Absolutely Mama April 2020

Mama APRIL 2020 • ISSUE 39

The Magazine for Modern Mums

ECO BABY

THE GREEN GLOSSARY OF TERMS TO KNOW

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Get ready for the season shift with our Easter party ideas, fresh style picks and more...

THE MAGAZINE FOR MODERN MUMS 02/03/2020 09:41

the softest and most comfortable... ever We believe that every moment is worth embracing; from the sleep deprived times to the snuggles fuelled by laughter. At MORI we create products for your little ones with a gentle touch from sustainable materials, so your growing family can embrace each magical milestone.

babymori.com

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Make bathtime

matter Our junior range soothes and hydrates your child’s dry and eczema-prone skin – from their very first bath onwards*. Because we know today’s little moments can become tomorrow’s treasured memories.

Find us in Boots, Asda,

Treatment

Soothing and Moisturising

Daily

Bathing and Cleansing

Oilatum Junior Bath Additive (light liquid paraffin) and Oilatum Junior Cream are medicines for eczema and related dry skin conditions. Always read the label. *Full term babies only.

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Sainsbury’s and all good pharmacies nationwide.

Oilatum.co.uk 14:53 10/01/2020 11:42

mam a WELCOME

contents APRIL 2020

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AGENDA What’s On

Arts and entertainment for the month ahead

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New Books

April’s best new releases

18

ESSENTIALS Easter Gift Guide The cutest presents for little bunnies

24 Tot Gear

Key kit to make parenting easier

ON THE COVER: @oeufnyc oeufnyc.com

MAMAHOOD 28 Woman in Work Anna Williamson on making a documentary about perinatal health

8 30 Insta Mama

62 Beauty Notes

FASHION 38 Hey Mama

64 Sleep Tight

Julia Ashwood of The Vista

Spring style for mamasto-be from Seraphine

44 Kids Fashion Notes The best looks and launches for little ones

52 Make a Splash SUNUVA on sun safe swimwear for kids

WELLNESS 58 Table Manners

Simple recipes from Jessie and Lennie Ware’s new cookbook

Products and treatments for mamas and mamas-to-be

Baby sleep tips for new mamas from Rosey Davidson

HOME & INTERIORS 70 Nursery Notes Beautiful decor and furniture for your little one’s space

72 Home Tour

Inside Baby Hit Parade’s family home

RESOURCES 90 Little Gardener Getting out in your garden this spring

April 2020

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Quote Absolutely Mama & Save

10%

every newborn baby’s umbilical cord is packed with life-giving cells The stem cells in your baby’s umbilical cord have an extraordinary power to heal. When lives are touched by disease or injury these parent cells can restore health.

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Get in touch

01752 753 723 @Biovaultfamily hello@biovaultfamily.com biovaultfamily.com

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mam a WELCOME ECO BABY P.20

Editor’s

SMALLABLE X VEJA P.44

INTERIORS TOUR P.72

LETTER

W

ith spring well and truly on the way, this issue is all about new adventures and finding your strength.

Our Insta Mama this month is Julia Ashwood (aka @the_vista), who talks to us about travelling the world with kids in tow.

We also meet TV presenter Anna Williamson, who has recently welcomed her second baby. Anna talks to us about perinatal mental health, a subject close to her heart and something she hopes to help new mums with.

Elsewhere in this issue, sleep consultant Rosey Davidson shares her tips for baby bedtimes.

We have three family-friendly recipes from Jessie and Lennie Ware’s new Table Manners cookbook. And our new columnist Lucy Werner talks about shared parental leave.

And finally, we have the cutest gifts for little bunnies this Easter and party tips for all of you who will be celebrating. Enjoy!

C a rly Gl e n di n n i n g E DITOR

@carlyjglendinning carly@zest-media.com

BOOKS P.14

Part of the

Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN Brand Partnerships Manager: NAVINDER LALL

T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r M o d e r n M u m s @ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A

absolutely-mama .co.uk Editor UK: CARLY GLENDINNING Features Editor: HELEN BARON Social Media Editor: JESSICA SHALTOUT Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PAWEL KUBA Senior Designer: MIKE ROBERTS

Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Director: LEAH DAY Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: carly@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please email: navinder@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please email: lucie@zest-media.com

Absolutely Mama supports

U n i T G 0 6 We n l o c k S tu d i o s , 50 -52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU 020 7704 0588 zest.london To read the latest issue of Absolutely Mama subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelymama

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.

April 2020

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month

Go Green

KOW TOW On our wishlists for spring, this dress from eco-friendly favourite Kowtow is made from 100% fair trade certified organic cotton. Better still, it has an entirely traceable supply chain – from seed to garment. kowtowclothing.com

CHEW AWAY

LIEWO OD Made from BPA-free silicone, Liewood’s teethers have various textures to soothe sore gums. The bear design is pretty cute too. scandiborn.com

CO O L K I DS

MAED FOR MINI We love the retro feel of the new collection from Rotterdam-born, Amsterdam-based brand Maed for Mini. Their designs are produced in a sustainable way. maedformini.com

Dragon Quest HIB O U HO M E On the hunt for a stylish wallpaper that will keep both you and your little one happy? Look no further than Hibou Home. We love their beautiful designs – including this hand painted print featuring magical dragons and castles. hibouhome.com

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ma m a LOVE S

Switched On

BA BY BA BY

F ER M L IV IN G Give your light bulbs a spring makeover with Ferm Living’s socket pendant. The sleek design fits with any of the lampshades in the collection and comes in a range of perfect powdery hues. fermliving.com

A RKET Every bit as good as the grown up’s collection, something from the new ARKET baby collection seems to end up in our basket everytime we shop there.

Oops! Look out for their organic cotton pieces and cool Scandi-inspired prints. arket.com

GET ORGANISED

H AY Functional and pretty, the Plissé Fade from Danish interiors favourite HAY unfolds to provide clever storage compartments for all of those loose bits of paper that are always getting lost.

It closes securely with an elastic band so you can carry it around with you. hay.dk

Play Time

GUS + BE AU Gus + Beau’s playmat tiles can be pieced together to fit any space – whether you have a huge playroom or tiny London flat. They are made without toxic nasties and are available in a range of cool graphic designs. gusandbeau.com

TA K E A S E AT

C HA R L IE C RA N E Charlie Crane’s TIBU highchair is one of the most stylish out there. Available in five colours, it has different configurations so it will grow with your child. charliecraneparis.com

Joy Ride B obbin In the springy-est yellow, you don’t get much sweeter than this bicycle from Bobbin. Complete with a basket and a bell, it’s perfect for little ones learning to ride. bobbinbikes.com

or’s Editick P

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Let’s Play

SOMERSET HOUSE

‘Now Play This’ invites visitors to experience works from multidisciplinary artists, writers and designers, all pushing the boundaries of games and play. With free entry, visitors will have access to a host of interactive arcades, immersive displays, workshops and performances. somersethouse.org.uk

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W H AT ’ S O N

School’s out, it’s time for Easter! Read our fun-filled recommendations for all ages

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Pigs & Bears don’t come in pairs 5 April Watermans

Theatre of Widdershins takes two classic stories in this double bill of furry tales, where Goldilocks may even be scarier than the Big Bad Wolf! Book your place now for these well-loved stories.

we love

Meet the Gruffalo 4th - 19th April • Kew Gardens

Meet the Gruffalo this Easter - if you can find him!

Young visitors will get the chance to explore Kew Gardens’ Arboretum and become immersed in the world of author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Face painting, a trail and even Gruffalo themed food awaits the whole family. kew.org

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watermans.org.uk

Drag Queen Story Time 25 April Jacksons Lane

Drag Queen Story Time allows children to experience a world in which people can be who they want to be. Book readings give heart-warming messages of acceptance, equality and diversity, delivered by LGBTQ+ role models. jacksonslane.org.uk

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EVENTS

Chocolate

M AD

DISNEY ON ICE 26 March to the 3 May The SSE Arena, Wembley

For a real family Easter treat you can’t beat Disney. Everyone has their favourite character, and Disney on Ice doesn’t fail to deliver. Highlights include Moana, Aladdin and a show-stopping performance

by Sebastian singing ‘Under the Sea’.

Book now to avoid disappointment. disneyonice.com

Three of the best chocolate themed Easter treats

TH E C H OCO L ATE M U S EU M Various Dates across April The Chocolate Museum

A hidden gem in Brixton, The Chocolate Museum will be running various workshops across April, from Easter egg making to designing your own chocolate bar and wrapper.

Check the website for details. thechocolatemuseum.co.uk

MUDCHUTE FARM April Mudchute Farm

ituated in East London Mudchute Farm boasts over 32 acres of countryside in the city. From seeing baby chicks, lambs and other farmyard animals to getting involved in specialist Easter activities, the bonus is that it’s free entry for everyone.

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CAD B U RY E A STE R EGG H U NT Various Dates The National Trust

The National Trust have teamed up with Cadbury to host Easter egg hunts at their properties up and down the country. Get out in nature and follow the bunny’s clues to find a chocolatey treat. Yum!

mudchute.org

nationaltrust.org

MIFFY X MAGGIE & ROSE riginal Family Members Club, Maggie & Rose, and classic children’s character Miff y are teaming up over Easter 2020 to celebrate the 65th birthday of Dick Bruna’s famous bunny.

Celebrations across all the clubs (including the newly opened Islington site) include a Miff y twist on art and cooking classes, Miff y-themed ‘big kid camps’ and a costume character visit.

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E A STE R C H OCO L ATE MAKI N G April Hotel Chocolat Chocolate Vaults

Join luxury chocolatiers Hotel Chocolat at their Cocoa Vaults for their Children’s Chocolate Workshops.

Little ones will get a chance to learn about chocolate, how to decorate it, and take home a goody bag! hotelchocolat.com

maggieandrose.com

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We love

BOOKS This month’s new releases to enjoy with your little ones

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MUMMY LOVE

All Things HERBERT’S GARDEN

By Lara Hawthorn

The garden is a beautiful spot full of pretty plants and fascinating animals that create amazing things, such as the spider who weaves a spangled web or the ants who have a wondrous underground world. This book explores how everyone and everything has their own place on the planet. £21.99;  waterstones.com

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MY MAMA

by Annemarie van Haeringen

Follow a young elephant as he explains his special relationship with his mama.

The little elephant tells us his favourite things about his mama, and his least, like when his mama tells him off. Funny, relatable and moving, this is the perfect bedtime book. £11.99;  waterstones.com

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BOOKS

BEAR WITH ANOTH ER

BOOK ABOUT BEARS

By Laura Bunting

The Bears have gotten bored of being in so many stories that they have gone on strike. This hilarious book looks at some alternatives for all the parts bears play in stories. But what sort of animal could be just right? Illustrations ©copyright Philip Bunting £6.99;  scholastic.com

O N TH E FA R M TO P SY A N D T I M O N T H E FA R M

By Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson

Chill

TIME S TA R S B E F O R E B E D T I M E

By Charles M. Schulz

With so much going on, sometimes it can be difficult for children to switch off before bedtime. This fact fi lled book helps create a bedtime ritual with mindfulness, muscle relaxation, gentle yoga poses, visualisation and other exercises to help kids release stress and get ready for bed. £12.99;  agreatread.co.uk

Explore the farm alongside Topsy and Tim as they spend a day meeting the animals, collecting eggs, getting into trouble with geese and even feeding a calf. This edition celebrates 60 years of Topsy and Tim and is sure to be a hit with animal loving children. £8.99;  hive.co.uk

Still

HUNGRY T H E W O L F A N D T H E F LY

By Antje Damm

This is an engaging book that doubles as a guessing game, helping to build memory and observation skills. Follow the wolf on his rampage through the nursery where he eats all the toys one after another. Together you can guess which object will be eaten next until everything re-emerges. £6.99;  bookdepository.com

A RT Y MY FIRST HEROS

By Nila Aye

This book will introduce your little one into the wonderful world of art. Exploring the careers of Artemisia Gentileschi, Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol, this book is the perfect way to meet the greats.

Pre-order £5.99;  whsmith.co.uk April 2020

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multi-mode pram that goes further versatrax™ There’s so much adventure ahead, so make the most of every moment with 4 ways to travel the distance in effortless comfort and delightful durability. Made to go and go with an easier than ever fold and setup, higher than most usage at 22 kg, all access storage, durable and puncture proof foam filled rubber tyres and everything you need to travel far, experience more and enjoy most.

Share the joy at joiebaby.com Available at Argos, Boots, Halfords, John Lewis, Mamas & Papas, Smyths, Very and all good independent nursery retailers.

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First Class SILVER CROSS

Silver Cross has launched an updated design of their travel stroller, the Jet. With a stylish new look, improved suspension and a new, ergonomic seat, it can be used from birth, is super lightweight and has an ultra compact fold. silvercrossbaby.com

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Easter Gift Guide Carly Glendinning rounds up the sweetest presents for little ones

S U N DAY BEST

Editor’s Pick

NELLIE QUATS

Nellie Quats make the most perfect ditsy floral dresses, sweet gingham prints and Peter Pan collar blouses. The brand for girls creates the kind of special pieces you’ll want to get out year after year and then hand down. nelliequats.com

Hop to it MAILEG

Anything from the Maileg range would make an adorable Easter gift, but their bunnies are really perfect. This floppy-eared one even has a gorgeous spring-like outfit. £26; smallable.com

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GOOD EGGS ROCOCO

Handmade in small batches by expert chocolatiers, Rococo’s Salted Caramel Seagull eggs are so delicious they’ll disappear long before Easter Sunday. If you do have any left, they would make a pretty table decoration. £13.50; rococochocolates.com

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essenti a ls EASTER

5 f or th e ir

B AS KETS

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LITTLE BUNNIES MERI MERI

For the best selection of Easter dress up, look no further than Meri Meri. They have everything from ears and tails, to flower fairy costumes. merimeri.co.uk

2 SMART COOKIES

3

MERI MERI

With the Easter holidays stretching out before us, baking might keep little ones entertained (well for five minutes anyway!). Meri Meri has a cute selection of cutters that will make decorating fun. merimeri.co.uk

All Wrapped Up

LIEWOOD

Make sure their Easter present is both cute and practical by giving them this bunny robe from Liewood. Perfect for snuggling up in after a splash in the tub. £49; scandiborn.co.uk

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1. Rockahula Kids, Bunny Slides, £4; rockahulakids.com 2. Meri Meri, Pom Pom Bunny Ear Dress Up £18; merimeri.co.uk 3. Djeco, Elodie Decals, £2.99; tickety-boo.co.uk 4. Meri Meri, Bunny Necklace, £10; merimeri.co.uk 5. Cam Cam Copenhagen, Pom Pom Basket, £17.50; camcamcopenhagen.com

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Organic cotton baby clothes from ARKET; arket.com

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essentials GREEN

PARENTING

E C O B A B Y Carly Glendinning on the green glossary of terms to consider when you’re shopping for your baby

O

rganic, ‘slow’, plastic free… there’s so many terms flying around in the world of eco-conscious shopping. But what does it all mean and why should we be considering it when we’re buying baby products?

Firstly, as Greta Thunburg so alarmingly put it, ‘our house is on fire’ and time is running out to save the planet from climate change disaster. But secondly, eco-friendly products are often better for our kids’ health. Here is a handy glossary of some of the things to look out for...

ORGANIC

W H AT I S I T. . .

From baby food, to bathtime products, bedding and babygrows, if an item is described as ‘organic’ it generally means that it has been made without nasty chemicals, pesticides, additives and GMO.

W H Y C H O O S E I T… Babies are more sensitive to toxins than adults. Baby skin is five times thinner, more absorbent and more sensitive than ours, so it’s important to think about what you’re putting on it and against it. Organic cotton is softer and contains less irritants, so it will be more comfortable and less likely to cause skin allergies. It also tends to wash better and last longer. Bathtime products with organic ingredients are also less likely to cause irritatation and if you’re at the weaning stage, organic baby food limits little ones’ exposure to pesticides. Organic products are better for the environment and they use natural resources such as water in a more responsible way. They are also healthier for the farmers who grow them.

W H AT TO LO O K O U T F O R …

If you’re buying clothing and bedding, check for products carrying the GOTS label, which stands for ‘Global Organic Textile Standard’. This independent certification ensures organic textiles April 2020

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essentials GREEN

meet strict ecological and socially responsible standards. Organic brands also often carry the OEKOTEX Standard 100 certification, which confirms the human-ecological safety of textiles and leather. There are lots of baby brands that use organic cotton and you can even find essentials such as carriers that are made using it. If you’re bottle feeding or weaning, fresh is generally considered better than processed. But if you’ve had to dash out of the house without a home-made puree, organic snacks are widely available.

SLOW

W H AT I S I T… ‘Slow’ brands focus on the idea of buying less but buying better. It’s all about being conscious about what you buy in terms of quality and quantity.

W H Y C H O O S E I T… Even if we don’t want them to, babies grow up (and out of everything) fast.

Baby products are so cute, that there is a temptation to over-buy and we end up with a lot of things we don’t actually need. If we don’t pass these things

down they end up in landfill. By making smarter choices about what we buy for our little ones, we can prevent a lot of waste.

W H AT TO LO O K O U T F O R …

This is all about buying quality items that will stand the test of time, so there’s an argument for spending a little bit more on clever design. Products that grow with your child, such as the Stokke Tripp Trapp, and Sebra’s cots that convert into children’s beds are the ultimate here.

PLASTIC FREE

W H AT I S I T… Plastic is has become demonised as the number one material destroying the earth. Using plastic in products is a complex issue though as it’s actually quite durable and it’s also lightweight, so it can cause less emissions when it’s transported. The problem with plastic is when it goes into landfill as it doesn’t biodegrade.

Unfortunately, it’s quite difficult to go completely plastic-free when

Organic cotton baby clothes from ARKET; arket.com

buying items for your baby, as even if you opt for wooden nursery furniture and toys, there are items such as car seats where you can’t currently avoid it.

MORI, Organic Cotton Bodysuit, £22; babymori.com

Nuna, CUDL Carrier in GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, £150; nunababy.com

Eco Friendly

Jem + Bea, Sustainable Edie Eco Holdall, £130; jemandbea.com

PARENTING

PARENTING KIT

Hevea, Glass Bottles, €23; heveaplanet.com

Sebra, Junior & Grow Bed, €869.95; sebra.dk

W H Y C H O O S E I T… Aside from protecting the environment, the biggest reason for minimising plastic is to reduce your little one’s exposure to BPA (bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and resins). Research has linked it to certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, immune disorders and fertility problems.

W H AT TO LO O K O U T F O R …

Thankfully there’s lots of plasticfree options out there now. Hevea make BPA-free natural rubber dummies and glass baby bottles.

But even if you start out with good intentions, you’ll probably have to give into plastic at some point. When that day comes, look out for brands that use recycled and BPA-free plastics, such as Green Toys.

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e s s ent i al s

TOT GEAR

ent parroved app

SOUND SLEEP M A M A S & PA PA S

The next generation of baby monitors, the HD Nanit Plus Smart Monitor boasts a crystalclear HD display, two-way audio, the ability to record and understand sleep data, and so much more. £379.99; mamasandpapas.com

TOT GEAR

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

ANIMAL FUN M AT C H S T I C K M O N K E Y

Just like the original Matchstick Monkey teether, the new silicone Flat Face Animal Teethers from the brand have a range of textures to gently massage and soothe baby’s gums. Lightweight, fun and perfect for little hands. £4.99; matchstickmonkey.com

SPRING STROLLING M A M A S & PA PA S

Mamas & Papas has teamed up with Liberty London to create a floral update on their best selling Ocarro pushchair. From £799; mamasandpapas.com 24

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MAMAS & PAPAS

Flyn Wardrobe Reviewed by Mamas & Papas Parent Approved Panellist Darcy Brown @babybrowninbloom

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urniture isn’t cheap.

In fact, having a baby isn’t cheap. So it was important for us to choose something that could grow with our baby. We wanted a wardrobe that would fit in with Barney’s current nursery but would work just as well if we decide to redecorate, or move it to another room. The classic Flyn wardrobe is perfect for this. Not only is the design super pretty, but it’s also a full sized wardrobe – win!

The wardrobe comes with two removable rails and a drawer you could literally set up camp in.

The shelf is adjustable too which is super handy for when we will need more space for Barney’s larger sized clothes (sob). We could remove it completely when the time comes to use it as an adult wardrobe.

It also has a safety strap at the back that you fix to a wall which ensures there’ll be no accidents. It did take a while to build (sorry James), but in my opinion this definitely certifies the sturdiness of it.

The Flyn wardrobe is a perfect fit for our family and I know it will be for years to come. £510 mamasandpapas.com

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Our ultra-compact, cabin approved travel stroller just got an upgrade!

silvercrossbaby.com

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Strong Mamas IN THIS SECTION

This month we meet three inspiring mamas. Anna Williamson talks to us about coping with perinatal depression; Julia Ashwood tells us how to survive travelling with little ones; and Lucy Werner discusses why she has chosen shared parental leave. Enjoy!

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woman in

WORK TV presenter Anna Williamson on making a new documentary about maternal mental health

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mamah o o d

Q Tell us about your new BBC documentary.

What made you want to make it?

A I am so grateful that the team at BBC Inside Out wanted to make my mini film on perinatal and postnatal mental health.

It’s a topic I’m extremely passionate about having suffered with both during my first pregnancy and birth. Maternal mental health hasn’t been given the spotlight it deserves, one in five mums experience ill mental health and so much more needs to be done to recognise, support and destigmatise it.

Q Mental health struggles surrounding birth and new motherhood are so common but so many mums struggle to make it a priority. Why do you think it’s so important for us to focus on?

A Happy mum happy baby. We all get so consumed and caught up in the newborn bubble and the endless cycle of feeding, changing, visitors etc that we can often forget to put our own mental health at the forefront of things and a priority. It is imperative that we are kind to ourselves and give our physical and mental health equal care and attention. Motherhood can be overwhelming at the best of times, it’s important that we have some space and time to think and reflect on how we are feeling and anything extra we might need to help support us.

Q Do you think it’s harder for the current generation of new mums, with the pressures of social media and the work juggle?

A I think it’s as hard as you make it to some

INTERVIEW

extent. We all get caught up with the daily juggles of life, I know only too well myself, but it’s so important to take time out and to minimise pressures. Reducing or coming off social media, never comparing yourself to others, and trying to work out what works best for you and your family with a work/life balance is so important for our wellbeing.

“There is no such thing as a perfect parent, you just have to be good enough.”

Q Whilst making the documentary, you talked to women who had gone through similiar experiences to you. What was the most surprising thing you learnt?

A It was such a privilege to meet so many wonderful mums and their beautiful babies.

Nothing particularly surprised me, as I found so many women in a similar position to me when I had perinatal and postnatal anxiety. It did surprise and sadden me to learn that women typically only get three minutes to talk to their GP about their mental health in the six week postnatal check. I strongly believe this needs to change and there also needs to be more care and attention applied to all mums – particularly with so many being discharged from hospital so soon after giving birth.

they need more mental health support.

I did and it was literally game changing with the way I handled and enjoyed my pregnancy and birth second time round. We all need to keep talking and being kind to ourselves. There is no such thing as a perfect parent, you just have to be good enough.

Q It’s great news that from this year there will be more support available. Do you think there’s still more than can be done?

A It’s a great start that every woman will have access to a community perinatal mental health team by the end of this year, and I can’t recommend enough that everyone accesses their local team should they feel

Q What would be your advice to new mamas who might be going through something similar to what happened to you after Enzo arrived?

A Please don’t suffer in silence. You are a wonderful mum, if you’re feeling horrible feelings it doesn’t mean that you don’t care or that you’re not good enough, it means that you are ill and you need support and help. There is no shame or blame in that.

Talk to your health visitor, your doctor, your midwife, your family and friends, and ask for help from your community perinatal mental health team. There is lots that could be done, medication, talking therapies, and with time you can be feeling tiptop once again.

Watch BBC Inside Out via the BBC iPlayer now April 2020

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“Travelling with children encourages you to slow down and see things that you may have never seen before”

INSTA MAMA

Julia Ashwood, founder of travel blog The Vista @the_vista • followthevista.com

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Q Tell us about The Vista. What’s it all about and what made you want to launch it?

A I’ve always been obsessed with travelling since I was a little girl. I saved up for the summers working in a local surf shop and I took my first trip to Hawaii with my two best friends at 17 years old and I’ve never wanted to stop since.

I always found when I reached my destination I would have loved a like-minded guide. A bit of a curated treasure map to all the places that myself and my friends would enjoy... A few years later I started writing guides and sharing them with friends and a little after that The Vista was formed.

They say you don’t just find your dream job you must create it – so I suppose looking back that’s what I had to do. Now I have to pinch myself to be collaborating with so many incredible folk and businesses partners.

Q What’s it like living in Byron Bay and raising your kids there?

A I grew up in this beautiful rainbow region so returning here after living abroad to have my children really is a wonderful blessing.

Having the ability to live on a property and grow our own food and also have access to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches makes us feel extremely lucky.

It’s also an incredibly conscious and creative community here with many other young families who all support one another.

We recently just bought a lovely old country pub in the Byron hinterland and are recreating this as a great music, food and family destination. Support thus far has been so incredible and we are beyond excited to create more great things for both locals and those visiting this area alike.

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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mama h ood Q&A

artist John Zawaba at The Surfrider Hotel in Malibu which was so much fun!

Q You love to travel as a family. What has been your biggest adventure so far?

A As challenging as it is yes we do! We recently completed a road trip from Los Angeles through to Santa Fe, Colorado, Arizona, Joshua Tree and back again.

We were on the road for 3 1/2 weeks with both my three-year-old Delilah and Alby was just six months.

This was an incredible trip we covered so many miles took some wonderful photos and created a beautiful guide at the end of it. Enjoying a very late fall of snow in Colorado and Zion National Park was a true highlight as well as catching up with all our gorgeous friends in California.

Whilst we were there we also launched our travel T shirt collection with the brilliant

Q Best bits and worst bits about travelling with kids?

A Tantrums, meltdowns, dirty nappies, sleepless nights... they are all forgotten once you see your little ones experiencing something new, meeting new friends and creating special lifelong memories.

Travelling with children encourages you to slow down and see things that you may have never seen before through their little eyes and imaginations.

Q How important is Instagram to The Vista and what do you like and dislike most about the platform?

A I really enjoy using the platform daily whether it be to post stories or imagery or to just check in with friends near and far.

For business, it’s information sharing with ease. I also find it’s a wonderful way of connecting with other creatives and businesses.

The negatives are how time consuming the platform can become. I enjoy posting and chatting on DM in the AM before ‘work hours’ begin. Not that traditional work hours mean a lot when you’re a mum – you just work whenever you have an hour (or a minute!).

Q The biggest surprise about motherhood so far?

A It’s both the most challenging and most rewarding job you’ll ever have. I am in awe of these two little beings and they teach me new things everyday.

Q And finally, any advice for other mamas travelling with little ones?

A Pack your PATIENCE you are going to need it. Also organisation is key – pre book cars, car seats, hotels, pop up cots and transfers as much as you can to help you along the way.

Have fun! Sometimes the best remedy for a stressful situation is just to have a laugh, then take a deep breath and reset.

April 2020

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mamah ood COLUMN

“When I did finally return to work at six months my ambition hadn’t waned, but what I classed as success had”

real mum talk...

Telling it Like it is Lucy Werner on shared parental leave

M

y favourite piece of pregnancy advice is don’t listen to anyone’s advice. Every single mum and baby is different.

What I find hard others find easy and vice versa. So I’m not going to tell you that you should all make shared parental leave work for you but what I will tell you, is that I’m so glad WE made shared parenting happen.

Although I always wanted to have children my first baby was my own business. I’d nurtured my own company for years before I got pregnant. So I felt quite torn when I knew my first baby was coming about how I could juxtaposition being the present mum I wanted to be, and keeping a business afloat.

I feel very lucky that I have a partner who doesn’t adhere to traditional gender roles. Our salaries have always been neck and neck, so although at this period of time he was earning more, bonding as a new family was a priceless opportunity that was a no brainer.

To make it viable, we saved up a chunk of money during my pregnancy so that we could manage with the salary drop for a period of time. We also bought almost everything for the baby second hand apart from the pushchair. I used to be quite a social butterfly too but pregnancy stripped me of any energy, so it was easy to save up a lot more than I had planned.

I had originally thought I would return to work full time after three months and swap with my partner for three months, maybe overlap for

a week or two. But in fact, when the time came I wasn’t ready to return to work. So we decided to visit our friends and family across the UK and France for three months. It really did feel like a once in a lifetime experience where we made lots of new family memories. I worked remotely part time two days a week whilst we travelled to keep the company going which meant father and son had some brilliant bonding time one-on-one.

When I did finally return to my business at six months my ambition hadn’t waned, but what I had classed as success had. Since then, I’ve had a second child and I’ve never returned to work full time. There are moments where I wish we were making more money and saying no to lucrative projects is difficult. But for me, I know I will never get this time back with them so I’m more than happy to pause some of my business goals.

The shared parental leave was a bonding experience as a new family.

It’s helped our eldest develop his language skills as dad is French.

And my partner also just gets it more if I say I’ve had a tough day. We are also in total agreement, going to work, no matter how sleepless the night is, is ALWAYS an easier gig than the job of a mama.

Lucy Werner is Mum to two boys and author of Hype Yourself. @wernchat April 2020

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Mama & Mini OEUF

Matching style couldn’t get much cuter than the collection from New York based brand Oeuf. Pretty summer dresses for you and the sweetest little outfits for them. oeufnyc.com

April 2020

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ST Y L E NOTES

The month’s best styles, collaborations and collections

L A D O LC E V I TA SÉZANE

The pre-spring collection from French favourite Sézane has landed and it takes its inspiration from the ‘60s Fellini film. Full of romantic silhouettes that will take you through to summer.

we love

sezane.com

ON THE GO STORKSAK

With plenty of space for nappies, bottles, snacks (and even mama essentials!), this stylish stroller organiser from Storksak fits onto the handlebars of most prams and buggies. Made from scuba material, it has four handy outside pockets too. storksak.com

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Right Support L O N E LY

Maternity lingerie doesn’t have the best reputation for being pretty, but the collection for mamas from Lonely is beautiful and supportive. Look out for their styles with unclippable straps for breastfeeding and extra hook and eyes for adjustment as your body changes. lonleylabel.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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Spring Kicks RE/DONE

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nd Bra us Foc

Cult LA label RE/DONE has launched their first sneaker collection, available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER. Choose from three super-cool designs: the 70s Tennis Shoe, the 80s Basketball Shoe, and the 90s Skate Shoe. net-a-porter.com

FABLE & EVE A nightwear brand with a focus on sustainability

FLOWE R POWE R

A

MARIMEKKO

Marimekko’s new collection takes inspiration from Irving Penn’s book ‘Flowers’. Expect prints that match Penn’s photos, airy silhouettes and a joyful colour palette. marimekko.com

5 o f t he b e st SC U L P T U RA L MOTLEY X SIAN EVANS Boules Earrings, £230; motley-london.com

ARKET Wool Blazer, £135; arket.com

S.JOON Milk Pail Tote, £445; net-a-porter.com

COS Tied Shirt, £59; cosstores.com

JACQUEMUS Leather Sandals, £445; net-a-porter.com

new nightwear brand on our radar, we’re into Fable & Eve not only for their beautiful take on classic sleepwear but for their responsible approach to production. Just launched for spring 2020, the collection includes traditional pyjamas, nightshirts and gowns in soft dusky hues with a sprinkling of bold statement prints.

Each piece is beautifully made, and the fits are really flattering.

The brand uses 100% natural fibres (a cotton and modal mix) which doesn’t contain any harsh or synthetic chemicals. All of their fabrics are sustainable, wash well and are intended to be loved and worn for years. They also take their supply chain very seriously, ensuring that everyone working with them is paid a fair, living wage and is treated fairly.

But what we love most of all is the effort the brand puts into comfort. They test all of their fabrics rigorously to make sure they are super soft. And the shapes are loose and airy, to help you have as good a night’s sleep as possible.

fableandeve.co.uk

April 2020

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RED FLORAL WRAP MATERNITY DRESS, £59

Hey

M A M A Carefree maternity style for spring days s e r a p h i n e .c o m

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Left:

GREEN PRINTED MATERNITY DRESS, £55; Above:

DOUBLE LAYER NAVY MATERNITY & NURSING DRESS, £55; Right:

TEAL KNOT FRONT MATERNITY SWIMWEAR TANKINI, £42;

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Left:

SNAKE PRINT TIERED MATERNITY DRESS, £65; Below:

COTTON STRIPE MATERNITY & NURSING DRESS, £49; Right:

YELLOW FLORAL MATERNITY BLOUSE, £42;

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kid s

FA S H I O N NOTES Carly Glendinning rounds up the month’s best styles, looks and launches

TA K E A TWIRL THE MIDDLE DAUGHTER

we love

Girlswear brand The Middle Daughter launches its second collection this summer. Full of dresses you’ll both love, think sunny hues, an abundance of florals and bold stripes galore. themiddledaughter.co.uk

STEP OUTSIDE VEJA X HUNDRED PIECES

Eco-friendly trainer brand VEJA and cool childrenswear brand Hundred Pieces join forces for the third time, creating a colourful collaboration. Little ones will love the pop wave design.

From sizes 32 to 39. smallable.com

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Dive In M U D DY P U D D L E S

Award-winning British childrenswear brand Muddy Puddles has introduced UV protective swimwear for the first time. The colourful collection has been created using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles. muddypuddles.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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fa s h i on

Scandi Summers

KIDS

nd Bra us Foc

AS WE GROW

The new collection from Icelandic brand As We Grow is inspired by summer in the northern hemisphere. Made with a strong focus on sustainability, look out for the sweetest open work knits, alpaca blend dresses and cute bonnets. aswegrow.is

OII, ALEX AND ALEXA The multi-brand retailer launches their own sustainable childrenswear brand

IN PRINT

O

ORGANIC ZOO X LITTLE BEACON

Known for their sustainably produced pieces, Organic Zoo has teamed up with Rachel Walker of Little Beacon to create a collection featuring the designer’s super sweet block prints. organic-zoo.com

5 of t he b e st F RU I T S OF NAT NATU U RE DONJSE AMSTERDAM Lemon Hair Tie, £12; alexandalexa.com

BOBO CHOSES Orange Socks, £14; smallable.com

ACNE Purple Beanie, £53; KULING smallable.com Apple Rubber Boots, £21; alexandalexa.com

BOBO CHOSES Bucket Hat, £35; smallable.com

nline destination for all the coolest kids brands, Alex and Alexa, is launching their very own sustainable childrenswear brand called Oii. Designed in Göteborg, the pieces take inspiration from the west coast city’s varied cultural influences including the industrial heritage and fishing tradition, focus on sustainability and vibrant music scene.

Impressively, most of the collection is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton.

And the pieces are made to last, promoting a circular approach to consumption – hoping you will pass them on once outgrown.

The main theme is the playfulness of the sea, which can be seen in the patterns and motifs created by Swedish illustrator Beata Boucht.

The colour palette (of course) has a Scandi feel, mixing earthy tones with subdued pastel hues. Parents will get on-board with the cool, pared-back vibe, whilst little ones will love the imaginative prints – which is a win-win in our book. alexandalexa.com

ORGANIC ZOO Olive body, £28; organic-zoo.com

April 2020

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April Showers Get ready to splish splosh in the rain t o a s t i e k i d s .c o m

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MAKING A SPLASH

Absolutely Mama meets Emily Cohen, co-founder of sun-safe swimwear brand SUNUVA I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

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Q Tell us about SUNUVA. How did you come to set up the brand?

A The idea for SUNUVA was born when Sabrina and I met whilst on holiday in Israel 12 years ago. My son at the time was 2 years old and my daughter was newborn. My son Ethan recognised Sabrina’s son Joshi in the pool from nursery school in London. Sabrina and I were always the mums that would dump the kids and rush off to work and so had never actually met each other before. So I guess it’s fair to say it was our two year olds who introduced us and we soon realised how local we were to each other and even had a few friends and acquaintances in common.

We quickly bonded over our mutual frustration of the lack of stylish kids swimwear with UV protection. Everything on offer at that time seemed to be very functional, and we realised that there was a lack of anything remotely stylish for kids swimwear with the added benefit of UV protection. So the seed was planted and over the next few months Sabrina and I met and developed the idea.

Q How did your own motherhood journeys play into the decision to launch SUNUVA? A At the time we met, sun safety awareness was growing thanks to government campaigns and as relatively new mothers we chatted in general about sun safety on that holiday and all our kids were already wearing rash vests. It was very simply our instinctive desire as mothers to protect our babies that inspired us – everything else just followed and slipped into place. We had identified a

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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fash io n INTERVIEW

problem that we knew others, like us, would be able to relate to and we wanted to fi x it.

From the outset the brand grew with our kids, it has always been very family-led.

Between us we have six kids and so we really get to try and test all our products on them before we develop them. As our little ones grew so did our knowledge. For example the market for 9-14 year olds is pretty tricky.

Young tweens and teens are very fashion conscious and want something a bit more age appropriate and cool, they certainly don’t want to look the same as their younger siblings. We have however always tried to find the compromise between what young teens want to wear and what their parents want to see them in!

Q You’ve become really known for your stand-out prints. How are they designed?

A Yes our prints go hand in hand with our brand identity and the inspiration for these are often sparked by things we see on our travels. Sabrina and I both love to travel with our families and the colours and fabrics we see on our trips are often the starting point for a collection. Ideas can come from anything and everything – the colours of spices in a market, Moroccan tiles, vintage Indian fabrics, embroideries from Guatemala,

“From the outset the brand grew with our kids, it has always been very family-led” discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles that have all been collected from the ocean! tropical jungles, the list goes on… However, it is always our amazing design team that distil our ideas and bring them to life.

Q Tell us something that people don’t often know about SUNUVA...

A The name SUNUVA is pronounced SUNOOVA, but the word is a play on sun safety SUN + UVA. Q How important is sustainability to the business?

A Sustainability is incredibly important to us. As a business we are making strides to become more socially responsible every year that goes by. We are not yet fully sustainable but it is our aim over time to work with our suppliers and factories in order to be able to deliver more sustainable products.

This season we are incredibly proud to be celebrating a whole collection of rash vests using fabrics that are made from

Q What about the motherhood/work juggle.

Do you feel there is enough time to do both?

A There is never enough time for both. It is a constant challenge and balance for any working mum. You always feel like you could and should be doing more, be it History homework or work emails.

Q And finally, what would be your dream family getaway?

A I have just come back from one of our best ever family trips. We spent two weeks travelling around Belize and Guatemala.

A combination of hotels, camping, hiking, scuba diving and chocolate making – a bit of everything. Both countries were fantastically vibrant, fun, colourful, interesting and incredibly different from anywhere else we had been before. sunuva.com April 2020

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FA M I LY- F R I E N D LY R EC I P E S F R O M T H E N E W TA B LE M A N N E R S CO O K B O O K p . 5 8 BA BY S LE E P T I P S T H AT WO R K F R O M J U ST C H I LL M A M A p .6 4

On Form ERNEST LEOT Y

The Ernest Leoty brand dates back to 19th century Paris, where it was known for making the most beautiful corsets. Today, they use their expertise to craft elegant and highly technical performance-focused activewear that’s perfect for pilates or yoga. ernestleoty.com

April 2020

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HEALTH

GET TO TWERK

TWERK AFTER WORK™

With a focus on body positivity, Twerk After Work™ aims to give new mamas a safe space to dance their way to physical and mental fitness. The classes are the brainchild of Bami Kuteyi, who is an ex-Google exec and Prince’s Trust Youth Ambassador. bambamboogie.com

mama’s

WELLNESS NOTES Plastic-free food shopping and a dance class with a difference

PLASTIC FREE ABEL & COLE

Organic food box delivery service Abel & Cole has become the first ever online retailer to offer a refillable service in the UK, as part of your normal weekly shop. Their new ‘Club Zero’ initiative delivers popular pantry items in returnable, reusable pots. abelandcole.co.uk

Bump Fit TEN FITNESS

Ten Fitness offers pregnancy and postnatal modifications for all of their exercise programmes, but has specialist prenatal pilates classes too. Safe for you and baby, their expert trainers will help to prepare you for labour and the months afterwards. ten.co.uk

MILK IT PICCOLO

UK baby food brand Piccolo has launched a new range of organic formula milk, developed with experts who have 35 years’ experience in infant nutrition. The range aims to give parents choices when feeding their little ones. RRP £14.99; ocado.com April 2020

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CHICKEN SOUP Serves 6 (makes about 2 litres)

E

very Jewish family thinks their mother’s chicken soup is the best. In emergencies, I have been known to send my soup across London in a taxi, because this ‘Jewish penicillin’ most definitely has healing qualities. Reminiscent of Friday nights spent with family when I was a girl, the fragrance of the simmering soup is delicious. Chicken soup is synonymous with every Jewish household, and is one of the things that makes me most proud to be Jewish.

INGREDIENTS

TA B L E

Manners Three simple recipes from mother and daughter duo Jessie and Lennie Ware’s new cookbook

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• 2kg chicken thighs and legs • 5 large onions, skins left on, halved, cutting off the rooty bit • 8 carrots, sliced about 2–3cm thick • 4 celery sticks, with leaves, halved • 1 leek, halved • ½ swede • 2 tbsp Telma Chicken Soup Mix (available from a kosher shop or online), or 2 good quality chicken stock cubes • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns • 1 tsp salt • Matzo balls, to serve

DIRECTIONS 1 Put the chicken and all the vegetables in a stockpot or very large pan (about 4 litres capacity) with enough cold water to cover everything by about 5cm (about 3 litres) and bring to the boil. 2 When boiling, skim off all the frothy scum until there is none left. 3 Add the soup mix or stock cubes, the peppercorns and salt, bring back to the boil and then reduce the heat and gently simmer for 2–3 hours.

4 Season the soup to taste, then leave to cool. 5 Pour the soup through a colander into a large bowl. Carefully retrieve the carrots from the colander and add back

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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RECIPE S

to the soup. 6 Give everything else a good squeeze to release the juices. 7 Some people put a little of the chicken into the soup, but I’m not sure it has much taste after being boiled for so long – and you will make your cat/dog very happy if you give them the bone-free chicken meat. 8 Put the clear soup and carrots into the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. 9 When it’s well chilled the fat will rise to the top and you can easily skim it off. 1 0 To serve, bring the soup to the boil over a medium heat and add your cooked matzo balls just before serving.

TIP The soup may not be completely clear (and it doesn’t really matter), but if you want to make it as clear as a consommé then you can either put it all through a tea strainer (as I did when Jay Rayner was our guest) or you can use one or two egg shells from the matzo balls and put them in the soup as you bring it back to the boil – fish out the egg shells before you put the matzo balls in.towards the end of cooking; spinach and/ or peas are both delicious, and they only take 5 minutes to cook.

COURGETTE BAKE Serves 8 as a side

I

made this up when a friend gave me a load of courgettes from her allotment and everyone loved it. We serve this as a veg accompaniment to a roast.

INGREDIENTS • Butter for greasing • 1 small onion, roughly chopped • 4 courgettes (about 800g), ends discarded • 1 large egg • 80g Cheddar, grated • ½ tsp ground nutmeg • ½ tsp salt • Pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1 Preheat the oven to 200 ° C/180 ° C fan/gas 6. 2 Butter a baking dish.

3 Put the onion and courgettes into a food processor and whizz until evenly chopped. Alternatively, if you don’t have a food processor, just grate them.

4 Add the egg, cheese, nutmeg and salt and pepper and whizz again or stir through. 5 Tip the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 45 minutes until browned on top. Serve hot.

“I made this up when a friend gave me a load of courgettes from her allotment and everyone loved it” April 2020

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tin with baking parchment. 3 Put the butter and chocolate into a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water and leave until they start to melt. Stir regularly, taking care not to burn the chocolate. 4 Once completely melted, remove from the heat and leave to cool a little. 5 In a large bowl, using an electric whisk on high power, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and almost doubled in volume. 6 Add the cooled chocolate and butter mix and gently combine, using a figure-ofeight motion to fold the 2 mixtures into one another. 7 Sift the flour and cocoa powder together and then fold into the chocolate and egg mixture. 8 Again, fold gently using a figure-of-eight motion until all is combined. It will appear dusty at fi rst, but be patient and it will come together. Take care not to overdo the mixing: as soon as you cannot see any dusty flour mix, you are there. 9 Now add your extra ingredients and gently fold in, reserving a few to scatter over the top if you like. 1 0 Transfer the mixture to the lined baking tin, levelling it out and pressing any reserved ingredients into the top of the mixture. 1 1 Bake for around 35 minutes. The top should be just fi rm, but the middle should be slightly undercooked and gooey: it will continue to cook in the tin once removed from the oven. 1 2 Leave the tin on a wire rack to cool before cutting into squares.

‘TRIPLE THREAT’ CHOCOLATE BROWNIES Makes 9-18 (depending on the levels of greediness)

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eople have requested this recipe the most after hearing about it in the Ed Sheeran episode.

A triple shot of chocolatey goodness, my doctor brother Alex says that it’s more like a ‘triple threat’ to your cholesterol levels, but don’t let that stop you from making them. Get creative!

Add whatever you like to your brownie batter. Generous chunks of white, milk or dark chocolate will all work well, as will roughly broken-up Oreos or any other chocolate confectionery.

I generally add three things to mine, hence the triple threat. Experiment.

RECIPE S

Ultimately, whatever you choose will be delicious. These brownies are best if slightly undercooked, so they still retain their gooeyness.

What you want is a brownie that gets stuck to your teeth when eating it.

INGREDIENTS • 200g unsalted butter, cubed • 200g dark chocolate, chopped • 3 large eggs • 275g caster sugar • 90g plain flour • 50g cocoa powder • 250–300g ingredients of your choice to add to the mix (white, dark or milk chocolate, chocolate biscuits, your favourite chocolate bar), chopped

DIRECTIONS 1 Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/ gas 5. 2 Line a 23cm square baking

TA B L E M A N N E R S Extracted from Table Manners: The Cookbook by Jessie and Lennie Ware (Ebury Press, £22) Photography by Ola O Smit jessieware.com

April 2020

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B E AU T Y NOTES Hair, make-up and beauty news for the month ahead

L OV E LY LO C K S

we love

SILKE LONDON

Made from 100% mulberry silk, the SILKE hair wrap stops hair breakage, frizz and split ends caused by tossing and turning on your sheets at night. Just pop it on before bedtime for thicker, shinier and better conditioned locks. £50; silklondon.com

INTENSE R E PA I R OSKIA

Oskia’s Renaissance Brightlight is an intensive serum aimed at combating hyper pigmentation, fading dark spots, and repairing sun damage. Suitable for vegans, it leaves your skin visibly brighter and glowing. £90; oskiaskincare.com

Wonder Balm NESSA

A total saviour, Nessa’s 100% natural Nipple Balm is packed full of moistureboosting butters, blended with tropical fruit oils to soothe and renew dry, cracked nipples and skin. Better still, there’s no need to remove before breastfeeding. £19; nessaorganics.com

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BEAUT Y

ty Beauew Revi

Deep Clean S U M M E R F R I D AY S

A super-charged blend of 11 amino acids and with a splash of mineral-rich seawater, Summer Fridays’ new gentle and pH-balancing cleanser washes away makeup and impurities whilst moisturising and nourishing the skin. £34; cultbeauty.co.uk

B LOW LTD

B

Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

SOFT SKIN LANO

Billed as ‘the hand cream for hand cream experts’, Lano’s formulation contains triple (animal cruelty free) lanolin to transform very dry skin and nails. The ingredients are 98.6% natural and with a combination of coconut and lemon, it smells like holiday in a tube. £8.99 each; cultbeauty.co.uk

5 of t he b e st P LAST I C F RE E

BYBI Babe Balm, £18; bybi.com

HERBIVORE Soap Bar, £10; herbivorebotanicals.com

THE SOAP CO., Hand wash, £19; thesoapco.org

BIOVÈNE BARCELONA, Solid Shampoo, £5.99; lovelula.com

low, who have earned their industry stripes with acclaimed beauty bars in London, Manchester and Birmingham, have now become a leader in on-demand beauty services delivered to your door.

Simply select your treatment, make a booking, sit back and relax.

To add to their roster of nail, wax, hair, make-up and lash treatments, time-poor mamas will be pleased to hear Blow now offers specialist therapies including pregnancy massage, reflexology and lymphatic drainage. Both the latter services can alleviate pregnancy symptoms such as heavy legs or aches and pains; in fact, reflexology can even be used to naturally induce labour (as well as providing sweet relief for achy feet if your partner’s foot rubs – like mine – fall short of the mark).

Blow’s at-home service is ideal if the last thing you want to do is haul your growing bump to a salon, or if – again, like me – you can’t bear the overpowering chemical smell of nail polish at a salon.

My reflexology treatment was slotted in on a hectic day: an hour and a half of peaceful bliss with a therapist adept at making me feel comfortable (arguably even more important in the more intimate setting of your own home) and deeply relaxed.

Book at blowltd.com

ETHIQUE Solid Deodorant, £11; ethique.co.uk

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Bermbach Handcrafted, Handmade Rattan Martha Co Sleeping Crib; £676; smallable.com

SLEEP TIGHT

Five sleep tips for new mamas from sleep consultant Rosey Davidson

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leep is one of the things that many of us can begin to obsess over when we become parents. How much we are getting; how much we aren’t getting, and how best to help our little ones settle. We are all born with the natural ability to sleep, although it may not seem that way at times! Here are my top tips for a well-rested night’s sleep.

1 M A K E I T DA R K Black out those bedrooms! Make it dark (think cave…). We sleep much better in a dark environment because our bodies are able to better produce melatonin (our sleep hormone). Small babies can sometimes struggle to tell the difference between night and day so it’s a good idea to keep night feeds dark and quiet. If you need some light then I advise an amber reading light – these are great as amber light doesn’t affect our sleep in the same way that white and blue light does (which tell our bodies to wake up).

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BABY SLEEP

Bermbach Handcrafted, Handmade Rattan Frederick Baby Bed; £788; smallable.com

2 T U R N D OW N T H E T E M P E R AT U R E

Have the temperature on the cooler side…

We don’t want your baby to get too cold but equally we are designed to sleep in slightly cooler temperatures (we didn’t have central heating in our caves!). The ideal room temperature for sleeping is 16-20 celsius.

3 P R AC T I C E FA L L I N G A S L E E P I N D E P E N D E N T LY It is very normal for babies to wake up for feeds during the night, but we want the periods in between to be filled with really good quality sleep. When your baby stirs during the night, they expect their sleep conditions to be the same as when they fell asleep. It might be worth assessing how your little one gets to sleep at bedtime and working on practicing falling asleep independently, with the aim that one day they will be able to do this on their own. Consistency is key!

4 KEEP UP

T H E RO U T I N E

Work on your daytime routine. Babies (and adults), really benefit from doing things at a similar time each day. A predictable routine can help baby anticipate what is coming next and to ensure that they get adequate daytime sleep.

Bermbach Handcrafted, Handmade Rattan Crib; £667; XxxxxxEmil xxxxx xxxx smallable.com xxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxxx

5 LOOK AFTER YO U R S L E E P N E E D S

Bermbach Handcrafted, Handmade Rattan Martha Co Sleeping Crib; £676; smallable.com

Protect your own sleep needs. Try to get an early night if possible, and rest whenever you can during the day. Getting baby down nice and early can also avoid periods of evening fussiness, which can be a sign that your baby wants to wind down and go to bed. Optimise your time in your sleep space, even if it is a broken night’s sleep you will still benefit from resting in bed.

Remember, no baby or parent is the same. What works for YOU and YOUR baby is most important. It is never too early or too late to work on your little one’s sleep skills.

Rosey Davidson is a certified infant sleep consultant and founder of Just Chill Baby Sleep.

She has a large following on her social media channels where she offers free information alongside her online parenting courses. justchillbabysleep.co.uk @just_chill_mama

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wellness STEM

LIFE

giving cells Could cord blood banking future-proof your child’s health?

This fact alone has persuaded thousands of parents-to-be that stem cell storage is something worth investing in. According to the BBC, some 27,028 blood and tissue units were banked privately in 2018 compared with 16,965 units in 2014. The steep rise in popularity is unsurprising – what new parent wouldn’t spend on something that could potentially future-proof their child’s health? But can stem cell storage really save your child’s life if they get sick? What does the future of stem cell therapies look like?

And is private banking really worth the cost when patients can access public blood banks? Absolutely Mama investigates.

L I F E SAV I N G POSSIBILITIES

O

nce considered to be clinical waste, the trend for harvesting and storing the blood stem cells found in your baby’s umbilical cord is on the rise. If you’ve not read about it before, cord blood and tissue, painlessly collected when you give birth, is a rich source of precious stem cells and is already being used to treat dozens of life-threatening diseases.

Quite literally miraculous, stem cells can regenerate to replace any damaged blood tissue or cell in the body. Cord blood stem cells have been used for over 30 years to treat blood-related disorders such as leukaemia and sickle cell disease as well as some immune and metabolic disorders. The chances of being able to use your own stem cells if you developed leukaemia are slim because they would likely contain the same genetic defects. However, family banking is supported by the world’s leading cord blood researchers. Cord blood stem cells carry a 25% chance of perfectly matching a sibling – so privately storing them could literally be a lifesaver for families, especially if there’s a history of certain diseases.

CELLS

THINGS TO CONSIDER  Make sure you choose a bank that is licensed by the The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) to process and store all transplantable material for human application.  Choose an ethical bank that guarantees the safeguarding of your cells should they go out of business.

Biovault Family is the only bank in the UK to use Escrow protection.  Selecting an experienced bank is crucial. Do your research to ensure they will store your baby’s cells quickly and safely after birth and will be able to successfully select viable cells for use in potential future treatment.

FUTU R E PROOFI NG

Doctors, scientists and industry experts widely believe that cord blood stem cells will play a key role in the future of medicine. There are private banks such as Biovault Family who invest in stem cell research and stem cell therapies are developing at a dramatic rate.

Perhaps the most exciting recent discovery is that the umbilical cord is packed with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs can differentiate into any tissue type such as bone, nerve, tendon and muscle. Trials are underway to use cord blood and cord tissue to treat cerebral palsy, breast cancer, HIV, diabetes, and disorders of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

P R I VAT E VS P U B L I C

A baby’s blood stem cells are unique to them and a 100% DNA match, so the benefit of storing them privately is that there will be no waiting and hoping for a suitable donor (and no fear of the body rejecting them) if your child does need them. However, donating cord blood to a public bank where anyone with a life-threatening disease could benefit from them is an option that healthcare professionals often advocate. If you want the best of both worlds you might want to consider a bank that works hand in hand with the NHS. The only one in the UK to currently do this is Biovault Family who release tissue and cells on a weekly basis for life-saving and life-transforming transplants.

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Inspired

by Nature

Sustainable Solid Wood

Eco-Blend Bio-Paint Five Year Warranty

NEW Oasis Oval Cot

Create an oasis of calm... with increased visibility and lockable castors, our Oasis Oval Cot offers a beautiful alternative to traditional bedside sleepers. It also transforms into a unique toddler bed, lasting you well beyond the newborn stage. @booricollections

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Happy Camper FERM LIVING

Spring is here! If the cold hasn’t quite let up, however, bring the outdoors in with this amazing play tent. Featuring a cute window and sturdy wooden frame, it’s ideal for little explorers – and super easy to fold away when not in use. £99; sorenshouse.co.uk

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N U R S E RY NOTES Helen Baron’s interior picks for the month ahead

B OX O F DELIGHTS

we love

NIDI

Learning to play is one thing, learning to put away is quite another – but kids will be much more amenable to the idea of a tidy-up with a cool, colourful toy storage box like this one. £145 nubie.co.uk

CHAIN R E AC TI O N DJECO

A step up from the typical domino rally or marble run, Djeco’s Zig & Go is a 25-piece set that lets littles build a sequence of mechanical actions and reactions using blocks, beaters, hoops, a bell and a ball bearing. £25; smallable.com

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Surface Level TODDLEKIND

Crafted from non-toxic EVA foam, Toddlekind’s range of premium playmats distinguishes itself from the competition with pretty print designs. We love the natural tones of the ‘Earth’ collection.

Mustard Flower Playmat, £89.99 toddlekind.co.uk

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Easy Rider

NURSERIE S

d Bran s u Foc

OOH NOO

For mamas of a minimalist persuasion, this dinky white push-cart is poetry in motion.

Crafted from wood with a robust powdercoated metal handle, it’s just the thing for transporting toys from room to room.

Coming soon; ooh-noo.com

R AD U GA G R EZ

ALL FRONT FRONTERIORS

From Dubai-based interior designers Live Loud Girl and House of Hawkes, Fronteriors provides stylish options for IKEA hacking with a range of doors, tops and sides to fit the Scandi store’s classic frames.

Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

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fronteriors.co

5 Fun Play Foods KIDS CONCEPT Bistro Blender, £35; kidly.co.uk

PLAN TOYS Wonky Fruit & Veg, £24; kidly.co.uk

DJECO Oscar & Cannelle Gingerbread Set, £20; trotters.co.uk

KIKO+ & GG* Bagel-Making Set, £35; smallable.com

SEBRA Wooden Fruit, £34.95; scandiborn.co.uk

his Russian family brand first entered our consciousness a couple of years back, when we chanced across its sweet wooden trees and tea-sets. Back then, they had only a handful of UK stockists, but the intervening years have seen their stock rise – quite literally.

Raduga Grez specialises in traditionally crafted wooden toys, and their creations are as aesthetically lovely as they are fun.

This means they’ve become an Instagram fixture – there’s hardly a mama influencer anywhere who doesn’t regularly feature their items in nursery shots. Their brand is shaped around the idea of ‘toys as art’, and a glance at their range verifies that claim.

Their abstract building blocks look like they’ve been plucked from a Miro canvas, while their ‘forest soul’ cubes could be after a design

by Bauhaus pioneer Josef Albers.

Everything is genuinely lovely to look at, not to mention sustainable: from magic wands and toy vegetables to cars, cubes and stacking towers, Raduga Grez works solely in finely turned wood and non-toxic paints. raduga-grez.ru

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COLOUR P L AY

Absolutely Mama takes a peek inside the home of interiors stylist Jules Brinkhuis I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

“I wanted to create a space where my boys feel at home”

Q Tell us about your house.

How did you come to buy it and what drew you to it?

A We had searched for the right home for us for quite a while as it is nearly impossible to find a place with a garden and enough space in Amsterdam. This one had the needed four bedrooms: one for us, one for our baby boy and two spares. I am an expat here in my hubby’s country, and we wanted the extra space so family and friends could stay over. And we wanted a spare room for a potential second kid, which arrived a year later.

Apart from this – when we walked in for the first time, it just felt like ‘us’!

Q What was it like when you moved in and have you done any renovation work on it?

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A As the house is from the 1930s it needed a major overhaul, but the previous owners had luckily done the main works like new wiring, windows etc. We painted everything because I wanted all wooden elements in white and the walls themselves in different colours, mostly greys. We also placed the same oak floor everywhere and had cupboards and wardrobes custom-made to use the space as cleverly as possible.

Q What was your decorating vision?

A I wanted to keep the overall classic feeling of the house but give it a modern twist. My husband and I are big fans of the clean and simplistic Scandinavian style, but I also wanted to create a space where my boys feel at home and not like in a showroom. So I compromised by keeping the furniture

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hhoome me & & interio interiors rs INSPIRATION INSPIRATION

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“Colourful decorations and toys to make them playful and happy places”

very simple and can now accessorise with loads of different colours. I often switch around the smaller furniture pieces, cushions or decorative elements so it never gets boring.

Q What about the kids’ rooms.

What have you done to them?

A The kids’ rooms have gotten the most attention so far. They have lovely wooden beams at the ceiling which we kept – they make the rooms very cosy.

Our bigger son has the only white walls in the house with a half wall painted in a blue-grey. The centrepiece is his cosy Sebra bed and there is loads of storage for all his toys. Our small boy has darker walls, one in Kalk paint which has a lovely pattern. I stuck to white or natural wood furniture in both rooms – again

classic designs – and then added loads of colourful decorations and toys to make them playful and happy places.

Q Which room is your favourite?

A While I pour most of my love into the kids’ rooms, my favourite room actually is our bedroom. With only a bed plus a built-in wardrobe, it is very pure and calming. As a mom of young kids sleeping is so rare, I count myself lucky for every uninterrupted hour in here!

Q Working as an interiors stylist, is there a temptation to redecorate all of the time?

A Yes, there absolutely is – the creativity does not stop at home – I try things out, experiment with wallpapers and colours, and get many new ideas within our own walls. Thankfully my three men leave me free reign. Often they don’t even see the change!

Q And finally, what is your favourite way to spend time as a family at home?

A We often hang out in the kitchen – also with friends. We chat and cook while the boys race around our kitchen island on their scooters or play football.

When the weather is nice we love to sit outside and BBQ. Even though our house isn’t huge, there is always enough room, food and drink for visitors – a house filled with people and laughter – that’s what I always dreamed of! babyhitparade.com @babyhitparade April 2020

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DECORATIONS  No one does decorations better than Meri Meri. Whether you’re organising a birthday, Easter or Halloween party, they’ve got it covered. Their themes – which include safari, butterfly and psychedelic Sixties – are always on point, and each theme offers everything you need. Say, for example, your little one likes the circus (or mermaids!): you can buy themed napkins, printed plates, giant foil balloons, party hats and even dazzling pinatas. Truly a one-stop shop. merimeri.co.uk

PART Y PERFECT We’ve rounded up our fave suppliers for celebrating in style Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

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CAKES  A cake can easily be the centrepiece not just of a table but of an entire party – especially if you’re having a smaller affair at home. There are now numerous gourmet bakers to be found if you want something more spectacular than a supermarketbought cake. In London, we love Lili Vanilli and Crumbs and Doilies. The latter offers delivery as well as crazyamazing cupcakes – handy if you need something to dish out at school. crumbsanddoilies.co.uk

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interio rs PART Y

TIPS

Entertainment  It’s wise to provide entertainment (anything from a crafting table to a mobile planetarium) to structure the mayhem that comes with setting a group of small people loose in a room. Captain Fantastic is a wellregarded entertainment company offering party packages based on favourite themes, from princesses to outer space (they also throw amazing UV discos if your littles love to dance). An experienced party host will lead the adventure, ensuring kids of all ages stay entranced. captain-fantastic.co.uk

Party Bags

IMAGE CREDIT: MERI MERI

 The humble party bag has long presented a conundrum to parents wanting to throw a proper birthday bash while keeping things sustainable.

All those cheap plastic toys are destined for landfill – but how else to fill dozens of bags? Step forward Cotton Twist, supplier of eco-friendly craft-based goodies perfect for party bags (as well as Christmas stockings and gift boxes). Wooden beads, make-your-own-mask kits, personalised keepsake tins… the ideas are endless, and great value too. cottontwist.co.uk

extra

K IT

GINGER RAY Unicorn Party Headband, £4.99; notonthehighstreet.com

PAPIER Danielle Kroll Tiny Animals, £1.10; papier.com

TWENTY-SEVEN Personalised Cake Topper, £22; notonthehighstreet.com

KONGES SLOJD Ballerina Train, £69.95; scandiborn.co.uk

MERI MERI Confetti Balloon Kit, £16.50; merimeri.com

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Greece Is The Word SANI RESORT

Set in a thousand-acre ecological reserve, the five hotels of the luxury Sani Resort offer numerous award-winning facilities for families, including an Adventure Park, a Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, a Chelsea Football Club Foundation and a new Bear Grylls Survival Academy. And of course, there’s the beach... saniresort.gr

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INSPIRATION

GO WILD P O R T LY M P N E S A F A R I PA R K

Home to Kent’s only safari experience, this 600-acre country estate offers 760 animals across 78 species – and the new luxury Lion and Tiger Lodges let families stay in plush accommodation with windows looking directly onto the big cats’ habitats. aspinallfoundation.org/ port-lympne

mama’s

T R AV E L NOTES Helen Baron rounds up the most exciting travel kit and destinations CLUB CLASS

we love

S N AC K PAC K

PELIGONI CLUB

Peligoni Club founder Ben Shearer recently declared June the best month to visit Greece. His resort offers luxe villas with the facilities of a club close at hand – and there’s a high-class creche, too… peligoni.com

E L E P H A N T B OX

Sustainable snacking while on the move! The Elephant Box has two capacious trays and a smaller insert – all completely plastic-free and with secure snap closure. £29.50; elephantbox.co.uk

3 w i t h F LU M E S Hillside Beach Club

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HILLSIDE BEACH CLUB

FETHIYE, TURKEY

VA R I O U S L O C A T I O N S

Center Parcs

Fodele Beach

While grown-ups appreciate the paradisiacal forested setting, kids can run riot in Hillside’s superbly designed kids club, complete with dedicated pools and slides. All you need to keep littles active.

A UK stalwart with six locations across the country, Center Parcs continues to be a family favourite – not least thanks to its sub-tropical indoor swimming pools with water slides aplenty.

This Greek resort offers an entire waterpark for families to enjoy, with slides of all sizes. Great for little thrillseekers, and the resort offers all-inclusive packages too.

hillsidebeachclub.com

centerparcs.co.uk

fodelebeach.gr

CRETE

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But it’s not just about the kids is it?

Cosy cottages, glamorous hotels and luxurious glamping at home and abroad - all effortlessly child-friendly of course.

Magical family moments await: awaywiththekids.co.uk

W e r ’ e p are n ts t o o !

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MAKING

WAV E S Jessica Shaltout heads to luxury beach resort, Elounda Peninsula, in Crete with her family

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PHOTO CREDIT: TOURISM WHISTLER

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C

rete. birthplace of Greek God Zeus (and also Jennifer Aniston’s dad, who knew?), is a popular holiday destination for families. Only a four hour plane journey, it has warm weather, great beaches, culture and delicious food. This was our second time visiting Crete, although the first time, we were just a three, this time we travelled as a family of four. The second baby makes a big difference, as we were quickly learning. No longer do the adults outnumber the children, you are on an even footing, so it was especially important to find a resort that catered well for families.

For me, the headache usually starts with packing, which can often take as long as it does to get to the destination, so the Babies Travel Light programme at Elounda Peninsula, was welcome news.

It allows parents to pre-book all the baby items prior to your visit. This includes all your basics, like potties, high chairs, bottles, nappies, strollers etc. The list is

as comprehensive as needed, you can even pre-order gourmet mashed baby food which is freshly prepared by the chefs at Elounda.

With the stress of packing now somewhat relieved, we set off on our holiday, ready to relax. Of course, the relaxation was not going to be easy with the little ones, the plane journey being a stark reminder of this, but after a smooth transfer and arrival, we started to feel at ease (the food platter and wine left in our room helped!).

The exceptional Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel enjoys beautiful views across the Aegean Sea and Sitia mountains. Perched on the sea-front, the hotel is well known for its fine beach with crystal clear waters. The architect-owned hotel has a Greek charm throughout, with a sleek modern twist. Each room is made up of Cretian wood and stone, and boasts a spectacular sea view. We were lucky enough to stay in a Peninsula Grand Villa with two bedrooms and a private pool.

This was perfect for the little ones as it gave us plenty of room to play, as well as a separate room for our toddler so she was not woken by the baby. If staying in a suite, each one has its own private pool on a spacious terrace, large living space and offers topquality design. The bathrooms are roomy and made of concrete, giving a luxury feel, with giant walk-in showers and bathtubs.

The hotel is one of three on this resort, so although it has a boutique feel, the facilities are impressive when taking into account

“Perched on the seafront, the hotel is well known for its fine beach with crystal clear waters”

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“The hotel offers a wide range of activities for children”

the sister properties… 10 restaurants, four private beaches, a golf course and the award winning Six Sense Spa. There is even a Greek-style village square with shops and a chapel. Golf carts are available to ferry you around the resort, which is sparse.

The resort even draws in celebrities such as Tom Hanks and Charleze Theron.

In terms of dining, there is plenty of choice and many of the restaurants have themed nights, so ask the concierge for their advice. We went to The Yacht Club at

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Elounda Mare hotel on ‘Fisher’s Evening’ which takes place on a weekly basis, with a rich seafood buffet and the daily catch served as fresh as it gets. On this evening and throughout our stay, staff could not be more helpful with our little ones, helping to carry them, playing with them. This kind of hospitality makes a huge difference.

The hotel offers a wide range of activities for children. There is The Ark kids club for younger children, which is like a creche.

And a seperate area for older children (5+) that has a swimming pool with water slides. There are also plenty of activities like soccer club, dancing lessons, and even the spa offers a wellness package for children aimed at introducing them to the ideology of a healthy lifestyle. We dropped our toddler off at the Kids Club. She is still nervous about swimming so the pool was out of the question, but there was plenty for her to do. Meanwhile, I took myself off to the spa for a much-needed massage while my husband looked after our fourmonth old baby. As well as all the usual treatments, they offer wellness programs designed to tackle key areas such as sleep, rejuvenation and empowering women. I came back feeling revitalised and relaxed.

For some family fun we could all enjoy,

we headed to the main pool which is impressive. 2019 saw the introduction of this large pool and accompanying childrens’ pool. Situated next to the beach, it’s the largest in Crete. The collaboration with London based designers, WATG, comes a sustainability stamp of approval too, as it has been purposefully designed around trees that could not be relocated.

We stayed in the resort for the duration of our trip, but should you wish to step outside, Spinalonga is just 15 min drive away, the former Leper’s Island just offshore from the charming village of Plaka. The ancient ruins of Knossos are an hour’s drive to the west, where you’ll also find Heraklion airport. While a lot of the island is not as desirable, Elounda cove has been carefully designed to make the most of the turquoise waters, and resorts like this one make for a fabulous family holiday.

E LO U N DA P E N I N S U L A Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel offers rooms from £310/€ 367 for two persons per night.

Elounda Peninsula offers accommodation at the Diamond Residences from £2,161 / €2,500 per night for four people in a 2-bedroom suite. eloundapeninsula.com (+30). 28410.68250

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Family

Holidays Worldwide

We create outstanding tailor-made and small group family adventure and activity holidays worldwide.

From tots to teens we can offer a range of varied & exciting experiences with family-friendly guides.

Choice of 60+ family adventures worldwide Flexible & exciting itineraries Options for children of all ages Family-friendly guides

India: Taj & Tigers

Cretan Discovery

Oman: Dolphins & Dunes

• Spot wild tigers • Marvel at the Taj Mahal • Explore atmospheric Jaipur

• Snorkel to a shipwreck • Learn to dive or SUP • Go on an archaeological dig

• Go dolphin watching • Sleep in a Bedouin tent • Take a 4WD trip in the desert

Age guide: 5+ Small-group departures: 20 Dec 2020 & 4 Apr 2021 10 days from £999 Child from £949

Age guide: 8+ Small-group departures: 25 Jul 2020 8 days from £949 Child from £899

Age guide: 7+ Small-group departures: 18 Oct 2020, 7 Feb & 28 Mar 2021 7 days from £1,799 Child from £1,699

Mexico: Whales of Baja Family Adventure • Close encounters with grey whales • Boat trips in San Ignacio Lagoon • Stay in beachfront cabanas

Age guide: 7+ Tailor-made idea: Feb-Apr 7 days from £1,599 Child from £1,499

See website for our full range of tailor-made and small group holidays.

All holiday prices include accommodation, some meals, activities, excursions and expert guides. Flight prices on request.

familiesworldwide.co.uk

01962 302 062 hello@familiesworldwide.co.uk

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Family

Fun

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Sea Vie

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escapes

UK GETAWAY

Bedruthan Hotel C O R N WA L L

Sea views and soft play on the Cornish coast Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

The Hotel

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edruthan Hotel & Spa has long focused on providing a family-friendly service, and parents of little ones flock here. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, with spacious common areas – including the Wild Cafe and The Herring restaurant – where you’ll never be made to feel ill at ease with tinies in tow. The design is colourful and comfortable, with magnificent views out across Mawgan Porth, and kids are well catered-for at mealtimes, with a help-yourself colouring station, child-friendly tableware and diverse food options including a lunch buffet.

The Rooms

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e stayed in a family villa – a large, airy twobedroom suite with two bunk-beds in one room and a king-size bed in the next. Each portion has en suite facilities, while the master bedroom

features sliding glass doors onto a shared garden area with seating and spectacular views of the Cornish sunsets. Even on a rainy day, the seascape was glorious.

The Location

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awgan Porth is one of Cornwall’s cutest coves, with reliable waves drawing surfers from far and wide. The hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the sand, though as it’s on a hillside, the walk could be tricky with buggies. There’s ample parking at each end if you choose to drive instead.

Mawgan Porth has a great general store and is home to one

of our favourite surf schools, Kingsurf. And of course, the wider area is home to countless other Cornish gems - from the dramatic harbour of St Agnes to the north, to the beautiful Camel Estuary and foodie mecca of Padstow to the east.

Things To Do

drive away), plus surfing, paddle-boarding and kayaking on the Atlantic swells. When the weather turns, the hotel plays its ace card: a brilliant creche with fully trained staff offering crafts and games in a lovely nursery-like space, plus a huge indoor soft play. Our kids happily rolled into the creche each morning while we enjoyed the sophisticated spa (complete with hydropool and steam rooms). And when the rain hit, we all holed up in the soft play, my partner and I reading while our kids climbed, leaped and tumbled with a bunch of newfound friends.

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edruthan’s coastal perch means the beach is the focus of most people’s activities. There are amazing walks to be had here or along Watergate Bay (five minutes’

Family rooms from £265 B&B; bedruthan.com

April 2020

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LEARN, PLAY AND EXPLORE WITH US

Sylvia’s Happy Childcare is homebased nursery in Queen’s Park. Our aims are to provide outstanding Early Years Education for children through creative hands-on play and learning experiences in a stimulating, safe and relaxed environment.

We want children to feel excited about learning and aim to give them a positive first experience of life.

We are open 50 weeks of the year including school holidays

Monday to Friday from 8:00am - 6:00pm To arrange an appointment to view our nursery or for more information please don’t hesitate to contact us. sylvias.happy.childcare@gmail.com T: 0208 9602 217 M: 07908 667 509

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resources S P R I N G P L A N T I N G T I P S FO R LI T T LE G A R D E N E R S p . 9 0 T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F CO M M U N I C AT I O N FO R C H I LD R E N S ’ W E LLB E I N G p . 9 5

Speak Easy THE GERMAN KINDERGARTEN

Another bilingual option for London parents, the German Kindergarten will soon add an outpost in Bermondsey to its existing nurseries in Dulwich, Herne Hill and London Fields (pictured). Littles aged 2 to 5 will learn through play in an immersive environment. thegermankindergarten.co.uk

April 2020

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Little

Gardener Five tips for getting out in your garden with little ones this spring from Julie A. Cerney

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GARDENING

A D U LT F R E E S P A C E

Embrace uncertainty by letting Little Gardener take full responsibility for a particular area of the garden. Magic can happen in garden beds where adults do not interfere. Delineating a small area with twine and stakes will do the trick. If you prefer more structure, square-foot gardening is the way to go. Following this method, a three foot-square raised bed is divided into nine square-foot sections or, for Tiny Gardeners, a two-foot-square bed is divided into four sections. Garden beds divided into individual equal-sized squares make it easy for Little Gardeners to plan, grow, and manage their garden bed square-by-square.

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MAKING THE GARDEN A S PEC IA L PL AC E

Taking extra time to create features just for Little Gardener will offer more opportunities for them to connect with the garden. Harness the affection children have for building and playing in forts by including Little Gardener in the construction of special garden structures.

“Magic can happen in garden beds where adults do not interfere”

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SEEDING WITH LITTLE GARDENER

Hands are the best tools for planting seeds. The Littlest Gardeners, for whom fine motor skills are still developing, have an easier time handling larger seeds, such as peas, beans, pumpkins, and corn, while older Little Gardeners can manage small to medium-size seeds, such as lettuce, turnips, arugula, peppers, and eggplant. Carrots have very tiny seeds and can be difficult to handle at any age level—plant them only when you have your wits about you!

April 2020

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The M ater nity , B aby and C hild C o llectio n Multi award-winning, Natural and Organic skincare and wellbeing products. Lovingly and expertly handcrafted to support you throughout the precious months of pregnancy, and your baby beyond.

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Offer ends 30.05.20

Innersenses.co.uk

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GARDENING

G A R D E N T O TA B L E

When children participate in the growing and preparation of fresh food, they are more likely to eat it. Through planting seeds, taking care of the garden, and then harvesting and cooking fresh produce themselves, Little Gardeners understand that healthy soil grows healthy food that can be crafted into delicious, healthy meals.

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C U LT I V A T I N G CONNECTION

Crafting gardens as alternative classrooms gives people of all ages, abilities, and learning styles an opportunity to refresh their memory of their connection to the Earth. Because Earth is nature, and nature is food.

AC T I V I T Y G A R D E N O LY M P I C S

Garden Olympics is a great activity for a weekend afternoon. It can amp up the energy, especially between siblings, around any number of garden tasks. Here are some ideas for healthy contests:  Who can collect the most garden pests? (Are there any neighborhood chickens you could feed them to?)  Who can be the first to fill their bucket with weeds?  Who can find the biggest peas that are ready to harvest?

You can create a weekly score sheet and add up points at the end of the growing season! In the end, though, the garden is the real winner.

“Healthy soil grows healthy food that can be crafted into delicious, healthy meals”

Extracted from The Little Gardener, helping children connect with the natural world by Julie A. Cerny.

Illustrations by Ysemay Dercon.

Published by Princeton Architectural Press, £18.99

April 2020

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’

“My favourite thing about Dallington School is that the teachers and students are very friendly and positive, there is a brilliant atmosphere in the classroom” - Johan “I think Dallington teaches you in a way no other school does and I really enjoy that” - Alex Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Next Open Evening: Thursday 14th May 2020 from 6 to 8 pm

Headteacher: Maria Blake Proprietor: Abigail Hercules Founder: Evan & Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk

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Kid

Coaching Gillian Panton writes about the importance of communication for wellbeing

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hrough the crunching of a snack following an actionpacked afternoon of geography fieldwork, netball squad and computer coding, a parent asks "how was your day, darling?” and a small voice utters a frustratingly underwhelming “Fine.” This familiar response follows us into adulthood and often belies a need to ‘keep on keeping on' despite how we feel inside. Some grew up with the proverb, "A problem shared is a problem halved." However, when children show reluctance to expand on their day, share the worries or the challenges they face, how do we as parents and educators prise open these channels of communication to promote a safe space to converse, without judgement?

Cracking open problems begins with the bubbling of curiosity. The confidence to ask pertinent questions to better understand where each of us ‘is’ reveals a powerful,

“Children are always eager to help their friends in times of need and offer supportive words of advice.” yet quiet, respect for the other person and their experience. However, it is arguably the space held between the responses that can be revolutionary, producing an ‘Aha’ moment. The power of opening up such types of conversations has seen a remarkable development in the communication skills of pupils at Sydenham High School. Creating a coaching culture, actively chosen to extend beyond the walls of the staff room and into the hands of our pupils in the playground and classrooms alike, has seen a sharpening of focus on the meaning of interdependence.

For every pupil to flourish within our school

EDUCATION

gates, the resolve to respectfully listen to one another, and be heard, is the cornerstone of our pastoral care. As educators, we delight in knowing that the learning has truly ‘stuck’ when we witness the pupil-come-mini-teacher in action, regaling in the joy of sharing their knowledge and supporting others to access the task in hand. It is with this power of the peer, that ‘Kid-Coaching' was devised.

Using a structured coaching question model, pupils and staff alike have been developing an awareness of the far-reaching impact of the coaching conversation to support positive growth and self-reflection. The introduction of the ‘Inner Coach’ concept has proved powerful in raising the self-belief and confidence of our pupils. Children are always eager to help their friends in times of need and offer supportive words of advice. It is with this in mind that we encourage the pupils to talk to themselves as they would their best friend. What this reveals is a compassionate, less rigid, fixed response to some of the worries or challenges that crop up in the sometimes choppy waters of school life.

A coaching culture equips children with the interpersonal skills to develop their questioning and listening. It also challenges children to reflect on, and uncover, thoughts and considerations they have within a safe space. Communication skills are the bedrock of the future. Being creative, adaptive, and in equal measure, resilient, is no mean feat; however, with the support of family, teachers and peers, unlocking the power of open-ended questioning and self-reflection, through tools such as the Inner Coach, the outcomes for pupils can be far-reaching. By remembering the power of the space between the question and response, perhaps we can support children to take ownership of their choices about how they manage their feelings

G I L L I A N PA N TO N Deputy Head, Sydenham High Prep School GDST sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net April 2020

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We’re here to help when you and your family are ready to find your new home. Visit kfh.co.uk 9864_KFH_Spring Campaign_Absolutely Mama_Banner_420x28_art_v2.indd 1

Henry Fawcett Community Nursery (Leaf ) Clayton St, London SE11 5BZ 020 7582 0509

to know Mama’s guide to London’s best nurseries and preschools

Base Zero Nursery Happy Days 109A Randlesdown Rd, Gramsci Way, London, SE6 3HB 020 8461 3510 The Villa 54 Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15 5AH 0207 703 6216 Chairbears Day Nursery 9-12 Deptford Broadway, London SE84PA 020 8305 6588

SOUT H W EST N O RTH WEST

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North Bridge House Nursery School/Pre-Prep 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, Camden Town, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266

Les Trois Oursons 4 Collins Yard, London N1 2XU 020 7099 0452

Hatching Dragon Nursery School 1 Viscount St, London EC1Y 0AA 020 7256 9365

Little Stars Nursery 58 Allen Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8RZ 020 7254 4367

Sahan Preschool Day Nursery 12 Stukeley Rd, London, E7 9QZ 020 3719 7002

The Mulberry House School 7 Minster Road, London, NW2 3SD 020 8452 7340 Living Spring Montessori St Michael’s Church Annexe, St Michael’s Road, London, NW2 6XG 020 8830 7331 Nuffy Bear Nursery Brondesbury Park Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, Sidmouth Road, London, NW2 5JY 020 3432 8708

Sylvia's Happy Childcare 119a Chevening Road, London, NW6 6DU 020 8960 2217

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Puddleducks Nurseries Puddleducks House, r/o 75 Friern Barnet Road, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266 Hackney Care For Kids 61 Evering Rd, London N16 7PR 020 7923 3471 William Patten Daycare Nursery William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0NX 020 3844 4227 Creative Explorers Day Nursery 18 Gisburn Rd, London N8 7BS 07956 809748

Oliver Thomas Nursery School 1 Mathews Ave, London, E6 6BU 020 8552 1177

The Lyceum Nursery 6 Paul Street, City of London, London, EC2A 4JH registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk lyceumschool.co.uk 020 7247 1588

SOUT H E AST Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St Stephen’s Church, College Road, Dulwich, London SE21 7HN 0208 766 0091

Eaton Square Nursery School, Belgravia 28 & 30 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9PY Eaton Square Nursery School, Knightsbridge Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX Eaton Square Nursery School, Pimlico 32a Lupus Street, London SW1V 3DZ nursery@eatonsquareschool.com eatonsquareschool.com 020 7931 9469 The Knightsbridge Kindergarten St Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL 020 7371 2306 The Willcocks Nursery School Holy Trinity With All Saints Church, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BA 020 7584 5054

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London. Property. We get it.

07/05/2019 10:37

Melrose House 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296

Wee Ones Nursery 4 St Ann’s Cresent, London SW18 2LR 0208 870 7729

Hatching Dragons Westminster Units 3&4 Westminster Quarter, 2 Monck street, London, SW1P 2BQ 0203 912 2902

The Orchard Day Nursery 201-203 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1NL 020 3880 7373

Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757 The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111 Gwendolen House 39 Gwendolen Ave SW15 6EH 0203 441 2450 London Early Years Foundation 121 Marsham St, Westminster, London SW1P 4LX 020 7834 8679 One World Nursery 9 Knowle Cl, London SW9 0TQ 020 7924 9505 Dee’s Day Nursery (Wimbledon) 2 Mansel Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 4AA 020 8944 0284 Learning Ladders Nursery Ground Floor, Falkner Court, Francis Chichester Way, London SW11 5HX 020 7622 9300 Kiddi Caru Day Nursery 2 Piazza Buildings Empress State, London SW6 1TW 0207 386 4505 Tiggers Nursery School, Putney 87 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PA 020 8874 4668

Tiny Thinkers Childcare 192 Tudor Drive, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5QG 0203 441 2450

W EST Little Chepstow Nursery 108 Lancaster Road, W11 1QS 0207 243 0243 Rolfe’s Nursery School The Little House, 34a Oxford Gardens, London, W10 5UQ 020 8969 5805 New Studio Pre-School Kelfield Mews, Kelfield Gardens, London, W10 6LS 020 8969 5805 Denbigh Under Fives Group 5b Denbigh Road, Denbigh Road, London, W11 2SJ 020 7221 5318 Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918 St Peter’s Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617 Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125 The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004

Holland Park Nursery School Kenley Walk Hall, Kenley Walk, London W11 4BA 020 7792 0323 Jack in the Box Kelmscott Community Hall, Ashchurch Grove, White City, London W12 9BT 020 8811 8099 Stepping Stones Nursery 5 Gayford Road, London W12 9BY 020 8811 1646 Bright Sparks Montessori School 142 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NL 020 7371 4697 Vanessa Nursery 12 Cathnor Road, London W12 6JA 020 8743 8196 Little Owls Nursery 108 Lakeside Rd, London W14 0DY 020 3266 0044 The Kensington Kindergarten St Barnabas Church, 23 Addison Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LH 020 7371 4848

Iverna Gardens Montessori Nursery School Armenian Church Hall, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP 020 7937 0794 Caterpillar Montessori PO Box 105 11 London W4 5WU W4 5LG 020 8747 8531 Maggie and Rose 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296 Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Lane, Fulham Reach W6 9US 020 8748 4303 Windham Nursery School Windham Road, Richmond, Surrey, London TW9 2HP 0208 831 6060 Merchant Square Day Nursery 13 Harbet Rd, Paddington, London W2 1AJ 020 7402 2227 Busy Bees at Hammersmith 3 Bute Gardens, London W6 7DR 0208 741 9945

Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Ln, London W6 9PL 020 8748 4303

The Corner House Day Nursery 82 Lavington Rd, London W13 9LR 020 8567 2806

One World Montessori and Pre-Preparatory 69 - 71 Brook Green, London W6 7BE 020 7603 6065

Bunny Park Day Nursery & Nursery School 37 Manor Court Rd, London W7 3EJ 020 8567 6142

Little Cherubs Nursery School Our Lady Of Victories Church Hall, 16a Abingdon Road, London W8 6AF 07810 712241

Hatching Dragons Twickenham 2 The Green, Twickenham, London, TW2 5AA 0203 912 2901

Carmelite Parish Centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241

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TRIED & TESTED

IN DEPTH REVIEWS OF THE LATEST PARENTING KIT

r e s ou rc es REVIEWS

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Bluebell Smart Baby Monitor Re vie we d by SOPH I E H E L SBY

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Babybjörn Baby Carrier Move

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Re vie we d by SOPH I E H E L SBY

’ll admit that when we were expecting our daughter, I succumbed to a pink baby carrier.

Wholly impractical, it doesn’t go with all of my outfits and my husband refuses to wear it. You learn quite quickly that some baby items need an element of consideration for you, not just your baby. With a sporty-luxe feel, the mesh design of the Babybjörn Baby Carrier Move is much more up my husband’s street and looks good on me too. It’s lightweight, breathable and best-of-all can be chucked in the wash, which is not the case with all carriers. Approaching six months, our daughter is going through that clingy stage so we take the Move out and about with us, as she won’t stay in her pram long. We have been really impressed with the built-in back support, waist belt and padded shoulder straps, which

make the design really comfortable (even when we have to walk around with her for hours at a time!). Some carriers are quite tricky to put on, and get baby in and out, but the Move is simple to use – and you can position your baby outwards or on your front. We also love that it’s adjustable, so it will grow with our baby. We’d definitely recommend the Move to other new parents.  Babybjörn Baby Carrier Move, £119.99 babybjorn.co.uk

ecoming a parent for the first time is scary, but the worry stepped up a gear once our daughter went into her own room. With the temptation to go and check she was breathing every five minutes, we liked the idea of a baby monitor that would provide extra reassurance that she was safe. The Bluebell Smart Baby Monitor does just that. There’s a strap for baby and a strap for you, which connects to the app on your phone via the smart monitor. Icons and vibrations signify if your little one’s breathing and temperature is ok, let you know if they are crying, and alert you when they roll onto their tummy.

You can also listen and talk to your baby through your phone, record nappy changes, sleep patterns and feeds, and at bedtime, you can control the nightlight, white noise and play lullabies.

You can even use the app to monitor your own wellness. It’s a useful piece of parenting kit and we definitely feel that it’s made the transition from Moses basket to cot a lot less stressful.  Bluebell Smart Baby Monitor, £299 bluebell.io

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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Everyday travel companion This fully-featured compact stroller is perfect for city living or jet-setting travelers.

TRIV™ is cleverly designed with a seat that can face both ways and fold both ways, and can easily convert to a travel system.

The ring adapter can even fold with the frame, creating the perfect sidekick to your everyday adventures.

For a quick trip to the corner store or getting across town, TRIV is a natural city dweller that packs up quickly with a one-hand fold and stands on its own, keeping your busy hands free.

Find out more at nunababy.com

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