seat forward as well as rear-facing.

The 360˚ swivel is a ‘godsend’

WHY A CYBEX SIRONA? When pregnant with Evie, choosing a car seat proved a minefield for my husband and I. Our primary requirement was that it could work with a pushchair base, but with hindsight we should have chosen one that would last longer than the first 15 months. So with our toddler in tow, this time we decided to try the Sirona, which came highly recommended and will last Evie until she reaches four years old. £375, cybex-online.com

40 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

HOW SAFE IS IT? Rearward facing is the safest option when travelling with young children, and the Sirona allows you this option right up until the age of four. As a German brand, safety is high on the agenda; the Sirona is perhaps a little larger than other models but this gives me assurance that it’s safely cocooning Evie.

Not only does the seat excel on testing but it also feels sturdy, supportive and robust.

IS IT PRACTICAL? Completely! We travel long distances as well as jumping in and out of the car locally and it ticks all those boxes. Lifting Evie in and out is easy, thanks to the 360° swivel – this really is a parental godsend, I just wish my first car seat had this feature. It also has several reclining positions which is useful.

Realistically I’m not sure Evie’s legs will fit rearward facing when she’s four, but for now she’s very comfy.

DOES IT LOOK GOOD? I’m worried we should have perhaps chosen a more classic colour – we have tinted windows in the back but you can still spot the ‘Autumn Gold’ from a distance! So once I get bored of the colour in six months, I’ll perhaps invest in a cover. However, the high-quality material is soft and comfy for Evie and most importantly it wipes and washes clean really easily.

THE VERDICT This car seat really works for us – I only wish we’d got it from birth! I feel like we haven’t yet explored all the Sirona has to offer – I’m determined to use all seven reclining positions at some point. Luckily we have plenty of time to make the most of it.

Oh, hey!

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WELLBEING

The mother of all worries MOST N EW MUMS HAVE N EVER EVEN H E AR D OF POSTNATAL ANXIE T Y, BUT IT COU LD BE MOR E COMMON THAN POSTNATAL DEPR E SSION , SAYS Becky Dickinson

t doesn’t matter how many books you read, or how many antenatal classes you attend, nothing can really prepare you for the responsibility of keeping another human being alive – of caring for a tiny, vulnerable person whose primary means of communication is crying.

And while the sleepless nights, sore nipples and physical effects of delivery can be painfully tangible, often it’s the inner churnings of the mind, those nebulous, corrosive thoughts that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and psychologically exhausted.

Because however much you love your baby, looking after one can be, frankly, terrifying.

For some women, natural worry can quickly spiral into full-blown postnatal anxiety. This can manifest itself in many ways, such as not being able to sleep when your baby is sleeping, for fear they may stop breathing. Or avoiding contact with friends and family in case they pass on any germs. Even refusing to let your child travel in a car for fear of there being an accident.

Postnatal anxiety is something 41-year-old Sophie, mum to six-month-old Albie, can identify with only too well.

“About a week after the birth, I began worrying about my partner going back to work. My stomach was in knots, and I was retching all the time,” she says. “I lost loads

I

of weight and felt like I couldn’t cope. I didn’t think I could look after him and thought he was going to die.”

Of course, most of us fret about whether our baby is warm, happy and healthy. But when these worries become an all-consuming world of worst-case scenarios, this can be a sign of something more serious.

Unlike postnatal depression (PND), many mums don’t even realise postnatal anxiety is a recognised condition, perhaps believing it’s a normal part of motherhood. But recent studies suggest it may be even more common

really well and loved him, and didn’t want anything bad to happen to him,” she says. “But I didn’t realise it would be so life-changing, I didn’t know if I was built for motherhood.”

Many mums will relate to the fear of not being able to protect their baby from harm – because only when we love someone so immeasurably, do we realise that love and fear go hand-in-hand. Yet when these worries interfere with everyday activities, it’s important to seek help.

Dr Christine Langhoff is a Dulwich-based psychologist, who specialises in perinatal therapies. She says: “It’s really normal to have an increased level of anxiety postpartum, and also during pregnancy.

There is a change in responsibility and roles, and the lack of sleep can also impact levels of anxiety. But if it gets in the way of life or family life, causes significant distress, significantly decreases enjoyment or parenting, or impairs functioning, then it is recommended to seek help.”

Unfortunately, postnatal anxiety has received little attention, and is often mistakenly diagnosed as PND. But Dr Langhoff points out there are essential differences.

“In PND, often energy levels may be very low, there may be an overwhelming sense of sadness and it could be hard to do things, even getting out of bed could be tough.

Anxiety is often more characterised by

IF POSTPARTUM ANXIETY GETS IN THE WAY OF FAMILY LIFE OR CAUSES DISTRESS, SEEK HELP

42 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

than PND. According to the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) around 20% of women experience perinatal mental illness during pregnancy and the first year of their babies’ lives, and for many of these women, the main problem is anxiety.

Janet Fyle, midwife and professional policy advisor for the RCM, says there is a need for much greater awareness: “Postnatal anxiety is commonly overlooked by society and health professionals. There’s a lack of intervention, but the toll on women’s lives can be crippling.”

In her darkest moments, Sophie wasn’t even sure if she wanted to keep her son. “I bonded

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

WELLBEING

high energy levels, as in an inability to relax, restlessness, constant worries and often an array of physiological symptoms of anxiety such as shakiness, butterflies in stomach and sometimes even panic attacks.”

The key thing is not to suffer in silence, but to speak to friends, family and other mums. This can help normalise the feelings you’re experiencing. But if your worry seems excessive compared to that of others, speak to your midwife, health visitor or doctor.

The good news is much can be done to manage, or even eradicate the symptoms. For some women, medication helps. Sertraline, for example, can be prescribed for both postnatal

depression and anxiety, and is compatible with breastfeeding.

Dr Langhoff also recommends psychological therapies. “Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is very effective for anxiety disorders,” she says. “Moreover, the NICE guidelines would use this as a gold standard treatment approach. Other forms of psychological intervention also have good results for postpartum difficulties, such as compassionfocused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and group therapies. I generally see results with short-term therapy of six to 12 sessions, where postnatal anxiety is either resolved or manageable.’’

Meanwhile, Janet Fyle is passionate about debunking the myths and stigmas that surround maternal mental illness.

“Women play down their anxieties for fear of being judged. They want to be seen as ‘tough’ but women really do need to report these issues. They won’t be judged; they will be helped and pointed in the right direction so the condition doesn’t get worse.”

Fortunately, Sophie did seek help. Her symptoms have dramatically improved thanks to a combination of medication, CBT and mindfulness exercises, which have helped her to come to relish motherhood – despite the sleepless nights. bh

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 43

PROTECT YOUR BABY AGAINST LOUD NOISES

Nothing but the best for your little one Taking your baby to an event or festival? Making a lot of noise doing chores around the house? These trendy ALPINE MUFFY BABY earmuffs protect the vulnerable hearing of babies and toddlers against loud noises and overstimulation. Moreover, they are the only CE-certified baby earmuffs in Europe. Thanks to the soft, adjustable headband the earmuffs have a perfect fit. Wearing the earmuffs, your baby can sleep peacefully through the noise or enjoy the event. www.alpinehearingprotection.co.uk/Muffy-Baby

BABY TALK

PART

Diary of a MUM

9

Mar tha Alexander IS IN A FOOD FR ENZ Y AS ROBIN AN D TH E KITCH EN FLOOR PROPEL INTO TH EIR WE ANING JOU R N EY

“

W

ill Robin have a lamb chop?” said my father, wearing an apron and wielding a spatula on our last visit. “Not for another millennium, Dad, sorry.”

Blimey, weaning is a bore. After the initial awe generated from feeding an infant their first spoonful of puréed carrot, it really is the last word in frustrating.

I write this from a kitchen which once had white walls. It now looks like a poor man’s Jackson Pollock – an unoriginal joke, sure, but how else to describe the lumpen splatters of orange encasing me?

Obviously, I had pledged to cook everything from scratch, buying organic root veg from the farmers’ market, smugly telling anyone who would listen that I was preparing a season’s worth of food for my daughter.

I steamed and puréed my pumpkins and swedes and parsnips before distributing the results into Annabel Karmel freezing trays then popping the frozen cubes out into labelled and dated bags. I even bought a pen especially for the labelling. My freezer became a focal point: “Look what I’ve been doing!” I’d announce with conceit untold, to my visitors, swinging the door open to reveal bags and bags of orange and yellow cubes.

I was the best mother ever with my labelled bags and steaming skills. And initially Robin was the world’s best eater. Excited by everything I gave her, opening her mouth expectantly whenever food wasn’t actually in it.

But then something changed. She decided against lumps. She couldn’t be doing with potato. She spat apple out and rejected berries of any kind.

She also won’t drop her bottles. People keep saying, “it’ll work itself out” but every day Robin eats more and keeps her five bottles. I hate to sound lazy but this works out as eight feeding times each day. Eight! I can’t go anywhere without food. My friends with older children literally throw food into the back seats of the car when they are driving (“it’s like having a human dog,” beamed Julia, lobbing half a pitta and an open pouch of bangers and mash into the back of an Audi that once smelled of middle management and Coco Mademoiselle and now, well, you can imagine), and that is a meal time,

whereas I have to dress Robin up in a Terry cloth boiler suit and additional bib, and spend hours spooning food into her face. And no matter how careful and slow I am, at least 50% of it ends up not in her mouth.

Anyway, I won’t give up. I toiled over a delicious vine tomato, basil and mozzarella pasta feast (“maybe I can be the next Ella of Ella’s Kitchen!” I thought, as I peeled, chopped and garnished, fantasising about making my fortune out of gourmet baby food despite barely being able to boil an egg, and making a mental note that we should invest in a marble worktop in the kitchen because it was likely that my ideas would be franchised into a TV show. I would become a human brand. A film crew would want to capture my culinary genius at home, and this MDF from 1994 was not #houseporn).

I served my delicacy in an electric blue Tommee Tippee bowl and spoon-fed my infant diner. She considered my efforts for less than a second before disintegrating into disgusted tears and clamping her little mouth shut. My gourmet baby food business and becoming a human brand looked increasingly unlikely to be anything but a pipe dream.

“RIGHT, THAT’S IT!” I unplugged the Nutribullet with a flourish. I’m sorry but I just do not have time to painstakingly create gastronomic delights for them only to be rejected out of hand. Jars, let’s be having you!

Pouches, reveal yourselves.

Now here’s the thing. It’s not all absolute rubbish in jars and pouches, and it’s not bland old sludge. I have discovered all sorts, some of which consist of combinations that you might hear mentioned as a part of a Masterchef finalist’s dish – Mango, Pear And Kale With A Dash Of Yoghurt, anyone?

All I need to accomplish now is to teach Robin to eat directly from the pouch and then, well I still won’t quite be cooking on gas, but you know what I mean.

I never thought I’d dream of the day I would throw food into the back of a moving vehicle for my child and be able to call it teatime, but here we are. bh Twitter: @marthalondon

For when time is of the essence, Piccolo’s pouches are filled with organic goodness Piccolo Cherry & Yoghurt with Wholegrain Oats £1.10, waitrose.com

Next time – Martha shares the trials and tribulations of baby Robin’s first holiday

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 45

PREGNANCY

The birth you want Dr Asma Khalil, CON SU LTANT OBSTE TRICIAN AN D FE TAL M EDICIN E SPECIALIST AT TH E PORTL AN D H OSPITAL, DISCUSSE S ALTER NATIVE BIRTHING OP TION S he birth of your child is a special experience that will be individual for every mother, but in each case, a truly life-changing event. Developing a plan ahead of labour and reviewing the different options available can help to ensure it’s both a memorable and enjoyable experience.

T

ACTIVE BIRTH

What is it?

During an active birth, mothers are encouraged to take control of their bodies and move around freely. They usually adopt upright positions during both labour and birth, instead of delivering in bed while on their back. An active labour might involve birthing balls and cushions to allow for comfortable sitting and kneeling, or items such as ropes, which can help support a squatting position.

What are the benefits?

Studies have found that an active birth can make the process of labour easier, more efficient and less painful. For example, upright positions can help to work with the force of gravity, and squatting positions can widen the pelvis outlet for the baby.

Is it right for me?

An active birth is all about listening to your body, so there may be elements you wish to incorporate into your birth plan, even if you don’t decide to choose this option for delivery. Many antenatal classes incorporate elements of the active birth philosophy into their agendas, so make sure you ask about it during your sessions. Active birth techniques are particularly useful in women who are not using other types of pain relief in labour, but they can also enhance the experience of women using other pain relief, including Entonox (gas and air), injections of morphine or pethidine, or an epidural.

46 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

HYPNOBIRTHING

What is it?

In recent years, we have seen an increase in the demand for hypnobirthing – or the use of hypnosis during labour. Hypnobirthing can help you feel calm and relaxed during labour, and more confident in the birthing process. It’s a form of self-hypnosis that triggers a physical and mental state of deep relaxation.

What are the benefits?

Expectant mothers may find the whole experience calmer and more relaxed, and they may feel more in control throughout.

Is it right for me?

The hypnobirthing technique can be modified to suit every woman. If a mother is interested in approaching the birth with this technique, I usually advise she researches hypnobirthing early on in her pregnancy, as with more practice it usually comes more easily when required. Even women who have an epidural for pain relief can still benefit from continuing to use hypnobirthing techniques.

WATER BIRTH

What is it?

A water birth, where a woman spends much of her labour in a pool of water at body temperature, can provide a relaxing environment during labour. Some women will spend much of their labour in the pool, but come out of the water for the birth; others will stay in the pool to deliver their baby there.

However, sometimes hours submerged in the pool can become uncomfortable, and might prevent the mother from staying mobile, so we usually advise women to enter the pool once they are at least 4cm dilated.

What are the benefits?

The relaxing nature and feeling of weightlessness in water can, in many cases,

ease the pain during labour, and is therefore a natural option for mums-to-be who are wary of medical intervention, as contractions are often more manageable. It is also much easier to move around and change into different positions. Often the woman’s partner will get into the pool, too, to support her.

Once your baby is born, it needs to be lifted with its face out of the water so it can breathe – your midwife will do this or help you to do it yourself, if you prefer. This is because the oxygen supply from the placenta will stop at some stage soon after the birth, and because baby’s circulation at birth changes its lungs must therefore fill with air.

Is it right for me?

It is important to note that water births are suitable only for low-risk pregnancies, as the water can make it more difficult for your doctor to assess the baby’s wellbeing by monitoring its heartbeat. However, some maternity units have telemetry which allows your baby’s wellbeing to be monitored, even when you are in the water. Epidurals are also not suitable for mothers who choose to give birth in water, as they require the mother to be connected to a drip; there would also be a risk of infection getting into the place where the epidural has been inserted in her back.

Water births might not be for everyone, so if you find the experience too uncomfortable, feel free to leave the pool at any time and consider the other options available to you.

There are a range of options out there for mothers-to-be; however, the most important thing is that it works for you. I always urge expectant mothers to research their options and raise any concerns with your network of professionals, who are all there to support you in bringing your child into the world safely and, as far as possible, on your own terms. bh

PREGNANCY

DOS AND DON’TS Remember, there is no right or wrong way when it comes to your birth plan

DO: • Think about what will make you most comfortable and relaxed.

• Make sure you attend antenatal classes before developing your plan, as they will help give you some ideas.

• Remember that birth plans are rarely the same – there is no right or wrong!

• Keep a record of your birth plan, and make sure you share it with your midwife or consultant.

• Keep an open mind. Make a plan that suits you but be prepared to consider your options if things change during labour.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

DON’T: • Make your birth plan too prescriptive.

It should only be a guide, so don’t put pressure on yourself to follow it exactly.

• Leave out your birthing partner.

• Forget to ask questions! It’s important parents feel confident, and the more you know, the more you will feel reassured.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 47

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HEALTH

The Breastfeeding Café with LOUISE PYNE

THIS ISSUE WE ASK

HOW CAN I BOOST MY MILK SUPPLY?

Y

ou need all the energy you can muster to cope with the changes that come with newborn territory, so focusing on a nutritious diet will help. And if you’re breastfeeding, upgrading your plate could also come with some super-important benefits.

There’s a secret substance found in certain kitchen staples that could supercharge your supply – called galactagogues, these lactation enhancers are thought to work by increasing levels of prolactin, the hormone involved with milk production. These are my dietary picks:

issues, it makes sense to load up on iron-rich foods. Swiss chard is the veggie of choice, as 200g of the dark green leaf contains more than 5g of iron – one third of the RDA.

DON’T JUST EAT IT, DRINK IT… GINGER

Fatty acids are one of the key components in breast milk so loading up on foods containing fats called EPA and DHA is extremely important when you’re nursing. These fats also ensure proper brain and eye health in newborns. In addition to salmon, nuts, seeds and fortified foods are all good options.

Best known as a remedy for morning sickness, ginger may also be a potent galactagogue. One study showed that mothers who consumed ginger had a higher milk volume in the first few days postpartum than those who received a placebo.

Ginger tea is an easy way to get your fix, or include the root in soups and stir-fries.

GARLIC

FENNEL

You might think garlic would automatically put your baby off feeding, but research shows that newborns nurse more frequently from mothers who have consumed large amounts of garlic. The more baby latches on, the greater your supply, so flavouring meals with the cloves could help to ensure a steady flow. bh

Fennel is packed with hormone-like compounds called phytoestrogens, and these are thought to have a positive effect on postpartum prolactin levels.

Enjoy fennel in tea form, or shred the bulb into salads.

SALMON

OATS Starting your day with a bowl of oats might just be the easiest way to ensure a good flow. Oats contain an amino acid called glutamine which naturally has a calming effect on the body, and this is also thought to encourage let down.

SWISS CHARD If you lost a lot of blood during labour, your iron levels may be low. Deficiency signs include fatigue, low immunity and a pale complexion.

Since studies link low iron levels with lactation

Louise Pyne is a nutritionist. For more information, visit louisepynenutrition.com

Maternity bras to love

Hotmilk lace-detail nursing bra £39.99, figleaves.com

ASOS Maternity jersey and lace nursing bra £18, asos.com

Royce printed nursing bra £30, figleaves.com

WATER OK, so it’s technically not a galactagogue food, but staying hydrated is one of the best ways to help your body to make milk. You’ll naturally crave more water when you’re feeding but pay extra attention to thirst cues.

Sip on a large glass with each feed and if you get bored of regular water, add some lemon slices and a few sprigs of mint for a flavour boost.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 49

HEALTH

I’M PLANNING TO BREASTFEED, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT MASTITIS IS?

meet

the

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

50 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

Mastitis is a breast infection which is normally the result of a clogged duct or an infection carried from baby to mum via cracked or sore nipples. If you have mastitis, there are a few symptoms to look out for. The most common are headaches, intense pains, tender breasts, redness, fever, cracked nipples, flu-like symptoms and generally feeling unwell.

If you think you have mastitis, you must contact your GP straight away. Antibiotics will be prescribed and you should notice your fever dropping within 24 hours, with the soreness calming down after 36 hours.

If you have mastitis, you must be sure to go to bed and stay there – you need to rest!

Apply a heat pad to the area using a hot water bottle or warm wet towel, or have a warm bath or shower. You should never apply an ice pack. Continue to nurse frequently to keep the milk flowing and avoid engorgement.

Be sure to drink lots of fluids, too.

Occasionally, baby may not nurse well from an infected breast as the milk can taste salty from the infection. If your baby is refusing or fussing, offer the uninfected breast and express the infected breast.

Deearna Withey, founder of Deearna’s Maternity Agency

HEALTH WE’VE WORKED TO SAFEGUARD OUR HOME SINCE HAVING OUR 14-MONTH-OLD, BUT IS THERE ANYTHING WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHEN WE’RE PLAYING OUTSIDE WITH HIM?

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

I’M 32 WEEKS AND MY MIDWIFE HAS SUGGESTED I HAVE A GROWTH SCAN. WHAT IS THIS AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT? A third trimester ultrasound is not necessary for all women but if your midwife has specifically recommended this, then it may be to check for any complications or to assess the size, anatomy and wellbeing of your baby.

There is usually nothing to be concerned about. The scan may also be simply to assess the position of the baby as you near your delivery date, or to review things following on from something that was picked up during your last ultrasound.

Often, if you have experienced worrying symptoms such as pain, contractions, reduced foetal movement or vaginal bleeding, or have an underlying condition (such as high blood pressure), your doctor will probably send you in for a third trimester ultrasound. Conditions like this could influence the growth of your baby, so it is a good idea to keep a close eye on foetal development. This scan may also be undertaken due to having twins, as twins are at greater risk of growth issues.

Privately, many women opt for a growth scan to provide reassurance that baby is growing well and to enjoy the experience of seeing their baby on 3D or 4D images.

Ultrasound scans are totally safe, so many couples choose to have a growth scan for their own peace of mind and for memories.

On the NHS, if you have a straightforward pregnancy then you will not have any further scans after about 20 weeks.

I would advise anyone hoping to conceive to plan their pregnancy with their GP, taking into account diet, wellbeing, any underlying conditions and risk factors. Each individual will need to prepare for a baby in a different way to maximise the chances of a healthy, happy pregnancy. I look after our pregnant members in this same way; it is important to improve health literacy surrounding pregnancy not only for women but also their partners and families; who often play a huge supporting role.

Dr Anuj Chaturvedi, medical director and GP at HealthClic

Toddlers fall over repeatedly, run into things, stand up underneath things and put things in their mouths. They’re head-heavy, headstrong and totally devoid of any risk awareness, so it’s vital that we remain one step ahead.

When you’re out and about, always strap them into the buggy and avoid overloading it with shopping. Particularly if you have another child on the buggyboard.

Discourage little ones from eating plants or putting things they find on the ground in their mouths, and be sure to check their hands for dog feces, as this is particularly dangerous.

Always apply appropriate suncream (and remember to reapply after swimming), cover up and keep them out of midday sun. If you’re near water, never leave them unattended, even for a second. Toddlers can drown in just a couple of centimetres of water.

Children this age are prone to poking their fingers into hinges and small spaces. Keep them clear of the buggy when it’s being folded and don’t let them play with bike chains or park gates. Also be aware of swings and other moving play equipment in the park or garden.

It’s always a good idea to carry saline pods to irrigate their eyes, particularly if they are playing in a sandpit or dusty area. Always supervise them on play equipment, especially when there are older children around, as toddlers do like to copy them.

Finally, carry a small first aid kit to patch up any minor injuries, and I would always suggest that parents attend a practical or online first aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Emma Hammett, founder of First Aid For Life

HOW MUCH CRYING IS NORMAL FOR A BABY, AND WHEN WILL I KNOW IF THERE’S A PROBLEM? On average, babies cry around 60 minutes a day. A healthy baby has an automatic capacity to settle without help from their parents.

Studies show that crying often gets worse at about six weeks of age. You should be concerned if your child cries continuously for more than three hours in a row, more than three days a week, over a period of three weeks or more.

Research suggests that up to 30% of babies cry excessively. It usually starts at two weeks and can go on until the age of six months.

There are a variety of possible medical causes for this, which include rhinitis – an irritation or inflammation inside the nose; reflux – frequently associated with a cow’s milk protein intolerance; urinary tract infections, a hernia, an intestinal intussusception or gut malformation or Meningitis, so contact your GP if you are worried about any of these.

Unfortunately soothing measures such as massage, homeopathy, and even some commonly used medication, lack reliable evidence as a remedy, but a regular feeding and sleep routine which creates a predictable secure environment is important.

Try to avoid excessive sensory stimulus, or allowing yourself to become overtired and emotionally exhausted. You should also try to avoid ‘misunderstandings’ – an example of this is when baby turns their head away. This usually means the baby has had enough and needs space. If anxious parents misinterpret this as rejection, they may attempt to play more with baby. This could make the child cry and affect their ability to settle.

Dr Robert Arlt MD, consultant paediatrician at Richmond Practice

OUR PANEL

Emma Hammett

Dr Anuj Chaturvedi

Dr Robert Arlt MD

Deearna Withey

firstaidforlife.org.uk

healthclic.co.uk

richmondpractice.co.uk

deearnas-maternity-agency.co.uk

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 51

*

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NUK is a registered trademark of MAPA GmbH, Germany * Source: Independent Market Research in Germany, 2016

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As a result, we have developed a baby bottle that for the first time lets babies enjoy an all-round natural feeling when drinking – almost as if at a mother’s breast. Along with several tiny openings modelled on the milk ducts in a mother’s breast, natural feeding is ensured by the extra-soft teat tip, the wide lip rest and the NUK Anti-Colic Vent. of babies accept the new teat.*

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Time to Talk

THE ZIKA VIRUS Marina Fogle & Dr Chiara Hunt TH E SISTER S DISCUSS TH E ISSU E OF ZIK A IN PR EGNAN C Y couple of years ago, few people were familiar with the word Zika. Spread by daytime-active mosquitoes, its name comes from the forest in Uganda where it was first identified in the 1940s.

For decades it was confined to a narrow area along the equator in Africa and Asia, and appeared to pose no serious health risk. But a few years ago it started spreading eastwards into the Americas and as more people became infected, it emerged that there was a correlation with Zika and brain defects in the unborn children of those who had been infected.

The danger of Zika is not so much for the person affected – symptoms are mostly mild.

The real risk is in pregnancy; we now know Zika can spread from a woman to her baby resulting serious birth defects, most commonly a condition called microcephaly. As a result, in 2016, the US Centre for Disease

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

A

Control & Prevention (CDC) issued travel notices, warning pregnant women, or couples trying to conceive, that visiting Zika areas would put their unborn child at risk. Here is our guide to managing Zika in pregnancy: What if I’ve already been to a Zika area while pregnant?

Your GP will recommend that you be tested. This will either be a blood or urine test. If you test positive for Zika, obstetricians will keep a close eye on the development of your baby.

What is microcephaly?

Babies born with microcephaly have smaller heads because the brain has not developed normally during pregnancy. While they generally survive birth, these children frequently have intellectual disability, poor motor function and speech, abnormal facial features and seizures. There is no treatment, and usually

babies with the condition have reduced life expectancy.

unless you get tested and have a negative result.

What if I’ve booked a holiday and can’t get my money back?

Don’t go – it’s just not worth it.

You could try asking your travel insurance company if it will cover cancellation fees.

If I have Zika and am pregnant, what are the chances that our baby will have a brain defect?

Neonatal outcomes take years to determine, so there is no accurate data on this yet. That said, the risk of Zika to unborn children is significant so always follow the advice from the CDC.

What if my partner has visited a Zika area while I’m pregnant?

He needs to be tested. Because Zika can be passed on through sex, you should not have sex without using condoms before the results are back.

We are trying to conceive but have just visited a Zika area, what should we do?

The advice is for women to wait eight weeks before trying.

However, because Zika stays for longer in sperm, men need to wait for six months. So if you have both travelled, you both need to wait for six months

Where do we need to avoid?

This is often changing, so check the CDC website before you travel. Broadly, notices have been issued in Central Africa, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Pacific islands. bh Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are founders of The Bump Class. Their book, The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond (£20, Vermilion) is available now. thebumpclasss.com

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 53

SHOPPING

THE REVIEW

TH ER E’S NO E ASIER WAY TO GE T AROU N D THIS SUMM ER THAN WITH A QUALIT Y BABY CAR RIER . Laura Mason PUTS FIVE FAVOU RITE S TO TH E TE ST

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Suitable for babies from four weeks, this carrier is the best I’ve tested in terms of weight distribution on the front and back. As baby grows, they go from front to rear facing, and then on your back. The design fits around your body, with adjustable features to ensure that both parent and baby are comfortable. £129, stokke.com

This carrier from Cybex’s Birds of Paradise collection features three ergonomic positions – front and rear facing, along with a unique side positioning that perches on the hip. Combining a blend of elasticated fabric and strapping, this is a strong and modern carrier that will appeal to styleconscious parents. £200, harrods.com

The Pao can be used from a weight of 8lbs, thanks to a detachable insert that fits neatly inside this ergonomic carrier. The infant insert has been designed to provide additional padding as baby faces the parent. As they grow, the carrier offers varying settings to ensure comfort for both parties. £129.99, wemademe.com

With a refreshing new focus on fathers, this design is great for dads who need confidence when it comes to baby wearing. The latest Babybjörn One has been designed and modelled by fathers, with men in mind – think padded straps, lockable zips and a sturdy waistband to boot. £134.99, babybjorn.co.uk

This eco-friendly wrap is made from tree fibres, making it super soft with plenty of stretch to provide the perfect cocoon. The carrier moulds to your baby to support their back, legs and hips as they grow.

With no complicated buckles or settings, the tying process quickly becomes second nature. £59, fornessi.com

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54 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

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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 3 December 2016

RUNNING HEAD

56 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT

In the

SWIM

of things

Paul Thompson, FOU N DER OF WATER BABIE S, E XPL AIN S TH E BEN EFITS OF TAKING TO TH E POOL WITH YOU R LIT TLE ON E

id you know that babies have the natural ability to swim? This is due to two intelligent reflexes: the swimming reflex and the dive reflex. The former means baby will move their arms and legs in a swimming motion when supported in the water while tummy-side down; the latter means your baby can hold their breath and open their eyes when underwater.

These reflexes are strongest in the first six months of life. And the NHS advises you can take your baby swimming any time before and after their immunisations – so it’s never too

D

soon to get them in the pool, as long as the water’s warm enough (above 30˚C for a baby older than 12 weeks or heavier than 12lbs, and 32˚C if they’re younger or smaller).

Baby swimming originally evolved out of a desire to ensure they were safe and confident in water. However, the exercises used to teach this confidence – gentle rocking, reaching for objects, kicking movements and learning to respond to commands – also provide stimulation for your baby’s brain. In the first year of their life, the brain develops more rapidly than at any other time, and swimming

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 57

RUNNING HEAD

BABIES CAN EXERCISE MANY MORE MUSCLES IN THE WATER THAN THEY CAN ON LAND with your baby can have an extremely positive effect on this development – even more reason to take to the water with your little one as early as possible.

DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOR SKILLS Babies love the repetitive movement of bouncing and splishing and splashing in the pool, and this movement provides fantastic stimulation for the vestibular system, which allows us to sense motion and to balance.

As this system matures, it will help a baby to keep their head upright, pull themselves up onto their feet, balance, and eventually walk.

Chasing after bright and colourful toys in the pool, and grasping them to bring them closer for a good old chew, is a great exercise for enhancing hand-eye coordination. The cross-lateral movement of reaching out is the same one used in crawling. This teaches both sides of the brain to work together, not only helping to coordinate physical movements but also strengthening nerve pathways between the two sides, helping the brain store and retrieve information more effectively – all great for learning!

One study recently carried out in Iceland (where baby swimming is extremely popular in the country’s thermal pools) concluded that, when tested at the age of four, children who had attended baby swimming lessons from a young age showed significantly better balance than their peers. Their ball skills and dexterity were also tested, with the early water babies achieving better results.

TOP SWIMMING AIDS

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT It‘s not only motor skills which are benefited by swimming; physically it is wonderful for your baby, and the only form of exercise they can do literally from birth. Just half an hour in the pool can provide a complete work-out for them (and you!) and parents often comment that their little ones eat and sleep better on the days they go swimming.

Babies can exercise many more muscles

58 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

BABY FLOAT For a supported introduction to the water, this is a great option for babies once they’re able to maintain a sitting position. £15, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

SEVYLOR PUDDLE JUMPER This all-in-one device is an arm and chest floatation that provides an upright positioning in the water, and fastens at the back. £17.99, sevylor-europe.com

Forget the hassle of individual armbands and swim rings with this all-in-one aid

DEVELOPMENT

in the water than they can on land, and amazingly can swim short distances unaided from when they are tiny. Sessions in the pool are great for strengthening arm, leg and neck muscles, and are superb for tiny lungs and cardiovascular fitness.

Swimming will not only make your baby fitter and stronger, you will also notice the difference in their physical ability on land, where regular swimmers have often been shown to crawl and walk earlier than their non-swimming peers.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT As babies learn how to manoeuvre in the water on their own, their independence and self-confidence blossoms, and they enjoy being in the pool more and more. Where they might be very dependant on you in the early days, a few months on, a baby will happily swim a short distance between you and the instructor, or splash off the poolside and into the water all by themselves.

The confidence and self-esteem involved in learning to swim will often then be transferred into other aspects of their life. For a toddler, the thrill of grasping a new skill in their lesson, or achieving something they have been working up to for a while, will be evident in their ear-to-ear grins – and may also give them the confidence to try new things and increase their interest in learning in general.

Last, but certainly not least, is the benefit of all the fun you and your baby can have together in the pool, and just how much they’ll love it. So enjoying a swim every week, with all these added benefits, is surely conducive to a dip! bh

LOCAL CLASSES

PHOTOGRAPHY: IAN TAYLOR FOR WATER BABIES PRODUCT REVIEWS: LAURA MASON

Water Babies waterbabies.co.uk Turtle Tots turtletots.com

SUNUVA FLOATSUIT This adorable, quick-drying floatsuit will ensure baby not only looks super stylish, but will be safe in the water and protected from UV rays too. £42, sunuva.com

SWIMFIN SwimFin is worn on your little one’s back, allowing total freedom around the arms and better natural movement in the water. £22.99, swimfin.co.uk

KONFIDENCE ORIGINAL SWIM JACKET Suitable for babies from 18 months, this buoyant jacket straps on securely to provide confidence and security. £24.99, konfidence.co.uk

Rusalka Swim School rusalkaswim.com Baby Paddlers babypaddlers.co.uk Puddle Ducks puddleducks.com

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 59

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FOOD

food

NEWS Vanessa Clarkson’s recipes appeal to all ages, so you’ll spend less time cooking multiple meals

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

A HEAD START

Nutritionist Vanessa Clarkson’s first book, Real Food for Babies & Toddlers, calls for parents to learn how to read their little one’s cues during weaning, introducing them to ‘real’ food, and a variety of tastes and textures, as opposed to just spoon-feeding purées.

Featuring more than 80 seasonal recipes suitable for the whole family, there’ll be no need to make separate meals for baby. £14.99, Murdoch Books

PICKY EATERS Help baby on their weaning journey with Kiddylicious’s My First Wafer. The new finger food is made with rice flour, fruit and veg, and contains 50% less sugar than standard rusks. Flavours include Sweet Potato & Banana. £1.30 (five individual twin packs), ocado.com

A COLD BLEND There’s a new face in the baby food aisle that might look familiar.

Smoothie brand Savsé’s My First Savsé pouches include a blend of fruit and vegetables that have been coldpressed to maintain the quality of vitamins and minerals for maximum goodness. £1.49 each, ocado.com

FLEXIBLE FEEDING Annabel Karmel’s Baby-Led Weaning Recipe Book is the latest title from the queen of infant nutrition. With more than 120 recipe ideas, from breakfast and snacks to poultry and fish, it offers a flexible approach to weaning – whether you want to try baby-led weaning exclusively, or combine it with spoonfeeding. £8, Pindock Publishing

THIS YEAR SEES INFANT FOODIE FAVOURITE ORGANIX CELEBRATE ITS 25TH BIRTHDAY. OVER THAT TIME, THE BRAND HAS SOLD MORE THAN 1.6 BILLION RICE CAKES – THAT’S ENOUGH TO SHARE WITH ONE FIFTH OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION! HERE’S TO ANOTHER 25 YEARS OF BABY BITES… ORGANIX.COM

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 61

Summer flavours

to savour

WHATEVER TH E WE ATH ER , ENJOY TH E SE PER FEC T FAMILY R ECIPE S AL FR E SCO OR AROU N D TH E KITCH EN TABLE

This summer fruit purée will make a tasty addition to a grown-up dessert

B A N A N A , S T R AW B E R RY & P E AC H P U R É E W I T H A HINT OF MINT Preparation: 20 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing Makes 4 portions

This summer fruit recipe allows for the sweet taste of strawberries and peaches to combine with creamy banana to make a smooth purée.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ripe peaches • 6 strawberries, hulled • ½ banana, peeled • 1 fresh mint leaf METHOD

Prepare a bowl of ice cold water. Score crosses onto the top and bottom of the peaches and place in a pan of boiling water.

After 30 seconds, remove the peaches and place into the bowl of ice water and leave for 1 minute.

Take out the peaches and you should be able to remove the skin easily. Cut the peaches in half and remove the stone.

Place the peaches, strawberries, banana and mint leaf in a blender and blend until smooth.

Tip: You can use tinned peaches too, but buy the ones in fruit juice, not syrup.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 63

FOOD These delicious lollies are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A

ZEST Y SUMME R ICE LOLLIES Preparation: 20 minutes (freeze overnight) Makes 6 ice lollies

T O M AT O & B A S I L R I C O T TA TA R T Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 40 minutes Makes 8 toddler servings

This is a great picnic recipe! You can also use courgette instead of tomato if you want to change things up.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 roll of filo or puff pastry • 4 tbsp of olive oil • 250g ricotta cheese • 300g mixed tomatoes, sliced 2cm thick • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus extra for topping • 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for topping • 1 tsp lemon zest • Salt and pepper, to taste METHOD

Heat the oven to 180˚C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

If using filo pastry, place 1 sheet of pastry on the parchment paper. Brush lightly with olive oil. Top with another sheet of filo, and brush lightly with oil. Repeat until all the filo sheets

are stacked. Otherwise, roll out the puff pastry to fit the tray.

Place a piece of baking paper over the top of the pastry, and line with baking beans or rice to blind bake the pastry for 20-25 minutes.

While the pastry is cooking, make the filling.

Slice the tomatoes, cutting out any extra seeds in the larger tomatoes to reduce the amount of liquid. Sprinkle with a little salt and allow to rest. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, basil, parsley, lemon zest and salt and pepper until well combined.

Once the pastry is cooked, take it out of the oven and leave to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Spread the ricotta mixture over the top of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.

Drain the excess liquid from the tomatoes and place on top of the ricotta. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes until dough is golden brown and flaky.

Cool the tart slightly. Top with more chopped basil and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tip: For a dairy-free option, make a tomato sauce base and mix in some sundried tomatoes and paprika – it’s just as delicious!

These refreshing ice lollies make a great chilled treat for the summer months, and are crammed full of vitamins! The combination of orange and carrot is a winner.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large carrots, peeled • 3 medium oranges or 4 tangerines (you can also use fresh orange juice) METHOD

Blend the carrots in a juicer and either use the pulp and the juice or, using a muslin or clean tea towel, place all the blended carrot in the material and squeeze out the juice into a measuring jug and discard the pulp (you could use this in a savoury muffin or add to an omelette or sauce).

Zest the oranges and add to the carrot juice, then juice the oranges. Add the orange juice to the carrot juice and zest mixture.

Pour the mixture into lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

Tip: You can use pretty much any fruit and vegetable combination you like to make these ice lollies, and you don’t need to add any sugar. To make a creamier ice lolly, mix the fruit with yoghurt or coconut milk.

All recipes and tips by Alice Fotheringham, infant nutrition specialist at Piccolo. Piccolo is an organic baby food brand with roots in the Mediterranean approach to feeding children. The brand supports the NCT and gives 10% of its profits to food education. Visit online at mylittlepiccolo.com to find out more and receive an exclusive discount off your next pouch.

64 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

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DEVELOPMENT

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Z

DIARY OF A

THIS ISSU E, Georgie Bateman LOOKS AT ON E PAR ENT’S BAT TLE WITH H ER BABY ’S DUMMY

ometimes I am asked to do consultations during the day; Alison contacted me recently to ask if I could pop over to give her some advice on getting rid of her baby’s dummy.

“At night, the dummy keeps falling out and she can’t find it to put it back in again.

And during the day, it’s permanently glued to her face. But the cot death guidelines say dummies are good… I’m so confused!”

I ask Alison how she manages eight-month old Ottilie’s use of the dummy.

“Well, I don’t really think I do,” she admits.

“Originally, I was very clear about only using it at the beginning of each period of sleep, but as she got older, she was the one who decided when she wanted the dummy, and suddenly it was all day and all night.”

Having previously slept well for her age, Ottilie is now waking at the end of her sleep cycles, her sleep ability is regressing and her behaviour is, too.

“She just becomes a little tyrant, so now we’re both slaves to the dummy.”

The first thing I need to clarify for Alison is appropriate dummy use regarding cot death, so she can be confident that removing the dummy now is perfectly safe. The second thing is to help her realise we do need to remove the dummy altogether, because Ottilie needs to be given a clear message.

Research of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) supports dummy use because the rhythm of sucking creates parallel rhythms in the physiology of the baby. Which means as the baby’s sucking slows down, so does the baby’s breathing and heart rate, to a safe level rather than plummeting uncontrollably.

It also makes baby breathe through her nose, warming the air before it hits her lungs.

“Imagine walking outside on a really cold day and the air catches your throat. That’s

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

S

what we’re trying to avoid because it can cause a baby to stop breathing.”

Alison nods. “I realise this is important for a newborn, but as she gets older, are you saying Ottilie doesn’t need a dummy any longer?”

“Yes. Dummy use should be withdrawn between six and 12 months – but that is easier said than done!”

However, I have some tricks up my sleeve.

“Find every dummy in the house and prick a hole in it with a sterilised needle. Just one hole – and put the dummy back where you found it. Although Ottilie is too small to get around the house, this technique works great for older children because they will know where to find their dummies.

“The following night, put another hole in every dummy. And do the same the next night, and the next. Gradually, the suction will reduce – there will be no resistance in the dummy, and no pleasure in sucking it.”

Alison looks bewildered. “But isn’t that a choking hazard?”

Dummy use should be withdrawn between the age of six to 12 months

“No, because as soon as the dummy begins to look like a sieve, snip the top off the dummy with scissors. And each night you snip a little more off the dummy, until you are left with just the plastic handle.”

Older children will notice the gradual destruction, but you can feign ignorance – maybe the Dummy Fairy did it, because the child is old enough not to need a dummy any longer – but at least Mummy isn’t to blame!

And as the pleasure of sucking reduces, so does the baby’s interest in the dummy. Once the interest is gone completely, baby will sleep better through the night. She will also not want to use the dummy during the day. bh Contact Georgie at Night Nannies on 01794 301762 or georgie@nightnannies.com. Also check out the Facebook page, Night Nannies South of England.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 67

Beyond Expectations…

NURSERY, PREP & SENIOR SCHOOL CO-ED, 2–18, DAY & BOARDING

Open Day

Saturday 23 September 9-12 noon Places available for September 2017 Hampshire Collegiate School (Prep & Nursery) Embley Park Hampshire SO51 6ZA Telephone: 01794 515737 Prep & Nursery admissions email: joanne.baird@hampshirecs.org.uk www.hampshirecs.org.uk

A leading independent day school offering outstanding education for girls (3–11) and boys (3–7)

Open Afternoon Friday 10th November 2017, 1.30pm Please contact us to book your place

01962 835750

68 | JUL/AUG17 | babyhampshire.co.uk

“The quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent” – ISI report 2017

www.stswithuns.com

education

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP

Researching schools

EDUCATION

NEWS

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

BACK TO NATURE

St Swithun’s Junior Prep School in Winchester has revealed a new outdoor classroom, and celebrated the opening with outdoor activities and campfire snacks. Headmistress Rebecca Lyons-Smith, who joined the school earlier this year, unveiled the space nestled amongst trees in the playing field, where it’s hoped pupils will learn a whole host of new skills. stswithuns.com

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

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

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

There’s lots of fun and silliness packed into this rhythmic read-aloud book

PLUG IN AND PLAY Incorporate learning into your toddler’s playtime with Muro. The wooden board, designed to be secured onto a wall, can be personalised with a number of toys to aid development, from xylophones to counting frames. Since launching on crowdfunding site Kickstarter, its target has been reached, and you can order yours for delivery in October. From £129, mymuro.com

IN FINE FORM Circle, Triangle, Elephant! A Book of Shapes & Surprises by husband and wife duo Kenji Oikawa and Mayuko Takeuchi offers a new approach to learning about shapes.

Beginning with familiar forms, the bright visuals are interrupted with unexpected but recognisable silhouettes. £7.95, Phaidon

RESEARCH BY TRAVEL SITE KIWI.COM HAS REVEALED 65% OF PARENTS DISAGREE WITH PENALTIES FOR TERM-TIME HOLIDAYS. FOUR IN FIVE BELIEVE HOLIDAY COSTS ARE TOO HIGH DURING THE SUMMER, WITH FAMILIES ABLE TO SAVE AN AVERAGE OF £686 IF THE TRIP IS TAKEN AT OTHER TIMES OF YEAR.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 69

TECHNOLOGY

Is your baby

plugged in?

WE’R E USED TO SEEING H E ADLIN E S R EMIN DING US H OW MUCH SCR EEN TIM E (IF ANY) OU R CHILDR EN SHOU LD HAVE. BUT HOW DAMAGING IS IT R E ALLY, ASKS Georgina Blaskey

A

long with whether ‘breast is best’, how much fruit and veg we should feed our children and the right age to start toilet training, screen time is up there as another issue to make parents feel like they’re failing. Look around an aeroplane full of holidaymakers and most children will be plugged in to a device, usually swiping an app with all sorts of rewards toting up. Each reward they accrue is another dopamine hit that tells them, ‘yes you’re doing it right, you can move up a level; look, you’re doing so well, let’s play some more!’ What this ultimately means is the game is never over, so turning off the device usually involves a battle so fierce, you wish you’d never let them have it in the first place.

Very young children do not have the self control to know when enough is enough; it’s up to us to teach them, and this means moderating our own behaviour when it comes to tech. If you’re in the playground having a quick scroll through Instagram while they whoosh down a slide, what’s to say they shouldn’t just sit on a swing and watch In The Night Garden? If you’re checking an email while they eat their lunch, why shouldn’t they play Toca Boo in between mouthfuls? It’s all the same to a toddler.

New York University professor Adam Alter, in his book, Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us

Hooked, describes how Steve Jobs didn’t allow his kids to have an iPad. “In 2010, Jobs described it as a wonderful device that brought you educational tools. It allowed you to surf the web, to watch videos, to interact with other people. And he basically said it’s the best way to do all those things.

Two years later when Jobs was asked, ‘Your kids must love the iPad?’ He said, ‘Actually we don’t allow the iPad in the home. We think it’s too dangerous for them in effect.’ Evan Williams, a founder of Blogger, Twitter and Medium, bought hundreds of books for his young sons, but refused to give them an iPad.

This response to stimulation continues to develop throughout the crucial first year of brain development, so it is vital that babies are not overstimulated. Even babies can be overstimulated by screens and miss the sleep they need to grow,” she explains.

Sometimes we see a baby try to swipe a photo and think it’s endearing. Actually it’s because he believes that anything he touches creates an immediate response; after all, do it on a screen and it does. He’s used to the dopamine hit of creating a reaction through simply touching, which releases a feeling of pleasure. If a baby gets used to that feeling, he will always prefer to interact with a touchscreen over the real world, which requires more patience.

But once a child is over the age of two, screen time can help develop coordination, quick reactions, and improve language skills.

And research also shows that it can encourage light exercise (think Wii tennis or Just Dance).

With so many factors to consider, ask yourself this: does my toddler have a balanced diet? Does my toddler get enough sleep? Does my toddler interact well with people? Do we spend time outside? Then restricted time on screens is probably not going to do any lasting damage. The TV has always been a parent’s free babysitter, and who wants to hear a toddler crying on a flight? There are times when common sense is allowed to prevail. bh

70 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

Chris Anderson, the former editor of WIRED, enforced strict time limits on every device in his home, ‘because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand.’” If the dons of Silicon Valley understand the addictive nature, but don’t filter it down, we don’t stand a chance!

Angela Spencer, author of Babyopathy, points out the difference between stimulating a baby and overstimulation. “Although a baby’s nervous system is one of the first things to develop after conception, it is one of the last to reach complete maturity. A newborn baby therefore reacts quickly to sensory stimulation and can easily become overstimulated.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK,

BABIES CAN BE OVERSTIMULATED

BY SCREENS AND MISS THE SLEEP THEY NEED TO GROW

DEVELOPMENT

SET YOUR LIMITS Even from very young, it’s important your toddler knows their limits with screen time, here’s how…

Set clear boundaries and stick to them.

When your child sits down to use a screen, make sure they know at the start how long they can play for.

Consider using a ‘third party’ to indicate the end of the screen time such as an alarm clock, cooker buzzer or even an egg timer.

Set a clear next activity. Think of something for them to do after they finish. Ideally something that involves some one-to-one time with you or something active to balance out the solo, inactive screen time.

Set a penalty if they do not stop willingly or a reward if they do.

There may be some tantrums at the start but children quickly fall in line when they know you aren’t going to change your mind.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 71

EDUCATION

ASK THE EXPERTS We put your schooling questions to those in the know

Jo Webbern, head of Bedales Pre-Prep, Dunannie, says: Bedales was established in 1893 by founder John Haden Badley as a humane alternative to the authoritarian regimes of late-Victorian public schools. He believed that children should be encouraged to be curious and spontaneous, and be allowed to flourish independently and guided only when necessary.

Today, Bedales Nursery and Pre-prep School, Dunannie, puts an emphasis on children making healthy, independent choices without being bound by a confining, passive curriculum. We believe that minds – especially children’s minds – are inspired by more than just being told about things. They must experience things for themselves and engage the senses. For instance, a lesson might involve children exploring the Bedales estate – located in the rolling South Downs National Park – looking at vegetation, the farm, animals, seeing changes in the environment with their own eyes, and taking their own cameras and documenting what they have found.

First-hand knowledge, active learning and learning through doing are fundamental to the Bedalian philiosophy of teaching.

Dunannie is no free-for-all, however.

Making sure we meet the needs of each child is fundamental, so tracking their progress is vital. We also have a high staff-to-pupil ratio, and that allows us to support and enrich our children’s early years. We focus on high-quality pastoral care here as we know children can only learn when they feel happy and secure.

Relationships with staff and parents are strong, and we have daily contact with each other.

It is only to be expected that when children come to the Nursery, unassessed, a proportion of them will need some support during their schooling. Similarly children are individuals and develop at their own pace so a differentiated curriculum is essential.

Ultimately, the independence that we encourage in each Dunannie child is rooted in the quality of the support we provide for them – an approach of which I believe John Badley would have approved.

72 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

HOW DO YOU KEEP THE ATTENTION OF YOUNG, CURIOUS MINDS? Rebecca Lyons-Smith, head of St Swithun’s Junior School, says: At St Swithun’s we want our children to be bold and think differently.

To this end, we work with our children to foster their curiosity, to help them get the most out of what we offer. We like to call what we do ‘playful learning’ and think it works just as well at home as it does in our Early Years setting.

Young minds will pay attention to things that interest them, and the best thing you can do to support your child is to provide the stimulus – be it Batman, bugs or building blocks – then stand back and let them direct you! Remember that hands-on switches minds on, and that children need to move. Often the best playful learning happens outside.

Keeping your child’s attention will, more often than not, require your attention – watch and be interested, prompt with questions and above all, use these opportunities to develop your child’s language by joining in with imaginative play. Needless to say, mobile phones and other domestic distractions need to be put to one side in order to turn ordinary play into language-rich, playful learning.

Finally, nurture your child’s independence.

We have all been guilty of completing a task, or even a sentence, for our child when they are struggling and we are in a rush, but resist.

To create truly confident learners who are willing to have a go and persevere we must, as far as possible, try not to do anything for our children that they are capable of doing themselves. bh

MEET THE EXPERTS

Jo Webbern Bedales Pre-Prep

Rebecca Lyons-Smith St Swithun’s Junior

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

HOW DO YOU SUPPORT THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF YOUNG PUPILS?

The best thing you can do is show interest in your child’s play – ask questions and join in

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www.ethaca.com babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG17 | 73

pen

O

this

O P E N D A IL Y

Get hands-on with our full schedule of fun activities, which run throughout the day. Meet friendly farm animals.

Plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas. Farm Produce Shop and Gift Shop.

UNDER

3s Are FREE!

Off A35 • Ashurst • New Forest Tel. 023 8029 2837

For event details & much more click onto:

www.longdownfarm.co.uk

74 | JUL/AUG17 | babyhampshire.co.uk

R

ME

SUM

OUT AND ABOUT

mini

AGENDA

Charlot te Tomlinson-White ROU N DS U P HAM PSHIR E’S BE ST EVENTS Lemur Loop

Lemur Loop

Tudor Tunnel Tuesdays

MARWELL ZOO Thompsons Lane, Winchester SO21 1JH 01962 777407 marwell.org.uk

BASING HOUSE Barton’s Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 8AE hampshireculturaltrust. org.uk/basing-house

Take a walk on the wild side at Marwell Zoo and venture through its new Lemur Loop.

Home to four different species of lemur, the walk-through exhibit tells the story of lemur evolution, giving families the opportunity to enjoy close-up encounters and explorer trails.

Admission: Adults, £19; children, £15; under-twos go free.

Wednesday 26 July to Sunday 3 September, 10am to 5pm.

Head to Basing House, venture down the Tudor tunnel and receive a certificate to take home with you! Just be sure to wear suitable footwear such as trainers or walking boots. Don’t forget to explore the rest of this historic house, too.

Admission: Adults, £6.40; children, £5.40; under-fives go free.

Every Tuesday throughout August, 2pm to 3pm.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

The Wiggles Big Show!

THE LIGHTS West Street, Andover SP10 1AH thelights.org.uk

THE ANVIL Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR 01256 844244 anvilarts.org.uk

This is a fun, interactive music and storytelling workshop suitable for little ones aged two to five years.

Join tutor Amanda and be part of her exciting adventure as she retells this classic children’s story. All children must be accompanied by an adult, older siblings are also welcome.

Admission: £5 per child and accompanying adult.

Friday 28 July, 11am to 12pm.

The Australian children’s music group has finally touched down in the UK. This 80-minute show will see Emma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony play everyone’s favourite Wiggles songs, along with their Wiggly friends, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword.

Admission: £18.50 each.

Sunday 30 July, 2pm.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 75

OUT AND ABOUT

New Forest & Hampshire County Show

The Scarecrows’ Wedding

Tractor Ted Day

It’s Magic on the Farm with Silly Scott

New Forest & Hampshire Teddy Bear Picnic County Show NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst SO42 7QH newforestshow.co.uk

FINKLEY DOWN FARM North Way, Andover SP11 6NF finkleydownfarm.co.uk

Everyone Loves Elmer THE LIGHTS West Street, Andover SP10 1AH 01264 368368 thelights.org.uk

It’s Magic on the Farm with Silly Scott LONGDOWN FARM Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH 023 8029 2837 longdownfarm.co.uk

Three days of agricultural fun and entertainment awaits! From family cooking workshops to milking demos, farm animals to sheep shows, there’s something here for everyone. There’s even a special ‘family fun area’ dedicated to young children.

Admission: Adults, £21; children, £7.50, under-fives go free.

Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 July, 8.30am to 6pm.

Pack up your cuddly toys and head to Finkley for a special event! Follow The Bear Hunt to win a prize, plus, the Teddy Bear Doctor will be carrying out teddy bear health check-ups and giving out prizes for the best-dressed toys. Enjoy puppet shows and face painting, too.

Admission: Adults, £9.75; children, £8.75, under-twos go free.

Saturday 8 July to Sunday 9 July, 10am to 6pm.

Marine Wonders

Tractor Ted Day

The Scarecrows’ Wedding

LEPE COUNTRY PARK Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD 023 8089 9108 hants.gov.uk

MOORS VALLEY PARK Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET 01425 470721 moors-valley.co.uk

NEW THEATRE ROYAL 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD 023 9264 9000 newtheatreroyal.com

PRINCES HALL Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX 01252 329155 princeshall.com

Drop into Lepe for two days of marine-themed fun, including seashore safaris, arts and crafts, storytelling and more. There’s even sustainable fishy fare available in the café.

Admission: Free.

Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 August, 10am to 4pm.

Meet Tractor Ted and friends, and enjoy lots of activities!

Jump around on the bouncy castle, drive a mini digger and climb aboard the park’s own John Deere 6125M tractor.

Admission: £1 donation; charges may apply for some activities.

Sunday 9 July, 11am to 4pm.

This charming adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s bestselling book promises wit, drama and wedding bells! An epic love story for little ones aged three years and over.

Admission: Adults, £15; children, £12; family ticket, £50.

Sunday 2 July, 2.30pm.

A must for all dance fans aged six to 10, learn new moves with professional tutors and build confidence! Choreographed pieces will be performed to parents at the end.

Admission: £19 each.

Tuesday 1 August, 10am to 4pm.

76 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

Dress for mess and join Amanda for an interactive craft and storytelling workshop. Make your own Elmer the Elephant and use it to help tell the story.

With music and movement, this workshop is suitable for little ones aged two to six years.

Admission: £5 per child and accompanying adult.

Wednesday 16 August, 9.30am to 10.30am and 11am to 12pm.

Expect madcap humour with one of the UK’s top family entertainers. During the day, Silly Scott will be performing his comedy magic shows. He’ll also be mingling around in between, so be sure to say hi!

Admission: Adults, £9.25; children, £8.25; under-threes go free.

Wednesday 2 and Wednesday 16 August, 10am to 5pm.

Dance In A Day

OUT AND ABOUT

Knight School Seashore Discovery Trail

The Addams Family

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT MARTIN, ENGLISH HERITAGE, NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/KAREN LEGG, HELEN MAYBANKS

Rooftop Walkway

The Addams Family

Time Maze Adventure

Rooftop Walkway

Saxon Archaeology Day

MAYFLOWER THEATRE Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GE 023 8071 1811 mayflower.org.uk

MILESTONES MUSEUM Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG hampshireculturaltrust.org. uk/milestones-museum

THE VYNE Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL 01256 883858 nationaltrust.org.uk

SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS Jermyns Lane, Romsey SO51 0QA hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens

Don’t miss the UK premiere of this fun musical comedy.

Everyone’s favourite kooky family have moved into the neighbourhood and Wednesday Addams has a shocking secret – she’s fallen in love! With a live orchestra and original score, it’s a heartwarming story of family and friendship, with a twist.

Admission: From £21.50 each.

Tuesday 18 to Saturday 29 July, performance times vary.

Travel from the age of the dinosaurs through to the present day to solve the indoor and outdoor mazes. Collect crystals from each zone – or there will be dinosaurs roaming the streets of Milestones!

Admission: Adults, £11; children, £7.30; under-fives go free.

Tuesday 4 July to Sunday 29 October. Tuesday to Friday from 10am; Saturday and Sunday, from 11am.

Kids will love this new 360˚ walkway. If you’re feeling fit, you can walk up the 74 steps to the top, but there’s also a lift.

Don’t forget to drop some coins down the chute – you’ll hear a surprising noise when it hits the ground!

Admission: Adults, £13; children, £6.50; family ticket, £32.

Until 30 November, from 10am.

Venture into the purpose-built trench and get muddy in search of hidden treasures. Plus, weave a Saxon bracelet and cook a snack on the campfire! Suitable for children aged four to 12.

Admission: £12 per child and accompanying adult, plus standard admission applies.

Saturday 29 July, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm.

Knight School

Family Fun Day

Seashore Discovery Trail

Amazing Days & Stunning Nights

BURSLEDON BRICKWORKS Swanwick Lane, Swanwick SO31 7HB 01489 576248 bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

LEPE COUNTRY PARK Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD 023 8089 9108 hants.gov.uk

Get summer started with this event, packed with activities.

The steam trains will be running, the old machinery turning, and the café will serve plenty of tasty treats.

Admission: Adults, £6; children, £4; family ticket, £15.

Sunday 30 July, 11am to 4pm.

Join Lepe’s rangers for an amble along the beach to discover mystery sea creatures and have a go at creating your own. It’s relaxed fun for all the family.

No booking required.

Admission: £4 per child.

Thursday 3 August, 10am to 12pm.

ROBIN HILL PARK Downend, Newport, Isle Of Wight PO30 2NU 01983 527352 robin-hill.com It’s carnival time! Every Tuesday and Thursday, the park and its attractions will stay open until 10pm, with lots of high-energy entertainment, live music, parades and so much more.

Admission: From £15.50 each; under-fours go free.

Tuesday 25 July to Thursday 31 August, from 10am.

CARISBROOKE CASTLE Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY english-heritage.org.uk Visit Carisbrooke Castle for hands-on Medieval activities.

Get involved in knight training, and enjoy stories and crafts.

Little ones can design and paint their own shield or try on a harness of knight’s armour.

Admission: Adults; £9.40; children, £5.60; under-fives go free.

Saturday 29 July to Sunday 6 August, 10am to 5pm.

babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 77

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Stomp

Stomp

Summer Spectacular

MAYFLOWER THEATRE Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GE 023 8071 1811 mayflower.org.uk

FINKLEY DOWN FARM North Way, Andover SP11 6NF 01264 324141 finkleydownfarm.co.uk

Enjoy an infectious mix of percussion, dance, theatre and comedy with a soundtrack inspired by the commotion of everyday life. Eight performers use everything from lighters to bin lids to hammer out an explosively feel-good rhythm enjoyed by all ages.

Admission: From £20.50 each.

Wednesday 16 to Saturday 19 August, times vary.

Water Wars, the Superhero Sheep Race and pony rides are just some of the events taking place during Finkley’s Summer Spectacular. Check out the timetable of animal handling activities during the day, too.

Admission: Adults, £9.75; children, £8.75, under-twos go free.

Wednesday 26 July to Sunday 3 September, 10am to 6pm.

The Pesky Pirates: A Hip Hop Adventure

Family Butterfly Day

THE SPRING ARTS & HERITAGE CENTRE 56 East Street, Havant PO9 1BS 023 9247 2700 thespring.co.uk This 35-minute introduction to dance is perfect for little ones aged two to nine. Plus, test out your best pirate pose during a photo opportunity with the Pesky Pirates after the show.

Admission: £8 each.

Saturday 22 July, 2.30pm.

SIR HAROLD HILLIER GARDENS Jermyns Lane, Romsey SO51 0QA hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens Run in conjunction with the Butterfly Conservation charity, this is a fun day of butterflythemed craft activities, games and tours. Little ones can have their face painted, too!

Admission: Adults, £10.40; children, £2.40; under-fives go free. Suggested donation, £1.50.

Friday 4 August, 10am to 4pm.

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78 | JUL/AUG 2017 | babyhampshire.co.uk

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

Tristan wears cotton shirt and shorts set, £69, Rachel Riley.

STOCKISTS Annaliv annaliv.co.uk Bonpoint bonpoint.com Caramel caramel-shop.co.uk Crafts 4 Kids crafts4kids.co.uk

BABY SIGNING, THE FUN WAY

MONKEY MUSIC

Classes for babies from birth to 24 months Written by speech and language therapists, Sing and Sign runs awardwinning classes that teach through the use of music and specially produced songs. The classes target important words using instruments, props and pictures, which can also be used by parents to sign at home. Sing and Sign Babes uses music, sensory stimulation and basic signing to help build the framework for good communication.

For classes in Southampton, Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford and Totton, contact Heidi on 07778 064016.

For classes in Fareham, Hedge End, Gosport, Portsmouth and Southsea, contact Tracy on 07902 474218.

For email addresses and more information, visit singandsign.com

Venues located across Hampshire At the heart of Monkey Music is a high quality, progressive and educational music curriculum that supports every aspect of a young child’s development. Running small, age-specific classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, Monkey Music introduces music to your little one in a way that they can easily understand and enjoy – nurturing a lifetime of music.

With a winning combination of original and traditional songs, gentle dances, fascinating sounds, amazing instruments and colourful props, the children are so busy having fun, they don’t notice how much they’re learning! Log onto the Monkey Music website to find your nearest class. monkeymusic.co.uk

BABIES, TODDLERS AND INDEPENDENT STARZ BALLET® CLASSES

FOR LITTLE LEARNERS

Elfie London elfielondon.com Freya Lillie freya-lillie.com Harrods harrods.com Liberty libertylondon.com Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com Next next.co.uk Olivier Baby & Kids olivierbaby.com Pepa & Co pepaandcompany.com Rachel Riley rachelriley.co.uk Selfridges selfridges.com

The Little White Company thewhitecompany.com Wild & Gorgeous wildandgorgeous.co.uk Zara zara.com ZooBug zoobug.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

Smallable en.smallable.com

£66 per 12-class term At Starz Ballet®, there is a fun class syllabus with lessons specific to each age group from babies right up to seven years. Boys and girls learn to dance under the direction of a qualified dance teacher. Most onehour sessions include a 30-minute fun but structured ballet class, plus 30 minutes of social time, with hot and cold refreshments for everyone.

With over 70 classes each week across Hampshire, why not book your free trial? The company also offers Starz Ballet® Parties, from only £65.

0333 1234 140 balletbabes@starzacademyuk.com facebook./starz.ballet starzballet.com

From babies to 11 years Check out the Little Discovery classes for ages six months to 24 months old. With a new topic every week, babies explore and investigate the world around us through senses with music, colours and shapes. Little Maths Rhythm and Shapes and Little Science sessions nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps into the world of numbers and science that much easier. Little Maths, for two to four year-olds, builds their confidence with numbers. While Little Science and Big Science, for ages between three to 11 years, introduces new scientific concepts through discussions, demonstrations and hands-on science experiments.

0800 092 1082 hampshire.littlehouseofscience.com

COMPETITIONS

CHANCE TO WIN

Exclusive competitions and offers for Baby Hampshire readers ONE OF THREE SKINCARE KITS To celebrate the launch of Unity Beauty Essentials – the first luxury beauty brand designed specifically for pregnancy – we have three kits to give away, worth £95 each. They contain the Complete Duo Stretch Mark Cream + Oil, Daily Body Hydrator and Intensive Body Nourisher. Both nurturing and luxurious, the label’s debut range will ensure your pregnancy beauty ritual is a pleasure from start to finish. unitybeautyessentials.com

ONE OF FIVE MELOBABY CHANGING WALLETS WITH METANIUM The nappy rash experts at Metanium are giving away five Melobaby All-In-One Nappy Wallet & Change Mats (RRP £38), plus a sample of Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion with each one. The Melobaby wallet holds everything you need for a quick nappy change on the go, as well as doubling up as a handy changing mat.

Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion protects and moisturises the skin to help prevent nappy rash, and is ideal to keep in your bag. The spray format is easy to use – two spritzes should be enough to form a thin protective layer, simply pat the area to maximise coverage. metanium.co.uk

A WOODLAND FRIENDS GIFT SET

ONE OF THREE FAMILY ZOO PASSES

Introducing Little Aurelia from Aurelia Probiotic Skincare; a range of luxury, bio-organic skincare designed to nurture your child’s wellbeing and help them sleep soundly. Designed exclusively for babies and young children, Little Aurelia blends gentle yet effective botanical ingredients with soothing essential oils to calm and settle at bath time and before bed.

One lucky winner will receive the Woodland Friends Gift Set, worth £200, featuring the full range of skincare from Little Aurelia, including top-to-toe wash, massage oil, rescue cream and pillow mist, plus a limited-edition Sleep Time Tales book. The set comes in an enchanting suitcase, adorned with delightful illustrations of Little Aurelia’s Woodland Friends – perfect for keeping your little one’s keepsakes and treasures in. aureliaskincare.com/littleaurelia

This summer, visit Marwell Zoo near Winchester and spend time with their playful primates at ‘Lemur Loop’, a new immersive walkthrough exhibit. Plus, from 1 August to 1 October, enjoy The Great Brick Safari: An Interactive Experience with Lego that is exclusive to Marwell Zoo. Along the trail will be a 1.5 tonne elephant and even a life-size Bengal tiger, and we have three family passes, worth £63 each, to give away! marwell.org.uk

ENTER ONLINE AT BABYHAMPSHIRE.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS babyhampshire.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2017 | 81

BUSINESS

Alice says Amy & Ivor is very much a family run business, and incorporates their ethical values

INSPIRE What inspired you to set up your label, Amy & Ivor?

The business really started by accident. I was looking for some traditional moccasins for my two baby daughters. After failing to find anything that was suitable, I decided to have a go at making a pair from some red leather I had in my studio. Those little shoes turned out nicely, and every time the girls wore them we would get compliments about them.

Encouraged by a friend, I started a Facebook page. The response was incredible and the rest is history, as they say!

Where did the name come from?

It’s named after my grandparents.

At the time I set up Amy & Ivor, I was starting to get itchy feet creatively and was considering starting a blog to show all the crafts I was doing with my girls.

When the business was born the name went to that instead. I love that it isn’t too definitive in any one direction.

What did you do before you set up the business?

My professional background is as a creative textile developer.

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ALICE HEDLEY The founder of children’s footwear brand Amy & Ivor talks business, family and flexible working I have always worked in fashion.

I worked as part of the design team at Burberry and then on the designer ranges at Puma, and as a consultant for smaller luxury brands. I feel lucky to have worked in teams with some of the best creative professionals on the planet.

Are your children an inspiration for the brand?

I started Amy & Ivor when my daughters, Edith and Clementine, were babies. At the time, all the soft shoes you could buy for babies were covered in motifs and I was looking for something more stylish. The girls are now six and four – I’ve made

them footwear throughout their childhoods and they still wear them as their ‘comfy shoes’ now.

They have grown up around the business and are always involved in whatever is going on. The brand is an extension of our lifestyle. As a family we are very ethically minded, so it makes sense that in the business we work by those rules, too.

Describe a typical day for you.

My youngest daughter started

Designs are made from soft, chrome-free leather

school last September. After four years of having one or both girls by my side each day, this is a huge change of routine. So now, for the first time, my day is split into work time and ‘mum time’. I get up with the kids and get them to school and then start work right after the school run. I catch up with the Amy & Ivor team and then we get to work. Right now we’re a team of like-minded mums working flexibly. The mornings are busier – answering everyone’s queries – then in the afternoon I tend to get time to get my teeth into the next project. I pick up the kids at 3pm, then work again in the evening once the girls are in bed.

What is your advice for anyone wanting to start a business?

I’m proud to have managed to be a mother and run a business. So in light of this, I think my advice would be to follow your passion.

Always make decisions you are 100% happy with – don’t ever compromise your integrity – and, of course, be prepared to work very hard! bh amyandivor.com

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