Baby London March/April 2018

baby london MARCH/APRIL 2018

BABYLONDON.CO.UK

Carey Mulligan How motherhood has changed her as an actress

TAKING CARE OF YOUR MIND, BODY AND BABY

What Kate did next Life with baby number three

Holiday adventures and little ones can travel, too!

BEAUTIFUL WAYS TO STYLE YOUR NURSERY Your essential shopping guide How to make the right choices for you

£3.99

Hop into

W I N A CYBE!

TRAVELX SYSTEM

SPRING

• CAROLE MIDDLETON’S MOTHER’S DAY GIFT LIST • PLAYFUL FASHION FOR THE NEW SEASON • THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE CAPITAL THIS EASTER

coffee date?

have it all with the new bugaboo fox

say ‘YES!’ the new bugaboo fox is here to help you say ‘YES!’ to all the things you love to do visit bugaboo.com/fox to find out how © copyright Bugaboo International BV

NEW VERSION! Baby Carrier One Ergonomic, soft and comfortable. www.babybjorn.co.uk

CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2018

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23

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PHOTOGRAPHY: LEONIE FREEMAN

FEATURES

48 “IT’S IMPORTANT FOR GIRLS TO SEE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES” Hollywood actress and mother of two Carey Mulligan talks films and family 59 THE MAGIC NUMBER As excitement mounts over a third royal baby, Becky Dickinson explores what Kate can expect next 62 THE BUYERS’ GUIDE From pushchairs to baby monitors, here’s how to narrow down what’s right for you 66 BEHIND THE BRAND: ADEN + ANAIS Danielle Wilkins meets the label’s founder, Raegan Moya-Jones 76 A MODERN GUIDE TO GODPARENTS Can you really be one if you don’t believe in God? Rosy Edwards finds out 86 NOT SO SWEET The lowdown on gestational diabetes

73

102 OPEN ALL HOURS How London mothers are coming together to find a new way of working

STYLE

40 POP ROCKS Colourful Scandi-inspired looks to see baby into spring 55 RAIN OR SHINE Key wardrobe staples to see you through those damp April days

SHOPPING

21 BABY LONDON LOVES A new-season number to put a spring in baby’s step 23 SHOP THE SEASON Bold and bright childrenswear and accessories to covet this month 96 PAPER TRAIL Beautiful wallpapers to be inspired by Carole Middleton shares her Mother’s Day gift ideas

98 BABY’S FIRST BEDROOM Create an original and stylish nursery for your little one with these two very different trends

FOOD & TRAVEL

105 FOOD NEWS The latest offerings for your little diners 106 A SPOONFUL OF SPRING Get baby’s weaning off to a healthy start with these tasty and seasonal recipes 111 TRAVEL NEWS The newest updates and escapes for young families 112 BABY ON BOARD Whether you’re looking to escape as a twosome or bravely venturing on your first trip with baby, it’s time to get inspired with our holiday round-up 116 POSTCARD FROM SCOTLAND Holly Tuppen takes her young family for a drive on the wild side

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 5

Editor-in-Chief Kate Freud Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Features Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West

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Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson

REGULARS

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BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small WIN! A TRAVEL SYSTEM FROM CYBEX This stylish pushchair and car seat system could be yours MY ESSENTIALS Olympic skier and BBC presenter Chemmy Alcott discusses the joys of first-time motherhood DATES FOR YOUR DIARY What’s going on this March and April ALL-TIME CLASSICS Old and new favourites for baby’s bookshelf INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION Mother of two and fashion blogger Laura Wills reveals her style icons MATERNITY FASHION NEWS Do bump style right – here’s how TOT GEAR NEWS What’s new in baby kit, plus, we review the Baby Jogger City Tour PARTY TIME: MOTHER’S DAY Carole Middleton shares her favourite gift and styling ideas for a special Mother’s Day brunch at home

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Head of Market Lyndal Beeton Advertising Manager James Waldron Sales Executive Caroline Kimber

Enjoy a taste of spring with re cipes from Alice Foth eringham (p.1 06)

79 HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS What’s new in the world of wellbeing 81 Q&A WITH ZITA WEST The fertility expert gives the lowdown on pregnancy and anxiety 83 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ Clare Byam-Cook is on hand to answer your questions about breast milk and formula 85 DIARY OF A MUM Martha Alexander and baby Robin find themselves in a sickly situation 88 MEET THE EXPERTS Our healthcare professionals answer your burning questions about pregnancy, birth and beyond 91 TIME TO TALK The Bump Class discusses non-invasive prenatal testing and all it involves 92 THE REVIEW We put the very best baby bouncers to the test 95 INTERIOR NEWS Stylish updates and inspiring finds to make your house a home 119 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from London classrooms and beyond 120 MEET THE HEAD Behind the scenes at Queen’s Gate School 123 MINI AGENDA What’s going on in the capital over the next two months 130 INSPIRE Talking business with the brilliant sister duo behind Olli Ella

Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Baby London is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: babylondon.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: babylondon@chelseamagazines.com

Baby London Print ISSN 2040-8552 Online ISSN 2059-982X | Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2018 All rights reserved

SUBSCRIBE Enjoy our special subscription offer and you’ll receive Baby London magazine for a year, delivered straight to your door all for just £19.50.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: HELEN MARSDEN MODEL: JAKE Jake wears cashmere cardigan, £92, Brora.

Cotton shirt, £70, Bonpoint. Cotton and merino wool hat, £44, Stella McCartney Kids.

We can’t get enough of Sophia Webster’s Mini collection for baby Sophia Webster leather pram shoes £174, alexandalexa.com Limited-edition Peter Rabbit £199, steiff.com

EDITORʼS

LETTER

Cotton lampshade £29.50, littlejagger.co.uk

Cotton muslin blanket £17.50, uk.elodiedetails.com

the best babymoons and first holidays with baby, with everything from hotels a hop, skip and jump away from London, to long-haul locations for the more adventurous among you (p.112).

Closer to home, we asked interior designer Medina King to talk us through the latest trends for nurseries (p.98), and we take a sneak peek behind the scenes at Aden + Anais (p.66), the baby essentials brand with a celebrity following that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. We also catch up with Chloe and Olivia Brookman, the sisters behind the kitsch lifestyle brand Olli Ella (p.130).

Our resident experts, Zita West and Clare Byam-Cook give their invaluable advice once again on mind, body and baby (p.81) and breastfeeding (p.83).

And last but not least, the happiest of days to all the mums out there for Mother’s Day on Sunday 11 March – we hope you are spoilt rotten, you deserve it!

KATE FREUD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

Stella McCartney dress with matching bloomers £66, en.smallable.com

KEE Babylondonmagazine

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

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Easy Peasy pram shoes £40, alexandalexa.com

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Cotton cardigan £18, newbiestore.com

Hello and welcome to Baby London’s gloriously colourful spring issue, a true celebration of the best of the season. From our beautiful pop art, Scandi-inspired fashion shoot (p.40) and fruity-hued shopping pages (p.23) through to our jam-packed Agenda (p.123) covering all the best Easter events around the capital, there’s plenty to get excited about.

What I love most about this time of year is the sense of optimism – the dark days of winter are behind us and we’re savouring the frosty bite of spring as the brave daffodils and snowdrops rear their heads across London’s many parks. The children seem to sense it too, and are full of anticipation for what’s to come.

It’s these precious, fleeting moments with my kids I’m remembering to savour as they’re gone before you know it. And no one knows that more than the famously publicity-shy actress Carey Mulligan, who tells us about her latest role as a mother of two, and how her children will now always come first (p.48).

We also chat to Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott about life as a first-time mum and how she and her young family always travel together (p.31). And speaking of travelling, we have put together a comprehensive guide for

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@baby_london

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 9

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Where were you born?

In Brighton.

Where do you live now?

I lived in London for many years but moved back to Hove in 2015. As much as I miss the city, I do love living by the seaside!

Where is your favourite London hangout?

The Tate Modern – I love that you can enjoy art for free in London, it’s the perfect respite when you’re feeling stressed.

Karen meets Carey Mulligan on p.48

FR E

BY LONDO , BA N D U

R ITO ED

Where were you born?

Westminster Hospital, London.

Where do you live now?

I live in North Kensington. The area is peaceful with lots of greenery, but is walking distance from the hustle and bustle of Notting Hill.

Where is your favourite London hangout?

I don’t spend as much time in our house as I’d like these days, so time at home with family is my favourite. We like Golborne Road, too!

Dr Chiara talks prenatal testing on p.91

RTON, JO OVE U N N

KATE

A KARE NA

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CHIA RA

CONTRIBUTORS

Where were you born?

Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London.

Where do you live now?

We live in Battersea, just next to Clapham Common. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by green space yet also live next to the dangerously tempting Northcote Road.

What are your plans this Easter?

It’s going to be a bit of a moveable feast this year, as baby number three is due, but there will definitely be lots of chocolate involved!

UK

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

-TO-DATE, UP

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KEEP

BABY LONDON ONLINE N D O N.

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

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

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

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

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

10 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Discover blissful baby & toddler friendly holidays Everything that parents need for stress free getaways in luxury villas and resorts All private pools barriered

0800 014 2770 www.totstotravel.co.uk

Free 20+ items of baby & toddler kit

30 point child safety check

Handcrafted nursery furniture that becomes part of the family

To mark the launch of TeddyOne, 200 sets of limited edition pieces come with a 10 per cent discount, complete with free White Glove delivery service. ive of these come with a uni ue golden TeddyOne ear find one in your cot bed and you’ll receive your money back.

WWW.TEDDYONE.UK

Logan

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEMMA BATEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Eighteen-month-old Logan lives in Borehamwood with mum, Danielle, and his dad, Joe. As well as playing with his cars and trains, he loves splashing about in the bath and snuggling up with his favourite teddy bear, Humphrey. babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 13

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

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NEWS

NEWS

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

COTTON THREADS

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KEEP U

Fearne Cotton’s latest clothing collection for Boots Mini Club is every bit as stylish as the lady herself. Reversible bomber jackets, sweaters and dresses are cast in vibrant patterns, from star prints to pastelpink leopard. Alongside the core toddler collection – in sizes nine months to six years – there’s a dedicated line for baby from newborn up to 12 months. boots.com

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SHOW YOUR MIDWIFE HEARTFELT THANKS WITH THE NEW CARD RANGE FROM MOONPIG. PAMPERS HAS TEAMED UP WITH THE RETAILER TO LAUNCH SIX DESIGNS AS PART OF ITS #THANKYOUMIDWIFE CAMPAIGN; FOR EVERY CARD SOLD, £1 WILL BE DONATED TO THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MIDWIVES BENEVOLENT FUND. FROM £3.29, MOONPIG.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 15

NEWS

BabyBjörn’s been making changes – with the help of families, paediatricians and babywearing experts

GOOD AS GOLD Mark Mother’s Day with a piece of jewellery from Merci Maman’s new collection, created especially for the occasion. The bracelet and necklace designs feature a delicate laurel leaf trim and single charm, which can be engraved.

From £79, mercimamanboutique.com

CARRY COMFORT

In the pursuit of perfection, BabyBjörn’s Carrier One and One Air have been updated.

Designed to enhance the babywearing experience for both you and your little one, the head support is higher for greater neck support, there’s less fabric between you and baby for improved breathability and bonding, and there’s new padding in the shoulders for better weight distribution. Suitable from birth to three years. From £139.99, johnlewis.com

GETTING PERSONAL Give a gift that extra special finishing touch with the new personalisation service from Molly & Moo. Available on its most popular products, bibs, towels, shawls and swaddles can be embroidered in navy, grey or white.

From £10, mollyandmoo.co.uk

IN THE RUN-UP TO MOTHER’S DAY ON SUNDAY 11 MARCH, MOTHERCARE’S #GIFTABUNDLE CAMPAIGN IS CALLING ON PARENTS ACROSS THE UK TO DONATE ANY OUTGROWN BABY CLOTHES TO LOCAL FAMILIES. PICK UP YOUR BUNDLE BAG FROM SELECTED STORES AND RETURN IT WITH SIX TO 10 ITEMS INSIDE. VISIT THE WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR NEAREST SHOP. MOTHERCARE.COM

WIN!

A SUPPORI BABY SLING WITH METANIUM To make your days out with baby even easier, Metanium is giving away four award-winning Suppori baby slings (worth £45) alongside its Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Lotion. The double-action spray protects and moisturises baby’s skin to help prevent nappy rash. Two sprays are usually enough to form a thin protective layer – simply pat around the area to maximise coverage. The handy bottle is ideal to keep in your changing bag, too. metanium.co.uk. Suppori slings are available at babyrug.co.uk. Enter online at babylondon.co.uk/competitions

16 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

BUNNY BABES Peter Rabbit is set for a big year. Just as his first film hits cinemas, he’s also making an appearance – along with friends Jemima Puddle Duck and the Flopsy Bunnies – on a line of rompers, dresses and pyjamas from Mini-laMode. Hand embroidered on the finest pima cotton, sizes range from newborn up to six years. From £24, mini-la-mode.com

GO GET ’EM

Scandi high street brand Lindex has added to its childrenswear offering with a collection for baby. The debut range has been made using organic and environmentally conscious materials, with improved functionality and playful, unisex prints. Whether you’ve got a boy or girl, there’s sweet styles for everyone at pocket-pleasing prices. lindex.com

START THEM YOUNG Supporting the NHS’s Dental Check by One campaign, Bickiepegs Healthcare is awarding certificates to babies who visit the dentist before their first birthday. The first check is an examination of the mouth, gums and any teeth, and a great chance to familiarise baby with the dentist’s chair. bickiepegs.com

MADE FOR TWO Say hello to the Mountain Buggy Nano Duo. Since the original Nano proved a hit, parents of multiple offspring will rejoice at the launch of this double version. Lightweight and compact, the side-by-side pushchair works just as well up a hillside as it does on city streets. £399, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

CALL OF THE WILD From Babies With Love has teamed up with blogger and mum of two Susie Verrill for its new Elephant Family essentials range.

Featuring a sweet white and grey print of the traditionally lucky animal, the pieces launch on 8 March, with profits going towards helping orphaned children. frombabieswithlove.org

BASK IN BEAUTY Working with a small collective of weavers in Ghana, The Wanderer creates beautiful moses baskets that you’ll treasure long after baby has outgrown it. Handwoven using natural grasses, each one comes with a made-to-measure quilted mattress and fitted organic cotton sheets. Plus, £5 from each sale goes to the charity AfriKids. £145, thewandererlondon.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 17

NEWS

BEST OF BRITISH As the world waits in anticipation for a new royal arrival, Boden is celebrating with its new range, A Very British Baby. The adorable clothing features embroidered corgis, Queen’s Guard soldiers, and London landmark prints.

Watch out for the new Baby Boden Cashmere collection for a range of super-soft essentials, too. boden.com

SOFTLY DOES IT

We’re coveting pretty much everything from Meri Meri’s debut collection for babies right now. Each piece is imbued with the brand’s whimsical spirit; from wall hangings and animal cushions to knitted rattles and finger puppets. Lovely as a gift or as a treat for your little one. shopmerimeri.co.uk

RESIDENTS OF NOTTING HILL – THERE’S A NEW BOUTIQUE IN TOWN. LA COQUETA HAS OPENED ITS SECOND STORE ON LEDBURY ROAD, WITH THE SPRING COLLECTIONS FOR BOYS, GIRLS AND BABY ALL ON DISPLAY. SET UP FIVE YEARS AGO BY CELIA MUÑOZ, THE TRADITIONAL CLOTHING IS INSPIRED BY HER SPANISH ROOTS. 61 LEDBURY ROAD, W11. LACOQUETAKIDS.COM

BEST OF THE BLOGS

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

The Grace Tales has evolved into a lifestyle destination for mothers around the world

WHAT WOULD KARL DO

MUM-FOLK

THE GRACE TALES

Named after the demigod of fashion, Karl Lagerfeld, Jess Dempsey’s blog is dedicated to her love of all things style. Set up eight years ago, the blogger is now mother to three boys, having only given birth to her third son, Freddie, a few months ago. The family live in Melbourne, so you can expect some serious envy-inducing posts, with southern Australia still in the midst of summer. Whether you’re dressing a bump, a newborn, a toddler or just yourself, let Jess inspire you with her tasteful picks. whatwouldkarldo.com

Graphic designer and mother-of-two Helen Bamborough set up Mum-Folk during her second pregnancy, with the aim of helping fellow creative mums brand their own businesses. If you’ve got an idea brewing, Helen will help you put the wheels in motion; she shares plenty of design tips and resources – from advice on choosing fonts to creating a colour palette – as well as a healthy dose of fashion and lifestyle inspo. mumfolk.com

The Grace Tales, founded by mother-of-two and former fashion journalist Georgie Abay, is a site where stories are shared and pertinent topics discussed.

Themes range from fashion to interiors, travel to tweens, and everything in between, but the main focus of the blog are the ‘tales’ of mothers across the globe, revealing the different sides of motherhood through a series of questions and beautiful photography. thegracetales.co.uk

18 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

COMPETITION

WIN!

A CYBEX TRAVEL SYSTEM T

here’s no doubt, having a baby brings a whole lot of extra paraphernalia into your life – high chairs around the dining table, wet wipes in your handbag and rubber ducks in the bathtub – but do you mind when it looks as good as this? Say hello to German family brand Cybex, whose motto is that ‘design should not only have functionality, it must also be fun!’ We couldn’t agree more…

The brand’s latest tribute to the work of American designers Charles and Ray Eames is showcased in the Cybex Mios. Offering maximum stability in a lightweight frame, this sleek travel system is perfect for life in the city. The retro-modern seat design features breathable mesh to help regulate baby’s body temperature, and the compact style glides through urban bustle with ease. And with a following from the likes of Anne Hathaway, Liv Tyler and Sarah Jessica Parker, Cybex is proving to be a chic option for modern-day parents.

They may be at the top of their game with their eye-catching looks and functional design, but Cybex products perform exceptionally in terms of safety, too, making its car seat a sensible choice. The Cloud Q Group 0+ car seat continues to come top in the safety category thanks to rigorous testing and, when paired with the Mios, offers a premium travel system for both in and out of the car.

This issue, we’ve teamed up with Cybex to offer readers the chance to win a Cybex Mios and Cloud Q infant car seat in stunning ‘Autumn Gold’. Simply enter online for your chance to win!

WORTH £820

To enter, visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES 11.59PM ON 19 APRIL 2018. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CYBEX-ONLINE.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 19

Premium quality

nappies, training pants & wipes.

ECO FRIENDLY SKIN FRIENDLY SLEEP FRIENDLY

@bambonatureuk

SHOPPING

LOVES

ot or a o ers o o s ta prints are fun and fresh

On the wild side If ever there was an item of clothing that totally captured the joys of spring, it’s this ‘Eat Your Greens’ jersey bodysuit from kitsch Danish childrenswear brand, Molo. Besides the sweet insect, woodland creature and botanical print, it’s also made from the softest cotton blend with snap-button closures at the neck and leg for easy access – though we seriously doubt baby will want to take this one off.

Jersey cotton-blend bodysuit, £39, alexandalexa.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 21

sweet travels

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meet pact™

Share the joy at joiebaby.com Available from Argos, Boots, John Lewis and all good independent nursery retailers.

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Petite parcel packs flat into a fits anywhere fold with just one hand for easy strolling all day long. Carries an infant on up with lights out recline and leg rest lounging because everything should work with even the tiniest of travellers.

A Little Lovely Company night light £9.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Hooded raincoat £189, bonpoint.com

Cotton romper £80, caramel-shop.co.uk From a selection at LittleMe Teepee notonthehighstreet.com Bobo Choses bloomers £26, cubscartel.com Chloé dress £99.95, harrods.com

Absorba dungarees and t-shirt set £42, childrensalon.com Lidded basket £25, olliella.com

Wellington boots £35, hunterboots.com

Fiona Walker wall decoration £70, nubie.co.uk

SUNNY SIDE UP

Cotton romper £85, mariechantal.co.uk

Wave in the new season like a ray of sunshine in spring’s most uplifting colour Cotton sleep gown £16, welovefrugi.com Fabelab storage bag £37.99, scandiborn.co.uk

Mima Xari 3-in-1 pushchair £1,099, cheekyrascals.co.uk

Silcone teether £9.99, matchstickmonkey.com

Nobodinoz cotton basket £14, en.smallable.com

Wipe-clean pouch £19, jemandbea.com

Cotton dress £16, mothercare.com

SHOPPING GroBag sleeping bag £34.99, gro-store.com

Cuddleduck bath toy £8, kidly.co.uk

Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 travel system £449, babyplanetonline.co.uk

Noé & Zöe bodysuit £29.95, harrods.com

From a selection dottydungarees.com

Hucklebones romper £70, childrensalon.com

ALL THE BLUES

Vans trainers £36, yoox.com

Burberry jacket £160, selfridges.com

Personalised night light £170, dragonsofwaltonstreet.com

From powdery pastels to statement sapphire, it’s all about those sea-meets-sky shades

Stella McCartney Kids waistcoat £108, alexandalexa.com

Cotton dress £19, mamasandpapas.com

Knitted cotton block £10, pebblechild.com Organic cotton bodysuit £58.45, thebonniemob.com Crocheted elephant toy £29.99, en.naturezooshop.com Ride-on car £120, thetipi.co.uk

Patrizia Pepe jacket £44, yoox.com

Rachel Castle limited edition print £65, antipodream.co.uk

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Organic, timeless design for babies and children

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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.

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

1 Harlequin Changing Table - 2 Raindrops Mobile - 3 Star Cushion - 4 Changing Mat - 5 Balloon Music Mobile- 6 Leaves Rattle - 7 Bed Canopy

w w w.camcamcopenhagen.com

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Cotton comfort blanket £31, bonpoint.com

Crocheted rattle £18.99, en.naturezooshop.com

The Animals Observatory romper £61.40, alexandalexa.com

Cotton-blend leggings £8, mothercare.com Ekobo bamboo dinner set £25, kidly.co.uk

Cotton top £77, bonpoint.com Organic cotton babygrow £28.45, thebonniemob.com

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

Bonds zip-up bodysuit £20, johnlewis.com Noé & Zöe babygrow £26, libertylondon.com Faux fur dummy bag £65, jemandbea.com

CANDY CRUSH

Sweet, playful and good-looking enough to eat – pretty pink is the season’s shade du jour

Doona car seat £329.99, cuddlecoshop.co.uk

Cotton bodysuit (pack of two) £18, welovefrugi.com Scamp & Dude sweater £36, libertylondon.com

Rose in April rattan basket £43, sistersguild.co.uk Leather pram shoes £87, bonpoint.com Cotton-blend sweater £8, next.co.uk

Grimm’s stacking toy £13.96, babipur.co.uk babylondon.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 27

Sleepyhead of Sweden Grand Baby Pod £200, kidly.co.uk

Cashmere cardigan £110, caramel-shop.co.uk Noodoll soft toy £20.50, libertylondon.com

From a selection bonton.fr Oli & Carol ‘Kale’ latex teether £16, junioredition.com Cotton bodysuit £7.95, gap.co.uk

Jellycat ‘Doppy Dino’ soft toy £14, johnlewis.com

Wooden baby walker £20, ikea.com

Cotton muslin swaddles £27.99, gro-store.com

EVER GREEN wardrobe, nothing says spring like nature’s verdant hues

Little Bird by Jools dungaree set £17, mothercare.com

Sport Buggy stroller £449, philandteds.com

The Little Shoemaker shoes £70, littlegiantedit.com

Cotton trousers £20, boden.co.uk The Animals Observatory bodysuit £61.40, alexandalexa.com

Little Bird by Jools dress £16, mothercare.com

Safety 1st digital thermometer £10, uberkids.co.uk

WE ARE FAMILY Have fun with your nearest and dearest, yet still have some grown-up time for yourselves.

We offer our guests an unstuffy mix of elegant yet comfortable interiors, fantastic seasonal food, pampering spa treatments, extensive gardens and even a complimentary crèche. Bliss!

0844 482 2152 LUXURYFAMILYHOTELS.CO.UK

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D L I M E B O BORN T Now available in 500ml!

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INTERVIEW The four-times Winter Olympian reveals it’s been fun to travel as a family this year

Polarn O. Pyret cotton top £14, johnlewis.com ie welcomed Chemmy and Doug ar y 2017 baby Locki in Janu

MY ESSENTIALS CHEMMY ALCOTT

How has life been over the last year since the birth of your son?

It’s been completely amazing. And I have so much respect for other mothers now! With the help of Dougie [Chemmy’s husband and British champion skier, Dougie Crawford] and my brilliant family, I was able to go back to work 10 days after having Locki – so I didn’t exactly make it easy for myself – but it’s been magical all the same.

So does it feel like things have changed much for you?

It was important for me to remain individual and not lose my identity – I am who I am because of my passion and I wanted to still feel like myself. We spend a lot of time in the mountains, and travelling for work, and I’m lucky that Locki has been able to travel with me this last year, although I know as he gets older and becomes more mobile that’s going to be harder to do!

The BBC presenter and former British Olympic skier talks pregnancy, date nights and highs of new motherhood Did you enjoy being pregnant?

I loved being pregnant! Looking back, I’d spent the best part of 20 years in the gym but I never felt more proud of my body than

when I had a bump. I miss having it! I was very fortunate in that I had a fairly easy pregnancy – I only had a few aches and pains towards the end.

Chemmy retired from international competition following her 2014 season

Did you have any cravings?

I went completely off sugar – all my cravings were for savoury things. Salt and vinegar crisps and cheese were my favourites.

It’s funny, now Locki loves those things too – I try not to give him too much salt, but he would definitely go for the cheese if it were in reach!

Where do you like to shop for Locki?

I love Swedish brand Newbie – it’s really reasonably priced and the fabrics are so soft. Sometimes Locki suffers with his sensitive skin, but he’s comfortable in Newbie clothing. That said, H&M and River Island also do an amazing selection of really cool items for kids, and another Swedish brand I love is Polarn O. Pyret. I also like My First Years for personalised pieces and gifts.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 31

INTERVIEW

Diono Quantum travel system £500, uk.diono.com

rt her passion for spo The star retained a re ro t a fit ess eve

The pair married in 2014

What other essentials have helped you through new motherhood?

Locki suffered with nappy rash in the early days, and I found that the only thing that helped was A&D Ointment, which a Tasmanian friend introduced me to. It’s like the [Elizabeth Arden] Eight Hour Cream for babies!

And of course, the prams we’ve had have been a huge necessity.

I started off with the Mountain Buggy and then moved on to the Diono Quantum – there is so much room for extras and it’s really cosy for Locki.

Where do you live in London?

We live south west. I didn’t realise just how mum-friendly it was until we had Locki, but I love it.

It’s got a great mix of parks and shops, while being close to the city. If Dougie and I aren’t working away, we tend to try and stay local at weekends.

32 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

What do you enjoy doing if you manage to carve out some time for yourself?

I’m partial to a Thai massage – although it has to be a really deep-tissue massage! But to be honest, I don’t really take much time for myself these days.

Because I love what I do so much, The family resides in leafy south-west London

You’re in the process of covering the Winter Olympics right now. What else do you Where do you and Dougie like have coming up this year? to head for date night?

It’s an exciting but crazy hectic We love eating and sport, so year for our family. Dougie and we might play a game of tennis I have our own adult and junior or go for a curry. I love dancing ski coaching camps, CDC – which too, but I usually do that with stands for Carpe Diem Coaching my girlfriends. If it’s a daytime (something my mother, who date, Dougie and I will grab our passed away in 2006, used to say paddleboards and go stand-up to me every day), which we will be boarding down the Thames. travelling a lot for. We originally set it up to develop young people through sport. It’s not just about helping create champions; it’s about teaching the value of sport and life skills you learn from following your dreams. We’ve travelled all over the world with our team, from New Zealand to Dubai to all over Europe. Then later in the year Organic cotton trousers we will head off £12, newbiestore.com to the southern hemisphere in our summer to ski in their winter.

I feel like work time is ‘my’ time.

INTERVIEW: DANIELLE WILKINS. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES; INSTAGRAM/CHEMMYSKI

Personalised robe £26, my1styears.com

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To register your interest in one of our Open Mornings or to make a private visit to the Junior School, please visit our website or contact our Registrar, Miss Isabel Carey: — 020 7594 4982 · registrar@queensgate.org.uk queensgate.org.uk/admissions/juniorschool

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— Queen’s Gate Junior School, 125–126 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LJ

MARCH 7

BEDTIME BUDDIES Say bonjour to Léo, Léni and Lila: the hand-held, LED nightlight bunnies from French label Olala. The cordless trio can be moved to where baby needs them, and when not in use, sit upon a rechargeable base. £44.99, uberkids.co.uk

Cuddle up

From March, The Little Green Sheep is launching adorable new gift sets for baby – perfect for the bathtime bedtime routine. Made with super-soft organic fabrics, each set includes a wash mitt, hooded towel and a sleepsuit, which all feature a seasonal bunny or cuddly bear. Choose from white or grey.

11 GIVE THANKS

£42.92, thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

Today is Mothering Sunday the one day of the year dedicated to celebrating the women around us and all the wonderful work you do. Looking for a gift idea?

We love Little Star Jewellery for its free engraving service. littlestarjewellery.com

dates for your

DIARY

24 URBAN OASIS

The Space Retreat will be hosting its All Mothered Up event today, designed to help busy mums escape from the everyday. Indulge in a few hours of R&R in the form of a manicure and hand massage, films, snacks, magazines and music to zone out with, and

How to Grow a Baby Journal £16.99, Vermilion

Pens at the ready, we have a few suggestions to keep you and baby busy for the next two months space to snooze. All the while, baby is taken care of by the on-site childcare team. Haydon Way, Clapham SW11. Tickets from £45, thespaceretreat.com

25 CLOCK WORK REOPENING

The Magic Garden Opening once again on Friday 30 March, The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace is back to fulfill little explorers’ imaginations. Located on the site of Henry VIII’s former jousting tiltyard, enter the play garden, inspired by the palace’s legendary past, and encounter a world of mythical beasts. And if you’re visiting over Easter, visitors of all ages will be in for a variety of sweet treats! Standard admission applies, hrp.org.uk

Remember, the clocks will go forward in the early hours of this morning to mark the start of BST – hooray! The days are finally getting longer.

30 HOP TO IT

Easter celebrations kick off today with Good Friday falling at the end of the month. Head to babylondon.co.uk where party expert Carole Middleton gives her tips on throwing an Easter bash with little ones.

APRIL 5 PEN TO PAPER

Midwife, author and Instagram sensation Clemmie Hooper’s How to Grow a Baby journal goes on sale today. Designed to encourage self-reflection, the journal allows you to capture the highs and lows of your pregnancy journey in a week-by-week format. £16.99, Vermilion

8 ON TOUR

Julia Donaldson’s Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales has been swimming its way around the UK. Catch it today and tomorrow at Watford Palace Theatre. £12 each, watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Sterling silver bracelet £59, littlestarjewellery.com

13 SHOW TIME

The Baby & Toddler Show in Esher, Surrey, is on all weekend. Tickets from £13, babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

19 WIN BIG!

Today’s your last chance to win prizes online at babylondon. co.uk/competitions

23 JOIN PEPPA

Last year saw 160,000 children take part in Save the Children’s Muddy Puddle Walk with Peppa Pig, raising a total of £243,000. This spring, between 23 and 29 April, join nurseries, Early Years groups, families and toddlers up and down the country, and take part. muddypuddlewalk.org

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 35

ALL-TIME CLASSICS Emma O’Donovan SHAR E S H ER OLD AN D N EW FAVOU RITE S FOR BABY ’S FIR ST BOOKSH ELF

PEEK-A-BOO MIFFY

By Dick Bruna

Peek-a-boo! Who’s behind the flaps? Read along with your little one to discover who is hiding on each page of this bright and stylish Miffy favourite. £6, Simon & Schuster

BOOKS

Follow Peter’s adventures and the trouble he encounters in Mr McGregor’s vegetable garden!

A GREAT BIG CUDDLE

By Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell

With repetition and jollity, this collection of short poems will provide hours of special shared moments. The illustrations are beautifully observed, too. £14.99, Walker Books

I LOVE YOU, LITTLE ONE

By Holly Surplice

Adorable guinea pigs are the stars of this comforting and reassuring rhyming tale. Full of colour and fun, and brimming with love. £6.99, Nosy Crow

OH, BABY, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Adapted by Tish Rabe

For babies, and babies on the way,

this beautiful rhyming tale from the works of Dr Seuss extolls the joys awaiting newborns when they meet the many beloved Seuss characters. Wonderful for bedtime reading. £6.99, Harper Collins

have even the youngest readers entranced as they join the hunt for eggs on Grandma’s farm. £6.99, Macmillan Children’s Books

and fairytales characters. A book to be read repeatedly until it can be recited joyfully from memory. £12.99, Puffin Books

By Oliver Jeffers

WHERE’S SPOT?

THE ORCHARD BOOK OF BEDTIME FAIRY TALES

By Helen Craig

By Eric Hill

Join in the search for the mischievious puppy by lifting the flaps on every page to see just where he’s hiding. The simple text and bright, bold pictures continue to make this book a bestseller. £5.99, Penguin Books

OH DEAR!

By Rod Campbell First published 35 years ago, this charming lift-the-flap story will

This is a beautiful must-have collection of 10 family favourites, including Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks and the Three Bears, from the creator of Angelina Ballerina. £12.99, Orchard Books

EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM

By Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Now celebrating 40 years in print, this whimsical rhyming journey weaves together nursery rhymes

HERE WE ARE

This optimistic and heartfelt story offers the perfect welcome to the world for your baby. Stunning timeless illustrations make this book a keep-forever treasure. £14.99, Harper Collins

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT

By Beatrix Potter Our mischievous friend brings the British countryside to life in this charming tale. A great introduction to Beatrix Potter. £5.99, Warne

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 37

PROFILE

GET THE LOOK

Saint Laurent sunglasses £307.82, shopbop.com

Ganni silk blouse £275, net-a-porter.com

‘Hugo Hare’ soft toy £19, jellycat.com

Bugaboo Donkey 2 pushchair £1,039, bugaboo.com

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

@THEFASHIONBUGBLOG

We catch up with the blogger, style crush and mother to daughters Mila and Anoushka, Laura Wills What sparked your passion for fashion?

Honestly, I’m not sure! I’ve been obsessed for as long as I can remember – even on my lunch break at school I would devour the latest issue of Vogue on the day it came out, putting little markers on the pages with the outfits I loved.

How would you describe your style?

I just wear what I love. Some days I’ll be dressed down in a pair of Levi’s and Gucci loafers, other days I feel like going all-out in a tulle skirt and heels. At the moment it’s definitely more restricted due to the fact I am breastfeeding Anoushka on demand – if I feel like wearing a nice dress for a lunch then I will express, but most of the time I’m too lazy for that! Most days I’ll opt for jeans or leather trousers with a jumper.

38 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Where do you get inspiration?

I still read Vogue. And I get inspo from other Instagram accounts. @bat_gio is my ultimate Instagram crush – she is beyond fabulous. Other accounts I love include @innika, @osborninteriors, @joolsoliver and @mrsalice.

Where do you like to shop for your girls?

I love La Coqueta, Bonpoint, Belle Enfant, Tartine et Chocolat and Melijoe.com, as well as smaller brands like Oskoe (for toys and décor), The Nursery Window, Blue Almonds and Bohemia’s Closet.

Do you Instagram more than you blog these days?

Absolutely. I love writing blog posts, but it’s much more time-consuming. Now I have two girls under two, I can’t do as many as I’d like. Instagram is a great way to stay connected to your audience on a daily basis.

Cashmere and merino cardigan £68, belleenfant-boutique.com

Cotton and silk baby carrier £449, shop.artipoppe.com

Cotton blanket £86, stellamccartney.com

CHILDREN’S DAY NURSERY

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THIS PAGE: Dolly wears cotton romper, £52, Noé & Zöe. Blue flower-print cotton fabric, £39 per metre, Marimekko. Pink fabric, stylist’s own.

RIGHT PAGE: Toby wears organic cotton romper, £62, Ketiketa. Cotton cardigan, from £11, Next. Yellow striped cotton fabric, £6 per metre, and black and white cotton fabric, £5 per metre, both Ikea. Cotton cushion, £35, Noé & Zöe.

S PO P RO CK PHOTOGR APHY: LEONIE FR EE MAN ST YLING: AN NA MOR R IS

THIS PAGE: Brianne wears cotton shorts with braces, £35, Carrément Beau at House of Fraser. Cotton bodysuit, £40, Marimekko. Red flower-print cotton fabric, £39 per metre, Marimekko. Yellow striped cotton fabric, £6 per metre, Ikea.

RIGHT PAGE: Hunter wears cotton top, from £12 (pack of three), Marks & Spencer.

Cotton-blend trousers, £24.60, Molo. Striped cotton fabric, £6 per metre, Ikea.

THIS PAGE: Stella wears cotton romper, £32, Noé & Zöe.

Organic cotton cardigan, £42, FUB. Yellow striped cotton fabric, £6 per metre, Ikea.

LEFT PAGE: Greyston wears organic cotton t-shirt, £36, Stella McCartney Kids.

Cotton dungarees (part of a set, t-shirt not shown), £15, My K by Myleene Klass at Mothercare. Leather pram shoes, £44, Tiny Cottons. Striped cotton fabric, £6 per metre, Ikea. Patterned cotton fabric, £39 per metre, Marimekko.

Dolly and Brianne wear cotton dresses, from £13 each, Next. Red flower-print cotton fabric, £39 per metre, Marimekko. Black and white cotton fabric, £5 per metre, Ikea.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODELS: BRIANNE, DOLLY, GREYSTON, HUNTER, ISABELLA, STELLA, TOBY. MODEL AGENCIES: BABY GRACE, BONNIE & BETTY, KIDS LONDON, TINY ANGELS

Cotton cardigan £14, johnlewis.com

Cotton-blend cardigan £8, next.co.uk

Cotton-blend sweater £16.99, zara.com

Cotton knit hat £9.95, gap.co.uk

Cotton dungarees set £17, next.co.uk

Petit Bateau cotton bodysuit £29, alexandalexa.com

Cotton trousers £26, tobiasandthebear.com

Toby wears wool top, £36, FUB. Wool romper, £64, and wool crown, £32, both Oeuf NYC. Cotton blanket, £35, Noé & Zöe.

Printed pyjama top £14.99, zara.com

Cotton-blend top £12, riverisland.com Textured cotton dress £19.99, shop.mango.com

Cotton dungarees set £26, monsoon.co.uk

Cotton romper £11, next.co.uk

Cotton dungarees set £14, debenhams.com Cotton sweater £10, hemashop.com

Wooden block puzzle £8.50, hemashop.com

F&F cotton dress £4, tesco.com

SHOP THE SHOOT

F&F cotton-blend cardigan £6, tesco.com

Cotton-blend sweater £12, shop.mango.com

There’s a new colour code in town, with our high street edit of vibrant Scandi-style pieces

COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER

Organic cotton trousers £6.99, shop.mango.com Bow-detail swimsuit £14, monsoon.co.uk

Cotton-blend trousers £12.99, shop.mango.com Organic cotton dress £9.99, lindex.com

Cotton sweater £9, mothercare.com

Cotton top £10, johnlewis.com

Polka-dot print dress £22.99, zara.com

48 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

INTERVIEW

It’s important for young girls to see women in leadership roles Carey Mulligan HAS COM E A LONG WAY SIN CE H ER STAR-MAKING PER FOR MAN CE IN AN EDUCATION. NOW A MOTH ER OF T WO, SH E TELL S K AR EN AN N OVERTON ABOUT H ER N EW OUTLOOK ON LIFE

“

With her husband, Marcus Mumford

The actress is happy to balance work and motherhood after having her son last summer

hat does motherhood change? Well, your whole life – it’s undeniable – it changes everything,” muses a radiant Carey Mulligan, who gave birth to her second child, Wilfred, last August. “As regards my work, I don’t know if motherhood is always the first thought on my mind when I read a script, but I would suspect it’s altered my attitude.”

Having taken a two-year hiatus from filming following the birth of her daughter Evelyn in September 2015, the 32-yearold Londoner has adopted a somewhat different approach to parenthood second time round, working throughout and directly after her pregnancy. And it’s a process that hasn’t been without its challenges. Yet when an opportunity as irresistible as the lead role in Sir David Hare’s upcoming BBC detective thriller, Collateral, comes along, it can be difficult to say ‘no’.

“With a second child, you’re a lot less paranoid, and I definitely felt I was ready for new challenges this time around,” she says.

Having worked with renowned playwright and director Hare previously on the critically acclaimed production of his play Skylight, the pair gained such a rapport that when Mulligan told him she would love to take on the role of Detective Inspector Kip Glaspie in the four-part series were it not for her recent baby news, he simply worked in a pregnancy storyline.

At the start of filming, Mulligan had to don a fake bump,

W

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 49

but by the end of the process she was well into her pregnancy, with 70-year-old Hare joking that they wanted to make the series as quickly as possible before she gave birth.

“The biggest challenge was the night scenes,” she admits. “Towards the end I was seven months pregnant, driving around London all night and the baby was just going mental, kicking and mega uncomfortable!”

We all know the impact children can have on work and career, but for the actress, the repercussions have not just been practical or physical, but emotional too, transforming the way she approaches her characters. In last year’s Netflix drama Mudbound, Mulligan played Laura, a downtrodden wife and mother in America’s deep south during the 1940s. It

50 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

was a role that proved to be symbolic, given it was the actress’s first opportunity to embody the thoughts and actions of a parent since becoming one herself.

“I’d played mothers before without having ever known what it’s like to have your own child,” she says of the film, which also featured a harrowing miscarriage scene. “My daughter was eight months old when we were filming so it was the first time I felt so connected in that way. It felt so much more intense, knowing and experiencing those emotions.”

The actress may have garnered a reputation for playing complex, troubled, and in some cases dowdy women, but Mulligan still enjoys dressing up when the moment calls; like her recent photoshoot for Vogue Australia in

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/STEVE GRANITZ; SPLASH NEWS/ALLAN BREGG; SPLASH NEWS/DEANO; REX FEATURES

I DEFINITELY FELT I WAS READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES THIS TIME AROUND

which the beauty donned a voluminous pink couture gown and oversized sunglasses. As she posed seductively on a rooftop in New York, you would have never have guessed that in between shots the actress was happily breastfeeding her infant son. “It’s the same as when I had my daughter – we started press for Suffragette three weeks after I gave birth, so you just get back into it and it’s fine, because it’s not like filming, where you need to use your brain all the time. It’s much more about showing up,” she told the magazine.

When not larking about on rooftops or working on set, Mulligan and her singer/ songwriter husband Marcus Mumford (of Mumford & Sons) prefer the quiet life on their plot in Devon. Boasting a 16th century farmhouse and acres of lush land, it’s the perfect place to escape the heat of the media, even if Mulligan admits gruelling schedules often get in the way of the good life.

“It’s very relaxing in the countryside but we don’t always spend as much time there as we’d like, because I’m always shooting all over the place. But I do have a fondness for nature because half my family is Welsh, and I spent a lot of time in the countryside as a young girl,” she says wistfully.

With both her and Mumford notorious in their reluctance to indulge in press, even when their jobs demand it, it’s surprising to see how relaxed the actress has become. “In the past, I hated all of it,” she admits. “The interviews, the red carpets, I hated it. I used to get to the end of a red carpet and start crying.”

So what’s changed? “I think perhaps I may have taken it a little too seriously,” she says candidly. “And now, the emphasis can’t be on that, it’s on your dependents and their world.

I see this is a much lighter approach.”

This ‘lighter’ approach, however, ends when the cameras roll, for Mulligan still takes her work as an actor extremely seriously. Just one look at her next project, Wildlife, confirms that. The directorial debut of actor and writer Paul Dano, the film is set in 1960s America, and tells the stirring and turbulent tale of a 16-year-old boy who must bear witness to the breakdown of his parents’ marriage.

Given her own marital bliss, one can assume Mulligan would have to dig deep for such a gut-wrenching role, but instead she sees the opportunity of being able to portray such formidable females as a ‘remarkable honour’.

“It’s very important for young girls to watch a movie or a television series and see women in these leadership roles, making decisions for themselves, being proactive,” she says. “I’m very driven by that.”

www.walkkings.com

ZIP AROUND Now you can easily put first step shoes on your baby's delicate feet. Walkking’s iconic zipper closure, unzips all the way through the sole, allowing the shoe to be gently slipped on wiggly feet.

Ultra-light, extremely flexible, 100% breathable.

FAST. EFFORTLESS & SAFE

STYLE

Extend your everyday wardrobe with Little Yellow London’s stylish pieces

MAMA COOL

Becoming a mother most definitely shouldn’t mean sacrificing your style.

Cue new brand Little Yellow London, which fuses trend-led designs and cool prints with clever technical features – such as expandable waistbands and breastfeeding panels – to accommodate your changing body. Designed with longevity in mind, you’ll be reaching for them long after baby arrives. littleyellowlondon.com

maternity fashion

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

THE BAG EDIT THE STYLE SAVIOUR You could mistake the changing bags at Josefina for your go-to designer handbag, which is exactly the point. Choose from two styles – a leather backpack or duffelstyle tote. From £248, josefina.fr

THE FITNESS PAL Fact + Fiction started life as GymTote, but rebranded soon after realising its stylish designs were being used for much more than trips to the treadmill. From £135, shopfactandfiction.com

WHAT LIES BENEATH Combining the elegance of highend lingerie with the supportive mastery of specialist maternity know-how, Doulara’s debut range of underwear has us smitten.

Each style oozes sensuality, with seductive details and luxurious fabrics, while its pioneering gel underwire technology offers comfort and support in all the right places. A perfect excuse to embrace your new curves.

From £25, doulara.com

THE ORGANISER The new ‘Nelson’ bag from PacaPod is fully customisable to reflect your day-to-day needs. Simply mix and match the feeder and changer pods – now in a new range of prints – for easy organisation. £114, pacapod.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 53

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Diamanté necklace £15, uk.accessorize.com

RAIN OR SHINE

Be prepared, whatever the weather, by teaming this season’s prettiest pastel shades with these ultimate bump- and baby-friendly wardrobe staples COMPILED BY: CAMILLA RIDLEY-DAY

See by Chloé leather bag £410, stylebop.com

Cotton-blend sweater £15.99, newlook.com Eugenia Kim tweed cap £185, netaporter.com Lined raincoat £55, asos.com

Joie cotton sweater £245, trilogystores.co.uk

Mamalicious wool-blend coat £75, johnlewis.com

Douce Gloire cashmere-blend scarf £225, trilogystores.co.uk

Khloe Kardashian Printed cow hide trainers £170, hush-uk.com

Denim jeans £28, next.co.uk

Cotton shirt £95, isabellaoliver.com Hatch linen vest £88, nineinthemirror.com

Masscob linen dress £315, irisfashion.co.uk

Water-resistant cotton-blend coat £125, seraphine.co.uk

Leather boots £125, stories.com

Sterling silver and rose gold plated vermeil bangle £195, tadaandtoy.com

Hooded parka £49.99, hm.com

And/Or cotton blouse £55, johnlewis.com

STILL A NIP IN THE AIR? CHOOSE OUTERWEAR THAT WILL ACCOMMODATE YOUR GROWING BUMP, SUCH AS A BELTED TRENCH COAT OR LIGHTWEIGHT RAIN MAC babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 55

Wool scarf £80, jigsaw-online.com

Wellington boots £105,hunterboots.com

Cotton-blend hooded coat £69.99, zara.com

Cashmere poncho £99, purecashmere.com

Merci Maman bracelet £24, notonthehighstreet.co.uk

J.Crew denim shirt £105, netaporter.com

Faux fur and suedette gilet £119, mintvelvet.co.uk

Cashmere trousers £230, belindarobertson.com

Canvas and leather bag £595, eddieharrop.com

Cotton coat £1,295, uk.burberry.com

Nicky Hilton

Heidi Klum Intimates lace nursing bra £38, and matching briefs £25, figleaves.com Marc Jacobs cotton shirt £325, mytheresa.com

THE KEY TO EASY DRESSING WITH A NEW BABY IS LAYERING – KEEP IT SIMPLE IN LOOSE SHIRTS, CASHMERE JOGGERS AND A HOLDALL THAT’S ROOMY ENOUGH FOR ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS

Diamond earrings £750, econe.co.uk

Max Mara wool and cashmere coat £2,045, netaporter.com

High-neck coat £295, reiss.com

Cotton nursing top (pack of two) £28, mamalicious.com

Cotton-blend jeggings £38, mamalicious.com PHOTOGRAPHY: SPLASH NEWS

Nursing top £30, next.co.uk

Lexy Pexy wooden teether £19, nineinthemirror.com Printed umbrella £22, fultonumbrellas.com

Leather cross-body bag £265, russellandbromley.co.uk

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FAMILY

The

magic number AS E XCITEM ENT OVER A THIR D ROYAL BABY MOU NTS THIS SPRING , Becky Dickinson R EVE AL S WHY TH R EE IS H ER PER FEC T N UM BER

s the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge eagerly await their third child, the nation will be watching to see how Kate and William cope with the jump from two to three children.

Because while having two children is regarded as fairly standard, there is something a little less textbook about having a third.

Although it’s not exactly unusual to have three children – unless they happen to be triplets – there is a sense in which you are stepping over an invisible line of symmetry.

I remember the moment I discovered I was expecting my third baby. As those blue lines on the pregnancy test revealed themselves, my elation was accompanied by a sense of ‘What have I done?’ As if I’d boarded a plane without really knowing where I was going.

Of course, nothing compares to the lifechanging enormity of having a first baby.

But once you’ve got used to having one child, having a second is often a natural progression.

For many, the question is when, rather than if. Moving on to number three, however, may involve more of a decision-making process.

Like the Duchess of Cambridge, I already had one of each sex, so I wasn’t desperate for either a boy or a girl. But somehow, I felt that my family just wasn’t complete. That I wasn’t done. So, even though my third pregnancy was very much wanted, it didn’t make it any less daunting.

There were the practical issues: time,

A

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FAMILY

This seems to be a common feeling. Middle child Claire reflects: “My parents got so tired of enforcing everything with my big sister, like when she could get her ears pierced, that they were a lot more relaxed with me.”

Contrary to popular opinion, it seems many middle children actually appreciate being sandwiched between their older and younger siblings, which is one less thing for Kate to worry about with Princess Charlotte.

For me, the real shock about becoming a mum of three was all the extra washing, cooking, cleaning and general rushing around it entailed. Instead of just going up by a third, the madness seemed to rocket exponentially.

This is possibly because while doing two things at once is sometimes manageable, it’s generally impossible to do three things at once. Although, no doubt the Duchess of Cambridge will make it look far more effortless than I have ever managed.

My advice to anyone contemplating a third child, or already expecting one, is take all the help you can get. Secondly, I’d recommend lowering your standards – skimp

MIDDLE CHILD SYNDROME IS MORE OF A SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY THAN ANYTHING ELSE in the centre of the family can stand children in good stead. “Middle children are generally very good at getting on with their peers and coming up with compromises when there are disputes, because they grow up surrounded by others close to their own age.”

This is certainly true for Daisy, who is better at sharing and more diplomatic than both her siblings put together. Other mums have found the same. Amy, who was herself a middle child, says: “I spent most of my childhood being the peacemaker between my bickering elder and younger sisters. I now have three girls of my own, and am always struck by how the middle one is diffusing situations.”

In fact, many middle children look back on their birth order with gratitude. Thirty-fiveyear-old Rebecca says: “I loved being a middle child. My sister went through all the difficult stuff – exams, inviting boyfriends home, starting uni – first. Meanwhile, my brother was always getting dragged around to our music and ballet lessons, and often got into trouble because he was the little one. I felt cushioned by a sibling on either side.”

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on housework, ditch the iron, and keep a supply of fish fingers in the freezer, for when needs must.

The more children you have, the harder it can be to give them all individual attention.

But Linda says it’s important to try and make this a priority. “One idea I recommend is to take each child for a special outing, on their own, say for pizza or tea, once a month so parents can focus entirely on that child.”

This is something I try to do with my own children – for my benefit as much as theirs.

It’s amazing how much easier it is to entertain one child, when you’re used to dealing with three. But I also treasure the times we are all together. Despite the chaos and tiredness, I adore having a trio of children – simultaneous meltdowns and triple outbreaks of norovirus aside. Yes, the laundry basket is always full, someone is always hungry and we’re usually running late. But really, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So if you’re tempted to follow in the Duchess of Cambridge’s footsteps, my advice is to follow your heart.

POWER OF THREE

Psychologist Linda Blair shares her tips for parenting three or more children Take good care of yourself – particularly try to get enough sleep. If you’re more rested you’ll make better parenting decisions.

Ask family and friends to help out, or hire help. Even a few hours a week or half an hour in the evening will make all the difference.

Try to make time to give each child his or her own nightly bedtime routine, even if it’s brief. Those few moments will reassure them that they’re loved because they’re special.

Try to offer regular, wholesome meals and snacks. Both low blood sugar levels and sucrose overload in a child are likely to lead to emotional outbursts.

Linda’s latest book Siblings (£12.99, White Ladder Press) is out now

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/CHRIS JACKSON; PRESS ASSOCIATION/ANWAR HUSSEIN/EMPICS ENTERTAINMENT; PRESS ASSOCIATION /DOUG PETERS/EMPICS ENTERTAINMENT

money, the prospect of yet more sleepless nights, and the physical limitations of having only two hands. But there were deeper concerns, too: would I be able to give them all enough attention? And how could I avoid ‘middle child syndrome’?

Like Princess Charlotte, my daughter Daisy was about to lose her seat as the baby of the family to assume the less desirable role of ‘middle child’, whereas her big brother got to retain his position as the eldest. Not quite heir to the throne, but at least he wasn’t being nudged out of line.

But clinical psychologist Linda Blair says middle child syndrome – where the middle child is assumed to feel marginalised – is more of a self-fulfilling prophecy than anything else.

“We notice mainly what we expect to notice and ignore conflicting information. Middle child syndrome isn’t inevitable, particularly if the middle child is a different gender from the older child, because then in a sense they’re also a first born.”

Even when the middle child is the same gender as the first born, Linda adds that being

FAMILY

MAKE LIKE KATE It all seems so effortless for the mum-to-be – here’s how to steal the Duchess’s style

Silver fingerprint charm from £165, philippaherbert.co.uk

Wool tweed coat £275, seraphine.com

Chiffon dress £225, tiffanyrose.com

LA Double J silk dress £630, nineinthemirror.com

Wool coat £299, isabellaoliver.com

Mother & Baby Massage Oil £29, littlebutterflylondon.com

‘Sleigh Royale’ wooden cot £999, boori.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 61

SHOPPING

The buyers’ guide CH OOSING FROM A N EVER-EN DING SELEC TION OF BABY KIT CAN BE A MIN EFIELD, SO HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU? H ER E’S ALL YOU N EED TO KNOW, SAYS Rebecca Moore

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THE PUSHCHAIR

SHOPPING

1

TIP: If you’re planning on using your pushchair for more than one baby, consider a neutral colour – although a o ave ter a ea e oo s

With the potential to be the most expensive set of wheels you’ll ever buy after a car, the pushchair can be one of your most daunting purchases. A product like this will get daily use, so try to see it as an investment, with many models built to see you through two or even three children. Particular styles and colours will go out of stock if they’re popular choices so if you have your heart set on a particular brand, be safe and start your search around the 20-week mark – that way you’ll have plenty of time to get to grips with it, too. Finally, make sure you know what you’re getting for the price; some come with a car seat, carrycot and seat, whereas others only offer the chassis and seat, and you don’t want to be faced with lots of additional charges.

2

THINGS TO CONSIDER • Do you want a travel system that you can attach the car seat to?

• What kind of terrain will you be using the pushchair on?

• Think about space restrictions – can you store it at home, and will it fit in your car?

• If you are planning on having children close in age, will it cater for a growing family?

• Does it work with your height? Some handlebars extend to different lengths, and some don’t extend at all.

• Does it sit within your budget?

3 TIP: o e arr ots are ert fie or over t s ee

4

GLOSSARY A carrycot is used from birth, this allows baby to lie down and sleep.

The chassis is the frame of a pushchair.

Doubles are for twins or babies close in age, with two seats or two carrycots side by side.

Parent facing is when the seat is positioned facing the parent.

Seat units are used at around six months, once baby can support herself. Note that many now have lie-flat positions which means they can be used from birth.

Tandem – also referred to as inline pushchairs – means one seat behind the other.

A travel system is a type of pushchair that is compatible with a rear-facing car seat, which attaches to the chassis for ease of transportation when out of the car.

World facing is when the seat is looking out to see the world go by.

1. Silver Cross Wave £995, silvercrossbaby.com 2. Mountain Buggy Swift £349, mountainbuggy.com 3. Joolz Day 2 £849, my-joolz.co.uk 4. Bugaboo Cameleon 3 £949, bugaboo.com 5. Babyzen Yoyo+ £369, babyzen.com

TIP: Visit a store for a demonstration on how to fold and adjust the seat position and handle TIP: Globetrotting families may want to look into getting a stroller, too, a few of fit to over ea a s

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SHOPPING

THE CAR SEAT

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TIP: Look for an ECE R129/00, R44/03 or ert fi at o a e to s o that the car seat complies with current minimum legal safety requirements

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2

In the UK, children are required to use a child car seat until they are 12 years old. The first car seat you’ll need to buy is a Group 0+ infant car seat, suitable from birth up to 15 months old – or 13kg – whichever happens to come first.

THINGS TO CONSIDER • Do you require one with an Isofix base?

• Do you want one that rotates? It’s a useful feature for getting baby in and out of the car, but it means you won’t be able to attach this car seat to your pushchair.

• An obvious one – but does it fit in your car?

• Is it suitable for use on an aeroplane?

GLOSSARY

TIP: There are multi-group seats, which cover from birth right up to 12 years (Group 1/2/3)

5

4

Forward-facing seats provide impact protection and an integral five-point harness, with a vehicle three-point seat belt or an impact shield to hold the child in place.

I-Size is the latest regulation which makes rear-facing mandatory up to 15 months old.

TIP: Go along to your local retailer for a It uses Isofix as the fixing method, so you will fitt tr a e o ve a e a r ase need a vehicle with Isofix fixings. make sure you ask an expert to show you how Isofix is the alternative to securing your car to fit t e ar seat first t e aro seat with seat belts. Seats are secured by two attachments at the base of the car seat embedded within the vehicle seats.

1. Graco Milestone All-in-One £149.99, graco.com 2. Cybex Aton Q I-Size £200, cybex-online.com A rear-facing car seat is required until 15 3. Joie I-Anchor £200, joiebaby.com 4. Hauck Varioguard Plus £189.99, hauckuk.com 5. Britax Dualfix months, and is the safest way for baby to travel. I-Size £430, britax-roemer.co.uk

THE COT

1

The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their own surface, in the same room as you, for the first six months. Many parents choose to use a small crib or moses basket for the first four to six months, then move the baby into a cot or cot bed.

TIP: o-s ee s see as a ero s – for a safer way to keep baby close, THINGS TO CONSIDER co-sleeping cots are a great solution • How much space do you have?

• How close do you want baby to you at night?

• Would you prefer to use the cot past the baby stage?

• Does it come with a mattress or do you want to buy a separate one?

GLOSSARY Co-sleeping cots or bedside cribs attach to the side of an adult bed, keeping the baby close to you but in her own little space.

Cot beds are transitional objects. They are longer and wider than standard cots, so it grows with your child.

A moses basket or bassinet is a standalone crib, which is a good bed for the early days.

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TIP: at ra fi re attresses rov e better breathability than foam attresses e to re ate a s o te erat re

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TIP: o re s ort o s a e a oses as et a es a reat first e e re sa e o orta e a orta e

1. Snuzpod 3-in-1 Bedside Crib £199.95, snuz.co.uk. 2. Hurlingham cot bed £799, teddyone.uk 3. Mokee Wool Nest £99.95, en.mokee.eu 4. Perla cot bed £499, boori.com

THE HIGH CHAIR

Perhaps not as imminent as the other bigticket items, but when your baby is sitting unaided and has hit the weaning stage (around six months) the high chair is a lifesaver.

2

1

SHOPPING

3

THINGS TO CONSIDER • How much space do you have to store it?

• Do you want it to come up to the table?

Heights will vary, so be sure to measure.

• Is it easy to clean? Are the straps removable as well as the cover, if it has one?

• Does it feel sturdy? All high chairs sold in the UK must conform to safety standards – look for the code BS 14988-1 on packaging.

GLOSSARY Adjustable seat height means you can move the chair closer to the tabletop.

Convertible high chairs grow with your child, turning into a toddler seat and later, in some cases, a chair for an older child.

Footrests can be adjusted as baby grows.

A reclining seat provides extra comfort and can be useful for bottle-feeding your baby.

THE MONITOR

Baby monitors can go from basic audio recording, to all-singing, all-dancing pieces of kit which link up to your phone, play lullabies and tell you if your baby hasn’t moved in 20 seconds.

TIP: Some high chairs will last until the child is much older, so think about how long you need it for

TIP: Always on your travels? You may want something portable which you can easily take with you

4

1. Stokke Tripp Trapp (with newborn set) £244, stokke.com. 2. Antilop high chair £14, ikea.com 3. Budtzbendix high chair (with cushion) £382, en.smallable.com 4. Mountain Buggy Pod £45, mountainbuggy.com

1 TIP: Wearable breathing monitors which clip onto baby’s nappy are an additional option

4

GLOSSARY The baby unit is the part that’s kept in the nursery or room where baby is sleeping.

The motion sensor or sensor pad is usually placed underneath the mattress on a flat surface. This alerts parents if no movement has been detected for 20 seconds.

The parent unit stays with the parent.

A temperature display lets you know how warm the room is. The recommended room temperature for a baby’s nursery is 16 to 20˚C. Two-way talk back allows you to talk to your baby from another room.

3

TIP: If the monitor is mains charged, bear in mind where you’ll be able to position it in the room

THINGS TO CONSIDER • Bear in mind how much you want to spend, prices vary from £20 up to the £300 mark.

• Where will you use the monitor and how far away are you likely to be from your baby? Each monitor has different ranges.

• Do you want a simple audio device or do you want to be able to see your child, too?

• Do you want to be able to speak to your baby through the monitor if she’s crying?

TIP: Check to see which extras are available, with some you may want to buy padding for added comfort or to tie in with a colour scheme

2

TIP: Some baby monitors can double up as nightlights, too TIP: If you’re getting a monitor that links up to your phone through an app, you’ll need to have good Wi-Fi to ensure it works smoothly

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1. Snuza Hero MD breathing monitor £79.99, snuza.com 2. Angelcare AC517 video monitor £269.99, angelcare.co.uk 3. Motorola MBP8 audio monitor £19.99, motorolahome.com 4. Summer Infant 2.0 Duo video monitor £179.99, summerinfant.co.uk 5. Motorola MBP853 video monitor £129, motorolahome.com. 6. Philips Avent Smart video monitor £190, philips.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 65

PROFILE

Aden + Anais has become as known for its exclusive prints as it has for its muslin weave

Behind the scenes at the brand’s new-season shoot

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PROFILE

Founder and mother of four, Raegan Moya-Jones

Behind the brand

ADEN + ANAIS IT’S A NAM E U NIVER SALLY LOVED FOR BRINGING ITS VER SATILE COT TON MUSLIN BL AN KE TS TO TH E MAIN STR E AM , AN D IT ON LY CONTIN U E S TO GROW. Danielle Wilkins M EE TS TH E WOMAN BEHIN D TH E EM PIR E

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PROFILE

aegan Moya-Jones is only in London for a few more hours before she has to jet off back to her office in New York. The Australian-born founder of Aden + Anais has already visited Cologne, Paris and now the brand’s London office this week: “It’s a lot!” she says, exasperated.

“So even after 11 years of business, you’re still this hands-on?” I ask.

“A little too hands-on to tell you the truth,” she laughs. “I’m ready to put some of it in someone else’s hands now so I can have a bit of my life back. My girls may be older, but they need me more than ever. I’m finding the push and pull of my time between them and the business much harder these days.”

Raegan is no stranger to hard work. When she first had the idea for muslin blanket brand Aden + Anais in 2003, the former business development director was a new mother to daughter Anais and holding down a full-time sales job at The Economist. By the time Aden + Anais went to market in 2006, Raegan had her second child, Lourdes, and was pregnant with her third. “I didn’t leave my job at The Economist until 2009, raising three children and building Aden + Anais of a night,” she recalls. “I would come home from work, spend until 8.30pm with the girls, and as soon as they went to bed, I would work on the business until the early hours of the morning.

“I look back and think, ‘how did I do that?’ but I’ve always been a bit of an insomniac – and if it wasn’t for that, Aden + Anais may never have existed.”

The idea for Aden + Anais was born after Raegan went shopping for muslins in New York after the birth of her first daughter, but continued to come back empty handed.

Everything the new mother found was either made from fleece, flannel or heavy cotton, and simply not right for swaddling.

“My sister had given birth to my nephew

R

Cotton muslin has a natural softness and durability

68 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

hters; An Raegan with her daug elie Lourdes, Arin and Am

ais,

back in Australia six months before – muslin was in every photo she sent. Over there, muslins are used for everything, and I thought to myself, ‘every Aussie can’t have this wrong’.

I was sure if I introduced muslin to American parents they would respond in the same way.”

That was when Raegan set about finding a manufacturer, a task she cites as much harder than she ever imagined. “It took me three years to work out how to actually get the product manufactured,” she admits.

But it didn’t take Raegan long to realise that it wasn’t just the mothers and fathers of the US who didn’t know about muslins – many other countries outside of Australia didn’t use them either, including the UK. Though that seems difficult to believe now, more than 10 years on, with so many companies out there doing what Aden + Anais started.

“I became fixated on creating a brand, not just a product,” admits Raegan. Rather than using distributors, the mother travelled to

Japan, Canada, Australia and the UK, and set up offices there so she was able to grow and maintain control of the company. “I wanted to create this beautiful brand for mothers, and I was fiercely protective of that,” she adds.

So did her background in sales help?

“Hugely,” she smiles. The word ‘no’ didn’t bother me in the slightest – I’d heard ‘no’ my entire career. When we first pitched to Harrods, we weren’t even taken into a meeting room; we had to pitch in the elevator of the store! And while that may have intimidated lots of people, 20 years of experience had taught me otherwise.”

While business development and sales are her strengths, Raegan admits she is no designer. “I just have a very strong opinion of what I like and don’t like,” she laughs. Raegan works with creatives at Aden + Anais’ New York studio, where everything is designed, then the pieces go on to be manufactured in India and China.

Having previously been spotted on the likes of Prince George and Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy, unsurprisingly, Aden + Anais’ swaddles still make up 50 per cent of the brand’s revenue, but Raegan is looking forward to evolving the company. “We are starting to develop products for older kids so mothers who love the brand can continue with us,” she says.

PROFILE

There’s a whole new Disney collection for spring 2018

Spring

Raegan works closely with a team of designers at her e or o fi e

PHOTOGRAPHY: LEONIE FREE,MAN

I WANTED TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL BRAND FOR MOTHERS, AND I WAS FIERCELY PROTECTIVE OF THAT Since the launch of its swaddles in 2006, the brand has continued to bring the Australian legacy of muslin to the fore, with the creation of the muslin sleeping bag, thicker blankets and bibs, as well as bedding and clothing, not to mention baby skincare and collaborations with Disney. So where does she get her ideas?

According to Raegan, it’s about running a company where everyone’s voice is heard.

“It was never about me dictating the way forward,” she says. “I’ve always tried to make Aden + Anais the opposite of what my experience was in the corporate world. There are a lot of mums in the office, so we get ideas from them. And when I do travel to other markets, I look to see what’s working there.”

Eleven years on and Aden + Anais is still thriving. It now has 107 employees and is set to grow by 22 per cent in the European region this year. “It’s incredible that people still love what we do,” says Raegan. “Yes, we’re the ‘muslin people’, but we are continuing to look beyond that.” In the US later this year, the

brand will be launching nappies, planting a tree for every pack sold. It will also be branching out into other fabrications of sleepwear, besides muslin.

It’s at this point I’d usually ask what Raegan likes to do in her spare time, but it doesn’t sound like she has any. “I have four children and a growing business – spare time is a moot point!” she laughs. “But you do have to remember to give yourself a break.”

So is that the biggest piece of advice she’d give to other would-be entrepreneurial mothers?

“That, and to really believe in what you do,” she adds. “I’m not exceptional in any way – and I don’t say that to be falsely modest. I wasn’t the smartest kid in school; I dropped out of university; I don’t have connections.

What made Aden + Anais a success was that I genuinely believed I would help people.

“I’ve made mistakes, but you learn from them and move on. If I can do it, anyone can.

I really, really believe that.”

essentials Kimono bodysuit £23

Disney Collection bibs (pack of three) £20.95

Sleeping bag £29.95

Comforter £19.95

Swaddles (pack of three) £42

Blanket £44.95

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 69

WILD AT HEART

With more than 20 years’ experience of perfecting pushchairs, you can’t ask for more than the new Bugaboo Fox. Available from March, as the name suggests, it’s a nimble piece of kit that’s as at-home in the city as it is in the countryside. Features include advanced all-wheel suspension, supportive pillow-top padding and a supercompact fold for the brand’s most exciting design yet. From £979, bugaboo.com

tot gear

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

Expect plenty of tuneful favourites, including Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Rock-A-Bye Baby

PORTABLE PLAY With the ability to attach itself to almost every type of cot, stroller and car seat, the new Explore & More 3-in-1 travel mobile from SkipHop engages and soothes baby on the move, playing up to 20 minutes’ worth of music. £30, skiphop.com

RUN IN THE FAMILY Active outdoor brand Thule has been busy updating its collection of running buggies, and new versions of both the Glide and the Urban Glide will be available from April. Sticking with its core ethos, both models will benefit from a host of improved features for parents who want to run with baby in tow.

From £570, thule.com

WHEEL THIS WAY Already known for its nursery furniture offerings, Tutti Bambini has shifted its focus to create two new pushchairs this March. Both suitable from birth, the adaptable Arlo is designed to grow with your family, with the option of tandem seats and dual carrycots, while the lightweight Koji is your sidekick for city living – which will you choose?

From £590, tuttibambini.co.uk

TOT GEAR

THE REVIEW

Kathryn Moore AN D H ER DAUGHTER , RU BY, PUT TH E BABY JOGGER CIT Y TOU R TO TH E TE ST

M

y daughter and I have certainly put the Baby Jogger City Tour through its paces over the last year, not just here in the UK, but it’s clocked up some air miles too. I fell head over heels for my Joolz Geo, but once Ruby turned nine months old, it just became a little impractical for everyday use. Now it’s more of a treat when we do use it, and the Baby Jogger City Tour has become our ‘everyday’ choice.

THE LOWDOWN Strolling in at 6.4kg, the latest addition to the Baby Jogger clan is lightweight and supercompact. It can be used from six months of age until around the three-year mark, and makes the perfect everyday companion. I was particularly sold on the fact it could go in the overhead storage when flying.

GOOD LOOKING? We picked this striking violet hue, but there is a black option, too, as well as charcoal grey and ‘juniper’. The design is very neat, so it is easy on the eye without looking too plasticky, as many lightweight strollers do.

PRACTICALITY AND DRIVABILITY Strollers aren’t known for their fancy suspension but this certainly rides well. Of course, it travels best on a flat surface, as opposed to cobbled streets and rough terrain, but because it’s so light, it’s easy to navigate around tight bends and lift over kerbs. You can either lock the wheels or leave them to swivel.

The City Tour has proven to be a hit outside the city, too

The way it folds down into such a compact unit really is impressive, and the carry bag – which is included in the price – makes for an easy-to-store backpack. The fact that the City Tour is cabin sized was a godsend when taking Ruby on her first flight. I wheeled her straight to the plane, and popped it in the overhead locker until we had safely arrived. After the flight she was tired, which meant she could go straight in for a snooze once we were off.

One improvement I would like to see is an extendable handlebar – I’m 5ft 8in and it’s just a fraction too low for my liking, but this seems to be the case with a majority of strollers. I do love that it’s just a one-bar handle though, rather than your typical umbrella-fold stroller, it means you can push with ease using just one hand.

COMFORT Ruby enjoys a rare nap

You might not get all the plush padding you get with a pushchair, but Ruby

The lightweight stroller is ultra-portable and works well for daily adventures

seems genuinely comfy while on the go. The large extendable SPF50+ sun canopy stops the light glare (more useful abroad than at home!) while the peephole lets me check on her every now and again. The seat seems pretty spacious, and the multi-position unit means Ruby can nap when reclined. The five-point padded harness straps are soft on Ruby’s chest and are easy to clip together, too.

THE VERDICT I really love the City Tour as a little run-around.

It’s perfect for holidays, public transport, a quick nip to the shops and long walks. Having owned it for over a year now, it’s certainly clocked up some mileage, and for a nimble piece of kit it’s very robust; I can see us using it for another year at least! £219.99, babyjogger.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 71

Hand-engraved Jewellery

Mother’s Day - 11th March 2018 www.mercimamanboutique.com

Personalised jewellery is a classic idea, but this pretty design gives a modern twist

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SET THE SCENE Welcome mum with these finishing touches

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BABY PARTIES with Carole Middleton

Foil balloon £4.99, partypieces.co.uk

MOTHER’S DAY

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Mothers – it’s time to put your feet up and enjoy this special time with your little one

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Seedlip alcohol-free spirit £27.99, ocado.com

Faux eucalyptus foliage £2.50, ikea.com

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Sequin table runner £18.99, partypieces.co.uk

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W

hether you’re expecting and celebrating with your family, or together with your other mum friends and their little ones, Mother’s Day is about being thankful for motherhood and all the things the amazing women in your life do every single day. A Mother’s Day brunch at home is a lovely way to celebrate – here are some of my ideas to make it extra special.

Paper plates (pack of eight) £4.49, partypieces.co.uk

‘Complete Bliss’ candle £30, neomorganics.com

Transform your dining table into an Instagram-worthy setting with an abundance of spring flowers and foliage, an oversized balloon, a decorative tablecloth and runner, and tealights. Consider working to a colour palette or accent theme, such as rose gold, to tie everything together. Paper plates make a great alternative to breakable china if you’re hosting younger guests, too.

For a personal touch, decorate each place setting with a small, hand-tied bouquet of flowers and add in a photograph of that guest with their mum, bump or little one. Not only does this double up as a place card, but it makes a thoughtful favour for your guest to take home, too.

Or, if flowers aren’t her thing, why not try a welcome gift basket, complete with everything she needs to help her relax. Favourite filler ideas include wine (or an alcohol-free alternative), chocolates, bath salts and a scented candle.

Don’t forget to welcome your guests with a specially-made fruity cocktail or mocktail!

Mix tasty spring flavours, including peach or apricot juice with pear slices, topped with sparkling wine or soda water.

Paper fan decorations (pack of three) £8.99, partypieces.co.uk

FAMILY

A modern guide to

godparents BEING ASKED IS AN HON OU R , AN D A SIGN OF TRU E FRIEN DSHIP. BUT IF YOU DON ’ T BELIEVE IN GOD, SHOU LD YOU SAY YE S? Rosy Edwards FINDS OUT

t’s not every day you get a selfie from a three month old. But there she was, tiny Cordelia on my phone screen, holding a sign that read: ‘Will you be my godmother?’

OK, fine: she had help from her mother, my dear friend Katherine. And seeing as she is still in nappies (Cordelia that is – Katherine has been toilet-trained for some time) she didn’t really understand what she was asking.

I shrieked, I cried, I immediately said yes… but did I really understand the question?

Because amidst the excitement and sudden rush of love, there was a snag: I don’t believe in God. I am not alone. A 2015 YouGov study conducted for The Times revealed that a third of British adults don’t believe in God. Almost the same amount (32 per cent) do believe, and the rest adhere to a higher power but no God (20 per cent) or are undecided (14 per cent).

Katherine and her husband knew my stance and had no problem with it – but what about the Church of England?

“To be a godparent, you have to be baptised yourself,” says Reverend Dr Sandra Millar, who leads the Church of England on baptism.

Beyond that: “We don’t enquire too closely.

The Church takes people at face value.”

During Anglican ceremonies, godparents are required to affirm their devotion to Christ.

I

76 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

I do not fear being smote down by lightening – to me, they are just words – but I understand this element can be troubling.

“It depends how the parents see baptism,” says Reverend Cris Rogers, vicar at All Hallows Church in Bow. “If you see it as a rite of passage, then the question isn’t, ‘Is your godparent religious?’ but, ‘Why are you having your child baptised?’”

For many of us, the answer is tradition.

“People know the word ‘christening’, it’s what the family has always done,” adds Rogers.

If you want the pomp and ceremony (and champagne) without the godly overtones, there are alternatives.

Naming ceremonies are thriving. Elizabeth Donnelly, a celebrant accredited by the British Humanist Association (BHA) has noted a yearon-year rise in parents opting for a secular naming ceremony in the four years she has been practicing.

“I deal with people who are not religious but I also get couples where one is religious and the other isn’t, and this is a compromise.”

Families choose their own symbolic gestures, from planting a tree to writing in a wish book and decorating jigsaw pieces.

The one common factor in every service is a celebration of the parents’ friendships.

“One of the things I say in the ceremony is, ‘You have been chosen by the parents

because…’ and announce the reason the parents have stated. We don’t have ceremonies to acknowledge adult friendships but a baby naming ceremony is a lovely way to do that.”

You also get to choose your own title.

Humanists commonly refer to ‘supporting adults’ although Donnelly has heard everything from ‘guide parents’ to ‘guardians’ and (my personal favourite) ‘odd parents’ – coming full circle back to ‘godparents’. “It’s a term that is generally understood by society,” she adds.

As more of us move away from organised

FAMILY

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR GODPARENTS Contact is key. If you stay in regular contact with your friend, your child is more likely to as well.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Oldies are goldies. Long-term friends understand your core values and have a track record of reliability and loyalty.

religion, the Church is increasingly realistic.

“You have to start where people are at,” says Rogers. Instead of a full christening, he offers ‘thanksgiving’ services to parents whose faith is negligible; Millar simply hopes that all godparents advise their wards according to ‘Godly’ values, like kindness, compassion and charity – qualities surely godparents of all persuasions would hope to impart. I am happy to offer spiritual guidance should my goddaughter ask for it. I will also listen if she wants to talk about school, or sex, or her career, or good white wine (here’s hoping).

Across the Humanist and Christian divide, the consensus is that the choice of godparents resides solely with the parents. “Choose people who offer friendship and who will be part of your child’s life for a very long time,” suggests Millar.

Katherine and I have been friends since university. Together we’ve been through exams, first jobs, boyfriends, illness, marriage – and now children. I am honoured that she’s asked me to be godmother; she has put her trust in me and I have no intention of letting her down. For me, that supersedes religion.

Go like-for-like. You needn’t share beliefs but similar attitudes to things like family and education make things easier.

Follow your instinct. Don’t feel pressured into choosing relatives or partners of existing godparents. If they’re not the right choice for you, they are not right for your child.

Be creative. Choose godparents with a variety of backgrounds, careers and interests. Each will offer your child a unique and exciting perspective on the world.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 77

With you every step of the way

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DURING PREGNANCY

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HEALTH

health & beauty

NEWS

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

STAY SUN SAFE

With the warmer months ahead of us, it’s time to stock up on sun protection.

Childs Farm’s new-and-improved SPF50+ sun cream is suitable for all skin types – including little eczema sufferers – and comes as a spray, roll-on and in a traditional tube. Let’s just hope we’re in for a bumper summer season!

From £10, boots.com

ON YOUR MARKS New to the UK, the MommyBalm from US skincare brand Previse DermApothecary uses a powerful botanical formula to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Safe for use throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding, slather your bump in the cream twice a day and it’ll reduce the depth, discolouration and texture of those stretch marks. £71, harveynichols.com

et fit e av t o r tt e o e t ar fit a r o a

SKIN SAVIOUR

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Soothe sore, cracked nipples with a little help from mother nature. Weleda’s Nipple Balm is formulated with a blend of golden calendula extract and nourishing plant oils, boasting anti-inflammatory properties to heal the skin. Fragrance free and gentle enough for frequent use, there’s no need to wipe off before breastfeeding either. £6.95, weleda.co.uk

MOVE WITH ME Carifit, the creators of babywearing workouts, has begun a partnership with Ergobaby; its carriers cradle baby in a natural sitting position, evenly distributing their weight between your hips and shoulders for a comfy load. The workouts are perfectly safe for baby, and allow the two of you to bond while you work up a sweat. carifit.co.uk

A RECENT SURVEY HAS FOUND 80% OF PARENTS BELIEVE DIFFICULTIES WITH BREASTFEEDING FUEL DEPRESSION AMONG NEW MUMS. THE UK HAS THE LOWEST BREASTFEEDING RATE IN THE WORLD, WITH ONLY 25% OF BABIES AGED SIX MONTHS BEING EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED. PRIORYGROUP.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 79

THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY

IN TRUSTED HANDS QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S & CHELSEA HOSPITAL

Making your birth experience everything you want it to be is central to our private maternity service at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital.

You will have expert, caring support from your chosen consultant or midwife and warm, conducive surroundings including water birth pools and private ensuite rooms.

The private maternity ward is situated in Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital which is a leading NHS maternity unit, providing the best of both worlds for you and your baby.

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If your newborn needs a little extra support, there is reassuring 24 hour access to world

class medical support and a neonatal intensive care unit on site.

Our antenatal classes and follow-up care can help you and your loved ones prepare for your big event, and settle in to life as a family.

We offer a range of packages to suit your preferences, budget or insurance cover.

So whether you are first time parents or have been on this life-changing journey before, please consider the renowned Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital.

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QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S & CHELSEA

Q&A with fertility expert

Zita West

“I’m thrilled to be pregnant but now feel incredibly anxious, will this affect the baby?”

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

T

The good news is, there is so much you hrough my work as a midwife for more can do to influence this on a daily basis and than 30 years, and as an acupuncturist for 20, I see first-hand the link between reduce the stress levels in your body. If you can do just 20 minutes of yoga, meditation, mind and body when it comes to fertility, and acupuncture or hypnotherapy a day, then you how important this is once you are pregnant. really will see and feel a huge difference.

Many of the women who come to me have had IVF and are so excited about getting a positive result, but sadly this only lasts MIND for a short time before the anxiety sets in.

Your mindset is determined by your Sometimes this means they don’t want to experiences in pregnancy, and if you have connect with the baby or the pregnancy, for a history of miscarriage or IVF failure then fear of disappointment after trying for so you are bound to feel anxious. Even if you long to get pregnant in the first place. It’s also haven’t experienced anything like this before, commonplace for women who have had no the changes that go on in your body in early fertility issues to then have anxiety that it pregnancy – not to mention the hormones may all go wrong. and tiredness, while trying to act ‘normal’ at As a big believer in the Chinese philosophy work – is stressful in its own way. So, whatever and approach to health, I strongly believe our your situation, make sure you put time aside mind and body are one, and the thoughts each day to relax in some way and manage and emotions we experience – such your stress levels, whatever as worry, fear and anger – could ed those triggers may be.

Recommend affect an unborn baby. We now product know that every emotion we BODY experience causes a cascade The placenta is the of biochemical responses, nutrient highway to your and chronic stress can raise baby, but don’t worry if adrenaline and cortisol levels you haven’t been able to Zita West Vital Essence 2 which may pass through to baby. eat well in early pregnancy £26.50, zitawest.com

due to morning sickness. Your baby doesn’t rely on what you eat in one day, it’s your store of nutrients that is key. If you are suffering from morning sickness and are struggling to eat healthily, just eat what you need to get by. Just make sure you eat as well as you can, when you can, and take supplements if possible for maximum nutrition. If you feel fine, try not to give in to those sugar cravings that most pregnant women have – after all, we now know that ‘eating for two’ is a myth!

BABY It’s important to connect with your baby, even before she is born. If both you and your partner are talking to and bonding with her throughout your pregnancy, then you are much more likely to continue this when she is born, and this is vital for her development and growth. You are your baby’s world while she’s growing, and your heartbeat is her backdrop.

When you are calm, she is calm, but when your heart is racing, imagine what it does to hers! The same goes for when you have your baby in your arms, so make sure you always have the ‘mind, body, baby’ mantra in your head at every stage: preconception, pregnancy and postnatally.

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 | MAR/APR 2018 | 81

HEALTH

The Breastfeeding Café with CLARE BYAM-COOK

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

I DON’T FEEL LIKE I HAVE ENOUGH MILK, BUT I DON’T WANT TO USE FORMULA, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

T

he World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and it’s right that health professionals continue to give out this message. But the reality is, breastfeeding is not always as easy as everyone makes out and so around 50 per cent of new mothers give up within six weeks. Low milk supply is a common problem, but mothers are put under so much pressure to avoid giving formula that a significant number are suffering as a result.

I regularly see babies who are underweight and miserable, their mothers are tearful and exhausted and they are often accompanied by anxious fathers who have no idea how to help.

I believe there is a balance to be struck between reaching for the formula at the first hint of low milk supply and holding out for so long that the baby loses too much weight.

become less frequent if baby is feeding well.

If there is not enough milk, the baby will be unsettled and need constant feeding until the supply improves. During this time, you need to make sure you are eating, drinking and resting as much as possible, along with feeding regularly and possibly taking supplements (such as fenugreek capsules). If this succeeds in improving your milk supply, baby will become more settled and start gaining weight.

Time for a top-up?

It is perfectly fine to offer your baby a top-up after a feed if you suspect she is still hungry.

If she is full, she will refuse to take it, but if she’s still hungry she will take as much milk out of the bottle as she would have liked to have taken out the breast. It’s important to offer as much milk as your baby wants rather than limiting it – only by doing this can you see exactly how much she needs. You should then Where to start During the first few days after birth it is normal use a breast pump to see how much milk she is leaving in the breast – if there is none left, it for a baby to need to feed frequently (every will confirm that your supply is low. If there is two to three hours) in order to get enough colostrum and to stimulate the production of some left you need to investigate the reasons milk. Once your milk is fully in, feeding should why she is not feeding effectively.

o

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Pick up Clare’s DVD, Breastfeeding Without Tears, an informative guide to feeding for a happy mother and baby.

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WHAT OFTEN HAPPENS… The mother is doing everything right, but her breasts do not respond with increased milk production. It is normal for breastfed babies to lose up to 10 per cent of their birth weight in the first few days but anything more than that is worrying. With this in mind, it doesn’t make sense for a midwife to weigh a baby, note that she has lost more than 10 per cent of her birth weight and yet still advise the mother to avoid formula. This is why I want to highlight that we need to keep a sense of proportion.

A mother should always be encouraged to persevere if she is suffering from temporary problems such as sore nipples, a mild dose of mastitis, some difficulty in latching or a slightly low milk supply. But if these problems continue to such an extent that her baby is permanently hungry and not gaining weight and nothing is improving, is it in the best interests of the mother and child to continue exclusively breastfeeding? It’s important to realise that what works for one mother does not always work for another.

Note: If your supply remains o t s fi e to o t e v a o at o o reast a or a to ups for as long as you need.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 83

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Booking fees not included. Show content subject to change.

BABY TALK

PART

Diary of a MUM Mar tha Alexander AN D BABY ROBIN FIN D TH EMSELVE S IN A R ATH ER SICKLY SITUATION

F

or anyone interested in experiencing the fiery infernos of hell on earth, may I suggest what I assume to be a close comparison: having a baby with diarrhoea and a temperature of 40˚C – on a long-haul flight from Cape Town.

We’d had a lovely holiday taking in South Africa. Robin was a bridesmaid at her godmother’s wedding, we saw giraffes and zebras and I trod in ostrich poo. We went wine tasting and ate biltong for breakfast. We danced in an electrical storm and Robin spent long afternoons in the paddling pool. Everything was idyllic.

At the airport before our return flight, I watched a harassed-looking woman with wild, Rolling-Stoneson-tour hair try to sooth her grizzly baby, who had unleashed lumpy sick onto her shoulder while her toddler threw a purple-faced tantrum on the floor of Departures, grateful that Robin was silently engrossed in an upside-down copy of Where The Wild Things Are. As I gathered our things and headed to the gate, I was looking forward to reading my Kindle with a hydrating face mask on while Robin slept for the duration of the flight – as she had done on the way out.

Except, no. I’d noticed she was hot that morning, but put it down to the weather. Then, as we taxied on the runway, her upset tummy began. If you’ve ever had to change a nappy in an aeroplane toilet, you’ll know it’s not for the ham-fisted or squeamish. I did it six times in 10 hours, as Robin screamed and writhed and sweated.

By the end of the flight we were all hysterical with worry and exhaustion. Robin was hot and sick, and in pain. We went from the airport to hospital where they checked her over and sent us away with advice to give her Calpol to keep her temperature down.

We took Robin to hospital all week – in and out, in and out. She stopped eating and I could see her ribs. She was listless and sad, and her temperature remained high.

Robin was eventually diagnosed with gastroenteritis, which strangely came as a huge relief as, obviously, I had begun to obsess about the possibility of her having caught an incurable tropical disease from, say, a particle of ostrich poo that had maybe remained on the raffia

sole of my espadrilles despite a thorough clean and spray with hand sanitiser, which had potentially leapt onto an object that Robin then put into her mouth.

“Or was it the fruit? Or the water?” asked my mother, over the phone. “I’m not sure,” I said, knowing that the enquiry was not over.

“Do you think she might have caught it from another baby on the plane?”

“I’m really not sure, mum.”

“You don’t think it was a mosquito bite, do you?”

“I don’t know – it could literally be from a thousand different potential sources,” I roared.

“OK, darling,” she sniffed. “I’m off to boxercise.”

When I was confident Robin was better, I went into work. I took off my coat, turned on my computer and sat down at my desk, and had a sip of coffee. Then I was rung by my childminder, Susie, who said Robin was not in fact any better. I stood up again, put on my coat, picked up my still-steaming coffee and off I went, retracing the journey I had just completed not 15 minutes previously.

This happened three times.

Then of course, I got ill. Except I couldn’t be ill how I like to be ill – dragging a duvet to the sofa, watching awful telly and saying, ‘urrrgh, I’m so ill’ every few minutes, even if no one is there to hear me. I still had to get up and function. That is to say, survive with a baby.

All of my rules about no TV and lots of fresh air went right out the window. We ate beige food and stayed inside. One day Robin slept on me for six hours on the sofa – I didn’t want to move her so I lay there watching shows about women buying their wedding dresses and falling out with their mother-in-laws until my backside was numb and my need for a wee beyond critical.

It was like returning to the newborn days but without the anxiety. At night I slept next to Robin for the first time since she was tiny. She was like a winter mouse, hibernating in her illness.

Then, after two weeks of sickly chaos, I woke one morning to a shout: “Cake! Mummy, cake!” b Twitter: @marthalondon

Under the weather?

Snuggle up in style in a pair of Desmond & Dempsey’s chic printed PJs Cotton pyjama set £130, desmondand dempsey.com

Next time: Robin is talking non-stop – has Martha finally met her match?

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 85

HEALTH

Not so sweet Dr Karen Joash, CON SU LTANT OBSTE TRICIAN AN D GYNAECOLOGIST AT TH E PORTL AN D H OSPITAL E XPL AIN S EVERY THING YOU N EED TO KN OW ABOUT GE STATIONAL DIABE TE S

estational diabetes is when women develop a form of diabetes when they’re pregnant. While this can be a daunting prospect, I assure my patients that the vast majority of women will return to normal after giving birth. This is aided by a careful diet and planned exercise.

Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy as the placenta produces hormones called human placental lactogen (HPL), which inhibits the body’s ability to produce insulin. Without enough insulin – which is the hormone responsible for helping your body absorb glucose or ‘sugar’ – glucose will accumulate in your bloodstream causing your blood sugar levels to skyrocket.

G

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE FATIGUE, INCREASED THIRST OR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Some women are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes than others and if you have certain characteristics you should consult your doctor or obstetrician about it. Women who should be particularly aware include those with a high body mass index (BMI), those who have delivered babies weighing in excess of 4kg in the past, and women with immediate family members with Type 2 diabetes, or indeed those who have had gestational diabetes before. Studies have also shown that women of Asian, AfricanCaribbean or Middle Eastern origin can also be at higher risk.

During your ultrasound scans, if your clinician identifies a large amount of fluid

86 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

your blood sugar levels; although I do recommend that all mothers-to-be try to follow a healthy diet where they can to help give you and the little one the best start.

Your doctor or midwife will work with you to help explore ways to transform your diet, however if you are unable to control your blood sugar levels effectively, you may also be given insulin injections or tablets to assist.

Gestational diabetes can affect your baby by increasing her production of insulin, which can lead to an increased birth weight or a higher risk of jaundice. However you can be reassured that these conditions rarely result in serious health issues.

If your baby is large or you are on medication to control your blood sugar it may be necessary to induce labour at around 37 to 38 weeks, to avoid potential complications.

Your doctor may also suggest a c-section at this stage.

Patients should also be aware of the risk of their baby developing a condition called hypoglycemia, which is when your baby is born with low blood sugar levels. You will be encouraged to feed your baby as early as possible and your baby will need a heel prick test to ensure the sugar levels are not too low.

In the event where this is the case, your baby may require a formula feed to stabilise her blood sugar levels.

at your first appointment, the condition does not usually manifest until about halfway through your pregnancy. Women who develop gestational diabetes might not notice any changes to their bodies, however the symptoms you might notice include fatigue, increased thirst or a repeated bout of urinary tract infections.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY BABY? Throughout your pregnancy you will be required to reduce your sugar consumption and eat a healthy, balanced diet to manage

SHOULD I BE WORRIED? The large majority of women who have

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

AM I AT RISK?

around the baby, it is likely your baby will be born with a large birth weight and you may also be monitored for signs of the condition.

If your doctor suspects you might be at a high risk of developing gestational diabetes, you will be offered a glucose tolerance test to identify whether you are affected by the condition between 24 and 28 weeks gestation.

This involves taking two blood tests: the first after a short period of fasting overnight and the second, around two hours later to monitor how your body reacts to glucose.

While your midwife or doctor will identify your risk of developing gestational diabetes

HEALTH

gestational diabetes deliver healthy, happy babies and with a healthy diet you should have no reason to worry.

Identifying the condition early and managing it throughout the pregnancy will help to reduce the risk of any problems for you and your baby during pregnancy and childbirth.

Some babies who grow very large because of high blood sugar coming from the mother are at an increased risk of a complication called shoulder dystocia where the head is delivered and the shoulders become stuck due to the size. You may be offered an induction of labour from 37 weeks or earlier if your baby is felt to be at risk. In some cases a caesarean may be offered.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES? Those experiencing gestational diabetes are often glad to hear that it is usually a temporary condition, disappearing once you have given birth. Treatment is no longer required once you have welcomed your bundle of joy into the world.

However it is important to be aware that gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing diabetes at a later stage of life, so women with gestational diabetes should be monitored and take simple steps to reduce their chances of developing the condition later on. This requires living a healthy lifestyle with a low sugar intake and having blood sugar checks in the weeks following your delivery, and on an annual basis with your GP from then on. Keeping fit and at the ideal weight also reduces your risk.

If you are at all worried about managing gestational diabetes, I recommend speaking with a health professional who will assess you and provide you with all the advice you need to manage the condition and welcome a healthy baby when the time comes.

WHAT IF I ALREADY SUFFER FROM DIABETES? If you already suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it is advised that you visit a specialist health professional and work with them to ensure your blood sugar levels are controlled before you conceive and during pregnancy.

While the symptoms and management techniques are relatively similar to those of gestational diabetes, you will be at a higher risk of experiencing complications during your pregnancy and should be monitored more closely.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 87

HEALTH

meet

the

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

WHICH MEDICINES ARE SAFE TO USE DURING PREGNANCY? Some medicines, including many painkillers, could potentially harm your baby during pregnancy, but other medicines are safe, including those common prescriptions used to treat conditions like asthma, heartburn, thyroid problems and diabetes. To be sure, always check with your doctor or midwife.

Decisions are made on a case by case basis, on whether the benefits outweigh the risks, so be sure to tell any health professional you are pregnant before they prescribe anything, and talk to your doctor immediately if you take regular medication.

Medicines that are usually safe in pregnancy include paracetamol, most antibiotics, local anaesthetics and most vaccinations. However, you should ideally avoid taking medications during pregnancy if you can, particularly during the first three months. If you really feel you do need to take medicines when you’re pregnant, you should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

As mentioned previously, paracetamol is safe to take as it has been routinely used during all stages of pregnancy with no evidence of any harmful side effects. However, avoid those that contain both paracetamol and caffeine, such as decongestants or ‘flu relief’ tablets. High levels of caffeine can result in low birth weight and potentially miscarriage.

Ibuprofen and high-dose asprin should also be avoided, as it has been linked to a number of complications. Ibuprofen shouldn’t be used at all during the third trimester and has more recently been linked to fertility problems later in life for your baby.

Katie Hilton, registered midwife and founder of The Parent Panel

88 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

HEALTH

MY DUE DATE WAS EARLIER THIS WEEK AND BABY IS SHOWING NO SIGNS OF ARRIVING. IS IT LIKELY THAT I’LL BE INDUCED?

NOW THAT MY BABY’S A LITTLE OLDER I NEED TO START THINKING ABOUT CONTRACEPTION, BUT I’M STILL BREASTFEEDING – WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

If your pregnancy has been uncomplicated up to this point, then the short answer is no. If your pregnancy has been straightforward then the best option is to wait a little longer for labour to start spontaneously. In most cases, you won’t be offered an induction until you have reached 41 to 42 weeks, in accordance with the guidelines from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).

However, if you notice a reduction in fetal movement, or you begin to feel unwell, you need to alert your clinical team as soon as possible, and they will advise you if an induction is necessary.

If you have been diagnosed with any kind of medical condition or complication before or during your pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, then it is highly likely that you will already have been induced anyway.

If not, then, your team may recommend an induction very shortly.

There are alternatives that can help to bring on labour before induction needs to be considered. Your consultant or midwife can administer a ‘stretch and sweep’ internal examination of your cervix, which can sometimes encourage labour naturally. You should also try and keep active, as being mobile can help. The best thing to do is carry on as normal; go for walks, eat and drink regularly and ensure you stay well-hydrated.

I know it is hard and extremely tiresome, but try to stay as relaxed as possible – and let your hormones do the work!

Rebecca Crowe, midwife on the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, London

Our bodies become fertile again as early as 21 days after childbirth. For this reason, unless you are intending to have another child immediately, it is recommended that you discuss your options with your health visitor or GP around a week after having your baby.

Don’t assume that because you’re breastfeeding, that in itself is an effective contraceptive, even if you’re not having periods. Ovulation takes place two weeks before a period happens, so you will be unaware of when there is a risk of pregnancy.

Some methods can impact upon breast milk supply. This applies mainly to those that contain oestrogen, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill, the vaginal ring or combined skin patch. Apart from these, you can use most other methods. The most common are either condoms or the mini-pill – the progesterone-only pill.

Most women do not have any major side effects when taking contraception shortly after having a baby, especially if you make an informed choice with your GP. As you are breastfeeding, then you may have no periods, especially while taking the mini-pill.

You can also take emergency contraception while breastfeeding. The coil must be inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse, but may not be suitable if you have had a caesarean section. The emergency pill contains progesterone only, so can also be taken. Levonelle can be taken while breastfeeding, too. Although small amounts of the hormones contained in the pill may pass into your breast milk, it’s not thought to be harmful to your baby.

If you want to have another baby next year or not too much of an age gap, I’d recommend using something that doesn’t affect your cycles too much, such as condoms or a coil.

Dr Shazia Malik, consultant gynaecologist Rebecca Crowe Dr Shazia Malik and obstetrician at The Portland Hospital imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk theportlandhospital.com

WE’RE CURRENTLY PLANNING A HOLIDAY, AT WHICH TIME I WILL BE FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT. WHAT IS THE ZIKA VIRUS AND DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED? The Zika virus has been demonstrated to be responsible for brain malformations in babies. Studies in Brazil, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed clear evidence of this: 42 per cent of babies born to mothers who were infected with Zika during pregnancy had brain malformations.

The World Health Organisation has published guidelines for people travelling to countries where transmission via mosquitos is possible.

However, transmission is also possible via sexual contact, just like other STIs. To minimise your risk, avoid travelling to countries where Zika is endemic – you will find a list on the WHO website. Sexual partners of pregnant women living or returning from these areas should practice safe sex with condoms, or abstain from sexual activity throughout the pregnancy. Infection may be suspected based on symptoms and recent travel history: symptoms are usually red eyes, muscle pain, fever and headaches. A diagnosis can only be confirmed through lab tests on blood or other body fluids, such as urine, saliva or semen.

Dr Katharina Schramm MD, consultant gynaecologist at Richmond Practice

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

OUR PANEL

Katie Hilton

Dr Katharina Schramm

theparentpanel.com

richmondpractice.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 89

Time to Talk

ADDITIONAL TESTING Marina Fogle & Dr Chiara Hunt

TH E SISTER S INVE STIGATE N ON-INVASIVE PR ENATAL TE STING othing beats the excitement of finding out you’re expecting, but it’s normal for most couples to hold off announcing their news until the end of the first trimester, and once they’ve had results back from their scan and those all-important tests.

All women in the UK are offered a scan at 12 weeks, but many couples choose to take part in additional testing between 11 to 13 weeks, which as yet is not offered on the NHS. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) has revolutionised testing in pregnant women. Before 2011, the only screening option was an ultrasound scan and a blood test.

If any ‘markers’ for chromosomal abnormalities were detected, the mother would be advised to have an amniocentesis or CVS, where a sample of the amniotic fluid or placenta is taken to determine conclusively whether an abnormality is present.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

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These procedures are invasive, unpleasant for the mother, and also carry with them a one per cent chance of miscarriage.

The genius of NIPT is that it is totally non-invasive; all it requires is a straightforward blood test.

Through a sample of the mother’s blood, the lab can detect fragments of the baby’s DNA and look for abnormalities in the chromosomes. Because it’s only 99 per cent accurate (therefore not diagnostic), if the doctor does detect abnormalities, you would be advised to have an amniocentesis or CVS to absolutely determine whether your baby is affected.

NIPT has been a roaring success, so much so that many NHS Trusts hope to be able to offer the service by the end of the year. In the meantime, if you wanted to have this done, you would have to do it privately.

It’s offered by clinics around the UK and typically costs between

£350 and £500. It should always be performed in conjunction with a scan to confirm whether you’re carrying multiples (this can affect the efficacy of the test) and to check the foetus is alive, as the foetal DNA can stay in the mother’s blood after miscarriage.

Since the dawn of NIPT, an array of labs have offered their versions or brands of the test.

The most widely recognised is the Harmony test but there are now a plethora of others available which often confuse parents-to-be. All NIPT tests for the three major chromosomal abnormalities – Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome. There are other brands on the market that test for other, rarer abnormalities that it might be wise to have depending on your family history, if you are carrying multiples, if you have had previous pregnancy complications or specific markers flagged by a scan. Our advice is to find a professional you can trust,

have an initial scan and then, based on the findings, take advice on which is best suited to you.

While this innovation provides reassurance for many couples, it also raises a lot of ethical questions. Some of the abnormalities that these tests bring to light are not guaranteed to affect a child in a life-changing way. Before you do the test, it’s worth having the conversation about what you would do in the event that a specific diagnosis is made. Counselling should be available in this situation, but in the end, whether or not you decide to continue with your pregnancy is up to you.

Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are founders of The Bump Class, which provides antenatal classes in South West London. Check out the sisters’ podcast, The Parent Hood, available on iTunes and Acast.

Visit thebumpclass.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 91

SHOPPING

THE REVIEW Laura Mason PUTS TH E BE ST BABY BOU N CER S TO TH E TE ST

Best for

Best for

ELEVATION

MODERN DESIGN

Best for

SOOTHING MOTION

The Uplift Multi-Level Bouncer also plays two melodies and two soothing sound effects, with volume control

Most

MULTIFUNCTIONAL

Best for

CRADLING

BABYBJÖRN

JOIE

NUNA

STOKKE

SKIP HOP

This chic, soft-contoured design, made with luxury stitched cotton fabric, is a standout piece for any modern home. Perfectly angled to enable baby to take in the world around her, the ergonomic chair has three different positions for play, rest and sleep. The lightweight and fold-flat features make it ideal for easy storage. £137, babybjorn.co.uk

This bouncer is incredibly soft and plush, making it ideal for delicate newborn skin. Built-in infant head support alongside a cocoon-shaped seat nestles little ones in for maximum comfort and security. It also features two vibration speeds and a removable toy bar with soft toys for play and stimulation. £50, mothercare.com

This smart bouncer is powered by hand with a single gentle push that continues to sway, mimicking the float of a leaf in a breeze for around two minutes. Amazingly, it needs no batteries or cords, and makes no noise as a result. The motion is calm and rhythmic, and is both comforting for naps and stimulating for play. £170, johnlewis.com

This is a great all-round bouncer that grows with your child. The seat can be adjusted through multiple positions, and allows baby to use her own bodyweight to bounce herself independently.

Complete with detachable toy hanger, it can also be attached to the Stokke Steps high chair to elevate baby off the floor. £149, stokke.com

Designed to truly embrace baby within family life, this is an all-in-one bouncer that can be used on the floor or impressively elevated up to sofa height.

The elevation affords a number of proven benefits around integration and communication, allowing baby to feel included. £130, amazon.co.uk

Bouncer Bliss

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Wish

Leaf

Steps Bouncer

Uplift MultiLevel Baby Bouncer

Growth, Placenta, Position.

Your third trimester scan

U LT R A S O U N D D I AG N O S T I C S E RV I C E S HARLEY STREET

Third trimester scans check your baby’s wellbeing by assessing the baby’s growth, the level of fluid around the baby and blood flow to the baby using colour dopplers.

UDS have been leaders in all forms of pregnancy scanning for over 35 years.

For further information or to book an appointment call or visit our website.

020 7935 2243 | www.uds.uk.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR18 | 93

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INTERIORS

CLEAN & CLASSIC

Mamas & Papas has added to its range of furniture with the new Shipley collection, full of classic designs with beautiful detailing. The timeless pieces can be passed down for generations, and the colourful accessories range – think pom-poms, bunting and stripes – will add plenty of fun for the here and now. From £29, mamasandpapas.com

ALL CHANGE Add some semblance of order to your nursery with the brilliant Mokee Pokee, a nappy station organiser that leaves you with everything to hand. Made from felt, there’s room for everything from nappies to wipes, and even books and toys. £49.95, en.mokee.eu

interior

NEWS

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

BUILT TO LAST

COMPILED BY: KATE FREUD

STANDOUT SPACES New British children’s store Tinyppl has launched a gorgeous unisex collection, guaranteed to appeal to boys, girls, dads and mums alike. Featuring everything from organic cotton bedding and playmats to nursery wall prints and these gorgeous baby mobiles, everything comes in a neutral, timeless palette to treasure. From £15, tinyppl.com

Nursery brand TeddyOne is a name synonymous with heritage, craftsmanship and luxury, with its cot beds in particular proving an eye-catching centrepiece for baby’s room. Hand-finished with luxurious leather, they will see baby through to five years old. From £999, teddyone.uk

Complete the look with the brand’s range of matching furniture

PAPER TRAIL The excitement of decorating your baby’s nursery should start with the walls, and there are now more wallpaper designs out there than ever to complement the rest of your home. Don’t be afraid to pick something playful – simply stick to a feature wall for smaller rooms. Clockwise from top left: this hand-painted then digitally printed woodland story theme will ignite little ones’ imaginations as they grow (£69 per panel, wildheartswonder.com); Katie Bourne’s beautiful illustrations are the stuff of little girls’ dreams (£86 per roll, katiebourneinteriors.com); this Alphabet Zoo design by Sanderson is perfect for an injection of colour (£46 per roll, stylelibrary.com); baby is guaranteed sweet dreams with this stylish metallic print, available in two shades (£59.95 per roll, hibouhome.com)

wal l paper

Leo & Grace

Interior Design for Modern Families

Leo & Grace offers a wide range of design packages from bespoke room design and installation through to affordable e-interiors, to help busy parents create stylish and contemporary nurseries, children’s rooms and family spaces that complement your home and the whole family will love.

maj vi l l anst or e. com

www.leoandgrace.com hello@leoandgrace.com

jvillan.se nubi e. co. ukmawa l l paper di r ect . com

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Merino wool blanket £100, zurihouse.com

INTERIOR DE SIGN ER Medina King R EVE AL S H OW TO CR E ATE AN ORIGINAL, ST YLISH AN D IN SPIRING N U R SERY THAT BOTH YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E WILL LOVE

T

he Scandinavian nursery – featuring a palette of grey, white and black with a pastel pop of blush, mustard or duck-egg blue and natural wood – is a popular choice.

Pale grey or white walls can be decorated with dot or raindrop wall stickers, accompanied by charming prints or inspirational words. This modern nursery (below) designed by blogger Stevie Maxine Watson is the perfect example – I love the backdrop of gold dots on an all-white canvas.

Plastic photo frame £3.95, ikea.com

Brass hanging wall light £150, bespokelights.co.uk

Wood and faux fur stool £75.59, maisonsdumonde.com

Urban Walls is the go-to for modern wall décor. Although based in Canada, it ships worldwide (uwdecals.com).

Alternatively, buy a few rolls of gold dotted wallpaper from Eijffinger, from £81 per roll (wallpaperdirect.com)

Timber Folk Store wooden wall banner £14.72, etsy.com Nutmeg wall stickers £9, noths.com

Copper wire waste bin £16, made.com The Little Green Sheep cotton blanket £30, huggle.co.uk

Cotton cushion £20, next.co.uk

Aden + Anais muslin swaddles £42, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Shag-pile rug £49.99, therugseller.co.uk

Changing mattress £19, mamasandpapas.com Rope storage basket £24, gltc.co.uk

Copper wire letter £1.75, hobbycraft.co.uk

By Garmi wall print £20, opumo.com

Oeuf NYC cot bed £730, nubie.co.uk

INTERIORS Fabric lampshade £27.99, wayfair.co.uk

Briki Vroom Vroom push-along toy £30, en.smallable.com

A

more traditional nursery will always be in fashion.

Using a bold hot air balloon print on the walls not only introduces a travel theme but it’s also a beautiful print for babies to focus on. You can feature balloons as a 3D mobile, hung from the ceiling or over the cot, or by using wallpaper like Lily Paulson-Ellis has in this room (below).

Cotton musical mobile £37, camcamcopenhagen.com

To achieve a luxurious look, give your window the layering treatment, with a roman blind, curtains and a pelmet.

Fabric like this can be sourced from the Romo range at Liberty (liberty.com), while similar tiebacks can be found at Style Library (stylelibrary.com) Manuel Canovas wallpaper from £138 per roll, janeclayton.co.uk

Ride-on car toy £96, thewhitecompany.com

‘Bashful Poodle’ soft toy £17.50, jellycat.com Cashmere blanket £117, maisoncashmere.co.uk Boori cot bed £449, johnlewis.com

NURSERY CHECKLIST Metal frame mirror £161, maisonsdumonde.com

The Baby Cot Shop in Chelsea has a near-identical chair – the ‘Salome’ nursery glider, which can be customised from £1,590 (thebabycotshop.com)

Wicker hamper £20, whittard.co.uk

Stainless steel picture frame £65, georgjensen.com

• Choose a comfortable nursing chair for feeding or soothing your newborn to sleep. A footstool or ottoman adds comfort for mum, too.

• Have practical and accessible storage for everything baby-related, from toiletries to clothes and cuddly toys. You’ll also need ample storage for a growing library of books.

• Invest in a cot bed that can be adjusted with your growing child. You will have to lower the bed when baby gets to the jumping and climbing stage, but these beds usually last until age five.

• Task lighting is essential for creating a mellow mood in the nursery. You can achieve this with a standalone floor lamp, a table lamp or even a wall sconce.

• You’ll be surprised at how much time is spent on the floor in a nursery, so it must be comfortable enough for ‘tummy time’ – if you don’t have carpeted floors be sure to include a large, soft rug to play on.

• Your changing mattress can be placed on the chest of drawers when baby is little, or you can buy an adaptable changing table.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 99

PROMOTION

In the spotlight: Nurseries N EW BR AN DS TO SH OP FOR YOU R BABY ’S DR E AM ROOM

Zuri House

Independent London-based brand Zuri House was born out of a love for Scandinavian design. The label’s specialty is hand-knitted home accessories, all designed by the founders and made with eco-friendly cotton cord and wool. Check out its online shop for a unique collection of pouffes, rugs, baskets and blankets to bring cosiness and natural warmth to your baby’s nursery. zurihouse.com

LALAROO Inspired by her two daughters, founder Sarah Johnson set up Lalaroo to offer beautiful products that add the final touch to any small person’s space. Choose from handmade baby mobiles and name bunting, or create something yourself with one of its all-in-one kits. Characters, shapes and colours can all be customised to perfectly match your theme, with more exciting products launching soon! lalaroocreations.etsy.com

Luja Home

Luja Home creates handmade dreamcatchers and bohoinspired décor for the whole family. Choose from a variety of designs available or have one custom-made to match your interior. Each dreamcatcher arrives beautifully presented, accompanied by a ‘Dream Big’ poem, making it the perfect gift idea for little ones. lujahome.etsy.com

THE LEMON BUTTON

Handmade using 100 per cent pure wool felt balls, The Lemon Button’s pretty garlands are perfect for adding a pop of colour to baby’s nursery.

Available in a range of colours, hang from a shelf, drape across the wall or position over framed prints for a stylish twist. Each garland is hand-strung on twine by the brand’s designer and founder, Lindsey Hollister. thelemonbutton.etsy.com

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NIBS & SCRIBBLES Nibs & Scribbles is a stylish treasure trove of fun illustrations, offering plenty of inspiration when adding the finishing touches to your little one’s nursery. From illustrated alphabet prints to personalised name artwork, and prices starting from just £15, you’ll be sure to find something just right to complete your baby’s room. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, West Sussexbased co-founder and artist Georgina Moir will work with you to create something individual and bespoke for your special little someone. nibsandscribbles.co.uk

PROMOTION

Modern Kids Gallery

Nursery print devotees Modern Kids Gallery is a unique artwork emporium.

With a love for the natural world and all the beautiful things in it, the animalinspired artwork will add a splash of colour and vibrancy to any nursery. Modern Kids Gallery also offers a customised design service if you’re looking for something a little different or bespoke.

Previous pieces have even been purchased by the BBC for a TV drama production. modernkidsgallery.com

BLUEBELLS & BEESWAX

Dress baby’s room in style with Bluebells & Beeswax’s beautiful handmade bunting – the perfect finishing touch. Stocking a carefully selected range of fabrics, the team behind the brand has put together a number of creative designs, working closely with current nursery trends. The company also offers a bespoke service – choose fabrics to suit your requirements for a truly exclusive piece.

With the option of adding personalisation, too, the bunting makes a great keepsake gift. bluebellsandbeeswax.etsy.com

TINYPPL

Luxury British brand Tinyppl offers a range of cool unisex children’s homeware and wall décor. Its cotton collection fuses playful patterns and quirky characters with high-quality organic and GOTS-certified textiles that have been sustainably sourced.

Minimalistic and Scandi-inspired, the homeware is designed to appeal to the whole family. tinyppl.com

FLOATING ART MOBILES Babies love to look at bold contrasts, such as black, white and primary colours. Floating Art Mobiles has created a stunning range of high-contrast mobiles in shapes and colours that will fascinate baby.

This heirloom mobile is modern and stimulating, designed to be loved by both you and your child. floatingartmobiles.com

Fill the corners of your nursery with unique finds from Minifili. You’ll discover baby essentials including blankets, swaddles, wooden teethers and other charming accessories that will make baby’s nursery a special place. The online boutique also offers a variety of gorgeous gifts and toys for little ones, or be inspired by its range of home decorations from the most creative brands in Europe. minifili.com

LITTLE JAGGER Brand new luxury children’s interiors brand Little Jagger offers beautiful bedding, lighting and accessories, featuring lots of friendly faces that you and your children will love. Handmade by founder Rebecca Jagger, a trained Savile Row tailor, the pure cotton bedding will send your little ones into a sweet slumber. Original designs are made to order to your specifications, to ensure the perfect fit. littlejagger.co.uk

MUMMYS BUBBLE

Independent British brand Mummys Bubble focuses on handmade products for mother and baby. Mummys Bubble’s designed felt mobiles add a pop of colour to any room, and hang beautifully over a cot. Custom-create your mobile with a choice of natural wool balls to make that unique gift for baby’s first room. mummysbubble.com/shop

babylondon.co.uk | JAN/FEB 2018 | 101

WORK LIFE

Open all hours WITH MOR E AN D MOR E WOM EN BEING DENIED FLE XIBILIT Y, LON DON MOTH ER S AR E COMING TOGE TH ER TO FIN D A N EW WAY OF WOR KING , SAYS Beena Nadeem

nce the chaos of a newborn has subsided and thoughts eventually creep towards returning to work, you may well be shocked to learn how difficult this can be in London. For starters, the UK is second only to Switzerland for the world’s costliest childcare, and nowhere is this felt more acutely than in our capital where costs are a third more than the rest of the country.

It would be natural to feel the most coveted careers lean towards freelancing – those lucky women who have time to spend on both their work and their families. In reality, it’s these parents who face the greatest restrictions from a largely inflexible childcare system, forcing many of them to shelve their careers altogether. And despite London boasting a rich mix of creative freelancers and shift workers, the Family and Childcare Trust shows us that only three local authorities out of 33 have enough suitable childcare for these families.

When you take into account that just 18 per cent of London parents have flexible care (compared with 32 per cent for the rest of the country) it’s little wonder that just 60 per cent of London mothers are in work, compared with a national average of 70 per cent.

Thankfully, change is grabbing the capital.

A network of workspaces with adjoining crèches, which can be used on a drop-in basis, are blossoming, borne through the frustrations of women fed up with restrictions placed on them to work set hours and juggle a baby.

In 2013, Ann Nkune launched Bloomsbury Beginnings, an ad hoc crèche and adjoining workspace, along with a support group for entrepreneurial women. The move came about after seeing the impact having a baby can have on even the strongest of us.

“My little girl was three when a good friend – a talented young mother – took her own life. At that time I was, like so many women, torn between returning to my previous career or working for myself,” says Ann. “The tragic event forced me to face up to some stark

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truths about the pressures we’re under.”

The former youth offending officer goes on to say, “It soon became clear that many of the parents I was surrounded by were frustrated too, nurturing creative business ideas, but not sure whether or how to pursue them.

They lacked the time, focus, confidence and business skills to take the next step.”

By nurturing these entrepreneurs through its ‘parentcubator’, Bloomsbury Beginnings has helped to launch a number of new businesses.

And in 2014, Ann launched a work space with adjoining childcare in a community centre to provide “an alternative to the expensive childcare on offer at nurseries, which so often prevents women from taking the necessary

risks to embark on new business ventures.”

One of Bloomsbury’s parents who came through its parentcubator is Dahlia Dajani.

Previously a brand manager in Dubai, Dahlia found her first daughter had long-term health problems. By the time she was ready to go back to work, all doors were closed.

“There are so many highly qualified mums and dads out there who want to spend time with their children – and when they decide to go back to work, it’s a real struggle; it’s such a waste of talent,” she says. Since January 2017, Dahlia has been running Entreprenursery, a pop-up crèche and workspace, now located at new women’s business club Blooms London in Old Street. Although currently self-funding,

WORK LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

From a former bicycle shop in Crouch End operates the city’s only wholly flexible nursery.

My Crèche offers drop-in childcare from 30 minutes to whole days for up to 16 children.

Parents don’t stay on site, but can come back to check in or breastfeed whenever they like. It was launched by former president of business development at American Express, Saasha Celestial-One. “There was a huge need – I saw my local gym’s crèche rammed with mums who weren’t exercising but taking those two hours to work and re-energise,” she says.

Casting the childcare eye to South London, some interesting options emerge. Bay Tree House Nursery in Catford is a rare find by offering overnight care. Although night nurseries are common in Sweden, to date this is unique for our country. Taking in the needs of shift workers, it also offers flexible dropoffs and pick-ups from 5.30am until midnight.

“It’s an extra service we provide to help those parents who have to sometimes work nights and then switch to days,” says manager Maria Quiroga. “Most nurseries don’t offer this as it’s not big business for them – but it’s something I do to help those parents out.”

Of course, it’s good to know the options for flexible childcare don’t disintegrate when little ones start school, either.

Student Nannies is a network which links registered students who can provide childcare with parents who need it. Set up by newspaper journalist Tracey Blake in response to her own situation, she explains: “I needed something from 3.30pm until 7.30pm, and the existing offerings were too rigid.”

Tracey explains how, by using two or three local nannies, fully flexible childcare can be achieved. “They really get to know the children. Student nannies can help with homework or bake cakes, and in turn, they get paid more than they would doing a bad bar job or a zero-hours contract”. she hopes to get the investment to roll out a service like Bloomsbury’s.

As more parents try to find solutions to flexible working, it seems need is not the most pressing factor. With high rents and lack of locations, finding venues proves far from easy.

Leo Wood runs PlayPen, where once a week mums can use the laptop-friendly café and adjoining pre-existing crèche belonging to housing association Poplar Harca. Based at St Paul’s Way Community Centre in Mile End, it gives parents a few uninterrupted hours of working time. Leo also admits it’s a difficult business to navigate. “I don’t make any money from this,” she says. “Start-up costs are high and return is low.”

Leo, who runs successful co-working spaces throughout London, says she would love to offer networking opportunities for mums, though as the pop-up runs on Monday and Thursday mornings only, she says: “People don’t really have time to chat. They’re timepoor and want to get their heads down for a few hours of uninterrupted work”.

East London has another option, too, this time in Dalston, where arts organisation V22 is piloting its first workspace crèche in its studio with access to Dalston’s Eastern Curve Garden.

The space aims to support freelancers to continue their work while still being hands-on parents. If successful, it will roll out crèches through all of its locations across London.

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Outspace offers workspace and an adjoining crèche, and free networking and business support for London parents.

Third Door as e e are a or s a e t e ro o r off for sessions from £10 per hour.

Super Startups offers networking and business advice for new parents.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 103

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babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2016 | 104

FOOD

HOT DEMAND Ensure the perfect temperature for baby’s bottle every time with the clever iKettle. Controlled by your smart device, the iKettle will boil water and notify you when it’s cooled to optimum temperature. Plus, when hooked up to an indoor Nest Cam camera, it’ll get the water ready as soon as baby starts to stir in her cot! £99.99, smarter.am

SOOTHING SIPS

Is there much that a cuppa can’t solve?

The six tea varieties from HotTea Mama have been formulated to support mums through pregnancy, labour and beyond; from soothing morning sickness to supporting milk supply and even preparing the womb muscles for labour. All are caffeine free – buy boxes individually or as a whole set.

From £6, hotteamama.com

The hollowed-out centre and gentle texture make these tasty snacks ideal for self-feeding

BERRY GOOD

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Look out for some new goodies on supermarket shelves this spring.

The Kiddylicious Coconut Rolls now come in two new flavours – banana and strawberry – with a new strawberry variety for its Wafers, too. Both snacks make great finger foods, with a dissolvable texture to encourage self-feeding. Available in multipacks from the end of February.

From £1.30, morrisons.com

food

NEWS

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

FIRST BITE The Pulp silicone feeder from Boon allows weaning babies to chew on fruit and veg without the risk of choking. The food sits in a soft silicone cover and is forced through holes as they gnaw away. And if your little one is teething, fill it with chilled food to ease their sore gums. Suitable from six months. £5.95, amazon.co.uk

TWO SEPARATE STUDIES HAVE REVEALED THAT EATING EGGS WHEN BREASTFEEDING MAY HELP PROTECT BABY AGAINST FUTURE EGG ALLERGIES. EGG-EATING DURING THIS TIME INCREASES THE NUMBER OF SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES IN BREAST MILK, WHICH ARE MARKERS OF IMMUNE TOLERANCE IN BABIES. EGGINFO.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 105

FOOD

A spoonful of

SPRING IN FANT N UTRITION SPECIALIST Alice Fotheringham SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE SE ASONAL R ECIPE S, PER FEC T FOR TH E WHOLE FAMILY

ith the lighter and longer days approaching, now is a great time to offer new ingredients to your little one.

After winter’s heavy comfort food, awaken baby’s senses with my lamb ratatouille – lamb is a great source of protein, as well as iron, zinc and vitamin B12, and it’s in season right now. Apricots are another spring delight, and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Remember, when it comes to getting in those spring fruits and vegetables, rather than looking at the portion sizes and the number of portions per day, try to look at the variety – the more variety the better.

Start small by adding one extra fruit or vegetable to your toddler’s meal every day. Getting in a wide variety of colours is a much more realistic way of giving your baby the vitamins and minerals she needs, rather than focusing on a number.

You’ll find the numbers stack up without you even realising!

W

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F R U I T Y YO - F R O S Q U A R E S Preparation: 10 minutes Makes 15 medium-sized cubes Suitable from 7 months

This fruity and delicious sweet treat is both fun to make and takes no time at all. Kids will love getting stuck in, helping to mix up all of the lovely ingredients in a bright pink hue.

The mixture can be kept frozen for up to 2 months – make sure you cover with a layer of cling film and kitchen foil.

INGREDIENTS

• 500ml full fat, Greek-style natural yogurt • 1 medium ripe banana • 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves • 200g frozen blueberries or strawberries METHOD

Clean out a deep ice cube tray, or if you would rather make ‘bark’, line a medium shallow baking tray with baking paper or cling film.

Place the yoghurt, banana, mint and either strawberries or blueberries in a blender, leaving aside a handful of fruit.

Blend together until the ingredients are combined. Pour into the ice cube tray or baking tray and pop in the extra fruit pieces.

Cover with cling film and freeze for 2 hours, or until solid. Pop out the yoghurt cubes or, if freezing on a baking tray, cut into finger shapes or long triangles and serve immediately.

Fresh blueberries are a e t fi re v ta and antioxidants

FOOD

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 107

FOOD Serve as a purée for weaning babies, and as a traditional ratatouille for the rest of the family

APPLE , APR ICOT & CINNAMON PURÉE Preparation: 8 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes Makes 4 portions Suitable from 6 months Suitable for freezing

The sweet and juicy apples in this recipe are balanced perfectly by the tangy richness of fresh apricots. A pinch of cinnamon lifts this classic purée, which can be enjoyed on its own or swirled into Greek yoghurt or porridge.

L A M B R ATAT O U I L L E

INGREDIENTS Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 50 minutes Makes 8 portions Suitable from 7 months Suitable for freezing

This lamb features a delicious ratatouille sauce made from tomato, courgettes, aubergine and peppers. You can also do this recipe in a slow cooker overnight for a more tender dish.

INGREDIENTS

• 1.2kg leg of lamb, deboned and cut into large pieces • 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped • Pinch of fresh or dried thyme • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 clove of garlic, peeled and crushed • 1 medium onion, peeled and diced • 1 medium aubergine, cut into pieces • 1 medium courgette, sliced • 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into pieces

• 400g tinned chopped tomatoes • 5 raisins METHOD

On a high heat, heat the olive oil in a deep, heavy bottomed pan. Pat the lamb dry and seal the edges of the meat in the pan, until brown all over. Remove the lamb from the heat and set aside. Scrape the meat off the bottom of the pan and add a little water to deglaze it.

Add a dash more olive oil and turn the heat to medium, then add the onions. Cook for a few minutes to soften, then add the garlic, aubergine, courgette and pepper and cook, occasionally stirring for 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes, raisins and fresh herbs, then add the leg of lamb. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes.

Once cooked, remove from the heat and either purée or serve chunky with rice or couscous and peas or broccoli.

• 200g (around two) organic apples, peeled and cored • 30g (about 2 small or 1 large) fresh ripe apricots, peeled and cored. If not in season, soak unsulphered, dried apricots in a little boiling water for 15 minutes • ½ tsp cinnamon METHOD

Place the chopped apples in a pan, add a little water and simmer for five minutes until soft.

While the apple is cooking, skin the apricots by scoring crosses into the tops and bottoms of the apricots and placing in a pan of water that has just been boiled.

Leave for 30 seconds, then remove and place into a bowl of ice-cold water and leave for a minute.

Take out the apricots and you should be able to easily remove the skin. Then you can cut the apricots in half and remove the stone.

Add the cinnamon to the apples and apricots, mix together and purée.

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

108 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

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Discover a five-star hotel in Mauritius, sheltered at the foot of a dramatic mountain

PhysioCarrier The premium 4-seasons Baby Carrier

LUX* LE MORNE has a strong claim to occupying the most scenic spot in Mauritius. The colossal spectacle of Le Morne Brabant towering to one side, a sweep of beryl-blue lagoon to the other and miles of talc-soft beach spread out in front – there can be few more captivating visions of tropical paradise.

more info jpmbb.com

110 | MAR/APR18 | babylondon.co.uk

Designed in France

Here on the always-warm west coast of the island, the sunset alone is enough to make a holiday unforgettable, so it’s a small wonder that travellers of every age and taste choose to make LUX* Le Morne their Indian Ocean home. Couples and honeymooners come for the jaw-dropping romance of the scenery; families take advantage of five swimming pools and the all-day PLAY kids’ club; serenity seekers make beelines for the LUX* Me spa; and thrillseekers of all stripes are drawn to the innumerable opportunities for adventure – on land, on the water and beneath the waves. luxresorts.com

Enjoy some downtime in your ultra-modern, standalone villa, while the little ones are taken care of

LIVING THE DREAM

travel

NEWS

If a holiday is all about relaxing, then why not ensure you don’t lift a finger for the entire duration? Stay at Scott Dunn’s new collection of luxury villas on the south-west coast of Ibiza and have your every whim catered for. Included in your trip is a ‘Flying Nanny’ who will arrive armed with age-appropriate ideas for baby, with additional services including a private chef and masseuse. Seven nights from £6,100, scottdunn.com

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

ROMANCE READY

Avoid shelling out on travel-friendly baby kit with the service from Airtots.

Whether you’re flying in or out of London, hire essentials from its extensive list and arrange for delivery before you leave and collection upon return. Hire individual items or whole age-specific bundles. Bundles from £185 per week, airtots.com

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Yarrow Cottage is the perfect babymoon break for those wanting to stay closer to home. Just an hour from London, the idyllic country home features a thatched roof and wood burning stove, with interior delights including a copper roll-top bathtub.

From £200 per night, beachspoke.com

NANA COMES TOO Enjoy a trip with your extended family to the five-star Martinhal Cascais in Portgual, with its new offer for 2018.

Situated on the coast just a short drive from Lisbon, the hotel is offering a 20 per cent discount on double deluxe rooms for grandparents, when booking any room or villa. A great excuse to create some precious memories – and make the most of helping hands… martinhal.com/cascais

AFTER A DECADE-LONG HIATUS, BRITISH AIRWAYS IS REINTRODUCING DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE SEYCHELLES FROM 24 MARCH. THE ISLANDS ARE BLESSED WITH TROPICAL TEMPERATURES ALL YEAR ROUND – QUITE THE PLACE FOR A BABYMOON. FLIGHTS TWICE-WEEKLY FROM LONDON HEATHROW. BRITISHAIRWAYS.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 111

BABY ON BOARD BABYMOONS

WH E TH ER YOU ’R E E SCAPING FOR YOU R L AST HOLIDAY AS A T WOSOM E, OR BR AVELY VENTU RING ON YOU R FIR ST TRIP WITH BABE IN AR MS, Kate Freud CH ER RY PICKS TH E BE ST GE TAWAYS

LIME WOOD HOTEL, NEW FOREST Close to home 1hr 30min drive from London

Just a short drive from the capital, Lime Wood proves the perfect country retreat for some last-minute relaxation before baby arrives.

Set in a neo-classical stately home in the New Forest, pop your Hunter wellies on and head out to meet the resident wild ponies, or settle in for the day at the luxurious Herb House spa, which offers plenty of pregnancyfriendly treatments, a heated pool and gym facilities for those wanting gentle exercise. Get your five-a-day at the Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant, before heading back to your room for a blissful bubble bath. We’re there already!

From £255 per night, including breakfast, limewoodhotel.co.uk

112 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

TRAVEL

ANASSA HOTEL, CYPRUS Short haul Flight time: 4hrs 30min

Nestled in a secluded hillside, Anassa sits in an unspoilt area to the north of Cyprus which spills down onto the beautiful beach at Latchi Bay. The perfect spot for a little romance before baby arrives, you’ll find lush gardens to wander, sunset views to savour and an awardwinning spa in which to relax. You’ll also find an irresistible selection of pregnancy-friendly treatments on offer. And when mum-tobe gets a craving, there are four gourmet restaurants to choose from. What more could you want? Seven nights from £1,197 per person, including breakfast. i-escape offers 15% off stays booked before 31 March 2018, i-escape.com/anassa

There are few places we’d rather be than poolside at this five-star resort

LUX LE MORNE, MAURITIUS Long haul Flight time: 12hrs

If you imagine an island paradise, Lux Le Morne ticks every box. Set on a white beach surrounding a turquoise lagoon, together you can enjoy snorkeling, hiking and yoga, or if you’re really just looking to chill, lounge in the spa, by one of the resort’s five pools or grab a beanbag for a sunset movie screening on the beach. And with restaurants boasting everything from Creole to Thai cuisine, there’s no need to set foot outside the resort. The icing on the cake, however, has to be the local dolphins, which swim into the lagoon to play and feed – now that’s an experience you can’t put a price on. From £229 per person, per night, including breakfast, luxresorts.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 113

BABY’S FIRST HOLIDAY

COWLEY MANOR, CHELTENHAM Close to home 2hr drive from London

You and your little one are guaranteed a warm reception at Cowley, known for its stately home grandeur but laid-back atmosphere. A cot can be added to your room for free, and the spacious, split-level stable block rooms are perfect for young families. Enjoy taking baby into the great outdoors – all 55 acres of it – and with two heated swimming pools, they’ll have plenty of fun splashing about, too.

Children can eat at any time in the restaurant and there’s a special menu for young taste buds. Babysitting can be arranged on request and for an extra indulgent treat, mum can retreat to the glorious spa for a spot of R&R. From £136 per night, cowleymanor.com

Biodola is one of the most famous beaches on Elba Island, and is perfect for young families

HOTEL HERMITAGE, ELBA, ITALY Short haul Flight time: 2hrs 10min

When it comes to a summer break with baby, you couldn’t choose a more idyllic setting than the island of Elba. The family-friendly Hotel Hermitage is set in the picturesque Biodola Bay, with easy access to the beach and restaurants. As with all Powder Byrne resorts, what sets this hotel apart is the childcare, with a crèche that will take babies from four months old. The facilities are second to none, with cots and high chairs available on request.

You can even send a list of requirements beforehand for lighter packing! Seven nights from £2,259 per adult and £1,099 per child (under-twos go free) on a half-board basis, including transfers, powderbyrne.com

114 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

TRAVEL

SONEVA KIRI, KOH KOOD, THAILAND Long haul Flight time: 11hrs 25min

For those new parents who remain undaunted at the prospect of a long-haul flight with tot in tow, make the most of it and head to this stunning eco hideaway in Thailand. Soneva Kiri ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly stay, with spacious villas complete with baby kit, a vast choice of restaurants, all of which are happy to rustle up something for a weaning babe, and the acclaimed Six Senses Spa for parents to retreat to. We recommend the Bayview Pool Villa Suites, overlooking the jungle. The Den kids’ club offers plenty to entertain baby, and babysitters can be booked through the hotel. From £849 per night via Mr & Mrs Smith, mrandmrssmith.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 115

Stunning views from the Isle of Eigg

The family island-hopped from the Scottish mainland by ferry

ª Postcard from…

SCOTLAND

Holly Tuppen TAKE S H ER YOU NG FAMILY FOR A DRIVE ON WILD SIDE

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Cosy hideaway Macquarrie’s Cottage overlooks the Isle of Rum

into the back of beyond, Macquarrie’s Cottage is a cosy, converted croft house overlooking Eigg’s largest beach and the Isle of Rum. The boys rushed out of the van to be confronted by a herd of sheep blocking the road, rabbits hopping into the undergrowth and buzzards soaring overhead.

The next couple of days were spent whizzing around on our bikes. This tiny island is a treasure map of natural wonders, perfect for little legs.

Back in Mallaig, we hopped on another ferry to Skye for more island adventures. Our Airbnb cottage, aptly named the ‘back-house between woodland and sea’, is attached to one of Skye’s oldest houses on the edge of 87 acres. Our days were filled with exploring fairy pools, Dunvegan Castle and running wild in The Quiraing.

Before heading home, we stopped in the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond for two nights of country-pub luxury. Having selfcatered all week, sauntering down to breakfast feasts and candlelit dinners was the perfect way to end our trip.

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel is in an enviable spot just moments from the Luss Seafood Bar and pier. And with plenty of walking routes, we didn’t need to get in the car once.

On our final day, as we watched the sun lighting up Loch Lomond, Glasgow, the Lake District and England’s industrial heartland all the way back to London, we felt overwhelmed by these British Isles, and full of luck to call them home.

Deer spotting at Glen Coe

Wilf and Barney enjoying the views of Loch Lomond at Luss

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

hen it comes to mountains, lakes and islands lost in time, I’m a sucker for pining over the likes of New Zealand, Chile and Scandinavia. It’s easy to forget our neighbours up north host some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes — and they’re just a train trip away.

After four-and-a-half hours, my husband, our two boys (Wilf, four, and Barney, two) and I arrived at Glasgow Central for some urban wanderings before heading into the wilderness.

Loaded with snacks, we headed off on a three-hour drive to Arisaig – the jumping-off point for the Small Isles. Heavy rain clouds and silvery sunbeams danced across lochs and moors as we rainbow-spotted our way through The Trossachs National Park towards the Bridge of Orchy, Glen Coe and Fort William. Just in time for tea, we arrived at The Arisaig Hotel, where a seafood feast in its cosy pub with live Celtic music and a soft-play area was most welcome.

Another morning, another mode of transport. We left our car in the fishing port of Mallaig to jump on the ferry to the Isle of Eigg – an island with only 70 residents and one shop.

After the excitement of seal-spotting from the boat, Eigg’s iconic An Sgùrr loomed into view. The tiny houses dotted across the landscape looked more like Scandinavia than the UK. Visitors aren’t allowed cars on the island so we hired bikes with a trailer and bike seat from Eigg Adventures.

Up and over the island’s hilly road

www.pebbleuk.com Freephone 0800 433 4757

Monitors Breathing

Vibration

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FO RM

PRIMA BABY

A DS

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The Snuza HeroMD is available from all good retailers www.snuza.com The Snuza HeroMD is the only Portable Baby Breathing Monitor that conforms to European Directive 93/42/EEC certification for medical devices, February 2016.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR18 | 117

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OurOur branches: Our branches: branches: Hampstead Hampstead Hampstead Garden Garden Garden Suburb Suburb Suburb Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb Our branches: Garden Suburb Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb • Belsize • Belsize •Hampstead Park Belsize Park • Holland Park • Holland • Holland ParkPark Park Belsize Park • Holland Belsize Park Holland Park • ••Belsize Park • Holland Park Contact Contact Contact us today us today usPark today Contact us today Contact us us today Contact today hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com 8 St8James’s St 8James’s St James’s Gardens Gardens Gardens W11W11 4RB W11 4RB 4RB James’s Gardens 8StSt StJames’s James’s Gardens Gardens W11 W11 4RB 88 W114RB 4RB

www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com 020 020 7602 020 7602 7602 7981 7981 Ofsted Outstandi ng 7981 020 7602 0207602 3457 7981 8020 020 7981

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Ofsted Outstanding Developing Self-Esteem & Independence Stimulating Curriculum WednesdaHealthy MealensmFreshlrnynPrepared s 1 Dail11y Bi-lingual Nursery

Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb Ofsted Outstanding

Limited are spaces ble availa

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years

Endeavour Courage Truth

Developing Self-Esteem & Independence Stimulating CurricClaremont ulum Fan Court School Healthy Meals Freshly Prepared Daily Pre-Preparatory Bi-lingual Nursery

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

An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

and Nursery School

Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb •Belsize Park • Holland Park Contact us today hollandpark@kerensnursery.com 8 St James’s Gardens W11 4RB

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

www.kerensnursery.com

www.claremontfancourt.co.uk 118 | MAR/APR18 | babylondon.co.uk

Claremont Fan Court School Claremont Drive Esher Surrey KT10 9LY

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

WATCH & LEARN

Dubbed ‘Netflix for kids’, the new Highbrow app streams educational content while protecting young viewers from anything scary or inappropriate. Entirely ad-free, there are more than 4,000 videos to choose from, each one vetted by education experts; from arts and science experiments to nursery rhymes and travel guides, there’s something for all ages. £5.99 per month, joinhighbrow.com If you want to know more about schooling and are keen to plan for the future, then check out our sister title. Published twice a year, The Guide to Independent Schools is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector. The Guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.

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

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

Highbrow videos are suitable for babies all the way up to pre-teens

READ ON BookTrust, the UK’s largest reading charity, is treating 600,000 babies across the UK to a special gift. Delivered to little ones aged up to 12 months, its Bookstart Baby pack includes a copy of 1, 2, 3, Splosh! by David Melling, as well as rhyme sheets and tips for parents on sharing stories. Gifted through local councils, the scheme aims to kickstart a passion for reading from an early age. booktrust.org.uk

THE BIG PICTURE Introduce your toddler to the world of art with the fifth title in Phaidon’s First Concepts series, Up, Down & Other Opposites with Ellsworth Kelly. Using the colours and shapes Kelly was famous for, the book explores visual opposites such as ‘together and apart’ and ‘full and empty’. Available 9 March. £7.95, Phaidon

PARENTS IN THE CAPITAL SPEND £291 PER CHILD EVERY YEAR ON AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS WITH A FIFTH OF KIDS IN LONDON ATTENDING FIVE OR MORE EVERY WEEK. THE STUDY BY RETAILER BANANA MOON FOUND SCHOOL YEARS FOUR TO SIX WERE THE MOST EXPENSIVE. BANANA-MOON-CLOTHING.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 119

EDUCATION

MEET THE HEAD Tell us a bit about the school.

We are a small, friendly girls’ school, offering continuous education from age four to 18.

In the Junior School (ages four to 11), we have one form in each year group. High academic standards and a warm, nurturing ethos underpin our philosophy.

We offer a broad education in a family-orientated environment.

We were founded in 1891 in South Kensington’s Albertopolis – the great Victorian hub of culture and education. In our elegant buildings, therefore, we have long traditions, but we balance these with a very modern outlook.

What do you see as the main strengths of the school?

Our central London location affords us excellent facilities: the Natural History, Science and Victoria and Albert Museums are on our doorstep; Imperial College, where we swim, is very nearby. We have use of the track and court facilities at Battersea Park, and our girls make regular trips to Hyde Park for exercise.

We also benefit from specialist teachers in Science, Modern

120 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

JAMES DENCHFIELD Queen’s Gate Junior School

We chat to the director of the South Kensington-based school for girls about life in the classroom Foreign Languages, Mandarin and Art. Our staff might teach A-Level Chemistry one lesson and then present newly-hatched chicks to our little ones the next!

Our girls achieve so highly because they are confident. When parents visit, they are given a tour by the pupils and the first thing they notice is the friendliness of their tour guides, and how proud they are to present their school.

What level of pastoral care do you offer?

We are a very happy school and our pupils’ happiness is our main concern. In my view, a nurturing environment and academic success go hand-in-hand. Because the girls are so well-supported and feel safe, they are not afraid to challenge themselves. Being

a small school, we get to know our girls – and our parents – very well indeed, forming close relationships which last for years.

There is daily interaction between the different year groups and our girls are delighted to see the Sixth Form students who visit to read with the girls and help with clubs.

How do you ensure every young pupil achieves her potential?

Our pupils make excellent progress and achieve high academic results – and yet we are not a hot house. Our curriculum is broad, offering pupils a wealth of opportunities: a rigorous focus on Maths and English sits happily alongside subjects as diverse as Mandarin and Enrichment.

Each pupil moves at a pace that is suitable to her: the brightest

are challenged and are offered freedom to take bold strides; those requiring support are given one-to-one attention to boost confidence and ensure success.

Do you offer extra-curricular programmes for little ones?

Our youngest pupils enjoy ballet, dance, gymnastics, yoga and kickboxing. All girls sing in a choir and begin learning French upon arrival. Our clubs provision is extensive throughout, from Debating Society to Philosophy Club, STEM Society to LAMDA. What’s coming up this year?

We have introduced taster afternoons for nursery children, who are invited to join the Preliminary classroom, taking part in activities and using our Smart Table. We are also very excited about our residential trips to Normandy, the Isle of Wight and Dorset. Our older pupils are taking part in STEM challenges and are to begin debating competitively, too.

Open morning: Thursday 22 March. Visit queensgate.org.uk

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Little Discovery & Maths Classes

Fun French Lessons Innovative immersion programme Highly recommended by BBC, Time Out, Daily Telegraph and Daily Express

020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk www.clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

WEEKLY CLASSES PRESENTING AN EXCITING NEW CONCEPT FOR CHILDREN AGED 1-4 YEARS TO BEGIN THEIR WONDERFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE WORLD

Est. 1993

Venues across London

TERM CLASSES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS ARE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Notting Hill, W11: Mondays, 14.15 & 15.00 Chelsea, SW3: Tuesdays, 9.25 & 10.15 Contact us also for Little Science (3-11 years) Classes e

t: 0800 092 1062

richmond practice PRIVATE PRIVATE DOCTORS‘ DOCTORS‘ SERVICE SERVICE

The family doctor.

Redefined.

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

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OUT AND ABOUT

mini

AGENDA

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAN TSANTILIS

Teletubbies Live

Teletubbies Live

Egg & Spoon

Funtastic Sunday

CHURCHILL THEATRE High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA 020 3285 6000 teletubbieslive.com

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

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX 020 3166 6000 hrp.org.uk

Children aged one to three are invited to join this romp through the seasons, for a gentle introduction to the magic of theatre. Meet Birdy, still hiding in his egg, run through the rain and the falling leaves, and sleep under the snow until the sun wakes up for the butterfly party.

Admission: £12.50 each.

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 April, performance times vary.

From babies to teens, all are welcome at the March edition of this regular event at the sumptuous Kensington Palace.

Little ones and their families can enjoy the palace’s activity bags and trails, settle down for story time or take part in special creative workshops.

Admission: Free with standard admission. Adults, £19; children go free.

Sunday 25 March, from 10am.

Back and ready for their first ever live stage show, join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a captivating performance full of love, laughter, music and ‘big hugs’ as they introduce families to the magical world of Teletubbyland. You might not understand what’s going on, but the little ones will love it.

Look out for Noo-Noo, too!

Admission: From £17 each.

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April, performance times vary.

Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment WEMBLEY SSE ARENA Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA disneyonice.com Spring might be here, but there’s still a place to chill out for some icy entertainment!

Visit Wembley for another incarnation of Disney on Ice, where Lightning McQueen, The Little Mermaid and all your Toy Story favourites will be gliding across the stage, along with loads more characters.

Admission: From £19 each.

Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 April, times vary.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 123

OUT AND ABOUT

Easter Eggstravaganza

Planet Play

Kenwood Dairy Open Day

Easter Egg Trail

Easter Eggstravaganza WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF 0870 129 9718 willowsactivityfarm.com Expect choc-o-block family fun with the Easter Bunny as you hunt for eggs and rabbits. In addition, there will be plenty of adventure play and farmyard fun with animals including chicks and other fluffy friends.

Admission: Adults, from £12; children, from £14; under-twos go free.

Saturday 24 March to Sunday 15 April, 10am to 5.30pm.

Horniman Easter Fair HORNIMAN MUSEUM & GARDENS 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 horniman.ac.uk Enjoy all the fun of the Easter fair this spring at the Horniman Museum. Expect a trail, arts and crafts workshops, face painting and – if the weather plays ball – a stroll around the gardens.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 31 March and Sunday 1 April, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

124 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Kenwood Dairy Open Day KENWOOD Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR 0370 333 1181 english-heritage.org.uk Experience life as an 18th century dairy maid or piggery boy with dressing-up costumes for children and adults. Step back in time with the English Heritage volunteers to learn more about what life was like for the staff who worked there.

Admission: Free.

Sunday 4 March, 11am to 3pm.

Mini Mozart BURGH HOUSE New End Square, London NW3 1LT 020 7193 1983 minimozart.com Babies will quickly get the hang of pitch, rhythm, dynamics and tempo through Mini Mozart’s musical games. Teachers are professional musicians who let kids explore instruments and perform a weekly mini musical.

Other London venues available.

Admission: £140 per term.

Every Friday during term time, 9.30am, 10.15am and 11am.

Easter Egg Trail

Planet Play

BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO Chelsea Bridge Gate, London SW11 4NJ 020 7924 5826 batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PE 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk

It’s not just children who are getting eggs this Easter! Head to Battersea Park to see the colourful treats the animals get to enjoy at this time of year.

Buy a quiz sheet at reception to help you follow all the clues.

Admission: £1.50 per trail, plus standard admission applies.

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

Friday 30 March to Monday 2 April, 10am to 5.30pm.

Kaleidoscope HALF MOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk This innovative show has been created for babies aged six to 18 months. Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops, marvel as your little one enjoys this colourful world.

Admission: £7 each.

Friday 13 April, 11am and 2pm.

Chickenshed offers this magical world of sensory learning and exploration for babies and toddlers aged up to three years.

Spend 45 minutes learning new songs, playing with puppets, dancing and enjoying time with your little one.

Admission: £6 each; babies under six months go free.

Friday 2 and Friday 9 March, 10am to 10.45am.

Rave-A-Roo MINISTRY OF SOUND 103 Gaunt Street, London SE1 6DP rave-a-roo.com This daytime family festival featuring top DJs, disco ball games, live performances, confetti mayhem, neon crafts and much more. All the funky fun happens at legendary club, Ministry of Sound.

Admission: £14.85 each; babies under 18 months go free.

Saturday 24 March, 12.45pm and 4pm.

OUT AND ABOUT

Disney Playworld

Butterflies in The Glasshouse

Kids’ Club Sunday

PHOTOGRAPHY: RHS, ANNA BROCKMAN; ANNE-MARIE SANDERSON

Sensacional

Sensacional

St Patrick’s Day Festival

Springtime at the Palace

Disney Playworld

UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com

TRAFALGAR SQUARE Westminster, London WC2N 5DN london.gov.uk

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EA 020 7736 3233 fulhampalace.org

WESTFIELD LONDON Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 7GF uk.westfield.com

Unicorn Theatre welcomes back this cool space for toddlers filled with an enchanting soundtrack and alluring images projected onto a soft, white floor. Aimed at babies aged 18 months to three years.

Admission: £10 per child and accompanying adult.

Wednesday 25 April to Sunday 1 July, performance times vary.

Celebrate the best of everything the Emerald Isle has to offer during this year’s three-day St Patrick’s Day celebration. Expect food, drink, music, dance, film screenings and loads to keep the kids entertained at this annual event, which also features a colourful parade.

Admission: Free.

Friday 16 to Sunday 18 March.

Space Safari

Kids’ Club Sunday

PETER HARRISON PLANETARIUM Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

GOAT 333 Fulham Road, London SW10 9QL 020 7352 1384 goatchelsea.com

Join Ted on a journey through the Solar System, as he looks for the Great Big Bear in the sky. With plenty of interactive music and rhyme, this show is a must-see for pre-schoolers.

Admission: Adults, £8; children, £5.50.

Every Saturday and Sunday, 11am.

It’s every tired parent’s dream – enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch while the kids are taken care of by professional entertainers.

This New York Italian-style restaurant does exactly that for three priceless hours each week it’s in its private dining room, so no need to worry about noise!

Admission: Free.

Every Sunday, 12pm to 3pm.

Celebrate the long-awaited arrival of spring at this Easter Sunday activity day, with storytelling, trails, Georgian chocolate-making workshops and a host of fun arts and crafts for all ages. Enjoy a wander around the palace and gardens for a longer day out.

Admission: Free; chocolatemaking workshop, £5.50 each.

Sunday 1 April, 11am to 3pm.

Butterflies in The Glasshouse RHS GARDEN WISLEY Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB 01483 224234 rhs.org.uk Escape the chill with a trip to the tropical zone of RHS Garden Wisley before it ends, where more than 50 species of butterfly can be found in the glasshouse. The exhibit includes an interactive education zone.

Admission: Adults, £14; children, £7; under-fives go free.

Until Sunday 4 March.

Disney has joined forces with Westfield to make shopping with the kids easier at both its Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford centres. The Mickey and the Roadster Racers themed space offers pre-schoolers an immersive experience, with a Hot Dog Hills slide, light-up podium and interactive floors.

Admission: Free.

Open daily during shopping centre hours.

Penguin JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, London N6 5AA jacksonslane.org.uk Remember Gomez, that Indie rock band from the ’90s? Now Tom Gray, its guitarist and vocalist, has turned his attention to kids’ theatre. He’s written the music for this lively show about a boy firing his cuddly penguin into space.

Admission: £9.95 each.

Sunday 29 April, 12pm and 3pm.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 125

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OUT AND ABOUT

1 YEAR for just £19.50 The Baby Show

The Baby Show EXCEL LONDON Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL thebabyshow.co.uk This one-stop shop for families with babies is back at London’s ExCel and better than ever before. There’s plenty for expectant mums and dads, from great shopping to expert information and advice.

Admission: Adults, £20; children under 14 go free.

Friday 2 to Sunday 4 March, 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Disco Kids: Witches and Wizards THE ALBANY Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG 020 8692 4446 thealbany.org.uk Grab your broomsticks and fly on down to The Albany for a magical dance party with live performances and a spellbinding soundtrack. It makes a lovely leisurely afternoon for families with little ones aged up to seven.

Admission: £6 each.

Sunday 15 April, 2pm to 5pm.

126 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

The Cancer Research UK Boat Race RIVER THAMES Between Putney Bridge and Mortlake, Richmond. theboatrace.org Spend an afternoon along the banks of the Thames, soaking up the festival atmosphere as rivals Oxford and Cambridge battle it out on the water.

There are plenty of vantage points along the four-mile stretch where you can pitch up and watch the rowers in action.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 24 March, from 4.20pm.

Duck Pond Market THE GREAT BARN Manor Farm, Ruislip HA4 7QL duckpondmarket.com Head to the outer edges of west London for this buzzing monthly market. Besides the abundance of local artists and artisan food producers, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, including face painting and a petting zoo.

Admission: Free; charges may apply for certain activities.

Sunday 18 March and Sunday 15 April, 10am to 3pm.

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

FOR LITTLE LEARNERS

MUSIC FOR LITTLE ONES

INTERACTIVE CLASSES

Workshops across London Check out the Little Discovery classes for ages six months to 24 months old.

These allow babies to explore their senses with music, colours and shapes.

Little Maths Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two after-school workshops that nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps into the world of numbers and science that much easier. The Little Maths workshops, for two to four year olds, builds their confidence with numbers.

While the Little Science workshop, for ages three to 11 years, introduces new scientific concepts through discussions and experiments.

0800 092 1062 littlehouseofscience.com

Classes and kids’ parties Jingle Jam Music runs jazz-inspired classes and parties for children aged five and under. By using songs, sounds and stories, these 45-minute sessions, run by professional jazz musicians, allow young children to benefit from a variety of musical stimulation. They require child and adult participation, which helps develop social skills such as sharing, expression and confidence.

“What a band! They’ll elevate your children’s party into a festival of coolness and art. There will still be sick everywhere, and tantrums, but the quality of jazz will distract you.” – Russell Brand.

07905 979024 jinglejamkids.co.uk

South West London classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers Fun and informative classes that offer a great opportunity to learn about early child communication and what you can do to support this important life skill. Sessions include information and handouts relating to child speech and language development, alongside a selection of activities, songs and rhymes. The topics covered include early communication skills; listening and attention; eye contact; turn taking; copying; exploring sounds and early words. Classes are also available for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

07549 296995 swlondon@talkingtots.info talkingtots.info/swlondon

FUN FRENCH LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

COOKING ACTIVITIES FOR LITTLE CHEFS

FUNKY PRE-SCHOOL DANCE CLASSES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, offers innovative, stimulating immersion programmes for children from eight months old. Led by a team of passionate and qualified native teachers, children will flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities.

Language experts agree that learning a second language early in life enhances overall cognitive skills and improves brain development.

020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

Hosting cooking classes and birthday parties in your own home Kids en Cuisine cooking classes are the perfect way to show little chefs how to cook flavoursome dishes. Even from an early age, it’s important children learn the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet. Your child will gain experience using various cooking items to help them develop their fine motor skills and senses in a safe environment, plus expand their vocabulary. Little chefs will try new flavours, textures and learn while having fun. All activities take place at home.

020 3015 2966 info@kidsencuisine.com kidsencuisine.com

Classes across London Diddi Dance runs funky preschool dance classes, exploring 16 different dance styles from hip hop and bollywood to salsa and jive.

Encouraging endless enthusiasm and energy, little movers will love these action-packed 45-minute sessions.

Each class is suitable for boys and girls aged from 18 months, however, lots of younger children love it too, so – to see if your toddler will enjoy it – why not contact your local Diddi Dance franchise today? Enjoy a free trial or book in for a half term block.

07973 982790 info@diddidance.com diddidance.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 127

London boutiques MARIE-CHANTAL

Founded by HRH Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, this beautiful childrenswear collection is made from the most luxurious fabrics, including pure cotton and cashmere. In the boutiques you’ll find traditional-meets-contemporary pieces for babies, girls and boys from newborn up to 12 years. The comprehensive collection of baby essentials includes cosy sleep suits, cotton rompers and bib sets.

STORES AND CONCESSIONS ACROSS LONDON mariechantal.co.uk

SERAPHINE

The Seraphine story began back in 2002, with the opening of its flagship boutique on Kensington High Street. Offering stylish, high-quality maternity fashion for mothers-to-be, the label has dressed everyone from A-listers to royalty. As well as the brand’s main line, Seraphine Luxe provides women with a wider choice of maternity occasionwear.

STORES AND CONCESSIONS ACROSS LONDON seraphine.com

BLUE ALMONDS

Blue Almonds is a leading boutique for baby and children’s furniture, clothing and accessories. It’s a haven for parents-to-be, offering bespoke pieces for nurseries, from cots, beds, Moses baskets and cribs to changers, wardrobes and a selection of handmade blankets and bedding. Blue Almonds also offers a baby cashmere collection, designed in collaboration with Madeleine Thompson.

164 WALTON STREET, LONDON SW3 2JL bluealmonds.co.uk

NATURALMAT

This cosy baby boutique in Notting Hill is the home of natural sleep. All its mattresses are handmade in Devon using the finest natural fibres, and the pure cotton bedding is Soil Association certified organic. You can also shop a range of organic products from brands such as Aden + Anais and Merino Kids, as well as nursery furniture from Stokke, Leander, Kidsmill and Moodelli.

99 TALBOT ROAD, LONDON W11 2AT naturalmat.co.uk/baby

LA COQUETA

Inspired by the childhood of founder and mother of five, Celia Muñoz, La Coqueta’s collection channels the sweeter, more old-fashioned look of the Spanish aesthetic faultlessly. Timeless smock designs, ruffled collars, vintage-style frocks and delicate pointelle knits are given a contemporary twist with fresh cuts, rich colours and modern prints.

5 HEATH STREET, LONDON NW3 6TP & 61 LEDBURY ROAD, LONDON W11 2AA lacoquetakids.com

THE LITTLE WHITE COMPANY

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

STORES AND CONCESSIONS ACROSS LONDON thewhitecompany.com

128 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

Online boutiques SMALLABLE

Smallable is the French-born online concept store stocking a whole range of designers from across the globe – from well-known names to newer, emerging labels. Shop a selection of fashion, furniture, toys and decorations, with clothing sizes from newborn to age 16. And the next time you’re in Paris, take a trip to its bricks-and-mortar store in the St Germain-des-Près quarter for a hearty dose of Gallic je ne sais quoi. en.smallable.com

ALEX AND ALEXA

Home to more than 200 fashion, sportswear and toy brands from across the world, Alex and Alexa is one of the coolest online boutiques around. Founded a decade ago by husband and wife team Alex Theophanous and Alexa Till, the site remains dedicated to offering parents ‘the world’s best kids’ brands’ at the click of button. Shop standout pieces from the likes of Stella McCartney Kids, Chloé, Burberry, Fendi and more. alexandalexa.com

SCANDIBØRN

For those who love the Nordic aesthetic, Scandibørn is the name to know. Launched in 2016, the family-run online retailer stocks a whole host of Scandinavian brands, plenty of which are new and exclusive to the UK market. You can shop for everything from clothing and shoes to nursery furniture and toys, not to mention some of our favourites labels including Cam Cam Copenhagen and Ooh Noo. scandiborn.co.uk

NINE IN THE MIRROR

Luxury maternity boutique Nine in the Mirror is out to prove that being pregnant most certainly does not result in a diminished sense of style. Featuring a mix of top designers and fashionable maternity brands, every piece has been chosen to flatter your new shape. You can also pick up goodies for your new arrival, and shop the recommended wardrobe essentials that you’ll still be reaching for post-pregnancy.

STOCKISTS

PHOTOGRAPHY: LEONIE FREEMAN

nineinthemirror.com Amy & Ivor

amyandivor.com

Bobo Choses

bobochoses.com

FUB

fubchildrenswear.dk

Harrods

harrods.com

House of Fraser

houseoffraser.co.uk

Ikea

ikea.com

Ketiketa

ketiketa.com

Marimekko

marimekko.com

Marks & Spencer

marksandspencer.com

Miniature Copenhagen

miniature.dk

Molo

molo.com

Mothercare

mothercare.com

Next

next.co.uk

Noé & Zöe

noe-zoe.com

Oeuf NYC

oeufnyc.com

Stella McCartney Kids

stellamccartney.com

Tiny Cottons

tinycottons.com

Isabella wears cotton romper, £165, Chloé at Harrods.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2018 | 129

BUSINESS

It all started with Olli Ella’s iconic nursing chairs

INSPIRE What first inspired you to set up Olli Ella?

Olivia: We were running an art gallery in Islington and wanted a creative project of our own.

Also around that time, Chloe was pregnant with her first child and was looking for a simple, comfortable but good-looking nursing chair, so we designed one ourselves and found a local craftsman to build it. We enjoyed the process so much that we took a prototype to a local trade show a few months later and were picked up by Harrods, which really catapulted the concept into a brand.

Have you always wanted to work together?

Olivia: As young girls we would hold a weekly shopping event in our bedrooms, merchandising and pricing our toys and enticing our other siblings with special offers! We knew it wasn’t a question of if we would work together, it was a matter of when.

With Chloe now in Australia, how does the business work?

Chloe: We speak multiple times a day – there is no such thing as

130 | MAR/APR 2018 | babylondon.co.uk

CHLOE AND OLIVIA BROOKMAN The co-founders of lifestyle brand Olli Ella talk family life and the secrets behind their growing business ‘business hours’ really. We each oversee our respective markets, but both have a great deal of involvement in every aspect.

Are your children an inspiration for the brand?

Chloe: Between us Olivia and I have five children; I have three little ones [Tennyson, eight, Arlo, five, and Nell, two], and Olivia has two [Nika, four, and Jules, 18 months]. They inform everything we do. For example, our ‘Luggy’ basket was designed because Nika – who was two at the time – insisted on taking her possessions everywhere, so we created a lightweight, hard-wearing and aesthetically pleasing basket that she could carry around herself. We’re big believers in empowering children, so we always consider how they will interact

with our products. We want them to be as kid-friendly as possible, while still looking great.

Describe a typical day for you.

Chloe: To be honest, it changes a lot depending on the week, the kids, and what’s going on with Olli Ella on that particular day; because we work between three offices – LA, London and Byron Bay – hours tend to vary so we can speak throughout the day.

A typical day might start at

around 5.30am, with coffee and emails before the kids wake up and before the UK office closes.

Then, once the kids are awake at 7am, we have breakfast before the school drop-off. I go to the office in the morning, spend early afternoon with Nell before her nap, returning to work until the kids finish school. A couple of days a week I have meetings with Olivia and our GM, otherwise we pack up the kids and go to the beach until dinner time.

What’s your advice for anyone wanting to start a business?

Olivia: Be passionate about the business you want to start – you need that passion to carry you through the difficult times!

What are your plans for 2018?

Olivia: We have a number of new products launching, which our kids have been testing out and, if their response is anything to go by, we think they’ll be a hit! As a company, we are focusing on managing our growth organically, making sure to fit as much sister time as possible in between. olliella.com

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