Visit from the Stork April-June 2014 by VFTSeditor

E FR

PIZZA PITTA FACE RECIPE

News

REAL LIFE

maternity must-haves

“I'm loving every minute. She's demanding but perfect”

Top 10 companies from the Baby & Toddler show

The UK’S ONLY MAGAZINE FOR YOUNG PARENTS

EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor’s Letter H

ello, and welcome to Issue 2 of Visit from the Stork magazine. Everyone in the UK is rejoicing as theSun has finally got its hat on! It is already the Easter break for schools (can you believe it?!) and we are already looking forward to summer 2014. What a fab two months it has been for the VFTS team! Our first edition of the magazine went down superbly with everyone, and this edition it is also being printed and distributed in nurseries, children’s centres and mum’s groups all over the UK – right from Greater Manchester down to London. We are also now officially Visit from the Stork CIC – with a fantastic board of Directors, who you can meet on our website. The VFTS team of fab writers have been hard at work to bring you some great articles – starting with our product spotlight on page six. Writer Mary-Kate has just given birth to her baby girl – and has written a review of the brand new Elle Tens + machine she used before and during her labour on page nine. This issue in our pregnancy feature we focus on pre-eclampsia, a condition which thousands of

women across Britain suffer from during pregnancy. We discuss why it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the conditions. If you fancy some cooking inspiration, baker Rachel Smithson brings us a yummy recipe on page 19. We also focus on Interiors in the ‘you time’ section – find out how you can decorate your home on a budget! I also visited the Baby Show in Manchester in March – you can read about my top ten companies on page 14. And new and exclusive to Visit from the Stork is our very own comic strip, developed by Staffordshire University Cartoon and Comic Arts student Emily Moore. You can find out what happens to our first character Daisy on page 24. As always, a massive thank you to everyone involved in the production of this magazine – we couldn’t do it without you. Don’t forget you can subscribe to the magazine to have it delivered straight to your inbox along with our newsletter for free – or you can pay just £10 a year to get it straight to your door with a free gift! Details are on page 12. Have a lovely Easter everybody, our summer issue is out on the 27th June!

x y l r e b m i K

Kimberly Bond, Editor-in-Chief, follow us on Twitter @VFTS

THANKS TO Staﬀordshire University Journalism Department, University of Salford Business School and all of our advertisers. For more information about advertising in Visit from the Stork, please contact the Editor on 01613767079

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THE VFTS FAMILY

the VFTS family Kimberly Bond, Editor-in-chief

Nicole White, Magazine Designer

Vicki Moorhead, Writer and Mummy Blogger

Zoe Ashton, Writer

Vicky Charles, Writer

Mary-Kate Williamson, Mummy Blogger

Rachel Smithson, Writer and Baker

CONTENTS

CONTENTS ON THE COVER: Amily Baker OUTFIT: Head band from Amazon PHOTOGRAPGHER: Nicole White

FEATURES

13 Finance advice 24 Comic Strip 14 The Manchester baby & toddler Show

SPOTLIGHT

6 Baby cup 7 MyBumpBed

PREGANCY

10 Pre-Eclamplsia 9 Elle Tens review

YOU TIME

8 News 26 Making your house a home

EARLY YEARS

19 Recipe 30 Changing bag

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review 28 Single parenting 32 Baby wearing

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REAL LIFE

20 Gemma Collins 22 Dionne White

Extra

34 Can we selfie too mummy? 35 VFTS Competition 11 Fashion: Maternity musthaves

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Competiti ons, News more 1 2 SU BS 35 WIN GiaCRIBE n beast crayt minions

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

In the spotlight..

Babycup

In each edition of Visit from the Stork we explore two new inventions which have been created to make your motherly duties a tad easier. If you would like your business to appear on our product spolight page in our June edition, please send us 200 words about your business to editorial@visitfromthestork.co.uk

yCup, a new innoOur first big love this edition is for Bab ble for tiny hands suita is h whic ren, vative cup for child ning. and mouths to drink from during wea struggling to find r afte cup the ted crea l Sara Kee to suck from. something her children didn’t have ning my children I She said: “Each time it came to wea was suitable for that cup a for d che sear searched and not require them to little hands and little mouths and did ner!! clea have a suck that rivalled a vacuum and toddlers were ies bab for s cup t mos “I thought that adult drinking from a the equivalent proportions of an erstand why a child und not ld cou also I and bucket a drink. get to hard so would need to suck to modify what “I tried countless cups and even tried find for my chilto g tryin was I t wha suit to e was out ther dren. could not find the “By baby number three, when I still an make it! And on get to ht oug I ided perfect cup I dec ted to be used at Babycup was born. Babycup is crea as it is small, the and – cup first ler’s todd a as s mealtime spillages are also minimal. or skills and oral Babycup also helps with fine mot dental decay. of nce cha ced redu a ding health, inclu d by UNICEF to use Uniquely, Babycup is also approve babies, whilst breaste atur prem for ding inclu , birth from feeding is established.

to breastfeed and Sara explained: “If a mum wishes can be used to ycup Bab on, reas any for s has difficultie UNICEF baby the with line in cup-feed infants and is a small open using s friendly initiative which recommend then it does ause bec le bott or teat a cup rather than ding. stfee brea of ing not inter fere with the establish ths onwards mon 6 from used be also can “Babycup selves. Sit with your for babies to learn to drink for them see you using an them little one, drink together and let copying and are inopen cup too – children learn by rs and siblings. We care nts, pare spired by watching their it quickly – and parof g han the get n ofte ren child find little people can ents are pretty amazed at what their feel very proud!” they and do when given the chance including JoJo You can buy Babycup from stockists visit the babyand shop NCT the Maman Bebe and cup.co.uk for more information.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

MyBumpBed

Every mum knows how uncomf ortable it can be to sleep when you are pregnant – and even more so if you are a tummy sleeper and have to sleep on your side! Sleeping on your tummy is not deemed safe duri ng pregnancy- and probably isn’t too comfortable either! Sharon Leech, a private masseus e who works for Dr Arun Ghosh in Live pool and the Wirral, has come up rwith a solution to this problem. She has created my Bump Bed, a spe cialist pregnancy massage bed, whic h has been designed to help mum s to sleep on their front during pregnan cy. The bed, which is split into three ‘sections’, has a hole in the mid dle for the mum-to-be’s tummy, and is designed with medically approved material. Sharon explained: “myBumpBe d

was conceived whilst listening to mums-to-be describe what they want from their pregnancy massage exp rience and what they would love eto have in their own home for a com fortable night’s sleep. “After gaining knowledge that more & more mums-to-be are fron t sleepers in their pre-pregnancy life decided that the present equipm I ent that I was using was fast becomi ng outdated. “MyBumpBed is used by both professional therapists to give mum s-tobe a quality treatment, and by mums themselves. The main body hole of the bed has an insert which is 13"; ample for a very large 36-40 wee k baby or for a mother of twins. The 2 inner holes are 12"& 10" for 22 36/40 weeks depending on size of bum p and 13-22 weeks depending on size

Want your business here? CONTACT KIMBERLY BOND 0161 376 7079

of bump. “The Bump is totally suspended so Mum to be doesn't feel the bum p at all whilst on the bed, so immedia tely any backache & tension feel a lot easier. “I have used this bed in my own practice for the last two and half years and customer feedback has been excellent. Everyone who has been on it falls in love with it. The majority of my clients fall asleep with in 5 minutes of getting on and all are reluctant to get up from it.” The bed is the right size to fit on a double bed, so pregnant ladies can still sleep with their partners and husbands throughout pregnancy. It is available for hire as well as to buy from MyBumpBed. For more information go to http://www.mybumpbed.co.uk

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NEWS

s New

Scootaheadz

BABY DINO

AND MONEY E M TI U O Y G IN V SA

Now you don’t have to feel guilty about spending on your favourite pram or pushchair. Parents can save money and avoid the hassle of having to sell their pram or pushchair when they no longer need it, with a new Buy Back guarantee from Babydino. The online retailer, which stocks a range of quality baby brands like Bugaboo, Silver Cross, and Babyzen, is the first in the baby industry to offer a Buy Back guarantee for parents. The guarantee means that the company will buy back any pram or pushchair purchased from

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dz.com

s New

through the website, ensuring there is something for every scooting fanatic out there. Commenting on the development, Founder of Scootaheadz Stephanie Westphal said ‘This is such an exciting opportunity for us. I have always been a big fan of the website, and I hope the partnership continues to be a great success. We have a lot planned for 2014, and this has got us off to a fantastic start, watch this space for more news from Scootaheadz over the coming months.’

image: Scoo thea

Funky scooter accessories brand ‘Scootaheadz’ has found its way into top online retailer notonthehighstreet. The quirky toy, which features colourful animal heads that attach to the T-bar of scooters, made its way through a tough selection process at Notonthehighstreet before making the final cut. Notonthehighstreet attracts over two million unique visitors a month, and Scootaheadz are already seeing results. All four designs, two dinosaurs and two ponies are available

Babydino. The process is very simple and straightforward and a claim can be made in just 3 simple steps. • First, get in touch with Babydino to get a quote on your buggy. • Second, a pick up from your location will be arranged. • Third, your Babydino account will be credited or you’ll be paid out in cash. For more information please contact irene.bagach@babydino.com OR www.babydino.com

ELLE TENS REVIEW

Mary-Kate

Brand new from Babycare tens this is the ultimate maternity tens machine available. Using the same technology as the award winning Elle Tens machine, the Elle tens+ is 3 in 1, suitable for all your labour and post labour needs, including a built in contraction timer. 1. Birth mode 2. Pain mode 3. Pelvic mode What actually is a TENS machine? Well, 'tens' stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A tens machine is a small battery operated device which is worn by the labouring mother, the machine is attached by wires to electrode pads, which stick to the skin. The pads send small electrical pulses like little electric shocks which can help ease the pain and many people find them very helpful. A drug free, non-invasive pain relief that is recommended by midwives and very popular in the UK due to it being safe for both mum and baby as there's no harmful side effects. How does a tens machine work? Four self-adhesive electrode pads attach to the back and the tens machine sends electronic impulses through the skin, causing the pain signals to the brain to be blocked,reducing pain experienced. Endorphins, our bodies own pain killing hormone, is also encouraged

to be produced through using the tens machine. Features & Benefits of Elle Tens + • 3 units in 1; treating birth pain, general pain such as those after birth and pelvic floor toning. • Built-in contraction timer. • Pre set modes making it easier to use. • Integrated boost button. • Optimax technology for extra power. • 4 Large pads, covering a bigger area than some other tens machines. • Easy to read display, less complication during use. • Neck cord making it possible to stay mobile throughout use. What you will find inside the box: • Pack of 4 electrode pads • Instructions • 2 leadwires plus 1 spare • 2 x AA batteries plus 2 spare • Vaginal probe • Neck cord • Soft carrying pouch • Women's Guide to Drug Free Pain Relief • Pad placement chart In labour with Oliver, I actually used the original Elle tens machine throughout my labour and I genuinely found it fantastic. It was very easy to use and understand, it didn't take long to set up and once it was on I found it a very effective form of pain relief, also a fantastic distraction from the pain of the contractions I was experiencing! I don't think I'd of managed as well with as little drugs as I had if I hadn't of used the tens machine. When I was given the chance to review this brand new Elle Tens +, I was delighted as I know how good the previous one was at helping me during my first labour. So what was it actually like to use during labour? Well if you've read my birth story on my blog then you will know that due to having a cord prolapse I had to have an emergency csection after 3 hours 14 minutes of being in labour. But up until I had my

csection I used the tens machine and both myself and my partner Michael thought it was very clever. I love that its easy to set up and use. It might look complicated but its not! its a great shape and design, fitting perfectly into your hand. The instructions made it clear for Michael to know where to put the pads on my back and he had it set up ready to use in a minute. He actually remembered what all the buttons meant and the different settings depending on stage of labour and pain relief required, although I guess the clever pre-set modes helped a lot. I liked being in control so it was around my neck which was handy as you can use it while being mobile and also while using gas and air! I did use the gas and air as well as the tens machine but not as much as I could have because I found the 'tingles' in my back which the tens machine created was fantastic pain relief as well as a great distraction from contractions, and therefore required less gas and air. My favourite thing about this tens machine is the built in contraction timer, I loved knowing how long and far apart my contractions were so this little feature was great. Although I was in hospital when I went into labour as I was induced, if you were at home when you went into labour this tens machine would actually help you decide when to go to hospital thanks to the contraction timer. Oh and Batteries included = so handy!! If you would like to read my birth story you can find it here http://mummymemories2013.blogsp ot.co.uk/2014/03/birth-story.html

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PRE-ECLAMPSIA

image: Shutterstock

PRE-Eclampsia

Pre-Eclampsia is a potentially dangerous complication during pregnancy affecting thousands of women in Britain every year.

or many mums-to-be, the words ‘Pre-Eclampsia’ may seem familiar as you will have heard it mentioned by various people in different contexts. However, it is something which is hardly ever talked about, despite there being millions of women suffering with the disease every year. In fact, according to the charity Action on Pre-eclampsia, over 4 million women around the world have pre eclampsia during pregnancy, thousands of them being in the UK. The symptoms of pre-eclampsia aren’t always something you can notice yourself. High blood pressure is an important sign of having the disease so make sure your blood pressure is checked by your midwife at your routine appointments. If you are in your first pregnancy, you are overweight or a close family member has suffered from pre-eclampsia, then you will probably be deemed ‘high risk’ and looked after more closely. Some other symptoms may include swelling of the feet, ankles, face and hands, severe headaches, vision problems and pain just below the ribs. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above make sure you seek medical advice from your Doctor, Midwife or

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NHS Direct on 11. According to the NHS, pre-eclampsia is ‘most likely caused by the placenta not developing properly.’ The placenta is an organ which connects mum and baby together with a blood supply, and gives the baby food and oxygen. With pre-eclampsia, the baby is not receiving enough blood, and sends signals to the mum’s body, which raises her blood pressure. What happens if I get diagnosed? You will usually see a specialist at your hospital, and then be monitored closely to see if you need to be kept in. The only way to treat pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby safely, so you will be monitored closely until your baby can be delivered – normally at 37-38 weeks, but it may be earlier than this in severe cases. You may be induced, or have a C-section. Why is it important for symptoms to be recognised? If the condition goes unnoticed, it could turn serious and lead to the mother having ‘eclamptic’ fits, which could harm her and the baby, even resulting in death. Fortunately though, these are rare in the UK, with complications leading to the

death of six or seven women each year.

ant I “Having pre-eclampsia me turely at had Corey 6 weeks prema ency erg 32 weeks and had an em health C-section. This affected my bed s wa I t tha y wa a h suc in belief. bound, swelling beyond my ation Luckily, with the right medic sorted s the high blood pressure wa coua k too h oug after birth – alth pletely ple of months for it to com back re ssu pre od blo my regulate isn’t this es cas e to normal (in som 20 a, mm Ge e!)” sibl pos Some good webs ites and resources. Action on Pre Ec la Bliss, the prematur mpsia e www.bliss.org.uk/ baby charity , More information about C-sections can be foun d on the NCT website. We’ll also be inter viewing two young mums ab ou ences of C-section t their experisite in the coming s on our webweeks.

FASHION: MATERNITY MUST-HAVES

Elastic is fantastic when you’re awaiting the arrival of your baby and with this Tartan Pencil Skirt from Asos, you can not go wrong for just £22.

Being pregnant does not mean you cannot socialise and this one shoulder embellished Maxi dress for £50 from online retailer Asos, will make you stand out and be the centre of attention in any social event.

M u s y t-ha t i n r v te

We have even got your work wear options sorted. Primark offers a great range of maternity clothing which will never leave your work wear wardrobe wanting. These black Tailored Trousers for a steal at £14 will be your ‘go with anything’ item whether you are in your first or third trimester.

Being pregnant does not have to leave your style suffering. Visit from the Stork are specialist in all things maternity and clothing is included in that! Take a look at some of our favourite maternity clothes and get noticed for more than just your bump.

For everyday go to clothing Mother moods has a great selection of tops and tunics all for £35. Pair them with a pair of black leggings or dark wash maternity jeans and you’re comfiest footwear and you are ready to get going!

Patrice Gonzales

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Join the UK’s only publication for parents and parents-to-be under 25 • Read great features and inspirational real-life stories through our website and magazine • Access information and advice from our experts • Sign up to our newsletter for up to date news and articles • Join a growing team of volunteers and contributors and help inspire the next generation of parents. Find us on: Facebook: /Visitfromthestork Give us a Tweet: @VFTSeditor Share your photos on Instagram.com/visitfromthestork Contact us: Visitfromthestork@gmail.com www.visitfromthestork.co.uk

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Education pays

Finance Advice:

hether you are starting work, going back to school or college, or staying at home with your baby, sorting your finances are likely to be at the top of the agenda. Luckily, as the Government loves young people to be in education or work, there is finance help that you can access if you choose to carry on your studies. I’m still at school and have a baby. Can I get any help? Yes - if you are under 20 at the start of your course and you live in England, the Government runs a scheme called ‘Care to Learn’, which can help pay for childcare costs while you are learning. This might be because you are going back to school, or are starting 6th Form. (Scotland and Wales have different schemes.) How much would I get? The Care to Learn scheme gives you £160 a week if you live outside London and £175 a week if you are in London. It covers any deposit and registration fees for the place at the childcare provider, and any travel costs to get there. How is it paid? Childcare payments go straight to the childcare provider – they will need to prove your child’s attendance and your school or college will need to prove your attendance too. Be warned – payments stop if you don’t attend your course or If your child stops attending nursery. Do I have to be ‘eligible’? Yes – your course has to be publicly funded (it can’t be a course you have to get a student loan for) and your childcare provider has to be registered with Ofsted, through either being a childminder, a nursery or preschool. You can look at more criteria on the Gov UK website. Download the application form https://www.gov.uk/government/pub lications/care-to-learn-applicationform-and-guidance I’m at college but am over 20 years old – can I get any help?

Yes –you could get Discretionary Learner Support – to pay for costs of travel, course materials or childcare. Your learning Provider (college) will decide how much you can get. Contact your welfare officer for more information on this. I’m thinking of doing a University course – can I get any help? Yes – you may be able to apply for a childcare grant and Parents Learning Allowance. A childcare grant pays for the cost of childcare for any child up to the age of 15, or 17 if they have a learning disability. How much would I get? The parents Allowance is for the extra costs you may have from being a parent and a student; depending on your household income, you could get up to £1,508 a year. This would be paid in three instalments. For the childcare grant you could get up to 85% of your actual costs of childcare paid in term time and holidays. The grant would be paid into your bank account at the start of each term. Do you have to be ‘eligible’? Yes- for the childcare grant you have to be a full time undergraduate student (doing a degree) who has a dependent child under 15. The childcare again has to be approved by OFSTED

FINANCE ADVICE

and cannot be a family member. You won’t be eligible if you, your partner, husband or wife receives the childcare costs element of Working Tax Credit. You can find out more about working tax credit on the HMRC website. Even if you don’t qualify for the Childcare Grant, you can still apply for the Parents Learning Allowance. The amount you get depends on the household income of you and your partner/wife/husband. How do I apply? You can apply for the Childcare Grant by filling out an application form (CCG1) which will estimate your costs for childcare for the term. At the end of each term you will get sent a confirmation form for you and the nursery/childcare provider to fill out, confirming how much your costs were. *Don’t forget* You should also be receiving Child Benefit to help with costs, and you may be eligible for Child Tax Credit too. *Don’t forget* All 3 & 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours funded places at a nursery, pre -school or child-minder. You can use the childcare grant to pay for anything over this amount. If you get income support, JSA, ESA, or Child Tax Credit, your 2 year old may be able to get a free nursery place too. Contact your local council to see if your child can get free Early Years Education. *If you are confused about your benefits or need help with any money issues, you can contact the Money Advice Trust or your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Remember that different rules may apply if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Useful sites https://www.moneyadviceservice.org .uk https://www.adviceguide.org.uk www.nidirect.gov.uk

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the manchester baby & toddler show

The Manchester Baby & Toddler Show 2014

We went to the Baby & Toddler Show in Manchester where over 100 exhibitors showed off their latest products and services. We chose 10 companies we loved on the day and think you will too…

Squid Soap or never do it for long Do your kids hate washing their hands, claims to make washing h whic uct prod a is enough? Squid Soap soap dispenser, you the on n hands fun and easy. Pressing dow soap on the other. and hand your on mark ink an are left with get the ink off, leavwill s hand your ing The idea is simple – wash nd 10 seconds to arou s ing them nice and clean! The ink take you to wash your for time nded mme reco the is wash off, which Character, Squid a with es com hands. The bottle of soap also and there are four toy sink) (or bath a as used be also can which to collect. ue, and is fantastic for Why we love it: Squid Soap is pretty uniq in the morning before or er dinn re befo n clea s hand getting kids fun too! really is it think will kids school. We’re sure most .com soap Squid

WE LOVE

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Izzy Melody Owned and created by lovely Liverpool lass Alyssa, Izzy Melody is a teething bangle which can also be used by mums as jewellery, so they have it with them wherever they go. The I.M bangle has been celebrated in recent months by not only being nominated for ‘most innovative product’ at the Nursery Awards but also being selected to appear in front of Prime Minister David Cameron. The bangle has been completely made in Britain and is lightweight – so it can be chewed, twisted and squeezed and will still maintain its shape. Why we love it: Alyssa’s baby bangle has been inspired by her daughters and their teething needs, and we love that the bangle can be worn by mum to keep it safe when out and about. It can also be sterilised and dish-washed too – perfect! www.Izzymelody.co.uk

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WE LOVE Baby Mule changing bags t which The Baby Mule bag is a produc ely love. olut abs will mum -go the onany d like igne des are s bag g Many changin is both handbags, but this gorgeous bag al. ctic pra and ble fashiona when you The bag can be a rucksack for cycling need both hands free (great for r the ove bag ger ssen me a y!), with bab be stylish, shoulder for when you want to total for bag ggy -bu the -toclip a AND bag pretty freedom. You can change the and all – it t wan effortlessly to how you m in the k tuc to es plac e hav ps the stra age stor are re the bag too. Inside the of watercompartments, and it is made ric. fab resistant l look of Why we love it: We love the coo a pracextr is it t tha t fac the and bag this love the tical for the family. The thing we it comes most though is the accessories nging mat, with – a bottle insulator, a cha ch for pou g ngin cha a a wet bag and d as a cool nappies etc which can be use lly does bag in the future – proving it rea le.co.uk ymu Bab ily. fam change with your

Dr Ghosh- Safebox often All parents hate their child being ill and ble suita be may s icine med t worry about wha for them. for his Celeb Doctor Arun Ghosh is well known the nd behi but Kyle, my Jere appearances on scenes he has been coming up with a nts to ‘Safebox’, especially designed for pare e. have the essentials ready in their own hom baby mon com for ts men treat ains cont box The teething illnesses including Colic, blocked nose, from Dr and nappy rash. It also has instructions about Ghosh himself and contains information cy rgen eme an ally actu when to know it is which needs to be treated. easily Why we love it: With babies getting ill so the one, little their t abou and parents worrying g you Safebox offers reassurance that everythin trips 2am need is with you at home, without any for Calpol or teething remedies! p/thehttp://www.drarunghosh.co.uk/mybum safe-box.aspx

WE LOVE

Quilts & Quillows Run by the lovely Eleanor, this family business is gorgeous. Eleanor sews her quilts with different patterns and desig ns on for babies and children- everything from Paddington Bear to patchwork. What caught our eye about Eleanor’s stall espec ially though were the lovely cushions she had displayed – which are actually called Quillows as they have a quilt inside them which can The Quillow is great for travelling as their pillow for be pulled out! the car is then the quilt cover for their bed! Eleanor’s Quillows again come in all sorts of desig ns, the Night Garden which is sure to be a big hit with including In the little ones. Why we love it: Eleanor’s business is lovely as it is family based and created purely from a hobby she loves. Her produ cts are fantastic, with a price to match – at only £22 for a Quillo w it will make a great present and a bargain!

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Feel Good Feature

WE LOVE

been inMilky Snugz ourite of ours, having first r 2013. In Milky Snugz is an old fav be tem Sep in w Sho by Ba troduced to them at the ously and is siness has grown enorm of cudthe last 6 months the bu set a ers off ss. Milky Snugz now seeing lots of succe by bottles fit into so the baby has ba ly comdly feeding aids, which whilst feeding. The cudd something soft to touch come in 6 different designs and e by bottles panions for your little on ing that ALL types of ba an me , sal ver uni are now nder) has will fit inside. nder of Milky Snugz (Sukhi these Why we love it: The fou for ials ter ma y alit rcing qu put a lot of work into sou feeding times much more fun, ke great products. They ma Mason the Mouse design! the e lov y iall ec esp and we ilkysnugz.co.uk You can buy from www.m

Chillipeeps Chillipeeps is another of those fabulous inventions where you wonder why it has never been created before. Not only is it mult-award winning but it is also a fantastically simple idea; a teat which screws on to bottles of water, and to cartons of ready-made formula milk for both babies and toddlers. The teat is vari-flow meaning you can choose how fast the liquid comes out by turning it to whichever flow you want. The product was invented by mum Claire Mitchell in 2007 and has since won several awards including a Bizzie Baby gold award in 2011 and two Loved By Parents awards in 2012. Why we love it: This product is just SO simple! The teat will fit on to most sizes of water including Evian, Volvic and Highland Spring, as well as cartons, which is perfect for babies and for toddlers.

playing Playtoes e touching and es shoe v to lo y s la aP Babie . Owner feet and with their t them even more attract c will attra signed the shoe topatterns, Claire de nses, with crinkly le bits on babies’ se ull and even ratt from 3 le p things to shoes are suitab nge of e them! Th and come in a ra s like n months + d brilliant add-o en print n v a e rs n u a uc colo rs too. Yo ake sure characte e size guide to m feet. s’ out a sho will fit your babie ue and the shoe is completely uniq onths m The shoe ain baby from 3 g. rt in lk te n a e w re will til they a s are old up un ve it: These shoe e pram lo Why we when baby is in th em exgreat for y mat as it lets th n they la e or on a p ir leg muscles wh rattle. e rs th te c e is ra rc a e ar the ch ice and kick to he e colours too– n om fr th e m v uy the We lo ou can b on Amazon. Y ! t! h g ri b co.uk or playtoes.

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5432 Bed Nest Co-sleeping with babies is bec oming ever-popular, with over half of UK mums now sha their baby according to the NCT ring a bed with . space, or associated risks of co- But with a lack of sleeping, mums might want a choice that is just as relaxing for both parent and baby. The Bednes t is the wonder ful solution to this problem, being a crib that can be used stand-alone or be used to ‘bridge’ the gap between the baby and the par ent when sleeping next to the bed. The Bednest’s unique features of that not only can it be adjusted a slider, means to height of the bed, but if needed match the the baby can also sleep slightly tilted, which can help with colic, coughs and colds. Why we love it: Bednest may be a little bit of an investment to buy for your baby at buy it back for half the price whe £299 (but they will with it), but they also offer a rent n you are finished al scheme too. You can hire the Bednest for up to 6 months from as little as £79. www.Bednest.com

WE LOVE

Sucup Invented by grandparents Christine and Andrew Wells, Sucup is designed both for babies and toddlers to make eating less messy. Their product won Double gold at the British Invention Show last October, and also won a Local Business Accelerators competition in Milton Keynes. Sucup is a feeder which has a vacuum straw, making it easy for the baby to ‘sucup’ their food, and creates an easy transition onto solids. There are two variants of the Sucup – the toddler version can also take lumpier food for quick and easy meals. Available to buy from Sucup.com Why we love it: Both Sucup Teany-Weany ® and Sucup Toddler ® are great for meals out and about, meaning you won’t have to stop and feed your child or help them get food from a pouch. For those mums who love cooking – Sucup is a great way to still put your homemade food into the cup so they can eat without any mess.

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Helping Children of all Ages ´)HHO *RRG )DVWµ

Our aim is to bring the Tappy Twins to as many children and teens as possible, as a self-ŚĞůƉ ƚŽŽů ƚŚĞǇ ĐĂŶ ƵƐĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ͞ƐĞĐƌĞƚ ǁĞĂƉŽŶ͘͟ tĞ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ and guide them to discover that they have an inbuilt ability to change how they feel, anytime they want, simply by mastering the art of Tapping. Once the EFT process has been achieved, they learn that EFT can become a familiar, trusted ally in the daily lives of young EFT users as they grow into adulthood.

Some of the areas that Tappy Twins can help are: ͻ ŵŽƚŝŽŶĂů ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͗ ĞƉƌĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ĂŶŐĞƌ͕ ĂŶǆŝĞƚǇ͕ ƉĂŶŝĐ ĂƚƚĂĐŬƐ͕ ƐĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶǆŝĞƚǇ ͻ ^ĐŚŽŽů ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͗ ^ƚƌĞƐƐ͕ ďƵůůǇŝŶŐ͕ ƚĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĞǆĂŵ ĂŶǆŝĞƚǇ ĂŶĚ ďĞŚĂǀŝŽƵƌĂů ŝƐsues ͻ &ĞĂƌƐ͗ ^ƵĐŚ ĂƐ ĨĞĂƌ ŽĨ ĚŽŐƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚĞŶƚŝƐƚ͕ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƐƉĞĂŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĨĞĂƌ ŽĨ ŚĞŝŐŚƚƐ ͻ WŚŽďŝĂƐ͗ ĨůǇŝŶŐ͕ ƐƉŝĚĞƌƐ͕ ŚĞŝŐŚƚƐ ͻ Sleeping issues: bedwetting, nightmares, fear of the dark and night walking ͻ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĚŝĨĨŝĐƵůƚŝĞƐ͗ ĚǇƐůĞǆŝĂ͕ ĂƐƉĞƌƐĞƌƐ͕ ĂƵƚŝƐŵ ĂŶĚ ADHT

Whether you are looking to book a Tappy Twins workshop, a 1-2-1 with specific children or you want us to work with you to provide a beneficial tool to your teaching kit, then call us now and become part of our Tappy family. We look forward to working with you.

Tel: 0330 660 1274 Suzanne: 07507 228319

Or email us at: enquiries@tappytwins.com

Visit Tappy Town now at: www.tappytwins.com

Recipe:

Rachel Smithson

Pitta Pizza Faces My boy loves pizza, who doesn’t, so here is a speedy pizza tea that’s cheap, easy and quick to make. So easy, the kids can join in and design their own faces. For 4 faces, you will need: - 4 Pitta breads - 4tbs Tomato Puree - 4 handfuls of cheese - Red pepper - Mushrooms

1. Preheat the oven to 220c. Line a baking tin with tin foil. 2. Cover each pitta bread with a tablespoon of tomato puree.

5. Bake in the pre-heated oven for approx 10 mins, or until the cheese is melted and golden round the edges.

3. Sprinkle over a handful of cheese.

4. Slice the pepper to make a smile and the mushrooms to make eyes.

Mmmmmmmmm – quick, speedy, tasty pitta pizza!

For more yummy and very quick, cheap and easy recipes follow me on www.bakingmadmummy.com on Twitter @BakingMadMummy, or on Instagram bakingmadmummy xxxx

i PAGE 19

REAL LIFE

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” d e e n u o y l l a s i “love Gemma Collins

We interview 20 year old mummy blogger Gemma Collins, from Bedfordshire, about her journey to motherhood.

What age were you when you found out you were pregnant? What was your reaction? I was 16 when I found out and already 12 weeks pregnant, it was a shock to myself as I had taken around 20 tests which all said negative hence why I took a trip to the nurse as I thought something must be wrong inside! I certainly shed some tears before I came to terms with it all as I was already working full-time and planning to go to college. How did you break the news to your family and friends? I told my dad that evening, it took around 4 hours to get the guts to say it. I think we sat in silence for an hour before he said anything but he was supportive when he did. I was heading for a weekend away with my friends a few days later, who were all happy for me and when I came back I finally told my mum who I thought was going to be so

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angry of course, but she was fine and we rushed to Tesco to get all the right supplements! How was the pregnancy? Was there anything you weren't expecting? Due to finding out at 12 weeks, my pregnancy went quite fast – it was an easy pregnancy! I was meant to be under consultant care due to being high risk for Pre-Eclampsia and being young, however that never happened for some reason! I only felt Corey kick once, coming to my later appointments at 30 weeks the midwife would always say he was measuring a bit small but as he is so far back into my belly it was hard to tell so there was nothing to worry about. Well, at 34 weeks I had my son prematurely due to severe pre-eclampsia; I literally had swelled up like a balloon. Did you have a natural labour? From the start I had always said no Csection what so ever unless there was

no other option, written in the front of my green pregnancy book. Guess what happened? I had to have a Csection, which I am glad it made both baby and I better – but god the after healing is just horrendous! It is usually a 6 week recovery but took me almost 6 months. Have you ever been judged for being a young parent? Of course, all young parents get the funny looks on the streets etc. Honestly though you just have to rise above it – they don’t know your situation at the end of the day because most of them don’t know you personally or your story! If they are friends or people you know who judge, then they aren’t people you need to surround yourself with. What did you do after having your baby? At 9 months old, I went back to working part time and full time college but

REAL LIFE

unfortunately due to circumstances at the time beyond my wherever first to get my qualifications and then have the control I had to step back and I stopped both very shortly family with a few years out before I started my actual caafter starting. Since then I have been in and out of work. reer. But just because things have changed, doesn’t mean Now I am finally trying to find my feet in my chosen career! I won’t get my career one day – I’m just going about it What's the biggest challenge you have faced since becom- backwards! ing a mum? Would you have any more? “The Well I don’t even know, it is hard being a mum Absolutely, 100% yes! If all goes well I plan to be best thing every day is a new challenge and it is a learning hopefully be pregnant before Corey’s 5th birthabout being a curve – at some point you will make a mistake day to give him a little brother or sister! Who is your inspiration? but you learn from it and don’t do it next time. mum is how When I got to the terrible two’s I struggled to rewarding it is having My inspiration is definitely my mum, from the age of 8 she has raised my brother and I alone find the perfect method of coping and when I a child- someone – which certainly hasn’t been easy at times! But finally decided it was even harder to stick to it that you love all the time. But whatever works for your child unconditionally!” as a family we have got through it together and even now she is helping Corey and I. In the long and you is best! We have had some tough times run it just shows we are a very close family and albecoming just us two at 9 months old, but we got ways there for each other! through it and only made us stronger – now I look back and I am like well things could have been a hell of a lot Finally, any tips or advice for young mums or mums to be? Don’t be scared, it may hard at times for all mums but as worse! What's the best thing about being a young parent? long as you put your child’s needs first before anything else Frankly, whatever age parent I could be the best thing then that is all that ever matters, you have to do whatever about being a mum is how rewarding it is having a child is best for that child! Love is all you need ☺ someone that you love unconditionally! What are your hopes for the future? • You can catch Gemma blogging about being a Oh where to start? I want to grow my family, get married mum on www.sunshineonacloudyday.co.uk and find my career! My current partner has been with me since Corey was 14 months old, so we have lots of plans on the horizon. Corey is now 3, How have your lives changed since he was born? Our lives have changed in so many ways, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I always wanted to be a younger mum, but in the sense of go to college/university or

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Dionne white W

“I'm loving every minute. She's demanding but perfect”

e caught up with, Dionne White, mum of three including new born, Amily. She told us about being pregnant for the third time and how things have changed since she had her first born aged 19. And how she prepared her other two children for the arrival of the new member of the family. So Dionne, you have three beautiful children already, are any more on the agenda? There are no children planned anytime soon, but never say never. I wouldn’t completely rule out having another child, but 35 is the cut off age for me and I'm 33 this year. How old were you when you had your children? I was 18 when I had my first daughter Shanae who is now 13, I had my son Jaion who is now eight when i was 24 and i’ve just had my second daughter Amily at 32. How did you find being pregnant at a young age? Being very young having my first child I didn't really know what to expect or what I was doing. I had a completely different mentality back then I wasn't working and supported my first born on social security benefits, I had no qualifications and some may have thought no prospects. By the time I had my second child Jaion at 24, my mentality had changed, matured. I went back to full time education when he was two and trainned to be a nurse at University. You gave birth to beautiful Amily just minutes before mothers day this year. How are you coping with the three children? I gave birth almost two weeks ago yes (I say with a big smile)

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and I have to say I'm enjoying it so much, it's definitely hard going from 2 that are pretty much independent to a new born in the house again that depends on you for everything but I'm loving every minute. She's demanding but perfect and I have a lot of help. My other two have been great helping out with whatever I ask them to do, also arguing about who's holding her next! But it's all good. My partner has been great too, he's still on his paternity leave at the moment and has barely left our side making sure we're ok, fed, watered and rested. Well as rested as you can be with a new born. Unfortunately though all the night feeds are mine as I'm breastfeeding. How did you prepare your son, eight, and daughter, 13, for the arrival of your newborn? Do they get jealous? I told my eldest that she’s my original princess and not to forget that and I remind my son he’s still my baby and my only little man. I told them both they need to behave and be a good example to their little sister. I think because there both older its definitely easier. I remember when my second born was born I bought my eldest a dolly from the baby; so she had her own baby too. She was only five at the time and was used

to having me all to herself. I wasn’t worried about jealousy this time around and so far so good, no jealousy as yet. Do you think your pregnancy and labour with your third born was any different to your first? My pregnancy and labour was definately different this time around. Pregnancy with the other two were pretty much plain sailing, few aches and pains but nothing I couldn't handle. This time around I suffered with terrible back pain, pregnancy acquired sciatica which was very painful at times, suspected fibroids, cyst on my right ovary which came with its own pain, so yes in terms of physically carrying the baby I did feel it a lot harder. However my labour was amazing, was a lot quicker than my previous labours (maybe amazing is proberly not the best word because It hurt, but a lot easier.) Do you think you will bring up Amily different to your other two children because of where you are in you life now? In comparison to when you was 18? I have defiantly grown up since I was 18 and having my first child. I was given very little guidance. I just want to guide my children better, I want them to do better and to want better. Having my third I am in a better place emotionally and financially than I have ever been. I have learned a lot through life experiences on how to be a good parent and although I haven’t done a bad job with my other two I’ve learned a few do’s and don’ts along the way and no doubt there will be differences in how I bring up Amily, I guess its the same as anything in life. You live and learn.

images: Nicole White

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VFTS Comic Strip

Staffordshire University Student Emily Moore has created our very own comic strip!

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VFTS COMIC STRIP

Want to know what happens next? Check out the VFTS website in May!

MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME

Zoe ashton

Making your house a home*

Without wanting to sound like a Homebase advert, a house isn’t a home until you’ve stamped a bit of yourself onto it. But when you have a million other things to worry about, like having a little one running around and forking out for childcare, prams and baby formula, it can be difficult to get round to adding the little touches that make all the difference. But here are a few examples of how decorating your home doesn’t have to be super expensive – in fact, every item is just £15 or under! The living room Cushions are an instant way to update a sofa: you might not like the drab, boring sofa you inherited, but with a few cushions you can perk it up in an instance. Asda have some great examples which are really cheap, like this knitted heart cushion, a steal at £9.

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The kitchen An instant way to lift a kitchen is to add an attractive table cloth, but pre-made ones can be expensive. Try a fabric store such as Dunelm to buy fabric by the metre which will do the job just as well. This PVC fabric is £9.99 a metre and is wipeclean – what more could you want with kids running around?

Top Tip : Gumt Why not tr usual ree for s y tic pr furniture ome unarounice? Searcat a fantas see d you, a h the are availawhat prett nd you ca a y reallyble. They’r items aren c h eap, a e norma time ll willings people and some- y re eve to giv for fr e you t n arranee if you hem ge p up! ick-

The children’s bedroom Peel-off wall stickers could not be a better idea for a child’s room, as it has all the decoration and none of the commitment! We all know kids go in phases, so you don’t have to completely redecorate the room when they decide they’ve gone off Peppa Pig because it’s ‘babyish’. Amazon have a good selection, including this gorgeous alphabet stickers for £4.84 for the pack. (Prices subject to change on Amazon due to individual sellers)

*ON A BUDGET

MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME ip: Top T a really o : yo u is als EBay t resource s which m a gre k up ite ch as TV a ic r su can p e pricey s for undeight b e r l n b e a a h t t c ok at s a nd e on stander if you lo tend to b look tenn s. Peopleekend, so idtime at a we d in the m n eBay -week an ay/later ol mid of the d r the rea dle night fo s. in at barga

Bathroom When there’s a few of you using one bathroom, there can be a lot of products, especially with your child around! But storage doesn’t have to be boring, and it can add to the effect of your room. These wire heart baskets from Sainsbury’s are perfect, and only £15 for three. They will wipe clean, and are a great way to store all your lotions and potions without having to have a massive drawer unit. The hallway Opting for something simple but chic in your hallway is a great way to put your own stamp on a space you’ll see every single day. Try artificial flowers for an easy pick-me-up, and you don’t have to worry about making sure they don’t die! This lovely rose arrangement is from Debenham’s and is priced at £12.

Your bedroom You’ll want your bedroom to be a relaxing place, so candles are the perfect solution. Yankee Candles are fantastic and really long-lasting, but they can be a bit pricey. Luckily, their range at Tesco and Asda, Simply Home, burns just as long and is a fraction of the price. This one smells divine and burns for 75 hours, which is great for just £9.

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G N I T N E R A P SINGLE

SINGLE PARENTING

Vicky Charles

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images: Singlemotherahoy.com

Vicky Charles AKA Single Mother Ahoy, tells us about life as a single mum and the daily pro’s and con’s she faces. She started her blog ‘Single Mother Ahoy’ in 2012 after she gave birth to her little girl, and friends told her she should write about her experiences (of which there are a lot!) She is now an award winning blogger and writer. She works from home as a copywriter and social media marketer, as well as writing for her local paper in Salisbury. You can catch her on singlemotherahoy.com and on twitter @SingleMAhoy Being a single mother is hard work. There's no denying that. Not only do you have to do the work of two parents, you have to put up with one of two looks from Joe Public: The "oh-you-poor-thing" head on one side fawn, or the "my-taxesare-paying-for-your-child-you-useless-wastrel" down-the-nose glare. Neither is particularly desirable, if I'm honest. Here is a list of good and bad things about being a single parent.

SINGLE PARENTING

D: s. You don't have THEgeGt aOll O the cuddle that love,

ll You h anyone. A it w m e th e to shar . . You e decisions just for you th ll a e k a m You get to gree or com a is d to e e to agr ight don't have ink is the r th u o y t a h w ne promise on r child. You are the o When your no u o y se picks up th best, and d il h c choice for at tell-tale r sm u o el y l, s th w er o e' n s no point in ig ok n o person wh ri ng it. Nobody else will smell it and ch ay goes. e bond a what you s ve an amazingly clos n ge st in the ky nappy for y o close s o u e . b t You can ha o n y a You're the on hild that m elaly one on du with your c third person in the r ty for m id dle of the nig a s a w h t e cu d d le s, if ther nappy changes, teet hing comfort a s? le d n tionship. d d u general sh c en e anigans. Ther on th g e is n o Did I menti e says "you're spoilin "j u st h baby while I... old the eon " - you have to ob off; it's When som n k le a to rn w h m to do it il e e you're holdin n tell th artner g p th r e u b o a y b y. her" you ca If . You may as wel ir business l give up; you'll e to take v a h none of the ly b b ly a probab never pee with 'd pro u o y t, o a u t th a n a u t. d said n ie u n ce again. When your ch you n into acco ild picks up a their opinio what you want, when o h a bad b it ... you can't b then g la d m n e a You can do it t, s o n fa else; they pro someone have break bably learned s go to soft t' e L want. Let's it . fr k r o m you. a T p h e buck stops w t to the tay in s it h s y t' o e u L . straight ou Y . o g u tirely responsi are engo swimmin Js and watch ble for this ch play. Let's P il d r . u o W hen your child ll day in ree has a bit of a te the house a re is nobody to disag a tu mperre /looks a bit pea e h ld T o . s h ky/may have p y to d o CBeebie b o so n m d ut et n hing untoward eas, a to in h is m with your id you wait for them o u h th ave nobody fro , you ile m whom to se offee/tie c you up wh a ek o e a n k d seca o pinion. There ower/m leave. th is nobody who n a c u have a sh o y e eir "normal" w knows ces befor ell enough to k their shoela hen you look at your you are ju n ow if st over-reactin You know w just amazed by g . Your friends ou're and family m child, and y they are? You did ay mean w el l, a n d e sh ow m an interest fr of a to t r a p s how aweso a t o o m time time, but reali ur own. N st ic e a B ll . y u y o o that. On yo u Y are the only person w roup effort. ho is that inte team or a g rested in your child's dev elopment. Nob proud! ody else cares that mu ch about that cute little face she just m ade, or that sh e's just done the clever est thing with her sun hat. The judgemen t. These days in society, the term “sing le mother” com es with a whole load of bad connotati ons. You must have del iberately gotten pregnant to get a counci l house. You m ust be claiming thou sands in benef its, and spending the ta x payer’s hard earned money on boo ze, fags and fl a t screen TVs.

THE BAD:

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CHANGING BAG

CHANGING BAGE REVIEW

HEAD VICKY MOOR

s a "younger mummy" I in the past have struggled to find changing bags that I really like and that look fashionable and modern. Many are quite plain and boring and bulky. I like a changing bag to look like a handbag rather than a baby changing bag, so I can use it all the time even on the rare occasion that I am out without my little girl. I also want it to have lots of pockets and be pram friendly. That's where YippyDada comes in! I was lucky enough to be recently sent the Zebrax Yippydada changing bag in black for review (rrp ÂŁ79.99 ). The Zebrax comes in three colours, including black. The Zebrax pattern is a mixture of both zebra and grey leopard print, with patent detailing and sliver zips and fastenings. I wasn't 100% sold on the pattern when I first saw it online but once it arrived I quickly fell in love with it! The quality of this bag is fantastic! The fabric feels really strong which I think is important as this bag is used everyday and needs to be strong enough to deal with and prevent daily wear and tear. Likewise all the zips and fastenings are really secure. The bag has 2 handle options the traditional grab handles and the over the shoulder adjustable strap. This strap is really strong and is perfect for hanging over the pram ( which is what I use it for). It has lovely little patent straps on both sides (decoration) which can be adjusted if you wanted to pull the bag in a little. It also has a cute little YippyDada charm. There are 2 small front pockets each with two compartments. At the back of the bag there is also a concealed zip pocket. It is secured with a magnetic clasp as well as a zip. Inside it has four deep pockets, 2 on each side. In the main part of the bag I can easily fit my large purse, reusable

PAGE 30

REVIEW

bag and personal planner as well as the Yippydada changing mat which comes included with the bag. This changing mat is really thick and good quality in comparison to any of the other mats that have come with my previous changing bags. It is completely wipe-able and is secured closed with a little Velcro strap. An insulated bottle bag is also included with the bag and a"dust bag" is also included for storage. This bag is both fashionable and functional! I really love it! Have a look on the VFTS website for my Vlog of the bag, showing off all its features!

Little Jems

Baby Gifts

Gifts to treasure forever Beautiful keepsakes Stylish frames

Stunning nappy cakes Unique gift sets

www.littlejemsbabygifts.co.uk

BABY WEARING

t might sound like some bizarre new trend in a fashion magazine, but don’t panic; you’ve not missed out or made an unwitting fashion faux pas just yet!

Babywearing is… basically, wearing your baby. It’s the practise of holding or carrying your baby in a carrier or sling. Sound a bit hippie-ish for you? Read on! Many parents choose to carry their babies in a sling or carrier rather than use a pushchair or pram. Although it is something done by a lot of “attachment” parents (think Peaches Geldof arguing with Katie Hopkins on This Morning), you don’t have to be following all the ideas of attachment parenting to get a real benefit out of wearing your baby. Great reasons to wear your baby: If you keep a close eye on the celebrity gossip mags, you could actually pass off babywearing as the latest fashion! A-listers such as Sienna Miller, Kristen Bell and Anna Paquin have all been snapped “wearing” their babies. Having your baby on your chest is about a million times easier than lugging a pushchair about. Imagine being able to just walk through a shop door without having to muck about trying to go in backwards so as to push the door open with your bum first! Many women find it just as comforting for them as for baby to have what basically amounts to a constant cuddle. There is nothing more relaxing than a sleeping baby, and it’s hard to be miserable or stressed about anything when there’s something that peaceful and beautiful quietly snoring on your chest. Carrying your baby in a sling is a fantastic way to ensure a really close bond. You can make great eye contact from a very young age, and the physical closeness is really great for growth and development. It’s a well documented fact that being close to their mums allows babies to better regulate their breathing and heart rate. Also being so close to mum for long stretches of time aids with attachment and feeling secure, something all babies need. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s entirely possible to feed baby while in the sling - and get on with your day while you’re doing it! Obviously you can’t do this while your baby is still tiny

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images: K

and needs to be held still - but once he is big enough to make a grab for you, give it a try. Suddenly, you’ll no longer be stuck to the couch every time the baby needs feeding! Many babies will nap for longer, and with better quality sleep, when being carried in a sling. This can be great if you’ve got one that doesn’t really enjoy sleeping and is maybe a bit grouchy with it. A lot of mums find that once they start regularly carrying baby in a sling, their night time sleeping improves as well. Less crying! A study in 1986 found that babies who were worn regularly cried 43% less, and 54% less during the evening. This is most likely because their need for physical contact is being met - so they have no need to cry. What better way to lose the baby weight, than to carry an increasingly-heavy weight around? Trust me on this; if you’re wearing your baby, you will burn a lot more calories with your daily wander around the

shops! A word on sling choice: When baby is really small, a stretchy, wrap-type sling is usually the cosiest option. A stretchy wrap is essentially a long piece of fabric that you tie around yourself and slot baby into. Don’t be put off by the idea of having to learn to tie them - it’s no more complicated than tying shoe laces and they are really comfy and cosy for newborns. There are also several different ways to carry baby with these slings. As your child gets bigger, a more structured sling may be more beneficial to you. I would advise doing some research before you make any purchases, as there are always new studies coming out as to which is the best type. One that always seems to come out with five stars in reviews though is the Ergo, which can be used from birth with an infant insert. Ring slings are essentially a large piece of cloth with two rings attached to one end. These are great

BABY WEARING Many people who choose to wear their babies can’t wait for the day they’re big enough to be outward facing and see everything that’s going on. Bear in mind though, that when facing outwards, your baby has little control over what’s going on, and no way to shield themselves from a constant onslaught of sights, sounds, smells, and well-meaning adults looming in to say “coochy coo!” They also have nowhere to rest their heads if they are tired and may be thoroughly scared by the whole situation. Also with an outwardfacing carry, your baby’s weight will be leaning out in front of you, rather than in toward you - so it can be hard to maintain for longer periods of time. If you’ve had a C-section then baby wearing will be a nono until you’ve had the all-clear from the doctors. One last thing: Invest in lots of small muslin squares or cloths! Whether you’ve a sicky baby or not, Murphy’s Law dictates that baby will wait until strapped to your chest before depositing part of that last feed on your boobs! Constant changes of clothes (and bra!) can be avoided by placing a cloth over your chest before wearing your baby! Resources: Some good websites www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk www.babywearinginternational.org www.ukslinglibraries.wordpress.com www.attachmentparenting.org

Books: Mayim Bialik - Beyond the Sling (yes, Amy from Big Bang Theory is a massive proponent of baby wearing) William Sears, Martha Sears et al: The Baby Book (this will tell you everything you need to know about attachment parenting and has a great section on baby wearing)

Kim Wright Photography

to use when your baby becomes a toddler and wants to walk everywhere… but gets tired legs half way around the shops! A lot of people use them from birth too as they are perfect for carrying tiny sleeping babies close to you. As your child gets older (heavier!) you can switch from carrying them on your front to your back. This will be easier on you, and means your toddler can see where you’re going as well! Always check when you buy your sling that it is suitable for back carries! A good baby sling can be expensive (though not as expensive as a new push chair!) so it’s worth speaking to your local sling library, and trying out a few before you make a decision. If there’s no sling library near you, don’t be afraid to approach women at your local children’s centre or mother and baby group; many women are so enthusiastic about their own choice of sling they’ll happily let you try it out and see how you get on! Safety with baby carriers: As a general rule, it is advised that while a baby’s hip joints are forming and hardening - which is at least up to the first year - they should be carried with their thighs supported, knees held higher than the hips and only the lower legs dangling. Think kind of like a frog’s legs. Always look for this support when purchasing any type of sling.

Are you pregnant and want to keep your baby happy and still be hands free? Babywearing could be for you! babies cry 45% less Carried you read your babies cues ItItshelps great for hip and spine development It helps feel safe It helps baby reduce flat head syndrome We are the first magazine of it’s kind that promotes babywearing.

Available to download PAGE TITLE TODAY!

CAN WE SELFIE TOO MUMMY?

o o t e i f l e s e w n ca mummy? Gemma & Jay

Hewitt & Francesca

Micheal

ppy Gracie & Po

Della Evans & Edward

Kimberly, Chantelle & Jayden

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Jacob Alfrey

VFTS COMPETITION

n i W

GIANT MINI-BEAST CRAYONS

HOW TO ENTER

All entries must be made via social media, but only choose one type! Facebook: All you have to do is go to our Facebook page, like the photo of the item you want to win and SHARE it with your friends. Don’t forget to like the Mini Picasso Crayons Facebook page too to spread the love! Twitter: All you have to do is retweet the picture of the prize you would like to win for you and your little one and then tweet us to let us and your friends know you have entered! Instagram: Follow us on Instagram and like the picture of the prize you want to win. Send us a comment to spread the love!

Celebrate spring and take part in our competition. This issue there will be TWO winners! Up for grabs are these fantastic Giant Mini-Beast crayons from Mini Picasso’s Crayons (RRP £10.50) And this set of painted and personalised photo blocks for you and your little one from Too Precious to Forget.

ENTRIES CLOSE AT 10 PM ON THE 1ST JUNE The winner will be drawn and announced via our website. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest exciting competitions, news and updates.

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Express Yourself is a new blog which is working together with Visit from the Stork to support mothers with information on Breastmilk and expressing.