Absolutely Mama July/August 2017 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

J U LY / AU G U S T 2 01 7 I S S U E N I N E • £ 3 .9 5

P E A R L LOW E From rebel to country girl

TH E B I G M OV E Life after London

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

S LE E P S P E C IA L No more tears at bedtime

Mama ISSUE NINE • JULY / AUGUST 2017 MAMA_June_July17_COVER_UK_2.indd 2

Mini Me Style HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

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with the

New Cosatto Wow

Anna with Wow. The ultimate pram and pushchair. Shown in Fjord. See the full collection at cosatto.com

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HELLO. WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Available online or in store:

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A carrier?

B slinger ?

C wrapper?

IT TAKES ALL SORTS! WMM.indd 2

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mama WELCOME

contents J U LY

AUGUST 2017

84 12

AGENDA Mama loves

High summer fashion and the perfect tent for festivals

New books

Fab new books for littles

20 Interview

Isla Fisher talks to Mama about motherhood and her writing

ESSENTIALS 23 City slicker

A super slick city buggy

24 On the move

Travel essentials for babies

ON THE COVER: Dolce & Gabanna Mini Me Collection Summer 2017 dolcegabbana.com

30 Car seats

New rules mean it's a good time to brush up your knowledge

MAMAHOOD 34 Beauty sleep

Can a sleep consultant mend broken nights?

38 Pearl Lowe

Talks fashion and family

FASHION 46 Mama fashion Get set for summer

48 Mini Me

Ways to try the trend

12 70 Weaning recipes From Annabel Karmel

HOME & INTERIORS 76 Scandi styling Get the look

78 Life after London How to move to the country

TRAVEL 84 Tenerife

A fab family hotel

54 The making of us

RESOURCES 92 Expert advice

WELLNESS 64 Private practice

98 Education

Clary & Peg

We look at the diff erent options for private maternity care

Combating nappy rash and new recipe ideas

Th e advantages of learning in two languages

July / August 2017

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360° of spin. 360° of snuggles. meet spin 360™

easy in, buckle and spin

easy out and about

I’m a 360˚ turning traveller that spins front, back, and in between because everything should make trips and transitions easier. I snuggle up to 18kg facing rearward or forward because everything should make life safer.

simply brilliant. LY

PRIMA BABY

FO RM

Available from Argos, Babies R Us, Halfords, Kiddicare, Mothercare, Smyths, Very.co.uk and all good independent nursery retailers.

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mama WELCOME HOLLY AND FREYA

Editor’s

LETTER 2

lmost all of us will be heading off somewhere this summer – and Amen to that. Those with pre-schoolers or tinies will be making the most of travelling before the chaos of the school holiday season, while parents with little ones at school have to wait until later. Wherever you’re going, from the Wild West to Wales, we hope you have fun – family holidays are a great chance to reconnect and take a breath. Bearing all this in mind, we’ve picked out some of the best SS17 fashion for littles, and the most useful items for your holiday list. Mini me fashion has been around for years, and whether you love it or hate it, it can be hard to avoid. Summertime is all about having fun, though, so we hope our fashion shoot shows you relaxed ways you can have a go yourself. Finally, we’ve crammed our Mamahood section with women who’ve been inspiring us lately, from Natalie Lee to Michelle Kennedy and Pearl Lowe. Whether you’re reading this on a sun lounger in the Seychelles or stuck in the seasonal Cornish traffic crush, we hope you’re taking some time to be good to yourselves, and we hope you enjoy the issue.

HOLLY KIRKWO OD E DITOR

@h.kirkwood holly@zest-media.com

7 Things we love this month

1 Social apps connecting local mamas p.42 2 Our pick of the best new books for all ages p.18 3 Baby-Led Weaning recipes p.70 4 The low down on buying the right car seat p.30 5 How sleep consultants can change your life p.34 6Summer style for mamas p.46 7 Summer fashion for littles gets adventurous p.58

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Contributors Read about some of the women who helped to create this issue - we are inspired by them all

MIRIAM CAREY

After reading Psychology at Reading University Miriam moved to London, and is now on a mission to try out all the ballet and barre classes in the city @mjoycarey

The Magazine For Stylish Mums Editor: HOLLY KIRKWOOD Contributing Editor: APPHIA MICHAEL Commercial Director: LEAH DAY Commercial Manager: ROCHELLE STREATER Marketing Manager: NEFELI KRITIKOU Art Director: PHIL COUZENS Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN Production Manager: CHRIS COUCHMAN Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI PA to the Directors: KERRY HOLLINGSWORTH Directors: GREG HUGHES & ALEXANDRA HUNTER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: holly@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: rochelle@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: nefeli@zest-media.com Part of the

APPHIA MICHAEL

Contributing Editor Apphia continues her work writing, editing and styling, despite the sleep debt she's accrued from her second baby's first year. We salute her. @apphia___

197-199 City Road, London EC1V 1JN, UK FACT M.E FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O Box 769328, Abu Dhabi UAE

LON DON OFFICE : ABU DHABI OFFICE:

zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

@ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A

absolutely-mama.co.uk ALICE WHITEHEAD

Freelance journalist and mum Alice loves writing about natural health, and her stunning flower-filled Instagram feed could give Chelsea Flower Show a run for its money. @allotmentalice

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Absolutely Mama supports

Download the Absolutely Mama app to discover, learn and share the latest MAMA trends and news.

12/06/2017 15:01

NEW ORGANIC BABY BEDDING AND SLEEPWEAR RANGE

Love grows here

Supporting the

thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No.294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885)

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E High summer fashion and the perfect luxury tent for your travels

Sunny side up

La Coq u et a The summer swimwear range from La Coqueta features pretty one pieces, little bikinis and fun trunks for little ones. The range of styles offers something to suit every little adventurer’s summer plans. lacoquetakids.com

GET TROPICAL Kenzo

Made with soft, woven cotton twill, this beautiful jumpsuit is cool and lightweight. It’s a perfect piece of summer gear which is also pleasingly on-trend with its tropical design. £73 childrensalon.com

By heart

Hea r t s h a p e d p uz z le Made from environmentally friendly rubber wood, each block is beautifully made and completely unique: follow the designs from the illustration sheet or stride out and indulge your imagination. £44 olivelovesalfie.co.uk

Artistic licence

Mou n s er Inspired by modern artists Miro and Noguchi, this latest collection from the New York jeweller feels sculptural with its use of asymmetry, balance, proportion and movement. £190. Libertylondon.com

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ma m a LOVES

ANIMAL MAGIC Forty Winks

Each print from Forty Winks is deliberately stylised by offsetting the printing plates and applying textures for a retro look; and each one can be personalised. We can't choose between our favourites: the giraffe, the penguin and the rabbit. Help! lobellaloves.com

Foxy lady

Don s j e Littles love the independence of packing their own bag (even if it's just filled with crayons and stickers). These cute animal designs are made with fine attention to detail. They also make fantastic presents. €45. donsje.com

Around the clock Hi p pyc h i c k Rocking horses are so 2016. This rocking unicorn, on the other hand, fits perfectly with 2017's obsession with the mythical beast. Stable and completely safe, it even comes with a seatbelt (!) for enthusiastic users. £99.95 hippychick.com

Star Bell tent

B o uti q ue C a mp i n g Made from 100% breathable cotton, this romantic canvas tent comfortably sleeps six grown ups, so there is plenty of room for a family group. With its integrated mosquito net you can take it anywhere from the Wild West to Wilderness. £669 boutiquecamping.com

On the go

T H OR A backpack is an essential for any mama on the go, and this nude number from Thor is super handy. With carefully designed compartments for everything you could possibly need, it's also comfortable to wear. £275 kerikit.com

r’s editock pi

Pip pip

S q ui d g e a n d p i p Expertly designed to complement baby’s development, and help soothe and relieve teething gums, these teethers also come beautifully packaged, and with their own handy travel pouch. £20 squidgeandpip.com

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Meet Meet Meet Meet the new the new thethe newnew

PACE PACE PACE PACE

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Available a range of colours Available in a in range of colours Available in a range of colours Available in a range of colours

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is for living lifelife is for living lifelife is for living is for living HAUCK.indd 1

www.icoo.de www.icoo.de www.icoo.de www.icoo.de info@hauckuk.com

info@hauckuk.com info@hauckuk.com info@hauckuk.com +44 (0)1978 664362 +44 (0)1978 664362 +44 (0)1978 664362 +44 (0)1978 664362

iCoo.de iCoo.de iCoo.de iCoo.de 12/06/2017 12:03

agenda

S U M M E R FA M I LY F U N p . 16 • B E ST N E W R E A D S FO R LI T T LE S p . 18 I S L A F I S H E R TA LK S B O O K S A N D W R I T I N G p . 2 0

Sleepwalk with dinosaurs 21 July; 11 August Natural History Museum

Surely the dream sleepover for dinosaur fans: little ones set up camp for the night and take part in a dino-adventure. Then it's bedtime, for those who can sleep, followed by a live animal show and a yummy breakfast in the morning. nhm.ac.uk

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W H AT ’ S ON Two spectacular space adventures, and get your littles outdoors this summer

3 AN I MAL AC TIVITI E S Get hands on with wildlife in London for the summer holidays

Wildlife Ranger 22nd july - 3rd September London Wetland Centre

Grab your little one’s welly boots and a net, and discover wetland wildlife this summer. Go pond dipping, and get them logging all their fi nds in their logbook. WWT.org.uk

Mini Keepers Year-round Battersea Park Children's Zoo

Get up close and personal with the animals, from wildcats to kune kune pigs and ring tailed coatis. Mini keepers get to feed the animals and much more. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Mama pick

Boldly Go Until 3rd September  Royal Observatory Greenwich

Searching here and searching there, where oh where, is the Great Big Bear? Get the whole family involved and let Ted the Teddy Bear take you on a voyage of the Solar System, looking for the Great Big Bear in the sky. Expect interactivity, music, and rhyme in this special planetarium show for the little ones. rmg.co.uk 16

Country girl 15th and 16th July Lambeth country show

Country really does meet city every year at this eclectic event. Meet sheepdogs and owls, admire the fruit and flower displays, and get down to some serious tunes. lambethcountryshow.co.uk

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agenda

WHAT'S ON

Top Show

Please Sir…

17th July- 5th August Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

If you do one thing this summer make it be going to see this adaption of Charles Dickens classic. Created for everyone aged six and over, this fun version of Oliver Twist takes you straight into the world of Fagin and his gang of pickpockets in Victorian London, in this spectacular setting. openairtheatre.com

OUT OF THIS WORLD

BUBBLE LONDON

Permanent Science Museum

16th+17th July Business Design Centre

oin Tim Peake on his dangerous journey from out of space back down to earth. Leave the International Space Station in the Soyuz spacecraft and travel 400km through orbit at a speed of 25,000 km. Th is thrilling 360° immersive experience created especially for the science museum is breathtaking, and apparently scarily close to the real thing. sciencemuseum.org.uk

this year Absolutely Mama is a media sponsor for Bubble London. A unique, edited line-up of kid’s fashion, accessories, gifts and homeware brands, Bubble is the twice annual trade show which gets everyone talking. Industry insiders all come to be inspired, hear about the latest trends and ideas and to swap stories. We'll be there all weekend, so pop by to see us if you can! bubblelondon.com

3 PYO farms to visit C ROC K FO R D B R I D G E FAR M

Surrey • June- October

GAR SO N S

With over 20 different varieties of fruit and vegetable you can stock up your fridge with produce of the highest quality. Then go home and make crumble! crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk

This 150 acre farm is such fun to explore, after which you can then get down to business. Choose from whatever looks best on the day, from strawberries to runner beans and even stunning sunflowers. garsons.co.uk

Surrey • May-September

H O M E COT TAG E FAR M

Buckinghamshire • until November

There is so much more to see here than apple trees; as you explore the farm’s fruit orchards make sure to keep an eye out for the resident bees, bats and hedgehogs. homecottagefarm.co.uk

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Best new

BOOKS

Get littles into pizza making, and a fun app explores the animal kingdom W o r d s H O L LY K I R K W O O D

H OT STU F F PIZZA by Lotta Nieminen

F LY I N G H I G H KING OF THE SKY by Nicola Davies and Laura Carlin

Th is Amnesty-endorsed book tells a heart-wrenching story about a boy who has started life in a new country, and befriends an old man who races Pigeons. With incredible illustration and a moving narrative this book will stay with you and your children way after you’ve put it down. £12.99  walker.co.uk

The simple language and interactive features of Pizza! make it a perfect introduction to the kitchen. The illustrations make the recipe easy to understand, while sturdy pages are perfect for little hands, and will stand up to repeated ‘cooking’. £9.95 uk.phaidon.com

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agen d a

BOOKS

editor's pick

Sleep tight BEAU AND ROOSTER

Comfortable clothes and imaginative prints go hand in hand with the use of high quality super-soft GOTS certified organic cotton at this ethical pyjama label started last year by three dads. Prints are a mash up of colour, contrast and fit and we love how soft they are. From €34 beauandrooster.com

TURN IT UP DOLCE AND GABANNA

Made in smooth-feel nylon with leather trims, this stereo player backpack has a pleasingly retro look. Super useful for daytrips on holiday, it's also going to make a cool new schoolbag come autumn. £395 store.dolcegabbana.com

WELL RED TROTTERS

This pretty summer dress will take up no space in the suitcase, but we promise it will be a holiday staple. Light and airy, we just love the depth of the red, and the pretty flower detail. Do they make an adult size? £40 trotters.co.uk

Party time ST YLEBOXE

This new service provides complete décor solutions for special occasions. From table linen and centrepieces to balloons and bunting, just choose your party theme, and they'll deliver it all. styleboxe.com

Hats off LALA AND POM

This lustworthy Trilby hat comes hand-finished with two tulle pompoms and looks great on a beach or at home. Happily, there’s also a limited edition range for bigger kids (if you fancy doing a mini me). £22 lobellaloves.com

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t's stressful enough getting your car seat knowlege up to scratch at the best of times, but changes to the law in February mean it's a good time to do some revision - the new rules affect all children up until the age of 12.

The basics of car seats The first thing you need to know is that in the UK all children need to use a car seat from birth until 12 years old (or until they are 135cm tall). The seat needs to meet EU standards, and your child needs to be in the correct category seat for their age and size. Their purpose is to provide a protective shell to prevent littles from being hit by bits of car or debris in a crash, and to protect them by distributing the pressure from an impact across the baby’s body: in an infant, the strongest part of the body is the back. This is why babies and younger children should be in a rear-facing infant carrier or child car seat for as long as possible.

How has the law changed?

Need to know

Car seats &

THE LAW New laws came into effect earlier in the year. Make sure you're up to date Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D & M I R I A M C A R E Y

Since last February car seat manufacturers are no longer allowed to produce backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg. Seats with backs are deemed safer as they offer better side impact protection. Models that are currently in the marketplace can continue to be sold and any existing seats you own can still be used in accordance with government guidelines, provided they have the standard safety mark ECE R44.

Car seat groups All child car seats are categorised according to either a child’s weight or height. Some seats span more than one weight group, and seem good value because they’ll last your child for longer. However, we think it's worth bearing in mind there's a big difference between a 9kg baby and a 36kg child. GROUP 0 Group 0 is a rear-facing baby carrier with a harness, and suitable up to around 9 months. GROUP 0+ Rear-facing seats with a carry handle suitable from birth up to 13kg. Many models can be used with Isofix fittings, so you don’t need to use a seatbelt

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essentials

to secure the seat, and many babies love their car seats and fall asleep in them. GROUP1 A Group 1 car sear is suitable from 9kg to 18kg, or roughly 9 months to 4 years – and will be forward facing. GROUP 1/2 A group 1/2 combination takes you from 9kg up to 25 kg, which is roughly 9 months to five or six years-old and is forward facing. GROUP 1/2/3 A Group 1/2/3 car seat goes all the way from 9kg to 36kg or when the child is 135cm tall, or around 12 years old. Forward facing it has its own integral harness. GROUP 2/3 Group 2/3 car seats are highbacked booster seats which face forward and are approved for use from 15kg—36kg.

Choosing a baby car seat

T O P C A R S E AT S

You first need to decide what sort of car seat you need: do you want an infant carrier that can be used as part of a travel system on a pushchair, or not? You also need to decide whether to install an Isofix connector, or use the seatbelt or a base. It’s generally safer to leave a baby rear-facing until they are at least 13kg or 15 months old. Previously, many parents were too fast to turn their children forward-facing. Now experts maintain all children should face backwards for as long as possible - children's necks are particularly at risk when they are very small.

G RO U P 0 +

CAR SE ATS

Car seat buying tips

You get what you pay for, although the most expensive seats aren’t always the best ones Never buy second hand car seats For a newborn, make sure the car seat is fitted prior to putting the baby in for the first time . There are lots of online tutorials you can watch to make sure you’re getting it right! Most manufacturer’s websites have info around compatability with cars W H AT I S I S I Z E ?

i-Size is the European-wide standard for car seats which is being phased in slowly, but will eventually be the UK-wide standard. With an i-Size car seat little ones stay rear facing up to 15 months. Sizes are based on the child’s height rather than their weight, which makes it easier to figure out which seat you need for your child. W H AT I S I S O F I X ?

Isofix are fixed points within your vehicle’s seats that can be used to attach your child’s car seat. The benefit of Isofix is that it’s easier for parents to be confident they have the correct fit, than when they use a three point seat belt to secure a car seat. All cars produced after 2011 are equipped with Isofix points.

G RO U P 1

Toddler car seats Extended rear-facing car seats are becoming more common . You'll have to decide between a Group 1/2 seat and a group 1/2/3 or 2/3 seat. Most parents opt for the car seat which best suits their vehicle, taking into account how many other children need to be accommodated: seats in some groups are considerably larger than others.

G RO U P 2 / 3

I S IZ E

Ma xi Cosi Pebble Plus • £199

Cybex Juno • £180

Brita x Romer Kidf i x XP Sict • £185

Joie Every Stage FX Group • £250

A lightweight rear-facing infant carrier that’s i-size approved and provides plenty of support. Easily installed with isofix or the seat belt, use until the age of one.

A forward facing car seat for children around 9-18kg, the Juno is a light seat that is easy to install, using an adult seatbelt or isofix. The seat is roomy, with comfortable padding.

A forward-facing car seat for children between 15-36kg. Attached with adult seat belts or isofix mounts, it suits larger vehicles and provides a comfortable ride.

This every group child seat from 9-36kg starts rearward facing then converts to a forward facing seat. It has isofix-only installation and is a great all-rounder.

johnlewis.com

britax.co.uk

uk.joiebaby.com

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W W W. N I N E I N TH E M I RRO R. CO M 3 .1 P HILLIP L I M • AL E X AN D E R WAN G • L AN V I N • M I SSO N I • VAL E N TI N O • AN D M ANY MOR E

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mamahood S LE E P T R A I N I N G : D O E S I T WO R K? p . 3 4 • I N T E RV I E W: P E A R L LOW E p . 3 8 M A M A G E T S S O C I A L W I T H P E A N U T FO U N D E R M I C H E LLE K E N N E DY p .4 2

Style warrior WARRIORWOMAN

You will know Natalie Lee from Style Me Sunday, a platform she is now using for her amazing #WARRIORWOMAN project, designed to inspire and empower all mamas, no exceptions. @stylemesunday

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“RUNNI NG ON E MPTY WI TH A LMOST A Y E A R OF B ROKE N SLE E P U N D E R O U R BE LTS , WE T URNED TO A S LE E P CO N S U LTA N T ”

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mamah o o d

SLEEP CONSULTANTS

The Baby doth

PROTEST What do you do when your little night owl just won't sleep? Child sleep consultants are becoming increasingly popular: Apphia Michael finds out why Wo r d s A P P H I A M I C H A E L

0 pm and there it is - the all-toofamiliar whimper-like arpeggios that signal the first movement in our son’s nightly waking symphony. At ten months old, our breastfed-on-demand baby is waking multiple times with alarming precision. The only way to stop baby B’s cries from hitting a deafening crescendo is by feeding him back to sleep, after which, alas, the cycle repeats itself after a couple of hours. The sleep-deprived hangover from the constant shuffle between our bed and the cot is only amplified by daily efforts to keep up with our three-year-old toddler, whose bunny-like energy knows no bounds (thankfully, she is a perfect sleeper at night). Running on empty with almost a year of broken sleep under our belts, my husband and I have turned to child sleep consultant Sofie Petts-Sabine for help, who assures us that her methods will have baby B nodding off happily on his own, and give him the tools to be able to resettle himself with ease. A certified member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants and

founder of the aptly named ShutEye, selfprofessed ‘sleep geek’ Sofie offers parents a range of services and various levels of support, from self-learning video masterclasses to house visits. We sign up to her two-week ‘Sleep Success VIP’ plan which includes check-in phone calls and daily text messaging support. I immediately feel we are in good hands. Unlike some proponents of the rigid ‘cry it out’ method, Sofie is a mum

who herself experienced sleep deprivation with her firstborn before discovering the transformative effects of sleep training on her family. She is a keen believer that sleep is key to a child’s development and wellbeing and thus should be seen as top priority. Most importantly, she understands that babies are people and not machines. Five minutes into our initial Skype consultation, Sofie has gently highlighted one of the reasons for our nightly wakeup calls - by feeding baby B every time he wakes for fear he might be hungry, I have unwittingly programmed him to associate sleep with feeding, which he now uses as a comfort mechanism. We also learn that consistency is key. Frustrated by the frequency with which baby B has been demanding night feeds, we have been deploying our best shushing, patting and rocking techniques some nights, but relenting and feeding him to sleep on others, sending him mixed messages in the process and augmenting his inability to consistently settle himself to sleep independently. After an in-depth conversation and a detailed sleep questionnaire, which delves July / August 2017 | 35

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into everything from our parenting style and beliefs to what we are and aren’t comfortable with, Sofie emails us the bespoke plan she has created for baby B. She then painstakingly talks us through it over the phone, taking the time to make sure we are comfortable and confident before starting. I remark with relief that the plan allows for plenty of reassurance and touch. "There are so many things that can be done to support children to sleep", Sofie remarks of her ‘mix it up’ approach to using various methods, none of which require us to 'cry it out'. Th is is not to say that there isn’t an element of crying involved, but a strong emphasis is placed on

The Top Baby

SLEEP AIDES The Swaddle

ADEN + ANAIS Swaddling doesn’t work for everyone, but those who use it swear by it, and once you’ve learned the technique, it can be a lifechanger. These pretty swaddles from aden + anais are ideal for the job. adenandanais.com

“ TH INK OF BABY B'S SLE E P AS A JIGSAW PUZZLE . ALL OF THE PIEC E S NE E D TO F IT TOGE THE R .”

a combination of tweaks and improvements to things like his sleep environment, feeding times and bedtime routine. "Th ink of baby B’s sleep as jigsaw puzzle. All of the pieces need to fit together in the correct order for you to see the picture," says Sofie. We get started with a structured yet flexible routine, working with his circadian rhythms and putting him down at specific times to catch the window in which full restorative sleep is optimised. Whenever he wakes at night, we employ the soothing techniques Sofie laid out, until we can comfort him with our voices alone. Baby B quickly makes progress and after just a few weeks is sleeping through the night from 6.30pm to 6.30am. Just as Sofie promised, he now goes down happily awake in his cot, before falling asleep on his own. As for disrupted sleep? It is now a thing of the past and our happy, contented baby is a self-soothing superstar. Our wish for night after night of unbroken sleep has been miraculously granted and it is all thanks to our sleep genie Sofie. shuteye .co .uk

SLEEP CONSULTANTS

THE MONITOR

BEABA This cool new monitor is the whole package. With vox muting technology it lights up when there is noise, which means less disturbance for mum and dad. £40 beaba.com

THE DOLL THE LULLA DOLL After selling out in just days last year, The Lulla Doll is back - the breathing and heartbeat sounds keep babies calm and relaxed all through the night. £38.50. johnlewis.com

The Matress

COCOONABABY STAR The Cocoonababy makes the transition to sleep for newborns as easy as possible. Its special shape helps tinies to feel relaxed, cradling the baby gently and firmly, encouraging them into slumber £130 johnlewis.com

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Lowe Down The

Mama talks to designer Pearl Lowe about her journey from rebel to country girl, and her latest collection for Selfish Mother Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D

earl Lowe only just realised she’s come full circle. As it turns out, her passion for fashion began when she was in primary school and designed a collection for her mum’s London boutique. “It was mostly sweatshirts, with weird things hanging off them," she explains. "They were hilarious, but mum saw potential there; she always said I had an eye. It’s funny - I got into music so young I’d completely forgotten about that collection, but it turns out fashion was my first love after all.” Her journey back to designing clothes was indeed a roundabout one, along a bumpy road. Utterly seduced by the music world, Pearl spent her latter teenage years fronting the Britpop band Powder, which led her into a world of booze and drugs from which she wouldn’t emerge for a decade. With one (brief) marriage and a daughter under her belt, she had lived enough for anyone twice her age by the time she was 20. She puts her behaviour down to her rebellious spirit: “I was such a London girl; I was brought up in Harrow and then we moved to Maida Vale when I was 14. I went to school in Chelsea and mum and dad both worked in fashion

but our upbringing was geared towards professional careers. I suppose I was kicking against that." Her brothers are both super successful lawyers, while Pearl always felt like the black sheep, and turned down a place at Goldsmiths to join the band: “Suddenly we were on tour with The Verve. It was mad, and just snowballed. Then I had Daisy so young, but I was still a bit lost. I’d go off on tour and my parents would end up looking after the baby most of the time, because all I knew was singing and that’s what I wanted to do.” After a couple of crazy years, Pearl met Danny Goffey, the drummer in mega indie band Supergrass, and after that her life started to make a bit more sense. Despite being just 21, and in one of the biggest bands in the country, Danny also felt the need for some stability in his life. Happy to become a father to Daisy, he and Pearl quickly set up home in Camden. What followed was ten amazing years of success and socialising, as well as expanding their family: “I’m a very sociable person - I end up giving everything 110%, whatever it is,” Pearl explains. And the group she was a part of just happened to be one of the most hedonistic in London's hedonistic history. Her book All That Glitters, which came out in 2007, when Pearl was still in early recovery from her addiction, sets out in vivid

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mamah o o d PE ARL

LOWE

“I ' M A V E RY SO C IAB L E P E RSO N - I E ND UP GIVING IT 110% WH ATEV E R I T IS ”

PEARL NOW WORKS IN FASHION AND INTERIOR DESIGN, IN LONDON AND SOMERSET

July / August 2017 | 39

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is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

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mamah o o d PE ARL

PEARLS LATEST PIECES WERE PERFECT FOR FESTIVALS

detail just how bad things became by the end. After a while the party people turned out – as is so often the case – not to be as great in the cold, sober light of day. “I needed to get away” Pearl says, plainly. And having survived juggling a career, a wild social life and having three children in London in what sounds like pretty chaotic circumstances, the couple decided on a clean break, and moved out first to Hampshire, and then on to Somerset. And life in the country has turned out to be far from quiet. Pearl and Danny may have lost touch with most of their old London crowd, but their social life locally is is demanding: “I don’t get back into London very often any more,” she muses. “There is too much happening here, from dinners to summer parties, or openings. There is such a great community of creative people living here, we find it really inspiring.” In fact, being a local was how she got involved her current project, a collection of the capes from her Petit Pearl Lowe label made for Selfish Mother's FMLY Store. It seems that the whole project came together very organically: “I had really enjoyed my work with drug charity Crisis, and I just woke up one morning thinking ‘I’ve got to do something, but I don’t know what [for charity]." Literally that day a mutual friend took her down to the FMLY store in nearby Bruton and Pearl and Molly got on like a house on fire. The pieces are selling fast, with 10% of every purchase going to the charity Tommy's. “I loved every minute of it, and Molly and I are dying to do more work together." Pearl's other creative outlet is as an interior designer. She helps people to achieve a look she's become known for, which she describes as “Totally vintage,

LOWE

faded glamour and imperfect: I like things which are a bit broken. I am always buying heaps of old rubbish because I know I can make it look fantastic, with the right care and attention, and put in the right place.” This work also scratches an itch which saves her family stress: We’ve been in this house since February, and I am not joking I have already looked at another property… poor Daisy says we’ve moved 18 times since she was born. But that’s how I learned to do the job: buying a house I love, doing it up and making it perfect. But then it’s done and I’m ready to move on.” Their present family home is a classic Georgian 11-bedroom house in Frome, with handsome proportions and heavenly views. Will she stay put finally, once she's finished doing it up? “We all love this house. I think even if Danny and I left, the kids would refuse to move again…” Having her children around on her journey from wild child to country girl was important for Pearl and they are all still a really tight unit despite the boys growing up fast: Alfie is now 21 and Frankie is 18, while Betty the baby and just 11. Shutting the door on the rest of the world and spending time as a family is what they all love doing. “It’s the most amazing thing to be a mum – it teaches you so much. And I’m so ready to be a grandma!” No pressure then, Daisy.

“SO MERS ET IS S U C H A N INS P IRING P L AC E TO B E L IVING AND WO RKIN G”

THE CAPES WERE A HUGE SUCCESS FROM LAUNCH

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L The

Social

NETWORKER

Absolutely Mama talks to Michelle Kennedy, founder of social app for mums Peanut Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D

ike so many of us, Michelle Kennedy went into motherhood guilelessly, not really knowing what to expect, but assuming everything would work itself out/fall into place/ come together. And her experience, like so many of ours, was a shock to the system. An enormously successful businesswoman, Michelle had started her career as a lawyer working at online dating company Badoo, and witnessed the exponential growth of Tinder, followed quickly by a huge number of dating apps. The leap from websites to apps happened fast in the dating world, and she had a front row seat. Having worked her way up to Deputy CEO at Badoo she’d then gone on to serve on the board of Bumble, an app which put the girl in the driving seat. Leaving work for maternity leave was a shock. The transition from the fast-pace world of startups, developing apps which connect people, to being at home alone with her baby was far from smooth, and Michelle found she was lonely: “When I imagined being a mum I hadn’t really thought through the isolation part,” she explains. “There isn’t a rulebook for babies and working out the best ways to cope with all my son's needs myself was a struggle." “I didn’t have any friends who had a baby, and the NCT route just didn’t work out in terms of new pals, so I was left at home with a very young baby, and I found filling the hours in the day very difficult." When Michelle returned to work she started to wonder why there wasn't an app to help mums to connect: “I spent a lot of time wondering why I’d felt so isolated, when there are online forums, and Whatsapp and Facebook groups, so I looked at the market and it turned out that nobody had made the leap from the web to apps for social connections. Which seemed crazy: why shouldn’t we meet likeminded people, the way we meet dates, on our mobiles?’ “It’s against the social norms to be in your thirties and to feel lonely but a little hello or a message can change your day enormously,” she maintains. “It made sense to explore the idea of female connections and the tech was all there so we decided to give it a go.”

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mamah o o d

we get it wrong. I fail almost every day, from forgetting the money for a school trip to missing an email. But we need to realise that the expectations of what we can deliver as mums are often too high. If we spent more time being kind to ourselves, then everyone will be happier." The most important thing about Peanut for Michelle is that it’s been built to help women support each other; and longer term she'd like to be part of the conversations around everything from mental health to postpartum care. For the moment the brand is looking at careful expansion – they launched in London and New York – and developing the business model. Having raised an impressive amount of funding, the app now needs to generate revenue, but Michelle maintains that whetever happens, connecting on Peanut will always be completely free to users. So watch this space. And if you’re feeling lonely in the middle of a night feed, why not give Peanut a go? Who knows? Your new best friend might be literally around the corner…

“IF WE SPE NT M ORE TI ME BEING K I NDE R TO OURSE LVE S, EVERYONE WOULD BE HAPPI E R ”

Launched earlier this year, the resulting app, Peanut works much the same way Tinder does. It uses a swiping mechanism to connect potential friends. Users sign up, and scroll through profi les, swiping up to wave to another mum, or down to move on. The idea is to match mums with shared interests, and children of the same age. It’s very easy to use – your profi le is linked through Facebook to ensure you are who you say you are – and it feels friendly getting a wave

GET S OCIAL

from another mum when you’re feeling a bit blue, although having tried it out I now harbour a (very British) fear of running into someone I'd swiped down on. In my part of town I’ve had lots of lovely waves, and when I have my next baby I’m hoping to make a few new local buddies. The group chat function means up to ten mums can chat together and even schedule meetups within the app, making it super easy to connect people. Michelle is also aiming at adding a section for mums doing IVF, for instance – so helping people going through the same challenging times. Michelle says users have forged everything from friendships to businesses together and with 500,000 messages exchanged in its fi rst 11 weeks, Peanut has found its feet quickly. In terms of work-life balance, running a startup and having a toddler – who is now three – isn’t easy. She’s juggling a demanding job with family life, like so many of us: "I always make sure I have a whole day at the weekend to really focus on the family – it’s important for me and also for Finn. I don’t want him growing up thinking all we do is stare at our phones all day.” Her husband Richard is also an enormous help. “It’s all about fi nding the right balance, but of course

Top social apps

FOR MUMS PEANUT

Local mamas swipe up and down to find matches, and then arrange everything from a group chat to a much-needed slice of cake in your favourite café. peanut-app.io

HOOP

With thousands of listings across the country you'll find local events for littles of every age and interest. hoop.co.uk

MUSH

A free app for arranging meet-ups with likeminded local mums means you can find people in your area for coffees, playdates or just a chat. letsmush.com

HAPPITY

Happity is a way of finding out about baby and toddler groups in your area – in Beta for South East London and expanding all the time. happity.co.uk

July / August 2017

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M A M A ST Y LE N OT E S p .4 6 • M I N I M E W I T H E N V I E D E F R A I S E p .4 8 T H E M A K I N G O F U S : M A M A TA LK S TO C L A RY & P EG p . 5 4

Capsule collection STORQ

The fantastic Storq basics bundle comprises four luxe essentials to see you through your pregnancy journey. Featuring a dress, leggings, skirt and a tank, it's our latest maternity must-have. storq.com

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6 of the best S U M M E R JAC K E T S ACNE STUDIOS Mock suede jacket £1,300; mytheresa.com

mama

ST Y LE NOTES Light summer jackets and top accessories

T BY ALEXANDER WANG Belted cotton-twill jacket £375; net-a-porter.com

& OTHER STORIES Frilled embroidery denim jacket £69; stories.com

ISABEL MARANT Kelis double-breasted donegal jacket £575; matchesfashion.com

ZARA Embroidered jacket £49.99; zara.com

Keep Cool •ENVIE DE FRAISE•

Summer months can be tough when you're pregnant - the heat makes everything from sleeping to the daily commute a challenge. Happily, pieces like this Elvera dress are light and easy to wear. £69.99 enviedefraise.co.uk TOPSHOP Tall pink elbow ripped jacket £49; topshop.com

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MAMA

SOFTLY SOFTLY •& Other Stories•

With a buttoned front and a classic straight fit, we promise this soft-feel silk shirt will become a wardrobe staple this summer, from work lunches to Wimbledon. £69 stories.com

d Branus Foc

HILLIER BARTLEY The design duo bringing ageless eclecticism to the style stage

PRETTY IN PINK •Uterque•

The joyful dusky peach of these capri style trousers is just the fi rst reason why we love them. They’re also completely versatile, and will serve you as well out for supper in Florence as they will at a garden party – just switch up your shoes. £75 uterque.com

we love

THROW SHADE •Sophie Anderson•

A statement hat with a marvellously wide brim, we feel like Elizabeth Taylor in this gorgeous raffia number; pom poms and pops of colour bring the piece to life. £265 matchesfashion.com

Totes AMAZE Cuyana

or a whole day out you need a bag you can throw everything into: longer and leaner than the classic model, but with the same clean silhouette, this tote is stylish and massively useful. £175; cuyana.com

W HO Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley’s friendship stretches back to 1999, when they worked together on Luella’s eponymous start-up label. Fast forward 14 years and the design duo took New York, securing prestigious roles at Marc by Marc Jacobs: creative director and womenswear design director, respectively. Their accessible yet adventurous designs sent the FROW into paroxysms of delight. When the brand closed in 2015 Hillier and Bartley announced the launch of their own luxury brand: Hillier Bartley, and later that year they debuted their first collection. Two years later - in January 2017 - the label was awarded the acolade of ‘Brand of Tomorrow 2017’ by Walpole. W H AT A fusion of English eccentricity with the edginess of London style, the Hillier Bartley woman has been described “an indie at heart, rakish and irreverent by nature.” The result is an individual, and pleasingly non agespecific aesthetic. For SS17 the brand embraced silk dressing gowns, feather trims and a juxtaposition of high shine fabrics with crisp tailoring. It’s statement-making style for the Kate Moss generation. The it-girl has grown-up (ish). hillierbartley.com

July / August 2017

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Venicia Mum Dress £53,99 Cosima Girl Dress £38,99

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Girl time Being stylish doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always have to be serious: these are mini me dresses you can have fun with this summer enviedefraise .co.uk

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Facing page: Eden Garden Dress €520

Nina Mum Dress £68,99 Cosima Girl Dress £37,99

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Nina Mum Dress £49,99 • Marion Girl Dress £34,99

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Virginia Mum Dress £77,99 • Prune Girl Dress £37,99

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Dalia Mum Dress £48,99 Pia Girl Dress £28,99

Facing page:

Shirt: Valentino – Tropical Print Silk Pyjama Shirt £878 Trousers: Valentino – Tropical Print Silk Trouser £878 Slides: Gianvito Rossi – Frayed Satin Slides £440 This page:

Top: Missoni – Off-theShoulder Knit Top £310 Skirt: Missoni – Pleated Elasticated Skirt £790 Shoes: Proenza Schouler – Fringed Woven Canvas Mules £425

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THE MAKING OF US Maternity clothes that outlast pregnancy? Yes please. This month Mama chatted to Edwina Gieve about how she and Johanna Kociejowski started Clary & Peg, and the inspiration behind their designs. Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: Tell us how it all began? EDWINA GIEVE: We met at an ante-natal class and bonded over our mutual love of vintage styles. Both our mothers were wonderful hoarders so we had inherited a taste for pieces from different eras - their look and their quality. After scouring the shops it seemed there just wasn't anywhere to get the clothes we wanted to wear- and maternity styles in particular. We decided to make pieces that people felt comfortable in but were were also stylish, and, to an extent timeless. AM: What were you both doing previously? EG: I was an actress before I had children, and Johanna was a project manager. AM: How did you take the plunge and launch the brand? EG: We launched under the name In Pig in May 2013. With our families expanding, and our lives getting more demanding by the minute we thought we had to just go for it or we never would find the time. We changed the name when we realised that people were wearing the clothes even when they weren’t pregnant; now make everything with adjustable straps which can be altered as your body changes, whether you’re 'in pig' or not, which is great. AM: Do you launch new pieces constantly? EG: We release two small collections every

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fash ion

PROFILE

EDWINA AND JOHANNA FIND WORKING TOGETHER OFFERS SUPPORT

“OUR MOTHERS WERE BOTH WO NDERFU L HOARDERS SO IT RE AL LY STARTED THERE ”

year. We take our time developing new designs to make sure they are perfect. AM: Where does your design inspiration come from? EG: Both Johanna and I had some fantastic pieces at home which inspired us. It all really started from some vintage dungarees and jumpsuits which had been saved from the late 1970s/early 1980s basically clothes our mums were wearing when we were born! We also looked back at iconic brands like Biba and Ossie Clarke which gave us inspiration for our collections, which we hope aren't dictated too much by passing trends. We like to make clothes which can be worn across the seasons. We're also really inspired by the fabrics we fi nd - when we fi nd something we adore we can get completely fresh ideas from that, although we defi nately have our signature shapes and styles. FIND CLASSIC SUMMER DRESSES IN THEIR SS17 COLLECTION

AM: How has it been working together? EG: We’ve been really lucky that we’re on July / August 2017

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M U T S Y E V O FA R M E R

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PROFILE

“ W E LOVE I T W H E N P EO P L E U P LOA D P ICTU R E S O F THEM MO D E LLI N G THE P IEC E S TO INSTAG RA M ”

LOOSE FLOWING SHAPES GROW WITH YOUR BODY

THE DUNGAREES ARE ALWAYS A BESTSELLER

the same page when it comes to the design, and the same page when it comes to the business as well. I certainly couldn't have done this on my own, without Johanna's support! It helps that, when one of us feels down, the other one is able to pick them up and say ‘come on, we can do it!’. Similarly we give each other some leeway: if I have school assembly, for instance, we just start a little later that day. It makes the work much more possible when you share an understanding which is hard to find in big companies. AM: Which periods most inspire your work? EG: We can be inspired from any period from the 1940s onwards – we will use styles from the 50s, for instance, but choose a really modern colour. Our pink dungarees from SS17 got a lot of attention this year, which was a lovely surprise. You learn you can't always predict what's going to be a hit.

AM: Is sustainability important to the brand? EG: Yes – everything we produce is handmade in Barking in London. We use end of roll fabrics, and make a point of supporting British craftsmanship at every stage of the process. Our clothes are also made to last, to be timeless, and to be reused and passed down, so from that point of view they’re really sustainable. AM: Is it hard balancing everything? EG: Well it’s like having another child! So of course sometimes it’s a struggle. But when you're doing what you really love, and running your own business it's such a pleasure that the hard times seem a lot easier. AM: How has social media helped? EG: Instagram has been a game changer for us, in terms of getting our name out there, and also finding like-minded people to support us. We love it when people upload pictures of them modelling our pieces to

Instagram – having that direct connection to our customers is amazing, and also helpful when it comes to getting feedback. AM: What’s next for the brand? EG: We’d love to keep doing what we are doing – and making more beautiful clothes people can feel comfortable in. Why should pregnancy fashion be so specific, after all? claryandpeg.co .uk July / August 2017 | 57

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6 of the best KIDS SUNGLASSES

kids

FASHION NOTES Cool collaborations and a focus on our favourite Eastender

STELLA MCCARTNEY £110; farfetch.com

Get wild

•Petit Bateau x Deyrolle•

CATH KIDSON £8; cathkidston.com

This clever collab uses iconic pieces from original Deyrolle designs: all the animals and plants featured on these cotton knits are members of protected or endangered species. petit-bateau.co.uk

SONS AND DAUGHTERS $95; wearesonsanddaughters.com

r’s editock i p BEAU LOVES £58, olivelovesalfie.co.uk

SONS AND DAUGHTERS $85; wearesonsanddaughters.com RAY BAN £66; sunglasshut.com ZOOBUG £60; zoobug.com

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KIDS

TROPIC THUNDER •Scotch-Soda•

This summer S&S venture deep into the jungle with super detailed print and green-on-green patterning. Going large on tropical notes, they’ve imagined a lush habitat bursting with print and colour – perfect for summer travels. scotch-soda.com

WHAT MOTHER MADE

GO GLOBAL •Outside the Lines•

Making beautifully tailored clothes for girls affordable, we adore the latest Outside The Lines summer offerings. Inspired by global nomads, they're fresh out of the box for holiday season. outside-the-lines.co.uk

Products and brands to bookmark

we love

STAR TURN •Wild & Gorgeous•

Find relaxed shapes and vibrant colours at Wild & Gorgeous this summer. This tailored shirt comes in a cool orange with teal detail, or the soft khaki colour comes with striking red detail. £27 wildandgorgeous.co.uk

Caped Crusaders

Petit Pearl Lowe x Selfish Mother

hese limited edition capes are bound to be dressing up box staples forever. As an added bonus £10 from every piece goes to charity TOMMY's. £60 • thefmlystore.com

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his London based, handmade childrenswear label blends classic traditional silhouettes with cool, locally sourced fabrics and contrast prints. Started six years ago by Charlotte Denn, the brand grew organically, starting out with a stall at Broadway Market in London. They keep it small: Charlotte carefully cuts and sews each item in her Dalston studio. Designs are inspired by her love of vintage clothes (the website sells these too) – Charlotte also loves finding beautiful fabrics to work with: they source everything locally. The clothes all have a hint of nostalgia, brought into the present by use of colour and print. Meanwhile she doesn’t go mad trying to reinvent the wheel: "People like what we do so we don’t go out of our way to change things every season" For A/W17, though, Charlotte admits she's gone rural: “It’s quite earthy; all a bit 'Down on the Farm',' she explains. whatmothermade.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY london

www.absolutely.london is now live

Your guide to inspirational London living From the team behind Absolutely Magazines

â&#x20AC;˘ APP ADS - MAMA.indd 4

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wellness

B E AU T Y N E WS p .6 2 • R E P O R T: P R I VAT E M AT E R N I T Y C A R E p .6 4 FO O D N OT E S p .6 9 • W E A N I N G R EC I P E S F R O M A N N A B E L K A R M E L p .70

La Dolce Vita  DOLCE AND GABANNA

Combining the pigment of lipstick with the comfort of a balm, Dolce & Gabbana’s new Miss Sicily colour and care lip collection offers the best of both worlds. Each shade has a traditional Sicilian name, such as Rosalia, Concetta or Maria and is set to transport you to the glamour of the rugged Italian coast. harrods.com

July / August 2017 | 61

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mama’s

6 of the best G LY C O L I C A C I D BE AUT Y BUYS

SUPERDRUG Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel 30ml £5.99; superdrug.com

BEAUT Y NOTES Glycolic acid best buys, plus an unexpected night cream hit

3 REN

Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask 50ml £32; spacenk.com

LANCER Retexturing Treatment Cream 50ml £70; Net-a-porter.com

CAUDALIE Glycolic Peel 75ml £22; feelunique.com PETER THOMAS Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturiser 63ml £33.00; cultbeauty.co.uk

Colour Play • Z O E VA •

REVIVE GlycolicRenewal Peel Professional System £190; panachecosmetics.com

Zoe Boikou started out in 2008 selling make-up tools on eBay and ZOEVA now offers a range of 260 products. Luxe yet affordable, the eyeshadow palettes and vegan makeup brushes have gained cult status. zoevacosmetics.com

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welln es s BE AUT Y

SUPER SERUM •Eva & Rose•

We love this whole range, but the anti-stretch mark double action serum is our favourite. It goes on smoothly and provides instant relief from itchy, uncomfortable skin. Easy to apply, it's not too oily, so it won’t ruin your PJs. £34 eve-rose.com/en

we love

CALM CORRECT FACIAL Aesop Richmond Words: Mi ri a m Ca re y

TELLING TALES •& other stories•

Optima Kiss is one of those shades which looks alarming when unwrapped, but on it’s a versatile, ideal summer colour. Pop it on, then your shades, and you'll look instantly put together no matter how shattered you are. £15 stories.com

BEAUTY SLEEP •M&S Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream•

Th is year’s unexpected sellout beauty buy is M&S’s Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream. Packed full of fatigue-fighting ingredients, you'll look like you've had your eight hours – even when you’ve been up all night feeding. You’ve got to try it to believe it. £22 marksandspencer.com

Problems solved May Lindstrom

illed with antioxidant-rich raw cacao, healing bamboo charcoal, and exotic warming spices, The Problem Solver excavates blemishes, detoxifies pores, and boosts circulation. Take a few minutes out every week to indulge, and your skin will thank you for it. £96 • libertylondon.com

t might not be designed for pregnancy, but Aesop's Calm Correct facial doesn't involve any electric currents, chemical peels or light therapies, it's just a calming hydration and cleansing procedure and completely tailored to calm your mind and body. Aesop Richmond is a sanctuary from the busy streets of London, hidden away in an old Georgian house on King Street. When I arrive I discuss my routine with therapist Marc Müller, who tailors their formulas to calm and correct my stress-reactive skin. My skin is first purified with cream cleanser, followed by parsley seed cleansing oil, and then a deeper exfoliant paste cleanser. Marc is careful to dilute the exfoliant paste so as not to aggravate my skin. After the cleanse, skin is carefully rehydrated in stages:- step one is a hydrating chamomile face mask, step two an oil massage, and step three a camellia nut hydrating face cream. The massage which follows is exceptional; Marc glides oil across my face, head, neck, and shoulders applying a thoughtful pressure in rhythmic, cursive motions. The patterns of touch put me in a deep state of relaxation; this attention to detail is above and beyond what you would expect from a regular facial treatment. 60 minutes £80 aesop.com

July / August 2017

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Special

Delivery

Although most mamas still give birth with the NHS, it's possible to integrate private options at any stage of your pregnancy, as well as opting for end-to-end care Wo r d s A L I C E W H I T E H E A D

o celebrate the birth of her first born in March, 35-year-old Kensington mum Monique Thomson enjoyed a Champagne high tea in her hospital bed complete with scones, cheesecake and dainty sandwiches. “I was breastfeeding my new baby Charlotte while enjoying brie and cranberry and smoked salmon sandwiches,” says Monique. “It was like a five star hotel, not a hospital.” Indeed, Monique describes her departure from her private room at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington – where the royal babies of The Duchess of Cambridge were delivered – as a ‘checkout’ rather than a ‘discharge’, and says the whole consultant-led experience was incredibly positive. With one-to-one and group antenatal classes (where you can meet the staff that will be with you during labour), the Lindo Wing also offers private rooms from £5,650, with satellite television, wifi, fridges and room service, and a comprehensive wine list so new parents can wet the baby’s head. “Nothing was too much trouble,” says Monique. “All the staff took time to chat to me and care for me, and when my family visited they even asked if they’d like a cup of tea with cookies too.” Monique isn’t alone in her decision to go private. In London there has been a three-fold rise in the number of prospective parents turning to private maternity care to nurture them through one of the most

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M ATERNIT Y CARE

important experiences of their lives. The Westminster Maternity Suite at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS hospital, for example, offers 18 ensuite rooms, from £3,935, with consultantled care and the option to have a home birth, as well as birthing pools and a relaxation garden. And at the Kensington Wing at Chelsea & Westminster NHS hospital in Fulham, packages start from £5,665, with options for postnatal physiotherapy and specialist breastfeeding support.“Families have trusted us for generations at this special time,” says Tracey How, head of operations at Imperial Private Healthcare, which runs the consultant and midwife-led Lindo Wing and Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital. “From world class consultants and specially selected midwives to elegant surroundings and delicious menus, we want everything to be comforting, relaxing and reassuring.”

PR I VAT E SC A NS But even before the baby is born, it’s possible to opt for first class care with private scans from as early as seven weeks, which is great for mums who are worried in those crucial early months - the NHS only

birth to her son Aubrey at the UK’s only fully private maternity hospital, The Portland. Delivering more than 1,600 babies every year, it offers consultant and midwife-led packages and is the only private maternity unit in London that has an on-site Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The midwife package, which can be accessed at 10, 20 or 30 weeks’ pregnancy, includes antenatal appointments, scans, blood tests, delivery and the first 24-hours postnatal care, says Michaela Paul, maternity services advisor. “We are proud of the clinical care we offer,” she says. “Having had my own baby at the hospital, I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

“AN I MP O RTANT CO NC ERN FOR M U MS -TO -BE IS CONT INU IT Y O F CARE AND A MIDW IFE CAN BE A RE ASSU RING P RES ENC E ”

carries out scans from 12 weeks unless there are complications you know about. Amanda Ivanovitch, 42, a company director from Wimbledon, paid £150 for a ultrasound scan at the Women’s Ultrasound Centre at Nuada Medical, one of many private scan clinics on Harley Street. She says it was “worth every penny". “After 10 rounds of IVF, it gave me great peace of mind to go to a friendly face with my latest pregnancy,” says Amanda. Private scan clinics also offer same day appointments and weekend and evening appointments to fit busy schedules; and partners and family can attend too.”

PR I VAT E HOSPI TA L S It was a comforting experience for 33-yearold Natalie Harrington too, when she gave

F I N DI NG A M I DW I F E Another important concern for mums-to-be is continuity of care, and whether they give birth in a private hospital or in the comfort of their own home, a medically trained midwife can be a reassuring presence. Unlike NHS midwives who can be forced to juggle a caseload of up to 100 women, private midwifes have only one or two clients and July / August 2017 | 65

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can be on call 24/7. They will meet with mums at the start of the pregnancy, attend labour and give six weeks post-natal care. For 39-year-old West Greenwich mum Aimee Peters, who works in marketing for a global bank, using a private midwife through Neighbourhood Midwives, which covers London, Kent and Southampton, relieved the pressure of a difficult pregnancy.

DOU L A S This need for a familiar face, or in situations where the family can’t provide support, has led many women to opt for a doula. “A doula does not advise from a medical perspective but is there to help prospective parents make informed decisions and provide continuous support through pregnancy, labour, birth, and for one or two home visits afterwards,” says Katie Fox, a Doula UK recognised birth doula and hypnobirthing practitioner. “Studies have shown that a birth memory can remain with us for life, so a positive experience is always sought after.” The not-for-profit association of doulas, Doula UK (doula.org.uk), is a good place to start and all members adhere to a strict code of practice, complete approved training and attend continuous professional development courses. Prices start from around £600. Some doulas, such as Doula UK’s Margherita Tessarin, are also Ayurvedic practioners, while others offer postnatal support, from emotional support to help with breastfeeding in those first difficult weeks of motherhood.

“GOOD POSTNATAL CA R E I S VI TAL TO A WOM AN' S RECOVE RY ”

“We moved house three times when I was 15 weeks and I felt increasingly nervous, but Neighbourhood Midwife Tina Perridge was incredible,” says Aimee. “Because of the many discussions we’d had she knew exactly what I wanted and gave me so much strength. This was a massive factor in my own ability to get on with the task and not be afraid.” While Aimee paid around £4,000 for her midwife, a range of packages is available from Neighbourhood Midwives, with additional postnatal care starting at £850. Annabel Athill, co-founder of Kensington Midwives, quotes studies that show how support throughout labour from the same person helps build confidence and reduces anxiety. “Anxiety leads to the release of adrenaline, which is very counter-productive in labour,” says Annabel, whose packages start from £2,000. “Which is why we offer extras such as massage and hypnobirthing .”

The best

private maternity care in London

SCAN S ( ALL HAR LE Y STR E ET ) thebirthcompany.co.uk 4dbabyscanslondon.com privateultrasoundscanslondon.com hscfw.co.uk womensultrasound.co.uk PR IVATE M I DWIVE S neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk kensingtonmidwives.com imuk.org.uk londonbirthpractice.co.uk DOULAS doula.org.uk PR IVATE M ATE R N IT Y H OS PITAL S The Portland (call to book an Open Day slot on 020 7390 6068); theportlandhospital.com PR IVATE WI N G S ( AT N H S H OS PITAL S) The Lindo Wing, St Mary’s, imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk Sir Stanley Clayton Ward, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea, imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk Kensington Wing, Chelsea & Westminster, chelwest.nhs.uk Westminster Maternity Suite, Guy’s & St Thomas’, guysandstthomasprivatehealthcare.co.uk

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Scandinavian inspired childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design

www.scandiborn.co.uk Find us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @Scandiborn

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FOOD & DRINK

Ice Ice Baby Claudi and Fin

Created by two mums frustrated in their search for helathy lollies, Claudi and Fin's yummy frozen yoghurt ices use natural ingredients, with no nasties. Their new minis are the perfect size for little hands, which isn't to say adults aren't allowed a taste. claudiandfin.co.uk

mama’s

FOO D N OTES

Hot news, fresh from the kitchen Ed's pick

KITCHEN WHIZZ

BOX FRESH

Morphy Richards

Mon Bento

Space is always at a premium in the kitchen, but if we were going to recommend one gadget right now, it would be this one. From blending to whipping and chopping, this is your new best friend. £69.99 morphyrichards.co.uk

Robust, airtight and ergonomic the MB Tresor Iceberg is a pretty bento box which is perfect for little packed lunches. They come in a choice of cheerful colours, and each can be easily personalised. We love them. £17 monbento.co.uk

Puree Heroes PICCOLO PURE

or those days when you're caught short, these handy little pouches can be lifesavers. Ideally you'd be making all your purees from scratch, but when you're out of fresh fruit and veg it's amazing to have a few of these as backup. Blending super tasty varieties including stanley plum, fairtrade banana, mango and william pear they are the only baby

food pouches to hold Fairtrade accreditation. Piccolo also continues its commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing, and donates 10% of profits to charity. Pick these pouches up at Waitrose, and keep a few in the cupboard for emergencies. They're also delicious with natural yoghurt if you're looking for an adult snack. Just saying. • mylittlepiccolo.com July / August 2017

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Queen of weaning The

Annabel Karmel shares a few of her favourite recipes from her new book Baby-Led Weaning Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D

he's the lady every new mum turns to when it comes to getting your little ones onto solids. Over the past 25 years, Annabel has finetuned her expertise and firmly established herself as the leading light when it comes to making healthy food tempting for children. Traditionally known for her puree recipes, her latest book provides a refreshingly relaxed approach to Baby-Led Weaning. Annabel says you don't have to choose between BLW and purees - you can combine the two easily. Here she shares few of her favourite new recipes with Mama. Simple and delicious, they're a great way to introduce a range of flavours and textures early on.

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RECIPES

COLOURFUL QUINOA SALAD Prep time: 10 minutes (excluding chill time) Cook time: 15 minutes Makes: 6 child portions Dairy Free

INGREDIENTS • 250g /9oz cooked red and white quinoa (or 150 g/5 oz dried quinoa) • 198g / 7oz tin sweetcorn, drained ½ sweet red pepper, deseeded and diced • 4 spring onions, finely sliced • 4 tablespoons chopped cashew nuts (optional) • 30g / 1oz sultanas or raisins • f reshly chopped parsley, to garnish Dressing: • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • ½ garlic clove, crushed • a pinch of sugar • 6 tablespoons light olive oil METHOD 1 If using dried quinoa, rinse it in a sieve under cold running water before following the instructions on the packet. Once it is cooked and all the water has been absorbed, remove from the heat and leave uncovered for about 5 minutes, then fluff up the quinoa with a fork. 2 Add the remaining ingredients to the quinoa and season with salt and pepper (if using). 3 Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a bowl, pour it over the salad and mix to combine. 4 Chill for 30 minutes then garnish with parsley to serve.

LITTLE CHICKEN & LEEK PIES Prep: 25 minutes Cook: 35 minutes Makes: 4 child portions Suitable for freezing

INGREDIENTS • 225 g/8 oz potatoes, peeled and diced • 225 g/8 oz carrots, peeled and diced • 20 g/¾ oz butter • 2 small leeks, trimmed and roughly chopped • 185 g/6 oz cooked chicken meat, cubed (or 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 cm/¾ in cubes) • 3 mushrooms, thinly sliced • 2 tablespoons plain flour • 200 ml/7 fl oz whole milk • 50 g/2 oz grated Cheddar cheese • 25 g/1 oz tinned drained sweetcorn • A little salt and pepper (for babies over 12 months old)

METHOD 1 Put the potatoes and carrots in a saucepan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10–12 minutes until soft. Drain, then mash until smooth. 2 Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the leeks and sauté for 5 minutes, until just soft, then add the chicken and fry for 2 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle over the plain flour, stir for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the milk and bring to the boil. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked. While it’s simmering, preheat the grill. 3 Add three-quarters of the grated cheese to the sauce, season with salt and pepper (if using) and add the sweetcorn. Divide the mixture between 4 ramekins. 4 Spoon the potato and carrot mash on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. 5 Place under the grill for 4–5 minutes, until lightly golden on top and bubbling July / August 2017 | 7 1

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The Dream Baby Box is inspired by the celebrated Finnish baby box, which has been providing a safe sleep medium for around 80 years. Aside from your baby’s first crib and wardrobe, our box also contains all the essentials for both mum and baby. Made in the UK, our box is a perfect gift for family and friends and ideal for baby showers.

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An occasion as special as your wedding or civil partnership demands a special venue Wetland Living is a quaint and intimate cottage with a thatched roof and white washed walls providing you with the perfect location for your event. Licensed for wedding ceremonies the building is set amongst the grounds of WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes. The centre is a thriving urban oasis of beautiful wetlands, wildlife and birds. WWT London Wetland Centre is part of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust so by holding your wedding here you will be directly contributing to our global conservation work.

E: functions.london@wwt.org.uk T: 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk •ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

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wellne s s

RECIPES

breadcrumbs, then stir in the demerara sugar and ground almonds. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a food processor and blitz briefly. 3 Sprinkle the ground almonds over the base of an ovenproof dish (about 17 cm/7 in diameter). Mix the rhubarb and strawberries with the sugar and tip them into the dish. 4 Cover the fruit with the crumble topping and sprinkle over a tablespoon of water (this will help to make the topping crispy). Bake for about 25 minutes, until the crumble topping is golden brown. 5 Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

SWEETCORN FRITTERS Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Makes: 20 small fritters

STRAWBERRY & RHUBARB CRUMBLE INGREDIENTS • 198g / 7oz tin sweetcorn, drained • 100g / 4oz wholemeal flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 2 large eggs • 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce • 4 spring onions, roughly chopped • handful of basil, chopped • 10 cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped • 100g /4oz grated halloumi cheese • sunflower oil for frying METHOD 1 Blend 100 g/4 oz of the sweetcorn in the bowl of a food processor, or in a mixing bowl with a stick blender, until finely chopped. 2 Combine the flour, baking powder and eggs in a bowl. Whisk in the sweet chilli sauce and finely chopped sweetcorn. Add the remaining ingredients including the remaining whole, unblended sweetcorn kernels. Season to taste (if using). 3 Heat a little oil in a frying pan. When hot, fry heaped tablespoonfuls of the fritter mixture for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to kitchen paper.

Prep: 30 minutes Cook: 25 minutes Makes: 6 child portions

INGREDIENTS • 25 g/1 oz ground almonds • 400 g/14 oz trimmed rhubarb, cut into 1.5 cm/¾ in lengths • 100 g/4 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and halved • 4 tablespoons caster sugar Crumble: • 150 g/5 oz plain flour • A generous pinch of fine salt • 100 g/4 oz cold butter, cubed • 75 g/3 oz demerara sugar • 50 g/2 oz ground almonds METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. 2 To make the topping, mix the flour with the salt in a bowl and rub in the butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles

Annabelkarmel.com. Buy Baby-Led Weaning for £8 bookdepository.com July / August 2017 | 73

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1 2 3 4

Organic New recipes Steam cooked Best for texture and lumps 5 Great value

Try our new no added sugar breakfast and 100% fruit jars with an extra wide opening – perfect for feeding with a spoon. Our organic range of 60 tasty, nutritious jars are sure to meet the needs of your little one’s taste buds.

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home &

S C A N D I N AV I A N ST Y LE : G E T T H E LO O K p .76 T H E B I G M OV E : H OW TO D EC A M P TO T H E CO U N T RY p .78

Get the look  MAGGIE AT HOME

Maggie & Rose clubs have always been our favourite home from home, and now, brilliantly, they're branching out into interiors. Key launch products include toddler chairs, extendable dining tables, high-chairs, bookcases, candles and story books. Want. maggieandroseathome.com

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CHOOSE FURNITURE WHICH WILL LAST

USE COLOUR ON A NEUTRAL BASE

K e e p yo u r b a s e n e u t r a l

The fi rst rule of Scandi styling, keep it simple. Use white or light wood and a colour palette of muted pastels or monochromes as the base. Using these neutral tones means you can add more colourful or graphic accessories in the form of cushions, wall stickers, storage, rugs, mobiles and artwork – items that can easily be changed when the child grows up. Using simple fabrics for a nursery means you can customise the look as often as you like. 2 T h i n k a b o u t h ow yo u wa n t i t t o f e e l MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH STORAGE

Haus

Proud

Founder of Scandiborn Grace Tindall shares her top ten tips for getting their signature look in the nursery - scandiborn.co.uk Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D

Th is gives you a great starting point for designing your nursery – do you want it to feel bright, fun, magical, calm or cosy? You can then start to choose your colours, textures and one-off items that fit with that theme. 3 S t o r ag e s h o u l d b e plentiful

But still pretty. Toys, bedding, baby equipment, books and numerous knick knacks which come part and parcel of every nursery need a home which isn’t on the floor. We love woven or fabric baskets like those from Olliella, Liewood and Fabelab. Play and Go lego bags are also perfect for tidying away those small toys in a flash. 4

A r e a l ly g o o d c h a i r

You’ll spend a lot of time in it, so make sure it’s comfortable. We opted for an Ikea Rocking chair and then accessorised it with a sheepskin throw and an OYOY lion cushion.

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h o me & interio rs S CANDI

LIGHT AND WHITE WOODS WORK WELL TOGETHER

ST YLE

ADD PRINT AND COLOUR IN SMALL DOSES

CHARACTER PIECES STAND OUT

S t r at e g i c a l ly p l ac e d lighting 5

A dimmer switch and a couple of lamps around the room mean you can always control the level of lighting according to your requirements. If baby wakes during the night, muted little night lights will easily help you find your way round – our little cloud lights are perfect for a bedside table. 6

Furniture which lasts

Consider furniture which won’t date and can grow with your child. Invest in a set that will last for years, and look for features like conversions from cot beds to junior beds; junior beds that become a full adult singles or changing tables that can be converted into a regular chest of drawers. 7

Add pe rsonal touches

These make your nursery unique. We love ‘The Birth Poster’ who make illustrations to scale of your baby at birth, Lala Loves décor for a personalised name sign, or Ingrid Petrie for family penguin prints.

MAKE SHELVING A FEATURE

M a k e s h e lv i n g a f e at u r e

A set of shelves in the nursery is not only practical but can easily be transformed into a focal point with a few carefully chosen items. Add photos, books and a few wooden décor items (we’ve curated our favourites, below, from pinch toys, OYOY and Bloomingville). Rose in April, String Shelves or leather strap shelves, all make timeless designs. 9 F it

for purpose flooring

I’d always recommend a hardwood or laminate floor in a nursery. Inevitable spillages are much easier and less stressful to handle, especially in the middle of the night! However a rug is a must, it makes the room feel more cosy and can also provide a place to play. Our World and Adventure rugs fit the bill for most nurseries; but if you want something plain then the neutral tones of our new Naco diamond rugs make them popular.

HARDWOOD OR LAMINATE FLOORS WORK BEST

PERSONAL TOUCHES WORK WELL IN MODERATION

1 0 Wo r k w i t h t h e s pac e yo u h av e

This sounds simple but it’s tempting to get carried away and fill the nursery with ‘stuff’. If you have a small room, do your best to use light colours and try to ensure there is some clear floor space. Add three tiered shelving, and wall hooks for hanging outfits and storage bags. July / August 2017 | 77

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Is there life after

London?

We look at the pros and cons of a move, the best time to relocate, and just what you get for your money Wo r d s H O L LY K I R K WO O D

H OV E

A five bedroom family house with a garden and two reception rooms, almost right on the beach and just ten minutes' walk from the station. £1.15m, winkworth.co.uk

or some of us London is the dream place to bring up a family, but other couples start to think about moving into the country when little ones come along. There are many great things about leaving London but there also a lot of factors to take into account in getting it right. We got some insights from the experts when it comes to making the transition as smooth as possible.

HAMPSHIRE

This five bedroom converted barn is located in South Harting near Petersfield. With two guest suites and two family bathrooms, it's a beautiful character house, with a doubleheight reception and fabulous views  £1.45m winkworth.co.uk

Practicalities  For almost a decade young families were staying put in the capital because of the stratospheric rises in house prices, but after a confirmed slowdown in Prime Central London knocked to the rest of the city, it’s starting to look like a canny time to cash in. Your London house should give you more than enough capital to find your dream property, but some locations are still very expensive, and prices in locations like Oxford, Cambridge and Winchester can be comparable, so do your house price research. If you're going to commute back into London for work, you also need to factor this in financially, advises Beatrice from Life After London (www.lifeafterlondon.com). Annual

season tickets vary wildly in price, but can be as much as £5,000 per annum in Cambridge, where it also costs £1,500 for a year's pass to park at the station. These factors will be crucial to where you can afford to buy; Lifeafterlondon.com has locals on the ground who can answer questions which stump Google.

Schools  If you’re moving to a village, town or city with great schools, also

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h o me & interio r s PROPERT Y

year, to an average of £313,000; whereas London prices were up by by 8.1% to an average of £482,000 in the same period so inflation is now growing faster in the countryside worth bearing in mind.

Family life

bear in mind that you’re following a well trodden path, and the property market can be very competitive. Plan ahead, and give yourselves plenty of time to find the right house - it might not happen as quickly as you think. Lots of families end up renting until the house of their dreams becomes available, points out David King head of the Country House department at Winkworth. He also recommends that you put your London house on the market the autumn before you want to start your children in school – giving yourself a full year to sell in the capital and find the house you want in the country. “London houses are taking longer to sell, and this way you get two shots at the market, in autumn and spring. You can’t make an offer on the country house until you’ve exchanged on your house in London; and ideally you need to be out of any chain before you make your offer on the new place,” he advises.

Property prices  House prices in the South East were up by 8.6% at the start of the

 Many families say they love spending more time outside after they've moved. In general, children in villages, towns and the countryside are more self-sufficient, and they don’t need to have every minute of their day micromanaged. This, as well as a sense of safety, is a great attraction for parents, who can rest reassured there will be lots to do for them as well. ‘Most local towns in the south east now have just as many pilates classes and coffee shops as London, ‘ says Beatrice. The countryside is also home to beautiful members’ clubs from Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire to Lime Wood in Hampshire, for those who love being pampered. In addition, the improvement in everything from broadband to VPN systems means that many successful parents are able to work or even run businesses from home, and finding like-minded people is easier than you might think. Do be prepared to spend more time in

the car, though, if you're deep in the country, especially as the children get older, and until they pass their driving test.

When to move  Families often choose to move when the kids are pre-school age, in time for them starting at school, but you might not want to go too early. Natasha and Simon moved to East Sussex when they were expecting their first child. They had been renting in the area for around a year and fallen in love with the villages within easy reach of Haywards Heath, so when their dream house came up they went for it. They are loving their converted farmhouse in a beautiful village, but Natasha does think there are downsides to moving when babies are tiny. “When they were really small, it was hard,’ she explains. “My London friends were putting their babies into the buggy and walking around the corner to a coffee shop or a baby class, but I found had to load up the car and drive to get anywhere, which was often more than I could face – so I ended up feeling isolated at the beginning - and the winters can be tough.” Despite the tough start, she maintains it’s all been worth it, now the children are out of the baby stage. "We have a huge garden and dogs, cats, and horses, and the kids have a blissful time. In summer the English countryside just can’t be beaten.”

OXFORDSHIRE

This Grade II listed house near Oxford, with 1.75 acres of garden, is close to outstanding schools including The Dragon and St Hugh’s.  £1.65m knightfrank.co.uk

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HouseClub Club 33House 3 House Club

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escapes T R AV E L I N S P I R AT I O N p . 8 3 • T E R R I F I C T E N E R I F E p . 8 4 H O LI DAY W I T H S H A R K E Y A N D G EO R G E p . 8 9

Go wild  LION SANDS

A private reserve with a foot in both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, Lion Sands in South Africa not only offers exceptional access to the Big Five (leopard sightings are a speciality), but families can spend a night out in the bush in one of their incredible treehouses. lionsands.com

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TURKS & CAICOS • JAMAICA TURKS & CAICOS • JAMAICA

TURKS & CAICOS • JAMAICA

VOTED THE WORLD’S LEADING VOTED LEADING VOTEDTHE THEWORLD’S WORLD’S LEADING FAMILY RESORTS VOTED THE WORLD’S LEADING

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18/04/2017 12:59

escapes

INSPIRATIONS

Babymoon bliss • P u n t a Tr a g a r a •

There are few better places to enjoy your last peaceful days together than the Punta Tragara. Unashamedly romantic, the setting overlooks the dramatic Faragloni cliffs. Sit back and make the most of someone else fulfi lling your every whim while you can. hoteltragara.com

mama’s

TR AVEL N OTES

Wellness retreats, and a dream babymoon

ALL ROUNDER

TRAVEL LIGHT

•Babyzen•

•Mountain buggy•

The YOYO+ folds down to be carried like a bag, can be driven one-handed, is machine-washable and incredibly easy to store. Being on the move has never been easier. babyzen.com

Don’t fancy hauling the buggy and all your luggage through the airport? The bagrider has been designed as a seat for toddlers up to 15kg. When you’re not with the littles it transforms into a normal carry on suitcase. £80. kidly.co.uk

3 OF THE BEST WELLBEING RETREATS Fusion Maia VIETNAM

A luxury resort where you can eat completely guilt free, Fusion Maia offers guests a raw, vegan diet whilst being pampered to within an inch of their lives. Bespoke nutrition programmes are also available; they cater for almost any requirements. healthandfitnesstravel.com

Mii Amo

Aro Ha

ARIZONA

NEW ZEALAND

Set amongst the soaring red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, Mii Amo is a gorgeous boutique hotel, and a destination spa in its own right. Every guest goes on a bespoke wellness journey, and comes out feeling refreshed and energized. miiamo.com

Soak up the spectacular backdrop as you fit into the daily routine of yoga, massage and meditation plus some serious hiking in the incredible Southern Alps. The menu is a minimal vegan-meets-paleo combo. It’s tough but revelatory. aro-ha.com

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Island paradise A family-friendly hotel on the southern tip of Tenerife proved just the ticket for preschoolers Wo r d s M A X I N E C L AY M A N

he thought of going on holiday with two young children can be daunting. Which is why our priority for our first break as a family of four was the prospect of childcare facilities on tap, and how we ended up in Tenerife. Not the first place that springs to mind when it comes to a chic getaway. Thankfully any preconceptions of Tenerife proved unfounded, as we discovered when we arrived at the tranquil resort of Playa Paraiso on the South of the island, home to a glamorous new Hard Rock Hotel. A mere 20-minute drive from the boisterous bars of Playa de las Americas, happily this is a part of the island relatively untouched by tourism. Its proximity to the coast of Africa means it has some of Tenerife’s best weather year-round. And, as its name suggests, it’s a paradise for people looking for the chance to unwind and soak up some sun. With the main attraction being this family-friendly destination hotel that opened at the end of last year. Having kids shouldn’t mean compromising on style as the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife proves effortlessly. We stayed in one of its 265 spacious suites, the hotel has 624 rooms in total. This is five-star luxury at its most relaxed. Our two little boys, aged one and two, were welcomed with open arms and greeted with kisses from staff wherever we went. This came as no surprise as the hotel really raises the bar with its childcare facilities: they have kids’ clubs for children aged up to 16.

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escape s TENERIFE

THERE ARE LOTS OF GREAT SPOTS FOR SUNBATHING

“SIPPING A FROZEN COCKTAI L BY THE ADULTS-ONLY POOL FELT DECADENT ”

THE SOUTH OF THE ISLAND REMAINS RELATIVELY UNSPOILED

But the Lullaby Club really sets it apart: run by qualified nursery staff it’s for littles up to three years old. This was the major draw for us, not least because two hours of childfree time are included in the price of your stay at no extra cost. Judging by the number of families with babies we saw it appealed to lots of other mums and dads too. As parents of two little ones, we rarely get a moment to ourselves so this was a blessing. It gave us some respite each day so we could enjoy a proper holiday and allowed us the opportunity to reconnect as a couple. Sipping a frozen cocktail in the late afternoon by the adults-only Eden pool bar after dropping off the boys felt decadent. So did a romantic drink watching the sunset from the hotel’s rooftop sky bar, with its captivating views of neighbouring island La Gomera, and Teide, Tenerife’s highest mountain. July / August 2017 | 85

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THE APP ALL PARENTS NEED Download the Absolutely Education app to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the UK’s best schools

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escape s TENERIFE

On one day I indulged in some much-needed me time at the hotel’s Rock Spa where I had the signature synchronicity massage. Dining options are limited in Playa Paraiso itself but the hotel has a choice of six high-quality restaurants including a steakhouse and Asian fusion a la carte offerings. At the Mediterranean Ali-Ole we sampled typical Canarian dishes of papas arrugas with mojo, and beef cheeks with a spicy sauce. Feeding fussy toddlers was a breeze at breakfast: the buffet offers a staggering array of both sweet and savoury dishes. My eldest has lots of food allergies, another source of worry while on holiday, and I was impressed by the selection of choices available to him. He could still have his usual gluten-free toast and cereal with dairy-free milk - an impressive feat. Music lovers will welcome the live performances accompanying breakfast and dinner. If you can muster the energy to drag yourself away from the hotel complex, one of Europe’s best waterparks is also on your doorstep. Brilliant for older children, the Thai-themed Siam Park boasts adrenalin fueled slides, including the Tower of Power with its 28-metre drop. Although they were too young for the rides our boys were enthralled by the sea lions at the entrance and we had hours of fun in the baby pool. The hotel boasts its own tiny volcanic sand beach by the Beach Club area but a better alternative for families is Fañabé beach. A free shuttle bus takes you to the exclusive Plaza del Duque shopping centre and from here it’s an easily accessible

THE SPA

THE KIDS POOL

“FEEDING FUS SY TODDLERS WAS A BREEZE”

10-minute walk. In the end, we preferred the comfort of taking the boys to the hotel’s heated kids’ pool, after finding babies and sand don’t mix especially well. It was here we spent most of our days. The littles loved the water slide, and many happy days were spent splashing about with the array of water guns and other toys provided. At the other pools you can find DJs mixing tunes, Bali beds and cool loungers with canopies. The Beach Club, with its saltwater lagoon and house music, was reminiscent of a daytime Ibiza beach party. It also plays host to live concerts and has an open-air stage, with free entry to hotel guests. Before having children I’d scoffed at the idea of going on holiday and spending the entire time in the hotel. After staying at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife I can certainly see the allure.

ROOMS ARE WELL APPOINTED

Monarch offers holidays to the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife from £469pp for a family of four sharing a studio silver suite in the summer. monarch .co .uk/ holidays siampark .net July / August 2017 | 87

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UK GETAWAY

The House

ormerly the home of Lord Beaverbrook, owner of the Daily Express, Beaverbrook House has a visitor’s book that reads like a Who’s Who of the 20th century. It was a place for entertaining, and Winston Churchill was a regular guest. The beautiful building is surrounded by spectacular grounds, complete with a folly, and a vast new spa is set to open this summer. Just 19 miles from Piccadilly Circus, this is as close to home as a country weekend gets.

The Rooms

e are in the 11-bedroom Garden House, which is the first part of the new hotel to open. Beautifully decorated in muted shades throughout, it has a focus on plants and fresh produce, with window sills everywhere filled with pots of greenery. Our adjoining rooms Lovage and Rosemary are a stylish mix of the traditional and the cutting edge.

Beaverbrook SURREY Wo r d s PE N D L E H A R T E

F o r fa m i l i e s

ot many hotels can boast Sharky and George as entertainment, but Beaverbrook has an entire hidden encampment in the woods headed up by the duo behind all the kids parties that count. At 10am on a drizzly Sunday morning our children are greeted by two enthusiastic faces, instructed to don raincoats and wellies, and whisked away to the treehouse, returning fed and happy several hours later. Which gives parents the ultimate luxury: several hours of quiet with the Sunday papers. Genius.

The Food

his is a foodie spot and has its own cookery school as well as a vegetable garden and a kitchen with grand plans. The dining room is pure joy: flooded with sunlight, everything is in stylish shades of sage. Food is fresh, healthy and creative – and the restaurant attracts nonresidents from all around.

Beaverbrook, Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8QX 01372 571 300

beaverbrook.co.uk July / August 2017 | 89

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THE APP FOR MODERN BRIDES Download the Absolutely Weddings App to receive every issue before it hits stores

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12/06/2017 15:34

resources A S K T H E E X P E R T S : F R O M F U S SY E AT I N G TO N A P PY R A S H p . 92 B I LI N G UA L LE A R N I N G p . 9 6 • M A M A B R U N C H I N V I T E p . 9 8

Code club  CUBET TO 

A Kickstarter phenomenon from last year, Cubetto is a friendly wooden robot designed to help children aged 3+ to delve into the world of coding without going anywhere near a screen. Littles input instructions, and then watch the robot carry them out on a fun playmat. Revolutionary. primotoys.com

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Anya ABDULAKH Anya Abdulakh is the founder of 3 House Club, a family club in St. John’s Wood that runs developmental and educational classes for children from 0 to 8 years old. 3HouseClub.com

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

Parenting professionals and leading mumpreneurs answer some of your most pressing questions

Q What can parents of babies and toddlers can do to boost their child’s cognitive development? A As soon as your baby is born, you can support your child's future cognitive and emotional development through abundant skin-to-skin contact and consistent emotional attention. There is plentiful scientific research to show that physical contact between a mother and a baby leads to improved emotional and social behaviour at later stages of a child's life. Skin-to-skin contact stabilises the heart rate (i.e. makes the baby calmer) and improves quality of sleep, which impacts baby’s brain development and hormone levels. Just keep hugging and kissing your little one! Exposing your baby to your own language through talking, singing and reading is very important. One study showed that babies’ abilities to discriminate phonemes at 7 months is a predictor of the child’s reading skills at the age of five. Reading to pre-nursery children activates specific brain areas supporting semantic processing which is the key for oral language development and later reading skills. The other important opportunity to boost your baby’s development is to expose him/her to a variety of languages in a face-to-face environment. Studies show that the ability to acquire language skills dramatically declines after the age of seven. At 3 House Club we offer Mandarin and other language playgroups with native speakers as well as various live music rhyme singing classes to help you to support your child’s development.

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reso urces ASK

Dr Ben KO Dr Ben Ko, Consultant in Child Developmental and Neurodisability, at The Portland Hospital for Women & Children, part of HCA Healthcare UK theportlandhospital.com Q How can I tell if my child has autism, and what’s the best way to confi rm a diagnosis? A As a Developmental Paediatrician, I often see children of all ages whose parents, teachers, or health professionals are worried about the possibility of autism. When I see children and young people with concerns regarding the possibility of autism, I will start with a general developmental assessment. As there

Heather MORRIS Heather Morris is a Registered General Nurse and State Certified Midwife. She is mum to Freddy, Harry and Jack. metanium.co.uk Q

are a few conditions that may look like autism, it is important to perform a general, holistic assessment, with an open mind. Once I have performed a general developmental assessment, and the fi ndings suggest autism, I will recommend for the children to have a specific autism diagnostic assessment. There are national guidelines laid down by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) on how diagnostic assessments are to be carried out. For children and families who are able to access the National Health Service, autism diagnostic assessment is provided by their local child development service or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Referral can be made by General Practitioners, Health Visitors and Therapists. In some areas, there is a long waiting time for autism diagnostic assessment. If parents are keen to have a diagnostic assessment sooner, there are a number of providers in the private sector, The Portland Hospital being one of them. Appointments for assessment can be

T HE EXPERTS

arranged within 1-2 weeks of referral. Autism is a life-long developmental condition. Children and young people with this condition will continue to have some difficulties in their social and communication skills as compared to their peers. While there is no cure for autism, there is much that can be done to help and to facilitate progress and learning. Research and evidence does

“IN SOME AREAS THERE IS A LONG WAITING TIME FOR DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT ” show though that treatment by speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, psychotherapy and by educational means, can lead to noticeable and sustained improvements for children with autism. In my own personal experience, I have seen these treatments produce great results!

Nappy rash can be caused by: your baby’s skin being in contact with wee or stools for a long time, the nappy rubbing against your baby’s skin, not cleaning the nappy area or changing the nappy often enough; or by soap, detergent or bubble bath, alcoholbased baby wipes or even your baby recently taking antibiotics There may be red patches on your baby’s bottom, or the whole area may be red. Their skin may look sore and feel hot to touch, and there may be spots, pimples or blisters.Most mild cases of nappy rash can be

What causes nappy rash?

A Most babies get nappy rash at some time no matter how careful you are about skin care. At any one time up to a third of babies and toddlers in nappies have nappy rash, so it’s a very common condition. It doesn’t usually develop in newborns, but all babies can get nappy rash. It’s usually a mild condition which can be easily treated, but can be worrying.

“AT ANY ONE TIME UP TO A THIRD OF BABIES AND TODDLERS IN NAPPIES HAVE NAPPY RASH” easily treated with an ointment from your pharmacy and a good skincare routine, but if you are worried always seek the advice of a healthcare professional. July / August 2017

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THE APP FOR TODAY’S STYLISH MAMAS Download the Absolutely Mama App to receive every issue before it hits stores

The Absolutely Mama app, updated bi-monthly with each issue of the magazine, offers the freedom to seamlessly glide between articles and features from parenting experts, top influencers and some truly inspirational mamas. Download the app to discover, learn and share the latest MAMA trends and news

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reso urces ASK

FOCUS ON INDIA Mark Salter shares his passion getting little ones to enjoy a diverse, healthy diet as they grow

ur ‘taste adventuring’ journey started some years ago now, in an ASDA store in the Lincolnshire town of Grantham. Whilst looking at the baby food options that were available to parents back then, it was evident that the choice for parents to serve to their little ones was extremely limited. With many spaghetti bolognese and fish pie options, the foods were bland and we wanted to bring some life, flavour and healthy ingredients to new families. So travelling and taking recipe inspiration from exotic locations, we crafted recipes that would delight

the taste buds of little ones and help them to eat a wider variety of healthy ingredients as they grow. The fi rst dish that we created is still to this day our no1 best seller. India is a diverse land which has for many years been synonymous with wonderful food and vibrant ingredients. Having won several taste awards, for aisha’s Chicken & Sweet Potato Curry is a complex authentic Indian recipe fusing together chicken with sweet potatoes and red lentils. It also offers a range of nutritional benefits: sweet potatoes contain Vitamin A which is important for eye function and bone development. They also contain potassium, which is good for the heart and kidneys, and also Vitamin E, to help protect against cell damage.

T HE EXPERTS

“TUMERIC IN PARTICULAR IS VERY ON-TREND WITH PARENTS AT THE MOMENT ” A wide range of mild spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg also bring a wonderful smell and taste to the dish, whilst adding a range of health benefits for little adventurers. Turmeric in particular is very much on-trend with parents at the moment. The antioxidant properties of this spice are well established, but it's also known to have antibacterial properties, which help to protect against infections and boost immune functions. All these elements come together in our recipes, and are important for helping little ones to be vibrant, healthy and happy during their important early years. You can read more about for aisha’s Stage2 and Stage3 recipes online at foraisha.com/babyfoods

M A R K SA LT E R

Mark is the founder of for aisha baby food – a major UK infant food brand, pioneering exotic tastes for little ones

foraisha.com July / August 2017

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Ea stern

PROMISE How a teaching a dual language curriculum brings schooling into the 21st century

Wo r d s P R O F E S S O R H U G O D E B U R G H

urope’s first English Chinese Dual Language Early Years and Prep School is opening in London in September 2017. Kensington Wade’s children will not only be prepared for the best independent schools by the time they are ready for Common Entrance, but also be fluent in Chinese. Why and how? Four insights are behind it. Now that so much international business is conducted by Chinese speakers, being able to mix in their world is a precious asset which more and more parents want. China is the most important trading partner of more countries than any other (124), and set to be the largest economy by 2020. China also happen to be the most advanced in the use of digital media, with more New Media users than any other country and more netizens than India and the USA combined. Clocking this, British Ministers have encouraged Chinese language teaching in British schools such that 17% of state and 45% of independent schools now have some kind of provision and there will be many more in future. Many

argue that it is more useful for children that French be replaced with Chinese as the obligatory foreign language, and that as an intellectual exercise it is at least as instructive as Latin; but these are not the only reasons for the ‘Chinese turn’. A consensus has emerged that we have a good deal to learn from Chinese schooling. Our Department for Education is driving the initiative to introduce Chinese-based Maths Mastery into schools and has encouraged English headteachers and maths specialists to go to Shanghai to find out why children do so well there. In some cases, Chinese children learn mathematics better and faster than comparable age groups in Anglosphere schools; if the PISA test results are to be believed, Shanghai children are the world leaders in mathematics. This is not because of ‘rote’ learning; rather the opposite. A team of UK math teachers that went to Shanghai found that their peers have more time to prepare classes, give fuller feedback, inspire collaboration between advanced and laggard pupils and get their classes to focus, and concentrate, better. Education Minister

Nick Gibb went to the trouble of setting up 35 specialist teaching centres to spread Maths Mastery techniques, and now plans that 8,000 primary schools will re-introduce whole class teaching ‘the Chinese way’. Becoming bilingual through immersion is quite different from learning a language merely as a foreign language, with a very small number of hours per week. Around 450 bilingual schools have started up in

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reso urce s

ABOVE & BELOW: PUPILS LEARNING CHINESE

" SCI E NTI STS H AV E I DE NTI FI E D SPECI AL CO GNI TI VE BEN EFI TS FROM L E ARNI NG CHI NE SE "

the USA, of which 25 are bilingual with Chinese. Many employ the immersion method that Kensington Wade is planning to apply, where children are fully immersed in English and Chinese on alternate days, and all subjects are covered in both languages. Experts rhapsodise about the contributions of bilingualism to cognitive development and how bilingual children learn subsequent languages with greater ease. A final insight is that, when children learn a logographic rather than an alphabetic language, as with Chinese, there are many advantages. These include developing children's memories: by the end of a Chinese child’s elementary school career she will have learnt 3,000 Chinese ideograms as a foundation. So Chinese children learn to memorise rapidly and tend to

S CHOOLS

have a well stocked repertoire of poems, songs and data that they can draw upon because of that early memory training. Moreover, because the learner is drawing pictures rather than recording pronunciation when she or he learns to write Chinese, scientists have identified special cognitive benefits. Critics say that Chinese schooling is too narrow and that many parents would opt for our schools if they got a chance. But their schools are changing, too. China is a big country and you can find every kind and quality of school. Just as in England, the best combine a knowledge-based approach with opportunities to reflect, discuss and initiate; they also balance the academic with the practical and creative. The style of teaching can in fact be less stultifying than in English schools: Shanghai maths classes are half the length of the average English class and are followed by 15 minutes of unstructured play. Kensington Wade is part of a movement to learn from China in order to improve English education and equip children for a world in which it will be as great an asset to know Chinese as to know English. The school will take the best of both systems and children are to be prepared for the leading independent senior schools, and flourish thanks to learning to communicate in the world’s most spoken language, in writing, digitally and face to face. This combination makes for a curriculum that really does prepares children for the 21st century. July / August 2017 | 97

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r es ou rc es

don’t miss

DIARY DATE

Shall we do

BRUNCH? Absolutely Mama has teamed up with Beaches Resorts to bring you a special summer event in Chelsea

eaches Resorts, the familyfriendly arm of Caribbean resort company Sandals Resorts, is hosting its inaugural Beaches’ Brunch Club in July, bringing you and your children a slice of Caribbean paradise in the heart of Chelsea. Join us at this fantastic familyfriendly event, where children will be entertained with a host of games and activities – including a meet and greet with The Cookie Monster from "Sesame Street" and a cookie treasure hunt, access to the Store’s Xbox playpods, a fun colouring-in station and a mini cinema zone. Parents can kick back in the calm surroundings of Sandal’s Luxury Travel Store with a mimosa or mocktail, and enjoy the Beaches Travel Clinic, as well as a panel discussion from a host of travel experts who can answer all your questions about travelling with little ones. Food and drink will be provided for tots to teens and guests will get the chance to win a fantastic prize from EF MEDISPA, as well as leaving with an exclusive goodie bag complete with offers from Hari’s Salon and a £200 holiday voucher for Beaches Resorts, the “World’s Leading All Inclusive Resorts”. It’s the perfect opportunity for you and your children to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean without leaving London… Date & Place: 26th July 2017; 08.30AM – 11.00AM Venue: Sandals Luxury Travel Store, 135 Fulham Road, London, SW3 2ND To ensure your place at this luxury travel event, log onto

absolutely-mama.co.uk/beachesevent

Event PARTNERS E F M E D I S PA EF MEDISPA specialise in

combination treatments that ensure each client achieves optimum results, based on a bespoke programme tailored to the individual. Using cutting edge treatments and highend luxury product lines, including Biologique Recherche, DermaQuest and CosMedix, EF MEDISPA can help with all your beauty needs before or after your holiday. efmedispa.com

HARI’S HAIR

Guests at the event will have the chance to take a home a goody bag including coupons towards haircuts at Hari’s Hairdressers in Brompton Road, Kings Road, Parsons Green and Notting Hill. harissalon.com

and register online

98 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

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St Benedictâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S School Ealing a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18

OPEN EVENTS Senior - Thursday 21 September Nursery & Junior - Tuesday 26 September Sixth Form - Wednesday 11 October Whole School - Saturday 14 October

View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk STBENEDICTS.indd 1

12/06/2017 12:11

With over 30 configurations and an integrated ride-on-board, the new British designed and engineered iCandy Orange is packed with innovation. Featuring our trademark elevator adaptors, unique 'cinema' double seating mode and a 64 litre basket, the Orange leads the field whilst still being compact enough to fit through a standard door. Brilliantly flexible, beautifully crafted and absolutely futureproof.

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12/06/2017 12:06