july 2015 ÂŁ2.99
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PROVING THAT PREGNANCY IS NO OBSTACLE TO GREAT STYLE
W W W. N I N E I N T H E M I R R O R . CO M 3.1 PHILLIP LIM • EMILIA WICKSTEAD • JOSEPH • MARNI • MISSONI • VALENTINO • AND MANY MORE
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Stokke® Home™ Design by Stokke® Norway, Stokke® Home™ Bed, Stokke® Home™ Cradle, Stokke® Home™ Changer and Stokke® Home™ Dresser.
The little nursery with big possibilities. Stokke® Home™ Create a special place for your baby – a home within a home. All you have to do is move in. Stokke Home is a modular nursery line that lets you choose your preferred products and design your individual room setting.
Compact
Expanded
stokke.com
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From newborn to toddler
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star mums & dads
Nuna IVVI pushchair Molly Sims opens gifts like the Nuna IVVI stroller and PIPA car seat at her baby shower in Bel Air.
Billie Faiers Signature Range - My Babiie MB50 Stroller
cybex priam Keira Knightley going for a stroll with her stylish PRIAM, Price: £770.00 www.cybex-online.com
celeb watch Price: £600.00 www.nuna.eu/ivvi
Billie Faiers was seen working a stylish look as she pushed her daughter, Nellie, through Essex in a My Babiie white stroller. Price: £99.99 www.mybabiie.com
Stokke Cruisi Tamara Ecclestone seen out walking with Sophia in her Stokke Cruisi pushchair. Price: £1,148 www.stokke.com
cybex cloud q Katie Price heads to ITV studios with husband Kieran Hayler and baby Bunny in her Cybex Cloud Q car seat. Price: £220.00 www.cybex-online.com
Cord Short and Shirt Set Check out the long-sleeved shirt and shorts outfit that Prince George wore with soft cotton and buttoned into shorts. Price: £59.00 www.rachelriley.co.uk
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contents
Welcome
july/august 2015
34 8. products we love Everything you will need from pregnancy to parenthood.
40. choosing the right childcare A parents guide.
18. IVF - WHAT EVERY COUPLE SHOULD KNOW Check out the latest advances in assisted reproductive technology.
43
22. my baby has cmv Bringing CMV to the attention of all expectant mothers.
25. Eat yourself pregnant
our top 5 car seats
Essential recipes for boosting your fertility naturally with Zita West.
Everything you should need to choose your car seat from birth.
31. the second time around Tackling the problem of secondary infertility.
34. get fit to conceive Helping you improve your baby making chances.
38. the case for and against co-sleeping Helping you make your mind up.
46
44
dress like a princess
Look mellow in yellow like yummy mummy Kate.
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Welcome
roject
roject
From the editor
Natasha Hewett Editor-in-chief
Rebecca Harding
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 special fertility edition of Project Baby, jammed packed with lots of useful hints and tips for your very own Project. We have teamed up with fertility expert to the stars Zita West to bring to you an array of mouth watering recipes from Zita’s book ‘Eat Yourself Pregnant’. Fertility is such a sore subject for many with secondary infertility becoming increasingly more common, read all about it on page 31 and learn about eating all the right foods and taking the right vitamins and supplements. We also know how important it is to stay fit and healthy whilst trying to conceive so follow our feature on page 34 and start getting your body ‘baby ready’.
Assistant Editor
Emma Pailing Copywriter
Emma Reily-James Sales Consultant
Paul Palmer Webmaster
Gavin Bridle Art Direction
Advertising with us:
I have personally handpicked 10 top products that I absolutely fell in Love with on page 8. Tweet us your favourite items for mum and baby by using #10thingswelove on Twitter.
Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk Tel: 07957 294 061
The weather has been beautiful recently and along with the sun comes the task of dressing your bump and looking stylish. Take a look at this seasons fashion essentials on page 44, with stunning attire for the summer months.
Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk
General Enquiries:
Now we have dressed you for summer it’s time to think about getting away, so we have selected our top 7 luxury family holiday destinations on page 50. Traveling with little ones is always a challenge but with 9 airport tricks from our travel experts it will be a doddle (page 54). So all that is left for me to do is wish you all a lovely summer, don’t forget the sun cream and hats for little ones and yourselves and we will see you all in the next edition. Happy Reading
Natasha
Natasha Hewett, Editor
natasha@project-baby.co.uk
Page
64
win A cosatto ooba pushchair & car seat
With many thanks to our contributors: Natasha Wiening Photography, BumpPR, Mamas & Papas, Kathryn Mewes, Annabel Karmel, Britax, Dr Goldstein & all our advertisers.
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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Welcome
52
5876
70
31
66
60
87
contents MORE
46. maternity swimwear
66. you and your rights
Look great on the beach/poolside.
Maternity, paternity & adoption rights for working parents - legally.
50. TOP 7 LUXURY FAMILY HOLIDAYS Find inspiration for your next family holiday.
54. airport tricks Avoiding tantrums, tears and boredom at the start of your family holiday.
70. project baby’s beautiful boutique A selection of Spring clothing for all children.
76. world of weaning Vital changes.
56. health & beauty
83. giving your child the best start in life
Beautiful saviours for beautiful mums.
All the benefits of learning a second language?
58. jewellery box
84. PROJECT BABY REVIEWS
Something beautiful for everyone, including a perfect selection for expecting mum’s.
60. creating your dream nursery Release the inner designer in you.
Products masterfully reviewed by our Project Baby team.
88. clubs & classes Find a pre or post natal club or class to suit you.
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cybex priam
Things
we love 8 l july/august 2015 l
patrick mavros Elephant Front/ Back Silver Pendant
The ideal companion for the diversity of life, the PRIAM meets all of your requirements right from the start. PRIAM´s classic, simple frame belies a surprising diversity of combination and equipment options. www.cybex-online.com
These designs epitomize Dad’s iconic style of always capturing the whimsical details of each animal. www.patrickmavros.com
Marni Spice Eau de Parfum Rich, spicy and confident, the new Marni Spice is the fourth in the brand’s fragrance family following the launch of its debut scent in 2012.
project-baby.co.uk
www.harrods.com
Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle Deisgned to most closely mimic breastfeeding to reduce bottle rejection and nipple confusion issues. www.peterandpolly.co.uk
lifestyle
Liberty Art Fabric Betsey Ann Baby grow Our gorgeous limited edition Betsy baby grow , comes in soft jersey cotton with delicate liberty art fabric trim and feet
www.shmuncki.com
Cosabella Trenta Wireless Maternity Bra In nude seamless lace, Cosabella’s maternity bra is designed with ultra-soft, supportive cups. The removable padding and easy clip nursing straps make this nursing bra perfect for breastfeeding. www.nineinthemirror.com
MARC by Marc Jacobs Nylon Eliz-A-Baby Diaper Bag A signature style gets upsized for toting everything both you and baby could need, designed with an abundance of exterior pockets to easily store bottles and other essentials. www.cruxbaby.co.uk
Little Butterfly London body lotion Beautifully hydrating and luxuriously creamy, this organic-certified body lotion nurtures and protects. www.littlebutter flyorganic.com
Babycotpod Cascara Baby Bassinet
PAUL & JOE Small Elephant face and eye colour collection
A very modern alternative to a traditional moses basket or crib. Unique in its design the Babycotpod have created a beautiful place for your new born baby to sleep. www.cruxbaby.co.uk
Part of Paul & Joe’s 2015 collection, this delightful Small Elephant face and eye colour collection offers a miniature menagerie of new-season shades. www.selfridges.com project-baby.co.uk
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lifestyle
By Carla My Essential Pregnancy Support Pack This combination support pack provides stylish comfort and support for your back, bump and knees. ideal for use for mumsto-be whilst sleeping or relaxing.
this works deep sleep pillow spray
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil Stretch Mark Massage Oil smooths the skin, avoiding the development of stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, bottom and breasts. Price: £15.95 www.weleda.co.uk
Price: £39.95 www.preciouslittleone.com
A best-selling, natural sleep aid that will fragrance your bed and calm the nerves... This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is a great alternative to sleeping pills and tablets. Price: £16.00 www.boots.com
Classic floral breastfeeding cushion Ideal to travel with this breastfeeding cushion has a fully lined outer bag with a hard wearing, lovely grey, pink and blue floral fabric on one side and a soft blue needle corduroy on the other.
Cupcake Nursing Bra
Price: £45.00 www.thrupennybits.co.uk
Products for
bump Boost Your Chances
zita west Vitafem Many factors influence your chances of conception, including age, general health and stress levels, as well as sperm and egg quality. The more you are in balance in mind, body and spirit, the greater your chance of conception and the healthier your baby is likely to be. Price: £22.50 www.zitawest.com
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This lace and microfibre bra will definitely give you a lift (in more ways than one!). It’s silky soft microfibre with pretty (stretchy!) graphic lace and soft cotton lining and covered seams offer total comfort for sensitive skin and sore, chapped nipples. Price: £35.00 www.amoralia.com
lifestyle
3 of the Best
new mum gifts
Editors Choice Fendi brown baby changing bag Fendi brown baby changing bag and mat set with an all-over ‘FF’ logo print. There is a main inside pocket, a side and two pouch pockets and an elasticated bottle holder.
Personalised Fingerprint Charm Necklace A gorgeous necklace carrying your little one’s fingerprint. Price: £85.00 www.notonthehighstreet.com
Price: £904.00 www.childrensalon.com
MAM Microwave Steam Steriliser The innovative Mam Microwave Steam Steriliser is the ideal support for everyday baby life and makes a perfect design statement in the kitchen. Price: £30.00 www.kiddicare.com
Products for Personalised Date Art Print Commemorate a special date with this unique number art print using photographs of door numbers on different backgrounds. Price: £26.00 www.notonthehighstreet.com
mum
Medela Swing Breast Pump Express milk quietly and discreetly - The Swing electric Breast pump combines a multi-awardwinning design with the latest technology. The electric breast pump is very quiet and therefore represents the ideal solution for regular and discreet breast pumping. Price: £129.99 www.medela.com
Gooseberry Bush New Baby Gift As any mother will confirm a baby comes from under a goosebery bush so what better gift to send to new parents. Price: £37.00 www.notonthehighstreet.com
The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra in an all-over Jacquard pattern, melts onto your body and gives you comfort unlike anything you’ve experienced from a nursing bra before wear it while nursing or as a maternity bra. Price: £32.00 www.bravadodesigns.eu project-baby.co.uk
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lifestyle
Editors Choice
Dribble stop Tops Sadly, you can’t STOP your little one from dribbling or their clothes looking wet, but you can feel good knowing that their chest stays DRY. Simply replace your baby’s regular top or vest with a Dribble Stop Top - one less thing to worry about - Priceless! Price: £13.99 www.dribblestoptops.co.uk
Egg Pushchair Designed for style concious parents and babies, the Egg pushchair features soft touch fabrics and smooth curves for a luxury stylish look. Price: £699.99 www.mothercare.com
BabyBjorn One Carrier Inspired by fun-filled summer days and the delicious coolness of ice creams on a hot summer day. The One Carrier provides babies with ergonomically correct support and can be used up to the age of three. Price: £119.99 www.babybjorn.co.uk
baby
Products for
SnuzPod 3 in 1 Bedside Crib Skibz Blue Spot Unlike other dribble bibs, Skibz are made using traditional rolled seams instead of being simply overlocked; this provides a beautifully flat edge that will not roll or look distorted and will extend the life of the Skibz bib. Price: £8.00 www.skibz.co.uk
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Nothing compares with being close to your baby. The award-winning SnüzPod Bedside Crib™ allows you to easily comfort, settle and feed your baby without having to leave your bed, helping build a close bond and ensure both you and your baby have the very best night’s sleep. Price: £169.00 www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk
lifestyle
Tranquil Turtle Despite its dozy demeanor, Tranquil Turtle is actually working double-time. It’s our first product to combine both sight and sound features - projecting gentle underwater images and playing the soothing sounds of the sea. This comforting combination makes for a super serene sleep space.
3 of the Best
ride-on Toys
Price: £45.95 www.cloudb.com
Vilac red metal ride-on car
Products for Your
toddler
Your budding little drivers will love this red metal ride-on racing car! Painted in bright red, this retro racing car will be by baby’s side for those first steps. Price: £94.99 www.maisonsdumonde.com
Mini Micro 3in1 Ride On Scooter
Tripp Trapp Chair The Tripp Trapp® is an ingenious highchair that revolutionised the children’s chair category back in 1972 when it was first launched. It is designed to fit right up to your dining table, bringing your baby into the heart of your family, allowing him or her to learn and develop alongside you.
The award winning, Swiss designed and engineered scooter is now available for even the youngest member of the family. Price: £79.95 www.micro-scooters.co.uk
Price: £159.00 www.stokke.com
Apricot Soft Oaty Bars multipack For busy little explorers, these amazing apricot bars are packed full of juicy raisins, wholegrain oats and dried apricots. www.organix.com
B Kids Splash and Slide Waterpark A floating water slide and spinning water wheel keeps young hands active and happy in the tub. Adds great bath time fun for toddlers Price: £9.99 www.semichem.co.uk
Rocking Horse Blossom A beautiful, floral printed horse that any little girl is bound to treasure. Price: £79.95 www.mamasandpapas.com project-baby.co.uk
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pregnancy
Fertility + Myth vs Fact
Most popular baby names of 2015 so far!
fertility is a womans problem
factors 40% Female contribute to
factors 40% Male contribute to
infertility.
infertility.
20%
of the time it’s the couples together.
everyone gets pregnant easily
5,000,000
More than people of childbearing age experience infertility.
food affects fertility There is little to no evidence stating that food choices play any roll in infertility.
Helping to Provide Support “Infertility Network UK offers hope, a listening ear, a hug and a smile when others don’t know what to say or do… At I N UK, we do!” Infertility Network UK is the leading national infertility charity, supporting everyone who finds they have difficulties conceiving. Whether you need emotional support to cope with the rollercoaster of the infertility journey, or practical support to help you access NHS funding, you will find it all on our website. Talking to someone who has been through infertility and knows just how you feel, lets you know that you don’t have to face infertility alone. You can call our Supportline, speak to one of our volunteer Helpliners or find a support group near you.
Supportline Our Supportline offers a unique and free service which provides support and information from our trained nurse.
age doesnt matter
Helplines
A woman’s fertility decreases with age.
weight doesnt affect fertility
Our Helpline members know exactly what you are going through and want to listen and help, talking to someone who understands can provide real support at a time when you most need it. Helpliners contact details can be found by logging into your account and accessing ‘Volunteer Services’.
Support Groups Support Groups offer the chance to meet up, chat and share experiences with others who are also struggling to conceive.
Being too thin or too heavy can affect fertility. A woman’s weight can greatly affect her hormone function.
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For Friends and Family Friends and family often want to help but simply don’t know what to do, or what to say. If you want to help someone close who is going through infertility, download the factsheet for friends and family.
SOME PRODUCTS ARE MADE...
SOME PRODUCTS ARE BORN eggstroller.com
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pregnancy
IVF What Every Couple Should Know The latest advances in assisted reproductive technology are making it easier than ever for couples with fertility issues to fulfil their dream of having a family.
What is IVF? In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of several techniques available to help couples with fertility problems to have a baby. During IVF, an egg is surgically removed from the woman’s ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, (embryo) is then returned to the woman’s womb to grow and develop.
Success of IVF The success of IVF Fertility treatment depends on the age of the women receiving the treatment, as well as the cause of the infertility. Younger women normally have healthier eggs, therefore the success rate being higher amongst younger females. IVF fertility drugs isn’t usually recommended for women above the age of 42 because the chances of a successful pregnancy are thought to be too low.
In 2010, the percentage of IVF treatments that resulted in a live birth (the success rate) was: • 32.2% for women under 35
• 13.6% for women aged 40-42
• 27.7% for women aged 35-37
• 5% for women aged 43-44
• 20.8% for women aged 38-39
• 1.9% for women aged over 44
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Costs of treatment One in every 50 babies born in the UK is the result of IVF treatment. But six out of every 10 IVF cycles are funded privately, as people side-step long NHS waiting lists. Treatment can be offered on NHS but depending on circumstances However, the provision of IVF treatment varies across the country and often depends on local CCG policies. Priority is often given to couples who don’t already have children. There are private clinics that offer IVF treatment. Some clinics ask for a referral by your GP. On average, one cycle of IVF costs about £5000. However, this varies from clinic to clinic and there may be additional costs for medicines, consultations and tests. Many clinics will offer a package deal, During your discussions with the clinic, make sure you find out exactly what’s included in the price. You may also be able to reduce the cost of IVF by donating some of your eggs or male partner’s sperm for others to use.
pregnancy
It is also possible to ask your clinic for a private prescription and obtain your medication from a pharmacy. IVF fertility treatment drugs are always cheaper in a pharmacy. Compare some of the products listed here:
GONAL F MENOPUR INJECTION LUVERIS INJECTION OVITRELLE INJECTION PURIGON INJECTION CYCLOGEST PESSARIES CETROTIDE INJECTION UTROGESTAN CAPULES
Fertility is highly profitable for private clinics – and worth an estimated £500m a year in Britain. Clinics in certain areas, such as London, will charge an extortionate price for IVF treatment, but some couples will pay these prices for the same treatment that another clinic with a cheaper price can offer. If a couple is desperate enough for the treatment, money is no option and you certainly can’t put a price on a child. Parents.com has published a list of 10 best clinics for you to try in the UK.
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
IVF Success Rate
38%
DI Success Rate
48%
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%
DI Success Rate
33% project-baby.co.uk
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Conception
is here to help! Myths We all know how You’ve read them on the Internet or heardunpredictable them from your mum - babies and no matter how be! crazy can they may sound, you wonder if there’s any truth to these theories on baby making. Take a look at
Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, the most common conception myths and discover whether they’retimes fact or fiction. 1 and there are certain trigger when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash
the sperm closer to the cervix, and hence, to their goal. That said, your Conception myth: Lying1.Morris on H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543 cervical mucus — regardless of the sexual position you use — should your back with your hips be enough to move your man’s boys toward the egg. So if you’re not a elevated for 20 minutes after fan of certain sex positions, just go with what feels right to you. If sex feels good, you’re more likely to do it! sex will help you conceive. 7
1
2
3
Why it’s supposed to help: Gravity will help sperm work their magic. wea ningpeople suggest commoputting n Lying in this position post-sex (some a pillow teething cold underneath your bottom to tilt your pelvis up) could help sperm move in the direction they need to go. The facts: There’s no scientific proof that this will increase your odds of conceiving. After all, every ejaculation contains millions of sperm, so plenty of the speedy swimmers should be able to make their way to the fallopian tubes even if you jump around right after sex. But some experts (and common sense) say that staying in bed for a little while after intercourse will help keep semen from leaking out of the vagina — and maybe, just maybe, help ensure that every last sperm gets a fighting chance at the prize. So if you feel like you’re helping to spur For along occasions when it does things by staying supine, make yourself comfy. But if you haven’t strike, Metanium Nappy got time to stay horizontal after sex, don’t stress.
Treatment
for Nappy Rash
Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.
Conception myth: Cough syrup can help you conceive. Why it’s supposed to help: Some cough syrups contain an ingredient Nappy Rash Ointment is a calledMetanium Guaifenesin that helps thin the mucus in your lungs. Guaifenesin medicine. Always read the label. could also thin other mucus in your body — namely cervical mucus — and make it easier for sperm to reach the egg. The facts: There isn’t a lot of medical research to back this one up.
Conception myth: Certain sex positions increase your odds of conceiving. Why it’s supposed to help: Positions that allow for deep penetration may land the sperm closer to the cervix, giving them a better shot at making it to the egg. The facts: While there aren’t any studies to back this up, some experts suggest that deep penetration (which is possible from a rear-entry position or from the man-on-top missionary position) may help get
www.metanium.co.uk
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6
5
4 dia rr ange chGreen ep Conception myth: tea first sle in diet h antibiotics oug thr boosts fertility.
hoea
Why it’s supposed to help: Green tea is loaded with potent Polyphenols (which have antioxidant properties) that help prevent cellular damage to reproductive organs and may make eggs more viable.
NEW
!
The facts: There is some research linking green tea to increased fertility. Plus, because green tea has less caffeine than black tea or coffee, going green could help you limit your caffeine intake when trying to conceive — which is always a smart move since excessive caffeine is a fertility buster. On the other hand, large amounts of green tea seem to decrease the effectiveness of folic acid — a crucial nutrient your baby For dailyduring protection, prep since it’s vital to fetal development. So if you’d like to give green a use Metanium Everyday chance, go for it, but play it safe and stickBarrier with oneOintment cup a day.or
Protection
from Nappy Rash
Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help prevent it coming back.
Conception myth: A woman needs to have an orgasm in order to conceive. Why it’s supposed to help: The uterine contractions caused by an orgasm may help propel the sperm into the cervix and toward the fallopian tubes. The facts: While an orgasm can never be a bad thing, and it may in fact help move sperm in the direction of the egg, you don’t need your Os in order to conceive. But wouldn’t it be nice if you did? That would certainly give your man some extra incentive to work harder! Some research does suggest that your orgasm increases alkaline secretions in the vaginal tract, which may favor boy sperm. So if your guy can’t wait to bust out the toy trucks and footballs, maybe the hope of a boy baby will inspire him to help you reach the big O!
we
babies’ bums
DUALFIX
Ready for anything Giving you the freedom to keep your child rearward facing for longer, with an easy access rotation function for everyday convenience. –
Best Rearward Facing Seat
–
gROUP
0 &
1
BIRTH – 18 kg (BIRTH – 4Y)
360°
www.britax.co.uk project-baby.co.uk
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real life
My Baby Has CMV When Gaye Tomlinson’s son was diagnosed with profound hearing loss due to a common virus that her health visitor hadn’t even heard of, her tears soon turned to anger. Now she is heading up a charity that aims to bring CMV to the attention of all expectant mothers. The first four weeks at home after the birth of my second son Calum were bliss. I had my perfect two little boys at home and I was very tired but very happy. My eldest son Ellis, who was just two, adored his brother at first sight. I’d read stories about elder siblings being unsettled or jealous by a new arrival but there was never a trace of that. Each time Calum cried, Ellis would sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to him until his tears stopped. Calum was such a happy baby and the day before he reached one month old he smiled at me for the first time.
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The joy of that moment and those first four weeks was however to be short-lived. It was only two days later that my husband and I found ourselves sat in an audiologist’s waiting room moments away from having our happy little world shattered. Calum had been born at a birthing centre where they didn’t do newborn hearing tests so when he was two weeks old we took him to the Royal Derby Hospital. After three unsuccessful tests they told me we’d have to book a test with an audiologist. Our son was one month and one day old when we were told that he had a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears.
When the audiologist read out the results, my mind shut down and I clung on to Calum. He asked if we had any questions, but I had only one: “How likely is it that you’re wrong?” All those times Ellis had sung lullabies to him. All those words I’d spoken to him. I refused to believe he hadn’t been able to hear us. When we got home I put some music on and turned the television up full blast. I slammed doors. I slammed the stairgate so hard I almost broke it. Calum slept through it all. I knew then. The next few days were horrendous. Ellis kept asking why mummy was crying and I had no answers. I kept asking myself what I had done wrong during the pregnancy. Was it that one glass of wine? Or the time I looked after my niece when she was ill? I tormented myself.
real life
It was a month later before anyone even mentioned something called CMV. A pediatrician performed blood and urine tests to see if they could find the aetiology of Calum’s deafness. Calum tested positive for Congenital Cytomegalovirus. Like most parents in this country I’d never heard about CMV – never been told about it at antenatal classes, never read about it in a magazine or heard about it from another mum. My health visitor didn’t even know what it was. She wasn’t alone. A lot of health care professionals we encountered gave us information that I now realise was wholly inaccurate. I found the facts out for myself. I know now that Congenital CMV causes permanent disabilities in one in 1000 babies in the UK making it the most common cause of birth defects in this country. The most common disability associated with Congenital CMV is hearing loss but it can also cause vision loss, mental disability and seizures. It can even be fatal. CMV is more common than Down’s syndrome, Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis yet few pregnant mums have ever heard of it.
In August 2011 Calum had a bilateral cochlear implant operation. We were told not to expect anything at his initial switch on session. But it was immediately clear that he was ‘hearing’.
More than 12 months later and Calum’s development has surpassed anything I could have dreamt of. He understands much of what we say to him and is now talking in short sentences, his favourites being “I don’t like it” and “Mummy, come on”. I am incredibly proud of him. At the moment Calum’s hearing seems to be the only thing that has been affected. He sat up, crawled and walked at about the same time as his brother did. But the worry about what else the CMV could cause in the future never goes away. What you need to know about CMV…
I find it so frustrating and so hard to accept that no-one at any point during pregnancy tells you about CMV or the steps you can take to reduce your chances of contracting the virus.
CMV is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. Most healthy adults and children will have no signs or symptoms and no longterm effects from CMV, but it can be very dangerous to unborn babies.
I believe women have a right to be informed and I believe this so passionately that I am now Chair of CMV Action – a charity that’s been set up to raise awareness of the virus, campaign for better prevention measures within the health service and encourage research into a CMV vaccine.
The transfer of CMV from a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy is one of the main causes of children being born with disabilities in the UK. It can cause problems such as hearing loss, physical disabilities, learning difficulties and seizures. Around 900 babies are born every year with permanent disabilities as a result of CMV – that is 1 in every 1000 births. As CMV is a relatively unknown condition, it is a common misconception that it is rare. It is in fact more common than Down’s syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis.
We’ve got a mountain to climb because awareness of the virus is so low but I feel it’s the least I can do to prevent other families going through what we have been through.
The virus is spread from person to person by bodily fluids. A lot of small children catch CMV, so women who work with children or who have a family already need to be especially careful during pregnancy.
Pregnant women can reduce the risk of infection by following a few basic hygiene precautions such as: • Avoiding sharing dummies, cutlery, drinks or food with anyone. • Avoiding kissing babies, toddlers and small children directly on the mouth, and kiss them on the cheeks or forehead instead. • Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after changing nappies or coming into contact with bodily fluids. • Washing any items that have been contaminated by bodily fluids with soap and water. CMV Action is a charity which has been set up to raise awareness of the virus, campaign for better prevention measures within the health service and encourage research into a CMV vaccine. It offers advice and support to anyone affected by Congenital CMV and helps ensure they receive the best care possible. It puts families in touch with each other and provides a personal support service for each of its members.
There is no licensed vaccine against CMV at the moment. Research is currently underway for a vaccine which CMV Action is keen to see introduced nationally, but is some years off. In the meantime, it is very important to focus on preventing CMV by taking the hygiene precautions set out above.
For more information about symptoms, effects, testing and treatment of congenital CMV go to www.cmvaction.org.uk. You can also email us at info@cmvaction.org.uk or call us on 0845 467 9590. You should talk to your GP if you are pregnant and concerned that you may have caught CMV. project-baby.co.uk
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project-baby.co.uk
28/05/2013 23:37
food & drink
Eat Yourself Pregnant with Zita West Essential Recipes for Boosting Your Fertility Naturally More and more couples these days are interested in natural ways to improve their fertility. And having the best possible diet is one of the most important ways in which you can help make a big difference. In this fabulous new full-colour cook-book Zita shows you 80 tasty and easy to prepare recipes that are packed full of all the most important nutrients your body needs to prepare for a successful pregnancy.
project-baby.co.uk
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food & drink
MoroccanSpiced Mackerel This recipe is full of North African flavours. The tangy marinade is rich in anti-inflammatory spices and makes a delicious dressing to serve over the cooked fish. For an extra nutrient boost, sprinkle with pine nuts – they are a good source of vitamin E, which has been shown to increase fertility when given to both men and women. Serve with a simple chickpea salad or steamed leafy greens..
Serves: 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinating Cooking time: 5 minutes
2 mackerel fillets, skin on 1 jarred roasted red pepper, chopped 1 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed 1 handful of parsley leaves, chopped 1 preserved lemon, rind only, finely chopped 2 spring onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts Marinade 6 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp sweet smoked paprika 1 tsp turmeric 2 tsp ground cumin 4 garlic cloves, crushed sea salt and ground black pepper
1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a small non-reactive bowl. Put the mackerel fillets in a shallow non-reactive dish and spoon over half of the marinade. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes. 2. To make the dressing, add the red pepper, capers, parsley, preserved lemon and spring onions to the remaining marinade.
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3. Preheat the grill to medium-high and line a baking tray with foil. Put the marinated mackerel fillets on the prepared baking tray and grill for 5 minutes until cooked through. 4. Serve the mackerel drizzled with the dressing. Scatter over a few pine nuts, if you like.
food & drink
Protein Boost Seeded Granola This is a healthy version of the classic breakfast option, with an array of seeds to provide plenty of healthy fats. Research has found that Brazil nuts can assist male fertility as well as boost testosterone. You can vary the ingredients according to what you have available. This will keep in an airtight container for 1–2 weeks.
Makes: 8 servings Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 50 minutes
115g/4oz/¾ cup Brazil nuts 115g/4oz/¾ cup almonds 115g/4oz/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes 60g/2¼oz/½ cup raw cacao nibs 60g/2¼oz/½ cup pumpkin seeds 60g/2¼oz/½ cup sunflower seeds
60g/2¼oz/⅔ cup shelled hemp seeds 1 apple, cored and chopped 75g/2½oz/ heaped ⅓ cup soft pitted dates 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup 2 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder 2 tbs plucuma powder (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp sea salt 60g/2¼oz/⅔ cup goji berries or unsweetened dried cherries milk or milk alternative, or yogurt, to serve
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/315°F/Gas 2–3 and line a baking sheet with baking parchment.
salt in a food processor and process to form a thick paste. Pour the paste over the nuts and seeds and stir to combine well.
2. Put the nuts, coconut flakes, cacao nibs and seeds in a food processor and process to coarsely chop. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Turn down the oven to 110°C/225°F/ Gas ½ and bake for a further 30 minutes, or until the mixture is dry and golden. Leave to cool, then stir in the berries. Store in an airtight container. Serve with a splash of milk or yogurt.
3. Put the apple, dates, honey, coconut oil, protein powder, if using, lucuma powder, if using, vanilla extract, cinnamon and
project-baby.co.uk
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food & drink
Indonesian Chicken with Buckwheat Noodles
A hearty meal in a bowl, lightly spiced and packed with nutrient-rich vegetables. This dish contains a wealth of anti-inflammatory ingredients, including ginger, garlic and turmeric, together with immune-supporting shiitake mushrooms and coconut. Buckwheat noodles, also called soba, are a nutritious staple in Asian dishes and provide plenty of slow-release carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout the day.
Serves: 2 Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus at least 2 hours marinating Cooking time: 20 minutes
1 lemongrass stalk, chopped 1 handful of coriander leaves 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2cm/¾in root ginger, peeled and grated 1 tbsp coconut sugar or honey 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp fish sauce
½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp garam masala 400ml/14fl oz/generous 1½ cups coconut milk 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks 125g/4½oz buckwheat noodles 1 tsp sesame oil
1. Put the lemongrass, coriander, onion, garlic, ginger, coconut sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, turmeric, garam masala and coconut milk in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Pour over the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight. 2. Cook the buckwheat noodles with the sesame oil according to the packet instructions, then drain and refresh
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1 tbsp coconut oil 1 red chilli, deseeded and diced 1 pakchoi, cut into strips 100g/3½oz mangetout 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced sea salt and ground black pepper 1 handful of bean sprouts, to serve 2 spring onions, chopped, to serve
under cold water. 3. Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil in a wok or large frying pan. Drain the chicken, reserving the marinade, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Add the chilli, pakchoi, mangetout and mushrooms and cook for a further 1 minute. Add the reserved marinade and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Toss in the noodles and warm through. Sprinkle over the bean sprouts and spring onions and serve.
food & drink
Quinoa& Feta Burgers with Tomato Relish A healthy burger – this vegetarian option is rich in protein and the addition of quinoa and feta provides plenty of calcium to support bone health, too.
Serves: 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus 20 minutes soaking Cooking time: 40 minutes
80g/2¾oz/heaped ⅓ cup quinoa 2 tsp bouillon powder 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying the burgers ½ red onion, finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, crushed, 1 tsp ground cumin, 400g/14oz tinned black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed 115g/4oz feta cheese, crumbled, 1 tbsp chopped parsley leaves, 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves, 2 tbspcornflour sea salt and ground black pepper, burger buns, to serve (optional), lettuce leaves and tomato slices, to serve. Tomato Relish 1 small dried chipotle chilli, 4 tomatoes, quartered, 1 red onion, quartered, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp coriander leaves, 2 tsp xylitol, 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1. For the relish, soak the chilli in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Put the tomatoes and onion on a baking tray, drizzle over the oil and roast for 15 minutes until soft. Put in a food processor with the chilli and the remaining relish ingredients and pulse to form a thick, chunky purée. Leave to cool.
the heat and add the beans, feta and cooked quinoa and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the herbs and cornflour, then mash with a potato masher to break up the beans. Leave to cool slightly.
2. Put the quinoa in a saucepan with the bouillon powder and 250ml/9fl oz/1 cup water and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down, cover with a lid and leave to simmer for 15 minutes until cooked. Leave to cool slightly, then transfer to a bowl.
5. Heat some oil in large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook for about 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through to brown on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil in frying pan. Add the onion, garlic and cumin and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes. Remove from
4. When the mixture is cool enough to handle, divide it into 4 equal portions and shape into burgers.
6. Put the patties in burger buns with the lettuce and tomato, if using, or just serve with salad and the relish.
project-baby.co.uk
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lifestyle
most parents dont know they are using the wrong car seat.
Know the Ages and Stages
cybex priam
Many babies outgrow infant seats before 2 years, and a convertible or 3 in 1 will be needed to continue rear-facing.
1
2
0-2
2-7
Cybex are known for their designs and style, but the Cybex Priam has taken this to a different level. This pram screams sophitcation and style. The basket is compact but has plenty of room without the messy over spilling. The opportunities with the Priam are endless, choose from a ray of colours and wheel choice. You can even purchase skies. holiday on the slopes. No problem Price: ÂŁ790.00 www.cybex-online.com/gb
rearfacing
forwardfacing
Infant | Convertible | 3-in-1
Convertible | 3-in-1 | Combination
3
4
4 - 12
8 - Adult
booster
seat belt
3-in-1 | Combination | Booster
Age is important
Easy for you to use
The younger children are, the more fragile, and the more protection they need.
Try out the features of the car seat, choose one that will make it easy for you to use correctly every time.
Know the limits! Always follow weight and height limits of the car seat.
Fits your vehicle Not every car seat can be installed correctly in every car, try before you buy.
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Project Baby Rating:
Maturity matters A booster is designed for children mature enough and big enough to sit still in the proper position for the whole ride.
project-baby.co.uk
stokke crusi black melange
Stokke Crusi is a pram that transforms so easily from a single to a double in minuets, not only does this pram adapt to your family but it is also ultra stylish. When in single mode the basket is lovely and huge but when as a double unfortunatly you do loose a portion of this space. When using the seat unit it can be parent or world facing. We adore this pram and the ride is lovely and smooth. A real head turner.... Price: ÂŁ819.00 www.pramworld.co.uk
Project Baby Rating:
pregnancy
Written by BabyCentre Medical Advisory Board
What Could be Wrong with me?
The Second Time Around Secondary Infertility
What is secondary infertility? Deciding to try for a brother or sister to your first child is an exciting step. If conceiving your first child was straight forward, it can come as a shock when you run into difficulty getting pregnant this time around. When you have trouble conceiving again, it’s called secondary infertility. When yet another period comes along, you may start to feel dispirited and confused. Secondary infertility is particularly hard to cope with if all your mum friends seem to be pregnant with their second babies. Be reassured that you are not alone. About one in seven couples encounter
infertility, and secondary infertility is actually more common than not being able to conceive at all in the first place. Unsurprisingly, it’s more likely to affect older women, as fertility rates fall as we age. A big step towards coping with secondary infertility is deciding when you should ask for help. Fertility specialists are there to offer advice, so don’t be embarrassed about consulting them. More couples are seeking help with infertility than in previous years, although there will always be some who chose not to despite their yearning to have another baby.
When do we need to go to our doctor? You may be keen to have a specific age gap between your children. So ask yourself whether you really need to start worrying yet. Remember, it takes time to conceive. Even if you are making love every two days to three days during your cycle, it’s common to wait up to a year to become pregnant. For eight per cent of couples it may take up to two years. If you and your partner have been making love regularly for a year without using contraception and you’re still not pregnant, see your GP. Infertility is a worry for both of you, so do go as a couple. If you’re an older couple or have a condition that’s affecting your health, early diagnosis and treatment of secondary infertility is important. In that case, you may want to see your GP sooner, rather than later. project-baby.co.uk
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pregnancy
How can our doctor help us?
Your doctor will talk to you about what may be interfering with you conceiving, including:
Your GP may carry out some initial tests or may refer you to a fertility specialist straight away.
• An ovulation disorder caused by polycystic ovaries or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
You can have tests to check that:
• Damage to your uterus or fallopian tubes caused by endometriosis.
• You are producing eggs.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), usually as a result of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia.
• Your partner is making enough sperm. • Your partner’s sperm are strong and healthy enough to make the long journey to meet your eggs.
What may be wrong with me? There are many reasons why you may be struggling to conceive. Perhaps you had an underlying problem when you conceived before that has got worse. Or perhaps you have had an infection or an operation in the meantime that has affected your fertility.
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If you are an older mum, your age can affect your chances of conception. Being older also increases your chance of having a miscarriage. Many women in their 30s and 40s have no trouble becoming pregnant. However, fertility does start to decrease from age 30 and more sharply from 35 years onwards. If you are an older mum, the following conditions can affect your fertility:
• Blockage caused by fibroids.
• Having an underactive thyroid can affect how well you ovulate.
• Damage to fallopian tubes from a previous ectopic pregnancy.
• Diabetes can increase your risk of miscarriage.
• Previous surgery, such as caesarean section, which could have caused bands of scar tissue (uterine adhesions).
WHAT MAY BE WRONG WITH MY PARTNER? Your partner, like all men, will become less fertile as he gets older. Hormones, tubes and sperm are all vulnerable to ageing and the decline starts from about age 35. Perhaps your difficulty conceiving is due to his shortage of healthy sperm, known as a low sperm count. Or maybe there is a problem with sperm quality. Sometimes sperm die or can’t swim in a straight line, making it impossible for them to reach your egg. Illness, poor diet or lifestyle can all affect sperm.
pregnancy
What are our chances of success? The treatment you are offered will depend on what is causing your infertility, assuming that it can be explained. The fact that you’ve already had a baby can be in your favour. If you decide to have IVF, for example, you’re more likely to get pregnant than a woman who hasn’t had a baby before.
What if we never find out what’s wrong? You are likely to feel worried and upset if the fertility specialist tells you she does not know why you cannot conceive. But don’t give up. About 15 per cent of couples with unexplained infertility conceive naturally within a year if they continue to try, and 35 per cent conceive within two years. If you are under 30 years old, you have a higher chance of conceiving than a woman aged 30 years or more, as age is the most important predictor of success in natural conception. Sadly, some mums do find that they can’t conceive again. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s perfectly natural to grieve over the fact that you can’t have the size of family you wanted. You may have conflicted feelings. On the one hand, the inability to have more children causes you pain. On the other hand, you are already experiencing the joys of being a parent. You may also have to cope with well-meaning questions about when you’re planning an addition to the family.
Where can I get further help? Asking for fertility advice can be stressful. You may be surprised at how upsetting it can be to admit to yourselves and others that you have a problem and need help.
3 of the Best
fertility aids
Vital DHA The EFS’s in Vital DHA are provided in triglyceride form for maximum bio-availability. Supplementing with Vital DHA helps to safeguard against any dietary deficiency in both partners. Price: £15.50 www.zitawest.com
Being under stress is not likely to make you feel like making love, especially if you’re already a parent to a small child. You’ll need good support to reduce your anxiety and help you to cope. Your GP may advise you to contact a fertility support group or you may be offered counselling. You may also wish to contact Infertility Network UK for more information and support. Other couples going through the same experience can be a valuable source of support. Why not visit our community? You can also get more advice from our main suspecting a problem area.
Eat Yourself Pregnant In this fabulous new full-colour cook-book Zita shows you 80 tasty and easy to prepare recipes that are packed full of all the most important nutrients your body needs to prepare for a successful pregnancy. Price: £14.99 www.zitawest.com
Some parents feel guilty that they are unable to provide their child with a sibling. Be assured that having siblings is not the key to a happy and healthy childhood. Your child can benefit from many important close relationships, from friends to grandparents, as he grows.
Will changing my diet and lifestyle help? What you eat and the way you live can make it harder to become pregnant. Perhaps you’ve put on weight since your first baby arrived. Or maybe you’ve gone the other way and lost weight? Do you or your partner smoke or drink more than you used to? Improving your diet and lifestyle may help to improve your fertility.
Pregnacare His & Her Pregnacare® His & Her Conception provides an extra value dual pack containing both Pregnacare® Conception and Wellman® Conception nutritional tablets, which have been specifically designed to support both men and women who are trying for a baby, Price: £18.35 www.vitabiotics.com project-baby.co.uk
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health & fitness
Get fit to
conceive www.womensfitness.co.uk
You might know that a nourishing diet can help your pregnancy plans, but did you know there are golden exercise rules too? We help you boost your baby-making chances.
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Is yoga once a week enough to get me ready for pregnancy?’ ‘Is running too intense or could I still train for a 10K?’ ‘Is swimming okay when my partner and I are trying to conceive?’ ‘Will cycling damage his sperm?’ ‘Should I stop exercising altogether?’ As soon as you embark on the baby-making process, stories and information from fertility gurus, friends, the media and the internet can make you feel confused, worried and unsure how to maximise your chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy. And if conception doesn’t happen within a few months, it’s all too easy to start obsessing about the finer details of your fitness regime and diet – an extra stress you don’t need when trying to make a baby!
health & fitness
Well, take a deep breath, and relax. H&F expert, personal trainer and mother of two Jane Wake, founder of exercise and wellbeing service Baby A-Wake, has the pre-conception exercise advice you need – and there’s no need for a drastic change in lifestyle, just a little preparation. Of course, eating a well-balanced diet packed with fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats is crucial for baby-making, but many couples focus on nutrition while not paying attention to their fitness. ‘There’s evidence to show being fit is not just about your health, it’s also about the health of your baby. Being pregnant can be a strain on you; you can feel sick, lethargic, tired and weak, but if you’re fit, you’re going to be able to handle that a lot better. You owe it to yourself and your baby to optimise your health before you get pregnant because you and your baby will reap the benefits. Also, the fitter and healthier you are and the closer you are to your ideal weight, the more chance you have of conceiving,’ adds Wake. Zita West, renowned fertility expert and author of Plan to Get Pregnant (Dorling Kindersley, £14.99) agrees. ‘Exercise is of value for a sense of wellbeing and an endorphin release – it’s a great stress reliever – and it’s also about preparing your body for carrying a baby.’ Being at the right body weight can boost your chances of conceiving, so if you have any weight to lose, giving yourself three months to get fitter and leaner will improve your hormone balance.
As a fitter mum, your body should work much more efficiently during pregnancy, adds Wake. ‘The umbilical cords in women who are fitter tend to be thicker and stronger so the nutrient supply to the baby is often better. Moderate activity during pregnancy is also believed to have a positive effect on the health of the baby. Studies have shown babies of exercising mums are born leaner and healthier, which has benefits for the child for the rest of their life.’
Wake’s own pregnancy, with her daughter Gracie, is a prime example. ‘Because I was already fit, I was able to continue training through my pregnancy, and it means you can recover quickly and train again more quickly after the birth. During my pregnancy I had hyperemesis gravidarum [severe pregnancy sickness]. Most women are hospitalised with this condition, but I worked with a nutritionist and was able to continue without being bedridden. During this time I couldn’t exercise to the level I would have done;
I went for walks to keep myself moving. But I was really fit before I got pregnant; if I hadn’t been, I wouldn’t have been able to pick up exercise again when I got better, which was after about five months.’ Wake says to feel at your best and get to your ideal weight, it’s a good idea to get in training for conception three months in advance, by eating well, exercising and reducing the stress in your life. But it’s important to go easy on your workout intensity – we’re not talking preparing for an Ironman event here! ‘It’s not to say you’re not going to get pregnant if you train really hard, but this is about maximising your chances,’ says Wake. So that’s a no to things such as lifting really heavy weights and circuits with short, sharp sessions at high intensities. ‘It’s not about peaking your fitness but reaching the right level by doing consistent training.’
And if you’re worried that high-impact workouts, such as running, could ‘dislodge’ an embryo, there’s no need. ‘Embryos don’t just drop out, but if you have a history of miscarriage and complications, you have to be more careful,’ says West.
Relax, enjoy the process and make love as often as you can, and not just during your most fertile days! ‘I don’t believe in focusing on sex around that point of ovulation when you are most fertile (usually three days),’ says Wake. ‘If you’re too clinical about this it can enhance stress and expectations. If you’re enjoying sex, you’re more likely to have more sex and more likely to get pregnant. Do what you can to enhance this feeling of wellbeing for you and your partner – it’s very powerful indeed!’
West says many of the women she sees at her clinic are at the extremes – some doing no exercise and others way too much. ‘If you’re doing too much, such as 16 hours of workouts a week, it can affect your cycles and your weight.’ Being under- or overweight can disrupt your hormone levels, warns West, which could mean you don’t ovulate every cycle. And if you have an underlying condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), regular, moderate exercise can help you control your weight. After ovulation, you won’t know if you’re pregnant or not until your next period is due,so exercising at high intensities in this time can be risky. ‘Heat can be very damaging to the foetus and exercising to extremes raises your core body temperature which is detrimental to the growing foetus,’ says West.
project-baby.co.uk
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email: elizadoalot@hotmail.com advertisment
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NEW Fitness Class, combining Dance, Yoga and Pilates, with a creche available - South West London. With routines needing no previous experience, concentrating on strength, flexibility, core and cardio, help blast away cellulite, tighten tummies and tone bottoms. Expert post-natal fitness instructor and trained professional dancer, Eliza Nearn. Classes will be in SW london
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27/08/2013 13:5
Look good and feel good in FittaMamma activewear styled to support and flatter you throughout pregnancy and beyond. FittaWear fits as your baby grows, stretches when you stretch, holds where you need it and offers a choice of support levels for all your exercise and everyday needs.
It’s like a gorgeous, comfortable bra for your bump! Available online
www.fittamamma.com 01444 876 900 Sizes from extra small to extra large. Visit our website for info about pregnancy and postnatal exercise, yoga, nutrition and recipes.
health & fitness
Fitness
Myth vs Fact
3 of the Best fitness aids
1. Myth or Fact: Never get your heart rate over 130 while exercising during pregnancy. There is no one “target” heart rate that’s right for every pregnant woman.
M yth: People are still stuck on this heart rate issue, and it was never based on anything concrete.
2. Myth or Fact: It’s not safe to do abdominal work during pregnancy. only is it OK, experts say abdominal workouts can provide many M yth: Not benefits. Your abdominals and your entire core, including your pelvic floor, should be strengthened throughout pregnancy, and doing so will help not only during pregnancy, but also aid in labor and delivery -- and recovery.
3. Myth or Fact: Pregnancy can make you more prone to certain fitness injuries.
Fact:
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. It’s designed to help lubricate joints so labor is easier. When joints are too “lax,” your risk of injury increases.
What you want to avoid are any activities involving deep muscle or joint movements -- heavy lunges, squats, those types of activities.
Aquaflex Pelvic Floor Exercise Cones The cone shaped Aquaflex inserts just like a tampon. The pelvic muscles automatically contract to hold it in place which helps you exercise your pelvic floor muscles correctly, effectively and safely. Price: £23.99
www.springchicken.co.uk
Yoga-Mad Evolution Yoga Mat The Evolution Yoga Mat is the next generation of yoga mat combining excellent grip, a supersoft hand feel and a stylish double sided design. Price: £22.50 www.fitness-superstore.co.uk
4. Myth or Fact: Not every exercise is safe to do during pregnancy. Exercises involving balance, like biking or skiing, or contact sports like soccer, can be risky during pregnancy. “After the fourth month, your balance is affected. So that’s when you don’t want to do anything that will put your body in an unstable position, which is any exercise or activity that requires balance.”
Fact:
5. Myth or Fact: If I never exercised before pregnancy, now is not the time to start. If you never excised before, pregnancy is not the time to become the
M yth: exercise bunny. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend nine months
sitting on the couch. Something as simple as taking a daily walk or going for a swim can do wonders for your pregnancy, and make you feel better as well. It can also help you combat the fatigue of pregnancy and help you sleep better at night. And, you can start slow.
NordicTrack GX8.0 Indoor Cycle Featuring an ultra-resistant, high quality frame, the reliable GX8.0 delivers on comfort whilst providing a safe platform for intense home cycling workouts. Price: £560.00 www.fitness-superstore.co.uk project-baby.co.uk
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real life
Co-sleeping
Good or Bad?
Mum and baby in bed Cot? Moses basket? Pah. Why bother with either when your baby could just snuggle down in bed with you? If only it were so simple. In fact, you’ll find (if you haven’t already) that Mumsnetters (like most parents – and midwives) divide rather rigidly into two camps on the subject of co-sleeping.
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project-baby.co.uk
real life
In this case we’re talking specifically about sharing a bed with your baby, rather than sleeping in the same room which is sometimes also described as co-sleeping.
The case against co-sleeping Those who keep their babies at cot’s length point to the very real dangers in bed-sharing. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advice says there is an increased risk of infant death while sharing a bed, particularly when a baby is less than 11 weeks, if either parent smokes, is very tired, has drunk alcohol recently or is on medication or drugs that make them sleep heavily. This is because, in your bed as opposed to a cot or crib, your baby could: • Get trapped between the bed and the headboard. • Fall out. • Get dangerously overheated under a duvet next to two hot adult bodies. • Get accidentally suffocated if you’re too tired or drunk or high that you unknowingly roll on him or her. You should also be careful not to fall asleep on the sofa or in a chair with your baby. For the first six months, it’s recommended that the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket in your room.
Related Subjects • • • •
How do I get my baby to sleep? Daytime naps Sleep training and controlled crying Baby sling safety advice
What’s more, say the bed sharing bashers, as your child gets older, he’ll find he’s unable to sleep without you, which means you’re doomed either to being three (or four or five) in a bed for years to come or you’re
going to have some serious bedtime battles in the future.
The case for co-sleeping But, counter the co-sleeping champions, bed-sharing not only makes your baby feel safer and sleep better, it also helps you feel more connected to your baby and less shattered by night-feeding. And, according to recent studies, co-sleeping can actually make breastfeeding easier and more successful for you and your baby, and breastfeeding is known to cut a baby’s risk of cot death.
Comp lica ted, hu h? What to do if you decide co-sleeping is for you. If you like the idea of snuggling up with your baby of a night (and do bear in mind that the snuggly newborn stage does morph into the akimbo-arms, thrashing-legs stage surprisingly quickly), you do need to: Make sure your partner agrees with you. There’s no getting round the fact that a family bed does reduce your opportunities for intimacy as a couple – you’ll have to get used to anywhere-but-bed sex if your love life isn’t to disappear altogether. Be honest with each other about how that makes you feel. There’s no point co-sleeping to bring you both closer to your children if it actually drives the two of you further apart. Know the ‘no-way’ facts. You should never bedshare if either you or your partner smoke (even if neither of you smoke in the bedroom). You shouldn’t cosleep if you’ve drunk alcohol, taken drugs or are on medication that makes you drowsy. You should also be cautious about bedsharing if your baby is at increased risk of cot death: born prematurely; born with a low birthweight; nursing a fever. You can read the official advice on this at the Lullaby Trust. Take safety precautions. Make sure your mattress is firm, that your bedcovers are light (ditch the duvet) and can’t fall over your baby’s head.
What our readers say about co-sleeping If you teach them early on to sleep in your bed, then nothing else will do afterwards and it seems to me you’re consigning yourself to broken nights for a long time. Berta It felt like the right thing from the start. When he needed feeding, he was right by my side, so I didn’t have get out of bed. And he seemed to sleep much better because he was lying next to me. Sam My son’s slept with us from day one and I’m sure, when number two comes along, we’ll just buy a bigger bed for all four of us. I love the closeness. Kora Both my children slept with me for the first 10 months of their life and then transferred to a cot with no problems at all. Racheal My lot slept with us until they were toddlers – then the lure of having a bed of their own bed was actually far more exciting. It’s nice to be able to stretch out a bit now but we kind of miss them, actually. JuliaB My mother-in-law was horrified - she thought it would ‘ruin the baby’. She even sent me a letter about it! Sally I hide the fact that we co-sleep. That’s because I’m always made to feel like there’s something wrong with it. I’d get comments such as, ‘You’ll regret it’ or ‘I know someone who rolled over and squashed their baby’. It does seem like a cultural thing: I was talking to an Indian lady and she said that they always co-sleep with their babies and think it is wrong to put a baby in a cot in another room. Laura My daughter is 21 months now and only sleeps with us when she is poorly now or unusually clingy. But I love waking up in the morning to a little girl looking me in the eyes with all the love in the world, and giving me big kisses to convince me I am awake and want to play. Polly
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real life
Choosing the right
Child care S
o, you’ve had your baby. The visitors have arrived, and left. You’ve done the feeding, the weaning and the sleep deprived nights and hopefully also enjoyed your maternity leave and if you’re a working mum, it’s about now that you’re starting to think about the inevitable return to your job and the question of the childcare that will best suit your baby (and you!). “Focus on the positives, rather than feeling guilty for returning to work. Being back in an adult environment will be rewarding and you’ll appreciate the quality time you have with your child even more. You’ll miss
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him, of course, but your child will benefit from a variety of environments, people and activities.” Ideally, it’s best to think ahead about
childcare options when you’re pregnant. Of course, everything you thought before might go out the window once you’re a mum, for example, that fun, stimulating nursery may suddenly seem too large and busy for a baby. Be aware that the cost of childcare can vary enormously depending on what sort of care it is and where you live. Other things to think about are how you can build up your child’s care bit by bit, what references are available, and what local friends would recommend.
real life
Here are the pros and cons of each childcare choice...
Cost - Childminders are self-employed, so there’s no standard rate, but the annual Daycare Trust’s survey suggested the average price for a childminder is £90 a week, but it does vary on your location.
Nurseries
How to find one - Visit The National Childminding Association at Ncma.org.uk.
Day nurseries are registered and inspected by Ofsted and there is usually a high staff to children ratio. The standard practice is for nurseries to welcome babies right through to four years. Pros - Nurseries are lively, varied environments that are great places for your child to experience a variety of activities - and also enjoy socialising with other children. Another advantage of this type of care is that unlike a nanny or childminder, nurseries are never off sick. Nurseries are also checked frequently by your local social services department, so you can feel confident that they are performing to the required standards (you can read the relevant reports when you go for a visit). Day nurseries follow the early years foundation stage (EYFS) so you know there will be structured learning rather than just play. Cons - Some nurseries can have a high staff turnover, so ask about this when you go and visit. There can be strict opening and closing times, so if you’re running late, or need to get to work early one day, this could be a problem. Your child will be mixing with lots of children, which means a bug breeding ground!
Nannies A nanny will look after your child in your own home. The hours can be more extensive than nurseries and you have lots of options for the timings - some nannies leave at the end of each day, some live-in and some nanny-share with another family which can help with the costs. Pros - One of the many benefits is that you know you have experienced childcare whether your child is well or ill, and whether you have to start work early or finish late - a great solution if you have a demanding work schedule. Your child will have one-on-one attention and care during the day and can form a close bond with their nanny. Nanny sharing is a more affordable option and will give your child a playmate, too. For more information, visit www.nannyshare.co.uk. Cons - Nannies are not regulated so it is just up to you to choose one. As your nanny’s boss, you need to sort out the salary, tax and national insurance which you might rather do without.
Cost - Varies on location, but around £96 a week for a full-time place. They are the most expensive childcare option. How to find one - Start by looking online at ofsted.gov.uk.
Childminders
Cost - Huge regional differences, especially in London, but you can expect to pay around the £300 mark a week. How to find one - Visit Nannyjob.co.uk.
Childminder will look after your child, or a group of children, in their own homes. They provide care and learning support throughout the day. Choose a registered childminder and you can be assured they are vetted by Ofsted and their homes safety checked. Registered childminders are allowed to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at one time and no more than three may be under five years. Pros - You can choose a registered childminder from a list put together by your local social services department. Many are usually mums themselves, which a lot of people see as an advantage. Using a childminder is often cheaper than putting your child in a nursery, and they will be looked after with other children so won’t miss out on the social aspect, either. Great for your child’s routine as he or she will see the same faces and places each day. Cons - If they are sick or on holiday you’ll need a back up. Some mums-to-be might worry that a childminder’s child will get special, or more, attention during the day. Be honest and open when you meet with potential childminders if this concerns you. A childminder-child-mother relationship can be fantastic and last for years - but (as with nannies) it does depend on you liking, trusting and respecting each other. If you don’t, it won’t work. project-baby.co.uk
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real life
Au pairs Au pairs offer a cost-effective type of childcare. They are young women (and, more rarely, men) who come to the UK to learn English while living with a family, and are paid in board and lodging, plus weekly ‘pocket money’. In return, au pairs help out with housework and childcare, but they do not have the experience to be left in long term charge of a baby. Pros - Can be very helpful around the house, and can help with household chores as much as childcare. You can ask your au pair to baby sit and be around in the evenings - but remember to set this up before the evening you need to be out! Au pairs come from all over the world and this can be brilliant for your child to learn new languages and cultures. Cons - Au pairs very rarely have any formal childcare qualifications and, in some cases, much experience. Your au pair will live in your house, so you need to be comfortable with this, and budget for the increase on your living expenses. Au pairs tend to stay for one year only so your child may lack continuity of care. Cost - Depends on the area and how much you would like to pay as ‘pocket money’. Around £70 a week is the average. How to find one - Contact the British Au Pair Agencies Association at Bapaa.org.uk.
Family (your parents, in-laws, or sister) Leaving your child with their grandparents or auntie is becoming a more and more common method of childcare as nursery costs rise. You can feel comfortable knowing your children are in the best possible hands and you know the house they will be in inside out. Pros - It’s a great way for them to feel at home when you’re not there and you will always be sure that your child is well-loved and cared for.
Finding Chidcare that Suits You Nanny & Au Pair Connection
Some grandparents will love to be asked and enjoy spending so much time with their grandchildren. Cons - Make sure you come to a firm agreement with regard to hours or any reimbursement to prevent family arguments. If your parents are elderly, make sure they can cope with the physical side of the job too.
www.aupairs-nannies.co.uk
day nurseries
You might have to buy extra bits for your family member to have at home while they look after your children, which is obviously an extra cost. Think lightweight buggy or box of toys to be stored at granny’s house.
www.daynurseries.co.uk Cost - Your discretion. Some families have an arrangement where they don’t pay. If this is the case, the odd bunch of flowers or framed piccie of the family never goes amiss as a thank you.
abc au pairs
www.aupairs-nannies.co.uk
childcare
www.childcare.co.uk
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lifestyle
Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix The Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix isone of the biggest selling Group 0+ car seats, and is compatible with many best-selling pushchairs to create a travel system - such as Bugaboo and iCandy. With a top reputation for its safety features, durability and style. Price: £135.00 www.maxi-cosi.com
Cybex Sirona A super expensive but super safe and smart car seat that takes your baby from birth to 4 years. Its special sauce is the rotating seat, which means you can turn it towards the door to easily get your child in, and then swivel it to the front. Plus it keeps your baby facing rearwards (a safer position) for longer.
Price: £400.00 www.cybex-online.com
5 of the best
car seats
th bir m fro t sea r ca ur yo se oo ch to ed ne ld ou sh u yo Everything Silver Cross Simplicity High quality side impact protection, fairly lightweight and with easy-to-use installation that ensure you can fit the Silver Cross Simplicity safely on every trip. Made with Silver Cross’ usual fantastic attention to detail. Price: £130.00 www.silvercrossbaby.com
Orbit Baby G3 The Orbit Baby G3 is a rotating car seat and it’s travel system compatible. It has a unique ‘dock and rotate SmartHub’ car seat base, 5-point harness, soft carrier handle, ISOFIX connectors and adjustable Rebound Bar and Load Leg. Muchloved by celebs, of course it comes with a convenient ‘Paparazzi Shield’ sunshade extension!
Kiddy Evolution Pro 2 An updated version of the pioneering Kiddy Evolution Pro, the Evolution 2 also has a lie-flat feature that can be used when used outside of the car. Much safer to use as part of a travel system – as your baby can now sleep in a lie-flat position when attached to a buggy, Kiddy have extended the Pro 2 by an extra three months, taking its age range up to 15 months. Price: £149.99 www.kiddy.de
Price: £399.99 www.orbitbaby.com
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style
Dress like a
Princess Look mellow in yellow like yummy mummy Kate
Rock-a-Bye Rosie Nude sunray pleated skirt dress Price: £95.00 www.debenhams.com
Cherry Blossom Shift dress Price: £149.00 www.hobbs.co.uk
L.K. Bennett Lasana Floral Degrade Dress Price: £250.00 www.johnlewis.com
Bibi Silk Crew Neck Cardigan L.K. Bennett Sledge heels
Price: £90.00 www.lkbennett.com
Price: £195.00 www.lkbennett.com
Stellina Belt Light Topaz Price: £286.00 www.jennypackham.com
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Flo Curved Envelope Clutch bag Price: £225.00 www.lkbennett.com
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Not Not justjust ordinary jeans.. ordinary maternity maternity jeans.. The The Beautifully BeautifullyBritish British Collection Collection “rascals� for 15% off www.mamajeanius.co.uk www.mamajeanius.co.uk project-baby.co.uk
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style
Price: £186.00 www.odabash.com
Price: £120.00 www.odabash.com
Bow Detail Maternity Tankini Price: £26.99 www.theessentialone.com
Florence Maternity Tankini Stylish maternity swimwear Price: £59.95 www.babeswithbabies.com
Elle Cowboy Hat Price: £140.00 www.odabash.com
Keli Short Empire Waist Kaftan Price: £266.00 www.odabash.com
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swimwear
We Love
Maternity
Ikat Tote
Evil Eye Crystal Pendant
style
Maternity swimwear DORINE Price: £39.84 www.enviedefraises.co.uk
Navy & White Dot Maternity Tankini Price: £28.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Marysia Swim Maternity Bikini Price: £165.81 www.shopbop.com
RIO - Striped strapless maternity tankini Price: £56.99 www.enviedefraises.co.uk
LIZANE - Black Lizane maternity bikini
Jemima Wide-Brimmed Hat
figleaves maternity Jules Maternity Tankini Top Price: £23.00 www.figleaves.com
Price: £110.00 www.odabash.com
Price: £51.30 www.enviedefraises.co.uk project-baby.co.uk
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style
fab ulous flats
5 Beautiful
sunglasses for mum:
Prada Cat Eye Flowers Sunglasses Price: £250.00 www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Caitlyn Sandal Price: £99.00 www.hobbs.co.uk
Chloe Agathea Turtledove sunglasses
We Love
Price: £212.00 www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk
Bonnie Sandal Price: £129.00 www.hobbs.co.uk
Bottega Veneta Cross Sunglasses Price: £289.69 www.shopbop.com
Poppy Shoe Price: £110.00 www.hobbs.co.uk
Chloe Brick sunglasses Price: £176.00 www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk
Tess Shoe Price: £119.00 www.hobbs.co.uk
Tom Ford Pilot Matte Sunglasses Price: £374.00 www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Prior Ballerina Price: £79.00 www.hobbs.co.uk
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style
Mary Katrantzou Lobelia A-Line Coat Price: £1,760 www.nineinthemirror.com
Koku Ioli Baby Beach Bag Price: £142.00 www.nineinthemirror.com
sandro Double Layer Top Price: £185.00 www.nineinthemirror.com
hatch The Lily Dress Price: £220.00 www.nineinthemirror.com
Gold Round Locket Price: £1,950 www.nineinthemirror.com
Editors Choice
Mary Katrantzou Evabar A-Line Dress Price: £1,050 www.nineinthemirror.com
Valentino MultiColoured Dress In Double Layer Linen Price: £1,727 www.nineinthemirror.com project-baby.co.uk
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travel
Top
7
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Orlando, Florida,
luxury family
holidays
Set across 43-acres of wildlife preserve, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers authentic African-inspired architecture and African village landscape in the heart of Florida. Guests will enjoy expansive views of the surrounding savanna and its many animal inhabitants, providing an intimate feel of Africa. An elevated rock platform gives guests the opportunity to view the animals and thousands of indigenous African shrubs and grasses. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com
Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque Tenerife
An oasis of crystal blue water, warm temperatures and amazing volcanic nature provide the perfect surroundings for the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Tenerife. The Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque presents unique architecture for guests with beautifully designed rooms to suite the whole family. This luxury residential complex located on the Canary Island of Tenerife boasts excellent service and modern, sophisticated decor. Be spoiled for choice with the numerous facilities the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque has to offer. With perfect warm weather all year round, Tenerife is an extremely popular destination for luxury family holidays. www.bahia-duque.com/en
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travel
Erpic Sana Algarve, Portugal
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa Turks & Caicos
If comprehensive all-inclusive family vacation with the Caribbean’s largest water theme park is what you’re after, Beaches Turks & Caicos is for you. Awarded #1 top family hotel in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure and Best All-Inclusive by Caribbean Travel+Life and is located on a stretch of beach so perfect that it was voted ‘Best of all island beaches worldwide’ by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. The whole family will love the Pirates Island Water park, the largest in the Caribbean with surf simulator.
www.beachesresorts.co.uk
Epic Sana is the perfect choice for an unforgettable family holiday in the Algarve region of Portugal. As well as boasting stunning scenery consisting of golden sand, sparkling sea and rugged headlands and cliffs, this 5 star hotel’s location affords you easy access to local attractions including golf resorts, Silves Castle and the historic towns of Faro and Sagres. The hotel itself also boasts many excellent facilities for you to take advantage of, ranging from 5 outdoor pool to an upmarket spa and fitness centre. Create many amazing family holiday memories when you select this award-winning Algarve hotel as your accommodation of choice for your sun-drenched Portuguese vacation. www.algarve.epic.sanahotels.com
Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort Le Meridien Limassol, Cyprus
Overlooking the pristine golden sands of Aoratoi beach, Le Meridien Limassol is located in its vibrant namesake town and offers easy access to the many fascinating cultural sights and attractions in the area. For parents and children the 44sqm Family Room Pool & Sea View provides a delightful space in which to relax and feel at home, with its charming furnishings and must-have amenities. As well as a 32” LCD TV, the room also boasts a satellite TV with Play Station and In-House Movies to help keep the kids entertained, and offers access to rollaway beds, a cot and sofa bed if required.
www.lemeridienlimassol.com project-baby.co.uk
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travel
Punta Cana Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Alongside a turquoise lagoon, Punta Cana is a modernday paradise for family holidays. Club Med and the Cirque du Soleil have joined forces to dream up a fabulous playground inspired by the circus. From 15 June 2015 you can experience unique activities in a wonderful world of creative exploration.
Tips for flying with a baby
1-12 Weeks…
My daughter’s first trip was when she was 11 months. My son came with us on our first family trip when he was just 10 weeks. Bub’s traveled quite a bit for a two-year-old, and he’s been on planes at pretty much every developmental stage of his life. Some trips were easy. Some trips were tough. But they were all worth it!
www.clubmed.co.uk
Tips For Flying With An Infant
3-6 Months…
Flying with an infant of this age means one thing for mom (or dad)… You’re Busy. But this is also one of the more rewarding and fun times to travel with your baby. They’re alert, you can usually figure out what they need when they need it, and they’re still quite easily distracted.
Cancún Yucatán Cancún, Mexico
A short distance from the town, at the tip of the bay, the Resort covers an expanse of 22 hectares between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the lagoon. Thirty years ago, Club Med was the first holiday resort to take advantage of this white sand beach and gardens of coloured coral, and the superb Mayan sites that make such enchanting excursions.
www.clubmed.co.uk
Unlike newborns, babies of this age are at least in the beginning stages of a routine, and while that makes your life easier as a parent, an understandable fear is blowing that routine by hitting the road.
Tips For Flying With An Infant
6-12 Months…
We’ve flown with our kids during this stage more than any other. And just how many pictures do we have of us on board the aircraft? Zero! Flying with an infant of this age means one thing for mom and dad and anyone else in your traveling party… You’re. Busy. And if you’ve got an early walker on your hands (lap)? Even. Busier. But this does not mean that flying has to be unpleasant. Unlike newborns, and younger babies, infants of this age are even more interactive than their younger selves, usually well-established into a sleeping and eating routine (that will not be blown away permanently by a few disruptions due to travel – promise!) and while you may be starting the exciting but nerve-wracking and messy process of starting solids, you can now (or soon!) take advantage of the calming and distracting power of SNACKS.
Tips For Flying With A Young Toddler
12-24 Months… Even if you have a well-traveled infant, all bets are off once they enter the world of young toddlerhood. As things change for your little one, you need to change your expectations, and come up with new tricks for managing sticky situations. Flying with a toddler is no exception. And young, pre-verbal toddlers can definitely give you a run for your money.
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travel
Angelfish Pink SwimFin The ultimate swimming aid, worn on the back leaving arms and legs free making the learning to swim process quicker and easier whilst promoting a natural swimming position. Works across all 4 main swim strokes and boosts confidence and motivation. Price: £21.99 www.swimfin.co.uk
Bluebell Trunki Bluebell is a beautiful filly! So giddy up and ride of into the sunset on one of the newer members of the Trunki family. Price: £39.99 www.trunki.co.uk
Travel Goodies We Love Zoggs Neoprene Swimming Jacket
Encourage their confidence in the water whilst providing a little extra buoyancy to keep them afloat. In a vibrant green colour, they’ll be easy to spot in the pool, too. Price: £18.00 www.boots.com
Hooded Towel The Hooded Towel is made from soft, ultra absorbent 100% cotton velour towelling that stays soft and fluffy after washing. Can be worn long down to the ankle to keep warm after a bath or short for running around on the beach. Price: £18.00 – £22.00 www.thehoodedtowel.com
Banana Boat Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50 This non-greasy, fragrance free, gentle sunscreen is perfect for your children’s delicate skin. Price: £19.99 www.bananaboat.com
childs farm Bubble bath Award-winning bubble bath in wonderful smelling organic tangerine. Use in every bath to moisturise skin and calm minds before bedtime. Suitable for newborns. Price: £3.99 childsfarm.myshopify.com
Quut Beach Toy Ballo Ballo is an ingenious, spherical bucket that makes carrying water easy. Soft to touch and easy to grip, your little moat makers will love grabbing water, running up the beach and pouring it with ease. Price: £14.99 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk
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9 Airport Tricks
travel
for Families
Avoid tantrums, tears and boredom at the start of your family holiday with these crafty airport hacks. 1. Leave Early! It sounds obvious, but there’s nothing worse than stewing in a traffic jam watching your departure time creep closer. Be extra generous with the time you allow – spending extra time in the departures lounge is less painful than sprinting through the terminal as your final call booms from the tannoy.
2. Swot up before the off You’ll find decent family amenities – play zones, feeding facilities and changing areas – in most airports, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to find. Go online and find out exactly where these spots are in your terminal, so you can head straight there without getting lost in duty free.
3. Don’t forget the essentials and the spares
Backpacks are best, leaving you free to hold on to little hands, and plenty of pockets can help you stay organised.
6. Stock up on snacks Airports are pricey, and long delays mean rumbling tummies. Include a hefty snack bag, stuffed with non-messy, easy-to-eat bites. For the sake of your sanity, keep sugary sweets to a minimum! Pack a couple of empty water bottles to fill up at the fountains after security to keep hydration high and spending low.
7. Unplug your entertainment A tablet or laptop loaded with fun games and movies can certainly keep kids happy for hours, but don’t risk finding yourself with empty batteries and nothing to distract the nippers. A few books and games are essential to keep the low-battery panics at bay.
Avoid emergency dashes to the shops. Make a list of everything you need in your hand luggage and pack well before you set off.
8. Consider a lounge pass
Spare clothes will rescue you from spills and accidents, ziplock bags are great for shoving in any dirty items, and bring twice and many nappies as you think you’ll need.
Airport lounges are no longer restricted only to business and first-class flyers; many major airports now have excellent lounges open to anyone who wants to escape the chaos.
4. Be prepared for security
Check to see the facilities available – a lounge with a playroom for little ones, games area for older kids and comfy calm spaces for mum and dad may well be worth splashing out on. Plus the free food, drink and WiFi can be well worth the price.
Shepherding tots through security can be a major headache, so pre-plan to dodge any last-minute scrambles. Buy a bunch of clear plastic bags (just make sure they’re the correct size: no larger than 20cm x 20cm) so you can prepack all your liquids at home instead of in the queue. Those lace-up boots may look fabulous, but its best to stick to shoes that slip off easily. Don’t forget to empty your pockets to avoid any delays.
5. Be smart with your handheld luggage It’s near impossible to travel light when you’re with the kids, but bear in mind the possibility that you may have to carry your own bag, a tiredout tot, plus their carry-on, too.
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9. Decorate your case So you’ve navigated the departure lounge, survived the flight and made it to your destination. Hurrah! The baggage carousel is the last obstacle. Make sure you can spot your bags instantly by making them stand out – ribbons, bright luggage tags and stickers should do the trick.
competition
s e o d w o H your
t a e s r ca grow?
Our ADVANSAFIX is cleverly designed to grow with your child. Offering the reassurance of 5-point harness protection prolonged until 25 kg. With secure seat belt protection for older children until 36 kg. No need to constantly upgrade your seat. And no need to compromise. Just the high safety standards you expect from Britax, in a seat that will take you from toddler to pre teen. So you can concentrate on watching them grow.
be free
Find your freedom at britax.com project-baby.co.uk
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health & beauty
Health &
Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel Rodial dragon’s blood sculpting gel is an innovative anti-ageing formula that helps to volumise and define facial contours.
Price: £79.00 www.rodial.co.uk
How can you break the circle of cellulite, smooth out the look of spongy skin and achieve better defined body contours? Clarins, No. 1 in Luxury Skincare brands in Europe1, has the answer with Body Lift Cellulite Control, the ultimate body contouring care.
Price: £63.00 www.clarins.co.uk
Aerin Rose de Grasse
Rose de Grasse is meticulously crafted with an artisanal attention to detail. At its heart is a fusion of roses including the hundred-petaled Rose Centifolia, hand-picked in Grassethe French capital of perfumery since the 16th century where the history of fragrance is art.
Price: £135.00 www.esteelauder.co.uk
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beauty
Body Lift Cellulite Control Value Duo
health & beauty
Radiance Night Cream Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream is a lightweight natural face moisturiser that is specially formulated with one of nature’s most nutritious substances - Royal Jelly.
Price: £19.99 www.burtsbees.co.uk
Pomegranate & Pumpkin Seed Stretch Mark Using the Cream in the morning and Oil at night, this innovative and complete Stretch Mark System promotes soft and supple skin. Price: £45.00 www.paiskincare.com
Secret Saviours Anti Stretch Mark Pack
Our patented Anti Stretch Mark Band is truly clever clothing for your bump. This radical new band is lined with special pads that dissipate stresses and strains, protecting your bump and making it difficult for stretch marks to form. Worn during the day, the band also offers much needed under-bump and lower-back support at a time when you need it most. Price: £69.95 www.secretsaviours.com
Anti Aging Care
Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder HALO is the first anti-aging powder with the science of skin care built in. It’s advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver dynamic anti-aging benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin for a brighter, more radiant complexion all day.
Price: £31.00 www.smashbox.co.uk
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box
beauty
jewellery
Tiffany 1837™ Ring
Philippa Herbert gold charm bracelet
Our RUBEDO™ metal celebrates the 175th anniversary of Tiffany’s founding. Wide ring in RUBEDO™ metal. Price: £535.00 www.tiffany.co.uk
Sweet 9ct gold charm bracelet with a hand engraved fingerprint to the edge of the disc on one side and letter engraving to the reverse. Price: £450.00 www.philippaherbert.co.uk
BVLGARI Intarsio Mediterranean Eden 18ct pink gold necklace This elegant Bulgari necklace is a luxurious accessory to combine with many an evening garment. The pink-gold, pavé diamondstudded and pearl detailed pendant ensures to make even the most simple of outfits stand out. Price: £12,800.00 www.selfridges.com
Frederique Constant World Heart Federation Watch This ladies Frederique Constant World Heart Federation watch has a PVD rose plated stainless steel case with sapphire crystal and exhibition case back. Prices from: £2,170.00 www.frederique-constant.com .
Monica Vinander
Atlantis Flint Drop Earrings
Atlantis Eye Pendant
These irregularly shaped drop earrings feature a flat cut, polished amazonite gemstone.
This organic circular pendant features a flat cut, high polished Amazonite stone, making it highly wearable and contemporary.
Price: £135.00 www.monicavinader.com
Price: £130.00 www.monicavinader.com
Atlantis Thin Cuff This slender cuff features two flat cut, high polished amazonite gemstones, each measuring 7mm x 8mm, and set in Sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Price: £255.00 www.monicavinader.com
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advertisments
Clever little things that keep baby socks on!
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Bandana bibs keeping babies dry and dribble free!
Clever little crawling pads that protect babies knees!
Slipper socks that keep little toes warm!
www.sockons.co.uk
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interiors
Creating Your Dream
Children will love the ingenious sliding door in our bookcase. Who wouldn’t when it’s a giant teddy bear made from soft, quilted material and with an adorable bow tie, standing guard over their favourite books and toys inside? Price: £8,717.00 www.gigibrooks.com
Bela Luxury Cot - Silver Edition The finest beauty can only be found by constantly contemplating the finest. That is where the exultant beauty of the Bela cot lies. The colour of the moon enlightens everything with a special, sober beauty. This crib is designed to lift her dreams beyond the stars. A step away from the moon. Price: £4,316.00 www.suommo.com
Bianca Chest White Edition Its elegant design and rounded shape make Bianca look like taken directly from an amusing tale for children. Bianca combines its exclusive and original line with Safety, functionality and a sturdy 30 mm structure that make of it a real dream come true. Price: £3,154.00 www.suommo.com
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NURSERY
Giovanni Bookcase With Sliding Door
interiors
Vintage Ceramic Bird Night Light Perched adoringly overlooking your little ones while they sleep. Our beautiful bird cage night light will add a touch of vintage charm to your child’s bedroom. Powered by batteries, using LED lighting.
Giovanni Pouf
Price: £95.00 www.bambizi.co.uk
Bratt Decor J’adore Convertible Cradle to Crib
This is a small pouf with a big difference. It has a beautifully supportive back, upholstered in soft, cushioned fabric and decorated with delicate brown polka dots on a white background. What’s more, it is hand-crafted in the shape of a teddy bear which reaches around to embrace youngsters. Price: £1,753.00 www.gigibrooks.com
This is heirloom iron opulence at its finest, and J’adore Convertible Cradle to Crib / Cot far exceeds the boundaries of ‘just another’ Crib / Cot..
ride-on speedster new classic
Price: £1,533.00 www.gigibrooks.com
with this great new Classic ride-on Speedster! It’s built
Let your child experience driving something special, to last with a padded seat, sturdy metal body and rubber tyres. Price: £75.00 www.baghera.co.uk
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interiors
Vintage Convertible Crib With Trundle Bed Thanks to its sophisticated design, this flagship product offers two possibilities. Firstly it is a functional baby bedroom and once the child has outgrown the cot, it can be turned into a complete junior bedroom, including a bed, desk, bedside table and modules. Price: £2,120.00 www.bambinifurniture.co.uk
Bailey Armoire The Bailey Armoire, shown in Antique White with adorable circus motif, is reminiscent of the traveling circus coming to town. Always made to order, a traditional unisex piece that will offer delight for years to come. Opening the doors reveal interior three shelf compartments and three drawers. This charmingly decorated piece serves as the perfect space for multi-purpose storage. Price: £6,237.00 www.gigibrooks.com
Earth Nursery Furniture Set by Kidsmill A high quality nursery set painted in an earthy grey combined with solid wood. Progessive design with an eye for detail and the emphasis on functionality; this is roomset Earth. Price from: £1,790 www.pocouno.co.uk
Go-Go Glider Nursing Chair The Go-go glider is the must have nursing chair for design-savvy parents. With its timeless style, high back and ergonomic design, this stylish nursing chair is the perfect spot to cuddle with your little one. Price: £875.00 www.munalondon.com
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interiors
Luxury Chaise Our Luxury Chaise has been designed for ultimate comfort either for a new Mummy or for anyone else in the family! With a sturdy wooden frame and plump sumptious cushions, upholstered in this contemporary unisex beige fabric, this is a perfect, super-comfortable chaise to put your feet up and rest. Heavenly and extremely luxurious. Price: £4,195.00 www.dragonsof waltonstreet.com
Diamond Baby Bathtub
Glazed Light These sparkling ceramic lights with a glazed finish are truly magical when the lights are turned off, mesmorising for everyone in the room, not just the children! They are hand made in stoneware clay and pierced with holes so that they cast patterns of light around the room. Price: £170.00 www.dragonsofwaltonstreet.com
Bling. Bling. And more Bling. There is no doubt about it or subtleties when it comes to this piece. It is pure baby bling at its finest, twinkling and shining and grabbing the attention of anyone who sees it. Price: £6,240.00 www.gigibrooks.com
Ayres Dapple Grey The horses by the famous FH Ayres company are highly collectible and we have been given permission by the Ayres family to reproduce their design. All the horses are custom made and the colour of the leather work can be changed. Price: £3,816.00 www.dragonsofwaltonstreet.com
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competition
Win a CosattoOoba Pushchair + Car Seat The Cosatto Ooba is fun and stylish, yet incredibly functional with its 3-in-1 travel mode system. The Ooba features a lightweight aluminium chassis with compact fold, complete suspension system, quick release removable wheels, lockable front swivel wheels and a spacious shopping basket.
When used in pushchair mode, the Ooba is suitable from 6 months and provides dual facing seat positions with multi position adjustable recline. The pushchair mode also features multi position adjustable calf support, removable bumper bar, 5 point safety harness and includes cosy toes with zip off reversible liner.
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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reading
Adult
grey - E L James
Bookshelf
5 of the Best
cook books:
In Christian’s own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.
before i go - Colleen Oakley
Bretherton
Quick and Easy Toddler Recipes - Annabel
Includes recipes, tips and tricks to feed the whole family. Featuring 700 recipes with easy-to-follow instructions and a photograph of each finished dish, this title covers from toddlers to teens and everything from batching, freezing and nutrition.
In this new Quick and Easy book she offers 130 recipes that can be rustled up in minutes. With an eye on nutritional content and appeal for children, as well as speediness for hassled mums and dads.
Madhouse Family Cookbook Kitchen Cookbook - Jo Pratt - Caroline The recipes are simple, easy to shop for and quick to make, with shortcuts and prepareahead tips. But there’s much more to the book than this - there are also Lifesaver mini-recipes that give you staples for your freezer and store cupboard, and Leftovers mini-recipes too.
“An impressive feat…an immensely entertaining, moving and believable read” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), this debut novel in the bestselling tradition of P.S. I Love You revolves around a young woman with breast cancer who undertakes a mission to find a new wife for her husband before she passes away.
Karmel
Twenty-seven-year-old Daisy already beat breast cancer four years ago. How can this be happening to her again? On the eve of what was supposed to be a triumphant “Cancerversary” with her husband Jack to celebrate four years of being cancer-free, Daisy suffers a devastating blow: her doctor tells her that the cancer is back, but this time it’s an aggressive stage four diagnosis. She may have as few as four months left to live. Death is a frightening prospect—but not because she’s afraid for herself. She’s terrified of what will happen to her brilliant but otherwise charmingly helpless husband when she’s no longer there to take care of him. It’s this fear that keeps her up at night, until she stumbles on the solution: she has to find him another wife.
the list - Joanna Bolouri The List is the hilarious debut novel from Scottish comedienne Joanna Bolouri. Phoebe Henderson may be single but she sure doesn’t feel fabulous. It’s been a year since she found her boyfriend Alex in bed with another woman, and winefueled nights of relationship analysis with her best friend Lucy have done nothing to improve her dating situation. Faced with another year without love, Phoebe confronts her fears and decides to forgo romantic love altogether. She comes up with The List: ten things she’s always wanted to do in bed but has never had the courage to try. One year of pleasure, no strings attached. Simple, right?
Girl Before a Mirror - Liza Palmer A successful account executive juggles her recent divorce, a beautiful (and much younger) new colleague, and a potential romance that seems like the stuff of fantasies rather than real life. Liza Palmer’s Girl Before a Mirror tells the story of a woman finding her own happiness while embracing all of the good and bad that life brings.
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real life
You & Your Rights Maternity, Paternity & Adoption rights for working parents - Legally…
So, Mum or Dad-to-be…you’re having a baby or adopting a child? Congratulations! But are you so sure that that’s how your employer will react when you tell them? Take a look at our Question and Answer interview with employment law barrister, Isabelle Parasram, Head of Greycoat Chambers in Tower Hill, London…
Isabelle, you had 4 children yourself whilst managing a busy career as a Senior Prosecutor for the Department for Business, how did your employers handle it? Brilliantly! I couldn’t have asked for better treatment. My line managers were genuinely happy for me each and every time I had a baby. They supported me, even when I was signed off sick for most of my pregnancy with my last baby and also during a fifth pregnancy when I lost my daughter, Cassia. It was during my childbearing years that I was promoted, chosen to run man agement projects and was one of only 30 staff
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out of a workforce of thousands to be put on a 3-year leadership training programme. The Department for Business is a model employer, but I know, from my experience as a barrister acting for both employers and employees, that the reality for many people when they are about to become parents is a far cry from what I have experienced…
Your husband worked for a much smaller organization how did they react to his impending fatherhood? When we had our first baby, my husband, Clyde, worked in Islington as a Quantity Surveyor. He worked for a small firm and the idea of paternity leave was quite a new concept at the time. Though giving paid time off to a relatively junior member of
staff must have been difficult for them as a business, they handled the situation quite well. I think the hard part for them was probably the weeks after Jemima’s birth when Clyde woke several times each night tending to her (they were and still are ‘stuck at the hip’!). Clyde found it hard to function properly at work, though no one ever told us that sleepless nights would be our lot for the next decade! For my other pregnancies, Clyde WAS the boss (he started his own business when Jemima was 5 months old). As his own line manager, he was very unreasonable - he refused to give himself paid paternity leave!
So, let’s say one of our readers is pregnant, adopting a baby or is the partner of someone who is pregnant – what would you advise them to do? Let me preface what I am saying by adding that the rights and responsibilities I refer to here apply to same sex couples and single people as well as heterosexual couples. First of all, read up on your rights and responsibilities (maternity, paternity and adoption rights). Secondly, think about what you might want in terms of your career, both during the pregnancy and after your baby is born or you adopt (this applies to men too!) and third, gauge how your employer might react and choose a suitable time
real life
Why do you think Why do you say these 3 things are that a mum or important? dad-to-be should gauge how their I am a trained antenatal teacher as well as a employer might barrister, so I know, from my experience of react? preparing men and women for birth and parenting, that what we are thinking when we’re expecting a baby or adopting a child can sometimes be unrealistic - we need to prepare for the sometimes harsh reality of pregnancy and parenting whilst still enjoying the anticipation and excitement of the ‘unknown’ life that is to come. I’ll give you some examples…
In relation to maternity rights, some women are not aware that they are entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments, yet, in the real world, what might end up happening is that the pregnant woman takes time off during the working day for her antenatal yoga class but feels she has to take work home to compensate for the ‘lost’ working time. In terms of what a father-to-be might want from his career, he might think that he will take 2 weeks’ paternity leave and then happily go straight back to work. However, in my experience, when we had our first child, I realized that my lovely, neat baby bump had transformed into a real, live miniature human being and I just didn’t know how to look after her! I had read every book and attended every antenatal class I could book us onto, I even had a private midwife AND a Doula, but, could I look after a real life baby on my own – NO!!! I virtually barricaded the front door and refused to allow Clyde to go back to work after the 2-week paternity leave period. The moral of the story is, if you are a father-to-be, you might want to think about taking annual leave as well as paternity leave…
Of course, an employer has to treat a pregnant woman fairly and shouldn’t jump up and down in anger that she’s about to disappear for a few months, but, unfortunately, some employers do. They might not react the same way with the father-to-be (or a same sex partner) as the impact - in the employer’s eyes - is unlikely to be a significant one for their business. Just remember, an employer is a person and is (hopefully) in a long term relationship with you. In any relationship, both sides need to think about things from the other person’s perspective. Think about it - if your employer is losing clients and experiencing financial difficulties, they might not welcome your news. How would you handle a negative reaction from your employer, in the context of knowing that you will still have to work there for a few more months and might well want to return? On a human level, you might feel hurt. On a professional level, you might immediately think, ‘Where’s my lawyer?’ Just be prepared.
Why on earth would an employer react negatively to such good news? Many employers think that a pregnant employee will ‘cost’ them in terms of time off, maternity pay, having to train a replacement and the fear that they will have to treat the employee with ‘kid gloves’ in case they are sued. If you are a father-to-be or a same sex partner and you will be the one at home with the baby, you may be entitled to paid paternity leave for up to 26 weeks. Most employers haven’t even heard of these rights. If you have read up on maternity and paternity rights, you may well be in a position to separate the myths from the reality and to address any concerns that your employer might have. At the very least, if you are well prepared, nothing your employer can say or do will shock you and you may generate considerable respect from your employer if you can ‘fight your corner’ respectfully and rationally. Having said all of that, there are some really good employers out there so let’s hope that the reaction of most is to give the pregnant woman, her same sex partner or the father-to-be a hug (or a handshake if you are not in a ‘touchy feely’ workplace!), to share their delight and promise support and encouragement all the way. I am an employer myself and that’s always my reaction.
You talk about myths – what’s the biggest myth you’ve come across?
That a pregnant employee cannot be made redundant – not true at all!
If you are the lesbian partner of a pregnant woman, you might decide to apply for flexible working so that you can work part time or from home in, say, the first year after your baby is born. It would be worth giving some thought about how you might handle that discussion. Your employer might not even know that you are in a homosexual relationship and might not understand your rights as a new parent. If you can prepare a ‘business case’ which demonstrates that, giving you the chance to work part time for a year gives your employer benefits for their ‘investment’ in you (for example, your long term commitment or the company becoming a more attractive place to work for new recruits), they are more likely to say ‘Yes’ to your request. project-baby.co.uk
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real life hope and soul destroying - my husband’s family adopted no less than 5 children from the same family and, as Clyde and I were courting at the time of the adoptions, I witnessed both the joys and the challenges that adoption can bring. The emotional highs and lows can affect your work, so it is worthwhile sharing what you are going through with your employer – they might be more understanding if you sometimes have ‘off’ days for no apparent reason.
When you finally reach that wonderful day when you have been matched with a child (congratulations!), the first adoptive parent (whether male or female) may be entitled to 52 weeks adoption leave with 39 weeks of adoption pay and the second adoptive parent (whether male or female) may be entitled to paternity leave and pay. Both may be entitled to 10 paid Keeping in Touch days.
With the rise of infertility in the UK and, simply because some people decide not to bear their own children, there are now more and more people who are choosing to adopt. What about if a pregnant employee works in a hazardous environment? The employer should carry out a risk assessment of the workplace and work tasks and make accommodations for the pregnant woman wherever necessary. The risk assessment should be a continual one as the pregnancy develops and the workplace changes. Examples of what an employer might do include ensuring that a shop floor worker has a chair to sit down on in between serving customers, getting a colleague to assist a grocery store packer if she has to lift heavy objects or giving a medic alternative duties instead of doing X-rays.
What about new mothers? Breastfeeding mothers who return to work but still want to continue breastfeeding
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should also be given a private space in which to express milk and a fridge in which to store it. I breastfed all of my children up to the age of 1 and remember having to go on a ‘team bonding’ event overnight when my second baby was about 8 months old – we were supposed to be linking the Shakespearean play of Henry V to leadership in the workplace. It was a very interesting exercise attempting to express milk in between gathering ‘weapons’ so that I could ‘murder’ my boss…
Is your advice sought about any other parenting dilemmas? Yes, one situation in particular that I’d like to mention is the situation of adoptive parents. With the rise of infertility in the UK and, simply because some people decide not to bear their own children, there are now more and more people who are choosing to adopt. The adoption process can be both full of
What do you mean, ‘off’ days – doesn’t everyone have them? Yes, but some more than most. I’ll give you another example – IVF. If you are going through the heart wrenching process of IVF, one telephone call to say that the treatment was not successful can throw you into the depths of despair - you can have entire months at a time when you simply cannot function. We shouldn’t write off the emotional aspects of the journey to parenthood, which can be devastating. I had a member of staff who was undergoing IVF and it was sometimes really difficult for her to work with the children at our Pre School (I’m also a Director of a children’s day Nursery and Pre School). She absolutely loved the children in her care, but she sometimes needed a moment or two to shed a tear and then go back to teaching phonics or rolling around in sand and shaving foam! She ended up having twins in the end, I was so pleased for her – but the point is, because she shared her heartache with me, I could accommodate her feelings at work, which were sometimes a struggle for her.
real life
You’ve covered quite a lot in this interview, but I know that there is much more to know about the rights of parents and parents-to-be. How can we find out more? I’ve included a brief summary of the law in the box next to this article (correct as at April 2013), however, the law is in a state of flux in this area. You can: 1. Read the wealth of advice offered on the Internet (Citizen’s Advice Bureau, ACAS or Department for Business). 2. Ask for information from your local library, the CAB or your HR Department. 3. Contact charities for advice by telephone: Gingerbread (for single parents), IPSEA (legal advice for children with special needs) or the NCT (for everyone!) 4. If you have a quick question, feel free to email me or give me a ring – I don’t charge for initial queries.
Pregnant Woman
Father, Partner or Civil Partner
Adoptive Parents
You must take 2 weeks paid leave after giving birth (4 weeks for manual workers)
You may be eligible to take 2 weeks paid paternity leave
First adopter may be eligible to take up to 52 weeks maternity leave of which 39 may be paid
You may be eligible to take up to 52 weeks maternity leave of which 39 may be paid
You may be eligible to take up to 26 weeks’ additional paid paternity leave
Second adopter may be eligible to take up to 26 weeks’ additional paid paternity leave
You may be eligible to take 10 Keeping in Touch days
You may be eligible to take 10 Keeping in Touch days
You may be eligible to take 10 Keeping in Touch days
Paid time off for antenatal care
No right to time off for antenatal appointments
No right to time off for pre-adoption appointments
You have the right to apply for flexible working upon your return to work
You have the right to apply for flexible working upon your return to work
You have the right to apply for flexible working upon your return to work
You have the right to return to the same or similar job after taking maternity leave
You have the right to return to the same or similar job after taking paternity leave
You have the right to return to the same or similar job after taking maternity/paternity leave
You have the right to health and safety adjustments to workplace and duties whilst pregnant/ breastfeeding
You have the right not to be discriminated against
Adoptive mothers can breastfeed! You have the right to health and safety adjustments to workplace and duties whilst breastfeeding
You have the right not to be discriminated against
Whilst on maternity leave you have the right to most of your contractual benefits e.g. accrual of holidays
You have the right not to be discriminated against
Whilst on maternity leave you have the right to most of your contractual benefits e.g. accrual of holidays
You may be entitled to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave (may be restricted to 4 weeks per year)
Whilst on maternity leave you have the right to most of your contractual benefits e.g. accrual of holidays
You may be entitled to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave (may be restricted to 4 weeks per year)
You may be entitled to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave (may be restricted to 4 weeks per year)
Isabelle Parasram, a barrister of 17 years’ call, is the Head of Greycoat Chambers in Tower Hill, London. She is also a Director of DreamMaker Day Nursery, Pre School and Out of School Club and holds various Early Years qualifications as a trained Antenatal Teacher, a Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner and an AVA College Assessor. She runs the charitable Greycoat Foundation (registration pending), which gives free public speaking and University/job interview training to school children. She is married to Clyde and has 4 young children – Jemima, Carl, Zachary and Theo. (W) www.greycoatchambers.co.uk (T) 020 3174 2200 (M) 07983 356 309 (E) office@greycoatchambers.co.uk
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style
Project Baby’s Heron Print Helmet Pink Price: £13.00 www.minirodini.com
beautiful boutique
Aranha Baby Bow Cherry Sandals Price: £24.00 www.melshoes.com
Elephant Stripe Footless Tights Price: £10.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Striped Dungaree Price: £49.00 www.rachelriley.co.uk
Baby Cat Suit - Shell Pink Price: £49.00 www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk
Pina Star Booties Grey Price: £72.00 www.whenwewerelittle.co.uk
Baby Primrose Dress - Yellow Price: £69.00 www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk
Girls’ Floral Floppy Sun Hat Price: £10.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
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style
Tiger Wrap Body Grey Mel
Julbo Sport Baby & Toddler Sunglasses Price: £24.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Price: £55.00 www.minirodini.com
Caicos Hat Price: £30.00 www.caramel-shop.co.uk
Baby Popcorn Playsuit - Aqua Price: £45.00 www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk
Whitebeam Dungarees Price: £79.00 www.caramel-shop.co.uk
Grenada Baby Cardigan Price: £70.00
Comoros Baby Romper Price: £69.00
Rib Baby Sock Price: £17.00 www.caramel-shop.co.uk
Rosalba Milano Newborn bubble dress Price: £39.00 www.susieandtoto.com
Girls’ Cotton Cardigans Price: £18.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
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advertorial
nature knows best Cuski Miniboo enhances bonding, lowers blood pressure and encourages let down of breast milk When it comes to having a baby, maternal instinct is an instant emotion, with mothers wanting their babies to thrive from the moment that they are born. One of the most important parts of the thriving process is bonding of mother and baby; the Cuski Miniboo is a fantastic way of naturally encouraging this development.
lowering their heartrate, as well as reducing blood pressure. When kept on mum, the Cuski Miniboo encourages the let-down of milk due to her having baby’s scent nearby, making it an excellent way to improve breast feeding, as well expressing breast milk via a breast pump.
Made from 100% bamboo rayon fibre which retains scent, the Cuski Miniboo is kept on the mother to pick up on her smell, meaning that when it is given to baby, he or she will automatically detect the mothers scent, providing them with the comfort of feeling like they are close at all times. A second Cuski Miniboo is kept with the baby.
“After working with mothers and babies who have used the Cuski Miniboo from birth, being able to witness the benefits first-hand has been remarkable; something so simple has had a massive impact on development of both premature and full-term babies, as well mothers themselves when it comes to improving milk flow, encouraging bonding and attachment”.
Primarily, the Cuski Miniboo is used with premature babies in order to replicate the bonding process when parents are advised not to hold their child; this has led to it becoming a part of the developmental care programme on the NICU or SCBU in many UK hospitals. Upon admittance to the NICU, both mother and baby are each given a Cuski Miniboo, swapping them around every 24 hours in order to retain scent, with one next to baby in the incubator at all times. As plush toys are not allowed in most units, the Cuski Miniboo works as a replacement that goes above and beyond what a teddy bear can offer. As well as promoting mother baby bonding, recent testimonials from midwives has also shown that the Cuski Miniboo calms baby when they are away from mum by
Registered Midwife and Health Visitor Katie Hilton said: “The benefits of the Cuski Miniboo are matchless in terms of benefits for both mum and baby”.
The Cuski MiniBoo was recently chosen as one the Best Practice Initiatives in the UK and profiled at the UNICEF Neonatal Conference in London; the Cuski Miniboo received inspiring and remarkable praise from both users and professionals, striking up a demand for the product to be filtered out to new markets and hospitals across the UK. Katie added: “The praise the Cuski Miniboo received at the UNICEF Neonatal Conference was fantastic, giving the product the added credibility and awareness that it deserves”. “It would be fantastic to see the Cuski Miniboo filtered out to more hospitals in the UK, before hopefully moving on to become a standard part of all developmental care programmes”.
The Cuski Miniboo is available to purchase directly from: www.cuski.com
For further information, please contact: info@cuski.co.uk
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style
Sweater, cream stripe, Price: £15.00
Shorts, brick red, Price: £9.00
Unisex Textured Front Cardigan Price: £26.00 www.thewhitecompany.com
Pirate’s Life Jersey Shortie - White Price: £22.00 www.thewhitecompany.com
Boys Hooded Bear Towel Price: £20.00 www.thewhitecompany.com
Baby Girls’ Short Sleeve Ruffle Tutu Dress Price: £28.00 www.thewhitecompany.com
Baby Boy’s Short Sleeve Shortie Price: £18.00 www.thewhitecompany.com project-baby.co.uk
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style
Beige Palm Sun Protective Suit Price: £50.00 www.minirodini.com
Minymo Unisex Navy Blue UV Sun Protective Suit Price: £29.00 www.childrensalon.com
Baby Brasil Logo Havaianas Price: £13.00 www.melijoe.com
Splashing About Baby Boy Swimwear We Love Swim Happy Nappies Price: £10.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Baby Beach and Swim Booties Price: £8.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Stella McCartney Baby ‘Taylor’ Sun Protective Suit Price: £55.00 www.childrensalon.com
Baby Beach and Swim Booties Price: £8.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Quick Drying 2-Piece Sunsuit Price: £21.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
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Newborn Disney Mickey Havaianas Price: £18.00
Zoggs Elastomax swim shorts Price: £9.00 www.debenhams.com
style
3 Beautiful
sunglasses for mum:
Polarn O. Pyret Baby Striped Swimsuit Price: £12.00 www.johnlewis.com
Girls’ Cotton Rich Floppy Sun Hat pampolina Butterfly Print Swimsuit Price: £29.00 www.childrensalon.com
Price: £12.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
pampolina Butterfly Print Bikini Price: £29.00 www.childrensalon.com
Swim Baby Swim
Baby Girl Swimwear We Love Dolce & Gabbana Baby Girls Rose Print Swimsuit archimede Girls Pink Floral Swimsuit with Nappy
Price: £135.00 www.childrensalon.com
Young Versace Girls ‘Fret’ Studded Bandeau Bikini Price: £120.00 www.childrensalon.com
Price: £41.00 www.childrensalon.com
Baby BanZ Adventure Sunglasses Price: £14.99 www.johnlewis.com
Burberry Baby Girls Beige Classic Check Bikini Price: £61.00 www.childrensalon.com project-baby.co.uk
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development
World of Weaning Vital Changes
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development In every industry there is often research being conducted which results in groundbreaking findings, new advice and changing trends. The parenting sector is no exception, when should parents wean, what with and how, being especially topical to the world of weaning. The age old tradition of spoon-led weaning is still popular for many families across the UK, but the emergence of baby-led weaning in recent years has offered a new avenue for parents to try with their little ones. An advantage of this new method is that babies join in with family mealtimes and eat independently, rather than being fed passively by the parent. Baby-led weaning not only introduces self-feeding, but also solid foods from day one as opposed to pureed and mashed foods, reducing the need for parents to puree foods and cook separate meals. However, with conflicting advice on which weaning method to use and constant questions raised about what method will give your child better eating habits and which method is likely to increase the chances of your child becoming overweight later in life, it is no surprise that parents are more confused than ever on which route to take.
Interestingly, a recent survey has indicated parents have adopted the ‘best of both’ approach, with 64% of parents revealing they combine elements from both spoon-led and baby-led weaning. This significant statistic suggests that parents can see the benefits of both weaning methods and are taking a more balanced approach, based on what works best for them and tailoring their weaning plan to fit in with their own family life.
The survey was commissioned by multiaward winning Vital Baby, the weaning specialists, keen to further its knowledge on the changing trends and how weaning has developed over the years. The survey also showed that an overwhelming 85% of parents use homemade foods during weaning, as opposed to shop bought and pre-packaged weaning foods. In an industry where there is ever-growing shelf space for
3 Of the Best weaning products
specially made weaning foods aimed at making parents’ lives easier, this is truly surprising. These new findings will undoubtedly inspire Vital Baby, which will celebrate its 10th birthday later this year, to extend its range of original and innovative feeding products to continue supporting families during the weaning stage and beyond, whichever route they take. The popular brand already offers a range of products for families who opt for various weaning methods, from the Unbelievabowl, a feeding bowl designed to suction to a child’s highchair, ideal for babyled weaning through to the Vital Baby Soft Tip weaning spoons and the unique warm-a-bowl, that are both ideal for spoon-led weaning. Dr Rana Conway, Vital Baby’s in house Weaning Expert Commented “It is interesting to see that instead of opting for just one weaning method, an increasing number of families are combining both spoon-feeding and baby-led weaning for their little ones. It is great to see that more and more parents have the confidence to create their own weaning plans based on existing guidelines and advice. Both spoonfeeding and baby-led weaning methods have their benefits and advantages, but for families it is a very personal decision. It makes perfect sense to take elements of each and do what suits their family life best. I am delighted to be working with Vital Baby, it is a really exciting partnership and as the leading brand for weaning and feeding products it couldn’t be a better fit!” Commenting on the survey’s findings, Director of Vital Baby, Dean Tollman said “We are committed to creating new and innovative products at Vital Baby to support families through what can be a very stressful and messy time! This new research furthers our understanding of what parents need from our products and highlights a significant change, with the majority of families combining both spoon-led and baby-led weaning methods, while reinforcing the statement ‘homemade is best’ when it comes to weaning foods. In an industry that is constantly changing, it is vital for us to listen to parents’ feedback and support them as best we can and we are delighted to welcome Dr Rana Conway on board to provide further insight into what families need during this time.” *The ‘Weaning Survey’ was hosted on social media in February – 103 parents answered this survey*
Beaba Babycook Solo Price: £110.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Cybex Sirona
Medela Freestyle Breastpump Price: £329.99 www.medela.com
starting solids Price: £25.32 www.annabelkarmel.com
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food & drink
Hidden Veg Smoothie
Method: 1. Measure all of the ingredients into a juicer. Blend until smooth. 2. Pour into glasses. Best served chilled.
Ingredients: 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped 1 large ripe, pear, peeled, cored and chopped 1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped
2
200ml pineapple juice 100ml water
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lifestyle
4
Toys We Love
for your toddler
GOTZ Brush and Style Pony Price: £54.95 www.harrods.com
Tidlo City of London Train Set Price: £39.95 www.spottygiraffe.com
Paddington Price: £59.95 www.harrods.com
CozyGlo are the fun new, multifunctional nightlights for kids and babies.
www.cozyglo.co.uk
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Le Toy Van Mayberry Manor Price: £128.95 www.spottygiraffe.com
reading
mybuddy lamp With its friendly appearance, myBuddy is bound to comfort your child in the bedroom, making it the perfect companion from bedtime to wake-up time. The table light helps children to fall asleep and stay in bed until it’s time to get up.
5 Book Picks
FOR your toddler How Many Legs? By Kes Gray and Jim Field
Another hilarious picture book that has just about everything you could want: great rhymes, Field’s uniquely playful illustrations and counting to boot. Top marks to anyone able to keep tally before the answer on the final page. Price: £11.99 www.jimfield.co.uk
the king cat By Marta Altes Price: £39.95 www.glow.co.uk
Cloud b Twilight Turtle Blue Twilight Turtle Tunes uses wireless Bluetooth technology to combine sound and starlight, projecting a magical starry sky whilst playing soft melodies and soothing sounds.
Meet a cat who is the king of his house, until something terrible happens! Someone else arrives and they are dribbly and disgusting. Will King Cat ever get used to having a dog around? Price: £11.99 www.martaltes.com
oliver and patch By Claire Freedman and Kate Hindley Oliver is finding the big city a lonely and scary place but when he finds a little lost dog he makes his first friend in the city. The trouble is, he knows that somewhere out there someone is missing the little dog just as much as he is loving having him. Price: £6.99 www.katehindley.com
Price: £24.95 www.babylurve.co.uk
Linea Wise Owl Ceramic Table Lamp This lovely ornamental ceramic owl doubles up as a novelty table lamp. Cleverly cut holes allow light to radiate out from its body of fering a warm, gentle glow to any shelf or corner.
Never Tickle a Tiger By Pamela Butchart and Marc Boutavant Izzy is always shuffling, jiggling, squirming and twitching. She just can’t keep still! So when Izzy’s school go on a trip to the zoo, her teacher warns her to behave. Price: £6.99 www.waterstones.com
Grandad’s Island By Benji Davies After the phenomenal success of The Storm Whale and On Sudden Hill, this new book by Benji Davies deals with the emotional topic of losing a grandparent. Subtly told, this beautifully illustrated book tackles a difficult subject with great sensitivity and depth Price: £45.00 www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Price: £6.99 www.benjidavies.com
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Zita West and Leonora Bamford Team Up to Launch Range of Children’s Supplements Fertility and pregnancy expert, Zita West and MyBaba parenting website founder, Leonora Bamford address a gap in the market for high quality vitamins for children. 28 April 2015. Long-term friends, Zita West and Leonora Bamford, have teamed up to bring out a range of supplements, specially created for children, which will be available 21 May 2015. The range will launch with a multivitamin and probiotic which comes in the form of a delicious berry flavoured powder, which can be added to drinks or sprinkled on top of cereal or yoghurt for a nutritious start to the day. Zita and Leonora identified a gap in the market when it comes to choosing nutritional supplements for children, especially in order to nourish children to help build healthier bodies. Leonora, a mum of two, found the nutritional supplement market confusing and overwhelming, with so many different products to choose from. She found it challenging to find a combined formula tailored to the age of her children with the quality of key ingredients developed using scientific research that she was looking for. Leonora says, “Through my website and from having two young children of my own, I hear from many parents wanting advice as to whether their children should take supplements. Their children are suffering with everything from skin conditions to bowel problems and seem to have everlasting colds and sniffles. I’m frequently asked about vitamins, but parents are always, understandably, cautious about what to give their children. I wanted to team up with Zita, who I knew I could trust to find the perfect solution!” Zita West’s interest has been in health and supplements for fertility and pregnancy. “I see many of the women that I look after before they are pregnant and then during their pregnancies, however, I don’t tend to see them again until they are ready to try for their second,” comments Zita. “Many of these mums are asking me questions about what they should be giving their children, so it was a natural progression for me to expand into the toddler market.” The multivitamin and probiotic powder aimed at children aged 12 months to four years. This age group has been identified as the most in need of a nutritional boost. With busy schedules, fussy eaters and processed foods, children
often do not meet all of their recommended daily value of nutrients. In fact, figures from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that on average from food sources alone, toddlers are only achieving one quarter of recommended levels of vitamin D. This has a significant role in the regulation of the immune system and can reduce the risk of certain bacterial and viral infections. However, any supplement is only as good as a child’s willingness to take it and parents know that children can be finicky about the taste no matter how nutritious. This is why the multi-biotic formula in this brand new product range comes in a delicious powder form and contains a mix of vitamins, minerals and probiotics. The multivitamin and probiotic will retail at £29.95 for a three-month supply and will be available to purchase online at www.mybaba.com and at www.zitawest.com. Additions to the range will include supplements for children aimed at supporting key stages of development from birth onwards. The formulation contains 100% or more of the recommended NRV (Nutritional Reference Value) of 14 essential vitamins along with a high level (12.5 billion) of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium based friendly microflora. Along with Vitamin D, which is also needed for the normal development of children’s bones and teeth, it also contains Iron to help with their normal cognitive development, and Vitamins C and A plus Zinc and Selenium to help support their immune system. There’s a clever combination of B vitamins too, including B1, B2 and Panto thenic Acid to help with the release of energy from foods.
For more information, contact Shosh at Fuse Communications: shosh@fusecommunications.co.uk
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development
Giving yourChild the best Start in Life By Les Petis Lapins
S
A very common question amongst parents is “What is the ideal age for my child to start learning a second language? The answer is easy... the earlier the better!!
everal articles in science and optimum window of opportunity for learning research magazines have described languages lasts until about the age of ten the amazing brain power that or twelve, yet most US districts wait until children are naturally born with. secondary school, after the windows are You have probably seen television closed.” In the UK - and in many other programmes describing how brain cells work. countries - the teaching of a second language They show the way children experience has also been delayed until secondary school. life (by seeing, listening, This is now proven to be touching, smelling... detrimental as learning sensorial) can make 100 a language becomes Regardless of race, billion brain cells hook up increasingly difficult. with each other!! (not A young child is able gender or academic bad for such little ones...) to hear the “pure level, children taking sounds” of a language, a foreign language The more sensory input but just before becoming (such as the unique a teen, that ability will did better in the sounds of a language), the be gone. He or she might English section of more brain cells connect still be able to learn a the Basic Skills Test. to each other and the second language but faster the brain is capable will definitely have an Maths scores of of learning. English accent (that’s children studying a if he/she is English, of second language There is scientific course...!!) Here are evidence that children who some quotes from improve, too. are exposed to a second different field experts, language from an early to illustrate the facts: age not only achieve much better results in languages, but also in maths, “Research suggests that learning a second science and music, and in general helps build language at an early age can enrich mental brain power and cognitive skills.
development.” (Business Week, Edward Baig, Bringing Up Baby - Bilingually.) “Children who receive even small amounts of second-language instruction are more creative and are better at solving complex problems.”(SmartKid online) “The learning of languages other than one’s own provides a unique conduit to higherorder thinking skills.”(Annals of the American Academy of Political & Social Science, C.Brown.) “A study of 13,200 primary school children was revealing. Regardless of race, gender or academic level, children taking a foreign language did better in the English section of the Basic Skills Test. Maths scores of children studying a second language improve, too.” (Child, Lynne S.Dumas, Learning a second language.) It is very satisfying to see little children naming animals and daily objects, or counting and singing in Spanish, knowing that this will help them in their studies for the rest of their lives. The benefits of learning a second language are countless; just make sure that your child has fun whilst learning!
Any toddler can easily learn that “cow” and “vaca” have the same meaning, and that one is English and the other Spanish. But that understanding will trigger the essential abstract thinking skills that are the basic tools for further learning. The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that “there is abundant evidence that the best time to learn new languages is relatively early in life.” Mr Harry Chugani of Wayne State University’s Children’s Hospital of Michigan quotes “the
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reviews
Project Baby Reviews
Childs Farm
BabyMoov Swoon Up
Child Farm Bubble Bath is soft and gental on baby’s sensitive skin and is approved by pediatricians, giving parents peace of mind. Child farm has a whole range of products perfect for all the family, available from all good stores. Project Baby team are massive fans and we never go swimming without the 3 in 1 swim wash range. Price: £3.99 www.childsfarm.com
Project Baby Rating:
Meet the gorgeous Swoon up from BabyMoove. This baby seat can be set at two heights. perfect for those with pets and those who want to include baby from the start at the dinner table. This baby bouncer is adjustable and foldable. With two height positions and two different seat modes, it also rotates 360 degrees. It’s an ultra cosy throne for your little one. Choose from a relaxing low position or an interactive one by adjusting the bouncer to table height so baby can enjoy family mealtimes. We cannot wait for sunday dinners together with this beautiful baby bouncer making meal times a real family affair. Price: £119.99 www.babymoov.co.uk
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UppaBaby Vista
Turn your Uppababy vista pushchair into a travel system suitable from birth so you can start your adventures from day one. The Carry Cot is suitable from birth and the Vista seat unit is suitable from 6 months and baby can ride forward or rearward facing with 5 comfortable recline positions. A large easy access basket underneath the seat, simple one hand fold, folding with or without the seat unit and is super light. Price: £699.99 www.uppababy.co.uk
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reviews
Bright Starts Having a Ball
Knuma Huddle
This fun activity seat is just what every family needs. It will keep baby entertained with the bright colours and stimulating sounds. I often put my little one in here whilst I cook the dinner. I couldn’t be without this in my house. Price: £99.99 www.toysrus.co.uk
When we talk about design, Knuma really do come up trumps, not only are their designs beautiful they are versatile and designed to grow with your little ones. The Huddle starts as a crib for co sleeping and once your finished with it, it transforms into a desk complete with bench.
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Price: £190.00 www.knuma.co.uk
Project Baby Rating:
Zita West From her extensive work with 1000’s of couples, Zita has seen the impact poor nutrition can have on the fertility of both partners, a healthy pregnancy and on post-natal health for both mother and baby.
Lambini Baby Carrier
Understanding that it is often difficult to get all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients we need to maintain optimum health through our regular diet, Zita has developed the most comprehensive range.
Lambini sheepskin carrier is one of the most lavish baby carriers on the market. It is quick and easy to put on, it doesn’t strain your back making it super comfy. Baby will fall asleep with ease all snuggled up in the sheepskin as it helps to regulate baby’s body temp even on a hot day.
Price: £26.50 www.zitawest.com
www.lambini.com
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Fun learning games and jigsaws
Le
arn
un !
Leaders in l games ed ucatio na and jigsaws
ing Made F
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To see our full range and a list of stockists visit
www.orchardtoys.com 01953 859520
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SLEEP CONSULTANT EATING AND WEANING BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE kathryn@bespokenanny.com
www.bespokenanny.com
07787 821 525
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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.babyballet.co.uk
www.stagecoach.co.uk
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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.
project-baby.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
To appear in our Clubs & Classes section contact us at: natasha@project-baby.co.uk
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
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.
Clubs & Classes 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
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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Tailored neuro-physiotherapy for children and young adults The Birkdale Clinic specialises in working with children and young adults to support them with neurological conditions such as: • • • • • •
Cerebral Palsy Transverse Myelitis Downs Syndrome ADEM Genetic Disorders Developmental delay
Our innovative approach uses the body’s sensory motor and language systems. In our custom-built clinic, we work to gently engage the patient’s mind and body to achieve positive change. Part of our ethos is to empower the entire family and make sure that all care supports the individual in their journey towards improvement. Many of our patients show long term results that exceed all expectations.
Please contact us for further information Tel. 0208 579 2209 | Web.www.neuro-physio.co.uk | Email info@neuro-physio.co.uk
Project Baby Awards
Launching August 2015 *
OD ST PR UCTS E B roject AWARDS 2015
er n n i W
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*
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Clare Breheny Photography www.clarebrehenyphotography.com clare@clarebrehenyphotography.com +44 (0)7973 753626
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‘Coolest moses basket on Earth’ allbabyadvice.com
buy now from www.mobauk.com Rascals_adNov13.pdf 1 11/18/2013 1:48:04 PM
The sky is not the limit...
magic one-hand folding and unfolding magic one-hand folding and unfolding magic one-hand folding and unfolding magic one-hand folding andand unfolding magic one-hand folding unfolding accepted as cabin baggage accepted as cabin baggage accepted cabin baggage accepted asas cabin baggage accepted as cabin baggage reclinable backrest reclinable backrest reclinable backrest reclinable reclinable backrest backrest 4-wheel suspension 4-wheel suspension 4-wheel suspension 4-wheel 4-wheel suspension suspension Price: £319 Colours available: red, black, pink 2 chassis colour: white, black Accessories: universal cup holder, footmuff
babyzen.com
Knowing how fussy little ones can be, Annabel’s range is developed tastes good and will, most importantly, be eaten! Available in supermarkets nationwide
www.annabelkarmel.com
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PHONE 01978 664 362
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From Toddlers to Teens, Safari to Surfing,
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Africa | Indian Ocean & Caribbean | Middle East | Asia Australia | USA & Canada | Latin America | Europe Contact us for a copy of our brochure and a personal, in-depth service at a competitive price
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