Yummy Mummy Magazine June/July 2018 by Fish Media Group Ltd

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JUNE/JULY 2018 issue 22

Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day 21st June 2018

The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London

Yummy Mummy magazine

FROM THE

EDITOR

onrad London St. James is calling on all budding crime solvers with the launch of their mini-detectives experience for families at the hotel. Inspired by the property’s location near to New Scotland Yard, on the Victoria Embankment, Conrad London St. James is working in partnership with The Detective Project, a children’s activity company themed around the science of crime solving. Run by former Scotland Yard trained detectives and Metropolitan police officers, children will learn skills such as chromatography and finger print testing, in a dedicated crime investigation room at the hotel, whilst kitted out in forensic suits which can be taken home afterwards. Nuna’s REBL plus offers style, practicality but most importantly Safety! The 360° car seat comfortably exceeds the i-size standard by making it possible for new borns, right up to preschoolers, to ride rearward facing. Nothing matters more than safety, but the ingenious REBL plus is also blissfully comfy and ultra-practical. Every summer, millions of people love to watch players like Andy Murray and Johanna Konta strive for success at Wimbledon. But our top players won’t be playing forever, and unless more children get involved in the sport, the nation will be left with hardly anyone to cheer for at the big matches. That’s why the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is running the Tennis for Kids programme, offering children aged four to 11 a value-for-money and fun introduction to tennis, including six sessions at a participating local tennis club, a racket, balls and personalised T-shirt, for just £25.

Alex Lux Editor

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Editor Alex Lux ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business ACCOUNT manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew Lisa Westerman ••••• Directors Rory Smith Patrick Smith

YUMMY MUMMY

[ S H O P P IN G ]

BABIES & KIDS NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Burch and Brown was founded in October 2017, by Katy Brown. Katy has a background in the production and technical side of the fashion industry, for well-known UK brands, and her passion for well made, high quality pieces is reflected in the Burch and Brown products. All products are screen-printed and made by hand from Katy’s home in West London. She says “Burch and Brown was born whilst searching for a gift for a friend’s baby. I was looking for something classic, high quality and with a personal touch, but was frustrated by what I found, so I set about designing and making my own. Our B.B. cushions use beautiful soft furnishing fabrics in neutral colours and our signature narrow white piping gives our product a finish which we believe sets us apart from the rest.” www.burchandbrown.co.uk

STAY SUN SAFE

As thoughts turn to sunnier times and rising temperatures are sneaking up on us, parents can rest assured that toddlers can now play safely in the sun with the adorable marine creature inspired SPF50+ Poncho Towels from Cuddledry. From the creators of the original hands free baby bath towel, the SPF50+ poncho towel uses the patented RayosanTM technology, deflecting harmful UVA and UVB rays like a mirror, thus protecting delicate skin from the potential of sun damage. Featuring fun sea life characters, the poncho towel is so easy to use - it’s the perfect ‘throw on’ towel or cover up for keeping little ones safe in the sun, on holiday or at home. £27.99 www.cuddledry.com

down the rabbit hole These beautiful bunnies have been brought to life thanks to the wonderful imagination of Italian Designer Stefano Giovannoni. The Rabbit Chair is the last design to come out of Stefano’s magic hat, but thankfully it packs a whimsical punch that guarantees a longstanding iconic status. www.smithersofstamford.com

TRIPLE TROUBLE Dotty Fish Silver T-bar Shoes were worn by triplets Amelie, Etta and Bertie on ITV’s This Morning recently. Mum Rebecca Wooldridge dresses her triplets every morning in outfits inspired by Holly Willoghby’s Look of the Day. #Triplethelook often features Dotty Fish shoes as their mum is a huge fan – “They are the only shoes that don’t come off or get pulled off and they are quality at an affordable price – essential when you are buying 3 pairs!”. The Silver t-bar shoes are available for £8.49 from www.dottyfish.com 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

CONTENTS JUST FOR MUM

PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BABIES

FAMILY TIME

The best ‘me-time’ events, and ways to keep mum looking and feeling her best Keeping you and baby happy and healthy throughout pregnancy and birth We’ve got everything covered from kids’ fashion to top parenting tips

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

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Little folks furniture

he team at Little Folks Furniture have been designing and making children’s furniture for the british market for more than 25 years. But we are no less passionate about what we do and how we do it. We’ve got quite a reputation for our expertise especially around safety standards (we even have our own “test house” where we can “bish bash bosh” our furniture again and again to make sure it works) and we’re always working to develop the best of new design. We’ve crammed everything we know into our designs and they’ve been made with comfort and quality front of mind. As parents we understand that children increasingly use the bedroom as their “living room” and so we look for loads of different solutions to provide an inspirational and fun space in which they can sleep and grow up – and occasionally clear up after themselves. Our experience extends to constantly looking at interior trends and we work with a really talented designer Fi (Fi@TheCubbyHole) She produces a series of “style boards” each season which pick up on current colour palettes, fabrics and accessories to create up to the minute, beautiful bedrooms. That’s

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not to say there are some classic colours that never tire – and our core range of sophisticated paint finishes such as Ivory White, Farleigh Grey and Painswick Blue cover all looks. The challenge is to get comfortable, great looking beds that also offer lots of solutions. Even a traditional single bed can be transformed with a large storage Trundle underneath (and which can double up as a sleepover bed). If you raise the bed frame a little (so-called Mid-Sleeper) useful furniture can be added underneath. We design a range of simple chest of drawers, bookcases and desks all mounted on pivotal castors so you can easily reconfigure to suit or move away when the children create the perfect den underneath the bed. For slightly older children raise the bed more for the Loft Bed concept. In our case we make sure the elevated bed platform more than delivers on durability and security. We deliberately chose to stay with solid hardwood frames and proper mortice & tenon jointing in our product, as well as a solid hardwood lath base to support the mattress. Underneath a whole plethora of “smart” furniture – from desks, storage bookcases, futon chairbeds and luxurious sofabeds (and nno foam blocks in our product!). It won’t be long before your child is “receiving guests at home”. We believe we have taken the stress out of choosing inspirational and safe beds for children – combining our years of expertise for guaranteed performance and satisfaction. www.littlefolksfurniture.co.uk

Spring-Summer 2018 Style Boards The Cubby Hole

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SafeTheinSun Exposing your child to too much sun may increase their risk of skin cancer later in life. Sunburn can also cause considerable pain and discomfort in the short term.

Tips to protect your child from sunburn • Encourage your child to play in the shade – for example, under trees – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. • Keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday. • Cover exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB. Don’t forget to apply it to their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and the tops of their feet. Reapply often throughout the day. • Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn. • Cover your child up in loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves. • Get your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck.w • Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the “CE” mark (check the label or ask the manufacturer). • If your child is swimming, use a waterproof sunblock of factor 15 or above. Reapply after towelling. 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

“Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn”

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As summer approaches, now is a great time to get kids moving. Lisa Salmon finds out why picking up a racket is a great idea.

very summer, millions of people love to watch players like Andy Murray and Johanna Konta strive for success at Wimbledon. But our top players won’t be playing forever, and unless more children get involved in the sport, the nation will be left with hardly anyone to cheer for at the big matches. That’s why the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is running the Tennis for Kids programme, offering children aged four to 11 a value-for-money and fun introduction to tennis, including six sessions at a participating local tennis club, a racket, balls and personalised T-shirt, for just £25. Enrolment has now started for the nationwide scheme, which is in its third year and has already inspired more than 35,000 children to try tennis for the first time. This year, the age groups have been widened and even more tennis clubs throughout the country are taking part. Former British women’s no. 1 tennis player Annabel Croft, says: “I’m thrilled that Tennis for Kids is back bigger and better than ever. Demand has been phenomenal over the past two years, and now that the programme is always available, it’s great to know more children have the opportunity

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TIME FOR TENNIS to play. “Tennis is a huge part of my life and some of my best memories have been created on court with my husband and children. It really is a sport for all generations, and I hope that by participating in Tennis for Kids, more children fall in love with it.” Alfie Hewett, World no. 1 wheelchair tennis player and 2017 Wimbledon Men’s Doubles Wheelchair Tennis champion, adds: “I fell in love with the sport at a young age and I’m fortunate that it’s led to my career and the friendships I’ve made along the way. “Tennis has given me so much, both on and off the court, and I would encourage any child to give Tennis for Kids a go - it’s the perfect place to start.” Joss Rae, a former British tennis doubles player, who now coaches tennis, says: “My parents introduced me to tennis when I was young, and I soon became hooked. Now as a coach myself, I’m passionate about getting more children excited and hopefully continuing to play for the rest of their lives.” If you’re unsure about whether to get your kids playing tennis properly, leading LTA coach Sam Richardson, who’s been coaching tennis for more than 20 years, explains some of the benefits:

“Tennis has given me so much, both on and off the court, and I would encourage any child to give Tennis for Kids a go - it’s the perfect place to start”

1. Physical health benefits Tennis is the perfect way to encourage children to be active outside and have fun. “This sport includes a lot of running around and the use of the entire body, and therefore is a great way to tire out energetic kids - it’s a great source of exercise for little ones,” says Richardson. Tennis is hugely beneficial for cardio health - the constant movement, quick changes in pace and direction (combining anaerobic and aerobic fitness), makes it one of the best workouts for the heart. The sport increases strength in growing bones and improves reaction times as you dart to hit the incoming ball - this also increases flexibility, since you need to adjust quickly to reach different shots. It also improves hand-eye co-ordination. 2. Anyone can learn Children can start learning to play tennis without ever having tried it before. Tennis for Kids courses are designed for children who’ve never played and each session is fun, with some activities open to parents, too. “You don’t need to be Johanna Konta or Andy Murray to want to pick up a racket - or even need to know who Johanna Konta and Andy Murray are,” says Richardson. 3. It’s relatively injury-free Tennis is a safe sport for children as it’s contact-free, and with coaches on-hand during lessons to teach beginners proper technique and form, there’s less chance of injury. 4. Tennis improves the mind as well as the body Tennis helps players with problem solving and discipline, and teaches them how to work best in a team, listen to directions and play fairly. “I’ve also noted that kids are more confident after playing tennis, and that shy kids often come out of their shell after a few lessons,” says Richardson. “Tennis sessions teach children how to not only work with a partner, but individually, which helps to encourage good sportsmanship and responsibility, which can sometimes be lost in larger team sports.” 5. They’ll make new friends Children learning to play tennis are likely to play with or against children of a similar age, and having fun and playing games with others means many new friendships can be forged on the courts. Parents are also likely to benefit from meeting other parents at the tennis club. 6. It’s great for all the family Tennis is a sport that both adults and children can get involved with, and it can help the whole family come together. Richardson says: “I love nothing more than seeing families coming out to play tennis, as it’s a great game for all generations - it can be rigorous and intense, but also allows you to play at your own pace and ability.” J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 1 1

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On your bike!

earning to ride a bike is a moment in time that many of us remember for life. That seemingly never-ending frustration of simply not being able to balance and pedal at the same time - until that elusive day when something finally clicks. You think your mum/dad/aunt/uncle/granny/ granddad is still holding on to the back of the bike and running with you, when you suddenly look back and discover it’s all your own work. It’s a pretty big memory for kids and parents alike. New stats released by Evans Cycles, however, reveal that one in five British children have not yet

The six-times Olympic champion Chris Hoy reveals everything you need to know.

WORDS: Claire Spreadbury, Press Association

learned to ride a bike. And what with spring being the perfect time to get about on two wheels, they’ve teamed up with one of Team GB’s most prolific cyclists, Sir Chris Hoy, to help get more kids cycling. As well as being good fun and an efficient way of travelling, cycling is a great form of exercise and an easy way to encourage kids to be active. But finding the time and staying patient enough to teach little ones how to ride is easier said that done.

These tips from dad-of-two Hoy, a six-times Olympic champion, can surely only help... 1. Start with a balance bike Balance bikes aren’t just a fad. Learning how to balance on two wheels gives you a head-start. If you plump for a bike with stabilisers, then once you take the stabilisers off, the child will need to re-learn how to ride all over again. 2. Get the right bike Make sure your child starts on a bike which fits. It’s all very well getting a big one that they can ‘grow into’ in an attempt to save you money longer-term, but it just makes it harder to ride. A bike that’s lighter in weight is much easier to learn on. Ensure the saddle is the correct height - a child should only be able to rest the balls of their feet on the ground to stabilise. It might feel much

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safer to rest flat feet on the ground, but all that means is the child’s knees will come up too high and interfere with steering. 3. Learn somewhere that’s flat and easy Most of us probably learned to ride a bike in a field of some sort, but grass can be hard work. A nice smooth, flat surface (like tarmac) will be easier - and somewhere away from traffic is also a good idea. 4. Practise using the brakes To get kids to understand how the brakes work, let them walk along with the bike and then pull hard on them. Brakes can be tricky to get to grips with, so keep going with it and remind little ones to put their feet down as they come to a stop. 5. Learn how to support your child Running along supporting the the weight of a child and a bike without collapsing in a heap is hard work as any parent will tell you. But according to Hoy and Evans Cycles, holding on to the back of the saddle isn’t the best way to support them. Try standing behind them and hold the child under the armpits or on the chest, so they get used to the weight distribution and controlling the handlebars. When it comes to pedalling, explain they should push hard with their stronger leg while setting off with their standing leg. And to help kids get used to what the pedals do, make sure you stop pushing if they stop pedalling.

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How

posh is YOUR baby? Tatler releases the guide to toddler etiquette

e all like to think we know how to teach our children good manners, but it looks like there’s an extra layer of rules for ‘posh’ babies – according to high-society bible Tatler’s toddler etiquette guide. The upper class publication has released a bizarre but tongue-in-cheek list of do’s and don’ts for how parents can raise their little darlings to be a highbrow child. So despite the fact they’re still in nappies, our little ones are already being judged on their manners. Explaining that the advice isn’t about parenting but toddler etiquette, the guide says: “To be clear, this is about toddler etiquette. Not about parenting. Not about allowing them to grow like saplings in myriad beautiful and compelling ways. Not about showing them boundaries without compromising their human rights. Not about role modelling or unconditional love. It’s about etiquette, which is a customary code of behaviour when among other people.. so, if manners hold no sway over the way you and your toddler interact with the world, then, in a loving way, leave this page.” 1 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

The guide includes controversial advice from writer Annabel Rivkin on the only way to deal with ‘a***hole’ toddlers. Remove the offender immediately or you are ruining everything for everyone - and putting your child in a position where, forevermore, people will say, ‘that child is such a screamer.’ She also advises against trying to show off parenting skills by disciplining them, and instead opting for a quick fix of simply taking them outside…

IN TODDLER COMPANY Hitting is never cute or fun or anything other than revolting. It doesn’t matter if it’s with an inflatable sword or a frying pan, it is not OK. And remember that toddlers enjoy nothing more than oppressive repetition, so if they hit once, they will hit 20 times. The only thing you can do is be mortified and physically restrain.

Bedtime Make it happen, especially if you are sharing a holiday villa with other families. British toddlers are

“Remember that toddlers enjoy nothing more than oppressive repetition, so if they hit once, they will hit 20 times”

like vampires – they become unpleasant after dark.

Wardrobe crises Bizarrely, the guide also includes the proper etiquette needed to deal with disputes over the fancy dressing-up box. The magazine claims that the host child should have the first choice from the box because they must have their favourite costume. For goodness’ sake, allow the host child to wear his/her favourite’ adding ‘Would you let a complete stranger snatch your most treasured possession just to prove you are big-hearted? If you would, then seek help. “And no points if their favourite is a tiger or a pirate. If they prefer a historical figure, such as Emmeline Pankhurst or William Shakespeare, then your child is moving up the ladder. And full marks if their fancy dress of choice is any of the following: barrister, polo player, viscount.

Fine dining You’re trying to enjoy a lovely meal out but your toddler has other ideas, knocking their cutlery to the floor while attempting to eat the salt shaker. What do you do? No points for pulling out the iPad (so tempting, but remember you will have to face all the looks of disgust from the other diners) Earn points if you prepared a neatly packed bag of books, drawing activities, and games. Do not get emotional about what your toddler eats, preferably ever. But certainly not around other children. None of that appalling,

‘Look how nicely Oliver is eating his asparagus.’ Keep the beasts far enough apart that they cannot steal each other’s food and thus ignite tantrums.

IN GROWN-UP COMPANY Vigilance Remember that toddlers have a similar psychological make-up to psychopaths: they are all about immediate satisfaction and rarely consider consequences. So keep a very close eye on yours. If they hurt themselves, or anyone else, or break things, then this is your fault. It’s all your fault.

Snubbing Don’t let your toddler be the one with selective hearing. It is distinctly unattractive and disrespectful. Make them answer. Ignoring is different from shyness. No excuses.

Accidents It’s insane to let a newly potty-trained toddler sit on anything that may be hard to clean. Or valuable. Or antique. It is your job to drag them to the loo at oppressively short intervals.

Busting some moves “Dancing is always brilliant” states Tatler. “ In the street, at the table, in the sitting room, in the garden or at the playground. Dancing should be encouraged at all times – it provides infectious joy. But let it play out without drawing attention.”

To round up their dos and don’ts of toddler etiquette, the Tatler guide has a vital reminder to parents to know your audience “Many people love children. Some people don’t,” it states. www.tatler.com

Image: Ritz Carlton Hotels

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The

Guide to

SUMMER CAMPS A

s the summer holidays draw near, you may be considering enrolling your children in a summer camp. Being a relatively recent phenomena in the UK, it is a fantastic opportunity for letting your child run free in a safe and monitored environment, allowing them to feed their interests, develop their talents, build their confidence, learn social skills and get plenty of exercise! There are Summer Camps in the UK if you would feel safer having your child within reach, but there are many others in Europe as well as the US, if you want to encourage them to broaden their horizons.

Packing your precious child off into the unknown can be hard. Help your child by taking a positive approach. You can’t run and get them as soon as there’s a problem; it can require a little tough love. Parenting is about giving children roots and the ability to fly – and camp provides both. It helps them gain independence in a stable environment. That noted, the decision to go to camp should always be the child’s, and while parents can encourage, they should never push.

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“Selecting a summer camp can be almost as challenging as choosing a school: Does distance matter? What are the camp’s philosophies? Does it offer activities my child will enjoy?”

Remember that summer camps are designed with children of all types in mind. Most partner them with a grown-up who will make sure they brush their teeth, tuck them into bed every night and give them a hug if they’re homesick. If you want to speak to your child while they’re away, check camp policy. Most frown on mobiles, so you’re unlikely to be texting during the day. Calls may be restricted to certain times, but letters are generally encouraged.

“It’s important to do your research. Involve your child in the selection process (though not necessarily the short-listing), to ensure they’re interested in the programme and feel comfortable”

With so many outdoor activities on offer, it is important that you look for providers that are licensed by the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (bit.ly/camp safety), monitored by Ofsted (ofsted.gov.uk) or accredited by BAPA. Most providers have comprehensive websites with information on staff training, campers-to-staff ratios (which should be about 10 to 1 for children aged eight to 14), and staff CRB checks. If you can’t find this information online, telephone to check.

Search for a camp that has been successful for a very long time, with a track record that speaks for itself. Experienced camps know how to get it just right so that kids can’t wait to come back and visit again.

Make sure you consider the unexpected, too. Ask whether staff have first-aid qualifications, if the camp is in contact with local doctors and hospitals, and what insurance policies are in place. Your child may need additional cover.

It’s got to be FUN FUN FUN for your children and worry free for you! J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 1 7

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OF THE BEST SEVEN-SEATERS FOR GROWING FAMILIES

As William and Kate welcome their third little’un, Ryan Hirons looks at the options for families with three children to ferry around.

he Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have taken the newest addition to their brood - baby Prince Louis - home, but having three young heirs to the throne to cart around brings its own set of considerations. The biggest is child seat law. With three young children, William and Kate will need a car that’s capable of accommodating three bulky, high-backed child seats. Astonishingly, at our last check, there’s nothing on their current fleet that will do this. Their daily transport is a Range Rover, which only offers two ISOFIX child seat mounting points - despite its vast size. For special occasions, there are Bentley and Jaguar limos - no better on the child seat front - and Prince William’s two-seat Audi R8 supercar. With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few different options for the newly enlarged royal family - all of which can comfortably accommodate three child seats.

Land Rover Discovery In the interests of keeping things British, we kick off with a true icon - the Land Rover Discovery. This seven-seat SUV is immensely popular among family buyers, and provides a sufficiently regal air along with bags of room inside. It’s decent to drive,

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is offered with a wide array of engines and best of all, is guaranteed not to get bogged down during some bootleg greenlaning around Richmond Park or Sandringham.

Range Rover Sport Moving up the market but down in size, the Range Rover Sport actually offers more seats than the fullsized Range Rover. It’s also rather leaner and betterlooking, but will still fit in beautifully pulling up to any state banquet. Best of all, it can be had with the incredible 525bhp supercharged V8 engine, making for one of the fastest people-movers on the planet.

Seat Alhambra If you have three children, at some point you just have to bite the bullet and admit that an MPV makes the most sense. With a cavernous interior, wide-opening doors and three rows of seats, there’s nothing that can swallow up kids and their clobber quite like a people-carrier. The Alhambra is one of the best of the breed, with trusted VW components, a really premium-feeling interior and good driving manners. It’s also certain to blend in to the background, ideal for Royals who want to remain under the radar.

“This seven-seat SUV is immensely popular among family buyers, and provides a sufficiently regal air along with bags of room inside”

And cheap. Very cheap. Try and remember that.

Audi Q7 Other manufacturers besides Land Rover make big seven-seat SUVs. The Audi Q7 is one of the best out there, with room in all three rows for child seats and one of the most premium interiors on sale today. And if you want discretion, say no more. Provided the couple don’t opt for too much glitz and glamour on the outside of the vehicle, the Q7 is very discreet. Finally, the best bit - Prince William is a huge Audi fan and actually owns one of the firm’s R8 supercars. We can think of few better pairings.

Ford Galaxy

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso If the Seat Alhambra blends in, then the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso stands out - for all the right reasons. It’s an MPV that’s genuinely stylish, with bags of gallic flair everywhere from the upsidedown ‘face’ to the 3D-effect taillights. It’s also got one of the best interiors in the business - clever, well-built, roomy and flooded with light. George, Charlotte and Louis can spend hours gazing through the vast windows or panoramic roof and windscreen combo.

Fiat Doblo If William and Kate were looking to pinch a penny - after all, the taxpayer does contribute to their motoring costs - then they could do a lot worse than the bargain-basement Fiat Doblo. It’s one of the cheapest ways into three-row motoring. Unashamedly van-based, the Doblo isn’t exactly pretty - nor is it fast, or premium, or good to drive, or feature-packed - but it’s big, comfy and spacious.

If the Seat Alhambra blends in, then the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso stands out

Another big, hefty people-carrier with three rows of seats, the Galaxy’s best feature is its ubiquity especially in central London. Favoured by taxi firm Addison Lee, a black Ford Galaxy with heavily tinted windows is almost as common a sight as a black cab. It’s a comfortable ride with lots of space, though Ford doesn’t offer it in range-topping Vignale trim. That’s a shame, after all, what selfrespecting Royal doesn’t like a bit of quilted leather?

Volvo XC90 Sensible, stylish, superbly safe and Swedish, the Volvo XC90 is one of the best SUVs out there and is bound to keep all three of the little royals safe should the worst happen out there on the roads. It’s available in planet-friendly Twin Engine hybrid form too, enabling silent and emission-free motoring around central London.

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Turning safety around Nuna’s REBL plus – the car seat which delivers 360° safety and comfort

una’s REBL plus offers style, practicality but most importantly Safety! – the 360° car seat comfortably exceeds the i-size standard by making it possible for new borns, right up to preschoolers, to ride rearward facing. Nothing matters more than safety, but the ingenious REBL plus is also blissfully comfy and ultra-practical. The seat’s 5-point harness has been designed to keep children comfortable as they grow. It’s quick and easy to put on – even when they are doing their best octopus impersonation – what’s more, the onehand adjustable 7-position head support works in tandem with the seat’s 7 position recline, to provide a tailored position for a child. The Nuna REBL plus ‘grows’ with children from birth, right up until they are around four years-old, 105cm or 18.5kg. As soon as your child outgrows the need for the seat’s infant head and body inserts, its ingenious design means you can simply remove them, leaving more room to grow while still maintaining optimal levels of support, comfort and safety. Meanwhile, the seat’s 360° rotation also helps to look after you (especially your back) by making it easier to put your child in and out of the seat. For warmer months, the seat comes with a second cover as standard. This summer cover, is made from mesh fabrics to increase air flow and help draw heat away from your child, making them more comfortable in the seat.

Premium protection – thanks to a seriously strong steel frame and exceptionally tough plastics – is just the start. Nuna’s smart SIP system provides all around side impact protection and features EPS energy absorbing foam, while true lockTM installation technology, with 9 ISOFIX anchors, creates a rock solid customised fit. Even the seat’s stability leg has a crumple zone, while an integrated rebound bar diverts the force of an impact away from the child and minimizes any rotation. Coming from Nuna, the seat naturally comes in four stylish and contemporary colours – Caviar, Slate, Berry and Indigo – and with ventilation panels and an airy mesh seat cover, the REBL plus feels every bit as cool as it looks. 2 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

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DC EXHIBITION: DAWN OF SUPER HEROES SPECIAL SUMMER TICKET PRICES ANNOUNCED

he DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes at The O2 is pleased to announce a special summer ticket offer for the final three months of the exhibition. From 5 June to 9 September 2018, tickets will be available at £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16 (T&Cs apply). There are also special summer offers at the extensive DC Exhibition store! Spend £10 more and receive a free Justice League t-shirt, and buy two t-shirts for £30! If you haven’t yet seen this spectacular exhibition – the first of its kind in the UK – now is your chance! The DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes is a unique exhibition, which celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker. Perfect for a family day out with plenty to appeal to both children and adults, the DC Exhibition invites visitors to get up-close and personal with some of their favourite super characters. Expertly curated, the exhibition features more than 200 original comic pages, 300 preparatory

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sketches and concept artworks for the cinema, together with 45 original costumes, models and props used in the iconic films. It traces the development of DC Universe, from Superman’s first appearance in the 1938 first issue of Action Comics, 80 years ago, through to current day. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Superman, on the 9 and 10 June the DC Exhibition will celebrate in style, with an exciting offering for kids and families all weekend. We have it on good authority that Superman himself will be at the exhibition – flying in especially to celebrate his birthday! There will also be Superman masks, an educational superhero-themed quiz and balloons for children. The

“The DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes is a unique exhibition, which celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains”

exhibition is presented by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products in collaboration with Art Ludique-Le Musée, and has been described by as “guaranteed to drop jaws” (SFX), “astonishing” and “visually arresting” (City AM) and was given “191 stars out of 5 stars” by Kidzcoolit. The Londonist says “DC fans will love this excellent show” while Shortlist exclaims “your inner fanboy will squeal”. Each room of the DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes offers guests a unique behind-thescenes look at the creation of the mythical DC Universe. Walking through the exhibition, fans have an unparalleled opportunity to gain greater insight into the development of some of the world’s most iconic characters. Want to take a piece of the action home with you? A wide selection of DC merchandise - from clothing to collectibles - is available in the extensive exhibition store.

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes highlights include: • Exclusive artworks from the highly-acclaimed Wonder Woman film, directed by Patty Jenkins that premiered in the summer of 2017, plus Gal Gadot’s original Wonder Woman costume. • Costumes and props from more recent films such as; 1989 to 1999’s Batman franchise directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher, the acclaimed The Dark Knight trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan, as well as The Man of Steel, Batman V Superman and the recent Justice League by Zack Snyder. Costumes include Heath Ledger’s 2008 Joker costume and Henry Cavill’s 2013 Superman costume. • Original drawings of DC’s stable of famous Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, The Penguin and Mr. Freeze, from world-renowned artists including Jim Lee, Bob Kane, Neal Adams, Frank Miller, Alex Ross and many more. • Original costumes from blockbuster DC films including the famous cape worn by Christopher Reeve in the Superman movies and Lynda Carter’s iconic Wonder Woman costume from the 1970s. The exhibition showcases almost a century of artistic creations that followed the introduction of an innovative new genre imagined by two teenagers from Cleveland, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, the creators of Superman. First introduced in Action Comics #1 in 1938, Superman, the world’s first Super Hero, quickly revolutionised the era, influencing art, literature, fashion, TV and film. The exhibition perfectly honours this essential and visionary artistic contribution, one that has influenced its era and is now an integral part of both modern-day culture and our image of contemporary mythology.

THE DETAILS DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes From 5 June – 9 September 2018: Tickets: Adult £10, Children £5. All tickets are subject to a booking fee During this period there will be no family tickets, group tickets or other discounts available.

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes is on at The O2 London until 9th September 2018. For more information and tickets please visit www.DCExhibition.co.uk

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Are we there yet? If you’ve been stuck for ideas on where to take the kids on holiday this summer then we have some destinations which could tick all the boxes for you and your family! As is the case every year, 2018 is showing a number of trends when it comes to popular child-friendly holidays around the world - there are some old favourites in this list and a few surprises!

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So without further adieu, here is a quick overview of some top family holiday destinations for 2018.

FLORIDA The sunshine state really is in every respect a living, breathing dream come true for kids. In places like Orlando, their wildest fantasies are brought to life right before their eyes each and every day, adding up to a fortnight, week or even just a long weekend they’ll never forget. And it’s a blast for the adults too! Disney World and Universal Studios tickets might not come cheap, but living costs in general across Florida are surprisingly low.

CANARY ISLANDS You can pretty much take your pick of any of the Canary islands and you won’t go far wrong, though over recent years Gran Canaria has really come into its own for families. Compared to the likes of Lanzarote and Fuertaventura, Gran Canaria is quieter, more laid back and has a certain special tranquility about it.

THAILAND Seriously? With kids? Absolutely - the thing to remember here is that there is much more to Thailand than the infamous streets of Bangkok. Head out to a smaller, quieter island like Koh Chang and enjoy an unspoilt paradise where deserted beaches, elephant safaris and some of the most wonderful people in the world are just waiting to look after you. Best of all, once you’re there it’s almost impossible to spend the money in your pocket!

BOSTON/NEW YORK If you’ve been thinking of giving the kids their first taste of the USA, consider a two-leg trip taking in Boston and New York City. Start out in Boston and

soak up the history of America’s oldest city, while taking the time to soak up the sun at Revere Beach and generally live in the lap of luxury. After a few days, take the quick bus ride to New York City and be sure to take a camera to capture the kids’ faces when they first lay eyes on Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and pretty much the whole place.

CROATIA Off the tourist map until recently but fast becoming a global hot-spot for the world’s jet-setting elite, Croatia brings together everything that’s wonderful about family travel all in one sun-soaked paradise. Explore hidden villages time seems to have forgotten, find your own deserted island or just lap it up in any of the world class resorts on offer by the barrel-load!

SPAIN There really couldn’t be a list like this without giving a nod to mainland Spain - the UK’s most treasured family holiday destination for generations. From the Costa Blanca to the streets of Barcelona and right down to the unique cultural experience that is Gibraltar, kids simply revel in the Spanish way of life that never fails to capture their heart, soul and mind.

UK Last but not least, the new classic that is the ‘staycation’ is once again tipped to be big business for families in 2018 - more specifically those not entirely perturbed by the constant threat of a shower or two. In terms of where to head, the usual haunts like the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall are all topping the bill, though Scotland’s cultural highlights like Edinburgh are also mounting a fightback.

Can a stay at this Cornish retreat help you to sleep?

ucked into 30 acres of peaceful Cornish farmland, woods and meadows, Bosinver Farm Cottages near St Austell has always been a haven for young families. Pat and Dave Smith, who own Bosinver are passionate about the wellbeing of guests. “Visitors often tell us that after a stay with us, they feel really refreshed and relaxed,” says Pat. “We’ve recently realised that many guests find they can sleep well here, much better than at home.”

Bosinver is set in peaceful countryside close to the south coast of Cornwall so it is easy to spend family time outdoors. Children have such fun running around on the farm and taking part in activities (Gruffalo and nature trails, animal feeding, pony rides, forest school, play barn, outdoor play equipment, zip wire) that they often fall asleep happy and worn out!

Here are a few ways that Bosinver helps to promote good sleep: Comfortable, dark rooms The cottages have high quality mattresses with sumptuous bedding from White Company and Designers Guild and black out blinds ensure children are not disturbed by the early morning sun. An opportunity to go gadget free “Bosinver is a place where people can escape from their busy lives” explains Pat. “There is Wi-Fi, but the ethos is very much about getting outside and reconnecting with nature.” Sleep scientists know that spending less time on devices which emit blue LED light close to bedtime, promotes healthy sleep. It’s easy to spend time in the great outdoors Spending time outdoors also promotes sleep.

It’s dark and quiet Being tucked away in a quite Cornish retreat means less light and noise pollution – just star-lit skies. Find out more about Bosinver and book a peaceful break yourself at www.bosinver.co.uk

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BABY’S FIRST HOLIDAY:

CRUISING WITH DISNEY Wesley Johnson took his 11-month-old daughter on a Caribbean cruise to test whether a splash of ‘Disney whimsy’ really does make getting there half the fun.

rom endless encounters with Donald Duck and co, to exploring Nemo’s Reef and seeing off Captain Hook as fireworks fill the sky - life on board the Disney Dream, which evokes liners of years gone by with its dark blue hull and gold detail, promises to be a full-scale fairy-tale adventure. But just how magical will the experience be if you’re setting sail with a baby in tow? To find out, we embarked on a four-day cruise from Florida’s Port Canaveral to the Bahamas - including a stop at Disney’s idyllic private island, Castaway Cay - with our 11-month-old daughter, Evie.

Here’s how it went... Were you nervous about taking your baby on a cruise? Admittedly, the week before setting off was full of trepidation for me and my wife, Carla. We’d never taken Evie abroad before, so couldn’t help worrying about a few things: How would she cope on the nine-and-a-half-hour flight? How would she be on the ship? Would she be OK with the low-30s temperatures we were set to encounter? What about her sleep routine - and how on earth would we prepare her food with no kitchen? But as soon as 2 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

we stepped on board, Disney sprinkled its magic and our concerns disappeared. What’s the ship like? Everywhere you turn, Disney’s ‘cast’ - as all the on-board crew are called - are one step ahead; everything you could possibly think of or wish for has been taken into consideration, even things you didn’t realise you might want! It’s the little things that make a big difference. In our stateroom, for example, our many suitcases, rucksacks and pushchair all tucked away neatly under the bed, leaving us with plenty of room to get around the cabin. A heavy curtain separated the travel cot from the rest of the room, meaning we could still have the lights on and chat after putting Evie to bed, and the bathroom and shower are separate to the toilet, making getting the family ready that little bit simpler. What’s so special about a Disney cruise? Whether exploring Walt Disney World or cruising the Bahamas, the highlight of any Disney experience is meeting the characters, and this is easy and convenient on board with plenty of chances each day, meaning there was always a way to see Mickey, Minnie or Donald, regardless of what else

we had planned. And when we bumped into Donald on one of the ship’s 14 decks, he was only too happy to stop and pose for photos. Is it possible to have time to yourself on a cruise with a baby? At US$9 (about £6.40) an hour, dropping our daughter off at the It’s A Small World Nursery complete with a playroom and separate sleeping quarters with full-size cots - for an hour or two is an affordable treat, enabling us to relax in the adult-only pool bar, soak up some sun, and enjoy the spa. Bliss! The nursery was particularly popular in the evenings too. Along with other parents, we left our sleeping daughter for a couple of hours so we could try out the adults-only Palo restaurant - a modern Italian situated at the stern of the ship, serving up culinary delights including a classic beef tenderloin and a delicious signature chocolate souffle. After a luxurious four-course meal, we finished our wine out on deck under the night sky - a fantastic evening. What about the other restaurants on board - and how do they cater for babies? The quality of the food in the ship’s four main restaurants, which each had at least two tasty vegetarian options on their standard menus, meant it was easy to eat like kings and queens, even without opting for the speciality dining option. On our first night, our waiters Arvin and Dujon (they moved with us as we rotated around the different restaurants during the four days on board), asked the chef to prepare purees for Evie’s breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day, delivering them to wherever we wanted to dine. For breakfast, the buffet with table service offered by the Enchanted Garden was our favourite, while for lunch the buffet at Cabanas, offering everything from pizza or piles of mac ‘n’ cheese to jumbo shrimp cocktails and a carvery, was hard to beat. Disney is all about its stories, and nowhere does that come to life more than in the Animator’s Palate restaurant - a real highlight of the whole cruise. Large screens around the restaurant act as windows looking out onto an animated underwater world, with Crush - the lovable turtle from Finding Nemo and ‘a most-excellent ambassador of the oceans and seas’ swimming by to entertain us as we eat. Gliding from window to window, between our courses of smoke salmon tartare and a trio of veal, Crush engages us by name in the manner of a stand-up comic, even reacting in real time to our answers or actions, much to everyone’s delight - not least Evie, who beamed with glee.

palm trees just yards from the water’s edge, while Evie naps in the shade. Afterwards, we all explore the reefs surrounding the island in a glass bottom boat: tickets are US$44 (£31) for adults and children aged 10 and over, and US$33 (£23) for under-10s. And what happens during the day at sea? The next day, as we slowly cruise black to Florida, we make the most of the opportunity to explore the rest of the Disney Dream. It ends with us donning red and black bandanas, as Captain Jack Sparrow drops in for an impressive Pirate Night showdown with Captain Hook and his mateys. Everyone’s encouraged to join in, with cast members dotted around the deck at several points so children and adults alike could follow the moves, before a dazzling array of fireworks lights up the ship and the night sky over the Atlantic. So what’s the verdict - can you really take a baby on a cruise and have a good time? From a 6ft Mickey Mouse, to a dancing Donald Duck and more Disney princesses than you could ever wish to see, every moment on board was an incredible baby sensory experience in overdrive. Whether exploring the fountains of Nemo’s Reef (a water play area for babies next to the main pool on deck 11), playing on the quiet deck in the shade of the lifeboats, or being mesmerised by a stunning performance of Beauty And The Beast, which saw the packed 1,340-capacity theatre transform into a floor-to-ceiling library, Evie was surrounded by bright, engaging and interactive experiences from morning ‘til night. She may have been too young to understand or appreciate Disney - and it’s quite possible my wife and I enjoyed meeting Mickey, Minnie and Donald more than Evie did - but there’s no doubt the unforgettable sights, sounds and sensations were bigger and better than anything she has experienced before. And with every detail taken care of, we had a magical time too!

TRAVEL FACTS Wesley Johnson travelled on a Disney Cruise Line Holiday with Virgin Holidays Cruises, who offer a four-night cruise on board the Disney Dream, departing from Port Canaveral and calling at Nassau (Bahamas) and Disney’s Castaway Cay, from £799pp. Price based on two adults travelling and sharing an inside Stateroom cabin on a full-board basis, departure August 27, 2018. Offer is subject to availability and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. To book, visit virginholidayscruises.co.uk, call 0844 488 3084 or visit one of their 126 stores located in Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide.

What’s Disney’s private island like? None of the fun and sparkle is lost when we step off the ship in the Bahamas, for a day on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. After a splash in the turquoise waters and a play on the golden sands, we relax in hammocks under J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 2 7

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Forensic suits at the ready! Conrad London St James launches mini-detective experience for kids

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equipment such as powdering with fibre glass brushes, magnetic strips and ink pads. In addition, the minidetectives will be taught how to match and trace several types of shoe marks in order to unearth further evidence. Using a series of methods including light for latent prints and a ruler for visible marks, tread matches can be identified to help catch the culprit. At the end of their time as an investigator, children will be given an evidence bag containing crime scene tape, pencil, pad and detective award as well their forensic suit to keep. After an exciting day, families can dine at the Blue Boar restaurant, complete with a Little Piglets menu, before sleeping soundly in the deeply comfortable beds at Conrad London St. James.

THE DETAILS The Conrad London St. James ‘Detective Project’ experience (two hours) starts from £340. The experience is bookable through the hotel’s concierge and is for residents only. The overnight ‘Mini-Detective’ family package is priced from £777 for two adults and two children. Conrad London St. James, 22-28 Broadway, Westminster, SW1H 0BH www.conradhotels.com/london

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European Premiere 2018 20th July - 30th August

READER OFFER: SAVE

20%

THE DETAILS For more information and to book early bird tickets, visit www.seacreaturestour.com

READER OFFER Early bird tickets are limited and we are bringing all our readers an exclusive 20% discount if they book before the end of May. Use code – MAGAZINE20 when booking online.

GROUNDBREAKING new exhibition allows visitors to explore the secrets of life beneath the ocean’s waves by viewing incredible cross-sections of the animals including whales, penguins and Great White sharks, and even getting an up-close glimpse of their complex organs. This new blockbuster exhibition comes to Europe for the first time following a sell-out tour of the US! Sea Creatures is as educational as it is entertaining and will also feature digital interactive experiences and augmented reality allowing children and adults alike to immerse themselves in an underwater world. This exhibition is a unique, aweinspiring, eye-opening insight into the science and anatomy of sea creatures. This blockbuster exhibition is packed with 50 full body, real specimens, 150 body parts and organs and interactive digital exhibits. Sea Creatures invites family audiences to explore and truly understand marine life, conserving marine species and raise awareness of marine conservation 3 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

Tickets are limited and sold on a first come first served basis, so book today to avoid disappointment!

and the harm caused by plastic to the millions of species that dwell within our blue planet. SEA CREATURES opens at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Lawrence Hall in London between July 20 and August 30, before touring the UK. Visitors will see 50 ethically sourced, real-life specimens of creatures including a Baleen Whale, Whale Shark, Great White Shark, Dolphin, Seal, Octopus, Penguin and Sting Ray on display, allowing visitors to glimpse inside the majestic beasts, learning about the complex life systems within and why we need to protect precious ocean life. Look out for Hai Hai (meaning Sea Sea), a DOUBLE WORLD RECORD plastinate of a baby Minke whale, which is the star feature exhibit of this blockbuster exhibition. At 3.08 meters high, 6.2 metres in length, 2.55 metres in chest circumference and weighing in at 3000kg, it is an awesome sight! Hai Hai has won two world records (the world’s first plastinated ocean Mammal; and the world’s first plastinated specimen of a whale displaying its internal organs and structure). This exhibit is a true “Spirit of The Ocean”. The painstakingly preserved displays use the same plastination process developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens and made famous by artist Damien Hirst, replacing fluids and soluble fats with resins and allowing us to view incredibly accurate ‘crosssections’ of the creatures.

Discover fun for kids, relaxation for parents and quality family time together at Country Kids Hidden away on 30-acres of farmland in the south of France, Country Kids is an ideal escape for families. With kids clubs for every age, tractor rides with farmer Syl every morning, and date nights for mum & dad – there’s no better place to escape and reconnect as a family.

Laure & Sylvain • +33 (0)6 77 54 56 00 • info@country-kids.fr • www.country-kids.fr Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CountryKidsHolidays/

just for mum

– The best ‘me-time’ events, and ways to keep mum looking and feeling her best – i mage : L A DI E S ’ D AY

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LIKE NOWHERE ELSE On a Tuesday in June each year the clock strikes two and so begins the Royal Procession, with Royal Landaus led by four Windsor Greys marking the opening spectacle of five days of world-class horse racing, high fashion, pageantry and Fine Dining.

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mongst the tradition, the fashion and the colour, racing still remains at the heart of Royal Ascot. But a day out at the Royal Meeting is about so much more than simply some of the most prestigious racing on the calendar. Complemented by Royal Ascot’s unique sense of style and history and supported by some of the sporting world’s finest facilities and dining options, a day here is a truly atmospheric experience to remember.

Each day has its own personality revolving around six top-class races, so choose a combination of a day and enclosure that best suits your tastes. As a good tip serious racing fans recognise that Tuesday and Wednesday boast some of the highest quality racing, while discerning social racegoers often favour Royal Ascot on these days too, preferring the more relaxed pace to the bigger crowds later in the week. Thursday boasts the iconic Gold Cup, whilst Friday and Saturday provide a chance to revel in the weekend party atmosphere.

Make an exciting occasion unforgettable The Right Location

Fine Dining Innovation

Each enclosure at Royal Ascot offers great views of the racing and delicious food & drink, yet each has its own individual character.

2018 sees four new Fine Dining restaurants join the Royal Ascot line-up for 2018; The Balmoral, The Windsor Forest, The Furlong Restaurant and The Gallery now form part of an expanded 15-strong portfolio of restaurants at the Royal Meeting. Fine Dining options now range from five-course feasts and classic a la carte menus to all-day food service and interactive chef stations that still offer the same elegant experience but with a more relaxed and flexible approach.

The Windsor Enclosure Bring your own picnic and delight at close up views of the Royal Procession and exhilarating racing action from the Windsor Enclosure lawns. With more food and drink options than ever before, if you’re looking for a vibrant party atmosphere then this enclosure is the place to be. Tickets £37 - £49 (Sat SOLD OUT)

The Village Enclosure Our first new enclosure in one hundred years, the lively Village lawns offer some of the best views in the house. Boutique restaurants, pop-up eateries and innovative bars are accompanied by an eclectic mix of music throughout the day. The celebration in The Village continues until 9pm, with live DJs and bands creating an atmosphere like no other. Tickets Thu & Fri £67 (Sat SOLD OUT)

The Queen Anne Enclosure With raised views of the racing as well as an impressive choice of bars and restaurants, the Queen Anne lawns and terraces are wonderful places to soak up the magic of the Royal Meeting. Enjoy an elegant lunch or afternoon tea, view the horses in the Parade Ring and take part in the much-loved singing around the Bandstand. Tickets: £75 - £88 (Sat SOLD OUT) THE DETAILS Royal Ascot Tickets £37 – £88. Visit ascot.co.uk or call 0344 346 3000 to book. For fine dining availability please email hospitality@ascot.co.uk, visit ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot/fine-dining or call 0344 346 0346. @AscotRacecourse #RoyalAscot

The former Furlong Club will be transformed for 2018 into the light, airy and spacious Fine Dining Furlong Restaurant, featuring a combination of grazing and seated menu concepts, inviting lounge areas and an expansive, elevated deck running its entire length. Michelin-starred favourites Raymond Blanc OBE and Phil Howard return as Chefs in Residence for The Panoramic and On 5 Restaurants respectively, as two new celebrated chefs also make their Royal Ascot debut. Adam Handling of Frog by Adam Handling and The Frog E1 will head The Balmoral, a brand-new restaurant inspired by summer in the Highlands and celebrating the best of British food, with fresh Scottish seafood, Royal Estate beef and locally-sourced cheese featuring on the menu. Two Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan will delight discerning race-goers with his curated menu in The Greenyard. Always special - with menus presented beautifully, carefully paired with finest Champagnes and wine and served in exclusive surroundings - it’s little wonder that Fine Dining packages are in high demand, so those looking to dine in style at Royal Ascot this year will need to book soon to avoid disappointment. Remaining admission-inclusive packages start from £329 + VAT per person. Queen Anne Enclosure casual dining options will be open for walk up bookings on the day, including James Tanner’s Queen Anne Kitchen and the 1768 Grill & Tea Rooms, the latter featuring a short menu including lobster, steak and traditional afternoon tea.

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Ladies’ Day

add a touch of elegance Ladies’ Day is racing’s special day for the Ladies, a highlight of the summer social calendar. Every racecourse is transformed into a sea of colour, with bright outfits topped off by the most flamboyant of hats

housands of women across the UK prepare weeks in advance, selecting their dresses, eye-catching hats and fascinators, and flock to the races with the action on the track of secondary importance to their stylish outfits. Ladies’ Day is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up, enjoy yourselves, mingle with celebrities, and hopefully get some winners if you are able to prise yourself away from the champagne bar. Ladies’ Day is a real fashion show, with everyone

‘Fashions fade, style is eternal’ Yves Saint Laurent

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trying to outshine the other girls to be the most glamorous. When dressing to impress, Ladies’ Day is one of the most difficult days of the year. It is Spring, but the weather is utterly unpredictable; but it certainly won’t rain on the fashion parade! Heels have to be worn, tottering around on the grass; and there is the small matter of choosing the perfect frock to wow the judges in the Ladies’ Day competitions. As befits tradition, statement hats are the order of the day, with many race-goers keeping their most magnificent outfits for the occasion. Generally headpieces, hats or fascinators must be worn in the grandstand area - with hats mandatory in the royal enclosure. From the most glamorous designer millinery, to the ridiculous and oversized novelty, or indeed eccentric hats, Ladies’ Day has it all. The other important element, the people; your guests, be it business prospects, family or friends, you will have all the ingredients you need. Dress up and join the regal tradition and pageantry, join in the revelry, and enjoy a magnificent, and indeed memorable day of prestigious racing - and fashion.

Here is the diary of forthcoming Ladies’ Days ...we always need a bit of time to prepare! The Derby, Epsom, Surrey Friday 1st June Royal Ascot, Berkshire Thursday 21st June Sandown Park, Esher Surrey Friday 6th July Newmarket, Suffolk Thursday 12th July Qatar Goodwood Festival, West Sussex Thursday 2nd August Brighton Racecourse - Frosts Ladies Day Thursday 9th August Newbury, Berkshire Saturday 18th August

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The Boodles 2018 Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th June players. The Boodles truly is the perfect way to entertain your clients! With World no.4 Sascha Zverev, Juan Martin del Potro and Nick Kyrgios already confirmed and with past players which have included Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, The Boodles will bring you closer to the action! More stars to be announced soon too!! If you would like to experience our exquisite Hospitality packages or buy a Stadium Pass ticket, please contact the team on 0207 384 4877 or visit www.theboodles.com.

2018 sees the 17th year of our annual tennis event, The Boodles. This intimate event has become one of the sporting highlights of the summer social season and it is not to be missed! Experience a day of sumptuous luxury, with Perrier Jouet Champagne and a gourmet lunch prepared by Stoke Park’s award-winning chef Chris Wheeler, or take a stroll through the Boodles Gallery and view some of the finest jewellery craftsmanship from our title sponsor, and be entertained by world’s best tennis

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WIN THE ULTIMATE BOODLES EXPERIENCE!! We are giving away the Ultimate Boodles experience, an opportunity to experience the day in the finest of styles! To be in with a chance of winning the prize below, you need to buy a ticket for this year’s Boodles. If you have already bought one, don’t worry- everyone who has already bought a ticket will be entered into the prize!! • A day in the Players Enclosure at The Boodles on Saturday 30th June for two people • An overnight stay in one of Stoke Park’s luxurious rooms on Saturday 30th June • Dinner for two in Humphry’s, Stoke Park’s fine dining restaurant which has been awarded 3AA rosettes with all food prepared by our award winning Chef Chris Wheeler. • A Magnum of Belle Époque from Perrier Jouët. • A photo opportunity with one of the tennis stars appearing before you • A pick-up from your home and drop-off in a luxurious Audi Car To book please visit www.theboodles.com

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The best events this Summer T

he Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting Tomfoolery. Admission is free for all children under (21-24 June) and the Longines FEI four for the duration of the show, with discounts Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain available for children aged five to 16, senior citizens at the BHS Royal International Horse and on family tickets. Show (25-29 July) at Hickstead are among the There are more than 150 stands in the Charles most popular events in the equestrian Owen Shopping Village, giving shoppers the calendar, but there’s more than just chance to browse many of the leading horses on offer at the All England countryside brands. Check out the READER Jumping Course this summer. amazing selection of fashion, gifts, Around 100,000 spectators homeware, jewellery, footwear and OFFER: SAVE are expected to flock to the West equestrian goods. This year, there is Sussex showground this season to free general admission on Thursday watch the top class international 21 June, to encourage people to showjumping classes, showing come along to experience the fabulous championships, carriage driving and shopping for themselves. more. But as well as the eight busy rings of There’s also a wide range of bars and equestrian action, there is a lot more to see and do eateries, from street food vans, the artisan food at Hickstead. stalls and many bars and restaurants. For a truly The new Family Zone will feature a funfair, luxurious visit, opt for fine dining in one of with half price rides on June 21 and 22, as well the hospitality options such as the Members’ as entertainment from popular local company Restaurant, Al Shira’aa VIP Suite or Private Boxes. With unparelled views of the International Arena, there is no better place to spend the day with colleagues, family or friends. Hickstead is to showjumping what Wembley is to football or Wimbledon is to tennis – and the showground has attracted some suitably big stars over the years, and we’re not just talking Olympic gold medallists like Nick Skelton or Scott Brash. Friends and Top Gear star Matt Le Blanc and Hollywood film star Henry Cavill have both been spotted at the showground in recent years, while model and presenter Jodie Kidd is a regular. Tickets are on sale now from www.hickstead.co.uk, with discounts applying in advance.

50%

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READER OFFER

Yummy Mummy readers can take advantage of an amazing 50% discount on tickets for Hickstead’s shows this summer. Visit www.hickstead.co.uk to book, using the code FMYM18. The discount excludes parking and Al Shira’aa Derby day (24 June).

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As research shows pregnant women often feel frumpy, a maternity fashion expert explains how to look good while you’re expecting.

The secret to looking good during pregnancy A

s your bump - and you - grow during pregnancy, it’s easy to feel increasingly unfashionable. Indeed, research suggests seven out of 10 mums-to-be think they look frumpy while expecting, and nearly a quarter feel ‘unsexy and shapeless’, with most really missing the skinny jeans they can’t get into any more. The research, commissioned by London shopping destination Canary Wharf, also found that knowing what to wear for a changing body shape was a challenge for more than three-quarters of mumsto-be. For four in 10 expectant mums, the answer to their sartorial woes was to buy clothes several sizes too big, hiding their expanding waistlines under baggy tops and bottoms. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter admitted they even wore clothes resembling a tent. Just a fifth of women opted for speciallydesigned maternity wear to complement their changing figure, while the majority (81%) admitted to reaching for the same clothes while they were expecting, and a third repeatedly recycled just three outfits. The research also revealed anxieties over maternity wear are highest before social events 4 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

more than a third of mums remember panicking about dressing for a special occasion. A night out with friends (32%) and weddings (30%) proved to be the most troublesome. But it doesn’t need to be this way. The Duchess of Cambridge looked fantastic throughout her pregnancy. Yes, she’ll have plenty of people to give her style advice whenever she needs it - but her beautiful bump looks show what is possible. Maternity fashion expert Laura Tenison, founder of the mother and baby brand JoJo Maman Bebe, has lots of tips to help women stay stylish during pregnancy.

Here are her top pieces of advice : Buy your usual size Some pregnant women may feel like they can get away with buying regular clothes in bigger sizes to accommodate a growing bump and bust. However, this means that the back, arms and shoulders will also be larger and won’t fit properly, making you look bigger than you actually are. Maternity

clothes are designed to fit your frame but with extra room to accommodate a bump and bigger boobs, meaning all you need to do is buy your normal size.

Choose natural fibres No-one wants to be clad in top-to-toe polyester at this time of year, especially when there’s a baby on board. Light, natural fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal because they allow the skin to breathe. Synthetic fabrics create a barrier against the skin, creating a kind of ‘greenhouse effect’, and that can cause you to overheat. For the office, choose cool cotton shirts in light-reflecting white for a smart and simple look. Cotton camisoles are easy to wear and are great for taking you from desk to dinner.

“When you’re buying maternity clothes, stick to complementary colours - this will save you time and money”

Invest in a suit If you need to look very smart, a well-cut maternity suit is a good investment. Choose a neutral colour and jazz it up with accessories and colour-pop tops. You might find a skirt more comfortable than trousers, as they often adapt better with your changing shape.

Look for adaptable styles It’s all about quality rather than quantity when it comes to a maternity wardrobe. Look for styles that can expand and retract and are able to last for most of your pregnancy, and even a few months after the birth. Remember, all you need is a few key pieces just make sure they’re they highest quality you can afford because you might find yourself wearing them solidly for six months. Keep your eyes peeled for drawstring waists, empire lines and wrap tops, which can be used for nursing after the birth too.

Wear supportive underwear Getting measured for a bra is extra-important during pregnancy. Not only does it mean your changing bust is fully supported, but whether pregnant or not, it’s amazing what well-fitting underwear can do for your appearance - giving your confidence a boost when you need it most.

Work with a colour palette When you’re buying maternity clothes, stick to complementary colours - this will save you time and money. For example, if you base your maternity wardrobe around earthy tones, you’ll find you can very easily mix and match all your separates, meaning less panic in the morning looking for something to wear.

Buy a few handy extenders There are lots of clever little gadgets available to help you get the most out of your existing clothes. If you can still get into your skinny jeans but can’t do them up - and you’re not ready for maternity clothes just yet - a bump band is essential. Similarly, if your bra still fits in the cups but your rib cage has expanded, a simple bra extender will save you having to splash out on more maternity underwear. J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 4 3

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RECREATE THESE WINNING AWARDS SEASON BEAUTY LOOKS Katie Wright picks

the best beauty looks from awards season and gets the experts’ advice on how to recreate them.

wards season is done and dusted for another year, but the glam doesn’t have to stop now the red carpets have been rolled up and the gowns returned to the ateliers. You can emulate A-list glitz by trying your hand at the hair and make-up looks of the stars - and for significantly less than the price of a designer dress. Here, we hand out the gongs for the beast beauty looks of the season, and ask the experts for their advice on how to get the Hollywood look at home...

Best curls: Jennifer Lawrence To complement her stunning Dior disco ball dress at the Oscars, Jennifer Lawrence opted for Seventies-inspired curls. Award-winning hairdresser Lee Stafford has this hair how-to. “For Jennifer Lawrence’s voluminous curls, opt for a wand with a medium sized barrel like my Rainbow Shine Wand. Section your hair into two and work from the back of your head towards the front. For this look you want to curl even sections of hair, roughly one-inch, away from the face. Once you’ve finished curling, take a pea sized amount of hair wax and rub between your hands and comb the wax through the hair. This will give you matte texture a la J-Law.” Lee Stafford Rainbow Shine Wand, £29.99 4 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

Best blush: Emma Stone “This was a power blush moment. I was inspired by the unabashedly high glamour and powerful feeling of the late Seventies and early Eighties - a time when women wore strong, modern looks,” explains Rachel Goodwin, Nars celebrity make-up artist who did Emma Stone’s Oscars look, starting with a base of Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. “I mirrored the pink colour blocking in Emma’s suit and applied the Nars Wanted Cheek Palette high on the cheeks blending up toward the eye,” Goodwin explains. Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £35; NARSissist Wanted Cheek Palette, £45

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £35; NARSissist Wanted Cheek Palette, £45, available from Nars

Suqqu Extra Rich Cream Foundation, £62; Face Designing Highlighter 02 Refill, £11; Hanachaori Pure Colour Blush, £32, available from Selfridges

L’Absolu Rouge in Caprice, £25.50, available from Lancome

Best lipstick: Lupita Nyong’o For the Baftas, make-up artist Nick Barose was inspired by Lupita Nyong’o’s latest movie role. “She’s wearing all black, I wanted the make-up to feel regal and fierce. The ‘panther eyes’ is a nod to her movie Black Panther,” the make-up artist says. “Dramatic graphic liner that looks cat-like adds so much toughness and attitude, and when paired with perfect elegant red lips, it gives the classic, feminine red lips a fun and tougher attitude.” Barose recommends Lancome’s Caprice shade to emulate this bold look: “Apply two coats for intensity.”; Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in Caprice, £25.50

Best up-do: Zendaya American actress Zendaya is a real red carpet chameleon, constantly switching up her hair; but for the Oscars she went with a super-sleek, scraped back chignon. Hair stylist and Viviscal Ambassador Neil Moodie offers his advice on updos: “A lot about putting hair up is having grip on the hair itself. Don’t have it too clean as it will be smooth and slippy. I recommend a little bit of root backcombing as this gives support as you’re putting it up. “For a neat, tight up-do, I always recommend spraying hairspray onto the brush so as you’re brushing the hair it distributes evenly and gives hair grip. Pins and grips are essential. Bend the end of the pin over and create a little hook so if it starts to slip out the hook will grip to the hair. I also suggest using a matte texture spray at the roots.” Windle and Moodie Sculpture Hairspray, £20

Best complexion: Helena Bonham Carter Morag Ross, make-up artist and SUQQU spokesperson, was responsible for Helena Bonham Carter’s incredible skin at the Baftas.

Ross achieved the peaches and cream glow by first giving the actress a skin-plumping facial massage, then used a trio of SUQQU products, tapping a shimmering highlighter on Bonham Carter’s cheekbones and finishing with a delicate sweep of blusher over the cheekbones. SUQQU Extra Rich Cream Foundation, £65; Face Designing Highlighter 02 Refill, £11; Hanachaori Pure Colour Blush, £32, Selfridges

OPI Lisbon Wants Moor Nail Polish, £12.95, available from OPI; Chrome Effects in Blue Plate Special, available with OPI manicures only

Best manicure: Margot Robbie Windle and Moodie Sculpture Hairspray, £20, available from Windle and Moodie

Leading actress nominee Margot Robbie was also presenting an award at the Oscars, so she drafted in the A-list’s favourite manicurist Tom Bachik, to get her nails ready for the spotlight. Bachik gave the Aussie actress a champagne shimmer, starting with OPI Lisbon Wants Moor and topping it with a chrome effect powder. The polish is available to buy, but if you want to get the exact same metallic top coat, you’ll need to book in for an OPI manicure in salon. OPI Lisbon Wants Moor Nail Polish, £10.36 (Chrome Effects in Blue Plate Special available with OPI manicures only)

Best eye make-up: Lady Gaga

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, £20; Magic Marc’er Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, £23, available from John Lewis

For her dramatic Grammys look, Lady Gaga turned to Marc Jacobs Beauty and the brand’s Global Artistry Ambassador, Sarah Tanno. “Gaga’s eyes were inspired by a dark, starry night, romantic and striking to complement her gorgeous gown,” Tanno says. She applied a gel crayon eyeliner heavily on the upper and lower lash line, then created a strong winged shape with liquid liner, blending the two together with a shimmery black eyeshadow and finishing with lots of mascara. Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, £20; Magic Marc’er Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, £23, John Lewis J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 4 5

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Strengthening pelvic floor muscles I

With the guidance of a pelvic health physiotherapistis 80% effective. Pessaries are another great tool for managing incontinence.

t has been proven that exercise—running especially—has health benefits well beyond any pill a doctor could prescribe. Sadly, women often stop exercising as a result of bladder leakage, also called incontinence. They feel embarrassed and suffer in silence, thinking the condition can’t be treated or that it is a “normal” part of aging.

Starting the Conversation Ladies, let’s break the silence. Incontinence is common, but it is not normal. There are simple, low-cost, real-time, non-surgical solutions that women need to know about. For starters, many don’t understand the meaning of the word “incontinence”. Let’s demystify the medical jargon. Stress incontinence is a small “spurt” of urine that occurs when you cough, laugh, sneeze or do physical activity (such as running). Urge incontinence(also known as overactive bladder syndrome) is the sudden loss of bladder control just afteran overwhelming urge to go pee. Mixed incontinence is when women suffer from both.

The Pelvic Floor American gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel brought the world’s attention to the group of muscles called the pelvic floor that are like a hammock or sling, supporting the bladder, uterus, prostate and rectum. Dr. Kegel noted that a woman’s pelvic floor muscles were weakened by childbirth and prescribed his famous “Kegel exercises” to women as a non-surgical treatment. Frustration with doing Kegels, uncertainty of how to do them properly, or not seeing results has left many of us feeling hopeless, so we just keep wearing pads or stop exercising altogether.

Guidelines for Kegels When the pelvic floor muscles are weak, they need to be strengthened through a structured strengthening program. This doesn’t mean doing a few Kegels at the kitchen sink or at a stoplight and, contrary to what many women are told, you should never do

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these exercises by stopping your urine mid-stream. An extreme approach that suggests doing 1000 reps a day has no basis in exercise science either. Start by following the same rules you do when doing weight training at the gym: 3 sets of 10 repetitions daily for about 12 weeks. You can do them daily because, unlike weight training at the gym, you don’t add weights to increase the effort. So, daily exercise is safe until those annoying leaks stop.

How do you know that you’re doing them correctly? The best way to know for sure is to see a professional, like a physiotherapist, who has the appropriate training to confirm you are doing the exercises properly. They’ll do an internal exam to assess the state of the muscles and let you know how well you’re doing your Kegels. Research shows that strengthening pelvic floor muscles with the guidance of a pelvic health physiotherapist has an effectiveness rate of 80%.

Other Options Pessaries are another great tool for managing incontinence. Until now, all pessaries had to be fitted and inserted by a medical professional. A selffitting pessary, specifically for stress incontinence, was recently launched. The uresta® (www.uresta.uk) pessary is designed for comfort, safety and ease of use. It can be used all day or only for the activities that cause leaks. It doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription, and can be a safe, low-cost solution for women who don’t respond to exercise or who can’t access a pelvic health physiotherapist. www.uresta.cuk

“The best way to know for sure is to see a professional, like a physiotherapist, who has the appropriate training to confirm you are doing the exercises properly”

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The Clinic by Dr Mayoni

It’s the one thing women struggle to talk about: what happens to down below after having children, and as you age. As we grow older, our facial skin loses its vitality as collagen fibres fatigue. We happily discuss the latest anti-ageing breakthroughs to wage the war against ageing, but when it comes to our nether regions it’s something we are uncomfortable to talk about. Vaginal tissue is affected by the same ageing process, along with pressure from childbirth causing issues such as stress incontinence. It’s an embarrassing condition, and until now solutions have been scarce.

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rinary incontinence affects twice as many women as men. This is because events unique to women, such as pregnancy, birth, and menopause, can affect the bladder, urethra, and other muscles that support the pelvic floor. It can happen to women at any age, but it is more common in more mature ladies and is usually because of hormonal changes during menopause. As a mother of 3 children, Dr Mayoni Gooneratne truly understands the pressures faced by many women today, (including those who wish they had just a little time to get their zen back) – and is dedicated to helping women restore their health and self-confidence through a combination of aesthetic treatments, skincare and wellness approaches. Geneveve ™ from Viveve is the latest breakthrough procedure for tightening down below, and is available at The Clinic by Dr Mayoni, who is recognised as one of the leading, most respected doctors in the aesthetics industry today. The treatment is ideal for all pre-menopausal women who suffer from stress urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity (looseness of the vaginal tissue) and/ or decreased sexual function. It’s a pain free, quick & effective treatment, for those looking for a nonsurgical alternative. What is it and how does it work? Loss of plumpness and laxity of skin around the vagina is a consequence of reduced collagen production and quality. The treatment uses clinically-proven cryogen-cooled monopolar radiofrequency (CMRF) to uniformly deliver gentle heating, cooling delicate surface tissue; thus stimulating the body’s natural collagen formation process and improving the appearance of the area resulting in plumper, firmer skin. That means no incisions and no downtime. You would expect to see results from up to 90 days post-treatment; as that’s when the collagen begins to generate. Studies have shown that 90% of women treated had a significant sustained tightening for 12 months post-treatment. The benefits from just one treatment lasts for at least 12 months. One treatment lasts for 30 minutes.

WORDS: LAUREN NAYLOR

What happens before and after your treatment? From the moment you walk through the door, leave and beyond – you will receive the best treatments, advice and aftercare – delivered with the upmost attention. The clinic’s approach is to focus on the client as an individual; taking a holistic style to health and beauty. Ensuring you have the best possible experience right from the very start, the front house team will greet and welcome you to the relaxing chill out room where you can unwind with vitalizing refreshments prior to your consultation. Each client is requested to fill in a detailed medical history form – this will help the team understand more about how you are feeling and any areas of concern you may have. Dr Mayoni specialised in colorectal and pelvic floor surgery in her early career, and spent three years researching incontinence in women. She understands what a sensitive topic this is, and that it can be difficult to talk about. You can rest assured that is nothing to feel embarrassed about: there is nothing weird or abnormal about this problem and you are not alone. You do not have to make the big decision on the day – The Clinic by Dr Mayoni encourages you to take home some literature on the treatments or refer to the website and think carefully about how you would like to move forward. Established in 2016 by Dr Mayoni; The Clinic team were swiftly awarded ‘highly commended for best new clinic’ by the prestigious Aesthetics Awards 2017’ -and pride themselves on the highest standards of patient care and ongoing investment in medical training and technology. Tucked away in the heart of Lewisham, South London; the Clinic provides a comfortable, discreet and safe environment for those undergoing cosmetic treatments; whilst placing ethical practice and innovation at the core of everything they do. They offer a discrete but personal service, with a full range of beauty and advance medical treatments from dermal fillers to skin peels and specialist treatments as above. www.drmayoni.co.uk

ACCESSORISING YOUNG GIRLS BEAUTIFULLY EVERYDAY SINCE 2011 Pandorella specialises in an exclusive range of boutique hair bows, bobbles, headbands and accessories that are perfect for school, dance class and special occasions. Our range is ideal for all ages from newborn and toddlers right up to junior prom age. Our Back to School Collection has everything you need to keep your daughters hair neat and tidy for school. Our range includes Hair Bows, Bobbles, Alice Bands, Scrunchies, Bun Wraps and essentials like Elastics and Sleepies in all the popular school colours.

We do love to hear from you and can be contacted via our Website www.pandorella.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/pandorellauk Instagram www.instagram.com/pandorella_uk Twitter www.twitter.com/pandorellauk

PREGNANCY

BIRTH & BABIES

– Keeping you and baby happy and healthy throughout pregnancy and birth – i mage : I N E E D A N A NNY !

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DO PREGNANT WOMEN REALLY NEED MORE THAN TWO BABY SCANS?

recommendations should be clinically indicated and based on the needs of the women and her developing baby,” she stresses. ChannelMum founder Siobhan Freegard, says: “Having a scan can be a wonderful way to bond with your baby and provide reassurance when you’re worried. “But we need to remember it’s a medical procedure and should be treated very seriously. Clinics which allow multiple repeat scans without a medical reason could be risking the baby’s health.”

As a survey reveals almost a third of mums-to-be are paying for extra scans, experts say the trend is a cause for concern. WORDS: Lisa Salmon

ne of the most exciting things after finding out you’re pregnant is going for a scan and seeing your baby for the first time. But many parents-to-be aren’t satisfied with just the standard two NHS scans usually carried out at 12 and 20 weeks, and they’re paying to have more - sometimes a lot more.

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Are multiple scans doing more harm than good? Research by parenting site ChannelMum.com suggests almost a third of pregnant women pay for private scans as well as having the routine NHS ultrasounds, and while 20% of those who have extra scans fork out for two, 18% pay for at least three, and one in 50 have nine or 10 extra scans. As well as the expense - private scans can cost anything from £35 to £1,000 for a package, with women who have them spending an extra £217 on average - the trend has raised fears that too many high-intensity scans may actually pose a threat to the foetus. While the recommended amount of scans is completely safe, some experts say it’s unclear what the effect of prolonged and frequent scans may be on unborn babies, particularly if the sonographer is untrained. ChannelMum says some clinics offer scans of longer than 30 minutes, against medical advice, while others use unregistered sonographers who are unable to provide diagnoses or support if a problem is detected. Mervi Jokinen, practice and standards advisor at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), points out that the National Institute For Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that pregnant women have an early scan, and then a screening scan for anomalies at around 18-20 weeks - and the advice takes into account all the known potential harms and benefits of the procedure. “Any further scans beyond these

Is this ‘scanxiety’? The research found more than a third of mums who’ve had extra scans did so because they felt anxious about their baby, leading experts to dub the phenomenon ‘scanxiety’. A further third just wanted to check on their baby without a medical reason, although most mums who paid for additional private scans (47%) did so out of concern for looking after their baby’s health. Of these, 27% checked if the pregnancy was viable, 12% ensured there were no abnormalities earlier than the NHS scan, and one in 10 had bled or felt the baby’s movement change, prompting them to get a scan. Another 30% had a scan so they could discover their child’s gender early, while 15% just wanted to show their baby to friends and family. The study found 18% of pregnant mums paying for scans opted for normal 2D scans, while one in 10 paid for 3D or 4D scans, which create a lifelike picture showing the baby’s features. A further 17% had a video made of their unborn child, and 1% even had a model made of the unborn baby. The RCM says women needing extra assurance through additional scans is concerning. “This type of reassurance and support is, and can, be provided by their midwife,” Jokinen points out. “Anxieties caused by reliance on technology can have an impact on a woman’s pregnancy, causing undue stress and anxiety.” To help reassure mums who want to discover what their baby looks like during each week of pregnancy, ChannelMum has launched a Pregnancy Week by Week section on their website, which shows pregnancy videos, including real scan footage.

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The Finest Baby Muslins Fit for a Prince(ss) Fofolino launches new Royal Range of baby muslin squares

s the world spotlight is on the recent arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child, Fofolino is proud to introduce its all-new Royal Range of muslin squares. The collection of three luxury muslins celebrates the arrival of the new Prince and welcomes new parents akin to the Cambridge’s to wrap their new arrival in an exquisite personalised muslin adorned with bespoke embroidery. The makers of luxury muslin squares, Fofolino has unveiled three all-new muslins for Princes, Princesses and new arrivals whose gender is yet to be revealed. Each muslin is made from the finest double-weave, 100% cotton and is available in three timeless and elegant colour ways to perfectly complement the nursery of Kensington Palace and home nurseries alike.

The collection includes: The Pink Princess, £24 Edged with pastel pink scalloped border with matching embroidered ‘Princess’ regal lettering The Blue Prince, £24 Scalloped border in an adorable baby blue hue, with ‘Prince’ regal lettering embroidered in royal blue HRH, £24 Embroidered ‘HRH’ regal lettering in elegant grey, complimented with Fofolino’s signature scalloped boarder in gender neutral yellow

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The Fofolino Royal Range follows in the footsteps of the much-loved signature collections, which have fast become a must-have changing bag companion for the InstaMum and Royal Family follower alike. Fofolino baby muslins are made from the finest double-weave, 100% white cotton making them ever-so cuddly and soft while hard wearing and durable enough to withstands the spills and thrills of motherhood. The exceptional quality ensures they are guaranteed to last long after young children outgrow them. Aside from the classic use as a spill cloth, Fofolino’s are an ideal nursing cover, swaddle cloth, light blanket, comfort blanket or playtime ground cover to name but a few of their many uses. Fofolino’s exclusive Royal Range is available to purchase online now from the Fofolino website: www.fofolino.com Images: Hannah Buckland Photography www.hannahbucklandphotography.co.uk

“The exceptional quality ensures they are guaranteed to last long after young children outgrow them”

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NANNY? Then look no further as we here at Baby Steps have a combination of 20years experience of both Nannying and Recruitment. • We understand the importance of your Childs happiness and wellbeing. • We pride ourselves on our unique and personal service to ensure that your specific requirements are perfectly met. • Whether you are looking for temp, perm, full time, part time, live in or live out – we can help !! WE ALSO OPERATE AN EMERGENCY NANNY SERVICE as we all know life doesn’t always go to plan !! If you would like to know more – call us for a no obligation informal chat on 0208 652 9949 or 07879 557 329 and ask for Lou or Debbie or email info@babystepsnannies.co.uk. www.babystepsnannies.co.uk

Baby steps Nannies

Babysteps Nannies Logo.indd 1

07/11/2017 07:32

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I Need a Nanny!

hen employing a nanny there are many responsibilities you may not have considered. The main concern when hiring a nanny is obviously to find the best person to care for your children. You may also be looking to approach a reputable private nanny agency. There are many in London to choose from.

Guide to employing a nanny • The nanny who comes into your home is making a career out of caring for your children and as such there are some fundamental employment guidelines that you should follow: • Nanny job description - a precise job description should be discussed and agreed before work commences. • Nanny contract - it is now a legal requirement to have a written contract of employment. You should agree the terms of this contract with your nanny or agency, and finalise the contract with each party signing and keeping a copy each. • Guidelines for your nanny - you should think about the way you like your home run and how you would like the relationship with your nanny to develop.

House rules for the nanny If you would like to keep the relationship fairly formal then state this at the outset. In particular, discuss and agree any house rules from the outset. • Is the nanny free to use the phone when she wants? • Can the nanny invite other nannies around? • Do either of the parents prefer being left alone when they return from work? 5 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

The ongoing relationship with your nanny

Like any employer/employee relationship, your relationship with your nanny will have its ups and downs. There will be times when she is performing better than others and times when you may not agree on everything. You should make sure that there is an ongoing review process as well as ensuring an ongoing dialogue between you and the nanny.

Legal obligations when hiring a nanny The nanny is an employee and therefore as her employer you have a number of legal obligations. For example: • You have a responsibility to pay tax and national insurance - there is often a temptation to pay cash but this is illegal and you can be fined and charged interest by the Inland Revenue for unpaid tax. If you wish to look at ways of reducing your tax liability, then you should look at the possibility of claiming the childcare tax credit or using childcare vouchers issued by your employer/company. • You are responsible for paying your employee’s statutory sick pay; statutory maternity pay and holiday pay. If you wish the nanny to accompany you on holiday, then please note that this does not count towards the nanny’s annual leave and she will need to be paid as normal. Also if you want the nanny to take some of her holiday when you take holiday, this should be specifically stated in the contract. • You must ensure that your household insurance policy covers you for employers and public liability insurance.

Cars and transport for your nanny It is important that the nanny has appropriate insurance cover for the car that will be used to transport the children (she may need to get insurance to cover her for business use if using her own car). If you are providing a car to the nanny, or you are allowing the nanny to drive your car, check with your insurance company as it can be expensive to put a nanny on your insurance. The nanny will need to be reimbursed for petrol and running costs whilst transporting the children around. You may either consider a flat rate sum per day or use a mileage rate, if she is using your car. If she is using her own car, then the nanny should be paid 0.45p per mile. You will also need to clarify issues such as whether the nanny is allowed to use the car for her own personal use and, if so, who pays for the petrol.

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Andre Van Nierop, Urgent Care Centre Clinical Lead In Casualty First

ndre van Nierop, Clinical Lead, in the walk-in urgent care centre Casualty First ensures that patients and families receive first class care 7 days a week, from 8am-8pm. Andre, and the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth set up Casualty First 5 years ago, he comments, “The urgent care centre is truly unique in that our team of A+E Doctors provide care for adults and children from the age of one year, we see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”

diagnosed serious conditions and been able to refer next or same day treatment, which in some cases has potentially been life saving due to early diagnosis. It is so rewarding to see the difference that it makes.” “A large amount of the patients we see are children, we provide treatment from the age of one and our child friendly waiting area and consulting rooms disperse any anxiety the kids might have from seeing a doctor. I see worried and concerned parents come in to see us who within minutes are able to see a doctor and the children, and their parents, are smiling and laughing again.”

Putting patients needs first

Visit Casualty First

Casualty First provides an ease of access to treatment that is essential when you are juggling a busy schedule, Andre explains “The urgent care centre is a fantastic facility for people to access our first class care, with no waiting time and the option to receive treatment on the same day or at a convenient time. We often refer patients to see a specialist Consultant or receive imaging and diagnostics on site, in the state of the art hospital facilities” “We have seen patients come in with minor complaints, where after our investigation we have

Located at the entrance of the world famous Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth in London, Casualty First is a self pay service with treatment available for all the family, including children from the age of one year. The experienced A&E doctors treat all minor accidents, injuries and illnesses. If you think you are having a heart attack, stroke or have serious head injuries please phone 999 or go to A&E. www.casualtyfirst.co.uk; 0207 432 8300; Open 8am – 8pm everyday; 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH

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“We see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”

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Focus on…

Preventative Health Screening. Peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Continuing the series of healthcare articles, Dr Angela Rai of The London General Practice discusses the benefits of Health Screening.

ealth Screening, as part of a preventative package, is a recognised part of modern medicine. Advances in technology and medical science mean that signs of disease or other health issues can be detected much earlier than before, so that action can be taken at an early stage with the potential opportunity to improve quality of life and future outcome.

“Health screening can reveal changes which if implemented could result in positive impacts on health and wellbeing” To get the most from health screening it is recommended that the package is tailored to the individual, taking into account family history, personal medical history, gender and age. It is also important to avoid ‘over testing’ or undertaking screens when there is no clinical indication for concern. Common causes of future health problems include lifestyle and family history, and health screening can reveal changes which if implemented could result in positive impacts on health and wellbeing. 6 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

Health screens now assist in identifying, diagnosing and treating people who show symptoms of memory or cognitive impairment. A combined, Healthy Mind - Healthy Body Assessment is likely to be suitable for anyone who has concerns about their wellness or memory, and in particular anyone: • experiencing memory difficulties and who wishes to understand the reason for this. • who is concerned about a family history of memory issues • seeking to check their current health status, or get advice regarding a general issue with their health. The package includes an examination with a medical consultant who is a recognised cognitive expert and a set of investigations designed to identify a wide range of possible causes of memory difficulties. This service responds to the knowledge that early diagnosis and access to the best treatments for memory and other cognitive symptoms significantly improves clinical outcomes. Figures show that it is possible to reduce the risk of dementia by up to 30% by controlling other risk factors, such as blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cholesterol.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place) Tel: 0207 935 1000

The London General Practice undertakes a wide range of health screens for all ages and requirements. If you would like to enquire about health screening then please contact the Practice on 0207 935 1000

FAMILY LIFE – We’ve got everything covered from kids’ fashion to top parenting tips – i mage : W H Y I WA NT M Y C H I L D R E N TO H A V E E M OTI O N A L INT E L L I G E NC E

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Kestia launches a unique jewellery brand designed to connect family & friends With the arrival of a new royal baby in mind, the psychology-based Kestia brand, offers advice to parents on easing the introduction of a new baby to potentially jealous siblings!

tress moments within family life can be eased, according to psychology research, by tangible symbols of connection that resonate with children. Kestia, a new lifestyle brand, launching with a fine jewellery range created by experienced psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni and entrepreneur Donna Gosling, took this as part of the brand’s inspiration and purpose. Kestia launches this year with a range of jewellery for all the family, designed around the concept of the elephant which prioritises kinship bonds - and who never forgets. So, with the arrival of a new royal baby this spring and the potential for natural feelings of sibling displacement and rivalry, Kestia is able to play a role in supporting and reassuring all children who are anticipating a new arrival in the family. The Kestia jewellery range of ‘Remember Me’ bracelets and necklaces have been designed to help parents show their child that they are still kept-in-mind. Gaynor Sbuttoni, Educational Psychologist and Kestia’s Co-Founder, comments “We know from research that children, especially the very young, can take great comfort from tangible objects given to them. Our range allows the parent to select a character from our Kestia Kin or Elephant ranges and present it with meaning to a sibling from them - at the moment of the new baby’s arrival. There are also pieces which show the child they are in their parents’ mind at all times like our ‘Don’t forget the Siblings Keyring’ – which is something that the parent keeps with them.” “We all know, elephants never forget and that their family communities are priority. So, for an anxious child to have a keepsake in the form of an elephant charm from their precious parents to take with them wherever they are - can be greatly reassuring.” Donna continues “Kestia Kin characters can be used to represent each child in the family. This shows siblings that parents are able to love more than one child equally and simultaneously.”

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Kestia shares 7 top tips to help ease the moment when a new baby is presented to the existing siblings to make it a joyful moment and minimise anxiety and potential feelings of jealously. • Put siblings first. Introduce the baby to the siblings before anybody else. Welcome the baby sympathetically by introducing the siblings immediately to bring them together. Verbalise what the baby might say and encourage grandparents and visitors to talk to the siblings first. Enjoy being reunited with your existing child with lots of hugging and kissing! • Give the baby to the sibling. Once settled allow the older child to hold the baby (under supervision). Bonding through touch and smell early on will help them both bond and you are showing the older child that you trust them, all the while verbalising the possible conversation between the baby and sibling. • Define each existing sibling’s special role. Make sure each child knows that they have a particular, special position within the family. Articulate and • Stick to routines. Children thrive when they know the boundaries and they need routines. At this time more than ever, you will need to show that life for the child will go on as normal. So, bath-time and bedtime should continue as it was – with all the usual attention they get like bedtime story telling. • Don’t worry about negative comments. Siblings may say negative things about the new baby such as “He or she will have to go!” Simply admit that it is hard to get used to having a new baby in the house and that there are many changes for the

whole family. Reiterate that there is nothing that can ever change how much you love the sibling – and don’t feel the need to force the issue by insisting that they do really love their baby sister or brother. Approaching the situation in this way will help to minimise feelings of jealously – and their love for the baby will evolve with time! • Encourage empathy. When parents encourage older siblings to see the baby as a real person, with their own feelings they are likely to be more affectionate and protective of the baby. So verbalising what both baby and siblings may be feeling can be useful. • Give your child a keepsake to let them know they are always kept-in-mind. Select a precious gift for your existing child or children that is presented to them as something special from their loving parents that they can keep with them wherever they are. Jewellery works particularly well at this moment since it can be worn. The Kestia range is a collection of stylish, contemporary pieces including bracelets, necklaces, key rings and remembrance mementos, for people to give to each other as a tangible way of showing the important role they play in each other’s lives. Kestia is there at key life stages, from birth through to the final separation of death, and aims to help people celebrate life whilst coping with sad and stressful times. The Kestia range currently includes the Birth Collection, the Family Collection, the Friendship Collection, the Separation Collection and the Loss Collection. Discover more at www.kestia.com.

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HydraNure produces natural plant-based eczema treatment cream for children Offering an alternative to emollients and steroids

“The current NHS, Eczema Society and British Association of Dermatologist guidelines recommend thick chemical emollients and steroid cream. There has to be a better way. HydraNure is more natural, absorbs more easily and works faster”

lasgow, Scotland: HyrdraNure has produced a natural, five plant-based eczema cream that will replace the emollients and steroids offered by modern medicine. HydraNure spent a decade perfecting its Dry Skin Cream as a replacement for the difficult to absorb lotions handed out by doctors and pharmacies. Developed in Glasgow, Scotland, by company founder Paul McGregor, HydraNure has already changed the way many parents treat their children’s skin problems. McGregor saw the problems parents face when applying messy creams to their children first-hand. The company founder experienced the same nightmares other mothers and fathers do. His two young boys developed eczema and McGregor learned how difficult the skin problem is to treat. Despite applying messy emollients and short-term steroids, McGregor saw little relief in his sons. He knew there had to be a better way to treat the skin problems his sons and other children experience. McGregor’s mission was to find a product that was easy for the skin to absorb. He also wanted an alternative to steroids, which were short-term and could cause side-effects. McGregor consulted with a botanicals expert and the duo began to blend natural elements that had been used for centuries. McGregor’s mission to find an eczema treatment for his children led to the creation of the

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HydraNure Dry Skin Cream. Combining aloe vera, calendula, grapeseed, sesame seed and shea butter as its five all-natural ingredients, HydraNure Dry Skin Cream soothes dry, itchy and painful skin areas. According to the National Eczema Society, one in five children has eczema. It is a very painful skin symptom and one that parents feel powerless to end. HydraNure is easy to apply and quick to absorb and it allows parents to gain a sense of control in the fight against dry, itchy and painful skin. The five natural ingredients cool and soothe the skin, while the vitamins in HydraNure Dry Skin Cream treat the affected areas. “The current NHS, Eczema Society and British Association of Dermatologist guidelines recommend thick chemical emollients and steroid cream. There has to be a better way. HydraNure is more natural, absorbs more easily and works faster,” McGregor explained. HydraNure’s Dry Skin Cream has been so effective in its fight against eczema in children that the product received the Bizzie Baby Gold Award for Family Health. It is just one of the many accolades HydraNure has obtained. However, the most important awards for McGregor and his skin cream company are those from parents who want their children to live a pain-free childhood. HydraNure Dry Skin Cream 100ml £14.99 www.hydranure.com

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ROCHELLE HUMES ON RAISING HER KIDS AND MAKING TIME FOR HER RELATIONSHIP

Rochelle Humes started out singing in S Club 8, before joining hit girl band The Saturdays, and is now a successful television presenter (catch her on Ninga Warrior UK) and a devoted mother to her two little girls. The glamorous 29-year-old, who’s married to singer and former member of boy band, JLS, Marvin Humes, 33, lets us into her world. words: gabrielle fagan How do you keep fit? “I’m training for the London Marathon to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, so I’ve been running - a lot! Marvin’s really into fitness and has been brilliant, really supportive, but we can’t train together. He’s so bossy and tries to tell me what to do, and then we just argue. I escape to our garage for regular work outs - we’ve got gym kit there - and go to Pilates classes.” How do you feel you and your life have changed since The Saturdays went on hiatus in 2014? “I feel like a different person now. I was 19 when I joined The Saturdays and grew up under the spotlight, which was was fine because I had strong family support around me, with my mum as my 6 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

chaperone. The only thing I wish is that there weren’t those photos on Google that will live forever, showing me with a dodgy hairstyle or going through an awkward phase. “We’re all so happy in our own little lanes, and with so many husbands, partners and kids between us, that I can’t even imagine being on tour again. All five of us (Frankie Bridge, Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King and Vanessa White) had such a ball and we’d never say never, but I’m not sure we could pick up what we used to do and make that work. How do you and Marvin keep the romance alive in your relationship, considering how busy you both are? “You have to make time for each other, and even if Marv and I can’t get out for a date night, we’ll make evenings to ourselves with maybe a takeaway and a movie. I make sure we put away our phones and ignore emails, so we’re enjoying time together and being in the moment. “When we first met I tried not to like him because I didn’t want to date someone in a boy band, but he won me over. We’ve been together eight years and we’re both very content in our own lives and careers, and so when we come back

together we’ve always got lots to say to each other. We’re a strong unit and work it so we share the childcare - he’s a great dad.” What important values are you hoping to raise your girls - Alaia-Mai , 4, Valentina Raine, 1 with? “I want them to be strong and independent. I like to think I’m strong but sensitive, honest (sometimes to a fault) and fiercely loyal. I hope to pass on some of those qualities. Alaia-May’s four and at school and Valentina’s one, and just walking and they’ve definitely changed my perspective on life. “Everything else plays second fiddle to your family, and that’s how it should be. I want to protect and wrap my daughters up in cotton wool for as long as I can so they enjoy just being children. I’d never put them on social media because it’s a scary place for children and there’s so much pressure on girls and women to look and be a certain way. I don’t have any scales in the house either. “It really upset me recently when Alaia told me she didn’t like her curly hair because she thought she didn’t look like a princess. The pictures she’d seen of fairy-tale heroines like Elsa and Rapunzel showed girls with straight hair. I realised she’d only ever seen me straightening my own curly hair. I’ve let it be curly again and she loves that we have matching hair.” Would you like to have more children? “I’m that person who will always be broody, I just love babies. I’ve still got my hands full with two little girls, so it’s not on my agenda at the moment because we’re happy and content with where we are. I wouldn’t want to say I’d never have one more, but I’m not sure I’d have a big family.” What’s been your biggest parenting stress? “It really plays on my mind if I feel one of them isn’t eating enough. Alaia would refuse to eat fish and no matter how small I’d chop up mushrooms and some vegetables in Bolognese sauce, she’d fish them out. It reached the stage where mealtimes would take a couple of hours. I tried everything, like creating fun plates to speed up the process, but the more frustrated I got about it, the more she’d act up. So I ignored it and it got much better. “My new trick is saying, ‘Try this because it’s Mummy’s favourite food,’ which works. But now Vally’s playing up. If her food’s not blended, she’s not interested - but I’m persevering, even though food can fly across the room!” Rochelle Humes is sharing the fussy eating challenges she faced with her kids as part of the Haliborange Fusstrations campaign. Visit haliborange.com. J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 6 9

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Into the Mix B ritish Kids Cosmetic Brand Cosmixology, is not only ethical and Organic. It is also 100% natural and toxic free. Launched just six months ago, after 18 months in development. It has been firing on all beauty cylinders ever since. What is especially appealing about the brand is the market it aims for; little boys and girls, are both the focus and faces of the brand. The range is exciting and sassy, with a huge element of fun. It is no accident that its vibrant, bright products and cutting-edge style, makes it stand out in an ever increasing ‘Green Beauty’ marketplace. How did this all come into fruition? As a parent who had battled Cancer twice, Cosmixology’s founder wanted to make sure her little girl along with other children had products that she knew, were not only safe and harmless but were also fun and appealing. What Cosmixology did may sound similar, in terms of answering the ‘eco beauty’ call, but in fact what they’ve done is something that other brands in the same space may not have and that is to make ethical and non-toxic products exciting. When thinking of products that are natural or organic one usually expects and sees, packaging and formulas which shout out ‘pure’ i.e. white packaging and soft pastel labels. Cosmixology’s products are not only on trend and enticing, they use bold colour labels, natural food dyes and fragrance their products with candy inspired natural scents. The collections within the range are designed to appeal to the things that children love, whether it’s getting squeaky clean like a Super Hero or Soaking in a bath like a Mermaid. Or maybe your little one believes she is a Unicorn, with products like Superhero Bath Bomb Fizz, Mermaid Bath Crystals, Unicorn Ice Cream Bubble

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Bars, Pop Star Tattoo Kit, Construction Men Soap, to Doughnut or Cake Bath Bombs and Macaron Lip Balms - Ethical Beauty has gotten a whole new sass! In addition to their retail line, Cosmixology run ‘Science meets Beauty’ workshops and parties, where children as young as five, can create their own bath and body treats like sugar scrubs, bath bomb fizz, chocolate face masks and whipped body butters to take home. Their ‘Magic and Sparkle’ pamper parties are already a huge hit, what’s different about their spa parties is that all the treatments on the menu are created with 100% natural products. For further information visit www.cosmixology.uk

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ALEX JONES:

“YES I WANT A CHILD - BUT I ALSO WANT A CAREER”

The One Show presenter chats to Ella Walker about her debut book, Winging It, which charts her experiences of becoming a parent in her late-Thirties.

lex Jones’ description of what happens when you have a baby is pretty blunt. “It’s like a bomb going off,” she declares, before adding wryly, “in a brilliant way.” The One Show presenter, best known for interviewing celebs live on telly every weeknight, alongside co-host Matt Baker, became a mum for the first time last January, aged 39. Now 41, she says: “I’d got myself together in terms of career, I know where I am, and then a baby comes. It leaves you in this new-fangled situation where you don’t really know where to start,” she adds, remembering the sensation of her world being thoroughly scrambled in the wake of pregnancy. While lots of new mums are trying to piece together some semblance of sleep and get to grips with breastfeeding, Jones also spent the first chunk of her son Teddy’s life writing down everything she was going through. The result is Winging It!, her first - “and last!” 7 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

“That was the image that stayed with me and made us definitely think, ‘We need to crack on with this if we’re serious about having a family’.””

book. Broken into three portions, it tackles life before the birth, after it, and then what happens to the rest of your world once you’ve just about got to grips with being responsible for a tiny human. Jones felt there just wasn’t enough information about fertility and pregnancy out there for would-be parents in her and her insurance broker husband Charlie’s age-bracket (pushing 40). In 2016, she made a documentary for BBC One called Fertility & Me, and she says the research involved helped inspire her book. “I wasn’t sure how much I believed all the headlines, about how at 35 your fertility falls off a cliff,” says Jones. “I do still think it’s very much on a case by case basis, everybody’s body is different, and some people who are in their Twenties struggle to get pregnant - it’s not something that’s just confined

to people who are older.” However, during filming, a scientist explained to her how eggs deteriorate as a woman ages, and while doing a form of IVF, showed her the moment they introduce the sperm, via injection, to an egg. “In this case, they injected an egg from a 36-yearold woman, and the whole thing just crumbled,” Jones recalls. “That was the biggest wake-up call to me, that that could be the case. That was the image that stayed with me and made us definitely think, ‘We need to crack on with this if we’re serious about having a family’.” Luckily, they didn’t have any problems conceiving Teddy. “It was very straightforward. But for a lot of friends, unfortunately, that’s not been the case. I thought it was important to open up that conversation,” says Jones. That conversation plays out in the book, with Jones also looking at how a baby affects your relationship, how difficult she found motherhood to begin with, and what it’s like - just as you’re hitting your career stride - to be a woman and have to “biologically take your foot off the gas, take a step back and actually have the baby”. “At the heart of the book is a lot of honesty,” says Wales-born Jones, who has presented The One Show since 2010, and is particularly frank about the decisions she had to make around maternity leave and finding the right time to get back on the BBC’s green sofa. “I have a big respect for the job I do, and what comes with having respect for the job you do is a fear of losing it,” she says. “I love my job, and sometimes I think women find it hard to admit they want to go back to work because they like it. “People assume you should be saying, ‘Well, I want to stay at home because I love my baby’, and of course that is the case - I absolutely adore Ted - but I do like my job as well. “There’s nothing wrong with saying, ‘I’ve worked hard to get to this point and yes, I want a child, but I also want a career’, I think that’s fine,” she adds powerfully. “Men never have to struggle to say that, I don’t think women should either.” She admits that “finding the balance is difficult”, but notes: “It’s not just about liking your job, it’s about necessity; lots of us have to go back because it’s necessary for us to earn a living and for lots of families, it does take two wages to bring up a child.” In the end, Jones went back to work three months after Teddy was born. “There were some concerns, mostly from my mum and friends, who said, ‘Are you sure, Al, that you’re ready to go back, it seems quite soon?’ And of course, before you have a baby you don’t know how soon that is. I’d made promises before really knowing how I would feel.” Fortunately, she had a “super supportive” boss, who suggested she come back part-time to begin with. “It worked really well, but I’m not scared to say I was worried about taking maternity leave - it’s

“It’s not just about liking your job, it’s about necessity; lots of us have to go back because it’s necessary for us to earn a living and for lots of families, it does take two wages to bring up a child.”

scary taking time out.” While Jones didn’t suffer any pressure on the coming-back-to-work front, she says being pregnant, whether inside or outside the studio, did involve an outpouring of advice and opinions whether they were always welcome or not. Sure, it was great to have Tom Hanks recommend her hypnobirthing books (“Oh gosh, he was so nice, one of the nicest guests we’ve ever had”), and Jamie Oliver tell her to stash some takeout menus for ordering from at the hospital (“The guests all gave their two pennies’ worth, which was lovely”), there was no escaping the fact that “everyone has an opinion” when there’s a baby involved. “Everybody feels they can give you bits of advice and tips, and most of them, to be fair, are great,” Jones notes, “but they do feel they can make comments they probably wouldn’t otherwise, in the same way they feel they can touch your bump - you wouldn’t normally walk up to someone in the street and touch their stomach, that would just be plain weird, but for some reason when you’re pregnant, they feel they can.” Back at work full-time, and having raised almost £800,000 for Sport Relief with her Mother Of All Challenges recently - five days of biking, hiking and open water swimming - her tactic for dealing with unasked-for guidance, no matter the situation is: “Ignore, polite smile, move on.” After all, pushiness isn’t solely reserved for pregnant people. “When you get a boyfriend, people ask, ‘When are you going to get engaged?’ When you’re engaged it’s, ‘When are you going to get married?’ Then it’s, ‘When are you going to have your first child?’, and now it’s, ‘When are you going to have your second?!’ “People are always looking for that next thing, speeding through life,” says Jones, sounding slightly incredulous. “There’s so much expectation on people, and sometimes that pressure is quite hard to deal with.” Winging It!: Parenting In The Middle of Life! by Alex Jones is published by Lagom, priced £14.99 (ebook £6.47). Available now. J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 7 3

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Summer fun for the kids

olour-in fun for your unicorn-loving or robot-loving little one! Let your child’s creative side with these colour-in tops. A great way to keep them entertained throughout the summer, as well as helping them to express themselves. Shelter from the sun in a teepee hideout! Create a cool, comfy space for your children to play and have fun. Perfect for reading, playing and creating, your little one will escape into a world of their own imagination. Tidy toys! Keep your little one’s play area tidy

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and uncluttered with these black and white toys storage bags. Stylish, strong and practical they are the perfect addition to any playroom! Add a bit of magic into your little one’s bedroom! This neon lamp is perfect for any child who loves unicorns. With a soft glow and warming affect it is sure to make b edtime magical. A cute jurassic touch! If your child loves dinosaurs, these hanging postcards are the perfect subtle detail for any dino-themed room! A funky twist on the lightbox! The emoji lightbox is great addition to your little one’s bedroom. Letting them to mix & match emojis, allows for a personal item that is as entertaining as it is cool! A fun and colourful way to keep track of your child’s height! This height chart is perfect for any dinosaur-loving child, with is eye catching dino-design it is sure to keep them engaged as you mark their growth. A cute, colourful addition to your little one’s room. Finlay the fox cushion comes with a fun and entertaining poem print on the back. It is perfect way to get your children to go to bed after a long day in sun, as well as helping them with learning words! www.oostor.com

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WILD CHILD KITCHEN FARM TO TABLE CHILDREN’S FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE EXPANDS LONDON-WIDE

ild Child Kitchen is a start-up brand with big ambitions: to change how children eat for good. The leading children’s food delivery company brings convenient, healthful, real food from their kitchen in a renovated Battersea railway arch to the plates of little foodies (suitable for age 1+). 2018 sees delivery zones extend from central London to encompass all postcodes within the M25 and a new option for flexible subscription bundles. Founded by Natasha Lee in the summer of 2016 after extensive research with nurseries, families, nutritionists and suppliers, Wild Child Kitchen is set to inspire the next generation with a menu of colourful dishes influenced by cuisines from around the world. With a range of chilled and frozen options, alongside go-between snacks and party bites, the meals are ready for parents to heat and serve or stow away for busy days. Seasonal menu options include Asian-inspired Sesame Salmon Noodles, prepared with vermicelli noodles and Lock Duart salmon; inviting Lamb & Sultana Meatballs in Roasted Veggie Sauce on a bed of Quinoa – organic minced lamb is combined with juicy sultanas and seasoned with fresh parsley and plenty of bright veg sneaks its way into the sauce…!; perfect for energy-packed snacking are the calcium, omega 3 and fibre-rich Jammy Chia Slices with homemade chia jam, layered with oats and coconut; for those expecting a crowd, it’s always handy to have a Family Shepherd’s or Lentil Pie tucked away in the freezer for any and every eventuality! Wild Child’s Little Foodie Taste Team ensure the food is appealing to the eyes, bellies and minds of children for minimum fuss at dinnertime. Ingredients are organic wherever possible, seasonal and sustainably sourced (75% from here in the UK). Extensive research went into the choice of suppliers, which include Langridge Organic and the Rhug Estate; fish is sustainably sourced from Southbank. There is total transparency of supply, down to the grass cows were fed on and the waters in which fish were raised. All of the dishes are designed to ensure menus meet the nutritional requirements for each stage of development and are made without gluten, dairy or nuts, making the food offering inclusive for children with these common allergies and intolerances. In fact, it was Natasha’s younger sister who inspired this aspect of the Wild Child offering, 7 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

being highly allergic, the Lee family had to be cautious when she was at school or parties. A lover of food and cooking, Natasha wanted to create recipes where allergy sufferers would feel included and worry-free. The sisters grew up with Asian cooking, which is often naturally free from wheat and dairy - when Natasha’s friends started having kids she was the first port of call when looking for substitute recipes and so the seed was sewn! The food is free from refined sugar and added salt to instil healthy habits early on. Everything is prepared from scratch (from purees and dried fruit to kilos of handmade gnocchi) to ensure there is no doubt as to what goes into every meal. Careful thought was also given to the planet’s health, all packaging is plant-based (from sheep’s wool insulation to vegetable inks) and biodegradable. Brand new for 2018, due to popular demand, are a variety of subscriptions with the flexibility to receive on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. They are easy to manage and can simply be paused or edited whenever needed. Parents can build a Freezer Subscription from Wild Child’s signature meals - perfect for tots who know what they like! For adventurous foodies, there’s the Fresh Bundle – a seasonal selection of three meals each week. The new Snack Attack Bundle keeps snacking interesting with a chef ’s selection of three tempting choices. Founder Natasha Lee speaks of her journey, “I gave up a career in the City to found Wild Child Kitchen in 2016. I wanted to build a company that encourages a healthy curiosity in children about what they eat and where it comes from. Many of us have lost that important connection with what’s on our plate and, in turn, how it makes us feel. Wild Child Kitchen brings parents convenience and peace of mind knowing that our food is sourced, prepared and delivered with the utmost care, while also empowering their child to make healthier choices and develop new tastes. Transparency is one of the core values that drives Wild Child Kitchen - I believe every parent deserves to know what is in their child’s food and how it was made!” And so begins Wild Child Kitchen’s mission: to make healthy, appealing meals, with the finest natural and seasonal ingredients, available to a wide audience of diets – building a nutritional bedrock for a life of balanced and joyful eating. www.wildchildkitchen.co.uk

THE WILD CHILD KITCHEN ETHOS No refined sugars or added salt No gluten, dairy or nuts Organic wherever possible Farm to table with transparent supply and production chain Complete transparency on sourcing Vegan and Veggie diets are catered for

DELIVERY Deliveries are made on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 4pm and Fridays from 9am to 1pm and will be housed in insulated boxes that are designed to keep food at safe temperatures for consumption. These boxes are collected and reused by the team on the next delivery. All postcodes within the M25 are now catered for.

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Supporting your child for their transition into Reception

The Hampshire School Chelsea

quick google search reveals the standard “school readiness” strategies, but what other skills will truly support your child having a seamless and positive start to their Reception year? A smooth transition from Early Years to Reception is achieved through timely, targeted support in a nurturing learning environment that develops, in children, the confidence to adapt to new expectations and experiences. Self-management is a good starting point for independent learning and the morning routine offers the opportunity to hone the skills through such activities as dressing, putting on their own shoes and perhaps even packing an item in their school bag. A key area to develop is their communication skills, beyond vocabulary and sentence structure. Being an effective communicator and the ability to work collaboratively with a friend, team member or known adult to achieve a common goal, provides the foundation for effective learning. Parents can support their child by encouraging them to make eye contact with known adults and use respectful manners to converse when greeting or thanking someone. Reinforcing positive behaviours and clear communication should become natural. Providing age appropriate experiences builds resilience and children should be encouraged to take risks in their learning from an early age to foster creativity and to embrace appropriate challenge. Whilst it may seem repetitive for a child to dig with the same stick in the mud for what seems like an inordinate amount of time, it is all part of their experience and development of their physical and cognitive abilities. Being able to persevere with tasks develops attention to detail. As an example, children may find sitting at a table and writing about seasonal changes more complex if they have never experienced an opportunity to kick autumn leaves. It is important to give children time to reflect on their experiences and talk about them, using rich vocabulary to build an extensive word bank for future oral and written tasks. Open Day for Early Years, Pre-Prep and Children are resilient, adaptable, eager Prep will be held on Thursday 28th June to learn and have a natural desire to be Please contact the school for more information part of a community. The Reception 020 7352 7077 year is a very exciting juncture in a admissions@thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk child’s educational journey, facilitating rapid progress. Parents should take pleasure in enjoying their child’s journey. www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk

OPEN DAY

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YUMMY MUMMY

HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUR BABY TO YOUR OTHER CHILDREN Social psychologist Dr Sandra Wheatley shares top tips for introducing a baby to older siblings.

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hile not every family has two future kings in it, some parenting challenges are universal, including how to introduce a newborn baby to older siblings. As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge introduced Prince George and Princess Charlotte to their third arrival in April of this year, Dr Sandra Wheatley, a social psychologist who specialises in families and parenting, shares her advice to ensure plain sailing.

It’s important to explain things in the right way One of the key factors in how you tell children they’re going to have a baby brother or sister is their age. For older children, like four-year-old Prince George, you can explain quite clearly about the fact a baby is coming and how exciting it is, and have a conversation about what this means for them. Dr Wheatley says: “Be gentle, and explain that while it may seem like Mummy is always occupied with

this very noisy little thing, it won’t last forever. With a younger child, like Princess Charlotte, their psychology makes it harder for them to understand and recall information when a baby is being noisy and irritating. The simpler you keep it, the better. Don’t go into great detail, but make sure they know what to expect, so when you say there’s a baby in Mummy’s tummy, they aren’t imagining a penguin!”

Give them constant reassurance “As a parent, your principle job is to reassure your children you will love them just as much as you always have done, even when a new baby comes along,” says Dr Wheatley. “The experience of being a second or third-time new parent is often laced with emotion, because you feel guilty for not attending to your older children as you once did. Despite you insisting you still love them as much as the new baby, they might not understand how you couldn’t possibly love them more than this new crying, pooing thing in their lives There’s that lurking thought pattern in children’s minds, especially if they are a bit older, as they can draw comparisons. So make sure they hear reassurance from a variety of sources, like grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and cousins.

Try not to burden them too much with the responsibility of being the eldest While they may be excited about becoming a big brother or sister, they might also understand this comes with responsibility. Dr Wheatley says: “Pretty much every parent with more than one child will find themselves uttering the words, ‘You’re a big brother/sister now, you should be setting an example’, to their eldest children. “Ask them to pass nappies or wipes, tell them what a lovely older sibling they are, how much you’d have liked a big brother or sister like them when you were little. Make them feel like they play a special role in the baby’s life,” she says.

things together and make it special for them.”

Give yourself a break Dr Wheatley says: “Yes, the reality is you won’t get as much one-to-one time as before, but even without a new baby, your relationship with your children adapts and grows. Don’t feel guilty about the fact you can’t do the things together you used to do, as you probably wouldn’t still be doing those things anyway.” If they see you’re listening to them, this is often enough to help them feel a bit better.

Know that all relationships are different As your children grow, so too do their relationships with each other and with you. Dr Wheatley says: “A new baby introduces a new dynamic to this. With three children, there’s a risk the middle child may feel left out, as they’re no longer the baby, or the two elder children might gang up on the newborn, and then it almost becomes parents and baby versus other children. When these moments happen, just know that it will evolve and change, like family dynamics always do. “There is likely to be a discord for the first couple of months, which for a child of two or three, like Charlotte, actually represents a large percentage of their life. But initial irritation will soon give way to joyful pride and happiness at other times. For older children, it can last a little longer, but equally they can accept it more readily because they are more able to understand that life may be a bit unfair sometimes, but it doesn’t last forever.”

“The experience of being a second or third-time new parent is often laced with emotion, because you feel guilty for not attending to your older children as you once did”

There are no right or wrong answers It’s important to be adaptable and open-minded. Dr Wheatley says: “Even if you’re discussing parenting tactics with a friend and they mention something you think wouldn’t work for your family, you may find yourself in the middle of a shopping-centre meltdown and you know what? Their advice came in very handy.”

If your older child is moving rooms keep them involved in the process Moving bedrooms can create potential instability or unfamiliarity, so focus on how exciting it is to have a ‘big boy’s bedroom’, rather than a nursery. Maybe ask them to pick out stickers for the walls of the baby’s new bedroom.

Listen to what they’re saying to you As a parent, you have to listen to the tough stuff, so don’t be afraid to talk about it. Ask them how they’re feeling, what they miss about life before the baby, even if it’s painful to hear. Dr Wheatley says: “If they say they want to spend more time with you, enlist the help of your network to free up your time to have a day just with them. You will be feeling exhausted, but making a plan for something you can do together can often swing it for the older ones. Use it as an opportunity to do new and exciting J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 8 1

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Why I Want My Children To Have Emotional Intelligence! Learn about a new approach to emotional development & mental wellbeing for very young children.

s a society, we value intelligence. And once our children start school we want them to do well academically. We help them learn to read and we show them how to write their name. Evenings are spent practising spellings and times tables. Yet we rarely teach our children about emotional intelligence. From an early age, we ‘shhh’ them when they cry. We tell our children to be quiet when they’re angry. And we often use negative language to describe their emotions. They’re not just upset, they’re throwing a tantrum. Our children aren’t happy or joyful, they’re overly excited. We use terms like ‘grumpy’ and ‘playing up’ to describe when our little ones are learning to deal with their confusing emotions. In a world where there is still a stigma attached to mental ill health, we try to teach our children to dampen 8 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

their emotions. Instead of helping them learn to express their emotions in productive ways, we urge them to suppress how they truly feel. For some reason, we seem to believe that creating emotionally repressed humans is best for our society. And as parents, we’ll happily prioritise teaching our children to spell the word ‘sad’ before we teach them how to handle feeling sad. Yet, if you want your child to be happy, content, fulfilled and a valued member of society who is able to meet their full potential, then they need to be emotionally intelligent. I know that I have no control over what happens in my children’s lives. However, I do have control over how I educate them and help them to navigate their life. For me, one of the most important parts of this is helping my children to develop emotional intelligence. I want them to be able to understand that, as human beings, we all feel emotions. It is our emotions that help us to empathise with other people. They help us interact socially. And our emotions can affect our health, both physically and mentally. To do this I am working with Skylark Learning and My First Emotions. I’m so excited to help my children to become emotionally intelligent. www.myfirstemotions.com

Hello. I’m Lucy, a former fundraiser, wife and mum to two rainbow babies. I write honestly about a mum’s life with everyday challenges from the perspective of emotional wellbeing. You can read my blog at www.mrshsfavouritethings.com/

I want my children to be able to: 1. Understand their emotions 2. Talk about their emotions 3. Be individuals 4. Build healthy relationships 5. Protect their mental health