Project Baby Magazine Spring 2020

SPRING 2020 £3.99

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Mini Soother Steriliser Cleans and sterilises dummies on the go

germ magnet

germ free

Milton, protecting what’s precious for over 70 years www.milton-tm.com

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

New recyclable box

@MiltonBaby project-baby.co.uk

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COMPETITION

Win a Britax B Ready Pushchair + Car Seat The Britax B-Ready Pushchair is designed to grow with your familiy and features 14 different seating options when used with a second seat, carrycot or infant car seat.

use the B-Ready also feautres quick-fold design with automatic frame-lock so the pushchair can be stowed away in seconds.

With foam-filled rubber tires and frame-suspension system, the B-Ready Pushchair offers a smooth ride for your little one while the reversible main seat unit includes 5-point safety harness with adjustable head-pad and 4-poisition recline to ensure they will be snug and secure wherever you go. When not in

As your family and little one continue to grow, so does the B-Ready. Using the Britax Click & Go system you can attach any Britax Infant car seat, carrycot or second seat unit with ease. When combined with an infant car seat, carrycot or second seat unit the Britax B-Ready can even be used from birth!

To be in with a chance of winning simply email us at: natasha@project-baby.co.uk with details of your perfect day

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contents 38

WELCOME

SPRING 2020

8. PRODUCTS WE LOVE Everything you will need from pregnancy to parenthood.

15. 15 SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE PREGNANT Craving, swollen breasts, what does it all mean? If anything.

18. 8 WAYS DAD CAN BOND WITH YOUR UNBORN BABY

43

15

Get acquainted with your little one before they are even born.

25. BEST PRODUCTS When only the best will do.

31. Q&A AFTER GIVING BIRTH What every new mum wants to know.

53. CREATING YOUR DREAM NURSERY Release the inner designer in you.

57. SPRING SUMMER 2020 More stylish than you.

66. BABY’S FIRST FOODS When to start introducing solid foods.

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COMPETITION

From the EDITOR

Natasha Hewett Editor-in-chief

Rebecca Harding Assistant Editor

If your reading this then you may well be pregnant ... Or maybe your baby is already here... Either way, congratulations and welcome to parenthood!

Welcome to our Spring edition of Project Baby, jammed packed with lots of useful articles and tips for your very own Project - Baby. For those of you who are in the Project Bump stage, we have some great tips for Dad and bump bonding time.

And those of you who have moved on from the bump days and thinking of baby wearing, be sure to check out our guide to buying the perfect carrier for you.

Emma Smith Copywriter

Lesley Mcdiarmid Sales Consultant

Paul Palmer Webmaster

Gavin Bridle Art Direction

Advertising with us:

As always on page 8 we feature all of this seasons brands and products I absolutely fell in love with, check them out. Tweet us your favourite items for mum and baby by using #10thingswelove on Twitter.

Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk Tel: 07597 294 061

The weather has stayed beautiful and crisp recently and along with the sun comes the task of dressing your bump, take a look at this seasons fashion essentials on page 43, with stunning attire to see you through the Spring months.

Email: Lesley@project-baby.co.uk

Whilst we touch on fashion check out our child’s play fashion feature on page 57.

Katie Hilton, iCandy, Natasha Wiening Photography, BumpPR, Mamas & Papas, Kathryn Mewes, Annabel Karmel, Britax, Dr Goldstein & all our advertisers.

General Enquiries:

So all that is left for me to do is wish you all a lovely relaxing read.

Happy Reading

Natasha Natasha Hewett, Editor natasha@project-baby.co.uk

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WIN A BEABA BABYCOOK WITH METANIUM Worth: ÂŁ www.metanium.co.uk

With many thanks to our contributors:

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, without the express permission of the editor. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The opinions expressed within Project Baby magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Project Baby is printed by Wyndeham Group.

www.project-baby.co.uk

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BABYZEN YOYO+ The ultimate travel pushchair www.babyzen.com

Things

WE LOVE

KIT KIN ECO NAPPY PANTS When your little one is starting to become more active, it’s time to switch to our hypoallergenic nappy pants with premium performance. www.kitandkin.com

LA VIE EST BELLE - EAU DE PARFUM Make your life even more beautiful with Lancôme’s new feminine fragrance La Vie est Belle. www.lancome.co.uk

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JOOLZ HUB CLASSIC BLUE smart little urban savvy pushchair designed for ease, comfort and practicality. Suitable from 6 month (from birth with carry cot, sold separately) www.whwatts.co.uk

WELCOME

START RITE BABY BUBBLE WHITE LEATHER T-Bar buckle shoe with a modern twist moulds seamlessly to tiny feet. Made from the softest of white leather and with cushioned insole for the ultimate comfort. www.startriteshoes.com

SKIP HOP ZOO 3 IN 1 RIDE ON FOX TOY An entertaining toy that grows with your child, this 3-in-1 Ride-on fox toy from Skip Hop is sure to provide loads of fun for your little one. www.johnlewis.com

BOW AND RATTLE The Joy Bag is a beautiful stand out statement piece. It’s designed to be stylish yet extremely functional. www.bellababy.co.uk

MINI POD Comfort and quality of sleep is incredibly important for the newborn. The rounded pod creates a cosy environment which allows your baby to sleep next to you in your bed and at the same time feel secure. Of course, it fits perfectly inside every moKee cot. en.mokee.eu

NANOBÉBÉ

MUSTELA Improves skin elasticity and softness to contribute to preventing the appearance of stretch marks.

Baby instinctively connects to the bottle’s familiar shape, while 2x faster warming satisfies baby’s immediate hunger needs. Our award-winning baby bottles for breastfed babies encourage a smooth transition from breast to bottle. The included breast pump adaptor means you can conveniently pump directly into your bottle. www.amazon.co.uk

www.mustela.com

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LIFESTYLE

MAMA TO BEE’ STERLING SILVER PREGNANCY NECKLACE A beautiful and stylish talisman to be loved during pregnancy and beyond. Our ‘Mama to Bee’ edition features a chiming sterling silver Mexican Bola pendant with a hand-crafted 9ct rose gold honey bee charm, presented on a longer length 38” sterling silver chain.

OVER BUMP MATERNITY LEGGINGS A key piece for your new wardrobe Seraphine’s signature maternity leggings fit like a second skin, shaping and smoothing your legs to provide all-day support. Made for comfort, they are ultra-soft and breathable.

Price: £19.99 www.seraphine.com

Price: £249.99 www.blooming-lovely-jewellery.co.uk

STRETCH MARKS CREAM Formulated with ingredients of natural origin, the Mustela® Maternity Stretch Marks Cream moisturizes and leaves the skin supple.

Essential to help to limit the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.

Price: £13.18 www.mustela.co.uk

Products for

BUMP bbhugme

We Love

BBHUGME The ultimate nursing pillow which has been fully endorsed by nurses, this Dusty Pink Pregnancy Pillow from the award-winning pillow experts at bbhugme will keep you comfortable all the way from pregnancy to breastfeeding your baby. The pillow grows with you and your baby, so it can be used during pregnancy, when nursing and beyond.

Price: £139.99 www.scandiborn.com

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BBHUGME MATERNITY SUPPORT BELT Carrying a growing baby bump can feel okay for some, but painful or uncomfortable for others. Be it the one or the other, the bbhugme Maternity Support Belt will help you in some way. Think of it like a fashionable weightlifters belt, -it will stabilize and support your pelvis and lower back, all while keeping your core muscles activated.

Price: £65.00 www.bbhugme.com

LIFESTYLE

2 of the Best

Editors Choice

IT’S ALL CHANGE

LABOUR SOCK KEEP CALM Lighten the mood on the maternity ward with these fun socks, packed with your Gownie and Nursing Nightie & Pillowcase to ensure you have all you need with these unique essentials for the arrival of baby!

Price: £9.99 theprettycompany.com

HEARTLESS HELEN PENHALIGON’S Who needs romance when one wields power? A top note of mandarin makes way for refreshing tuberose before a finale of creamy woods: the fearless conquistadora’s floral, woody scent seduces all in her path Price: £188.00 www.harrods.com

Products for

MUM

PACAPOD HARTLAND TAN LEATHER BACKPACK PacaPod Hartland tan is an elegant leather backpack which can transfer to a stylish messenger in seconds. With separate feeding and changing pod and changing mat. 3-in-1 organising system, Phthalates free, recyclable Price: £110.00 www.pacapod.com

MONTE DESIGN LUCA GLIDER WITH ESPRESSO BASE Luca is Monte’s signtature piece - the original modern glider. An absolutely stunning glider you’ll want to keep long after your baby finishes nursing, this beautiful, handcrafted design is sustainably and ethically made in Canada.

Price: £1045.00 www.huggle.co.uk

WILD NUTRITION FOOD-GROWN® BREAST FEEDING Providing Vitamin B12 which contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal psychological function and iron, selenium and zinc which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue as well as the health of skin, hair and nails.

JEM + BEA AMBER GREY WHITE Defined by its sleek and minimalist bowling bag silhouette, Amber is a chic and compact addition to the range, crafted in soft tumbled leather.

Price: £230.00 www.jemandbea.com

Price: £28.00 www.planetorganic.com project-baby.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE

SLEEPYHEAD CABANA KIT NIGHT FALLS

We Love

Editors Choice CYBEX PRIAM PUSHCHAIR MOUNTAIN BLUE

The Sleepyhead Cabana Kit in Night Falls design has been created just for the Deluxe+ pod, this new must-have for your pod has a retractable UV-protected shade of 50+ SPF - shielding your baby from the sun and other elements.

Cybex Priam Pushchair in Mountain Blue offers a one hand fold, height adjustable handlebar, light frame, bumper bar, all wheel suspension and more! This is a stylish and practical pushchair, it includes features that parents will adore and a smooth and comfy ride for your little one. Price: £829.00

Price: £70.00 www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk

www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk

ADEN + ANAIS Enchant baby with the magical world of Harry Potter™. These limited-edition muslin swaddles inspire the comfiest cuddles and are charmed with metallic accents and iconic imagery from Hogwarts and beyond. Breathable and versatile, they ensure little ones’ ultimate comfort from bedtime to mealtime to playtime, as they can also be used as a stroller cover, burp cloth, nursing cover and more.

Price: £55.00 www.babyatthebank.co.uk

BABY

Products for

Keeping your Baby Close

BABYBJÖRN BLISS MESH BOUNCER The BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft provides unrivalled comfort, head and back support as recommended by paediatricians and is suitable for rest and play.

Price: £156.99 www.babybjorn.co.uk

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SNUZPOD 3 BEDSIDE CRIB Sleep safely, feed easily and be even closer with the allnew SnuzPod 3 Bedside Crib! Boasting a stunning new look and brand new features, making it the perfect sleep solution from newborn babies to 6 months.

Price: £199.99 www.snuz.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

3 of the Best

CYBEX SIRONA M WITH SENSORSAFE CYBEX SensorSafe Technology: Integrated into the 5-point safety harness chest clip, data syncs thru vehicle receivers and cellphones – alerting when unsafe conditions arise such as car temperature, unsecured harness, or unattended child.

TOOTH BRUSHES

Price: £299.00 www.cybex-online.com

MICRO SCOOTER MINI 2 GO

Products for Your

This clever multi-adaptable scooter will see your child through from their first toddles, to their first year at school. With a unique storage drawer, adjustable handlebar, and removable, fun, light and parent-friendly steering pole.

JACK N JILL Use ‘brush’ side for gentle cleaning of baby’s teeth. Use ‘dimple’ side to massage gums great for teething gums.

Price: £5.99 www.uk.jackandjillkids.com

Price: £129.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

TODDLER NUNA PEPP NEXT OXFORD COLLECTION

BRUSH-BABY BABYSONIC TOOTHBRUSH

The PEPP Next stroller from Nuna is an ultimate space saver, opening up to a functional, feature-packed and sophisticated ride. With a complete canopy system, all-season seat, and spring suspension technology, it’s a travel essential for you and your growing family.

Specially designed to care for baby and toddler teeth, the Brush-Baby BabySonic Toothbrush is essential for teaching good oral hygiene habits from an early age.

Price: £250.00 www.johnlewis.com

Price: £9.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Great Designs MY CARRY POTTY My Carry Potty is one of the easiest ways to introduce your toddler to potty training and now it’s been redesigned to make it even better!

Price: £19.99 www.mycarrypotty.com

MAM BRUSH CRIBSTAR GRUFFALO Gruffalo and Other Creatures Sweatshirt. 97% cotton3% elastane Lovingly and ethically made in Poland. 100% sweatshop free.

Price: £18.00 www.cribstar.co.uk

Mam First Toothbrush - Pediatric dentists recommend cleaning a baby’s gums - even before the first tooth appears - with a soft infant toothbrush and water. The soft bristles on mam’s first toothbrush will clean all sides from top an bottom teeth.

Price: £3.50 www.sterlingpharmacy.com project-baby.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE

3 of the Best

FERTILITY CLINICS

BRISTOL CENTRE FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) is consistently one of the top Fertility Clinics in the UK and the best performing fertility clinic in the South West and Wales, offering a full range of fertility services, including IVF and ICSI treatments. www.repromed.co.uk

DI Success Rate

IVF Success Rate

48%

38%

SUSSEX DOWNS FERTILITY CENTRE Established in 1989, the Sussex Downs Fertility Centre has developed into a highly successful centre providing a wide range of state of the art assisted reproductive therapies.

Understanding that trying to conceive a baby is a stressful and emotional time in people’s lives.

They are a highly successful fertility centre that offers treatment in a safe, friendly and well managed environment www.sussexdownsfertilitycentre.co.uk

IVF Success Rate

53%

DI Success Rate

22%

BRIDGE CENTRE At the Bridge Centre they want to give every couple the chance of having a baby. That’s why they offer a low cost approach to IVF treatment, using milder drugs and a less invasive treatment programme that works with your natural cycle. www.thebridgecentre.co.uk

IVF Success Rate

35% 14 l SPRING 2020 l

DI Success Rate

33%

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HATCHING DRAGONS

BILINGUAL CHINESE NURSERIES

STAY & PLAY

ARTS & CRAFTS MUSIC & RHYME MASK MAKING SHADOW PUPPETRY PAPER CUTTING & MORE

PARENTS NEED TO STAY WITH CHILDREN HATCHING DRAGONS ASSUMES NO LIABILITY ACTIVITIES SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AGED 3-5 WWW.HATCHING-DRAGONS.COM ENQUIRIES@HATCHING-DRAGONS.COM

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PREGNANCY

15

SIGNS

You might be Pregnant 1. SWOLLEN AND TENDER BREASTS Soreness or tingling in breasts is one of pregnancy’s most common symptoms. Early in pregnancy breasts will fill out and change shape as they prepare to produce milk. Breasts may become very tender and sensitive for a few months as a result. But, Teresa Pitman, doula and lactation expert, notes: “that not all women experience these changes, especially if they have been on birth control pills.”

2. DARKENING AREOLAS For many women, hormones can cause the areolas, the circles around nipples, to widen and darken during pregnancy.

This occurs as the body prepares itself for breastfeeding.

3. SPOTTING About five to 10 days after conception, some women notice light spotting when the embryo implants in the uterus. So if you’ve had a light period this month, you might still be carrying a little bundle of joy.

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4. URINARY FREQUENCY OR CONSTIPATION When you’re pregnant, your uterus presses directly on the bladder leading to more frequent urination. The added pressure and intestinal changes may also cause constipation. Of course, the more a baby grows, the more the uterus presses against the bladder and other organs.

5. FATIGUE Many women feel very tired early in pregnancy (it takes lots of energy to

create a baby!). In fact, fatigue is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, chances are you’ll start to feel less tired around week 12, when the placenta is fully formed.

6. NAUSEA Nausea is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy. It’s caused by an increase in hormone levels (about 80 percent of women experience “morning sickness” during the first 3 months of pregnancy). For many, this nausea is not necessarily confined just to the morning – some feel it all day long.

PREGNANCY

7. SMELL SENSITIVITY No, the smells on the bus are not in your head: Many women have a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy. This symptom is one of the most common early signs that you could be pregnant. “Some researchers have speculated that it might be to protect women from eating ‘spoiled’ or tainted foods, thus protecting the baby from any harmful toxins,” says Pitman.

8. ELEVATED BASAL TEMPERATURE If you’ve been tracking your basal temperature, a positive sign of pregnancy is an increase of about one degree that lasts for more than two weeks after the “dip” in temperature that indicates ovulation.

9. MISSING PERIOD The most obvious indicator of pregnancy is a missed period, but a missed period doesn’t always mean a baby is on the way. Stress, diet or an irregular schedule can also be the culprits, so it’s best to get tested before making the big announcement.

10. UNUSUAL HUNGER OR CRAVINGS Pregnant bodies are working hard to grow that baby, and need about 300 extra calories a day. Some women find themselves craving food they would never normally dream of eating, while others simply feel hungry all day long.

11. HEADACHES The frequency of migraine headaches can increase with pregnancy. Many women who get hormonal migraine headaches find they get more of them during especially early in pregnancy, explains Pitman. However, some people have the opposite experience and actually get a little reprieve from migraines while expecting.

12. MOOD SWINGS Many women experience emotional mood swings throughout pregnancy. It’s natural to go through a variety of emotions as hormones are adjusting and the body is changing.

14. METALLIC TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH Some women complain of an odd “metallic” taste in their mouths during pregnancy. While there is no scientific explanation for this symptom, for some it can last throughout their entire pregnancy.

15. VIVID DREAMS Dreams during pregnancy often intensify.

So if your dreaming has become more dramatic this could be a symptom you’re expecting. (Thank your surging hormones for this one!)

13. FEELING FAINT OR DIZZY Shifting hormones, combined with the heart beating faster to pump more blood through the body can cause blood pressure to gradually decrease early in pregnancy. As a result many women experience periods of dizziness or feeling lightheaded.

4 Pregnancy Kits CLEARBLUE PLUS VISUAL PREGNANCY TEST Clearblue Plus Pregnancy Test is as accurate as a doctor’s test and is very easy to use.

Price: £8.77 www.n -aturesbest.co.uk

CLEARBLUE DIGITAL PREGNANCY TEST KIT WITH CONCEPTION INDICATOR Double confirmation of results within 3 minutes.

A clear pregnant/not pregnant result, - and if pregnant, it indicates number of weeks pregnant.

Price: £11.99 www.boots.com

ACCU CLEAR EARLY PREGNANCY TEST Early Pregnancy Test from Accu-Clear® provides you with a confident result in just 3 minutes!

Complete with a hygienic cap and wide wick for easy testing.

Price: £9.15 www.biovea.net

FIRST RESPONSE EARLY RESULT TWIN PREGNANCY TEST First Response can detect the pregnancy hormone as early as 6 days sooner than the day of your missed period.

Price: £10.49

www.boots.com

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PREGNANCY

Eight ways Dad can bond

Get acquainted with your little one before they are even born. How can you, dad-to-be, cuddle up with your baby right now? Our dads and experts have some great ideas for bonding with your baby bump.

THE ART OF BEING A DAD-TO-BE 1. So you’ve got a blobby, shadowy first image of your baby: Now make it into a work of art. The first step: Make sure you have the sonogram in digital form. Perhaps your partner’s doctor has emailed it to you. If so, cool; if not, upload that business. Then take the image and play around it. Add a cool filter, Photoshop in a party hat, or add a cute quote bubble with a message to your partner. When you’re done, plaster that image everywhere-from your phone’s wallpaper to that little photo window in your wallet, you’ll love seeing your babies little mug.

what she’d prefer, make the purchase, and become the expert in how it operates. Mum and baby will be grateful, and when baby is ready for a bottle, mum can express the milk and dad can join in the feeding.”

BOOK ‘EM 6. Read into that bump! Choose books that you and the mum-to-be both love, and will want your child to know about. Your forthcoming child has ears, and it’s never too early to influence his or her literary tastes, in fact, the sooner you guide them to the good stuff the better off they will be (book-wise).

TOY STORY 2. “Since dads tend to dream of things they will do with their offspring as the baby grows, making or buying something connected to those activities is a tangible way to cement this growing bond,” says Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads. “Maybe it’s a pint size fishing pole, maybe it’s something to do with their favorite sports team. When mom is pregnant and thinks about the baby, she pictures an infant. Dad pictures the baby older, as a new playmate and dreams of how he will show them their world and the adventures they’ll have.”

GET CLASS-Y. 3. Doug Gertner, author of the forthcoming The Grateful Dad’s Guide to the First Year of Fatherhood, advises you to “attend every class and pre-natal doctor visit you can. Knowledge is power and knowing what to expect will bring a range of positive possibilities to pop before baby even arrives. You don’t need to read every book if that’s not your thing; really, but showing up counts for a lot.” He adds, as an incentive, that gear might be involved here: i.e. the breast pump. “Dads can research this important piece of gear, talk to mom about

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musical vibes that will reach deep into the amniotic atmosphere will surely be good for everyone involved. “Babies hear sounds from the outside world at 16 weeks gestation,” says Deena H. Blumenfeld, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. “They also recognize their parents’ voices from the moment they are born. If dad sings to the baby while baby is still in the womb, baby will know the song, calm and look to dad.” The family that sings together, stays together. Cool, right?

PLAY DJ 4. Create an ideal playlist for your forthcoming kid--and then pump the music into her cozy little apartment. That is, take some headphones and place them gently around your partner’s pregnant belly. This is your chance to give your kid some great musical taste. Why not make him the only fetus on the block to appreciate Kanye or Tom Waits or Phoenix or whatever you think is cool. It’s a chance to make your kid a lifelong fan of (what you define as) good music. But don’t crank it up too much, warns Katherine Moore, an early childhood music educator: “The hearing of fetuses and infants is extremely sensitive, which means the sound levels we expose them to need to be on the gentle side.”

SING A DUET. 5. For the musical family: why not sing duets to the baby in mom-to-be’s tummy? The good

BE A HANDS-ON DAD-TO-BE 7. Having dad place his hands on mum’s growing belly is an easy way for him to experience the movements of the baby. It’s fun to try guessing whether you are feeling baby’s foot, knee, hand, head, or bottom! Dads are surprised to discover that the baby will even ‘play’ with him by kicking or punching where he lays his hand.

TAKE THE BUMP ON A VIRTUAL ROAD TRIP 8. Some of your relatives will surely be far away--but that doesn’t mean you can’t do some in utero introductions. Introduce your baby to the sound of your grandmother in Sydneys voice, or that of your favorite cousin in London. Best part: you can record G+ Hangouts, so that you will have a video record of these precious meetings.

Visit us at stand H50 and enter our weaning hamper giveaway!

Discover more! @miabenfresh www.miabenorganic.com

GB-ORG-05

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BABY

BABY Wearing

If you have a newborn at home, you’re likely carrying them for hours on end. That’s totally normal. Newborns want to be near you, on you and held by you. But this need that your baby has can make everyday life a lot trickier. How are you going to text that friend you’ve been wanting to see for so long, if you have a baby in your arms? How about pouring yourself a glass of water or carrying grocery bags? One word: babywearing!

YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING ASLING OR CARRIER Are you fed up of using a buggy and fancy a stroll with your baby closer to you? A baby carrier or sling allows you to carry your baby on your front, hip or back, leaving your arms and hands free.This can be a very convenient and practical option, allowing you to get on with other jobs or playing with older children. Some people choose to use them instead of a buggy, due to financial, lifestyle or space constraints, whilst others use them occasionally as an additional piece of kit for times when using a buggy is not practical, such as when travelling.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing your baby carrier or sling for your little one…

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SUPPORT The carrier or sling should be able to support your baby and be comfortable to wear for you and anyone else who is using it. Even if it states that it is suitable for newborns upwards, make sure your baby meets the minimum weight requirement. Your baby should be able sit upright, with their air passages clear. A newborn baby carrier is designed to support their head, back and developing hips and spine because their joints are soft and flexible.

The baby carrier must hold their legs in the recommended ‘frog leg’ position, with their knees level with or higher than their hips, and the thigh supported to the knee joint. This ensures their hips are not over stretched, and the balls of their hips to sit adequately in their sockets.

Slings should support your baby’s back in its natural curved ‘C- shape and the fabric should be snug enough to support your baby.

BABY

TYPES OF CARRIER’S AND SLING’S Modern close baby carriers and slings come in a huge variety of styles and choice to suit all budgets and preferences.

Wrap sling: Baby slings and wraps are long pieces are fabric, which wrap around you and your baby. These wraps can be spread comfortably across you and worn in a number of different positions, including front, hip and back carries. Learning to get a good fit can be tricky at first but they can be ideal for newborns.

Ring slings and pouches: These are worn over one shoulder and consist of two pieces of cloth with two rings sown at one end. The free end is looped through the rings, forming a pouch for the baby. These can be worn on your front, hip or back. Unless they are adjustable, these will need to be exactly the right size for you and cannot be shared.

Soft-structured baby carrier: These are like back packs with thick straps that go over the wearers shoulders and a padded waistband, so your baby can be inward or outward-facing and in some cases, on your hip. They offer a mixture of ease, comfort and convenience and can be used on much older children. Some may be unsuitable for babies below a certain weight without the use of an additional infant insert.

IS IT SUITABLE FROM NEWBORN? Some carriers don’t accommodate newborn babies - check the lower weight limits. Some will require extensive adjustment or an extra purchase of a special insert. A carrier for a newborn ideally keeps them upright on your chest, with support underneath right up to the back of each knee. Supporting the head and neck to lie on your body, with their mouth and nose clearly visible, and “close enough to kiss”.

IS IT ERGONOMIC? It’s a great buzz-word, but what does it actually mean? As a rule of thumb, this means something which grows with them, so look for a carrier with an adjustable seat, getting wider as they grow to maintain a hip-heathy, seated carrying position. For your comfort, the carrier should have a mechanism for tightening which encompasses both adult and child, allowing the weight to be distributed around your torso.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? Some carriers can last your child for years. Look for the upper weight limit, and how many carrying positions the carrier offers. Many can be used on the back as well as the front, and can support even heavy toddlers well, without strain to the carrying adult.

DOES IT FIT? A badly fitting carrier can be uncomfortable for you or your baby, even if on paper it should work for you. If at all possible, try before you buy - it can be a very personal thing, and what fits one person may not fit the other.

FIT It is important that you fit your sling or carrier correctly and that it fits your body. Follow manufacturing instructions and most will have video instructions on their websites. Always double check clips and fastenings every time you use your carrier or sling. The British Association of Babywearing Instructors also offers guidelines regarding safety of babywearing. It recommends to

‘TICKS’ CHECKLIST: • Tight for adequate support • Close enough to kiss (your baby’s forehead or head) • Keep baby’s chin off their chest to ensure breathing isn’t restricted • Supported back so the baby can’t slump and restrict their airway Here’s whats our , Infant Carrying Specialist, Nicola Lawson, has to say.

Hands-free parenting....

Using a baby carrier keeps them close and happy whilst you get on with the business of life, whether that is looking after older children, or enjoying the great outdoors. All babies have a need to be close - rocking, patting and shushing are instinctive human behaviours. Babies thrive on the reassurance of a solid adult body against theirs, feeling protected and warm - and studies show that babies cry a lot less when they are carried.

Using a carrier makes it easier for you to explore and navigate the world together, you can take them wherever your feet will take you. In those early years of parenting, that can be remarkably freeing. But with hundreds of carriers on the market, where do you start?

BENEFITS OF BABYWEARING: 1 Because sometimes, a pram is a pain 2 Multi-tasking has never been easier 3 Effortless bonding with that special closeness 4 Easier breastfeeding 5 Baby’s health benefits 6 Including fathers 7 Babywearing helps you bond with your older kids

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PREGNANCY

94% of parents would recommend Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment* Treatment Prevention

All products are suitable for vegans

Find us here:

www.metanium.co.uk

@MetaniumUK

@MetaniumUK

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label. *Home Tester Club survey September 2019 397 respondents.

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PREGNANCY

Packing your hospital bag WHAT TO TAKE FOR LABOUR • • •

• • • • •

• • •

Your birth plan Dressing gown An old nightdress or T-shirt to wear in labour Slippers & Socks Massage oils or lotions Lip balm Something to read or watch A hair band. If you have long hair, you might want it tied up Pillows Toiletries Music to listen to

FOR THE BIRTH PARTNER

AFTER BABY IS BORN

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Going home outfit

Water spray to cool down and refresh the mum-to-be while she’s in labour Comfortable shoes - you might be pacing the corridors!

A change of clothes, toothbrush and deodorant Watch with a second hand to time contractions Swimwear, if you want to join the mum-to-be in the birth pool Your phone, camera or camcorder Snacks and drinks

•

• • • • •

•

•

Towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste Breast-feeding bras Breast/Maternity pads Nightdress or pyjamas Toiletries Old knickers/cheap knickers/ disposable knickers Ear plugs (in case you end up on a noisy ward) Arnica tablets (may help with bruising)

FOR YOUR BABY Infant car seat.

One outfit for the trip home.

All-in-one stretchy outfits are best.

Baby blanket (a warm one if weather is cold).

Nappies.

One pair of socks or booties.

Hat. Jacket or snowsuit for winter babies.

Muslin squares.

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REVIEW

The different functions of the BellaMoon® Full Moon include;

The BellaMoon® is the ultimate pregnancy, breastfeeding and infant support for Mother and baby.

The Full and Half Moon is designed particularly for Mothers who like to lie on their side and breastfeed. Its multi-functional capability lets baby feed, rest, lounge, play, cuddle and do tummy time.

The unique design of BellaMoon’s® Full and Half Moon features a soft – yet structural – removable wedge, located between Mother and baby, which provides an awareness of babys position whilst breastfeeding on your side. The outer edge of the Half Moon pod is sloped away from baby for maximum breathability. It is inwardly inclined to help prevent baby from rolling off the edge of the bed.

The various functions of BellaMoon are suitable from pregnancy up to 18 months of age.

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• Pregnancy Pillow • Infant Feeding Pillow • Breastfeeding Privacy Cover • Full Moon Breastfeeding Day Bed • Half Moon Breastfeeding Night Pod (also sold separately) • Infant Tummy Time Pillow • Baby Lounger • Mothers Back Support Pillow for lateral breastfeeding • Breastfeeding Support Pillow for Rugby Hold Feeding Position • BellaMoon provides immense comfort for Mother’s, particular around her neck, shoulders, back, hips and legs.

Project Baby editor Natasha highly reccomends the Bellamoon. There aren’t many baby products out there that have such longevity that you can use from pregnancy right through your breast feeding journey and beyond. This is a solid investment for any mum/mum to be. Quincy latched much earier felt more supported, he stopped rolling into the breast and fed for longer.

Best Highchair

BABY

Stokke Trip Trapp

Bloom Fresco

Maxi Cosi Minla

We Love

Koo-Di Duo

Best

lightweight stroller Lets fly away

Stokke Clikk

SILVER CROSS JET STROLLER The Silver Cross Jet is the all-new, ultra compact lightweight travel stroller that folds small enough to fit in cabin space on an airplane and can even be wheeled like a small suitcase.

Suitable from birth up to 15kg, Jet has a soft padded lie-flat seat, multi-position recline and adjustable calf support to ensure your little one is comfortable as they grow.

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BABY

BUGABOO ANT Packed full of smart and thoughtful features that make travelling with children easier. Packed full of design features that make your journey easier, and your little ones ride more comfortable. Features a heightadjustable handlebar and extendable UPF +50 sun canopy!

We Love ERGOBABY METRO CITY COMPACT STROLLER The Metro City Stroller from Ergobaby defies the limitations of urban.

GB POCKIT + With its exceptional design innovation,the lightweight GB Pockit is the world’s smallest folding stroller.

When folded it is the smallest and most compact stroller currently vailable on the market.

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BABYZEN YOYO+

JOOLZ AER With the Joolz Aer you travel in the lightest possible way.

So, with a weight of just 6kg and a strap across your shoulder, the Joolz Aer leaves your arms free to hold your little one. Then when you need it, your buggy flips open in just a second. With you and your mini-me’s comfort in mind, it’s the ergonomic thinking that makes Joolz Aer so unique. Joolz Aer is more than a buggy. It’s a compact, easily foldable design that puts a smile across your face.

This pushchair can be used in parentfacing mode from birth and front facing from 6+ months up until 18kgs.

This new and improved model can now be used with a car seat and can switch from the car to the Yoyo+ with one easy click. It features a multi-position reclining seat, comfortable seat pad with 5 point harness and new and improved 4 wheel suspension.

BABY

Best baby carriers/ slings

Making life a breeze

Top Tip:

Close enough to kiss: Your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable. By tipping your hea d forward, you should be ab le to kiss your ba by on the head or fore

head.

We Love

BABYBJĂ–RN MOVE Baby Carrier Move is comfy to use for longer babywearing sessions, both for you and your baby.

Perfect when you want to get out and about with your baby. The built-in back support, waist belt and padded shoulder straps provide good pressure relief, and the soft, airy mesh fabric keeps you and your baby cool and comfy.

ARTIPOPPE ZEITGEIST BABY LEOPARD GREY The first ergonomic baby carrier to combine comfort and aesthetics. Crafted from the finest easy-care cotton this baby carrier is both effortless and sophisticated. Carry your baby in style and stand out from the crowd in our exotic leopard-print design.

FREERIDER BABY WRAP CHARCOAL The FreeRider Baby Wrap Carrier in C harcoal is made from 100% Tencel, super soft against baby and adult skin - we love that this baby wrap offers you hands free movement! The Tencel fabric is made from the pulp of Eucalyptus trees and is three times softer than cotton.

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AWARDS

Best double pram

Double Trouble We Love

ICANDY PEACH BLOSSOM DOUBLE SATIN PUSHCHAIR The new iCandy Peach pram has been carefully considered, with everything parents love about the existing stroller infused with even more style, functionality and creative ingenuity. Inspired by feedback from parents around the world, the new Peach has benefited from over 60 modifications and is truly The Icon Re-imagined.

NUNA DEMI GROW DOUBLE

BUGABOO DONKEY Featuring a quilted soft interior lining and luxurious hand crafted leather-look handles the Bugaboo Donkey 2 Classic+ is an elegant multi-purpose.

You can’t control your destiny, but you can be ready for the stroll ahead.

With an all-season seat, swanky storage system, and the ability to expand to a double or even a twin- the Demi Grow really does have it all- no matter what fate may throw your way.

SILVER CROSS WAVE DOUBLE Wave is the latest travel system from Silver Cross designed to give your newborn the very best in comfort and protection, yet future-proofed for growing families – all in one clever package. The innovative One plus One® system transforms the Wave from a single travel system to a double without the need for an extra purchase.

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AWARDS

Best imagine & Play

DINKUM Dinkum Doll Pumpkin. And here they are, the Dinkum Dolls – the most coveted Christmas present! Full of love and wonder, children can snuggle them, dress them, and style their hair. Each Dinkum is unique, and looking for their child to name them and decide who they are. Soft-bodied, posable, and full of character, Dinkums are a source of comfort and delight for all children. www.scandiborn.co.uk

We Love

Role Play We Love

GLTC PLAY SHOP & THEATRE Everyone loves the buying and selling game; it’s ideal for sibling play or when friends come over.

Alternatively spin it around to use it as a theatre. www.gltc.co.uk

PLAY TEEPEE, ZIGZAG We know all children love having a den, so we’ve designed this cool play tent for bedrooms or play areas; our new, square design means it fits neatly into corners and smaller spaces. www.gltc.co.uk

WILLOW FARM Gorgeously illustrated toy farm comes with loads of accessories for all manner of rural adventures; there’s a pig sty, a water trough, a chicken coop, a bee hive, a farmer’s market stall, hay bales and lots of fencing as well as the essential barn, stables and hayloft. We love that it offers a full 360 degrees of play value. www.gltc.co.uk

PLAY BBQ LNo garden party is complete without a barbeque where your little ones can grill all of their yummy snacks. The Play BBQ set features everything your child will need, including food, plates, cutlery, tongs and even skewers to thread on the tasty morsels. www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

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COMPETITION

Are you Ready for Weaning?

Win a Beaba Babycook with Metanium Introducing your baby to solid foods usually starts when your little one is around six months old, and it can be great fun to explore new flavours and textures together. Your baby’s first foods can include mashed cooked fruit and vegetables like parsnip, potato, yam, sweet potato, carrot, apple or pear. To make weaning even easier, Metanium is giving away two Beaba Babycook Baby Food Makers (RRP £160) The Babycook Neo is a new generation baby food-maker. Its eco-design uses 48% less carbon dioxide and 50% less water. It will steam cook, blend, defrost and reheat, preserving flavours and vitamins to produce healthy, nutritious food in just 15-minutes. It features a large-capacity glass bowl and stainless-steel steam basket. Its double-level stainless steel blade enables uniform mixing and textures.

Remember that any change in diet can lead to runny stools which may cause nappy rash. Try to change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible. Clean the whole nappy area thoroughly, wiping from front to back, using plain water or alcohol and fragrance free baby wipes. Gently pat your baby’s bottom dry after washing and avoid vigorous rubbing.

Using a barrier ointment or lotion will help protect against nappy rash. Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has a unique double action formula to provide daily protection from nappy rash and is gentle enough to use every day and at each nappy change. It’s also available in a handy Spray. Double-action Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion protects and moisturises the skin to help prevent nappy rash. Two sprays should be enough to form a thin protective layer that protects the skin. Pat around the area to maximise coverage. No need to rub in.

If nappy rash does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is licensed specifically to treat nappy rash. Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine, always read the label. www.metanium.co.uk Metanium – nappy rash experts

We have 2 Beaba Babycook to give away worth £160

To enter either competition tell us what you love most about being a mum. Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk

MILTON MINI PORTABLE SOOTHER STERILISER An innovative sterilisation device designed to provide you with convenience and ease of mind whenever you’re on the move.

Price: £6.99 www.mothercare.com

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COMOTOMO NATURAL FEEL BABY BOTTLE Deisgned to most closely mimic breastfeeding to reduce bottle rejection and nipple confusion issues.

Price: £12.32 www.comotomo.co.uk

PREGNANCY

Q&A TO GIVING BIRTH Q I like jogging but should I switch to fast walking now I’m pregnant?

Sarah Says: if you’ve enjoyed running prior to being pregnant, it’s safe to continue. As you progress throughout your pregnancy, however, you might find the high impact nature of running takes its toll, and that brisk walking, swimming or the cross trainer are preferable.

Other than that, just stick to a few basics: keep to a moderate intensity, avoid overheating, rehydrate well, I also suggest that you avoid running on uneven surfaces.

Q What is HELLP syndrome and how might it affect my birth if I was to suffer from it?

Sarah says : HELLP is a serious complicati of pregnancy which occurs mainly in caucasian woman over 25 HELLP stands for Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low plateletsall of these occur as a serious variation of preeclampsia. Haemolysis means blood cells are being used up more quickly than usual and indeed more quickly than the body can make them. Woman with HELLP may not in the initial stage look very ill, so often diagnosis is not made until the disease is more established. There are serious complications associated with HELLP: Liver failure and bleeding problems called DIC, when the blod cannot clot effectively. Timing of delivery is carfully planned to minimise bleeding risks for mum but also to ensure baby is preparedpaticulary llung maturity.

Q I live quite far from my hospital and my partner doesn’t drive. Should I call a Taxi or ambulance when im in labour?

Sarah Says; You really shouldn’t call an ambulance unless it is an emergency or you feel the birth is imminent. Do you have a family or friend who could help? Taxi will happily take you just make sure you have numbers to hand. If transport is a problem you could also consider a home birth if everything is straightforward, or ask your midwife to assess your labour at home so you don’t have a wasted journey into the unit, only to be sent home.

Q Is Gas & Air Safe?

What is gas and air, and can it harm my baby if I use it during labour?

Sarah Says: Nitrous oxide has been used for pain relief since the 1800s.

It’s a strong analgesic but diffuses through the body very quickly, in a matter of 15-30 seconds, so the effect does not last long. There are no ill effects to the baby, and in pregnanct but otherwise well woman, no adverse effects for mums either. In some woman it can lead to feelings of nausea, and for others some disinhibited behaviour (but less pain!)

Q Can my hubby stay at the hospital over night if I give birth early hours?

Sarah says: If you give birth in the early hours, realistically it will be a while before you’re transferred to a postnatal ward. You and your baby will be checked over, you may want some food and drink and a shower and all this can take a couple of hours at least before your transferred. Your husband can stay with you as long as you’re still on the labour ward, but units will vary on wether or not he stay once you’re transferred to a postnatal area, so check with your midwife.

Q Do I need to take my own food and drinks to the hospital when I give birth?

Sarah Our Midwife says: Food and drink is provided but when you’re on the labour ward the selection might be quiet restricted to things like tea and toast or cereal. Food and drink can really help maintain your energy levels, especially if you’re starting to flag, so it’s a good idea to pack some appealing snacks and isotonic drinks to keep you going.

Boiled sweets can help prevent your mouth from getting too dry.

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Your body has spent months nurturing and growing your baby. All the changes that helped to bring your baby into the world are now abruptly reversed.

WRITTEN

BY DR GOLDSTEIN,

After Giving Birth Changes after giving birth are inevitable. Family takes on new meaning when having had your first child, and the chances are that the way you thought before having your child does not apply so well anymore; a couple of things need to be re-thought and the chances are you may have to adopt a new way of thinking.

I

ssues such as your Relationship to work, family, intimacy, responsibility need to be thought through again, processed for new meaning, and value allocated to them in turn. You will often hear that priorities change... that is because they do! How this happens, and the way you (partner, family and friends) handle the process of change is important. Transitions can be daunting, and you need support in making that shift in your mind from whatever was before to what is now: you and family. Below I have described a few things that may support you in this shifting thought process, give you an idea of ‘normal’ thoughts, and help you transition at a time when certain adaptation is required.

needs a little thought to go along with informed actions. It also takes a while for grandparents to realize that they have children who have become parents (just like them!) and are not solely their children any longer.

Ask your partner for help if you feel snowed under, and convey your intentions, these actions will come a long way.

FAMILY

Relationships change drastically once you have a baby, your position in the family takes on new meaning. Relatives have different expectations of you now, to be a good parent, to contribute to the education of your baby etc. They want to be involved in family life. This can be demanding, and

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These attachment bonds that went on for so long between parent-child are renewing themselves, changing for all parties involved.

The realization of change can bring more loving connections or more distant ones, the ties are generally maintained, supportive but can also be

a little strenuous. Explain how you feel to your parents if you can, and find help with a friend when trying to manage other’s requests of you.

INTIMACY

Intimacy is an important part of your life.

Your relationship to your partner is just as important as your relationship to your baby, and if you see it that way, it will allow you to at least value your relationship when there is less time to exclusively focus on it. Intimacy is sometimes hard to maintain when a baby is so dependent and needs you 24-7... How to find time with your partner and engage in loving acts whether physical or thoughtful ones?

Of course taking care of your baby is taking care of your ‘couple’ and your growth together, but should not come at the expense of your relationship to your partner! The complicit care and love in your couple is what will remain once your child is all grown up, every step of their development children take more steps away from you, so you’ve got to keep it all in perspective... They will leave! Talk with your partner as much as you can and engage in compassion, passion and love.

PREGNANCY

FEEDING

RESPONSIBILITY Your response-ability will now have changed, you will no longer feel responsible for yourself with a neat barrier around your actions thoughts and feelings. They will now extend to your babies actions thoughts and feelings.

The physical response-ability you first feel when you have your baby is quite a change, but also so deeply felt that your body finds the ability to carry you through, after that the mind needs to start playing its part.

Their mind-body connection is at no time so sharply felt! The way you think and feel when having a baby to care for is completely different; the way you see work, outings, friends, and so on and things you previously thought such as ‘being sooo very busy’ can now be thrown out of the window.

Life looks so different with another pair of lenses on! Family may become more important, going to the park or taking fresh air might also be on your priority list. Things change and your value of the world does too.

Make a note of these changes, small changes of the everyday, and think about the leap of faith and courage you have to muster up to brave the stormy waters.

Eating takes a different turn now. You are feeding baby as an ‘extension-of-yourself’, and therefore will be affected; less or more hungry depending on how feeding your baby affects you.

Feeding is a form of care and love, and includes the action of ‘giving’, how do you give and love yourself at this point in time, and how much are you cared for by your partner... does your partner sometimes feed you in the evenings, or make you a coffee in the mornings? Eating can be thought of as a form of ‘give and take’; you may sometimes need more care from others, and on some other days are more able to feed others and yourself.

Although there are lots of studies that show that it is the love that parents give that is of utmost importance, feeding is part of that love. Take time to eat, feed yourself the right amounts, take time to chew on food and process your day. It’s gratifying to do so.

On a positive note, it is considered a normal reaction to feel down and perhaps depressed when going through times of stress, loss, and change. If it may have been impossible to ask for help earlier in your life, now is the time to seek help and be on the receiving end! You will find empathy in places you hadn’t imagined, and as awareness grows of the difficulties starting a new family can entail, there will be different sources of help available to you. Your health visitor will be there the first few weeks, and here after if you wanted to call on the assisting team for support. Your GP is also generally quite a good source of support if feeling ill, or having concerns with regards to your baby.

Other more specialised services are available such as talk therapy, or support from another mum through a mum’s online network, or foundation that specialises in supporting women and men with postnatal depression. There are also sleep specialists available to help with training baby to sleep well through the night if this is proving to be challenging, and some good books around to support you in understanding your child’s developmental stages, and tracking your baby’s growth.

TIME

Time flies once you have a baby. Suddenly there’s no time for doing bits of work at home, cooking or enjoying a nice diner, or calling a friend. Having a baby is time consuming and the way you organised your time before, changes drastically. It takes time to get into the flow or rhythm of time again, this time incorporating childcare.

When you wake up baby has to get dressed and ready for the day – you are not alone anymore! In the early evening, baby has to get ready for bed, bath, story and so on you may have to cook something once baby is in bed, but generally speaking you will only be able to return to yourself, probably being quite tired once baby is in bed. Keep a diary with a time sheet to get an overview of your busy day, and remember; you deserve a treat too.

If you opt for postnatal therapy, you will generally get emotional, practical as well as educational support in various areas to help you through this challenging time (all of the above) - and get the added personal relationship which can be healing in and of itself. Parenthood is a paradox of happiness and - pain, loss, and change, take the time to care for yourself, and you’ll find some beautiful ways to live peacefully with the challenges ahead.

FINAL WORDS

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COMPETITION

Mother’s Day Competition

Win BabyBjorn Midnight Floral Carrier Win this limited edition Babybjorn Baby Carrier worth £89.99 By emailing our team your Baby’s D.O.B or Due Date with the name of your favourite flower to Competitions@project-baby.co.uk

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Mummy/Mummy-to-be readers.

T&C apply (find these on our website) Follow us on Instagram @Projectbaby_magazine

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4

STEP PLAN

to

HEALTH & FITNESS

Shedding YOUR

BABY WEIGHT

By Laura Williams

www.madeformums.com

Personal trainer and nutritionist, Laura Williams, guides you through the easiest ways to tone up and safely drop a dress size in four easy steps! It’s only natural to have put on a few extra pounds during pregnancy and no doubt you’ll want to beat the bulge now your baby has arrived. Sound like an uphill struggle? Not with these common-sense tips that won’t interrupt your routine.

Step 1:

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT • Banish all biscuits, cakes and crisps form the house - will power will only take you so far if fattening snacks lurk alluringly behind a cupboard door.

• Have an abundance of fruit and high-fibre, lowfat foods available instead - they will keep hunger pangs at bay without you piling on the calories.

• Good food choices to have around the house include soup; fresh fruit (especially apples, bananas and kiwis - all good sources of antioxidants and fibre, filling you up at the same time as giving you a sweet kick); and low calorie soft drinks and a variety of herbal teas that you can sweeten with honey.

• When the going gets tough, keep yourself busy - even if it’s just by doing housework. While you’re busy, mentally line up a non-food reward for not giving into temptation. This will ensure losing weight doesn’t become all about denying yourself the finer things in life.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Step 2:

• Maintain these contractions for a count of 10, relax, and repeat.

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING Treating yourself to a pair of new walking shoes is a great way of encouraging you to get out and get walking. There’s also a health benefit, as old shoes will have lost most of their cushioning and there’s also a health benefit, as old shoes will have lost most of their cushioning and support.

You can then add in another two-in-one move to tighten your tummy and inner thighs.

• Lie on your back, with your legs bent and a cushion sandwiched between your knees. Your arms should be folded behind your head.

• Breathe in and, as you breathe, out, slowly lift your head and shoulders off the floor and squeeze the cushion as hard as you can, remembering to keep your stomach pulled in tightly so that your back is flat on the floor. Hold for five seconds before lowering and repeating.

• Try to aim for 10 curl ups, and complete this routine three times a week.

• Always have a walk around the shop when buying to ensure the shoes are comfortable and wear the same socks you’ll be walking in to try your shoes on.

• Find a pair that are lightweight and breathable and look for a low, supportive heel that rounds at the end - a thick heel or one that sticks out will cause your foot to slap down rather than roll, making you more prone to sore shins. Make sure there’s plenty of room in your shoes.

• You’ll need at least a finger-width gap after the end of your longest toe, and don’t forget to measure when you’re standing up rather than sitting down.

Step 3: REAWAKEN YOUR ABDOMINALS

Step 4: BOOST YOUR METABOLISM Toned muscles can help your body burn calories or increase its metabolic rate. Muscle tissue requires up to nine times more calories to maintain than fat tissue: this means that with a few simple exercises, you can create a lean, mean, calorie burning machine!

If you were active through your pregnancy and had an uncomplicated birth, you can get started straight away.

Before you start, however, do the ‘rec-check’: a check on your stomach muscle the rectus abdominus, to see if any gaps in the muscle have healed:

Try doing two sets of 20 repetitions of the following exercises twice a week:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and, with you palm facing you, place the fingers of your left hand just above your tummy button.

• Hold cans of soup or bottles of water at either side, palms facing forward.

• As you slowly exhale, lift your head and shoulders off the floor and slide your right hand up your thigh towards your knee.

• You should feel your stomach muscles tighten, and feel a gap between the two edges of the muscles. If this gap is three or more finger widths, you’ll need to delay abdominal exercises - if in doubt, check with your midwife or GP. If your muscles are getting back to normal, try the following two-in-one exercise that will help strengthen and tone both your abdomen and pelvic floor.

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and pull in your stomach muscles in the lower part of your abdomen.

• At the same time, locate your pelvic floor by tensing the muscles as if you were trying to stop peeing mid-flow.

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Wall slide with bicep curl: tones thighs and arms • Lean your back against a solid wall, with your feet approximately 12 inches in front of you, shoulder-width apart.

• Slowly slide your body down the wall towards the floor until you reach 90º at the knees and hold this position.

• Keeping your elbows close to your body, slowly curl the cans upward into your shoulders, before returning to the start.

Tricep dips with leg raise: tones thighs, calves and backs of arms • Sit on a chair with your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge.

• Slowly lower your body off the seat, towards the floor, until your elbows reach 90º. As you do this, lift and extend one leg in front of you.

• Bring your leg back in as you straighten your arms and push back up to your starting position. Then relax your leg, before switching legs and repeating.

www.happyspeedy.com

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HEALTH & FITNESS

20 REASONS TO START YOUR DAY WITH WATER AND LEMON

3 of the Best FITNESS AIDS

1. Water with lemon provides the body with electrolytes which hydrate your body. As lemons contain good amount of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

2. Water with lemon is good for the joints, reducing pain in the joints and muscles.

3. Warm water with lemon helps digestion as lemon contains citric acid. It interacts with other enzymes and acids which easily stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and digestion.

The liver produces more enzymes from water with lemon than from any other food.

4. Water with lemon cleanses the liver. Lemon juice stimulates the liver to release toxins.

5. Water with Lemon helps fight infections of the respiratory tract, sore throats and inflammation of the tonsils. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon.

6. Warm water with lemon helps regulate natural bowel movement.

7. Water with lemon is indispensable for the normal work of metabolism. Since lemon is a powerful antioxidant, it protects the body from free radicals and strengthens the immune system.

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8. Water with lemon aids in proper functioning of the nervous system (as lemon has a high content of potassium).

9. Depression and anxiety are often the result of low levels of potassium in the blood. The nervous system needs a sufficient amount of potassium to ensure sustainable signals to the heart.

10. Water with lemon cleanses blood, blood vessels and arteries.

11. Water with lemon can help lower blood pressure. A daily intake of one lemon can reduce high blood pressure by 10%.

12. Water with lemon creates an alkalizing effect in the body. Even if you drink it immediately before a meal, it can help your body maintain a higher level of pH. The higher the pH, the more your body is able to fight diseases.

13. Water with lemon is good for the skin. Vitamin C in lemon, improves our skin by rejuvenating the body. Drinking water with lemon regularly (every morning) will improve the condition of your skin.

14. Water with lemon helps to dilute uric acid, the built up of which leads to pain in the joints and gout.

15. Water with lemon is beneficial for pregnant women. Since lemons are loaded with Vitamin C, it acts as an adaptogen helping the body cope with viruses such as colds.

Furthermore, vitamin C helps the formation of bone tissue of the unborn baby. At the same time, due to the high content of potassium, a mixture of water with lemon helps forming cells of the brain and nervous system of the baby.

LIFE FITNESS TOTAL BODY BALANCE BALL KIT Life Fitness total Ball Kit from Gaiam is a great way to sculpt your abs, strengthen your arms and tone your legs Price: £19.99 www.johnlewis.com

16. Water with lemon relieves heartburn. For this, mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water.

17. Water with lemon helps dissolve gallstones, kidney stones, pancreatic stones, and calcium deposits.

18. Water with lemon helps with weight loss. Lemons contain pectin fiber, which helps suppress hunger cravings. Studies have proven people with a better alkaline diet have lost weight faster.

19. Water with lemon helps with tooth pain and gingivitis.

20. Water with lemon prevents cancer. This is due to the fact that lemons are a highly alkaline food. Multiple studies have found that cancer cannot thrive in an alkaline environment.

SALOMON WOMEN’S XR MISSION RUNNING SHOE Accept the challenge of any surface with the updated X-MISSION 3 Women’s running shoe.

You’ll be ready for your next mission.

Price: £119.99 www.atkenco.com

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HEALTH

Loyon Loyon is a new treatment for Cradle Cap which aids the gentle physical removal of Cradle Cap. The seeping qualities of the product mean that three applications over eight days have been shown to remove 90% of Cradle Cap150ml, carefully formulated for babies’ delicate and sensitive skin.

Bepanthen The breathable ointment creates a transparent barrier against the harmful effects of wee, poo and nappies, which helps protect the skin against these causes of nappy rash.

Price: £8.99 www.superdrug.com

BabyHealth A closer look at a few of our award winners

Jack n Jill Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste is Aussie made, completely safe to swallow and comes in five varieties of certified organic flavours; Raspberry, Banana, Strawberry, Blueberry & Blackcurrant. They also contain certified organic Calendula (Helps sooth gums)and Xylitol (a natural cavity fighter). We know how hard it is to get young ones to brush – or allow parents to brush – which is why we want it to be a yummy and fun experience for them, as well as safe. Jack N’ Jill is absolutely free of anything GMO and free of Palm Oil derivatives.

Nelson Teetha Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules, a homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of teething pain and the symptoms associated with teething which are sore and tender gums, flushed cheeks and dribbling.

Price: £5.99 www.hollandandbarrett.com

Price: £4.99 www.hollandandbarrett.com

Baby Bath

Berts Bee Bath Set

Put together to nourish and care for your baby’s delicate skin, this Baby Bee Bundle by Burt’s Bees, worth £23.99, contains three products which contain a careful mix of ingredients that are super kind to new skin. With a shampoo and body wash that works up into a luscious lava, a soothing nappy rash ointment and nourishing oil to keep the skin silky soft, this bundle is all you need to keep your little one happy. www.johnlewis.com project-baby.co.uk

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PREGNANCY

THE WONDERS

4 Astonishing facts

ABOUT BREASTMILK:

of Breastfeeding: We are often told about the amazing benefits of breastmilk so we thought it would be a good idea to get to the bottom of just how clever it is! We have been speaking to Sioned Hilton, Lactation Consultant at Medela to find out! She has been working with breastfeeding mums for more than 20 years and certainly knows her stuff!

Breastmilk is the only natural food source, designed especially for babies she says. Health experts tell us it protects them from infections and diseases and we are also told that Breastfed babies not only have less chance of becoming obese and therefore developing type 2 diabetes, they are also less likely to develop eczema. Given it is also always the right temperature, on tap and free it is a no brainer really!

Sioned is adamant that mums must know their breast size is not important! No matter what size you are, you’ll make enough milk for your baby – pretty clever really! She tells us that babies breastfeed until they’re full, not until they ‘empty’ your breast, on average babies remove 67% of the milk available.

When your baby is born his stomach is the size of a marble explains Sioned. The colostrum you produce will be just the right amount to fill him so do not panic! Breastmilk works on a supply and demand system so when baby feeds your body knows to produce more ready for his next feed another one of nature’s miracles! One thing to be aware of is growth spurts – typically these will happen at about two to three weeks, six weeks and three months. It may be a busy few days, but continuing to feed on demand is key - this phase will pass and the balance between supply and demand will be restored.

You newborn baby is your treasure, but remember you are important too. We know you won’t want to take your eyes off your bundle of joy for a fair few weeks, but if you have a social event or night out coming up there are options. Being a breastfeeding mum doesn’t mean you have to put the dampeners on, but be sensible and aware that what you drink does come through into the breastmilk. Alcohol levels in milk peaks about 30-90 mins; wait 2-3 hours after drinking before breastfeeding if you consume a moderate quantity. You may prefer not to breastfeed at all and you can express your milk and discard so that you remain comfortable.

YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW… • The lactating breast is an organ.

• When it is hot your baby may feed more often as they become thirstier. This is fine, but do ensure you keep your energy levels up and drink lots of water too!

• Babies naturally nurse in 2 phases - Initially they suck fast and light then slower and deeper.

• Breastfeeding burns an average of 500 calories a day.

1. It’s the ultimate all-in-one meal and, amazingly, your body cleverly adapts the nutrients and volume of milk as baby grows to meet your baby’s needs and developmental stage.

2. Recent research has shown that breastfeeding babies benefit from 415 individual proteins in breast milk. This is the ultimate high-protein diet.

3. It has been discovered that breast milk contains stem cells, which have the ability to become a load of different type of cells in the body.

This discovery certainly tells us more about the significant role breastmilk has on infant growth and development.

• Breastfeeding doesn’t give you ‘saggy boobs’ - it’s the influence of progesterone on the smooth muscle during pregnancy to support the developing uterus in the pelvis if mums smoke before, during and after pregnancy the stretched muscles lose their tone and may retain their shape.

Now to the breastmilk itself – given how incredible this potent liquid gold is we thought we would give you the facts - 5 things about breastmilk you didn’t know!

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4. Your breastmilk can educate your baby’s palate. What we eat is transferred to baby during a breastfeed and this supports the infant to learn about a great variety of tastes and flavours, great for when you start weaning!

C

HEALTH

Coping with

Colic

8 Point action plan to help cope with Colic Many babies are diagosed with colic, but in reality there is no medical definition for the term. Colic defined as excessive reasons for bouts of inconsolable crying, such as reflux, digestive intolerances or allergies.

In most cases, a combination of diet, feeding, medicine, routine and sleep can help manage the symptoms.

1 UNDERSTAND COLIC

3. LET HIM SUCK

“Colic is poorly understood, it’s not an actual medical condition, but just a term for excessive, frequent crying in a baby who appears to be otherwise healthy and well fed. It can occur for no reason, but it often has an underlying cause, such as non specific abdominal pain, cow’s milk introlerance or reflux- where the valve at the top of the stomach is immature, leading to acid pain and vomiting,

“Babies with colic often get a lot of comfort from sucking, which is likely to be why they want to feed so often, to try to stretch the feeding time you could try to temporarily introduce a dummy. This will soothe and give him something to suck on while you’re trying to implement the new, more structured, feeding plan.

2. GET INTO A REGULAR FEEDING ROUTINE “The first thing to tackle with a colicky or reflux baby is their routine.

If your little one is eating too much and too often: breastfeeding on deman, and typically feeds every two hours during the day and almost contantly at night. This could be contribuiting to his symptoms. During the day, try to stretch him out to a three-hour feeding schedule, which means feeding him five times during the 12 daylight hours.”

4. CALM CONSISTANT BEDTIMES “Evenings are typically the hardest time for babies with colic, and and they’re especially difficult when you’re trying to get your older children into a bath and bed. A calming evening routine will help the baby to wind down and feel soothed at his most difficult time of day, so begin to implement a soothing bedtime regime that coincides with the needs of your two older children, who go to bed around 7pm”

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HEALTH

5. SHIFT POSITIONS Parents tend to cradle a colicky baby face-up, but that may not help.

Instead, hold her face down -- with your hand under her belly and her head on your forearm. The pressure on her tummy can help relieve uncomfortable gas.

6. BABY MASSAGE The soothing power of your own touch can work wonders on a colicky baby. Many babies love skin-to-skin contact. And studies show infants who are massaged seem to cry less and sleep better. Just undress your baby and use slow, firm strokes over her legs, arms, back, chest, and face. It may calm you down as well.

For a gassy baby, rub his tummy in a clockwise motion, or bicycle his little legs to relieve some pressure.

7. GIVE HER A BURP A crying baby can gulp down a lot of air. That can make her gassy and bloated -- and make her crying worse. Burp her with gentle thumps on her back. The classic position -- with the baby’s head over your shoulder -- works, but can leave a trail of spit-up down your back. Switch things around: Lay your baby face down across your lap, or sit her up. Support her chest and neck with one of your arms.

8. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF One of the most important pieces of advices we can give you, is to make time for yourself. Colic can be tough on mums as well as babies and it can be exhausting and stressful. Sleep when you can and accept all offers of help. Whatever you do - don’t blame yourself or feel you are not doing an amazing job.

AND DON”T FORGET

Take a Breather Night after night with a colicky baby is hard on parents. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and not up to the job. If nothing seems to work, take a break. Hand the baby off to your partner, a family member, friend, or sitter. When that’s not an option, remember that it’s OK to let your baby cry in the crib for a little bit while you collect yourself.

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Whisbear Over 65% newborn children suffer from colic. In result, parents suffer too. To soothe the baby we turn to “home-made” solutions to stop the colic.

Eventually we all arrive to the same conclusion hairdryer’s shushing sound works the best!

Shushing is the natural acoustic environment for newborn children - they remember it from their mother’s womb. All they can hear there is shushing.

Running around your house with a hairdryer is uncomfortable and tiring and although recordings of shushing can be found on the Internet, it is not an ideal solution. And thus Whisbear - the humming bear - was born. Friendly shushing in hand’s reach is our parental mission!

Whisbear is a superhero - always near your child, it comes to the rescue! Whisbear guards the baby’s sleep.

Whisbear is something more than a shushing teddy bear.

They are a great plan to help suffering little ones and their parents in the colic-induced pain.

Project Baby Review:- Not only does he look ultra cute we also saw a huge difference in our little ones sleep pattern.

He is super clever and will help many parents through those tricky first few months.

At £39.90 its a little more expensive than your average Teddy Bear but Whisbear is different and you can’t put a price on a good night sleep. www.whisbear.co.uk

STYLE

&

STYLISH PREGNANT

February

Blues

NAYA Price: £99.00 www.isabellaoliver.com

AIDEN MATERNITY DRESS Price: £119.00 www.isabellaoliver.com

OVER BUMP SUPER-SKINNY MATERNITY JEANS Price: £49.00 www.seraphine.com

ROMA DRESS COAT Price: £249.00 www.tiffanyrose.com

PK BEAU ARLO Price: £139.00 pkbeau.co.uk

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Price: £429.00 www.net-a-porter.com

SLATE BLUE COTTON ¾ SLEEVE SKIN TO SKIN TOP Price: £45.00 www.seraphine.com

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STYLE

VALENTINO ROCKSTUD LEATHER POINTED TOE FLATS Price: £585.00 www.Selfridges.com

RED HERRING MATERNITY SMART BLACK MATERNITY TROUSERS Price: £25.00 www.debenhams.com

ACCOUCHÉE MATERNITY JEANS Price: £52.00 www.hippist.co.uk

We Love INDIGO OVER BUMP Price: £42.00 www.seraphine.com

ELIZABETH LEATHER Price: £198.00 www.storksak.com

LOVE DENIM MATERNITY JACKET Price: £49.00 www.asos.com

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BLACK SKINNY Price: £19.00 www.seraphine.com

STYLE

TIFFANY ENCHANT ROUND PENDANT Price: £850 www.tiffany.co.uk

MANOLO BLAHNIK HANGISI Price: £825.00 www.selfridges.co.uk

NOCTURNE STERLING SILVER BLACK DIAMOND EARRINGS

MIDI TEA DRESS WITH BUTTONS IN SPOT PRINT

Price: £625.00 www.georgjensen.com

Price: £35.00 www.asos.com

DOUBLE C DECOR SUNGLASSES

THE BOW TIE DRESS Price: £119.00 www.thepodcollection.com

Price: £340.00 www.cartier.co.uk

PINK & NUDE PANACHE SOPHIE NURSING BRA Price: £20.00 www.seraphine.com

MATILDA LEOPARD PRINT MATERNITY & NURSING DRESS Price: £65.00 www.tilbea.com

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STYLE

A premium Motherhood range designed with the modern mama in mind.

Sleek design and stylish staples that take you through pregnancy and beyond.

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TRAVEL

BABYMOON WHAT IS A BABYMOON? A last vacation taken by expecting couples before the birth of their baby.

Pamper yourself with prenatal spa treatments especially designed for pregnant women. Enjoy especially designed babymoon packages which can include: unlimited complimentary in-room movies, late check-out, cravings bag, foodie treats, cigars and sport massages for dad-to-be, photo shoots, nursery tile classes, breathing classes, yoga sessions, pregnancy massage for mom-to-be and non-alcoholic cocktails. Or go on a shopping spree with a personal shopper to show you all the beautiful baby boutiques.

WHAT IS THE SAFEST TIME TO TRAVEL? According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is during the second trimester

UP TO HOW MANY WEEKS BEFORE GIVING BIRTH IS IT ALLOWED TO FLY? After 28 weeks, most airlines require a letter from your doctor.

There are many different restrictions per airline. We suggest that you check if the airliner you are using has specific restrictions for pregnant women or see our chart below.

are more susceptible to, and often helpless against, the various diseases they may be carrying.

• avoid countries with health concerns – you won’t be able to take malaria medication or have all vaccinations, always talk to your doctor first before booking your trip.

DO YOU HAVE SOME TIPS DURING THE FLIGHT? • wear flat and comfortable shoes.

• place a pillow against the lower back to ease strain.

• try to walk every two hours, this will help combat swelling and discomfort.

• keep hydrated and avoid coffee and tea. Drink plenty of water, at least one liter for every two hours in flight.

• keep your seatbelt low around your hips, not around your abdomen.

TRAVELING TO COUNTRIES DO YOU HAVE WITH HEALTH SOME TIPS TO PREPARE MYSELF CONCERNS! FOR THE TRIP? The safety of you and your baby Ready? Take off……

• take (copies) of medical records in your bag.

• know your blood type.

• get a list of hospitals from the tourist board and keep a list of emergency contacts.

• when you take a flight, reserve an aisle seat so that you can easily access the bathroom and move about the cabin.

• wear a high factor sunscreen and stick to bottled water.

• avoid diving, skiing and altitudes higher than 13,000 ft.

• avoid mosquitoes, expectant mothers

always comes first. Therefore avoid traveling to areas where malaria and yellow fever occurs (yellow fever – Central South America and parts of equatorial Africa). For detailed information about vaccination during pregnancy, we would like to refer to the website of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Department of Health and Human Services – USA). View related travel health information of your travel destination wwwnc.cdc.gov Detailed information about planning a healthy pregnancy and traveling while pregnant wwwnc.cdc.gov.

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TRAVEL

JET KIDS Fun and functional with ample storage, BedBox™ holds all your child’s must-haves. Once packed, let your little one ride it (or pull it) through the airport, train or ferry terminal for stress-free transport. Once the seat belt sign is off, BedBox™ transforms from a suitcase to a bed in 5 simple steps. Spacious and carry-on sized, Turns a seat into a bed for children. Swivel wheels in front, for superb manoeuvring Price: £149.00 www.stokke.com

CAR-GO Go Seat is a children’s car booster seat that converts into a rolling suitcase and they have just launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund the last stages of safety testing in Europe and an initial manufacturing run. The idea came about when Gary Burns, chief executive of CarGo Seat, was on holiday and hired a car plus two booster seats for his children.

Price: £49.99 www.amazon.co.uk

HOODED TOWEL

Sun Care BABY SEBA MED This non-greasy, fragrance free, gentle sunscreen is perfect for your children’s delicate skin.

VA/UVB-Filter and Vitamin E safeguards against sun damage and irritation. No parabens, no alcohol.

Triple protection with UVA/UVB-Filter and Vitamin E safeguards against sun damage and irritation, Water resistant.

Price: £16.99 www.sebamed.com

Brilliant fun at bath or swimtime for your little dinosaurs or dragons!

Made with our signature blend of incredibly soft bamboo and cotton towelling, this little Cuddleroar is irresistible!

Made with sustainable bamboo.

Price: £34.99 www.cuddledry.com

NUNA SENA TRAVEL COT After a busy day away from home, you’ll appreciate a simple and easy-to-use travel cot. The chic Nuna Sena easily pops open, thanks to its clever zig-zag leg design. And then in the morning you can refold it with just one hand.

Price: £150.00 www.johnlewis.com

MAMA BEAR BABY SUN CREAM It’s water resistant to keep young andsensitive skin fully protected, moisturised and hydrated in the sunshine.

Suitable for babies and children from 6 months upwards.

Dermatologist approved for sensitive and eczema-p rone skin.

Price: £17.99 www.amazon.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health &

BEAUTY Bare Minerals Original Foundation

Editor's Pick

The award-winning bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation gives impeccable coverage with the look of beautiful bare skin. This unique, weightless foundation provides adjustable sheer-to-full coverage for a flawless look, yet doesn’t feel like you are wearing any makeup at all Price: £26.00 www.bareminerals.co.uk

Essie Nail Varnish Because fashion always starts at the fingertips, Essie’s chip resistant formula and outstanding durability is not only easy to apply and fast drying, but will give your nails superb coverage and a professional finish.

Price: £8.95 www.essie.co.uk

Petit Jovial

Our Massage Oil has been carefully formulated to be equally effective as a baby massage oil, a scalp oil to help ease cradle cap, and as a moisturising body oil for all ages.

It’s also been known to work wonders on stretch-marks, and to keep skin’s elasticity during pregnancy.

Price: £39.00 www.petitjovial.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Space MASK

Inside the pouch you will find the jasmine infused Spacemask. Now just place the Spacemask over your eyes and the loops over your ears.

Recline and enjoy. The heating process works by a thin layer of iron filings entwining with the oxygen molecules in the air. It is totally safe.

The ever so relaxing jasmine is in a low concentration. So you can enjoy its fragrance without irritating the skin. www.spacemasks.com

Top-totoesie cleaning kit

Cowshed Stretch Mark Oil

Designed with new and expecting mothers in mind, our Stretch Mark Oil features a specially formulated blend of natural oils to encourage epidermal elasticity and minimise stretch marks. Vitamin E is paired with Calendula, Jojoba and Patchouli oils to soften and nourish skin, while Sea Buckthorn Oil is packed with vitamins and minerals to pamper and protect.

3 little bottles of our award-winning best sellers to get clean, smell fragrant and look fabulous. Makes a great new-born or baby shower gift, and ideal for travelling.

Price: £8.99 www.childsfarm.com

www.cowshed.com

Post Pregnancy Care

Image Skin Care

The Image Beauty Sleep Christmas Gift Set contains everything you need to make the most of your skin’s auto-repair mode! This night routine helps you to lock in goodness and hydration while you sleep, infusing antioxidants, vitamins and hyaluronic acid so that you can wake up to revitalised skin.

The Age Later sleep mask is made from pure silk to help you get the best quality sleep possible!

Price: £99.99 www.imageskincare.co.uk

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ADVERTISMENTS

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INTERIORS

Creating Your Dream

The Rockwell bassinet is synonymous with ultimate modern luxury. Handcrafted and sustainably made in Canada to the highest quality, it is the perfect combination of beautiful materials and a soothing rock for your little one. Its streamlined chrome stand with solid walnut rocking feet is contrasted to the soft upholstered basket which can be removed and transported to different rooms in your home.

When you are finished with the bassinet, the basket alone makes an excellent spot to store all your baby’s new toys! Available in various colours with removable, machine washable fabrics.

Price: £1,190.00 www.huggle.com

FRENCH MOON AND STARS PRINT This French moon and stars print would make a great romantic gift or a unique nursery print.

The French hand-lettered message reads ‘goodnight my love’. The typographic print is simple, stylish and charming - it’s sure to please!

Price: £14.00 www.oldenglishprints.com

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JOSEPH BUNNY LAMP Joseph bunny lamp is here! This special bunny has been designed with love and care in France and is made from durable, child-safe moulded plastic. He is perfect as a bedside light, sitting happily on your child’s shelf or table.

Price: £80.00 www.scandiborn.co.uk

NURSERY

MONTE DESIGN ROCKWELL BASSINET - BEACH

INTERIORS

KIDS CONCEPT NEO ROCKING MAMMOTH This adorable and fluffy Kids Concept Rocking Ride-On Mammoth (called Neo!) is possibly the most gorgeous kid’s ride-on toy EVER! Sure to get all tots and certainly their responsible elders swooning, this supersoft huggable creature will look adorable in any child’s bedroom.

FOX LIGHTING Lamp is made of solid pine wood and hand painted with non-toxic, water based eco paint.Wood used to make this lamp has been sourced responsibly from FSC certified suppliers. Little Lights LED lamps are energy and environmentally - friendly, their products use as little energy as possible and at the same time give you the best performance.

Price from: £129.00 www.simpleandmodernuk.com

Price: £129.99 www.scandiborn.co.uk

CAM CAM COPENHAGEN HARLEQUIN COT BED IN GREY Pairing traditional details with contemporary Scandinavian styles, the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot Bed will look oh-so precious in the nursery. Featuring an adjustable wooden frame, raise and lower the bed base to suit your little one’s needs. With 3 height settings, tend to your newborn without hurting your back and once they’ve started to find their feet, lower the mattress and stop quick escapes!

Price: £869.00 www.cuckooland.com

We Love

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INTERIORS

RAFA KIDS - H DRESSER This timeless Scandi design will see your little one through from nursery to teenage years. Designed to grow with you and your child. This unique and elegant storage solution for the children’s room. Rafa-kids H dresser is comfortable storage furniture with drawers and a rack. Perfect for a nursery, great in playful toddler’s room and stylish in a teen’s room. You can use it for years to come.

Price: ££1,485.00 www.scandiborn.co.uk

FERM LIVING SAFARI CUSHION HORSE DUSTY ROSE Saddle up, with this Ferm Living Horse Safari Cushion. It’s the cutest pillow to add to your kids Scandi inspired bedroom, we promise they’ll love this little cutie.

Price: £44.95 www.scandiborn.co.uk

KIDSMILL ROMANCE 2 DOOR WARDROBE SWING VINTAGE A vintage swing is our next offer. When you think back on your childhood, did you ever think that you could have such beloved playground equipment in your house?

Price: £70.00 www.etsy.com

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Romance is an elegant range with detailed French accents. Romance reminds of nostalgic days gone by and the wardrobe looks great when matched with it’s Romance range but also as a standalone piece.

Price from: £1,025 www.huggle.com

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READING

A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON

By Michael Bond

LITTLE ARTIST

By Emily Kleinman

The Little Artist Board Book Set is all about famous painters, sculptors, musicians and performers.

Each of the four books includes colourful portraits to give kids a glimpse at artisans who made or continue to make a difference in the art world, such as Charlie Chaplin and Georgia O’Keeffe.

The Browns first met Paddington on a railway station Paddington station, in fact.

He had travelled all the way from Darkest Peru with only a jar of marmalade, a suitcase, and his hat. The Browns soon found that Paddington was a very unusual bear.

WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD

By Julia Donaldson What the Ladybird Heard is a fantastically funny story from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.

With brilliant rhyming verse, bright distinctive illustrations and glitter on every page, this much-loved modern classic is perfect for reading aloud.

e m i t y Stor

NEVER TOUCH A SPIDER

By Rosie Greening You must never touch a spider . . . unless it’s in this book! This insect-themed touch-and-feel book is perfect for young children! They will love reading the funny rhyme, filled with insects doing silly things.

Innovative silicone touches feature throughout the book, with a different texture for children to explore on every spread.

Editors Pick

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR By Eric Carle Yup, the caterpillar’s still hungry! And just like him, when it comes to this book toddlers can’t seem to get enough.

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

By Sam McBratney The story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare’s efforts to express their love for each other has long been a favourite of ours at the Book People -and with the book selling over 18 million copies worldwide, many generations of readers also love this touching tale.

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THERE’S A MONSTER IN YOUR BOOK By Tom Fletcher A monster has invaded the pages of this original and super-fun bedtime picture book! Children need to read aloud and follow the interactive instructions to help free the pesky monster by tilting, spinning and shaking their book. After all that fun, there is a calming wind down end- perfect to send your own little monster off to sleep.

STYLE

ORGANIC COTTON SLEEPING BAG www.cosstores.com

PIMA COTTON JUMPER www.arket.com

WRAP BODYSUIT IN LEMON PRINT

BY KONGES SLØJD www.junioredition.com

Project Baby’s Best Picks For SS20

COTTON CASHMERE HELMET www.arket.com

DINES TEETHER CUDDLE CLOTH IN CORAL FLORAL

BY LIEWOOD www.junioredition.com

WHITE HAT www.kitandkin.com

START RITE GIRLS PINK PRE-WALKER POLLY www.startriteshoes.com

QUILTED COLOURBLOCK TROUSERS www.cosstores.com

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STYLE

ALPHABET ALLIN-ONE www.kitandkin.com

WILFRED KNITTED JUMPER

ROCK YOUR BABY www. bambinifashion.com

www.welovefrugi.com

SCAMP & DUDE www.selfridges.com

SAME DIFFERENCE www.polarnopyret.co.uk

LOVELY BABYGROW www.welovefrugi.com

FALKE www.childrensalon.com

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STYLE

SUPER SNOOPY MOTIF SWEATSHIRT www.cribstar.co.uk

SNOOPY ® PEANUTS SWEATSHIRT www.zara.com

BUGS BUNNY LOONEY TUNES © &™ WARNER BROS. SWEATSHIRT www.zara.com

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STYLE

TROUSERS WITH CONTRASTING SEAMS www.zara.com

GARMENT-DYED DENIM DUNGAREES www.zara.com

SILK COT SLIP

BY SILKY TOTS silkytots.co.uk

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Caring for your

HEALTH

TODDLER'S TEETH HOW CAN I HELP MY TODDLER TO HAVE STRONG TEETH? You can do a lot to ensure that your toddler’s teeth are strong and will resist decay both now and in the future. Much depends on what he eats, as well as how often he eats it.

Try to keep sweets and other sugary snacks between meals to a minimum.

This includes dried fruits such as raisins, which are high in sugar and can stick to teeth, as well as chocolate and cakes. When your child eats or drinks sugar, the bacteria in his mouth mix with the sugars to make a mild acid. This acid attacks the hard outer layer of the teeth and over time can cause cavities.

If your toddler has lots of sugary snacks, you are continually topping up the levels of acid in his mouth. Water and milk are the best drinks for your toddler between meals. Try not to give your toddler acidic, sugary or fizzy drinks between meals, or juice or squash in a bottle.

If you give your toddler fruit juice, it should be well-diluted, and given only at mealtimes in a beaker or cup. Or you could encourage him to drink the juice through a straw, which is better for his teeth.

To have healthy teeth your toddler should eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and include calcium and vitamin D in his diet. Vitamin D helps his body to absorb calcium, which he needs to grow strong bones and teeth. Dairy products such as cheese are good sources of calcium. And there’s

vitamin D in milk, oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods such as margarine and breakfast cereals.

If your toddler won’t drink much milk since being weaned from the breast or bottle, make sure he has dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese instead.

ARE THERE TREATMENTS THAT WILL PROTECT MY TODDLER’S TEETH? A vitamin supplement for young children which contains vitamin D may be worth considering. You can buy vitamin drops from NHS child health clinics.

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HEALTH

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps to resist decay. Some children are particularly prone to tooth decay, and dentists sometimes recommend fluoride supplements as well as fluoride toothpaste. Always ask your dentist for advice before giving your toddler fluoride supplements.

When there is an increased risk of decay, or early signs of decay, your dentist may consider a treatment of fluoride varnish. The dentist paints this varnish on to your child’s teeth to stop the process of decay, or at least delay potential fillings. Talk to your dentist to find out if your child would benefit from this treatment.

HOW CAN I MINIMISE THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY SWEETS? Preventive measures are always best. Take control of sweets before your toddler discovers them. If you don’t eat sweets, and your toddler’s friends don’t, he may not meet a sweet until his second birthday. If the rest of your child’s diet is healthy, even this period without sweets will help those first teeth to get a good start.

If banning sweets is impossible, you can reduce how much damage is done to the enamel on your toddler’s teeth. The more times a day your toddler eats something sugary, and the longer the sugar stays in his mouth, the more likely it is that damage will occur.

Try to restrict sweet food and drink to less than four times a day, as part of three meals and one snack. A small slice of cake or a piece of chocolate to finish off a meal is less harmful to his teeth than a lollipop that your toddler sucks all afternoon.

Otherwise, encourage your toddler to eat all his sweets in one short session. Give him a small piece of cheese after he has finished any sweets to neutralise the sugars, and make sure that his next teeth-cleaning session is thorough.

and stay in the gaps until the next thorough brushing, or sometimes longer.

Tooth-friendly snacks:

Cubes or slices of cheese Plain yoghurt Plain popcorn Breadsticks Plain rice cakes Fresh fruit or vegetables

HOW CAN I KEEP MY TODDLER'S TEETH CLEAN? Cleaning your toddler's teeth should be part of his daily routine, though you may need to be persistent. But you can gradually give him more responsibility for the brushing as time goes on.

Clean your toddler's teeth twice a day, before breakfast, and after his last drink of the day.

As you brush, clear all traces of food from on or between his teeth. Use a small toothbrush with soft, round-ended bristles of differing lengths, and a small, angled head. Change the brush at least every three months, or when the bristles start to spread out.

Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, or a pea-sized amount if your child is three years or older. Under-threes should use a low-fluoride toothpaste containing about 1,000ppm (parts per million) of fluoride.

Brush using small circular movements. Don't saw from side-to-side, as this may damage his gums, and it won't scrub his teeth.

Concentrate on one section of the teeth at a time, and don't forget the backs.

If he's reluctant to have them cleaned, brush your teeth first and then let him try to copy you.

Or see if he'd like to brush your teeth for you.

Cakes and other high-sugar foods, even if they’re homemade, can be just as damaging as sugary sweets.

Persuade, rather than force, your toddler to open his mouth, as he needs to learn to like the idea of brushing. Give him lots of praise and encouragement when he allows you to brush them. Letting him choose his own toothbrush may also make it more fun for him.

Raisins, dates and other dried fruits (whether loose or in bars) can cling to and harm teeth, even though they’re a healthier option than sweets. Your toddler should also eat these as part of a meal, rather than as a snack. Chewy sweets are worst of all, as they stick to the teeth

Supervise your child while he brushes his teeth until he is at least seven years old. By then he'll have the manual dexterity needed to clean his teeth thoroughly. When he feels ready to try, let him have a go. Show him how to brush in small circular movements, rather than from side-to-side.

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Don’t wait until you see signs of tooth decay. When you go to the dentist for your own appointment, take your toddler with you.

MY TODDLER EATS TOOTHPASTE OUT OF THE TUBE. IS THIS A PROBLEM? If your toddler makes a habit of swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste while his teeth are forming, he may develop fluorosis. Fluorosis can give your toddler’s teeth a mottled look.

So encourage your toddler to spit out toothpaste after brushing.

Eating too much toothpaste in one go is more likely to cause a tummy ache than anything more serious. If you suspect your child has eaten a large amount of toothpaste, take your child to your doctor or to your nearest accident and emergency department.

Make sure your toddler can’t get to the toothpaste tube without you knowing. He may be more likely to swallow toothpaste if it has a sweet or fruity flavour. So try a minty or neutral flavour instead.

WHEN DO WE NEED TO VISIT A DENTIST? Take your child to the dentist when he’s about a year old. Dentists can help to prevent, as well as cure teeth problems. So don’t wait until you see signs of tooth decay. When you go to the dentist for your own appointment, take your toddler with you. He’ll then get used to the sights, sounds and smells.

Children’s health clinics make visits to the dentist fun for toddlers. If he is rewarded with stickers at the end of the appointment, it may make treatment later on more tolerable for him. These clinics also offer the opportunity for you to ask about anything you’re unsure of.

Don’t assume that you don’t need to take your toddler to the dentist because his first teeth are going to fall out anyway. A damaged baby tooth can cause pain and lead to a serious mouth infection. Most first teeth have nearly a decade of hard work in front of them. Good habits early on will lay the foundations for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

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DEVELOPMENT

Toddler Troubles HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE TO POTTY TRAIN?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY TODDLER POO? Some little ones have a bowel movement right after dinner or right before bed, like clockwork.

Others’ poop habits are less predictable. Most of the time it’s not a problem. When to worry? If there are major changes, such as much more frequent pooping, painful stools, blood in the stools, or ongoing diarrhea, check with your doctor.

EVERY NIGHT IS A BATTLE AT BEDTIME WHAT SHOULD I DO? Many toddlers fight bedtime -- often they just want to be where you are.

Don’t cut his nap to wear him out. Most kids this age still need an afternoon nap. Cutting it can make him cranky or too wired at bedtime because he’s overtired.

Instead, stick with a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine every night. Give him a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed toy, and read him a book. Does he need extra reassurance? Try a night-light, or leave the door cracked.

Top Toddler Tips 1. PICK YOUR BATTLES “If you’re always saying, ‘No, no, no,’ your child will tune out the no and won’t understand your priorities,”

2. BE CONSISTENT

If your child is ready to use the toilet, it usually takes about 6 weeks from first introducing the potty to the time she’s going on her own and staying dry most of the time.

Even after your child is staying dry during the day, it can be months and even years before your child can make it through the night.

Although potty training is a big milestone -- and one much anticipated by parents! -- you’ll want to be sure your toddler is ready. Forcing toilet training on a child who is really resisting can backfire. Instead, try to make potty time fun (read stories, sing songs). Offer nonfood rewards like stickers or trips to the park. And don’t make your child stay on the toilet if she doesn’t want to.

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“If your reaction to a situation keeps changing one day you let your son throw a ball in the house and the next you don’t -- you’ll confuse him with mixed signals.”

3 GIVE TIME OUT Before imposing a time-out, give a warning in a stern tone of voice (“I’m counting to three, and if you don’t stop, you’re going to time-out. One, two, THREE!”). If she doesn’t listen, take her to the spot you’ve designated for time-outs, and set a timer.

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WEANING

Baby’sFirst

FOODS When to start introducing solid foods

Introducing your baby to solid foods, often called weaning on to foods, should start when your baby is around six months old. It is a really important step in your baby’s development and can be great fun to explore new flavours and textures together. To begin with, how much your baby takes is less important than getting them used to the idea of eating.

They will still be getting most of their nutrition from breastmilk or infant formula. Babies don’t need three meals a day to start with, so you can start by offering foods at a time that suits you.

Gradually you’ll be able to increase the amount and variety of food your baby eats until they can eventually eat the same as the rest of the family, in smaller portions.

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WEANING

R

esearch shows that babies need nothing but breastmilk or infant formula for the first six months of life.

This gives a baby’s digestive system time to develop so that they cope fully with solid foods. This includes solid foods made into purees and cereals mixed with milk.

Why it pays to wait until they are ready If you are breastfeeding, feeding only your milk up to around six months will give them extra protection against infection, and it will continue to protect them for as long as you carry on.

Whether your baby has breast milk or infant formula, waiting until your baby is ready for food will save a lot of time too, as they will quickly be able to feed themselves and with less mess, as they will be able to swallow properly.

Three signs your baby is ready for their first food Every baby is an individual, but there are three clear signs which, together, show your baby is ready for solid foods alongside breastmilk or infant formula. It is very rare for these signs to appear together before your baby is six months old.

1. They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady.

2. They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves.

3. They can swallow food.

Babies who are not ready will push their food back out, so they get more round their face than they do in their mouths.

months, you don’t need to introduce it after six months either.

GETTING STARTED • Always stay with your baby when they are eating in case they start to choke.

• Let your baby enjoy touching and holding the food.

• Allow your baby to feed them selves, using their fingers, as soon as they show an interest.

• Don’t force your baby, wait until the next time if they are not interested this time.

• If you are using a spoon, wait for your baby to open their mouth before you offer the food.

• Your baby may like to hold a spoon too.

• Start by offering just a few pieces or teaspoons of food, once a day.

• Cool hot food and test it before giving it to your baby.

• Don’t add salt, sugar or stock cubes to your baby’s food or cooking water.

TIPS ON WHAT FOODS TO GIVE YOUR BABY AS THEY GROW Feeding your baby from 0-6 months Breast milk or infant formula. ‘Follow-on’ formula is not suitable for babies under six

Introducing solid foods before six months: if after checking with your health visitor or doctor, you decide to introduce solid foods before six months, you should avoid giving your baby certain foods as they may cause food allergies or make your baby ill. These include foods that contain wheat, gluten, nuts, peanuts, peanut products, seeds, liver, eggs, fish, shellfish, cows’ milk and soft or unpasteurised cheese.

Baby food from 6 months First foods: your baby’s first foods can include mashed or soft cooked fruit and vegetables like parsnip, potato, yam, sweet potato, carrot, apple or pear, all cooled before eating. Or soft fruit like peach, melon, soft ripe banana or avocado as finger foods or mashed. Or baby rice or baby cereal mixed with your baby’s usual milk. Keep feeding them breast milk or infant formula as well but don’t give them whole cows’ milk as a drink until they are a year old.

Next foods: soft cooked meat such as chicken, mashed fish (check very carefully for any bones), pasta, noodles, toast, pieces of chapatti, lentils, rice and mashed hard boiled eggs. Also full-fat dairy products such as yoghurt, fromage frais or custard (choose products with no added sugar or less sugar). Whole cows’ milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from six months.

Some signs that can be mistaken for a baby being ready for solid foods: • chewing fists • waking in the night when they have previously slept through • wanting extra milk feeds These are normal behaviours and not necessarily a sign of hunger, or a sign of being ready to start solid food. Starting solid foods won’t make them any more likely to sleep through the night. Extra feeds are usually enough until they’re ready for other food.

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WEANING

Cups: introduce a cup from around six months and offer sips of water with meals. Using an open cup or a free flow cup without a valve will help your baby learn to sip and is better for your baby’s teeth.

Read more about drinks and cups for babies and children.

Feeding your baby from 8-9 months Gradually, in this time your baby will move toward eating three meals a day. It will be a mixture of soft finger foods, mashed and chopped foods.

Your baby’s diet should consist of a variety of the following types of food: fruit and vegetables; bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and other starchy foods; meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non dairy sources of protein and milk and dairy products.

Read more about understanding food groups.

Your infant’s food from 12 months Your baby will now be eating three meals a day, chopped if required, plus breast milk or whole cows’ milk and healthier snacks like fruit, vegetable sticks, toast and rice cakes.

They can now drink whole cows’ milk. Choose full-fat dairy products because children under two need the extra fat and vitamins found in them. From two years old if they are a good eater and growing well they can have semiskimmed milk. From five years old 1% fat and skimmed milk is OK. You can give your baby: • Three to four servings a day of starchy food such as potatoes, bread and rice • Three to four servings a day of fruit and vegetables • Two servings a day of meat, fish, eggs, dhal or other pulses (beans and lentils)

WHAT MILK WHEN? For around the first six months you should feed your baby only breast milk or infant formula. Only use soya-based infant formula if your GP has advised you to. Follow-on milks are available for babies over six months but there is no need to change over to these.

Cows’ milk can be mixed with food from six months and whole cows’ milk can be given as a drink from one year.

Infant formula, follow-on formula or growingup milks are not needed once your baby is 12 months old. Goats’ and sheep’s milk are not suitable as a drink for babies under one year and rice drink is not suitable as a drink for children under the age of five.

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TIPS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO EXPLORE FOODS • Healthy eating. Babies like the food they get used to so give them as many different, healthier foods as you can – this way they are more likely to keep eating them as they grow up. It is a great habit to get into and one that will hopefully make your life a little easier as they get older. Also, do not give them foods or drinks with added sugar, or salty or fatty food, as this will make them more likely to want them as they get older.

• Solid foods and milk. As your baby eats more solid food, they may want less milk at each feed, or even drop a milk feed altogether. Babies should have breast milk (or infant formula) for at least the first year, and can carry on with breast milk for as long as you both want. From 12 months cows’ milk is fine as their main drink.

Infant formula, follow-on formula or growing-up milk is not needed once your baby is 12 months old.

• Take time. Allow plenty of time for eating, especially at first. Rushing or forcing your baby could lead to problems. Go at your baby’s pace and stop when your baby shows you they have had enough.

• It’s messy. It can get messy but this is an important part of your baby’s development. You may want to cover the floor with newspaper or a protective mat to make clearing up easier.

• Show them and eat together. Babies copy their parents and other children so you can help them by showing them that you eat healthier foods. Babies enjoy watching you eat, and learn from being a part of family mealtimes. Help them join in by talking to them and giving them food when you or the rest of the family is eating. Having mealtimes around the same time every day can make it easier for your baby to know when to expect to eat.

• Finger foods. Let your baby feed themselves with their fingers. This way they can show you how much they want to eat, and it gets them familiar with different types of food. It also makes eating more enjoyable. As a guide, the best finger foods are foods that can be cut up into pieces that are big enough for your baby to hold in their fist, and stick out of the top of it. Pieces about the size of your own finger work well.

• How much? Most babies know when they are full up, so don’t make them finish a portion when they don’t want to. Smaller, more frequent meals and healthier snacks will suit them better when they are young. Don’t worry if your baby hasn’t eaten much in a meal or a day, what they eat over a week is more important.

• Homemade is best. Homemade food is made from simple ingredients with no added sugar or salt. Any unused food can be kept in the fridge or frozen.

Then all you have to do is reheat the amount you need. This also helps them get used to family foods and saves money.

• Jar or packet food. Baby food in jars or packets can be handy, but portion sizes are often too big and much of it has the same texture. This may make it harder for your baby to accept more varied textures and to move to family foods as they get older. Jars are useful when you don’t have much time or you are out with your baby.

• Sit up straight. Make sure your baby is sitting up straight so that they are able to explore foods better and are less likely to choke.

• Offer different foods. Babies like to choose for themselves and sometimes take their time getting used to different foods, so offer a small amount lots of times to let them gradually get used to new foods.

DEVELOPMENT

8 STEPS

From Bottle to Beakee

STYLE

Perfect Valentines

1. Choose the appropriate

time. The success you have has much to do with when you decide to wean your baby from the bottle.

2. Introduce your child to a

beaker cup. This introduction can begin as early as 6 months of age.

3. Allow the baby to explore

the cup. He or she may even “play” with it rather than drink from it during the initial introduction. You will see him or her trying to use it as he or she becomes more familiar with it.

4. Give the baby a beaker

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instead of a bottle during mealtime. Begin using the cup at one meal for a means of liquid once the child is familiar with the cup. This may occur at 8-to-10 months old.

5. Use the cup instead of a bottle during other feedings.

6. Replace your baby’s bottle at

other meals slowly until all meals are eaten with a beaker cup instead of a bottle.

7. Remain consistent during

the weaning process. Going back and forth between the bottle and beaker cup during meals will only confuse the child.

8. Offer your child a beaker cup instead of a bottle during other times of the day such as nap time, snack time and bedtime preparation.

Most babies are ready to give up their bottles and formula at 12 months.

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FOREO LUNA MINI 2 The Luna Mini 2 eliminates impurities that can cause blemishes, while remaining extremely gentle on the skin. All you need is 1 minute of use twice a day for a fresh, clear and even complexion.

The 3-zone face brush is now 50% larger and made of soft silicone to suit every skin type. You can even choose from 8 intensities to find what works for you.

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FOOD & DRINK

Chicken and Apple Balls METHOD: Heat the olive oil in a pan and sautĂŠ half the onion for about 3 minutes.

2. Using your hands, squeeze out a little excess liquid from the grated apple.

3. Mix the apple with the chicken, then add the cooked and remaining raw onion, herbs stock cube (from 1 year) and breadcrumbs and roughly chop in a food processor for a few seconds. Season with a little salt and pepper (from 1 year).

4. With your hands, form into about 20 little balls, roll in flour and fry in shallow oil for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

INGREDIENTS: 2 tsp light olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks ½ tbsp fresh parsley 1 tbsp fresh thyme or sage, chopped, or a pinch of dried mixed herbs 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled (from 1 year) 50g fresh white breadcrumbs Salt and freshly ground pepper (from 1 year) Plain flour for coating Vegetable oil for frying

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Cooking 10 Minutes Preperation 5 Minutes Makes 20 Mini Balls Suitable for Freezing

FOOD & DRINK

Trio of Root Vegetable Purée METHOD: 1. Steam the root vegetables for about 20 minutes or until tender. Steaming is the best way to preserve nutrients but if you don’t have a steamer, put the vegetables into a saucepan and just cover with boiling water.

2. Blend the vegetables to a puree adding a little of the boiled water at the bottom of the steamer (about 75ml) or some of your baby’s usual milk to make a good consistency for your baby.

3. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over a medium heat until tender (about 20 minutes).

4. Drain the vegetables and blend to a puree using a little of the cooking liquid or you could add a little of your baby’s usual milk.

20

Preperation5 Minutes

6

INGREDIENTS: 200g sweet potato, peeled and chopped 200g carrots , peeled and chopped 100g parsnips, peeled and chopped

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FOOD & DRINK

Mediterranean Vegetable Puree

METHOD: Put all of the ingredients except the basil and cheese into a saucepan. Cover with a lid ,and bring up to the boil then simmer for 15 minutes until all the vegetables are soft. Add the basil then blend everything until smooth. Stir in the cheese until melted.

5

INGREDIENTS: 100g red onion, chopped 150g courgette, diced 100g yellow pepper, diced 175g aubergine, diced 1 clove garlic, crushed 400g tin chopped tomatoes 200 ml unsalted vegetable stock 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 30g Cheddar, grated

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REAL LIFE

Q

A guide on how to help your child sleep, eat and behave well Questions answered by Kathryn Mewes, Author of ‘The 3 Day Nanny’.

MY 8 MONTH OLD REFUSES TO TRANSFER FROM THE BREAST TO THE BOTTLE. WHAT CAN I DO? I RETURN TO WORK IN 4 WEEKS TIME! If you have been feeding exclusively from the breast it might be too late for your baby to accept a bottle.

At 8 months old your baby should be eating 3 solid meals a day and having 3 breast-feeds. I suggest the 15.00 milk feed is substituted with a beaker of formula milk and a yoghurt or cheese and cracker afterwards. This milk feed is not essential if your baby has a balanced solid diet.

You may well find that you need to continue with the morning and evening breast feed at 07.00 and 18.30 / 19.00 for another 4 months.

On the days you cannot give these feeds a beaker of formula can be given. If it is not drunk it will not be a concern.

Once your baby is 12 months old, if not before, they can have their formula milk from a beaker.

I suggest you focus on your baby drinking from a beaker. Practice continually through the day with water.

Think positively – your baby has skipped a stage for you. You can be a ‘bottle free’ house!

MY DAUGHTER HATES HAVING HER HAIR WASHED. SHE IS 2 YEARS OLD. ANY IDEAS?!

• I tend to stick an interesting picture on the ceiling of the bathroom and ask them to look up at it.

back at the same time.

• I then wash the ‘back of their hair’ and move onto the top.

• Keep asking questions about the picture.

• Eventually your daughter will get the concept of tilting her head back without having a visual aid.

• Change the picture from time to time until it eventually isn’t needed.

MY 2.5-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WILL TANTRUM THE MOMENT SHE DOES NOT GET HER OWN WAY. WHAT DO I DO WHEN SHE TANTRUMS? We cannot suppress a child’s emotions and ask them not to get cross.

• If you can see that your child needs to shout and rage you need to ensure they are in a safe place and allow them to ‘let off steam’.

• Do not stand staring at them or continually asking them if they have finished.

• LEAVE them to vent their emotions.

A child will continue to perform for longer if they feel they have an audience.

• Once the shouting calms and quietens simply approach and bend down and make eye contact.

• “All the shouts are out now. All finished. Now let’s go and find some puzzles to look at.” (Think of an activity that would distract your child) • Once calm and playing you can say to your child “We must remember that Mummy does not like you shouting. Mention the reason for the shouting and state that you don’t think it will happen again because You are my good little girl.’

• Continue playing and do not mention it anymore.

• I ask them questions about the picture and pour water down their project-baby.co.uk

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REAL LIFE

MY SON IS AGED 3 AND REFUSES TO EAT ANY FRUIT OR VEGETABLES. WHAT CAN I DO?

KATHRYN MEWES Author of The

3 Day Nanny

A practical 3-day guide to overcoming key parenting challenges from sleeping and eating to potty training and behavioural problems.

Between the ages of 2 – 5 years old all children go through the ‘fussy eating’ stage. The key is not to ‘make an issue’ of mealtimes.

Continue to place vegetables on his plate. Two types each day. It is ideal to sit and eat with him but talk about topics that do not involve focusing on food.

You can start a chart where each fruit or vegetable eaten is drawn on the chart and 3 vegetables tried = a small prize. The prize can be wrapped in foil and hidden somewhere in his bedroom. Do not make the prize sweets.

At the end of each meal give your son a chopping board and knife and ask him to cut up some fruit. If he nibbles it, the smallest amount, it must be drawn on the chart.

Be inventive with the chart to inspire your son and give him an incentive to try new flavours.

For treats you can make smoothies and ice cream together from fresh fruits and cream!

For further guidance on challenges you are having with your children you can contact Kathryn Mewes through her website www.bespokenanny.com

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Nanny extraordinaire Kathryn Mewes helps parents solve common parenting challenges quickly and easily - and in just 3 days. With step-by-step advice for different issues and ages, Kathryn will guide parents through the relevant 3-day plan to give them more confidence as a parent.

The 3-Day Nanny will help parents with children aged 6 months to 6 years to:

• Sleep through the night • Try new foods and enjoy healthy eating • Transform negative behaviours and habits • Potty train with ease Kathryn’s 3-day plans work on the basis that it normally takes a child three days to settle into a new routine. On day 1 she helps you to identify the cause of the issue, choose the right positive bespoke solution and to begin to implement it. On this first day the new routine will feel new and unfamiliar to parent and child but on day 2 the new routine will start to be more familiar. By the end of day 3 the change will be accepted by the child and a fresh start will begin to unfold for all.

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FOOD & DRINK

The Perfect

Night Sleep Every new mum needs a helping hand. And Tommee Tippee has delivered just that with the new ‘Perfect Prep Day & Night’.

Here’s why we think you should check it out for yourself.

This amazing gadget is a mummy must-have. Better than a bestie, the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep machine is by your side all day, and all of the night. Reliable, supportive and ideal for making new #mumlife easier for everyone. maker also boasts an internal water filter ensuring baby gets the purest bottle possible. Every. Single. Feed.

The Dream Machine has super-clever glow lighting and adjustable volume control for restful and less disruptive late night feeds.

The perfect solution for baby bottle making Having a baby is a tricky time. There are practical challenges like making endless bottles while your little one screams the house down. And physical challenges like the 1 am, 3 am and 6 am feeds. Combine the demand for quick bottle making with a few weeks of sleep deprivation…You’re in a whole world of new mummy pain.

But what if we could make those bottles more quickly?

Dare we dream. And what if everyone in our home gets a better night’s sleep?

Well, with the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep machine we can. And we did. Here’s what you need to know about this baby bottle maker.

We called it the Dream Machine for a reason.

The Perfect Prep Day & Night machine actually delivers a perfect feed (over and over again) in less than two minutes.

Perfect Prep is 10 times faster than using the kettle, ending the waiting-forever-for-the-water-to-heat scenario. The bottle

Best of all, Project Baby loves how the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep machine efficiently and quietly prepares baby’s bottle back to drinking temperature after boiling.

This means there’s no waiting for the water to cool while the baby cries the house down with hunger. (That’s an experience we’re not going to miss!)

Better sleep for everyone Length of time it takes to make an old-school bottle in the middle of the night while baby screams? Eternity.

Length of time it takes for baby to let you know he’s reallllly unhappy about waiting? Three seconds.

And that’s the real-life mum problem that the Perfect Prep Day & Night machine solves.

Here are our favourite features (and clearly why we called it the Dream Machine!)

10 times faster than an ordinary kettle 2 minutes total prep time for a bottle means you feed baby quicker.

Easy to use for consistently safe, controlled feeds Internal water purifier means baby isn’t ingesting any nasties from the tap.

Glow low-lighting and volume adjustment for reduced disruptions and silent bottle prep.

Simple to read digital display makes operation easy no matter how tired you are.

Compatible with most bottles and formula brands (which means you don’t need additional gear)

Project Baby Rating: Price from: £130.00 www.johnlewis.com

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Clubs & Classes PUDDLE DUCKS

The swimming and life-saving skills your little one is taught on the Puddle Ducks programme will stay with them… for life!

Skills for Life means that at Puddle Ducks, every child is taught to swim using a tailored programme that is unique to them, and their levels of ability and confidence, within our structured framework – we keep it fun and we know that it works!

YOGA BELLIES

YogaBellies offer authentic classes, therapies and workshops for women and children at every stage of their lives including pregnancy and birth; for post-partum mum and baby and now also, yoga for children. We offer yoga for women from mentruation to post menopausal. We even have a revolutionary new Birth Preparation course called Birth ROCKS for mums and their birth partners.

The sessions incorporate a range of authentic yogic and holistic techniques.

LITTLE KICKERS

With a network of 1,500 coaches and 210 franchises in 16 countries, we’re Little Kickers are now the world’s biggest and most successful pre-school football academy and there’s plenty more to come. They are constantly enhancing their classes with the help of their experts.

www.puddleducks.com

www.yogabellies.co.uk

www.littlekickers.co.uk

TOTSTARS

BABY BALLET

LA JOLIE RONDE

Stagecoach Theatre Arts is a highly regarded network of performing arts schools with a proven record of delivering quality dance, drama and singing lessons to youngsters worldwide.

An award-winning baby ballet Song and Dance Academy with an exciting educational movement to music programme.

Over the years Stagecoach has provided a springboard for some of the UK’s leading young talent and has had the privilege of watching thousands of kids grow in confidence and ability.

They offer brilliant kids’ parties, children’s holiday activities involving musical theatre and drama workshops. www.stagecoach.co.uk

Designed to encourage babies and young children to enjoy the joys of song and dance, baby ballet has built up a fantastic reputation for providing children with the opportunity to express themselves within a fun, safe and caring environment. www.babyballet.co.uk

La Jolie Ronde is a leading provider of language learning through extracurricular language classes and the supply of language teaching resources.

Hundreds of thousands of children learn French and Spanish each week either in the classroom or in one of our after-school or lunchtime classes.

La Jolie Ronde provides a proven method with a solid underlying structure that enables children, aged between 3 & 11 years old, to progress year after year in French and Spanish. www.lajolieronde.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes KIDDY COOK

Fun Cooking Classes for Kids Aged 4 – 11yrs.

During each session the children have fun with hands-on gastronomic experiments and recipes and they are encouraged to learn about ‘good’ food and to explore new flavours in an educational and fun way.

Each workshop encourages the students to discover the excitement that food can bring. Children get involved in the whole cooking process from reading the recipes to weighing and measuring the ingredients. www.kiddycook.co.uk

WATER BABIES

To appear in our Clubs & Classes section contact us at: natasha@project-baby.co.uk

HARTBEEPS

At Hartbeeps they put your child at the heart of their magical, musical adventures.

They offer original and super fun, developmental baby classes, toddler classes and pre-school classes, as well as educational sessions, pregnancy classes, stay & play with baby discos, and fabulous children’s parties.

MONKEY MUSIC

All of our classes are set to a soundtrack of original songs, remixed nursery rhymes and lullabies. We take you and your little one on a sound journey and bring the story to life.

Monkey Music has an award winning reputation for innovative, beautifully presented music classes for each stage of your little one’s development, from 3 months to 4 years. Amazing puppets, hand crafted props, specialist percussion instruments, movement, bubbles and lots more. Guaranteed giggles and learning, great for making friends too!

www.hartbeeps.com

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

DIDDI DANCE

RUGBYTOTS Rugbytots is the first of its kind; a specifically designed play programme using the multiple skills of Rugby to create a fun and enjoyable environment whilst developing basic core motor skills.

Water Babies is the UK’s leading baby swim school, teaching a core skill to hundreds of babies & children every week. The courses are very different to traditional swimming lessons. For a start, because they only use warm water pools, babies can join them from birth. And while the emphasis is on having fun, their course is carefully structured, with progressive lesson plans for each week. www.waterbabies.co.uk

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At Diddi Dance they realise and encourage endless enthusiasm and energy in an action packed, full of fun 45 minute dance class. Using various dancing games and exercises, bells, hoops and dance ribbons to their own funky pop songs so your little one not only improves their rhythm and co-ordination but also their social and gross motor skills.

Classes are ideally suited for both boys and girls between 2-4 years old, however they have had children as young as 16 months.

All Rugbytots lead coaches are paediatric first aiders, Rugby qualified coaches, CRB checked and trained to a very high standard to ensure your children enjoy their time at Rugbytots in a safe and organised environment.

www.diddidance.com

www.rugbytots.co.uk

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Rest Assured Come and discover the Owlet Smart Sock on Stand G45

Tracks heart rate Tracks oxygen levels Tracks sleep data Receive wellness notifications

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COMPETITION

PROJECT BABY BOX

Win a 3 month subscription to

Project Baby Box

Our beautiful boxes are hand-picked by age, stage of development & gender especially for you and your baby. Each box has a value of over £70. by.co.uk and tell us why To win just email natasha@project-ba you would LOVE a subscription

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