Yummy Mummy Magazine August 2023

YUMMY MUMMY

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BABIES & KIDS

BEE MINE

Part of the Frrrniture Range, this children’s play chair with a bee motif is a welcomed addition to any fun and educational interior. Made from beech plywood, this product is built to last and helps introduce animals to children’s’ play time and storytelling. littlefolksfurniture.co.uk

WHAT A CORKER!

Be safe, stylish, and sustainable, with our non-toxic, ethically sourced cork playmats. Practical, stylish, and best of all sustainable, our cork rugs are designed to help you reimagine playtime. Beyond playtime, our mats are ideal for use when exercising, including mum and baby yoga, pregnancy yoga, and exercising together with your little one. corkademy.co.uk

GROWING UP

Our brand new Grow Your Own British Tree Kit encourages children to form a lifelong connection with nature and contains everything they need to collect, identify and plant native tree seeds. Once they’ve planted their tree, they can watch it grow up alongside them in their own garden. thedenkitco.com

LITTLE STAR

As parents we understand the importance of praising good behaviour. Our star chart will help your child feel rewarded whilst promoting good behaviour. You will be provided with 4 stars and a slip of paper to write your child’s goals onto. The paper can be replaced as your goals change. handmadeinbritain.co.uk

FANTASTIC FOX

Say hello to our absolutely adorable and wonderfully charismatic fox cushion cover that would look lovely in any baby’s nursery, children’s bedroom or cosy reading corner. This beautifully illustrated and totally unique fox cushion cover is intended for those who like a more contemporary Scandi style or Boho inspired bedroom and would certainly look beautiful in any woodland or forest themed nursery or bedroom. tigercubprints.com

London Zoo’s BIG summer of fun

Until Sunday 3 September 2023

Families are invited to London’s biggest family day out this summer at the iconic London Zoo - home to big cats, giant Galapagos tortoises and the largest penguin pool in the UK.

Until Sunday 3 September, there are no cheatahs allowed at the Really Wild Challenge: wildlife lovers can play their way through the animal kingdom, going head-to-head with their ‘troop’ to test their wild skills, while trying their hand at being a ZSL conservationist – working to protect wildlife across the world.

Scorecard at the ready, kids can test their agility as they creep and crawl through a web of jingly ‘jungle vines’ trying not to wake the Sleeping Tigers. Those with a steady hand can prove their stealth as they guide an eel through its remarkable trans-Atlantic migration for Don’t Buzz the Buzzer, while budding conservationists can practice their aim with Tail Tag, looping radio collars on to replica animal tails to ‘track their range’.

London Zoo is also hosting the largest Hook a Duck* challenge in London, as the iconic Grade I listed Lubetkin Penguin pool is transformed into the fairground favourite – with more than 1000 rubber ducks calling it home for the summer.

Add in oversized brainteasers Savannah Scramble, Paws and Claws, Hurry to The Hive, Spot the Difference and Poo Dunnit?, and there’ll be big fun for everyone!

Come face-to-face with a colony of Humboldt penguins as they dart and dive in England’s biggest penguin pool, before saying hello to a newborn Golden lion tamarin in London’s largest living rainforest. And don’t forget to visit the zoo’s big cats - endangered Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya, as well as critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs, Zac and Crispin.

At the end of the biggest day out in London, kids can cool down in the Animal Adventure Splash Zone, while parents soak up the summer sun with an ice-cream milkshake at the Penguin Beach Café.

With more than 14,000 incredible animals to be inspired by, and free entry for under 3s, London Zoo’s BIG Summer of Fun is the ultimate big value day out this summer holidays.

*Additional charge applies for the Hook a Duck challenge. All other activities included in Zoo entry price. Visit londonzoo.org for more information and to book tickets.

Back to swim school with Splash About

Every parent knows a reliable swim nappy is an essential for baby swim lessons and Splash About’s reusable Happy Nappy DUO is a ‘must have’!

The eco-friendly DUO is, as its name suggests, two swim nappies in one. Made from soft neoprene its snug waist and thigh bands are completely effective against unwelcome leaks of solids and its innovative Silver Lining is scientifically proven to destroy any faecal bacteria before it enters pool water.

Swim schools insist on a ‘double nappy’ requirement to keep pool water clean, and this is typically a disposable swim nappy plus neoprene outer shell. However, the Happy Nappy DUO is the only swim nappy approved by 95% of baby swim schools that can be worn without a disposable underneath.

This is great news for your wallet and the environment especially because 150,000 disposable swim nappies end up in landfill every week taking up to 500 years to decompose. By opting for the DUO parents can ditch disposables with

confidence and do their bit for the planet. The Happy Nappy Duo is available in sizes from birth up to 3 years in six beautiful prints with an RRP of £17.99 splashabout.com

Make ‘back to school’ fun and practical, with Mini Mim’s accessories range

The new school year is approaching fast and it’s time to gear up! At Mini Mim we have created an exclusive, limited edition accessories range, designed to unleash imagination and creativity.

It’s time to make the back-to-school experience truly out of this world!

Our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability sets us apart. Each item in our collection is made in small quantities and boasts unique handdrawn prints that spark children’s vibrant imagination. We understand the importance of exceptional quality, and

that’s why our backpacks are handcrafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, ensuring they are durable and built to last. Our backpacks are 100% water-resistant, so no need to worry about anything getting wet on rainy days. They are also spacious and easily accommodate all the necessities for a busy day! Children can comfortably carry all that they need on their back.

At Mini Mim, we are dedicated to making each child’s school journey a memorable and delightful one.

THE DETAILS

Discover our range and get 15% OFF everything using code YM15 on mini-mim.com and follow us on Instragram @minimim_designs www.mini-mim.com

Discover the joy of cycling with Frog bikes

Cycling should always be an enjoyable experience for every child, that’s why Frog Bikes design and build their bikes in Great Britain, specifically for children at the centre. Their award-winning bikes have lightweight, durable aluminium frames and premium components that meet a child’s size and cycling ability, as well as ergonomic features for added comfort and ease of use.

Little bikes for little riders

Frog’s first pedal bikes are great for those transitioning from balance bikes to pedals, offering an excellent introduction to the world of cycling for 3-6-year-olds. As the bikes are super-lightweight,

they are easy to learn to ride on and manoeuvre, with child-specific components perfect for little riders, including smaller saddles, scaled-down handlebars and easy-to-reach brake levers, all assisting with comfort so children can travel further and faster. There’s the added peace of mind that all Frog bikes exceed safety standards too! Start your child’s first pedal to adventure with a Frog bike and inspire a love of cycling! frogbikes.com

THE FERTILITY CENTRE

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

THE DETAILS

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.

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 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.

Open Morning Saturday 30th September 2023

FOLDiMATS – who said play mats can’t be stylish?

smash. The added layers of support take away a huge worry from parents knowing that their little ones are in a safe space to play and explore. They have also been tested to the highest standards making sure no nasties.

It’s so simple! Fold away or leave out to admire. No rolling, no breaking apart! They even come with a convenient carry case so they are easy to transport. Perfect for picnics, holidays or to the grandparents. So, whether it’s popped away under the sofa or packed in the car, their playmats can be stored and transported anywhere. Safety doesn’t have to stop at your doorstep. FOLDiMATS are not just for babies, they are so versatile and can be used by adults as an exercise mat and for older children. Perfect to use for activities such as gymnastics and karate making them great for the whole family to enjoy!

FOLDiMATS, UK’S FIRST LUXURIOUS FOLDABLE PLAY MAT. Their play mats are high quality, super supportive and complimentary to your interior, as well as being easy to store and fold away. Their luxurious cloud like feel makes them a must have product for every age and stage. Safety being their top priority they offer the ultimate support for your little ones, great for tummy time, crawling and when they take their first precious steps. You can even drop an egg on it and it won’t

Their current collection has been created in house and carefully selected to make sure they are contemporary and on trend to fit beautifully within everyone’s homes. All of the play mats are reversible. Pastels, neutrals and calm on one side and more of a fun playful pattern on reverse. Their play mats are 100% Waterproof and wipeable making them super easy to clean, perfect for messy play and the weaning stage. They are also great to use outdoors on patio areas or grass – no more worrying about grass irritations or hard surfaces. FOLDiMATS have been named the MUST HAVE BABY PRODUCT and are really taking the play mat world by storm.

foldimats.co.uk

“Being 2 new mums from an interior and childcare background we wanted to create a play mat that allowed our customers to still have a beautiful stylish home but also help to stimulate their children’s development and have a safe and fun place to play”

‘The game changer in the world of playmats.’

‘It’s so simple! Fold away or leave out to admire. No rolling, no breaking apart!’

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

Terrible Tudors ticket and afternoon tea package at Ham Yard Hotel for £48.50

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors has teamed up with Ham Yard Hotel to create a suitably gory and gruesome ‘Ticket and Afternoon Tea’ package to celebrate the return of their hit West End show, Terrible Tudors, playing at the Garrick Theatre this summer.

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!

So Terrible Tudors is back with the hit West End show for a second sensational year!

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack!

It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

THE TERRIBLE TUDORS AFTERNOON TEA

To accompany the show the talented team at Ham Yard Hotel have devised the Terrible Tudors Afternoon Tea, which features a hearty array of sweet and savoury treats including Cromwell’s cucumber and cheese sandwiches, Beheaded scones and a Tudor ruff tart with strawberries and custard.

The special package, perfect for a London day out, includes a Band A ticket to the show and the Terrible Tudors Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Hotel, which features three sandwiches, one scone and three Horrible Histories themed cakes. Adults can upgrade to a full portion an additional £10, payable on the day.

Ham Yard Hotel is located in a leafy courtyard in Soho, right next to Piccadilly Circus, and is just an eight minute walk from the Garrick Theatre.

To Book your Ticket and Terrible Tea package, visit the Horrible Histories –Terrible Tudors page at NimaxTheatres.com and enter promo code TerribleTea in the top left hand corner of the booking page, before choosing your performance and seats. Please note, you need to call the reservations team at Ham Yard Hotel to book your table before the date of the performance.

Until 2 September

THE DETAILS

Recommended age 5 – 105.

ONLY UNTIL 2 SEPT

T&Cs: The package is valid for all performances excluding Saturdays, subject to availability. You can upgrade to a full adult afternoon tea for an additional £10, payable on the day. Please let the team know if you want to upgrade at the time of booking. No cash alternative to any elements of the package.

The famous marmalade loving bear is heading to Blenheim Palace this summer!

PADDINGTON™ Lo-Commotion!

Join the immersive Adventure, Until 3 September 2023

This Summer, join PaddingtonTM in an immersive outdoor adventure for all ages, staged across the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace! The perfect day out for families who love to immerse themselves in live performance, puppetry, and outdoor adventure.

Created by Histrionic Productions in collaboration with The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company), The show takes audiences on foot through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories and search for ‘buried treasure’. There is also an opportunity to hop on board a real locomotive subject to availability on the day.

At the end of the 55-minute adventure, families can enjoy free arts and crafts-based activities, and visit the Paddington gift shop, as well as delicious food and drink at the many restaurants and cafés around Blenheim Palace. Additionally, everyone

can add an official photo with Paddington and the chance to drive a mini ROVER emergency vehicle for younger audiences, aged 4 - 10, to the standard cost of the show ticket.

To make a full day of the unique experience, tickets to enter Blenheim Palace, Park, Gardens and Adventure Play within the Walled Garden will need to be purchased and booked separately.

Heather Carter, Managing Director, Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “It’s fantastic to be hosting another memorable and unique family experience at Britain’s Greatest Palace, following on from the success and popularity of Peter Rabbit last summer.”

The show is directed and written by Calum Finlay and designed by Damien Stanton, both of whom collaborated with puppetry designer Jimmy Grimes. The show is supported by GWR and Jaguar Land Rover Classic.

THE DETAILS

For more details visit PaddingtonTrainAdventure.com

Paddington Lo-Commotion, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP

Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 2.10pm

Friday to Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday, 10am - 3.30pm

You can catch-up with Paddington’s many adventures on:

Twitter & Instagram

@paddingtonbear

Facebook.com/PaddingtonBear

dailymotion.com/Paddington

YouTube.com/Paddington

“The show takes audiences on foot through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories”

Mokee Nursery Furniture

Discover Mokee’s extensive collection of premium baby furniture, cotbed and accessories. In its 10th year of operation, Mokee has become renowned for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality, modern nursery furniture and accessories specifically designed for babies and children. Having sold more than 30,000 mini cots, Mokee has brought happiness to babies all over the world. Our baby cots are exclusively produced in Europe, utilising wood sourced solely from European forests. Rest easy knowing that Mokee prioritizes eco-friendly and sustainable products, caring for your child and the environment. Enjoy seamless online ordering, secure payment options, and prompt doorstep delivery for a hassle-free shopping experience. Visit mokee.eu and use the code EXTRA10 for a 10% discount on all cots and beds

Preventing boredom this summer

A new study finds kids say they’re bored on average every day a week.

By Lisa Salmon.

Children’s repeated cries of ‘I’m bored’ are a standard lament heard by parents, according to new research.

It’s a problem many exasperated parents try to solve by handing their kids an iPad or mobile phone.

“Tech is not the big bad wolf, and it’s so easy to throw your phone or iPad at the problem when faced with a moaning child,” says clinical psychologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, one of the experts from Channel 4’s The Secret Life of 4, 5 And 6 Year Olds.

“Too much of this and kids can learn to rely on tech to fix their issues. But you do have alternatives.”

A new study by Argos has found that while parents hear the words ‘I’m bored’ an average of seven times a week, nearly a quarter (23%) of mums and dads say their kids don’t use their imagination as much as they did when they were young, and one in six say their children’s attention span is too short for games they used to play as kids.

So what can parents do to try to fill the endless summer days for kids and beat their boredom?

Change the scenery

If your child is cooped up in the house all day, they’re more likely to get bored and be full of unreleased energy.

“Go outside,” suggests Kilbey, “To the park, for a walk or just in the garden, or if it’s wet, get everyone to go upstairs and have an afternoon bath or make a fort out of duvets. A different environment can transform a mood instantly.”

A quick trip to the playground is also incredibly beneficial in helping kids burn off energy, and Kilbey adds: “There are so many activities you can do that don’t cost a penny that will keep the kids entertained all summer long”.

Schedule playtime

Try to carve out some time to help your child play.

“As a parent and specialist in child development, I cannot state the importance of play enough,”

Create a Boring Jar

Put your thinking cap on or scour the internet for simple activities your child will enjoy. Then grab a pen and paper and a jar or bowl.

“Inside, fill it with bits of paper that have an activity on each one, like dress up; have a tea party; do a jigsaw, and other crafts and activities,” advises Kilbey. “Whenever your kid says they’re bored, let them choose a piece of paper and do what it says.”

says Kilbey. “It can help children hone their imagination skills, has been proven to develop social skills, and promotes independence. So my tip is to schedule time for playing.”

She says just 10 minutes of help with play a day is effective in supporting children’s development, adding: “That’s the time it takes to boil the kettle and drink a cup of tea, but in that time you could squeeze in a game of hide-and-seek, do a jigsaw puzzle or build a train track instead.

“The joyous thing about summer holidays is that, as parents, we usually have some time off too which is perfect for honing our playing skills and keeping our kids entertained in those long weeks.”

The Argos research found that 44% of parents love playing games with their children. Kilbey points out: “Any play you can do jointly with them will help boost their social and emotional development and their language and communication skills.”

Pick play you enjoy too

Kilbey advises parents not to worry about what they play with their child, explaining: “Play comes in so many forms, so pick something that resonates with you as that will be much easier for you to engage in. Not everyone likes messy play or outdoor games, whereas others find den building and running around much more their thing. Stop worrying –your kids will be thrilled with whatever you do.”

Encourage solo play

While children often want to play with others or you, it’s also important for them to enjoy playing on

their own, explains Kilbey. “When kids are bored, they learn to self-occupy through engaging in play, which is an essential skill as we grow up,” she says. “So encourage it and take some time for you!”

Children may sometimes need a little encouragement to play on their own, so Kilbey advises parents to model how much fun it is playing solo, like hosting a tea party with teddies and dolls.

Give them a challenge

Kilbey says children love being set a task with a clear outcome as “it gives them a real sense of achievement”, she explains. She suggests challenging them to something fun like gathering daisies and petals to make a potion, or finding all the purple items in their bedroom and arranging them all in a line.

Forget the learning curve

There are no rules on what you play with your child, and Kilbey stresses that the purpose of play is to engage in an activity for its own sake, with no clear goal or agenda.

“It’s the summer holidays, kids don’t need to be learning for a few weeks, so use this downtime away from the timetables and history coursework as an opportunity to spend time together with no clear outcome in mind.”

“Play comes in so many forms, so pick something that resonates with you as that will be much easier for you to engage in”

‘WHY DO BABYGROWS HAVE ALL THESE POPPERS?’

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.

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.

All ZIPPYUPs have concealed zips so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab

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

BEAUTIFUL BABYGROW

(Spring Garden Bunny

Printed Zipped Babygrow)

“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

10%off Foundation Courses

www.zippyup.com

LUXlife Winner of the 2018 Parent & Baby Awards.

Fulham 020 7386 0006 or Shepherds Bush 020 8749 2877 or Hampton 0208 941 7666