June July final issue

Issue 18 - June / July 2014

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Contact Tiffany Court for a FREE no obligation Quote

07814 426 628 tiffanycourt@uwclub.net www.tiffanycourt.co.uk

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EDITORS LETTER Wow! This month has been so busy and I just haven’t stopped! I desperately need someone to come on board and start helping me out I just can’t do it as a ‘one woman band’ anymore !!

We have an extremely packed issue this month full of editorials, exclusives, features, a fabulous ‘Reviews’ and ‘Clothing’ section and part two of our Home & Furnishings page which shows you all the latest furniture and accessories for your child’s bedroom and also your home. This month we are featuring Vertbaudet, a company renowned for their childrenswear but who also have amazing products at amazing prices! We also are reviewing the latest in mid-sleepers for children starting with the Stompa Play 3 bed (complete with slide - the joy this brings is just incredible!) From Room to Grow, who we featured last month. We are also almost ready to go live with the newest addition to the Baby Buzz family, our ‘Guide to Family Travel’ website where you can find the best deals, the best accessories - in fact just everything you need to make your family holiday as easy and stress free as possible.

We have a fabulous interview with Liberty X Michelle Heaton who showcased her new Fitness DVD recently at the Baby Show in Birmingham. We also have our resident fitness and health expert to the stars, Ruben Tabares, ready to answer any questions you may have! Ruben is one of the most in-demand strength and conditioning coaches in the world and he boasts a client list with the likes of the former World Heavyweight Champion Boxer David Haye. Former light welterweight champion, Amir Khan. Actor Mickey Rourke and rapper Tinie Tempah, Ruben's world-renowned approach to weight loss, strength and condition, as well as nutrition, continues to attract some of the most elite clients from around the world and now we have the privilege of getting his insight, knowledge and experience to guide us too!

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Company No: 8234631 Editor Nickie Evans nickie@babybuzzmagazine.com 0208 440 1159 07957 731 617 Arts Editor Cindy Evans Website & Design Emily Hewett, I am Emily contact@iamemily.co.uk Dean Baxter, ChimpMySite Dean@chimpmysite.co.uk Baby Buzz Magazine is a monthly printed and online publication.

Nickie x

Wishing you all a wonderful June / July,

No purchase is necessary. All prizes must be accepted as offered. For products that have been reviewed and then given away as part of a competition giveaway, it must be noted that there will be minimal wear and tear to that said product. All prize details and prices are correct at time of going to print. Winners shall be notified by email after the closing date with a delivery date to be agreed. If the winner does not acknowledge prize awarded within 2 weeks, the prize shall be offered to the runnerup.

Baby Buzz Magazine Limited London

The views expressed in this magazine are not always those of the publishers. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine makes any guarantee, warranties or claims as to the accuracy of any of the contents of this magazine. We include and use products and services that we believe to be of a reputable standard but we advise readers to make their own judgements. The publishers and magazine will not be held accountable and or responsible for any loss caused by errors, loss or negligence resulting from Baby Buzz Magazine Limited. We do not accept responsibility for any unsolicited material or photographs published. Terms and Conditions for our competitions can be found on our website at the time of being published. No section of this magazine is authorised for use or reproduction in any form without the prior consent of the editor.

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If you have any questions or would like to receive a hard copy, please email us at either of the following:

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P.15 P.27 P.16

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Exclusives P.06 Help us Find The Face of Tiny Tux P.15 Celebrity Parent Profile - Michelle Heaton P.32 Exclusive Interview with Melanie C about being an Ambassador for HumanRaceEvents P.41 Real Life Stories - Disability & Family!

P.40 Lorraine Kelly’s Racy Reads Winner Anouska Knight P.82 Competition Time!

Health & Wellbeing P.16 How to look good at 100 - Ruben Tabares P.18 Understanding your skin - Hopes Relief P.19 Terrible Teething advice - Nelsons P.20 Common myths about Personal Trainers debunked!

P.21 TOWIE star raises awareness of inherited heart conditions - British Heart Foundation P.22 North Middlesex Hospital invests in neonatal care P.23 Children’s Air Ambulance celebrates 1�� year anniversary P.24 Best Breast Forward! - By Abi Adams P.25 JMHerbalist - Your Questions Answered

Fashion Focus P.27 Celeb stylist Grace Woodward on helping new mums look fabulous!

P.30 Vertbaudet - Maternity Swimwear P.31 Frugi - Introducing their Summer Breastfeeding Collection P.35 Startrite Shoes - Calling All Budding Designers P.40 Vivobarefoot - Free your children’s feet!

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Business Focus P.07 Parents in Business P.07 Enterprising Mums - Working Smarter not Harder!

P.38 Enfield Council Trading Standards know your rights!

P.66 The Buggy Network with Eve Tudor

Food & Recipes P.71 National Food Safety Week - FSA P.72 Making Summer go with a Swing Boulevard Events P.73 The Rose & Crown Pub / Restaurant Review P.74 Opentable - top children friendly restaurants The Rosendale Pub / Restaurant Regulars Review P05 Welcome to the World P.75 Amoyzing - with TV chef Ching He P.68 Little Signers Club - Ready for Summer Huang

Family Focus P.26 Swimfin - Welcomes Violet into the family P.34 The Who Am I Moment, by Elizabeth Hobson P.35 Eureka - helping you play healthy!

P.36 It’s not about dou-ing, it’s about being, by Michelle Eshkeri P.46 Co-Sleeping the safe way - BabyBay P.47 Where there’s a will…., RocketLawyer P.48 Parents blame the inernet for the facts of life conversation!

P.62 Exploring outside beats modern technology For today’s toddlers P.64 65% of parents claim hay fever is ruining child's lives P.65 Shared Parental Leave: Parents unaware of changes and reluctant to take up Government’s offer P.80 Blue Almonds relocates to new premises P.81 All Star cast for Pip Ahoy - with Sir David Jason and Stacey Solomon

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Baby Buzz Family Travel Guide P.76 The London Pass P.77 Capella Resort - Saint Lucia P.78 Sandyballs - Glamping in the New Forest P.79 Travel Essentials for your family News & Reviews P.50 Book Reviews -Children’s Books P.52 Book Reviews - Adult / Parenting Books P.53 Pushchairs / Travel System Reviews P.55 Furniture & Travel Accessory Reviews P.56 Games & Toys Reviews P.57 Health & Beauty Reviews P.58 Baby Gadgets & Essentials Reviews P.59 Baby Clothing & Accessories P.60 Food Product Reviews P.67 indigo and rose - homewares Grow & Keep Your Own P.69 Baby Buzz Get Growing Challenge P.70 Dawn Isaac - Little Green Finger

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We are now in the final stages of voting to ‘Find the Face of Tiny Tux 2014’ Cast your vote now at: www.babybuzzmagazine.com!

Entries must be made by close of play on 25th June 2014

Sonny

Lewis

Lorenzo

Kai

Harrison

Kayden

George

Sami

Freddie

Clayton

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Look up “working smarter not harder� on an internet search engine, and you will find it throws up about 4 million results. Almost all of us will have heard this said, many of us will have used the words, but does that make it a valid statement? Is it true that working smarter precludes the need to work hard? This saying seems to have originally been used in the context of life-work balance and the idea that being better prepared and organised, planning properly and effectively managing time and resource would lead to more being done in less time.

It perhaps depends on the role, but it’s probably fair to say that any role dependent on a good relationship will benefit from working emotionally smarter. It is also true than even in a relatively transactional context, customer engagement at an emotional level (beyond have a nice day) is important in managing brand perception. It is also sometimes useful to think of working emotionally smarter as the lubricant in the business machine. Having the right emotional impact on relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers will dramatically reduce the wear and tear, and stress within the organisation. Working Smarter Not Harder is then, as we have discussed so far, worth examining from a number of perspectives. But the big challenge is in understanding these simple cameos and knitting these thoughts about working smarter, along with many others, into a cohesive set of actions and ways of working that will really drive improvement.

In this context if a task is broken down to its simplest level then applying intellect to the job in hand has obvious benefits - for example a workman ensuring all tools are to hand before starting work or even organising a warehouse or a shop for the most ergonomically effective layout. We all know this to be true and many of us apply the principles in our home life as well as business.

Applying the principle from a leadership standpoint it could be said that working smarter is about addressing all of these different perspectives as part of building an effective, efficient and cohesive business model.

Imagine an organisation where the goals, values and mission had been effectively communicated not just to the employees but other stakeholders and where relevant customers as well. Imagine in that same organisation processes were in place to prioritise the tasks to ensure the Another useful and effective context is working smarter in prioritisation. greatest possible return on human, financial and emotional capital.

Like the triage system that manages patient prioritisation for hospital Imagine working practices designed and redesigned to eliminate waste emergencies. Clearly it is much more sensible (or smart) to filter patients and improve productivity. at first contact to ensure scarce resources are directed to the areas of greatest need. Again, choice about prioritisation, doing the right things, Now all that would be working smarter. As to the question is Working is applicable across a broad range of situations.

Smarter Not Harder a valid statement? What is it about working smarter that means you should not work hard?

Both these examples are of course about applying logic to the situation, exercising intellect to provide efficiency. So what about applying After all it is said by many that the harder they work the luckier they are!

Emotional Intelligence to the adage? Is it as useful to work emotionally smarter? Is it smart and more effective to apply emotional intelligence to For more information on Enterprising Mums networking groups or to set the relationships involved in any task? up a networking group yourself, please visit: www.enterprising-mums.co.uk or tweet us @enterprisemums

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Parents & Business

child is ill? Will they charge you extra if you are delayed at the end of the day?

In the case of a childminder, nanny or au pair, you obviously need to like and trust them. They will be the sole person looking after your child and may be in your home. If you are considering a nursery, meet a few of the staff – How long have they been there? Do they like working there? Why did they choose to work in childcare? Will one of them be assigned to your child? You can ask much more, but often you just have an overwhelmingly positive or negative feeling about the childcarer you are visiting.

Paying for it When you are happy with your childcare provider, formally book a place for your child. You might be required to pay a joining fee to hold your place. Some childcare providers expect fees to be paid in advance rather than in arrears, so you may need to find the first month’s fees before you return to work.

So, you’re going back to work after having a baby. You may have decided to do so before you even went on leave. You may want to go back so you don’t fall off the career ladder. You may have little choice – after all, the bills need to be paid. You may have thought you wouldn’t want to go back to work, but the realities of parenthood have changed your mind! Everybody’s reasons for becoming a working parent are different.

Whatever yours is, when you go back to work, you will probably need childcare.

The price of childcare varies depending on location, type of childcare and the quality of the services provided. It has often been cited that costs in London and other large cities are considerably higher. However, a recent report* suggested that families in rural areas pay up to 6.3% more for childcare due to lack of access to a range of childcare and less family support. Wherever you live, there are ways to reduce the cost.

Childcare is most expensive when your child is aged 0-2. Childcare Vouchers are particularly valuable at this time, although they can be used to pay for any registered childcare for children up to the age of 16.

Childcare Vouchers are available from your employer. You simply exchange up to £243 per month from your gross wages for Childcare Vouchers and save up to £933 per year in tax and National Insurance.

Both parents can join their employers’ Childcare Voucher scheme, potentially doubling savings to £1,866 per year. For more information about Childcare Vouchers visit www.busybeesbenefits.com. A parent can join as soon as the child is born, but you can’t exchange Statutory Maternity, Paternity or Adoption Pay for vouchers.

Choosing childcare is one of the most involved decisions you will make.

The first step is to ask what type of care you want. You may prefer the idea of one-to-one care in a home environment which can be provided by a childminder. You may want your child to stay in your own home with a nanny or au pair. On the other hand, the larger social group at a nursery may suit them. You could choose these, or depending on your Depending on your income and how often you pay for childcare, Tax needs, use a crèche, play group or pre-school. Some parents use a Credits are available to help working parents cover some of the cost of their childcare. Visit https://www.gov.uk/childcare-tax-credits for more mixture of provision, along with help from family. information.

To find out what’s available to you locally, your first port of call is probably going to be other parents. Your health visitor may also be a Free childcare – children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 free hours of good source of information, so ask about what’s available locally at one childcare at a nursery or pre-school starting from the term they turn 3. of your visits. The local library, reviews of child carers on the Internet, In some cases this is available from the age of 2. This entitlement is regulators’ report (e.g. OFSTED), local press and the Family Information applied to term time only (38 weeks of the year). Visit www.gov.uk/freeearly-education to find out more.

Service are also very informative.

Make sure the type of care you choose will cover the hours you need When choosing childcare, your research needs to start early, well before for your working day. Compare prices on a daily or hourly rate, you are going to return to work. This will give you time to make the right decision and ease your child in with their new carer. Get it right now depending on your needs. and you will feel happier about returning to work in the long term.

When you have a shortlist, visit the childcare providers. Chats at local Happy searching! baby groups, down the park or with friends who have already made their choice can be invaluable, but your opinion may turn out to be different to theirs and you need to see for yourself. You also need to consider what would best suit your child – what’s their personality like?

Do they respond well in groups or would they prefer one-to-one care?

At your visit, ask about the activities available to your child, the daily routine, what’s included in the advertised price (food? nappies?). Have a look at the meals – how often does the menu change, do they provide healthy snacks? Security is of course a huge consideration – are the premises safe and secure? How do they deal with external visitors? Will you get a daily report about what your child has done? What if your

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Parents & Business Who is behind the product?

Local Mumpreneur Karen Langston launched Parents and Co, a website designed to share over 25 years of childcare experience. Karen made the bold decision to step down from being a Nursery Head (a job she loved) as having achieved her goals with the nursery, she felt other challenges and opportunities awaited her.

Through her experience as a Nursery Head she could see there was a need for a website like Parents and Co, offering a one stop web site for parents! Its focus being to offer new parents and parents to be advice, guidance and solutions to every day problems and anxieties – ‘Big Ideas for Little People’. In addition, the website provides a parent and child focused shopping experience, offering a unique range of specialist products that can enhance parents and their children’s lives. Karen has accumulated an enviable bank of knowledge during her career as a Nursery School Head, and that combined with her first hand experience as a Mum of two boys and there isn’t much she doesn’t know about parenting.

How did the company get started?

Karen knew from day one that Parents and Co would be a great success. Through sheer energy and determination Parents and Co has really started growing. Started from the dining room table in October 2013 with lots of research and many conversations with friends and new mummies the concept of Parents and Co grew! Rather than set up a traditional market place website with a huge number of products for sale, Karen wanted to establish a smaller but well trusted business selling products that she really believes in. Also, having brought up two sons herself and helped shape the lives of literally thousands of children she is extremely well placed to educate new mums and dads on the more challenging aspects of parenthood, such as sleeping, socialising and fussy eating.

What is the company about?

Parents and Co is an online business offering new parents guidance, solutions & advice on a wide range of children’s development issues through regular blogs, social media and parenting tools. Parents and Co offers general guidance on its site, along with opportunities to obtain individual tailor-made advice. This is developed through specialist courses, offered on the web site, that she runs for new parents and parents of toddlers.

Karen also has connections to other professionals/specialists who can offer advice on questions that may arise and require more specific support and guidance. Parents & Co also offer’s the perfect shopping experience attempting to cover all the requirements of new parents on one user-friendly site, sourcing unique products, with outstanding quality and innovative design from product specialists targeting the early years of a child’s life.

All products are personally reviewed on the site by her to identify the specific reasons why they have been selected by Parents & Co. This provides customers with a greater insight into the benefits and key features and makes the shopping experience easier and more enjoyable for busy parents.

What do you hope to achieve?

Karen is continuously looking for ways to introduce her brand to more parents, She wants Parents and Co to be a platform for entrepreneurial mums and eventually opening a centre where groups of mums can come at any time for baby & beyond courses, advice, guidance, shop or just a chat and a coffee!!

What has been the highlight of starting your own company?

Doing something you love and are completely passionate about and committed to has been Karen’s highlight in starting Parents and Co. She has found the broad range of skills required and variety of challenges and decisions that have to be made on a daily basis a real thrill, as everything she does benefits herself and her business.

What has been the downside of starting your own company?

Karen would say one of the most challenging things about running your own business is time management! If you work from home like Karen you can easily get distracted as you have so many tasks to complete and there never seems to be enough hours in a day! A good tip is making a list each morning before you start your day and prioritise your job list, Karen is happy if she can tick off her first five jobs, but that list also grows daily!!

For more information please contact: Website: Email: Facebook: Twitter:

http://www.parentsandco.co.uk/ karen@parentsandco.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/Parentsandco https://twitter.com/ParentsandCo

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What would your advice be to any parent wanting to start up their own business?

Karen would say be determined to get your ‘aha’ idea off the ground! Be prepared for some hard work. It is so important to have a structured business plan in place; this is crucial to anyone wanting to start their own business, and an absolute must. Lastly you definitely need a supportive family!!

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Parents & Business

Solillas brand and our products. It’s not just about creating a footwear product but staying true to our Balearic roots, celebrating the local craftsmen and living a lifestyle where relationships come first.

What do you hope to achieve?

Our dream is for Solillas to become a staple summer shoe that people buy year after year, renowned for their comfort and luxury bohemian style. We want to add new styles each summer season based on inspiration from the bohemian Island life and collaborate with Balearic artists to produce limited edition designs.

What has been the highlight of starting your own company?

The variation and having an excuse to try different things, and all for something we have a tireless passion for. And working with my husband of course!

Who is behind the Product?

The product originates from a traditional style of shoe made for agricultural workers in the Balearic Islands. Solillas is a fresh take on this product by me, Jonnie and Ellis! And of course of team of talented craftsmen in the factory in Menorca.

How did the company get started?

Since a teenager, I have loved this traditional style of shoe from Menorca. I found them so comfortable, however the leathers used were quite traditional and the bohemian vibe that I love about the Balearic Islands were not brought to life within the product. Whilst waiting for the train at the station on my way to work, I saw someone wearing the shoes and knew she must have brought them back from her holiday, I knew people in the UK could have the same love as me. This gave me the push I needed to go and find a manufacturer and get some samples made in the leathers that I thought would give the product a new lease of life and something that the UK market would want. We started selling on our own website and, with little budget and very little advertising, even still the orders started coming in. Two years later we were approached by Urban Outfitters and the rollercoaster really began.

Last year we began working with Office to fulfil our dream of getting our products onto the high street.

What is the company about?

Sharing the Balearics with the world! We are captivated by the free-spirited, creative aura of the Islands and love soaking it up, working with the Islanders and instilling these emotions into the

Every day is different and there are so many things to learn and try, especially in the early days when you are doing most things yourself. One day you may be learning how to complete a VAT return and the next organising a photo-shoot in Ibiza.

Having a dream and then walking into the factory and seeing it become a tangible thing is an amazing feeling. That made me realise that if you wanted something bad enough you could make it happen. We had an idea that we wanted to collaborate with Balearic artists, so we went out and did it. We wanted to do a photoshoot in Ibiza so we took it upon ourselves to go and find the people we needed and do it. I try to fit it all in around my son and take him with me whenever possible.

What has been the downside of starting your own company?

Lack of time and sacrifices on other parts of my life. Solillas is like another baby to me; I am entirely accountable for every aspect of the business and responsible for its results. There is never any downtime. I am constantly responding to customer queries, reviewing stock levels, developing new opportunities and seeking ideas for new designs. An evening in front of the television or a nice long bubble bath is a distant dream at the moment!

What would your advice be to any parent wanting to start up their own business?

As a parent, time is a luxury. Trying to fit running a business into the little spare time you have is almost impossible. You can’t underestimate the need to be disciplined and organised. I am far from mastering this fine art. Separate your time into time with your family, time doing the housework, time to socialise, time working, and time for you.

For more information please contact: Website: Facebook: Twitter: Blogspot:

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Parents & Business Who is behind the Product?

I am Sanna, the founder of Almondella and this is my brain child.

Almondella was founded 2 years ago in Helsinki, Finland.

How did the company get started?

The idea for the company started when I was expecting my daughter Lilja who is now 3½ years old. Finnish parents, who are expecting a child, get a governmental starter package from the government which consists of clothes in different sizes, some accessories needed in baby care and even a toy and a book. The idea is that every family has at least the basics, when a new citizen is born. They also can mentally start to prepare to the child rearing. I thought this was such a lovely idea and useful, too. I've looked but no other country seems to have this tradition.

What is the company about?

We want parents worldwide get the good feelings brought by the Finnish baby box: a surprise box you can open together with your loved ones that feels like a gift. You get thoughtful, good-quality and useful things that take into consideration your baby's development.

And as the Almondella ingredient, we've added eco-thinking and the boutique feel brought by using products from small designers. It's really something special for your special one.

What do you hope to achieve?

Almondella wants to bring more meaningful moments to family life: the whole family spending time together using the age-appropriate products. Every box contains activity tips to get the parents' own imagination going about what all you can do with your baby at her age. And you never can have enough beauty around you! Around this idea we want to build a successful business that also helps small designers and manufacturers to get their message across and their products out.

What has been the highlight of starting your own company?

Good feedback from our dear customers is always something that really makes my day and gets me emotional. Another highlight was when Rosalinde and Hanna joined Almondella about half a year ago.

What has been the downside of starting your own company?

Almondella takes an enormous part of my life and and it's really hard to detach yourself from it physically and mentally. The to do list never gets any shorter, no matter how you try, as new things are constantly popping up. I try to be present for my family but sometimes it's hard, you're at least thinking about some urgent matter. At the point I'm at, you also never can truly have a holiday!

What would your advice be to any parent wanting to start up their own business?

If it feels like a passion, go for it. You will be happy and that will make your family happy as well. But you need to organise it so that it doesn't take every minute of your time. Meditate, take your family to the funfair, do whatever it takes to stop thinking about it once in a while. Also don't imagine you can do everything yourself. For me, the hardest part to learn has been to ask help, and I'm still learning it!

For more information please contact: Website: Email: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram:

http://www.almondella.com/ info@almondella.com https://www.facebook.com/Almondella https://twitter.com/Almondella http://www.pinterest.com/almondella/ http://instagram.com/Almondella

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Parents & Business

For more information please contact: Website: Email: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:

Who is behind the Product?

Le Petit Bonbon was created by 29 year old Tiana Toma, a trained Interior Architect with a passion for all things baby. When it came to starting a family, Tiana decided the only way it would work for her is to work from home and work for herself to get the work/life balance she wanted.

How did the company get started?

My business plan was initially formulated during my early pregnancy, I would scribble down thoughts, ideas and product concepts in a note book during my lunch breaks. After my degree I went on to work in hotel design which I loved, however my desire to start a family and be at home with my kids was strong. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put in the 110% needed to progress my career and be there full time for my kids - I needed to work for myself, the only downside was that the economy really took a down turn when I went on my maternity leave, so starting an interior design business was not the way to go. I wanted to do something creative, something where I could utilise my skills i’d learnt through work so I spent several months researching and designing my initial product range of baby gifts, which I am continually doing even today. Knowing very little about running a business, let alone an online one, was not easy - I under estimated just how much I needed to know and it was a very steep learning curve, I would say it took the first two years of learning from my mistakes and learning from other businesses to get to where I am today.

What is the company about?

The company is about creating a range of unique, handmade and nongeneric luxury baby gifts that not only fulfil a purpose but create a memory for the parents and family. Whether it is something baby can wear or something to decorate their room, every detail has been thought of and thoroughly researched.

Initially the company was going to be based solely around hand decorated chocolates and event favours however after a while I realised that I simply wanted to focus on the baby gift market as that is where my interest and knowledge lay. I’m quite traditional when it comes to baby clothes, gifts and interiors but I knew I had to do something that would stand out from the 1000’s of baby gift items already available. For example, with the rise of baby cupcakes and baby bouquets available at most baby gift store these days, I wanted to create something new and exciting - something more cosmopolitan and funky - baby sushi was born! Sushi rolls made from rolled up baby socks! Personalised gifts are hard to beat as they become unique to the child and with our range of typographic nursery prints, parents can

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have the perfect souvenir of the most special day of their life as the small details such as time and weight can often be forgotten! As well as our own range of products I recently started retailing some rising star brands. I researched for months until I narrowed it down to the brands that really suited Le Petit Bonbon’s ethos and style such as Amy and Ivor baby safe chrome free leather moccasins, The Little Tailor luxury hand knitted garments and Bathing Bunnies super soft baby hooded towels.

What do you hope to achieve?

My aspirations for Le Petit Bonbon are to become a recognised brand name in baby gifts, a go-to place for people to purchase personalised and bespoke gifts and know that they are getting perfect quality and great customer service. I hope to also sell my own products wholesale to other retailers to help the brand expand further than my website alone.

What has been the highlight of starting your own company?

I was just awarded a Mumpreneur UK Silver Award for the website which i’m extremely proud about as I have put in a crazy amount of hours designing every inch of that website to make it exactly the way I wanted. Getting feedback from customers and having them send me photos of their babies and nurseries with my products just makes me so happy - a real sense of achievement.

What has been the downside of starting your own company?

Working from home with a young baby/toddler means knowing when its “work” time and when its “mummy” time… a lot easier said than done. I rely heavily on marketing Le Petit Bonbon through social media these days and having all the applications on my mobile phone means it is too easy to be glued to my phone which obviously doesn’t go down well with the toddler (understandably!) All my product development, photography, editing and marketing - not to mention order making gets done from home and as my son is not in full time school yet this means working during nap time and after he's gone to bed - Lets just say I more than burn the midnight oil every week.

What would your advice be to any parent wanting to start up their own business?

Before you jump into a venture like this, ensure you study the market you want to enter in thoroughly - this includes understanding how other businesses in your field set up their websites, I learnt the hard way with my first website. Make sure you are competent in using social media as it is a great help in networking and getting your company/brand exposed to potential customers, reviewers and publications.

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Parents & Business

Parents & Business

Who is behind the Product?

BOPALONG was founded in 2011 by me, Feyi Jegede, with inspiration from my 3 wonderful children. Now aged 6, 5 and 3 years, they have certainly been the driving force behind it. Its concept, idea and development has been very much influenced and guided by them all. Many of the elements in our BOPALONG dances have their input and unique stamp all over it! I often say that, “Without my children, there would be no BOPALONG”.

Another plus was that it also allowed me to be a positive role model for them too – despite everything else that was going on around us. It was this love of dancing together that sparked something in me – and the idea for BOPALONG was borne.

each class and session with beaming smiles on their faces. It truly is priceless.

What has been the downside of starting your own company?

I would have to say constantly eating, sleeping (hardly ever!), breathing and dreaming of BOPALONG, as I try my very hardest to make it a success. It can be very difficult sometimes to switch off from working, but I always try not to lose the essence of who or what I am about – and that is a mum first and foremost to my lovely children.

What is the company about?

BOPALONG is a pre-school dance class for little ones to Bop and dance-together with their mums, dads, or carers to nursery, rhyme and dance songs. It is aimed at Boys and Girls from BOPALONG has been created from my children’s 18 months to 5 years old. perspective, through their wonderful eyes and their love of dancing. I believe our motto What do you hope to achieve?

What would your advice be to any parent “BOPALONG, lovingly created by my little ones First and foremost, I hope to be a positive role wanting to start up their own business? for your little ones!” truly reflects that. model for my 3 children. I want them to look at The best advice I’ve ever heard was from me and say ‘My mummy did it!’ I hope to inspire Dragon’s Den James Caan and he said “Don’t get How did the company get started? them to believe in their dreams, to know that too worked up trying to make your business idea BOPALONG came about following a series of despite challenges or set-backs that they too can perfect. The best thing for you to do is to get it events that took place in my life in 2011 – the achieve whatever they set their minds too. Of out there and refine it in the market place!’ I birth of my 3rd child, being made redundant course for BOPALONG, I hope that people will would say that advice has certainly rung true from my job of 5 years; and the breakdown of fall in love with it, and that it will become with me. Secondly I would say buy a notebook my marriage. It was of course a very difficult and recognised for its Uniqueness and FUN. I would – I never leave home without one. The reason is emotional time for me but I found a lot of solace love it to see it become a successful and ideas can come to you at any time, so writing and joy in the company of my 3 children. I reputable brand of pre-school dance in the not things down can help you to gather your concentrated my efforts on enjoying and too distant future. Finally, if I can inspire other thoughts. It also serves as a constant reminder spending my time with them and my new-born. mums and mumpreneurs out there too, not to of the things you need to do and ‘tick off’ to let set-backs or challenges stop you from achieve your goals. Finally I would say GO FOR One of the things that we loved doing most of pursuing your dream, then I would have IT! Don’t let fear of failure, your ability or skills all was Dancing! – moving about and dancing achieved so much! stop you from at least trying! together to music and rhyme songs. I noticed that my children loved dancing, but more What has been the highlight of starting your importantly that they loved dancing with Me. own company?

They would always ask me to teach them a It has to be the feeling and sense of For more information please contact: dance, and then get me to join in with them to accomplishment I feel along this dance to the music. I noticed the joy and smiles journey of starting and growing a Website: www.bopalong.com that came upon their faces when we danced business. When I manage to tick off a Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bopalong together; and I soon realised the fun and joy of task from my ‘to do list’, whether big or https://twitter.com/Bopalong_Feyi dancing with me made my children become small, this makes me feel proud of Twitter: 07411 399 375 more confident, happier, and loosened their myself. But the biggest highlight of all Mobile: inhibitions. I also found dancing together to be is when parents and their children tell a great way to bond with my children, and it was me how much they love what we have something we could all do together as a family. created in BOPALONG; and they leave

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Parents & Business babies and toddlers. Most recently, Kezi launched the unique Plod Ons collection for crawling babies. These cute woven knee protectors look fantastic and protect baby’s precious knees.

What is the company about?

Sock Ons and the Ons brand is about finding simple effective solutions to common parenting problems. We strive to create products that mums cannot live without and we love it when we Who is behind the Product?

The brains behind the Sock Ons brand is hear that mums recommend our ranges mum of six boys Kezi Levin. Kezi Levin all the time. Even better when we spot is not your typical mum. She married babies sporting our products! straight out of high school and spent her first four years of married life in the What do you hope to achieve? company of London’s hippest, studying The Ons brand will continue to grow at Central Saint Martins College of Art from strength to strength. The and Design, which, famous for pushing company is constantly evolving as we boundaries, numbers Lucien Freud, seek to invent the latest mummy mustAlexander McQueen and Mike Leigh have. There is so much scope for our brand so watch this space! amongst its alumni.

For more information please contact: Website: www.sockons.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sock.ons Twitter: https://twitter.com/SockOns Email: Tel:

info@SockOns.co.uk +44 (0) 20 8451 1516

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How did the company get started?

With a hectic schedule came a new pursuit: “I am constantly thinking of how to make life easier - I have always been a mad inventor and my mind spins around at 100 miles per hour!” It was a case of necessity proving to be the mother of invention that yielded her first creation which sells in their thousands worldwide, Sock Ons! Kezi says “We had a family wedding midwinter and my three month old baby had to join the retinue in black trousers and the works. He never, ever managed to keep a sock on his foot for more than a minute and I was getting so desperate I almost made him wear a pair of tights for the occasion but his elder brothers would have none of it so in the end he went cold footed. After extensive research I had found nothing to deal with the lost sock / cold feet syndrome and knew I had to come up with a solution. The Sock Ons idea came while I was trying to fall asleep that night: I got up, cut up my own tights, made a prototype and it worked. ” Levin’s product of softly woven elasticated material that ‘locks’ babies’ socks gently and firmly in place was designed out of sheer frustration.

Since then the Sock Ons portfolio has been extended to include a range of nursery products which complement each other. Next up came the innovative Dribble Ons bibs which like Sock Ons come in every colour imaginable and then the supremely popular Mocc Ons – slipper socks for

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What has been the highlight of starting your own company?

Seeing Sock Ons stocked in some of the biggest UK retailers was just overwhelming and when we heard we had won an inventor’s award in our first year it was a definite highlight. In fact every time I see a new invention come to fruition, it makes me feel proud of how much I have achieved.

What has been the downside of starting your own company?

Obviously juggling 6 children, all of whom have come along during the first few years of the company, is hard at times. However, I have a great support system and am doing what I love and the boys are really proud of what I do which makes all the juggling worthwhile.

What would your advice be to any parent wanting to start up their own business?

When it comes to offering advice to others, Levin’s message is straightforward: if anyone says you can’t, say you can. “I was told that I would never finish my degree… or do so many other things, just because of all the other commitments I was juggling.

Take it as a challenge and make the most out of every situation. Don’t fight the stage of life you are in - see it as a blessing and try to incorporate it and work with it. I am blessed to have such a wonderful, supportive family and a career that allows me to work from home, even though my office looks like a playroom.”

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Celebrity Parent Profile: When Nickie Met…Michelle Heaton…

Michelle Heaton is a BRIT award-winning pop star, TV personality and recently crowned ‘Disney Celebrity Mum of the Year 2014’. Not only that, she is a FETAC qualified personal trainer with further qualifications in pre and post pregnancy exercise. We had the amazing opportunity of interviewing Michelle at The Baby Show in Birmingham on the launch of her DVD - Active Pregnancy!

Read below to see what spurred her on and how she juggles celebrity life with that of being a busy mum of 2 children.

Who is behind the brand / DVD? Just me, it was my vision, I made it. I went back to college and studied pre and post natal exercise and Tony, who was my band mate with Liberty-X, has his own production company and so we joined partnership and made this DVD. Tony produced it and I created the workouts. I’m fronting it, there’s no other person behind it, besides me.

What made you want to create a fitness DVD? I met my husband and he is head of personal trainers for Virgin Active. He was qualified in all of these areas and I had a period where I wasn’t working and I thought I want to go back and study something, what shall I do and there was this personal training. So I did the course and qualified after studying pre and post natal as a specialist subject.

This is such a contrast to what you were doing before and your celebrity status as a recording artist?

Absolutely, now I feel like I am combining this with my celebrity life which is nice.

What do you hope to achieve with the DVD / future aspirations?

To educate women that they can work out in pregnancy. During my first pregnancy I wasn’t sure myself and ended up not doing much and in this pregnancy I was doing the DVD and following the plan and saw so many more benefits both with my body, I was more supple, childbirth was easier, post birth was easier, getting my post-body back was easier. Whether women want to admit it or not it’s an important thing to have.

What has been the highlight of launching the DVD? Seeing it launched at The Baby Show, Birmingham - it was very close to the wire as it got held up and we only got them just before the show.

What did it feel like being crowned Disney Mum of the Year?

Amazing, the fact that it was voted for by the public, so by mums, so I feel really proud that I’ve related to them in some way which is an awesome feeling. It’s not just voted by a board of people stuck behind a desk who don’t really know what it’s all about.

You are an incredible inspiration to many women after all that you’ve experienced, what would you say to someone just diagnosed with the same condition?

I think everyone just needs to make their own decisions because there are so many different options, different surgeries, different reconstruction surgeries, there are so many different things out there. There are pills now. Make it for you, don’t make it for anyone else, because everyone is different. To undergo a surgery that is preventative is a really hard decision, because it’s not like you have cancer and you have no choice - you have a choice and it’s really hard to make.

Will there be a follow-up DVD to this one?

There might be a post baby DVD, we are in discussions about that at the moment.

Finally, what’s the best thing about being a mummy?

The best thing about being a mum is their smiles and their hugs and the warmth that they give you - it’s unconditional even when you tell them off, they still want to cuddle you, they don’t hold it against you.

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For more information please contact: Website: http://www.michelleheatonfitness.com/ Email: info@thecellproductions.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wonderwomanshel

Competition Time: For your chance to win a copy of Michelle Heaton’s great Active Pregnancy DVD - simply answer the following question: Where did Michelle officially launch her DVD? a) The Baby Show - Birmingham b) The Baby Show - Excel c) The Baby Show - Olympia

Email your answers to: nickie@babybuzzmagazine.com (Competition closes on 12�� July 2014) 'Michelle Heaton Active Pregnancy' is available on DVD now from Amazon and www.michelleheatonfitness.com

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15

Health & Wellbeing

How to look good at 100!

By Ruben Trabares

In today’s world, most of us are obsessed with beauty. Unfortunately, this usually means looking at beauty externally rather than internally. External beauty is a reflection of our internal health and I usually advise that we begin by looking at our internal terrain.

Whatever is going on in our internal environment is ultimately reflected in how flawless, vibrant and healthy our skin is. When our cells regenerate they need the right conditions – a clean toxic-free environment, oxygen and nutrients in order to regenerate correctly. This can be best described by the work of Dr. Alexis Carrel, Noble prize-winner who stated:

Water is vital for cells. I always advise that we drink three litres of fresh, clean drinking water every day, not including teas and vegetable juices.

It is prudent not to drink tap water if we are to live a long and youthful life. Our tap water contains fluoride, chlorine and heavy metals which the water filtration system in the UK is unable to get rid of. It also contains traces of pesticides, chemicals, cement, narcotics and pharmaceuticals.

The authorities will argue that they are in such small amounts that they affect us very minimally but I would argue that this, along with all of the other stresses we put on our bodies, are responsible for our premature ageing and other diseases.

“The cell is immortal, it is merely the fluid in which it floats that degenerates. Renew this fluid at regular intervals, give the cell what it requires for nutrition, and as far as we know, the pulsation of life can go on forever”.

The answer is simple. Drink glass-bottled water, never plastic, and/or buy a water filter for the home. The latter is relatively inexpensive and does save an incredible amount of money compared to buying bottled water.

Water is the first line of defence when it comes to cleaning our internal terrain and getting rid of toxins and waste material. It also keeps our cells Dr. Carrel kept a chicken heart cell alive for 28 years, far outliving the well hydrated and looking youthful. lifespan of a chicken, which is 7-12 years. The cells did not die of ageing, they died as a result of the laboratory assistant forgetting to clean the We also need nutrients in the form of amino acids, lipids, micro-nutrients, cells external terrain. I suspect he didn’t keep his job for long after that! vitamins, minerals and the right types of fats. Every second our cells replace one million cells, therefore we have to continuously have the right 1.

So what else causes our cells to die prematurely? building blocks for our cells if they are to regenerate perfectly.

2.

Why does cell turnover have to slow down as we revolve around the sun?

This is the reason why our nutrition is paramount and we need to source 3.

What causes the decline in collagen, elasticity and wrinkles? the best raw ingredients possible (apologies for going on about organic food but I truly believe there is no other way). Non-organic food contains I will try to answer these questions as simply as possible in layman’s terms. pesticides, in some cases it is irradiated to kill some, if not most, of the enzymes within the food which allows the food to last longer without For cells to regenerate successfully they need three things: going off, in short giving it a longer shelf life.

1. Water 2. Nutrients 3. Oxygen

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Health & Wellbeing So what are the daily choices we make that affect the daily rate of our skin and what can we do as individuals and as family members to ensure we not only nourish ourselves but also our families to the best of our abilities? We have to be aware of what products we are buying and bringing into our home. Organic chemical free toiletries, cosmetics and chemical free cleaning products are essential. Unfortunately most of the best-known products on the market all contain petroleum derivatives, especially beauty products and the irony is that these products are put on the market to make us look better. I have listed below a list of the most dangerous ones.

Last but not least, sleep. There is no way around it, sleep is vitally important when it comes to looking younger. When we sleep we release growth hormone which aids in our healing and regeneration process.

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) – banned for decades but still present in our environment. PCBs have been known to cause cancer and impair foetal development. Farm raised salmon are fed ground up fish that have absorbed PCBs so I would stick to wild fish wherever possible.

New Mum Sharon asks: I’ve just become a mummy and want to give my baby the best possible start. What can I do to produce a richer, fuller breast milk?

If you follow this advice, while I can’t guarantee you will live to be 100 years old, I can say with confidence that you will be one of the freshestfaced, most sprightly people in that old folk’s home!

READER QUESTION

Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides are all carcinogenic, hence the reason I advocate organic food. Some of the risks associated with these are nerve damage, birth defects, Parkinsons Disease and malabsorption.

Ruben Says: Dear Sharon, Congratulations on being a new mum!

You should also avoid the following: Parabens, Methylparabens, Benzoate, Alkyl Parahydroxy, Fragrance, Lisoparaben, Butyl Paraben, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, FD&C color pigments, Benzene, Petrolatum, Parafin

The best way to ensure richer, more nutritious breast milk for your baby is to obviously make sure that you're getting all of the right nutrients.

The list is endless but I have only added what I think are the most dangerous.

All of these toxins cause inflammation and it is my opinion that inflammation is the major cause of disease and premature ageing. So lowering inflammation is the key, consuming foods such as sugar, processed foods and rancid fats triggers inflammatory responses within the body. So the best way to avoid all of these toxins is to eat free-range organic meats, if I had to pick just two they would always be eggs and chicken. Try to stick to wild fish, avoid processed foods, clean your home with natural cleaning products such as vinegar, lemon and bicarbonate of soda; ozone is also an amazing cleaning product. Use natural brands of toiletries, especially your tooth paste, making sure it has no chalk, SLF and sodium fluoride (I can hear the screams now – “What, no fluoride in our toothpaste?” I suggest you do your own research on this one). Also avoid artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets and fabric softeners etc.

Try to get plenty of safe sun exposure to boost vitamin D levels and your immune system. 15 minutes a day should be fine but try not to have a shower for two hours after sun exposure to allow the vitamin D produced on the skin to soak through into your system.

Eating yourself young Juicing is a great way to remain young and in some cases reverse the ageing process.

My favourite juice recipe is: Pineapple, Turmeric, Ginger, Lemon, Wild Kale Try for the most part to cook at home and when eating out learn to make the right choices when it comes to sauces. Avoid the microwave at all costs and do not be shy to ask when eating out if your food as ever been in the microwave.

We can begin by making sure that your water intake is high, at least 3.5 litres of water per day especially on hot days.

A well balanced organic and free range diet is of course the best but it is really a time when natural supplements are imperative and I will list some of the ones that I think are the most important: Marine Phytoplankton Krill oil Bee Pollen Hemp seeds Hemp seed oil Maca Acai Cacao Avocados Coconut oilKefir Chlorella/Spirulina If you try any of these, preferably all of them, you will find your breast milk will contain everything your baby needs and more.

Let me know how you get on.

Ruben

Please join me on Twitter and Facebook and keep your questions coming in to myself and Peter Marcasciano, one of the worlds top experts on health, nutrition and physiotherapy. To get the inside track to a healthier life, please follow us on the following:

Use honey and stevia instead of sugar and add things like sauerkraut to your meals – not only is it full of digestive enzymes but it gets rid of the sugar cravings at the end of your meals.

Twitter: @rubentabares, @petemfitness Facebook: RubenTabaresFitness Website: http://www.rubentabares.com/

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17

Health & Wellbeing

Understanding your skin!

LATEX GLOVES. You may think you are protecting your hands when washing up and cleaning by wearing gloves, and you well might be, but be aware that often we are allergic to the gloves as well as the detergents we are using!

WATCH OUT FOR FABRIC POWDERS AND FABRIC CONDITIONERS. You can generally use less detergent in soft water areas, so try to reduce the amount you use and opt for non–biological for sensitive skin types without colours and perfumes added.

WATCH OUT FOR HIDDEN IRRITANTS. Nickel found in many jewellery items, studs on jeans, zips and watch straps can all cause allergic reactions in some people, as can leather dye and tannins. Watch out if going bare foot in summer sandals or where belts and straps may touch the skin!

Lindsey has had over 6 years of hands-on practitioner experience as well as 5 years working in the natural products industry. She now works with Mahi Naturals, the sole UK distributor of Hope’s Relief, Australia’s #’1 natural skincare range. Below she talks about common allergens and triggers – what to look out for with certain skin conditions.

The differences in certain skin conditions can be very confusing and the words ‘Eczema’ and ‘Dermatitis’ can often be used interchangeably.

The most important thing to help you manage the problem is identifying the exacerbating factors and learning the tools to help you manage the condition best. Here are some common triggers and allergens to look out for and what to do about them: COMMON FOOD TRIGGERS. These usually include cows’ milk (dairy), eggs, soya, wheat, fish and nuts. Solanceae or deadly nightshade family food groups can also cause problems with some people. Foods within this category include, potatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and peppers. I often find that tomatoes and orange juice can be the hidden food culprits in conditions such as eczema (and they can also make conditions such as arthritis worse too!).

BEAT THE DUST! Dust can be a common trigger for a lot of people and it’s the dust mite droppings that are the problem! Wooden floors are better than carpets (although easier said than done to re-furbish your house!). Wet-dust furniture frequently, use a vacuum with a good filter and vacuum the mattress at least once a week. Regularly ventilate rooms. Put soft toys in the freezer in a plastic bag for 24 hours to kill any mites on them and if the toys are washable, wash them at or above 60°C. Try to keep humidity low (for example, do not dry washing on the radiator).

MANAGE STRESS. Stress is a common trigger which also seems to make scratching worse. Seek help if you are suffering from stress. Counselling, yoga, gentle exercise, meditation and sometimes a good old chat with a trusty friend can help ease some of life’s pressures.

REST AND RELAXATION. It’s true what they say - regular, sound sleep can help many things including the repair of skin or our ability to manage it and face the day ahead.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST - DO NOT SCRATCH! This may be the biggest challenge of all when your skin is driving you mad but scratching only damages the skin further and can also introduce harmful bacteria into the wound. This causes further inflammation, irritation and possible GOOD FOODS. As long as you aren’t allergic to fish, try to eat plenty of infection. clean cold water oily fish (e.g. mackerel, herring, sardines) or take an Omega 3 fish oil supplement to help reduce some inflammation within To purchase Hope’s Relief products go to www.hopes-relief.com the body. Make sure you pick one with a good level of EPA. Reduce high intake of meat (as this can increase inflammation within the body).

Make sure you eat your 5 a day or preferably more! Blueberries and avocado are some of my favourites for healthy skin.

AVOID ALCOHOL. Alcohol can dry the skin and exacerbate itching. In my experience, it’s one of the worst culprits!

DRINK PLENTLY OF WATER. Make sure you get your 2 litres of water a day. I like to start the day off with a glass of hot water and a squeeze of lemon to cleanse the system.

COMMON TOPICAL IRRITANTS: Avoid detergents and surfactants. This can range from household cleaning agents to the things we use to clean our own bodies. Typical culprits include sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). These are found in many body washes and shampoos as a cheap foaming agent and can strip the skin of natural oils. Don’t over-wash and choose natural, unperfumed products.

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18

Health & Wellbeing

Terrible Teething - How to help your toddler!

Ease teething tots with Nelsons Teetha® Teething Granules At around six months old your little ones personality will be beginning to develop making it a super exciting time for parents. Not only will you be getting to know your babies quirks and traits, but they will also be starting to meet some of their first big milestones – one of which is when their milky whites start to poke through their gums! Although a milestone, teething can cause discomfort for baby which can be stressful for parents, with a recent study* by Nelsons Baby even revealing that over a third (39%) of parents state that it’s the most distressing ailment for parents (*A survey conducted on 2015 UK adults, by Atomik Research on behalf of Nelsons)!

Teething tots and their parents will all need some help to provide relief from new and emerging teeth. Nelsons® Teetha Teething Granules is a homeopathic remedy specially formulated for the soothing and calming relief of the symptoms of teething. It is ready-dosed in a convenient granule format that simply dissolves in a baby’s mouth to help provide teething pain relief. It contains a 6c homeopathic potency of natural Chamomilla.

Baby Buzz Magazine has teamed up with Nelsons Teetha to offer one lucky Mum the chance to win a £55 Mothercare Babymel Cara Stripe Navy Changing bag worth £55 filled with a selection of Nelsons goodies including Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Kids Stick and a bottle of Rescue Remedy Spray.

Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules is a homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of teething pain and the symptoms associated with teething, which are sore and tender gums, flushed cheeks and dribbling. For babies 3 months and over. Contains Chamomilla 12c, Belladonna 12c & Aconite 12c.

Nelsons Teetha gives some handy hints to help soothe a teething baby: ●

●

● ●

Try putting your little one into a warm bath to help calm them down. After the bath give your baby a gently massage while rubbing baby oil on them.

Keep teething toys in the fridge to help soothe gums. The coldness of the teething toy provides a numbing effect. You could also wet a clean washcloth and freeze it in a plastic bag to keep it clean.

Run a clean finger very gently over sore gums, the gentle pressure might help soothe the pain.

Try giving your little one a product like Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules which can help relieve the symptoms associated with teething.

Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules costs £5.10 Available from Boots, Holland and Barrett, selected grocers, Lloyd’s pharmacies and all good independent health food and pharmacy stores. Always read the label.

Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules come ready-dosed in a convenient granule format that simply dissolves in a baby’s mouth to help provide teething pain relief. It contains a 6c homeopathic potency of natural Chamomilla. Always read the label.

For your chance to win, simple answer the following question: Q) How much does Nelsons Teetha retail for? a) £3.99 b) £8.99 c) £5.10 Email your answer to us at: Info@babybuzzmagazine.com

*If you are concerned about any symptoms that your baby may have, in particular if they have a fever, please consult your doctor.

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To help with childcare and housework Carefully selected with references and police checks Personal friendly service with back up

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19

Health & Wellbeing

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT PERSONAL TRAINERS DEBUNKED There’s a reason why the personal training industry is thriving in this country with over 20,000 personal trainers working in the UK at present. Working with a personal trainer is one of the fastest, easiest and most successful ways to improve your health and fitness. If you’re trying to lose weight or keep fit but keep falling off the wagon, it’s worth knowing why a personal trainer could make the difference. But are the myths around using a personal trainer putting you off?

4. “Personal trainers make you do weights” Any good trainer should show you how resistance and weight bearing activity yields benefits to your body extending far beyond simply ‘toning’ the muscle. Resistance training comes in many forms and a good trainer will have you doing a free weight routine that you enjoy and recognise the benefits from. Resistance training can in fact improve bone density, metabolic rate, range of motion of joints, as well as some far deeper and health related benefits such as enhancing your body’s ability to manage sugars effectively.

5. “Personal trainers can only help me with my fitness needs” For the first 2 years of my career, I was all about fitness as a trainer now my lead product is health related issues and lifestyle factors. So Andy McGlynn much so, that I actually don’t have any clients with a primary goal of Here are some of the most common myths and fitness any more. Personal training has taken a very interesting turn the truth behind them according to Andy McGylnn, Director of Lifestyle over the past decade. Personal training qualifications and certifications Fitness Personal Training,www.lsfpt.co.uk who has trained and are much more relevant now and go into a great deal of depth learning about specific health related issues and how to provide naturopathic mentored over a thousand personal trainers. solutions to support or recover the client.

1. “Personal training isn’t worth it and I can just set my own 6. “You can’t work with a personal trainer when you’re pregnant” programme at the gym” Of course you can do your own programme, just like you can go to a Some of the best personal trainers I have known have worked with have golf driving range and swing one ball after another down the range, all a specialisation in pre and post natal training. If anything these types the while, setting up bad habits in your swing and never really improving of trainers will take the guess work, conjecture and hearsay completely after a certain point. 98% of people I have tested are moving less than out of your regime and give you the facts on what you can and cannot 50% efficiently as they could be when they exercise; possibly using the do to ensure an even healthier birth. wrong muscles and with deficiencies in their diet that aren’t helping the process. Exercise and nutrition are an art and a science, information is 7. “Working with a personal trainer is time consuming” changing and being updated all the time. Personal trainers provide you Personal trainers tend to be prepared to work sessions around your life, with the most up to date and cutting edge information to ensure that whether that be in the morning before work or later in the evening. any time you do spend setting up your own programme will be Time is no pre-requisite of a good workout or session. What constitutes maximised. Many people don’t realise that they might only need an effective workout is the plan and the progression from one session a couple of appointments with a personal trainer to correct or address to the next. An effective workout can be as short as 30 - 40 minutes.

In fact with the right preparation and layout, it would be possible to a few points. make gains in a 20 minute workout.

2. “It’s expensive” It’s about value and perceived value. Nothing is expensive it’s just a 8. “Having a personal trainer guarantees results with no effort” question of whether the value stacks up for you. To correct your There are certainly tips, advice and protocols that you may be able to posture, improve your sleep, relieve the ache in your lower back, get integrate into your diet or training regime that may appear to expedite you the fitness results you desire in half the time and get you feeling results or kick start the weight loss, such as protocols for activating and looking better than you have done in years - along with the lipolysis (fat burning), but as with anything worth having in life, a bit of knowledge that everything you take from the session you can keep effort and application is required. I’ve always preferred knowing ‘why’ I am doing something and I tend to pass this assumption onto my clients, forever – I’d say that’s value. it results in me explaining the reasoning or research behind each decision or process I carry out with them or why we may perhaps do 5 3. “Personal trainers are strict” Good Personal Trainers have a duty of care to their clients to ensure reps as opposed to 10 or squats as opposed to leg extensions, etc. the results and changes are agreed. Sometimes old habits may need to be gently challenged or changed. I’ve never really bought into a For more information, please visit: www.lsfpt.co.uk coaching style that forces people through shouting or fear, it’s just not a long term strategy for change. Understanding the client and why certain behaviours are adopted or repeated is the best starting point for good trainers.

With just under 15,000 views and downloads online every month and a distribution of 5,000 all over the UK (via 400+ nurseries), hospitals, Pearsons Department store, Enfield and Harris & Hoole branches, you can get your business seen from just £75.00 for a quarter page!

Advertising slots are available on our website from just £35 per month (discounts available for 3 months or more)

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Health & Wellbeing

TOWIE star raises awareness of inherited heart conditions Billie Faiers was recently joined by fellow pregnant ladies on Primrose Hill, London’s most famous bump, to support the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Fight For Every Heartbeat campaign, which aims to raise awareness of inherited heart conditions.

Billie, who found fame on The Only Way is Essex and is seven months pregnant with her first child, bared her bump along with a number of pregnant women. The campaign is highlighting the 50:50 chance that someone with an inherited heart condition has of passing it on to their unborn child, emphasising the need for more research into these potentially deadly conditions. Billie is calling on all pregnant women to #BareYourBump in support of the campaign and share their photographs on social media.

Billie comments: “It’s fantastic to see so many pregnant women helping raise awareness of inherited heart conditions for the BHF. We need to do everything we can to raise money and invest in research which can

dramatically help those living with inherited heart conditions. Join me today and #BareYourBump for the BHF.” Amy Thompson, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the BHF, adds: “An estimated half a million people in the UK could be living with a faulty gene putting them at an unusually high risk of developing heart disease or dying suddenly at a young age. Our hope is that as many expectant mums as possible will join our fight for every heartbeat and share a photo of their own bump, using #BareYourBump, to raise awareness of inherited heart conditions. “To donate, please text FIGHT to 85080 to give £3. With your help, we can fund more research and help make major breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of inherited heart conditions.”

Inherited heart conditions run in families and can affect those you’d least expect, including the young and the fit. BHF researchers have helped us better understand and detect inherited heart conditions and they are working relentlessly towards beating them, but they need the public’s help to fund more research and save more lives. #BareYourBump and share a picture on social media to support the BHF’s Fight For Every Heartbeat campaign. Text FIGHT to 85080 and give £3 to join the fight against inherited heart conditions.*

Inherited heart conditions force families to gamble on genetic roulette

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) estimates that around half a million people in the UK could be living with a faulty gene putting them at unusually high risk of developing heart disease or dying suddenly at a young age. This deadly legacy can span generations – someone living with an inherited heart condition has a 50:50 chance of passing it onto their children. As a result the BHF has today launched its Fight for Every Heartbeat campaign to highlight the importance of urgent research into inherited heart conditions hidden within so many family trees. Previous estimates suggested up to 380,000 people could be living with a faulty gene but underdiagnosis means this figure may be much higher. Each year around 600 apparently healthy people aged 35 or under are victims of sudden cardiac death with no explanation, leaving families shocked and distraught. Despite advancements in research into inherited heart conditions many faulty genes still remain undiscovered. Finding those genes is the first step towards developing improved genetic tests to find people at risk. An early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death.

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the BHF, said: “We urgently need to accelerate research into inherited heart conditions.

“Over recent years researchers have made great strides in identifying some of the genes that cause inherited heart conditions. A genetic test in a child of an affected parent can save their life. More research is now urgently needed to identify all the genes responsible for these deadly disorders. Pinpointing genes which cause inherited heart conditions will allow affected children to be protected and, in the long term, will lead to new treatments to overcome the effects of the faulty gene.”

inherited heart condition before she became pregnant. She knew that there was a 50:50 chance it could be passed onto her baby. Like baby Zara in the advert, Helen’s daughters had a 50:50 chance of inheriting her dangerous heart condition. Helen, 38, from Cornwall, discovered the condition when she was pregnant with her second daughter, Abigail. Tests later revealed that Abigail did not inherit the faulty gene, but her eldest daughter Isobelle had inherited the gene. Helen said: “When I collapsed on a family day out, our lives changed forever.

Concerned doctors tested me for a gene which causes an inherited heart condition. I tested positive. Just as I was getting to grips with what this would mean for me, I was told there was a 50:50 chance my daughters could have the gene too. When tests showed Isobelle had the gene, I worried what the future would hold for her. But she is a little fighter – she takes beta blockers as syrup every day and goes into hospital for ECG testing. My family is living proof that these genes can be passed on to children with the same odds as a toss of a coin. We’re so lucky that doctors spotted my symptoms and tested my girls as soon as they could.”

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help.

From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.

The campaign has just launched on television and online and features a baby, Zara, whose mum discovered that she had a faulty gene for an

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Health & Wellbeing has completed a major project with North Middlesex North Middlesex University Hospital Dräger University Hospital to support the opening of a new women and children’s centre and to help the hospital provide high levels of care invests in vital neonatal care for thousands of newborn babies each year.

The new women and children’s centre, which includes a neonatal unit, is part of an £80million expansion at North Middlesex University Hospital. An extra 1,800 babies a year are expected to be delivered at the hospital, bringing the total number of births to 5,500. Dräger worked with North Middlesex University Hospital through the lifecycle of the project. This included providing ceiling supply units, and supplying a range of equipment to care for the complex needs of preterm babies within the neonatal unit.

Dräger provided neonatal ventilation life support technology, incubators to maintain the new-born temperature and jaundice management devices. Dräger also continues to work closely with the staff, offering ongoing training and support. Felicity Manning, Neonatal Account Manager at Dräger, said: “We were delighted to be selected to work with North Middlesex University Hospital at this exciting time as it expands to serve more people across North London. As the hospital begins to see more patients and birth rates increase, it’s vital that preterm babies, who are often the most vulnerable, are able to receive potentially life-saving treatment. In the UK one in 10 babies are born prematurely, which means they are less than 37 weeks old at the time of birth. This equates to around 8,000 babies each year in the UK who could be more likely to have complications such as breathing problems, infection, jaundice and defects such as heart valve abnormalities. We have developed a great relationship with the staff at North Middlesex University Hospital and the investment made by the hospital has ensured that newborn babies in the area will have access to vital equipment which can save lives and help babies achieve a healthy weight.”

Janet Broughton, Neonatal Matron from North Middlesex University Hospital said: “Our new unit is stunning. We are able to nurse very sick babies in a high tech, yet calm environment. We’re delighted to have been able to equip our new neonatal unit with so much excellent equipment - it gives our babies the best chance possible for a healthy future and gives their mums the reassurance they want that their babies will do well in our care. Felicity and her team have supported the neonatal unit from design and installation right through to ongoing support and training."

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Health & Wellbeing

The Children's Air Ambulance celebrates one year of flying high Ratchford, 26, said: "As soon as the word 'surgery' was mentioned I started crying and so did Denisa (Theo’s mother). There was a real possibility that Theo wouldn’t survive unless he got to a hospital that could perform the surgery he needed. It was the most traumatic experience. But we were assured everything would be alright. We thought we would be going by land ambulance but then the helicopter came for him. We were just so grateful that Theo was safe and being looked after in the helicopter."

After just one year in the air, The Children’s Air Ambulance has helped to save the lives of dozens of critically ill children and babies across the country. On 12th May, the Charity, which is based at Coventry Airport, celebrates the first anniversary of its maiden patient transfer.

Dr Stephen Hancock, Lead Consultant for Embrace in charge of Theo's care on board said: "In Theo’s case, as with most of the cases we deal with on a daily basis, getting the patient to the treatment they need in the fastest amount of time is paramount. However, time is not the only factor we have to consider when moving a patient. It could also have been potentially dangerous to move Theo by road due to the fragility of his condition. We are far behind other western countries in the provision of air transfer for paediatric patients and are thankful for the work that The Children's Air Ambulance has been doing this past year."

The service has carried out 38 baby transfers and 31 clinician transfers.

Its helicopter has visited 22 cities and flown over 22,000 miles. All of this has been achieved without any Government funding and solely through the generous support of the public. The Children’s Air Ambulance is the country’s first and only dedicated helicopter hospital Theo recovered well from the surgery and went home a few days later.

He will be celebrating his first birthday in a few days – but his life could transfer service for critically ill children and babies. have been lost were it not for The Children's Air Ambulance. Andy With 95% of paediatric care centralised to just a handful of hospitals Williamson, CEO of The Children's Air Ambulance, says: "We are across England and Wales, babies are often subjected to long and delighted to see Theo, one year on, happy and healthy. Lots more gruelling journeys by land to get the treatment they need. The babies, like Theo, have benefitted from our service over the last 12 Children’s Air Ambulance can carry out these hospital transfers four months and we are becoming busier every month. As we are funded times faster than a journey by road. If a baby is not well enough to entirely by public donations, we urge everyone to spread the word and travel, its pilots can fly a specialist care team to them, increasing their help keep hope alive for critically ill children and their families." chance of survival. Today, The Children’s Air Ambulance wants to ensure that people know about this vital service and is asking the public The Charity needs to raise £134,000 every month to keep the its to show their support with a donation to help ensure the service can helicopter flying. continue. On 12th May 2013, Theo Mikova was born, weighing less To find out more about The Children's Air than 5 pounds and fighting for his life. His oesophagus had failed to join Ambulance or to make a donation to the First correctly to his stomach and he was unable to swallow. TCAA flew him Birthday Appeal, please visit: Scarborough Hospital to Hull Royal Infirmary to receive lifesaving surgery. This journey would have taken at least an hour by road – www.thechildrensairambulance.org.uk/firstbirthday or call 08454 130 999.

TCAA completed the journey in just 15 minutes. Theo's dad Lee

Natures Purest - Bears for Bliss Natures Purest has released a special limited edition of its Hug Me Bear in support of Bliss, the special care baby charity - featuring the tiny footprints of a baby born at just 27 weeks.

Just 300 of the ‘Bears for Bliss’ have been produced, each wearing a bib designed by mum Chloe White in a competition last year. The design includes newborn footprints of her two-year old son Oscar when he was born at 27 weeks weighing just 1lb 4oz.

All profit from the bears, made with 100 per cent organically grown cotton with no added dyes or chemicals, will go towards Bliss, giving vital support and care to premature and sick babies in the UK. You can buy them online at www.naturespurest.co.uk – but be quick!

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Health & Wellbeing

Best Breast Forward v. Tout the Teat!

By Abi Adams

When Rafferty began to express a cry that sounded painful to the heart of any mother, I Drained to the point of wondered if I was expressing anything, so I began wanting to curl up and to massage my breasts working from the chest to collapse, confused and the nipple. Try not to go in too heavy handed as a failure. For those of a gentle stroke has a more pronounced effect and you that have/are it can also be quite tender. When your baby is breastfeeding, does this first born, you produce a substance called sound familiar? This colostrum which appears watery. This is was not the heavenly absolutely normal and with time and further image I had expected when I decided to feeding will turn into the milk your baby desires. breastfeed, but after 2 days of my newborn baby And so to the emotionally draining early hours of crying.... Or should I say screaming through what the morning of day two with screams from I later found out was dehydration and hunger into Rafferty and desperation from both my husband the early hours of the morning, I felt like the worst and I, an angel was sent in the form of a midwife mother in the world with no way of knowing what who helped to calm Raff down with a gorgeous I should do. Whilst pregnant, there was no doubt massage and a small bottle of formulae. Every in my mind that I wanted to breast feed. Although time he woke she got me to first feed from the my mum only breast fed me for the first 3 weeks, bottle and then gently go the breast. SCORE! I compared to my sister who wasn't, she has always felt the emotional weight lift from my shoulders. suffered with illness whilst I seem to have been This really helped the little one understand that by sucking he would get something in return. wired with an Arnie-like immune system!

When I woke the next morning, my feelings of I had done some research and friends had sent being a failure faded and I remembered that this me wonderful blogs on other womens wasn't about me or my feelings but the health and experiences (don't be put off by these. Although happiness of Rafferty. Returning home from some are painful to begin, the ending is pretty hospital, I tried solely breastfeeding through the awesome with everyone benefiting and don't night and felt totally overwhelmed, exhausted forget everyone is different). My cupboard was and not supportive towards Rafferty. So my stocked with breast pads galore and a breast husband and I decided I would breastfeed during pump for expressing. I was feeling ready to take the day and bottle feed during the night. This my best breast forward and bond with my little meant my husband got to share an intimate and bonding part of Rafferty's growth which was one! beautiful to watch.

I was blessed with a VERY unexpected emergency c section so I wasn't granted the gift of holding This decision was met with slightly condescending my baby boy immediately to my breast to begin tones from midwives, the feeding team and our bond and to encourage him to suckle. health carer who asked me who's idea it was and Instead, I had to wait for my first cuddle until why. For someone that promotes reacting in a wheeled into my ward room. The midwives who calm and non attached manor, I felt attacked and had been fabulous seemed a little inexperienced undermined as a mother. "How dare they!" Were when it came to advising me on breastfeeding. the first thoughts in my mind. But when I thought In fact, it was pretty basic. So I took on what they about it, it's clear they all read from the same said and did what I felt was right. A baby's first mechanical script. day is a blessing! They are so tired from an obviously traumatic experience that they don't Ladies - I'm a firm believer in listening to your gut say much (i.e. scream/cry) and want to sleep all and if your gut tells you to do breast, do breast. the way through their first night. I thought I had If it tells you to do bottle, do bottle. Both? indulge been blessed with an angel and sent love and in both. But never feel that your decision is a bad sleep hugs to the lady opposite me who's 3 day one (there is no such thing as a bad decision when old little girl cried every 10 minutes. HA! Don't it comes to feeding). Formulae is the best it's ever be fooled by your little bundle of joy. The nurse been with lots of research going into them. You told me that my sleeping cherub would "wake up" know your child and you certainly know your and do exactly what the whaling child opposite body, so listen closely and all your questions will was doing. Her comment kind of floating off down be answered. the ward didn't burst my elation of love for my If your worried or stressing over feeding, this is angelic child. going to reduce your milk flow allowing those And so I continued to breast feed, asking the emotions and feelings a right of passage. Don't midwives if what I was doing was correct and give them the satisfaction! getting very brief instructions that left me thinking I was best working this out myself (which is no Rafferty is now 6 weeks old and fully on the bottle. disrespect to the nurses as they had a lot of Why? Because, I felt ready for the transition and people on their watch). It felt absolutely natural he had a fabulous relationship with his bottle. I and comfortable, although I did worry that he tried expressing, but felt what I was producing wasn't really interested. Again, this is normal. wasn't enough to support my gorgeous little boy.

Their need for milk isn't really that great the first I stand by all of my decisions and have a fabulously day or two due to the journey of birth and not strong, healthy, happy little boy to show for it.

And that is what matters. really knowing what to do.

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Formulae After much research, I found HIPP organic formulae which supports all stages of a babies growth and development. This is available at most chemists and supermarkets but do some research as some have special offers and I found Boots to be the cheapest.

Bottles Dr Browns bottles are FABULOUS! Rafferty suffered with severe wind (which is normal, with boys suffering more than girls) 3 weeks from birth and these came highly recommended by everyone. They are geared towards babies with colic, but can be used for wind too.

Breast Milk Think of breastfeeding in terms of a 3 course meal.

Starters is the colostrum. This watery substance is what quenches their thirst and hydrates them.

A fast suckling will be felt. Mains turns into a milkier substance which sees them beginning to slow down with the sucking. The desert is the gorgeously thick creamy milk which is the stuff they really want! Full of nutrients and all the stuff they need, it will look like they're going to sleep.

Don't take them off the breast as this is normal.

They will unlatch themselves when they are full and ready.

Yoga When you wake in the morning sit on the edge of the bed, bring the arms up to shoulder height and bend the elbows so the fingers are pointing towards the ceiling. Gently pump the arms (from the shoulders) up and down, keeping the bend in the arm and fingers pointing up at all times. The breasts can become really heavy when feeding and when weening the baby off the breast so this is great for reducing that swollen/heavy feeling by stimulating the lymph nodes. Do this as many times as you like, with a minimum of 30 pumps.

Oolong 07951 101 049 www.loveoolongtime.com 24

Health & Wellbeing

Dear Joanne, I have a concern for my 7 yr old daughter she has a sudden outbreak of eczema on her elbows and bottom . She's never had it before and it's SATs week at school asked her if she is stressed, she said no but how can I help her I have applied sudocrem which has helped take the redness away but nothing else!

Many thanks Megan

is always good. I also use chamomile tea with honey for stress in children, I can send you out a lovely chamomile tea. Also avoid sugar and dairy as they are often triggers - cutting out helps but not always possible especially with a youngster.

Let me know how you get on, I really hope that you can manage to control this during this busy period in her life and that it resolves - please follow up and if it's not improving we can discuss other ways of helping to manage this.

Hi Megan Poor love - so much going on for such a young person. For eczema and dry skin conditions I use Oat Baths - which sound Best of luck! crazy but I love them. I put some regular porridge oats into an Joanne xxx old (clean) sock and secure with a rubbber band. I then put this in the bath with my son and it gives off a milky, nourishing liquid For more information, please visit or contact me on the following: with really helps to soften the skin and calm and soothe irritation.

Discard the oats once used, wash out the sock and set aside to Tel: 07729 891 083 use it again!

Email: info@jmherblist.co.uk Website: www.jmherbalist.co.uk Try and wash her not too often and use this rather than soaps.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmherbalist I use raw coconut oil and cocoa butter to moisturise my sons dry Twitter: https://twitter.com/JMHerbalist skin. For the stress side of things, quality time to help her de-stress, but bear in mind that she probably can't put a label on how she's feeling and what 'stress' is, but some 1 on 1 time

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Family Focus

Shark attack! SwimFin welcomes Violet Fish to the family!

SwimFin, the world’s only shark fin shaped swimming aid for toddlers and children, is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new colour for 2014. The Violet Fish in purple is the latest addition to the growing collection of bright fins!

Due to popular demand, the team behind the revolutionary vertical buoyancy aid decided it was time to introduce another bright colour to the range to ensure there really is a fin to suit every little swimmer. Purple is the perfect choice for boys or girls, and it’s even Pantone’s colour of the year, so anyone choosing this particular fin is sure be the envy of the marina!

Learning to swim with a fin is not only a whole lot of fun, it’s a lot easier too! Unlike traditional flotation aids, SwimFin does not restrict arms or legs, so little ones have total freedom to kick and splash about and master those four key strokes. SwimFin is worn on the back, so they help children establish a natural position in the water ensuring there is no danger of tipping or losing balance. The beauty of a SwimFin is that it’s a selfadjusting aid, adapting through each and every stage of learning to swim. It gives complete support when fully submerged in the water, but can also be used to master swimming underwater. Wearing a SwimFin boosts confidence, and you can guarantee parents will have no trouble convincing children to wear one; it’s a lot of fun being a shark!

One thing is for sure, parents won’t have any trouble spotting their kids with a purple fin on their back! The rich jewel colour will stand out whether in the pool or playing by the seaside, this really is one exotic fish. Purple is a favourite with both boys and girls, so siblings can match and parents can rest assured there will no arguments over who has what colour. Little girls who have outgrown pink will love it, and it’s a funky and bright colour that boys will love too. It can also be handed down to a younger relative, a SwimFin really will last for years and years.

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Fashion Focus

87% OF NEW MUMS IN WARDROBE RUT: TRACKSUIT BOTTOMS, IMPRACTICAL TOPS, DRESSING DILEMMAS Celeb stylist Grace Woodward shows new mums how to beat the post-baby style crisis given 44% of mums don’t have time to think clothes, so just need go-to, dependable staples ●Inspiration Deprivation: 28% lack inspiration on what to wear once their little one arrives, meaning they depend on a tracksuitcentric wardrobe ●Sensitive Skin: the most common clothes avoided by mums are tight clothing (41%), buttons (18%), unnatural fabrics (14%), scratchy textures (13%) and zips (7%) – as mums experience sensitive skin in the early months of motherhood ●Mirror, mirror: 33% of mums rarely or never have time to look in the mirror – with most agreeing they are too busy to think about how they look; so they need style tips they can trust ●Budget bores: mums spend nearly half the amount of clothes on themselves once they have had their little one, dropping from £57 per month to £29 per month – so they need to be clever with what they already have ●Readdressing Dressing: before birth, mums tended to prioritise fashion (49%), but after having a baby, practicality is most important to 51% and fashion only important to 17% of new mums – but it is possible to have both!

With skyscraper heels, statement necklaces and beaded outfits gathering dust in their wardrobes, 87% of new mums say their impractical clothes are redundant the moment baby arrives. This leaves them stuck in a wardrobe rut and means 76% wear the same tired outfits several times a week.

In response to this research, Persil Non-Bio & Comfort Pure have commissioned celebrity stylist Grace Woodward to help give mums a style boost, with easy and practical tips on how to look great with baby in tow. After all, with 73% of mums agreeing their babies have a better wardrobe than them, it’s time to up the mummy style stakes! ●Rationed Fashion: nearly all (87%) mums agree their wardrobes are useless post baby, as pre-birth outfits become impractical when looking after a new-born ●The Breast Feed Need: a quarter of mums have no clothes they feel they can breast feed in, resulting in awkward maneuvers and complicated layering

With all of this in mind, “Pram Glam: a guide to post-pregnancy fashion” – the new guide from Grace Woodward to support mums with their post-birth dressing dilemmas, is downloadable from www.persilandcomfort.co.uk, offering mums a guide that combines practicality and fashion. Grace says “Having had my little boy six months ago, I know how you dress falls right to the bottom of your priority list – and rightly so. But Persil Non-Bio & Comfort Pure’s research shows that being stuck in the same tired clothes and forced to retire your favourite bodycon dress can leave mums feeling lack lustre. That’s why I’ve pulled together my tips and advice on how to easily breathe life back into your wardrobe, to help mums feel good about how they look too.”

Michelle Kimber, Brand Manager for Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure says “Our research shows that mums can lack inspiration and feel they’ve no time for themselves once baby arrives. We know that mums want more information and advice about dressing post-baby and that’s why Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure have teamed up with Grace Woodward, to help mums get their style mojo back and feel as great about their new look as they do with their new, exciting life.”

Fabric detergent Persil Non-Bio and fabric conditioner Comfort Pure help make sure clothes are soft, clean and comforting. Specially made to be skin kind and dermatologically tested, they both have skincare research recognised by the British Skin Foundation and used together they give fresh, pure results gentle enough for even delicate skins.

●Testing Time: mums spend on average 64% less time getting themselves ready in the morning after a baby – with a quarter of mums taking an impressive five minutes or less; hardly surprising

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Fashion Focus

Welcome to this small but (hopefully) perfectly formed guide on outfit ideas - for when you’ve just welcomed the arrival of your small but perfectly formed new family member! Having had my little boy Larkin six months ago, I know just how tricky it can be to dress for your new lifestyle (in fact new research shows that 87% of mums agree it’s a challenge, so you’re not alone...). You might have to hang up your killer heels for the walk around the park, but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe should be limited to the same pair of tracksuit bottoms every day.

I have created this guide with Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure to show how to make the most of the clothes you already have, as well as quick and easy ideas to work a wardrobe just as fantastic as your baby’s! But don’t forget it’s not just about what you wear, but how you take care of your clothes – as scratchy materials against your or your baby’s sensitive skin simply won’t do. Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure are both specially made to be skin kind and are dermatologically tested, so use them both to ensure your clothes have the best possible care.

Now it’s time to get dressing!Grace Woodward is a celebrity stylist Grace and fashion commentator who is known for her pro-women attitude.

Amongst accolades such as Fashion Director for the X Factor and a two year role on Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model, she has been working with women to find their best personal style for fifteen years. As a new parent herself, she is the go-to woman when it comes to quick and easy styling for once you’ve had your little one.

Alex aged 30, mum to Oliver, Kasia aged 28, Helen aged 36, And10 ofweeks course,and with thanks to the mums who featured: mum to Alexander, mum to Elise, Katie, 3 years 12 weeks 9 weeks

For that extra dose of reassurance, Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure’s research into skincare is recognised by the British Skin Foundation – so you can be sure of results gentle enough for the most delicate of skins.

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Fashion Focus

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Fashion Focus

Black & White Stripe Tankini £39.00

Indigo Print Bikini £39.00

Maternity Swimsuit £29.00 Maternity Swimsuit £29.00

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Fashion Focus

Frugi is delighted to unveil its latest breastfeeding collection for summer 2014. The colourful, stylish and comfortable dresses and tunics ensure that every breastfeeding mum can enjoy the benefits of a gorgeous outfit! In fact the award-winning collection is so lovely; mums will want to continue wearing it long after they’ve finished feeding!

The new collection includes a floral maxi dress, two knee-length polka dot dresses, as well as two gorgeous Summer tunics to offer mums something for every occasion. Each item is cleverly designed to support discreet feeding to ensure mums feel happy and confident. The spotty dresses are sure to become a staple item thanks to the cross-over style and under panel allowing easy feeding, as well as the pretty tie around the waist to create the perfect fit.

Perfect for layering on a cooler day, mums will love Frugi’s waterfall front cardigan, which has plenty of fabric to use as a discreet cover. Just like all Frugi clothing, the breastfeeding collection is made from 100% organic cotton, so it’s kind to the environment too!

Commenting on the Summer breastfeeding collection, Co-Founder Lucy Jewson said ‘We wanted to create a really bright and colourful collection for Summer that would give mums something to smile about. We’ve put great care into making sure everything is as practical as it is stylish, and really hope mums enjoy wearing the dresses and tunics this season.’

Breastfeeding Maxi-Dress - £65.00 www.babybuzzmagazine.com

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Breastfeeding Pointelle Top - £40.00 & PJ’s - £30.00

Summer Breastfeeding Dress - £55.00

Summer Breastfeeding Tunic - £40.00

Cover Up Cardi - £39.00

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Celebrity Exclusive

Celebrity Exclusive Melanie C, Ambassador for HumanRaceEvents What’s the most challenging thing about being a mum and being in the public eye?

I don’t really ever think about being in the public eye to be honest with you, especially when it comes to parenting, thinking about it, I suppose it would be you know quite often people want to have photographs with me or autographs, which is fine, it’s happened all through my career, and people are always happy to meet you, but sometimes if I’m on my own with my daughter I feel a little bit awkward because I don’t really want my daughter to be photographed and also if I’m trying to avoid her being photographed then I want to make sure I’m not neglecting her, so that can be a little bit tricky but other than that it doesn’t really tend to affect us that much.

That’s good, as a lot of other celebrities choose to have their children in the limelight and then trying to separate the two must be quite hard?

You know, before my little girl was born, myself and her dad made the decision we’d rather she wasn’t in the public eye and you know there are certain things you can do, as you see some celebrities have their children photographed and the pictures are printed with the faces blurred out, but it can get quite complicated. Basically you can do it to a certain point but it does depend on how much you expose your children and you do get to a point where you don’t have that option anymore, but luckily enough we’ve kept it quite private up to now. Ultimately, the way I feel about it, you know, each to their own but personally for me I’d like for her to make that decision for herself.

What made you want to get involved with Human Race?

Well, I did the Women’s Only event last summer and I jut had such a fantastic day and I’d never done an event where it was only women and the atmosphere was so different to when there’s guys involved. It was so supportive, there were so many different shapes and sizes and age range and fitness levels and it just wasn’t an intimidating environment and I just thought, you know women are so great at that you know and obviously we have a bad press about supporting each other but on a day like that I think especially with the women’s only events being in aid of breast cancer care as well, there was a real camaraderie and it’s so supportive that when Human Race approached me and asked me to be involved this year I was really happy to do so because I just think it’s something I really want to publicise and try to get women involved because I think it can be quite scary going into a competing environment when it’s something that’s new to you and this is definitely the gentlest way to do it, a great way to raise money and you get fit, you have fun and you make friends, it’s really sociable as well and I just felt it was a really lovely event. They are such fun days, that once you get there, the nerves are there but it’s such a lovely atmosphere that women will absolutely love it. It’s not like you’re competing for your country , there’s no pressure so it’s lots of fun.

Are you a competitive individual?

Yes, you know what I think I was more competitive when I was younger and of course everyone likes to win but I’m quite a novice and I find the best person to compete against is yourself. Just do your best, I know that sometimes you have your off days and I’ve kind of learnt, that I’m 40 now so I’m not as fit as I once was but it’s important to give yourself a break so train hard and work hard and try and achieve great things but don’t be so hard on yourself.

What training advice would you give to mums who want to get back into sporting activities and events?

Take it slowly. Starting is the hardest thing and whether its running, cycling, swimming or any sport just say to yourself ‘I’m going to give myself 20 minutes’ and then with running you walk a little bit, run a little bit and just build it up gradually. You know some days you’ll feel great and can go longer and on some days you’re just not feeling it and you know what, that’s cool. Basically, don’t be too harsh on yourself.

Especially as you get older our bodies do take longer to recover especially when you’ve hard children.

What does the next year hold for you?

I’m touring with Jools Holland at the moment which is really good fun and I’m also in the studio working on a new album which I’m hoping will be ready sometime next year, well that’s the plan. It’s early days, but I’ve just started writing and meeting new collaborators so I’m really excited as my last album was in 2011 so it will be nice to get back out there and touring with my band again.

How do you combine training, being on tour and being a mum?

Sometimes it’s really difficult and unfortunately it’s the first thing go as obviously my little girl takes priority and then of course work but I suppose working in music, I’m quite lucky because I don’t tend to work most mornings so I I’m always there for my little girl, I get her off to school and then I’ll have a couple of hours in the morning because I tend to work more afternoons and evenings so that’s how I fit it in although I have to say that this year has been a lot trickier than it has been over the last couple of years, which is pretty daunting especially when you have an event coming up.

For more information on events coming up and to take part, please visit: Website: Facebook: Twitter:

www.humanrace.co.uk facebook.com/humanraceevents twitter.com/humanraceevents

For more information on Melanie C and to hear about future tours and news, please visit: http://www.melaniec.net/

"Former Spice Girl Melanie C, is an ambassador for Human Race Events' WomenOnly series and is keen to get more ladies into sport. She will be taking part in the Shock Absorber WomenOnly Triathlon on 13 July and is also promoting the WomenOnly Run in Richmond Park on Saturday 18 October, for more information and to enter, please visit: humanrace.co.uk "

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Family Focus

The Who Am I Moment

By Elizabeth Hobson I had no particular desire for children But I've learnt now that I have to be myself sometimes, my old

before I fell in love with my partner- and even then I was more ambivalent than anything else when I agreed that we might open our lives to the possibility.

When it happened for us though my maternal instinct hit me like a juggernaut.

I was instantly in love with our blastocyst of a son, devoted to him and in awe of the fact that we were creating an actual person. The lifestyle change I underwent was drastic. Our courting period had been a rock and roll tornado, but I'm fundamentally a geek so when that all had to go all I really needed was unlimited access to information and I revelled in books and websites on every aspect of pregnancy and parenting. I read about everything, from the elusive contents of breast milk to the Hindu belief that the soul enters a foetus at 3 months in utero- and the science that came to an oddly similar conclusion (that at 3 months foetus' begin to perceive the world around them)- and every approach to every situation I was possibly going to face! Parenting had absolutely everything I needed to sustain myself, I had found my calling.

self before all this new stuff came along! Mothering is an integral part of me but now I realise that attachment parenting is a symbiosis- not a detachment from from mother's needs as a human being entirely in order to zealously observe baby's.

I've tried loads of avenues to find myself... Direct selling- it transpired that I am without business sense unfortunately- so that went out the window but not before it had paved the way for me to meet a series of people that have become important and even instrumental in my life. Teaching groups of kids which I initially did weekly but scaled down to... Regularly- because it's very involved and I want to devote time to writing too. The teaching is great though, it's so inspiring being surrounded by enthusiastic, excitable, open minds- and intellectual discussions with kids hone adult understanding like nothing else. I socialise (even without kids sometimes!). Not as much as I'd like but I'm working on it. In the last two years I've gone from having no local friends to putting myself out there and am now in possession of some great ones who build my confidence and cleanse my soul.

I do my writing, washing (yeah, I mean myself, it's easy to forget that!), listening to music (properly), I never did stop reading. The Internet has been great for me, so much great material and I speak with people all over the world about all the things I'm interested in. I'm learning all the time which is magic for me, it makes me feel vital. I'm about to start a free, seven week, online course on Technology and Ethics which I'm really excited about.

There are a good number of websites offering great educational opportunities and when better to take them up than when you can't go out because of the kids and you want to be happy, whole and successful for the kids? There's something for everyone, different subjects, different levels of commitment.

That was lucky because living away from my hometown and suddenly living a different life I found myself with a very limited social circle with few close friends accessible. Once I left work I lost a ready source of self esteem- but becoming expert at all things maternal, during my pregnancy and for my eldest's first 16 months of life, was something I was very proud of. It made me something. With my miscarriage happened that sense of self that I'd built collapsed entirely. I was bitter and resentful- I knew everything about this, right? Yeah, apart from how to keep my children alive. I couldn't bear Mother's Day, that was a trigger.

Even now I find it a bittersweet occasion because in addition to But, like I said earlier, I am essentially a geek. My real point is the pleasantness not only does it remind me of the child I didn't that whoever you are: don't lose that person because you might get to mother but also the darkest point in my life. I really didn't need them. know who I was.

By Elizabeth Katherine Hobson |

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Twitter: ElizabethHobso6

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Blog: http://elizabethkhobson.wordpress.com

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Family Focus

Play healthy - innovative ways to encourage fitness through play Here are a few ideas to encourage our children to be more active, and maybe give our own lifestyles an energy boost at the same time.

Bring computer games to life The ironic thing about many popular computer games is that they involve a WHOLE lot of running and jumping around – it’s just a pity that it’s all on-screen. If your children are obsessed with a particular game, why not challenge them to become their favourite avatar in real life?

They could even pretend that they live inside popular games like Minecraft or Temple Run. Find somewhere with plenty of room and set Eureka! is an inspirational, educational charity that has drawn in over them a real life gaming challenge.

80,000 visitors in the past 3 months alone. The museum, for children aged 0-11, has been uniquely designed entirely around the basis of Imaginative, energetic play inspiring and educating young minds in the most interactive, colourful Children’s imaginations are limitless, so inspire that imagination and it’ll and entertaining of ways. Each exhibit across the six galleries is designed happily lead the way for great active play. We’ve just launched Pyjama to be picked up, climbed on and experimented with, and their £2.9m Drama classes at Eureka! where we use imagination, performance, new gallery All About Me, opened in 2013, is an example of how the movement and song to explore different stories and themes. If you can’t get along to something similar in your area you could start your very museum is working to stay fresh and relevant for new generations. own active, imaginative play sessions. Take inspiration from children’s Are our children the laziest generation ever? Lord Seb Coe thinks so, stories as your start point, then let your child’s imagination lead the and the former Olympian warned recently that their inactive lifestyles way... Oh no! There’s a grumpy troll knocking at the front door! What could make them the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy are we going to do? than their parents. Statistics released by the World Health Organisation make pretty grim reading, predicting that “70 million children under 5 Oldies, but goodies will be obese by 2025 if current trends continue” – that’s a frightening Previous generations spent a lot more time outdoors playing active games. Think of all of those playground games that you knew as a child: 30 million more than in 2012.

Follow the Leader, What’s the Time Mr Wolf?, Mother May I?, Simon Says, Red Rover, skipping or clapping games – the list is as long as a So what can we do about it?

At Eureka! our focus is on play, play and more play, and we know from Hopscotch court. So why not show your children how YOU played as a experience that play can and does transform lives. That’s why we child, encouraging them to get active as they learn. dedicated years of research, fundraising and construction to open All About Me, a gallery designed to teach children all about their bodies Dance like nobody’s watching and how to make wiser, more informed decisions about their diets and Exercise doesn’t have to be boring, and the key to encouraging our lifestyle. One of the most popular zones is Let’s Get Active, where we children to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles for life is to embed watch children stomp on an interactive pond, dance along with children that sense of fun and enjoyment as early as possible. So, with that in projected onto a giant screen, and even scale a mini climbing wall. The mind, when was the last time you turned the radio on, found something truth is that children enjoy being active – we see the evidence here bouncy, with really cheesy lyrics, and danced like nobody’s watching? every day. But sometimes they need a push to get started and that push Grab your kids, pump up the volume and have FUN! is often the hardest part, particularly when 43% of children say they For more information, please visit: https://www.eureka.org.uk/ would rather watch TV than go outside to play with friends!

Startrite is calling for budding designers Start-rite has launched a the UK, increases walking to competition for a child to primary school by 26%, and can create their very own pair of cut driving by more than a third. shoes and the winner will also receive £300 for their school.

Speaking about the competition, Mums recently told Start-rite Melanie Tuckwell of Start-rite Shoes said, ‘For over 220 years Start-rite that their children started to has created beautiful shoes that support the healthy development of pick out outfits from as young children’s feet. With Living Streets we encourage children to take the as three, so to encourage healthy route to school, and with this competition we hope to inspire these young fashionistas, five runners-up will also receive £100 for their creative young minds while providing six primary schools across the school, along with a pair of Start-rite shoes, and every entry will receive country with additional resource to nurture these talents.’ a 15% discount with Start-rite.

To enter the competition and for terms and conditions go to : http://www.start-rite.co.uk/wowdesignashoe/ Start-rite is working in partnership with Living Streets, a charity which champions better streets for pedestrians and encourages more children or visit www.Facebook.com/Start-riteshoes. to walk to school through its Walk once a Week (WoW) scheme. WoW encourages over 300,000 children to get walking across All entries must be received by midnight on 14th July 2014

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Family Focus

Doulas- it's not about dou-ing, it's about being!

When I have mentioned to people that I am training to be a doula, I am often met with a confused or blank look. ’A Do-what?’ is the common response. Alright, I admit it, the name doesn't exactly give it away, it's not like being a bank manager or a teacher. Many people have never even heard of the word, let alone have any understanding of what it means. So, a doula, pronounced doo-la, is a woman who provides emotional, physical and practical support to a pregnant woman and her birthing partner during pregnancy, labour and early parenting. Some doulas only do antenatal and birth work, others help in the days, weeks and months following the birth and some provide both services. A doula is a trained birth or postnatal supporter, but she does not provide any clinical services. She is not a midwife or health visitor, nor should she be responsible for making any decisions during labour, birth or early parenting.

with the right word of encouragement, a light touch or smile during the labour. Some doulas also offer massage, acupuncture, reflexology or other holistic treatments aimed at helping the woman to relax as much as possible into the labour surges- to work with the contractions rather than fighting against them. Tensing up against the contractions is likely to cause them to feel more painful which leads to greater fear of the contractions. This fear leads to more tension, leading to more pain and so it goes on. Doulas can help women to break the fear-tension-pain cycle by relaxing through the surges and by finding ways to help them increase their birthing hormones - oxytocin and endorphins, to make labour progress as smoothly as possible.

Doulas can also be useful in facilitating discussions between the woman/her birthing partner and the caregivers. Caregivers are working to hospital protocol and therefore may make assumptions about what might be the best course of action during a labour.

However, all women have a right to consent to or decline a procedure or treatment. Labouring women whose birth preferences are clearly stated should have their wishes respected as far as possible given the prevailing circumstances and be involved in discussing any deviations from their preferences. Doulas can act as an advocate for the woman's choices, having got to know them thoroughly during the antenatal What exactly does a birth doula do then? Why would you need one if period. Birthing partners who might want to challenge caregivers can also be supported by the doula. you have a midwife and a birth partner with you?

Doulas provide an extremely personalised service for the women they support. Most doulas build up a trusted relationship with their clients. In the immediate postpartum period, doulas can help new parents to In our over stretched NHS service, and particularly in London hospitals, gain confidence with their newborn, perhaps helping with the first feed many women are lucky if they see the same midwife twice during the or nappy. They can provide practical assistance fetching items, taking pregnancy and the chances of having previously met the midwife who photos or video of the new family or helping the woman to the attends the birth are small. The doula fills the emotional and nurturing toilet/shower. A doula mothers the mother, providing a steadying gap which used to form part of normal midwifery care. A doula is there hand, a warm smile and a calm influence until the new family is settled for the women consistently and completely in the build up to the birth and comfortable. In the days following the birth, most birth doulas will and during the labour, no matter how long that may be. A doula will be do a home visit to ensure all is well with the parents and the baby, concentrating only on the needs of her one client, usually on-call from perhaps to discuss the birth experience and address any concerns or 38-42 weeks, unlike the midwife who may be looking after 3 or 4 issues the parents may be having. women in labour at the same time.

Facts about doulas: ● Doulas undergo a mentoring system of 4 births or 4 postnatal A doula can take time during the pregnancy to fully understand her jobs before they can call themselves a recognised doula. client’s needs, hopes and concerns around labour, birth and early ● Research shows that having the support of a doula can shorten parenting. A midwife might, at best, have 10 minutes to glance through labour by an average of 2 hours. a women's birth preferences document. The loss of this part of a ● The risk of having a caesarean is reduced by 50% by having a midwife’s role is of great concern to many in the profession, least of all doula present midwives themselves, but with a huge shortage to contend with, it's ● Women who labour with a doula present have a reduced need unlikely that this aspect of the job can return any time soon. There for pain medication aren't enough midwives to provide the emotional support of simply being with the woman, rather than spending all their time doing clinical Quotes about doulas tasks or documentation.

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it” So can't my birth partner provide all the emotional, physical and “A Doula is like a trail guide, familiar with the path, she keeps you practical support during labour?

Maybe, probably, perhaps. Of course, it depends on individual’s hiking through the hard parts, knowing the view at the end is circumstances and relationships. However, a doula is not just a support incredible.” for the woman, but for the birthing partner too. Many partners want For further information about doulas, visit to be present during the labour and birth, but may find the experience http://www.doulauk.org.uk difficult, especially if the woman is in pain and they feel that they can't do much to help. At this point, the labour can becoming traumatic for For more details visit our website at: partners who may become tense and fearful themselves, which in turn, http://www.parentpartner.co.uk can affect the hormones of the labouring woman. A doula can help to reassure the woman and the father, perhaps providing the father some time out if he needs it, or simply a nod of encouragement that all is well This article was written by Michelle Eshkeri, director at and progressing as expected.

So what does a doula ACTUALLY do during a birth?

It's more a case of “being” rather than “doing” which means connecting with the labouring woman and instinctively helping her

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Parent Partner, a London based parenting support service.

Parent Partner offers group antenatal courses, 1-2-1 birth preparation sessions, a birth doula service, baby/child first aid sessions and a parent personal assistant service for larger life tasks.

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Business Focus

New 14 day cooling off period for Consumers – advice from Enfield Council Trading Standards Did you know in most cases you have a right to cancel if a contract is concluded at home, away from usual business premises and/or over the phone, internet or by mail order (BUT not in retail premises)?

Yes, in a majority of cases for contracts over £42 - you will have a 14 day cooling off period. Please note there are exemptions, though. Examples of where cancellation rights should be given and a 14 day cooling off period may apply, include: Contracts made over the phone, Contracts made at home internet or by mail order (doorstep sales) Mobile phones and service Building work e.g.) laying a patio, contracts laying a driveway, roof repairs, cleaning guttering Clothes and Accessories Supplying and fitting windows, patio doors or double glazing units, installing a conservatory Books Furniture Household electrical items (including delivery, supply and fitting) Sealed CDs and DVDs (before they are unsealed) Games

Gardening – clearance, tree works Gas and electricity supplies Supply of vacuum cleaners, mobility scooters and orthopaedic beds Personal Trainer Apps

Please note for things like digital downloads, surprisingly you do have 14 days to cancel - unless you are expressly aware of your commitment to pay and you expressly agree to the service starting straight away. The Trader must confirm if you commence the service immediately, that your cancellation rights are lost and you will be obliged to pay. Digital downloads include: mp3 music, streamed movies, apps etc. There also changes to information given in consumer contracts, there are strict requirements regarding pre contract information including the traders’ details, cancellation rights and liability for charges before you commit to contracts. Failure to comply with the new consumer rights legislation may give you rights for breach of contract.

If you feel you did not get relevant contractual information, were not made aware of all charges or were not given your cancellation rights and you need further advice please call Citizens Advice Consumer Advice on 08454 04 05 06. This number will be changing soon but there will be period where this number is auto re- directed. You can also visit their website http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer. Where relevant Citizens advice will pass the details to the responsible trading departments to provide advice to traders and /or take appropriate enforcement action.

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Family Focus

VIVOBAREFOOT Launch Global Children’s Initiative British born footwear pioneers VIVOBAREFOOT, founded by Galahad Clark are set to bring about a fundamental change in the children’s footwear market, with a compelling footwear initiative that teams education, evolutionary product and the country’s most influential mothers. The international campaign will be spearheaded by the industry’s leading paediatricians and podiatrists and aims to highlight the importance of footwear in human’s growth, health and development.

Speaking on the launch of their Children’s initiative, Galahad Clark said, “A child’s foot is not fully formed until late teenage years (the bones are soft and plastic). ‘Any’ interference with natural foot development (such as non-foot shaped shoes, arch support, rigid materials and padded pitch) will deform the natural shape of the foot. A strong healthy foot is a natural one and is the foundation of healthy movement. With so much confusing and incorrect information in the Children’s footwear market we knew it was time to invest our resources in barefoot education and focus on prevention rather than the cure.”

Until now awareness around barefoot has leaned towards running and rehabilitation; Vivobarefoot want to utilise their extensive research and respected industry experts to spearhead a change in global awareness. Clark continues, “The barefoot philosophy has never been exclusive to running. In fact, it is most important in everyday life and particularly important for children. The launch of our children's campaign focuses on the well being benefits of leading a barefoot lifestyle every day.’ The campaign aims to demystify the purchase of children’s footwear, working with parenting groups to showcase ground breaking research to bring about a change the universal perception of the footwear industry. As part of their investment in the children’s market Vivobarefoot will also develop a new children’s line of barefoot shoes for both school and play, alongside the provision of training and educational material to engage both parents and children.

Galahad Clark on Why Barefoot is Best!

A strong and natural foot is the foundation of healthy movement. G alahad says “A child’s foot is soft and malleable and not fully formed until late teenage years. Freedom for the feet, the right amount of sensory feedback, along with adequate protection ensures a child's foot can grow as nature intended.

Any interference with this natural foot development can deform the shape of the foot and hinder the ability of children to learn the movement skills they need. Narrow, non-foot shaped shoes, any form of arch support, rigid and inflexible materials and a cushioned or padded pitch are telltale signs of an unnatural, unhealthy shoe.

We’re here to change that!

With our anatomical and biomechanical understanding, coupled with the confusion and misleading information in the children’s footwear market, we knew it was time to invest our resources in barefoot education. We want to help kids and parents make the right decisions and offer shoes that make sense. Aiming to bring about a fundamental change in the kids’ shoe industry, we’re teaming education, revolutionary product and the country’s most influential parents.”

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BAREFOOT BASICS : 5 KEY POINTS ●

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When moving, the majority of the feedback going to your brain comes from proprioception, from the soles of your feet.

Up until the age of 10 the bones in the feet are soft bones can be misshaped by external forces, like poor fitting shoes.

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The foot provides natural shock absorption as it splays and recoils, shoes must be wide to accommodate this.

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Shoes should be REALLY REALLY flat from heel to toe as any heel height affects correct, natural posture.

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The big toe is a crucial part of walking and running, as it's the body's natural anchor point and needs to engage with the floor

TIPS TO TOE

By Georgie Britt Hodgson: Mother of two, lover of evolutionary medicine, the great outdoors, and being barefoot. Practitioner of Bio regulatory Medicine and trained

by Lee Saxby.

“Look for shoes with a wide toe box, toes need plenty of room to wiggle, stretch and flex as children move and grow” “Avoid shoes with arch support or bulky, thick soles as much as possible”

WHAT TO DO “Be completely barefoot as much as possible, free their feet and allow your children to play as nature intended” “Standing up onto your tip toes is great for building strength, coordination and letting the foot find its own internal support for balancing” “Kiddies should be able to lift their big toes up, independently of the others, which develops that all important coordination – try fun exercises”

“Expose your kiddies to running in and on a variety of surfaces - stones, water, leaves, fields, sand - this will expose them to a variety of senses and help them to develop vital sensory skills and a sense of their own bodyweight” .

WHAT FOOTWEAR TO LOOK FOR “You should be able to bend the shoe in half, if it doesn't, it is too rigid and will limit movement.”

“Choose a shoe with a sole that is as thin and tough as possible, just enough to be puncture resistant but will still allow your child to feel the variety of terrain under his/her feet which will develop that all important strength and coordination.”

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Real Life Stories

Real Life Stories: Having a disability and wanting a baby…

As the Editor of a parenting magazine, I often hear amazing stories about children, babies who’ve battled the most severe of conditions or people who have experienced life changing circumstances and whilst I am in awe of them I don’t normally write about it. However, when I heard about Helen and Mark I was so inspired by their sheer determination and what they had gone through to get where they are today, that I had to share their story with my readers also…

have been opened up and I have the freedom and independence back that I’d lost for many years.

Mark:

I think Helen is a brilliant example of how to fight through amazingly tough personal circumstances and remain happy and positive rather than be bitter and resentful. She shows that a strong will and a focus on enjoying life can overcome a lot of difficulties.

You must be so excited, what with expecting a new arrival in only a few month’s time?

Helen: Yes! We’re absolutely delighted that against all odds we have our little miracle on the way! We’ve just moved house so we’re frantically getting everything renovated and decorated in time for the big day! As with all first time parents we’re excited and nervous at the same time – this will definitely be our biggest challenge yet!

Was the decision to start a family a tough one?

Helen: We’ve been together for 13 years and even when we first got together we discussed the idea of having a family eventually.

Mark comes from a big happy family and has always wanted children. I’ve always wanted them too but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I was honest with Mark from the beginning, making it clear that I was determined not to pass MD onto my children and would do whatever it took to ensure the health and Mark: We are both ultra excited! After such a long and painful journey quality of life of our children. there were times we both started to doubt if it was ever going to happen for us so to be here in this position now feels like our Mark: We are both aware that it will be amazingly tough, and have dreams have come true! no doubt that however hard we think its going to be, it will be even tougher! A lot of things that most people take for You are an incredible inspiration. You suffer from a debilitating granted will be incredibly difficult for Helen.....changing condition ‘Muscular Dystrophy’, yet you work full time and you are nappies, breast feeding for example. Other things like picking expecting your first baby! How on earth do you do it all? the baby out of the cot will be impossible. So it's not a Helen: I think the key to everything is the love and support I have decision we've taken lightly but I think it will be an incredible from my husband Mark – he keeps me positive and happy and amazingly happy experience! which is the key to getting through everything life throws at me. I’ve always been very determined to stay in full time Did you face any criticisms from the public, family or friends when you employment - I enjoy my job, it helps take my mind away announced that you were / wanted to start a family? from the MD and enables me to focus on being creative, Helen: All our close friends were very supportive of our decision. working as part of a team and helping others. I have an Some of them were surprised that we wanted to take on the electric wheelchair which I use in and out of work and after responsibility and maybe thought we were a little crazy!! A lot years of being very limited to how far I could walk, new doors of my family members were very concerned about what effect

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Real Life Stories being pregnant would have on my health and how I’d cope physically, so some tried to advise against the idea, but I think they could see that we were both determined not to let anything get in our way.

Mark:

As Helen said, all of our friends and family have been behind us all the way. Where people have had concerns, it was really more to do with how Helen would manage carrying a baby and the difficulties we might have day to day once the baby is born. But I think people can see how much we wanted it and have generally been 100% supportive.

This isn’t your first pregnancy. Sadly in 2011 you found out that you were expecting but that the foetus carried the MD gene and you made the decision to terminate. That must have been such a devastating experience?

Helen: It truly was the worst moment of our lives and it was a very difficult experience. I had to wait until I was 12 weeks pregnant before having the CVB test and then wait a further 2 weeks for the results. When we were told our baby was carrying the gene we were heartbroken and then having to go through the birth at 14 weeks and all the heartache that surrounded that awful time. We never questioned our decision as we knew it was the right thing to do in the long term, but that doesn’t make it any easier to go through. At the time we both took 3 weeks off work, but the emotional scars took much longer to heal and we still think about it 3 years on. Looking back I don’t know how we got through it really, but somehow it made our relationship even stronger and we became even more determined to make things work.

Mark:

free of MD. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case (there’s a 50/50 chance of passing the MD gene on) but it did enable the scientists to use the genetic information from my affected baby, to create a test, thus allowing us to do IVF. The IVF was difficult because everything was very intrusive – lots of internal scans, time off work for hospital appointments 3 hours away in Nottingham and of course the daily injections which made me feel tired and bloated. The worst part of it was waiting to see if the healthy embryo had implanted successfully – each time I got to 9 days and then my period would begin. We maintained a positive attitude throughout each cycle and encouraged each other to keep upbeat. Our family and close friends were very supportive too and luckily our employers were very understanding which really helped.

It was the single worst experience I have gone through in my life. There's such an overwhelming combination of emotions from guilt to pain to regret, but ultimately we knew it was the decision we had to take albeit the toughest one we've ever made. Even though it was 2011, It's very hard to even talk about it now. Helen had always said right from the start she couldn't live with herself if she knowingly passed on her condition, so it was something we had already talked about at great length.

You then went through IVF with genetic testing three times, an operation on your ovaries for endometriosis only to have a fourth attempt at IVF fail. That must have been such an emotional period of your life – how did you get through it?

Helen: We had originally planned to do IVF with genetic testing, to ensure I had an embryo that was unaffected. However, in order to create a genetic ‘marker’ by which they could test an embryo, they needed genetic information from me and at least one other affected family member. As the genetic defect started in me, this was impossible. This is why we made the decision to conceive naturally, in the hope of having a baby

Mark:

As I'm sure anyone who's been through IVF can relate to its such a roller coaster of emotions. From the high when there is a suitable embryo for transfer to the low when even after getting past several of the key milestones, it doesnt work out!

As well as the emotional side of things the endless hormone injections and internal scans weren't nice for Helen, but we just tried to be there for one another and stay positive that one day it would happen for us.

You decided to risk it all one more time and against the odds you fell pregnant naturally. You’ve had all the tests to see if he had the MD gene (thankfully he has the all clear), that must have been an incredibly hard wait and beyond stressful?

Helen: We knew we wouldn’t receive any more funding for IVF after the fourth attempt, so we were faced with 2 options: save our money up for a few years to try IVF again knowing that it may not work, or try to conceive naturally knowing that we may be faced with the heartache of 2011. We took the decision to try naturally and 3 months later I found out I was pregnant. We were both over the moon as we weren’t sure if I’d be able to conceive after the termination, IVF and endometriosis operation! I had the CVB test at 12 weeks and this time we had to wait 3 weeks for the results – each week it got pushed further back because they were having difficulty getting a result. When we got the all clear we were literally crying for joy and Mark couldn’t actually speak for about half an hour because of the sheer joy combined with the relief of the pressure and worry we’d been carrying around for the last 3 months. It felt wonderful telling our family and friends the good news and finding out that we were expecting a little boy.

Mark:

It felt like a 5 year wait from Helen finding out she was pregnant to getting the all clear from the CVB sample. But the day we found out the good news is one we will both remember for the rest of our lives. I rang my Mam up to tell her the news and managed to get out "you're going to be a Grandma..." And then just broke down in tears and couldn't speak. Then my Mam started crying, and my Dad, and Helen!

But they were all tears of overwhelming joy that we were finally going to have a baby after a 6 year journey filled with disappointment and heartache!

Suffering from MD and being pregnant must cause many new complications on top of what you already face, how has it affected you so far?

Helen: I’ve experienced the same symptoms that most expectant Mums face – mainly nausea and tiredness but overall I’ve done pretty well so far. I’ve been able to keep up my hydrotherapy sessions in the pool and I’m trying to do a bit of walking in the house each day so that I keep as active as possible. I’ve also made sure I’m eating healthily and drinking plenty of water. I’m a bit apprehensive about the last couple of months and how I’ll manage to get around, but I have to focus on the fact that it’s the means to a very good end!

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Real Life Stories

What is Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, FSHD or FSH Disease?

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy or FSHD is the most prevalent of the nine primary types of muscular dystrophy affecting adults and children. Muscular dystrophy in general connotes a genetic, hereditary muscle disease that causes progressive muscle weakness. FSHD is also broadly characterized as a neuromuscular disease (NMD), as muscular dystrophy is a subset of NMD. Muscular dystrophies are alike in that they cause progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in the biochemical, physical and structural components of muscle, and the death of muscle cells and tissue. However, researchers believe that the causes of each of the muscular dystrophies are not necessarily the same.

Mark:

Helen's been amazing so far. She had dreadful sickness for about 10 weeks from week 6 to 16 but just got on with it and tucked in to her Earl Grey "Gingerbread Gentlemen" when it got really bad! But Helen has just got on with it and enjoyed the experience!

Mark has been a tower of strength and support to you, but it must have been an emotional rollercoaster for him too, watching you go through all of this and also the termination 3 years ago?

Helen: He’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met – his kindness, sense of humour, caring personality and positive attitude have been a real inspiration to me and he’s kept me going through thick and thin. People are often concerned for the person with the disability but the person who cares for them is often overlooked and I know that Mark has been through a hell of a lot more than most husbands would ever have to deal with. But he’s never moaned or complained – there have been times when we’ve both wondered why things just weren’t working out, but we try to encourage each other and talk about our worries with each other or with our close friends and family.

We’re both very lucky to have very supportive parents who have looked out for us both along the way and helped as best they can.

What would you say to any other parents who have a disability and want to start a family?

Helen: I would encourage them to focus on achieving their goals, never giving up, keeping a positive attitude and always talking to and supporting each other through good times and bad. Having the love and support of family and friends really does help, but having a strong relationship will get you through anything life throws at you. In the words of my favourite song: ‘Don’t Stop Believing!’

Mark: I would say that everyone is individual and should not take the decision lightly as it is going to be a life changing event. But as with most problems in life, nothing is impossible so do not let the naysayers discourage you, you will find a way to manage with a good support network!

What does the future hold for you all?

Helen: Now that we have finally moved into our bungalow and have our little miracle on the way, the future looks bright and I hope we have many happy years together bringing our little boy up. I know it’ll be our biggest challenge yet, but Mark and I will remain as close as ever and take each day as it comes – there’s no point dwelling on the past or looking too far into the future – what counts is living for today and focusing on the good elements of our lives.

The major symptom of FSHD is the progressive weakening and loss of skeletal muscles. The usual location of these weaknesses at onset is the origin of the name: face (facio), shoulder girdle (scapulo) and upper arms (humeral). Early weaknesses of the muscles of the eye (open and close) and mouth (smile, pucker, whistle) are distinctive for FSHD. These symptoms, in combination with weaknesses in the muscles that stabilize the scapulae (shoulder blades), are often the basis of the physician’s diagnosis of FSHD. In most cases, FSHD muscle involvement starts in the face and slowly progresses to the shoulder and upper arm muscles and then down to the abdominal and foot extensor muscles. Foot drop and foot weakness are early manifestations. Initial signs of FSHD include difficulty reaching above the shoulder level, foot drop, scapular winging and facial weakness. Weakness in the abdominal muscles can cause a protuberant abdomen and lumbar lordosis. The lower abdominal muscles are usually weaker than the upper abdominal muscles. This distribution of weakness is not seen in many other diseases and, therefore, is very specific to FSHD. Although the progression of FSHD is quite variable, it is usually relatively slow. With FSHD, most affected people develop unbalanced (side-to-side) weaknesses. The reason for this asymmetry is unknown.

In more than half of FSHD cases, there are other symptoms including high-frequency hearing loss and/or abnormalities of blood vessels in the back of the eye. The vascular abnormalities in the back of the eye lead to vision problems in only about 1% of the cases. Since these abnormalities are not exclusive to FSHD, one must bear in mind that their presence alone, in an FSHD atrisk individual, is insufficient for a diagnosis of FSHD. Although not typical, some patients with FSHD have respiratory insufficiency, especially those with severe FSHD. FSHD generally presents outward signs in 95% of affected individuals by the second decade of life for men and the third decade of life for women. The disease is said to have a penetrance of 95% in men by the second decade and in women by the third decade.

FSHD is worldwide in distribution, affects both sexes equally and has no particular racial, geographic or ethnic distribution.

Therefore, FSHD can appear in any family and happen at any time.

Mark: A move to America when my son becomes a Basketball star and/or rock god! Haha

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Real Life Stories (sold separately) can also be added and is suitable from birth to 6 months.

The Stokke® Xplory® hood features an innovative folding visor, which enables you to create a warm, secure environment. It features 5 ergonomic seating positions so whether your baby is feeling sleepy and relaxed, or active, engaged and ready to explore the world, the Stokke® Xplory® stroller's seat position can be altered with a few simple clicks.

Other features include a single pedal brake that locks both wheels, adjustable calf rest and 2-wheel function for rough terrain. Comes complete with a practical shopping bag that has space for a total of 30 litres/2kg of shopping, nappies and all those little bits and pieces.

Ergonomic and adjustable handle position to suit your height and comfort. Also included is a mosquito net and rain cover. Compatible with the Graco Logico-S infant car seat with the addition of adaptors (both available separately), this pushchair can also be turned into a complete travel system.

Having met Mark and Helen and knowing what they’ve been through I wanted to see if we could help them in any way. We spoke to Stokke® to see if we could get a pushchair and to try alleviate one of the many expenses they would face and couldn’t believe it when they agreed to give us one of the new V4 pushchairs along with the carrycot. Mark and Helen were both extremely touched and couldn’t thank Stokke® enough for their generosity.

To create the complete travel-system we also spoke with the Graco team who were amazing in supporting our feature and supplying Mark and Helen with the compatible Graco Logico-S car seat and adapters and also another highly essential baby product, their baby’s first high chair.

I can’t thank Stokke® and Graco enough for their generosity and their support and I know that Mark and Helen have been overwhelmed by everything that has been done for them. We look forward to meeting the new addition in just a few months time and wish Mark and Helen One of the obstacles that Mark has had to face with impending the very best of luck for the future. fatherhood is, believe it or not, his height! At just over 6ft 8” he is rather tall! As any new parents-to-be will tell you, one of the most important purchases they will buy is their baby’s travel-system. Whilst many parents will look at design, comfort for child, practicality and price, Mark & Helen have also had to look for something that caters for many other factors such as Mark’s height and also to ensure that Helen can maintain eye-contact with her son whilst she’s in her wheelchair. They had looked at almost every option on the market with all proving to be not suitable and they were becoming quite despondent. After visiting the Baby Show, Birmingham they then came across the Stokke® Xplory. We did our research into the brand and were amazed at the glowing reviews being written for both the older and new models of the Xplory.

Stokke® say that that this is the only stroller you'll ever need. Having just launched the new ™ The Stokke® Xplory® V4 this pushchair fits every requirement for Helen & Mark.

With it’s unique height-adjustability, the Stokke® Xplory® will allow children to be at both of your levels in safety and security, strengthening your bonds, promoting interactivity and encouraging all-important eye contact - while exploring the world together.

The height of style for tiny backs: The Stokke® Xplory® offers an almost infinite choice of seating positions to suit your children's ever-changing needs, meaning your child's size and position can be comfortably and safely accommodated at every age, and in any situation. The seat unit is suitable from birth up to a maximum weight of 15kg. The Stokke® Xplory® Carry Cot for the newborn baby

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For more information on either of these two amazing companies, please visit their websites:

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Family Focus

Co-Sleeping the safe way What makes the BabyBay Convertible® so good: ● The cot–base, which they invented, can be positioned at any variable height, and they have patent protected it. It’s extremely easy to fit the bed on every height; ● The robust clip attachment can be set independently—even from below — to guarantee that there will be no gap between parents and baby’s bed; ● You have a choice: choose the perfect solution for you between 4 models including the TREND and a model for twins, as well as as to fit boxspring, divan beds and futons;

We’ve all done it wanted to keep our babies next to us at night but heard all the horror stories about what could happen, what we should or shouldn’t do. So it’s not often that a baby product comes to the market that not only covers all the safety aspects, keeps your baby close to you and then converts to a multitude of other uses but that’s exactly what the BabyBay Convertible does. It converts easily into a bench Seat, Desk, High Chair and Playpen making it excellent value for money (an additional conversion kit is required for highchair and playpen..) The BabyBay Convertible has been around for a couple of years now and I had the opportunity of seeing it’s benefits when my sister-in-law bought one for use with my niece.

The practicalities of the BabyBay Convertible are endless and more than anything they give the parents the security of having the little one very close to hand. So what is it you may ask that makes it so useful? Despite the fact that newborns only feel that vital calming security in the close presence of their mothers, many parents choose to leave their babies alone in their own rooms at night. Well quite simply the cleverly designed BabyBay Convertible alleviates this problem by simply attaching to the side of the bed enabling your child to have the safety, security and space to sleep whilst mum and dad are immediately on hand keeping a watchful eye on their sleeping bundle of joy – finally, restful nights again for the whole family! Invented and developed by a long-suffering father, the BabyBay Convertible returns peace to the bedroom – making for happy babies and well-rested parents. With all of the negativity surrounding co-sleeping and with the BabyBay Convertible recommended by midwives and used in hospitals, surely this is the most logical and sensible option…

● The BabyBay Convertible® comes in a number of different finishes and colours; ● They only use natural solid beech for their frames and no suspect gluewood or even wood alternative material. Beech wood is anti-static and antibacterial; ● The BabyBay Convertible® is certified by TÜV/GS; ● This mattress which with a Bamboo cover is specifically designed for the BabyBay Co Sleeping Bed Side Cot. The high quality, breathable foam core with comfortable soft cotton cover makes for a baby-friendly microclimate: good air circulation without strip the body of too much heat, for a healthy baby sleep; ● Once your baby has outgrown the original BabyBay Convertible, it transforms into a high chair, a bench, or an actual child’s bed or whatever… it’s your choice (an additional conversion kit is required for the highchair and playpen); ● BabyBay Convertible® has a FSC certificate—the seal of approval for responsible, sustainable treatment of our forests. So your children can enjoy a natural environment just as you will have done.

For more information on BabyBay and their other products, or to purchase a BabyBay Convertible, please visit:

We have an amazing prize giveaway for one lucky reader the chance to win a BabyBay Convertible and mattress RRP £269!

www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk and www.nctshop.co.uk

For your chance to win this fabulous competition, simply answer the following question and email your answer to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com.

Q:

Sleeping in the same bed as your baby is called co-sleeping or bed sharing.

One way to get more rest is to co-sleep with your baby in bed, for part of the night or during the day. One advantage is that it is possible to let your baby breastfeed while you dose or sleep. Around half of all UK mums co-sleep with their baby at some time. Some experts believe parents should be advised against co-sleeping because a larger proportion of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or cot death) occur in the parents’ bed. Others point out that the risks associated with co-sleeping are very much reduced if neither parent smoke and are probably negligible if they avoid drinking alcohol, taking drugs or falling asleep with the baby on a sofa.

Up to what age can you use the BabyBay Convertible in side-sleeping mode? a) b) c)

up to 3 years old up to 6 months old up to 12 months old You can find the answer here: www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk

For more advice or information, please contact: Tel: Website:

0300 330 0700 http://www.nct.org.uk/contact-us

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Family Focus

Where there’s a will there’s a way

until they are 18. You will be able to nominate up to four executors who will be able to manage this for you so choose reliable family members or friends – people you trust. Their role will be to ensure that all wishes in your will are carried out - they can also be beneficiaries.

You might think that when you die, if you are married, your surviving spouse will automatically receive all of your estate. However, this is not the case. If you don’t have a will, there are legal rules, called the ‘intestacy rules’, which dictate which members of your family will receive your estate. If you are not married, your partner will not be entitled to anything, so the overarching golden rule is that it’s best to take control of your estate by making a will.

Author: Mark Edwards, General Manager at www.rocketlawyer.co.uk, an online legal service providing families with easy-to-use, professional legal documents and affordable help from specialist lawyers.

Research shows that two-thirds of the population don’t have a will, and of this population a high percentage are in their ‘prime-parenting years’: 88% of those aged 20-29 don’t have a will and 77% of those aged 30-39 are also without. The fact is, if you have children, a will is one of the most important documents you can create to ensure they and (your partner) are looked after in the worst case scenario. If you have just become a new parent, that new status should prompt you to draw one up.

And it needn’t be a difficult and costly process either - there are now great online legal services which simplify the process and make it really affordable, giving you peace of mind that everything will be taken care of according to your wishes should the worst happen. Rocket Lawyer are offering a one-week free trial so you can even create a will for free and save it online so you can simply revisit it if you need to make any changes. As a rule, whenever your personal situation changes e.g. you have another child, you should update your will too.

And once you’ve done it, you just need to follow some rules about how to formalise it. The execution of your will requires three people: you and two witnesses. In the presence of your two witnesses, you should date the document and sign your name where indicated whilst your witnesses watch. Ask your two witnesses to add, in your presence, their usual signatures where indicated, asking them to print their names, addresses and occupations clearly for identification purposes. Just bear One of the most important reasons to do so concerns the guardianship in mind that witness must be independent, so cannot be an executor, of your children should anything happen to you and your partner. If you beneficiary or related to you and your family in any way. have young children, you need to think about who you will appoint as their testamentary guardian(s) – this person(s) will take over the role There you have it - it isn’t as daunting a prospect as you may have of parental responsibility for your children if they are under 18 at the thought and encourages you to be proactive about taking steps to time of your death. It is a responsibility not to be taken lightly so you protect your family, ensuring that they are looked after should anything must check that they are happy to take on the role. Not doing so means happen. that the courts may have to get involved to make the decision for you which can only make a difficult situation even more so for your children.

You may have assets and cash gifts you would like to leave to specific individuals, or your children. If the latter, it will usually be held in a trust

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Family Focus

Almost 80 Per Cent of Parents Blame the Internet for Forcing the ‘Facts of Life’ Conversation to Happen at an Earlier Age !

New research from AVG Technologies indicates technology is Despite this, just a quarter of respondents (22%) plan to have the first accelerating the end of childhood innocence by making parents proper conversation with their child about adult themes (such as porn, sex and violence) when their child reaches the age of 12 years old, yet discuss awkward adult topics sooner.

the majority (62%) are broaching such conversations even earlier before their child’s 10�� birthday. When asked what ‘internet’ themes they would feel least comfortable discussing with their child six out of ten (58%) cited porn as the most difficult discussion, while less than a quarter of parents (19%) said discussing sex with their child was the most uncomfortable topic. ●

At what age do children lose their innocence to the internet?

- Nearly 8 in 10 parents (78%) respondents said the internet has encouraged adult conversations with their child at an increasingly early age, while nearly a third (32%) expressed concern that the internet is eroding childhood innocence at an earlier age - Only 5% of today’s parents said they do not intend to have ‘the adult conversation’ with their child, while a massive 45% of respondents admitted they did not have this conversation with their parent

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How safe are today’s children online?

- Four in ten parents admitted to allowing their child to use the internet unsupervised (41%) and not setting up parental controls on their child’s connected device (42%) - Three fifths of parents (61%) said they do not regularly track the online activities of their child by checking their search history, yet (40% admitted to keeping tabs on their partners activity online using the same method -

When asked who is most responsible for making the internet a safer place for children over half (54%) of parents said themselves, while one in seven (14%) identified internet providers as the most responsible

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Are parents successfully managing the issue of online exposure and what are the implications for children? o Nearly three fifths (58%) of the parents questioned said they do not restrict the amount of time their child spends online, Nearly half (47%) of respondents have not warned their child about ‘stranger dangers’ online o Two thirds of parents (64%) have not explicitly told their child not to look at adult content online Yet, despite this relaxed approach to online safety when asked about their concerns for their child: o 41% said their child spends too much time on internet connect devices o 21% said their child throws a tantrum when their internet device is taken away o While 45% said it is too easy for their child to view inappropriate material online

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What are children attitudes to the internet and online safety?

Over three quarters (76%) of children play games on their own online compared to just over a quarter (26%) who play online games with friends When asked if they thought the Internet was dangerous, seven in ten (70%) of children did not believe there were dangers or were unsure of the dangers facing them children said they get sad and angry when they’re told it’s time to stop playing online.

When asked what ‘internet’ themes parents would feel least comfortable discussing with their child it was found that porn has overtaken sex as the most difficult conversation for parents to have with their kids. Six out of ten (58%) parents cited porn as the most difficult discussion, while less than a quarter (19%) said discussing sex with their child was the most uncomfortable topic. Over half (56%) of parents believe that by the age of 12 years old their child knows more about the internet than they do, with two fifths (41%) admitting that their child’s internet knowledge overtakes theirs by the time they are 10 years old.

For more information please visit: http://avgreaad.me/connected-kids http://avgread.me/magdamo www.babybuzzmagazine.com

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Exclusive

Read our exclusive interview with the Lorraine Show's Racy Reads Winner Anouska Knight How did you get started as an author?

Well! Mine was a pretty unconventional route into authordom, I think it’s fair to say. In January 2013, I’d just dropped my two little boys off at school, returned home to find my husband had left for work without turning the flipping telly off and, by chance, caught the last few minutes of Lorraine Kelly announcing the details of ITV’s ‘Racy Reads’ competition.

What do you hope to achieve through your writing/books?

Well it would be rather fabbo to have a movie starring super-glam Hollywood A-listers based on either one of my novels or my jump from Job-Hunting Housewife to International Bestselling Author! (I didn’t make that up, by the way. It’s printed on the American cover of Since You’ve Been Gone... I know, totally bonkers!) But in all honesty, I think I’m like most mums with young children. I want to be around for their sports days, and on hand when they’re off school with a gruesome sickness bug, and to not panic about being stuck in a job I absolutely loathe somewhere while they’re off on half term. All that’s easier said than done though I know, with houses to run and bills to pay. But if I could just keep on writing books that people want to read, and work from home around the chaos of my husband and kids, I’ll be achieving more than I ever thought possible before Valentine’s Day last year.

What has been the highlight of becoming an author?

Ah, there have been so many. The possibilities that have opened up to me, being offered two additional book deals by my publishers, the fantastic people I’ve worked with, the varied authors I’ve met, the sense of doing something I really love and calling it work. But the thing that floors me every time it happens, is when someone I don’t know takes the time to drop me a line on Twitter or Facebook for example, just to tell me that they found something in my novel that struck a chord with them or made them laugh or cry, or just that they think I did a good job.

What do you tend to write about?

I’d say I tend to write about topics that resonate with me emotionally. Wow. In particular issues that worry or bother me in some way, I think. My debut novel, Since You’ve Been Gone, followed young cake shop owner What has been the downside of becoming an author?

Holly who had tragically lost her husband just as they were starting I haven’t found one yet. There are times that stress levels go through married life together. Against a backdrop of everyone else’s happy the roof, or I feel like a big imposter who’s going to be rumbled any ever after - brides commissioning Holly for their wedding cakes, new minute and told ‘That’s it! No more publishing deals for you!’, or I’ll have parents celebrating their first child’s Christening - Holly has to learn a chronic bout of the dreaded writer’s block and I know I’ll end up having not only how to navigate her own grief, but how to deal with a second to work through the night for the next week to make up for the time chance of happiness when it comes along unexpectedly. Basically she I’ve lost. But the bottom line is, all the good stuff is absolutely worth it. has to learn how to love again. My second book, A Part Of Me, looks at the struggle behind Amy Alwood’s journey to become an adoptive What would your advice be to any parent wanting to become an author? mum, the devastating fallout of having her dream jeopordised by Don’t think, do. I wish I’d have started earlier. Read broadly, get an idea someone else’s actions, and the subsequent loss of control she feels of the genre you feel drawn towards, see what feels right. Then get to over own life - helped in no way by the arrival of a very unlikely and it. I know it’s hard juggling the kids and the PFA meetings and the food troublesome love interest. So definitely, it’s the emotive issues that shops and the laundry and all of those things that just have to be done. drive my plots. But I guess the one thread that runs consistently But try to use your time wisely. Writing requires a lot of thinking time throughout my novels, is love. I believe in it in its many forms, whether but don’t do it in front of a blank laptop screen if you can help it, think we’re talking the romantic variety, or family bonds or friendship etc. about your story in the bath, or while you’re cooking dinner or on the Without sounding gushy, I have faith in the ability love has to shake commute. Keep a notebook, and then when the kids are at school or in things up for the better (and occasionally the worse), so I can’t help but bed or glued to a movie, get cracking. Start organising your notes and thoughts into a loose plot outline, then start to pad that outline out. to allow love to make its impact on my characters and their stories.

Write detailed character profiles, know what drives them because they’ll drive your book. When you think you’ve got something you’d pay money for yourself, get it out there. Lots of publishers have submissions pointers on their websites, as do literary agencies. Or, you can try your material out on a site like Wattpad and have immediate feedback from likeminded people thirsty for new reading material to gulp down.

The format was simple - submit 1k words of a novel with a little bit of a racy kick to it, and the winner would bag themselves not only five glorious days over in LA (including a little light lunch with the inimitable Jackie Collins, by the way) but a one-book publishing deal with romance giants, Harlequin Mills & Boon. And on Valentine’s Day 2013, on live TV, I actually won!

And remember - it takes time. So keep at it. Trust me, amazing things can happen.

For more information, to follow Anouska or to order a copy of her books please visit the following: http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/anouska-knight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnouskaKnightAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnouskaKnight

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News & Reviews- - Book Reviews

Book Reviews Children’s Books

Each month we review an amazing selection of new and innovative products, fashion wear, baby and toddler essentials and travel systems and this month is no different! This month we had the chance to review the a brand new travel system from Ickle Bubba (you have to love the name!) and also one for the families with multiples, the Joovy Caboose 2 (The Big One!) This month we continue reviewing the fabulous books being released and we’ve also been given a few samples from the new collection of maternity wear from Tiffany Rose for all you expecting mums.

As always, if you would like to join our focus group and join our review panel, please contact me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com.

A beautifully illustrated book that every little girl will relate too. A very easy to read story which captures your imagination and makes you smile at the end with Milly getting her wish of meeting a mermaid in a way she couldn’t possibly imagine. Great for bedtime reading which will start your own little ones dreaming of mermaids.

Author: Illustrator: Age: Price: Buy from:

Maudie Smith Antonia Woodward 3+ Hardback £12.99 | Paperback £6.99 | Ebook £6.99 www.orionbooks.co.uk

A new series of books detailing the travels of little Posie Pixie. The stories have been matched with intricate illustrations that are wonderful. A great book to either read to a younger child but also suitable for early readers to take them on their own enchanted journey. Author Sarah Hill has managed to create a little character that everyone will want see what will happen next…The books are fuel for the imagination and will be reread over and over again.

Author: Illustrator: Age: Price: Buy from:

Sarah Hill Sarah Mauchline 5+ From £4.99 www.AbelaPublishing.com

A really great interactive activity book that preschoolers will love (and parents too due the fantastic value!). The activity books are jampacked full of different things to do, not at least mentioning the numerous stickers that come along with the book! As my little girl was a little too young for this, it was given to a member on the review panel whose 5 year old absolutely loved it!.

As she says; ‘I gave my daughter this book and it kept her quiet for a good half an hour whilst I started preparing dinner!

I would gladly recommend this to the other preschool mums for their children as most of them really like this series and how the programmes relate to every day circumstances’.

Big thumbs up from our reviewer and of course from us!

Age: Price: Buy from:

4+ From £3.99 www.www.ladybird.com

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I first came across the Elmer books when reviewing a new online book app for children, Me Books, last year.

Ever since then my little girl and I have fallen in love with Elmer and we often read it before bed. What I hadn’t realised is just how long it has been in publication, now celebrating it’s 25�� anniversary!

We adore Elmer, he is the friendliest and most gentle elephant and every time we read the book we fall in love a little more.

There are a selection of books featuring Elmer including one called Elmer and the Monster which has been released this year and again it is a beautifully written and illustrated book that will capture the hearts of children and their parents everywhere! We are particularly liking little Bloo Bloo, I think it’s time to invest in a cuddly toy to really make the story’s come alive!

Author / Illustrator: Age: Price: Buy from:

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David McKee All ages from 3 to 103!

From £6.99 www.andersenpress.co.uk

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News & Reviews- - Book Reviews I’m not sure who I like more, Bruno or Titch! What a great book to help children understand the importance of looking after their pets. A great book for anytime of day and one that will be enjoyed many times over. My little girl was fascinated by Titch, having never seen a guinea pig and thought it was a mouse, I’m looking forward to showing her one at the farm soon, which I’m sure she will think is Titch. A really fun and easy to understand book, pre-schoolers will love it!

Author/Illustrator: Age: Price: Buy from:

Sheena Dempsey 4+ Hardback £11.99 www.walkerbooks.co.uk

It is the illustration that captures you first with Vanilla Ice Cream. At first you think what is the relation to the title to the book but by the end of the book you have a little smile when you see how Edie first experiences the taste of vanilla ice cream.. I would think that this book would suit from 3+ with mum and dad reading it during a lazy afternoon, wouldn’t recommend it before bed as your little one may suddenly demand some ice cream! A very gentle story as you watch the little sparrow find Edie and then let your imagination run wild. Very much enjoyed with our 3 year old.

Author/Illustrator: Age: Price: Buy from:

Bob Graham 4+ Hardback £11.99 www.walkerbooks.co.uk

Wow, what an incredible book! This is almost like being inside the mind of a young child and having an endless supply of imagination! Each page is full of the most stunning illustrations that take you on a whirlwind journey with Hamilton. The words are something that every little child will love, being completely created from a wild imagination. Good luck to the parents trying to read some of the names, they really are tongue twisters! Nonetheless, this is something again that children are going to love to read over and over. Would love to see some other titles by this author to see what else he has created. Love it!

Author/Illustrator: Age: Price: Buy from:

Timothy Basil Ering 4+ Hardback £12.99 www.walkerbooks.co.uk

Anyone who knows my youngest daughter will know just how much she loves Peppa Pig! Peppa Pig is the first thing she thinks about in the morning and probably the last thing she thinks about before bed! Thanks to attending pre-school three days a week she is learning about letters and numbers and a multitude of different things and is, in my opinion, exceedingly bright for her age. You can imagine, in fact you probably heard her, when she came home to find we had been sent the ‘abc with Peppa’ book. She didn’t put it down for 3 days and still loves it whilst trying to make me ‘learn’ my letters. Any other little Peppa Pig fans out there will love these books too. They are hard back so sturdy enough to withstand excessive page turning and can withstand being taken everywhere!

Love that it is such a great price too!

Animation Studio: Age: Price: Buy from:

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Astley Baker Davies Ltd 2-4 years £4.99 each www.ladybird.com

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News & Reviews - Parent /Adult Book Reviews What a brilliant interpretation written by one dad! I love the way that Commando Dads has been written with the references to army life I chuckled when it described the ‘CD’ (Commando Dads) and the ‘CO’ (Commanding Officer - otherwise known s the mummy-to-be)! Written with enough humour to engage the reader but packed with essential / useful information, this is going to be a massive success for all new fathers-to-be. The book gives the guys out there everything they need to know for the whole 266 days of pregnancy and aims to mentally, physically and emotionally prepare them for fatherhood. Mums take note - when you are about to tell your significant other they are going to be a father, get a copy of this book and give it to them at the same time! Somehow I think it will make it a little less daunting… Just brilliant!

Author: Price: Buy from:

Neil Sinclair £10.99 www.commandodad.com

Sometimes we could all do with a little inspiration to do fun things with our children. Having reviewed a number of books over the last few months I can safely say this is probably the first one where everything in it has been doable and with relative ease. Some of the other books have left me feeling like a particular game or activity just wasn’t practical or that it would involve a considerable cost and wouldn’t suit the ‘average’ family. The 150 activities in this book are so easy to do and will guarantee you don’t have the ‘I’m bored’ or ‘I can’t afford it’ statement. A really great, well though out book that literally caters for everyone. I think I can safely say that the Summer holidays are going to be jam-packed with fun activities.

Author: Price: Buy from:

Myleene Klass £9.99 www.orionbooks.co.uk

An absolutely incredible guide for expecting and new parents from this husband and wife team! Covering all the developmental changes your little one will go through during the first 20 months of their life, this book is easy to read without being over complicated and includes quotes from other parents which makes it much easier to relate to.

The wonder weeks gives you a better understanding of all the new experiences your little one will go through by giving you a secret insight into their world. You can certainly see why this book has sold over 1.5 million copies and has been quoted as being the worldwide #1 bestselling infant development book.

I wish it had been around when my two were little!

Author: Price: Buy from:

Dr Hetty van de Rijt and Dr Frans Plooji £15.99 www.thewonderweeks.com

Many women will know the brand Mills & Boon, known for it’s um slightly racier / sexy content. When I was given the opportunity of interviewing Anouska Knight for this issue I was also given the chance to read her latest novel A Part of Me. I was expecting more of the same, women meets man, has an illustrious affair (a considerable amount of sexual detail in parts) and then lives happily after but I didn’t get that at all, in fact I think I’ve just found my guilty pleasure!

Ok so the similarity in this story is that yes, she does live happily ever after, but the storyline is deep and has you feeling so much for the main character, Amy. At points I wanted to throttle the husband for what he put her through, but by the end of the book, I was in floods of tears with happiness. I actually received the book in the afternoon after the school run and finished it one sitting, after not being able to put it down, and ended up going to bed at gone 3am! I’ve just been sent the first book that Anouska wrote, Since You’ve Been Gone, and having read the introduction online, I just know that I’m going to enjoy it as much as the first one! I better put the kettle on then…

Author: Price: Buy from:

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Anouska Knight Hardback £12.99 www.walkerbooks.co.uk

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News & Reviews- Pushchair’s / Travel Systems Every month I get to review a variety of travel systems and pushchairs and this month we’ve seen two very different but equally amazing options available to expectant / new parents. In this issue we will be featuring the Hauck Lacrosse Shop’N’Drive Travel System and the Mamas & Papas Armadillo Pushchair. We will also be featuring the latest release from Stokke, the Xplory V4, in a few months time after our ‘Real Life Story’ feature (on page 41) gives us their review on one of the most popular options on the market.

As many of my readers will know, I think very highly of the Hauck brand, purely because each product they have launched, and that we have reviewed, has proven to be a combination of quality, style and great value! I understand that sometimes parents just can’t afford the big name brands, and the exceedingly high price tags that they come with, but why should they settle for cheap and poor quality when there are some great options available that don’t cost the earth.

This is where Hauck fit in perfectly - providing the affordable travel system.

The Lacrosse Shop N Drive (SND) fits perfectly into this category. You get one box which includes everything you need from pushchair, car seat, foot muff and rain cover (from next month you can purchase the Lacrosse All In One which will also include the carry cot!).

The Lacrosse SND is a great reminder of the first travel system we reviewed for the magazine and again shows just what you can get for your money. As with all the Hauck models, the unit comes neatly packaged in one box and is very straight forward to put together, there are instructions but the ease in which you can assemble it really is great and doesn’t warrant more than a little commonsense.

The Lacrosse is very easy to handle thanks to its lockable and swivelling front wheels. The big wheels and the suspension are ideal for off-road adventures and the handle can be adjusted individually to cater for your height. There is also a cup holder and your baby items can be stowed in the generous shopping basket underneath. The car seat feels very lightweight but in fact it has an innovative side-impact protection system with patented use of shock-absorbing PU foam and the padded 3-point harness to ensure safety on every ride. The particularly soft padding of the baby carrier offers extra comfort. As with most car seats, there is an additional head protection insert to support your baby's head. A seat wedge is also inserted to ensure the correct position of the baby in the car seat which we removed as our little reviewer was that bit older.

For your shopping trips, combine car seat and chassis in order to form the practical Shop'n Drive system. This way, you can let your baby sleep along when you get the car seat out of the car. You do not need any additional adapters because these are already integrated into the armrests of the stroller. The buggy seat can be installed by hand easily.

Due to the flat lying position and in combination with the boot cover, you can already use the stroller from day one. When your child is older, you can simply turn the buggy seat around. This way, your child can either watch you or the surroundings. The soft reversible seat cover provides the best possible sitting comfort. Highest security is guaranteed by the 5-point harness and the removable front bar. We loved the extendable sun canopy which was considerably more than others we had seen.

Hauck are definitely one of our market leaders when it comes to pushchairs / and travel systems and it just goes to show that not everything has to cost the earth!

We are giving away this fantastic travel system to one lucky reader!

For your chance to win, simply send your answer to the following question, to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com Q:

What is the buggy weight in total? a) 15.2kg b) 5.2kg c) 10.2kg

Answers can be found here: http://www.hauckuk.com/uk-collection Please note that the wheels will have some sign of wear as we have used it for the purpose of this review.

Hauck Lacrosse Shop N Drive - RRP: £379.99 (Available from www.mothercare.com and many other retailers) Choice of two colours What’s Included: Pushchair, Car Seat, Foot Muff, Rain Cover

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News & Reviews- Pushchair’s / Travel Systems The first thing I noticed about the Armadillo pushchair is just how stylish it is! It resembles another more expensive brand, especially in Lemon Drop Yellow, but costs a fraction of the price.

Most parents will understand what it feels like when your little one gets to about 6 months or so and the original big travel system you’ve bought becomes too heavy and cumbersome but you don’t want to purchase a stroller as there isn’t as much support or stability. This is where the Armadillo comes into its own. The Armadillo is knows as the Big Little stroller and it’s very easy to see why. The pushchair comes packaged in a considerably small box and we were surprised that when we took it out, it was pretty much self-assembled and easy to flip open (with just one hand I might add!). The Armadillo is considerably lightweight and has many redeeming features. There is significant room for your child to stretch about and wiggle and you can also have the seat completely flat, which is great for younger babies or toddlers who want to sleep.

compact which is surprising considering how much seat space there is. The hood is extra large, giving more coverage against the weather and is also made up of a UPF50+ fabric for protection against UV rays (there is also a little peek-a-boo window built in). The brakes are very easy to apply and disengage and are indeed flip flop friendly.

We’ve reviewed a number of pushchair / strollers over the last 18 months and this is by far one of the betters ones when you don’t want to be heaving around a travel system. Should you want to use this as a travel system you do have the option of purchasing the Aton car seat (£135) and adapters (£29.95) to give you the full flexibility to have from birth.

The Armadillo is very easy to handle. Our little one, who is quite tall for her age, actually sat very comfortably in this and didn’t feel restricted at all. The shopping basket is a great size (3kg capacity) and you can access it from pretty much every angle which is great when your little one is asleep and you can’t get in from the back. The Armadillo also folds really easily and quite We are looking forward to seeing what Mamas and Papas have coming next if the Armadillo and the Mylo 2 are anything to go by!

‘This pushchair really is great. I have a 3 year old and an 11 month old. I was fed up of using my big pram but didn't want to use a little buggy as I wanted baby to be comfortable & also wanted to attach a buggy board. This pushchair is easy to put up & fold down - I can do it one handed whilst holding baby. I really love that it still folds with stuff in the basket so you don't end up with a boot full of junk every time you need to put the buggy in the car! The basket is a great size and accessible from front and rear. The hood is brilliant - shades sun from all angles so no faffing with parasol or sunshade.

The raincover is also really easy - just clips onto the end of the hood and covers baby so again, no faffing whilst getting drenched! Both my sons are happy in it - I use it occasionally for my 3 year old if he's tired and I don't have baby with me.

People comment on it everywhere I go - I love it!’

- Giraffe, Hertfordshire

Mamas and Papas Armadillo - RRP: £199.00 (Available from www.mamasandpapas.com and other retailers) Choice of five colours What’s Included: Pushchair, Rain Cover

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News & Reviews - Furniture & Travel Accessories

● Group 1, 9kg - 18kg (9m - 4y) ● Light and sound harness indicator ● Patented seat belt tensioning system ● 5-point safety harness ● Deep, softly padded full side wings Performance chest pads ● Height-adjustable headrest ● Four recline positions ● Harness retainers ● Quick-remove washable cover Softly padded cover

Stompa Play 3 - Cabin Bed with Play Tent and Slide I have always been rather curious about this style of bed for children, having seem them around for a few years now, so when we were recently given the opportunity of reviewing one, I jumped at the chance.

The first thing that struck me was the delivery, which you might think is an odd thing to say. It came in two boxes, one for the bed and one for the slide. The main one for the bed however, was marginally bigger than the one for the slide and I did ask the delivery drivers if they were missing a box. They assured me that they hadn’t and off they left, leaving me to start building. After clearing space in the bedroom, I unpacked all the boxes and laid out all the pieces (there are quite a few of them - so be prepared!).

The ease in which this went together was amazing, and it only took me the best part of a couple of hours to get it all done (with the help of my 13 year old). The finished product is much better than what it looks like in the picture and the quality is immediately apparent. The bed is, however, bigger that I expected and therefore takes up quite a bit of space.

The bed is recommended for 6+ but it really does depend on your child and what they are comfortable with. We were a little apprehensive as my little girl is just 3 years old but we needn’t have worried. She isn’t left alone at any point and since having built the bed she has slept in her bed every night - so I’m beyond impressed! She absolutely loves this bed and often says I want to go upstairs and play on the slide, so we go up, and every teddy comes with us, to take a turn going down the slide. The tent fixture below is extremely fun with it being the number one spot for hide and seek, as well as being useful and hiding all the unsightly things we had by the side of her cotbed.

The Stompa Play 3 comes with five colour options for the tent section. If you don’t want to have the slide option, then you can purchase the Stompa Play 2 instead. Prices start from £349 for the Stompa Play 2 and £423.20 for the Stompa Play 3. In my view, and more importantly that of my little girl, the bed is worth every penny and provides endless hours of fun!

Britax are one of the most well known car seat manufacturers on the market today. The first car seat we reviewed for Baby Buzz Magazine was a Britax model and since then we have reviewed numerous other brands, some great and others well, not so great. Britax have just launched the new Britax King II LS and I have to say that first impressions were WOW! Many parents have cars that don’t have, what we all know is, the safer Isofix connectors and this is where the King II LS really excels.

The installation of the King II LS is so straight forward with no fussing and simply requires tilting the seat unit forward and linking the seatbelt on the rear parts and shutting the seat unit back on top. The patented seat belt tensioning system takes care of the rest. With so much emphasis put on the safety failures many parents are guilty off, and not securing the child properly into their car seat, the King II LS has a security feature to ensure you have fitted your child in correctly.

A little green light lights up once your child is in place so that you know it has been done properly.

The actual seat unit of the Britax King II LS is also very impressive and whether it is just asthetically so, the actual seat appears wider than other car seats we have tried, which when you have a child who is a little larger than the average 3 year old, comes in very handy.

I love the fact that the seat is easily removable to wash, as thanks to the joys of potty training, we had to pretty much dismantle a car seat and it was almost impossible to put back together (at one point I was threatening to throw the whole thing away - before common sense got the better of me). The Britax King II LS is really quite amazing for those who want something safer than just a standard seat belt fixture across the back and don’t have the Isofix option and we would highly recommend it to all parents looking for the next Stage 1 car seat.

Britax also has a very useful feature on its website called Fit Finder, which is an online tool that assists a consumer to identify the right seat for their child and their car. The newly updated function allows parents to narrow their car seat search by the age and weight of their child as well as the make, model and year of the vehicle. For each seat, Fit Finder�� will also inform users what seat positions are approved in the vehicle and the appropriate fitting method – be it the ISOFIX, ISOFIT or via the car seat belt. You can view the latest Fit Finder�� here http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/fit-finder

www.britax.co.uk

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News & Reviews – Games & Toys With a lot of the books we have reviewed this month, they are all about encouraging the imagination The Pirate Adventure Dice is a brilliant way to stimulate your child’s creativity and imagination with these clever little dice.

Keeping up with the ever demanding range of TV cartoons must be an almost impossible task so when we were contacted by Bandai Toys to see what latest products they had available we said absolutely. The selection that we were given were mainly for boys and I have the two boys toys to a young mum with two sons to try out. As expected, they absolutely loved them and wouldn’t put them down. There was a slight issue with the Pacman head as it kept coming off from the hinge, but it was easy to re-attach. The little Locksie doll was great and another mums little girl had the pleasure of dressing and designing this character. With a simple use of pushing the fabric into cleverly featured slots you create the material into little outfits along with stickers to finish off the lock - a really clever product for the little fashionista. Prices start from: £9.99

The game is based on 9 beautifully illustrated die where you can become the captain of your own ship and travel across the many seas! The beauty of this game is that every story will be a different tale and the game won’t grow old, there are no limits as to how many people can play along and you can have children (and adults) of all ages take part.

One of our favourite games this year! Prices from £9.95 For more information, please visit: http://www.waterstones.com/

Now for something catering towards the older child. My oldest daughter Mia, who is 13, has always loved building games whether it be Lego or complicated 3d puzzles and so when we were given the latest in K’Nex she was the obvious choice to review.

For more information, please visit: www.bandai.co.uk

Most parents will already be familiar with the Lamaze name, popular for their bright colours and interactive design. We were sent four of their new products to try out with our reviewers and they are as playful, creative and eye-catching as ever.

We had a Bella the Bunny Hide and Seek book and a Bella the Bunny toy as well as a Torin the T-Rex Hide and Seek book and a Torin the T-Rex toy. Each of the toys has the hoop to enable you to attach to a buggy, car seat or anywhere else that you wish for your child to be able to interact really. The toys have educational elements whether it be to stimulate touch, sight or sound and are very much fun. The Hide and Seek books have a matching little miniature version of the toy in the front pouch and these are attached securely via a chord to the book as well, so you don’t have to worry about your child losing it or dropping it. There are numerous characters and animals to choose from so you are bound to find something to please your little one.

Lamaze have excelled once again with their range of toys designed for babies and toddlers and have continued to infuse their signature bright colours with new designs, education and fun. Prices from £9.99 For more information, please visit: http://www.tomy.com/lamaze

The complexity of the particular one we were given, the Transporter Chopper, managed to keep her quiet for over an hour.

The box did indicate it was suitable for 7+ but it would have to be with an adults help as even Mia struggled in places. Overall it was thoroughly enjoyed and considering that it had a rotating Helicopter blade the RRP on this was just £19.99 - so considerably cheaper than Lego or other similar toys. K’Nex will be releasing a similar product for pre-schoolers later in the year which we can’t wait to try out.

For more information, please visit: http://www.smythstoys.com

As a child I used to play boardgames with my brothers and sister all the time and so I love seeing new games come out and seeing how good they are.

We were really intrigued by this one though as the game are old classics that you get to design yourself! With the stickers and boards and counters that you can colour in yourself, what a brilliant way to make something that little bit more special for your child.

My oldest was a little ‘I’m too old to colour this in’ but after a while even she got involved and then we had a fun afternoon playing a game (or two) of snakes and ladders and ludo.

A really novel approach to getting children interested in board games again, especially the older games that we as parents know all too well.

The game is schedule for release in Augusst but for more information, please visit: http://www.laurenceking.com

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News & Reviews - Health & Beauty Products There has been a lot of emphasis on probiotic formulas whether it be in yoghurts, drinks or tablets. This month we have been given two to try out. The first to be tested by us are the Solaray daily chewable ‘tablets’ which have been created in little dinosaur shapes and flavoured in either Blackberry or Root Beer. The DinoDophilus Probiotic chewables (Blackberry) are a blend of L.acidophilus, B. Bifidum and L. Bulgaricus and has been formulated to meet the specific needs any changes to your child’s diet and to support your child’s health therefore preventing an digestive upset.

Solaray DinoDophilus is a combination of 2 billion (at time of manufacture) important intestinal flora intended to provide nutritive support for a child’s delicate digestive system. The Ear-a-Saurus chewables (Root Beer) contains Xylitol , which has been the subject of research indicating it provides nutritive support for normal levels of bacteria in the ear. When bacteria enters the body, it holds on to tissue through a variety of sugar complexes. Xylitol has been studied for its ability to interfere within this adherence. In studies, Xylitol has also been suggested to help support oral health by inhibiting the microorganisms most responsible for tooth decay, S.mutans.

We’ve been taking this for about a week now and whilst there is no apparent visual change the fact that she is reaping the benefits is enough for me. I’ve tried the tablets and they are actually very pleasant tasting. Each bottle contains 60 tablets so once we have finished them, we will review them more definitively as well as getting advice from our resident health experts. Price: £9.99 per bottle.

For more information, please visit: www.solarayuk.co.uk

I was intrigued by the Deep Freeze Cold Patch as it claims to provides effective relief from muscular aches and pains and is particularly useful for back pain.

I gave a couple of sachets to a member of our review panel who told us that she was plagued by back aches and they didn’t really work too well for her. However, as I am quite often hunched over a computer I’ve developed chronic aches in my neck and shoulders and decided to try one of these to see if it would help and it was sheer bliss. The cold sensation was an instant relief and it was so simple to use by simply peeling the back off and and sticking it in place. I’ll definitely be keeping a supply of these!

The real benefit to Deep Freeze though is that it is also the only topical pain killer that can be used safely when breastfeeding and during pregnancy.

RRP is £1.55 for a single patch and £5.10 for a pack of four patches. It contains menthol, aloe vera and water in a hydrogel layer which slowly evaporates to produce prolonged cooling relief for up to three hours. The slim patch stays in place simply and easily and can be worn under clothing.

The second of the products to be sent to us for review is the Bio-Kult Infantis, a unique multi-strain probiotic formula that has been designed specifically for infants, toddlers and young children. Bio-Kult Infantis is available in easy to use 1g powdered sachets and contain essential ingredients for your baby’s growth including: ● ● ● ●

7 strains of live probiotic bacteria (including two of the most predominant species found in an infant’s gut); High levels of Omega 3 believed to contribute to early brain development and cognitive function, along with immune support; Vitamin D3: ‘the sunshine vitamin’ that helps contribute to the normal function of the immune system; Preplex Prebiotic: a food source for beneficial bacteria, which is naturally present in breast milk.

Each box comes with 16 sachets. Again we will be giving this to one mum to review for us and getting advice from our resident experts about what the benefits actually are to children. Price: £11.95 for a box of 16 sachets.

For more information, please visit: www.bio-kult.com This month we have been sent a range of amazing products created by Natalie Balmond, founder of Purepotions.

Natalie formulated the first of her products when her daughter Lula was suffering from a chronic dry skin Natalie Balmond and her condition.

None of the daughter Lula treatments she had tried, conventional GP-prescribed creams or alternative remedies,alleviated the itching and soreness that was causing Lula a great deal of distress. Lula was so poorly that 90% of her body was covered in open bleeding sores and she had to be wrapped in bandages every day. Natalie was desperate to find a solution and finally she took matters into her own hands. With much determination and experimentation, Natalie developed a natural salve in her own kitchen, using a combination of herbs and oils which dramatically improved the condition of her daughter’s dry skin. Following an article in a newspaper Natalie was soon inundated with requests for her ointment from people with similar skin problems. The success of her salve then inspired her to create a range of natural baby products and first aid rescue products, equally effective and made from 100% natural ingredients. We were sent the products to try out and having just had them a few days, we can already see a different in my little girl who suffers greatly with ‘pull-up’ rash and redness on quite a frequent basis and with the heat it seemed to really be causing havoc. Having used this on the first day by day two the redness had reduced drastically and by day three, it wasn’t bothering her at all! We will be using the baby oil and bath and body oil over the next month and the full review will be featured in the July/August issue so keep an eye out for it. If the nappy salve is anything to go by, I can’t wait. I also suffer from very feet so I’m going to see if the intensive moisturising ointment can help with that. Walking around in sandals all day, every day, really makes my feet sore and very painful and I’ve struggled to find anything to help so far.

For more information, please visit: http://www.deepfreeze.co.uk/

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News & Reviews - Baby Gadgets & Essentials Over the last year or so, we have seen a real influx of parents wanting to prepare and make their baby / toddler meals and there are a few gadgets that have been brought to the market trying to help us do just that, with the minimum of fuss. After attending the Baby Show, Excel in February we were introduced to BabyMoov who have created the Nutribaby. With nutrient preservation at the heart of its design, this unique 5-in-1 processor adapts to the needs of the whole family, with enough cooking and blending capacity to whip-up a feast for a small tribe! Through the aid of the easy-to-use LCD digital timer, removable cooking baskets and useful ‘nooks’ to cook eggs, parents can set the correct time, to the minute, and cook a variety of foods separately in the two baskets to feed children of varying stages of development with relative ease; steam cook a fillet of fish, whilst cooking vegetables for baby and a boiled egg for an older child. Once the cooking is complete, the Nutribaby conveniently detaches to become a handy family blender, where the innovative juice recovery tray enables parents to alter the consistency of purees, preserving those all-important vitamins and minerals!

The Nutribaby’s five functions include: Steam cooking to maintain freshness, flavour and the nutritious values of foods Mixing to prepare soups, sauces, purées Warming bottles and jars Sterilising bottles and accessories Defrosting small meals prepared in advance

The ease in which you can cook meals with the Nutribaby is amazing and the meals are delicious (it helps that there is a website with many different recipes and suggestions). We absolutely LOVED testing this product and have in fact used it for main meals for all the family. The ideas are endless with this and you can do just about anything with it. A great product at a great price too at just £99.99!

Definitely one of our favourites!

There are so many different forms of baby carriers on the market today that it can get a little confusing about which one to choose and which one works best for you. I actually saw Lillebaby at the Baby Show last year and was so impressed with their carrier and what it offered to both mum and dad that I had to get one for one of my reviewers to try out.

We were sent the Lillebaby Complete to test and this is what our mum said about it: Sharon: “We absolutely loved the packaging and seeing how much care and attention had gone into it. The carrier looks really sleek, the one we have is plain black, and the instructions on how to use it were so straight forward. Our little girl is only a few months old and so to be able to use it from birth but to still use it so many other ways as she gets older is fantastic. We’ve seen other carriers that are suitable just from birth and then you have to buy another one in accordance with their weight, and it became all a little confusing as to which one would work at which point. We liked that it was made of mesh fabric as we always thought out little one would get very hot and stuffy whilst we wore this, but she doesn’t at all. We are looking forward to using as she gets older - thank you so much.”.

I definitely think this will be a huge hit with readers as there has clearly been a lot of care, attention and research into what works best for the parent. Great value at £95.00 from many online retailers.

I’m always interested in new gadgets when it comes to making mums and dads life that little bit easier and the Difrax Sbottle warmer does just that!. It is such a simple thing that if not done promptly can cause one almighty uproar and stress and upset for both you and your little one. The Difrax S-bottle warmer heats up milk (whether breast milk or formula) in just 3 minutes to the ideal temperature of 37’c.

There is no need to wait for the bottle to cool down as it’s ready to use immediately. The unit itself is very easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher. The Difrax S-bottle warmer is compatible with all Difrax S-bottle sizes natural and wide.

For more information, please visit: http://products.babymoov.eu/feeding.html

I’m pretty sure that most of my readers will have heard of the Brita Water filter Jugs but you can now buy the portable version called the Fill&Go. Thanks to the little filters that fit inside the cap you can enjoy pure filtered water, refilled anywhere without the cost of buying bottled water!

Read what two of our mums thought of the S-bottle warmer online at www.babybuzzmagazine.com

From just £10 from Tesco and an additional pack of 8 filters will cost you just £8.00 (you do need to change the filters every week to get the best usage). We absolutely love ours and don’t go anywhere without it.

For more information, or to purchase the the difrax S-bottle warmer or bottles, please visit: http://uk-en.difrax.com/babyproducts

Anything that can make life easier for you and your child can only be a great thing! Prices are from £69.99.

See our fabulous competition on page 82 to win one of five Limited Edition World Cup Soother and S-Bottle sets!

For more information, please visit http://www.brita.co.uk

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News & Reviews - Baby Clothing & Accessories

I’ve worked with many brands who create muslin cloths and swaddling wraps over the last 18 months and I have seen great quality products and basic cheaper products, that just haven’t lived up to expectations, so I was very interested to see just how different Sewlomax were with their creativity, quality and design. Almost every mum will tell a new or expecting parent that one of the essentials they ‘must’ buy are muslin cloths (by the dozen!) The problem is the plain ones are just boring and the really nice ones cost a fortune!

When we received our little bundle from Sewlomax the first thing I though was what great patterns, at last something different. The large muslins come in gift boxes of three and are amazingly priced at just £26! The quality is great, very soft and after we had one taken just about everywhere with us for a week, it still looked in really good condition (we’ve seen some that haven’t made it through the week before getting holes and stained - so this is really good!). They have also created some gorgeous Baby Bibs in packs of two and again come in the same great designs and patterns and cost just £8. The bibs are plastic backed to ensure spills don’t soak through and stain the clothing underneath and they have a Velcro finish that snugly fits around baby. Both are great gift options when you want to buy something that is stylish but so very essential.

tommy and lottie is a British brand born in 2014. They create unisex babies t-shirts that have gorgeous graphic images which everyone can relate to. The designs are British images with a twist of nostalgia. They also give a soft message about how important these things are to protect,enjoy and cherish. The babies t-shirts are well made using the softest quality cotton. Ethical and sustainable, this includes traceable vertical production meaning that the cotton is grown, produced, manufactured in one place and not all over the world. No harmful chemicals or dyes are used in any of the processes of production. Also ensuring that employees from local communities are given jobs so they can support their families and live a quality way of life whilst being treated fairly within the work place.

We were sent the little Hedgehog t-shirt to review with our little girl and it is the sweetest little image with an acorn and oak leaf printed on the back. What I really liked about this t-shirt is that even though we have the largest size at 18 - 24 months it still had poppers on the should to make putting it on and taking it off nice and easy! T-shirts are priced at £17.00 and long sleeved tops are priced at £20. To see the range available, please visit their website: http://www.tommyandlottie.com/

Socks, socks and socks!

We all need socks there’s no escaping that, but do you really know the difference between great quality socks and just your average pair of cottons? I didn’t have a clue until we received a little bundle of children’s and adults socks to try out.

For more information or to purchase any of the items we’ve featured, please visit their website:

The little baby & toddler socks are just gorgeous with their latest design of Little Africa featuring giraffe on the sides. They also have a range of socks which are called Active Sunny Days and they are designed to provide optimum moisture management for your child. Falke have an incredible range of socks for all the family and we were even sent some to try for ourselves. The ladies socks are incredible and feel like silk enveloping your feet, admittedly they do come with a slightly high price tag of £10 but they feel divine and after all it is nice to treat yourself to a bit of luxury every now and then. Children’s socks start at £4.50.

http://www.sewlomax.com/

For more information, please visit: http://www.falke.com/

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News & Reviews - Food Product Reviews POM Wonderful, renowned for its unique 100% pomegranate juice has launched a brand new addition to its range - POM Wonderful Pomegranate & Cloudy Apple Juice. The delicious blend of sweet pomegranate and zesty cloudy apple results in a heavenly drink that is just ideal for expectant mums or parents trying to conceive. Larger and redder than many other varieties each bottle contains the juice of four Californian pomegranates, so it’s packed full of fruity flavour and pomegranate power, which includes: Potassium, to help regulate your blood pressure; Foliate, helps produce DNA and form healthy new cells, (particularly important during pregnancy); Iron, needed for the production of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying part of blood and Calcium, crucial in growing new bone and maintaining bone strength… to name a few! Plus, POM Wonderful juices also have no added sugar, flavours or colours - so it not only tastes great but is brimming with natural goodness for not just you and your baby but for the whole family too. We absolutely loved the taste of this, very fresh and refreshing. A little expensive at £3.56 for 710ml but a great refreshing alternative than having the same old fruit juices over and over again.

Available at most supermarkets and online retailers.

Daioni, the Welsh organic milk brand is encouraging people to drink more milk this summer, with the launch of its new flavoured milk range. These handy cartons of dairy goodness are low in fat, sugar and free from all artificial colouring and come in 3 delicious flavours, Chocolate, Strawberry and Banana, milk time will never be the same again!

Produced on the family farm in Pembrokeshire Wales, each chilled glass is full of Welsh goodness. A tasty alternative to standard milk, the small cartons are the perfect size for fitting in your handbag or the children’s lunch boxes for a daily calcium fix. Long gone are the days when the whole family would get their daily dairy needs, instead you are lucky if you manage to grab a bowl of cereal in the morning or a cup of tea with a splash of milk throughout the day.

Daioni is therefore launching 3 scrumptious flavors of organic semi-skimmed, milk, to ensure that everyone milks it over the coming months.

We were given one of each flavour to try out and they are absolutely delicious. With a three year old who is quite fussy in what she drinks and for me who doesn’t really like to drink milk on it’s own, they are really good and a really great way of getting children to drinking milk as opposed to sugary alternatives! In handy 200ml cartons for on the go, or a lunchbox treat or a 250ml cartons to pour a cold glass at home, Daioni Flavoured Organic Milk Drinks are available in Chocolate, Strawberry and Banana on Ocado, independent delis and cafes nationwide with an RRP of £0.79p for 200ml and £0.99p for 250ml Definitely something I am going to keep buying for our family and would happily recommend it to all our readers too!

For more information, please visit: http://trioni.com/

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So I confess, I love cake, pretty much every cake and I do like to bake as much as I can with my girls! If I’m not working like crazy on the next issue of the magazine then I’m normally in the kitchen cooking up something!

When we were contacted to review some of the newest cake mixes from the Green’s brand, we were very excited, after all there was the promise of cake at the end of it! The cake mixes are really straight forward and require just the addition of water and an egg. First on the bake and taste test was the rainbow cake. Whilst this isn’t the rainbow cake that I had imagined (with the seven layers of different colour cake) I can see why it was called it with all the multi-coloured sprinkles that you had to mix in with the cake mix and then decorate with. Preparing this was very easy and baked as instructed. If I’m honest, my oldest daughter and I weren’t really taken with the finished product and found it had a slight artificial aftertaste whereas the littlest one absolutely loved it and ate two slices (admittedly small slices)!. We therefore went into making the daisy cakes with a little apprehension as to what they would be like. Again the preparation was really easy (there were a little too many cases for the mixture but that’s okay as we are always baking cupcakes) and we followed the baking instructions. Once out of the oven, we let them cool down and got started on cutting out the daisy shapes from the royal icing, which is also provided, and mixed the yellow icing to cover the cakes. This bit was fun (and messy!) but the end result was a great success. They tasted delicious and didn’t last the full day and we would gladly buy this one again. Having looked at the Green’s website, there are quite a few other mixes and puddings we’d like to try so keep posted and we’ll start the baking process all over again - here’s to happy baking!

All products are available nationwide in Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and will have an RRP of between £1.79 and £2.79. For more information or to see the full range available, please visit: http://www.greenscakes.co.uk/

We are loving how much The co-operative food have become involved with the World Cup this year, having brought out a number of delicious meal options with new finger-food lines, including Nacho Cheese Bites 160g - yummy mozzarella sticks with a spicy nacho crumb and jalapeños. The new own-brand Buffalo Wings - roasted chicken wings with a traditional buffalo hot sauce - will also be a big hit.

Other delicious additions include crispy potato skins with a selection of yummy dips, and new battered onion rings. We had the chance to try out some of their new products including the most amazing Tapas dishes scheduled to be launched very soon. We are extremely lucky that we live above a newly opened store and so it is almost our local - but the variety that they now have as well as great savings on everyday products is just incredible. Definitely somewhere to visit to get some great produce and great prices. We’ll be seeing you soon!

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We operate in the Enfield and surrounding areas, Barnet Southgate Cheshunt to name a few. We are able to offer a wide range of equipment Soft play, Bouncy slides and Bouncy Castles, We have various themed castles available. With our new online booking system you are able to check the availability on any of our inflatables and book right away. We recommend that you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment,. Our prices are for daily hire which includes delivery and collection dependent on location, We will assemble and dismantle all of the equipment and provide instructions for safe use. For more information please contact us at:

www.katieskastles.co.uk

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Family Focus

Exploring Outside Beats Modern Technology For Today’s Toddlers Survey reveals that nine out of 10 Mums want children to get closer to nature but eight out of 10 admit it’s too easy to give children technology!

Children would rather be outside than watching TV or playing computer games, according to a survey of Mums, released

by Organix Goodies today.

Despite the appeal of Angry Birds and TV programmes like the Octonauts, less than one in three (29%) Mums said their child prefers the computer or watching TV to the great outdoors.

The survey revealed that Mums are keen to get their children outside exploring. Nine out of ten (92%) Mums want their child to get close to nature and wildlife. Nearly all (97%) say being outside with their child is fun and that they love seeing their sense of wonder (97%). But while Mums value time outside, more than eight out of ten (84%) say it’s sometimes too easy to give children technology to play with.

The Organix Goodies survey asked over 700 Mums of babies and toddlers aged 12 months to 3 years about the importance of exploring when bringing up children. It showed that Mums know that helping their child explore the world around them is critical to their child’s development. Nearly all (99%) said that exploring helped improve their child’s curiosity, independence, creativity and

· lack of creative ideas (58%) Mums looking back at their own childhood feel that children today don’t have the same freedom as they did a generation ago. · · · ·

90% of Mums believe children nowadays have less freedom because of awareness of health and safety issues 88% of Mums believe life was simpler when they were a child 82% of Mums believe they wouldn’t feel safe giving their child the same freedom they had when they were growing up 72% of Mums believe the world’s a more dangerous place now than when they were young

Recognising the pressures on Mums to find the time and space to encourage their children to explore, Organix Goodies has created the Explore with Goodies Campaign, to inspire parents to explore with their little ones. Organix Goodies will be on tour visiting 25 destinations across the UK with lots of fun stuff for toddlers to enjoy over the summer, as well as providing a useful resource hub on the Organix website with great activities and top tips for exploring.

Aileen Nicol, from Organix Goodies says: “We know how important exploring is for a child’s development and how crucial it is in helping them gain awareness and understanding of themselves and their surroundings. Mums are under pressure to juggle everything, so we want to help them by providing useful materials, information, activities that support their little ones’ development.

“Developing a sense of exploration is an important aspect of a toddler’s development and that impacts their inclination and desire to explore and try new foods. We aim to inspire mums and little ones to have the confidence to try and experiment with food – and at Organix we provide tasty and nutritious foods - free of junk, salt and added sugar - to support their parents in this journey.”

Explore with Goodies explorer packs, the explore tour and much more…

imagination as well as their problem solving ability (96%).

Child development experts agree with the benefits of exploring. Dr Angharad Rudkin, chartered clinical psychologist MA (Oxon), CPsychol, AFBPSS says: “Exploring is the main way toddlers learn about themselves, others and the world around them. Exploring means developing independence, playing with different things in a different way, finding out what they can and can’t do and developing language to say what they want to do.” But busy lives and lack of space and inspiration can stand in the way of encouraging budding explorers, with nine out of ten Mums saying that lack of time prevents them from helping their child explore.

Barriers to exploring cited by Mums include: · lack of time (89%) · lack of physical space and opportunity (72%) · lack of confidence (61%)

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The Goodies explore campaign is designed to provide support to parents to help their little ones explore food and the world around them. There’s a hub on the Organix website bursting with activities for little ones, including a your own activity section with top tips and advice on how to grow your own herb garden. The new Goodies explorers pack is full of fun and imaginative ideas for parents to help your little explorers learn about the food and the world around them. From imaginative games and storytelling, to trying new foods, making food together and getting closer to nature.

Each pack contains a wall chart and stickers to record and reward their adventures, a special explorer badge, seeds to grow their own food and much more. Look out for the special Goodies on pack promotion on selected foods in store from mid June 2014 and if you come to one of our explore tour events you could get an exclusive Goodies explorer tin. The Goodies explore tour will take to the road from the end of May and will feature a range of fun activities for little explorers at various festivals, events and supermarkets across the UK.

To find out more and download fun activity sheets visit: www.organix.com/explore

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Family Focus

65% of parents claim hay fever is ruining child's lives 4.

Children have long and tiring days at school, so don’t add to the fatigue by using a sedating antihistamine which promotes drowsiness. Look for products they only have to take once a day, and which clearly state that they are non-drowsy.

5.

I recommend also using Stérimar Nasal Hygiene™ in conjunction with your medication. Made from 100% natural sea water, it not only washes away the allergens from the nose, to effectively relieve symptoms, but also helps to restore the nose’s natural functions. This ensures the first line of defence is in top working condition to filter and trap allergens effectively, and reduce the risk of allergic reactions and chronic conditions developing. Stérimar is safe to be used on children 3 months plus, during pregnancy or where the choice of medication may be restricted. It has also been awarded the Allergy UK “Allergy Friendly” product Award. Available from Boots, and most pharmacies across the UK in 100ml (RRP £7.49) and a handy 50ml size (RRP £4.07) available from pharmacies. For more information, please visit www.Sterimarnasal.co.uk

6.

Keep an eye on pollen forecasts and take extra care if the pollen count is high. You can keep track of the pollen count on websites such as: www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/pollenforecast

7.

Invest in an air purifier, which can help to trap any pollen that manages to get into the room in which you are studying. AeraMax™’s range of air purifiers are scientifically proven to remove more than 99 per cent of harmful indoor airborne particles - like pollen - to make breathing easier and reduce symptoms. Prices range from £147.07 upwards and for more information visit www.fellowes.com

8.

Wraparound sunglasses are useful to help stop pollen getting blown into their eyes by the wind.

9.

Reduce the amount of pollen in the house as much as possible by ensuring that all windows and doors are firmly shut. After going outdoors, it is a good idea to wash the clothes they were wearing to stop contamination of the house.

The British Airborne Allergy Report.

A recent report by The British Airborne Allergy Foundation shows that a staggering 66% of parents whose children suffer from hay fever, claim it has damaged their childhoods, preventing 13% of them from going to school and 9% of them struggling to leave the house during summer.

The report further states that 46% of adult sufferers have missed out on major life events like weddings because of hay fever (British Airborne Allergy Report was commissioned by air purification specialists Fellowes).

Below are some suggestions from Dr Sarah Brewer on how to help reduce hayfever symptoms in the home.

Dr Sarah Brewer says: “Hayfever symptoms occur when pollen released by plants becomes airborne and inhaled. In those who are sensitive to pollen, the immune system responds by releasing chemicals into the nasal passages, airways and eyes to fight the invading particles. This results in symptoms that include sneezing, blocked and stuffy nose, watery, itchy eyes and generally feeling unwell. Not only does this prevent sufferers from enjoying outdoor activities that we spend all winter looking forward to, but in extreme cases it can affect sleep, concentration during school and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.”

Dr Sarah’s tips to reduce hayfever symptoms in the home: 1.

Start your child’s treatment as soon as they get up the morning, to prepare their system for the day ahead.

2.

Get advice from your pharmacist or GP on what products to use, according to the severity of your child’s symptoms, some antihistamines are not recommended for children so it’s essential that you get the correct advice.

3.

10. Antihistamines can dehydrate the children, so make sure they drink plenty of water throughout the day.

For more information or advice, please visit: http://www.allergyuk.org/ http://www.fellowes.com

If using a nasal spray, make sure they tip their heads forward, look down, insert the nozzle and spray towards the outside of the nose to ensure maximum effectiveness.

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Family Focus

Shared Parental Leave: Parents unaware of changes and reluctant to take up Government’s offer

• • •

65% of parents unaware of new changes to share parental leave 84% of parents would not take up the offer of Shared Parental Leave 15% of employers have a clear idea of how they will implement new provision for their staff

It found that the biggest concern for employers is around the amount of internal administrative changes the legislation will create, while companies also revealed anxieties over managing resources during shorter, potentially more flexible periods of leave and communicating the changes to staff.

Ms Liston-Smith added: “Despite these understandable concerns, we have found that the majority of companies we are working with have welcomed the idea of SPL to support their staff and family-friendly policies, and also as providing more talent retention choices for those women who are significant or main bread-winners within families. However, it’s important that everyone understands the implications of the new legislation for families and businesses and our research shows there is a clear need for more education by the Government. There are solid plans Of those that did know about the Shared Parental Leave (SPL) in place to inform employers but it seems the public wants to changes, many were confused about the implications. Nearly half know more too; and sooner rather than later.” of parents (43%) were under the misconception that parents will have equal rights, when in reality it will be up to the mother or To help businesses confused about the changes in SPL, My Family primary adopter to sign off.

Care, with the support of Hogan Lovells, have created a downloadable Shared Parental Leave: HR Resources Pack 41% were correct in thinking that SPL means that parents will be providing information and advice to HR departments with able to split Parental Leave equally between them while one in questions over what the changes mean to them. ten thought that parents will be able to access the same levels of parental leave pay, when in reality it will depend on what each The guide includes: company will offer.

• Advice on how companies can get to grips with SPL 84% of parents have said that the new SPL legislation will not (or • Bringing SPL to life – a case study with model answers would not have for parents of children over the age of one) make • Thoughts from industry experts on the implications of SPL for any difference to how they take leave after their baby is or was business and gender equality born.

• Access to HR and Diversity webinars

New research has revealed that many parents across the UK are totally unaware of and confused by new legislation being introduced in April next year enabling mothers and fathers to share parental leave. In a survey of 1,000 parents for Good Care Guide, the TripAdvisor style website for the care industry, two thirds (65%) of parents said they were unaware of the changes being introduced in 2015.

Despite this, 65% of parents said that they would jump at the Please note that at 12:30 on Thursday the 19th of June, 2014, My chance to have two to five years off work in order to raise their Family Care will be joined by legal experts and leading employers family if it was an option offered by employers. to present a Webinar for HR and Diversity professionals called Shared Parental Leave: Nine Months and Counting.

Jennifer Liston-Smith, Director of Coaching & Consultancy at My Family Care, the company that provides childcare support to The Webinar is free and you can register here: businesses across the country says: “Our research shows that the https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/202765743 majority of parents are very unsure about the Shared Parental Leave changes, with a large chunk of people not even knowing For more information, please contact: about them altogether. This highlights a need to educate parentshttps://www.myfamilycare.co.uk/ to-be about their options – choices that they have never had to http://www.goodcareguide.co.uk/ quite this degree in the past, enabling women to spend more time at work while their partner takes on the childcare role.”

This research comes just two weeks after a survey from My Family Care and Hogan Lovells revealed that a mere 15 per cent of employers had a clear idea of how they will implement the new provision for their staff who are parents.

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Business Focus

For more information, details of next events or to join up, please visit: www.thebuggynetwork.com This month has been an interesting one. We started with our new venue of Karen’s Kitchen at St Luke’s Church for our Social Media Friday meeting!!!! The last Friday of the month I am there with my boys ready with great coffee and, thank god, gluten free cake that tastes of real cake (!!!) for us all to discuss our uses of social media within our work, and for me to help anyone that might need it with some tips and bits and bobs for a relaxing session whilst the kids do their thing.

As usual we were dictated to by what the kids wanted but thankfully Karen has a selection of food that the kids love so they just had to say a very polite ‘please’ to our good lady and they were happy too. Having our elder children with us too for half term was actually really nice as the older ones were making friends too. All in all a great start.

We mainly got down to twitter business as for some reason this seems to confound most people. I find that a lot with everyone I meet that they either love it or they can’t get their heads round it. This of course I find fascinating as I do love a bit of twitter and use it a lot. What I say to everyone is to give yourself a week to get used to it. If you use it every day and do certain things with it every day you will slowly start to enjoying and learn its ways. Its a grower, but its great.

I do love it when we all get involved. It’s nice when we all chat and help each other out. Sometimes I find that people come to meetings and the like, and look to me to tell them all of the answers. I don’t always know, but coming to meetings is about connecting with other people and learning from their experiences too. That’s how we get to know each other and make friends ideally. I love it when I see that other people have suddenly struck up friendships that they met at our meetings and I feel (maybe selfishly) that I helped that happen in a tiny way. And to be honest I like that. It can be so hard to meet friends that are in a similar situation as you, where I feel at The Buggy Network we have a bond that we can’t find with the mums at school. I really love that aspect of our meetings too. I find that we are bonding a lot more and where I used to have to really control the meetings, I only really do that when we have new people there. We do generally flow with business conversations and we all get a chance organically to speak its networking in the most relaxed way.

But what next. What have you all been doing?

Its looks like for some its been a hard month. There are strange things going on in the atmosphere I think as for some of us we are not having the best time. Its difficult as when the ***t hits the fan we retreat but what we should be doing is ganging up and joining forces. Some of our families are doing exactly that thankfully! Its a great thing to see people joining together to help each other when times are really hard and we bond even more with our honesty and compassion. In some ways we are all in the same position, working for ourselves as well as having children. But I think its our entrepreneurial needs that bring us closer. Its not just about the kids its about our need to succeed! We all want to make sure our children have the best that we can, but when our pride is threatened as well, lets face it our need to be good at something can get in the way and leave us devastated!!! But we can rise again. Sometimes we really do need to go all of the way to hell just to be able to claw our way back and do it ourselves. It sounds TERRIBLE and it is but it will be ok. We really will. Part of that is that you have a network of people rooting for you. I’m not saying that The Buggy Network will change your life, not at all. But sometimes just having the right friends will and I hope that for us that are with the network we do find that here. I personally find that comforting every day.

The Buggy Network Not just for business but for finding business buddies.

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Home & Furnishings At Baby Buzz Magazine we love searching for new products, themes and ideas to show how to make the most of your child’s space and creating a warm, playful and inviting atmosphere. We kicked started our Home & Furnishings section with the wonderful Room to Grow and we wanted to follow up with something a little more unusual but offering beautiful products suited to you and your family. indigo and rose have a variety of products suited to the home but they have a special section called Little indigo and rose, which is what we have focused on this month.

Cloud Cushion - £19.00 Cloud Cushion in soft cotton fleece

Knitted Bunny - £28.00

Knitted Bunny in pure wool

Sheep Baby Blanket - £27.00

Spot Baby Blanket - £29.00

Organic Cotton Spot Baby Blanket with Embroidered Bird

Bird in Tree Baby Blanket - £35.00

Cloud Baby Blanket - £35.00

Sheep Baby Blanket in soft cotton fleece

Bird in Tree Baby Blanket in organic cotton

Cloud Baby Blanket in cotton fleece

www.indigoandrose.co.uk About indigo & rose After a successful career in fashion design, Jane Wilkinson has turned her expertise to gifts and homeware with the creation of indigo and rose, an inspired collection combining the new and the nostalgic. Jane undertakes the entire process herself, from creating exclusive designs and sourcing classic textiles to running the website. From cute lambswool dogs and lavender owls to the softest woollen throws and vintage fabric furnishings, many items in the indigo and rose collection are handmade from an eclectic mix of heritage and vintage textiles, reworked with a touch of originality. Yorkshire woven wools, vintage Liberty and Sanderson florals plus mattress ticking stripes form the basis of the range.

The collection boasts an array of homeware products including lampshades and cushions, created with the finest linens and decorated with retro florals and vintage cherub prints, designed to complement both contemporary and classic surroundings. A selection of gifts is also available. Choose from sumptuously soft scarves to lovingly crafted lavender hearts. indigo and rose is exclusively available from the Craft Coop Pop Up Shop in Maidenhead, and the House and Garden Spirit of Christmas Fair at London, Olympia. Whether you seek inspiration for your home or simply want a unique gift, indigo and rose delivers the perfect solution.

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The Baby Buzz ‘Get Growing’ Challenge 2014

We are extremely privileged to be joined by Cbeebies Mr Bloom and renowned gardening consultant , Dawn Isaac for the Baby Buzz ‘Get Growing’ Guide for 2014!

Growing your own fruit and vegetables is such a great family activity that gets everyone involved and provides you with an edible end result - which gives you such a rewarding feeling!

Growing your own doesn’t have to be expensive and you can cultivate your own seeds if you do a little bit of research. Most vegetables will have seeds that you can keep, dry out and in turn sow when the time is right. Why not give it a go and send in your photos to feature in future issues and online. If you are a novice at growing you own , there are so many websites giving you tips and suggestions and if you visit Suttons website they have a Vegetable Garden Planner that suits all types of outdoor spaces from allotments to pots and gardens to grow bags. Why not get your school involved too? Suttons have a new online gardening store aimed at helping schools (primary and junior) to introduce the joy of gardening across the whole school community. To register your school or for more information, please visit: www.littlegreensprouts.co.uk

MONTH FOUR: WE HAVE LIFT OFF! We have tomatoes!! Okay there are only four, but that’s a great start for me! The weather, on the whole, has been great with a little flooding here and there but otherwise glorious sunshine which the veggies seem to be loving! We’ve had a small handful of strawberries and an abundance of of peas which have been pretty much eaten straight from the various plants! I can’t wait for all the tomatoes to start getting ripe - as we have a lot of plants I think we may be eating tomatoes with every meal! Happy times. www.babybuzzmagazine.com

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The Baby Buzz ‘Get Growing’ Challenge 2014

That's it. I'm calling it. Summer is officially here. Not only that but the days are as long as they get so it's the perfect time to make the most of your garden. Just don't forger the sun hat and sun cream.

Here are my top ten things to do outside in June and July: 1.

Take a thin but strong twig and thread on all sorts of soft fruits, seed heads, flowers and foliage to create your own flower fairy;

2.

Save your favourite blooms by pressing them - you can use a special flower press or make your own by placing petals, flowers or leaves between layers of plain paper or newspaper and then sandwiching this between heavy books for a couple of weeks;

3.

Sow winter salad leaves outside such as rocket, mizuna and kale so you have Dawn Isaac is a garden designer, writer and mother of three. Her most recent book is 101 Things For Kids something lovely to pick later in the year; To Do Outside published by Kyle Books (RRP £14.99) and you can follow her blog about gardening with children at www.littegreenfingers.com.

4.

Make sure you harvest your courgettes before they become marrows;

5.

Use garden finds such as twigs, grass, stones, feathers and flowers placed on a board or table top to make an outdoor collage;

6.

Use craft scissors to take off old flower heads – this ‘dead heading’ will encourage the plant to produce more blooms;

7.

Place an old sheet over a clothes horse and create a pretend outdoor camp;

8.

Try drying your own herbs by hanging them somewhere airy and warm;

9.

Find a clear and sunny spot, mark a point somewhere in the middle with stones or an old tile and stand on this at each hour. If you use another stone to mark where the top of your shadow each time, you can create your own human sundial;

10. Harvest nasturtium and pot marigold flowers, as well as purple and green lettuce leaves to make a multi-coloured summer salad.

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Food, Recipes & Advice

National Food Safety Week - Keeping it safe for your family!

The 16��-20�� June 2014 sees the yearly launch of Food Standards Agency National Food Safety Week. As parents it is more important than ever that you prepare your babies & children’s food safely to prevent any risk of illness. Under 5’s are at particular risk from food poisoning as their immune systems are not yet fully developed, although following food safety advice will help prevent the whole family from getting ill. This year the message of the campaign is ‘Not washing Raw Chicken’. Washing raw chicken is something that lots of people do, either for cultural reasons, habit or just because it’s what they have seen their own mother do. But the truth is, there is no benefit in washing raw meats. In fact it probably does more harm than good. Washing chicken can cause contaminated water to be splashed around on to other surfaces, other food, your skin, your clothing and equipment which can lead to serious illness.

Raw chicken naturally contains food poisoning bacteria such salmonella and campylobacter. Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. It can last up to 10 days, although the typical symptoms last between 2 and 5 days. Campylobacter infection can be particularly severe in small children and adults over 60. Campylobacter poisoning usually develops a few days after consuming contaminated food and leads to symptoms that include: ● ● ●

abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea vomiting ( but not in all cases)

So how can you help to protect your family against food poisoning?

Avoiding Cross Contamination ● Stop washing raw chicken to avoid cross contamination ● Cross contamination occurs when harmful germs such as campylobacter are spread between food, surfaces and equipment. ● Help to prevent this by removing clutter that you don’t need and washing worktops before and after food preparation.

Chilling ● Store raw chicken and other raw meats at the bottom of the fridge and properly wrap or cover it to avoid raw juices contaminating other foods. ● Make sure the fridge temperature is running at or below 5° C. ● Don’t overfill your fridge. This will allow air to circulate and maintains the set temperature.

Cleaning ● Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before preparing and after handling raw food such as chicken. ● Thoroughly wash and clean all utensils, chopping boards and surfaces used to prepare raw chicken. Use an antibacterial spray to disinfect surfaces ● Always use a chopping board. Wash the board and other utensils in hot, soapy water when you’ve finished using them and in between preparing raw foods such as chicken and ready-to-eat food. Consider using separate chopping boards for raw and ready-to-eat food. ● Wash or change dish cloths, tea towels and sponges regularly and let them dry before you use them again. Dirty, damp cloths are the perfect place for bacteria to breed.

Cooking chicken thoroughly ● Cook chicken thoroughly until it is steaming hot in the middle and the juices run clear. This will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.

Watch out for #playingchicken & #FSW2014 on twitter and facebook during Food Safety Week and join in the chat!. For further advice on food safety refer to the Food Standards Agency website www.food.gov.uk

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Food, Recipes & Reviews

Entertaining at home is a lovely thing to do especially in the summer when you can spill out into the garden. It’s informal, great for kids and with some preparation and choosing the right food you as the host will be able to enjoy it too. Adam Neale executive chef for Boulevard Events shares with us his tips for party food that is simple and delicious with a bit of a wow factor.

Adam’s Top Tips ● ●

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Prepare as much in advance as possible.

Don’t cut corners with home made dressings - they are quick and easy to make and transform the taste of a simple salad (see the french dressing recipe) and are light years away in taste from ready made versions.

Don't overcomplicate salads - mixed leaves, some cherry tomatoes and red onion work beautifully.

Keep it simple do what you are good at. What is your signature dish? You don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen and miss the party.

Bright and colourful. Think about how you would garnish your dishes. Herbs are a great way to finish a dish with flavour and also a touch of elegance.

To bring out the best flavours when preparing your dishes think about the base ingredients, how fresh and where they are from too (use seasonal they’re more likely to be local).

Try layering of flavours for example for a delicious white wine sauce; First layer onions garlic parsley stalks, second layer white wine third layer chicken stock, fourth layer double cream; fifth layer lemon juice and salt and pepper. By ‘layering’ you get the best flavours at the end.

Try and be clinical when you are cooking. There are many websites that can tell you what temperature to take meats and fish to so they are at their best when served. Buy a probe which will help you to do this.

Get to know your oven. All ovens work differently and have hot areas and cooler areas. Work out which are which and this will help you to create mouth watering and wonderful dishes.

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Fool-proof French Dressing 3 tbsp of good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1/4 of a teaspoon of ready made English mustard 1 clove of garlic crushed salt ground black pepper pinch or two of sugar Combine all the ingredients and add to the salad just before serving Salmon & Superfood Avocado Salad Marinate salmon portions in garlic, lemon, chervil and olive oil.

Roast skin side up in the oven on 100�C for 1 hour While it’s cooking prepare the superfood salad Slice in whichever quantities you wish; tomatoes, onions, avocado Mix in; watercress and sunflower seeds Drizzle; sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil lemon juice Season with; sea salt and cracked black pepper.

Place the salmon on top of the salad Dress the plate with cubes of beetroot and edible flowers for extra wow!

Perfect Sparkling Summer Punch Keeping the drinks options simple is a good bet our summer punch and some fizz always makes things feel special.

4 parts orange juice 2 parts vodka 2 parts champagne (or sparkling wine) 2 parts lemonade Sliced strawberries, orange, cucumber

Adam Neale is Executive Chef at Boulevard Events.

For more information, please contact: www.boulevardevents.co.uk or Tel: 0208 533 3341

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Food, Recipes & Reviews

The Rose & Crown Combining history with character and modern cuisine!

The Rose & Crown is one of those hidden gems that you really want to be the one to say ‘I found it first’. Not sure I can stake that claim just yet, but I’m working on it! I have to confess that I was a little dismayed reading some of the reviews and comments and at first was a little unsure that perhaps this place was suitable at all for me or my readers.

After delving a little further into the history I learnt that the Rose & Crown was once owned by the grandparents of Dick Turpin and rumour has it that he once used the pub as a secret hideout. The Rose & Crown has been taken over recently by new management and has a new chef so I decided to see if anything had improved from the negativity previously experienced by others.

Being situated at the hollow between Whitewebbs Park and Hilly Fields means there are fields to explore, parks to roam and adventure trails to be discovered and you can use the Rose & Crown as a starting or finishing point. First impressions are good, the outside has clearly had a spruce up and looks fresh and inviting. Once inside you are overwhelmed by the character features, the ambience and admittedly it does look a little tired on the décor front, but this is easily forgotten.

There are little nooks and crannies everywhere with adequate seating for either the casual drinker, the tourist, the family or the diner. The staff are helpful, warm and welcoming and I started off the review by speaking to both the chef Dave and also to Mark who manages the pub.

Both are hugely optimistic about which direction they want the pub to go in and Mark has fantastic ideas as to what he would like to do to improve the décor and make it more inviting to new customers (not that this should put you off, I will definitely be coming here again and soon!). One of the many reasons I wanted to review the Rose & Crown was because of the negative comments made about the food and not being known as family friendly. Let me start by dispelling both! Not only is there ample space for families away from perhaps rowdy individuals but there is an outside seating area and adequate seating for dining as well. The menu changes on a predominantly daily basis but the basic staples which are firm favourites with regulars tend to stay put. For my review I had a taster session to experience as many options as possible (not being greedy honestly..) and I wasn’t disappointed! The

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185 Clay Hill, London EN2 9AJ 020 8366 0864 starters consisted of Grilled Halloumi, a ‘shot’ of sweet red pepper dip, crispy spiced chicken wings, king prawns with diced pancetta and fried bread bruschetta with cherry tomatoes, garlic and herbs. Let me say on record the ‘taster’ plate should be an option on the menu - it was to die for, give the diner a taste of everything! The prawns were the juiciest, plumpest prawns I’ve had and the pancetta was a divine accompaniment, whilst the Halloumi had been grilled with just enough of a bite and went perfectly with the shot of red pepper dip! I could and should have finished the entire plate but at least I know what to order when I go back! The main course was just as good and for some food, which I used to think I didn’t care for too much, I found myself enjoying everything wholeheartedly! The sea bass was incredible and served on a bed of Mediterranean vegetable with a small round of rice and anchovies. This was seasoned beautifully and fell apart, I hadn’t expected the anchovies to work well, being fish with fish, but it jut gave it the edge it needed. The most surprising thing on the plate was the Goats Cheese served with finely sliced beetroot on top of fried bread.

The flavours of the goats cheese with the sweetness of the beetroot and exquisite and the fried bread is that guilty pleasure you just want more of! After devouring this I had a taster portion of the beef cooked in a rich red wine sauce and served in a giant Yorkshire pudding, the taste was rich and velvety and seasoned perfectly, my one little criticism is that the Yorkie was bought and not made - if you can create perfection in every other dish, do the same with the Yorkshire pudding! I can’t even begin to tell you about dessert (yes I made room!!) A gorgeous vanilla ice-cream served with a strawberry sauce and crushed meringue on top, warm, thick waffles with a rich toffee sauce, strawberries sliced finely and served with a coulis and little cubes of jelly made from cranberry and vodka - (oh my god this was the icing or should I say jelly on the plate!) Finally, and believe me I ate the lot, the apple crumble was the most amazing finale I could have asked for. With a perfect pastry base, thick chunky apples and topped with the finest buttery crumble, I couldn’t fault any part of it! Overall, I had a fabulous meal that cost considerably less than any 5* establishment, the staff were amazing, friendly and couldn’t have been more helpful. An absolute must for all my readers whether taking their family or their friends!

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Food, Recipes & Reviews

“I’ll have the lobster”… Rise in high-end, child friendly dining opens the way for children to experience the food their parents adore!

Foodie parents have long suffered a drastic change in their dining habits once their little ones arrive – swapping nigiri for nuggets and chorizo for chips. However, the end is in sight as the cream of UK restaurants are extending their menus to cater for the future foodie generation. To save parents from succumbing to a fast food outlet or a multi-coloured chain, leading online restaurant booking service OpenTable has compiled their pick of foodie restaurants that now offer food and entertainment for even the tiniest of tummies.

OpenTable can also reveal that several of these high-end eateries are also increasingly being asked to plate up miniature versions of their existing menus. “In addition to a high quality kids menu, chefs are dishing up small versions of the parents’ orders – for many kids, the spicier and more adventurous the better!” Lucy Taylor, Head of UK Restaurant Relations, OpenTable. If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids, here are OpenTable’s pick for some of the best UK restaurants that are guaranteed to impress the whole family: Hix Soho | London Kids under 10 eat free at select times and there is a monthly ‘Art and Food club’ drawing competition in addition to superb options for the little ones Bread Street Kitchen | London Offers kids menu with high quality, ‘grown-up’ ingredients (think crushed not mushy peas) The Dirty Habit | Kent Menu for “kids who like good food”. Moroccan lamb burger gets a special mention The Savoy Grill | London Elegant atmosphere which welcomes kids – children’s menu comes highly recommended Pizza East | London (various locations) Quality, interesting pizzas for all the family River Cottage | Axminster Interactive experience that teaches kids about philosophy, provenance and preparation of their food Inamo | London The interactive ordering system projected onto the tables is sure to please techie teenagers The Rosendale | London Kids free to explore the sunny garden complete with climbing frame, playhouse and ride-on cars The Plough at Harbone | Birmingham Kids will love the colouring sheets that accompany the menu Contini | Edinburgh Family owned Italian in the heart of Edinburgh with different portion sizes available for the kids

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We had the opportunity of reviewing one of the venues listed, The Rosendale in West Dulwich. Our first impressions were a little dubious, located in a highly residential area with really not much around. The pub itself exudes charm and provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Rosendale is spacious inside and out and boasts a generous play area for the children, which it is known for especially during the summer months. The menu appears simple but glancing over the specific options you will see the precision in ingredients sought to create each dish but I will go into that shortly.

The children’s menu is what you would expect with pizza, fish fingers, beefburgers and chicken nuggets but that’s just about where the similarity ends. Each option is homemade with quality British sought ingredients and the fish fingers, which I ordered for my three year old, were devoured within record time and tasted wonderful. The main menu which my older daughter Mia and I chose from was just as impressive. Having ordered the Oxspring’s ham, Laverstoke Park Farm buffalo mozzarella, rocket, oil and balsamic I was expecting a simple classic dish but by far this was the best mozzarella with the most delicate of flavours and finest ham I think I’ve had to date! My daughter ordered the calamari which had a fine batter but lacked in seasoning and felt a little overpowered by the aioli.

Our main courses soon followed with fish and chips for Mia and one of the specials of the day Steak and Mushroom Pie with Chips and gravy. The fish and chips were huge and great value with generous portion sizes, seasoned to perfection this was extremely tasty and thoroughly enjoyed! The steak pie was delicious, if not a little on the salty side, but it was packed to the brim with tender pieces of steak and a rich sauce. The home-made pastry was a little thick on top and so a little undercooked in places but the crunch to the top and the seasoning again was just yummy! Following on from this was the pudding and the girls both had cupcakes which they could decorate themselves. I have to say we were seriously impressed that the cupcakes were huge and made freshly so served still warm with a plate full of decorations. I had the Lemon Meringue Pie which had a superb base topped with a light Italian meringue and I could have eaten at least two (but that would have just been greedy!). Overall good value for tasty food and a good selection of wines and award winning ales.

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Food, Recipes & Reviews

AMOY UNVEILS CHING HE HUANG AS NEW BRAND PARTNER AND FACE OF NEW AMOYZING™ MEALS IN A MINUTE

Top Asian food brand, Amoy, announces leading Chef Ching He Huang as its new brand partner. TV chef, Ching has created a range of deliciously quick and easy Amoyzing™ Meals in a Minute inspiring recipes using a selection of great tasting Amoy products.

The collection of recipes offers a simple and convenient way to bring modern flavours of Asia to kitchens across the UK in a matter of minutes, giving time-poor cooks a wide range of midweek meal options that are quick and easy to prepare. From Thai classics such as Chicken Pad Thai to Chinese dishes like Cantonese Beef and Black Bean Noodles, the Amoyzing™ Meals in a Minute recipe collection offers a wide range of dishes to suit every taste. Commenting on the launch of the Amoyzing™ Meals in a Minute recipe collection, Ching He Huang said: “I’m delighted to be working with Amoy and reveal the recipes I’ve created using their delicious, high quality, variety of products. Asian cuisine provides some of the UK’s favourite dishes, so it’s fantastic to be able to share my recipe ideas with households across the nation, and to help them create the authentic taste of Asia in a matter of minutes.

Malaysian Laksa Easy Meal Kit - Recipe Laksa is an iconic street food served by vendor throughout Malaysia. This spicy noodle dish is quickly gaining popularity outside of Southeast Asia because of it’s scrumptious taste.

“All of the recipes are very tasty, quick and straightforward, and : 2 people : 10 minutes there’s something on offer for everyone. Plus, with the help of the : 5 minutes new Amoy products, creating delicious Asian food for all the family has never been easier!”

Ingredients: Amoy Malaysian Laksa Easy Meal Kit As well as the recipe collection, Amoy is also launching a range of 200g cooked and ready to eat black delicious new products, which include quick, convenient Easy Meal tiger prawns Kits and Stir Fry Soy sauces. The new Easy Meal kits will (Alternatively you can use thinly-sliced revolutionise how you cook midweek. From Malaysian Laksa and chicken breast) Nasi Goreng, to Thai Green Curry and Thai Red Curry, the new 100g green beans, halved selection of four Easy Meal Kits make whipping up authentic Asian 1 large red pepper, diced cuisine easier than ever. The kits contain everything needed to make 1 tablespoon vegetable oil a mouth-watering meal in minutes; just add meat, fish or vegetables as preferred.

Method: 1. Cook the rice noodles in boiling water for 8 minutes, stirring Amoy is also launching a range of Stir Fry Soy sauces; Red Chilli, occasionally, then drain and rinse in cold water Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime, and Garlic and Chinese Five Spice, all 2. Meanwhile, stir fry the green beans and pepper for 5 minutes of which have been especially created to add an extra injection of in vegetable oil. flavour and a tasty twist to liven up your midweek stir-fry.

3. Add prawns (or chicken) and stir fry at high heat for 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.

For more information and to check out Ching He Huang’s Amoyzing™ 4. Cover with laksa paste and stir fry for 1 minute Meals in a Minute recipes, visit www.amoy.co.uk 5. Add coconut milk and the garlic and pepper seasoning and simmer for 3 minutes.

6. Stir the cooked noodles into the sauce and serve piping hot.

For more information, please visit: www.amoy.co.uk

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Travel

TWO-THIRDS OF UK CHILDREN HAVEN’T VISITED THE CAPITAL IN FIVE YEARS Research highlights lack of UK families visiting London as record numbers of international tourists flock to capital city Two thirds (68%) of schoolchildren in the UK haven’t visited any London attractions for at least 5 years according to research released today. The study, which questioned 1,000 parents across the UK also found that 34% of these families have never enjoyed a day out in the capital city.

These findings come in spite of the research highlighting that almost three quarters of parents (73%) believe that it is important for young people to see the history and culture of London as part of their education. Only 16% of parents have taken their children to the capital city in the past 12 months, a figure made the more surprising by recent figures showing London is enjoying unprecedented numbers of international visitors, with 16.8m people visiting from overseas during 2013.

The research, commissioned by the Leisure Pass Group, calculated that the average UK schoolchild last visited the capital in November 2010, meaning that large numbers of schoolchildren won’t have experienced how the city has evolved through hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.

Across the English regions, parents in the North West are the most reluctant to visit the capital with 44% admitting they have never taken their children. Reluctance isn’t limited to the North of the country however, with 1 in 3 parents in the Midlands (31%) admitting to having never made the comparatively short trip.

Young parents (25-34) across the UK place the most emphasis on visiting, with 77% believing it is key to a child’s development. Of those who travel from out of town, parents from the South East and East Anglia are most likely to tick off the highest number of locations, with 47% and 43% of parents saying their children have visited at least 5 London tourist attractions.

Amanda Truman, spokesperson for Leisure Pass Group said of the findings, “London is a leading global city that is welcoming unprecedented numbers of international visitors. This study does however show that a large proportion of UK families haven’t visited the capital for over three years, with some having never been at all.

UK parents clearly still think it is important that children see the capital as part of their childhood and we want to assist them in helping their children to do just this. Products like our London Pass offer families the chance to find out more about London’s history and visit a number of different attractions in a single day trip, offering savings on admission if they clock up just three locations.

Air France presents Kids and Kids Solo - a free, enhanced offer for all the family One and half million children travelled – either accompanied or alone – in 2013, and to cater for its family passengers, Air France is now offering enhanced services for children travelling both accompanied and unaccompanied; fun, new products for younger travellers; and a world-exclusive travel insurance offer for unaccompanied travelling minors.

Travel designed with family in mind – Air France Kids Air France’s Kids features several new products and services for 2014, including: -

A colouring book for younger passengers, designed by Air France staff More youth magazines available on digital tablets Air France flight certificates for a child’s first flight, or on their birthday A Kids’ Zone in the Business Class lounge of Terminal 2 Hall M throughout the summer, complete with board games, magazines, and SONY games consoles

Special attention for little ones before, during, and after their flight – Air France Kids Solo Air France has set up a variety of partnerships to offer young travellers more entertainment options at its airports than ever before, keeping them occupied when waiting for their flight.

Starting this summer, Kids Solo Lounges at Paris-Orly and ParisCharles De Gaulle will feature several games consoles courtesy of the airline’s partnership with SONY, allowing young guests to play on PS3 and PS Vita consoles.

Enhanced peace of mind – unaccompanied minors’ insurance offer with Mondial Assurance Air France is the first company to offer unaccompanied minors’ insurance, in partnership with Mondial Assurance. The policy offers: -

Guaranteed delivery of key items such as a favourite toy or prescription medications, to the holiday location An information and medical advice helpline available for the duration of the child’s stay A cash advance where necessary, given with parental consent, for the child’s use 10 hours of educational support per week* By the end of 2014, Air France will also have rolled out their Kids Solo policy of sending a text message to confirm the aircraft’s take-off to the person accompanying the child to the airport, and also to the person waiting for the child on the flight’s arrival

For more information and to book, visit www.airfrance.co.uk

It is our hope that during half-term and the upcoming summer holidays, parents across the UK will take the opportunity to reconnect with our great capital city and enjoy some of the countless sights and sounds it has to offer” More information on the London Pass can be found at http://www.londonpass.com

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Travel

MEMORIES CHILDREN WILL CHERISH FOREVER

at Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina, Saint Lucia Located on the sheltered west coast of Saint Lucia the 127 bedroom resort is set amongst the local rainforest and boasts stretching views out over the breath-taking bay. One of the only safe havens for super yachts on the island, Capella’s very own marina and shopping village is leading the way in the luxury yachting world.

The property features: ● Spa Village with double treatment pods and rainforest showers surrounded by private Zen water gardens; ● Infinity swimming pool overlooking the bay with swim up bar and water sun loungers; ● Show kitchen and restaurant focusing on fresh local produce from the island; ● Rum Cave tucked away under the resort ready for guests to mix, taste and learn about the local delicacy ● Marina Village with local artisan shops, restaurants and galleries all showcasing local talent.

Reminisce on the days when you were a child; the carefree, adrenaline fuelled laughter memories with your family and loved ones. Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina opens its doors in July 2014 and is the latest luxury addition to the Saint Lucian hotel portfolio and the newest member of the Capella Hotels & Resorts brand. This luxurious new hotel is giving you the exclusive opportunity to live them all over again, with your own children, forming your children’s future memories.

Children may be small in size, but there is as much time and attention placed on creating the most perfect children’s activities, as there is spent on creating the perfect holiday for adult s at Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina.

From July 2014 onwards, the ‘new’ kids’ activities include; navigating the seas at Captain Jack’s Nautical Sailing Academy, cook up a tropical treat in the Capella Jnr. Top Chef Programme, transform into a little beach monster in the Capella Cookie Monster Programme, catch a delicacy under the supervision of the Marigot Bay Youth Angler’s Academy, go green at the Jnr. Master Gardener Programme. There is an activity for every child at Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina.

The children’s activities available to guests have been carefully thought of, ensuring that there is something for every family, accommodating all tastes. One thing to be certain of, activities allow families the chance to spend precious, quality time together, whilst serving the kids with a plate of action-packed, adrenaline pumped, continuous fun. But fear not, Capella Marigot Bay believe in rewarding parents with a little down time, alone. Parents have full access to the Spa whilst the kids are being well-cared for by trained professionals.

Regardless of age and interests, your children will most definitely find an activity to keep them entertained, so the challenge is this; how many activities can one family pack into one luxurious family holiday at Capella Marigot Bay Resort & Marina?

For more information on Capella Marigot Bay Saint Lucia please visit: http://www.capellahotelgroup.com/capellahotels/stlucia-en.html Capella Hotels and Resorts serves today’s top-tier travelers and residential property owners and is setting a new standard in the hospitality industry. Capella promises the unique benefits of the finest boutique hotels, including superb architecture and interior design, privacy, individualized service and attention to detail – combined with the amenities and activities of the world’s great luxury hotels and resorts. Capella is a brand focused on customer choice, and offers choices that no other hotel company in the world can match.

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Travel

Sandy Balls’ new Camping Pods are the must-have this season

For the ultimate in glamping, chic award-winning Sandy Balls Holiday Village has introduced a new range of unique Camping Pods in the heart of the stunning New Forest. The funky timber Pods let you sleep under the stars and enjoy camping’s spirit of adventure without the hassle of putting up a tent or the discomfort of a bed on the ground.

This exciting holiday experience is the must-have this season and comes complete with a comfy seating area, which converts into a double bed, and two single pull-out chair beds to accommodate four guests. Unlike usual camping, they’re the perfect way to get close to nature for more of the year.

Whatever the weather, the popular Pods boast all the mod cons to keep snuggly inside. A TV will keep you entertained, while a fridge keeps your drinks on ice or a kettle offers a warming brew.

The Pods are set in Sandy Balls’ private 120-acre estate in the idyllic New Forest National Park. It’s the ideal base for fabulous woodland walks under the forest canopy, cycling and horse riding. The banks of the picturesque River Avon, which meanders along its boundaries, are hard to beat for the best summer picnic spot.

Onsite facilities include a Cycle Centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, The Retreat Hair & Beauty for a little extra pampering, Pizza in the Piazza, the new-look Woodside Inn and the convenient Village Store to make your stay easy.

Sandy Balls has built a reputation for five-star customer service during its 95 years of welcoming guests. Relax, unwind and make the most of time together with family or friends with an escape from everyday life.

To stay in a Camping Pod in July, four nights start from just £199 for four people.

To book or for more information see www.sandyballs.co.uk or call 0844 693 1050. www.babybuzzmagazine.com

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Travel

Travel Essentials for your Summer Holidays Preparing for the Summer holidays when travelling with your family brings a whole new definition to packing the essentials! With so much emphasis on protecting delicate skin and making sure you take the right things with you, we searched the market for some of the best and innovative products available.

Almost everyone I know who has a baby or toddler has a travel cot but inevitably most of them require assembly or are heavy and quite cumbersome. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get one that popped straight up, was easy to assemble and you could use in a multitude of ways? Well that’s one problem solved then!

I learnt the hard way recently after being in the sun for about 20 minutes and getting heatstroke! I’m not silly and don’t normally go unprotected but I figured 20 minutes doing an errand wouldn’t matter but boy was I wrong! With a burnt back and god awful headaches and sickness I certainly won’t be doing that again. It was quite coincidental that I was sent a new sun lotion and after sun to review the following day and thank god for that. The first thing I noticed was the lack of that ‘smell’ that most sun lotions seem to have - this was odourless and so easy to apply. I have to say the relief to my back was the first blessing. The brand focuses on no perfume, no mineral oils, no emulsifiers, no preservatives and for the sun lotion - is water-resistant and has a 50+ SPF which is fantastic! We are very much favouring this brand and look forward to seeing what the other products are like.

The ultrasun range is available now from QVC, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Waitrose and many other stores nationwide from £20.00 Another essential families will take with them, especially on day trips, is the ever faithful lunchbox.

The one big difference with the Yumbox is that this brings the end to soggy sandwiches and plastic wrap! Divided into five ½ cup portions of the key food groups, you can now offer your child many different options to snack from. The biggest feature of the yumbox is the unique one-lid closure that seals each portion from the other with no risk of mixing different food types. A fab little lunchbox that provides a great way to feed your children.

Available in Pomme Green or Framboise Pink at just £24.95.

Travel Essentials have created the NSA Travel Centre (available in standard - ages 0-2 years or Deluxe - ages 0-4 years) which has UPF35+ sun protection and is extremely lightweight. The Travel Centre pops straight up and is really simple to assemble as well as being BS Travel Cot approved. It really is a multi-functional product whether you want it as a play tent to take to the park, beach or have in the garden.

Safe & comfortable for little ones to sleep in, anywhere, any time!

Comes with a quilted sleep-mat and self inflating mattress. Fast and simple to put up and take down. Available in a full range of gorgeous colours. RRP Standard £69.50/Deluxe RRP £89.50 Safetots, Boots, Amazon.

For more information, please visit: www.safetotos.co.uk

Available at: http://www.yumbox-uk.co.uk/

COMPETITION TIME

We love, love, love this little swimming costume - the latest designs in swimming costumes from the SplashAbout brand; available in a range of fruity and floral prints and cute frills. Made using only the best quality nylon lycra, providing added stretch and chlorine resistance for longer lasting use. Offers SPF50+ sun protection both in and out of the water. My little girl has been pleading to wear it around the house so I think it’s time we made a visit to the swimming pool soon to keep her happy!

Priced from £19.99 so really great value!

We have a fantastic prize giveaway for TWO lucky readers, with a chance to win a NSA Deluxe Travel Centre RRP £89.50!

For your chance to win this competition, simply answer the following question and email your answer to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com.

Q: What age range is the NSA Deluxe Travel Centre suitable for a) b) c)

0 - 6 years old 0 - 2 years old 0 - 4 years old

For more information, please visit: www.splashabout.com

For more information, please visit:http://www.safetotos.co.uk/

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Blue Almonds relocates to a magical new store Once upon a time back in 2007, luxury children’s boutique BLUE ALMONDS opened its doors at 79 Walton Street. A magical haven for children and adults alike, the stunning store initially focused on bespoke children’s interiors perfect for modern, light pastel rooms. Ready-to-wear and accessories soon followed suit and fast forward to 2014, BLUE ALMONDS is now relocating to a shiny new store on the sunny side of the road.

60% bigger in size than the previous space, loyal BLUE ALMONDS’ customers can still expect to find all their favourite fashion and interiors along with new-to-store labels including traditional Spanish brand Paz Rodriguez, Olli Eli rocking chairs and top quality Italian cashmere from Masserano. New toy brands include Gund, Selecta and popular US label Manny & Simon while Daisy & Bump artwork and Dr Seuss books are ideal for all ages. What’s more, there will be a wider selection of children’s furniture with a stronger focus on older children with plenty more exciting ideas under way. While sizes range from newborn to age 4, BLUE ALMONDS’ FOUNDER Izabela Minkiewicz expects ready-to-wear to be available for children up to 8 years of age in the near future.

“Blue Almonds is not only growing in size but we are growing with the customer too and it’s a pleasure to be able to dress children that we once dressed as babies,” said Iza of the new ranges.

The new store will also offer a central babies’ play area as well as custom-made pictures designed exclusively for Blue Almonds and a children’s reading and colouring area.

Iza says, “I am thrilled to be launching our new store on Walton Street. Blue Almonds has grown exponentially since its launch and we now have a regular client and celebrity base who I know are just as excited as I am! I’m lucky to be able to stay in the same neighbourhood while offering my loyal customers a more interactive and enjoyable experience for both mothers and babies.”

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80

News & Entertainment

Pip Ahoy! airs on Channel 5’s Milkshake!

Salty Cove boasts everything a proper seaside resort should have – a sandy beach with little coves and pools to visit, along with welcoming beach huts and a sunny promenade with its parade of shops of all kind.

To one end of the cove is an observatory manned by the brainy and erudite Professor Evie, and to the other end a lighthouse stands overlooking a boatyard, which contains several crafts of various shapes and sizes. Some of these belong to the most respected inhabitant of Salty Cove, the redoubtable Captain Skipper, Pip’s uncle.

The folk that live in this idyllic place are as motley a crew as you could imagine from Pasty, the acquisitive crab with an extraordinary collection of bric-a-brac, Hopper, the one legged acrophobic seagull with big ambition and little gumption, Madame Éclair, a French poodle of high-breeding and exquisite taste in confectionary and cakes, Mrs Twitcher, a keen birdwatcher and Salty Cove’s very own taxi driver, a colony of rather well spoken puffins clustered around an island offshore and a flock of seagulls, Kevin, Cyril and Percy who make mischief. A quintet of singing limpets, the Squiblets, pop up from time to time to warble a brief barber’s shop type harmony and beneath the waves, The much-anticipated children’s animated series Pip Ahoy! from CHF resides a drummer of multi-limbed capability, the renowned Rocktopus.

Entertainment Ltd will be airing on Channel 5’s Milkshake starting on 12th June 2014. Pip Ahoy! follows the adventures of an eager happy- Keith Hopwood, managing director of CHF Music Rights Ltd wrote and go-lucky young pup called Pip and his best friend Alba the kitten around produced the music for the Pip Ahoy! series. Stacey Solomon recorded the colourful and enchanting seaside resort of Salty Cove. Aimed at the vocals for the Pip Ahoy! theme song and eight children from the pre-school children from the age of two, Pip Ahoy! will bring fun and Little Stars Stage School in Warrington were used for the shout out - Pip laughter into every home with a mixture of the extraordinary and the Ahoy!, familiar. The series has been produced by CHF Entertainment’s hugely For more information about Pip Ahoy! talented creative team under the leadership of multi award-winners Jean Flynn and Ben Turner and features Sir David Jason as the voice of please visit www.chfentertainment.com/site/shows/pip-overview Pip’s caring uncle, Skipper. X Factor finalist, singer and reality TV star, Stacey Solomon, has also recorded the theme song and is the voice of the pink flamingo, Fuchsia.

Jessica Symons, Head of Children’s at Channel 5 says: “We are very excited to be launching the first new show from CHF Entertainment.

There is a great deal of British heritage in the company and Pip Ahoy! features an all-star cast from an all-star studio. The show fits perfectly into our portfolio of children’s programmes and is a great asset to our week day schedule. I am sure the Milkshake audience will take Pip and his friends to their hearts.”

Simon Hall, managing director of CHF Entertainment comments, “We are delighted to be working with Channel 5 on the first animated series to come out of our studio. Pip Ahoy! uniquely evokes a special time and places for children and parents – summer adventures by the sea.”

“The pre-school audience is open to all kinds of animation styles and the variety out there is huge, but the most successful can often be the simplest 2d illustrative styles. We therefore developed Pip Ahoy! with this in mind. The pre-school age group is also unique because parental choice and influence holds the biggest sway. Parents are the prime ambassadors of a brand and if parents don’t like the show, their child stands less chance of watching it. We believe we have created a show that will be respected and enjoyed by children and parents alike.”

Helen Brown, producer of Pip Ahoy said: “We created a warm and inviting environment, with stories that take our audience on a fun and exciting adventure with learning discoveries made along the way and a cast of characters that fulfil the tried and tested formula for success.

Pip represents who we would like to be – courageous, positive, energetic and well loved. The initial 26 episodes will be airing in the first series with another 26 episodes already in production.”

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Competitions

We have an amazing prize giveaway for one lucky reader the chance to win a BabyBay Convertible and mattress RRP £269!

We have a fantastic prize giveaway for TWO lucky readers, with a chance to win a NSA Deluxe Travel Centre RRP £89.50!

For your chance to win this fabulous competition, simply answer the following question and email your answer to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com.

For your chance to win this competition, simply answer the following question and email your answer to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com.

Q:

Q: What age range is the NSA Deluxe Travel Centre suitable for

Up to what age can you use the BabyBay Convertible in side-sleeping mode? a) b) c)

a) b) c)

up to 3 years old up to 6 months old up to 12 months old

0 - 6 years old 0 - 2 years old 0 - 4 years old

For more information, please visit: http://www.nsauk.com/ You can find the answer here: www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk Baby Buzz magazine has teamed up with Photobox to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a fabulous PhotoBook just in time for Summer to the value of £29.99! For your chance to win, simply send your answer to the following question to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com

What is the Facebook Page for PhotoBox?

The fabulous Hauck Lacrosse SND Travel System as reviewed on page For your chance to win one of the sets, simply send your answer to the following question to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com

Just in time for the World Cup! We have 5 x sets of fabulous ‘Limited Edition’ difrax dummies and anti colic s-bottles (suitable from birth) to give away!

For your chance to win one of the sets, simply send your answer to the following question to me at info@babybuzzmagazine.com When was difrax founded? a) 1907 b) 1967 c) 2007 Answers can be found here: www.difrax.com (Please note that colours may vary for the bottles…)

Baby Buzz Magazine has teamed up with Nelsons Teetha to offer one lucky Mum the chance to win a £55 Mothercare Babymel Cara Stripe Navy Changing bag worth £55 filled with a selection of Nelsons goodies including Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Kids Stick and a bottle of Rescue Remedy Spray.

Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules is a homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of teething pain and the symptoms associated with teething, which are sore and tender gums, flushed cheeks and dribbling. For babies 3 months and over. Contains Chamomilla 12c, Belladonna 12c & Aconite 12c.

Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules come ready-dosed in a convenient granule format that simply dissolves in a baby’s mouth to help provide teething pain relief. It contains a 6c homeopathic potency of natural Chamomilla. Always read the label.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: Q) How much does Nelsons Teetha retail for? a) £3.99 b) £8.99 c) £5.10 Email your answer to us at: Info@babybuzzmagazine.com

*If you are concerned about any symptoms that your baby may have, in particular if they have a fever, please consult your doctor.

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