Weekly Local Classes
Fun and skills that could save your child’s life We feel incredibly proud that we’ve helped save a number of very young children’s lives after they’ve fallen into water and survived – thanks to the skills they learned with us.
classes held... In Liverpool and surrounding areas
Our world-class teachers could have trained as private pilots – five times over – in the time it takes to fully qualify with us. You can trust us to take the very best care of you and your little one.
To give your baby a splashing start call
01925 243 643 Let’s teach your baby to swim!
www.waterbabies.co.uk
CONTENTS DEC-JAN 2016 ISSUE
PREGNANCY
5 CAN SARDINES MAKE FOR A HAPPY FAMILY? Bare Biology
EARLY YEARS
12-15 WINTER WHAT’S ON
A Guide to Festive Fun & New Year Planning
6-7 COMFORTABLE UPRIGHT BIRTH
DADDY AND ME
30 COMMANDO DAD
16
Your Chance to WIN La Belle Assiette - Dinner for 2
Christmas Break With the Unit
8 COUNT THE KICKS 17-23 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
9 The Physiotherapy Centre &
Take a Peek Scanning
BIRTH & BEYOND
10-11Ask the Expert
31 CREATIVE LEARNING
Volume II
Christmas Eve Bedtime Storys
24-25 Festive Fashions - Girls 26-27 Festive Fashions - Boys 28-29 ANNABEL KARMEL Festive Family Feast
inf @mummy o an magazinedme .co.u Editor: 0k 77 729004 90
Letter from the Editor Hello lovely readers!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The house is looking festive and I’ve picked out some Christmas outfits for my girls. My 4 year old daughter, Eden has brought her lines home for her first school Nativity. My own baby bump is growing bigger - I’m on the countdown to meeting baby #4!
This issue we bring you some festive treats with the second installment of our fabulous Christmas Gift Guides, Festive Fashions, Delicious December Delights by Annabel Karmel and our usual Activity Timetable is replaced this issue with a Winter ‘What’s On?’ guide to fun over the festive period and into the new year! I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and regardless of your beliefs I hope that this December and into the New Year is a wonderful time with your family and friends. I look forward to a further year of Mummy and Me Magazine and introducing my newest addition to you after their arrival in February!
Michelle x
/mummyandmemagazine Magazine Founder & Director Michelle Thompson Researchers/Critiques Eden, Bethany & Faye Thompson
@mummyandmemag
Assistant Editor Sue Bennett
Special Needs Consultant Anita Harris
Educational Researcher Danielle Furber
issuu.com/mummyandmemag Artist/Illustrator Ilan Sheady
Creative Learning Consultant Alan Bennett
Creative Designer Neil Bennett
Photographer & Stylist Elanza Butters
Can Sardines Make
For A Happy Family?
P
Pregnancy
Word: Melanie Lawson, Mother & founder of Bare Biology Omega 3 Fish Oils.
art of being a parent is learning to accept our children as individuals with their own free will and personality, while guiding them to make good choices. This includes the choices they make with their diet, and it’s a really tough one; most children would happily live off junk food and it’s much easier to let them eat what they want than to have dinner table battles. There is one critical thing we should all do as parents though, it’s pretty easy and will arguably have the greatest impact on their overall health and happiness. We need to make sure they have enough Omega 3 in their diet. Omega 3 is known as an essential fatty acid, essential means that we need it for our bodies to function properly but we can’t make it on our own – we have to eat it. The two most important types, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found mostly in oily fish like sardines and mackerel.
found that the children with below average reading ability (under the 20th centile) showed significant improvements. Getting children (and adults) to eat oily fish can be tricky so a very good quality supplement is often a good option, during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children from weaning. Bare Biology Omega 3 fish oils are the first and only British brand certified pure, fresh and powerful by IFOS and both the pregnancy supplement, Bump & Glory, and the kids one, Super Hero, contain the same amount of DHA as a whole tin of sardines in one dose. *DOLAB study. Advertisement
Our brains are 60% fat, of which 20% should be DHA. During pregnancy and infancy, insufficient intake of DHA has been shown to greatly impact the development of babies’ brains. From week 28 onwards in pregnancy, baby’s brain grows by an astonishing 260% so it’s crucial that the mother has adequate DHA intake during this time. A very large study* looked into the effect of Omega 3 on the behaviour, working memory and reading of healthy children aged between 7 and 9. After 6 weeks of taking a DHA supplement, they WWW.MUMMYANDMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Comfortable Upright Birth
Better for mum, better for baby. Introducing the Comfortable, Upright Birth (CUB) support... If you have recently been to any antenatal classes, hospital tours or even been online you may have noticed the latest product designed for use during birth; if not you soon will because the CUB is now used in more than half of all maternity hospitals and birth centres in the UK as well as in countries from Iceland to Australia, the USA and China. Birthsparks are the creators and global distributors of the award winning CUB that is now the most widely used, innovative product to reach the healthcare maternity market in recent years. We are delighted to announce that the CUB is now available for mothers who want to ensure they have access to a CUB during pregnancy to help them have the safer, healthier birth that they want.
So what is it? The CUB is a cross between a birth ball and a birth stool; designed by a midwife to provide comfortable support for mothers who want to maximise their chance of a natural, active birth by using upright positions.
What does the CUB do? The CUB allows the mother to adopt and maintain positions that are not only the most comfortable but physically the most helpful for her and her baby during labour, making giving birth easier, faster and most importantly, safer. Upright positions during birth (sitting, kneeling, squatting, all fours) has been the topic of much research in recent years, and the results of the research are dramatically in favour.
Being upright during labour and birth can
increase the space within the mother’s pelvis by up to 30%, allowing more room for the baby to be born. Labour contractions can be more effective making labour shorter, babies are 54% less likely to become distressed and mothers are a whopping 29% less likely
to need an emergency caesarean section! For mothers who are choosing
to give birth naturally having their own CUB will ensure they can use these really beneficial positions whenever they want.
Sold in over 40 different countries worldwide
idwives... tors and M c o D from
CUB n o tes o Qu o
A great innovation for childbirth, a simple idea but it but really works
Brilliant Produc t!
ant to d We all w an to help ec w g in everyth easier, have an rs e th o m e CUB th d th an safer bir s do this, it’s a lps u really he duct! great pro
I was am a how rela zed at xed the mother was
A really useful addition for the birth room
In light the extensive research in favour of Upright Birthing, the CUB was launched at the International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Congress in June 2014, to instant success. It’s now being added to maternity units across the globe as women strive for an easier, safer and more comfortable way to bring their babies into the world. To date the CUB has been sold into over 40 different countries worldwide and is rapidly becoming the new, must have item to support mothers through childbirth. Feedback from Mothers, Midwives and Obstetricians has been incredible and sales are growing daily, not only in the UK but from many countries worldwide. The CUB can be used by mothers at home in late pregnancy to encourage baby to adopt an ideal position for birth as well as throughout labour as a comfortable support, either to sit on, rest on or lean over as well as to give birth to the baby on if they so choose. The CUB is suitable for use in maternity hospitals, birth centres or at homebirths and it is available for mothers to buy for themselves as well as healthcare facilities who wish to offer a more natural approach to giving birth to their mothers.
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It is the perfect shape to cuddle, squeeze and hold on to.
Please visit our website:
www. cub-support .com
Pregnancy
65 Booker Ave, Liverpool, L18 4QZ 'We see many pain As physiotherapists weuncomplicated, bring our free pregnancies. However, extensive knowledge of anatomywe , are also experienced in treating antenatal fitness and evidence based practise spinal and andofcan offer a range of topelvic deliverdysfunction you a selection Women's physiotherapy Health Services under oneinterventions' roof.
Obstetric Physiotherapy Acupuncture Antenatal Pilates Classes Postpartum Physio Check Postnatal Pilates Classes*
*Babies Welcome
'We see many uncomplicated, pain free pregnancies. However, we are also experienced in treating antenatal spinal and pelvic dysfunction and can offer a range of physiotherapy interventions' - Sarah Johnson Clinic Director
email@thephysiotherapycentre.com
0151 724 2060
T
B
ookings now being taken for our NEW Postnatal Physio led pilates course.
The course will be led by Sarah our Clinic Director and its a 45 minute class dedicated to toning & shaping up SAFELY after the birth of your baby. We are happy to accept mums from 6 weeks post birth of baby and all levels & abilities welcome including mums who have experienced pregnancy related musculoskeletal problems (e.g Diastasis recti & pelvic girdle pain). Classes are limited to 7 and small babies are welcome to attend with mums including crying and hungry babies. Please note we are are also very breast feeding friendly. Please note you can also escape without baby if it suits! Please call the clinic 0151 724 2060 to reserve a space. Classes last for 45 mins and cost ÂŁ7.50 each.
ake a Peek 3D is ideally located in St.Helens and easily accessible to parents across the North West.
We are HD Live, with our brand new state of the art HD machine. The HD technology allows us to show you babies features in even more detail, it is truely amazing technology. We are well established (since 2006), having scanned over 19,000 ladies. Registered with the Care Quality Commission. Our company consists of three qualified female NHS trained sonographers with many years experience of working in obstetric ultrasound and two receptionists who are able to advise you on the best time to come for your scan. There are no hidden extras in our 3D/4D baby scan packages. Depending on the package selected, we can provide you with high quality glossy photos, a CD-ROM or USB stick and DVD footage for you to keep forever as a reminder of this special time, and for you to show them when they are older.
St.Helens first and premier baby 3D 4D and HD scanning centre.
Your pregnancy is the most precious time to you and we make sure it is to us as well.
4D
HD
Take A Peek 3D 31-33 Lynton Way Windle St Helens Merseyside WA10 6EQ
takeapeek3d.com Telephone: 01744 610417 Email: info@takeapeek3d.com
Telephone 01744 610417 to book your scan. WWW.MUMMYANDMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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9
Birth & Beyond
?
ASKthe
Exper t
Each issue we will be putting YOUR questions to our panel of experts.
This issue, Registered Midwife, Antenatal Educator & Mum of 2 Claire Omand talks us through ‘Upright Birth Positions’.
F
or many pregnant women the time leading up to their labour and birth can be a rollercoaster ride. Apart from the immense physical changes your body is going through, your thoughts and feelings are equally intensified and you may be feeling a little apprehensive about coping during labour. However there are some really easy positions you can use that will work with your body that can help to make your labour and birth experience the best it can be, not just for you but for baby too! What Is An Upright Birthing Position? Many women will often think of being “upright” as standing, and whilst this is a great position to labour and give birth in, it is not the only upright position you should try. Others include sitting upright, kneeling, on all fours, squatting, being supported by your birth partner or a stool or lying on your side. Most women will instinctively find their own position but these upright, mobile options are far more comfortable than lying down on a bed on your back with legs in the air. Why Are Upright Birthing Positions So Important? There are lots of studies from around the world that have proven just how much help being upright can be when giving birth. Some of these great advantages include: 28 – 30% more space in your pelvis. Your pelvis is made up of four separate bones and being upright enables the joints between the bones to move more freely, creating more room for your baby to be born. More space, however small, ultimately leads to an easier birth.
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Your baby’s heart rate is a good sign of how well they are coping and whilst most babies will cope very well with labour and birth, some can become tired and this can affect their heart rate. The good news is that research has shown that if you adopt more upright positions, you can reduce the likelihood of your baby’s heart rate showing distress by a massive 54% The length of both the first stage (while your cervix is opening up) of labour and the second (pushing) stage is significantly shorter, in fact combined are on average almost 2 hours shorter! Mothers who use upright positions reduce their risk of needing an emergency Caesarean Section by an incredible 29% Being upright has been shown to result in a 23% reduction in medically assisted births –With more space, less distress and a shorter labour ultimately means fewer necessary medical interventions. Mothers who give birth in upright positions such as kneeling, side lying or all fours are less likely to tear and need stitches
compared to those who give birth lying on their back on a bed. If leg supports (stirrups) are used the mother is much MORE likely to have a serious tear. Mothers who use upright birthing positions report feeling less pain so reduce their need for an epidural. They also report better satisfaction with their birth experience than mothers who give birth lying down. So a shorter labour, an easier birth, a healthier baby, fewer stitches, less medical intervention and less risk of an emergency C. section……what’s not to like? Some upright positions you may like to try Being upright is all about gravity as well as making space and different positions can be useful at different times. Here are some great examples for you to try: WALKING and/or STANDING is great for encouraging your baby into the best position for labour and birth. You may find your contractions are less painful and more effective, which can bring labour on quicker. The use of gravity also helps in creating that “urge to push” feeling. Rest when you want to though or you may become tired. SITTING UPRIGHT is best used in late pregnancy and early labour, as it encourages your baby into the best position ready for birth. Sitting upright helps you to feel relaxed and encourage the joints in your pelvis to move more freely. It also gives you the chance to rest, whilst gravity works in your favour. Your birth partner can also support you from behind, if needed, offering a back massage or gentle encouragement. KNEELING can be really helpful in encouraging your baby to move down through your pelvis during labour. Your contractions may feel less painful and be more productive. Make sure you rest in between the contractions and stretch your legs regularly by walking/ standing or you may end up with sore knees! Many women find this ALL FOURS position particularly comfortable during labour and birth. This position is great for relieving backache and for doing some pelvic rocking. It also provides your birth partner with an
ideal opportunity to massage your back or offer to apply a gentle hip squeeze. SQUATTING provides the maximum space in your pelvis for giving birth. It is a useful position to use in the pushing part of labour, as it encourages your baby to move down, although you may need to master the skill of keeping your balance. So trying it out beforehand and finding comfortable way to support yourself is highly recommended. Practicing antenatal yoga may also be beneficial in helping to achieve the correct squat position. Note that some research has shown using a squatting position whilst giving birth may increase your chance of a tear to your perineum (the space between your vagina and anus). The SIDE LYING position, preferably on your left side, is a good resting position for you and helps maintain good oxygen supply to your baby. You can use pillows or cushions to support you comfortably and your birth partner can help support your top leg, particularly if choose to push in this position. What If I Opt For An Epidural, Can I Still Remain Upright? With epidurals it can mean your movements are more restricted. However by being creative, you can still use upright positions even if you are unable to move off of the bed. Finding safe ways to support different positions can still help you have a natural birth. Lying on your left side or supported sitting on a CUB can be really helpful. SO MY FINAL WORDS … Give you and your baby the best chance of achieving a safer, healthier, natural birth by using comfortable, upright and mobile birthing positions. With lots of research supporting the benefits of upright positions, you can make your labour shorter, make giving birth easier whilst reducing the risks of complications during the birth. Always trust your instincts and consult your midwife if you have any concerns about you or your baby’s wellbeing. But most of all trust your own body’s ability to give birth naturally.
WWW.MUMMYANDMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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n O s ’ t Wha Winter 2015-16
What’s Happening? Weeping Window of Poppies Where? St George’s Hall, Liverpool When? 7th November 2015 - 17th January 2016
What’s Happening? The Snowflake Trail Jack Frost is transforming Liverpool into a Winter Wonderland to explore. When? 19th November 2015 until 3rd January 2016
Festive Treats on the Streets
What’s Happening? Warrington Christmas Market Village Where? Golden Square, Warrington When? 19th November - 23rd December 2015
It’s behind you...
What’s Happening? Rapunzel Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Where? Everyman Theatre When? 28th November 2015 - 23rd January 2016 What’s Happening? Christmas Grotto Where? Rapid, Liverpool - Williamson Square When? 7th November - 24th December (2pm) 2015
What’s Happening? Christmas Tree Festival Where? Chester Cathedral, Chester, CH1 2HU When? 28th December 2015 - 3rd January 2016 What’s Happening? Ice festival Where? Liverpool ONE, Liverpool When? 13th November - 3rd Jan (4pm) 2016 “What a wonderful way to start a day exploring the Seasonal treats that Liverpool has to offer for families and big kids alike! From the Helter Skelter to the Santa Train the rides on offer at the Ice Festival Liverpool ONE are perfect for smaller children and there were lots of happy, smiling faces on show during our visit. The ice slide was brilliant and was probably the highlight of the day with even my four year old going down on her own, safe in her rubber ring and having a great time. The Ice Festival, Liverpool ONE felt like a magical trip out, there was something for everyone - nan, mum, teenager to toddler we all had a great day and will be talking about it until Christmas. Vicci Boyd - Reviewing for Mummy and Me
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What’s Happening? Father Christmas at the Farm Where? Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN When? 28th November - 20th December 2015 What’s Happening? Coca Cola Truck Where? Williamson Square, Liverpool When? 4th December 2015
What’s Happening? Book for Lantern Magic and you’ll be invited to stroll around the zoo after dark to enjoy all of the night time sounds, our beautiful lantern-lit gardens and of course our magnificent, larger than life animal lanterns. Plus, our festive characters will lead Father Christmas and his sleigh through the zoo, spreading a little bit of festive cheer. Where? Chester Zoo When? 4th -23rd December 2015
What’s Happening? The Sound of Music Production Where? Lowry Theatre, Salford When? 14th December 2015 - 2nd January 2016
Real Reindeer!
What’s Happening? The Real Reindeer Family Where? Queens Square, Liverpool When? 17th December 4pm - 7pm
What’s Happening? Winter Wonderland - Manchester’s Biggest Indoor Christmas Theme Park. More than 40 family rides and attractions all under one roof. A brand new addition What’s Happening? Arctic Animal Model Making for 2015 with The Magical Van Buren Show, a fun & unique Where? Learning Base, 2nd Floor, Mersey Martime Museum mix of magic, illusions, escapology, circus skills and a few When? 21st December 2015 1-4pm surprises thrown in too from master magician Andrew Van Buren. The Sooty Show is back for third year too, with TV puppet legends Sooty, Sweep and Soo entertaining you along with presenter Richard Cadell. Izzy, Wizzy, Let’s Get Busy at their live shows running throughout the day where you can expect magic, mischief and a little bit of mayhem. Winter Wonderland is operates on a session basis to ensure visitors can enjoy the experience without overcrowding. Tickets to this event are limited and we strongly advise that tickets are booked early to avoid disappointment. More information can be found by visiting www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com Follow on Facebook facebook.com/WinterWonderlandManchester What’s Happening? Mary Poppins and Twitter @WWManchester Where? Palace Theatre, Manchester Where? Event City, Intu Trafford Centre, Manchester When? 20th January 2016 - 5th March 2016 When? 12th December 2015 - 3rd January 2016
SUN 28th FEB 2:00pm All Tickets £10.50
Prices include a £1.50 fee per ticket.
WWW.MUMMYANDMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Expert Advice Workshops | Baby First Aid Seminars Baby Carrier Trial | Baby Feeding Area | Baby Changing Area
11–13 March Amazing shopping and expert advice for new and expectant parents to give their baby the best start Over 150 top brands to compare, try & buy plus 100s of unique, handy products not found on the high street.
FREENG I PARK
BEST PRICES GUARAN TEED ON
PUSH BUGGIE CHAIRS, S, CA & FURNIT R SEATS URE
Save 1/3 on tickets Tickets £8, using code MM2 at babyandtoddlershow.co.uk Offer closes 10 March. Standard ticket price £12. Booking fees apply. Show content subject to change.
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Parent and Child Groups
DOWN SYNDROME LIVERPOOL
Usual Activity Timetable Features next issue Feb-March
Parent and Child Groups
Don’t miss our usual Activity Timetable of playgroups and activities across the North West - returning next issue! To feature your groups/activity email info@mummyandmemagazine.co.uk
CHILDWALL & WOOLTON CHILDREN'S CENTRE DINGLE CHILDREN'S CENTRE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: ANN KENWRIGHT (DSL TRUSTEE): M: 07955 777 909 E: ANN.KENWRIGHT@SKY.COM
WWW.DOWNSYNDROMELIVERPOOL.ORG.UK
ELASS ! E RC W
Looking for f un for li t t le one s?
FRIAL K NO
T
O
BO
Enjoy a FREE local session at
.
Fun music making amazing puppets Songs, games & instruments for all to enjoy Birthday Parties and Nursery Sessions also available. Babies and Toddlers LOVE Caterpillar Music For more information or to book your FREE trial contact Emma
Call 0151 203 8280
emma.gerrard@caterpillarmusic.com
Classes held in Allerton, Woolton, West Derby & Crosby with NEW classes coming soon.
w w w.c ate r pil lar music.com WWW.MUMMYANDMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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15
Early Years
Win! a La Belle Assiette Private Chef Dinner for Two
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Christmas
GiftGuide Volume II
Early Years
Win! a Family ticket to see Disney on Ice Presents Silver Anniversary Celebration at the Liverpool Echo Arena
For your chance to win simply email ‘Disney on Ice’ to info@ mummyandmemagazine.co.uk Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they commemorate 25 years of Disney On Ice across Europe in an action-packed ice adventure that travels to four magical destinations! Disney On Ice presents Silver Anniversary Celebration will take audiences on a fun-filled tour of the imagination. This ice spectacular visits Liverpool from Wednesday 16 March to Sunday 20 March for 9 magical performances at Echo Arena. Disney On Ice invites you to embark on the ultimate sightseeing holiday with all your favourite Disney characters. Join tour guides Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck as they visit the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. You’ll also be whisked away to the wintery wonderland of the number one animated feature film of all-time, Disney’s Frozen. Told through an international team of awardwinning skaters, exciting choreography and a musical score filled with familiar Disney hits and rock-and-roll classics, the whole family is sure to experience a captivating journey to faraway lands without ever leaving their seats! The arena will be filled with music and magic
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in every scene as you discover four unique landscapes filled with boisterous pirates, Caribbean beats and tender moments. Audiences will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom; and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to join Tinker Bell. Plus, travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with royal sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite huggable snowman, Olaf. “It’s an extraordinary show and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “You really get a sense you are traveling right alongside Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends.” TO BOOK TICKETS CALL THE ECHO ARENA BOX OFFICE ON 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com / www.disneyonice.co.uk Group bookings are available from TicketQuarter Groups on 0844 561 7672 Personal callers can purchase their tickets from TicketQuarter, Queen Square Liverpool
. to buy.. s t n e dpar Hatley Raincoats Great for gran
An ideal present to look fabulous in the wet weather! Bright and colourful with bold styles and a soft fleece lining. £34 Available at www.hatley.com
I see Me! Books
I See Me! personalised books are award-winning, unique keepsake gifts that children and parents will treasure for a lifetime. Features name, photo and personal greeting. www.iseeme.com
Frugi Organic Clothing
Frugi offer a scrumptious range of organic clothing for boys, girls and even Mummy too!
Featured - Charlie Romper £20 Featured - Twirly Bow Dress £38 Available at www.welovefrugi.com
Hand Crafted Wooden Clocks
These beautiful clocks come in a wide range of styles and can be personalised with your child’s name too! From decorative round clocks to detailed pendulums. Prices from £31.99 - £38.99 Available at www.littletimbers.co.uk
Pric es from
All our Ride-Ons are 12v and come with Parental Control
Tel: 01335 330 125 www.spectrumsalesuk.uk
£89
.98
*Prices correct at time of print
e their t a l u Stim
JoJo Maman Bebe Macaron & Slice Set
N
NATIO
IMAGI
A gorgeous dessert set, perfect for serving at make believe tea parties. Set includes 9 macarons and 3 cake slices displayed in a sweet white painted serving tray, making them easy to keep tidy. Suitable for age 3 years+ £12 Jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Dream Town Rose Petal Cottage Play Set
Mamma Couture 4 Fruit/Veg Handmade Play Set
Set includes playhouse and cooker unit. Packed with role play features including an opening door and shutters, letter box, mirror and photo frame. Cooker unit features an opening oven door and turning knobs - just like Mum's! The perfect size for children to play in with friends. Cottage features sturdy, zip-on cover for ease of assembly. Additional Playsets and Accessories available to purchase. Suitable for age 2 years+ R.R.P £99.99 Available in all good toy stores
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This set contains 4 pieces of your choice. Choose from a wide range of fruit &veg available. This is the perfect gift to add to a pretend play kitchen or other pretend play toys. £12.90 Mammacouture.com
*Prices correct at time of print
Bratz Snow-Kissed Dolls *Featured - Chloe & Yasim*
The Bratz girls love hitting the slopes! Complete with an extra apres ski outfit as well as stickers to customise their slope equipment, they can really showcase their individual style. Suitable for age 3 years+ R.R.P £32.99 Available in all good toy stores.
Peppa Pig - Once upon a Time Dragon Flyer Dragon wings flap up and down! Flame lights up & makes a roaring sound! Make up your own fairy tale adventures! Includes Royal George figure with articulated arms & legs. Scaled for play with other Peppa Pig Little Character playsets Suitable for age 3 years+ R.R.P £19.99 Available in all good toy stores.
Rubies Costumes
Whether you’re looking for a Nativity costume, a Princess dress, a Superhero costume or a cute baby dress-up, Rubies has a costume for you. Hundreds to choose from in sizes Toddler to Adult. Various Prices Available from all good toy stores.
Play Teachers
Elf on the Shelf
A fantastic story for families to share over the Christmas period but also a great way to encourage good behaviour from the little ones as the Elf will always be watching for any naughtiness. £29.95 Prezzybox.com
A fantastic gift for children who have recently started nursery or primary school. Play Teachers packs feature activity sheets, stickers and charts to let your little one have fun! Prices from £4.75 Playteachers.com
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*Prices correct at time of print
£290
tmas s i r h C as Gift Ide
For Mum
Madison Tan PacaPod Changing Bag
£62
Madison offers the finer things in life, everyday. Exquisitely designed 3-in-1 leather baby changing bag, lifts organisation to new heights. This stunning structured bag has an elegant 1960’s style and classic top carry handle and modern cargo pockets to the front. With a parent sections there is fantastic storage for mobile and keys whilst in the rear cargo section the brains behind the bag 3in1 feeder and changer pod. Crafted in an organic feeling pebble leather and sealed with opulent washed gold hardware.
Nibbling Jewellery Turquoise Gift Set
Perfect Christmas Gift for a Stylish New Mum. Set Includes: Turquoise Chelsea Teething Necklace, Turquoise Elephant Teether, 2 Brixton Bracelets. 100% food grade silicone. Not just fashionable, these pieces can be used to focus the attention of nursing babies and provide chewing relief for teething.
www.PacaPod.com www.Nibbling.co.uk Red Cute Cord Breastfeeding Cushion £33
Cute Corduroy breastfeeding cushions by Thrupenny Bits comprise of simple no fuss cushions in a soft needle corduroy. The clever design allows Mum to tie the cushion securely around her waist then simply throw over her shoulder when heading out!
www.thrupennybits.co.uk
c k i n g F i l l e r s F or Mu m s o t S at e r G Bubble Bath Machine £14.95
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No.1 Mum Apron £15.99
Scribble Notes Alarm Clock £12.95
*Prices correct at time of print
£17.99
Mr & Mrs Game Family Edition
Would you be surprised to find out what your partner really thinks, or can you read them like a book? Find out with this new game based on the hit T V show All Star Mr & Mrs, hosted by Philip Schofield. Pair up with your romantic other half, or even a friend or family member to answer in-depth and entertaining questions about each other.
Available from all good retailers
Chris tmas Gift Ideas For Dad
Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Thanks to the world of technology from our smartphones £34.99 a whole world of play has been opened up! Power up for your smart phone or tablet allows you to turn a regular paper airplane into a remote controlled plane that you can control at the touch of your hands, pretty impressive right? The power up set comes with everything you need to make a flying dream, ideal for beginners and professionals to give them hours of fun!
www.prezzybox.com VectorizePrints Comedy £3 - 17 Show Clothing & Accessories We all have our favourite comedy T V show, find Dad’s favourite turned into a digitalised print. Including shows such as Father Ted, Seinfeld, Impractical Jokers and Peep Show. Select from a range of merchandise from mugs and T-shirts, to framed prints. There is something for every Dad at VectorizePrints!
etsy.com/shop/vectorizeprints k i n g F i l l e r s F or D a d s
G
oc t S t Smallest rea WorldRemote Controlled Car £11.95
Wireless Touch Speaker £16.95
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Early Years
estive FFASHIONS
Fes Fabul tiv o e F us ril ls
girls
Margot drop-waist dress by Chateau De Sable offers effortless and easy elegance. A cotton and cashmere fine knit bodice has a pretty lace collar and a simple lightly gathered twill skirt.
ÂŁ39.99 www.chateaudesable.co.uk Adorable black top with roses satin print and sleeves with thumb hole. Soft, luxurious fabric that gently hugs. Made from 92% Cotton and 8% Elastane, print 100% Polyester.
ÂŁ46 www.lovemadelove.com
Black is Back with this pretty black tutu tulle skirt with 3D print vivid roses - an absolute must-have! For the perfect fit the skirt features an elastic black waistband. Made from 100% Polyester and 100% Cotton lining.
ÂŁ115 www.lovemadelove.com Made in Italy by designer Stefano Cavalleri. Made with a soft, silk fitted bodice with elegant zip in back and complete with tulle skirt. This is a statement dress with layers of exquisite ruffled, tulle frills, giving a wavy, textured pattern. This stunning Quis Quis girls sleeveless red dress is truly luxurious and will make your little girl feel like a princess this festive season and beyond.
Pretty Peachy Pink Francesca Tutu from Lola’s Wardrobe is a beautiful pink lace vintage tutu skirt with pearl detail. Super cute and a beautiful skirt to add to any little princess's wardrobe.
£17.99 www.lolaswardrobe.co.uk Carrement Beau’s fake fur blush pink gilet. A chique salmon pink fake fur gilet which oozes French style. Fastens with a simple round silver button.
£42 www.fineyoungthings.com
Carrement Beau off-white skirt, perfect for those very special occasions. A delicate leaf pattern overlaid with a layer of mesh. The elasticated blush pink waistband is accented with a touch of gold sparkle while the front bow, trimmed in silver enhances the feminity of this simply gorgeous party skirt.
£46 www.fineyoungthings.com
Organic cotton top for girls made from the softest brushed jersey. Button fastening on the back and printed detail lining.
£22.50 www.raspberryplum.com Festive Feet Beautiful party shoes for girls covered in millions of magical sparkles. Available in Red, Navy, Rose, Gold, Dusty Lavender, Silver and Dark Rose. Come with a removable ribbon and are finished with a cute bow.
£36 www.angels-face.co.uk
Adorable Accessories £19.99 Chateau deSable.co.uk
Ribbed k red be nitted anie ha t with lu s detach h soft able fu bobble r .
COMPLETE THE LOOK
My Little Day From £7 in UK Stockists
8 gorgeous glitter crowns, come flat pack 9cm diametre & 7cm height. Suitable from 3
£20 www. angels-face .co.uk
Cream, fine knit crown, featuring a metal Angel’s Face wings logo. The perfect regal finish for your outfit!
Early Years
estive FFASHIONS
Sop Suave his tic & ate d
boys
Mao Collar Elysee Shirt In rich soft cotton, this is the perfect winter shirt. The Mao collar with saddle stitch detailing, coloured button and pleat to the back make this shirt a cut above others.
£29.99 www.chateaudesable.co.uk A classic navy blue pique weave single breasted blazer with centre vent fastening with two bronze Carrement Beau style buttons. A French style jacket that is a timeless addition to every little man's wardrobe.
Waistcoat - £94 www.littlewardrobelondon.co.uk
£56 www.fineyoungthings.com The classic washed chambray gives this gorgeous shirt a soft, lived-in feel. For a cool and comfy look, this shirt is perfect. The contrast yellow tape and stitching gives it a fun touch and little boys will love the fun arrow print!
£24 www.rockinbaby.com
Little Wardrobe’s luxurious Herringbone collection
featured this stunning dashing bronze Double Breasted Waistcoat featuring a classic V neck and traditional button fastenings. Trousers - £117 www.littlewardrobelondon.co.uk
Team with the bronze Slim Cut Herringbone Trouser that is luxuriously crafted from an indulgent mix of silk and linen for a truly sleek finish.
Little Wardrobe’s Herringbone Collection boasts a sharp,
tailored look. Perfect for the party season and special formal occasions.
£23.99 www.mayoral.com
£50.99 www.mayoral.com
mayoral.com
£26.50 www.mayoral.com
These 3 formal pieces by Mayoral offer your little gentleman several looks. The formal blazer can be worn as part of a 3-piece formal suit, or teamed with a pair of jeans for a more casual look this season. Stunning statement pieces every little gent needs!
£41 each www.dottydungarees.com Super soft needlepoint corduroy dungarees in fabulous colours with a matching Dotty lining. Adjustable straps and turn-ups. 100% combed cotton jersey lining. (Button loop shoulder straps instead of buckles to make them extra comfy for your tiddlies on the smallest sizes (3-6m / 6-12m). Zip access allows for quick and easy nappy changes
Adorable Accessories -
COMPLETE THE LOOK Give your little ones outfit a vintage twist with this classic wool flat cap.
From £12 www.mamasandpapas.com Perfect for little dribblers is the ‘Driblet Dribble Bib’. Available in a wide range of styles to compliment any outfit.
£6 www.driblet.co.uk
Festive Feet The iconic Desert Boot is now available for little individuals at Clarks. Soft blue suede with stylish red laces gives a perfect Festive Feel.
From £40 www.clarks.co.uk For tiny tots, you can’t go wrong with a pair of soft shoes from Inch Blue. These Rudolf Tan Suede shoes look both smart and fun!
From £19 www.inch-blue.com
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Early Years
Annabel Karmel’s
Festive Family Feast RUDOLPH BAKED POTATO INGREDIENTS 4 medium baking potatoes Vegetable oil ½ medium butternut squash (approx 300g) 40g butter 40g Parmesan cheese, grated 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp milk 40g Cheddar cheese, grated Cherry tomatoes Twirly crisps Peas for eyes Salt and pepper METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to
190C/375F/Gas Mark 5. Prick the potatoes in several places, place on a baking tray and brush all over with the oil. Bake for 75 minutes or until they feel soft when pressed 2. Cut a medium butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds and brush with a knob
of melted butter. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes or until tender. 3. When they are cool enough to handle, cut the tops off the baked potatoes and scoop out the flesh. Scoop the flesh out of the cooked butternut squash and mash together with the baked-potato flesh, Parmesan, mustard, milk and butter. 4. Season with a little salt and pepper. Put the mixture back into the potato shells, cover with the grated Cheddar and cook under the grill until golden. Add twirl crisps for antlers, peas for eyes and cherry tomatoes for the nose.
MAKES 4 PORTIONS
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Cook up a feast for your family to tuck into this Christmas. Don’t worry about eating countless turkey sandwiches, as there’s plenty of ways to use leftover meats and veggies. If you fancy being creative, try turning jacket potatoes into reindeers, cupcakes into snowmen or chocolate sponges into Christmas trees. The festive possibilities are endless. Happy holidays! Annabel x
Need some quick and tasty teatime alternatives over the winter season? Stock-up on Annabel’s Chilled Toddler meals – low in salt and a tasty way towards their 5-a-day. Find them in the chiller aisle at Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Early Years
TURKEY PASTA BAKE WITH CREAMY PARMESAN & TOMATO SAUCE INGREDIENTS 225g fusilli pasta Tomato Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes 2 tsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp tomato purée 1 tsp caster sugar 3 tbsp fresh oregano chopped or one and a half tsp dried oregano 85g sunblush tomatoes, snipped into pieces 225g cooked turkey or chicken, sliced into strips White Sauce: 45g butter 45g flour 400ml hot chicken stock 100ml double cream A little salt and pepper 100g Parmesan cheese, grated METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to
180°C/350°F/Gas 4. 2. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water – its best to slightly undercook
it as it will be cooked again in the oven. Drain and refresh in cold water. 1. To make the tomato sauce, heat the oil in a saucepan. 2. Add the onion, pepper and garlic and simmer for 8 minutes until just tender. 3. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, tomato purée and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes. 4. Add the oregano and sunblush tomatoes, then the turkey and the pasta. Mix together, then spoon into a shallow ovenproof dish (approx 30 x 20cm).
1. To make the white
sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan. 2. Add the flour and stir over the heat for 1 minute. 3. Add the stock, slowly stirring until thickened. Stir in the cream and 50g of the Parmesan. 4. Spoon over the pasta and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top. Bake for 20 minutes and then finish off under a preheated grill for about 4 minutes or until golden. MAKES 6 PORTIONS
CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS TREES INGREDIENTS 3 eggs 175g self-raising flour 150g caster sugar 25g cocoa powder 175g soft butter 50g plain chocolate melted 50g milk chocolate melted 1 tsp baking powder DECORATION Writing icing pens Candy canes Mini Smarties METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 160C Fan. Line a square tin 24 x 24cm with parchment paper and grease. 2. Measure all of the cake ingredients into a bowl and mix using an electric hand whisk until smooth. 3. Spoon into the tin, and bake for 20-25 minutes until springy to the touch (a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean). Leave to cool. 4. Slice into 9 squares and then slice into triangles, then decorate with writing icing pens or piped icing and Mini Smarties. 5. Push short lengths of candy canes into the base of the chocolate triangles to make the tree trunks. MAKES 9 CHRISTMAS TREES
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Daddy and Me
WRITTEN BY REGULAR COLUMNIST NEIL SINCLAIR A.K.A
Christmas Break with your unit Brief: Now the Christmas break is here, it pays to know your enemy - and the enemy is boredom and frustration. You need to have an armoury of activities to entertain and engage your troopers. But it’s not just about what to do with the troopers in the school holidays. It’s about how to do it. Preparation and Planning Prevent Poor Parental Performance. Why do people use the term ‘planned like a military operation’ as a form of criticism? A military operation is about moving people and resources from A to B to achieve the specified objective. As a dad with three troopers, I plan every activity like a military operation. And the Christmas Holidays is no exception. Over the years, I’ve learned some lessons that I hope might be able to help you over the next week: Don’t Overstretch the Unit Don’t commit the unit to too many missions. Hyper scheduling makes life difficult - and exhausting - for all of you. It’s not quantity of activity that counts, it’s quality. The most engaging and entertaining thing for all your troopers - even older ones - is your undivided attention. If you are stressed out about transporting troops from one activity to another, then they’re not going to be able to benefit from time with you. Improvise, Adapt and Overcome Always have a ‘rainy or snowy (hopefully!) day’ activity or two for when the inevitable happens. One of my favourites is drawing the curtains, getting some popcorn and a film on and putting on a ‘matinee’. When my troopers were younger, we’d get suited and booted and go and have competitions about who could jump in the most puddles. Another cracker was building an indoor den with a sheet over the back of the sofa. The key is to join in. The troopers will love it. Transporting - and Entertaining - your Troops. I know it sounds obvious, but once you’ve planned your means of transportation, you need to plan how you are going to entertain your troops. For example, if you’re going to be on a long car journey don’t pack the very noisy toy to entertain your trooper - unless it can be muted as it will fray your nerves and shorten your flash to bang time.
Spotting games are brilliant and require no special equipment. A particularly good one is ‘Mini Cheddar’ where spotting a Mini is 10 points, a yellow car is five points and a yellow Mini (or Mini cheddar) is 25 points. The first one to 100 wins. Save the arguments by allowing one ‘unconfirmed’ sighting (i.e. one that only the spotter can see - normally a Mini cheddar by some strange coincidence). My troopers are now 11, ten and seven and we are still playing it – thanks must go to my cousin Chris for telling me about that one. Don’t forget the classics from our own childhood too: The Wheels on the Bus, 10 Men went to Mow, 10 Green Bottles etc. An Army Marches on its Stomach A hungry trooper is an unhappy trooper. Take packed lunches, or picnics, even if you are going somewhere where food is on sale. The time spent making a packed lunch is much MUCH shorter than the time you will spend in the queue, waiting to be served food. I guarantee it. There’s other reasons too: - It puts you in control of what your troopers eat. - It’s more convenient as you can eat where and when is best for your family unit. - It’s cheaper. Don’t get me wrong, if you have the money to spend, then please spend it as the economy needs it. But when you’re out and about, food, and especially drinks, can work out to be very expensive (especially when you have a lot of troopers, like me). Take snacks. It’s a universally acknowledged fact that 10 minutes outside the safety of base camp, troopers will be hungry. Embrace this and plan accordingly. Pack snacks that are suitable for eating on the move. Good options are oatcakes, nuts (allergies permitting), carrot sticks and low fat crisps (as a treat). You could make your own trial mix: seeds, chopped dried fruit and nuts, and some chocolate chips mixed in. Careful when it comes to packing fruit- - bananas and berries get mashed and oranges require you to find a bin to get rid of the peel, and something to wash sticky juice off hands and faces. Make sure you have water, and plenty of it. Get the troopers water bottles that can be refilled. I usually fill them up with squash when we leave base camp, but all refills after that are water.
If you’ve got any other tips, please share them with me – and other dads – on the Commando Dad forums: commandodad.com/forum You can also follow me on Twitter @commandodad
Creative Learning
A Christmas Eve Bedtime Story...
I
Written by Sue Bennett
n his tree, Robbie Robin opened his eyes and blinked. ‘What’s happened?’ he asked Sally squirrel as she hurried by. ‘Don’t worry Robbie, it’s only snow’ ‘Snow?’ thought Robbie. He hopped into the garden and the snow came right up to his beak! All the same, he had great fun making hoppity footprints across the garden as he searched for breakfast. All he could find was some old bacon rind left out for him by the fishpond, and when Robbie flew off to find food in the other gardens, there wasn’t any, anywhere. Much later, when it began to go dark Robbie hungrily headed for home. He swooped down to his little perch, but WHOOOPS! HIS TREE HAD GONE! Robbie’s home had disappeared! He flew ‘round and around the garden, but it was
nowhere to be seen. Landing on a nearby window sill, Robbie felt sad, cold, hungry and tired. Then, he looked into the window and gasped! There was HIS tree!!!! It didn’t look like it usually did. No. Now it was covered with hundreds of twinkling lights and shiny baubles. Happy to have found his tree, Robbie closed his eyes and although he was still hungry and cold, he fell fast asleep. Robbie woke to a tapping on the window and opened his eyes. The kindest, bluest, twinkliest eyes were staring at him right up against the glass!
crumbs on the sill for Robbie to eat and feeling a little cheeky now, Robbie hopped onto the man’s shoulder. ‘Ho ho ho, little Robbie, this is YOUR tree’ the man said as he held up his finger for Robbie to hop onto. He held Robbie up to one of the highest branches so Robbie could fly onto his tree The tree had never looked more beautiful. The fairy lights danced in the firelight and the coloured baubles reflected Robbie’s bright black eyes. He was home.
As Robbie felt his little button eyes closing with happy tiredness, Robbie could hardly a full tummy and the breathe as the very large warmth of the log fire, and kindly gentleman he was sure he heard gently, very gently the large gentleman call opened the window just down from the chimney; enough for Robbie to ‘Ho ho ho – Goodbye hop inside. Robbie and a Merry Christmas to all!’ The man sprinkled delicious mince pie
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