POLLY’S BABY BLOG Our parenting columnist, Polly James, shares her experience on having her daughter during a global pandemic

THE QUARANTINE GENERATION: My lockdown Baby

‘ gave birth just on the cusp of the UK lockdown. By some bizarre timing, like falling down a rabbit hole, I went into the hospital leaving one world and life behind and five days later I came out of the hospital with a baby into this new world of I isolation, as we know it today. With everything that comes with being a first-time mum, my emotions and hormones were running high. Trying to process what was happening in the world with a new-born was tough. I was scared and anxious, no-one really knew what was happening, the fear was spreading. There was zero clarity from health officials and the government. I cried a lot. I felt angry that I was being robbed of these special days which I longed for so much. I wanted to show her off; I wanted my mum to spend quality time with her first grandchild. I wanted all my friends to meet her. I had stupid amounts of biscuit and tea

By Polly James

Like hundreds of other babies, Indy was born into the World during a global pandemic. This is an extract of me writing at the start of April when we were 3 weeks into lockdown. supplies in readiness for the visitors. I was angry because my post-natal health was fine, I was just engulfed with frustration with what was right to do by my family and friends and the new baby. I had this beautiful new baby that everyone was so excited to meet, my friends calling, and texting ‘can we come over for 10 minutes just to see her’ and all I wanted to do was lock myself away and protect my new family from this ‘killer virus’ everyone was talking about. I didn’t want to be seen as over-reacting, everyone was still out and about. My partner and I decided on a ‘blanket ban’. As harsh as it sounded, we didn’t want anyone seeing her until we had more facts on what was happening with the virus. As it happened, the advice on social distancing came in and the lockdown was enforced a few days later. So, then there was just three of us and a moment of calm. My daily routine consisted of video calling my Mum, sister and best friend to check-in on them, then deciding whether it’s time for a box set binge or a little leg stretch down the road with the pram; it became part of a new normal routine. This crisis which has been so frightening and so sad for the entire world I feel has brought our communities closer together. We are all starting to realise what is really important in life. We have been stripped back; our privileges taken away. We have been forced to live the simple life. Will we ever be as materialistic as we were before? Will a simple hug and handshake mean so much more than any gift? Will my daughter look up to nurses and doctors in the future like she possibly would to a sports star? We are becoming more compassionate and supportive of our elders, the more vulnerable in our community. We are looking out for each other and our mental health. I feel lucky as I embark on this journey of motherhood that I’ve discovered the meaning of connecting with what matters the most within life.’

So here we are almost 6 months later and Indy has developed into the sweetest little human. Not that I’ve known any different but I started to feel resentful that the first bit of Indy’s life was so isolated and none of my close family and friends could see those special moments of her growing up. Her grandparents are making up for lost time now, that’s for sure! My house has been taken over and turned into a nursery but I love watching her play, sit up, roll and discover new things. I feel the luckiest person alive to have a smiley, happy and healthy baby.

INDY’S LOCKDOWN FAVOURITES

The Cocoonababy by RedCastle

This is for fresh out the hospital. A unique, comfortable and snug sleep aid that we used in the daytime for Indy’s sleep. She was so little in this. Where has my new-born gone?

The Discovery Play Mat by Infantino

It’s the rug I’ve always wanted! Colourful, vibrant, full of trendy patterns and more importantly the multi-textured fabrics provide early sensory interaction.

Baby Go Round Jumparound by RedKite

You could spend an absolute fortune on a jumper for your child but I managed to find a brand that have a play range to suit your child’s style and needs that are super affordable. The sounds, the flashing lights, the attachable toys are perfect for a curious baby. The best thing is that it comes with an aux lead plug, so if you get fed up of the nursery melodies, hook up your own playlist and let them jump and rock away!

The Perfect Prep Day and Night by Tommee Tippee

Mr Tommee Tippee needs a knighthood for this invention. No fuss with the kettle and waiting for the water to cool down. Super easy to use at 3am when you’re sleep deprived and not thinking straight, it will whizz up a perfect temp bottle for you in 2 minutes.

The BebePOD by Prince Lionheart -

Having Indy at the table with us on our level is the best and cutest. Oh she loves being high up with us but not too restricted. The bebePOD is a cushy seat which provides optimal support while helping Indy learn to sit—great for play time and feeding time. And how can anyone not love these little pops of colour that give a whole new

definition to eye candy?

Doctor Bob’s Balloons Unlimited... because balloons are for life, not just birthdays.

octor Bob Balloons Unlimited specialise in award-winning, internationally acclaimed balloon artistry. Since our birth in 1995, Doctor Bob’s D has become the UK’s industry leading creator and supplier of balloon décor. Our creativity, innovation and hard work have resulted in our winning numerous awards, in being invited to share our knowledge and experience with industry peers, and being a part of our clients’ special events. Doctor Bob were the founder and creator of the first ever Public Balloon Art Festival in the UK and have a portfolio of A list clients from Celebrities to Sports personalities and a collective of work in both Film and TV alongside many major blue-chip Companies. Doctor Bobs has transformed corporate events, weddings and parties into memorable occasions. We cater for all venues, themes and budgets across the whole of the UK, and because our work is bespoke we guarantee a unique approach that will reflect and enhance your

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We have balloons for every occasion and for every heartfelt reason! From the new Millennial Matrimony to catering for the New Outdoor Style Bohemian Weddings. Our Signature Organics Air Filled Number range is incredibly popular right through to our personalised bubbles. Whilst Unicorns and Superheroes still remain an incredible hit with the children! At Doctor Bob’s we believe thoughtful should be for every day so we find creative ways to send your personal message and bring it to life! When ordering from us prepare to be inspired with Doctor Bobs unique sculptures and his bespoke designs. So plan ahead and make someone’s day unforgettable and order your balloon bouquet. Doctor Bob’s offer local deliveries – covering the Vale of Glamorgan/ Cardiff area. Our studio store at 91 High Street, Barry is open for pre booked collections between 10-4:00pm Monday through to Fridays. Call 01446 730780 or bookings can also be made through our social media channels - Facebook Doctor Bob Balloons Unlimited / Instagram @doctorbob_ balloonsunlimited or email info@balloons

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Introduce your children to music through interactive play

t’s a new term at Forte School of Music and we’re excited to see our students again. The recent months have been very challenging for everyone and at Forte we’re very proud of the way we’ve adapted to the situation: moving all our lessons I online quickly, meaning that there was no gap in tuition for any of our students. We’ve received lovely feedback from parents, who’ve been grateful for the continuity of their children’s music tuition when so many other activities came to a standstill:

“I’d just like to say how successful the online lessons have been for my children - thank you for all the hard work you’ve put in to ensure they’ve never missed out and have been able to learn despite the difficult circumstances!” “…having regular contact in the form of music lessons has been invaluable. A sincere thank you to all your staff for being so adaptable.” We’re now looking forward to welcoming new and existing students to Forte and have spent the summer adapting the school to ensure that it’s ‘Covid safe’. Our classrooms have been marked up to ensure socialdistancing, with children having their own ‘station’ comprising of piano, percussion instruments and props to use in their class lessons. Our private teaching rooms are kitted out with clear screens between the teacher and student and again are set up to comply with social-distancing guidelines. We’ve implemented a one-way system through the building, reduced class sizes, installed hand-sanitising stations and provided PPE for all staff. We’re ready for whatever the situation presents us with, and can provide lessons face-to-face, online or a combination if necessary. Our priority now is to introduce more children and adults to the world of music. We have a wide range of learning opportunities, starting with Jungle Music for

tots aged 6 months to 3½ years, lessons for adults, and everything in between! Our classes are a fun, interactive way to start children on their musical journey. Music is Fun (3½ - 5 year olds) teaches basic musical concepts using songs, percussion instruments, props and the piano in a weekly, fun-filled 45-minute lesson. Beginner piano courses, Junior Keys (5 – 7 year olds) and Piano Keys (7 – 9 year olds), teach a range of musical skills and are an ideal way for your child to learn an instrument. For older children and adults, we offer private tuition on a variety of instruments during the daytime and evening, and our daytime Flexipass* lessons are ideal for adult learners who can’t commit to coming to a lesson every week. Whether you’d like to give your child a head-start with their musical education, provide your teenager with consistent, high-quality tuition or learn an instrument yourself, we’d love to hear from you!

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*Flexipass lessons allow you to buy a bundle of lessons and book them as you go, thereby allowing you to book around other commitments such as work and childcare.

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