Baby London July/August 2018

blondon b JULY/AUGUST 2018

BABYLONDON.CO.UK

Prepare for birth MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE IN THE LABOUR ROOM

GET THE LOWDOWN ON BABY SUN CREAM

NURSEFY R WORT H OVE Y £695

R

The big

squeeze REGAIN YOUR PELVIC FLOOR

Hollywood star

Zoe Saldana

Summer

LOVING

W N A MII F

• YOUR MATERNITY EDIT FOR HOT AND HAZY DAYS • PERFECT PICNIC RECIPES FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE • EXPLORE LONDON WITH TOP DAYS OUT • HOW TO HOLIDAY WITH A BABY • BEST STROLLERS DESIGNED TO TRAVEL

On raising three boys

Blame the hormones

HOW YOUR PREGNANCY AFFECTS YOU

Fitness Fix

QUICK AND EASY WAYS TO WORK OUT

£3.99

STRESS FREE PREGNANCY TIPS FROM ZITA WEST

Š2018. All rights reserved Young Soles. Photography by takeapicturelady

Spring Summer 2018 www.youngsoles.co.uk Use code LLSS18 for 10% off all orders Promotional code only applicable to footwear bought from the official Young Soles website. Offer expires 31 July 2018.

CONTENTS JU L /AUG 2018

38

fi

Zoe Saldana revea ls how she juggles ng on se ra s ng a yo ng fa y

25 Albert wears cotton shirt, £35, My Little Cozmo. Cotton quilted blanket, £47, Numero 74. Cotton bloomers, £16, Numero 74. Dinosaur toy, £4, Numero 74.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHAN MALPASS

FEATURES

44 ALL MY SONS Hollywood actress and mum-of-three Zoe Saldana talks films and family 54 FACING FERTILITY IVF at any cost? Katie Nicholl reveals how she finally achieved her happy ending 60 TRAVEL IN STYLE Rebecca Moore puts the best travel pushchairs to the test 73 PARTY TIME: IN THE GARDEN Carole Middleton shares her tips for throwing an al fresco summer party 82 BREAKING THE TABOO Regain control of your post-birth body with these tips from Becky Dickinson 86 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE What makes a good birthing partner?

90 TIME TO KICK SOME...

Bounce back into regular exercise with your new arrival in tow

49

STYLE

38 SUMMER DAZE Wave in the warmer months with dusty hues of pink, teal and duck egg blue 51 SUN-SATIONAL Keep cool this summer with playful accessories, soft pastels, bold brights and chic monochrome

SHOPPING

23 BABY LONDON LOVES Why this lovingly crafted leather crib from Bermbach should be top of your shopping list 25 SHOP THE THEMES Whatever your nursery style, celebrate the incoming warmer days with summer’s newest offerings 100 TAKE COVER Simple, versatile and great for imaginative play – just some of the reasons we love teepees!

You can pack just about anything into Scamp and Dude’s swag bags

FOOD & TRAVEL

63 TRAVEL NEWS The newest products and escapes for young families 64 POSTCARD FROM DOURO VALLEY Kate Freud and husband Jack take a break before the arrival of their third child 66 BABY’S FIRST HOLIDAY Avoid the chaos of travelling with baby with these simple steps from Jo Caird 70 BESIDE THE SEASIDE Hitting the beach with baby? These waterfront spots are sure to delight 78 WHAT’S THE DAMAGE? Ensure your baby has maximum protection in the sun this holiday season 103 FOOD NEWS The latest and greatest treats for babies, children and parents 104 PICNIC PERFECT Get baby’s weaning off to a healthy start with these tasty and seasonal recipes

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 5

Editor Rebecca Moore Online Editor Jennifer Read-Dominguez Sub Editors Natalie Keeler, Hayley Hamilton Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado, Annel Christopher Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West

66

Publisher Caroline Scott Editorial Director Maxine Briggs Director of Media James Dobson Marketing & Events Manager Georgie Walton Marketing & Events Executive Meagan Hyett Head of Market Lyndal Beeton Sales Executives Caroline Kimber, Jessica Knibbs Digital and Creative Solutions Manager Ben Leek

REGULARS

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BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small DATES FOR YOUR DIARY What’s going on in the capital this July and August WIN! THIS MIFFY-INSPIRED NURSERY Transform your little one’s bedroom with this fantastic prize bundle from Miffy, worth over £695 MY ESSENTIALS Catwalk model and mum-of-three Abbey Clancy talks family life and the importance of work BEACH BABY Emma O’Donovan shares her favourite seaside reads MATERNITY FASHION NEWS Nail the art of styling your bump with these fabulous fashion finds TOT GEAR NEWS What’s new and improved in baby kit, plus, we review the BabyZen Yoyo+ HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS What’s new for mum and baby in the world of wellbeing

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Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin

a e c o fina y go er a af er co n ess ro nds of

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77 TIME TO TALK Which hormones are really to blame for changes to your body during pregnancy?

Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt reveal all 81 Q&A WITH ZITA WEST The fertility expert reports on the impact of stress and anxiety on an unborn baby 85 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ Sioned Hilton addresses the question of how often your baby should feed, and whether you’re producing enough milk 89 DIARY OF A MUM As baby Robin approaches her second birthday, Martha Alexander shares her last ever instalment 96 THE REVIEW Laura Mason puts the best co-sleeping cots to the test 99 INTERIOR NEWS Stylish updates and inspiring finds to make your house a home 109 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from London classrooms and beyond 111 MINI AGENDA What’s going on in and around London over the next two months 114 INSPIRE We talk business, motherhood and exciting projects to come with Lisa Furuland, founder of Swedish brand Sleepyhead

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 2018 All rights reserved

SUBSCRIBE

From the next issue, Baby London will become Baby.

A national magazine, published 13 times per year!

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PHOTOGRAPHER: JONATHAN MALPASS MODEL: LULA Lula wears cotton playsuit, £45, Wild & Gorgeous.

Cotton quilted blankets, both £47, Numero 74.

Th e fin e a r t of h olida y ma k in g

At Sovereign, we pride ourselves in creating perfect bespoke luxury holiday stories tailored to suit your family.

5* Hotel Bahia Del Duque, Tenerife 7 nights All Inclusive from £2,985* per family of 3, including an infant Includes: 20% room discount, one free lunch per person, spa offer Saving up to £488 per family of 3 Departing 28 August 2018 from London Gatwick

Child stays free

sovereign.com | 01293 839177= Mediterranean • Middle East • Indian Ocean • Caribbean & Mexico • Far East *Offer subject to availabilty and change. †Calls from UK landlines cost the standard rate, but calls from mobiles may be higher.

Check with your network provider. Sovereign is a member of the Travelopia group of companies. ATOL protected.

ABTA No.V4068

Keep baby cool on summer days in supersoft chambray Chambray pinnie From £24, boden.co.uk

Leather sandals £22.99, zara.com

EDITORS

LETTER

Roshambo baby shades From £21.99, kidshappyhouse.co.uk

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

passport intact on page 66. Plus, to save you tirelessly googling for the best travel stroller, we’ve also put the best to the test to see you strolling in style on holiday and beyond (p.60).

If you’ll be spending these summer months with a bump, you may find that you’re blaming the change in body for every little niggle.

Dynamic duo Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle, founders of The Bump Class, explain what you can and can’t pin on the hormones (p.77).

And if you’re wondering how to dress your newfound shape, check out page 51 for our ‘sun-sational’ maternity wardrobe edit.

In the throes of decorating the nursery?

Stop right there. We’ve got the sweetest giveaway with the help of our fluffy friend Miffy. Worth over £695, bag yourself the complete nursery look on page 21.

And last but by no means least, next time you’ll hear from me I’ll be writing from Baby, our new monthly countrywide magazine – happy reading!

REBECCA MOORE, EDITOR

KEE 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

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Globe-Trotter for Charlotte Olympia trolley case £1,850, harrods.com

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UK

Cotton jersey £45, stellamccartney.com

The freckles making their annual appearance on my nose can only mean one thing… it may have felt like forever and a day, but summer is finally here – and what a dazzling theme for an issue. Here at Baby London we’ve well and truly got our beach hats on, and whether you’re planning your babymoon or taking the plunge on baby’s first flight, this issue will bring you all the tips, tricks and temptation you’ll need to embrace a holiday with or without baby in tow.

But as much as I’m singing and dancing about the arrival of the sunshine, it does mean the Factor 50 hasn’t left my side. My fair colouring means I’m pretty cautious when it comes to creaming up, but when our baby’s precious skin is at stake, how can we ensure our little ones are safe and protected? If you don’t know your UVAs from your UVBs, check out Martha Alexander’s piece on page 78.

Packing enough sun cream is one of a thousand and one things to worry about when organising your first holiday with a babe.

Mum-of-two and avid globetrotter Jo Caird is well versed when it comes to flying with children. She shares her invaluable advice to get you from ‘a’ to ‘b’ with your sanity and

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@baby_london

Soft bunny toy £19, happyology.uk babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 9

JONA TH

D BECK Y

Where were you born?

Oakham, in the East Midlands.

Any summer holidays planned?

We’re going camping in Cornwall. We’ll be praying for sun, or at least an absence of rain!

What’s your favourite thing to do when the sun is shining?

I love nothing better than being in the sea, or failing that, an outdoor pool – Pimm’s in hand!

Becky breaks her silence in our pelvic floor feature, on p.82

AN

LPASS, PHO MA T

Y APH

Where were you born?

In London. I was one of the last babies to be born at Bart’s maternity unit before it closed.

Any summer holidays planned?

We’re spending a week in our campervan at a French festival, where my partner’s band is playing, and visiting some friends in Norway.

What’s your favourite thing to do when the sun is shining?

Eat picnics and play in paddling pools!

Read Jo’s tips for travelling with baby on p.66

ON, JOURN INS A K IC

GR O

ALIST UR N J, O

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JO CA IR D

CONTRIBUTORS

Where were you born?

In Leicester.

Any summer holidays planned?

We have a friend’s wedding in Greece, so we’re planning to use this as our summer holiday.

What’s your favourite thing to do when the sun is shining?

Being in the garden with my daughter Esmé, splashing in the paddling pool.

Jonathan captures our Summer Daze shoot on p.38

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

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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/baby_mag_insta uk.pinterest.com/baby_london babylondon.co.uk

10 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Go Places, Big and Small.

Designed for your daily adventures and exciting excursions, the MINU offers modern conveniences in a portable, lightweight stroller. Go where you want, how you want – there’s nothing extra holding you back.

uppababy.com/uk

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WWW.LUCYANDBELLE.COM

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STYLED BY: KELLIE DAGGET. WITH THANKS TO BRUCE & BROWN. SOPHIE WEARS LIBERTY PRINT BLOUSE, £77, BONPOINT. DUNGAREES WITH BOWS, £42, PATACHOU. CASHMERE BABY BLANKET, £169, BRORA.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY HELEN MARSDEN

Sophie

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 13

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.

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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.�

*

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WELCOME GIFTS

Celebrate a new arrival with Kikki K’s charming stationery. The ‘You Are So Loved’ collection includes pieces for you to fill in, such as a ‘first memories’ book and a ‘letters to my child’ set – keepsakes you’ll treasure for life. There’s some great bits for gifting, too, such as wall hangings and wooden toys.

From £3, kikki-k.com

RESEARCH BY BABY FURNITURE BRAND MOKEE HAS REVEALED HOW MUCH NAMES CAN CHANGE IN JUST A GENERATION. ANALYSING ITS DATABASE, IT FOUND THAT NO ENTRIES FROM THE LIST OF MOTHERS’ NAMES APPEARED IN THE CHARTS FOR BABIES IN 2017; OLD FAVOURITES, SUCH AS LUCY AND KATE, HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH THE LIKES OF AVA AND MIA. MOKEE.EU

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 15

NEWS

GET CRAFTY

If you need something to keep you busy during nine long months of pregnancy, why not take to knitting your babe something special? The new Baby Gang collection from Wool and the Gang includes 12 DIY kits for all levels of knitting ability – from total beginner to something more advanced. There’s a selection of toys, clothes and blankets available with 37 different yarn colours to choose from. From £19, woolandthegang.com

BABY’S BEST FRIEND Piu Piu the octopus is so much more than a cuddly toy. Created by Nattou, he’s ideal for premature babies with tentacles designed to mimic the shape and feel of the umbilical cord. And as well as calming babies, it makes them less likely to pull on their monitor tubes.

Available in six colours. £14.99, hippychick.com

PHOTO EVIDENCE Immortalise those precious ‘firsts’ with the milestone cards from Made By Ellis. Presented in a personalised box, you’ll find 24 illustrated cards with a unique design and space on the reverse to mark a date and take notes. From ages to significant moments such as crawling, take a photo of baby with each card to share with loved ones. £14.95, madebyellis.com

FRENCH CHILDREN’S BRAND ÏDKIDS HAS CROSSED THE CHANNEL FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME WITH A NEW STORE IN WANDSWORTH’S SOUTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE. ITS PRODUCTS ARE SPLIT INTO THREE IN-HOUSE BRANDS THAT OFFER CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES AND EDUCATIONAL TOYS FOR ALL AGES – FROM NEWBORN UP TO 12 YEARS OLD. IDKIDS.COM

WIN!

A PACAPOD CHANGING BAG WITH METANIUM When you’re out and about with your little one, it helps to be ultra-organised. So you’ll be delighted to learn that Metanium is giving away two Pacapod Mirano changing bags RRP (£110), plus a Metanium Everyday Easy Spray, which is ideal to use when you’re away from home. It’s always worth using a barrier ointment or lotion to help protect your baby’s delicate skin, and Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion and Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment both protect and moisturise the skin to help prevent nappy rash. If nappy rash does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is licensed specifically to treat it. Make sure you always read the label. metanium. co.uk. Enter online at babylondon. co.uk/competitions

16 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

SEASIDE SNUGGLES Protect your little one’s delicate skin after a dip in the water with Cam Cam Copenhagen’s soft, thick towels perfect. Available in three colours, the towels are made from 100% organic cotton and dry quickly after use.

From £29, camcamcopenhagen.com

HARRODS LONDON - SHOP ONLINE WWW.THEOPHILE-PATACHOU.COM

NEWS

CIAO, LONDRA! Il Gufo, the luxury Italian label for children, has opened its first London boutique in South Kensington. The new space takes on a Scandinavian vibe with wooden furnishings and plenty of natural light, designed to create a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Visit to view the full collections from newborn up to age 14. 313 Brompton Road, ilgufo.com

PRECIOUS CARGO The latest carrier from BabyBjörn is all about those cherished early days with a newborn. The Baby Carrier Mini supports the child in a natural c-curve position and has no fabric between them and your chest, giving you a chance to bond with skin-to-skin contact. Available in three different materials – jersey, mesh and cotton satin – they’re all supremely gentle on baby’s delicate skin. From £74.99, babybjorn.co.uk

A WHIZPOPPING READ Introduce toddlers to the magic of Roald Dahl with the new lift-the-flap preschool collection.

Dahl’s stories have been adapted for younger readers, with the first two board books in the series, 123! and Opposites, featuring popular characters and Quentin Blake’s inimitable illustrations. £6.99, Penguin Random House

NEW ARRIVALS Discover outdoor and interior products for the whole family at new lifestyle store Beyond the Stork. Here, you’ll find a mix of design-led independent brands and favourite labels such as Jem + Bea and Cam Cam Copenhagen. The baby and toddler collection includes clothing, toys and a fab selection of changing bags for mum, too. beyondthestork.co.uk

18 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

AND SO, TO SLEEP...

Much-loved artist Rob Ryan has teamed up with The Gro Company for its latest collaboration. Using the grobag as his canvas, Ryan has created three original prints; Summers Day, Spring Morning and Night Fall feature intricate sketches that illustrate a beautiful bedtime story, inspired by nature and the security that bedtime brings. From £26.99, mothercare.com

NEWS

SNOOZE IN STYLE

SOFT TOUCH

Maternity fashion label Séraphine has launched a new line of super soft organic baby clothes just perfect for gifting a new arrival. Presented in a luxury gift box, each kit includes a sleepsuit, baby grow, leggings and a hat in shades of cream, soft pink or a unique star print. Available in size one to three months. Gift set from £59, seraphine.com

The gorgeous products from Willa and The Bear make a beautiful addition to any nursery. Its collection of bedding, blankets, muslins and nightwear is handmade by artisans in Nepal, featuring charming prints in soft, dusky colours. We particularly love the traditional smocked nighties with floral embroidery and puffed sleeves. willaandthebear.com

BEST OF THE BLOGS

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

MOTHER OF ALL LISTS

THE MOTHERSHOP

Who doesn’t love a list? Londoner and mum-of-two Clemmie Telford is such a fan that she’s created a whole website full of them. She curates a series of posts in bullet point form, rather than flowing paragraphs, covering topics from maternal health to same-sex parenting, death to alcohol abuse, submitted by women from all walks of life.

And, like a list, it just keeps on going – once you get to the bottom of the homepage, up pops another engaging post for you to get lost in. motherofalllists.com

Fashion stylist and mum to two-year old Florence and new baby Marnie, Anna Woodham runs The Mothershop with the aim of showing women how to retain their style during pregnancy and beyond. Adapting the latest fashion trends for maternity wear, she’ll alert you to the best new clothing brands for mumsto-be, and even provide a sprinkling of the best childrenwear labels. themothershop.co.uk

Martha loves writing about her adventures with her four kids, Felix, Indie, Dottie and Tiggy

MARTHA’S HAPPILY EVER AFTER Mum-of-four Martha is the woman behind the aptly named blog Martha’s Happily Ever After. She fills her website with interiors, lifestyle and fashion finds, showcasing her favourite brands and charting her family’s adventures. Martha recently moved house and is embarking on an entirely new renovation project – stay tuned to see how she styles her new space. marthashappilyeverafter.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 19

JULY 4

WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR? Voting for the Little London Awards 2018 opens today!

Cast your vote and you’ll be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a year’s membership to Harbour Club Kensington. awards. littlelondonmagazine.co.uk

City oasis

Celebrate the capital’s green spaces, trees and waterways in the first ever National Park City Week from 21 to 29 July. Events will be taking place in venues all across London in a bid to encourage more people to enjoy the great outdoors.

Walks, talks, boat trips and street dance are just some of the activities on offer!

14 SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP

nationalparkcity.london

Today is your last chance to catch Kids & Co’s pop-up shop from Pepa & Co in Notting Hill, where you can browse a variety of premium children’s brands. Open from 10am to 6pm. pepaandcompany.com

dates for your

Lambeth Country Show returns to Brockwell Park this weekend in a bigger format and with improved security.

Highlights include a farm, fun fair, bouncy castle and plenty of music, food and drink.

Better yet, it’s free to attend! lambethcountryshow.co.uk

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

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Planet Play’s Thousand and One Days offers an immersive 45-minute session for very young children, enabling them to engage with the fables featured in Chickenshed Theatre’s main summer show.

Available until 4 August. chickenshed.org.uk

29 C’EST

Bowing to popular demand from mothers countrywide, we’re delighted to be launching Baby, which will be available outside the capital and published every four weeks. Each issue will be packed with inspiration and tips for new and expectant mothers, gorgeous photoshoots, expert advice and product reviews. The first issue of Baby, cover dated September, will go on sale Wednesday 18 July. £3.99, babylondon.co.uk

Learn French and enjoy an afternoon of fun visual games at Club Petit Pierrot’s Family French Festival, taking place from 1pm to 4pm. Children can decorate their own flag, create still-life drawings and even taste some traditional French cheeses. jewishmuseum.org.uk

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20 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

MAGNIFIQUE!

AUGUST 1 MOVIE MAGIC

Luna Kids Cinema hits Hatfield House in Hertfordshire until 4 August. Catch screenings of Tangled, Moana, Paddington 2, Finding Dory and more. lunakidscinema.com

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SILLY OLD BEAR...

Disney’s Christopher Robin hits cinemas today, bringing A.A. Milne’s tale of a young boy and his stuffed toys to life.

you’ll find rides, animal shows and a spacious play area for kids under five. mudchute.org

15 GO WILD

Kids can connect with nature and embark on exciting trails at The Life Underground Discovery Day in Hyde Park. royalparks.org.uk

26 STORY TIME

Little ones can enjoy stories inspired by paintings. nationalgallery.org.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: LUKE MASSEY

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PARTY IN THE PARK

SEPT

DIARY

Cotton mix romper £48, pepaand company.com

4 FUN ON

THE FARM

This weekend’s Mudchute Agricultural Show is where

Picnic rug £29.95, joules.com

WIN!

THIS MIFFY-INSPIRED NURSERY

WORTH OVER £695

The minimalist paper sacks are perfect for toys or laundry and look great with the Miffy theme

PHOTOGRAPHY: PETE HELME

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an you think of anything more adorable than Miffy? Dick Bruna’s lovingly illustrated bunny has been a familiar face for over 60 years.

Starting her life as a book character, the effortlessly cute four-legged friend now comes in a myriad of merchandise options which are all perfect additions for baby’s nursery. If like us you’ve got a soft spot for the sweet Dutch bunny, then perk up your ears because we’ve got the perfect prize bundle to transform your little one’s room. The lucky winner will receive the following items: Tobias and the Bear X

Miffy cotbed duvet set (£55), string fairy lights (£30), Ixxi wall art (£39.10), small and large paper bag toy sacks (£12.99/£19.99), Primark cushion (£5), clock (£40), black board (£22.50), soft toy (£22), small lamp (£135), book ends (£24.99), three art prints (£30), rattle toy (£9.99), corduroy toy (£20), changing mat cover (£12.10), spiral toy (£17.22), mobile (£24.21), canopy (£20.96), cube soft toy (£13.71) and muslin squares (£12.38). But that’s not all! Beautiful interiors brand Mokee will complete the look with a Mokee Mini Cot and mattress (£129), too.

So what are you waiting for? Hop to it!

To enter, visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES 11.59PM ON 12 JULY 2018. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT MIFFYSHOP.COM

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 21

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

A SIMPLY TIMELESS MEGA GROUP SAFETY SYSTEM THAT GROWS FROM INFANT TO INFINITY.

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joiebaby.com/signature Available from Argos, Boots, Halfords, John Lewis, Mamas and Papas, Mothercare and all good independent nursery retailers.

SHOPPING

LOVES Modern design and vintage aesthetics fuse to create this truly original, undoubtedly cool crib

A natural nest If finding a product as beautiful as your baby were possible, we think this would be it. Handmade to order by German brand Bermbach using the finest rattan and leather, this lovingly crafted crib is sure to make the talking point of any nusery. A modern reimagining of the traditional moses basket, revamp the nursery and let baby snooze the day away in style.

Bermbach crib (mattress not included), ÂŁ658, smallable.com

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 23

.

S T T U B E R O S O NO IFS, N

d be so fter . ul o sh g n hi ot n s, m o bi es ’ bott W he n it co m es to ba

ri ved fu ll of nat ur ally de ed ck pa is m ea cr py .

Th at ’s w hy ou r nap ew bo rn s an d babi es n r fo re ca to d ially deve lo pe ingr ed ie nts an d sp ec ecze m a- pr on e skin . or ve ti si n se r fo en su itable It ’s so m ild, it ’s ev er , r bu m s dese rv e bett ei th e re ag u yo if So th e revolu tion . jo in th e ch ildr en of ch ilds farm .com

Konges Sløjd cloud mobile £19.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Tinycottons one-piece £52, alexandalexa.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN STYLING: KELLIE DAGGETT MODEL: BRUCE & BROWN

Kalon Studios caravan cot £1,130, cuckooland.com

Paloma de la O two-piece dress set £53, childrensalon.com Meri Meri bunny £21.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Stella McCartney dress £63, libertylondon.com

Bonton hat £33, smallable.com Cotton romper £40, mabelchild.co.uk

Cotton duvet set £140, caramel-shop.co.uk

Sophie wears cotton top, £95, Marie Chantal. Cotton trousers, £75, Marie Chantal.

Cashmere blanket, £169, Brora.

JUST PEACHY

Add a soft touch to baby’s summer wardrobe with a pretty parade of pinks and pastels Wooden racing car £23.92, babipur.co.uk

Cashmere cardigan £169, bonpoint.com

Silk swaddles £42, adenandanaisco.uk Nobodinoz sleeping bag £45, nubie.co.uk

Cotton dress £18, marksandspencer.com

Easy Peasy shoes £34, libertylondon.com

Olli Ella basket £30, daisiesanddinosaurs.co.uk

SHOPPING Hanging alphabet wall £29, merimeri.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN STYLING: KELLIE DAGGETT MODEL: GRACE & GALOR

Tripp Trapp chair £174, stokke.com Monster-print bibshort £20, cathkidson.com

Jasmine wears seersucker romper, £85, Marie Chantal. Cashmere booties, £39, Brora. Blanket, £39, The White Company.

Babycook £120, beaba.com Merino romper £64.50, shirleybredal.com

MINTY FRESH

LED night light £10.95, lullabuy.co.uk

Frill lace dress £30, marksandspencer.com

Organic cotton dress and bloomers £53, neckandneck.com

Keep your cool throughout the warmer months with crisp shades of pastel green Cotton sweatshirt £36, scampanddude.com

Cotton dress £209, cashmirino.com

The Milk Collective rattle £20, libertylondon.com

Laranjinha linen shorts £39.99, panachekids.co.uk

Lifetime teepee £175, cuckooland.com Cotton bib £11.99, zarahome.com

Plush octopus toy £15, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

A child’s memories last forever, and the same can be said of their skin!

FREZYDERM introduces three products, for the three different stages of your child’s skin – Baby, Infant, and Kids – offering broad spectrum sun protection, with lightweight textures that can be easily applied and that are specially designed for the sensitive skin of your little one.

Give their skin the protection it deserves this summer with FREZYDERM’s Sun Care Range.

Available online and at local independent pharmacies

happy tums. happy mums.

Care Co-lactase Infant drops Feed milk immediately after adding Co-lactase

Sufficient for 60 feeds

Reduces the lactose content in milk

Can be used from birth onwards

Feed y instantl

Available in Asda, Boots, Morrisons, Tesco & pharmacies

Does not contain Sugar, preservative or flavours

Colic – Treatment, NHS Choices: “Lactase is an enzyme that helps break down a sugar called lactose, which is found in milk. Your baby may have a temporary problem digesting lactose, which could contribute to their colicky symptoms.” (2015)¹

www.allthecareyouneed.co.uk You should see an improvement after 1 week. If symptoms persist after this time please speak to your Healthcare Professional.

Reference: 1. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Colic/Pages/Treatment.aspx Thornton & Ross Ltd, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD7 5QH. Telephone 01484 842217.

Care + and the lozenge device are trademarks of Thornton & Ross ltd.

Bobo Choses bloomers £26, en.smallable.com

Cotton dress £16, mandco.com

Noe & Zoe overalls £36, libertylondon.com

Sophie wears summer dress, £47, Mini A Ture. Cotton pants, £35.25, Mini A Ture.

Cotton hat, £23.50, Mini A Ture. Blanket, £39, The White Company.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN STYLING: KELLIE DAGGETT

Wooden ride-on toy £99.95, theweestore.com

Cotton-blend romper £56, louisemisha.com Cotton-blend jumpsuit £19.99, zara.com

Cotton dungarees £29, petit-bateau.co.uk

GOLDEN TOUCH

Uppababy Cruz pushchair £529.99, johnlewis.com

Say hello to summer with vibrant hues of butterscotch, banana and lemon

Meri Meri cotton rattle £16.50, thismodernlife.co.uk Acrylic lion £85, jonathanadler.com

Dotty Dungarees t-shirt £15, roseandlula.com

Olli Ella pull-along basket £45, scandiborn.co.uk

Cotton dress £12, marksandspencer.com Noa Noa Miniature shorts £29, alexandalexa.com

Leather sandals £19.99, zara.com

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 29

G.H. Hurt & Son cashmere shawl £149, libertylondon.com

Cam Cam Copenhagen canopy £99.95, scandiborn.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN STYLING: KELLIE DAGGETT

Dungarees and toy set £32, thewhitecompany.com

Jasmine wears dungaree shorts, £39, Patachou. Cotton blouse, £30, Patachou. Cotton throw, £55, Mori.

Denim jacket £39, cosstores.com

Nylon holdall £140, tibaandmarl.com

Cotton dress £34, petit-bateau.co.uk

BLUE BRIGADE

Leather shoes £39.99, startriteshoes.com

Reach for the sky with statement shades of sapphire, navy and steel blue Meri Meri sleeping bag £50, merimeri.co.uk

Tinycottons one-piece £34, libertylondon.com

Cotton jumpsuit £52.25, omibia.com

Sarah Louise smocked dress £57, childrensalon.com

BabyBjörn carrier £139.99, johnlewis.com

Cotton-blend trousers £34, lacoquetakids.com Blune cotton dress £45, alexandalexa.com

Wilbur whale toy £18.50, jellycat.com

Wooden ABC puzzle £34.99, cottage-toys.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

New baby Johnny Abbey and her hu sband Peter Crouch married in 2011

MY ESSENTIALS ABBEY CLANCY

How’s the last five months been since adding baby Johnny into the family dynamic?

I feel like we’re complete as a family and I definitely think that’s us done now. I’m delighted to have had a little baby boy – the girls absolutely love him and he’s slipped into the dynamic quite easily to be honest.

With two girls already (Sophia, seven and Liberty, almost three), are you finding many differences with a boy?

He’s a lot calmer than the girls and so cuddly. I think he’s definitely becoming a mummy’s boy. I have to say it’s a nice change having a boy. I’m so used to the house being full of things that are pink or princessy so having some boys’ clothes in the mix is cute.

How’s Peter finding having a son for the first time?

Oh he absolutely loves him. But Pete liked being king of the house

The catwalk model and mum talks family life, the importance of work and being a mother to three children with all his girls and they are definitely still daddy’s girls, so I’m looking forward to having my own little mummy’s boy.

Where do you like to shop for baby Johnny?

I’m loving H&M at the moment.

Their stuff is good quality Abbey and her family recently enjoyed a weekend together at Chewton Glen

and fairly priced too, which is important as they grow out of everything so quickly at this age!

give Johnny a little baby massage every night when he gets out of the bath and I take it everywhere with me. Other than that it’s the usual stuff you’d expect to find – millions of dummies, nappies and wipes.

You gave birth just four months ago. What’s your secret for getting your pre-baby What can’t-livebody back so quickly? without products are in I honestly think it’s because I your changing bag? don’t sit down. With three I love Kokoso’s organic kids I’m constantly on coconut oil for babies. I the move. But I do like to keep myself fit and healthy and eat well, Cotton dungaree shorts too – just for the sake £12.99, hm.com of energy and feeling good. And when I work out I feel much stronger as a person too!

What’s a typical weekend like for you these days?

Weekends are difficult because Pete plays football then so I

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 33

INTERVIEW

Big sister Liberty

enjoys a cuddle

Abbey’s collection features stylish patterns like Dalmation print

Soft to the touch and a cradle cap lifesaver Coconut oil for babies from £5.49, kokoso.co.uk

need to hold the fort with the three kids. I do like to try and get everyone out of the house as much as possible though. We all went to Chewton Glen in the New Forest together recently and it was such a lovely weekend.

There were loads of activities for the kids to do there – it was absolutely brilliant.

You’ve just collaborated with parenting brand My Babiie for a Catwalk Collection. How did this come about?

This is something that’s been going on for a little while actually.

To have my own pram collection is amazing and something I’ve wanted to see happen for a long time. I’ve loved working on it and coming up with ideas and now to see the finished product is just brilliant. I hope everyone

34 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

else will enjoy it too.

What sort of products can we expect to see in the range?

I think there’s something for everyone – the range has a selection of strollers, pushchairs, travel systems, high chairs and changing bags.

Prints are big in the collection.

Do you have a favourite?

Ooh that’s tricky as obviously I love them all, but I do really like the Dalmatian print.

I think it’s so cool and I love the gold touch. I’m also a big fan of the Navy Stars print – it’s really sweet when the baby is in the carrycot looking up at the stars. It’s also a good neutral one too if you don’t know what gender you’re having!

You’ve been very honest about your pregnancies and said your third was tough. Do you have any tips for expectant mums suffering morning sickness?

I wish I did have the answer. I was in hospital three times with hyperemesis gravidarum! If I could give any advice at all I think it would be to listen to your body and to rest as much as you need.

It’s something I struggled with because I like to be active, and lying in bed all day doesn’t come

easily for me. But sometimes you just have to because you need to look after yourself, especially when pregnant.

Do you have a family holiday planned, and if so where to?

June is the only time off Pete gets during the year, so we’ve got a couple of really amazing holidays planned for then. It’s very different packing for three little people, especially with a baby as they need about five outfits a day. I look like I’m emigrating with the amount of stuff we have packed!

What’s the rest of 2018 got in store for you?

I want to work as much as possible. I really love the work I do and I think it’s a great example to set for your children. And I’m really excited about the launch of the Catwalk Collection – I can’t wait to hear people’s reactions!

Abbey and son Johnny

Catwalk Collection by Abbey launches in July. mybabiie.com

INTERVIEW: REBECCA MOORE. PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD YOUNG/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; INSTAGRAM.COM/ABBEYCLANCYOFFICIAL

Abbey won’t be giving up the day job

FINE CASTING & BESPOKE HAND ENGRAVED JEWELLERY Telephone 020 8769 4757 Mobile 07977 477 518 enquiries@philippaherbert.co.uk www.philippaherbert.co.uk philippa_herbert Registered Charity no. 1167073

Beach baby Emma O’Donovan SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE SE ASIDE R E ADS

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: AT THE BEACH

By Naomi Wilkinson

A cast of cute characters encourage readers to spot the difference in various beach scenes. A fun-packed read perfect for a long journey. £6.99, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

BOOKS

This warm-hearted tale was the winner of the 2017 V&A Best Illustrated Book Award!

POP-UP OCEAN

ILLUSTRATION: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: AT THE BEACH BY NAOMI WILKINSON

By Ingela P. Arrhenius On the beach, on the waves and under the sea, 15 magical pop-up characters leap off the pages in this miniature sea-themed story. £6.99, Walker Books

INTO THE OCEAN

By Laura Baker and Nadia Taylor

This clever rhyming book encourages exploration of the ocean using touch and feel elements. Ideal for inquisitive minds and busy hands. £9.99, Words and Pictures

JANE FOSTER’S SUMMERTIME

By Jane Foster

From sandcastles to ice creams

and everything in between, this book explores everything we love about summer. £6.99, Templar Publishing

A FIRST BOOK OF THE SEA

By Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton

With tales of the world’s oceans, this compendium of rhymes brilliantly captures the excitement of a child’s first glimpse of the sea. £14.99, Walker Books

I AM LITTLE FISH

By Lucy Cousins

Wiggle your finger to make the little fish puppet swim, as you dip, dive and wade through vivid reefs, making new friends along the way. £7.99, Walker Books

ALAN’S BIG, SCARY TEETH

LOIS LOOKS FOR BOB AT THE SEASIDE

Alan is a terribly fierce alligator, but he also has an embarrassing secret. Will the jungle critters help him mend his ways? A chomping charmer of a story filled to the brim with giggles. £6.99, Walker Books

Supremely stylish and full of fun, readers will love helping Lois search for her friend Bob hidden behind the flaps on the beach.

A book that’s perfect for little readers with big imaginations. £6.99, Nosy Crow

THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE

OCTOPANTS

By Jarvis

By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Promoting compassion through an unconventional friendship and an epic voyage of discovery, this 15th anniversary edition includes previously unseen illustrations and a beautiful shiny foil cover. £6.99, MacMillan Children’s Books

By Gerry Turley

By Suzy Senior and Claire Powell Little ones will be chuckling along as you try to choose the perfect underwater underwear for an octopus and his chums.

This hilarious rhyming romp is also ideal reading if you are attempting potty training this summer. £10.99, Little Tiger Press

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 37

Summer daze

PHOTOGR APHY: JONATHAN MALPASS ST YLING: AN NA MOR R IS GROOMING: MIR A PAR MAR

THIS PAGE: Kai wears cotton jumper, £56 (as part of a set), La Coqueta.

Cotton trousers, £65, Caramel. Cotton quilted blankets, both £47, Numero 74.

LEFT PAGE: Albert wears linen romper, £70, Apolina Kids. Cotton quilted blanket, £47, Numero 74.

THIS PAGE: Amina wears cotton dress, £80, Caramel. Bow, stylist’s own. Lula wears cotton blouse, from ¤37.50, Arsène et les pipelettes. Cotton bloomers, from ¤26, Arsène et les pipelettes. Blanket, stylist’s own.

LEFT PAGE: Lula wears cotton playsuit, £45, Wild & Gorgeous.

Blankets as before. Cushion, stylist’s own.

THIS PAGE: Kai wears cotton romper, £80, Caramel.

Teddy, stylist’s own. Blanket as before.

LEFT PAGE: Liv wears linen dress, $70, Ouef NYC. Blanket as before.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODELS: ALBERT, AMINA, KAI, LIV, LULA. MODEL AGENCIES: BONNIE AND BETTY, KIDS LONDON, RAY AND ROBIN.

INTERVIEW

44 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

INTERVIEW

The actress with her husband, artist Marco Perego, and their three young sons

All my sons SH E’S MADE A CAR EER OUT OF PL AYING FEIST Y ALIEN S, BUT BACK H ER E ON E ARTH , Zoe Saldana IS EM BR ACING H ER ROLE AS MUM TO TH R EE BOYS, SAYS K AR EN AN N OVERTON n the hugely successful Guardians of The Galaxy franchise, Zoe Saldana plays ‘Gamora’, a greenskinned, alien assassin who, along with her fellow otherworldly misfits, cruises around the universe beating up bad guys and saving the day.

Because of that, you might suppose she isn’t one of the most relatable characters in cinema. But for Saldana, who grew up in both New York and the Dominican Republic – and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband of five years, artist Marco Perego, and their sons, three-year-old twins Bowie and Cy, and oneyear-old Zen – there is an emotional aspect of the fearsome warrior the actress can connect with.

“She was an escape artist, until she found a core and a reason to be within this unusual family, and Gamora is the moral centre… she’s the one who keeps them together – the matriarch,” explains Saldana, as she muses over the comparison between the gaggle of aliens and her real-life brood. “But Gamora has big stupid kids; I have gorgeous little infants who are far better behaved. And that’s saying something. I have three-year-old twins who like to say ‘no’… a lot.”

I

For Saldana, who turns 40 this month, the past decade has been a whirlwind of lucrative blockbusters, heady romance and babies, having worked on three of the biggest franchises known to man – Avatar, Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy – along with raising a family. But the down-to-earth beauty is quick to clarify that the biggest challenge has not been the non-stop filming schedules, or the pressures of fame, but balancing this with caring for her children.

“I didn’t sleep for the first two years; I barely have one eye open right now. It’s hard but it’s wonderful – more than I could have wished for,” she says. “The twins are completely in sync.

They eat at the same time, they poop at the same time – it’s two for the price of one! The little one is on his own schedule; it’s challenging and I’m loving that, but I’ve never known this kind of exhaustion.”

Feisty, whip-smart and refreshingly honest, it is easy to see why directors continue to choose Saldana to play such formidable women. The actress is also fiercely proud of her Caribbean heritage – her family moved to the Dominican Republic for a period when she was 10 after her father died in

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 45

INTERVIEW Saldana credits her husband Marco as her “guiding star”

Saldana plays ‘Gamora’ in Avengers: Infinity War

46 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

“NOW I’M RAISING ALL MEN, WITH A WONDERFUL MAN, IT’S MADE ME READDRESS MY PERSPECTIVE” being one of the most in-demand actresses in Hollywood, and the star’s schedule is set to become even more gruelling as each of her movies begs for followons and sequels.

Straight off the back of the recently released Avengers: Infinity War, comes another as-yetuntitled Avengers film next year, followed by the second and third Avatar instalments in 2020 and 2021, plus the recently announced third Guardians of the Galaxy. In order to deliver her best work on set, Saldana insists that the use of a nanny be written into every contract, but even then, she says her career is only possible because of her devoted other half.

“My husband is my guiding star,” she admits.

“While I’m committed to these jobs, he flies out with the boys to wherever I am, flies back, flies forth… he has made it so doable and so

comfortable and I’m really blessed to have him on this journey,” she says.

The couple have agreed that once Saldana’s epic movie run is complete, Perego will resume his career and she will adapt her schedule to meet his needs. But until then, her only goal is ensuring her sons’ sense of wonder stays intact as they grow up around various film sets and shooting locations.

“There’s still this feeling of enchantment that I’m glad of – it hasn’t become boring and normalised for them, because I don’t want to start them on that foot. I’d hate for what they see between the make-up and costumes to burst their imagination bubble.”

But for the Perego-Saldana boys, such a malady ought not to be a problem, as their parents prove that it is possible to make every day magical so long as you are with the right person. “Together we are living a beautiful life.

We are in love, and having children has given us so much more happiness,” says Saldana, adding wistfully, “sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that I found my other half...

Marco always leaves me stunned, and now my children do as well.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: WENN LTD/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; RINGO CHIU/ZUMA PRESS/PA IMAGES; HAHN LIONEL/ABACA/ABACA/PA IMAGES; REX/SHUTTERSTOCK; MARVEL/DISNEY/KOBAL/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

a car accident. Growing up with strong Latina female role models both “emboldened and inspired” her as an actress and a woman.

“Myself and my two sisters were raised by my mother. We were often teased at school and the other kids would look at us in a strange way. It was hard for my mother, but she made a good decision to move us to the Dominican Republic and she somehow managed to give us a good childhood. She has given up so much for us, I feel I still owe her something,” reveals the actress.

Saldana also applauds her mother for the courage and support she provided following their father’s death, understanding that her approach to parenting was sometimes tough only because she had to take on both roles.

“I think unconsciously she knew that life would be twice as hard for us as women. She prepared us very well to enter the world as independent women, although she was pretty strict with us because she knew she also had to replace our father,” Saldana reflects.

Having spent most of her youth surrounded almost entirely by females, Saldana admits her attitude previously was dominated by a need to be ‘as strong as a man’, which translated to an aggressive and intense approach to life.

“But now I’m raising men, all men, which I never really considered would happen, with a wonderful man, and it’s made me readdress my perspective. Perhaps it doesn’t always have to be so emotionally and physically forceful,” she confides, adding “strength comes in many forms, and I’ll always love to kick ass – that will never change – but there can be varying shades.”

Any mother knows that the earliest years are probably the toughest, and for Saldana, things are likely to get easier the older her children get. However, there is a downside to

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STYLE OCCASION WEAR This summer marks the 15th anniversary of maternity favourite Isabella Oliver, and to celebrate there’s a special new design about to go on sale. The Blake tee is a classic white essential that lets everyone know you’re expecting.

Available from 11 July. £79, isabellaoliver.com

PRETTY IN PRINT The stylish pieces at Little Yellow London will last you from pregnancy to breastfeeding and beyond. The new line for summer includes dresses, dungarees and culottes with splashes of tropical print and plenty of bright, bold colours, all with helpful features like expandable waistbands and nursing panels. littleyellowlondon.com

maternity fashion

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

GOODIE BAGS From make-up pouch to changing bag, beach kit to bag organiser, the brand new swag bags from Scamp & Dude are at your service. The limited edition zip pouches, created in collaboration with some of the biggest names in the beauty industry, feature the brand’s signature leopard print and lightning bolts, with £11 from each sale going to charity. £28, scampanddude.com

HIDDEN AGENDA There’s more than meets the eye with the ingenious t-shirts from The Milky Tee Co... the cleverly concealed zips at the sides make breastfeeding in public discreet and easy while apt phrases like “coffee + concealer” and “bossing it” keep them super stylish. From £27.99, milkyteecompany.com

The versatile bags can carry anything from nappies and toys to make-up

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 49

We have some exciting news to share with you…

BABY LONDON IS GOING NATIONAL!

From the next issue, Baby London will become ‘Baby’, bringing you the same fantastic content, but we will be available nationwide, and we will be delivering you A NEW ISSUE EVERY FOUR WEEKS!

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What Kate did next

SUN-SATIONAL

Whether you’re home or abroad this summer, mix playful accessories with soft pastels, bold brights or chic monochrome. Just add sun!

COMPILED BY: CAMILLA RIDLEY-DAY

Ulla Johnson chiffon dress £835, nineinthemirror.com Le Specs sunglasses £40, net-a-porter.com

Embroidered trousers £176, julietdunn.com

Aranaz clutch £210, beachflamingo.com

Lazul halterneck bikini £220, beachflamingo.com

Eva Longoria Control one piece £250, heidiklein.com

Straw bag £27, accessorize.com

V-neck swimsuit £24.99, hm.com

Cotton t-shirt £19, topshop.com

Ganni t-shirt £45, my-theresa.com

Embroidered dress £76, odabash.com Leather flat sandals £80, dunelondon.com

AS SUMMER HEATS UP, KEEP COOL IN FLOATY STYLES AND SOFT COTTONS AND LOOK TO THE HIGH STREET FOR A GREAT SELECTION OF MATERNITY SWIMWEAR

Couture top £210, donnaida.com

Cult Gaia earrings £85, net-a-porter.com

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 51

Sunnylife towel £32, amara.com

MBYM cotton blouse £79, atterley.com

Leather slides £165, raefeather.com

Handwritten pouch £16.99, katieloxton.com Shirt dress £89.99, zara.com

Nursing t-shirt £9.99, newlook.com Lycra miraclesuit £138, figleaves.com

Gucci sunglasses £370, selfridges.com

Serena Williams

Tencel dress £38, next.co.uk

SHIRT DRESSES AND KIMONO STYLE TOPS ARE BOTH ON TREND THIS SUMMER AND MAKE FEEDING YOUR BABY EASY. STYLISH FLATS KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR CARRYING OR PUSHING YOUR BUGGY Superga flatforms £56.99, office.co.uk Kayu straw tote £155, net-a-porter.com

Cotton voile top £138, neveandnoor.com

Isabel Marant Étoile bracelet £50, ssense.com

Cotton fabric earrings £17.99, mango.com

Cefinn shirt dress £295, themodist.com Helen Kaminski straw hat £140, harveynichols.com

52 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Castañer Espadrille wedges £80, net-a-porter.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: SPLASH NEWS

Asymmetrical skirt £49, stories.com

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PREGNANCY

FACING

fertility

IVF AT ANY COST ? WRITER AN D MOTH ER Katie Nicholl ON LIFE- CHANGING E XPERIEN CE S, SACRIFICE AN D APPR ECIATING WHAT YOU HAVE PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

here’s a bittersweet irony to the fact that most of us spend our 20s doing everything we can to avoid getting pregnant, and our 30s doing the exact opposite. One in six couples in the UK experience problems with conceiving, and infertility is now such a widespread issue that IVF seems to be becoming a norm.

I was 31 when my husband and I decided to start trying for a baby. I remember feeling a tingle of excitement as I binned my contraception and bought an ovulation testing kit. Little did I know that it would take us a decade to have our much longed-for family.

Back then I was a high-flying journalist working for a national newspaper. Life was fast paced, pressurised and fun, but it wasn’t conducive to starting a family. I was out most nights seeking stories for my gossip column and the job was stressful. Newsrooms are intense places and when I was promoted to royal editor, things only got busier. Perhaps looking back I shouldn’t have been so surprised, month after month, to discover with heartache that I still wasn’t pregnant.

After a year of trying to conceive naturally we went to our GP, who referred us to the Whittington Hospital in North London, but the investigative tests indicated there was no

T

54 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Katie’s son George is a sun

ny, joyful baby

underlying problem. After four failed rounds of IUI – where the sperm is washed and inserted into the uterus – we went onto an NHS waiting list for IVF. I was told to clear my diary for the next two months, which meant pulling out of an overseas tour with Prince Harry. “You are going to need to give this your full commitment if you want it to work,” the nurse told me sternly. My career was going to have to take a back seat for once.

The IVF treatment started with a series of injections to downregulate my hormones and meds, stimulating my ovaries before my eggs could be harvested. I have always had a fear of needles but the injections weren’t too bad.

The egg collection and transfer was a success and after a tortuous two-week wait, we were

told we were pregnant in the January of 2012.

The elation and relief I felt was enormous – this was better than any front-page scoop.

I had my own little exclusive and for months I kept the pregnancy secret. When I started bleeding heavily the night before my 12-week scan, I panicked. An emergency scan showed a large haematoma, but our baby was safe and Matilda was born on 19 September 2012.

The urge for a second baby didn’t kick in for some time because I felt so blessed with Matilda. Maternity leave was a wonderful bubble of walks in the park, baby sensory classes and coffee with friends.

Three months in, the bubble popped.

Kensington Palace announced that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant, and I was offered a book deal to write her life story. I spent the next six months juggling motherhood, research and writing. We celebrated Matilda’s first birthday at Soho House in New York where I was promoting the book (now a bestseller), and I remember thinking how lucky we were.

By her second birthday we decided it was time to try for another baby. We had two embryos on ice and the procedure to transfer them was simple enough. Sadly they didn’t take, and so the only chance of

Katie Nicholl with her two children, George and Matilda

PREGNANCY

WE SPENT MOST OF OUR SAVINGS, AND TOOK A SABATICAL IN ORDER TO GIVE OUR GROWING EMBRYO A CHANCE getting pregnant was to go through another round of IVF. We went for a consultation at the Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre (ARGC) in Upper Wimpole Street. The fees were eye-wateringly expensive and I’d heard horror stories about the clinic being a bit of a production line, but it had the best success rates in the country. Our first round of IVF with them cost close to £10,000 and resulted in a twin pregnancy. I will never forget the shock – and joy – of seeing two tiny hearts beating on the grainy ultrasound.

After eight weeks I started bleeding, and a scan revealed one of the embryos hadn’t made it. We were crushed, but focused all our hope on the surviving twin. The all-important 12-week scan and a Harmony test (to rule out certain defects and syndromes) told us we were having a healthy little girl. I tried to relax but I started bleeding again, and on 31 August 2014 I suffered a terrible miscarriage. The

56 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

haemorrhaging was so severe I was rushed to A&E and needed four blood transfusions.

It’s hard to articulate the sense of loss, hopelessness and despair we both felt as I lay on that hospital bed. It took us both more than a year to recover from the experience and feel strong enough to try again. We drained our savings to cover three more rounds of treatment. The final attempt worked, and in December 2016 we got a positive pregnancy test.

This time I didn’t relax. Every day I feared I would start bleeding and when I developed a haematoma during the first trimester, I mentally prepared myself for another miscarriage. But George was a fighter and on 8 August 2017, he was born – pink, podgy and screaming with all the might of a tiny Leo. He is now 10 months old and I can’t imagine our lives without him. He is a sunny, joyful baby and Matilda is a proud big sister.

I know we are among the lucky ones; many couples don’t get pregnant even after countless rounds of IVF. We spent most of our savings, and I took a career sabbatical in order to give ourselves and our growing embryo a chance. That choice was hard but, as they say, when one door closes, another opens and shortly after I fell pregnant with George, I received a book deal to write a biography on Prince Harry. I wrote all through the spring and summer while he was growing inside me.

One day, when they are older, I will tell our children the stories of how they came into this world. It wasn’t an easy journey, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Never give up hope and be grateful every day for what you do have.

Katie Nicholl is the author of Harry: Life, Loss, and Love (£20, Hachette Books), which is out now.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATILDA AND GEORGE WEAR A SELECTION FROM RACHEL RILEY. BUNK BED NOA & NANI. BEDDING RACHEL RILEY.

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SUMMER READY

The Joolz Hub is the most spatiallyeconomic pushchair to date from impressive Dutch brand Joolz. Compact yet comfortable, this nifty foldable is well suited to all modes of transport and is super easy to store too. The ergonomic seat offers six positions and, when the sun has got its hat on, you can keep baby shaded with the UPF 50+ XL sun hood.

From £549, joolz.com

tot gear

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

SWEET SLUMBER

Car seat hero Maxi-Cosi has designed a car seat for the future – the Titan. The slicklydesigned product is suitable for children aged between nine months and 12 years old and features a smooth-move headrest and an easy-to-adjust five-point harness. £199, maxi-cosi.com

You can’t beat a summer snooze and Sansa

by Joie is here to help baby steal a kip or two. Little ones can stay snuggled from birth to 9kg while enjoying three motion settings: side to side, forward and backward or round and round (which combines the first two settings). The mini soother offers lullabies, nature sounds and vibrations too. £150, uk.joiebaby.com

READY, SET, JET Silver Cross is here to take the stress out of travelling with the launch of Jet, its ultralight stroller. Weighing in at just 5.9kg, it’s so compact it can be carried on board an aircraft as cabin baggage. Even better, you can add the Silver Cross Simplicity car seat and use it from birth. Available end of June. £275, silvercrossbaby.com

Create the perfect naptime ambience for baby with the Sansa from Joie

CYBEX HAS INTRODUCED A NEW BABY CARRIER, THE BEYLA TWIST. IT IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE A CLOSE BOND BETWEEN PARENT AND NEWBORN AND WAS DEEMED “HIP-HEALTHY” BY THE INTERNATIONAL HIP DYSPLASIA INSTITUTE. £100, CYBEX-ONLINE.COM

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REVIEW

THE REVIEW

Jack Freud AN D HIS N EWBOR N , WILLOW, PUT TH E EVER-ADAP TABLE BABY ZEN YOYO+ TH ROUGH ITS PACE S

A

s a family we seem to be constantly on the move, so alongside our everyday buggy we’ve always had a lightweight travel stroller to join us on our travels. But with our trusty Maclaren on its last legs after five years of service, and with the arrival of baby Willow, my wife Kate and I decided it was finally time to invest in a new one.

Jack and baby Willow take the Yoyo+ for a spin

The Babyzen Yoyo+ features a multi-position reclining seat and machine-washable materials

THE LOWDOWN The thing that sets the Yoyo+ apart from a run-of-the-mill buggy is its instant one-handed fold mechanism and its compactness when collapsed. Once you get the hang of it, you can collapse it with very little trouble and it’s easy to sling over your shoulder with an adaptable strap. One of my favourite features is that you can also fit it in the overhead storage of an aeroplane – and anyone who has ever walked miles through an airport with young children sans buggy will agree it’s worth the money for this fact alone!

GOOD LOOKING? Yes, very much so. It features a streamlined, slick black frame and the hood, seat and footmuff are available in a variety of colours.

In addition to the traditional shades of red, black and grey, you can also choose from ‘Peppermint’, ‘Taupe’ and ‘Ginger’. The newest option, ‘Air France Blue’, was our favourite of the shades available, so we went for that.

So far, we’ve had lots of compliments on the fashionable blue and white print, and it’s perfect for a boy or a girl.

PRACTICALITY AND DRIVABILITY I think it’s fair to say that all dads will love pushing the Babyzen Yoyo+ around. In techyterms, the four-wheel suspension combined with the lightweight frame means it can be steered one-handed. Manoeuvring through shop doors or on and off buses is a breeze.

Having said that, I would feel a little uneasy using it in windy weather for fear of it blowing over. I know many parents who use the Yoyo+ all year round, and I can see the attraction, but personally I find it too light for that. Willow is only two months old so we’re currently using the Newborn Pack, which adapts the pushchair to a lie-flat, parent-facing position usable from birth. When she’s older we’ll move onto the front-facing pushchair, suitable for babies aged six months and upwards.

COMFORT The sheepskin-lined footmuff makes for the cosiest winter excursions, and the stroller comes with a raincover for soggy days. The

‘Air France Blue’ is one of many stylish colour schem es

five-point harness is easy to use and has padded shoulder straps for extra comfort, and everything is easy to remove and wash, too. The only downside is that it doesn’t have an adjustable handlebar. My wife and I are both 5ft 10in and we do find it comfortable to push, but I imagine a few inches taller and it would be a little on the short side.

THE VERDICT I can completely see what all the fuss is about with the Babyzen Yoyo+. It really is unlike anything else on the market, a pleasure to use day to day and a joy to travel with. We can’t wait to try it out on our first family flight! £389, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 59

TOT GEAR

Travel

in style

TH E RIGHT PUSHCHAIR CAN M E AN TH E DIFFER EN CE BE T WEEN A STROLL IN TH E PAR K AN D A STRUGGLE. Rebecca Moore PUTS TH E BE ST TO TH E TE ST owadays more and more pushchair brands are launching more compact models, whether to function as the family’s main set of wheels or as their second in command, deployed for quick-stop local trips, public transport in the city and baby’s first holiday abroad.

Many travel strollers can now fit in the overhead lockers, meaning you can wheel straight up to the plane door. But the biggest convenience by far comes once you touch down on the other side – rather than struggling with bags and baby through immigration, you can grab your pushchair from the cabin, quickly unfold it and pop baby in without a fuss. Depending on their age and how much sleep they’ve had on the flight, it’s likely they’ll fall asleep once back in the comfort of a stroller. Now that’s a holiday…

Before making the big purchase do bear in mind that each airline’s restrictions are different, so if you’re buying it for a particular flight, be sure to check the measurements first.

N

GB POCKIT According to the Guinness World Records, the GB Pockit is the world’s smallest folding stroller. Impressive, right? If you’re looking for a companion for the airport, it does the job perfectly, fitting easily into the overhead lockers of a plane. When time is of the essence, its two-step fold is a godsend, making it quick and easy to open out and use. Once folded the pushchair becomes a handbag-shaped package that can be flung over your shoulder or stowed away. The Pockit also stands independently when folded so it doesn’t take up much space at your hotel, and as the proud owner of a Red Dot Design Award, what more is there to say?

60 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

BABY JOGGER CITY TOUR Strolling in at 6.4kg, the latest addition to the Baby Jogger clan is the lightweight and super-compact Baby Jogger City Tour. It’s suitable for infants between six months and three years and makes a perfect everyday stroller or extra piece of kit to see you through your first holiday with baby.

Complete with travel bag, the Baby Jogger City Tour can go in the overhead storage when flying and the large extendable SPF50+ sun canopy stops the light glare – ideal if your little one wants a nap on the beach. With just a one-bar handle, rather than your typical umbrella-fold stroller, you can push onehanded with ease. This is particularly useful if you’re also pulling a suitcase!

MEE-GO TRIO Possibly one of the most stylish stroller options on the market, the Trio from British brand Mee-Go offers plenty of bang for your buck. With a fully reclining seat – including a lie flat position that’s easily adjusted through a toggle at the back – this stroller is suitable to use from birth, meaning it could be your sole pushchair. The product boasts some plush features too, including a padded handlebar, a removable bumper bar and an adjustable leg rest. The compact one-hand fold design is super convenient and easy to operate, and if style is high on your agenda, you have some great options to choose from. Consider Orchid on a rose gold frame or Jet and Slate Blue on a gun metal frame.

BABYZEN YOYO+ The fact that this stroller has partnered up with Air France for a limited edition release says it all – this stroller was born to holiday!

MEE-GO TRIO

PRICE £169 WEIGHT 6.5kg DIMENSIONS when folded 25 x 57 x 46cm USE FROM Birth OVERHEAD STORAGE Yes TRAVEL BAG Additional extra, £39.99

The original all-in-one cabin stroller from birth, the Babyzen Yoyo+ really is the crème de la crème. Wheeling in as the most expensive on the market, it’s no surprise to see this stroller spotted around the country as an everyday choice. It really does offer everything you could need. You can easily attach a car seat and its instant one-handed fold mechanism and compactness when collapsed is a blessing on public transport and at airports. Plus it’s easy to sling over your shoulder with an adaptable strap.

MOUNTAIN BUGGY NANO As one of the lightest on the scene, and sporting an admirable Red Dot Design Award, the Mountain Buggy Nano is a true contender as a top travel stroller. It can be adjusted to operate from birth rather than the standard six months using either of two additional extras. Firstly, you can add your car seat (the on-board car seat adapter accommodates most leading car seat brands), and secondly, you can opt for the lie flat Cocoon. The Mountain Buggy Nano is a well thought out and sturdy option featuring intuitive design, from the overhead storage to the clearly colour coded step-on, step-off pedal brake system – perfect for mad airport dashes!

TOT GEAR

A versatile piece of kit like the Mee-Go Trio is an investment for the future, whether home or away

BABY JOGGER CITY TOUR

PRICE £219.99 WEIGHT 6.4kg DIMENSIONS when folded 45.5 x 57 x 23cm USE FROM 6 months OVERHEAD STORAGE Yes TRAVEL BAG Yes

MOUNTAIN BUGGY NANO

PRICE From £274 WEIGHT 5.9kg DIMENSIONS when folded 54 x 51 x 31cm USE FROM Birth, with additional Cocoon OVERHEAD STORAGE Yes TRAVEL BAG Yes

BABYZEN YOYO+

PRICE From £369 WEIGHT 6.2kg DIMENSIONS when folded 52 x 18 x 44cm USE FROM Birth, with additional YOYO+ Newborn Pack OVERHEAD STORAGE Yes TRAVEL BAG Additional extra, £59

GB POCKIT

PRICE from £150 WEIGHT 4.3kg DIMENSIONS when folded 35 x 30 x 18cm USE FROM Birth, with additional Cot to Go carrycot OVERHEAD STORAGE Yes TRAVEL BAG No

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 61

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TRAVEL

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travel

Escape to the wilds of West Sussex and enjoy the new babymoon package at Ockenden Manor Hotel. Be treated to a floatation therapy session and prenatal massage at the in-house spa and receive a multipurpose balm from Elemental Herbology and stylish Lola bag from Jem + Bea. Then devour a three-course supper and stay overnight with your loved one. Want to win it all? Visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions to enter our amazing giveaway. From £277.50, hshotels.co.uk

NEWS

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

Bottom’s up with Bambino Mio’s reusable swim nappies

BAG OF SURPRISE Keep little ones entertained with Play n Pack kits from Olli Ella. Housed in a portable drawstring bag you’ll find a mini roll of colouring paper and colouring cards, a pack of stickers, non-toxic crayons and a wooden toy.

City or jungle themed. £24.95, olliella.com

BEACH BUMS TRAVEL MASTERS Lastminute.com has been named the official travel partner for a new government-supported family initiative.

The Your Family Plan handbook, given to all parents when registering the birth of their new baby, contains expert advice and information about family life and travelling. lastminute.com

Kinder to the environment and better value for money, the reusable swim nappy from Bambino Mio is a real winner. It features a water-resistant layer, leak-proof legs and an adjustable waistband, while the lightweight fabric prevents baby from being weighed down in the water. Sizes from birth to two years plus. £9.99, bambinomio.com

VISTAJET HAS LAUNCHED ADVENTURES IN THE SKY, A SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME JUST FOR KIDS. WITH BESPOKE EXPLORER BACKPACKS, CHILD-TRAINED HOSTESSES AND EVEN A SERIES OF THEMED PARTIES, IT’S SURE TO KEEP KIDS OF ALL AGES AMUSED DURING FLIGHTS. VISTAJET.COM

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 63

RUNNING HEAD

Porto is located in northwest Portugal

64 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Rebecca Moore PUTS H ER AU NTIE Kate Freud TAKE S A BR E AK BEFOR E SKILL S TO TH E TE ST IN PORTUGAL TH E AR RIVAL OF H ER THIR D CHILD

ollowing never imagined a pretty I would painless be kicking fl ight ofback just on over a sun-soaked two hours terrace to Portoand in northwest singing Five Little Speckled Portugal, my husband Frogs atand theI same made time, our but it became meandering way something to the SixofSenses the norm during our Douro Valley holiday resort.with It was myonly 16-monthas old drew we niece,nearer Ruby, to andthe herresort mum,that my I youngestwe realised sister, wereKathryn. deep in the heart of Now wine Ruby country, wasand overI pondered a year old, Kathryn had whether thisdecided was the it right waslocation time for afor seven-month her first holiday pregnant abroad, wine-lover but she wanted who currently to bring couldn’t me along drink. for moral support.

But I needn’t We agreed haveon worried, Portugal, as a family-friendly there’s plenty more favourite to this that’s beautiful less than of part three the hours worldaway, than the andvineyards, more specifi and forcally, the next Quinta four dodays Lagoitinproved the Algarve. the perfect Theescape area is for known frazzled for its prized golf parents.

Thefacilities, resort isand spread while out golf wasn’t over sixon floors, our agenda, all set into thethe lushhilly green backdrop of andthe occasional region, with golfmost buggy would do rooms overlooking nicely, wethe decided. breathtaking views Faroofairport the Douro is justriver. a short drive from Shortly Quinta after doarrival Lago, and we were whatshown wasour to ourroom base–for all the glassweek, on one Four side Seasons and viewsFairways for miles resort.

– where Thewe luxury finally leisure concept relaxed.

With the has evening just completed drawing a stunning in, we headed renovation, out forwith a stroll 132 in villas theall unique ingrounds stunning their offering. beforeThe taking overall a feel isinthat swim theofspa a modern and enjoying Portuguese an housesupper early – combining in the open the elegance kitchen. and style The chef’softable a luxury was hotel an incredible with the creature comforts experience; each course of a traditional is designed to and inviting show off beautiful home. Ruby local ingredients, left no time to spare most of which exploring are our grown new onset site, up, as she toddled and I managed in and to chow out of down the two seven bedrooms, courses despite bathrooms my ever-decreasing and around the terrace. stomach capacity.

Equipped with a hot tub and Tired surrounded and stuffed by beautiful we rolledgardens, into this sun bed, happily trap looking was perfect forward for lounging to our whileyoga 8am Rubysession took her thedaytime next morning. nap, or enjoying an Shamefully, myadults-only husband Jack barbecue was the

F I

only one once she of wasustucked to make upthe foryoga the night. class, while We’d I savoured start ourthe daysopportunity by wandering down to sleep to in the until clubhouse 10am. for breakfast, filling Weourselves then headed withdown freshfor fruit, our pastries and breakfast feast. coffee.

The Visiting impressive outspread of peak season served everything meantfrom the resort homemade was fairly quiet, granola and allowing fresh fruit Ruby to eggs to lap up all the attention Benedict, omelettes from the andcharming fry-ups for and attentive those notstaff. feeling The quite breakfast so virtuous. would setNext us uponfor the our schedule morningwas stomp an to the beach,pregnancy indulgent about 25 minutes massageon forfoot. me Everything and a deepistissue spread massage out to for make Jack, roomof both forwhich the expansive took place golf in beautiful courses, so nothing warm treatment is particularly rooms overlooking close by –river. the and so Afterwards, it does mean we emerged packing a lightweight relaxed andpushchair snoozy and is aretreated must. The to resort the great alsobig offers cosyabeds shuttle andservice blankets to ferry of theguests relaxation to and area, from where the beach. we slept a bit The more beach before itselfheading is a spectacular to the pool two-mile for another stretch swim.of gently shelving golden The weekend sand, andcontinued is reachedmuch via in a wooden this fashion, walkway with the over occasional the Ria walk Formosa in the beautiful lagoon.grounds, And thisplenty Blue Flag of spot is a toddler’s delicious food anddream. our one When outing, aRuby lazywasn’t boat trip eating down thethe sand, Douro she was chucking river, to take it into in the buckets, history and of hours the wereand area spent thesplashing stunningaround vineyards. in the We sea. Thankfully dined in the beautiful the calm Vale waves de Abraão are kind to little restaurant every ones.evening, slept a lot, swam Fourand Seasons regenerated.

FairwaysWhen was the it was ideal to time spot head forhome Ruby’stofirst ourholiday. two young And as the children onresort Sunday, is set we to feltopen trulyits new clubhouse refreshed and ready at thefor beginning the chaos ofof a May, with third to hit.a dedicated Nobody does kids’spa club, resorts I’ll waitSix like patiently, Senses, with and the fingers Douro andValley toes is crossed, no exception. to see if my auntie duties are required once again.

Six Senses Douro Valley Double rooms£1,880 start at per nightinon a From for£204 seven nights only basis. Book through aroom three-bedroom villa in May, i-escape.com for best prices. fourseasonsfairways.com

Kate enjoys the sun and fresh air

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

The region boasts gorgeous views

ª Postcard from…

QUINTA LAGO DOURODO VALLEY

Boats sail on the beautiful Douro river

2018 !

R E T N E O T LAST CHAN CE Are you a brand, start-up or retailer that caters to babies, children or parents? Then read on, because the fourth annual Little London Awards are back, and better than ever! Boasting a carefully revised category list and a fresh, sparkling new look, the 2018 Awards is your opportunity to put your business in the spotlight; over 70,000 votes were cast last year! Find out how to enter now...

NOMINATIONS CLOSE 27 JUNE littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards

NOW MEET OUR JUDGES

Our panel of parents will be picking the winners of our four special judges categories – compiled from outstanding entries

LEONORA BAMFORD

Little London columnist & founder of My Baba

SUSANNAH TAYLOR

Editor-at-Large of Get the Gloss

JAMES HART

Founder of designled, online store KIDLY

JOANNA MCGARRY

Beauty writer & new Baby London columnist writer

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

TAMARA ECCLESTONE TV personality and beauty entrepreneur

CLEMMIE TELFORD

Founder and blogger at Mother of all Lists

GEORGIA JONES

Model & lifestyle influencer

TRAVEL

Baby’s firs holiday

DR E ADING CHAOS AT TH E AIR PORT AN D SCR EECHING IN TH E H OTEL? TH ER E’S AN E ASIER WAY WITH Jo Caird’s STEPS TO H OLIDAY SUCCE SS

✈

Fill out a paper application for your child’s first passport and take advantage of the Post Office’s “check and send” service, which costs around £10 on top of the usual fee. The rules for passport photographs aren’t as strict for babies as they are for adults, but it can still be tricky to get it right – a visit to a high street photo specialist or chemist will save you a lot of stress. If you’ve filled everything in correctly and sent in the documents, the passport will be ready in about three weeks. There is also a fast track service to turn around a new passport within a week but it costs extra and you’ll need to attend an appointment.

about in-room amenities: a kettle and fridge are absolute essentials; a bathtub is pretty handy too, but not a deal breaker. We always travel with a tiny inflatable paddling pool that fits in the bottom of shower stalls. A balcony is a massive bonus because it gives you somewhere to sit and relax after baby’s bedtime. It’s worth asking about babysitting services too. Most family-friendly places should be able to arrange it.

Enquire about a room at the end of a hallway and away from the lifts or stairs. Your baby will be less likely to be disturbed by the noise of other guests and, being further from occupied rooms, plus you’ll feel less guilty if your little one cries in the night.

Depending on your destination, it’s worth asking about the cost of a suite compared to a standard double – in a lot of the big US hotel chains there often isn’t much difference, and you’ll be grateful for the extra space to stow not just your sleeping child, but all their gear too. If that’s not an option, a large wardrobe can work nicely as a miniature bedroom for storing baby’s things out of the way and keeping the main room more organised.

QUESTIONS TO ASK A HOTEL

TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

Most hotels should be able to supply a cot and high chair but do check when booking so you can bring your own if need be. Ask

The standard vaccinations your baby will receive on the NHS will protect them from most of the diseases you might come across

ravelling with a baby is a daunting prospect for many parents.

Even mums and dads who were experienced globetrotters before starting a family can feel overwhelmed by the logistics of that first holiday with their little one. Break the organising down into bite-sized chunks, however, and it all becomes more manageable, allowing you to really get excited about the adventures that await you as a new family.

T

GETTING A PASSPORT

66 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

TRAVEL

IT’S ALL IN THE PREP

Travel grobag £23.50, gro.co.uk My First Nursery Rhymes soft book £10, mothercare.com

Ergobaby 360 sling £134.90, ergobaby.co.uk

Tommee Tippee soother (pack of two) and holder (pack of two) £4.79 each, amazon.co.uk

Lightweight duffle bag £125, storksak.com Calpol infant £6.50, boots.com

Encourage self-feeding with de c o s finger food a s a o red ka e and s nac

SnoozeShade protector £19.99, snoozeshade.com

Kiddylicious straws 70p, ocado.com

‘Starry’ bunny £17, jellycat.com

TRAVEL

✈ PINE CLIFFS RESORT ALGARVE, PORTUGAL This clifftop resort boasts the largest kids’ club in the region and accepts babies from six months, leaving you free to enjoy the spa, golf course and 11 restaurants. Baby will love the bouncy castle and sandy beach too. Rooms from £145 per night, pinecliffs.com when travelling, particularly in developed nations. Further flung destinations often require additional vaccines, some of which can only be given above a certain age, so talk to your GP or practice nurse before booking your trip to make sure you’re covered.

Where to go…

You can travel carefree with family-friendly resorts

FLYING WITH BABY

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CARLISLE BAY, ANTIGUA This slice of paradise has its own private stretch of beach, where swaying palm trees offer plenty of natural shade. The pool is great fun, the kids’ club is open to babies from six months old and the staff are incredibly welcoming. Rooms from £773 per night, carlisle-bay.com

SANI BEACH HOTEL HALKIDIKI, GREECE The crèche at this elegant all-suite hotel is open to babies from four months old, but you can also take advantage of ‘Babe Watch’ and enjoy a dip in the sea while qualified staff look after your little one on the beach for you. From £160 per night, sani-resort.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Take more food and milk than you think you might need so you’re covered in case of delays. Be prepared for baby’s feeding and sleep routines to go out the window when flying – there are just too many distractions to contend with and it’s impossible to time things properly when you’re dealing with security, boarding and other demands. I try to go with the flow and offer my daughter healthy snacks frequently to make sure she’s getting enough to eat. (Snacks can also serve as very useful distractions if your baby is getting bored or frustrated.) Breastfeeding mothers might find themselves feeding more frequently and for longer than usual on flights because the baby will seek comfort in the strange environment.

Pack as many small, non-noisy toys as you can reasonably fit into your carry-on. Soft toys and lift-the-flap books are a good bet and I find a “stunt wallet” filled with a few expired loyalty cards that I don’t mind losing can keep my daughter absorbed for ages. Walking up and down the plane offers endless new sights, sounds and interactions – you’ll probably spend a lot of the flight on your feet! A sling is also a handy tool for helping your little one to nap while you’re on the move.

We always travel with Calpol, infant Nurofen and teething gel just in case. To avoid earache, encourage your little one to breastfeed, eat or drink during take off and landing. It offers a distraction from all the commotion.

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Jakabel has a stylish, eye catching and easy-to-spot range of UV50+ swimwear and accessories, including the highly acclaimed Swimsafe SWIM SAFELY WITH JAKABEL floatsuits – the only ones with an anti-tip neck ring. High-quality, resilient Jakabel has a stylish, eye catching and easy-to-spot range of UV50+ and chlorine-safe, they look good on all the family! swimwear and accessories, including the highly acclaimed Swimsafe Sizes from 0-13yrs plus adult sizes. Delivery 2-3 days all year round. floatsuits – the only ones with an anti-tip neck ring. High-quality, resilient Email: Tel: on 020 8715 2385 and info@jakabel.com chlorine-safe, they look good all the family!

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babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG18 | 69

TRAVEL

Beside the

seaside

HIT TING TH E BE ACH WITH BABY ? TH E SE WON DER FU L WATER FRONT SPOTS AR E SU R E TO DELIGHT DU RING TH E WAR M ER MONTH S BARBADOS

CORNWALL Its picturesque coastline spans an impressive 300 miles, so it’s hardly surprising that Cornwall scooped up “Best UK holiday destination” at the British Travel Awards last year. With tame waters, Carbis Bay, Porthminster in St Ives and Trevone near Padstow are just a few of the Blue Flag Coastal views in Cornwall

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Large sandy stretches await in Devon

beaches popular with families, while Porthcurno in West Cornwall offers shallow waters that are perfect for paddling in. If you’re staying further south, Gyllyngvase in Falmouth boasts golden sand, gorgeous views and beautiful gardens that are fun to explore in the summer. Or, for those staying in the north, head to Polzeath where there’s an abundance of rock pools, a trampoline park and travelling theatre performances at certain times in the year. The beach is also level with the car park, so it’s easy to travel with a buggy.

DEVON When it comes to seaside spots, Devon has all the visual treats a family could wish for, from expansive sandy beaches and tiny pebbled coves to wild windswept bays. The multi-award winning Blackpool Sands beach is certainly the most famous of the bunch, with its crystal clear waters, golden sand and gorgeous surroundings. There’s a safe swimming area for children, too, as well as sandpits for hire and a seasonal lifeguard service. Heading further west? Bantham beach is equally appealing for families – the shallow

sloping sands enable you and baby to splash about safely, while the surrounding restaurants and cafés are a great place to get some respite from the sun. And if you’ve got a dog in tow, take a trip to the calm shores of North Sands in Salcombe, which welcomes pups throughout the whole summer season.

MALLORCA, SPAIN It’s easy to see why Mallorca is a perennial favourite with families – it’s absolutely loaded with child-friendly attractions, places to stay and beaches to frequent with a bucket and spade. Port de Sóller is the only sandy beach on the west side of the island, and there’s also a delightful pedestrianised promenade that’s suitable for buggies. Playa del Port

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Treat yourself to some Caribbean sunshine on the sandy shores of Barbados! With shallow waters, soft white sand and an expansive playground, Accra Beach is by far the most popular spot for families. The southern end of the beach is particularly good for little ones to paddle in because it’s protected by rocks that break bigger waves. Similarly, Batts Rock along the west of the island boasts calm shores, a beautiful reef and lifeguard supervision during high season. But it’s Enterprise Beach that ticks the most boxes; a 250-yard-long strip of white sand and a wide selection of shaded areas make it easy to see why it’s so highly favoured by the locals. Additionally, while the north side is calm with shallow waters, the south side has big waves that are perfect for surfing.

Calm waters on the west coast of the Algrave

TRAVEL

edges of the beach and you might even spot dinosaur footprints preserved in the yellow limestone rocks, which date back 150 million years. Praia da Rocha, on the other hand, is one of the more established and popular areas in the Algarve, with lots of room even in the busier periods. The wooden paths across the back of the beach make it easy to walk around with a pram, and you’ll also find a decent selection of restaurants, shops and cafés to retreat to if the sun gets too much or you just fancy an ice cream.

DORSET

White sands in Barbados

BEACH RETREATS

de Pollença is equally popular. Here you’ll find a long white beach, clear waters and an enormous inflatable play park with bouncy castles and slides. Or if you’d rather avoid the crowds, Playa de Cala Pi is a peaceful spot with plenty of shade. It’s the lack of surrounding restaurants and bars that keeps this area so quiet, so be prepared to walk to the local town of Cala Pi if you haven’t packed a picnic.

SANDS RESORT HOTEL, CORNWALL This idyllic resort provides spacious family suites, a games room, kids’ clubs and relaxing spa treatments for adults. sandsresort.co.uk

THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL What’s great about the Algarve is that it lacks the strong waves of the west coast, making it ideal for little swimmers. With Blue Flag status, Praia de Odeceixe has shallow, warm waters on one side and more lively waves on the other, and Salema, another Blue Flag option, offers golden sand and immaculate waters completely free of seaweed. Linger around the

BOVEY CASTLE, DEVON Nestled within Dartmoor National Park, this indulgent five-star hotel offers impressive countryside views and a plethora of activities for kids. boveycastle.com

With its dramatic coastline and stunning countryside views, Dorset is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are Blue Flag beaches to spare including Sandbanks, Southbourne and Fishermans Walk, as well as Swanage which offers views across the water to the Isle of Wight.

Weymouth is perfect for little ones thanks to its safe, shallow waters, and if you’re staying further east, Alum Chine’s clean, sandy beach and pirate-themed adventure playground will go down a treat. Be sure to use the Kidzone scheme if you’re visiting Bournemouth or Poole – children are given free wristbands that match zones along the seafront.

BELMOND LA RESIDENCIA, MALLORCA With fantastic activities for little ones, two pools and stunning surroundings, there’s plenty to admire at this holiday spot. belmond.com

CRYSTAL COVE, BARBADOS Set within eight acres of lush tropical gardens, this beautiful boutique hotel boasts sparkling lagoon pools, endless sea views and a brilliant kids’ club. sovereign.com

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 71

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Comprehensive, structured & stimulating music classes for children 6 months – 5 years.

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Our classically based curriculum is taught by opera singers, accompanied by orchestral instruments and is tailored to each stage of your child’s development. +44 (0) 7530 459 468 info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com

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NOTTING HILL • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • FULHAM 72 | JUL/AUG18 | babylondon.co.uk

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Keep baby cool but stylish with these adorable cotton and linen pieces

DECORATE

2

Give your garden the wow factor

BABY PARTIES with Carole Middleton

Butterfly clips (pack of six) £7.99, partypieces.co.uk Paper lanterns £1.79 each, partypieces.co.uk

IN THE GARDEN

3 Folding parasol £19, dunelm.com

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5

6

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As the weather warms up what better excuse to throw an ‘al fresco style’ summer party

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hether it’s a birthday party, a naming day brunch or just a chance to catch up with friends and family over the summer months, nothing quite beats a laidback celebration in the garden – weather permitting, of course!

Rice A/S cup £4.30, alexandalexa.com

Think Gadgets bunting £45, johnlewis.com

Think about your theme. You may want to keep it traditional with bunting, seaonal flowers and a relaxed tea party spread, or you might want to give your party a cool glamping twist with floor cushions, picnic rugs, balloons and cotton teepees to provide shade for the little ones.

If you’re having a large number of guests, a summer feteinspired set-up is a great way to entertain the masses.

Get the older children to make banners and homemade cupcakes, and set up various ‘stalls’ with games like hoopla, giant chess or Jenga, and maybe even a vintage ice cream cart or bouncy castle.

Hosting a party in the garden is a great excuse for toddlers to get messy without having to worry about paint on your walls or glue on the tables! Why not set up an arts and crafts station with finger painting or modelling clay?

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1. Cotton jumper £35, indikidual.bigcartel.com 2. FUB babygrow £38, lunaandcurious.com 3. Louise Misha overalls £75, farfetch.com 4. Cotton bloomers ¤55, tartine-et-chocolat.com 5. Cotton bonnet £16, boden.co.uk 6. Liberty romper £40, sunuva.com 7. Noa Noa Miniature bodysuit £29, alexandalexa.com 8. Tocoto Vintage bloomers £53, smallable.com 9. Leather shoes £46, youngsoles.co.uk

Kilner dispenser £16.99, partypieces.co.uk

Outdoor cushion £9, ikea.com

Keep young children hydrated throughout the day by having plenty of water on tap – fill a Kilner water dispenser with fresh lemon, mint or cucumber.

Finally, the bonus of this kind of party is that you can pre-prepare a range of simple and fresh food for guests to pick at throughout the day. Try a selection of finger food, or big bowls of pasta and colourful salads for friends and family to tuck into.

Paper plates (pack of 12) £3.99, partypieces.co.uk

THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY

IN TRUSTED HANDS THE LINDO WING, ST MARY’S HOSPITAL Welcome your new baby into the world at the internationallyrenowned Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital.

Parents-to-be choose the Lindo Wing for its expertise, its heritage and its personalised care for both mother and baby.

In the trusted hands of a top consultant of your choice, we aim to make the birth of your baby everything you want it to be, providing dedicated, expert support in a way that suits you. Our dedicated team of midwives are also on hand to ensure that you receive the best possible care during your pregnancy journey, birth and beyond.

You will stay in one of our private en suite rooms, with on site chefs to cater for your dietary needs. We offer a celebration afternoon tea to welcome your new arrival, and our hotel services team are on hand to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

And, of course, in the private wing of a world-class NHS hospital you have the reassuring back up of emergency care on site if needed. If, for any reason, your newborn requires a little extra help, there is 24 hour access to NHS medical support and a neonatal intensive care unit.

Our parent-craft classes and follow-up care can help you and your loved ones prepare for your big event, and settle into life with your new baby. A range of packages exist for you to choose from, so why not consider giving your baby the best start in life at the Lindo Wing?

THE LINDO WING OF ST MARY’S

The Lindo Wing, St Mary’s Hospital, South Wharf Road, London, W2 1NY T: +44 (0)20 3312 6224 E: imperial.lindo.maternity@nhs.net W: imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk

Part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. All our profits are reinvested to support our NHS services

QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S & CHELSEA

HEALTH

GAME FACE

The surge of additional hormones during pregnancy can wreak havoc on your skin, especially in the first trimester. Mamo Mio’s three-step Gorgeous Glow Kit is rich in omegas, hyaluronic acid and probiotics, easing irritation and banishing breakouts to get your complexion back to its best. £42, mamamio.com

health & beauty

The Gorgeous Glow Kit contains a facewash, moisturiser and an eye serum

NEWS

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

SUPPORTING ACT Boost your baby’s development with the Super Hero Omega 3 supplement for kids from Bare Biology. It’s packed with DHA and EPA – great for brain growth, mental health and skin – and the fish oil is suitable from six months to 12 years old. Measure included. £15, barebiology.com

LABOUR GAINS

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

On a mission to make hypnobirthing accessible to everyone, The Positive Birth Company has released its new digital pack.

Available to download on its website, the programme offers a fully comprehensive webbased antenatal course with over six hours of video content, four downloadable MP3s and Facebook group access. £35, thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk

GOOD HAIR DAY It’s not uncommon for new mums to experience hair loss after pregnancy and particularly after breastfeeding. However, there are lots of treatments available that can help to encourage regrowth.

Belle Cannan, Co-Founder at Chelseabased salon Salon Sloane says: “I’d recommend the new Regenerating Hair Care Mask from Sisley to energize the scalp to strengthen hair from the root.” £71, salonsloane.com

A STUDY IN THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY HAS FOUND THAT FOLIC ACID REDUCES THE RISK OF STROKE IN THOSE WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. HEALTH AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS INFORMATION SERVICE HSIS RECOMMENDS ADULTS USE A MULTI-VITAMIN WITH FOLIC ACID FOR EXTRA PROTECTION. HSIS.ORG

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 75

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Time to Talk

HORMONES Marina Fogle & Dr Chiara Hunt

TH E SISTER S TALK CHANGE S DU RING PR EGNAN C Y regnant women often blame hormones for a multitude of sins, though it’s actually those blighters that make pregnancy possible. So what do they do?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising hormone (LH) work together to get you pregnant in the first place. They then deactivate, hence why you don’t ovulate during pregnancy.

Higher levels of FSH (often found in women over 35) can result in the production of an extra egg and the conception of twins.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is produced as soon as you become pregnant and its job is to tell your body that there is life growing in your uterus. HCG levels rise dramatically in the first trimester; it is circulated in your blood and then secreted in urine and it is this trace that pee-on pregnancy tests look for. High levels of HCG are often associated with feeling ill, which is why nausea

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

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and vomiting at this stage signifies that all is normal.

Progesterone is another key player in the first trimester. Its main function is to encourage your body to tolerate your baby’s foreign DNA, but it also helps to keep the uterine muscles relaxed, aiding implantation.

Towards the end of pregnancy it helps tissue to grow and prepares the body for labour.

Oestrogen triggers the development of the foetus and growth of specific organs.

Unfortunately it also causes nausea, increased appetite and skin changes including the arrival of spider veins.

Oxytocin – or the love hormone – is present throughout the pregnancy but becomes important at the end, when your body is getting ready for labour.

Although a synthetic form is used in induction, oxytocin levels don’t naturally rise before giving birth. Rather, the uterus becomes more sensitive to it, stimulating

contractions and cervix dilation.

It also tells your breasts that it’s time to produce milk.

Prolactin is the other hormone that ensures your baby gets fed, preparing your breasts for milk production (lactation).

Relaxin allows your bump to grow by relaxing the muscles in your abdomen and uterus.

CAN YOU BLAME THE HORMONES FOR… Getting ill? HCG suppresses your immune system to ensure your baby doesn’t get expelled, so it can be blamed for contracting annoying coughs and colds too.

Fainting? Progesterone relaxes your blood vessels which can result in low blood pressure and fainting – often regarded as an early sign of pregnancy.

Farting? Pesky progesterone – that relaxing hormone sometimes relaxes us too much!

Hairy breasts? Yup, progesterone again. Women with high progesterone levels

report hair growing on previously hairless parts of their bodies.

A sore back? Relaxin doesn’t just relax your abdominal muscles – all your muscles get a bit looser.

So if you feel aches and pains in your shoulders, knees, hips and ankles then relaxin is to blame.

Putting on weight?

Extraordinarily oestrogen is responsible for increasing appetites as well as nausea, so if you feel sick after devouring a packet of biscuits, definitely blame the hormones!

Swollen breasts? Most women notice a size increase in the first trimester. The progesterone is telling your breasts to get ready for milk production.

Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are the founders of The Bump Class, which provides antenatal classes in South West London. Their podcast The Parent Hood, is free to download on iTunes and Acast.

Visit thebumpclass.com

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 77

RUNNING HEAD

Lead by example and get hats for the whole family. Just one case of bad sunburn can affect a child for life

What’s the damage?

WE ALL KNOW TOO MUCH SU N E XPOSU R E IS BAD, BUT THIS IS E SPECIALLY TH E CASE FOR BABIE S, CHILDR EN AN D PR EGNANT WOM EN . Mar tha Alexander FIN DS OUT MOR E…

oliday season is finally underway and high street windows are filled with pastel shades, straw hats, jelly shoes and ice cream motifs. Also vying for your attention are shelves of sun creams and sprays, all ready to be grabbed. Unfortunately, this is usually by holidaymakers because no matter how much is done to raise awareness of the dangers of sun damage, many of us are still guilty of thinking that sun protection is only relevant while on holiday. But in reality, the sun’s rays are damaging all year around – even in the foggy, drizzly gloom of the UK – and youngsters should wear sun cream perennially.

In addition to the agony of sunburn and

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the discomfort of enduring the nausea and vomiting of sunstroke, just one episode of severe burning can also significantly increase a child’s risk of developing skin cancer. This is because a child’s skin is much more susceptible to sun damage than an adult’s. It is five times thinner and less capable of producing melanin, the natural sun defence mechanism.

“Children, and particularly infants, have had no ‘weathering’, meaning previous sun exposure, which can otherwise protect adults from sunburn on occasion,” says Dr Sweta Rai of the British Association of Dermatologists.

“This means that they generally have more sensitive skin than adults and burn more easily.

A baby’s skin can burn in minutes, so keep them out of direct sunlight.”

The effects of sunburn are serious – and can last long after the skin stops glowing red.

“Sunburn at an early age can lead to skin cancer decades later,” says Margret Pinto, founder of Swedish skincare company Evy. “Ideally very young children should not be exposed to the sun at all, but in reality, this is almost impossible. Therefore, a high-quality sunscreen is a must.”

Sunscreens should always block both the UVA and UVB rays that damage skin. But what’s the difference?

“UVA rays damage our skin on a deeper

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

HEALTH

level and cause ageing and wrinkling over time,” explains Pinto. “UVB damages our skin on a more superficial level and is apparent in the form of reddening and burning. Most importantly however, both play a key role in the development of skin cancer.”

Sunscreens either absorb the UV light before it can penetrate and damage skin or they create a tangible barrier to physically block UV light. Using sun protection is especially important when you are pregnant.

“It’s best for people to avoid excessive sun exposure – particularly those with lighter skin types,” says Dr Rai. “When you are pregnant though, your immune system is supressed, so you are more likely to have sun-related issues.”

Your body is flooded with hormones that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and if exposed to damage you could see frecklelike clusters of brown skin on your face, (known as chloasma), or a dark line from your bellybutton to your pelvis.

But not all sun creams are equal and pregnant women need to be extra careful when choosing a product. Many contain a chemical called oxybenzone which can enter the bloodstream (more quickly than any of the other chemicals in the cream) and potentially affect an unborn baby. Sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone include Boots’ Soltan Sensitive Suncare Lotion SPF30 and La RochePosay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream With Sunscreen. Nevertheless, it is still more harmful to use no sunscreen at all than to use one with oxybenzone in it.

The bottom line, when it comes to sun protection, is to fight a good strategy and not take risks. Always keep a bottle of sunscreen in your bag, so you can top up during the day. Wear a hat and force your children to wear them too. Avoid being outdoors in a blazing midday sun. Slather your children in a high factor, decent quality sun cream (and buy it new each summer – the effectiveness reduces over time so those half-empty bottles languishing at the back of your bathroom cabinet are actually really dangerous). And repeat. And repeat.

While applying sun cream to a wriggling toddler is no mean feat, there are definitely ways to make it feel less like a messy uphill struggle. Instead of chasing your children with creams and sprays, why not give them some of the responsibility and let them apply sun cream to themselves? Once they see it as fun and grownup the ritual will pass more quickly and you’ll all have more time for Marco Polo in the pool or ice lolly pit stops.

BEST SUNSCREENS FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN There’s a lot to think about when choosing sun cream for little ones – protection, obviously, but also other factors like ease of application, fragrance, price and how it makes the skin feel when it’s on. Here are some of our favourites:

Evy Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50, 150ml, £25 Capable of blocking about 98 per cent of UV rays and gentle enough for infant skin. This mousse is easy to apply and dries quickly.

Frezyderm Infant Sun Care SPF 50+, 100ml, £20.50 When applied this sunscreen creates a waterproof protective blue film, showing the precise area of application so you don’t miss anywhere. Suitable for one year and over.

Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+, 100ml, £16.95 Suitable from birth onwards, this cream is fragrance free and ultra-moisturising.

Childs Farm Roll On Sun Cream SPF50+, 70ml, £10 No Childs Farm products contain parabens, SLSs, mineral oils or artificial colours, making this sun cream ideal for children prone to eczema.

Clarins Sun Care Milk for Children SPF 50+, 150ml, £21.50 Made entirely of minerals, this is super gentle on baby skin. babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 79

Q&A with fertility expert

Zita West

“I’ve always suffered with anxiety and now that I’m expecting I’m worried how this will damage my baby.

How much does stress affect pregnancy?”

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regnancy can be one of the most challenging experiences in a woman’s life. While a certain amount of stress is inevitable, if it’s prolonged it can affect both you and your baby. It’s important to understand how it’s caused and what to do.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

HOW THE BRAIN REACTS TO STRESS

HOW YOUR BODY RESPONDS In a stressful situation, the brain sends a signal to the adrenals, triggering the production of adrenalin and cortisol. These compounds increase your blood pressure and heart rate and raise your blood sugar levels, preparing your body for a ‘fight or flight’ predicament. This reaction is perfectly normal when it happens occasionally, but if you become stuck in a more continuous stress response, the reaction can become chronic. The constant presence of cortisol in your body also uses up B vitamins, depriving you of vital nutrients.

The pituitary gland in the brain and the adrenal glands above the kidneys decide how much cortisol (a stress hormone) to release when a stimulus is detected. Research has shown that having high levels of cortisol in an expectant mother’s body over a long period of time proves detrimental to the developing baby. Babies that are repeatedly EFFECTS OF STRESS ON YOUR BABY exposed to high levels of stress chemicals before Your unborn baby is particularly susceptible to birth often suffer from a distorted stress response stress chemicals and hormones during your third system, causing overreactive responses to trimester when their brain is developing rapidly. stimuli later in life. From as early as A certain level of cortisol is good for them the seventh week of pregnancy ed and levels naturally rise towards the end Recommend your baby can receive pleasureof pregnancy to help their lungs and product inducing or stress chemicals other organs mature. However, if from your blood stream, so the levels are continually high, your learning to control strong baby will enter an anxious state, his negative emotions is essential. own levels of the stress hormone It will also equip you for your will rise and it could affect his Back Ease Massage Oil life as a parent later on. cognitive functionality. £12.76, zitawest.com

HELP MANAGE YOUR MIND Nine ways to stay in control

• Identify the major stresses in your life • Which areas of your life are in most need of change?

• Think about who can help and support you • How can you change your reaction to a problem?

• Implement changes: 20 minutes a day of sitting quietly, visualising or meditating will help you to gain clarity and focus. If you practise this regularly you’ll acquire a greater sense of control • Improve your breathing • Try some gentle exercise • Protect yourself, where possible, from stressful situations (and people who make you feel anxious) • Nourish and nurture yourself

Zita West is the founder of the Zita West Fertility Clinic which specialises in a holistic approach to IVF. Instagram: @the_first_1000_days

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 81

HEALTH

BREAKING the

TABOO

HAVING A BABY CAN PL AY HAVOC WITH YOU R PELVIC FLOOR , BUT AS Becky Dickinson TELL S, R EGAINING CONTROL INVOLVE S MOR E THAN A FEW SQU EE ZE S

hat do bouncing on a trampoline, sneezing and watching comedy have in common? For many women, the answer is that they cause embarrassing leaks.

One in three women admit to having some degree of stress incontinence – leaks of urine that can be brought on by anything from laughing to exercise. Far from being an “old person’s problem” the condition often develops because of pregnancy and childbirth.

Earlier this year, the most senior doctor in the country admitted it’s something she too has struggled with. The chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies bravely opened up about her own issues with incontinence. And it’s time more of us did the same!

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Having had three (large) babies, my pelvic floor has certainly seen better days. And like scores of other women, it isn’t something I’ve ever discussed. Why? Because it’s a tad embarrassing. And because there seems to be a consensus that some collateral damage is a necessary price to pay for having babies.

By keeping silent, millions of women continue to believe that stress incontinence is just something that they have to put up with, but your pelvic floor can, and should, recover.

Kegels – those “squeeze and lift” exercises we’re told to do during and after pregnancy are a good starting point, but they won’t prepare you for returning to a life full of movement. This doesn’t help much because

it’s not when you’re sitting down that you need a strong pelvic floor; it’s when you’re running or dancing! Indeed, the only way to treat the pelvic floor is to treat the core itself.

“There’s a stigma attached to incontinence, and a fear that once you suffer it’s permanent, but this is absolute rubbish,” says postnatal fitness specialist Jenny Burrrell. After developing devastating incontinence herself at the age of 41 and being told by her doctor she’d need pads for the rest of her life, Jenny decided to take matters into her own hands.

Building on her background as a biochemist turned personal trainer, she threw herself into developing a programme to strengthen her pelvic floor and core, based on in-depth scientific research. Within two months she had managed to cure her incontinence.

Since then, Jenny has rolled out the Holistic Core Restore programme across Britain and overseas and now has 80 specially trained coaches in the UK. It’s a six-week regime designed to restore pelvic function and the

HEALTH

TIPS FOR PELVIC AND BLADDER HEALTH

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

• Don’t go to the loo too often – try to build up to at least two hours between trips • Avoid going for a wee “just in case” and wait until you really have the urge • Drink plenty of water but try to cut down on bladder irritants like tea and coffee • You can exercise your pelvic floor by practising squeezing the muscles needed to stop the flow of urine (don’t actually do this on the loo). However, for the best possible results, enrol on a programme that strengthens your whole core like Holistic Core Restore. holisticcorerestore.com • If the problem persists, seek help.

Incontinence is common, but it’s not ok and you can cure it

project’s successful application has been transformative for thousands of women.

Jenny says: “I’m here to shout about incontinence from the rooftops. It’s not something you have to live with – in six weeks you can turn your life around. When you’re young, your vagina is all about having fun, but as you get older it can be a cause of great stress. Nobody should have to spend the rest of their lives wearing pads. They need their pelvic floor (and their bodies as a whole), totally fit for purpose.”

I decided to try the programme out and was introduced to one of Jenny’s fully trained coaches, Sammie McFarland (sammiemcfarland.co.uk). Taking a holistic approach is key to the whole endeavour and the first session started with a soft tissue massage to loosen up any other areas, from shoulders to feet, as Sammie explained that the core is intrinsically connected to the whole body. We then moved on to breathing.

Holistic Core Breathing teaches you to inhale

right into every cavity of your body and I was amazed to discover how different this felt.

Next, we linked this breathing to some pelvic floor lifts, using visualisation techniques.

The effort and concentration required was exhausting and the “lift”, by contrast seemed dishearteningly negligible, but Sammie was quick to reassure me that this was completely normal to start with.

As I practised at home, however, the breathing began to make sense and somehow everything seemed to come together. As the weeks progressed the sessions became more dynamic, moving from floor-based exercises to standing, and then exercises involving the whole body using resistance equipment. It’s this integrated approach at the heart of the programme’s ethos that makes it so much more successful than the clenching-at-trafficlights exercises women are usually told to do.

As Jenny stresses, the pelvic floor doesn’t exist “in splendid isolation”. It is connected to the rest of the body, and can only be fixed through a “whole body” philosophy that unifies the breath with functional movement.

The regime requires commitment – to the classes, homework, and nutritional advice – but after just a few weeks, thanks to Sammie’s gentle expertise and tuition, I feel more in touch with my pelvic floor and would urge any woman to give it a go.

EXPECTING?

Research shows that doing e c oor e erc ses d r ng pregnancy makes it less likely a yo eak r ne af er birth. Help is at hand…

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HEALTH

The Breastfeeding Café with SIONED HILTON

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

I DON’T THINK I’M PRODUCING ENOUGH MILK – HOW WILL I KNOW AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD BABY FEED?

M

any mothers worry about their breastmilk supply, especially when comparing themselves to others, but it’s important to remember that there is no normal when it comes to breastfeeding. Every mother and baby is different.

A study conducted by Dr Jaqueline Kent, a lactation expert at the University of Western Australia, demonstrated how broad the range is for what constitutes “normal” breastfeeding.

Some babies featured in her research drank just 54ml in a feed – a measly amount compared to the 234ml drunk by others – while sessions amounted to anything from four to 13 times daily, day or night.

There really is no “norm” and if baby is happy, healthy and putting on weight then you know you’re producing enough milk. If mum does feel concerned about supply however, she can look out for several signs. For instance, is baby alert, gaining weight, growing out of clothes and producing wet and dirty nappies?

Does baby have good skin tone? If all of the answers are yes, it’s likely there’s nothing to worry about, but if not, it may be advisable to ask a GP or midwife to check things out.

Remember that your early feeding habits

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will influence feeding performance in the long term. The first few weeks are key to priming your milk cells and building a good supply.

Mums should see their midwives or health professionals to check latch and seek advice, if necessary, about painful nipples or mastitis (inflammation). It’s also important be informed about upcoming growth spurts so that cluster feeding doesn’t come as a shock. During spurts (typically around three weeks and three months), babies tend to feed more frequently, not because they are hungry or unsatisfied but because they crave comfort and closeness.

It’s also a good reminder that softer breasts (around six weeks) are nothing to worry about – in fact they signify a healthy feed balance and harmony between baby and mum.

Lastly, be realistic. The first few days and weeks will be tough, tiring and hard work, but with the right advice you can establish and stabilise your feeding routine. Have confidence in the human body’s natural ability to provide for your little one and you’ll both reap the rewards in no time.

Sioned Hilton is Medela’s in-house lactation consultant. medela.co.uk

Silicone nipple shield £3.99, nuk.co.uk

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TOP TIPS : • Start as you mean to go on • Feed in the first hour after birth if possible, allowing skin-to-skin contact • A comfortable latch and lots of dirty nappies show that baby is getting enough • If latching is proving difficult, try other positions • If baby isn’t feeding well, seek GP advice • Empty the first breast before offering the other • Track the frequency of your feeds on paper or using an app like MyMedela • Feeding frequently will boost milk supply • Consider trying lactation biscuits and smoothies • If you are both struggling, express breastmilk to initiate your supply and then build • Use a hospital grade breastpump to express from birth • If you are mixed feeding on the advice of a health professional, have a feeding plan and avoid topping up after each feed • More support at the 24/7 National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212

Lansinoh 3-in-1 breast therapy packs £12.99, mothercare.com

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 85

HEALTH

Making the right choice Teresa Walsh, MIDWIFE EDUCATOR AT TH E PORTL AN D HOSPITAL, DISCUSSE S TH E ROLE OF TH E BIRTHING PARTN ER

I

86 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

doula to provide psychological and physical support during the birth and beyond.

For many, if the dad or co-parent is not the primary support, they will still be in the vicinity to provide emotional reassurance and participate in the birth, albeit with less stress.

HOW TO OFFER INVALUABLE SUPPORT DURING BIRTH… Engage with the mother during her pregnancy and prepare together: this may seem obvious to many, but some partners feel a little isolated as the bump grows. Read out loud to the baby, do the relaxation exercises and show and tell of your excitement – watch the baby moving and touch the mother’s tummy when baby kicks.

Learn about birth: fully embrace the birth preparation classes so that you can be informed and knowledgeable about the labour and birthing process. Listen to the mother-tobe when she is making her birth plan and be ready to support her in her decisions. At the time you will be her most valued ally and a voice to help her get what she needs.

Help the hormones flow: for many, the whole concept of keeping calm and relaxed during labour sounds unrealistic and impossible to comprehend. But creating the right mental and

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

t is well acknowledged that when a woman is having a baby, she can often progress quicker, need less pain medication and have a more positive perception of the birth if she feels well supported during her labour.

With such an important job to do, it’s a good idea to give significant thought into who is best suited to be birthing partner and what they will need to do to alleviate the stress and pain of birth as much as possible.

Although social attitudes and hospital policies vary around the world, nowadays the father of the child is often not only welcome but expected to witness the birth. But this hasn’t always been the case – prior to the 1970s men were often “locked out” of the delivery process and relegated to a long night in the waiting room. While on the whole this move to inclusion has had a lot of positive effects, the expectation to have the father present has also left some women feeling unsupported and some men traumatised.

Indeed, as not all fathers or co-parents know what they should be doing, more often than not in 2018 it comes down to preference.

Many parents-to-be will still be the first choice for birthing partners and the best people for the job too, but birthing centres and hospitals usually welcome friends or family who have children of their own or a

HEALTH

Identifying the birthing partner ahead of time enables you both to plan the day together

physical environment is invaluable in enabling the hormones ‘Mother Nature’ provides to do their job. In The Portland Hospital’s childbirth education classes I ask the partners to describe their idea of a romantic evening.

Collectively they always manage a perfect scenario: good food, drink, privacy, intimacy, a bubble bath, touching and affection, good conversation and no mobile phones.

Simply incorporate whatever you can from a romantic or relaxing evening into the labour experience and you’ll create a calmer, more pleasant environment.

Guard the environment: you’ll need to be the keeper of her privacy. One reason why labour progresses better at home is because privacy is less of an issue. At The Portland the birthing party is given their own private room during labour and birth, but in shared ward facilities you can help to protect her privacy by keeping the curtains closed, her clothing close by and the doors closed when she’s using the bathroom. The birth partner can answer any door knocks and let only those who need to enter the room come in.

Be on her side: watch how she is managing labour and take your cues from her. It is not too difficult to deduce when someone needs an extra pillow or a cool cloth. Guessing is ok, and if you get it wrong, don’t take it personally. Keep trying and be present – make sure your electronic equipment is off and stay close to your partner throughout. You also need to stay well hydrated and take short breaks. Labour and birth can be a timeintensive process and you will need to keep your energy levels up. If you start lagging you’ll be less useful to the mother.

Make friends with the midwife: but don’t have long, unrelated conversations. Although many women will use hypnobirthing tapes, relaxing music or movies as a distraction, listening to another conversation can be annoying. There is also much to be said for letting the brain rest in a silent birthing room.

Left to her own devices the mother can slip into silence until she needs to give birth, and this time of quiet can regenerate the body and mind ready for the powerful job ahead.

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 87

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BABY TALK

PART

Diary of a MUM AS ROBIN APPROACH E S H ER SECON D BIRTH DAY, Mar tha Alexander SHAR E S H ER L AST EVER IN STALM ENT

S

o. This is my last Diary of a Mum and I feel sad about it. Partly because it’s the end of a role I loved – writing about my (rather shambolic) life as a new mother was a dream come true – but also because it signifies that my daughter is no longer a baby. She’s a walking, talking person who can choose her own clothes and say things like “poo monster”.

It’s been two-and-a-half years since I began this column. Back in 2016 I was four months pregnant and wrote of an aversion to fine fragrance and a beanshaped life growing hair and fingernails inside my stomach. Now, as Robin’s second birthday approaches, I can’t believe how far we’ve come.

The most important thing I’ve learnt (aside from practical stuff like changing a nappy one-handed, making sweet potato purée or typing with one hand because the other is feeding an already milk-drunk baby) is that being a parent is such a personal passage.

We are fed information from everyone and everywhere. But the truth is, much of navigating motherhood is about gut instinct. I hadn’t a clue what I was doing and still don’t much of the time. Learning to trust myself has been one of the most gratifying things about being a mum. I’m not always right and I do often ask for help, but on the whole I rely on my intuition.

I’m not having another baby. No matter how many times people ask me or how many comments are made about the pitfalls of only having one child, I am just not interested in having a second. Pregnancy was tough, labour was grim, and babies are hard work. Besides, you can’t improve on perfection, right?!

Maybe I’ll change my mind in a few years – but I don’t think so. I love my girl. I love our family. I love our dynamic. I finally feel like I’m both a mother and in control of my professional life and don’t (constantly) look like I spent the night in a BIFFA bin. I have achieved a balance that at one point I thought was lost forever in a quagmire of soiled baby wipes and acute fretfulness.

I absolutely salute any mother who wants to have more babies, just as I respect any woman who chooses not to have any children at all and support any would-be

parents in an often difficult, painful quest.

“You’ll change your mind,” say absolute strangers to me about my reproductive choices.

Another favourite: “She’ll be so lonely.”

Don’t ask people if they are having another baby.

Just don’t do it. They might not want one. They might desperately want one. They might have just found out that it’s going to be almost impossible to have one. It blows my mind how many people want to impress their opinions about motherhood onto mothers. Why can’t we all just do our own thing? For me, one is hard enough.

In the park yesterday Robin shouted “I’m a big girl…” to a group of older kids. One of them, a tall girl with a bubblegum pink scooter complete with handlebar tassels said, “no you’re not I can see your nappy,” before racing away giggling. It’s oversensitive, but my heart broke a little bit for my daughter, who stood blinking in the sun, confused and wrong-footed. She has so much to learn about the nuances of life – so much of which I don’t have the answers for because I’m still working it out myself. My heart wants to keep her safe, to protect her from sorrow, pain and fear but my head knows that these things are part of life and instead I need to provide her with the right toolkit to help her navigate them.

This might be my last column but there are so many firsts to come: a big girl bed, a salon haircut (so far my mother has been fashioning mean bowl cuts with the kitchen scissors) and of course the first day of school.

I have to say, however, that I am dreading the teenage years, which if she’s anything like me will involve contrariness, hormone engulfment and an ill-advised tattoo. But I’ve got a decade before then.

I’ve loved writing every single instalment of this column and have been so proud to share this often chaotic journey with you all. It might not always have been pretty but it was absolutely authentic. I’m handing over to the brilliant Joanna McGarry. I wish her so much luck with both the column and her motherhood journey.

As for me, Robin will always be my tiny little baby. bl Twitter: @marthalondon

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Next time: we welcome our new monthly columnist Joanna McGarry as she enters the world of motherhood

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 89

Time to

KICK SOME…

R E ADY TO GE T BACK ON YOU R FEE T ? WITH LOADS OF OP TION S FOR YOU AN D YOU R BABY, YOU CAN JUM P, RU N AN D DANCE INTO SHAPE FROM HOM E OR BEYON D SAYS Georgina Blaskey

eturning to regular exercise after having a baby can feel like an insurmountable challenge. There’s what to do with your little one for starters, then the fear of squeezing into your gym kit (may we suggest you treat yourself to something new?), and finally, there’s wondering when on earth you’ll find the time. So to save you the bother, we’ve cherry-picked the workouts that bring the best of London’s fitness studios to your home, and when you feel ready to leave the house, you can take your new arrival with you to all of them too.

So what are you waiting for? Embrace the opportunity to get fit and healthy for you and your baby! Remember, no exercise regime should be started until you’ve been signed off at your six-week medical check.

R

FITNESS

WORK IT!

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS Keeping fit and healthy is really important as you enter this new chapter in your life, and for your postnatal body, look no further than MumHood. Fitness experts and mothers Pip Black and Joan Murphy of fitness company Frame, which offers feel-good, fun-packed exercise classes, designed MumHood while pregnant themselves. It helps mums to rebuild their bodies from the centre outwards by using deep core and pelvic exercises.

Comfort of home: MumHood online programmes help mums transition safely back At Mum Hoo into exercise after giving birth, d, there’s no need to leave baby using deep core work and floor behind exercises to assist with stomach muscle repair. By following phases one and two of the Postnatal Programme, you will lay the foundations for a complete recovery. The short but effective workouts are signed off by medical professionals, ensuring your body gets what it needs at your particular stage.

Hit the gym: With more new studios opening across London this year, visit Frame to find a variety of safe, effective MumHood classes.

MumHood Postnatal Tums is a great way to rebuild your abdominal wall, helping to reconnect your deeper core layers in a comfortable environment. Taken on the mat, there is plenty of room to bring your baby with you and once you feel ready there’s also MumHood Fitness and MumHood HIIT for you both. mum-hood.com

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BABY WEIGHT CARiFiT workouts are done whilst wearing the baby, offering new mothers the chance to get back into shape and bond with their child at the same time. Devised by father of two and postnatal fitness expert Vern Hill, CARiFit has been carefully created for mothers with babies aged six weeks to nine months. Each of the workouts offers a mixture of cardio and resistance interval training techniques, all designed to engage the core, improve posture and increase all-round fitness.

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 91

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FITNESS Boogie with baby at Xtend Barre, whether at home or out and about

ALL THE GEAR From thick waistbands to help you feel held in, to wide straps on vests to cover supportive bras, these brands have mums in mind – and in stylish fabrics too!

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Comfort of home: It’s easy to get the benefits of a CARiFit routine at home. Simply subscribe to the website and you can enjoy complete flexibility to stream any workouts you want, when you want them. The service offers short, sharp bursts which can be built up to create your bespoke workout. For instance, one day you might like to focus on legs, but another day it may be your core.

Hit the gym: CARiFit is available in London and plans to expand, so when you’re ready to leave the house and join group classes, you can sweat it out with other new mums and babies – visit carifit.co.uk to find locations.

MOVE TO THE BEAT Xtend Barre is world-renowned for its resultsgiving routines that combine pilates, dance and ballet. Now founder Andrea Rogers has

it Sweat it out at CA RiF

created Xtend Barre Babies On Board, a fullbody workout designed to give you strength, power, cardio and confidence, all with your baby. What sets Xtend Barre apart from other forms of exercise is the lengthening effect of the movements. Each class features elegant yet energetic combinations which enhance flexibility, improve balance and challenge the core. No dance experience required – just be ready to sweat!

Sweat-wicking run vest £45, sweatybetty.com Reebok kettlebell £19.99, johnlewis.com

Comfort of home: While your baby is enjoying nap time, granny time or watching you leap about, sign up to Xtend Barre’s online membership and enjoy different workout options depending on what you want to Magic sports bra achieve and your level of fitness. All of them £21, nineinthemirror.com can be done at home any time you like, and workouts vary from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on what you and your baby have time for. You can choose the level and length of your workout, tailor-made to you and your Bugaboo Runner energy that day. £568, uberkids.co.uk

Hunter leggings £195, leoandi.com

Hit the gym: Visit the central London studio and try out Xtend Barre Babies On Board to enjoy the benefits of dance, pilates and ballet while spending time with your little one. Exercises include barre work with baby snuggled up to you in a carrier and push-ups where participants dip down to kiss baby on the mat. And the best bit? Changing stations and a lift to help you with that troublesome buggy. xtendbarre.com Pilates gym ball £10, moveyourframe.com

FITNESS

Exercise anywhere in 15 minutes Lyndon Littlefair, founder of the Yummy Tummies programme, has developed these exercises based around movements that a mum does daily. Do each programme on consecutive days for a full body workout.

PROGRAMME ONE LATERAL LUNGE WITH TOUCHDOWN x12 each side Take a step to the side to perform a lateral lunge. Reach down to touch the floor with the opposite hand. Breathe in as you step out, then push off to return to a single leg standing position with your arm at 90 degrees.

Make sure to breathe out on the way back up and lift your pelvic floor muscles at the same time. Hold this balanced position for a second before performing the exercise again.

STANDING PUSH-UPS x12-15 Standing in a push-up position against the wall, breathe in as your lower yourself down.

Breathe out just before you begin the upward movement to initiate the pelvic floor and abdominal contraction. Really focus on lifting your pelvis as you push away from the wall.

FLOOR BRIDGE x12-15 Lie on your back with your knees bent and your palms facing the ceiling. Now squeeze your butt, push the weight through your heels and slowly push the floor away from you,

lifting your hips up as far as possible whilst keeping your feet on the floor. Try to make sure that your butt is doing most of the work.

Hold for two seconds then lower your hips.

Note: Repeat these two to three times, depending on time available.

PROGRAMME TWO x12-15 each leg Standing on your left leg, breathe in and reach forward with both hands, aiming slightly offcentre each time to alternate sides. Make sure to pivot forward from your hips, keeping your

left knee bent. Squeeze your left butt muscle to bring yourself back to the starting position.

HORSE STANCE VERTICAL x60 seconds Start on your hands and knees with your upper body in a good postural position and

push through your shoulders to keep your scapula flat. Take a diaphragmatic breath in and as you breathe out lift up your pelvic floor muscles and pull your belly button towards your spine. Keep your tongue at the roof of your mouth the whole time (this helps to wake up the deep stabilising muscles of the neck in order to protect and strengthen it). Now lift the weight off your left knee and right hand.

Hold this for five seconds before repeating the same on the other side. Only lift your hand and knee so that you could slide a piece of paper underneath them.

SINGLE LEG SQUAT WITH TOUCHDOWN x12-15 each leg Standing on your left leg with your right arm at 90 degrees, squat down and reach across to the outside of your left leg with your right hand. Breathe in as you bend forward. Focus on squeezing your bum, breathing out and lifting your pelvic floor muscles as you bring yourself back to the starting position.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

SINGLE LEG DEADLIFT WITH OFF-CENTRE REACH

ADVERTORIAL

Looking after mum WE CATCH U P WITH Maria Elliot t, PR E- AN D POSTNATAL H E ALTH PHYSIO AN D FOU N DER OF TH E MUMMY MOT PROJEC T, WH O IS INTRODUCING PELVIPOWER TR AINING TO LON DON The PelviPower chair is a non-invasive way to s reng en yo r e c oor

DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

You are the UK’s first practitioner of the PelviPower chair, what is it and how can it help?

We are really excited about the Swiss-based PelviPower chair that we’ve now got in our Upper Wimpole Street practice. It’s an innovative therapy which combines state-of-the-art technology of magnetic field therapy with targeted support and biofeedback to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles in both men and women. It’s revolutionary, as it provides a simple, painless and non-invasive effective pelvic floor strengthening.

tummy gap after birth. Following the assessment, we provide mums with bespoke exercises and treatment to help the recovery process.

Who needs PelviPower training?

Women with bladder leaking, incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse or sexual concerns, it will help you regain power and strength in your core, improve your posture and help you become symptom free.

Women often get told to strengthen their core or do their Kegels, but why is it so important?

Pelvic floor training is vital after child birth to support the organs, the bladder, uterus and bowel so they don’t leak or prolapse. Women don’t talk about it or know what to do. There is a lot of advice out there, but the Mummy MOT system provides a one-stop service that assesses the symptoms and solves the problems. Many just think it’s normal to leak a bit, or give up running or dancing and avoid exercising – it’s common but you shouldn’t have to suffer. And we’re here to get the message out and change that!

You also run the Mummy MOT, what’s that?

This is a specialist postnatal check for all new mums from six weeks plus. In France, where I previously worked, postnatal check-ups and pelvic rehab sessions are standard. Our MOT assesses women’s pelvic floor control, strength and the

So how effective are these treatments?

The PelviPower chair is getting great results resolving symptoms with eight to 12 sessions. The non-invasive method teamed with our manual therapy and specific tailored rehabilitation programmes is proving very successful.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Quote ‘Baby London’ when booking before 31 August 2018 to receive your free 15 minute PelviPower trial. To find out more visit simplypelvichealth.co.uk/pelvipower To book contact Maria’s team on : 07958 169 410, help@mummymot.com or themummymot.com

Did you know?

• 45% of all mums leak • 25% suffer from pain • 36% have a tummy gap • A third of all women will suffer incontinence after giving birth If you’re experiencing any of these book yourself a Mummy MOT session to identify the problems.

BOOK YOUR SESSION… The Mummy MOT includes: Cost £120 • 1-hour postnatal assessment with a specialist postnatal health physiotherapist • The assessment will check your pelvic floor and tummy gap, breathing and posture to avoid long-term childbirth-related complaints • Customised postnatal exercise programme • Recovery plan PelviPower includes: Cost £170 • Initial 1-hour session • 15 minutes biofeedback training • 15 minutes PelviPower training

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 95

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SUMMER INFANT

Twins can benefit greatly from sleeping beside each other. This larger crib provides plenty of space for two babies to co-sleep alongside a parent. For longer usage, the interchangeable framework can be attached to another Babybay crib to form a standalone cot, or used as a playpen as they grow. £229.99, nsauk.com

This beech wood cot features a sophisticated yet simple Scandinavian design that’s sure to compliment rooms of all shapes and styles. Parents will also appreciate the clever three-in-one design that enables the detachable bassinet to be used around the home for daytime naps. £199.95 (includes mattress), snuz.co.uk

This crib features a breathable mesh wall that can be fastened and used as a standalone cot, or unzipped to form an extension of the parent’s bed. The optional recline makes it a great choice for babies that frequently suffer with reflux, without the need to buy and fit a wedge to support improved sleep. £179, johnlewis.com

For something a little more modern, this crib comprises a hard outer shell and a ventilated padded interior, allowing parents to feel reassured while providing baby with much-needed comfort.

The crib is easy to sterilise and clean, and the stand (included) can be used as a fixed base or switched to a low-level rocker. £134.95, shnuggle.com

This small crib stands out for its many flexible features. The heightadjustable frame accommodates high and divan-style beds, the changeable incline provides elevation for baby, and the inbuilt soothing unit offers relaxation solutions, from sounds to soft vibrations. £129.99, mothercare.com

Babybay Maxi

96 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

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98 | JUL/AUG18 | babylondon.co.uk

INTERIORS

interior

NEWS

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

STORIED WALLS

Swedish wallpaper company Sandberg has teamed up with photographer and stylist Anna Kubel to create Kubel Kids, a gorgeous line of prints inspired by Anna’s two young daughters. The five new whimsical designs depict a range of family adventures, from rambles in the forest to playing amongst wildflowers in the meadow. From £65 per roll, sandbergwallpaper.com

CREATURE COMFORT Following the launch of its adult mattress two years ago, Simba has created two new sizes just for baby.

The springs and foam support growing bones and mould to the shape of baby’s body while the soft, anti-allergy surface and unique woven network provide ultimate breathability. Available in both cot and cot bed sizes. From £145, simbasleep.com

Classic lines and minimalist styles give Leander’s furniture a chic edge

TWO FOR JOY There’s so much to think about when it comes to preparing your home for a baby, and expecting twins only ups the ante even more. But the helpful design team at Dragons of Walton Street are on hand to help, from colour schemes and spatial planning to specially designed twinning products and bespoke room sets. Twinning is winning. dragonsofwaltonstreet.com

WITH LOVE FROM DENMARK You can always rely on the Danes to fulfil your nursery needs. Leander’s Linea collection features quirky adaptable pieces, including a cot that transforms from toddler’s bed to sofa and a dresser offering different handle and colour options. Three drawer dresser, from £599, cuckooland.com

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 99

TAKE COVER

Simple yet effective, there are few play spaces quite so versatile as the humble teepee. Little ones will love having their own area in which to while away the hours, whether they use the space for reading with a few teddies or for creating a whole new world in imaginative play. Clockwise from top left: children can hide away inside this pop-up mini teepee from Kids Concept, designed with lightweight, machine-washable materials (¤49, babyshop.com); this sturdy mauve canopy from Fabelab is easy to transport on adventures thanks to the handy drawstring bag included (£79, beyondthestork.co.uk); the iconic Nobodinoz teepee provides cover under canvas in a range of vibrant, colourful prints (£129, mollymeg.com); wave through the front of the Numero 74 cotton teepee in stylish grey blue (£145, smallable.com).

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Two Baby Rooms Two antastic arden spaces Full-time day care from 8 months to 5 years old Open 7.30am - 6.30pm Flexible childcare options Friendly, professional and caring team Montessori Teaching from 2 ½ years old Good daily balance of play, learning and social interaction Exciting afternoon activities for 2 ½ years +, including Spanish, Drama and Sports

Please speak to us to find out more about the childcare we provide.

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babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG18 | 101

FOOD

SWEETEST REVEAL

Unveil your baby’s gender to friends and family with the new ombré reveal cakes from The Hummingbird Bakery.

The cakes boast layers of vanilla sponge and smooth vanilla buttercream and can be personalised with a name or message. Cupcakes with sugar fondant decorations are also available. From £19.95, hummingbirdbakery.com

Tuck into brightly coloured sponge and celebrate your new arrival in style

food

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

FIT FOR A QUEEN To celebrate the arrival of Prince Louis, the Mount Street Deli has compiled its favourite items into a special gift bundle perfect for any new mother.

The Royal Baby Hamper includes plenty of treats from biscuits, tea and granola to a takeaway dinner gift card. £95, themountstreetdeli.co.uk

CUBED GOODS Totally new to the UK market, Lickalix’s Baby Cübes are the perfect way to get more fruit and veg into your baby’s diet. Made from 100% baby grade organic purée, the frozen cubes work great on their own or mixed into yogurt, rice, pasta sauce and porridge. Just warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds to release the goodness. Four options available including orange, green, red and peach. £4.99, ocado.com

HANDLE IT The clever three-in-one melamine cup from Danish brand Design Letters grows with your child. Add or remove features like a spouted lid or ergonomic handles to create a beaker for young babies, a trainer cup for older infants and a standard mug for child and beyond.

From £9, thismodernlife.co.uk

SNACKS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR TODDLERS, HELPING TO BOOST THEIR ENERGY AND AID DEVELOPMENT. THE LATEST OFFERINGS FROM ORGANIX GOODIES INCLUDE CHEESE AND ONION LENTIL HOOPS AND CHEESY PEA SNAPS, MADE FROM MORE THAN 65% LENTILS AND PEAS. FROM £2.49 FOR MULTIPACKS OF FOUR, WAITROSE.COM

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 103

FOOD

You can always make a tomato sauce base and season with paprika for a dairy-free version

104 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

FOOD

Picnic perfect IN FANT N UTRITION SPECIALIST Alice Fotheringham SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE R ECIPE S TO ENJOY THIS SUMM ER

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

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

INGREDIENTS

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

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

If using filo pastry, place a single sheet of pastry on the parchment paper and brush lightly with olive oil. Top with another sheet of filo and again brush lightly with oil. Repeat

until all the filo sheets are stacked. Otherwise, roll out the puff pastry to fit the tray.

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

While the pastry is cooking, make the filling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 105

FOOD

When the purée’s done, roast the remaining pumpkin to make finger food snacks for baby

P E AC H & A P P L E P U R É E Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 45 minutes Makes 6 portions Suitable for stage 2/7 months and vegetarians Suitable for freezing. Store in a sealable container in the fridge for up to two days.

A thick, nutritious vegetable and fruit purée made from a delicious blend of ingredients and warmed with a bit of spice. Perfectly complemented with quinoa or with a little yoghurt swirled through.

INGREDIENTS

YO G H U R T W I T H P E A R & B E R R I E S A N D OAT S Cooking: 10 minutes Makes 6 portions Suitable from 6 months Suitable for freezing

This scrumptious fresh pear, strawberry and zingy blackberry yoghurt is full of taste and has the extra goodness of wholegrain oats too. Try freezing into cubes, drops or ice lollies for that perfect picnic pudding!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 William pear, peeled, cored and chopped • 4 strawberries, hulled • 2 tbsp full fat natural yoghurt • 2 blackberries • 1 tsp of oats METHOD

Blend all the ingredients in a blender.

Tip: You can swap the oats for chia seeds, sunflower seeds or almonds for additional protein and fats. Double the recipe to make a delicious smoothie for all the family, with enough left over for frozen treats.

106 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

• 1 sweet potato • ½ small pumpkin, seeds scooped out • 1 ripe peach • ½ medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped • pinch of allspice • pinch of cinnamon METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper, cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Roast the sweet potato and pumpkin for 45 minutes or until cooked through. As you only need half a pumpkin for this recipe, you could consider roasting the other half for your own meal or use it as finger food chunks for your baby later on.

While the root vegetables are cooking you can prepare the peach. To skin a peach, score a small cross on the top and bottom and place in a large pot of boiling water for 10 to 20 seconds or until you see the skin split.

Remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and immediately place in an ice water bath to cool and stop the cooking process. Use a paring knife to remove the skin, which should easily peel off. Quarter the peaches and remove the stone from inside.

Once the pumpkin and sweet potato are cooked, take them out of the oven and wait for a few minutes for them to cool down.

Then scoop out the flesh from both and add it to a blender or bowl with the peach, apple, allspice and cinnamon. Blend them all together until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency and the colour is nice and even.

FOOD

OAT & S E E D B A R S Cooking: 40 minutes Makes 16 bars Suitable from 12 months Suitable for freezing INGREDIENTS

• 5 tbsp maple syrup • 2 tbsp golden syrup • 5 tbsp tahini • 170g butter • 250g rolled oats • 100g raisins • 60g mixed favourite nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans), roughly blended or finely chopped • 50g sesame seeds • 50g sunflower seeds • 50g ready to eat brown apricots (nonsulphur), finely chopped METHOD

Heat oven to 160°C/fan 140°C/gas 3. Gently heat the maple, golden syrup and butter in a pan until the butter has melted. Stir the oats, raisins, apricots, nuts and seeds into the pan until coated in the butter.

Spoon half the oaty mix into a traybake tin (23 x 23cm or thereabouts) and pack the mix down well. Smooth with the back of a metal spoon and bake for 25 minutes or until dark gold. Leave to cool completely before cutting into 16 bars with a sharp knife.

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

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 107

Open Mornings Wednesday 12th September 2018 Thursday 11th October 2018

Reception Taster Afternoon Friday 5th October 2018

St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info babylondon01 June 2018.indd 1

04/06/2018 11:45:30

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

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

Please come and visit us.

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

Claremont Fan Court School Claremont Drive Esher Surrey KT10 9LY www.claremontfancourt.co.uk 108 | JUL/AUG18 | babylondon.co.uk

education

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP

Researching schools

EDUCATION

NEWS

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

BREATHE EASY

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has pledged £250,000 to pilot a new audit programme, with the aim of reducing indoor air pollution in 20 of the worst-affected nurseries.

This comes as part of a £1 million fund to protect London’s schoolchildren against toxic air, and the nurseries – which are yet to be chosen – will trial a filtration system in the hope of lowering pollution levels. london.gov.uk

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

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

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

TIME TO TALK St Catherine’s Prep School, near Guildford, recently held their third ‘Let’s Talk Day’, which encouraged pupils to chat to people who aren’t usually in their social group, in the hope of building and developing new relationships.

The girls also played a range of memory and brain games, to raise awareness and money for an Alzheimer’s charity. stcatherines.info

Packed with rhymes and riddles, this book is great fun for one-to-four-year-olds

RHYME TIME Rhyme Flies, the debut title from illustrator Antonia Pesenti, features beautiful bold artwork with an accompanying rhyme hidden beneath a flap. From a ‘ringing alarm croc’ to a glass of ‘fresh orange goose’, each silly idea will help to build the vocabulary and auditory skills of young readers. Phaidon, £12.95

A STUDY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN FINLAND HAS FOUND THAT GIVING CHILDREN AGED THREE TO FIVE ACCESS TO SENSORY FOOD EDUCATION INCREASES THEIR WILLINGNESS TO EAT FRUIT AND VEG, AS MAKING USE OF THEIR FIVE SENSES AFFECTS HOW THEY PERCEIVE A FOOD. UEF.FI

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 109

Hawkesdown House School

For Boys & Girls aged 3 to 11 years Artistic. Relaxed. Timeless. www.samantha-black.com

Horkesley Joinery Ltd Bespoke Wooden • Stair Gates • Fire Guards • Stair Refurbs 01206 271 509 info@horkesleyjoinery.co.uk www.horkesleyjoinery.co.uk

110 | JUL/AUG18 | babylondon.co.uk

OPEN MORNING Thursday 20th September 2018 9.15 am or 10.15 am.

Please telephone the School to register for a place.

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

mini

AGENDA

Lianne Kolirin ROU N DS U P TH E CAPITAL’S BE ST EVENTS Little Baby Bum

Little Baby Bum ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON 24-26 High Street, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 1HL 020 8174 0090 rosetheatrekingston.org With over 21 million subscribers, digital TV sensation Little Baby Bum has become the world’s largest educational YouTube channel for babies and young children. Now, little ones can join Twinkle, Mia, Jacus and friends at the world premiere of this brand-new live show.

Admission: £15 each; babies under six months go free.

Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 July, performance times vary.

Chiswick House Summer Party

Family Day: Summer Sundae

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

CHISWICK HOUSE & GARDENS Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 2RP chiswickhouseandgardens. org.uk

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD 020 8693 5254 dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

ROYAL GREENWICH AND EAST LONDON 020 8305 1818 festival.org

Head west for a summer party with a difference at Chiswick’s very own Roman-style villa.

Families can enjoy a selection of food and drink while watching cricket, playing giant garden games or listening to the live musical entertainment.

Admission: Adults, £10; children, £5.

Sunday 8 July, 11am to 5pm.

What better way to start the summer holidays than with a fun family festival? With arts and crafts activities, gorgeous grounds to explore and the Edward Bawden exhibition, there’s plenty to keep little ones of all ages occupied.

Admission: Adults, from £8; children go free.

Sunday 5 August, 10am to 5pm.

This enormous free outdoor arts festival will be popping up across Royal Greenwich and East London, offering families a variety of attractions. Street theatre, acrobatics, puppetry, dance and juggling are just some of the spectacular acts expected to make an appearance this year.

Admission: Free.

Thursday 21 June to Saturday 7 July, performance times vary.

babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 111

OUT AND ABOUT

Teletubbies Live

Kids Week

Hyper Japan

Big Camp

Big Camp

Teletubbies Live

Kids Week

Hyper Japan

OSTERLEY PARK & HOUSE Jersey Road, Isleworth, London TW7 4RB 020 8232 5050 nationaltrust.org.uk

THE ORCHARD THEATRE Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1ED 01322 220 000 orchardtheatre.co.uk

THEATRES ACROSS LONDON kidsweek.co.uk

OLYMPIA LONDON Hammersmith Road, Kensington W14 8UX 020 7385 1200 hyperjapan.co.uk

Reconnect with nature for a night under the stars at this wonderful National Trust venue. There’s a range of activites on offer, too, including marshmallow-toasting and songs around the campfire.

Admission: Adults, £23.50; children, £16.

Saturday 7 July, 3pm to 11.45pm.

Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland in their first ever live stage show. The gang will also be joined by the famous Noo-noo and the Sun Baby, and there’s even some brand new songs to listen out for.

Admission: From £16 each.

Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 August, 10am and 1pm.

Horse Play

It’s back for another year, and it promises to be even bigger and better! The annual ‘kids go free’ theatre promotion returns with deals on loads of top shows, as well as special backstage workshops. There’s plenty planned for kids aged under five this summer, too.

Admission: Varies by show.

Available throughout August, tickets go on sale in June.

PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure

Sailing the Seven Seas Rave G LIVE London Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2AA 01483 369 350 bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk

Notting Hill Carnival Family Day NOTTING HILL visitlondon.com

THE SSE ARENA Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0AA pawpatrollive.co.uk

Learn all about four-legged friends at the farm this summer, where the knowledgable and friendly staff will teach you how to brush, groom and ride the donkeys. There’s also other animals to visit, plus two expansive play areas.

Admission: £10 each; undertwos go free.

Saturday 4 to Friday 17 August, 10am to 5pm.

Eat, drink, dance and sing as part of this popular family day at London’s world-famous carnival. Follow the children’s parade to the rhythms of steel bands as the capital celebrates its Caribbean communities. A great day out, especially if the weather behaves itself!

Admission: Free.

From Saturday 25 to Monday 27 August.

This hugely popular TV show is being brought to life for a big outing at Wembley Arena. After discovering a secret pirate map, the PAW patrol set out on a wild adventure across land and sea to find hidden treasure. But will they make it to the goods before Mayor Humdinger does?

Admission: From £15 each.

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 August, times vary.

112 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

This popular celebration of all things Japanese is where kids can meet loveable characters, play video games and get involved with calligraphy. Don’t forget to get a taste of the sushi in the Japanese food hall!

Admission: From £17 each.

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 July, times vary.

Set sail with the award-winning, world-famous Big Fish Little Fish family ravers and their shipmates, as they bring family raving to G Live for children aged eight and under. Dance together on a floor filled with bubbles, balloons and glitter.

Admission: Adults, £11.50; children, £8.50.

Saturday 14 July, 2pm to 4.30pm.

OUTTO AND ABOUT SUBSCRIBE LITTLE LONDON

1 YEAR for just £14.99 The Everywhere Bear

Summer Spectacular

The Everywhere Bear

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 0PF 0870 129 9718 willowsactivityfarm.com

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

This summer’s packed programme includes Willows’ A-maize-ing Maze, summer sports day races, bouncy haystacks, funfair rides, animal feeding and live shows with Peter Rabbit and his friends.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 21 July to Sunday 2 September, 10am to 5.30pm.

Tortoise and Rabbit Day

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS LACEY; DAN TSANTILIS

BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ 0207 924 5826 batterseaparkzoo.co.uk In these drop-in sessions, kids will find out which of these two animals runs faster, and how to keep them happy and healthy.

There’s also an opportunity to create your own puppets.

Admission: Adults, £9.50; children, £7.50; under-twos go free.

Tuesday 31 July, 11am to 12.30pm, or 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

When the Everywhere Bear accidentally falls from a backpack, he embarks on a thrilling adventure! This sweet story from Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb uses rhyme, music and puppetry.

Admission: From £9 each.

Friday 6 July to Sunday 26 August, times vary.

Summer Festival V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Expect a buzzing programme of live music, dance, walkabout acts and more at the V&A’s annual summer festival. You’ll also discover plenty of food, family entertainment, face paints and rickshaw rides.

Admission: Free.

Sunday 22 July, 11.30am to 4.30pm.

includes FREE iPad access

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babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2018 | 113

BUSINESS

Sleepyhead pod offers a safe, comfortable space for baby

INSPIRE What inspired you to set up Sleepyhead of Sweden?

When my first son, Ilias, was born in 2006, I searched unsuccessfully for an alternative to a blanket, a cot and a baby lounger. I wanted something that essentially mimicked the womb, something cosy and completely safe. We were (and sometimes still are!) a co-sleeping family, so I wanted something that would enable us to do this with confidence. That’s when I was inspired to create something new in the baby and children’s industry – Sleepyhead.

What did you do before you set up the business?

I studied art history at Stockholm University, and professional photography and architecture education at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

Alongside academia I freelanced in subtitling, and became a founder of an international localisation company that provides dubbing, subtitling and media solutions in any language.

Were your children an inspiration for the brand?

I have two boys, Illias and Troy,

114 | JUL/AUG 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

LISA FURULAND The founder of Sleepyhead of Sweden talks motherhood, business and an exciting new project launching this year who are not just the inspiration behind the brand, but my inspiration for most things. I think it’s important for my sons to have a strong feminine role model, and I enjoy sharing my successes with them, especially since they have been my muse and motivation.

Their father, my husband Costa is another significant pillar on which my universe rests.

Describe a typical day for you.

After sending my kids off to school, I head to the office and

am at my desk for the entire day taking calls, approving designs, answering emails and making sure operations run smoothly. At some point during the day I try to make time for a workout, whether that be some simple stretches, hiking or swimming.

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

You’ve got to make sure you have a service or product that fulfils a purpose and fits a gap in the market. Sleepyhead created a new genre of product for the nursery industry. Setting up a business that works is incredibly rewarding and has some amazing benefits, but there is a lot more work involved than meets the eye.

There is no such thing as a whole day off, or holidays without work.

So be prepared to work hard, but also try to enjoy what you do.

What has been your proudest moment since setting up ?

I knew we had made it big when our social media started growing fast, with mums and celebrities recommending the product to one another. And we have won numerous awards for innovation, functionality and design.

What are your plans for 2018?

Last year we unveiled our latest invention, the CloudTot, at the ABC Kids Expo and CES in Las Vegas, and it will be launching later this year. It allows you to track baby’s movement and breathing with two revolutionary patent-pending features. The first, the Pep Pegs device, gently nudges baby awake and alerts parents if no movement (meaning no breathing) is detected for 12 seconds. The second offers moisture detection via special conductive fabric and an app that tells you when baby has wet the bed. This smart accessory will also check on baby’s room temperature and play white noise tracks. We are very excited for CloudTot’s release! sleepyheadwebshop.com

C

am Cam Copenhagen’s core originates from the love of babies and children, and a belief that they only deserve the best. It also comes from an understanding, that our surroundings are immensely important to us and influence us profoundly from the very beginning.

The overall design focus is sustainability, this means sustainable, organic production, and enduring design and material quality, which will be appreciated for generations to come.

We are a GOTS certified company, which places regulations for both organic production and social responsibility.

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