Baby Buzz Magazine by Baby Buzz Magazine

baby buzz

Your new baby and parenting source

December 2012

magazine

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS?

Top Toys for Christmas 2012

Mums in Business

Inspirational Stories

Annabel Karmel Ideas for fussy eaters

ALLERGY UK

What to look out for?

FANTASTIC COMPETITIONS INSIDE

Baby Transport

What would you choose?

Travel Time

Home and Away

A baby’s delicate skin requires the mildest, gentlest care possible and midwives and neonatal professionals have long recommended cotton wool and cooled boiled water as the safest thing for a delicate baby's bottom. This is because the chemicals in typical baby wipes can trigger skin conditions such as nappy rash, irritant contact dermatitis and atopic eczema. DermaH20 WaterWipes are an alternative way for cleaning your baby’s skin and has been developed as being the world’s purest and mildest chemical and preservative free baby wipes, containing the simplest of ingredients with only 99.9% water and 0.1% fruit extract. The tiny amount of fruit extract acts as a gentle natural skin conditioner, stabiliser and protector. They are the only baby wipes to be approved by Allergy UK. So what are they? DermaH20 Water Wipes are suitable for babies from birth upwards particularly those with sensitive skin; they are extra soft and absorbent, and leave no greasy residue. The combination of 99.9% purified water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract is pH neutral,

They are the mildest wipes I've used. I even gave them to the midwife to use on my 5 hour old baby to get rid of meconium and she was impressed! Lucy

non-toxic, anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, fragrance free and eco friendly. Indeed, independent experts say it ‘may even help to

improve skin integrity and hydration, helping to sooth and repair damaged skin’. (Source: Chambers Toxicological Consulting: analysis of the composition of WaterWipes by DermaH20, September 2008). Who Says? Giving details of DermaH20 WaterWipes, Irish Breeze managing director Edward McCloskey said: ‘Midwives have long been recommending cotton wool and (cooled boiled) water as the safest thing for a delicate baby’s bottom and our product meets this specification. All other baby wipes typically contain chemicals and as

“They may cost a little more but they are so gentle on a newborn's skin and a lot less hassle than cotton wool and water” Rachel

most mothers might use baby wipes on their infants up to 10 times a day this is exposing them to chemicals 10 times a day. Not a good scenario.’ Why? DermaH20 WaterWipes contain none of the chemicals and synthetic additives found in other traditional baby wipes and because they essentially contain just purified water, they are much less likely to be irritating for a baby’s skin than some commercial baby wipe products.

DermaH20 WaterWipes Features and Benefits: ● Dermatologically tested, these baby water wipes are made from 99.9% purified water, 0.1% grapefruit seed extract and no other ingredients ● Ideal for babies with sensitive skin because they contain no harmful chemicals, soap or other preservatives ● Ultra-mild and non-irritating, they significantly reduce the risk of allergic

Although cotton wool and cool boiled water is the recommended way to clean newborns this isn't always really practical especially when you are on the go... These wipes are ideal because they are practical and they give you peace of mind as they are as pure as they can be. As a mum of twins I bought them in value packs!

Helene

reaction on the skin ● Patented packaging protects the wipes and ensures they won’t dry out after opening ● Pack contains 72 wipes ● The DermaH2O Water Wipes have been awarded the Silver Medal Best Baby Wipe in the Mother & Baby Awards 2011/12. The result is DermaH20 WaterWipes – a revolutionary new product in the baby wipes market. See page 29 to claim your 20% discount code off your next purchase (available through Amazon.co.uk).

FEATURES P06

Parents in Business Inspirational Stories

TRAVEL P41 Home

Lapland UK & Country Cottage Rentals

I Must Have….

P42 Away

ALLERGY UK

REACH.ORG

HEALTH & WELLBEING

P29

Derma H20 Wipes

P19 The Pregnancy Workout

P32

Busy Bee Benefits

P36

All I want for Christmas….

NEWS & REVIEWS

P37

Mr Mum….

P44

Music House for Children

P45

The Arts

P24 P26 P28

Simply Everything… Reaction to Cows Milk? Helping families deal with Children born without upper limbs

Something a bit different

Do you make the most of Childcare Vouchers?

P18 Naturechild

Antenatal Classes - Yes or No? With Heidi Murkoff

Presents for all the family

P15 JoJo MaMam BeBe

From a different perspective

P16 Car Seats

Encouraging Music in our children

P16 Latest Travel Systems on the Market

Theatre & Music to suit all ages

P50

Pretty Little Baby

P51

The Crouch End Project

Seasonal Party Planning

Supporting your community

FOOD & RECIPES P20

The Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, Portugal

Annabel Karmel

How fussy is your child?

Electric Toothbrushes & Shampoo Guards

New to the market

Tried & tested

COMPETITIONS - Page 51 Leapfrog

Win a LeapPad2

BooBoo Win a Spa Kit for Mum Baby E 2 x Merino Kids Sleep Bags BloomBaby Win a fantastic mini cot, mattress and bedding set Vtech Innotab 2 with £20 App gift card

Fabulously illustrated by Elena Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Cruz Reynolds http://elenadcruze.blogspot.co.uk/

Baby Buzz Magazine Limited 75 Telford Road London, N11 2RL Company No: 8234631 Editor Nickie Evans

nickie@babybuzzmagazine.com

Tel: 0208 361 0727 Mob: 07535 541 303

Assistant Editor Cindy Evans Website & Design Emily Hewett, I am Emily contact@iamemily.co.uk Baby Buzz Magazine will be published 12 times per year Warner Midland Limited Disclaimer: 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.

Editors Letter

Welcome to the first edition of Baby Buzz Magazine.

Let me start by wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Baby Buzz Magazine will be published once a month and linked directly with the website content. We endeavour to bring you the latest reviews, stories and topics that you want to know about. The magazine will feed from the blog created on our website, so if there is something particular that you want to know about, blog it! Each month we will feature a selection of new businesses that have been started by you the parent in your quest for financial liberation or simply a chance to balance the live/work ratio. Whatever your reasons, if you know of a business that would benefit from some exposure and publicity, please do let me know at nickie@babybuzzmagazine.com. It has certainly been an eye-opening experience launching my business but it has been worth every moment, not least thanks to the amazing support of my family and friends. If you would like to help me celebrate the launch of Baby Buzz Magazine, please visit www.babybuzzmagazine.eventbrite.co.uk/ and register your details. I do hope that you enjoy the first issue and if you have any comments, constructive criticism or feedback please do let me know. Warmest regards, Nickie Evans Editor

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Parents in Business Inspirational Stories

Babes with Babies

As a mum, business woman and editor of Baby Buzz Magazine, one of the features I wanted to include was a way of recognising and celebrating all of the new business ventures that were being set up by you, the parents. Whatever the reason behind it, whether it be for financial reasons, the lack of childcare or simply to improve the live/work ratio, we wanted to acknowledge the lengths to which you have gone and what you would have done differently if you had had the chance to start it all over again. Initially, this section was going to be directed at just you Mums’ but then a realisation kicked in that it’s not just Mums’ but Dad’s too. If you know of someone who you think would be interested in providing us with an editorial and the chance to represent their business, please do let us know at nickie@babybuzzmagazine.com. There is a fabulous company called Female Entrepreneur Association who on a frequent basis, post the most uplifting and enlightening phrases, that provide constant inspiration, and I hope they will be as much help to you as they have been to me. In each issue of Baby Buzz Magazine we will be publishing a new quote, something to encourage all of our readers to believe that there is a positive aspect to everything that they choose to do.

Sweet Bambini

Keeko Designs

Sanamama In this launch issue, we have met with five fantastic women who have launched their own business and the reasons why they chose to do so. Our intention is not to just give them some exposure but to show you that if you put your mind to it, anything is achievable.

Babymule

Nickie Evans, Editor

Wife of a diplomat and mother of two, Sophie worked in Brand Management for Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola as well as international branding agency Interbrand. Prompted by the birth of her first daughter, Sophie founded the company based on her compelling belief that pregnant women and new mothers deserve a touch of luxury. She believes that this particular phase of your life should be filled with enough moments of gorgeousness to get you through the stresses, strains and the sleepless nights.

Babes with Babies London is a 100% British owned, deluxe e-boutique providing beautiful Everything we source for Bb London is gifts, stylish clothes and accessories together carefully designed to flatter, pamper + be a with pampering treats for new Mums, Dads and pretty, practical treat. Practical yet gorgeous their babies. maternity wear requires attention to detail and an understanding of Founder Sophie Devonshire is an how important it is to feel both expert in post-natal styling advice chic and comfortable. Our ranges and has written several articles on are ingeniously designed to work the subject as well as the ‘Feelgood with the reality of your body’s Motherhood’ blog (http://www. changes throughout pregnancy blog.babeswithbabies.com). Bb and breastfeeding. As well as our London was launched in 2006 to own Bb London range of clothing, provide an online experience that we also stock clothing and gifts helps make mums-to-be and new from beautiful suppliers including mothers feel as fabulous as they deserve to Storksak; Mothers en Vogue; and Bellybutton. feel. We are as passionate about our innovative ‘fabulously flexible’ working Babes with Babies are also specialists in policy which is set up to make work ‘work’ for luxurious + lovely breastfeeding-wear. We people’s individual lives. The team is also have been bringing discreet and chic tops and obsessed with finding new ways to make online dresses to the UK public since 2006 and have shopping a joyful retail experience. As part of gained a great reputation for making life easier this we deliver exceptional customer service. for women who want to breastfeed.

Our name? It’s a bit tongue in cheek - we know new mothers & heavily pregnant women might not be feeling particularly babe-like. But with something fabulous to wear we hope we can help you feel a tiny bit more like yourself. Put simply, at Bb London we search for little luxuries that help motherhood feel good.

Please Visit: www.babeswithbabies.com

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Parents In Business

including UK Portrait Photographer of the Year at the British Photography Awards.

Maria Murray has been around for a long time now - almost 10 years to be precise! When she first gave birth to her daughter in 2002, she had no idea that today she would end up being known as one of the top newborn photographers in the UK. Her poor experience at a high street photography concession made her decide that she could do a much better job herself - and as they say, the rest is history. “I waited a very long time for the appointment, only to be told that we had just fifteen minutes. I was rushed and did not enjoy the experience at all. The resulting photos were not properly in focus, some of them had closed eyes, and they were presented in cheap plastic frames. There was no empathy or warmth – it was basically a production line" At this point Maria decided to take matters into her own hands - and fast forward to today, Maria has become a highly successful baby and family photographer and the winner of several accolades,

Having been based in Essex for almost 9 years, Maria's recent move to Hampshire means she is a much easier drive away from her client base, which is mostly based in London. Her new purpose built studio, set up especially to cater to her niches of newborn and baby photography has been a great success. 90% of her sessions take place in her own studio although she does also travel to clients if required - even flying to Brazil & Dubai especially for the purpose of photographing newborns . So what has made Maria so popular? It appears that if you read the numerous online reviews it’s all down to the quality & the experience. Not only does she seem to have a knack of working with babies some of her clients call her the Baby Whisperer, but she also produces consistent quality time and time again. Her long term experience is definitely a bonus, and in a sea of "newbies" she seems to hold her own - even though she is probably one of the most expensive photographers out there.

images to show for it. My long term experience helps, as many of my clients come back again and again and more than 50% of my clients come from referrals. With newborns being so fragile and so precious, parents feel more confident when someone who has been doing for as long as me handles their new addition. I am so grateful for the trust that is given to me when being handed that new baby - often this is their first outing

so new parents can be a little nervous. But trust is absolutely essential to a successful session and most of the time I am left to it “My way of working is very simple whilst mummy & daddy chill on the - I want to give mummies the sofa, watch TV or catch on some experience I never had - a lovely sleep" relaxed day, no pressure, and an experience that is laid back with no So what is next in store? expectations of them - but fantastic

" I don’t have particularly ambitious plans, I’m enjoying living in the country with my family and I love the way my business is right now. I have a long term reputation and people book me when they want something really special. And that is what I want, to be different to others out there. I have no plans to compete on pricing or change the way I work, I’m all about quality. I know personally that I would rather have a few fantastic images of my daughter than a number of average ones. I love my newborns, but I also enjoy maternity photography and to see my newborns grow up, so follow up studio sessions and location sessions are also a big part of what I do. I’m well occupied right now so I have no plans to expand, though I could have done that some time ago. I feel that photography is unique to each individual and I don't think someone’s "vision" can be taught. My clients come to me specifically for that reason and I value and appreciate that". Based on the fact that Maria is often booked 2 to 3 months ahead, we can’t argue with her sentiments! Please check out Maria's work on her websites or give her a call on 01256 396 874 or 07985 571 642.

offer the print) Charlotte used her extensive skills as a graphic designer to set about creating a piece of artwork for her daughter’s nursery. She created what is now the ‘Classic’ baby girl/boy artwork.

Parents In Business

striking fonts and rich colours that show your personalised information, a snap shot of your baby’s birth day displayed for all to see. Whether you choose one of her A3 or 10”x10” framed prints you will be thrilled with the exquisite quality of the artwork Charlotte feels that as a busy sitting within the elegant white mum, you don’t have time to go wooden frame. Charlotte’s out and find a suitable frame for varied fonts and tones allow Keeko Designs unique artwork records memorable details from your child’s birth that most of us often forget. Using stylish typography, bright fashionforward colours and luxury damask patterns, Charlotte Hornung creates modern pieces of contemporary word art, personalised just for you. The perfect gift for any occasion. Charlotte also offers a bespoke service where a commissioned design is created, a ‘one of a kind original’. This bespoke service allows you to decide on how your design will look. Her portfolio has expanded to include designs for other momentous moments such as weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. The idea for Keeko Designs was formed during Charlotte’s pregnancy. She started looking for the perfect gift for her expected arrival. It had to be something that would make her smile every time it caught her eye. It had to be timeless and transfer to whatever style of room her daughter grew into. With a distinct lack of inspirational art in the marketplace and the fact that very few companies offered an affordable framed gift (most just

to emulate the personal service that is received when buying luxury items, where no request is too big. It is important not only to be a name on an email but also a voice at the end of the phone. Charlotte wants you ‘the customer’ to have a great experience buying a Keeko design. Whether you are welcoming a new baby into the world, celebrating a birthday or commemorating a memorable occasion we understand the significance of these special times. The unique designs will make you smile every time you read each detail, reminding you of past experiences and inspiring your imagination for new adventures that are still to come. Please join Keeko Designs on Facebook and/or Twitter @Keeko_Designs, to keep updated on their news and products or visit their website: www.keekodesigns.co.uk. Other products are in the pipeline for 2013 so watch this space. If there is anything Charlotte can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact her either by e-mail

your print, you want stress free definition for each detail. There keeko@keekodesigns.co.uk shopping and to be presented is something for everyone’s or telephone her on 020 with a beautifully framed gift- taste; icons; bold lettering; and 3535 1895. wrapped piece of personalised stunningly simple initials. art. After living and working in Hong When you first look at the Kong and using her experience artwork, your eyes are met with of the Far East, Charlotte wants

Parents In Business Sanamama is the baby back carrier that draws on the wisdom of generations of African mothers to help you get things done, while taking care of both you and your baby. Throughout Africa, countless generations of mothers carry their infants and young children on their backs as they get on with daily tasks. The main advantage to this is that the mother has her hands free, while keeping her baby with her. Because of this close contact, the mother and child bond is further nurtured and the child is also receiving a wonderful education about various surroundings and social interaction among people, from the safety and security of his mother’s back. Inspired by this ancient tradition, Sanamama is the baby back carrier that brings these precious benefits to the modern parent, but with added built in safety and comfort features for total peace of mind.

As a thank you to its African roots, a £1 donation from every Sanamama sold is donated to Starfish, a charity that supports It is back friendly for the wearer, pulling their babies and infants affected by HIV and AIDS in shoulders back and distributing the weight of Southern Africa. the infant evenly across their back and it is also For more info please visit: good for the baby, because it keeps the baby’s www.starfishcharity.org. legs at the best position for optimal hip alignment and development. The Sanamama carrier has been EU health and safety Whether you are taking a stroll along a beach approved from or a country lane, absorbing some cultural and 4months to 16kg so city sites or just getting on with things at home, it provides years of we are sure that you and your baby will enjoy use. It is also the using it as much as we do. only soft baby back carrier with an in- The Sanamama retails for £49.99 plus £4.99 built pouch seat, to postage & packaging. For further information keep the baby and to order please visit www.sanamama.com. completely secure – that wriggly toddler isn’t going anywhere! Light and compact and fully adjustable, the Sanamama folds to fit most handbags when not needed. It is fully machine washable and has a useful zipped pocket in which to store keys and phone etc. Because it is available in neutral safari brown, dads will feel just as comfortable using it as well.

those who still fearlessly travel with their little ones, Babymule’s reputation goes from strength to strength as being THE baby essential for mums in the know. A fantastic day bag which steps up a gear when you need it to. Claire is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her third child around Christmas 2012 and plans to launch a new changing bag, the Babymule ‘Pegasus’ in Spring 2013.

Please Visit: www.babymule.co.uk Claire Fuller dreamed up the Babymule concept in 2009 when she couldn’t quite find a change bag that lived up to her high expectations. The market seemed saturated with attractive messenger bags and peppered with backpack styles; but nothing that combined the good looks of the messenger with the functionality of the backpack. It was a simple as that; a challenge to develop the concept of the most transferable, useful, beautiful, organised and super-functional baby changing bag. Babymule has grown to become a respected baby changing bag with some fantastic accolades and awards from trade, press and mums all over the UK. With a growing fan base developing via outdoors venues, parents of twins and

As a little girl I loved fashion. As a young lady I lived for fashion. As a pregnant lady I hated fashion. As a mummy I am living fashion. The only time in my life when fashion became something I feared was during and in the months after pregnancy. At a time in my life when I needed all the help I could get - fashion let me down! Soon afterwards I created Bibee Dresses - the perfect dress for pregnancy and breast-feeding. Flattering and functional! I sincerely hope it will make you (and me) feel beautiful & feminine every single day. Bibee Bibs come in a range of designs and colours, perfect for both daytime dressing and evening glamour. By simply purchasing a range of Bibs co-ordinating with your favourite Bibee Dress. The removable Bibee Bib is designed to open at one side, allowing breast-feeding mums the opportunity to subtly feed when out and about, without the need of a cover-up. Attached by buttons on the shoulders and under the arms, the Bibee Bib covers the areas most susceptible to stains, such as the shoulders and chest, and can be easily removed and replaced. For further information, please contact: Web: www.bibeedresses.co.uk Tel: (+44) 0207 267 3442 Email: info@bibeedresses.co.uk

Parents In Business I

Being a modern mum is demanding and a constant daily challenge. There always seems to be something to do or buy and not enough time to do it. On top of that there’s the constant worry of protecting your precious baby from the germs and dirt we constantly hear about. It was these concerns that inspired and drove me to invent the Cosy Shopper. The frustration of having to wipe clean and dry the baby bucket seat every time I went to the supermarket was ruining my shopping experience, something I really enjoyed. Once I got my baby into the seat the frustration continued. How do I secure my baby and keep them warm in the seat? Like many mums I tried using a blanket but with a wiggle baby this just fell off leaving her cold. Also I couldn’t use the harness as the blanket went over it, meaning I had to walk around the supermarket holding the trolley with one hand and the baby with the other. It was a constant battle between needing to shop and the need to protect my child. Another contributing factor in my decision to invent the Cosy Shopper was how to get the best use out of my infant carrier car seat. This was something I used every day and

so it needed to be in top condition to meet my decided to do something about it and sought hygiene requirements. Additionally, how can I advice from a business start up exhibition at Olympia in London. I spoke with the patent office who then advised me on the next stage to protect my idea. In 2008 I entered the Mumprenuer on This Morning Programme and the Cosy Shopper was chosen out of 100 new products in the London area and reached the final 8. The Cosy Shopper was also chosen to appear on Dragons’ Den in September 2009 with Shaf Rushal and Julie Meyer. Julie really loved it quoting “I love the Cosy Shopper. Would I buy it for my girlfriends who are having babies, absolutely”. Please contact: www.thecosyshopper.co.uk keep my baby comfy as they are made from rough hardwearing material that was very uncomfortable. I also found the infant carrier car seats hard to clean; their covers are not removable for washing which is not practical. Babies are very messy and often spill drinks as well as make their own kind of mess. Having to try and clean these spills and use the carrier the next day was not a pleasant experience. So

own label that’s made from 100% organic African cotton or Boys & Girls who choose to SKiN & BliSS is a brand new home for kids use organic cotton & organic dying & printing. clothing brands that want to make a difference In short all the brands we stock are made with to the way we live our lives. We roam the love, passion & responsibility. planet searching for kids brands that are made in a sustainable & responsible manner. It may be Monkee Genes or Indikidual made with organic cotton, Hatley whose products are all Indikidual is about letting children’s personalities PVC free and made with azo-free dyes, our shine. It’s about encouraging playful self-expression, spontaneity and daring to be individual. Indikidual is for everyone,everyone is Indikidual

What Are we?

Meet the gang…. SKiN & BLiSS are a gang of four……Mark & Casey launched the website in May 2012 and could not have done it without the help of the Amelie & Gracie who head up the creative team. Thanks guys!! Why SKiN & BLiSS you ask?? Well, the initial idea of creating a website that championed fair trade & organic production came from Claire & Nicole…..two sisters from the East End of London…..and cockney rhyming slang for sister…..you got it, skin and bliss!! So after moving out of London we found ourself living in rural Essex. But the grind of commuting has left us scarred & determined to rebalance our lives.

SKiN & BLiSS is not only about finding a work life balance but is also about creating something that helps champion ethical trade & green business & is a passion that we aim to grow over the next few years. To find out more, please visit: www.skindandbliss.com Tel: 0845 544 2012

News and Reviews Being reviewed in the launch issue of Baby Buzz Magazine are the following: Electric Toothbrush and Shampoo Guard by JoJo Maman Bebe Guardian Pro 2 Car Seat and Cruiserfix Pro Car Seat by Kiddy Cruz by Uppababy Malibu 3 in 1 by Hauck

Was the item practical for its intended use? Yes, really easy to use and like the fact that it came with the teething attachment and spare heads - very practical.

Shampoo Guard Price: £10.00

Was the product easy to use: Yes, switches on easily so she can do it herself and it doesn't make a really loud noise so she's not scared by it. The heads are soft enough that you feel you're getting a good brush.

Baby Buzz Rating: 7 Was the item practical for its intended use? Yes, the guard fitted nicely against my daughters head. It’s good, as you don’t have to drag it over the whole head. With the handle, you can increase the pressure against the head, so no water goes on the childs face. Was the product easy to use: The shampoo guard fit quite well and certainly helped to solve a long running dilemma with washing hair. Did your child like the product: She was very nervous about the shampoo guard at first but once we had established a trust she was fine with using it. Would you recommend it to a friend? Yes, I think it certainly helped eliminate getting water in the eyes, so saved on the tears at bathtime. Would you have bought this product if you had seen it in the shop? Yes, definitely it is great value for money and it did exactly what we needed, to build confidence in washing hair. A definite success…. Reviewed by: Mummy Alena and Ella, 3 years old

Electric Toothbrush

Did your child like the product: Daisy loves it. I thought the novelty would wear off but she loves her 'buzzy brush' as she calls it and likes turning it on and off herself.

Price: £9.00

Would you have bought this product if you had seen it in the shop? Baby Buzz Rating: 9 Depending on price, yes. I may have been swayed by a character based electric brush as the design of this one isn’t what I would class as “fun” but actually she loves it. Would you recommend it to a friend? Yes, I think it's a great little brush that keeps teeth cleaning fun and interesting. Reviewed by: Mummy Emily and Daisy, 2 years old

Tel: 0203 601 1008 Web: www.boudica-lingerie.co.uk

News and Reviews What car seat is the Cruz compatible with?

The Baby Cruz is compatible with the Maxi-Cosi car seat, but you do need to buy the adapters separately.

Will the buggy fit into the boot of a standard family car?

Yes, it folds down, remarkably easily but doesn’t leave much room for groceries, etc.

Does the buggy face forward as well as rearward?

Yes, the seat has dual function so faces whichever way you prefer baby to look out from.

Is the buggy catered for an about-town mum or a more rugged terrain?

More suited for about town, but can handle a walk in the park. No suspension so would be a bumpy ride for bubs if taken 'off road'. Can handle a quick run to the bus but not great for jogging.

Does the travel system come complete or do you need to buy the carrycot and car seat separately?

No, unfortunately you would have to buy the carrycot, car seat and car seat adapters separately but the pushchair is suitable from 3 months upwards.

Is it cost effective?

Not the cheapest on the market but features make it good value for money. Great that basic essential accessories like rain cover are included. Other accessories are also available and reasonably priced.

Additional Benefits:

Large canopy with extendable SPF 50+ sunshade Very large storage basket with 2.7 cubic ft Sunshade and mosquito net included Foot brake Adjustable handle

Comments:

Simple to use, easy to fold, light enough to lift when open or folded. Best feature is to be able to switch the seat from front to rear very easily. 4 fixed positions from lying flat to sitting up, clips in well so you know it's secure. I like the mesh in the rain cover, means you can be prepared with it on, but open enough when it's not raining for baby to get some fresh air. Good seat height, parents don't need to bend so far to load baby in. Harness is easy to adjust, nicely padded shoulder straps. Great that it can adapt to travel system if you need it to, as well as the flexibility of the carry cot, although the 'lie flat' position of the seat when facing forward should be OK for bigger babies. I've used a generic seat insert to stop baby’s head from moving around and it works fine. For travellers, invest in the travel bag to protect the Cruz from airline damage (Uppababy website has details).

What car seat is the Malibu 3 in 1 compatible with? The Malibu 3 in 1 comes as a complete travel system, so no need to buy any additional extras.

Kiddy very kindly sent us two of the newest car seats they have available on the market. The first on trial was the Guardian Pro 2, the Cruiserfix 2 review will be displayed in our January issue..

Will the buggy fit into the boot of a standard family car? Yes, as the pushchair seat is actually slid onto the frame, when it collapses it down, it does so extremely well and leaves a huge amount of boot space.

How easy was it to install? The instructions were a little confusing at first, with just picture diagrams and no clear indication of what to do, but once you read through the main instruction manual quite closely, it actually becomea quite clear.

Does the buggy face forward as well as rearward? The pushchair faces forward only but the carry cot and the car seat face rearward.

What age is it suitable from? The seat is from 9kg upwards.

Is the buggy catered for an about-town mum or a more rugged terrain? The travel system in general has fantastic 4 wheel suspension so has the potential to be used under most conditions. Does the travel system come complete or do you need to buy the carrycot and car seat separately? As stated above, the travel system is purchased as a complete set. Is it cost effective? This is one of the cheapest travel systems available on the market, but you wouldn’t know it to look at or to use. Fantastic value for money. Additional Benefits: Comes with a colour coordinated changing bag Large storage basket One touch braking system Pushchair section is machine washable Comments: I was very pleasantly surprised when I took this out of the box, the ease in which it took to put together was fantastic and the buggy is sturdy and has a complete 5 point harness ensuring safety. Would you recommend it to a friend? Absolutely. What a fantastic price for an excellent all inclusive set. A must have whether you are watching your budget or not.

Does it have a reclining function? Unbelievably yes it does, although at first glance it looks like a rigid seating unit.. What is the function of the Impact Shield? The Original Kiddy Impact Shield allows for "rolling over" of the upper part of the body in case of a front-end collision or severe braking manoeuvres. How does a child adjust to the impact shield? My 18 month old daughter struggled with it at first as it was a whole new concept, but after a few attempts has now settled very well with it. How practical are the covers? Again, as with most of the new models, the covers can be removed and washed at a low heat (on a gentle cycle though). Comments: Overall the seat looks and feels very sturdy. It could be quite hard for a child to adjust to as several friends tried it for a short journey and their child didn’t adjust as well as mine eventually did. Overall, it is a good option and safety aspects have certainly been taken into account, especially with the side impact absorbers new to the model. Would you recommend it to a friend? I would certainly mention it might take some adjusting to but otherwise it seems like a worthy purchase. The price isn’t too high compared to others on the market either.

Health and Wellbeing

unfold both on your child’s face and in their mannerisms. So what is the treatment all about?

Situated in a beautiful little courtyard just off Kensington High Street is a haven of peace and serenity. Open for two years now is a warm, friendly, tranquil baby spa, owned by Laura Sevenus and husband Lars, that works towards the needs of your newborn up to approximately 6 months of age. On first appearances you are faced with a smart, almost clinical exterior but it is the moment you step through the doors that you feel an almost immediate sense of peace. I completely understand that whilst not everyone can afford to take their baby to a spa every week, I have to say that if you can, then this is one luxury you should afford. The Baby Spa provides an endless amount of benefits to your baby which ultimately provide an endless amount of benefits to the parents. Upon booking of an appointment you are asked to try and make sure that your baby has had an adequate nap and feed to reduce the risk of tiredness and hunger interrupting the session. Everything is catered to from the

moment you step through the door from having to simply undress your child and putting on the swimming nappies (provided by Baby Spa). The lovely staff members then take over and give your baby an amazing experience whilst you the parent gets a chance to relax and watch the happiness

I know that this almost seems an obvious question but I walked in expecting 4 month old Alisa to simply float around in the large spa tank (with the specially designed floatation ring placed around her neck to keep her afloat) for 15 / 20 minutes and for us to then take her home. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Ok yes, there was the initial 15 / 20 minutes of floatation, which was closely monitored to ensure your child didn’t get too tired. The little face on Alisa was priceless (as I’m sure you will all agree by the pictures shown). But it

guidelines for the spa are that they accept no more than 4 babies per hour (usually on a Saturday) although this is normally restricted to 3. Two members of staff are always on hand in the spa room with both ladies being very aware of babies needs but also the parents needs. Their is a feeding room available with very comfortable seating facilities to ensure comfort for both mother and child. Cleanliness is understandably at a very high level with both the large spa and the individual spa baths having the PH balance checked regularly and changed accordingly.

A repeat visit is highly recommended to get the most was the aftercare that amazed me. After benefit out of visiting the Baby Spa. about 15 minutes of floating all around the spa bath she was taken out, wrapped in the To claim your 15% discount, fluffiest of towels and laid down on the please quote “Baby Buzz” when massage / changing tables. It was then that making your appointment. I realised just how much more care and Offer expires 31st December 2012 attention went into each session. Celine, our dedicated staff member for the session, was on hand to show Alisa’s mum how to very gently massage Alisa in a variety of different positions (each benefiting and encouraging movement, muscle strength and agility) using grapeseed oil (renowned for its beneficial properties, not least that it is absorbed faster into the skin and is rich in antioxidants). The entire experience can vary depending on if the child requires a feed in between the session but can last upwards of 60 minutes and is worth every penny. The large spa bath is used for babies who are 2 months and older whereas the newborns are given privilege to the little “mini tubs”, almost creating a home away from home (the womb…). You may worry that what happens if the Spa is overrun with babies, will your child be sufficiently looked after and tended to as we had experienced. Well simply yes. The

The way to a more peaceful experience…..

For further information, please contact: Web: www.yourbabyspa.com Tel: 020 7937 3747 Email: info@yourbabyspa.com

Health and Wellbeing

To NCT or not NCT That is the Question! classes on offer. Ask your midwives for a recommendation, talk to friends and colleagues who have recently had babies about teachers they would recommend. Be assured that word of mouth will take you in the right direction, even if it is not necessarily right on your doorstep.

Do we really need to attend antenatal classes? Is there anything there that we can learn that we haven’t already seen on the internet or that we haven’t already read in our pregnancy books? Isn’t the main purpose just to meet people due around the same time? – everyone knows that you are likely to make good friends at antenatal class…

can do, when they may be helpful, when they may be detrimental.

One of most important things that the process of the antenatal classes should help you to sort out is learning the things that work for you, and the things that may not work for you. It is the aspect of class discussions, and the chats So if you have left it late, don’t despair, for immediately after class, and the discussions there are plenty of classes out there, and it with your partner afterwards at home over a is important to think about doing a class cup of tea that so often lead you towards recognising the things that you feel are most important to you about how you would choose to labour.

Well yes, then the answer is absolutely. True, you will likely meet people who may become, if not best of friends, in the very least a jolly good social circle to hang out with in those early years. I, luckily, did meet one of my very best friends at antenatal class, she saved my sanity in those first years of endless nappies, and this year, together, we watched regardless of your locality. There is so much our babies graduate from university! about the class experience that will help you to feel more prepared for the experience of Many people make the classic mistake of labour. waiting too late, only to find that their local NCT class is fully booked. But fear not, Many people may feel that they will be able to London is rife with classes! There is a wide prepare for labour just by reading books, or range of choice these days, from the hospital possibly doing one of the on-line courses that class, to the NCT, to private classes run by are now available. As important as it is to hope doulas or midwives, and often you will find to make friends in your antenatal group, one of private classes that are run by NCT trained the key factors that make these classes so practitioners now working independently. valuable is actually what happens in the group dynamic. The way that questions spark Don’t assume that the private classes are interactive responses, drawing on the more expensive, the pricing is fairly consistent experience of your teacher, leading to other across the board. Look for classes that are in questions that then spiral into discussions the radius around where you plan to deliver, so amongst the group is one of the best aspects even if it is not actually right in your of the class situation. neighbourhood, it will be in the area near to where you plan to have your baby. The thing that your antenatal classes should help you to do is to come away with a clarity of The Internet is a great resource, so if you have expectations, with a real sense of how the missed your local NCT, do cast around for maternity systems work, feeling that you have private classes local to your home or hospital. gained an understanding of the medical The best thing is to google ‘your area + management that may be offered, antenatal class’ and you will find a full range of understanding what the various interventions

It is, sadly, fair to say that many couples are concerned about the possibility of the labour potentially taking them down the track of ‘the intervention cascade’, that situation when one intervention leads to another which leads to another, and sometimes couples feel that the labour has not been a good experience, that things maybe should have happened differently. This is the classic ‘bad birth experience’ story that I’m sure many of you have heard from various friends and colleagues. This situation often happens when couples are not well prepared, they are not making informed choices, and they may come away feeling that they had no sense of control over what happened. Antenatal classes are an excellent way to prepare yourselves to be able to make those informed choices, sure in the knowledge of what works for you. So don’t hesitate to book early, any time after 12 weeks, or if perhaps you did wait a bit too long, well then get cracking on finding that word of mouth recommendation or that internet link that brings you to a class that will help you to prepare for your labour. And fingers crossed, you’ll find some lovely new friends. Jani White is a writer and lecturer, a specialist fertility & pregnancy acupuncturist, and she is a doula and antenatal teacher. She practices in Highgate and Harley St. jani@naturechild.co.uk www.naturechild.co.uk

Health and Wellbeing

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recipes with.. 2 (400g/12oz total) Apples 200g/7oz ready rolled shortcrust pastry (you can reduce this to125g if you want to re-roll trimmings and cut again if using a block of shortcrust pastry) 55g/2oz caster sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 1 large egg white

the ones in the centre of the tin). Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Spoon 1 level tablespoon of apple puree into each pastry case (do not over-fill). Bake for 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden.

While the bases are baking whisk the egg white to stiff peaks. Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar and whisk back to stiff peaks then fold Preheat oven to 200c/400F/Gas 6/Fan 180 or whisk in the remaining sugar. You should Peel and core the apples and cut into 1cm have a stiff, glossy meringue. chunks. Put the apple in a saucepan with 2 Remove the tarts from the oven and pipe or tbsp water. Cover and cook over a medium spoon a little meringue onto each, avoiding heat for 15 minutes, until soft. Uncover and the edge of the tin. Return to the oven and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until any bake for a further 3-5 minutes, until the liquid in the pan has evaporated. Remove meringue is lightly browned. Remove from from the heat, stir in 1 tbsp of the sugar and the oven and leave to stand for 10 minutes the lemon juice then mash the apples. before lifting the tarts carefully from the tin While apples are cooking use an 8 1/2 or 9cm (run a sharp knife around the edge to loosen, round fluted cutter to cut out 6 circles of if necessary). Serve warm or cold, with cream. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge pastry. for up to 24 hours. The meringue may Use the pastry circles to line 6 holes in a muffin tin (line the outside cups rather than

â&#x20AC;&#x153;weepâ&#x20AC;? a little but this is normal for meringue pies. This recipe for apple tart will make slightly more apple puree than you need for the tarts but it keeps for a few days in the fridge. The glossy meringue pie is delicious served with vanilla yoghurt.

2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion peeled and chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 medium apple, peeled and thinly sliced 2 chicken breasts cut into bite sized chunks 1 tbsp Korma curry paste 1/2 tbsp mango chutney 1 tbsp tomato puree

100g frozen peas 150 ml coconut milk 1 chicken stock cube dissolved in 150 ml boiling water salt and freshly ground black pepper

You can make this vegetarian recipe with spaghetti or tagliatelle. The sauce is very simple and quick to prepare. You could also use other vegetables like carrot sticks or cauliflower florets depending on what

Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan and sauté the onion and carrot for 3 minutes.Add the garlic and sauté for half a minute. Then add the apple and stir fry for 3 minutes. Add the chicken and stir fry for 4 minutes Add the Korma curry paste, mango chutney, tomato puree, frozen peas, coconut milk and chicken stock and simmer for about 10 minutes. Season to taste.

Suitable for freezing

your child likes. If you don’t have crème fraiche you can use cream instead. Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the packet. Blanch the broccoli and courgette in boiling lightly 150g spaghetti salted water for 4 minutes. 100g broccoli, cut into small florets Melt the butter in a saucepan and gently 75g courgette cut into strips fry the spring onions for 1 to 2 minutes. 15g butter Stir in the peas and cook for one minute. 4 spring onions, finely sliced Stir in the chopped tomato and the 100g frozen peas blanched broccoli and courgette and cook 1 x tomato approx 140g, skinned, for one minute more. Stir in the crème de-seeded and chopped fraiche, vegetable stock, squeeze of lemon 150ml crème fraiche juice and parmesan cheese. Cook over a 75ml vegetable stock gentle heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Season to squeeze of lemon juice taste and stir in the cooked spaghetti. 4 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated Information

2 heaped tbsp low fat cream cheese 2 tbsp chopped chives 2 tsp chopped basil 2 tsp chopped dill 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 x 100g pieces salmon fillet, skinner 10g /3 tbsp fine fresh breadcrumbs 10g / 3 tbsp parmesan, grated 1 tbsp chives

Preheat the oven to 200C / 180 Fan/ Gas 6. To make the topping. Mix the cream cheese, chives, basil, dill and lemon juice together and season. Spread the mixture over the top of the fillets, covering the whole fillets.

2 tomatoes, deseeded and chopped 2 spring onions,chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tbsp chopped basil Salt and pepper

Place on a baking sheet. Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan and 1 tbsp chives together. Sprinkle over the fillets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the topping is lightly golden brown. If the topping is a little pale, you can quickly brown under a hot grill to crispen the top.

To make the salsa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mix the tomatoes , spring onions, olive oil, vinegar and basil together. Season and serve with the salmon.

Create your own Fuss Pots For easy to grow herbs and salads e.g. (bean sprouts and cress) follow these steps: 1. You will need your pot, seeds, cotton wool, water and a pair of scissors, 2. Fill the pot up to the line with cotton wool, 3. Add enough water to dampen the cotton wool, 4. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the cotton wool, 5. Place your monster pot onto a sunny windowsill 6. Check your seeds everyday and if the cotton is drying out add a little more water.

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www.nesterskent.com At Nesters Kent, we offer a wide variety of services for expecting and new mothers, child care & household chores. Need a time out? We can help from housework to babysitting, walking the dog to help mummy rest. You also may be in need of a little TLC when pregnant or have just had a baby. We are here to help. Our services include: Babysitting Dog walking, School Runs, Cleaning preparing for baby: Sterilising, washing, food parcels, sleep.

For more information, please contact nesterskent@hotmail.co.uk Call Karen 07725146727

Treat the lady in your life to a selection of make-up products created by international make-up Artist Kim Jacobs and Louise Redknapp. The products provide natural benefits for your skin and are long lasting.

It’s always nice to remember mum, so why not treat her to this sumptuous spa kit, giving mum a little bit of me time…

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A beautiful colourful cot mobile to keep your baby entertained (from birth to 5 months). Rotating figures create visual and soft acoustic stimulation. Plays musical tunes and nature sounds with amusing light and movement displays.

The Sanamama is a beautiful baby sling designed to distribute your baby’s weight evenly across your back from your shoulders to your hips and keep your baby’s centre of gravity as close to you body as possible.

Fed up with your jewellery being pulled and chewed on, then you have to try these little gems.

A stunning collection of maternity and breastfeeding wear that covers style, practicality and luxury, something every new mum could benefit from.

Have you stepped into the White Company lately? It’s like walking into a winter wonderland. The children and baby clothing is simply beautiful! www.thewhitecompany.com

A great idea on saving water and creating a more personal and secure space for your baby when getting into the bath.

We’ve all heard of reuseable nappies but did you know that there are resusable wipes too? If Thames Water encouraged people to use Cheeky Wipes, they could save up to half of a £12 million pound annual cost on clearing around 80,000 blockages!

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We’d all like to do our bit for the planet, but we sometimes just don’t have time for reusable nappies. Visit this website to see how you can help dispose of your disposables! www.nappes2go.com

The new clothing range from John Lewis called Belle and Boo. Simplistically cute. Sizes from Birth to 12 months. www.johnlewis.com

If you are looking for a comfortable, cosy and practical solution for keeping your little one warm this winter, visit Buggy Snuggle and see the wide range of designs they have, something to suit every taste. www.buggysnuggle.com

A bottle and warmer in one, yoomi warms baby's feed to the natural temperature of breast milk at the touch of a button – in just 60 seconds.

A fabulous and fun concept for our children who want that extra responsibility for their bags but can then jump on and be pulled along. www.trunki.co.uk

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For the little girl in your family who loves Lego and loves pink! The range of Lego becoming available for little girls is getting better and better, why not add a touch of pink to the school bag as well! www.woolworths.co.uk

An excellent product to have around the home, especially if you have children. www.babyaid.co.uk

A beautiful selection of creative and unique children’s clothing. For some stunning gift ideas visit Hokolo now to ensure you are in time for a Christmas delivery. www.hokolo.com

Oooh, where do I start! An amazing collection of stylish furniture in wonderful vibrant colours. The Alma Mini Cot is just an example of beautiful wooden furniture that folds flat to maintain space. www.bloombaby.co.uk

One of the most neglected areas that Mums just don’t concentrate enough on. Visit Bravado Designs to see the stylish options available for both maternity and nursing. www.bravadodesigns.com

One of the most worrying and frustrating times for any parent is when their babies come down with a cold or flu virus. Sadly, there is nothing on the market that can medically be given until the child is 3 months old. This is where 4 Little 1 comes into its own. They have introduced a range of products to the market, the only products to be verified by the Queen, to assist in the relief of cold and flu symptoms in newborn babies. From the nasal aspirator directly aimed at clearing any immediate nasal blockages to the dummies designed to assist in giving medication with much more direct ease, there really is something to assist in helping your child get better. www.4little1.com

Renowned for the Merino Kids™ Go Go Bag™ (the worlds first international award winning merino wool sleeping bag) and the Cocooi™ Newborn Sleep Range. www.merinokids.co.uk

Allergies Not something to sneeze at! Most food allergies occur during early infancy and cows’ milk protein allergy is one of the most common. Thankfully, many children grow out of this allergy as they get older. It can be a very worrying time for parents, so we hope this gives you an insight as to what to look out for and what to expect.

Symptoms can be immediate or delayed. occur very quickly after the infant has consumed cows’ milk, so are relatively easy to pick up. Reactions are common when weaning or if changing from breast feeding to formula. If you notice a red itchy rash around baby’s mouth, facial swelling, hives (red itchy lumps) on the body, streaming nose, sickness and vomiting, or diarrhoea, this may be because your child is having an immediate allergic reaction. In more severe reactions, there may be breathing difficulties, and if this is the case you should call an ambulance immediately. Thankfully this is quite rare in infants. Some symptoms come on much more slowly and are more difficult to spot. These are known as and may cause chronic symptoms such as eczema, reflux, colic, poor growth, diarrhoea or even constipation. It is difficult to identify whether these symptoms are caused by cows’ milk protein allergy, as

they may in fact be down to other conditions. So it is important to seek the help of your GP as they will want to rule out any other causes, and will also be able to refer you to

cause. They will also be able to refer you to an allergy specialist if necessary. If you suspect your baby may have a delayed allergy, or if you have already started weaning and have

keep your baby happy while you wait. Your specialist will ask many questions to get a clear history and may then decide to do some allergy tests. If your baby has had an immediate reaction to milk, testing will usually be done either by blood test or by a ‘skin prick’ test. A small drop of liquid containing the cows’ milk protein is placed on the skin of the inside of the lower arm or on the inside of the leg and the skin is gently pricked. This is nothing to be concerned about and isn’t painful for baby. You will then be asked to wait for about 15-20 minutes to see if a red weal appears. The results of these tests will help to confirm if your baby is allergic to cows’ milk. Once an allergy has been confirmed either by your GP or specialist, you should be offered advice on how to manage your baby’s allergy to cows’ milk protein. This may include advice from a dietitian on alternatives to cows’ milk formulas, how to avoid cows’ milk in processed foods, and advice on avoiding foods that contain cows’ milk in your own diet if you are breastfeeding.

the appropriate paediatric introduced other foods, then it allergy specialist if they feel this may be helpful to keep a food/symptoms' diary (this can is necessary. also be a diary of the foods you have eaten if you are solely breastfeeding). Symptoms can be immediate or delayed and appear after your baby is exposed to cows’ milk. This can occasionally happen An appointment at an allergy through breastfeeding in very clinic can take longer than a sensitive babies who react to normal hospital appointment, Should you need any traces of cows’ milk protein in especially as they may want to further information, please breastmilk or, more commonly, do allergy tests as well as seeing contact on: when cows’ milk is introduced the specialist and a dietitian, so in a formula or weaning food. be prepared to take some toys If you think your baby is and maybe a drink with you to reacting to cows’ milk, make an appointment as soon as you can to see your GP. Your GP will be able to assess whether your baby’s symptoms may be down to an allergy to cows’ milk protein or if there may be another

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deficient children, giving them an idea of what the future holds. Often it is the little worries that come first to mind. If my child doesn’t have a left hand how will they wear a wedding ring? How will they eat, tie shoelaces, use a keyboard? And of course there are the more serious worries about how their child might be accepted by other people, how they will manage at school and whether they are likely to be bullied. Reach Children with birth defects are can reassure parents that despite fortunately quite rare but for the their worries their children will find families who have a child born with a way of doing everything. an obvious deficiency, what should be a happy event is fraught with Established thirty years ago, Reach worry and sadness. Charities like has accumulated a wealth of Reach, the Association for Children knowledge about the various with Upper Limb Deficiency, are options that are available to there to give these families support families, anything from surgical and advice to help them through this difficult time. Every year 50 – 60 children are born with some kind of hand or arm deficiency. This can range from missing fingers to having no arms. There is no obvious cause for most limb deficiencies and for parents looking for answers from the medical professionals it can be frustrating and disappointing to find that there is no explanation. Often the deficiency is discovered at a scan rather than at birth, which can be particularly difficult as the parents can only imagine what having no hand or fingers will look like. Reach is a small charity that puts new parents in touch with other parents of upper limb

branches around the country that hold social and fundraising events and many of the 1,000 members can be found, running, walking, cooking, dancing, playing rugby, cycling and even shaving their heads for Reach. Every year, Reach holds two major events. In October the Annual General Meeting is combined with a family weekend in a hotel. While the adults listen to a variety of speakers and mingle to share experiences, the children take part in workshops. It is immensely successful drawing friends together year after year and it is often the turning point for many parents when they see the older children just doing what teenagers do. Whatever the level of their disability they can see that the children will just get on with life. It is such a joyous event that everyone goes home on a Reach high!

them back every year. Many are so reluctant to miss the camp after they are 18 that they become leaders, mentoring the younger children. Reach is a family of families, supporting and helping each other. The Trustees recently asked some

intervention to prosthetics. The charity has strong links with many health professionals; doctors, prosthetists, prosthetic providers, occupational therapists, of the young adults what Reach physiotherapists, and they often It has been a fantastic year for meant to them and member David join members at local and national raising the profile of disability and Hill sent in the following: events. There is a network of Reach is proud that several younger members were Paralympians. At this year’s Family weekend in Portsmouth, swimmer Claire Cashmore, winner of two silvers and one bronze medal in London gave an inspiring speech and then spent two hours chatting and having her photo taken with the children, a real highlight for them. The Reach motto is ‘It’s ability not disability that matters” and Claire clearly demonstrates that it is true. She is a fantastic role model for the children. Reach does not receive any large In the year 2000 it was agreed that grants or sponsorship and so relies Reach would provide an heavily on the fundraising efforts of opportunity to get the children its members, yet despite this it together and so the Reach Activity provides many services to those Week began. Originally the group members including a recorder hire visited disability activity centres, but scheme, information booklets on it soon became clear that the issues affecting children with limb children did not need the special deficiency, a quarterly magazine facilities provided. The children and a bursary fund. For a little have the chance to test themselves, charity it achieves a lot! often increasing their confidence as they learn a variety of skills from If you are interested in finding out abseiling to survival techniques and more about Reach or wish to make generally having a great time. About a donation please visit our website 50 children attend every year, at: www.reach.org.uk making strong friendships that draw

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Once you have access to a scheme, tell your employer how much you would like to be deducted from your salary.

You can deduct up to £243 per parent, per month (or up to £55 per parent per week if you are paid weekly) depending on your individual circumstances.

Your employer deducts this amount from your wages. Savings are made because you pay no tax or National Insurance on the amount deducted.

There is little doubt that for families, managing their household budget has 5. become more of a challenge in recent times. Extra strain has been placed on limited funds from increases in the cost of bills, food, fuel and childcare. If you return to work after 6. having a baby and need to access professional childcare, it can be one of the biggest monthly costs you will face, particularly in the early years. Childcare 7. costs have been rising, with an increase of 6% in the last year alone*. Even parents who want to return to work and have spent years establishing a career have considered sacrificing all the hard work and training to provide care at home, in the hope that they can re-join the world of work once their children are at school. How can you save money? Childcare vouchers help working parents save money on the cost of their childcare. The beauty of childcare vouchers is that they are flexible - you can spend them on the type of childcare which best suits you and, most importantly, your child. A childcare voucher scheme could save a family over £1800 per year. Both working parents can exchange up to £243 per month for childcare vouchers, which attract tax and National Insurance savings. These vouchers are then used to pay for any registered childcare for children up to the age of 16. Registered childcare means that the childcare providers must be registered with Ofsted or an equivalent governing body, so you can’t use childcare vouchers to pay, for example, a family member to look after your children. Although the biggest financial burden may fall on parents of children under 3, childcare vouchers can be used to pay for a range of care for all ages including playgroups, crèches, au pairs, out of school clubs, holiday schemes, activity camps and independent school childcare. How do I get childcare vouchers? – 10 things you need to know 1. Childcare vouchers are offered through employers. Check if your employer has a scheme in place.

The childcare voucher is used to pay your registered childcare provider directly, saving you up to £933 per year.

take. You can check how you might be affected at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk. 8.

Your employer may even offer support for your childcare costs by providing childcare vouchers as an additional benefit on top of your salary.

If your employer doesn’t have a scheme and has reservations about offering one, let them know that childcare vouchers can help with employee retention, recruitment and morale. Alternatively you can leave details at: www.busybeesbenefits.com/ contact/index and Busy Bees Benefits will contact them on your behalf.

If both parents work, they can both be part of a scheme, possibly doubling 10. Offering a childcare voucher scheme their annual savings to over £1800! won’t cost the employer anything overall – in fact they will save money beFactors such as Working Tax Credits, cause the amount they pay in Employer Child Tax Credits, Statutory Maternity National Insurance contributions is rePay and other employee benefits can duced (by up to £400 per year per affect how much you are entitled to employee on the scheme).

The childcare voucher is used to pay your registered childcare provider directly, saving you up to £933 per year.

If both parents work, they can both be part of a scheme, possibly doubling their annual savings to over £1800!

Factors such as Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits, Statutory Maternity Pay and other employee benefits can affect how much you are entitled to take. You can check how you might be affected at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Your employer may even offer support for your childcare costs by providing childcare vouchers as an additional benefit on top of your salary.

10. Offering a childcare voucher scheme won’t cost the employer anything overall – in fact they will save money because the amount they pay in Employer National Insurance contributions is reduced (by up to £400 per year per employee on the scheme). Is everyone entitled to exchange wages for childcare vouchers? Any working parent paying tax via PAYE (which is how most employees are paid) can exchange some of their salary for childcare vouchers. Unfortunately, if you are selfemployed, you cannot currently use childcare vouchers unless you own a limited company and you are classed as an employee.

working parent can exchange from their salary for childcare vouchers has not changed since 2006, and rising childcare costs and inflation have effectively devalued vouchers in that time. The aim of the campaign is to make childcare more affordable for working parents by helping them to save more money and keep pace with rising costs. Raising the cap to £75 per week will increase the savings parents can make by more than £300 a year, totalling Do you want to save more? potential savings to over £1200 per parent, The ‘Mind the Gap – Raise the Cap’ per year. campaign aims to increase the current childcare voucher cap from £55 per week to £75 per week. The maximum amount a

An e-petition has been set up to persuade the government to make the change. This already has nearly 16,000 signatures. Sign it today to show your support at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/31 669. For more information about Childcare Vouchers visit: www.busybeesbenefits.com. Follow Busy Bees Benefits on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information about the campaign and for more information about childcare vouchers.

Pretty Little Baby launched on Mother’s Day 2012 and has fast become one of the leading baby blogs, showcasing daily inspiration and trends on all things baby and toddler. From party planning ideas and craft projects to the latest fashion trends for tots, the blog is a creative hub and online meeting place for style-conscious mums. With professional backgrounds in the bridal industry, co-founders Kim Balasubramaniam and Jo Kent set up Pretty Little Baby with the intention of bringing the creativity and inspiration of weddings to the world of parenting. Together, their experience in party planning, event styling and copywriting, coupled with first-hand knowledge of the trials and tribulations of parenting, is proving to be a winning formula and the blog’s loyal following of readers is growing daily. For further information please contact: www.prettylittlebaby.co.uk Email kim@prettylittlebaby.co.uk

Our blog has recently been added to Top Mommy Blogs, which is part of one of the largest networks of blog directories on the Web. Please visit our blog's personal page to vote for our blog and comment to other blog users.

Co-Founders Kim Balasubramaniam & Jo Kent Please contact Kim or Jo with your suggestions for features or family photoshoots for possible feature.

Give a Gift Voucher £25 A PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR PORTRAIT SHOOT FOR UP TO 5 PEOPLE

Purchase a £25 voucher* and Get £50 included to spend on any product. To purchase call t: 0845 838 5375 or 01279 433392 www.suekennedy.co.uk

www.facebook.com/portraitphotos Sue Kennedy Photography Ltd, Parndon Mill, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2HP e: sue@suekennedy.co.uk

Sue Kennedy your family photographer

*Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or exchanged for cash. Valid until 31st March 2013. Shoot must have taken place by 31st March 2013. For shoots within a 20 mile radius of Harlow, further afield will incur additional mileage or travel costs.

Going back to a time when our children actually played and interacted with toys ! It’s wonderful to see toys and games coming back to a time that we all remember. Visit the Great Little Trading Company to see the multitude of traditional games and toys available for Christmas. Pretend Play Kitchen from £155 (excluding delivery) www.gltc.co.uk

A brilliantly easy tablet for children ranging from the ages of 3 years old to 9 years old. There is a strict parental supervision mode built into this device which provides security for the parents. Visit LeapFrog to see the array of games, books and learning options available. Prices from £60.00 (Argos) www.leapfrog.com

The newest member of the didicar family is the Walk n Ride which looks adorable and is instantly loved by all of our children! My 18 month old couldn’t wait to get on this and found it extremely easy to use and adjust to. Although the Walk n Ride doesn’t have a moveable handle, it still handles with ease. The Original Didicar will be officially reviewed in the January issue. These are both great value for money at just £39.95 each (excluding delivery). There has been a lot of hype recently and falsely advertised versions of the didicar which has detracted from what is actually a fantastic product. Make sure you visit the authentic didicar website at:

A Christmas must have list wouldn’t be complete without a Lego set of some form. For a little while now, Lego has been bringing out a wide range of Lego City models, which are all brilliantly detailed. The Lego City Police Station starts from £69.99.

www.didicar.co.uk

www.lego.com

They’re back and better than ever! Making a reappearance after many years is the cute and fluffy furby! If you are going to join the furby club its better to get more than one as they all interact with each other. Prices start from: £57.99 (Smyths) www.smythstoys.com

The InnoTab 2 is a multi-media learning handheld combining educational games, fun activities and e-books on a multi-functional touch-screen tablet. Visit the Vtech website to see what apps are available. Prices from: £84.99 www.vtechuk.com

Whilst I love the thought of keeping my child entertained with traditional toys and games, I also want her to learn all the latest that technology has to offer. So, I have given a selection of both traditional and electronic toys that are creating a big buzz for Christmas 2012… What will you go for……?

A fabulous quality wooden train set that has the option to buy many more additional items to build up a complete set. Large Train Track, Town, Farm & Fire Station Play World sets, Town & Farm Trains available online at £120 (excluding delivery). www.gltc.co.uk

An even bigger trend being seen for Lego is the interest taken by the girls and as such they have brought out an ever increasing selection of Lego sets catered towards the requests of girls. Lego Olivia’s House starts from £69.99. www.lego.com

We’ve all seen the scooters designed for the older child, but did you know that Micro Scooter have designed one for babies from 1 year old (and it comes with a little seat)! Its’ a brilliant way for a child to learn balance skills and is great fun! www.micro-scooters.co.uk

Mr Mum Do you know who Makka Pakka is? Have you ever considered who would win in a Battle Royale between Sodor Island and Chuggington? Does The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme tune often end up being your earworm? If so then I salute you as a fellow parent. Being a member of Generation X or more accurately Generation Xbox there was a time when the latest installment of the Halo saga would keep me awake at night, now it’s the creak of the bathroom door and fear of the night time accident by my 5 year old son. Being a glutton for punishment I also have a 2 year old daughter so I shan’t be out of the terrible TV and midnight bedclothes exchange for a little while yet. You will, no doubt, know and share my anxieties as the “responsible adult” in the life of these enigmas we call children but as a parent to a child with special needs I may be able to offer a slightly different view, the view one gets when in a Mother and Baby group whilst quite clearly being a Father, the difficulty experienced when suggesting a good brand of Lanolin cream for chapped nipples having never actually experienced said nipple chapping. Or perhaps an

By Lawrence McGrandles Jnr

insight into the problems associated with explaining to people on a bus who have suggested that “a good smack’ll sort that out” that you can’t actually cure Autism with physical violence but thanks for the input.

watched. Then I start round two with the 2 year old off to pre school. The second breakfast sitting is a little more complex than the first one with requests ranging from chocolate to whatever I am eating.

As a Dad or more specifically a Stay At Home Dad, not that I get to stay at home that much with school runs, pre school, Little Explorers, Diddy Dance, play dates and many more such excursions, I tend to be in the minority. As the dad of an Autistic child that minority status is made even more isolated. The main factor in making friends with other parents, generally mums, is how your kids connect, as a man this adds a little distance to the equation.

It has to be said that one of the few occasional “advantages” of Autism is a certain rigidity in routine; porridge, fruit, jam, cup of tea, all not too hot and not too cold means that the early breakfast sitting is a doddle for the zombie dad that I tend to be in the morning. A helping hand from Mummy usually helps things along a bit if she’s ahead of her schedule and not about to sprint for the train and I guess that’s what we all need, a helping hand now and then to keep us ahead of the next “emergency.” Uh oh better go I can hear water running and lots of giggling.

What you have in common though are those experiences of sleepless nights, the horror nappy, projectile vomiting and numerous other events that would leave non parents suffering P.T.S.D. we however soldier on and laugh together at these common foes. When you have a child with special needs it becomes a little harder to find those comrades in arms. I, however, was very fortunate to discover The Hounslow Toy Library For Disabled Children, a place where parents of children with additional needs can go twice a week and relax without having to worry about the fact that a misplaced Thomas toy will cause a 30 minute screaming fit or where a fellow parent can advise you on the quickest and easiest way to fill in the mini encyclopedia that is the Disability Living Allowance form. This is of course what all parents rely on, the support of other parents and with Special Needs or Additional Needs or Disability or which ever term you feel more comfortable with that pool of support is so much smaller but, and this is the important bit, it is out there if you look. With the help of people like those at the Toy Library, accommodating pre schools, amazing case workers and not too inflexible local authority I have now arrived at the point where my boy goes off to school in the morning happily, as long as both preferred episodes of Big Barn Farm have been

For more nformation on the Hounslow Toy Library for Disabled Children, please contact: Tel: 020 8569 5451 Email: hounstoylib@btconnect.com Web: www.hounslowtoylibrary.co.uk

+44 (0)208 6730943 hello@becothings.com You might think that this is an awfully big review for a potty but how many times do you find such a great product that is eco-friendly, biodegradable and encourages your child to complete the potty training stage? That is exactly what BecoThings have done with the BecoPotty. The potty itself starts life as bamboo waste and rice husks, which are leftover materials from farming. We take these natural plant fibres and grind them into a fine powder. By adding a biodegradable resin and pressing the powder in a hot mould a BecoPotty is born. The ergonomically designed BecoPotty is comfortable and easy to use. The high back offers extra support, while the large splash guard helps keep potty training hygienic. Our potty is not only kind on your baby, but also the environment. So now that we know the potty is biodegradable what do we do with it? Well, when you purchase a BecoThing potty you will notice that it comes with a little packet of seeds. If you drill a few holes into the potty, you can bury it, sow the seeds, give it a little water, and slowly but surely the potty will biodegrade feeding your flowers and helping the environment.

www.becothings.com

Please contact Nicola Semple at: nicola@lifeaftermaternity.com

YES, you can have it • Are you seeking extra income? • Would you like more time at home? • Do you dream of running your own business? • Would extra money at Christmas help? I am looking for working partners to work part‐time from home, alongside and without compromising family commitments, or current career...

...for more details call Daniella Goodman www.lifeaftermaternity.com

Dolphin Cottage, Brancaster Staithe

Lilac Cottage, Thornham Lilac Cottage is a newly built cottage in a traditional chalk and brick style. It is situated in the middle of the very popular village of Thornham. The cottage has been well furnished in a modern contemporary style and is just a short distance from the coastal path and beaches. The village has several good pubs and a farm shop and a great Deli at the other end of the village from Lilac Cottage. This is a great cottage for a family break or for a group of golfers or bird watchers.

Dolphin Cottage is a delightful, traditional brick and flint cottage on the coast at Brancaster Staithe. It has been completely renovated and modernised to a high standard. Close to the marsh, beaches, pubs and restaurants Brancaster Staithe is a very popular destination. There is a small shop with post office and The Fish Shed selling fresh fish, game and vegetables just opposite the cottage. There is a playing field next to the village hall just a few steps away where children can run around and play football etc.

Lilac Cottage sleeps 6 and prices for a week start from £570.

Dolphin Cottage sleeps 6 and prices for a week start from £385.

Crows Nest Wells-next-the-Sea

For more information contact Kett Country Cottages on:

Awarded 4 stars by "Enjoy England" tourist rating scheme and approved for walkers and cyclists. Crow’s Nest is a beautiful, large,modern property built in traditional brick and flint with a coloured render first floor. It has been built with the main living area upstairs to maximise the views across the roofs of Wells to the sea. It is situated in the middle of the seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea and is just a few minutes walk to the harbour, shops, pubs restaurants and famous beaches with miles of sand and dunes. One of the real plus points with this property is that you really do have beautiful sea views from all upstairs rooms. You can also enjoy the sound proofed home cinema in the basement. Crows Nest Cottage sleeps 8 and prices for a week start at £960.

If you are in the mood for a more relaxing Christmas this year, this beautiful modern property maximises its stunning position with the main living area upstairs. You can peer out over the frosty rooftops and keep an eye out for the distinctive traditional character in red and white, while being tucked up by the cosy roaring fire. Just a short drive will take you to Thursford Christmas Spectacular (9th Nov – 23rd Dec), seen as the biggest and most exciting Christmas Show in Britain.

By Cindy Evans 21st November 2012

The Location Martinhal has breathtaking views overlooking a pristine beach on the south-west tip of the Algarve and is set within the dramatic landscape of the Costa Vicentina National Park. The fishing port of Sagres is nearby and Faro airport is a 90-minute drive away. We Like Winner of the 2012 World Travel Awards for Europe’s Leading Villa Resort, Martinhal is very family friendly and has a well-equipped kids club catering for ages from 6 months to 18 years and is staffed by dedicated and trained child carers. The resort is a 5* destination with a comfortable, contemporary atmosphere. The Rooms My spacious hotel room had a bay-facing deck with amazing views and large en-suite. Artisan skills can be seen in the cork tables and cane-woven lamps made from Algarvian reeds. An evening turn down service is one of the little luxurious touches that help make your stay memorable. You Should Know Off season, Martinhal is quiet and the weather is changeable. Visiting in mid-November, there were two days of glorious sunshine and two days of torrential rain. There is very little to do when it rains, which could be a problem if you have children to keep amused. The Food Lunch on the terrace at the chic As Dunas, where freshly caught seafood is the speciality, is simply gorgeous. O Terraco serve a wellstocked breakfast buffet and delicious gourmet fare in the evening. Both restaurants offer children’s menus with fresh, vibrant food. The Spa The Finisterra Spa has a great range of treatments with the emphasis on relaxation and offers a selection of child friendly treatments too. The Bottom Line Active Winter Holiday – 8 Days/ 7 Nights: Hotel Martinhal***** - 1120€ or 80€ per adult, per night Baby Buzz Rating: 9/10 For an in depth travel diary, visit: www.babybuzzmagazine.com

Musical Buzz

Buzzing Around

zzzzz zzzzzz zzz zzzz zzz zz zz z

When you open the curtains to wake your baby in the morning, make a high then low humming sound. Finish your hum with the name of your child. Repeat this when you stroke their head to wake them. If your baby is already awake, do the same! Over the weeks, listen, for vocal sounds that your baby makes back to you.

Dancing Bees

Beehive Blues

Track: “Love me tender” Elvis Presley

Bubbles , Bubbles , Bubbles everywhere. Bubbles on my tummy Bubbles in my hair, Bubbles up high, bubbles down low. How many bubbles can you blow.

Have a gentle moment with your baby or toddler when listening to this track. Scoop up your child and rock gently from side to side. Occasionally turn around and li� your baby up high and down low. Hum along to the melody, or sing too, if the impulse takes you.

Buzz onto www.babybuzzmagazine.com/music and download the track for free!

Queen Bee’s Monthly Ponder

Q: How can I make my baby stop wiggling when I’m dressing her?

A: Make up and down sliding sounds, then stop suddenly, and look away momentarily. Baby will stop to see where you are looking. Now you have your moment to dress! Send your musical thoughts to: nickie@babybuzzmagazine.co.uk. Brought to you from the busy bees at The Music House for Children

FESTIVE FROLICS NORTH LONDON

for all the family…..

SLEEPING BEAUTY - DREAM ON (28th Nov, 2012 – 12th Jan, 2013) Chicken Shed, Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE Box Office: 020 8351 6161 Website: www.chickenshed.org.uk Running Time: Approximately 120 minutes (including an interval). . Chickenshed proudly presents Sleeping Beauty – Dream On, serving up a familiar story in an entirely fresh and funky way. And you thought you already knew all about Sleeping Beauty? Dream on! Ticket Information: Full Price: £14 - £20 / Concessions: £17 - £18 Age Recommendation: 5+ THE GRUFFALO (8th Dec, 2012 - 6th Jan, 2013) Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 0GA Box Office: 020 8369 5454 Website: www.artsdepot.co.uk Running Time: Approximately 55 minutes (this show does not have an interval). Tall Stories, the company behind the much loved The Gruffalo's Child, bring us more monster fun this Christmas with The Gruffalo! Follow the quick-thinking Mouse into the deep, dark wood in this magical and musical show. Ticket Information: Full Price: £12.50 / Family Ticket: £44 Age Recommendation: 3+. THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER (8th Dec, 2012 – 3rd Jan, 2013) Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA Box Office: 020 8341 4421 Website: www.jacksonslane.org.uk Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes (including an interval). We meet Sam Lacey who sells his weird and wonderful shoes on the internet, with little success. Until one night two mischievous visitors climb through the window and Sam's life is never the same again! Ticket Information: Full Price: £14.50 / Concessions: £10.50 / Family Ticket: £43 Age Recommendation: 2+. MOTHER GOOSE (29th Nov, 2012 – 5th Jan, 2013) Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ Box Office: 020 8807 6680 Website: https://forms.enfield.gov.uk/peo Running Time: Approximately 140 minutes (including an interval). . This Christmas join Mother Goose, her family and of course Priscilla, the Goose that lays the golden eggs, on a flight of fantasy in an unmissable pantomime adventure. Ticket Information: These are discounted online prices. Tickets will cost slightly more via box office. Full Price: £11 – £16.50 / Concessions: £11 – £13 / Family Ticket: from £59 Age Recommendation: 3+ BRINGING DOWN THE MOON (3rd Dec, 2012 – 2nd Jan, 2013) Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF Box Office: 0207 6091800 Website: www.pleasance.co.uk Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes (this show does not have an interval). . Mole burrowing out of the ground sees the moon for the very first time and thinks it is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship and adventure. Ticket Information: Full price: £8 / Concessions: £7 Age Recommendation: 3+

EAST & SOUTH EAST LONDON THE HOUSE WHERE WINTER LIVES (29th Nov, 2012 – 13th Jan, 2013) Age Recommendation: 3-6 years. Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ Box Office: 020 8536 5555 Website: www.discover.org.uk Running Time: Approximately 45 minutes (this show does not have an interval). Two forest dwellers invite you to join them in their warm and welcoming cottage, as they prepare for a winter feast. Unfortunately they've mislaid the key to their larder! Wrap up warm and join them on a journey through a secret forest to find the missing key. Ticket Information: (includes entry to Discover's Story Trail and Story Garden): Full Price: £8 / Concessions: £6 THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER (25th Nov 2012 – 13th Jan, 2013) Age Recommendation: 6+. Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ Box Office: 020 7645 0560 Website: www.unicorntheatre.com Running time: Approximately 120 minutes (including an interval). Mark Twain’s classic tale of confused identities tells the story of what happens when Tom Canty is forced into the world of the court and power, while Edward is cast down into a world of poverty and thieves, from which he must fight his way back to the Court. Ticket Information: Full Price: £22 / Under 21s: £15 / Concessions: £15 / Family Ticket: 20% off when you buy 4 tickets. IN A PICKLE (6th Dec, 2012 – 6th Jan, 2013) Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ Box Office: 020 7645 0560 Website: www.unicorntheatre.com Age Recommendation: 2-5 years Running Time: Approximately 55 minutes (this show does not have an interval). . For our youngest audiences at Christmas, Unicorn favourites Oily Cart return to the Clore Studio with In a Pickle, a voyage of discovery for the very young, through the landscapes of Shakespeare’s imagination. Ticket Information: Full Price: £16 / Under 21s: £10 / Concessions: £13 / Family Ticket: 20% off when you buy 4 tickets

FESTIVE FROLICS EAST & SOUTH EAST LONDON (cont..)

for all the family…..

FEATHERS IN THE SNOW (5th Dec, 2012 – 5th Jan, 2013) Age Recommendation: 8+ Southwark Playhouse, Shipwright Yard, Corner of Tooley Street & Bermondsey Street, SE1 2TF Box Office: 020 7407 0234 Website: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk Running time: Approximately 120 minutes (including an interval). . Beneath a sky full of stars a decision is made. This decision sets off an astonishing chain of events and a journey involving a talking leopard, a greedy King, a magical bird, a tidal wave, a Sea Witch, a lost soldier, a devious dolphin, a war – and a trail of feathers in the snow… Ticket Information: Full Price: £16 / Concessions: £14 CLOUD MAN (22nd Dec, 2012 – 6th Jan, 2013) Age Recommendation: 4-7 years Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Box Office: 0844 875 0073 Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk Running Time: Approximately 40 minutes (this show does not have an interval). . Cloudia has always had her head in the clouds. She is a cloud expert and has spent all of her life dreaming of seeing the elusive Cloud Man - an extremely rare creature who lives a quiet life high up in the sky. Come on a magical puppet adventure through the clouds this winter. Ticket Information: Full Price: £12 / Concessions: 50% off (limited availability). HANSEL AND GRETEL (Dec 7th, 2012 – Jan 26th, 2013) Age Recommendation: 7–10 years National Theatre – Cottesloe, Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX Box Office: 020 7452 3000 Website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Running time: Not currently available. . Two children lost in the woods... a trail of breadcrumbs... and a bewitching house made of sweets. Ticket Information: Full Price: £12 - £24 / Concessions: £12

WEST & SOUTH WEST LONDON A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1st Dec, 2012 – 13th Jan, 2013) The Puppet Theatre Barge, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF Box Office: 020 7249 6876 Website: www.puppetbarge.com Running Time: Approximately 80 minutes (including an interval). . A Movingstage production with the voice of Simon Callow and puppets by Athena Vassilakis. Ticket Information: Full Price: £10 / Concessions: £8.50

Age Recommendation: 4+

FATHER CHRISTMAS (30th Nov, 2012 – 05th Jan, 2013) Age Recommendation: 2 – 6 years. Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL Box Office: 020 8741 6850 Website: www.lyric.co.uk Running Time: Approximately 55 minutes (this show does not have an interval). Raymond Briggs’ famous Christmas story is brought to the stage for the very first time. Pins and Needles are back with this festive adaptation of a timeless classic. Ticket Information: All tickets: £8 / Family Tickets: £30 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (24th Nov, 2012 – 27th Jan, 2013) The Colour House Children’s Theatre, Merton Abbey Mills, SW19 2RD Box Office: 020 8542 5511 Website: www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Running Time: Not currently available. Age Recommendation: 3+. Jack only gets 5 beans for his mum’s cow and he’s in BIG trouble. The beans grow into a huge beanstalk that our adventurous Jack wants to climb to the top of. Will he find hidden treasure or will he be eaten by the horrible Giant? Ticket Information: Full Price: £10 / Concessions: £8 CINDERELLA: A FAIRY TALE (12th Dec, 2012 – 26th Jan, 2013) St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA Box Office: 0844 264 2140 Website: www.stjamestheatre.co.uk Running time: Approximately 120 minutes (including an interval). Age Recommendation: 6+. When her father marries again, Ella’s peaceful life is turned upside down by a host of new and unpleasant relations. It appears her only allies are the feathered friends who roost in the trees, but they are no ordinary birds… Ticket Information: Full Price: £15 - £40 TOO MANY PENGUINS (16th Oct, 2012 – 16th Feb, 2013) Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB Box Office: 020 8543 4888 Website: www.polkatheatre.com Running Time: Approximately 40 minutes (this show does not have an interval). Age Recommendation: 3 - 4 years. Squeeze into this fun theatrical experience and find out just how many penguins we can get into one space. It might get crowded, but we promise that the arrival of the penguins will entertain and delight! Ticket Information: Full price: £10 / Concessions: £8 THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS (23rd Nov, 2012 – 16th Feb, 2013) Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB Box Office: 020 8543 4888 Website: www.polkatheatre.com Running Time: Approximately 120 minutes (including an interval). Age Recommendation: 5-11 years. In this delightful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic story of friendship and bravery, this winter warmer will take you on a journey through the seasons. A wonderfully funny tale brought to life with music, songs and the usual Polka magic! Ticket Information: Full Price: £16 / Concessions: £11 Watch with Baby Show: 28th December & 26th January at 11am Autism Friendly Performance: Sat 5th January at 5.30pm

FESTIVE FROLICS

for all the family…..

WEST & SOUTH WEST LONDON JACK FROST’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE (27th Dec, 2012 – 6th Jan, 2013) St John's Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HA Box Office: 020 7222 1061 Website: www.sjss.org.uk Running Time: Approximately 80 minutes (including an interval). Age recommendation: No minimum age. Very young children can sit on their parent’s laps for no charge. Santa and Jack have had a big row and are refusing to speak to each other. Can Jimmy Frost and Bella Claus (Jack’s son and Santa’s daughter) survive their thrilling adventures with polar bears, fire breathing enchantresses and a particularly abominable snowman? Or will this be the end not only of this Christmas... but of every Christmas ever? Ticket Information: Full Price: £14 - £22 / Concessions: £8 - £12 / Family Ticket: £45

CENTRAL LONDON SEUSSICAL (4th Dec, 2012 – 6th Jan, 2013) Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, WC2B 7JB Box Office: 020 7836 8463 Website: www.seussical-london.com / www.selladoor.com/ www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk Running Time: 80 minutes (this show does not have an interval). Age Recommendation: No minimum ago but all children must have a ticket. Join The Cat in the Hat as he takes you on a journey into the fantastical, bombastical and songtastical world of Dr Seuss. So let your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your imagination run wild in the world of Dr. Seuss. Ticket Information: All Tickets: £17.50 THE HAPPY PRINCE (27th Nov, 2012 – 21st Dec, 2013 ) Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, EC4Y 8EQ Box Office: 020 7353 3331 Website: www.englishcabaret.co.uk Running time: Approximately 50 minutes (this show does not have an interval). Age Recommendation: 5+. The tale of the gilded statue prince who, with the help of a migrating swallow, selflessly relieves the hardship of his townspeople is a classic fable, but also a very modern exploration of philanthropy, love, loss and the emptiness of wealth. Ticket Information: All tickets: £7

OUTSIDE LONDON ALADDIN (7th Dec, 2012 – 13th Jan, 2013) Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1QJ Box Office: 0844 871 7651 Website: www.atgtickets.com Running Time: Approximately 150 minutes (including an interval). Age Recommendation: No minimum age. Very young children (under 18 months) can sit on their parent’s laps for no charge.This year at Don’t miss out on this spectacular journey to the mystical world of the Far East. Aladdin is guaranteed to delight the whole family. Ticket Information: Full Price: £10.00 - £55.00 Please note the 7pm performance on Monday 7 January 2012 is a Relaxed Performanc Relaxed performances are designed to benefit those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, as well as other patrons who may find the experience of visiting a theatre daunting. CINDERELLA (1st Dec, 2012 - 2nd Jan, 2013) The Broadway, Barking, IG11 7LS Box Office: 020 8507 5607 Website: www.thebroadwaybarking.com Running Time: Approximately 120 minutes (including an interval). Age Recommendation: No minimum age but children under 2 must sit on their parents lap and there will be a charge of £2. Cinderella will be having a ball at the Broadway! The Broadway presents Cinderella, rounding off 'One Amazing Year' with one amazing pantomime! Ticket Information: Full Price: £15 / Concessions: £12 / Family ticket: £50 PETER PAN (15th Dec, 2012 – 6th Jan, 2013) Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2UE Box Office: 020 8561 8371 Website: www.becktheatre.org.uk Running Time: Approximately 150 minutes (including an interval). Age Recommendation: No minimum age. Very young children (under 2) can sit on their parent’s laps for no charge. Peter Pan is guaranteed to be full of laughter, comedy, singing and much seasonal silliness Ticket Information: Full Price: £17.50 - £21.00 / Family Ticket: £65 MOTHER GOOSE (7th – 29th Dec, 2012) Age Recommendation: 5+ Watford Palace, 20 Clarendon Road, WD17 1JZ Box Office: 01923 225671 Website: www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Running Time: Approximately 120 minutes (including an interval). . There is more to Priscilla the Goose than her ability to lay golden eggs. Ticket Information: Full Price: £12 - £20 / Christmas Box: £120 per box which seat up to 4 people (certain performances only).

Party Planning with Merriful Music: Music is essential for good party, particularly when entertaining guests who don’t know one another. Relaxing lounge music works well at the start of a party and Christmas classics are a guaranteed crowd pleaser to get your guests dancing until the early hours. Pretty Presents: Christmas is the season for giving and it’s the ideal time to enlist the help of Santa’s little helpers with some crafty giftwrapping sessions. Cox & Cox and Not on the Highstreet have a huge selection of pretty wrapping paper, tags and ribbons that will give your gifts a sprinkling of decorative decadence and add the final touch to your tree. The sleigh bells are almost ringing and we’re in full festive spirit as we countdown to Christmas. To ensure you kick off the season with a bang, party planning experts Jo Kent and Kim Balasubramaniam from the inspirational baby blog www.prettylittlebaby.co.uk share their secrets for creating the perfect celebration.

For further inspiration and ideas, please Add the finishing touch with tealights visit: www.prettylittlebaby.co.uk scattered en masse throughout the house and lanterns outside for a welcoming entrance – you can never have too many candles at Christmas!

Festive Fancies: Christmas is a frantic time of year so when it comes to party food, Deck the halls: it’s always best to If there’s ever a time keep it simple. Serve to add some sparkle canapés such as brie to your home, and cranberry Christmas is most alongside bowls of definitely it. From sausage and mash for high street retailers simple entertaining, to online party accompanied by specialists, there’s so spiced cookies, much choice when it macaroons and mini comes to sourcing mince pieces. For decorations and the drinks, serve days of tacky tinsel Christmas-themed are a long gone. cocktails such as sloe Oversized tissue gin fizz (sloe gin with pompoms in gold, lemonade, soda water silver and white are a or prosecco) garnished big trend of the with redcurrants and season and are super fruit punch with simple to make; cranberry juice, alternatively Heals has a great selection. sparkling water and raspberries for a Apothecary jars filled with rustic pine delicious non-alcoholic tipple. cones or coloured baubles make pretty table centrepieces.

Photography: Tim Hollis Cakes: Cakes by Krishanthi Décor: The White Orchid

Each month we endeavour to locate some of the nicest and most sought after gifts. For our launch issue we have an amazing selection of prizes up for grabs. Just send an email with the answer, your name and contact details and we will let you know if you are the lucky winner….. Send all correct answers to nickie@babybuzzmagazine.com with your full contact details. Competitions close on the 15th December 2012.

We have one amazing BloomBaby Alma Mini Crib in Orange, complete with mattress and bedding set. Simply answer the following question: What is the age specification for the Alma Mini Cot? A: 1 month B: 3 months C: 12 months (Clue, please visit: www.bloombaby.com/collection/spec.php?sID=83)

We have a prize package from Vtech with the latest Innotab 2 plus a £20 gift voucher for the app store. Simply answer the following question:

What area is the Baby E store located in? A: Hampstead B: Palmers Green C: Ealing (Clue: www.babye.co.uk/about-us.Irs)

Would you like to win a LeapPad 2. Simply answer the following question: What is the age bracket for the LeapPad 2? A: 1 - 2 years B: 3 - 5 years C: 3 - 9 years

What size screen does the Innotab 2 have: A: 1 cm B: 3 inches C: 5 inches

(Clue, please visit: http://www.leapfrog.com/en/products/leappad2.html)

(Clue: http://www.vtechuk.com/innotab/InnoTab2/)

We have a stunning gift set from Hokolo to give away. Simply answer the following question: What is the last order date for items purchased at Hokolo? (Clue, please visit: http://www.hokolo.com/)

We have one pink and blue Merino Sleep Bag very kindly provided by Baby E. Simply answer the following question:

For that little extra something special for mum, we have a lovely pampering kit kindly offered by BooBoo. Simply answer the following question: What day does Mothers Day fall on in 2013?

(Clue, please visit: http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/mothers-day/when-ismothers-day.html

Find out what ’s on for fam ilies and childr en in Cr ouch End Tak e adv ant age of fant ast ic Cr ouch End car d offer s

Find out mor e at t hecr ouchendpr oject .co.uk