BABIES & KIDS
ROCKING INTO AUTUMN
Dazzle is the most stylish rocking horse out there. With a striking black & white houndstooth body, he is guaranteed to WOW and is sure to be the focal point of any room in the house. Dazzle is joined by his pocket buddy Jet, who is a little horse character that features the same bold black & white houndstooth design. Complete with a complementary leatherette bridle and saddle that little ones will love, this rocking horse is a statement piece, blending classic playful charm with a contemporary twist. littlebirdtoldme.com
ADAPTABLE CLASSIC
The Leander Classic Cot is a practical, stylish and dynamic piece of furniture - growing with your child from newborn all the way to three years old thanks to its transforming, adaptive functionality. naturalmat.co.uk
AUTUMN COLOURS
Ignite imaginations with the Caroline Dress in captivating burnt orange. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Caroline Herschel, this showstopping number is a perfect blend of style and comfort.
bakedclaylondon.com
WE LOVE
This gorgeous Louie Kids toad stall set of 2 stools.
COW RIDE
Moobert Cow Ride On ToyHaving the air of a superhero, Moobert offers little ones an enchanting ride into their imaginations... littlebirdtoldme.com
BACK TO BACK
A pretty backpack with a clever twist! 2-in-1: a doll carrier so you can go for a walk with your little baby doll on your back. djeco.com
Best Day Ever… PEPPA PIG by MORI is Back!
MORI – the award-winning sustainable clothing and lifestyle brand for babies and kids – is celebrating the 20th anniversary of PEPPA PIG with the launch of a brand-new daywear and swimwear collection designed for fun and adventure al year round! The new ranges expand MORI’s bestselling PEPPA PIG sleepwear collection to offer little ones an outfit for every moment, day or night. Under license by leading toy and game company Hasbro, the PEPPA PIG daywear collection for children aged 0-3m up to 5-6 years features a delightful new heart and Peppa al-over print against a soft pink background that little fans are sure to love. The range features MORI’s exciting new fabric composition made from the perfect eco-friendly and comfy blend of bamboo, organic cotton and recycled polyester, created so kids can create lifetime memories as they confidently jump into their next adventure
with their best friend, Peppa.
The daywear collection features fresh new shapes and designs, including a Fri led Sweatshirt (from £28) with balloon sleeves and frill detailing on the arms, matching Frilled Oversized Joggers (from £26) and Frilled Dungarees (from £35.50) which both feature a frilled trim. A Long Sleeve Dress (from £32) and Ribbed Top (from £23) with a large Peppa motif and dainty lettuce leaf trim, both feature in the collection too.
Get ready for splish, splash and sploshing fun with the PEPPA PIG swimwear collection! Perfect for summer beach holidays, or garden paddling pool frolics, parents can rest assured that kids will be kept sun safe as the full collection is made from premium UPF50+ recycled fabrics, blocking 97.5% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Featuring a sunny all-over print with Peppa and her friends, the Swimwear range includes a Frilled Swimsuit (£28 / 0-3m – 4-5y) with pastel pink frilled straps and waist detail, with convenient poppers for quick nappy changes and toilet runs. For extra peace of mind for babies and toddlers, parents can purchase the Sunsafe Swimsuit (£34 / 0-24m), which features long sleeves and arms to protect little ones as they enjoy uninterrupted fun in the sun, and a zip front and poppers for hasslefree changes. The PEPPA PIG Sunsafe Swim Hat (£19.50 / 0-24m) rounds off the collection, and features a peak cap and neck cover to help shade precious little faces and necks from the sun.
New PEPPA PIG by MORI doesn’t stop there with new products launching middle of August, including our PEPPA PIG Recycled Waterproof 3-in-1 Padded Coat (£71.50) and the PEPPA PIG Recycled Waterproof Puddlesuit (£66.50) ready for all the muddy puddle jumping your little ones could dream of.
The new ranges are available from babymori. com, at MORI’s flagship store at 97 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6PL, and select wholesalers.
THE BABY SHOW 2024
25 – 27 October 2024, Olympia London
The Baby Show with Lidl GB is back - the UK’s largest and best-loved pregnancy and baby event is returning to the iconic Olympia Events, (formerly Olympia London) for its 23rd year.
A one-stop shop for products, services and advice, The Baby Show is the nation’s largest shopping destination for all things baby.
Visitors can compare, try, and buy products and enjoy exclusive deals from hundreds of brands. From independent boutique companies and online stores to the biggest baby brands in the industry, including Stokke, Tommee Tippee, MAM, Cybex, Joie, Nuna, UppaBaby, iCandy, Carifit, Baby Planet, Mama Bamboo – and new for 2024 – smarTrike and Miffy.
Selling everything you could need from cots to car seats, buggies to baby clothes, muslins to nursery furniture, The Baby Show with Lidl GB is the event of the year for those celebrating a new arrival – looking for products at the best discounted prices.
The New Kids of the Block feature gives new businesses the chance to showcase their brands and visitors the opportunity to see new and
exclusive products not available anywhere on the high street.
The Live Talks Stage will be jam-packed with parenting experts and celebrities sharing their mum or dad journeys. The UK’s top experts will be sharing their tips on the most important issues affecting new parents including feeding, sleep, birth, first aid, health and fitness and many more. Experts include Lucy Shrimpton, Founder of The Sleep Nanny, Daisy First Aid’s Jenni Dunman, Positively Parenthood’s Heidi Skudder, weaning experts, Charlotte Stirling-Reed and Annabel Karmel, the founder and CEO of Baby2Body, Melinda Nicci and many more.
For those planned (or unplanned) changing stops, Lidl’s Lupilu Baby Changing Area will be there to offer a clean, safe and secure environment for you and your little one – help yourself to complimentary nappies and wipes too!
Want some downtime whilst shopping? Visit The Baby Show Café with Joie to enjoy a hot drink or get a snack whilst perusing Joie’s full range of car seats, buggies and more! Joie ambassadors will be there to answer any questions from care and product maintenance to how to choose the perfect car seat!
Selling everything you could need from cots to car seats, buggies to baby clothes, muslins to nursery furniture, The Baby Show with Lidl GB is the event of the year for those celebrating a new arrival
THE DETAILS
For more information visit thebabyshow.co.uk
The Grand Hall, Olympia Events, London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX
Getting Ready for School with THE LITTLE GYM
At a critical developmental stage, 3 and 4 year olds are taking significant steps in their development. They will start joining structured classes without their parents and starting their school journeys at a unique time. In today’s world, carers have a crucial role in preparing them for this new chapter by starting the development of their physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills. The Little Gym’s goal is to ensure they not only cope with their new school experience but thrive and enjoy it.
THE BALANCED CHILD
Integrating the latest research in child psychology and development into all of their classes, The Little Gym believe in nurturing the whole child— body, brain, and social skills—through their threedimensional learning approach:
Get Moving: Movement is essential for learning, helping children develop body control, physical confidence, coordination, and both gross and fine motor skills.
Brain Boost: Their classes lay the foundation for critical intellectual skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, concentration, creative thinking and expression.
Life Skills: Strong life skills like self-belief, confidence, resilience, listening, communication, independence, leadership, cooperation and respect are essential for success in school and beyond.
BUILDING INDEPENDENCE
Every child is unique, and they’ll be ready when
they’re ready. When attending independent classes at The Little Gym, parents are welcome to stay with their child until they gain confidence. Then, before they know it, parents are watching from the lobby, enjoying a hot tea or coffee. Once children discover the joys of independence, they’re eager to join in with the older children. Their classes for 3-5 year olds balance exploration and play with structured activities, ensuring they learn best through fun.
LEARNING THROUGH FUN
Skilled instructors incorporate imagination and creativity into every class. The kids aren’t just jumping—they’re reaching for the moon, running through the stars, dodging aliens, and using superhero powers. This creative expression helps them learn faster, listen better, and prepare for good listening at school.
VALUE EVERY CHILD
The Little Gym prioritises individual attention, with a maximum of six children per teacher in their pre-school classes. This allows their teachers to understand each child’s personality, passions, skills and needs, fostering personalised learning and fun.
Let’s Get Kids Moving and Growing Together!
If you’re not yet a member, join The Little Gym Chiswick, Wandsworth or Wimbledon’s educational revolution.
THE DETAILS
The Little Gym Chiswick
The University of Westminster Sports Ground, Hartington Road, Chiswick, W4 3AN 020 8994 3729 chiswick@thelittlegym.co.uk
The Little Gym Wandsworth Unit 8 Compass House, Riverside West, Smugglers Way London SW18 1DB 020 8874 6567 wandsworth_fulham @thelittlegym.co.uk
The Little Gym Wimbledon
The Little Gym, Unit 206/207, Wimbledon Quarter, 4 Queens Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8ND 020 8090 5960 wimbledon@thelittlegym.co.uk
HOW TO STAY HEALTHY FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL
As we return to our busy back-toschool routines, it’s important to prepare ourselves for whatever the new school year brings. This also means being mindful of those dreaded back-toschool bugs which are highly likely to re-emerge, their presence just as unwelcome as it is inevitable. Luckily, there are plenty of things parents can do to take preventative action and help ensure the whole family stays resilient and healthy for school. Here, Dr Jenna Macciochi (PhD immunologist and mum of two) has prepared a list of her top tips on maintaining immune health, to help break what can often feel like the never-ending ‘spiralling cycle’ of back-to-school bugs.
EXPERT IMMUNOLOGIST TIPS:
1. Prioritise prevention: Immunity starts with prevention. Practicing good hygiene habits helps minimise the risk of falling poorly. Encourage children to regularly wash their hands, sneeze/ cough into their elbow or cover their nose with a tissue to help reduce exposure to germs.
2. Eat the rainbow: Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables with plenty of plant fibre, healthy fats and protein which provide your family’s immune system with essential nutrients.
3. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is vital for
overall health. It helps keep airways properly lubricated with the right amount and consistency of mucus to prevent infection, which is particularly important as our children start playing sports and games again during term-time.
4. Supplement smartly: Incorporate Sambucol supplements into your family’s daily routine to fortify your immune system. It’s backed by scientific research and naturally rich in antioxidants from the black elderberries, as well as essential nutrients like vitamin C and zinc to help safeguard your immunity. And kids love it because it tastes great!
5. Movement: Incorporate physical activity into your family routine, as it can enhance your immune system’s efficiency. Even moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling to school, can boost your body’s natural defences and offer the opportunity for fresh air.
6. Restful sleep: Ensure you and your children get sufficient sleep each night, as rest is crucial for a strong immune system. Prioritise a consistent sleep schedule and pause screen related activities at least one hour before bedtime.
7. Stay home when unwell: If the inevitable does happen and your children do fall unwell, be considerate of others and ensure your child is kept off school to avoid spreading germs. Use Sambucol to help prepare to return to the classroom.
“As
a family we take Sambucol supplements, packed with black elderberry antioxidants and key immune supporting nutrients such as *vitamin C and zinc. The liquid and gummy formats are our favourite!”
– Dr Jenna Macciochi
The Sambucol range (RRPs from £6.49) is available from Boots, Holland & Barrett, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. For more information on Sambucol, the †UK’s No.1 brand for immunity visit sambucol.co.uk
7 expert tips to help beat the bugs!
Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections: CAUSES, PREVENTION,
AND TREATMENT
Advice from Dr Angela Rai, The London General Practice
Asexually transmitted infection (STI) is a bacterial or viral infection that is passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Using protection such as condoms, having fewer sexual partners and having HPV vaccination reduces the risk of certain STI’s.
Chlamydia is one of the most common STI’s and is transmitted through unprotected intercourse. Most people with Chlamydia can go undetected until symptoms such as pain when passing urine and unusual discharge develop. Women may experience lower abdominal pain and bleeding in between periods. Men may experience pain and swelling in the testicles.
Testing for chlamydia is with a swab or urine test, and treatment in the early stages is with a short course of antibiotics. If left untreated Chlamydia can lead to further issues such as Pelvic Inflammatory disease.
Genital Herpes is another common STI, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. Genital herpes can cause painful sores and itching in the genital area. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in
the body and can reactivate, especially in times of stress or poor health. There is no cure for herpes, but medication can ease symptoms and reduce the length of active infection if taken as soon as symptoms appear.
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Genital warts are soft growths, they can look like small flesh coloured bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. They can cause pain, discomfort and itching. Some strains of genital HPV can cause genital warts, while others can be a risk for developing cancers including cervical cancer. Vaccines can help protect against certain stains of genital HPV.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. It can occur when there is an imbalance of the usual bacteria found in the vagina. This bacteria can be tested for by having a swab test or specialised urine tests. Women who have this infection will often develop a discharge. The discharge may increase after having sex or around the time of menstruation. Treatment is with antibiotics, or vaginal creams and gels. Factors that increase the likelihood of BV include douching and using strong soaps to wash the vagina. These should be avoided as they change the PH of the vagina.
If you are worried about STI, you should consult with your GP or go to a sexual health clinic for testing.
Dr Angela Rai
The London General Practice Tel: 020 7935 1000 info@thelondongeneralpractice.com 114a Harley Street, London, W1G 7JL
Dr Angela Rai, MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, Dip Cardiology
THE FERTILITY CENTRE
Formerly the Assisted Conception Unit, The Fertility Centre is a longstanding centre of excellence for fertility treatment and care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In 2021 they enlarged the Centre with a new satellite service at West Middlesex University Hospital, extending patient care and convenient access across West London.
The Centre provides a broad and comprehensive range of fertility services to their patients –including IVF, ICSI and IUI – but their areas of particular expertise, include the management of women and couples over the age of 40, premature ovarian ageing or low ovarian reserve, and male or sperm-related infertility issues.
Notwithstanding their expertise in these complex fields, The Fertility Centre continues to perform very well in its success rates. They hold one of the highest clinical pregnancy rates amongst NHS hospitals in the UK (please visit hfea.gov.uk for further information) and welcome NHS-funded patients and those seeking to selffund their care and treatment.
As well as treatment for those trying to conceive now, The Fertility Centre offer services for those who are considering their ability to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation through egg or embryo freezing is becoming increasingly popular and they can provide these services through their dedicated Fertility Preservation programme.
There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility:
• For social reasons
• Preparing to transition
• Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy
• If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts
If you are thinking about your fertility health for future years, they also provide a range of fertility assessments - with packages for individuals as well as couples. Alongside tests and assessments, expert clinicians can explain your results and advise you accordingly.
In addition to their clinical expertise and range of treatment options, The Fertility Centre understands the inevitable stress and anxiety of fertility treatment. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your treatment. This includes sessions with their British Infertility Counselling Association and UK Council for Psychotherapy accredited counsellors.
THE DETAILS
The Fertility Centre team is always happy to support you and answer any questions. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your fertility journey, please contact them on 020 3315 8585 or email chelwest.acu@nhs.net. chelwestprivatecare.co.uk/ fertility-centre
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
If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk
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.
