Yummy Mummy Magazine October 2022

YUMMY MUMMY

FUNKY LITTLE DARLINGS

Funky Little Darlings is an award winning interior design company specialising in designing children’s rooms and spaces, and creating modern luxury family living. Since designers Mandy Colliss and David Quinton established the company in 2006, they have developed a reputation for exceptional creativity and an uncompromising approach to design. They have designed for all ages and stages, from nurseries to first bedrooms and playrooms through to über cool teen spaces, delivering beautifully finished and perfectly tailored rooms that are inspiring, beautiful and practical whilst providing the highest quality professional service.

As experienced interior designers, they offer a range of interior design services that mean they can be used as much or as little as needed. From Mood Boards and On-Line Design through to fully managed services, they have design options to suit each family’s individual requirements and budget. Their goal is simply to create stylish, memorable spaces filled with character and warmth and to always exceed expectations. Their in-depth interiors knowledge ensures a child’s room not only looks fantastic, but it’s practical as well as functional, with longevity built into the design. They can design bespoke furniture and accessories to suit a room as well as source products from around the world to ensure that each project has a unique, personalised finish. Whatever is needed, they will help in creating

modern luxury living spaces.

They have a boutique on-line shop that brings together the finest furnishings, decor and accessories that help style-savvy parents source luxury design for their children. Everything is handpicked, beautifully made and magical.

They have expertise in interior design, graphics, 3D and packaging design having worked in the children’s toys and computer games industry, and have designed for the BBC, Disney, Hasbro and Endemol and on global brands such as Monopoly, Teletubbies, In The Night Garden, Playskool, Big Brother, Action Man and Sindy. Their products and services have been used worldwide in hotels, restaurants, cafés, retail establishments and private homes and they have featured internationally in the press, magazines and on television.

Phone number: 01993 898834

Email: studio@funkylittledarlings.co.uk

Website: funkylittledarlings.co.uk

Instagram: @funkylittledarlings

“As experienced interior designers, they offer a range of interior design services that mean they can be used as much or as little as needed”

BABIES & KIDS

CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

Meet the Toniebox; the musical storybox that brings kids’ favourite musical characters to life. Made for little hands and big imaginations, the Toniebox is the perfect present for every child on Santa’s list. tonies.com/en-gb

FOREVER YOUNG

We love these most prettiest of blouses made using Liberty Betsy cotton fabric with a peter pan collar, smock detail and mother of pearl buttons down the back. peterpanswardrobe.co.uk

AUTUMN COLOURS

These Raisin print dungarees are the perfect for playing and learning. Made from super-soft organic cotton, they look great paired with a Mini & Humble bodysuit or t-shirt underneath. miniandhumble.com

COSY COMFORT

HANDCRAFTED HALLOWEEN

Make Halloween extra magical with our handmade fabric crown - perfect for Halloween parties and general sorcery. Made with a spellbinding cotton fabric designed by the iconic Rifle Paper Co. magicandmonroe.co.uk

Simple and classic, these Fir & Festivities pyjamas are perfect for the whole family come Christmas. Featuring a subtle Christmas tree print and a Nordic pattern, these jammies are sure to get everyone feeling super excited about the big day. mychristmaspyjamas.co.uk

Transform your child’s bedroom

With the summer holidays in full swing and little ones seizing the spotlight, it might be time to give their bedrooms an update.

After all, kids’ bedrooms often double up as toy rooms and play areas as well as slumber sanctuaries – not to mention all the kit they need to store –and children can outgrow things fast.

You don’t necessarily need to redo the whole room, however. Swapping in one or two new items can provide a fun refresh, and help the room ‘grow’ with them.

From stylish storage solutions to blissful bedding, these best bedroom buys will blend beautifully into existing schemes – and might even bring out the big kid in you…

(top) Sleepmasters Wig-Wam X Bed Frame, £199.99 (was £249.99), Bensons For Beds With tent and camping vibes, this wig-waminspired bedframe is sure to fire their imagination – especially if they have a wall or ceiling full of stars to sleep under.

Rocket Children’s Wall Light, £19.99, Lights4fun

Aspiring astronauts or rocketeers will love this whizzy wooden rocket lighting up their favourite space. Backlit by 18 warm white LEDs.

Tipi Bed, £299 (was £399), Studio

With space for their favourite cuddly toys, this white and mint green tipi-shaped headboard should entice them to settle down. Plus, two roomy pull-out drawers can be used for

Kids Polar Bear Plush Animal Head Wall Décor by Wild & Soft, £44.95 (was £49.95), Cuckooland

This is Basile! And he’s our new favourite beastie, with his plush faux fur and sweet face.

Snurk Childrens Princess Duvet Bedding Set in Yellow, £44 (was £49) Cuckooland

Are you thinking what we’re thinking? Why don’t they make beautiful make-believe bedding like this for grown-ups! Your little princess can take dressing up as Cinderella to the next level, when they head to dreamland with this winning duvet set.

Shopping for a child’s bedroom? Sam Wylie-Harris reveals some best buys.

books, spare bedding and PJs – or anything left lying around.

Kid’s Bookcase with Storage – White, £69 (left; other items from a selection), Dunelm When you want to take the chore out of sorting and organising their favourite things – and teach them to be bedroom proud – this handy bookcase comes with three shelves at just the right height, with two compartments at ground level and space for stacking baskets.

George Green Apple Cushion, £7, Direct.asda

Not green but a lovely pretty pink, the apple of your eye deserves a fun cushion to snuggle up with.

(below) Rattan London Bus Book Shelf, £245, The White Company

An investment piece for sure – this iconic London bus offers wheels of fun for all ages and will stand the test of time. It’s the perfect height for tots and little kids to store their treasures, with ample room. Plus, it’s versatile enough for teens to top it with succulents or trailing ferns.

Kids Rattan Clothes Rail, £199, Dunelm

This stylish rattan clothes rail will be a godsend when you’re laying out their new uniform – not to mention their holiday wardrobe, party clothes or football kit.

World Map Pillowcase – Colour In & Learn, £15.95, Eat Sleep Doodle

When you want to spark a taste for adventure or introduce them to far-flung destinations, this colour-in world map pillowcase comes with a set of 10 wash-out fabric pens. Genius.

Harry Potter fans mark moment train leaves for Hogwarts at King’s Cross

Harry Potter fans were treated to a magical display at King’s Cross Station on Thursday to mark the moment Hogwarts students board the train to school.

The departure board lit up and announcements were made ahead of the 11am fictional departure from platform nine and three quarters, before a countdown led by Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson and Capital FM presenter Vick Hope.

The ‘Back To Hogwarts’ event in the capital also included wand combat workshops as well as a rendition of a wand dance from the West End cast of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.

Thompson, who hosted the event, said: “Being a massive Harry Potter fan, I jumped at the chance to come down to King’s Cross and host the live countdown for the Back To Hogwarts Day celebrations this year.

“My expectations were already sky high, but I was blown away when I saw so many amazing Wizarding World fans had come down for the day, absolutely smashing it with their costumes!

“Highlight for me was having one-on-one wand combat training with Paul Harris, the Wizarding World wand choreographer, and it was brilliant to see the cast of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child perform the ‘wand dance’ too.”

By Max McLean

STYCH Launch AW22 Clothing and Accessories Collection

STYCH – the unique online clothing and accessories shop – has launched its whimsical AW22 collections, full of sparkle and shine for children aged 3-8 years old! The smileinducing designs feature luxe fabrics including taffeta, velvet and tulle, with embroidered unicorns, butterflies and STYCH’s signature rainbow in an enchanted collection full of fantasy and delight…perfect for fashion-forward kids who love to stand out from the crowd!

The captivating collection includes a butterfly velvet dress and bold party skirts (all adorned with embroidered butterflies and mystical unicorns!), a gold star dress, textured and playful bags, colourful hair accessories and sparkly headbands, plush butterfly earmuffs and a furry eye mask, cosy cloud themed socks and tights, a rainbow belt, characterful jewellery, giftable vanity boxes, and wearable butterfly wings for magical adventures!

The hugely talented and creative STYCH team design gifts and accessories with love and thought, to make every little recipient ‘Smile Till Their Cheeks Hurt!’. The beautiful collections bring joy, inspire play and imagination, and have a timeless hand-me-down quality so they can be cherished for years. The AW22 collection uses organic cottons and incorporates more recycled materials, including recycled glitter fabric and recycled

plastics in clips and headbands.

STYCH has also created a very special heritage print for the AW22 collection, which has been designed in-house in the UK to incorporate all of the brand’s icons since they began. The print features in the 2-piece Heritage Print Hair Gift Set, which includes a bow Alice headband and matching bow scrunchie, both made and printed in the UK, working with small companies on home soil.

For a personal present that will be treasured for years, STYCH also offer a ‘Build A Gift’ option, with small, medium and large gift packages with the option to include a thoughtful handwritten note. All the gift sets are hand wrapped and beautifully presented in eco-friendly reusable boxes and bags, for that extra special touch.

THE DETAILS

STYCH’s AW22 collections can be purchased at stychaccessories.com and from selected retailers.

SLUMBERSAC

As the cold nights draw in, it can be a worry knowing how to keep your baby warm and comfortable at night. Research shows that conventional bedding can overheat a child or be kicked off to leave them cold. Baby sleeping bags are designed to maintain a constant temperature throughout the night and give a safer, secure sleep.

Slumbersac’s award-winning Sleeping Bags with Feet are a fantastic choice for little ones. The innovative design offers babies and toddlers the freedom to move around safely while still enjoying the comfort of a soft, cosy sleeping bag at bedtime.

Designed by mums for mums, there are a number of practical design features including feet covers to keep toes warm and toasty, a non-slip sole so toddlers can walk safely, press studs for easy nappy changing or detachable arms to adapt to the ever-changing UK weather.

As a trusted brand for parents, Slumbersac

works hard to source high-quality cotton materials from reliable suppliers which are perfect for baby’s sensitive skin. These are rigorously tested and certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and therefore free of harmful substances.

Slumbersac’s Sleeping Bags with Feet come in a range of fun designs as well as 4 Togs so that you can choose the right thickness for this time of year. View the Autumn/Winter range at slumbersac.co.uk and follow @slumbersac

‘WHY DO BABYGROWS HAVE ALL THESE POPPERS?’

All ZIPPYUPs have concealed zips so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab at the neck ensures the zip puller doesn’t catch on any little chins.

Sleeves have turn back cuffs so you don’t need separate (often lost or odd) mittens.

There is a wide variety of prints and colour combinations including unisex colours such as aqua and pale grey along with traditional whites, pinks, blues and rainbows.

I am very excited to have also launched the new ZIPPYUP sleeping bag with legs and detachable arms. Select from 1 Tog and 2.5 Tog thickness, designed to be worn as a baggy fit so it can also be layered with a ZIPPYUP babygrow underneath for extra warmth. The sleeves simply zip on or off depending on your babies needs. Sizes are from 6-12 months up to 24-36 months.

BEAUTIFUL BABYGROW

This is a question most parents probably ask as they are dressing their newborn in the middle of the night.

As a Mummy of two very wriggly little boys I have first hand experience of the struggle to dress them, it’s like wrestling a lion cub trying to get them dressed after bath time. ZIPPYUP’s will make nappy and outfit changes so much quicker and easier.

With this in mind I got to work on making ZIPPYUP a brand that gives you not only useful but stylish babygrows.

Before promoting myself to the position of Mummy I had a background in textile design and fashion, a passion I didn’t want to be lost in the midsts of motherhood. I have taken the many years of experience and put it to good use by designing a babygrow that works well for both the wearer and the dresser.

ZIPPYUP products aren’t just well designed, they are beautiful quality. The collection has now expanded with an organic cotton range in a variety of colours, Winter fleece onesies are great for after swimming or just to keep cosy on strolls in the buggy…and now sleeping bags with legs. I personally source and work with the factories making ZIPPYUPs to get the best possible materials.

New to the ZIPPYUP family this month is a subscription service, you can have a range of babygrows delivered straight to your door every month! Choose how many and what size you want in either girl, boy or neutral colours and we do the rest!

At ZIPPYUP we are always developing new designs, prints and colour combinations, I look forward to sharing these with you. zippyup.com

“I couldn’t be happier with this beautiful babygrow. Night feeds in particular are so much easier now I can just zip up and I don’t have to fiddle with poppers” –Simone M

(Spring Garden Bunny Printed Zipped Babygrow)

FREEDELIVERY

JOLI NOUS

The small Swiss brand Joli Nous is creating high quality and elegant baby carriers (Ring Sling). Sewn in Switzerland, the Ring Sling is an essential for parents carrying children from birth to three years. It is very quick, simple and easy to use and allows you to have both hands free while having your baby close to you. Available in stylish colours and in OEKO-TEX certified in high quality European linen and organic cotton (GOTS).

Shop at www.jolinous.ch or visit @joli_nous on Instagram

ATHLETICA LONDON

Our silky smooth Superstripe, Tricolour and Perform leggings have been bestsellers since launch. These leggings are ultra-flattering, stretchy and perfect for any activity. Our signature V stripe hoodies are made from the softest brushback organic cotton fleece and available in four eyecatching colours: electric blue, hot pink, navy and crisp white. Our sports tees and tanks are made from high quality, stretch performance fabrics, which are lightweight and quick-drying to allow you to freely move and play.

Athletica London is a design-led activewear brand for girls aged 7-14 years made from eco-friendly, performance fabrics.

Designed in London and ethically made using super-soft, premium Italian techno fabrics, the launch collection includes bright leggings, hoodies, tees and tanks, perfect for sport and everyday.

Our customers love the simple bright colourways and the way the collection works together to create different stylish outfit combinations, so girls can look and feel great, leading active and happy lives.

We are delighted to offer Yummy Mummy readers 20% off our collection with the code YUMMYMUMMY20 through October. athleticalondon.com

READER OFFER: SAVE 20%

“Our customers love the simple bright colourways and the way the collection works together to create different stylish outfit combinations”

Scandinavian design for kids

and accessories that are fun and stylish!

Mini Objects of Desire – MOOD Kids was founded in 2017 and is constantly striving to provide excellent customer service. With sustainability at the heart of what they do, they look to source furniture that will last through the years. Cots converting into toddler beds or Sofa’s and Cribs converting into a cute reading bench. Highchairs that will see a family through from 6 months to 9 years old!

MOOD Kids brings you Scandinavian design from the leading manufacturers in Children’s furniture and accessories.

Stocking brands such as Oliver Furniture, Leander, Micuna and Oeuf amongst many others, their furniture gives you clean classic lines you’d expect from Scandinavian style, while Matty by Bols Tent and Treehouse beds adds fun and practicality.

MOOD Kids can help you create a room full of dreams and adventure. Their aim is to source items that fit in with the modern family. Children’s furniture that is sleek and highchairs that bring a sense of style to your dining table

READER

With their in-house dedicated delivery team your order could be with you the very next day. Be sure to check out their Christmas gift guide on their website. Their Mr Maria Miffy lights have always been a popular choice for gift giving as well as the classic Baghera Riders and the Playforever cars! With fun and vibrant gifts which include their BIBU cushions and range of corduroy Miffy soft toys you can wrap up your Christmas shopping with MOOD Kids.

THE DETAILS

10% off using LONDONLIFE10

miniobjectsofdesire.com

Tel: 0330 330 0126

Email: Info@mood-kids.com

MENOPAUSE

Dr Catrin Bevan, The London General Practice

Never before has Menopause been talked about so much in the press and media.

Leading employers Astra Zeneca, BBC, Royal Mail, COOP AND TSB are the latest organisations signing the menopause workplace pledge. As it should be, as Menopausal women 45-55 make up the largest proportion of the employed women’s workforce.

It’s time to deal with the mystery and misinformation associated with this time of a women’s life.

As a doctor who myself is going through the menopause, I understand the complexities and difficulties a woman has describing the myriad of physical , mental, and emotional symptoms that can make her life a misery. Sometimes just talking to a doctor who will listen, explain, investigate if necessary and give good accurate, evidence based medical advice that covers all aspects of support and treatment can make a huge difference. I also try to ensure that other medical conditions and screening are not forgotten in the haze and brain fog of the menopause.

Menopause and its treatment are variable and complex as every woman is different. One woman may have no symptoms and not want or need any form of support or treatment, whilst another may have every symptom in the book and require various treatments for different symptoms,

sometimes for many months or even years.

It takes time to answer questions and explain the different forms of treatment, from diet and exercise to psychological support. We also take time to discuss different medical treatment options such as homeopathic medications and the various forms of HRT. It is important to understand the pros and cons of various forms of treatments.

Symptoms often described are, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleeping problems, mood changes, thinning hair and dry skin. The list goes on.

You should not feel alone or helpless. Many other women of varying ages are suffering and experiencing similar problems.

If you would like to discuss any aspects of the menopause or women’s health, then please contact me at the London General Practice ... I am here to help in any way.

DR CATRIN BEVAN MBBS, DRCOG

Celebrations begin as The Baby Show turns 21 at Olympia London this Autumn

The Baby Show, the UK’s leading and largest pregnancy, baby and parenting event for new and expectant parents returns to Olympia to celebrate its 21st year. Sponsored by Lidl GB, The Baby Show will once more play host to the UK’s biggest selection of baby brands all under one roof.

The Baby Show with Lidl GB enables visitors to try before they buy, take advantage of unbeatable offers and listen to the nations’ top experts within the baby and parenting sectors and even watch live demonstrations to help with those all-important big purchase decisions.

With over 350+ brands and thousands of products to discover, including well-known and loved household names such as iCandy, Lindex, MAM, Silvercross, Mamas & Papas, Tommee Tippee, Stokke®, Chicco, BABYZEN™, Daisy First Aid, Nuna, Inglesina, Venicci, Vitabiotics, Obaby, Nanit, Peg Perego and BabyBjörn to name just a few, The Baby Show has been an integral part of supporting families on their journey to parenthood for 21 years.

Parents can hear from the UK’s most respected leading baby and parenting experts on the Live Talks Stage, which offers a jam-packed timetable of informative and inspirational talks every day on topics such as baby first aid to breastfeeding, sleep, birth, weaning, the fourth trimester and even mental health

Other show features returning include the Baby Feeding Café with free baby food and a quiet breastfeeding area. Headline sponsor Lidl GB will be presenting their full Lupilu baby range, from nutritious meals, snacks, and purées to everyday baby essentials. Visitors can sample and use their wipes and award-winning nappies free of charge within their fully equipped Lidl Lupilu Baby Change Area too.

For those keen to shop smaller and visit boutique, not on the high street brands suitable for all stages of pregnancy, this year The Baby Show is introducing the New Kids on The Block area. Welcoming newcomers such as Eddie & Bee and House of Margaux, a complimentary Shop & Drop and handy Collect-by-Car service will also be available at the show, making shopping a breeze. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit thebabyshow.co.uk/olympia

“Other show features returning include the Baby Feeding Café with free baby food and a quiet breastfeeding area”

INTERIOR

by parents across London

Eklektik Studio offers a range of design services from Single Consultations to Full Project Management. Each design is developed in collaboration with the client to get a sense of the family’s lifestyle and aesthetic preference. Priding ourselves on our eye for detail, meticulous planning & colour knowledge

Joanna Landais is the founder of Eklektik and one of the co-authors of the nursery design book, The Nest Planner. She founded Eklektik Studio in 2017, focusing her design studio on nurseries and child spaces. Bringing together beauty, functionality and safety, Joanna believes in creating spaces for her clients that are unique and curated.

NURSERY • KIDS’S BEDROOM • TEENAGE BEDROOM • PLAYROOM

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

SMART CELLS IS MORE THAN A STEM CELL BANK

The first private stem cell storage company in the UK, Smart Cells has been preserving and storing umbilical cord stem cells for more than twenty years. Smart Cells has successfully released more samples worldwide for the treatment of life-threatening illnesses than any other private company in the UK. Now part of FamiCord Group, Europe’s largest stem cell bank, we bring expertise from more than 20 countries.

SMART CELLS SAMPLES SAVE LIVES

Smart Cells works closely with the best clinicians and maternity hospitals in the UK, including The Kensington Wing, they trust our research-led, quality approach above anyone else. A scientific director with over 35 years’ experience in the this field oversees the release of every sample, and ensures the highest levels of quality assurance.

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY, GLOBAL REACH

A state-of-the-art laboratory ensures samples are processed and stored using the latest science and

technology. Samples are stored close to Heathrow airport, ensuring they can be collected and released from or to anywhere in the world – fast.

A dedicated UK phlebotomy service with emergency contacts and call out personnel operates 24/7 to save you the inconvenience of having to find, book, and manage this service yourself.

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE

MAKES SMART CELLS DIFFERENT

Smart Cells work with clients all around the world. The expert team supports you every step of the way. Pricing and service plans are clear and honest, as is our data on sample success – no misleading claims. All costs and guarantees are fully transparent from the start, including phlebotomy services (UK only), maternal blood testing, and shipping fees.

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE BEST CHANCE POSSIBLE IN LIFE.

For more information, please visit smartcells. com or contact Emilio on 07821 110 554 or email emilio.garcia@smartcells.com

Top Tips For Looking After Baby Skin With Original Sprout, This Winter

Baby skin is 30% thinner than adult skin, losing moisture twice as fast through the skin barrier, thus making little ones’ prone to dryness and their skin particularly permeable to water.

This, combined with the change of season, makes it extremely common for babies to experience changes in their skin, with the dry, cold air and precipitation in Winter holding less moisture, meaning their skin can dry out extremely quickly.

Caring for your baby’s delicate skin can be a challenging task, and with lots of different factors to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. Although lack of moisture is normal in baby’s skin, there are simple ways to protect your new-born to ensure they stay moisturised.

Remember to keep their baths lukewarm. Babies, especially new-borns, do not always need to be bathed every day, and a bath two or three times a week is enough to keep them clean. Original Sprout’s Hair and Body Babywash is rich in moisture and offers your little one a quick

clean with gentle moisturising ingredients such as organic calendula and refreshing, natural rosemary extract, formulated for sensitive, dry or itchy skin. With a gentle pH of 6.0 – 7.0, a little goes along way, and it is advisable not to scrub their skin clean, but to wash gently and pat dry with a soft towel.

Moisturiser can also be vital in preventing and treating a baby’s dry skin, and Original Sprout’s award-winning Scrumptious Baby Cream is vegan with no soy, gluten, honey, peanut or dairy, leaving skin feeling nourished, and hydrated. Natural zinc provides defence against environmental stressors whilst added rosemary calms sensitive skin, for a multi-purpose protective barrier Baby Cream which is guaranteed to leave your little one feeling, as soft as velvet.

For the best results, apply generously after bathtime, when your little one’s skin is still slightly damp, to ensure maximum absorption and moisturised skin, throughout the Winter. originalsprout.co.uk

“Moisturiser can also be vital in preventing and treating a baby’s dry skin, and Original Sprout’s award-winning Scrumptious Baby

Cream is vegan with no soy, gluten, honey, peanut or dairy”

Collagen – It’s not just for skin

The use of collagen has really taken off in wellness circles but with a focus on skin and appearance. There is however, many little known benefits to taking this wonderful supplement.

Collagen is a type of protein which is present in more than 70% of our body’s structure and provides an important matrix, strength and elasticity to many of our tissues. It is found in skin, tendons, bones, cartilage, and connective tissue. The amount of collagen we have in our bodies declines gradually from the age of 30 onwards leading to many of the aging effects we see on the outside of our bodies but also on the inside.

We don’t consume enough skin, bone, cartilage, and tendons within our diet to make up for this gradual loss and can experience ill effects from collagen deficiency.

Not all collagen supplements are equal and not all are easily absorbed. Hydrolysed collagen peptides are known to be the most absorbable and enhanced levels of collagen peptides are found in the body after taking this supplement. Collagen is also used to treat burns, wounds and ulcers by healthcare professionals.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Reduction in joint pain – studies have shown a reduction in symptoms of osteoarthritis and also a reduction in joint pain.

• Improved bone density – Bones is made of collagen, supplements reduce the rate of bone loss which may lead to osteoporosis

• Surgical healing – improved rates of healing after surgery as it helps to lay down new skin

• Reduced greying – collagen has antioxidant properties that may reduce the loss of melanin which can lead to greying

• Healthier gut – The lining of the gut is formed of collagen and collagen peptides help to regenerate this layer, reducing symptoms of leaky gut and IBS.

• Metabolism - Taking collagen supplement helps to modify hunger pangs due to the increased protein intake which means sugar is absorbed more slowly.

• Skin and hair - increased hydration and thicker hair.

So it’s definitely one to add to the list. For better absorption it’s good to combine it with a Vitamin C supplement which is important for integration into the body.

THE DETAILS

For more information visit purervita.com

Purervita Ltd

8 second Cross Road Twickenham

Follow on Instagram

@purervita @purermama

Email: Hello@purervita.co.uk

purermama.co.uk for pregnant mums

Email: Hello@purermama.co.uk

To discover the Superfood Collagen range, visit www.purervita.com and award-winning pregnancy supplements and pregnancy and postnatal collagens visit purermama.co.uk

Bigger and better Urgent Care Clinic for St John’s Wood

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital has recently opened the doors to its bigger and better Urgent Care Clinic, ensuring the best possible service for the local community.

ACCESS DOCTORS WHEN YOU NEED THEM MOST

Designed for life’s slips, trips and falls, as well as those unexpected minor illnesses, the clinic is ready to give you the care you need, no appointment necessary. Open seven a days a week, and trusted by the St John’s Wood community for over 10 years, the new facility offers almost instant access to doctors when you need them most.

A FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICE

The improved clinic includes a designated children’s waiting area and treatment rooms, and is for all the family, including children aged one and up.

A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS

The clinic can treat minor injuries and illnesses, including sprains, strains and fractures, cuts, burns and grazes, eye and ear infections, stomach bugs

and colds. If you’re not sure whether you should come in, give the friendly team a call and they can advise you.

If needed, instant referrals can be arranged for tests and scans, including x-rays, ultrasound, and MRIs, physiotherapy and specialist consultations –all under one roof in John & Lizzie’s comfortable private hospital, so you can access results and treatment without the wait.

VISIT THE URGENT CARE CLINIC

The clinic is based at 60 Grove End Road, and is part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, just a short walk from St John’s Wood station. Initial consultations with a doctor cost £120 and a nurse’s appointment costs £65.

GET IN TOUCH

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital

60 Grove End Road

NW8 9NH

Call the team: 0207 432 8300

Find out more: hje.org.uk/ services/urgent-care-clinic

Opening times

8am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm) Monday to Friday

8am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)

Weekends

FOSTERING CURIOSITY

Joseph Birchall – Head of King’s Magna Middle School, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

AYear 6 curriculum focused on delivering skills that are important for future success, with no formal SAT testing, fosters curiosity for the important journey into Key Stage 3 and beyond, says the new Head of King’s Magna Middle School at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), Joseph Birchall.

“At QE, our mission is for all members of our community to aspire to the Hill Standard ‘To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have. As Head of King’s Magna, the middle school of QE’s unique four-school model, we harness this individuality through an innovative curriculum. This is a curriculum which supports the transition between the Collegiate’s primary education at Chapter House, our Preparatory school, and the demands of GCSEs and beyond in our two senior schools.”

“In a difference from the traditional school model where children stay in primary education until the end of Year 6, here at QE students join King’s Magna in Year 6, and stay with us until Year 9. We find many students are ready for a new challenge at the end of Year 5, so we made it our focus to develop a unique curriculum for this transitional year, with content designed in partnership between secondary school subject specialists and highly experienced primary age teachers.”

“Importantly, we have made a crucial decision not to assess our Year 6 students using SATS testing. Students are instead assessed formally at three points during the year using standardised and moderated “common evaluation tasks” - these are used to track progress and identify what each student can do and what they could do to improve further. This decision allows us to focus on delivering those skills that the students need to be successful in Key Stage 3 and beyond.”

“Our all-encompassing, holistic approach to developing the whole student, which is at the heart of everything we do here at QE, creates a supportive, vibrant and caring school environment throughout King’s Magna. We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to move seamlessly to our College or Faculty at the end of Year 9, growing and maturing into their teenage years with confidence.”

Joseph Birchall – Head of King’s Magna Middle School

To find out more about their innovative curriculum visit qe.org for more information, where you can book on their next Open Day taking place on 26 November 2022.

“Our all-encompassing, holistic approach to developing the whole student”

Thomas & Friends to introduce first autistic character Bruno the Brake Car

Children’s TV show Thomas & Friends is introducing its first autistic character who has been created in collaboration with autistic writers and organisations.

The new role of Bruno the Brake Car will be voiced by nine-year-old autistic actor Elliott Garcia from Reading, who the National Autistic Society helped cast.

Bruno is a “joyful, pun-making brake car” who is detail-orientated and enjoys schedules, routine and knows where all the tracks lead in the area.

He rolls in reverse at the end of the train, which gives him a unique perspective on the world, as he helps the other engines by keeping heavy cargo steady with his strong brakes.

The engine car also use his a lantern on his red exterior to communicate his emotional state, moving when he is excited or cautious and he can create ear defenders by puffing out steam if he feels sensitive to loud noises.

Garcia said: “When I won the role of Bruno, I imagined that it was a dream, but it wasn’t! I felt really excited and happy.

“It’s great that they are representing autistic characters because I watch the Thomas & Friends series and for there to be an autistic character makes me feel very happy and excited.”

He added that he can relate to the character in some ways, explaining: “His ear defenders I do relate to, because if there’s a really loud noise I can’t cope.

“I can get quite worried about things, I have to think of new strategies, same as Bruno.”

The character and storylines were developed by Mattel Television in collaboration with US autism organisations including the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Easterseals Southern California as well as autistic writers and spokespeople.

Autism is a developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world, as described by the National Autistic Society.

Tom Purser, head of guidance, volunteering

THE DETAILS

Bruno appears in episodes of Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! on Channel 5’s Milkshake. The character’s introduction will also feature in the show’s YouTube series, music album, the Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast and the upcoming feature-length special Mystery Of Lookout Mountain.

By Naomi Clarke

and campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said: “It’s important that everyone sees autistic characters on our screens because there are 160,000 school-age autistic children in the UK and they want to see their stories told, but it’s also important that non-autistic children get insight and understanding into what it can be like to be autistic.

“What Elliot brings to this role is his joy and enthusiasm, his autistic experiences and he just brings the character to life.”

He added: “This is a real moment for autism because the history of autistic children and their relationship with the Thomas & Friends brand has been massive and I think to really recognise the importance of reflecting neurodiversity and autism in the Thomas & Friends series is an amazing moment for Mattel, for the Thomas & Friends brand, and for autistic people.”

Christopher Keenan, senior vice president and executive producer of global content development and production at Mattel, added: “Bruno’s introduction organically embraces a global audience that is underrepresented and deserves to be celebrated in children’s programming.

“So much care and thought went into the development of his character, and we can’t wait for audiences to meet and love Bruno as much as we do.”