Mums
Generation GAME
SUMMER 2017
Learning
curves Master the art of self-acceptance
The
Motherhood through the ages
FAMILY HOLIDAY HACKS Top tips for travelling with children
Your
screen-free
er m sum guide to
Outside play leads www.mums-magazine.co.uk
the way
Mums Magazine Summer 2017
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is here to help! We all know how unpredictable babies can be!
Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543
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we an ing
Treatment
for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness. Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.
www.metanium.co.uk 2
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Protection
from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help protect against the irritants that can cause nappy rash.
we
babies’ bums
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EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the summer issue of Mums Magazine. For many children (and parents), this is the start of an exciting few months of travel and adventure. If you’re planning on jetting away this summer, we’ve got some helpful hints on travelling with litte ones, from what to consider before you set off, to sun and pool safety tips when abroad (page 14). But it’s not just holidays that are the highlight of our summer: there is just as much to be said for the general day-to-day fun that can be had with the benefit of longer, sunnier days. With this in mind, why not encourage your kids to embrace a ‘screen-free summer’ and make the most of the great outdoors (page 18)? For many mums, summer brings into question our body confidence, or rather lack of, so we thought it appropriate to look at the art of self-acceptance - something that our mummy columnist Rachel Lancashire has endeavoured to master since the birth of her son (page 11). For the purposes of positive change, now could also be a good time to get the family finances in order, in which case don’t miss our money matters feaure on page 24.
4. Home, messy home Behind the closed doors of the modern home 6. Postpartum health Emotional & physical wellbeing after birth 8. Food for thought Nutrition hacks for kids 09. Get ready Help inspire a love of reading 10. Learning curves Master the art of self-acceptance 11. The Generation Game Motherhood through the ages 12. Baby matters The ‘how to’ of teething, colic & nappy rash
Enjoy the issue! Caroline Seekings
13. Puree joy Weaning guides, products and recipes
Editor
14. Family holiday feature Top travel tips and inspiration
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18. Screen-free guide to summer Simple ways to encourage outdoor play 20. Nappy days The ‘how to’ of preventing nappy rash
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22. Party time Children’s birthday party inspiration 23. Fried Mummy Tips for over-tired mums 24. Money matters Manage your family finances 26. Room for improvement Children’s room make-over ideas
Mums
Generation GAME
SUMMER 2017
Learning
curves Master the art of self-acceptance
The
Motherhood through the ages
18 months... and counting?
Developmental expectations vs reality
Your
screen-free
summer guide to
www.mums-magazine.co.uk
Outside play leads www.mums-magazine.co.uk
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mums magazine publication @mums_magazine
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Information in Mums Magazine is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis, prescription and/or treatment by a Medical Professional. Opinions expressed in Mums Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, and the magazine is in no way liable for any such opinions. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. No advertisement, article or image may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.
The Team: Editor Caroline Seekings caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk Tel: 07834 233346
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Photography Richard Jones Photography www.richardjones-photography.com
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Get in touch: T: 07834 233346 E: caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk www.lifestyle-magazines.co.uk
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Home, y s s e m home Behind the closed doors of a modern family household
How on earth can a baby, who is yet to learn what the word ‘no’ means (let alone say it), who still doesn’t quite get ‘ah-ah’ (spoken in a rather disapproving-panicked-disgruntled tone), be so incredibly stubborn that even super nanny techniques have no impact whatsoever? Well honestly, this kid will defy all limits and overstep all boundaries. Baby-proofing the house has officially begun and here is my step-bystep guide on how NOT to do it. Cushions…lots of cushions, strategically placed around the fireplace, corner edges and hard flooring. This was my first fatal error. Not only because this sent my cushion placement OCD into traumatic overdrive but also, I didn’t nail down or superglue the cushions to said objects in the living room and as a result, average ability baby was quickly able to destroy Fort Cushion and gain access to forbidden areas. Fireguard…big, metal fireguard stretching from one end of the slate mantle to the other, resembling none other than a puppy dog crate. Firstly, massive thanks to our friends for the loan of said fireguard. Secondly, I should have listened to your advice on attaching it to the wall. Second fatal error as once again, my child proves that he could have
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indeed been cast as the starring role in ‘Baby’s Day Out’ with his innate ability to cause mayhem and destruction without ever sustaining injury. Quite remarkable really. Candle ban…major enforcement of candlegate (and unfortunately, this doesn’t just apply to children, but to Nanny’s also). Third unforgiveable mistake, I should have known that as tempting as it is even for myself to lick and bite chunks out of the deliciously scented candles, my child is unable to resist such temptation and will, of course, proceed to devour the scrumptious wax candles that adorn our living room. Trinkets…rethink the need for trinks. Believe me, trust me on this one. You might not be able to squash coasters, pretty tea light holders and pebbles with inspiring quotes scribed on them into your mouth but your little one can and will find a way to do so. Forth fatality, despite once again wreaking havoc with my own OCD, I have had to swiftly learn and come to terms with the fact that they might look oh-so-pretty to the human eye, but to the monster-babyeye, they look like food. EVERYTHING in life, even your nose, looks like food to a baby. And now, I’m convinced that Noah’s mouth can stretch much bigger than mine as he cheekily grins at me, my St. Ives souvenir pebble poking politely out of his cheeks – on the inside! Tissues, a baby friendly version of chewing gum without the super fresh minty taste. Fifth fall down, the box of tissues (that hardly ever get used) bought by your Mum (because all Mum’s tend to buy boxes of beautifully decorated tissues for the middle of the coffee table), provide ample chewing hours for your baby, or maybe not yours, maybe just mine. But, after turning to watch my child, his face like that of a stroppy, cocky teenager, chomping loudly on chewing gum (before sticking it to the underneath of a classroom table), I uttered words I never thought I’d have to as I rummaged around in my baby’s mouth to fish out the strings of tissue he’d decided to chew – “no, we don’t chew tissues, tissues are not food – yack”. I was reminded of Finding Nemo, ‘tissues are friends, not food’ and found myself repeating this over and over to my bemused nine month old cheeky chops. Remotes, unfortunately unable to be used to turn the volume down, change channel or pause on baby. However, baby will most certainly be able to complete all of the above when you’re just
about guaranteed to be getting yourself a little carried away with your favourite programme. And almost always, I’d say a definite 9 out 10 times, he finds a way to CBeebies or Sky Sports. Definitely his Dad’s lad – in both regards. The lesson is, don’t underestimate the intelligence of your baby. They are more clever and cunning than we could even begin to imagine. This applies to phones too. He’s only ever one button press away from redialling my 89 year old Grandma whose little voice you suddenly hear coming from inside your baby’s mouth – and up until realising what he’d done, I thought I was experiencing sixth sense, sensing Grandma was in trouble. No. No. Noah has just pressed redial before deciding to eat the phone, nonetheless a rather surreal but funny experience. So, that’s the living room tackled…for now at least. That is, until he discovers a new and exciting skill tomorrow. But I’ll be sure to let you know, so you don’t make the same mistakes as I have. Oh well, Mum-life, we’re not perfect just striving to survive daily life with an inquisitive and newly mobile little human whom we adore with all our hearts. Just got to learn to go with the flow and embrace every moment, we won’t ever get them back again. By Rachel Lancashire
The Little Book of Tidying by Beth Penn shows how tidying can be used as a tool to help us focus on the quality of things in our lives, not the quantity. Beth Penn’s book includes tidying tips from how to stay ahead of the clutter by avoiding buying things you don’t need to how to create a capsule wardrobe and streamline your daily schedule.
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Household chores - it all adds up! A family of four who’ve lived in a house for five years have used the shower enough to water 28 acres of farmland, vacuumed the length of Tower Bridge 87 times and slept long enough to build the Eiffel Tower six times, according to a new online tool. The Your Life at Home tool, created by interiors specialist Hillarys (https://www.hillarys.co.uk/ your-life-at-home) lets users stretch the minutes of their regular chores and daily lives across the time they’ve lived in a property to reveal 12 extraordinary results. To give an idea of the figures produced, using a family of four who has lived in their home for five years, with three bedrooms as an example; they will receive fun stats and ‘wow’ figures, such as: • Used 452,600 litres of water showering, enough to water 28 acres of farmland • Vacuumed their home for 286 hours on average, the equivalent of vacuuming the length of Tower Bridge 87 times • Slept for 54,750 hours, the same as the six years it took to build the Eiffel Tower Other results the tool will generate include how many times users could have mowed the equivalent of the football pitch at Wembley Stadium; how many times they could have watched the entirety of The Simpsons episode collection; and how many weekly shops their takeaway habit could have bought them.
MAKE LIGHTER WORK OF CLEANING Cleaning might be a chore but the Cordless SlimVac Vacuum Cleaner performs as good as it looks, because of its slim, sleek, lightweight design it literally glides across the floor, making cleaning effortless. www.vax.co.uk
How safe is ‘clean’? When it comes to keeping our homes clean, many of us use common brandname cleaning products as we know they’re effective, promise a germ-free clean and have been trusted for generations. We’re also familiar with the warning labels and assume that we’re safe from any chemicals they may contain as long as we carefully follow their instructions... but what if we were wrong? Data from Awair, a clever device that tracks toxins and chemicals in the home, suggests that while we clean our surfaces, we could in fact be increasing pollutants in our air by up to 60% by using common household cleaning products. Awair recreated a number of typical cleaning activities in the home including carpet cleaning, unclogging drains and getting rid of smells to measure the level of toxins unleashed in the home after using common household cleaners and products, with shocking results. “With devices such as the Awair recording a decrease in overall air quality by up to 60% when in proximity to some household cleaning products, it’s time that air quality is no longer out of sight, out of mind” comments Ronald Ro, Founder of Awair. “With many cleaning products containing colourless and odourless Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which evaporate into the air and make their way into our lungs and bodies, many individuals across the UK could be doing themselves harm every time they reach for the marigolds.” High levels of VOCs in the air being attributed to ailments such as migraines, nausea, fatigue, congestion, irritation, allergies, asthma and even cancer and disease. Ammonia and chlorine are popular ingredients in toilet bowl and bathroom cleaners. Both can instantly irritate lungs with long-term exposure leading to potential bronchitis, asthma, and thyroid issues. Simple swaps: “Baking soda and vinegar are highly effective at disinfecting surfaces while leaving shine” comments Ronald Ro from Awair. “We’ve also found that vodka is very effective and a safe swap for polishing metals and mirrors”.
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Mums Magazine Summer 2017
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
POSTPARTUM HEALTH Help restore your pelvic floor The pelvic floor is a key set of deep muscles situated in the pelvis. They run from the frontal pubic bone to the coccyx at the base of the spine. Shaped like a basin the pelvic floor holds the allimportant pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and bowel) in place and supports the bladder to provide control when you wee. A strong and healthy pelvic floor will help improve your posture, help prevent leaks and flatulence, and can even improve sensation during sex. What's not to love about the pelvic floor! A weak pelvic floor is the primary cause of urinary leakage (or urinary incontinence to use the medical term); in women this is typically as a result of pregnancy, menopause or high impact sports, and can also be linked to an increased BMI. Women can suffer from stress incontinence, urge incontinence or mixed incontinence (a mixture of the two): stress incontinence describes the type of accidental leakage that can occur as a result of simple everyday activities including coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping or doing heavy lifting. Stress incontinence is very common in new mums because of the hormone and postural changes that pregnancy brings.Urge incontinence is the term used to describe a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate, often with little warning.
‘Stress incontinence is very common in new mums because of the hormone and postural changes that pregnancy brings’
Vibrance is a ground-breaking, at-home system – Vibrance Therapy – is one of the best way sto prevent and treat a weak pelvic floor is with daily targeted pelvic floor exercise, and there's a whole host of products that can assist you. The important point is correct technique and then persistence. It will take a few weeks, sometimes months to achieve a leak free pelvic floor. Vibrance is medical grade vaginal probe that acts as a vibration feedback kegel educator device. The probe vibrates when you contract your pelvic floor muscles correctly. A beeping system tells you when to contract and for how long – and the gentle vibration means you are spot on with technique! So you can see results faster than struggling along with poor technique with just one or two simple 5 minute routines per day. Resistance sleeves add difficulty and keep you motivated to achieve a leak free lifestyle – sooner rather than later!
Vibrance (£140.83 net of VAT) is now available from iMEDicare Ltd on 01923237795 or visit www. vibrancepelvictrainer.co.uk for more information. Go find your BUZZ and make the need for unsexy, unsightly and ultimately costly 'coping' mechanisms a thing of the past.
The great news is that pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened and restored; women do not need to 'accept their lot' and suffer embarrassing leaks. By strengthening the pelvic floor and focusing on muscle balance, women can tackle the cause of the issue rather than just managing their symptoms. Noone should have to suffer from urinary leakage when there is a solution out there. 1 in 3 UK women suffer from stress incontinence making it more common than hay fever. However, whilst 89% of women can identify what the pelvic floor is, 21% don't know how it works. So how do you know if you are doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly?
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Research indicates that modern mums feel disconnected and abandoned, so what is the solution to a happier postartum period?
UK mums are suffering a crippling epidemic of loneliness - leading them to be dubbed ‘the most isolated generation ever’. Despite 24-hour social media contact, a shocking 92 per cent of mums admit that they feel lonely - with 54 per cent feeling more friendless than before they had children. Of mums who do feel disconnected and abandoned, a huge 61 per cent try to hide their feelings from friends and family, and only 38 per cent have ever told their partner how they feel. Worryingly, 55 per cent of lonely mums say being isolated has left them suffering anxiety, while 47 per cent feel ‘very stressed’. Loneliness has also led mums to crying regularly, many have struggled to leave the house and one in 20 admit drinking to cope. Sixteen per cent of mums have got angry with their children due to their unhappiness and 1.5 per cent have self-harmed.The ChannelMum.com poll of 2,025 mothers found the biggest source of isolation comes from ‘cliquey and bitchy’ groups at the school gates or baby and toddler groups, with 51 per cent of mothers revealing they feel excluded. four in 10 admit social media makes them feel worse looking at other mums ‘perfect lives’ while a third compare their bodies to other mums online. (www.channelmum.com #cmyana) Ieso Digital Health, the UK’s leading provider of online cognitive behavioural therapy, is calling for increased access to digital therapy for women suffering from perinatal depression. Ieso confirmed that while 20% of women suffer, fewer than 15% of women have access to effective specialist treatment. One in five women will experience mental ill health such as depression, anxiety and psychosis during pregnancy or in the year after birth. In many areas in the UK perinatal mental illness still goes unrecognised, undiagnosed and untreated, leading to avoidable suffering for women and their families. Andy Blackwell, Chief Scientific Officer at Ieso, highlighted how digital technology can bring better diagnosis, detection and treatment of common mental health disorders including perinatal depression. “Right now we have a crisis in mental health in the UK, and digital technology has a big part to play in widening access to the healthcare experience for those struggling with mental health conditions. The NHS is committed to improving access to psychological therapies as stated in its 5 Year Forward plan including online services such as Ieso Digital Health”.
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Post-natal depression affects more than one in every five new mothers and usually starts within the first month after childbirth. Postpartum depression has many different causes but one is the rise in monoamine oxidase A - an enzyme that can cause oxidative stress rises when there is postpartum blues. Levels of this enzyme are thought to increase by as much as 40% in cases of postpartum blues. New mums should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet after birth. This includes drinking plenty of water (especially if breast feeding), aiming for ‘five a day’ and eating at least one weekly portion (about 140g) of oily fish. However, eating right after birth is sometimes easier said than done, so here are some tips from Dr Derbyshire on how to help combat the baby blues: Dr Emma Derbyshire’s tips for new mums to help combat postpartum depression: o Have plenty of snacks to the ready. Looking after a new-born can take a lot of energy. Place a banana, berries, or a cereal bar in your baby bag to help give you energy lifts throughout the day. o Nibble on Blueberries. Having a pack of fresh blueberries is a great snack to have to the ready. Blueberries can help to prevent oxidation damage in the brain, particularly that caused by monoamine oxidase A, helping to offset the baby blues. o Eat oily fish. Oily fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which have also been linked to reduced risk of baby blues. So eat oily fish, aiming for 1-2 weekly portions. Oily fish includes salmon, trout, mackerel and fresh tuna. o Get enough iron and vitamin D. Don’t forget to include iron-rich foods such as lean red meat and vitamin D containing foods such as eggs and oily fish in your diet after birth. Anaemia has been linked to emotional upheaval and depression after birth. Low vitamin D levels in early pregnancy have also been linked to higher rates of depression later on. o Don’t forget to drink. Being busy with a new baby can leave us somewhat distracted and it is not uncommon to ‘forget’ to drink. Keep a bottle of water in your baby bag or by your side when you are feeding your little one. More health tips, recipes and berry info can be found over at http://www. seasonalberries.co.uk/
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Food for thought Many mums worry about their children’s diets, but what lengths do we go to to ensure their nutritional needs are met?
TOP 20 MUM’S TRICKS
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Seven in 10 mums feel their child is developing an unhealthy relationship with food. It has been revealed that 69 per cent of mums around the country are worrying their child has an increasingly unhealthy approach to their food. With eight in 10 admitting their children are fussy eaters, tempted by sugary snacks and fizzy drinks, modern mums are resorting to better ploys to encourage them to eat well. In a new study by the Chilean Blueberries Committee, it was found that the average child only eats three of their five a day. Two thirds of mums admit to sneaking fruit and veg onto the plate yet the majority fall back on unhealthy ‘tried and tested’ meals at some point during the week. Mums felt most snacks marketed at their children were too sugary, with 88 per cent struggling to come up with a healthy meal plan and find child-friendly recipes. Allowing dinners in front of the TV to crafting funny faces out of fruit and veg are just some of the methods mums are left with
to get their children eat their five a day. More than nine in 10 children were happy to eat fruit, compared to just over half willing to eat their vegetables. Fresh fruits such as bananas and blueberries were some of their children’s favourites. Yet a whopping 70 per cent of mums confessed to giving their children sugar-packed chocolate as rewards or bribes for good behaviour. This pattern was reinforced by extended family and friends. Leading nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire, said “Quite often unhealthy foods are used to reinforce good behaviour yet we should be doing this with ‘healthy’ food options. Otherwise, these will be seen as a lowly second choice. Fresh fruits such as blueberries provide vitamin C, K, manganese, potassium and fibre. Survey data from mums also shows that these are a great alternative choice as they are naturally sweet tasting and can be eaten straight from the punnet”
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The crafty ways we’re trying to get fruit into our kids
Allowing children to eat in front of a screen Always dining with the children at the same time Employ the ‘try it once’ rule – a full mouthful of food must be eaten before the child can make their mind up whether they like it or not Cutting the fruit / veg into funny shapes Let the children choose which fruit / veg they want in the supermarket Preparing the food on the plate into the shape of a funny face or colourful picture Only allowing the child to have pudding if all the veg has been eaten Blending fruits into homemade smoothies as a ‘treat’ Give the children the opportunity to choose some of the meals the family has that week Offer snack bowls of fruit / veg when they’re watching television Not allowing children to snack on anything unhealthy until they have had a piece of fruit Making fruit lollipops Giving food silly names such as ‘dinosaur food’ Chopping fruit into healthy breakfast cereals Taking a piece of fruit when they pick up the kids so it’s the first thing they have when they’re hungry Letting the children cook (with assistance) whenever they want to Having a colour theme Filling homemade cakes with a blended fruit puree Introducing a brand new kind of fruit / veg every week for the whole family to try Pureeing fruit and adding to porridge
SNACKSPIRATION Nairn’s Gluten Free Astro Bites are the perfect bite-sized GlutenFree snack that are sure to bea hit with children. Not only do they contain significantly less sugar than other kids products on the market, they are packed full of wholesome wholegrain oats and nothing artificial.
ChewyMoon is a subscription snack box for kids that makes it as much fun to learn about nutrition as it is to eat the snack. The alternative snacks help parents to provide all-natural, guilt-free snacks for growing kids. www.chewymoon.co.uk 8
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EDUCATION
!
ck i P r u O
FIRST BOOKS My First Animals and First Words French
Get
ready summer for
Help inspire a lifelong love of reading
Encouraging reading for enjoyment from an early age can help children on their reading journeys, inspiring a lifelong love of sharing stories and books. Research shows reading for pleasure has a dramatic effect on many life outcomes for children such as their well- being, confidence and educational achievements.
enjoy the sunny afternoons. Story time is the perfect time to retreat away from noise, television and mobile phones.
BookTrust knows from our work with parents and carers that reading with your little-ones and keeping them engaged with a book is not always easy, especially during school holidays when they would rather play or watch TV than pick up a book.
Bath, book, bed Children not following a Bath, Book, Bed routine are less relaxed at bedtime, get up more often during the night and get fed more frequently. This is according to a survey polling over 1,000 families on bedtime routines and sleeping habits. BookTrust’s annual Bath, Book, Bed campaign aims to solve these problems in three easy steps, encouraging parents to stick to a simple bedtime routine and asking families to share stories as a regular part of bedtime to help their little ones sleep soundly.
We’ve created a list of tips and ideas to help you get your child reading, encouraging a positive reading habit and making books as enjoyable as possible. Books in the garden Give your children books, alongside their footballs and kites, to enjoy when they are outside in the garden playing during the holidays. Then they can look at a book as a break from playing, encouraging them to read for enjoyment and keeping them entertained for longer. Local Library fun Over the summer holidays why not check out your local library or bookshop, there will be lots of special activities on for you and your family to enjoy. Books and cuddles Chose some books to read together whilst you relax and
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Animal noises Making noises or sound effects when reading with your children helps bring the story to life. Try to get your child involved by asking them to make the sound for every character or animal they see.
Jo Frost, worldwide parenting expert and BookTrust Ambassador said: “BookTrust’s Bath, Book, Bed campaign is a really straightforward approach to tackling a problem that most parents with young children face – the bedtime battle. Bedtime routines do not need to be complicated for especially-tired parents on their last legs. Implementing healthy sleeping habits, and a consistent bedtime routine will not only calm down the child and parents but, provide an environment so that both child and parent can read together helping them both relax and wind down. Meaning everyone will be well-rested, happier and healthier.” www.booktrust.org.uk
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Learning
curves
Many new mums struggle with their body confidence after pregnancy and birth, but what is the key to mastering self-acceptance? asks Rachel Lancashire I’d never really mastered the art of self-acceptance before growing a little human, and I’d say that twelve months into raising that same toddling being, I’m still not there yet. The difference is, I’m happier. On the day of my wedding I weighed exactly 7st 12lbs, my Grandma used to say that there was more fat on her little finger than there was on me. In hindsight, she was probably right (her fingers are quite porky), but in a world filled with media who brainwash you into thinking you can always be thinner, have the perfect complexion and do little else but exercise or use your purse to achieve it, I just wasn’t content. Then, after only two weeks of marriage to find out my body was busy baking a bun a surge of mixed emotions flooded through my veins. First of all the excitement and the ‘oh I can’t wait for...’ moments, closely followed by the ‘Oh no I’m going to grow bigger than I have ever been’ moments and rapidly followed by the ‘I don’t think I can push a baby out’ moments. Sure enough as my belly began to blossom, my fingers started to swell and my face became as round as the
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bulging belly, I began to complain. ‘I look fat’, ‘I’m huge’ or ‘I can’t grow much bigger, surely...’. Of course I was reassured by my husband and friends that this was supposed to happen and then by others who would I’m sure have thought they were helping, but I’m not sure telling a heavily pregnant lady that ‘her body will never be her own again’ isn’t exactly beneficial. I’m sure if you’re reading this you are probably nodding along and know exactly what I’m talking about, I’m sorry, I’m sorry that that ever happened to you, that you were made to feel like that. The truth is, just as I forgot the pain of childbirth (almost) immediately, along with it fled the fears about my body image. When you’re lay in the most undignified of positions, the nurses all around you have quite possibly seen you have a number two amongst many other things, you’re image is the least of you worries, that said I did want my pearl earrings back in the very moment that I could. And just hours after birth as I stood up for the first time with baby on the outside of my body rather than the safe cocoon of the inside where he’d set up home for the last nine
months (and one week), the jelly belly swishing and swayed along the corridor to the maternity ward with me. How did I feel? Absolutely content. As my swollen feet waddled almost needing stabilisers after having to reconfigure the new weight they were carrying, As visitors came and went taking photographs of me without make-up, my new hospital pyjamas the only freshness about me, how did I feel? Happy, and not once did I think ‘I hope those pictures don’t go on Facebook!’ My body is my own, and it always will be. But it can be shared with my son because it tells the wonderful story of how Mummy grew him inside her tummy and that will be a story that is just ours.
I don’t look in the mirror and think ‘Wow!’ I really, really don’t. But neither do I look and think ‘Eww!’ I see changes that tell the story of love, hope and joy. That’s how I’ve come to accept my post-partum persona. And if someday I manage to lose the weight that I want to, I’ll never want to forget to remember the time when Mummy and Noah shared just one body and the difference that made to me. www.mums-magazine.co.uk
Generation GAME The
Motherhood through the ages
Motherhood is the most equally rewarding and challenging role that a woman can take on, and this is as true today as it was ten, twenty or thirty years ago. So why is it that stress and unhappiness have only more recently become hallmarks of the parening exerience? Social media No mother can deny the heart-warming effect of those smiles, giggles or cuddles. The ones that make everything worth it, and instantly erase any anger or frustration that might have been felt in the moments before. These simple yet cherished moments have been powering parents through the perils of stress and sleep deprivation for mileninia. But by today’s standards, are they reward enough in themselves? To some extent, these parenting ‘treats’ require something more in order to taste as sweet as they might have done in isolation just a few decades ago. Just as our palettes have adapted to modern manufacturing, the reward centres of our brains have been significantly rewired by social media and the artificial sweetness is add to our lives. Like it or not (excuse the pun), the digital thumbs ups and celebratory comments in response to a shared smile, giggle or first step are often as much behind the proud mum moments as the milestone accomplishments themself. Work pressures In terms of challenges, the day-to-day of being a busy mum may not have changed significantly. The collective
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hurdles of raising a child - from sleepless nights, to teething and weaning - caused mums as much worry and anxiety in the 70’s as they do today. Add to this mix, however, the challenge of returning to work full time and the rising cost of living, and it’s not surprise that the modern ‘mother ship’ is typically only just about staying afloat. Worry, worry, worry Health and safety is one of the most widely talked about matters of modern times. Parents of children growing up in the 80’s and 90’s were not subjected to anywhere near so many stingent rules and regulations. They allowed children to play on the streets, left buggies outside shops while they popped in for groceries, and bundled countless children into their cars (without seatbelts) without fear of any consequence. Although there is much to be said for the cesation of some of these habits, modern parents are gripped by an epidemic of fear and ‘what ifs’ surrounding their own and their children’s every move and decision. Some people have the view that, in fact the world has never been a safer place, but greater awareness of risk factors has ironically caused us to be more fearful than ever. Developmental angst Speaking of worry, it isn’t just health and safety that has modern mums on tenterhooks. The abundance of information surrounding babies’ learning and development has many mums fearing their child’s progress - something that mothers in previous decades were
somewhat more relaxed about. The general feeling that all children were different and develop at their own rates has been replaced with a trend for labelling and target setting, thereby detracting from the very joy and freedom of childhood. For example, the guilt that many new mums, especially, feel for not taking their newborn to every sensory class going is a new and significant problem, and another burden for them to carry that their mum’s and grandmother’s were spared in favour of a much more realistic (less stimulating) daily routine. The fun factor Some might say that modern children are less easy to please than previous generations, therefore heightening the pressure on mums to come up with ever greater means of entertaining and appeasing their little ones. However, pester-power has always been a problem to some extent, with children always having wanted what the next child has, or what they see on TV or in magazines. The difference, some might say, is in the monetary value of these ‘must have’ items, not to mention perceptions of suitability. A child of the 80’s might have nagged and nagged for the latest HeMan figurine, but today’s might beg for the latest digital gadget or item of parental scrutiny. So the issue a parent faces is not just one of affordability, but more so one of worry and guilt (more guilt!) as to the potential implications of caving in to their requests. The emotional battle is very real, and something parents had to deal with much less before modern technology became mainstream.
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FLAT HEAD SYNDROME Plagiocephaly (commonly known as Flat-Head Syndrome) now affects nearly half of all babies under 6-months of age in the UK. It is caused by pressure on the soft skull bones, which have not yet fused, and become moulded into a different shape. This can occur when an infant spends excessive periods of time lying or resting in the same position on their backs; in pushchairs, car seats, bouncers and cribs.
BABY MATTERS From teething to nappy rash, we take a look at how to prevent and reduce some of the most common symptoms affecting babies
One solution is the Lovenest+ baby head positioner. The innovative, ergonomic design offers support without restricting movement, and features a special incline to ensure pressure is evenly distributed across the infant’s head, thereby maintaining the natural curvature of the skull. Antibacterial, thermoregulating Coolmax® fabric, adapts to baby’s temperature to ensure optimum comfort. Suitable from birth to 6m, it can be used in pushchairs, bouncers, cots and cribs. The Lovenest+ is available to purchase for £19.99 at www.babymoov.co.uk. To help raise awareness of this little-known condition and ways it can be prevented visit https://youtu.be/brxq943JriY
There are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash Weaning
Any change in diet can lead to looser stools and a greater likelihood of nappy rash affecting your baby.
Common Cold
When a baby has a cold, stools are often looser, meaning that nappy rash is more likely to occur.
Teething
A runny nose, lots of saliva and diarrhoea are often the signs of teething. It’s also a time when nappy rash can strike.
Antibiotics
Nappy rash is often linked to antibiotic use. Antibiotics may mildly upset the digestive system leading to diarrhoea and nappy rash.
TEETHING Teething is an unavoidable gripe that babies have to go through, causing a range of symptoms from drooling, to loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. Gertie the Good Goose is a truly adorable, 100% natural and safe teether which is perfectly sized to fit babies’ hands, Gertie has been thoughtfully designed to lend her feet, tail, feathers and beak during the teething phase, which can be a long and difficult time to manage. Soft to touch, lightweight and with a slight vanilla scent, Gertie provides pain relief, comfort and giggles - this teething toy is undoubtedly the most stylish and kooky teether ever made! RRP: £14.99 | Stockist: www.gertiethegoodgoose.co.uk
First sleep through the night
Sleeping through the night means that nappy changing may be delayed, making nappy rash more likely to develop.
Change in diet
Such as moving on from breast milk may lead to more frequent and watery stools, potentially leading to nappy rash.
Diarrhoea
Nappy rash usually starts when the baby’s delicate skin is in prolonged contact with urine and faeces in the nappy. It’s much more difficult to prevent this if your baby has diarrhoea.
is here to help!
1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543
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y o j e e Pur
Enjoy weaning your baby with these helpful guides, products and recipes
WEANING TRENDS
Modern Babies Weaned onto Rice Cakes and Mango Over Porridge and Rusks
Today’s children are being weaned onto rice cakes, mango and even avocado instead of the more traditional toast, porridge and rusks, a study has found.Eight out of ten parents believe the diets of babies and toddlers have changed over the years with more exotic fruit and vegetables more likely to be used to wean children nowadays. Eighteen per cent more children are given rice cakes as first finger foods today than 20 years ago, while 17 per cent more are fed avocado – compared to just two per cent in previous generations.The number of children being fed sweet potato as a first food has risen by 22 per cent, while the introduction of pears has increased by 11 per cent Wafers, kiwi fruit and courgettes have also seen an increase in popularity in recent years.In contrast, rusks have suffered the biggest decline of all foods – with 32 per cent LESS children eating them now compared to 20 years ago.And 72 per cent of parents believe giving your child varied foods can have an effect on how adventurous they are with foods as they get older. Fifty-six per cent of those put this down to their baby trying these foods before they are old enough to say they don’t like them, while another 53 per cent believe giving children fancy foods early on means they have time to try things over and over again. www.kiddylicious.co.uk
RECIPE CORNER
Sugar free baby Dr. Sarah is a nutritionist and mother of two small boys. She’s more than aware of how many new parents find the thought of weaning daunting and confusing and are keen to make sure their baby eats healthily – because she’s been there! But she also knows that new parents often forget to look after themselves too, and can end up grabbing unhealthy, empty calories on the go. My Sugar Free Baby and Me makes sure you can eat Delicious Brand New Recipes which are Super Healthy and Sugar Free too! The recipes for both you and your baby are very simple, quick to prepare and Mouth Watering. www.bloomsbury.com
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Butternut, Carrot and Goat’s Cheese Puree Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1/3rd of a Butternut Squash (approx. 150g peeled pulp) 2 carrots 1 small potato ∏ an onion 30 gr fresh goats cheese a few drops of olive oil Method: Peel the butternut squash and remove the seeds. Cut into large chunks Peel the carrots and potato, rinse and chop into small pieces. Peel and slice the onion. Put all the vegetables into the basket of the Nutribaby and set a 20 minute cooking cycle. Check they are cooked through and tender. Blend the vegetables with the goats’ cheese and a few drops of olive oil. Enjoy! www.babymoov.co.uk
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TRAVEL
tots
Top tips for travelling with children this summer TRANSFER SAFETY
Are you planning a trip away with the kids? Have you thought about how you will keep them safe when travelling in a taxi, car rental or in a family member’s car whilst away? Long gone are the days of being charged extortionate prices to have a car seat added to your rental car or even worse, turning up to collect your rental car only to be told they do not have any car seats available. Not to mention, most taxis do not provide any sort of car seats for child passengers. Luckily, parents can breathe a huge sigh of relief thanks to mifold - the Grab-and-Go Booster® seat. mifold is the most advanced, compact and portable child restraint in the world and has just launched here in the UK, meaning parents will now always have a safe solution for those journeys where a car seat is not available for their child. mifold is more than 10x smaller than a regular booster seat so you can easily pop 2 or 3 of them in your suitcase or backpack. It is super lightweight, no heavier than a bottle of water, so can be carried with you at all times and despite its compact appearance mifold is mighty strong and sturdy so will not get damaged even if it ends up at the bottom of your suitcase. www.mifold.com
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OUT & ABOUT Ready-to-go, straight out of the box and complete with all the travel essentials (rain-cover, UV protective, all-weather hood and travel bag) the Omnio Stroller is fit for any family holiday, particularly as it also has a compact, lightweight, wearable design and large carry capacity (22kg), Omnio Stroller (£389 RRP) To find out more about the Omnio Stroller, please visit: www.omnioworld.com
Get the lingo! First Words book contains 100 travel-relevant words, from airport to ice cream and tomato to umbrella. Featuring one word per double page, with a simple pronunciation guide accompanying a bold, colourful illustration to give the word context – and to help make remembering the new vocabulary easy and fun. The book also offers ccess to a free audio pronunciation guide. www.mums-magazine.co.uk
Family
holiday hacks Top tips for travelling with children this summer
Holidaying with children requires many considerations - far more than you probably ever imagined pre-parenthood. On the most basic level, it comes down to timing, with school terms the biggest dictator of when you can choose to travel. If you’re child isn’t yet at school, you probably have the luxury of being able to jet off whenever you choose...if only it was that simple. We’ve put together the top five things to keep in mind before your summer holiday, to help make your travel and time away as smooth sailing as possible. Flight times If your children are at the age where naps and bedtime are crucial, not only to their good behaviour, but also your sanity, then timing your flights correctly is essential. Flight times that clash with children’s sleep are risky business, unless you’re happy to chance a screaming, over-tired baby for the duration of the journey. What many parents come to glean is that working flight times around these sacred sleep times makes for far better odds of a pain-free journey. This might narrow the options with airlines and make booking more complicated, but the reward of a happy child is probably worth the effort. Rooms When a baby is little, you might still be able to get away with a standard hotel room with a travel cot, but this option does still come with its problems. Firstly, a baby out of its normal cot and environment may be more prone to night wakings, and being confined to a small room with no possibility of swapping soothing shifts, or warming milk, can be a challenge. A duplex room, or even better an apartment with a separate living space, means parents at least have a shot at a rested night, even it is on an alternate basis. Once your child is older, the extra space of an apartment will also better suit their abudnace of energy at this age. A hotel room with a hyperative one year old can be a little claustraphobic, for them and you. The added advantage of a kitchenette will put mealtimes in your control - another key component to parent sanity. There is nothing worse than needing to search for, or wait in, a cafe or restaurant at 5pm with a hangry child, and being able to cook up some pasta or toast (not to mention warm milk at 2am) on demand is invaluable. www.mums-magazine.co.uk
Airport essentials Airports can be big and tiring places if you are a small person, and walking the distance to the gate at their little leg speed can be frustrating, especially if the countdown to departure is on. Investing in a Trunki, which enables them to sit and ride, can help make the airport experience fun and stressfree for children and parents. Transfers Pre-children, you may have jumped in the nearest taxi on arrival at your destination, but with little ones’ safety to consider, pre-booking your transfers with appropriate car seats is a must. Most hotels should be able to assist with this, and wlll most likely have their own transport staff, or have links to reputable companies. It is best to email them in advance once you know your flight times, being sure to state the age and car seat requirements for your child.
‘A Trunki can help make the airport experience fun and stress-free for children and parents’
Gerry the Giraffe Trunki RRP £40 from trunki.co.uk
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SUMMER SKINCARE...
! d e cover Top tips for looking after yours and your children’s skin in the sun
Nothing beats a beautiful day on the beach but these are the golden rules to stay safe in the sun: • Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before exposure to the sun. It needs this time to absorb and become effective • Sunscreen must be UVA and UVB protective. UVA is measured in stars – 5 is best. UVB is measured in SPFs – 25 minimum for babies and young children. Waterproof is better than water repellent. • Keep skin covered as much as possible – sunsuit, hat, umbrella, shade; and avoid the sun altogether between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest • Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially after swimming • Keep sunscreen in a cool and shady place (ideally in the fridge) and dispose at the end of the summer as they go off And what about a holiday first aid kit? For a natural option, look no further than Aromatherapy which uses essential oils from plants to treat many everyday complaints and has the advantage of being safe to use on babies and young children. In particular, Lavender and Chamomile work wonders on just about anything to do with the skin, from insect bites and stings to cuts, scrapes and scratches, from heat rash and nappy rash to bruises and burns (including sunburn). Organic Lavender and Chamomile are the key ingredients in my Magic Cream, Little People’s Lavender Balm (also a great after sun soother) and Little People’s Bathtime Fun (all currently on special offer). I can also make a natural mosquito repellent using Citronella essential oil. For further information or advice on natural remedies for skin problems, please contact Emma on 01962 776918, 07702 309688 or by email to emma@magic-cream.co.uk
Natural remedies for the skin and body including Eczema, Psoriasis, Chicken Pox, Nappy Rash, Teenage Spots, Acne, Nits and much more... For further advice and information: please contact emma@magic-cream.co.uk 01962 776918 / 07702 309688 www.magic-cream.co.uk
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WATER
When asked what they would most like to do when on holiday, playing on the beach topped the list of activities, with 89 per cent of children choosing this option. Water-based fun was high on most children’s holiday to-do list, with swimming in a pool and in the sea coming in second and third (71 per cent and 66 per cent, respectively).
LOT OF FUN
ww.canvasholidays.co.uk
NO LEAKS! Baby swimwear brand Splash About has redesigned its much-loved swim nappy, the Happy Nappy, now with a new ergonomic shape it offers the best protection ever against unwelcome leaks in the pool. Made from supple neoprene, the New Improved Happy Nappy is designed to move as your baby moves in water. It doesn’t matter how hard they kick or play the innovative fitted gusset and specially formed back panels that cup baby’s bottom ensures this swim nappy doesn’t gape. There’s also specialist fabric ribbing at the waist and legs that provides a secure but comfortable seal for a leak-free swim. The new Happy Nappy is a great baby travel product; because it’s effective worn alone there’s no need to pack bulky disposable swim nappies, making it spacesaving in a suitcase and environmentally friendly too! After care is simple, with quick-drying neoprene just rinse, roll and reuse! Suitable from birth, RRP £10.99 www.splashabout.com
Changing the world one bottom at a time
SwimFin SwimFin is a brilliant swimming aid to boost confidence and to help swimmers feel supported, comfortable and secure in the water. It makes your child easily visible poolside or on the beach, and in addition to giving parents peace of mind in the water, SwimFin allows Little Sharks to be active in the pool.
There is no substitute for your immediate supervision of your child, however. Always remain vigilant in and around water whether your child is wearing their SwimFin or not. One of the benefits of wearing a SwimFin is that it’s not uncomfortable or restrictive to wear when out of the water. Keeping their SwimFin on from the time they arrive at the pool or beach will help to keep your child safe should they fall in or get in water that is deeper than they are comfortable with. Never rely solely on any swimming aid or lifeguard however. Your child needs your full attention in the water so get in and have fun with them whenever possible. For more information about SwimFin and its benefits, visit:http://swimfin.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/SwimFinGB/
NEW & IMPROVED DESIGN
Introducing the new & improved Happy Nappy. The most reliable swim nappy in the world is now even more effective, for the cleanest swim possible for you & your baby. Insisted upon by your swim school the New Improved Happy Nappy is the No 1 choice in baby swimming. For more information visit: www.splashabout.com
Unique patented design for the best protection against faecal leaks Ergonomic panel design moves as your child moves
Secure, comfortable waist & leg ribs
SwimFin Fun THE LOW-DOWN
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Are you fed up of seeing your kids passively glued to a screen? Do you want their screen time to spark their creativity, ignite their imaginations and have them clamouring for the great outdoors? Perhaps you remember a certain TV show, who’s catchphrase encouraged you to turn off the gogglebox…and are now wishing for something similar for your kids? If so, then the latest offering from Whippersnapper, the experts in keeping kids’ entertained, SnapperTime (www.snappertime. com) is for you. Packed full of diverse challenges, SnapperTime aims to inspire you and your little adventurers to do fun stuff together. Whether your kids want to build bug hotels, construct survival shelters, create works of art or produce tasty treats, there is something for everyone. Every challenge is categorised (Arty Farty/Super Science/Great Outdoors/Tasty Treats/Super Hero) and beautifully presented to ensure they’re easy to follow. Each challenge is also clearly marked with a difficulty rating so that you know just what you’re taking on (and don’t end up with egg or glue everywhere when you’ve just washed the floor)! What’s more, for every challenge your child completes, they will earn a super shiny digital DoodleCoin which can be exchanged, by you, for a ‘reward’ for the whole family.
Your
screen-free
summer guide to
The rewards will be constantly changing so look out for shiny new welly boots, seed balls for the garden, incredible outdoor gear, wholesome tasty treats, bug kits, books, family games, hotel breaks and even adventure holidays! Featuring some amazing brands including National Geographic Kids,The Outdoors Project, the wonderful ‘Going Wild’ books and presenting some well-known children’s characters, there are SnapperTime challenges and rewards guaranteed to get you inspired and create some lasting, money-can’t-buy memories!
Outside play leads the way, but what’s the best way to get children on board?
SnapperTime is completely free to join and the first 500 to register will receive a limited edition SnapperTime VIP Pack in the post, complete with your very own reward chart & magnet for the fridge. So, what are you waiting for, sign-up now and get rewarded for having more fun with your kids. www.snappertime.com Win Green’s NEW Theatre Playhouse - £275 at www.wingreen.co.uk
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Outside the bubble Funrise premium bubble brand, Gazillion Bubbles, has proven that playing outdoors and with bubbles can have some great benefits for your child’s health and development. Dr Gummer’s expert opinion advised that “Just half an hour of outdoor play has lots of health and psychological benefits for children. Simply being outside in the natural light stimulates the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin which positively contributes to a child’s health.” She went on to explain; “Outdoor play is like the fruit and veg of the play diet, difficult to overindulge on. It’s also the perfect environment for children to run around, scream, shout, and get messy – all the things that children love to do.” In her research around playing with bubbles, Dr Gummer explains that kids don’t need a lot of outdoor toys and a few, well-chosen products can enrich the play space. When it comes to outdoor toys, kids are drawn to bubbles and bubble machines and the Gazillion range captivates kids’ interest time and time again. Dr Gummer commented: “Children seem to have a natural instinct that makes them want to catch bubbles the moment they see them. They will follow a single bubble for miles for the small satisfaction of popping it.” But how can this benefit children? There’s a lot of running and jumping involved in catching bubbles too which is simply brilliant exercise. This also helps develop handeye coordination and balance. Playing with bubbles is a wonderful social activity as well. Children may decide to compete with each other to see who can burst the most bubbles, or work together as a team to catch them all. However they play together, children are developing key social skills like negotiation and communication.
Garden fun
During the summer holidays, even staying at home can be an outside adventure with this deluxe easy store sand and water table, which lets children explore both sand and water play all in one. It has 2 hand cranks to let children create currents to sail 2 boats (included) around the table and in and out of the harbour. Easy Store sand and water table £89.99Age 24 months - 5 years + http://www.littletikes.co.uk
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Nappy
There are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash
days
Effective ways to help prevent and treat nappy rash
Weaning
Any change in diet can lead to looser stools and a greater likelihood of nappy rash affecting your baby.
Common Cold
When a baby has a cold, stools are often looser, meaning that nappy rash is more likely to occur.
Teething
A runny nose, lots of saliva and diarrhoea are often the signs of teething. It’s also a time when nappy rash can strike.
Antibiotics
Nappy rash is often linked to antibiotic use. Antibiotics may mildly upset the digestive system leading to diarrhoea and nappy rash.
First sleep through the night
Sleeping through the night means that nappy changing may be delayed, making nappy rash more likely to develop.
Change in diet
Such as moving on from breast milk may lead to more frequent and watery stools, potentially leading to nappy rash.
Diarrhoea
Many babies suffer from nappy rash at some time in their first 18 months. Nappy rash can be caused by prolonged contact with urine or stools, although having sensitive skin does increase propensity towards the condition. In addition, certain soaps, detergents, wipes and also chafing can be contributing factors. Nappy rash is characterised by red patches on your baby’s bottom, or the whole area may be red. The skin may look sore and feel hot to touch, and there may be spots, pimples or blisters.
Nappy rash usually starts when the baby’s delicate skin is in prolonged contact with urine and faeces in the nappy. It’s much more difficult to prevent this if your baby has diarrhoea.
is here to help!
1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543
The best approach to treating nappy rash is prevention, and changing wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible can help to lessen the risk of irritation. Young babies need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, and older babies at least six to eight times. Be sure to clean the whole nappy area thoroughly, wiping from front to back and use plain water or baby wipes. It also helps to leave the nappy off for as long and as often as you can in order to let fresh air get to the skin. Barrier creams, such as zinc and castor oil may also help. If your baby does get nappy rash, you can treat it with a nappy rash cream, although if the rash doesn’t go away or becomes bright red with white or red pimples, they may have a thrush infection. In this case, you’ll need to use an anti-fungal cream, available either from the pharmacist or on prescription from your GP. Ask your pharmacist or health visitor for advice. 20
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is here to help! We all know how unpredictable babies can be!
Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543
1
we an ing
Treatment
for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness. Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.
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com mon cold
3 teething
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antibiotic s
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change in di et
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diar rhoe a
Protection
from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help protect against the irritants that can cause nappy rash.
we
babies’ bums
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HELP! How do a plan I child’s party? Kids Birthday Party Planner is an app that does what it says on the tin, taking the pain out of planning children’s parties. No more forgetting to invite a particular friend and no more confusion over who is coming and who isn’t. http://kidsbirthdayplanner.co.uk
Fashion corner!
Our pick of the best party dress for the season
It’s party
time!
Children’s birthday celebration inspiration A Princess Castle or Pirate Shack - the ultimate birthday gift Win Green’s beautiful collection of hand-embroidered & appliquéd, 100% cotton Playhouses and Accessories encourage children to explore their imaginations through creative play! Full of detail and colour, their products capture the unique charm of a more traditional toy, created to promote creativity, interaction and imagination. Designed in the UK and brought to life using traditional Indian weaving and dying techniques, Win Green products support parents increased desire to invest in quality made products that will stand the test of time. With collections that include an enchanting Princess Castle, swashbuckling Pirate Shack, magical Fairy Cottage and seaside Beach House you’ll be sure to find the perfect backdrop to all the fun your children can have … whatever magical tales of make-believe they choose to explore! Established in 2001, Win Green’s continued desire to create a product which nurtures creativity and encourages interactive play was the inspiration for their new playhouse. Launching in the Summer of 2017, they proudly present… The Theatre! With shimmering musical notes flowing across the roof, this bright and colourful play tent features a stage door, ticket office and popcorn & ice cream stall. The star embroidered curtains tie back to reveal a floorboard-style floor quilt, just what any budding actor needs to tread the boards! Selling worldwide through their UK and US websites, their enchanting collection of Playhouses and Accessories are loved by many!
Purple Pattern Bow Front dress (£45.00) www.huntleysshoes.com
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We just got the Cowboy Wigwam and the quality is so great! Even the quilt is amazing quality. This is a great brand and I recommend it. Anna-Beth This Fairy Cottage is every little girls dream tent. My twins love it! And it's easy to put together!! Danielle
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ADS EST RE
B
I'm Wrecked, This is My Journal notes the ups and downs of parenting. When author Shannon had her first baby, she found herself writing down random notes at all hours, sparking the creation of this new style baby book, for frazzled parents.
The school gate is a world unto itself – with a unique fauna and its own complex set of social patterns that generally revolve around impenetrable cliques and complicated competitions. This is the focus of ISPY - At The School Gate, part of brilliant series and hilarious new takes on the old ISPY classics, which first launched as a collection of children’s gift titles in the 1950s. The concept is simple, it’s I Spy with My Little Eye but better – this time with proper challenges and points to be won – time to get competitive.
Research by children’s reading charity BookTrust reveals new parents are completely sleep deprived in the child’s first few years, losing out on a whopping 657 hours per year, which equates to almost four weeks of less sleep a year. BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity also found that sleep deprivation is the most stressful challenge about becoming a parent, second only to worries about children’s health. In fact, a fifth of new parents (21%) have taken a day off work in order to catch up on lost sleep. www.booktrust.org.uk
NEED TO VENT? Mum friends are invaluable, but sometimes meeting like minded parents can be a challenge. MeetOtherMums (http://meetothermums.com) is a unique website whic was developed to help mums create long lasting friendships and combat the loneliness motherhood can bring.
Fried
Mummy
Top tips for the overtired and frazzled mums
CAFFEINE FIXER The innovative Coffeegator is every Mum’s best friend. Featuring a laser cut reusable steel filter, you coffee retains its flavours and oils, that paper filters would usually remove. This highquality coffee maker is backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and can be purchase for £29.97 (usually £39.99) from www.coffeegator.com
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The FCA announced new proposals recently to help millions of people resolve their credit card debts. With nearly 8 million people across the UK experiencing unmanageable debts and credit card debts mentioned as the main reason for using Money Advice funded free debt advice services, this is a great time to start getting your finances under control. Caroline Siarkiewicz, Head of Debt Advice for the Money Advice Service has provided some top tips to help people who are struggling with large credit card debts to get their finances back on track. She says; “Credit card debts can be expensive and can gradually build up until you feel like you are struggling to manage. The good news is that there are plenty of ways that you can start to reduce these debts before they become a bigger problem.” 1) Keep track of your credit card debts – work out how much you owe and how much money you have available to make manageable repayments each month. 2) Pay off the debts with the highest interest rates first – Make sure you focus on paying off the most expensive credit card debts first, for example, if you owe £1,000 on a card charging 19% annual interest and another £1,000 on one charging 34% annual interest, concentrate on the card charging 34% interest first and pay as much as you can. 3) Consider consolidating your credit card debts – with low interest rates, you may get a better deal by consolidating your debts into one credit card. This will also make it easier to make manageable monthly repayments. You can shop around for the best deals using comparison websites. 4) Set up a direct debit – This will ensure you don’t miss any payments and help you avoid any late payment fees which could push you into further debt. 5) Get help with your debts - If you are finding that you are struggling with your debts, use the Debt Advice Locator Tool to find free, impartial advice in your area either over the phone or face to face. For more information about repaying credit cards debt visit the Money Advice Service website. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 24
Mums Magazine Summer 2017
Top tips for people sruggling with credit card debts
Money management tips TIPS FROM AN UNEXPECTED FINANCIAL ADVISER When preparing to start a family, it’s common to seek advice from lots of sources – mainly friends, professionals or the internet. But for Lydia, 25, who is expecting her first child, the financial tips she swears by come from a person you may not expect – her 83 year old Grandma, Maureen. Maureen and her husband, Jimmy, had their first child in September 1957. As newlyweds returning from their honeymoon, they had little more than half a crown to their names. Making the most of their finances was an absolute necessity and in turn made them thrifty savers. Maureen shares her pearls of wisdom: SHOP AROUND. For Maureen, everything was second hand or borrowed until they could buy their own, which they managed to do gradually. Bringing this into 2017, there are many comparison and second hand websites at your fingertips. Making sure you are shopping around for the best deal or a second hand bargain is a sure fire way not to waste money.
MONEY TALKS KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. Maureen managed her household money on a weekly basis. She knew exactly what was owed where. Nowadays you don’t have to do this all in your head. Instead register for a free-for-life credit report at Noddle.co.uk. A credit report is like a financial passport and includes your credit history and information on how well you manage the money you borrow. By knowing what’s in your report you can put the information to good use. CAN’T AFFORD IT? DON’T BUY IT. Maureen is a big advocate of spending within means and would have never splashed out on something for her children that she could not afford, instead making the most out of what she had. However, if there is something you need to purchase, but don’t have the funds, using a credit card sensibly can be useful and a great way to build your credit score. USE CASH. Maureen kept all of her leisure money in a jar, that way she knew exactly how much she had budgeted for the week. Similar to this, a good way of avoiding being contactless-payment-happy, is to take out the cash you have for the week and commit to not spending any more. www.noddle.co.uk
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THE COST OF DIVORCE Leading law firm Mishcon de Reya has partnered with children’s mental health charity Place2Be to warn that the emotional cost of a divorce on children can far outweigh any legal costs incurred. Many children feel distress when they are caught between two families and the pressure that is sometimes placed on them as a ‘go between.’ Some parents expect them to reveal intimate details of their ex partner’s life and choice of new partner, even though asking children to communicate this information can place them in conflict. This is one of the biggest struggles children face in response to parental separation, as revealed in a new book, Splitting Up – A Child's Guide to a Grown Up Problem. In the book, children of various ages and from different backgrounds - with one shared experience - offer up their feelings on the grown up problem of splitting up. They give advice to separating parents on how best to support their child, and offer their support to other children going through the same thing. Psychologists have written that 11-15% of the children of divorcing parents are suffering the effects of implacable hostility, whereby after separation one parent denies access to, or contact with, their child(ren). In the UK, where over 100,000 divorces are granted every year, the estimate would equate to over 10,000 children every year.
On the subject... Stitched Up: Divorce injustice is a searing memoir by Simon Opfer that exposes the workings of England’s family “justice” system. Simon Opfer’s divorce cost over £50,000 and took four years of his life (so far),
Money management at your fingertips Moneyhub that helps families keep track of their finances. It’s one of the UK’s fastest growing money management apps, which intuitively categorises all daily transactions allowing users to get a holistic and up to date view of their financial wealth. www.moneyhub.com www.mums-magazine.co.uk
FAMILY FINANCES MANAGING DEBT AND HOW TO BUDGET By Rachel Lancashire
Many times I’ve heard people say that they either can’t afford a baby or that baby’s are expensive. In some respects I guess those statements are too far from the truth, but it depends how much you indulge your child. I’m a real sucker for buying my little boy things every time I’m in a shop, my husband says that I am every retailers dream because I buy on impulse. For example sippy cups, how many sippy cups should a twelve month old own? Well, there needs to be the main, most favourite one and then a back-up. There needs to be one at Nanny’s house and one in the baby changing bag, but then what if you need a back-up for the back-up and then when you decide that you in fact do need another one, they’ve only gone and introduced a new model or orthodontist approved cup? This is a real struggle, one which my husband has absolutely zero tolerance for especially as I was beeping my contactless card without a second thought about the financial implications. Hasn’t contactless payment made us so lax about our purse strings? So, when coming to the end of maternity pay and moving into the statutory maternity pay we had to sit down and review finances. We had to make sacrifices. We had to prioritise. Through our church my husband discovered a course called the CAP Money Course, ‘a revolutionary money management course that teaches people budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that really works’. We thought it best to give it a go, so he enrolled on the four session long course and it revolutionised our finances and revitalised our bank account. Transferring to a cash only system where we withdraw what we need for the month, transfer any savings into the savings account and then leave the rest in for the direct debits, meant that we were in complete control of our incomings and outgoings and at every turn in the road, we knew exactly what our finances looked like. I knew where I stood with my clothing allowance for example, I couldn’t just swipe my card and enter a pin number anymore, I had a budget of cash per month that I had to use wisely. When it was gone, it was gone. We bought a filing box with little envelopes and labels, we decided on the different categories: food, petrol, spends, clothes, hair cut, gym etc, and each week the allowance for each category was put into the envelope. Simple really. This might sound like old news but it honestly made me much more reluctant to hand over my notes, I became more sceptical – ‘do I really need this top?’ ‘Is this dress going to change my life?’ And most of the time the answer was, no. I actually began to buy only the things that I needed rather than the things I wanted, or thought that I wanted. I’ll admit that at first it was a real sore spot that took some time to adjust to but in the end I grew to actually quite like it. The savings were mounting up nicely and everyone was happy. I could still buy that extra sippy cup as long as I knew which pot it was coming from. Now I can’t say we’ve stuck to it religiously over the past month or two with different things that life throws at you, but we are getting back on track and can already see the difference. Try it, what could go wrong? If you never try, you’ll never know. For more information on the course my husband attended, visit www.capmoney.org
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is here to help! We all know how unpredictable babies can be!
Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543
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Treatment
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