Baby London May/June 2017

blondon b MAY/JUNE 2017

BABYLONDON.CO.UK

Jessica ALBA

TALKS MOTHERHOOD AND HER HONEST BABY EMPIRE

Earth

MOTHER

WIN!

AN FROM URSERY SET SILVER CROSS

WORT £950 H

SEE IN

SIDE F

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BABY SLEEP HANDBOOK

Essential advice for peaceful slumber

DIVIDE & CONQUER

How shared parental leave really works

Film director

RICHARD CURTIS

What new dads need to know

The ethical way to raise a family

9 772040 855001

05

• ECO-FRIENDLY FASHION • THE NATURAL SHOPPING GUIDE • SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS FOR 2017

£3.99

SEEING DOUBLE Meet the cutest twins in town

Organic New recipes Steam cooked Texture and lumps Great value Try our new no added sugar breakfast and 100% fruit jars with an extra wide opening – perfect for feeding with a spoon.

Our organic range of 60 nutritious jars are sure to meet the needs of your little one’s taste buds.

The m ment they’re ready for weaning

Discover the holiday with

you want

everything they need

Blue Chip Holidays takes the guesswork out of choosing that perfect property for your UK family getaway – we’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to.

From pool barriers to night lights, enjoy peace of mind with the Baby Blue Chip collection.

Reader Offer

SAVE UP TO 10% off YOUR JUNE BREAK*

Enter the code LONDON10 at checkout

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bluechipholidays.co.uk/baby-friendly-holidays *Terms and conditions. Save up to 10% off selected stays arriving in June 2017. Bookings must be created on or before the 30th June 2017. Minimum 3 night stay. The code LONDON10 must be entered online or quoted if booking over the phone. New bookings only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or discount. We reserve the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time.

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+44 (0)1978 664362

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CONTENTS MAY/JU N E 2017

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46 PHOTOGRAPHY: ADMEDIA, INC/SIPA USA/PA IMAGES

FEATURES

58 BABY ON BOARD Rob Kemp weighs up the benefits of cycling in the capital with baby in tow 60 EARTH MOTHER Actress and mum Jessica Alba talks business, babies and maintaining a healthy home 70 SEEDS OF CHANGE Georgie Blaskey meets the women who transformed motherhood friendships into businesses 82 BEHIND THE BRAND: OUEF NYC Danielle Wilkins goes behind the scenes of the ethical children’s label 86 WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN Film director Richard Curtis shares his fatherhood advice 89 TOT GEAR We put the Uppababy Cruz pushchair through its paces and round up the latest products

94 DIVIDE & CONQUER Meet the dads who chose to take up shared parental leave 98 THE WORKOUT FOR YOUR FACE The ‘gym’ that will take years off you – no workout gear required 100 THE WONDERS OF ARVIGO THERAPY This Amazonian massage technique is proving a powerful tool for fertility 106 LABOUR OF LOVE Louisa van den Bergh on the unpredictability of giving birth 109 SWEET, SWEET SLUMBER The dietary aids that will ensure a better night’s sleep during pregnancy 112 SLEEP TIGHT, LITTLE ONE Help your newborn to snooze well, with author and parenting expert Elizabeth Pantley’s advice 146 EDUCATION EXPERTS We put your questions to three school heads

42

Great reads for papa and baby

STYLE

46 WILD ABOUT YOU See in the summer with adorable floral prints and pastel shades for baby 54 SHOP THE SHOOT Get the look with our high street edit 70 TWO OF A KIND Celebrating the precious bond between twins with new-season fashion

SHOPPING

25 BABY LONDON LOVES The nursery essential that’s sure to help baby drift off…

27 SHOP THE ELEMENTS Adorable pieces inspired by earth, air, water and fire 67 THE STAPLES Extend your spring maternity wardrobe into summer with these key pieces 76 DOUBLE DUTY Fun finds for parents of twins

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 7

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

130 124 NATURE AT PLAY Eco-friendly wooden toys little ones will love

FOOD & TRAVEL

129 FOOD NEWS The latest food offerings for little diners 130 TASTES TO DELIGHT Alice Fotheringham shares her favourite springtime recipes for baby 135 TRAVEL NEWS Prepare to pack your bags!

136 POSTCARD FROM CORNWALL Danielle Wilkins reports back from her beachside break to Newquay 138 GREENER GETAWAYS FOR 2017 How we can all be a little more eco with our holiday plans – and why this is the year to embrace it

REGULARS

15

BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small 35 MY ESSENTIALS We chat motherhood and pregnancy must-haves with presenter Helen Skelton 39 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Goings-on in the capital this month

138

8 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Chatty Dobson, Ginny Maclean Marketing Executive Catrina Linz

Film direct or Richard Curtis shar fatherhood es his journey (p.8 6)

40 FOCUS ON: WALTHAMSTOW The best spots to shop, learn and play 42 STORYTIME WITH DADDY Book releases perfect for papa and baby 44 INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION We chart the accounts you need to follow – this issue it’s Tigerlilly Quinn 57 PARTY TIME: IN THE GARDEN Carole Middleton shares her summer tips 65 MATERNITY FASHION NEWS Do bump style right – here’s how 93 THE DAD DIARY Blogger and author Matt Coyne shares all 97 HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS What’s new in the world of wellbeing 103 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ Your common questions answered 105 DIARY OF A MUM Martha Alexander is ready to get fit again… she thinks 116 MEET THE EXPERTS Advice from our healthcare professionals 119 TIME TO TALK The Bump Class discuss the ninth month 120 THE REVIEW The best travel cots for your little ones 123 INTERIOR NEWS Stylish updates and inspiring finds 143 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from classrooms and beyond 144 MEET THE HEAD Behind the scenes at North Bridge House 149 MINI AGENDA What’s on over the next two months 162 INSPIRE Talking business with the founders of Mori Green can also mean luxurious – yes, really!

Head of Market Leshna Pirie Sales Executives Harriet Cottrell, Emma Payne, Katie Jackson Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Baby London is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: babylondon.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: babylondon@chelseamagazines.com

Baby London Print ISSN 2040-8552 Online ISSN 2059-982X | 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 2016 All rights reserved

SUBSCRIBE Enjoy our special subscription offer and you’ll receive Baby London magazine for a year, delivered straight to your door all for just £16.

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

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01442 820 580 Back Issues chelseamagazines.com/shop

PHOTOGRAPHER: KEN COPSEY MODEL: ROCCO Rocco wears linen romper, £67, and cotton top, £65, both Caramel.

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A to match your style

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3 in 1 Bedside Crib

Bringing you closer

Find your SnüzPod colour match at snuz.co.uk

#snuzpod

elebrate all things flora and fauna with Next’s range of tropical and woodland prints From a selection at next.co.uk

Cotton muslin square £24, bonpoint.com

EDITORS

LETTER

Women’s suede jacket £165, topshop.com

KATE FREUD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

Babylondonmagazine

@Baby_London

@babylondonmagazine

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Join me online…

P-TO-DAT

• B A BY

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

PU

ISIT • E, V

KEE

Cotton romper £49.95, noe-zoe.com

the cutest twosomes in the capital with our heartwarming twins shoot (p.70).

A lack of sleep can be torture for everyone, so don’t miss our essential guide for getting baby off to the land of nod (p.112) and Louise Pyne advises on what we should eat during pregnancy to help us mothers get those precious Zzzs, too (p.109).

And finally, in celebration of Father’s Day on Sunday 18 June (check out our gift guide on p.127!) the inimitable writer and director Richard Curtis – himself a father of four – gives his invaluable advice on what he wishes he had known before becoming a dad for the first time (p.86). Rob Kemp discusses the benefits of Shared Parental Leave (p.94) and extols the virtues of cycling with your baby on board in London (p.58). And Emma O’Donovan cherry picks the best reads for papa and baby to enjoy together (p.42).

Happy Father’s Day to all the daddies out there, we hope you will be spoilt rotten!

ND

UK

Yellow Pelota bloomers £32, scandimini.co.uk

Hello! And welcome to our eco issue!

When your days are spent soothing a teething baby or negotiating with a recalcitrant toddler (I’m currently living this one with my two year old!) it’s hard to find a moment to spare a thought for the bigger issues, let alone global warming or sustainability!

But these are universal concerns that affect each one of us, and we like to think that, with small lifestyle changes here and there, together we can make a difference for our children’s future.

On that note, we found plenty of inspiration from Hollywood star Jessica Alba whose organic lifestyle brand Honest was motivated by the arrival of her own two daughters (p.60), and Holly Tuppen’s piece on greener travel for 2017 has plenty of ideas for conscious holidaymakers (p.138). We also look behind the scenes of the ethical New Yorkbased children’s brand Oeuf (p.82) and join the founders of Mori to discuss their green credentials (p.162). Our colourful shopping pages (p.27) are inspired by the elements this issue – earth, air, water and fire – and we have a gorgeous nature-inspired fashion shoot to feast your eyes upon (p.46). We also capture

O N .C O

.

@baby_london

Women’s cotton trainers £39.99, shop.mango.com babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 11

Where were you born?

Kingston Hospital. I grew up in Thames Ditton.

What do you love most about your job?

The people and the sense of discovery! I’m definitely a nomad at heart.

Favourite holiday ever?

Soneva Fushi in the Maldives was the most luxurious few days of my life, but camping in Wales on my honeymoon was as magical as it gets when it comes to simple pleasures.

Holly shares her eco holiday tips on p.138

RA

Where were you born?

St George’s Hospital, Tooting.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The freedom to have a day off whenever I want and enjoy time with my children.

How would you spend your ideal Father’s Day? Having a very long lie-in in my camper van somewhere in the countryside, a good walk, followed by a glorious lunch in a beautiful pub.

Tom captures our fashion story on p.46

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ANN I

TOM LEI

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, ECO WRIT PEN ER P U

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CONTRIBUTORS

Where did you grow up?

Bromley, South East London.

What do you love about this time of year?

The days are warmer and longer, and everything is in bloom, so I spend as much time as possible outdoors, soaking it all up.

Best holiday you’ve ever had?

A few years ago, I spent Christmas in Goa, India, with my whole family. We spent Christmas Day eating curry on the beach, which was pretty special!

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BABY LONDON ONLINE N D O N.

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Head online to discover great competitions and giveaways it could be your lucky day!

From choosing a nanny to exclusive weaning recipes, we’ve got expert advice on all areas of parenting

Join in We want to see your pics of you and your little ones enjoying Baby London

Be sure to stay updated with the latest news and talking points

#BLLOVES facebook.com/babylondonmagazine twitter.com/baby_london instagram.com/babylondonmagazine uk.pinterest.com/baby_london babylondon.co.uk

12 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

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NEWS

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CARRY ME HOME

BabyBjörn’s spring collection has been inspired by the modern-day dad. Six ordinary fathers front the campaign, along with their children, modelling the limited-edition designs of the Baby Carrier One. Styles include mesh and cotton options in denim and a blue tropicalleaf print. Suitable for use from birth up to three years. From £134.99, babybjorn.co.uk

THIS SPRING, EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE HIGH-STREET COFFEE JOINT CELEBRATES ITS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH THE NCT. STARBUCKS BECAME THE FIRST STORE OF ITS KIND TO ADOPT THE PARENTING CHARITY’S PARENT FRIENDLY PLACES CHARTER, PLEDGING A SUPPORTIVE, BABY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 15

NEWS

TREASURE TROVE

Lobella Loves is a new online shopping destination that brings together a whole host of beautiful brands for baby. The curated edit of clothing, toys, gifts and nursery essentials also includes a selection of goodies for mum. And with every sale, a donation is made to Cocoon Family Support, a charity helping those suffering with postnatal depression. lobellaloves.com

A GREENER GIFT

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Have you heard of Piupia? The eco-friendly childrenswear brand only uses Oeko-Tex 100 certified materials – meaning they’re free from chemical nasties – and organic cotton in its collections. Made in Portugal, this season’s range is inspired by an underwater world, featuring fish motifs and tactile ‘bubble’ textures.

Sizes from 3-6 months to four years. piupia.co.uk

SLEEP SOUNDLY Baby won’t sleep at night? There’s an app for that…

Johnson’s Bedtime Baby Sleep app allows you to track your child’s snooze habits, access personalised advice, and create a playlist of lullabies and ambient sounds.

You can also learn how to incorporate Johnson’s threestep bedtime routine, with interactive how-to videos, proven to improve the quality of baby’s slumber.

Free on iTunes

Give a gift that lasts forever with The Present Tree. Choose from a selection of potted saplings, each of which symbolises something different, and it’ll be wrapped in organza and delivered to your nominated address.

Hawthorn is a good choice if you’re buying for a new baby; it’s said to represent love and protection. From £35, thepresenttree.com

STYLISH SCENARIOS French illustrator Jean Jullien’s new book makes a sweet addition to baby’s bookshelf. Before & After features bold graphics to make learning playful and imaginative, showing little readers a series of humorous outcomes as they flip back and forth. Suitable for ages two years and up. £8.95, Phaidon

MAMAS & PAPAS’ LOVED FOR LIFE INITIATIVE IS ENCOURAGING PARENTS TO REFRESH AND RECYCLE THEIR PUSHCHAIRS. TRADEIN YOUR MODEL FOR A GIFT CARD WORTH UP TO £140; SHOP ITS RANGE OF RECONDITIONED BUGGIES AND SAVE UP TO 50%, AND EVEN REPAIR OR CUSTOMISE YOUR PRAM WITH SPARE PARTS AND ADD-ONS. MAMASANDPAPAS.COM/LOVED-FOR-LIFE

16 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

NEW! Give your baby a soft start with Bouncer Bliss www.babybjorn.com The Parallel Line Design is a sign of a genuine BABYBJÖRN product

Discover

blissful

baby & toddler friendly holidays

Everything that parents need for stress free getaways in luxury villas and 5* resorts

Call 0800 014 2770 or visit www.totstotravel.co.uk

Jonathan Adler brings his signature colours and prints to Fisher Price’s latest range

CULTURE CLOTH La Coqueta has launched a charming 10-piece capsule collection with Muzungu Sisters, a brand known for championing artisan crafters all over the globe. With a focus on traditional craftsmanship, the pieces for boys, girls and baby feature colourful embroidery and smocking in La Coqueta’s classic styles.

From £45, lacoquetakids.com

ELMER THE ICON

THE STYLE SET

Designer Jonathan Adler is bringing panache to playtime with a new range of toys for Fisher Price. His iconic prints and contemporary colour combinations adorn the line of sensory toys which are perfect for tummy time, plus a range of style pegs which can be attached to baby’s pushchair. From £4.99, argos.co.uk

It may be 28 years since he first sprung onto the scene, but Elmer the Elephant is still as popular as ever. In the run-up to Elmer Day on 27 May, a whole new range of books, toys and clothing dedicated to the patchwork elephant has been released. Shop in store from Tu at Sainsbury’s. andersenpress.co.uk/elmer

KEEP THEM COSY Aussie favourite ErgoPouch, known for its range of sleepsuits and swaddles, has launched in John Lewis. Made from natural fibres that are gentle on delicate skin, the sleeping bags keep baby warm without the need for blankets, and feature two-way zippers for easy nappy changing. Available in a number of colourways. From £34.99, johnlewis.com

PRINTS CHARMING

Update your pram for the new season with Stokke’s summer kit. The new pattern, available in three pastel shades, features woodland animals and flowers, and fits various models from Stokke’s range of pushchairs.

The kit includes additional ventilation zippers and is made using UPF 50+ fabrics to keep baby both cool and protected. £119, stokke.com

THE LITTLE LIBERTY DEPARTMENT AT LIBERTY OF LONDON HAS HAD A REVAMP. THE NEW SPACE FEATURES A CURATED EDIT OF DESIGN-LED BRANDS, WHERE OLD FAVOURITES SIT ALONGSIDE EMERGING LABELS LIKE SCAMP & DUDE AND BIG STUFFED TOYS. THERE’S ALSO AN IN-HOUSE CLOTHING LINE LAUNCHING IN MAY, BASED ON THE ICONIC PRINTS. LIBERTY.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 19

NEWS

MORE THAN WORDS Feel supported as you navigate the first year of motherhood with The New Mum’s Notebook.

Divided into 12 months, each section includes relevant articles for each stage, journal pages for recording those precious memories and milestones, and positive affirmations to keep your mind healthy. £24.25, thenewmumsnotebook.co.uk

THAT’S A WRAP New kid on the block, Otto, is out to prove that quality muslins needn’t be boring. The multi-purpose essential has been redesigned in a series of Scandinavian-inspired prints, including pink feathers and a snowy mountain scene. Matching sleep sacks and comforters are available, too. From £13.99, ottomuslin.com

BEST OF THE BLOGS

The internet is awash with information but these brilliant bloggers cut to the chase with honest and practical advice Find lust-worthy gift guides and more on Ellie’s blog

THE MUMDAY TIMES

SALLY FAZELI

A LITTLE CRISP

Style writer and mum-of-three Ellie Crompton records her daily musings on life, style and motherhood over on her blog, The Mumday Times. A self-confessed ‘recovering shopaholic’, her posts include plenty of desirable high-street fashion pieces and lust-worthy gift guides for both mother and child, as well as a smattering of equally stylish interiors, nursery and beauty buys. themumdaytimes.com

As a mother to two boys, Sally’s blog offers a peek into family life, from her fashion favourites to days out with the children.

Having just given birth to her second son, Remy, she reflects honestly on her experience of pregnancy, sharing her hopes and her fears. Check out her Instagram for some seriously dreamy snaps, and her YouTube channel for travel diaries. sallyfazeli.com

Kirstie Robinson lives with her fiancé Rich and two-year-old daughter Emilia in Durham. Her blog, A Little Crisp, charts her adventures, thoughts and feelings on life as a mum; from exploring new places with her little girl to the impact of social media.

She’s nifty with a camera, too; armed with her DSLR, each post is beautifully illustrated with intimate photos. The family have just moved house, so stay tuned for a peek into their new abode. alittlecrisp.com

20 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

For you, the family (and the downward facing dog).

A collection of beautifully finished 4 and 5 bedroom family homes with an additional mews studio space (to finally create that personal yoga sanctuary).

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RUNNING HEAD

WIN!

A Silver Cross Nursery Set D

ecorating your baby’s nursery is one of life’s most exciting journeys, from picking the shade of paint to choosing the finer details to make it a unique space. To celebrate this special time, Baby London has teamed up with Silver Cross to give one lucky reader a Soho Cot Bed and Nursery Wardrobe Combo set – worth an impressive £950 – to form the basis for baby’s new bedroom.

With plenty of innovative features to help you on your parenting journey, the Soho is the smart space solution, offering a wardrobe, changing station and dresser in one ultra-compact yet stylish product. The patented one-touch hideaway changing table folds out when needed and then stores neatly away when not in use.

Designed with longevity in mind, the full-size cot bed has three base height positions, transforming into a toddler bed to grow with your child from newborn until they are approximately four years old. You’ll find optimum storage with three deep soft-close drawers, double rails in the wardrobe and smart little storage compartments for all those baby essentials.

The stylish and contemporary design, in all its white woodgrain-finished glory, complete with square brushed steel handles, has a universal appeal to suit any style, and will give one lucky winner the perfect base for their dream nursery.

And as with all Silver Cross nursery sets, the company will even send someone to build the furniture for you – now, it doesn’t get much better than that!

WORTH £950

To enter, visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON 15 JUNE 2017. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SILVERCROSSBABY.COM.

22 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Don’t let your hair spoil this moment Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most exceptional and rewarding events that can change a woman’s life. However many new mums will experience another change, which may not seem related to childbirth at first.

Did you know that 40-50% of new mums experience postpartum hair loss?

By using Nourkrin® you can support and maintain the approximately 100,000 hairs you have on your head.

Nourkrin® POST PREGNANCY – FOR HAIR MAINTENANCE is a safe and drug-free food supplement developed to maintain natural, beautiful hair for new mums.

Find out how Nourkrin® POST PREGNANCY can help you: www.nourkrin.co.uk Tel: 0845 894 9680

+ Available from good independent Pharmacies and Health Food Shops

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Toiletries for baby & child

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Subjects: 100 newborns & 102 3-18 month babies with medically diagnosed eczema.

Childs Farm is a registered trade mark Š Childs Farm Ltd 2017

SHOPPING

LOVES

Help baby drift off to the land of nod with this design from Swedish label Elodie Details

Up, up and away…

Not only is this hot air balloon mobile from Elodie Details designed to give baby plenty of striking patterns to look at, but it also plays a melodious blues tune to send your little one off into the sweetest slumber. And with this hanging above their cot, they’re sure to dream of big adventures, too.

‘Moon Balloon’ hanging musical mobile, £27.52, en.smallable.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 25

WW W. N I N E I N TH E M I RRO R. CO M 3 .1 P HILLI P L I M • AL E XAN D E R WANG • L AN V I N • M I SSO N I • VAL E N TI N O • AN D MA NY MOR E

From a selection bonpoint.com Tobias And The Bear bib £8, ministylin.com

Wooden Story shape stacker £23.95, lullabuy.co.uk A Little Lovely Company light £7.74, en.smallable.com

EARTH ANGELS

Keep baby closer to nature with sustainable accessories and a neutral palette of brushed khaki and textured taupe This stylish rocker is suitable for newborns to babies up to seven months Charlie Crane ‘Levo’ rocker £168.95, lullabuy.co.uk

Cotton-blend appliqué dress £29, cosstores.com

Kalinka cotton romper £70, mabelchild.co.uk

Tod’s suede moccasins £98, childsplayclothing.co.uk

Mini Rodini cotton-blend sweater £42, scandimini.co.uk Cotton trousers £45, wildandgorgeous.co.uk Leather booties £48, donsje.com

Guum Barcelona plywood bassinet £279.95, theweedepartmentstore.com

Cotton yarn rug £69.90, kidsconcept.co.uk babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 27

SHOPPING Cashmere cardigan £99, mariechantal.co.uk

Cotton romper £29.99, questioneverythinglondon.com

Ferm Living lamp £63.95, lullabuy.co.uk

Leather booties £49, rachelriley.co.uk

From a selection at Cam Cam Copenhagen scandiborn.co.uk

Fleece-lined cotton throw £70, 64south.co.uk

WALKING ON AIR Light-as-a-feather cotton to the palest of pastels and cloud motifs; the sky’s the limit with this look

Hape wooden plane toy £5.50, johnlewis.com

Bloomingville cushion £43.50, madeindesign.co.uk

Kissy Kissy cotton bib £7, lucyandbelle.com

Merino wool cardigan £39, scarletribbonmerino.com

This chair’s high back and ergonomic design helps to promote proper posture when breastfeeding Microsuede nursing chair £875, olliella.com

Cotton-blend leggings £6.99, zara.com 28 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Cam Cam Copenhagen music mobile £25, scandiborn.co.uk

With over 30 configurations and an integrated ride-on-board, the new British designed and engineered iCandy Orange is packed with innovation. Featuring our trademark elevator adaptors, unique 'cinema' double seating mode and a 64 litre basket, the Orange lead the field whilst still being compact enough to fit through a standard door.

Brilliantly flexible, beautifully crafted and absolutely futureproof.

More milk for your baby, more time for both of you.

The innovative double pump technology in the Medela Swing Maxi helps you pump more energy packed milk, in less time.

Proud pioneers of breastfeeding innovation since 1965.

ZZZ PHGHOD FR XN

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Pump more milk in less time, thanks to our 2-Phase Expression Technology* Journal of Human Lactation 18 (4) 2002 “Effect of Vacuum Profile on Breast Milk Expression Using an Electric Breast Pump.�

*

SHOPPING Kenzo cotton sweatshirt from £54, childrensalon.com

Masterkidz wooden fire station £49.95, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Oogaa silicone spoon £6.99, littlegreenhome.co.uk

Leather booties £55, thelittleshoemaker.com From a selection at Petit Bateau alexandalexa.com

FIRE AWAY!

A sunset palette of red, yellow and orange is the perfect way to inject bold summer style into baby’s nursery Tripp Trapp wooden high chair £169, stokke.com

Plywood fire engine £49.99, kiddimoto.co.uk

Lab linen quilt £59, shak-shuka.com

Bakker Made With Love bodysuit £23.22, en.smallable.com

Plush comforter £25, steiff.com

Stay ahead of the curve with iCandy’s newest model iCandy Orange pushchair £790, icandyworld.com

Arsène Et Les Pipelettes linen and cotton trousers £40, rosesandthestars.com

Skitsch table lamp £146, madeindesign.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 31

SHOPPING

Djeco Enchanted Fishing magnetic toy £13.75, crafts4kids.co.uk

Even babygrows can’t escape the underwater world – check out this sweet goldfish print Cotton-mix bodysuit £30, molo.com

From a selection bebebombom.com Cotton bodysuit £49, rachelriley.co.uk

Kissy Kissy cotton romper £26, childrensalon.com

WATER WORLD ro na ti al stri es to tro i al fis et yo r little one de ed o t in t ese arine ins ired st a es

Big Stuffed octopus soft toy £165, libertylondon.com

Cotton dress £21.99, zara.com Charlie Crane high chair £199.95, cuckooland.com

Organic cotton romper £28, piupia.co.uk

Flip XT² pushchair £529, mamasandpapas.com

Melamine bowl £8, shop.zsl.org 32 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Leather moccasins £20, bobux.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

A scarf is Helen’s parenting accessory of choice Cotton and bamboo scarf £49, marloelondon.com

n set with

MY ESSENTIALS

ne s ountry file

The presenter married rugby league player Richie Myler in 2013

HELEN SKELTON

You’re mum to 22-month-old Ernie, and are expecting your second baby this spring. Did you always know you wanted to have children?

I love children but I was never a ‘baby person’ really. I think it was inevitable I would have kids, as I am big on family, but it’s not something I have been working towards or vetting relationships for. If anything, some previous boyfriends have wanted children more than I did!

Did you have an enjoyable pregnancy with Ernie?

I was lucky, I was pretty healthy.

I missed wine but made up for it with chocolate, and in the early stages I loved a chippy tea with mushy peas and gravy.

As your due date approaches, are you still working?

I stopped work at the end of February to make more time for Ernie but also because my job

The TV presenter talks pregnancy, motherhood must-haves and making new friends involves travelling from one end of the country to the other at short notice, so it all got a bit hectic! In truth, I feel a bit guilty Ernie is so little and soon I will have my hands full with another baby, so until that time arrives we are having lots of fun together at the beach, at the park and feeding the ducks.

You’ve spoken on Twitter about using the Mummy Social app; can you tell us more about it?

Motherhood swells your heart but it can also leave you wanting

to put your head in the cooker!

Mummy Social is an app to bring mums together. I love my friends without kids, but they don’t always want to go to soft play on short notice, so Mummy Social

Helen is counting down the days until her second baby arrives

Free to download on Apple and Android. mummysocial.com

gives me access to people in the same boat. I need friends, I need to talk and I need to socialise, and the app helps me do that while enjoying time with my son. Many mothers struggle with loneliness, and that can lead to postnatal depression – the aim of Mummy Social is to help alleviate that problem.

What baby or pregnancy essentials have proved invaluable that you would recommend to new mothers?

Loads of scarves – I breastfed and, yes, while I would like to support the sisterhood, I don’t want to get them out everywhere, so I always wore scarves to strategically hide my nipples from public display. Scarves also hide baby sick – essential if you’re working, travelling and feeding at the same time, which I was. And stock up on bread – toast will prove to be the hot food you can eat with one hand, day or night.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 35

INTERVIEW

The family enjoy spending time in London’s parks

When she’ s child-fre e, Helen heads to C ovent Gard en

Did you find shopping for baby a minefield first time around?

Yes! Car seats and pushchairs are so confusing, everyone has a different opinion.

And I still don’t understand bottle warmers. Buying baby clothes has been fun, but the sensible, practical stuff is mind-boggling.

If we were to rummage through your changing bag, what would we find in there?

Toy trucks, bananas, biscuits, a tennis ball and probably a ping pong ball – my son loves balls!

As a mother and presenter, how do you manage to juggle the work-life balance?

Like any working mum, I feel guilty when I work, or when I don’t. My work is feast or famine – I have intense periods then I am off for weeks and weeks, so it works for me. I think it’s important not to justify what you do, just know that whatever

36 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Look through Helen’s hanging bag and you ll find toy trucks aplenty…

works for you and baby is right.

Once I stopped explaining myself, I started loving work and baby time even more. I have no childcare other than my mum and in-laws, so I am lucky if Ernie is not with me then he’s with family.

I am very fortunate to love my work – it’s a juggling act but one I am enjoying, if not exhausted by!

What was it like to present at the Olympics?

I’m a sports fan so it was like Disneyland for me. I was lucky to have a front row seat. It was hard being away from Ernie but it was nice to have a couple of weeks of putting myself first. I came back ready for the 2am, 4am and 6am wake-ups with new enthusiasm.

Where do you like to go when you get some free time?

I love Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – Ernie chases the ducks and there are good playgrounds

there. I also love visiting the Natural History Museum, as he adores the dinosaurs. One of his first words was “wow” when he saw the huge diplodocus. When we are not in London we are country bumpkins, so Ernie just loves going on the bus!

What about when you manage to carve out some time for yourself – what do you do?

I love the bustling atmosphere in Covent Garden; the people, the tourists and street performers.

I also adore Spitalfields Market.

I have bought so many random things there over the years and shared so many good memories, it’s a very special place for me.

What does 2017 have in store?

This year will be all about baby number two, and having two children under two – madness!

We are living in France at the minute but we will probably move back to the UK sometime soon. In my job I never know what’s going to happen, so who knows!

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, INSTAGRAM.COM/HELENSKELTON, DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/PA WIRE/PA IMAGES, IAN WEST/PA WIRE/PA IMAGES

On set with Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster at the Olympics

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FEEL GOOD THIS SUMMER…

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MAY

On Wednesday 14 June, stores and cafés across the capital will be serving up free organic mini breakfasts for the ‘Wake Up To Organic’ campaign, which aims to show just how simple it is to make the switch. Find your local store at wakeuptoorganic.co.uk

1 STEPS AHEAD

May sees the start of National Walking Month, and this year the UK charity Living Streets is campaigning for you to #Try20 – so venture out and take baby for a stroll for 20 minutes every day. livingstreets.org.uk

7 MINI MOVERS

DJ Monski Mouse has been making babies boogie on the Southbank for five years now.

Join in today for 50 minutes of bopping family fun as part of the Underbelly Festival. From 3pm. underbellyfestival.com

dates for your

8 HAT’S ON!

DIARY

SPF at the ready – today is the start of Sun Awareness Week.

For more skin-saving tips and advice, visit bad.org.uk

13 COOL COLLAB

Harrods welcomes the arrival of Gardner and The Gang’s new Social Butterflies capsule collection today, designed exclusively for the department store. harrods.com

Mustela SPF50+ Sun Spray £29, escentual.com

14 PREPARE

JUNE

Grab your wellies and get stuck in with Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children. Today’s your last chance! Register in advance at savethechildren. org.uk

4 PARK LIFE

FOR PUDDLES

FRIENDS

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHARLEY’S HEALTH

Sensory soother As the brand best known for its innovative Neckerchew, Cheeky Chompers will be unveiling its much-anticipated muslin collection this May. Babies can enjoy the comfort of organic cotton muslin in the iconic Neckerchew, the original chewy dribble bib and comforter. cheekychompers.com

Gardner and The Gang cotton bodysuit £44.95, harrods.com

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

16 FEEDING COMING SOON...

Shop the exclusive collection from May

Medela’s Big Breastfeeding Café is back. Sign up for a package to host your own Café at home by emailing medelamums@gmail.com

21 PARTY TIME

Little London will be at Hamleys toy store from 10am, for a host of family fun. Visit littlelondonmagazine.co.uk

Show your support for the participants of the London 10 Mile family fun run by packing up a picnic and soaking up the atmosphere in Richmond Park. london10mile.com

5 NOW OPEN!

Parental courses from Lulubaby launch in its new Putney venue today. Find out more at lulubaby.co.uk

15 WIN BIG

Today’s your last chance to enter our exclusive comps. babylondon. co.uk/competitions

17

GARDENS GALORE Explore more than 230 secret gardens in the capital with this year’s Open Garden Squares weekend. Kids go free! opensquares.org

18 FATHER’S DAY Show him how much you love him with our gift edit on p.127.

28 WILD PLAY

Magnetic toy brand SmartMax launches the My First: Safari Animals. Cute, creative and clever!

Priced £17.99, amazon.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 39

RUNNING HEAD

WHERE TO SHOP Walthamstow is also home to Walthamstow Market – the longest outdoor market in Europe

FOCUS ON

MOTHERS HUB

WALTHAMSTOW

This space not only sells ethical clothing, toys, gifts and accessories for babies and children, but it hosts its own classes, too .

133 Wood Street

Discover the best spots to eat, shop, learn and play in this London hotspot East of Eden

WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY This welcoming public gallery regularly features free activities for little ones, including art workshops and puppet performances. wmgallery.org.uk TUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE This jungle-themed soft play area is the perfect place for your cheeky monkeys to burn

DEBBIE BLISS HOME

With a dedicated space for stylish kids’ products, including stationery, books and clothing, Debbie Bliss Home is also packed with interiors inspiration for parents.

36 Orford Road off some energy. The Soul Project, 245 Wood Street BONGALONG Let your little one develop an early love of music with these fun, engaging and creative 45-minute sessions. bongalong.co.uk

MEET OTHER MUMS

Wood Street Coffee

NCT WALTHAM FOREST Whether you’re looking for a pre- or postnatal course, or the chance to meet likeminded mums, the NCT offers a multitude of services and support. nct.org.uk

EAST OF EDEN This dedicated yoga and pilates studio offers pregnancy and post-birth classes, with baby on the mat beside you. edeneast.co.uk

GRAB A BITE WOOD STREET COFFEE When that weekend brunch craving hits, Wood Street Coffee is the place to be. woodstcoffee.co.uk BÜHLER AND CO A relaxed and vibrant pitstop specialising in vegetarian dishes. buhlerandco.com

WATERSTONES

With a large children’s department to boot, Waterstones in The Mall stocks all the classics for little ones, including fabulous new reads for parent and baby.

Selborne Walk Shopping Centre

NURSERIES AND SCHOOLS: BUSY BEES, 020 8527 9711, BUSYBEESCHILDCARE.CO.UK; WALTHAMSTOW MONTESSORI SCHOOL, 020 8523 2968, WALTHAMSTOWMONTESSORI.COM; FOREST SCHOOL LONDON PRE-PREP, 020 8520 1744, FOREST.ORG.UK 40 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAP DATA ©2017 GOOGLE, ISTOCK

OUT AND ABOUT LLOYD PARK As well as enjoying the tranquil green spaces of Lloyd Park, there’s a café, play area and a whole host of other family facilities to make the most of. Forest Road, E17 5EH

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STORYTIME with daddy...

Emma O’Donovan ROU N DS U P TH E BE ST R E ADS FOR PAPA AN D BABY

JUST LIKE DADDY

By Lucy Freegard

This tale is a joyful observation of the special relationship between parent and child – a perfect gift and a lovely reminder that children cherish the little moments as much as us adults do. £6.99, Pavilion

BOOKS

What do you do when Grandad starts acting like a penguin? Little ones will love this touching tale

ABC OFF TO SEA

By Virginie Morgand ‘A is for Adventure’ in this stylish nautical-themed introduction to the alphabet. The bright drawings from the French illustrator are sure to inspire a love of learning. £9.95, Thames & Hudson

MY PICTURES AFTER THE STORM

By Eric Veillé

With animals, shapes and scenes to spot, this witty exploration of ‘before and after’ is filled with clever rhymes and funny images. £10.99, Gecko Press

imagination in this delightful new pre-school series of board books.

Familiar themes are explored with charm and humour. £6.99, Bloomsbury

IF I HAD A DINOSAUR

By Alex Barrow and Gabby Dawnay

Perfect for pre-school palaeontologists! This little girl has her sights set on a pet that is slightly larger and considerably scalier than the norm… A joy to share any time of day. £10.95, Thames & Hudson

BEDTIME WITH TED

LOOK, THERE’S A ROCKET!

What Ted lacks in stature he certainly makes up for with his

Peep through the cut-out holes and lead baby on an intergalactic

By Sophy Henn

By Esther Aarts

adventure into outer space.

Encounter aliens and help steer the spacecraft on its mission. £6.99, Nosy Crow

TRIANGLE

By Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen A brilliantly anarchic feud between a triangle and a square evolves using black and white illustrations and clever, simple text. A fantastically funny read. £12.99, Walker Books

WILLIAM BEE’S WONDERFUL WORLD OF TRUCKS

By William Bee

This visual feast will have little ones entranced for hours on end, with bright and bold characters to

seek out on each page. £12.99, Pavilion

THE LUMBERJACK’S BEARD

By Duncan Beedie

Chopping down trees means Big Jim Hickory needs to find a new home for his woodland friends.

Perhaps his beard would make the perfect temporary residence? £6.99, Templar Publishing

WHEN GRANDAD WAS A PENGUIN

By Morag Hood

Confusion ensues as a little girl realises her beloved Grandad has been replaced by a mischievous penguin. A heartwarming tale of the importance of grandparents. £11.99, Two Hoots

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 43

PROFILE

GET THE LOOK Peter Jensen organic cotton dress £85, peopletree.co.uk

Organic cotton raincoat £110, seasaltcornwall.co.uk

Marquis & Dawe fabric cactus (set of two) £14, noths.com

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

Omm Design melamine plate £6, the-pippa-and-ike-show.com

@TIGERLILLYQUINN Mother of two Fritha shares everything from fashion and crafts to home renovations via her blog Over 30,000 people follow your life through Instagram, what do you love about the platform?

I absolutely love the community. Motherhood is such a journey, and I think mums like to share.

What’s the secret to a great photo?

I feel like I'm always learning with Instragram and, of course, it helps if you are able to take the time to take a photo that is technically great, but I think as long as you take a picture you love and pair it with a genuine caption it will engage people.

Who are your social media inspirations?

My top three at the moment are @thisisjules, @ohhelloface and @balancedbeautybristol.

44 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Cotton-blend sweater £34, scampanddude.com

Your sixties-inspired styling is a hit with fellow mamas, which are your favourite brands right now?

I try as much as I can to shop ethically or vintage, so I love People Tree, and a new favourite is Weekday.

How about when dressing Wilf and Mabli?

I’m a huge fan of colour. One of my absolute favourites is Tootsa Macginty and I'm also partial to Mini Boden.

How’s the home makeover coming along?

It’s hugely satisfying to make a home your own but if I had any advice it would be to know your limits (for example, leave wallpapering to the pros, as I found out with my wonky attempts). It’s an ongoing project but I love the process and, of course, the results!

Cotton jersey dress £20, boden.co.uk

Organic cotton romper (and blanket, not shown) £84.99, thebonniemob.com

Aniyah wears cotton romper, £109, Chloé at Childrensalon. Suede pram shoes, £10, Marks & Spencer.

Wild about you PHOTOGR APHER : TOM LEIGHTON ST YLIST: MICH ELLE PIER R E- CAR R

THIS PAGE: Millar wears cotton romper, £67, Stella McCartney.

Canvas shoes, £6, Mothercare.

LEFT PAGE: Bertie wears cotton shirt, £26, Laranjinha at Childrensalon.

Cotton shorts, £20, Mayoral at Childrensalon. Elasticated belt, £12, Tutto Piccolo at Childrensalon.

Darcie wears cotton dress, ÂŁ135, ChloĂŠ at Childrensalon.

THIS PAGE: Austin wears linen and cotton-blend shirt and shorts set, £82, Paz Rodriguez at Childrensalon.

Cotton socks, £4, and textile pram shoes, £10, both Marks & Spencer.

RIGHT PAGE: Darcie wears cotton canvas blouse, £57.62, Bonton at Smallable. Cotton jersey trousers, £49, Chloé at Childrensalon. Broderie trainers, £7, Mothercare.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODELS: ANIYAH, AUSTIN, ARI, BERTIE, DARCIE, MILLAR. MODEL AGENCIES: ALPHABET KIDS, BRUCE & BROWN, GRACE & GALOR, RAY & ROBIN

Amy & Ivor leather moccasins £38, olivierbaby.com

Cotton shirt £14.95, gap.co.uk

Aniyah wears cotton cardigan, £42, La Coqueta.

Cotton dress, £34, The Little White Company. Textile booties, £12, Monsoon.

Cotton-blend romper £34, patachou.com

Cotton dress £17.99, hm.com

Cotton bloomers £18, boden.co.uk Olivier Baby cotton bonnet £24, rosesandthestars.com

Knitted cotton cardigan £27, petit-bateau.co.uk

SHOP THE SHOOT

itsy oral desi ns and astel ie es ade or s irited little ones

Cotton shirt £12.99, zara.com

Cotton romper £13, next.co.uk

Embroidered dress £18, riverisland.com

Marie Chantal cotton shorts £20, marksandspencer.com Cotton plimsolls £17.99, zara.com

COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER

Cotton chambray bloomers £9.95, gap.co.uk

Celebrating 25 years

Wet

play?

throughout 2016-17

No With 3 sports

Bright children, exceptional opportunities: visitors to Newton

problem. indoor halls to add to our 70m x 40m huge all-weather pitch

Prep in the last year have included the Dalai

Lama, Rowan Williams, Michael Gove MP, Shami Chakrabarti, Johnny Ball.

World Cup Rugby player Josh Lewsey and film director Alan Parker.

we have more sports facilities than most secondary-level London schools.

During 2016-17, we celebrate

Newton@25,

marking the first 25 years since its 1991 foundation. So far we have raised £25k, giving 25% each to our four chosen charities—and we stage an event on the 25th of each termtime month.

Thinking big: with

“Newton combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves. All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to accommodate variety.”

650+ pupils, aged between 313, Newton is London’s biggest stand-alone prep school.

Current parent Several 100% Bursaries are

If music be the food of love, we are eating well

available from Year 3 upwards for sparky children who

at Newton: over

300 children learn a musical instrument

or take singing lessons

might not otherwise be able to afford a fee-paying school.

Bright children Exceptional opportunities

A co-ed London prep school for children aged 3-13 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

1

Make sure to cover baby up when outside in the sun

2

PARTY TIME

GIFT IDEAS

BABY PARTIES

Sweet present ideas especially for baby

with Carole Middleton

Oli & Carol teether £6, shop.lilbeans.co.uk

In the garden Ensure your summer celebration is one to remember with these outdoor entertaining ideas

Cotton blanket £23.50, pigeonorganics.com

H

3

4

5

osting a party for friends and their toddlers can be more than a little chaotic, so holding a gathering outside is the perfect opportunity to let them make the most of the open space and allow you to enjoy the glorious weather and longer days.

Wooden rainbow stacking toy £52, mamaowl.net

Why not give your party a ‘glamping’ twist, with floor cushions and picnic blankets? Pile them up underneath a gazebo, teepee or canopy to provide plenty of shade for baby.

Having a food and drink station where everyone can help themselves will save you from running around. Serve up iced tea or pink lemonade in kegs or large jugs, and don’t forget those colourful straws to give your beverages a lift! You could display these, and your cutlery, in terracotta plant pots.

Liberty print party hats (pack of eight) £9.99, partypieces.co.uk

Eef Lillemor bamboo tableware from £5, the-pippa-and-ike-show.com 1. Chloé cotton chambray hat £35, childrensalon.com 2. Organic cotton dress £26, welovefrugi.com 3. Organic cotton romper £24, littlegreenradicals.co.uk 4. Cotton short dungarees £35, whatmothermade.co.uk 5. Organic cotton reversible t-shirt £21, sense-organics.com

When it comes to decorating your space, be inspired by the colours in your garden and try to echo those shades. Candle lanterns will take you from afternoon to evening, while fairylights in the trees look utterly charming.

Be sure to keep your little ones occupied with games and toys. Traditional wooden toys, such as skittles, will be a hit with guests of all ages.

Liberty print paper party bags (pack of 10) £6.99, partypieces.co.uk

Leather moccasins £38, amyandivor.com Kilner drinks dispenser £16.99, partypieces.co.uk

Paper plates (pack of 12) babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 57 £3.99, partypieces.co.uk

FAMILY

Baby on

BOARD hether it’s for the nursery run, a trip to the shops or a family day out, more and more parents are now choosing to take their kids along for the ride when cycling these days.

Of the estimated 610,000 cycle journeys made each day in the capital, a rising number of them feature babies, toddlers and children being ferried along our busy roads in child seats, trailers or purpose-built ‘family’ bikes.

“Of course, cycling with your kids in tow means you have to ensure you keep your wits about you,” says dad John Amir. “I first took our eldest boy, Eddy, on the bike seat when he was eight months old. I take his little brother Kit, who’s 19 months now, in the same seat.”

Since becoming a father, John has also opened his own bike shop, BonVelo, in Herne Hill. “My partner Karina and I are both keen cyclists so it came naturally to take the boys with us on the bikes as soon as we could. We use a rear-fit seat – it’s the most comfortable and will take a child up to 22kg, so around five years old if you need to.”

Child seats for bikes come in many shapes and sizes, including recliner ones for babies as young as six months to sleep in without slumping. Front-fitted child seats are common too – these attach to the top tube or bar of the bike frame. “Some are moulded plastic seats – like mini versions of rear seats – while others for older children are little saddles and footrests bolted on to the bike,” says John.

Front-fit seats do enable your child to see more and talk to you more easily – but they may not be ideal for longer journeys and if you

W

58 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

have to brake sharply or have a fall, your child could end up acting as your airbag.

Whichever type you choose, taking your children by bike is a much more convenient way to get around in London. “Getting your kids in and out of the car to go a mile or two and then finding a place to park is enough to put you off driving,” says John. “Cycling is more economical and environmentally sound, and it’s really enjoyable.”

But many express concerns about the safety of cycling in London. “I’ve met parents who’ve been knocked off their bikes while riding with their children attached,” says John. “Thankfully none have been seriously hurt. We take particular care at danger spots, getting off and crossing at the lights in some cases.”

While it’s possible to use both front and rear seats on the same bike, it can make things very cumbersome. A more popular solution for carrying two or more children is a trailer or a specially designed cargo bike.

“I use a Babboe Big four-seater cargo bike,” explains Maria Ona, a childminder from Isleworth. “I take children aged 10 months to four years old and have used it ever since doing a trial run with one on Wandsworth Common a few years ago. Not only does it cater for up to four children, there’s room for school bags, too.

“I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit but being a mum to three children and working up to 60 hours each week as a childminder makes it hard to find time to exercise,” Maria adds.

“I can end up cycling 25 miles in a day, so this way I benefit fitness wise, plus, I reckon I save

over £1,000 in petrol annually.”

Both John and Maria agree that one of the downsides to cycling with children on London’s roads are the potholes. “I was constantly getting flat tyres until I invested in anti-puncture inner tubes,” says Maria.

“My advice to parents is to be aware of your surroundings, and use common sense around buses and lorries – if necessary, dismount on to the pavement. I find most motorists are respectful and keep a safe distance, and on the whole I feel safe. Most of all, the children love the bike. They sit opposite each other chatting away while I do the hard work.”

Rob Kemp writes for Cycling Plus magazine.

He’s also the author of The Expectant Dad’s Survival Guide (£12.99, Vermilion)

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

DO THE BENEFITS OF CYCLING ON LONDON’S STREETS WITH YOUR CHILDREN OUT WEIGH THE RISKS? Rob Kemp FINDS OUT

FAMILY

STAYING SAFE Always give your bike a quick once-over before using it. “If it doesn’t ‘feel’ or sound right then it probably isn’t,” says Maria.

Ensure the children are secured using a three-point safety harness, and everyone on the bike should wear protective helmets.

It’s essential that any child’s seat has secure foot straps – feet in spokes account for 50% all child hospital admissions involving child seats.

Make sure items such as scarfs, mittens on strings and long laces can’t dangle into the spokes.

Child seats aren’t as conspicuous as trailers or trailer cycles when you’re on the road – attach a flashing LED light to the back of your child seat.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

Five designs for transporting little ones

BRITAX RÖMER JOCKEY COMFORT This supportive seat offers multiple safety features. £129.99, mothercare.com

BABBOE BIG CARGO BIKE This three-wheeled bike has a cart big enough for two to four children. £1,439, babboe.co.uk

BELLELLI CHILD BIKE SEAT Great value, comfortable and can carry a child up to 22kg (around five years). £35, halfords.com

ADVENTURE ST4 TRAILER This high-visibility trailer carries up to two children and has storage space. £199.99, evanscycles.com

BOBIKE ONE MINI A front-mounted bike seat for babies aged nine months to three years. £59.99, amazon.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 59

INTERVIEW

earth mother FROM SE X SYM BOL TO DEVOTED MUM AN D ENTR EPR EN EU R , Jessica Alba TALKS ABOUT H ER BABIE S, H ER BUSIN E SS AN D H OW SH E MANAGE S TO STAY IN SU PER STAR SHAPE

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INTERVIEW

R

The Honest Company’s range includes a selection of eco-friendly nappies

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The actress is happy to attend charity events with her husband and two girls in tow

‘Dad smooches’: Jessica’s family regularly make an appearance on Instagram

as the California native lists the values at the heart of the company, but the biggest delight is the legacy she is creating for her children.

“My kids are proud of what their mother does and I’m proud to have a company that promotes the wellbeing of families and creating a healthy home environment for children everywhere,” she smiles.

While she thinks it’s ‘cool’ that her daughters get to see their mother wearing ‘many different hats’, there are downsides.

And despite her habit of playing superheroes on screen, Alba – like all of us mere mortals – only has a finite number of hours in every day. “They don’t like it if I miss too many of their school events,” she says. “I was the only mother at school who missed one Halloween party and Honor still reminds me about that!”

Although in the last few years she has scaled back her Hollywood career, only appearing in a handful of films, when the opportunity arises to get back into finest kung fu form – like for last year’s Mechanic: Resurrection opposite Jason Statham – Alba literally leaps at the chance. “I had so much fun making that movie,” she says with an enormous (and perfect) grin. “I had to train very hard and get into top shape to be ready to handle all the stunt work that was involved. I also got to do my share of butt-kicking – I’m not just the damsel in distress.”

Judging by her perfectly toned physique, Alba takes her fitness very seriously and can still kick it with the biggest action stars in the business. But while she insists she will never turn her back on Hollywood entirely, you shouldn’t expect to find her regularly on the

celebrity circuit or falling out of a club – her priority is, and always will be, her family.

“I love everything about being a parent. I didn’t even know it was possible to have this much love and joy and happiness in my life. It’s overflowing, unconditional and selfless.

I never experienced that type of thing before I had kids,” she says brightly. “It is a profound experience and I feel like I’ve finally come into my own and become the person I always should have been. I feel more grounded, free and comfortable in my own skin than I ever have before.”

For some mothers, having children can cause greater anxiety as they fret over their brood, but for Alba it has been a process of loosening up and letting go.

“Before I had kids, I was very responsible and serious,” she confesses, lowering her voice. “I used to be all about controlling my environment; everything had to be just so.

Now my idea of perfection is different. You can label bins and have a place for stuff, but when the kids go into the playroom you’re not going to say, ‘We can’t paint because how are we going to clean it up?’”

The big question though, is how does a woman with so much on her slender shoulders find time to relax? “You know, spending time with my kids kind of does take all the stress away, weirdly,” she says. “I’m in the moment with them. They make me so happy; they’re pure joy. I know they’re not going to be little forever, so I really soak up as much as I can with them. That’s kind of how I de-stress.”

With her husband of nine years, Cash Warren

WORDS: KAREN ANNE OVERTON. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/STEFANIE KEENAN; INSTAGRAM/JESSICAALBA; INSTAGRAM/THEHONESTCOMPANY, ADMEDIA, INC/SIPA USA/PA IMAGES

egularly voted as one of the ‘hottest’ actresses on the planet, Jessica Alba quickly became a household name after a career-breaking turn in James Cameron’s Dark Angel. What followed were starring roles in blockbusters Sin City, Fantastic Four, Into the Blue and Machete, a whirlwind of glamorous award shows and parties, and countless magazine shoots. But following the birth of her daughters – Honor, eight, and Haven, five – with husband Cash Warren, Alba reveals that acting no longer felt like enough. Realising how many toxic baby and household products were on the market, she decided to develop her own range. Launched in 2012, The Honest Company – which produces and distributes non-toxic household goods, baby products and an organic beauty line – is now worth over a billion dollars, an outcome Alba certainly hadn’t seen coming.

“I found my direction in life – to promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle in others because it’s so important to me and if I can help provide healthier, alternative products out there, making them accessible, it means so much to me to be able to do that,” says the 35-year-old. “And I think it’s successful because it’s from the heart, and the fact that it’s doing well just makes me happy!”

Balancing life as a CEO and mother, and a ‘side-job’ as a film star, is not easy, with an average day requiring planning, dedication and lots of colouring books. “I’ll get up at 5:15am for a hot yoga or spinning class, then make breakfast for the family, and depending on the day, take Honor and Haven to school,” explains Alba. “My kids often spend time with me at the office where they’ll bring books to read or things to colour. They also love running around the office, but fortunately I have lots of babysitters to watch over them!”

The joy and fulfilment that comes from running such an impactful enterprise is evident

Stylish, comfortable and affordable Parisian clothes for babies, boys and girls

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When your bundle of joy comes into the world, they’ll need a safe and cosy place to sleep that makes them feel like the precious little angel they are.

The delicate, graceful lace used in Izziwotnot’s bedding and moses baskets is guaranteed to provide your baby with a soft, comfortable sleeping space, giving you peace of mind that they’re snoozing in total safety and luxury.

Lace has never been out of style and is still a favourite among fashion designers such as Mulberry, Roberto Cavalli and Alberta Ferretti. Royal Lace is a timeless fabric that can be passed down through generations and will always look majestic. fi perfect addition to your nursery, no matter how big or small your space.

To see the full Royal Lace range and get an exclusive 20% discount, use “BLON20” at the checkout when you shop online at www.izziwtnot.com. www.izziwotnot.com

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Have your name – or that of a loved one – cast into gold and diamonds

FRENCH ALLURE The new Grand Soir capsule collection from Parisian label Envie De Fraise will add a touch of red-carpet chic to your wardrobe. The elegant range of eveningwear is inspired by old iconic movies, and features dresses of various cuts and colours to flatter your burgeoning bump, whatever the occasion. enviedefraise.co.uk

SPELL IT OUT Add a handwritten aesthetic to your look with the new personalised jewellery from Annoushka. The Chainletters collection allows you to wear your baby's name in diamond and gold lettering. Made to order as a necklace, bracelet or individual letter earrings. From £1,400, annoushka.com

maternity fashion

NEWS NAIL TH E ART OF ST YLING YOU R BUM P WITH TH E SE CHIC FIN DS

BAG BUDDIES

RAISE YOUR GAME

‘Don’, the clever new faux-leather backpack from Beau, comes with two interchangeable pouches in gold and silver, which attach to the front. When not in use, and once your baby is old enough, unzip the mini compartment and attach the straps to transform it into a toddler-friendly rucksack.

Style kudos all round. £119, iambeau.com

If you’re fans of Spanish label Bobo Choses’ kidswear, you’ll be pleased to know the brand has finally launched a clothing line for women. The range has a distinctly sporty feel, and features Bobo Choses signature playful prints. And although it’s not strictly maternity clothing, the relaxed, oversized shapes will easily accommodate a burgeoning bump. bobochoses.com

BUMP ON THE BEACH Whether you’re jetting off on a babymoon or heading to the local lido, Cake Maternity’s new swimwear will give you shape and support in all the right places. The halterneck designs feature drop cups to enable breastfeeding, a bra-style back for secure fit and ruched panels to flatter your tummy. £59.90, cakematernity.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 65

North Bridge House Nursery, NW3

es c a l P for e l b a l i a av t 2017 Sep

Give them an Outstanding start to school life See our vibrant and happy Nursery School in action.

Book your visit today at northbridgehouse.com/open or call 020 7428 1520

STYLE

THE STAPLES Ensure your spring maternity wardrobe lasts well into summer with these transitional pieces

Sensi Studio straw hat £95, net-a-porter.com

Faliero Sarti cotton scarf £189, stylebop.com

Stripe-print t-shirt £20, mothercare.com Binky Felstead

Cotton dress £49, seraphine.com Gold-plated charm bracelet £90, astleyclarke.com

LAYER UP THOSE BASICS FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT; MATERNITY STRETCH JEANS, WRAP TOPS AND EMPIRE LINES WILL ALL FLATTER A BURGEONING BUMP

Leather cross-body bag £128, jcrew.com

Paige maternity jeans £211, nineinthemirror.com

Lace-trim top £24, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Suede trainers £65, thewhitecompany.com

Floral-print shirt £45, magnetmouse.co.uk

Hot Milk lace-detail bra £35, figleaves.com

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STYLE

Sterling silver earrings £55, pandora.net

Tiba & Marl backpack £130, selfridges.com

Lingua Franca cashmere sweater £305, net-a-porter.com

Geri Horner

Chambray cotton dress £55, seraphine.com

Baby Carrier One carrier £154.99, babybjorn.co.uk Cotton-blend nursing bras (set of two) £19.99, hm.com

THIS CAN BE A TRICKY TIME OF YEAR TO DRESS FOR. BE PREPARED BY STOCKING UP YOUR BABY BAG – ADD A CASHMERE SWEATER FOR COOLER DAYS AND PACK THOSE SUNNIES, JUST IN CASE

Hatch wool-blend joggers £154, nineinthemirror.com Cotton muslin £14, willaandthebear.com

Stella McCartney sunglasses £295, mytheresa.co.uk 68 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Velvet jersey top £79, stylebop.com

COMPILED BY: CAMILLA RIDLEY-DAY. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

Liberty-print plimsolls £60, superga.co.uk

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Inigo & Ottilie Inigo and Ottilie wear printed cotton bodysuits, ÂŁ60 each, both Caramel.

TWO OF A KIND Meet some of our favourite double acts, as we celebrate the precious bond between twins in our at-home edit

PHOTOGR APHER : KEN COPSEY ST YLIST: BECK Y JOH N

Luna & Pearl Luna wears printed cotton dress with matching bloomers, £59, Rachel Riley.

Pearl wears printed cotton knit dress, £48, Pepa & Co. Hair bows, £10 (set of two), Rachel Riley.

Thomas & Theo Thomas wears cotton top, from £92, and linen shorts, from £82, both Bonpoint.

Theo wears cotton top, from £92, and cotton trousers, from £62, both Bonpoint.

Sienna & Hayden Sienna and Hayden wear cotton sweaters, £24 each, and chiffon tutus, £32 each, both Bob & Blossom.

Hair bows, £10 (set of two), Rachel Riley. Cotton muslin blanket, £58, Aden + Anais.

Rocco & Jenson Rocco wears organic cotton printed babygrow, £16, Frugi.

Jenson wears organic cotton bodysuit, £9, Frugi.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODEL AGENCIES: RAY & ROBIN, TINY ANGELS, BONNIE & BETTY

SHOPPING

Gold-plated personalised necklace £89, mercimamanboutique.com

Rocking horse makers Marc and Tony Stevenson are twin brothers themselves!

‘The Twins’ wooden rocking horse From £3,900, stevensonbros.com

Wave double pushchair £995, silvercrossbaby.com

Bugaboo Donkey Weekender pushchair £1,139, bugaboo.com

Twin carrier £149, weego.eu

Cotton t-shirts (pack of two) from £10, next.co.uk

Stainless steel and wood ‘Moneyphant’ money box £85, georgjensen.com

IN THE FRAME

Cotton joggers (pack of two) from £8.50, next.co.uk

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Giraffe print £25, ialbert.co.uk Silver-plated double photo frame £22, debenhams.com Octavia Plum personalised print £18, noths.com

Kate Spade hinged frame £33, johnlewis.co.uk

Wordplay Design stamp print £32, noths.com

SHOPPING

DOUBLE DUTY

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

e tin t ins

ese

n finds are t i e as ni e

Sienna and Hayden wear cotton tops, £76 each, and cotton trousers, £74 each, both Caramel. Hair bows, £10 (set of two), Rachel Riley.

Maileg cotton matchbox mice £16.50, giftsforlittleones.com babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 77

WORK LIFE

Seeds of

CHANGE

STARTING A BUSIN E SS WAS AN E XCITING CHALLENGE FOR TH E SE WOM EN WH O ALL M E T AT N C T OR TH E SCHOOL GATE S. Georgina Blaskey M EE TS TH EM

CLARY & PEG

Edwina Gieve and Johanna Kociejowski met when they were eight months pregnant with their first babies at an antenatal class in East London. After bemoaning the lack of maternity wear they liked, the idea for their business was born. Now Edwina has three children and Johanna has two.

“We met at a breastfeeding class and began talking about how we couldn’t find anything we wanted to wear,” says Edwina. “Three and a half years later, we launched our business a week after I had my second and five weeks before Johanna had hers.

“We both wore vintage clothes and one of our initial conversations was about the photos of our mothers wearing very cool dungarees and smocks, and how we struggled to find anything similar. When we started, we were very much making maternity wear that evoked this sense of nostalgia. As the company has evolved we have added a more contemporary edge, designing clothes that work postpregnancy, too, and are breastfeeding friendly so people feel they are investing in pieces for longer than just nine months.

“We discovered that we were pregnant with our second babies within weeks of each other and thought if we didn’t do it then, we never would. So we spent the next nine months growing babies and a business! We designed a capsule collection of four pieces, found a local manufacturer in North London, called in lots

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of favours from friends in terms of business experience, and created a website.

“We enjoy working together because we share the same interests and love the creative process of designing. It would be helpful if one of us was more business-minded but we are learning. We look back at the last three years and realise how far we have come.

“The great thing about being in similar circumstances is that we know children get sick and class assemblies take priority. Our children are now at school and nursery, and then we have an au pair to fill in the gaps, as well as very supportive husbands.” claryandpeg.co.uk

WORK LIFE

CROSSLOW

The label’s vintage-inspired maternity wear is still made in London

Having met during a primary school tour for their eldest girls, Lara Cross and Theresa Waterlow became firm friends. While on holiday, the crafty pair decided to pool their skills to make the perfect beach bag – and now they’re expanding into hats and clutches!

“We met up at home after our holiday and pulled out all the baskets we own; we decided what we liked and didn’t like about each one – the shapes, the handles, the size. There was one style we kept coming back to,” says Lara.

“We realised the bags wouldn’t work if they were generic – they had to be personalised, which, along with our bespoke pom-poms, has been our USP. We’ve always been crafty and have run businesses reflecting that [Theresa is a cake designer and Lara owns a high-end cushion company]. We had pom-pom makers at home and, although you can buy them ready made, they’re definitely not as nice.

“Initially we gave bags away to friends at a birthday lunch and posted a photo of them on Instagram. During that lunch we had eight orders! Every bag we make is Instagrammed.

It offers inspiration for our customers to look back over the feed, but our customers also inspire us with their requests. We work for four to five hours a day, while our kids are at school. The children love what we do and often use the bags as toy or shoe tidies!” mycrosslow.com

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SISTER DESIGN

sisterdesign.co.uk

Georgie and Sophie’s debut collection launched last summer

ROSALENA

Helena Chapman and Maja Griffith create skin-changing facial oils harnessing the bioactive power of natural ingredients. With five children between them, it was during afternoons at a local nursery that the pair consolidated their partnership.

“In no time at all, we were discussing how our skin was all over the place since having our families. We wanted a range of natural face oils that could be used every day, were well priced and beautiful to use,” says Maja.

“We both felt bombarded by how much was out there, but not at all informed.

“For two years we researched bioactive ingredients and sourced and blended until we came up with our range. We sought out scientific advice on blending, but essentially it was just us, in the kitchen with syringes, vials, measuring jugs and a dispensing unit!

“We gave the oils to our friends to try and asked them to be honest. We think using the oils should be a moment to benefit both skin and mind, so we have an approach we like to tell our customers about: Pause. Breathe.

Be. Our friends told us their skin was transformed – and then they came back to buy more.

“We work together on Mondays and Thursdays; on the other days we work separately. After

the school run we rotate going to one another’s homes; we start with coffee and do reactively what needs to be done [Helena focuses on sales, new business and pitches, Maja does the marketing and PR].

“For both of us, family comes first. We have a mutual understanding that we work hard together in term time, and in the school holidays we speak more on the phone. It’s definitely getting easier to manage as the kids get older. But we have the same mindset about our families, and our husbands are fantastic in their support, which is important.” rosalena.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

After years of hunting for the perfect kaftan, Georgie Pickering and Sophie Mill set up Sister Design in 2015. Having met through their children’s school, the mums soon realised their shared vision and drive made them the perfect business partners.

“We met four years ago when our eldest children were in the same class, and instantly clicked,” says Georgie. “We have very similar tastes and often buy the same, quite niche, items without knowing the other has bought it! In May 2015, we were sat in the garden in the summer sunshine and talked about setting up a business. I said, ‘I have a kaftan idea’, and Sophie said, ‘I want to do beachwear!’

“We spent the rest of the summer deciding on the name and listed it as a company; we got our website domain, our Instagram name and our email address sorted. We chose five designs we were happy to launch with but didn’t tell anyone. Only our husbands knew.

“The initial set-up took a long time. We are not designers or pattern cutters, and we went to and fro with factories and manufacturers.

We did eventually find a patter cutter who taught us all there is to know about fabrics.

We spent a lot of time sourcing trimmings online – ours come from Thailand. When you sew trimmings on to fabric and wash it, it can pucker; combining the right fabric with the right trimming is key to our designs.”

THE TRUSTED CHOICE IN MATERNITY The Lindo Wing of St Mary’s and Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital Imperial Private Healthcare offers world-class private maternity care, with the added security of 24-hour specialist services in London’s most trusted NHS hospitals.

Having your baby with us means that you receive care from your chosen consultant, supported by our specialist team of midwives, throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond.

With highly experienced midwives and support staff, private en suite rooms and a nursery run by fully qualified nursery nurses, you can expect the very best personal care throughout your pregnancy journey.

All our profits are reinvested to support our NHS services.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

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SPOTLIGHT ON Sophie and Michael with their children, Maé and Marius

Behind the brand

OEUF NYC

ST YLISH YE T E THICAL, PL AYFU L YE T FU N C TIONAL; OEU F IS TH E GO -TO L ABEL FOR ST YLE-SAV V Y PAR ENTS EVERY WH ER E. Danielle Wilkins M EE TS TH E H USBAN D AN D WIFE DE SIGN DUO

SPOTLIGHT ON

Only the softest cotton is used to sit alongside baby’s skin

“

Trying one on for size…

The label now designs products that appeal to the whole family

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he name was a compromise, which basically means Michael gave in to my idea,” laughs Oeuf’s co-founder Sophie, when I ask her what the story was behind the brand’s name. “Oeuf – meaning ‘egg’ in French – not only ties in with the idea of birth, but it symbolises a perfect design in nature: clean, simple and functional.”

And there’s no question, it’s a name which thoroughly reflects the ethos of this brand.

The story started in 2002, when husbandand-wife team Michael Ryan, born in upstate New York, and Sophie Demenge, from Paris, were expecting their first child together.

The pair had trained as furniture designers and were working together for years before they turned their talents to children’s design, starting with a single crib: “At the time there were no modern, appealing cribs on the market, so we made one for ourselves,” says Sophie. “Then we found that other parents were looking for the same sort of thing. That’s where our Classic Crib started and we just continued to develop modern essentials for parents and children from there.”

Since then, the line has grown into several ranges of nursery and junior furniture, décor, kids’ clothing and toys. But what stands out most is Michael and Sophie’s passion to create environmentally friendly and responsibly sourced pieces for the home and our children’s wardrobes. “For us, it’s natural to want to do that, that’s how we strive to live,” says Sophie. “Good materials, quality that lasts – these are our principles as designers and we wouldn’t want to make our products any other way.”

T

SPOTLIGHT ON

Key

ndmade The knitwear is ha ru Pe d an in Bolivia

styles for summer

Oeuf co-founder, Sophie Demenge

Sophie meets the members of the Fair Trade Women’s Collective

healthcare and education for their families, and they do exceptional work, helping us create pieces customers can really cherish.”

Oeuf not only has the green credentials and the quality craftsmanship that keeps customers coming back time and again, but the brand’s kid-friendly designs also somehow blend seamlessly into the modern home. How do they do it? “Michael and I are opposites in so many ways and while that does sometimes bring creative tension, it ultimately results in the best designs,” says Sophie. “Michael is very focused on the functionality of pieces, and minimal, sleek designs, while I like to bring a touch of whimsy and humour.”

And far from resting on the laurels of the brand’s current success, Sophie and Michael are committed to bringing even more new products to its customers all over the world this year, including a clothing collection that will be exclusive to Smallable, Oeuf’s leading UK stockist. The company will also be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its iconic Sparrow crib, something Sophie is particularly proud of: “For us, even a decade on, it’s still the ultimate in modern crib design” she smiles.

And do the couple’s two children, Maé and Marius, now 14 and 11, inspire the creative process? “Absolutely,” says Sophie. “The brand has really grown with them. We started with cribs, and that has evolved into twin beds, bunk beds, desks and dressers – items that our kids are using and will be able to use for years to come. They’ve grown out of the clothing,” she laughs, “but, of course, now we make other things that appeal to the whole family – that has always been the idea behind Oeuf.”

xxxxxxxx Knitted cotton hooded sweater £76.54

Pima cotton romper £38.70

Knitted cotton romper £57.62

ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT EN.SMALLABLE.COM

Sophie and Michael now live in Brooklyn and everything is designed from there. The pieces are then made all over the world using materials that are sourced close to where the production takes place: “We have furniture made in Latvia, near to abundant forests; our clothing is made in Bolivia and Peru, where pima cotton and baby alpaca wool are staples.

Working locally not only gives us access to high-quality materials, but also the talented people who really know how to work with those materials,” Sophie says.

For over a decade, Oeuf has been working with the Fair Trade Women’s Collective, transforming the lives of Bolivian women and their families who make the brand’s adorable baby knitwear. “We’ve grown with them and are now working with more than 400 knitters,” smiles Sophie. “It allows them to provide

‘Sparrow’ birch wood crib £669.94

Cotton blanket £76.54

FAMILY

Reunited with Martine McCutcheon and Hugh Grant for this year’s Love Actually sequel

Celebrating 25 years of Comic Relief in 2013

What I wish I d no n t e first ti e aro nd NOW A FATH ER OF FOU R , WRITER AN D DIR EC TOR Richard Cur tis, SHAR E S TH E PE AR L S OF WISDOM H E WISH E S H E HAD KNOWN BEFOR E TH E AR RIVAL OF HIS FIR ST CHILD

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FAMILY

t’s now been quite a long time since we had a baby in the house – the first one was born in 1995 and the last one in 2003 and I’m clearly about to become an unreliable witness. So very quickly, before I forget everything except living with football boots, the sound of Nu-metal from behind locked doors, mobile phones hidden under pillows at 2am and other teenagerabilia, here is a little advice I can give about firsttime fatherhood. If you’re already knee-deep in parenthood, read no further – this is entry-level stuff. But with luck there may be something slightly useful here if you’re going to be a first time father this year, and you’re feeling under-briefed or terrified.

I

AS YOU PREPARE Try to think about what happens after the birth. I spent an enormous amount of time in classes talking about waters breaking and deep breathing and contractions – and much less time talking about breastfeeding and changing nappies. The birth only lasts for a matter of hours – the aftermath goes on a lifetime. It’s like war: the invasion is very quick but the occupation, that lasts forever.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES EUGENE GOLOGURSKY/STRINGER

BREASTFEEDING Now really pay attention to that stuff – it’s the main source of life, and sometimes grief, for the first few months. I remember my partner Emma being plunged into despair twice by the difficulties of something she’d assumed would be a doddle. If everything is going wrong, there are breastfeeding counsellors who can come to your house for an hour (and a fee) and make everything work again.

We were rescued by Clare Byam-Cook, who arrived, assessed and repositioned the whole caboodle. If you can’t find Clare, find her book… it’s also excellent.

why there’s all the shouting. Armageddon in 30 seconds. So having one – and if possible two – changing stations, which have all the equipment, means the moment there’s a nappy to be changed, you’ve got somewhere safe to go.

ON THAT CHANGING TABLE Make sure you’ve got lots of wet wipes. The cotton-wool and lukewarm water thing is something everyone does with their first child, but no one ever bothers about with their second. Wet wipes are a perfect modern invention and do the job like nothing else.

PATERNITY LEAVE NAMES Don’t give your child your second favourite name as their second name, because you

This is the most important one of all. Everyone is entitled to two weeks off – but only 40% of men take it. And that has a bad knock-

IT’S THE TEXTURE OF LIFE WITH A BABY THAT MATTERS; ITS JOYS AND ITS BOREDOMS might need it later. I wanted to call our son Daniel – Emma wanted Jake. We called him Jake Daniel. But then we had another son and Daniel was already gone. I never got the Dan of my dreams.

THE 40-MINUTE RULE No matter how wonderful or important or close any visitor is – in the days after the birth no mother wants someone to talk to them for longer that 40 minutes. I’m talking best friends, I’m talking grandmothers, I’m talking Harry

CHANGING TABLES Most trauma post-birth happens on or around nappy changing. It’s a messy business – it needs equipment. And it’s a vicious circle.

When you’ve rushed to change a nasty nappy and you’re missing something to do so, you start to call for help just when the baby is screaming so loudly your partner can’t hear your cries, and then they start shouting, asking

Styles and Beyoncé on a surprise joint visit – 40 minutes max for all of them. When you’ve had a baby, that’s all that matters in your world, and all you want to matter. People from the outside can remind you there’s a world elsewhere which bores or confuses you, or makes you feel that you’ll never return to the world of parties, friends and normal humans eating pizza and watching The Crown. So, give your visitors time to talk about the baby and the birth and then the moment they say, “Oh, I went to a brilliant movie last night” throw the baggages out.

ildren, ith their ch d Emma w an ett rl rd ca ha S ic d R , Charlie an Jake, Spike

on effect for everyone. Do everything you can to be as free as you can for at least two weeks after the baby is born. There are lots of reasons: because it’s great, because you’re needed, but most of all, because that’s the time you learn what a child is. The thing about babies – and children – is that they’re interesting in all their details, in all their activity and non-activity. But if you think, “I’ll just be there for the important bits,” you’ll find it hard to build up the right emotional muscles, and risk missing the message entirely.

It’s the texture of life with a baby that matters; it’s every little meaningless moment, its joys and its boredoms, and the continuing feeling of shared responsibility. Also, if the father isn’t there in those first weeks, there’s a danger it sets up a pattern of non-attendance, and “it’s really the mother’s job” for the whole of life.

So even if your work is hugely important – your other, new job is even more important.

Paternity leave is the crucial training for a job that lasts a lifetime. Good luck, guys. It’s going to be so groovy…

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 87

A

LIVE

SHOPPING

EVENT

BY

MORE THAN 30 INDEPENDENT CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUES UNDER ONE ROOF F U N F O R T H E W H O L E FA M I LY S A T 6 M AY 1—7. 3 0 P M S U N 7 M AY 10 A M — 6 P M

O L D T R U M A N B R E W E R Y, 15 H A N B U R Y S T R E E T, E1 6 Q R @THESHOPUP #THESHOPUP T H E S H O P U P. C O M

REVIEW

TOTGEAR

James Dobson, HIS WIFE CAROLIN E AN D BABY BERTIE TE ST DRIVE TH E U PPABABY CRUZ UPPABABY CRUZ American brand Uppababy, best known for its Cruz and Vista pushchairs, has really struck a chord with the London market over the last few years. The Cruz, having been listed as one of TFL’s top five public-transport friendly buggies, is light, narrow and compact, making it a great option for city dwellers.

The pushchair has already clocked up a few miles along the river

THE LOWDOWN For me, choosing a pushchair felt like a massive dad milestone, and made impending fatherhood seem very real indeed. Selecting which set of wheels I was going to proudly push my newborn in was one of the few things on the to-do list that I was genuinely excited about, and which I didn’t try to delegate to my wife, Caroline. My research began by nosing around Peter Jones, kicking tyres and testing the handling of several models. I hadn’t heard of Uppababy until a friend was showing off her Vista model – she told me the Cruz would be a good option for us knowing its compact size would be handy for navigating front doors and travelling. We duly followed her advice…

into the outside world, and took Bertie for a spin along the river. He looked comfortable cosied up in his carrycot, and Caroline and I were happy as Larry as we took turns pushing this swish set of wheels. The Cruz has already clocked up a fair few miles!

GOOD LOOKING?

PRACTICALITY & DRIVABILITY

Even before Bertie arrived, with the carrycot locked in place, our Uppababy looked fantastic in ‘Jake Black’, parked up by the front door ready for action. But it looks even better filled with our baby. A few days after returning home from hospital, we decided to venture

Having fumbled my way through building the cot and baby changer, putting the Uppababy together was a simple delight and the practical aspects have continued. Being the big lad that Bertie is, he was upgraded to the toddler seat after four months of blissful strolls in the carrycot. Bertie loves the seat, as it allows him to keep a lookout on what’s going on around him. One of the best features of the Uppababy is the adjustable canopy which has proven to be very handy in keeping the sun out of his eyes. The other highlight is its ability to turn on a sixpence – great for city life and a fun distraction for Bertie. The Cruz is very straightforward to collapse and assemble, and because it is smaller than a lot of buggies, it’s also reasonably lightweight to pick up and carry around.

he ru is definitely a looker espe ially with baby ertie inside

THE VERDICT Having been a competitive dad for six months now and forensically inspected every buggy that has crossed my path during that time, I can’t believe I hadn’t known about Uppababy before – it seems like 90% of West London parents own one of its designs! This is certainly no bad thing and, if anything, offered great reassurance during those early months of finding one’s feet in the parenting world.

We are thrilled that we chose the Uppababy Cruz and in its own way it has become a firm part of our new life as a trio.

From £529.99; carrycot, £219.99, uppababy.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 89

New and improved We round up the latest gear for summer strolling

MOUNTAIN BUGGY DUET Not only has Mountain Buggy added improved features to its much-loved Duet double buggy, the design is now available as a single with the ‘Joey’ clip-on tote. £599, mountainbuggy.com

NUNA SUITED COLLECTION Spring sees the launch of Nuna’s Suited range, which offers premium fabrics and leather-look details for a more luxury feel. Our pick is the swanky Leaf Curv rocker. £200, nuna.eu

ERGOBABY FESTIVAL CARRIER This limited edition print, in partnership with Sophie La Girafe, is available in both the 360° and Adapt carriers, with a custom strap to keep Sophie close by. From £119.90, ergobaby.co.uk

ICOO ACROBAT XL PLUS TRIO SET This new travel system features built-in LED lights – great for late-night strolls when baby won’t settle. Have them flashing selectively or permanently lit. £749.99, icoo.de/en

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BUGABOO BEE 5 Say hello to the new and improved Bugaboo Bee 5! We’re big fans of the smoother suspension, as well as the practical, easily removable seat covers. £549, bugaboo.com

LITTLELIFE BUGGY CUP HOLDER With longer days, we find ourselves venturing further afield, so keep your drink to hand with LittleLife’s new Buggy Cup Holder, which fits most pushchair handles. £8.99, littlelife.com

TOT GEAR

Little guests enjoyed crafts

The party showcased the best in luxury strollers

The scene was set by party planners Dazzle & Fizz

Pushchair party My Baba AND Mothercare WH EEL IN FOR A ST YLISH CELEBR ATION

Leonora Bamford of My Baba

A

PHOTOGRAPHY: DARREN SLEEBUSH

London’s IRIS Studios provided the backdrop

n impressive 240 of the parenting world’s bloggers and vloggers descended on London’s IRIS Studios to attend a glamorous ‘pushchair party’ hosted by My Baba and Mothercare. The two joined forces with Silver Cross, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, Cybex, Stokke and Nuna to showcase luxury strollers against a backdrop set by party planners Dazzle & Fizz. The highlight was a quiz hosted by Dragons’ Den star Touker Suleyman, with teams including Sky Sports presenter Olivia Wayne, Chloe Delevingne, Anna Whitehouse of Mother Pukka, Sarah Turner of The Unmumsy Mum and Clemmie Telford of The Mother of All Lists. Honestly Healthy’s Natasha Corrett took to the stage with Bumps & Burpees for a buggy fitness demo, while digital beauty concierge Ruuby pampered mums with the latest nail colours.

Meanwhile, a team of Norland nannies looked after the younger guests in a crèche stocked with toys from the Early Learning Centre, crafts by Anorak, and snacks by Ella’s Kitchen, Kiddylicious and Pip Organic. The champagne flowed, mocktails were provided by Seedlip and mountains of Daylesford chocolate brownies were scoffed by little and big guests alike. As the party came to a close, guests left laden with bags filled with gifts from Cybex, Stokke and Bugaboo, a copy of Baby London, Mrs Wordsmith loo rolls, a Matchstick Monkey teether, Mama Mio skincare and Bloom and Wild flowers courtesy of Silver Cross.

Dragon’s Den star Touker Suleyman hosted the quiz

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 91

ADVERTORIAL

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E

COLIEF MUM TO BE MOISTURISING CREAM As the latest addition to the Colief range, the new Mum To Be Moisturising Cream is expertly formulated to help prevent the appearance of stretch marks, and soothe dry and stretched skin. The gentle hypoallergenic formula contains a rich blend of plant oils and vitamins specifically developed to nourish skin during and after pregnancy. As well as being paraben free and full of pro-vitamin B5, almond, avocado, evening primrose and grape seed oils, it also contains vitamin E and soothing calendula.

COLIEF INFANT DROPS On the market since 1999, the scientifically proven Colief Infant Drops contain lactase, a naturally occurring enzyme which helps

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relieve the suffering of colic caused by temporary lactose intolerance. Adding a few drops to baby’s milk helps to break down the lactose which some babies can’t digest.

The only lactase enzyme with clinical studies supporting its efficacy, Colief Infant Drops is the most commonly prescribed treatment for colicky symptoms and is widely recommended by health visitors. All babies are different and not every case of colic is caused by temporary lactose intolerance. You could try a one-week trial to help diagnose whether sensitivity to milk-sugar lactose could be the problem.

COLIEF BABY SCALP OIL Babies are known for their super-soft skin, but they can often develop dry or flaky scalps, particularly in their first year. While cradle cap rarely troubles your baby and may clear up on its own, most parents look for gentle solutions to treat it. Made with nourishing rosehip oil, healing chamomile and vitamin E to protect, Colief Baby Scalp Oil moisturises and soothes your baby’s skin and scalp – naturally relieving the symptoms of cradle cap. It is suitable for use on infants from two months and is gentle enough to be used all over the body.

COLIEF VITAMIN D3 DROPS

Colief Vitamin D3 Drops is a natural supplement, giving you reassurance that both you and your baby are getting the right amount of vitamin D, vital for developing strong teeth and bones and a healthy immune system. Topping up your baby’s vitamin D levels also protects them from the more serious effects of deficiency, including childhood bone disorder, rickets.

Offered in the preferred form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), in a coconut oil base with no added ingredients, each 20ml bottle provides a five-month supply for infants, and a fourmonth supply for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The D3 Drops can be mixed with food or drink, or taken directly.

The Colief range is available at pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide. Visit colief.com and facebook.com/ ColiefCare for more information on the Colief range

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

xperts in baby health, Colief’s scientific knowledge and proven expertise in temporary lactose intolerance informed the development of Colief Infant Drops nearly two decades ago.

Now, the brand offers an extended mum and baby care range…

BABY TALK

Welcome to the world, Charlie

THE DAD DIARY Matt Coyne

“Getting to spend time with Charlie and write about it was like winning the lottery”

Does Lyndsay ever feel outnumbered?

I’m sure she does. Lyns has always been very organised, and she likes an ordered home.

Me, on the other hand, I’ve always been quite chaotic. So it must seem like I’ve now got a tiny sidekick equally committed to trashing the house. But she’s learning to embrace the chaos and can be just as daft when it comes to making sure Charlie is having fun.

Dressed by dad: Charlie nailing charity-shop chic

What kind of dad would you say you are?

I’m still finding out. But I think all parents have to be a kind of human Swiss army knife – you need to be a bit of everything at some point in every day. We all like to be the fun one, and every parent is tired. Being sensible comes less naturally to me because I am so disorganised and a bit crap. But I try my best and succeed a lot of the time because you have to.

Where do you go when you feel like dodging dad responsibilities once in a while?

When I’m not with Charlie I’m normally writing. But it is surprising how much I write in the pub at the end of my road…

Getting ready for his close-up with a new ’do

Any scary moments you can tell us about?

A few weeks ago I was sat in a Costa giving Charlie his lunch. I looked down for a minute to check my phone, looked back up and he was slowly and methodically spooning yoghurt into some woman’s hood. We left quickly.

“I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT…”

Getting involved in the “whole baby-wearing thing”

What’s life been like lately as dad to Charlie?

The house looks like the ‘end of days’. I feel like a prisoner of war. But I’ve never been happier.

The best thing is that nothing stays the same.

But that’s also the worst thing – just when you think you’ve got the hang of something, it changes, and what you’ve mastered becomes useless. But Charlie is smart and funny, and best of all he thinks I’m hilarious without me having to put in any effort.

or t e first year it as t e baby arrier and not st be a se it s ared y a in ar s and ba it also elt ood to s are a ers e ti e it arlie

e at er o one year old arlie and Man vs Baby blo er s ares t e ood t e bad and t e o so onest abo t a ily li e

the Matt and Charlie: let

chaos ensue

Tell us more about your new book, Dummy.

It’s basically the story of Charlie’s first year, and my first 12 months as a dad – part memoir, part manual. It’s everything I’ve learned and an acknowledgement that I’ve learned so little. But I hope people find it funny and it makes them feel like they’re not alone in the bewilderment of becoming a mum or dad.

What prompted you to want to write?

I wrote a post on my Facebook page just over a year ago about my first three months as a dad, and it went viral. From that I started my blog, and from that came the suggestion of a book. I always wanted to write, so I don’t take this opportunity for granted at all.

Is there anything else in the pipeline?

I have a deal to write a second book, which is great. I’ve had talks about doing some TV stuff too, scripts and that sort of thing. I’m also hoping to get some sleep at some point, which I’m extremely excited about.

Dummy: The Comedy and Chaos of Real-Life Parenting by Matt Coyne is out 20 April (£14.99, Wildfi re)

Baby Carrier Miracle £104.99, babybjorn.co.uk babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 93

FAMILY

DIVIDE and CONQUER hared Parental Leave (SPL) became law in the UK in April 2015. The idea behind it, based upon similar schemes in Scandinavia, is to enable parents to share the workload of childcare. Instead of working mums being allocated 52 weeks, and dads getting only a fortnight of official, paid leave, now both parents can pool their parental leave and split it more evenly.

“I took two weeks’ paternity leave when our son Louis was born in July 2015. I went back to work for six weeks before taking 30 weeks’ SPL from September to April,” says Mark Smith, from Richmond. “For my wife Emma and I, it felt right that we were able to decide between us how we wanted to share the first year of childcare. I was lucky also, as within one month of SPL becoming law, my firm implemented an enhanced SPL programme.

“Emma has run her own business for the past 10 years and it was important that she wasn’t on leave for too long,” adds Mark. “As one of the first people to take SPL, I got a mix of reactions. I think most respect the choice, but it will definitely take a societal shift.”

For Geraint Davies, a military policeman at RAF Northolt in Ruislip, the introduction of SPL came as perfect timing. “I’d heard of SPL, but wasn’t sure I could take it while serving in the military. We investigated it and decided I would take four months off work to look after my son, Evan, due to my wife being promoted and needing to return to work before the year was up. She had always been supportive of me in my career, it was time to return the favour.

“I spoke to my employers who were supportive, and was one of the first members of the military to take SPL. It was a learning curve for everyone, but the military police points out that it is committed to allowing service families the opportunity to adapt to changing dynamics. Despite the Forces having

S

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, Emma h wife it w k r Ma

n and so

, Louis

Geraint wit h his son E van

a reputation of being a macho organisation, everyone showed admiration for what I was doing. There was no stigma attached.”

Geraint says the experience is one he feels he’s benefitted from. “Due to my son’s sleeping habits, I only saw him briefly in the evenings after work. But with SPL we got time to bond,” he explains. “It also brought me and my wife closer; I saw things from her perspective and, similarly, it showed her life from my perspective. It made us more rounded parents.”

The change from full-time work to fulltime fatherhood can come as a shock to the system though, as William Bartholomew from Hertfordshire, who works at a city finance

firm, discovered. “I took six months SPL from July 2015 to January 2016 to look after our son, Barnaby. I wanted to share in the challenges and fun times that come with having a baby.

“SPL gave us memories we will never forget – but it wasn’t without its difficulties and the sudden change of pace from my day job to full-time parenthood was a challenge.

“I was taking time off immediately after the birth, so the uncertainty which comes with starting a long period of leave without a fixed start date made the last weeks of work tricky.

Thankfully, Barnaby arrived on his due date!”

All three fathers insist the overall experience is one that they would relish retaking – both Geraint and Mark have become fathers again and are in the process of arranging further SPL. “This time it will be through choice rather than necessity,” says Geraint. “The only pitfall I ever found was that some mothers themselves weren’t ready for the changes! I had a lot of support from some mothers in groups I attended, but others would make comments like, ‘I bet the wife will have to do all the cleaning when she gets home’, or ‘You’ll have to learn to change a nappy now’ – things I obviously already did and took pride in.”

William also counts the blessings that taking SPL brought him. “Taking our first family holiday was amazing. Everyone was supportive, and a common reaction was, ‘I wish this was around when I had my children’.”

Mark is certainly glad it’s around for him and his children: “Once you find your feet, the fun is immeasurable. As I developed the confidence to spend more time out of the house with Louis, it became easier. Being the primary carer is challenging, tiring, and at times overwhelming. But I loved the fact that Louis sees me as an ‘equal’ parent, so when he is down or wants a cuddle, he comes to me just as much as he does to Emma.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

AS A GROWING N UM BER OF DADS TAKE U P TH E OPPORTU NIT Y TO SPEN D MOR E TIM E AT H OM E WITH TH EIR BABY, Rob Kemp M EE TS TH R EE FATH ER S WH O’ VE DON E JUST THAT

FAMILY

TIPS FOR FATHERS • “Know your rights,” suggests Mark.

“SPL is still in its infancy and both the government and employers are finding their feet, so it’s often not advocated as much as it could be.”

• “If your company doesn’t have a SPL programme in place, see what you can do through your HR to get one in place – in effect, just extending the maternity policy.”

• “Build a network of other dads in the area who are the primary carer. I found this important, as many of the existing family activities are targeted (sometimes exclusively) at women.”

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 95

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HEALTH

NATURE’S WAY

Have you heard about the skin-loving products from beauty label Belle & Fleurelle yet? The organic skincare line includes cleansers and creams for face and body, with a range of matching products for baby, formulated to suit their sensitive skin.

From £25, belle-fleurelle.com

MAKE YOUR MOVE London fitness studio Frame has launched Mumhood, an online platform for women who want to exercise at home throughout pregnancy and beyond. The programme is built around the three trimesters, with classes – from pilates to barre – adapted for each stage. You can access expert advice and nutrition guides, and share tips with fellow mothers, too.

From £5 per week, moveyourframe.com

health & beauty

CLEAN & GREEN FreshX toilet tissue spritz is the eco-friendly alternative to flushable wipes. Transforming regular toilet paper into a moist, soothing wipe, the spray contains cucumber and vitamin E to leave you – and baby – feeling clean. Available in two formulas, Aloe Fresh and Fragrance Free. £3.50, sainsburys.co.uk

NEWS

TH E L ATE ST PRODUC TS AN D IN N OVATION S IN TH E WOR LD OF WELLBEING

SLEEP SAVIOURS Skincare brand Bloom and Blossom has created its Baby Sleep range to help little ones drift off at night. Comprising baby wash, bath milk, massage oil and pillow spray, the collection is made with a blend of organic plant oils to help relax even the most restless of babies. From £9.50, bloomandblossom.com

The toothpaste is made from entirely organic ingredients

ALL SMILES Aussie company Jack N’ Jill Kids’ natural toothpaste formula is now available in the UK. The range includes six fruity flavours, and a plain variety. Plus, its silicone finger brushes and tooth wipes are perfect for little ones yet to sprout a full set of teeth. From £3.99, hollandandbarrett.com

ENJOY A LITTLE ME-TIME WITH HOME SPA LONDON’S SERVICE FOR MUMS. SPECIALISING IN PRE- AND POSTNATAL CARE, THE THERAPIST WILL VISIT YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME. TREATMENTS INCLUDE REFLEXOLOGY AND FACIALS, AND EVEN BABY MASSAGE LESSONS. HOMESPALONDON.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 97

BEAUTY

The

WORKOUT for your FACE FACEGYM CAN MAKE YOU LOOK YE AR S YOU NGER WITHOUT LIF TING A FINGER , SAYS Kate Freud t’s hard to know quite what to expect when you first set foot in the FaceGym flagship studio on King’s Road, though I am assured no workout gear is necessary. I’m envisaging lots of facial exercises – a series of ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’, contorting the face into extraordinary positions the way my mother used to when I was young, in her never-ending quest to be wrinkle-free.

Now a mother myself, and with my own battle against wrinkles going on, I find myself in a swish, New York-style space, packed full of glamorous, glowing women. I feel old.

FaceGym is described by its founder, Inge Theron, as ‘the world’s only gym studio for the face’, the idea being a warm up, cardio and strength session, and cool down, as you would expect in a full body workout. But unlike a gruelling slog in the gym, the joy here is that someone else does all the hard work for you.

The concept, Inge explains, was borne from necessity. Having spent years as the undercover Spa Junkie for the FT’s How to Spend It, she had tried every cosmetic treatment under the sun, and didn’t like the

I

Your face gets a warm-up, cardio and cool-down session – just like a full-body workout

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way her face was changing as a result. “I didn’t want to continue down the Botox route, but I also didn’t have time for laborious facials,” she says. “I decided to create a non-invasive procedure which mimicked what I did in the gym, focusing on muscle manipulation to tone, lift and sculpt in the shortest time possible.”

My therapist tells me there are 600 muscles in the body, 40 of which are in the face, so I agree it seems strange not to work them in the same way. I sit back in a reclining chair and the treatment begins. I chose the 40-minute ‘Signature Electrical’ which starts with the warm up; a gentle massage and exfoliate.

Next comes an extraordinary, vigorous facial massage involving kneading, squeezing, pinching and rolling using the therapist’s lightening-quick hands. It’s a strange sensation at first – not entirely pleasant and not relaxing – but there’s something hypnotic about the rhythmic movements that becomes quite enjoyable. She works around the mouth, jaw and cheekbones before bringing out the FaceGym Pro, a handheld device she uses to work across the face. This is followed by the cool-down phase, which ends with a hydrating toner. I look in the mirror and immediately see a difference. One of these each week for a month and apparently the results are

FaceGym has two new stores opening in the U K, and is laun ching a skinca re line

dramatic. Following my session, I pull up a chair at the Open Beauty Lab, Inge’s latest concept, where a mixologist blends a potent oil specific to my skin’s needs, fuelling my facial muscles in the same way you might have a protein shake after a workout. It’s a pretty impressive set up. And bearing in mind that throughout the company's launch, Inge has had two daughters, Tesse, nearly two and Sissy, four months, I wonder how she does it? “One always feels guilt as a working mum, but I make it work as best as I can. We are an all-female business so family has to be a priority.” And, of course, she’s got the FaceGym to hide all the signs of those sleepless nights.

Signature Electrical, £90. facegym.com

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

HEALTH

THE WONDERS OF

ARVIGO THERAPY AN AMA ZONIAN ABDOMINAL MASSAGE TECH NIQU E IS PROVING A POWER FU L TOOL TO TR E AT EVERY THING FROM IN FERTILIT Y TO PROL APSE, SAYS Louise Crockar t

WHAT IS ARVIGO THERAPY? Here’s the science bit. The Arvigo techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy are a noninvasive, external stomach massage that stimulates circulation, restores homeostasis (balance within) and hemodynamics (the movement of blood through the body).

This stimulated circulation helps to move congested lymph fluid, oxygenates the blood, increases immune function and maintains nerve flow for the pelvic organs, helping with a range of fertility and digestive issues.

The massage was founded by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, a doctor of Naprapathy (a healing method that works through the connective tissues of the body), following a 13-year apprenticeship with the main man himself, Don Elijio Panti, a Maya shaman in Belize.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Women have many bungee-like ligaments that provide flexibility for menstruation and childbirth, and hold the uterus in place. They can shift out of the normal position for many reasons such as trauma, surgery, poor posture and digestion issues. This can in turn cause abnormal pressure and poor circulation to the surrounding structures, restricting the flow of blood, lymphatic fluid, nerve function and energy flow, affecting everything from the ovaries and fallopian tubes to the intestines.

Arvigo Therapy stimulates these systems of flow, allowing the body to regulate and heal itself from the inside. In between treatments, a self-care massage routine is taught, to be carried out every day at home. Treatments can be scheduled from weekly to monthly according to the condition being addressed, such as prolapse, endometriosis and fertility challenges. Arvigo also works well alongside fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) to support the process. The following women swear by it…

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“Endometriosis affected every part of my life and prevented me from sleeping, too.”

29-year-old Sue was diagnosed with endometriosis after suffering for years from debilitating menstrual pain. “I had two laparoscopy operations to remove the endometriosis, but the relief only lasted six months before I was back to square one.

“I was worried about the build up of scar tissue and how this would effect my chances of having a baby, so looked for an alternative treatment.” After her initial consultation with an Arvigo practitioner, a six-month treatment plan was agreed that included regular monthly treatments, daily self-care abdominal massage and castor oil packs (used to support ovarian health, improve lymphatic circulation and reduce inflammation). By the third month, Sue felt rejuvenated, which enabled her to become more fit. “By the end, I was a different person.

It has taken a lot of work and persistence but it’s all been worth it as I have just found out I am pregnant – I’m over the moon”.

“The combination of Arvigo, practicing daily self-care massage and castor oil packs was the key to becoming pregnant.”

Though Rachel, 34, had a five-year-old son, Sam, she longed for a sibling for him. She had been trying to conceive for over two years but had suffered six recurrent miscarriages during this time. She also had painful periods and a ‘stitch-like’ pain on her left side during ovulation. She agreed to take a break from trying to become pregnant for a few months and concentrate on looking after herself with good nutrition, regular Arvigo treatments, castor oil packs and daily abdominal massage.

She received three monthly treatments, and by the fourth month, Rachel was pregnant and went on to deliver a baby brother for Sam. “For me, Arvigo Therapy holds everything in place.”

Sarah went to an Arvigo practitioner 10 weeks after she gave birth to her daughter. Her birth experience had resulted in a long labour and forceps delivery. Her uterine prolapse was effecting how she bonded with her baby and indeed, with every aspect of her daily life. “I was amazed at the difference Arvigo Therapy had on me, even after the first treatment.”

Sarah had weekly treatments then gradually extended these visits to monthly. After three months of treatments and self care, Sarah felt so much improvement she cancelled her appointment with her gynecologist who had planned to rectify her prolapse with surgery.

Louise Crockart is a practitioner of Arvigo Therapy® and runs regular Arvigo® Self-Care workshops (louisecrockart.com).

To learn more, visit arvigotherapy.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

HEALTH

THE MASSAGE RESTORES BALANCE WITHIN AND THE MOVEMENT OF BLOOD THROUGH THE BODY babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 101

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HEALTH

The Breastfeeding Café with SIONED HILTON

THIS ISSUE WE ANSWER

YOUR COMMON BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS How do I know my baby has the right latch?

The early days are vital to get breastfeeding established and milk production initiated. First of all, find a position that you are comfortable sitting in. The principles of nursing for any baby is a good latch – chin to breast, nipple to nose, nipple falls deep into the mouth, the lower lip curls out under the nipple and the upper lip thins and curls up a little. The suck will feel a little tender for the first few days on the nipple, listen and watch for a burst of sucks and the swallowing of milk. Also look at what is going on in your baby’s nappies, as this indicates the volume of milk going through their system, too.

Is there a reason one breast may produce more milk than the other?

Mums often find that one breast can produce more milk than the other and if you’re expressing, this becomes more apparent. There are several reasons why this might happen. For example, in the early weeks after birth when your breasts’ cells are primed for feeding, this is when storage capacity is determined, and is dependent on feeding patterns at the time.

As long as your little one is content, steadily

growing and you’re meeting their needs, there is nothing to worry about.

How long should I wait after baby is born to start expressing?

I would advise you take some time to get breastfeeding established before expressing.

The early weeks with baby help you to initiate feeding, build your supply and get lots of practice. However, if you’re experiencing difficulties, your midwife may suggest you begin expressing to help initiate your supply.

What’s the best way to deal with biting during breastfeeds?

This is a tough one, as your baby is exploring how to move her tongue. Make sure the latch is deep – when she is sucking her tongue should come over her lower gum. It is usual to have a nip as they slip off the breast or get frustrated as the milk flow slows. Watch your baby and see when she does nip; anticipate this and take her off before she bites. Try to minimise your reaction as baby may interpret the shock as being pushed away, and the bite will stop your milk flow because the reflex will react to the pain.

On esday May oin in Medela s i reast eedin a to tal all t in s breast eedin and ot er ood i n to re ei e yo r a and ost yo r ery o n a at o e ail edela s ail o

GET TALKING Breastfeeding has been proven time and time again to be the best way to feed baby. However, it’s not always as easy. Here are my tips for preparing yourself…

Having a supportive, reassuring and caring network of friends and family around you is vital, if not essential. Try to find a local breastfeeding group with peer supporters.

Chatting with other breastfeeding mothers is a brilliant way to get advice and learn some new tips from those who have experienced breastfeeding and expressing first hand. In fact, in a survey by breastfeeding brand Medela, it was found that 76% of mums believed attending a breastfeeding group help to support them.

Know what to expect and have realistic expectations; you and your baby are both new to this and it will take time to get the hang of it.

Believe in yourself! The human body is amazing, so believing in your ability to grow a baby, give birth and feed your baby is key.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 103

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BABY TALK

PART

Diary of a MUM AS BABY ROBIN BEGIN S SLEEPING TH ROUGH , Mar tha Alexander IS ON A MISSION TO DITCH TH E BAGGY SHIRTS

I

’m ready to exercise again. I don’t really want to.

I feel like a car that’s failed its MOT. I’m knackered.

I know I have to try; to just put one foot in front of the other and run. Or do a sun salutation or two.

Or join my husband in his 6am HIIT sessions in the sitting room, which sounds like a herd of baby elephants doing the Gay Gordons. But I just can’t be arsed. I really can’t.

I wish all of those Instagram witches with washboard stomachs 3.5 seconds after giving birth would stop posting pictures of their waistlines: in order to satisfy their own egos they make so many other women feel like human flotsam – then have the cheek to say they are trying to inspire others. Yeah. Inspire others to lie down in the road and await oncoming traffic. I probably should be reaching out or leaning in or whatever, but I’d settle for just standing up.

I shouldn’t complain: I’ve had a lovely time posting beige carbs into my face all day, every day for six months, but all good things must come to an end. Firstly, I have to stop shopping as if I’m a nine-year-old whose mother has allowed her to have complete autonomy in Sainsbury’s (Party Rings, Frosties, Nutella). I don’t want Robin to grow up in NW10’s answer to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Also, I no longer want to wear shirts so huge they resemble the covers people use to protect their cars outside the mansion houses of St John’s Wood.

But seriously, when am I meant to be exercising? Any time I’m not changing nappies or singing Old MacDonald, I want to have a bath or sleep or look at pictures of people I don’t know on the internet. Not plod around the park like Jabba the Hutt, wheezing. Not going to yoga, where I am always the person the instructor needs to manipulate back into downward dog. I hate the plank.

I could not possibly do a class that requires any type of jumping because, to be totally frank, I was lazy when it came to my pelvic floor exercises.

My first run was not a success. Two women in headto-toe Lululemon bounded past like nubile springboks while I lumbered along like a dray horse. But I’ve done it. This moment has, unfortunately, also come at exactly the same time as my being ready to go on a night out

again. To be honest, a bottle of Picpoul and a voluble gossip is far more on brand for me than deep squats.

I can do this because Robin is sleeping through and has been for some time now (I know mothers aren’t meant to gloat about this but allow me a smidgen of smugness). How did that happen? Well, I lost the plot when one day Robin didn’t shut her eyes all day long – literally 10 hours – and hired Heidi Skudder, aka The Parent and Baby Coach, to come to the house and help Robin settle herself to sleep. There were a few tears and a lot of hand-wringing from me, but now she sleeps for 12 hours each night and is a clockwork baby. And we’re all so much happier. I’m back in the driver’s seat.

I met my best friend Mary for cocktails in the city.

It was the first time we’d had a drink together in 18 months – practically the moment she gave birth to my goddaughter Mika, I became pregnant with hers.

There was no monitor, no steriliser, no pieces of singing plastic driving me insane. Gin and tonics, flutes of champagne, espresso martinis – by 9pm I was roaring about childbirth to a table of terrified male strangers.

Tequila, salt, lime – by midnight I had taken off my boots and was undulating like Baloo to How Will I Know by Whitney Houston, having repeatedly asked a group of embarrassed teenagers if I was a MILF. The good news is, I wasn’t sick on the street, I didn’t cry and no one had to ring my husband for assistance.

Sure, I fell asleep face down on the sofa having not brushed my teeth, sweating inside pleather trousers. I woke up nose to nose with my cat and cursed with a boil-washed hangover. I was going to pay for my fun.

My husband took Robin out for the day (“Mummy has had a party time, party time, party time” he sang to the tune of Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush, as I shuddered in my dressing gown) not because I didn’t want to see her, but because I didn’t want her to see me like this (if you have had one too many and feel guilty, do not Google ‘mums who party’ as it will make you want to bury yourself alive in the back garden).

I do need to pull myself together. Less Picpoul, more push-ups. Right, then. bl

Getting back into exercise post birth?

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Next time – Martha shares all about the mess of weaning

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 105

PREGNANCY

LABOUR of LOVE Louisa van den Bergh OF LU LU BABY GUIDE S YOU TH ROUGH TH E U N PR EDIC TABILIT Y OF GIVING BIRTH

106 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

PREGNANCY

ven though it’s a huge topic, and undoubtedly the big moment you are counting down for, I tend to put off writing about labour and the reason is that my gorgeous boys didn’t come out that way.

They were born by caesarean section. I often ask myself: am I qualified to write about this subject – what do I know about labour? I have never been through it myself; I haven’t even had a single contraction, for goodness sake!

But do you have to have experienced labour to be able to write about it?

Arguably no. The reason I say this, and perhaps rather controversially, is that from my work and hearing thousands of birth stories from friends, family and the ladies who have been through our antenatal courses, I can honestly conclude that no two experiences of birth are the same and that is the only thing I can write with real certainty.

So what other generalisations can I tentatively make about labour?

E

the third stage is a hotly debated topic, but research indicates you are at a higher risk of haemorrhage if you opt for the natural route.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? ‘How long is a piece of string?’ is very relevant when it comes to labour. One of my closest friends had a 55-hour labour, including the latent phase. Others I know have delivered their babies at home on the bathroom floor as they didn’t even have time to get in the car (and yes, these were their first babies, too).

Time can depend on a myriad of factors including your baby’s position, whether or not you have been induced, where you are, how you feel, the care you are receiving and so on.

Research has shown that active labour is eight hours on average for first-time mums, and five hours for subsequent labours, so, generally, second and subsequent labours are almost always shorter and easier than the first.

WHAT WILL IT FEEL LIKE?

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. VISIT LULUBABY.CO.UK

THE STAGES Most labours are broken into three stages.

The first is what is usually understood to be labour: experiencing contractions which build in intensity and narrow in interval until your cervix is dilated to 10cm and you are ready to push your baby out. This first stage can be further divided into the latent and active phases. The latent phase is usually longer than the active and is when your cervix is dilated to 3cm or 4cm. From then until 10cm – or fully dilated – is the active phase. Some don’t even realise they are in the latent stage of labour, while others endure hours of painful contractions only to be told they are ‘just 1cm’.

Many also experience a phase called ‘transition’ in between the first and second phases. Contractions keep coming and mums can feel shivery and anxious, even angry and aggressive. “I’d had enough and began swearing at everyone around me,” reported one mum.

Our midwife, Victoria Cochrane, says she often has to turn away and smile at this stage, for the symptoms of transition are common and are simply a signal that mum is nearly ready to push.

The second stage of labour is the pushing stage and is when your baby is actually born – hurrah! The third is the delivery of the placenta which can be helped along with an injection of synthetic oxytocin – the hormone which makes your womb contract. Or you can choose to wait for nature to take its course – this may be hastened by breastfeeding, as that also releases oxytocin. Active versus physiological (or natural) management of

I asked some mums this question and this is what they told me: “Really intense period pains, like you have never experienced before”, “Hours of contractions with absolutely no pain. All I could feel was pressure”, “Like a hot poker in my lower back, agony”, “I felt the contractions but it wasn’t painful”, “The epidural couldn’t come quick enough!” Such a varied response to a simple question but obviously the most subjective one in the

fluid and is intended to also play a role in temperature regulation and skin protection after birth, but nowadays it is often removed immediately.

Sweat. Most women choose to give birth in a hospital – commonly very warm places. Combine this with the hard work of contracting and pushing out a baby, and things can get very sweaty. Also while we are on the subject of bodily functions, let’s briefly mention that you may do a poo in the heat of the action. Midwives are very used to this and deal with it discreetly; but it’s worth noting that your dignity is something that is usually left at the door when you have your baby. For my first emergency caesarean, I remember lying naked on the operating table while a dozen medical staff buzzed around me. I didn’t mind in the slightest, all that mattered was my son’s safe arrival.

Tears. I think it is fair to say that labour is emotional, no matter what kind you have.

From that first realisation that labour has begun, to the moment you hold your baby in your arms, it is hard to find a more intense and emotional experience.

TO PLAN OR NOT TO PLAN? While I firmly believe that it is helpful for mums to understand what may happen, I also feel that planning too much for your baby’s birth can be setting yourself up for a fall.

Labour is unpredictable and you can’t always

PLANNING TOO MUCH CAN BE SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR A FALL – LABOUR IS UNPREDICTABLE world. Many of the positive testimonials have often been down to hypnobirthing – simple but specific self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques – something to consider if you are particularly fearful of labour.

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS (AND OTHER THINGS) If you are having a baby, be prepared for blood. And lots of it. This isn’t something that people dwell on but it is worth being prepared for. It doesn’t stop once you have had your baby either – then there is the placenta to deliver and the lochia (bleeding) afterwards for up to six weeks. Once out, baby may be bloody and covered in vernix caseosa, a waxy white substance delightfully translated from the Latin for ‘cheesy varnish’, which protects baby’s skin in the womb from the amniotic

plan for these things, and as our midwives endeavour to remind mums, there are two of you in it together – you and the baby – it’s not just in your hands. In our classes, we encourage our mums to be informed, open-minded and to consider making a list of birth ‘hopes’. That way, if these hopes fail to materialise, mothers will not be too disappointed.

So, a ‘typical labour’ is impossible to pin down: no two descriptions are ever identical, but there are common elements.

Our obstetrician Dr Penny Law sums it up perfectly: “Even for women who have previously had a baby, no two births are the same. This is why I believe it is important to be as informed as possible in advance and to understand that anything can happen, because that will help you to cope with the unpredictability of giving birth.”

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 107

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PREGNANCY

sk any expectant mother what’s been her greatest pregnancy hurdle and there’s a big chance that she’ll rate the lack of sleep high up on the list.

Between hourly trips to the loo, powerful cravings and niggling aches and pains, 78% of pregnant women experience trouble sleeping which can leave them feeling frustrated and lacking in energy.

If you’re longing for a good night’s rest to help you feel ready to take on the day, the good news is that making some changes to your diet could help you get a solid stretch of snoozing time. Certain foods double as sleep aids thanks to the nutrients they contain, so read this expert edit of what to eat (and drink) to ensure a restful night’s kip. Sweet dreams!

A

Sweet, sweet

SLUMBER TH E SE SU PER-R EL A XING DIE TARY AIDS WILL H ELP EN SU R E BE T TER SLEEP DU RING PR EGNANC Y, SAYS Louise Pyne

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 109

PREGNANCY

Not only will the omega 3 fats in salmon promote sleep, but they’re also essential for fetal brain development

MILK A warm milky drink before bed is an old favourite, and for good reason. “Milk, along with all dairy, contains an important amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan helps increase the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone,” explains nutritional therapist Chloe Bowler (chloebowler.com).

Try this: Add a teaspoon of honey to your cup of warm milk to help lull yourself into a gentle sleep.

BANANAS Leg cramps are a common cause of poor sleep for many mums-to-be, and while the exact cause of cramps is unclear it’s thought that munching on bananas could help. “This is because bananas are a well-known source of potassium, a mineral that can help relax muscles,” explains Chloe.

Try this: Add one sliced banana to a bowl of oats for a hearty, potassium-rich breakfast.

Rising hormone levels can cause a rollercoaster of emotions which can hamper sleep. One minute you’re feeling anxious about the birth, the next you’re fearful about how you’ll cope looking after a little person. It’s natural to feel apprehensive, but try not to worry too much.

“Magnesium is a natural stress-buster and could help improve sleep. Found in spinach and other leafy greens, it can decrease stress hormones in the body, which helps you relax and unwind,” says Chloe.

Try this: Add baby spinach leaves to salads for an instant magnesium hit.

EGGS Fluctuating blood sugar levels (which is often a cause of poor sleep) is common during pregnancy. “Eggs are a protein-rich food that may help your blood sugar levels stay stable throughout the night, in turn helping you sleep better,” suggests Chloe.

Try this: A hard-boiled egg with wholemeal toast offers the perfect combination of blood sugar-balancing protein and complex carbohydrates.

110 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

RISING HORMONE LEVELS CAN HAMPER SLEEP – MAGNESIUM IS A NATURAL STRESS-BUSTER CHICKPEAS

GREEN TEA

“Chickpeas are a great source of vitamin B6 which is involved in melatonin production,” reveals Chloe.

Try this: Spread 1 tablespoon of hummus over two oatcakes for a healthy afternoon snack.

We’re talking about the decaffeinated kind, of course! The ancient Asian tea leaves contain a substance called theanine, which has an array of beneficial properties for expectant mothers. “It is thought to promote sleep and is recognised for reducing stress,” says Chloe.

Try this: Add a slice of lemon to your green tea for a refreshing cuppa.

SALMON Salmon can be a great nutritional addition to a pregnancy diet as the omega 3 fats contained in the oily fish help to support fetal brain development. What’s more, omega 3 fats also double as a sleep enhancer. “They are thought to help promote rest and good sleep,” says Chloe. “Salmon also makes the perfect supper as it is full of protein to help regulate blood sugar levels throughout the night.”

Try this: Bake your salmon with an immuneboosting ginger, honey and soy sauce glaze.

SWEET POTATOES Sweet potato is a good alternative to regular potatoes thanks to its low GI score – which essentially means it causes fewer blood sugar dips. “It also contains magnesium and potassium, so helps relax muscles,” says Chloe.

It’s also super-soothing on the digestive tract.

Try this: Top a baked sweet potato with a spoonful of cottage cheese.

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WELLBEING

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WELLBEING

Sleep tight, little one THIS SIM PLE ADVICE CAN H ELP YOU R N EWBOR N – AN D YOU – ENJOY A HAPPIER , H E ALTHIER SLUM BER , SAYS AUTHOR AN D PAR ENTING E XPERT Elizabeth Pantley GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW BABY Your baby will tell you what she needs – but you need to watch, listen and learn.

Your newborn will communicate to you with body language and sounds: hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or a need to be held. If you understand what baby is trying to tell you, she will cry less and her sleep will improve.

HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Newborns sleep a lot, but here’s the challenge: their 15-18 hours of daily sleep are distributed over four to seven (or more!) brief periods. These sleep periods can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as five hours. Your baby will not sleep through the night. Her naps will not adhere to any specific schedule. You cannot ‘sleep train’ a newborn – it takes time and patience.

USE PINK-HUED WHITE NOISE The environment your baby enjoyed in the womb was filled with a constant symphony of sound, so many newborns find a totally quiet room disconcerting. Pink noise is a variant of white noise that sounds rich and monotonous – you can purchase it through machines or apps. Turn on baby’s white noise whenever she is showing signs of tiredness.

LEARN TO READ BABY’S SLEEPY SIGNALS A very common mistake is to misread a baby’s signals and respond in the opposite way that your baby means for you to. Many people interpret a baby’s actions and sounds to mean ‘I need you to sing louder’ or ‘bounce me more’ – when what baby is desperately trying to say is, ‘I am tired, please put me to bed.’

RESPECT THE SPAN OF ‘HAPPILY AWAKE TIME’ Newborns can only stay happily awake for an hour or two at a time.

After a month or two, some can be awake as long as three hours if they are routinely sleeping well. However, most – good sleepers and frequent-wakers alike – do best with short awake spans. An overtired baby will be fussy and find it hard to sleep, yet won’t be able to stay happily awake, either, so do not let your newborn stay awake for too long at a time.

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN SLEEPING NOISES AND ‘AWAKE’ NOISES The majority of newborns are not quiet sleepers. Most babies groan, coo, whimper and sometimes even cry during sleep. These noises don’t always signal awakening, and they don’t always require action on your part. If you respond too quickly to every peep, you can teach your baby to wake up frequently. Be patient, pretend to be asleep (that should be easy) and respond only if she really needs to nurse.

SET BABY’S BIOLOGICAL CLOCK Human sleep is regulated by an internal body clock. Babies are born with an undeveloped biological clock that takes months to mature. During the day, be sure to provide ample feeds; make baby’s awake times interesting, but avoid over-stimulation; have a bit of outside time daily, and aim for an early bedtime aligned with baby’s signs of tiredness.

At night, feed baby whenever she’s hungry and keep feedings dark, quiet and toy-free; keep the house dimly lit in the hour before bedtime and use only a nightlight for nappy changes.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 113

WELLBEING

ENSURE YOUR BABY HAS ADEQUATE DAILY NAPS Before birth, your baby slept 20 hours a day or more. After birth, newborns still need a lot of sleep and need to nap anywhere from five to eight hours each day. In the womb, the environment was always perfect for sleep, and suddenly, one day, everything changed. Since your baby cannot control her environment, she must rely on you to create a perfect napping situation for her when she is tired.

PROVIDE MOTION FOR PEACEFUL SLEEP Prior to birth, your baby’s sleep occurred in a cosy bed of fluid that sloshed and moved with your every step. That’s why lying on a rigid crib surface can be unsettling to your baby. The next best solution is a swing, glider, hammock, rocking cradle or vibrating infant seat. They are very often a baby’s favoured location for napping over a stationary crib or bed.

After the first few weeks of your baby’s life, I recommend that you intentionally balance motion naps with some stationary crib naps.

HELP YOUR BABY MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE BASSINET

THE ESSENTIALS

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114 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

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Many babies don’t like sleeping alone in a bed, and many new parents give in to their basic instinct to hold their sleeping newborns for naps and then bedshare all night. But as difficult as it may be, I recommend that when your baby is asleep, at least once every day: put her baby down in a bassinet. If you start this from the beginning, she will learn to enjoy independent sleep.

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WELLBEING

BABY’S SLEEP PERIODS CAN BE AS SHORT AS 20 MINUTES OR AS LONG AS FIVE HOURS UNDERSTAND YOUR BABY’S SUCKING REFLEX Babies are born with a strong sucking reflex that is probably their most important instinct.

It’s also a method of relaxation. It’s likely that your baby will fall asleep after expending the energy that feeding requires, and it’s nearly impossible to prevent your baby from becoming drowsy as she sucks, particularly if you are breastfeeding. However, when a baby continues to always fall asleep this way, she comes to associate sucking with falling asleep; over time, there is a good chance she will not be able to fall asleep any other way.

If you want baby to be able to fall asleep without your help a few months from now, it’s essential to sometimes let your baby suck on the nipple until she is sleepy, but not totallylimp asleep.

SWADDLE APPROPRIATELY After nine months of a snug, bodyhugging space, your newborn can find it unsettling to be put on her back on a flat surface – yet this is the safest way for your newborn to sleep. Many babies sleep better when parents create a womb-like experience by wrapping them securely in a receiving blanket – swaddling. Your midwife can teach you how to swaddle your newborn.

HAVE A PEACEFUL BEDTIME ROUTINE Newborn babies don’t require much of a bedtime routine, but there are things you can do to help the sleep process: help baby wind down for 10-20 minutes before sleep time by turning down the TV and keeping voices hushed; bright lights are an alerting factor in the biological clock process, so dim the lights in the 15-30 minutes before bedtime; use pink or white noise to create a soothing pre-bed mood; warm touches are relaxing, so hold and rock your baby or give her a massage; your voice is your baby’s favourite sound – so read a book or sing a lullaby, and take the last feed in a specific and relaxing location.

ENJOY YOUR FAMILY Enjoy the moments and rise to the challenges. Don’t be so focused on sleep issues or any other distraction that you miss the glorious loveliness of your new baby – this time passes in a blink of an eye.

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HEALTH

meet

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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

MY TODDLER GETS VERY DISTRACTED AT MEALTIMES, IGNORES HIS FOOD OR THROWS IT ON THE FLOOR. HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE HIM TO BE MORE INTERESTED IN THE FOOD HE’S EATING AND MORE WILLING TO TRY A VARIETY OF FOODS? Toddlers get bored easily. Refusing to try new foods and wanting to get down from the table is entirely normal. But giving young children some freedom and letting them get hands-on with their food is a great way to make mealtimes fun, and encourage them to try new flavours. An easy way to do this is to serve additional ingredients – such as carrots, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, peas and grated cheese – in little bowls on the side, so they can choose which new tastes they want to try.

Another good option is to let them ‘decorate’ a bowl of porridge or natural yogurt. Give them small bowls of chopped fresh fruit – mango, raspberries, banana and blueberries – and seeds – like pumpkin, poppy and flax – and let them get creative. While they’re busy having fun they will most likely try the new flavours.

Soup is a delicious and nutritious light meal or snack option for toddlers, and a great way to bridge the gap between puréed food and more substantial meals – if time isn’t on your side, try Little Dish’s range of soups. Little ones will love dipping in toast soldiers, floating corn-cracker ‘boats’ across the soup, sprinkling on seed ‘showers’ and dropping in cheese ‘rocks’ for a calcium boost, or having a go at stirring the soup themselves.

Above all, keep the atmosphere at mealtimes relaxed and fun. Remember that food refusal and fussy eating are totally normal and they will get the hang of it.

Lucy Jones, nutritionist for Little Dish

116 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

I’VE JUST GONE ON MATERNITY LEAVE AND HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT WHAT I SHOULD BE EATING WHILE BREASTFEEDING. WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER? Breastfeeding is an incredible experience but one that can also be incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. The direct link between what a mother eats and what her child consumes means that, more than ever before, nutrition is of the utmost importance.

When breastfeeding, energy levels can definitely be strained and mothers often find themselves exhausted; it is important not to eat foods that allow for sugar highs and lows.

Keeping yourself well-fed and energised over the course of the day is key; so don’t ever think there is anything wrong with carrying around snacks for yourself, as well as baby!

The goal when you are breastfeeding is to never deplete yourself of your body’s nutrients. Another thing to consider is that by keeping a varied diet while breastfeeding, you are able to change the taste and smell of your milk, which will allow your child to be exposed to a variety of flavours. This expansion of your child’s flavour palate will allow their culinary horizons to be expanded even before he or she starts with solids, and even minimises the potential for pickiness.

Lauren Dangoor, founder of Feed Me 2 For Lauren’s full nutritional breastfeeding guide, visit babylondon.co.uk

I WILL BE FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT WHEN WE’RE ON HOLIDAY. WHAT IS THE ZIKA VIRUS AND DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED? The Zika virus has been demonstrated to be responsible for brain malformations in babies.

Studies in Brazil, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed clear evidence of this: 42% of babies born to mothers who were infected with Zika during pregnancy had brain malformations. The World Health Organisation has published guidelines for people travelling to countries where transmission via mosquitos is possible. However, transmission is also possible via sexual contact, just like other STIs. To minimise your risk, avoid travelling to countries where Zika is endemic – there is a list on the WHO website. Sexual partners of pregnant women living or returning from these areas should practice safe sex with condoms, or abstain from sexual activity throughout the pregnancy. Infection may be suspected based on symptoms and recent travel history: symptoms are usually red eyes, muscle pain, fever and headaches. A diagnosis can only be confirmed through lab tests on blood or other body fluids, such as urine, saliva or semen.

Dr Katharina Schramm MD, consultant gynaecologist at Richmond Practice

HEALTH

MANY OF MY PREGNANT FRIENDS ARE TAKING THE HARMONY TEST, WHAT IS IT AND IS IT SOMETHING I SHOULD CONSIDER? I’M 12 WEEKS PREGNANT WITH NO UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

WE’VE JUST MOVED HOUSE AND ARE DECORATING OUR ONE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER’S NURSERY. HOW CAN WE MAKE HER NEW ENVIRONMENT AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE?

The Harmony Test is a non-invasive test that measures fetal cells present in the mother’s blood to produce a 99% accurate indication of Down’s syndrome risk. The introduction of this test has been a great advancement in medicine, as with the test being non-invasive it is safer. It also tests for two additional anomalies, including Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome. Mothers of any age may be at risk. You may also, upon request, find out the sex of your baby through this test.

The test is available to pregnant women from 10 weeks’ gestation. I would advise that every woman should consider the Harmony Test as it is simple, safe and gives you valuable information. Based on the results, you are able to assess the options available to you with your doctor, who can guide you further.

It is important to discuss these options during pregnancy with your GP, as there is a lot to be done before, during and after birth. Mothers and would-be mothers should have access to sound, safe and evidencebased medical advice throughout the whole pregnancy journey, as many changes happen to your body. Additionally, after giving birth there are lots of regular checks that you and your baby should be undergoing; with an obstetrician and gynaecologist for yourself, and a paediatrician for your child.

Remember, if you do opt for a Harmony Test, it’s important that you feel looked after and supported by your healthcare choice, so be sure to do your research.

Dr Anuj Chaturvedi, medical director and GP at HealthClic

At this age babies are increasingly mobile and inquisitive. They are also completely devoid of any form of risk awareness. They fall over repeatedly, stand up underneath things and walk or run into things. This amounts to a truly exhausting responsibility, so the more you can do in advance to prevent accidents the better.

Here are my top safety tips: • Never position a cot by a radiator as little ones can either overheat or burn themselves.

The cot shouldn’t be beside a window either.

• To prevent strangulation, do not hang drawstring bags over the cot or use cotbumpers, and clip blind cords out of reach (ideally choose cordless blinds instead).

• A one year old should not have a pillow.

• Be careful with changing tables – the safest place to change your baby is on the floor.

• Fit fireguards and radiator guards to prevent her burning herself.

• Use soft corner covers for sharp corners, and door stops to prevent doors slamming.

• Secure furniture, particularly bookcases and drawers, to the wall. They can easily topple and crush a child if they try to climb them.

• Children this age will climb on anything, so be careful of pot plants, chairs and furniture by windows and on balconies.

• Keep plastic bags (particularly nappy sacks), batteries and medication well out of reach.

• The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) has recommendations on safe gap widths for open windows and the spacing for banisters; 6.5cm (2.5in) is recommended until 18 months.

Emma Hammett, founder of First Aid For Life

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

OUR PANEL

Emma Hammett

Lucy Jones

Dr Anuj Chaturvedi

Lauren Dangoor

Dr Katharina Schramm

firstaidforlife org uk

lucyjonesdietitian.co.uk

healthclic.co.uk

feedme2.co.uk

richmondpractice.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 117

The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joy of music Comprehensive, structured & stimulating music classes for children 6 months – 5 years. £15 off your Summer Term with the code BABYSU17 Our classically based curriculum is taught by opera singers, accompanied by orchestral instruments and is tailored to each stage of your child’s development.

www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com +44 (0)7530 459 468 info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com NOTTING HILL • FULHAM • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • BROOK GREEN

Test Mums and Dads wanted!

Let’s do something together. www.yippieyo.com

You get a free Crossbuggy.

We get weekly social media posts and pictures.

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118 | MAY/JUN17 | babylondon.co.uk

Time to Talk

THE NINTH MONTH Marina Fogle & Dr Chiara Hunt TH E SISTER S DISCUSS TH E FINAL MONTH OF PR EGNAN C Y y the time they reach their third trimester, most women are desperate to meet their baby.

Because babies are considered ‘term’ at 37 weeks, it’s worth making sure you are ready for the arrival by then. That said, every extra day they stay inside, up until 40 weeks, is beneficial, so take the opportunity to relax – it will be your last chance for a while!

B

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

HOW YOU MAY BE FEELING • Most likely tired and exasperated – every movement will feel like an effort.

• You will hopefully have started maternity leave by now and may notice a strong nesting instinct.

You’ll find yourself tidying and sorting endlessly. Don’t overdo it!

The most important thing is to find the time to rest.

• The hormone changes that happen in late pregnancy will make your breasts swell (even more), and you may start

producing small amounts of the first breastmilk, colostrum.

You may also notice increased amounts of vaginal discharge.

• You may feel your baby’s head drop gradually lower into the pelvis and become ‘engaged’.

When this happens, your bump might reduce a bit and you will feel less pressure on your ribs and diaphragm. This might, however, result in you feeling more pressure on your perineum.

Some women feel like their baby is about to fall out! This won’t happen and is a normal sensation.

Don’t be too concerned about whether or not baby is engaged either; for some women this happens weeks before delivery, but for others, baby doesn’t ‘drop’ until labour has started.

• As you approach term you may start to feel cramps. Although you might not be noticing them, you will likely be having Braxton Hix contractions, which are a bit like practice contractions.

You might notice your stomach becoming hard and even looking slightly dome-shaped. These can start as early 30 weeks, and while they are a good sign that your body is slowly preparing for the birth of your baby, they are not a sign that labour is starting.

AND WHAT ABOUT BABY? • By now, baby is fully ready for the outside world. Her intestine is fully formed and contains a dark green sticky substance called meconium which is passed as your baby’s first poo.

• Your midwife will check how engaged your baby is by determining how much of her head she can feel before it emerges from the pelvis. To measure this, midwives assess how many ‘fifths’ of your baby’s head they can feel. So, if they can feel three-fifths of baby’s head in your abdomen, it is three-fifths ‘palpable’ or two-fifths ‘engaged’.

• Your midwife will be feeling

your baby at every appointment and if she suspects baby is breech (head up rather than down) she will suggest you go for a scan. We know it is safer for babies to be head down at birth, so she may well suggest an ECV (external cephalic version) where an obstetrician would try to turn the baby. Annoyingly, this procedure only works in about 50-60% of cases and if it’s not successful you will be advised that a c-section rather than a vaginal delivery is safest for your baby.

• Most babies at 40 weeks weigh around 3.5kg (8lb) although it is common for boys to weigh more than girls. The average head-totoe length is 50cm.

Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are the founders of The Bump Class. Their book, The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond is available now. thebumpclass.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 119

SHOPPING

THE REVIEW AS HOLIDAY SE ASON APPROACH E S, Laura Mason ROU N DS U P TH E BE ST TR AVEL COTS

Best for

TODDLERS

Best for

CAMPING

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The Arc 2 doubles up as an outdoor play pen with optional sunshade

BABIES

Best for MULTIFUNCTIONAL

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A QUICK SET-UP

BABYBJÖRN

BABYHUB

CHICCO

SPACECOT

LITTLELIFE

If you’re after a spacious design then this is the best pick by far. There’s plenty of room for toddlers to play during the day and then spread out while sleeping, all the while being safely confined. This updated version features even more breathable mesh and is available in a smart new grey colour. £214.99, babybjorn.co.uk

This revolutionary cot is a world first when it comes to providing a safe-to-use mosquito net. This means it is great for keeping bugs at bay during the summer or taking abroad. In addition to being a good travel cot, it can also be converted into a teepee that kids can decorate with washable fabric pens. £194.99 (£49.99 for the Teepee Pack), argos.co.uk

This multifunctional, adaptable crib is a secure, safe space for newborns as well as older children, as it can be unzipped to open up a larger space for your growing child. As a newborn crib, it features lots of breathable mesh to allow you to be able to see your baby, and the mattress is extra padded for supreme comfort. £130, boots.com

As one of the newest designs on the market, the Spacecot has fast-acting technology so you can say goodbye to those troublesome latches. Not only does it pop open in three seconds very easily but it’s sturdy to boot. It also folds down into a 6kg compact flat-pack, making carrying and storage easy and stress-free. £139.99, mothercare.com

This is a great option for family camping when you need something small, shielding and easy to carry.

Super lightweight – an impressive 2.5kg – it has great all-round protection thanks to its unique shape, mesh panels and foam mattress. It also collapses down into a mediumsized backpack making it effortless to lug about. £109.99, littlelife.com

Travel Cot Light

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SleepSpace

LullaGo Zip

Travel Cot

r

babylondon May 2017 202x129_Layout 1 31.03.2017 11:20 Seite 1

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www.didymos.com babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN17 | 121

INTERIORS

PAPER TRAIL Katie’s darling designs are inspired by classic children’s storybooks

Katie Bourne Interiors designs beautiful, luxury wallpaper and soft furnishings to add a touch of magic to baby’s nursery or playroom. The whimsical designs are inspired by traditional children’s storybooks, and have been created to appeal to children and adults alike. All the wallpaper designs are printed in England, on high quality, sustainable forest paper.

From £86 (for 10m), katiebourneinteriors.com

interior

NEWS COMPILED BY: KATE FREUD

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

FLOOR SHOW

PLAYFUL PRINTS

The Great Little Trading Company has added to its rug collection with designs that are so good looking it’s almost impossible to choose just one. The perfect way to add a little colour and texture into baby’s nursery, we love the rainbowinspired Spectrum design, the dreamy Cloud rug and the brilliant On the Road for car-mad little ones.

From £89.25, gltc.co.uk

Play mats, along with so much baby paraphernalia, can be deeply unattractive to the discerning parent’s eye, which is why the designs by Elodie Details are so popular.

These new pastel creations are padded for comfort, and are reversible, so you can mix things up a little. You can also throw the whole thing in the washing machine. £71, alexandalexa.com

BEAR HUGS Make sure your little one can snuggle down in the softest and safest place with this striking Panda Expert baby mattress from French brand Candide. The design not only looks cute, but it helps to support baby’s head and keeps them feeling secure with its bolster cushions. £33.54, en.smallable.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 123

NATURE AT PLAY

Babies take pleasure in the feel of organic materials, like wood and cotton. Help them make the most of playtime with these sensory and sustainable wooden toys. Clockwise from top left: the stacking alphabet and number blocks from Ooh Noo offer a contemporary twist on old-fashioned building bricks (£48, mollymeg.com); treat mini animal lovers to these adorable, colourful Sarah & Bendrix stacking toys for their nursery (£70, notonthehighstreet.com); spark their creativity with Twoodie’s stylish stackable ‘Gems’ (£101, twoodie.com); Ooh Noo’s sweet toy pram will help little legs learn to walk (£94, mollymeg.com).

An online boutique for the chic mama, rocking dads and their gorgeous little ones.

In our one stop shop you’ll find modern nursery decor, chic accessories for the home, children’s apparel and luxe new baby gifting.

We have tracked down the chicest brands from all over the globe for design-conscious parents.

Our timeless, elegant little shop has been London’s well kept secret since 1985. From our exclusive fabrics to create your nursery, buttersoft cashmere to keep your baby snug and our well loved Moses baskets that make the perfect first bed for your little one.

Visit our website www.nurserywindow.co.uk or pop in and visit us in store!

83 Walton Street, SW3 2HP 0207 581 3358

SHOP THE NE NOW!

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enter LB5 at checkout for £5 off ! babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN17 | 125

CHELSEA, BELGRAVIA, GLOUCESTER ROAD, PIMLICO E: chelsea.westminster@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8767 9827 PUTNEY, BARNES, FULHAM E: putneybarnesfulham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8480 6064 MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, HAMPSTEAD, KENSINGTON, NOTTING HILL E: hampstead.nottinghill@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8438 0189

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126 | MAY/JUN17 | babylondon.co.uk

PROMOTION

FATHER’S DAY

From the fashionable to the functional, there’s something for every type of dad

Bugaboo Donkey by Niark1 £1,139, bugaboo.com

Cotton-blend t-shirt £26, parent-apparel.com

Tegu ‘Magbot’ nine-piece set £26, amaroni.com

Personalised silver-plated cufflinks £99, mercimamanboutique.com

Rado chronograph watch £3,710, johnlewis.com

Printed swim shorts £165, vilebrequin.com

Joanna Ham china mug £14.50, westelm.co.uk

Two-way changing bag £99, stokke.com

Nike Air leather trainers £145, mrporter.com

Proviz buggy lights £9.99, cheekyrascals.co.uk

Family tree poster £15, belleandboo.com

Organic cotton sweater £50, thefmlystore.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 127

F

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128 | MAY/JUN17 | babylondon.co.uk

Básico collection

www.lazebrashop.com • Hello@lazebrashop.com

FOOD

TRIED AND TASTED

Daylesford’s new courses in its Cotswolds cookery school are perfect for new or expectant mothers. ‘Blossom: Cooking for Pregnancy’ will teach participants how food can help ease nausea, aid recovery and support breastfeeding. Or, if your child is of weaning age, check out ‘Bloom: Organic Home Cooking for Babies & Toddlers’.

You could even combine your trip with a visit to the beautiful Haybarn Spa. £95 per person, daylesford.com

food

NEWS

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

LIKE MAMA MAKES For parents who don’t always have time to make baby’s food from scratch, Ratatouïe delivers freshly made toddler food to your door, featuring an organic menu packed with seasonal veg. Each dish comes packaged in a recyclable glass jar, which you can return after use for a small refund. Dishes from £1.95, ratatouie.co.uk

The screw-top pouches make these pureés perfect for when you’re on the go

HOST WITH THE MOST Hold a dinner party at home without having to lift a finger. Hire a chef through La Belle Assiette, and everything – from the food shopping to the dish washing – is taken care of. With over 700 cooks available, it’s an indulgence that could become a habit…

From £39 per person, labelleassiette.com

YOU SMOOTHIE The Goodness Gracious Food Company has introduced three new organic purées. Inspired by the principles of Ayurveda, veg such as butternut squash and pumpkin are blended with spices known to soothe delicate tummies, including cumin. £1.55 each, goodnessgraciousfoods.com

THE NEW COOKBOOK FROM ELLA’S KITCHEN HAS TONS OF IDEAS FOR FEEDING THE WHOLE FAMILY. THE EASY FAMILY COOKBOOK: THE ORANGE ONE CONTAINS MORE THAN 100 RECIPES, AS WELL AS A MEAL PLANNER AND DISH ADAPTATIONS FOR INFANTS. IT’S THE FOURTH TITLE IN THE COOKBOOK SERIES. £14.99, OCTOPUS PUBLISHING

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 129

FOOD

Tastes to

delight

PICCOLO’S N UTRITION SPECIALIST Alice Fotheringham SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE SPRINGTIM E R ECIPE S FOR BABY

his is the time for lots of delicious seasonal fruit and vegetables, which also coincides with new advice that suggests we should be eating even more vegetables and fruit. Rather than look at portion sizes and the number of portions a day, try to look at it in terms of variety – the more variety the better.

Start small by adding one extra vegetable to one of your meals each day, and work up from there. It’s also a good idea to think about the range of different fruits and vegetables you have over the week. Getting in a wide variety of colours is a much more realistic way of getting the vitamins and minerals you need, rather than focusing on a fixed number a day.

This way, you will find the numbers stack up without having to think about it!

T

130 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

FOOD

Make in bulk and freeze individual portions

T O M AT O , L E N T I L A N D A N G E L - H A I R PA S TA Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 30 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing, or store in a sealable container in the fridge for up to 2 days Makes 6 portions

This traditional dish combines small pieces of angel-hair pasta with a rich, sweet tomato and lentil sauce, cooked in olive oil with parsley.

INGREDIENTS

• dash of olive oil • ½ medium onion, peeled and chopped • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped • ½ leek, trimmed and chopped • pinch of cinnamon • 227g chopped tinned tomatoes • 90g dried red lentils • 250ml low-salt vegetable stock (or water) • pinch of dried or chopped fresh parsley • 100g angel hair pasta METHOD

Heat the oil in a saucepan and cook the onion for 3-4 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic, carrot, leek and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the carrot is tender.

Add the lentils, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock and parsley. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes.

While the lentils are cooking, bring a pan of water to the boil and add the pasta. Cook following the packet’s instructions. Drain and mix with the sauce or serve separately.

Tip: This sauce is brilliant for making pasta and meat dishes more hearty. You can also add extra veg, such as grated courgette or red pepper, for extra goodness.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 131

FOOD This Mediterraneaninspired pureé is packed with essential nutrients

BROCCOLI BITES Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 25 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing Makes 18 bites

These quick, bitesize nibbles are a great snack for on the go or lunchboxes, and are fun for children to make as well.

INGREDIENTS

• 150g broccoli, frozen or fresh, chopped • 200g oats • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 60g mature Cheddar cheese, grated • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp grainy mustard • 1 tsp dried oregano • pinch of sea salt and black pepper

T O M AT O & R E D P E P P E R Preparation: 8 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing, or store in a sealable container in the fridge for up to 2 days Makes 4 portions

This tasty tomato, carrot and pepper stew is a delicious Mediterranean staple.

INGREDIENTS

• dash of olive oil • 1 shallot or half a small onion, peeled and finely chopped • ½ garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced • ½ red pepper, cored and diced • 200g cherry tomatoes, halved • 75ml water • 2 basil leaves, chopped

METHOD

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a deep, heavy bottomed pan and add the onions. Stir for a few minutes until the onions start to soften, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the carrot and red pepper and cook for a few minutes until both start to soften.

Add the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften, mushing them into the dish. Slowly add the water if it starts to dry out.

Finally add the basil, take off the heat and pureé into the desired consistency.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Steam the broccoli until soft but not overcooked – around 7 minutes for fresh and 8 minutes if frozen.

Drain well, squeezing out any extra liquid, then add to a large bowl and mash.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix well.

Take out 1 tbsp of the mixture at a time and roll into small balls.

Place the balls on a lined or oiled baking sheet and cook for 25 minutes until they start to crisp up.

Tip: This delicious sauce can be enjoyed by baby and added to pastas, meat or fish to make a meal for the whole family.

Tip: These are great for kids’ lunchboxes or for lunch at home with a yoghurt or tomato sauce dip.

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

132 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Fornessi perfect, ergonomic fit A butterfly soft carrier that grows with your baby Stylish Travel Products for Stylish Kids

www.Fornessi.com

Toiletry Bags - Duffle Bags 4 Wheel Spinners - Sleepover Bags

www.pennyscallan.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN17 | 133

PROTECT YOUR BABY FROM MOSQUITOES LIGHTWEIGHT . WASHABLE . REUSABLE

HYPNOBIRTHING I run group and private courses to parents that want to learn how to release that fear of birth and to be able to relax and enjoy pregnancy. No matter if it is your first or second birth, or how far you are in your pregnancy, HypnoBirthing will help you to relax and create a special bond with your baby.

HYPNOTHERAPY for Parents Helping parents to deal with stress, anxiety, self-confidence, depression, addictions and teaching self-hypnosis techniques to practice at anytime.

HYPNOTHERAPY for Children

www.babyhubshop.com

While working with children’s imagination I help kids to change unwanted habits (thumb sucking, tics, bad eating patterns, bedwetting) and to deal with anxiety, self-confidence and bullying. My approach is very safe and gentle with an aim for kids to enjoy the session.

www.evahypnotherapy.com Based in Bayswater, Central London

Flying with children?

You need a

TravelSnug

TM

Keep little ones cosy with this soft, fleecy carry - on cushion that fits perfectly into aircraft seats making it easier for junior passengers to get comfortable. Portable, light weight, washable, tumble dry -able, TravelSnug makes flying child’s play.

www.TravelSnug.co.uk

134 | MAY/JUN17 | babylondon.co.uk

Made in the UK

travel

NEWS

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

ECO RETREAT

If an Indian Ocean escape is on your wish list, check out the Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort on Félicité, a private island in the Seychelles. Opened late last year, the resort has been designed using sustainable materials to blend in with the island’s natural habitat. You'll even find free-range chickens in the organic garden. The spa also reflects the resort’s eco credentials, with a saltwater pool and a menu of holistic therapies.

From €1,200 a night, sixsenses.com

BEAT THE BED BUGS If you’re taking baby on a trip to warmer climes, keep them protected from insect bites with The Gro Company’s innovative Insect Shield Grobag sleeping bag. The bag has odourless built-in protection which will last through 70 washes. Available in two designs. £43, gro.co.uk

MAKE YOUR PEACE Nestled in a quiet corner of Mayfair, five-star family hotel Dukes London is offering a new package to help its guests really relax. Perfect for frazzled new parents or mothersto-be, the Beditation Butler service includes a range of herbal teas on turndown, a selection of meditative podcasts and a complimentary Floris London candle. And while you practice those breathing exercises, your female butler will even run you a bubble bath. Rooms from £311, plus £45 for the package, dukeshotel.com

The Insect Shield Grobag will ensure protection against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas and more

RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY SUNSHINE.CO.UK HAS FOUND THAT ONE IN 18 BABIES BORN LAST YEAR WERE CONCEIVED ON HOLIDAY, WITH THE CARIBBEAN, ITALY AND FRANCE NAMED AS THE TOP BABY-MAKING DESTINATIONS.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 135

ª Postcard from…

CORNWALL

With its long stretches of sandy coastline, Cornwall has long been one of Britain’s top holiday destinations

Danielle Wilkins VISITS N EWQUAY WITH H ER SISTER AN D N EPH EW

2 Coast is located on the ground floor

here is everything in here!” my sister Natalie yells from inside the cupboard, balancing one-year-old Oliver on her hip. “Travel cot, high chair, baby cutlery, buckets, spades, everything…”

Seven hours ago we were packing up the car and getting ready to set off from London – now the three of us are gleefully lugging our belongings into 2 Coast, our home for the weekend. But the super-stocked utility cupboard becomes a faded memory as we catch sight of the views from our rooms. Just a mere stretch of lawn separates our twobedroom apartment from the sands of Porth beach, which is sheltered by rugged cliff tops on either side.

Eager to stretch our legs, we venture out. The dramatic vistas are too incredible to resist, so we march up the deserted pathways with Oliver in his pushchair, admiring the postcard-perfect views of the bay.

An hour later, our walk (the first of many) ends as any good walk should – back on the beach, in the local pub, enjoying freshly caught mussels and a satisfyingly large glass of wine.

We were lucky to get such warm sunshine in early October, but really, this area of Newquay is charming all year round. Cornwall has long been a favoured family destination for its mild climate and coastal gems, but Porth in particular is a hit with parents.

A Cornish escape without the coach parties, if you like. Lifeguards patrol the beach from May to September,

T

making the sea safe for paddling, swimming and even body boarding.

Naturally, 2 Coast has a chic seaside feel, with pared-back whitewashed décor, wood flooring and nautical artwork on the walls. And when Oliver wasn’t playing outside, on the beach or galloping around on the grassy terrace, he was content with emptying out the toy box, chasing his wooden trains up and down the hallway. The apartment has everything you need for a family stay, including a dining area and equipped kitchen.

While breakfast is best enjoyed out on the terrace, there’s also a plethora of buggy-friendly places to eat in the centre of Newquay, a five-minute drive away. The following day, we fuel up for sandcastle making on the beach, before enjoying a walk to Watergate Bay at low tide. As Oliver snoozes in his stroller, we finish with dinner and sundowners at The Beach Hut before heading home. Bliss.

Away from the beach, there’s plenty in town. The lions and lemurs of Newquay Zoo kept us occupied for a day, and just outside you’ll find Dairyland Farmworld for mini tractor enthusiasts, and the Steam Railway.

No sooner had we arrived, it was time to pack up and head home again.

Our Cornish adventure was over for now, but when enjoying a break with a baby in tow is this much fun, something tells me we’ll be back.

Breaks at 2 Coast from £595 (sleeps six), beachretreats.co.uk

The views from the cliffs at Porth beach

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

“

Oliver was just as happy to get out and explore

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TRAVEL

Greener GETAWAYS for 2017

MOTH ER OF T WO AN D ECO WRITER Holly Tuppen R EVE AL S HOW WE CAN ALL BE A LIT TLE GR EEN ER ON H OLIDAY, AN D WHY THIS IS TH E YE AR TO EM BR ACE IT

y 2030, water demand is predicted to outstrip supply by 40%. Large proportions of the global population will struggle to get access to clean water well within our children’s lifetime. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has made 2017 the year of sustainable travel to encourage the world’s 1.2 billion tourists to make a positive contribution to the environment and communities they travel to – making it the perfect time to turn over a greener leaf!

Understandably, being a green traveller isn’t high up on most parents’ agendas. Compost toilets and a dip in a cold pond aren’t what spring to mind when booking a relaxing break.

But thankfully, these days, there’s more to sustainable travel; think authentic experiences, beautifully crafted buildings, kids’ clubs with an educational ethos and exploring less welltrodden paths.

Not only is going green the best thing to do for the future of the planet and our children, but it is likely to make your family holiday all the more memorable. It’s about having a more meaningful experience – staying somewhere that celebrates local culture. Let the kids be mini-explorers, whether that’s learning how to protect marine life, experiencing the craft of local artisans or staying on a working farm.

You'll find you make memories to cherish.

B

138 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

TRAVEL

Soneva Kiri Resort, Thailand

THINK GREEN ON HOLIDAY • Check the ethical standards of tour operators, particularly if volunteering or wildlife is involved.

• Avoid plastic bottles and bags by carrying reusable ones and opt for filtered rather than bottled water.

• Before exploring local flora and fauna, find out local guidelines for protecting wildlife and its habitats.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 139

TRAVEL

Watersports and hiking in Montenegro

MY PICKS FOR A GREENER FAMILY HOLIDAY… GO ON A RESPONSIBLE ADVENTURE Michael Palin and Levison Wood are the latest celebrities to align themselves with Responsible Travel, the UK’s largest responsible tour operator. Whether you want to go trekking in Iran or cycling in the Peak District, Responsible Travel only lists adventures that benefit local people and wildlife. With over 400 small operators on board, you’re not short of choice. Head to lesser-known Montenegro for kayaking, swimming and hiking adventures from a renovated farmhouse overlooking the glistening waters of Lake Skador. Or for longhaul ideas, try the wildlife-rich Borneo Family Tour, including the chance to see orangutans, turtles, pygmy elephants and gibbons.

DISCOVER WHAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP There’s a lot to be said for a family staycation.

Not only is it easier with kids in tow but from a sustainable travel perspective; avoiding flying, taking trains and supporting National Parks and local economies all get big ticks.

Taking the train rather than flying to Edinburgh saves the equivalent energy of 803 hours of TV watching. It also adds to the adventure!

Experience India with Reality Tours

Berridon Farm, North Devon

Greentraveller.co.uk lists green holidays in the UK and Europe including farm stays, selfcatering cottages and eco-friendly transport.

Also worth a look are Preseli Venture eco centre in Wales for coastal adventures and Scotland’s North Coast 500 road trip for spectacular scenery. If culture is more your thing, head to the Tate in St Ives, swot up on the Vikings in York or immerse yourself in maritime history at Liverpool’s museums.

DON’T SHY AWAY FROM CAMPING If real camping sounds frankly terrifying with little ones, Canopy and Stars offers a more appealing option (after all, if you’re going to sleep in a yurt, you might as well pick one with a double bed and Egyptian cotton linen).

Listing some of the most beautiful yurts,

140 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

roundhouses, tree houses and shepherd huts in the UK and Europe, a camp fire has never sounded so appealing. Stay in a safari tent full of vintage charm on Berridon Farm in North Devon, head to Yorkshire’s very own grassroofed hobbit house or test out bothy living in The Ferry Waiting Room in Perthshire.

CHOOSE A HOTEL THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE A hotel that cares for the local community is not only going to provide a more enjoyable experience but will no doubt care more for its guests. Arbiters of places to stay, like i-escape, let you search specifically for eco hotels, and new venture Bouteco.co has been set up to put ‘hip hotels with a heart’ firmly on the map. Nikoi Island is an eco resort just three

TRAVEL

GOING GREEN IS THE BEST THING TO DO FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET AND OUR CHILDREN

TRAVELLING WITH BABIES & TODDLERS Less is more. Lugging around excess baby paraphernalia on holiday is tiresome. Ditch your nappy bag and put essentials in a compact wash bag that you can chuck in a rucksack or beach bag when needed.

Get organised. Eat well before you get on the plane, take a refillable water bottle that won’t spill everywhere and try to have simple pleasures to hand to make you feel human during the flight, such as moisturiser and toothpaste.

Embrace help. Unlike a lot of us in London, in lots of countries, people will delight in making a huge fuss of your baby. If a waiter wants to coo over your little one while you finish your meal, let them get on with it!

Respect the routine. I love nothing more than ditching routines on holiday, but if this results in no sleep for anyone, it’s a futile exercise. If your baby needs food and sleep at certain times to be amenable, it’s best to work around that.

Be realistic. Holidaying with a baby is not the same as when you were a carefree couple. Be prepared to take it in turns so you both get some grown-up holiday time and embrace the simpler pleasures; seeing the world through the eyes of your baby is quite magical.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELICAM, RICHARD WAITE, UNDISCOVERED MONTENEGRO, JOHN BARWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY, PRESELI VENTURE, RICHARD RAYNER/NNP

Kayaking in Wales

hours from Singapore by car and boat. The rooms are sunkissed bamboo structures, built using local materials, and the resort’s charity, The Island Foundation, has helped educate more than 4,000 local people. Elsewhere, Katamama in child-friendly Bali is an exemplary champion of local craftsmanship, Soneva Kiri’s kids’ club in Thailand is accurately named ‘The Eco Den’ and closer to home, Cornish spa hotel Bedruthan Steps is one of the most sustainable hotels in the UK.

CHOOSE EXPERIENCES THAT DO GOOD Making a concerted effort to enrich local communities through your tourist pounds will often lead to the most memorable part of your holiday. Whether it’s watching your dinner being hauled into shore, sharing a joke

with a stranger at a local bar or getting momentarily immersed in a local festival.

Look for tours with a social purpose along the lines of Reality Tours, which leads cycling trips around Delhi and guides tourists through Mumbai’s slums, where it gives back 80% of its profits, or London’s Unseen, where a former homeless person leads a unique walking tour of the city. Ten per cent of Airbnb’s recently launched Experiences have a social impact, too, which means they’re run by local non-profits like ‘renegade gardener’ Ron Finley in LA, with whom you can spend a day helping to create allotments in urban spaces.

Preseli Venture offers UK coastal adventures for families

The Ferry Waiting Room, Perthshire

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 141

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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

FEEL YOUR WAY

Help your child manage their emotions from an early age with My First Emotions. Using play, stories and music to nurture emotional intelligence, the multisensory toolkit focuses on five main feelings – love, happiness, sadness, anger and fear.

It’ll give them the ability to deal with the pressures of everyday life as they grow. Available to pre-order. £49, skylarkenglish.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.

GREEN, NOT MEAN Bestselling author and illustrator Ed Vere is back with a new picture book. Grumpy Frog follows the amphibian as he learns about compromise, friendship and the power of apology. He may even manage to get rid of his grumpiness! Out 4 May. £6.99, Puffin

PLAY SAFE Is your child’s activity group CAA accredited? The Children’s Activities Association is an independent, not-for-profit company committed to raising standards across the industry. Classes authorised by the CAA have been monitored against a range of issues, from health and safety to training. Check the website for members. childrensactivitiesassociation.org

Join Grumpy Frog as he learns about tolerance and kindness

WALKER BOOKS HAS JOINED FORCES WITH SLEEP BRAND THE GRO COMPANY TO LAUNCH THE BEDTIME BOOK CLUB. RUNNING ONLINE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, EACH SESSION WILL FOCUS ON A NEW PICTURE BOOK. THERE’S EVEN A CHANCE TO WIN GOODIES, TOO. PICTUREBOOKPARTY.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 143

EDUCATION

MEET THE HEAD How long have you been at North Bridge House?

I became headteacher of North Bridge House Nursery and PrePrep in July 2015. Prior to this, I was deputy head of St. Nicholas Preparatory in Kensington.

CHRISTINE MCLELLAND North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep We chat to the head of the Hampstead-based school

Can you tell us a bit about the school’s history?

The North Bridge House group, spanning Hampstead, Regent’s Park and Islington, was founded in 1939 in St John’s Wood, moving to Hampstead’s Netherhall Gardens in the 1950s where our Pre-Prep remains. It wasn’t until the 1960s that our Nursery first opened its doors on Hampstead’s Fitzjohn’s Avenue, where it still stands.

giving them the tools to support them at home. Our parent-child mornings and parent workshops create a channel through which parents and teachers can share advice. They’re an excellent opportunity for parents to experience the strategies that are used in the school and to take away tips to use at home.

What do you see as the main strengths of the school?

From as young as two years, nine months, our girls and boys thrive in the school’s nurturing environment, and it’s my view that it is our pupils’ happiness that results in their successful learning.

One of our major strengths at North Bridge House is our ability to involve our parents in their childrens’ education by

Do you offer any activity programmes for your pupils?

We actively encourage our children to grow as individuals outside of the curriculum, and as such, our extra-curricular provision is excellent. At the Nursery, pupils can choose from activities such as yoga, tap dance, drama, art, chess, ukulele and violin clubs. At the Pre-Prep, the possibilities extend to cookery,

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karate and science to name a few, while many of the Nursery clubs remain available for pupils to continue their favourite hobbies.

All clubs ensure that each child not only receives an excellent all-round education, but also has the opportunity to pursue other areas of inspiration. And we are very proud of our NBH Holiday Club which runs over holiday periods. This in-house activity

club provides parents with a childcare option where they know activities are tailored specifically for our pupils in order to enhance their learning. We also have a very active class reps system across both schools – our parents have organised some fantastic events for both children and parents this year, from quiz nights and wine and cheese events to school discos and movie nights.

What’s new for the school?

Over the Christmas period we were delighted to gain a new library at the Pre-Prep. This now houses a new reading scheme which has seen a significant monetary investment. We have also been excited to welcome a new ICT lead who is spearheading the importance of computing at the school, and at the Nursery, we have been running free parent and toddler mornings for parents of children due to join us in September. These sessions have been a great way for parents and children to make connections before they start with us. northbridgehouse.com

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babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN17 | 145

EDUCATION

ASK THE EXPERTS We put your education questions to three school heads

To best support your child, immerse yourself in what they’re learning at nursery school

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT OUR CHILD THROUGH THEIR EARLY EDUCATION TO ENSURE THEY GET THE MOST OUT OF IT?

HOW IMPORTANT IS LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM IN THE EARLY YEARS? Stephen Ilett of Port Regis School, says: It’s very important to encourage children to explore and challenge their limitations while having a huge amount of fun. For example, at Port Regis, our Forest School is an opportunity to take learning and experiences beyond the classroom. Children have the freedom to explore either the Forest School or other parts of the school grounds, as well as mastering new skills through planned outdoor activities.

A recent addition to the Forest School is an Iron Age roundhouse which was built by Tim Hyde, a master thatcher and Port Regis parent. The children have had full involvement from the start, including collecting all of the hazel and willow for the walls from the school grounds. They are delighted with the end result and we feel lucky to have something so original situated within our grounds.

MEET THE EXPERTS

Christine McLelland North Bridge House

146 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Stephen Ilett Port Regis School

Louise Fox Claremont Fan Court School

HOW CAN WE HELP TO DEVELOP OUR YOUNG CHILD’S COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE SKILLS? Louise Fox of Claremont Fan Court School, says: Your speech, expressions and intonations influence your toddler’s speech development.

Create time for talk – not time for screens.

Toddlers staring at screens will not learn to read expressions, react to questions or even turn to look at who is speaking, so turn the screen off and talk to your child.

Get their attention by saying their name.

Use short simple sentences, and ask questions, give commands and directions. As their speech develops, give your child choices: ‘Ava, do you want to play with the car or the Lego?’

Give more than one command, and ask open questions to avoid a yes/no answer.

Sharing stories teaches your child to repeat, predict and describe. Build up sentences; the car becomes a shiny car or the dog becomes a spotty dog. A treat should be something like a tent in the garden or a picnic in the park, not a go on mummy’s iPad with little opportunity for language.

It is also hard to learn to talk with a dummy – try and save it for comfort at night time. Let your child make noise, make friends and make sense of the verbal world around them.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Christine McLelland of North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep, says: Whether you’re a first-time parent or have done it all before, you no doubt feel the pressure to progress your child’s development as much as possible.

Surprisingly though, it’s not all about filling their brains with every little bit of information.

It’s far more about taking a well-considered, piecemeal approach that’s in tune with what they’re learning or will be learning at school.

First of all, try to hold back from teaching them the letters of the alphabet. Teaching and learning has come a long way over the years: it’s now known that children do not learn to read simply by reciting the alphabet, but by sounding out the letters phonetically.

Reinforce this by reading to your child, singing songs and engaging in conversation. This will help to familiarise them with phonetic sounds and broaden their vocabulary.

The best piece of advice a parent can take is to read to your child as much as possible.

Numbers are taught most effectively in a similar way to letters. Naturally, we want to teach our children to count to ten but the most valuable lesson is in recognising the digits. Do they know the value of each number? Can they count out a given number of objects? These are the kinds of things your child will be learning at nursery school.

Which brings me to the most important point: to best support your child at nursery, immerse yourself in their education. Take advantage of parent-child mornings, holiday clubs and parent workshops where offered.

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Lianne Kolirin ROU N DS U P TH E CAPITAL’S BE ST EVENTS OAE Tots Musical Journeys

OAE Tots Musical Journeys

Family Music Time with Kangaroo Kids

Ocean Invaders: Enter the World of Jellyfish

Musical Rumpus: Fogonogo

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

JW3 341-351 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ET 020 7433 8988 jw3.org.uk

SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB sealife.co.uk/london

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA vam.ac.uk

Introduce your child to the magic of the orchestra in these kid-friendly concerts. Even the very youngest of music lovers will be captivated by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, as they embark on a musical adventure.

Admission: Adults, £9; children, £1; under-twos go free.

Wednesday 31 May, 10am and 11.30am.

Why have a lie-in, go for a walk or read the papers, when you can turn your Sunday morning into a family musical adventure?

Every weekend there’s puppets, interactive storytelling, instruments, parachute play, bubbles and lots of bouncing around for under-fours.

Admission: £8.50 each.

Every Sunday (excluding 25 June), 10.30am.

Immerse yourselves in this new sensory experience that will enlighten you to the fascinating and beautiful species of the jellyfish. Explore their life cycle and incredible survival skills, then create a digital swarm and be surrounded by an invasion!

Admission: Adults, from £25.50; children, from £20.40; underthrees go free.

Daily, from 10am.

Welcome to the world of Fogonogo; interactive opera for babies aged up to two-and-ahalf. Spitalfields Music will be running this event, with free time to play and look around the museum afterwards.

Admission: £8 per child; £2 per accompanying adult and £5 per additional adult.

Saturday 20 May, 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 149

Minibeast World

Baby Show

National Pet Show

Sensational Butterflies

Sensational Butterflies

Minibeast World

Baby Show

If I Ran The Circus

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk

REGENT’S PARK London NW1 4NR 01306 734 501 royalparks.org.uk

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk

Experience the magic of one of nature’s most fascinating cycles in this outdoor exhibition. Get up close with species such as the Swallowtail, Blue Morpho, Moon Moth and more, with live specimens, games and displays.

Admission: £6.50 each; family ticket, £22; under-fours go free.

Until Sunday 17 September, from 10am.

It’s time to explore a world of creepies, crawlies and wigglies at Regent’s Park – be sure to bring your coats and wellies in case it gets muddy! The activities are aimed at toddlers aged 18 months to four years, but siblings are also welcome.

Booking is required.

Admission: Children, £5; accompanying adults go free.

Wednesday 31 May, 10.30am to 11.45am.

This popular, 40-minute sensory performance, with captivating images and intriguing sounds, is back at the Unicorn. The show playfully explores getting ready to go outside, and is aimed at babies aged 6-18 months.

Admission: £10 per baby and accompanying adult.

Thursday 20 April to Saturday 19 August, times vary.

Special Children’s Day

Sponge

FUN DMC

National Pet Show

ZSL LONDON ZOO Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY 0344 225 1826 zsl.org

STRATFORD CIRCUS ARTS CENTRE Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX 020 8279 1080 stratford-circus.com

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com

EXCEL Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL thenationalpetshow.com

Whether you have your own Lil Wayne, Missy Elliot or a whole crew of Beastie Boys, this hip-hop party is designed with parents and children in mind, with areas to dance, practice graffiti, dress up or chill out.

Admission: Adults, £14.26; children, £8.14.

Monday 1 May, 10am to 1pm.

With hundreds of animals and pet care advice, the National Pet Show is an unmissable event. Highlights include cuddles in the new animal handling tents and a chance to meet miniature horses.

Admission: Adults, £21; children, £16; under-fives go free.

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May.

This annual event welcomes little ones with special needs to the zoo. A fun-filled day of events will include costumed characters, sensory storytelling, gardening and an art zone.

Admission: Adults, £13.25; children, £9; under-threes go free.

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May.

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Dance company Turned On Its Head takes children on a creative journey in this family show set to a funky 1970s soundtrack, including the disco favourite Car Wash.

Admission: From £8 each.

Friday 9 and Saturday 10 June, performance times vary.

Discover’s Story Builders will lead you into Dr Seuss’s zany rhyming world as you join Morris McGurk on a mission to stage the greatest circus show ever seen. Booking is advised, as these sessions for underthrees can be very popular.

Admission: £6.50 each.

Thursday 27 April to Sunday 2 July, performance times vary.

OUT AND ABOUT

IWA Canalway Cavalcade

Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday

Celebrity Dusty Duck Trail

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MURRAY, INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION

Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children

Toddler Takeover

LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE savethechildren.org.uk/ muddy-puddle-walk

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS No.1 Warehouse, West India Dock Road, London E14 4AL museumoflondon.org.uk

Peppa Pig and Save the Children have organised the Muddy Puddle Walk, a great way for little ones to explore the world for a worthy cause. Children can be sponsored to walk or splash in puddles at the park.

Register online for details.

Admission: Free, but the aim is to raise as much as you can.

Monday 8 to Sunday 14 May.

Take your little ones along for a weekend full of activities, interactive workshops and performances designed especially for under-fives.

Takeover Day is a celebration of children and young people’s contributions to museums.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May, 12pm to 4pm.

Duplo Valley

Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival

LEGOLAND WINDSOR Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY 0871 222 2001 legoland.co.uk Brickville is the new interactive play village in Duplo Valley, featuring a police station, cake shop, princess castle and more.

There are also plane rides, train rides and a puppet theatre.

Admission: From £30 each; under-threes go free.

Daily, from 10am (excluding some Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May).

ST PAUL’S CHURCH Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED 020 7375 0441 alternativearts.co.uk Covent Garden comes alive this Sunday for its annual May Fayre & Puppet Festival. Besides the regular Punch and Judy celebrations, there will be folk music, dancers, clowns, jugglers and plenty of stalls to enjoy.

Admission: Free.

Sunday 14 May, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday

Mister Maker & The Shapes Live

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com

CHURCHILL THEATRE High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA 020 3285 6000 mistermakerlive.com

Join CBeebies stars Sarah and Duck, as they plan a circusthemed party for Scarf Lady in their garden. But when the weather turns windy and the big top is blown away, can they save the day? Told through puppetry and music.

Admission: From £10 each.

Until Sunday 14 May, performance times vary.

IWA Canalway Cavalcade

This live show encourages Mini Makers and adults to sing, dance and make some noise.

There’s a ‘make’ to take part in, audience participation and fun to be had with all the Shapes.

Admission: Adults, £16.50; children, £13.50.

Monday 29 May, 12pm and 3pm.

Celebrity Dusty Duck Trail

LITTLE VENICE Paddington, London W9 07979 676461 waterways.org.uk

LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT wwt.org.uk

Take the kids to see the colourful narrowboats adorned with flowers and bunting for this annual celebration. The three-day party offers shows, music, food and boat trips for the whole family, and plenty of real ale for the grown-ups, too.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May, from 10am.

Aardman Studios designed the 6ft Dusty Duck to celebrate WWT’s 70th anniversary and now 14 other celebrity-designed Dustys will be on show, including Steve Backshall’s Explorer Dusty and Justin Fletcher’s Pirate Justy Dusty.

Admission: £1 per trail, plus standard admission applies.

Until Sunday 21 May.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 151

OUT AND ABOUT

Trooping the Colour

SUBSCRIBE TO LITTLE LONDON ONE YEAR FOR JUST £16

Sheep Week

THE MALL AND ST JAMES’S PARK London SW1 householddivision.org.uk

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF visitleevalley.org.uk

Join in the Queen’s official birthday celebrations at this 1,400-soldier parade, together with 200 horses and more than 400 musicians. The route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again. Her Majesty will later take to the balcony for an RAF flypast.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 17 June, from 10am.

May half term is a very exciting time at Lee Valley Park Farms – it’s Sheep Week! Expect all the usual fun and frolics, but with a woolly theme, including sheep shearing demos, lamb racing and a chance to bottle feed this spring’s fluffy new arrivals.

Admission: £9 each; under-twos go free.

Saturday 27 May to Friday 2 June, 10am to 5pm.

Loose Parts Workshops

Hide-and-Seek

WELSH CHAPEL 30 Beauchamp Road, Battersea, London SW11 1PQ thebuilditworkshop.com

POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com

Loose Parts are construction workshops aimed at babies aged 16 months to two-and-ahalf years. In the 45-minute sessions, tots can explore a variety of materials like bricks, magnets and bolts. Sessions also run in Chiswick.

Admission: £133 per term.

Every Wednesday, 9.45am and 10.45am.

Polka welcomes back Théâtre de la Guimbarde from Belgium with Hide-and Seek. This playful and inventive show, performed in both English and French, explores the excitement, fear, surprise and enjoyment in the age-old game.

Admission: £12.50 each.

Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 June, performance times vary.

152 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

includes FREE iPad access

THE STYLISH MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS IN THE CAPITAL Little London guides you through the next stage of the adventure that is childhood – from nursery, first trips away from home and the most exciting activities and events in and around the capital, to the hottest holidays, coolest kidswear and interiors ideas. PLUS expert advice on your child’s health and education.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ROYAL PARKS

Trooping the Colour

A SELEC TION OF

LOCAL AC TIVITIE S FOR YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E

Groups & Classes

ACTIVITIES

154 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

TAILORED PILATES CLASSES

FOR LITTLE LEARNERS

Classes across London As the first private clinic in London to run Pilates classes back in the ’80s, and with over 230 classes a week, Six Physio has the capital covered.

The machine- and mat-based Pilates classes offer a session which is tailored to you, not the person next to you. With only three people per class, the qualified physios can encourage you to work harder, knowing the exercises are safe and effective for your body.

The tailored nature of these classes means they are suitable for both antenatal and postnatal, so be sure to give Six Physio a call and book an initial assessment to get your programme started.

020 7036 0286 sixphysio.com

Workshops across London Check out the Little Discovery classes for ages six months to 24 months old.

These allow babies to explore their senses with music, colours and shapes.

Little Maths Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two after-school workshops that nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps into the world of numbers and science that much easier. The Little Maths workshops, for two to four year olds, builds their confidence with numbers.

While the Little Science workshop, for ages three to 11 years, introduces new scientific concepts through discussions and experiments. Visit the website for a timetable of workshops throughout the spring and summer months.

0800 092 1062 littlehouseofscience.com

AS SOON AS YOU CAN WALK, YOU CAN PLAY FOOTBALL

FUN FRENCH LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

Classes across London Offering the very best football coaching for children aged 18 months to 10 years, Kiddikicks involves the whole family by encouraging parent participation. Join up and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun with Kiddikicks football classes. There are also sporty birthday parties with a variety of themes for children aged three and up, private and holiday classes, and nursery and after-school sessions.

Sign up to receive your mini player’s free kit (registration fees apply).

Plus, quote ‘Baby London’ when you sign up to receive an extra 5% off!

020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk kiddikicks.co.uk

Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, offers innovative, stimulating immersion programmes for children from eight months old. Led by a team of passionate and qualified native teachers, children will flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities, including contemporary music from the company’s educational CD. Language experts agree that learning a second language early in life enhances overall cognitive skills and improves brain development.

020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

EXPERT-LED POSTNATAL COURSES FOR PARENTS

COULD YOU HELP A CHOKING CHILD?

AWARD-WINNING AND INTERACTIVE CLASSES

Weekend courses in London Expecting your first baby? Going through a difficult period with your toddler?

The Parenting Chapter provides a programme of expert-led, Londonbased postnatal courses aimed at expectant and new parents, and parents with toddlers. The programme is split into four chapters: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 12 months plus. Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, each chapter covers all the potential hurdles that parents may encounter with their first and subsequent children at each age and stage, empowering them with practical and impartial advice and solutions. lauren@theparentingchapter.com theparentingchapter.com

Classes across London Every year, thousands of parents choose First Aid for Life to empower them with the skills to help their child in an emergency. Join a course in the company’s training room, or book a bespoke course at a time and place to suit you. The medical professionals run informative, reassuring, handson training. Learn CPR, how to help if your baby chokes and first aid for common injuries. Everyone receives comprehensive first aid manuals, CPR flow charts and certificates, and the paedriatic courses fulfil Ofsted requirements for child carers. Quote ‘Baby London’ to receive a free preschool first aid kit with your booking.

020 8675 4036 firstaidforlife.org.uk

LIVE JAZZ GIGS FOR BABIES

ANTENATAL AND POSTNATAL TWINS CLASSES

Gymboree’s commitment to quality is unsurpassed, and every day thousands of parents and carers across the UK choose Gymboree because they want the best for their little ones.

The team has a simple goal: to provide the best Play & Learn, Art and Music classes for newborns to five year olds in the world! With more than 30 years of experience behind the brand, the classes and activities are based on a blend of early childhood development theories and years of hands-on experience.

Gymboree’s tried-and-tested formula of physical, social, sensory and imaginary elements make for 45 minutes of fun. Enjoy challenging and age-appropriate activities which will help your little one through the crucial early stages. Themes, props and set-ups change frequently.

Members also get exclusive access to Open Gym free-play sessions on site. Little ones can bring an adult along with them to play in a clean, colourful and safe environment with purpose-built equipment. Art classes are for children from 18 months and allow them to demonstrate their artistic flair. Self-expression and creativity are inspired by painting, drawing, printing and more. Music classes run for ages six months plus, using a global mix of language and genres.

Sensory Baby Play classes are for newborns onwards, and feature physical stimulation from a varied mix of props. Little ones become attentive and interested through songs, tactile play and physical games.

Free trial classes are available at Bayswater and Notting Hill, Bromley, Chiswick, Docklands, Ealing, East Dulwich, Hampstead, Harrow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Putney, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. gymboree-uk.com

Across South West London As cool as a baby group can be, Jazzabyebabies offers music your baby and you will love. The Jazzabyebabies musicians come from top London music colleges and play a range of traditional jazz with a cheeky injection of original Jazzabyebabies songs that you and your baby can sing along to. With amazing musicians, baby percussion instruments, play parachutes and bubbles, Jazzabyebabies is like a mini jazz café, brimming with friendliness where your baby can play and you can get comfy on beanbags. There’s even free homemade cake! Online tickets are just £5 and private birthday parties can be booked over the phone.

020 8788 7014 jazzabybabies.com

Classes across London As the UK’s only specialised service for new and expectant parents of twins, triplets and multiples, Twin Love Concierge is certified by the International Maternity & Parenting Institute™, and most importantly, is run by mothers of twins.

Whether you’re expecting twins or are in your first year of parenthood, there is a group or class for you. Twin Love Concierge also offers maternity concierge including nursery design, baby planning, registry creation and more. Join a local class to meet other parents, or get in touch for your complimentary pre-consultation.

07460 712 580 info@twinloveconcierge.com twinloveconcierge.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 155

COMPETITIONS

CHANCE TO WIN

Exclusive competitions and offers for Baby London readers A SUPPORI SLING WITH METANIUM To make your days out with baby even easier, Metanium is giving away four award-winning Suppori slings (RRP £45), suitable from six months of age, plus a Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion with each one. The double-action spray protects and moisturises skin to help prevent nappy rash. Two sprays should be enough to form a thin protective layer; pat around the area to maximise coverage – no need to rub in. The handy spray is ideal to keep in your changing bag, too. metanium.co.uk

ORGANIC COTTON NEWBORN BUNDLE In the early days, we only want the softest cotton for our newborn’s delicate skin, and now, we have the sweetest baby bundle worth more than £130 from The Little Green Sheep to give away. The pure organic cotton Wild Collection set includes a beautiful Moses basket bedding pack, a cosy knitted blanket, a sleepsuit, bib and hat gift set, and a sleeping bag, all featuring adorable rabbit illustrations. thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

A PLAYHOUSE

BABY EARMUFFS

Kiddiewinkles is giving away one of its gorgeous Beach Hut and Seaside Playhouses, worth £225. The pure cotton playhouse features intricate hand-embroidered detail, and is perfect for indoor play. kiddiewinkles.co.uk

To celebrate the launch of Alpine Muffy Baby earmuffs, we’ve got three pairs to give away, worth £23.95 each!

These cool fabric earmuffs protect the vulnerable hearing of babies and toddlers. alpinehearingprotection.co.uk

A BABY CARRIER Enjoy exploring with this giveaway from Cheeky Rascals. Enter now, and you could win an Izmi baby carrier worth £75 (suitable from six months of age), plus a Love To Dream Original Swaddle UP, worth £22.99. cheekyrascals.co.uk

LUXURY BABY GIFT SETS To celebrate the launch of new label The Little Art Collection, you could win three of its Swaddle & Square gift sets worth £39.99 each, made from the softest printed bamboo. thelittleartcollection.co.uk

ENTER ONLINE AT BABYLONDON.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS 156 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

With you every step of the way

Most trusted by mums1 Most recommended by midwives1,2

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The ONLY vitamin company to receive The Queen’s Award For Innovation in PREGNANCY CARE

1. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 2. Based on a survey of 1000 midwives. 3. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.18, No.5, 487-489 (1999).

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

Adorable Bunny Nightlight £48 Q) My friend is having a baby and has asked me to plan her baby shower, HELP? A) Do not worry, here at Girl Baby Boy Baby we specialise is creating the ultimate dream baby shower to remember before your star is born. You tell us your desired baby shower and we will create it.

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Fun French Lessons

Innovative immersion programme Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Time Out

Venues across London

Artistic. Relaxed. Timeless.

Est. 1993

020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Horkesley Joinery Ltd richmond practice .

The family doctor.

GP · Paediatrician · Gynaecologist

020 8940 5009

Clinical excellence hassle-free 158 | MAY/JUN17 | babylondon.co.uk

Bespoke Wooden • Stair Gates • Fire Guards • Stair Refurbs 01206 271 509 info@horkesleyjoinery.co.uk www.horkesleyjoinery.co.uk

SHOPPING

London

Boutiques

FOR TH E FIN E ST SELEC TION OF HAN D -PICKED LON DON BOUTIQU E S, H ER E’S OU R SH OPPING GUIDE

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 159

BLUE ALMONDS

Blue Almonds is a leading boutique for baby and children’s furniture, luxury clothing and accessories. It’s a haven for mothers-to-be, offering bespoke pieces for nurseries and children’s rooms, from cots, beds, Moses baskets and cribs to changers, wardrobes, desks, and a selection of handmade blankets and bedding. Blue Almonds also offers a cashmere collection for babies, designed in collaboration with Madeleine Thompson.

164 WALTON STREET, LONDON SW3 2JL bluealmonds.co.uk

MONSOON

An iconic British brand, Monsoon has been a stalwart on the high street for over four decades, giving us more than its fair share of affordable pieces for our homes and wardrobes. Its bright, bohemian vibe carries all the way through to childrenswear, with pieces for boys and girls of all ages; from Indian-inspired embroidery to retro prints and bold motifs. Head to its sister brand, Accessorize, for great little pieces kids will love.

STORES ACROSS LONDON monsoon.co.uk

MAMAS & PAPAS

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

STORES ACROSS LONDON mamasandpapas.com

BONPOINT

Bonpoint has to be the haute couture of children’s fashion, with in-house design studios and stores all over the globe. Under the artistic direction of Christine Innamorato, each piece from the Parisian boutique is meticulously hand-crafted to exacting standards. Its clothing features signature detailing and unrivalled quality fabrics, catering for stylish boys and girls ranging in age, from newborn to young teenagers.

STORES ACROSS LONDON bonpoint.com

NATURALMAT

This cosy baby boutique in Notting Hill is the home of natural sleep. All its mattresses are handmade in Devon using the finest natural fibres, and the pure cotton bedding is Soil Association certified organic. You can also shop a range of organic products from brands such as Aden + Anais and Merino Kids, as well as nursery furniture from Stokke, Leander, Kidsmill and Moodelli.

99 TALBOT ROAD, LONDON W11 2AT naturalmat.co.uk/baby

TROTTERS

This popular London-based brand offers a wide choice of childrenswear and acessories, all excellent in quality, value and design. The family-run business first opened its doors in 1990 and has been delivering stylish and exclusive yet affordable products for children aged from newborn to 10 years ever since. The stores also offer a renowned hairdressing service. Visit its new flagship shop on Kensington High Street.

STORES ACROSS LONDON trotters.co.uk

160 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

SHOPPING

SERAPHINE

ON LIN E

The Seraphine story began back in 2002, with the opening of its flagship boutique on Kensington High Street. Offering stylish, high-quality maternity fashion for mothers-to-be, the label has dressed everyone from A-listers to royalty. As well as the company’s main line, Seraphine Luxe provides women with a wider choice of maternity occasionwear, plus, a bespoke design services for exclusive international clientele.

179 KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, LONDON W8 6SH seraphine.com

IZZIWOTNOT

ON LIN E

Welcome home your bundle of joy with a luxury nursery set from Izziwotnot. Timeless and elegant, it is furniture that will grow with your family. As a boutique dedicated to great British design, Izziwotnot’s prestigious Bailey Sleigh cot bed and bestselling wicker Moses baskets are firm favourites amongst London mums. izziwotnot.com

SCARLET RIBBON MERINO

Keep your little one snug this spring and wrap them up in nature’s best. Scarlet Ribbon Merino makes knitted daywear for babies aged up to 18 months from the finest merino wool.

Combining quality with everyday practicality, Scarlet Ribbon’s knitwear is versatile and longlasting; something to treasure and pass down to younger siblings. scarletribbonmerino.com

ON LIN E

SCANDIBORN

STOCKISTS

PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM LEIGHTON

For those who love the Nordic aesthetic, Scandiborn is the name to know. Launched only last year, the family-run online retailer stocks a whole host of Scandinavian brands, plenty of which are new and exclusive to the UK market. You can shop for everything from clothing and shoes to nursery furniture and toys. Some of our favourites labels include Cam Cam Copenhagen and Ooh Noo. scandiborn.co.uk

Ari wears cotton dungarees, £44, and linen shirt, £39, both La Coqueta. Cotton socks, £4, and textile pram shoes, £10, both Marks & Spencer.

STOCKIST INFORMATION Aden + Anais Bob & Blossom Bonpoint Caramel Childrensalon Chloé Frugi La Coqueta Marks & Spencer Mayoral Monsoon Mothercare Pepa & Co Rachel Riley Smallable Stella McCartney The White Company Tutto Piccolo

adenandanais.co.uk bobandblossom.co.uk bonpoint.com caramel-shop.co.uk childrensalon.com childrensalon.com welovefrugi.com lacoquetakids.com marksandspencer.com childrensalon.com monsoon.co.uk mothercare.com pepaandcompany.com rachelriley.co.uk en.smallable.com stellamccartney.com thewhitecompany.com childrensalon.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 161

BUSINESS Cameron and Akin believe it’s important to listen to and learn from their customers

INSPIRE AKIN ONAL & CAMERON MILLER

What inspired you to set up MORI in the first place?

Cam: The idea came to us when we were looking for gifts for our nieces and nephews. We wanted something useful and thoughtful but special enough to give as a gift. We were really surprised to discover that the essentials we found on the high street were not only poorly designed, but also mass-produced from synthetic fabrics. We decided to set out on a journey to offer an alternative, with beautifully crafted, good quality pieces for babies.

about their war with fastening 10 or more poppers while their baby is crying, we worked on a zipper sleepsuit alternative. We will launch it very soon and I know that my brother-in-law at least will be super happy.

So are your nieces and nephews an inspiration for the brand?

Akin: Definitely. My niece Su, who now lives in Prague, was one of the first to try MORI. She helped us choose the softest bamboo and organic cotton fabric, which has become our signature. Our MORI family has grown, with almost 5,000 babies wearing the pieces in more than 50 countries, and we take inspiration from them all daily.

We believe it is so important to listen to and learn from our customers. For example, after hearing from so many fathers

Why is being organic important?

Akin: I can talk for hours about why our fabric is truly the best for baby’s skin; it is ultra soft, naturally breathable and helps maintain the right body temperature. However, we also care about our planet and its limited resources, as well as our society. Bamboo grows much faster than cotton and consumes a lot less water. Also, unlike leaders of the fast fashion industry, we make sure our factories don’t outsource the production

162 | MAY/JUN 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

We meet the duo behind organic baby essentials brand MORI to find out more about the business to smaller and unaudited shops.

We visit their facilities often and oversee the entire supply chain.

Describe a typical day for you.

Akin: I start most days with coffee and jumbo oats. I then read through my emails and answer the urgent ones at home before going into the office.

I’m a bit of a workaholic – aside from meetings with the team, manufacturers or investors, I am otherwise glued to my phone or

computer screens. I also make sure to put aside an hour to connect with customers. I read through their comments, write back to them or even reach out to those who haven’t made a purchase for some time to find out how we can improve their experience with us.

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

Cam: Never lose sight of the forest through the trees. You have to build your dream one tree at a time. It is a very fulfilling experience and you need to take your time to do it. But at times, it is very easy to lose yourselves in the unnecessary details and get demotivated. That’s why it is important to take a step back to see the progress you have made.

What are your plans for 2017?

Akin: This year is an exciting one.

We’ll be launching new products, including the new bedding range to complete our Sleep Time collection and help babies (and parents) get the one thing they all need – more sleep! babymori.com

Meet the new

PACE www.icoo.de Avail abl e in a range o f co lo u r s

info@hauckuk.com +44 (0)1978 664362

LIFE IS FOR LIVING

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