Absolutely Mama March 2018 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

MARCH 2018 I S S U E 1 4 • £ 3 .9 5

Mama

Let’s Go Wild UK ACTIVITY

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

Hug It Out

BREAKS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

MINDFULNESS FOR TODDLERS

TAMARA ECCLESTONE BED, BATH AND BEYOND

GO WITH THE FLOW Master your cycle

ISSUE 14 • MARCH 2018 USE_FINAL_MAMA_March18_COVER_UK.indd 2

Spring Forward

Fashion for the new season

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S 06/02/2018 16:18

fancy a coffee date? BUGABOO.indd 1 Ad 210x260dps.indd 2 180206 UK BGB Fox

06/02/2018 13:51

have it all with the new bugaboo fox

say ‘YES!’ the new bugaboo fox is here to help you say ‘YES!’ to all the things you love to do visit bugaboo.com/fox to find out how © copyright Bugaboo International BV

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Untitled-1 1 18SSC1367_Kids_DPS_Absolutely_Mama.indd 18SSC1367_Kids_DPS_Absolutely_Mama.indd AllAll Pages Pages

Clarks and the Clarks logo are registered trademarks of C & J Clark International Limited. Clarks and the Clarks logo are registered trademarks of C & J Clark International Limited.

clarks.com clarks.com

11/01/2018 16:07

FFRREEEE. .TTOO BBEE MMEE. . CO CO MM FO FO R TR TI NI NY O YO UR U RS O SO U LU L Super Super lightweight. lightweight. Super Super flexible. flexible. OurOur Crown Crown Collection Collection is designed is designed to liberate to liberate movement movement through through comfor comfor t. t. SoftSoft materials materials andand super super spongy spongy soles soles bend bend andand flexflex withwith thethe natural natural motion motion of growing of growing feet.feet. Giving Giving kidskids thethe freedom freedom to be to be their their fearless fearless selves. selves.

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A cool treat for little feet www.youngsoles.co.uk Use code ABM18 for 10% off all orders Promotional code only applicable to footwear bought from the official Young Soles website. Offer expires 31 March 2018.

YOUNG Absolutely SOLES.indd Mama March.indd 1 1

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mama WELCOME

c ontent s MARCH 2018

51 90

28 12

AGENDA Mama loves

37 Insta-mama

72 Mind Hug

What’s On

39 Sleepover Politics

HOME & INTERIORS 76 New additions

Nicola Eyres of Cissy Wears on her new Activist range for kids

New in stores this March

Top local events and activities

New books

Fab new reads for little ones

ESSENTIALS 22 Wishlist

All the baby kit you need

24 Spring forward Luxe essentials for kids

ON THE COVER:

Envie de Fraise

Sleepiquette: five rules for happy slumber parties

FASHION 42 Fashion Notes

Th e season’s finest looks

44 Look Sharp

Smart but feminine tailoring

54 Bohemian Rhapsody Retro vibes: Have a never-ending summer with Bobo Choses

MAMAHOOD 32 Born To Do It

Tamara Ecclestone on becoming a mum and launching a range of lovely bath products for babies

WELLNESS Life Cycle

Understand your periods

Can we teach mindfulness to very young children?

Th e latest and most stylish bits and pieces for your home and nursery

78 Graphic Detail

We tour the gorgeous nursery belonging to illustrator Natalie Cardew of Wonder and Rah

TRAVEL 90 Bali High

What’s going on at one of the most luxurious hotels on the planet?

96 Let’s Go Wild

Six close-to-home adventure activity breaks for the family

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mama WELCOME

ANATOMY, THAMES AND HUDSON BOOKS, P18

BAUKJEN, P.44

Editor’s

LETTER

MERI MERI BABY BOOTIES, P.76

RAFA KIDS, P.76

pring is fi nally in the offi ng and with it comes our fi rst proper look at the SS18 collections. I’m permanently in awe of some of the independent kidswear designers out there, constantly reinventing the fashion wheel. Our seasonal picks this time around are Bobo Choses, Noé & Zoë and new nightwear launch Nights by Wilder. The founder of the latter label, Elizabeth Kelly, is also the star of our new Woman in Work feature; she speaks to us about launching her brand, which brings a vintage aesthetic up-to-date in the most charming way. We’re also championing Nicola Eyre of Cissy Wears’ new Activist range, which seeks to empower and engage kids with regard to current affairs. Thoughtful fashion? Sounds good to us. We also ask how much women really know about their periods. It wasn’t until I tried for a baby that I realised my cycle was a reliable indicator of my wider physical health. I suspect that, like me, many others pay little attention to menstruation pre-baby, so I read with great interest Katy Gillett’s piece on three innovative brands seeking to spread awareness of the female cycle – and how it can relate to hormone health. I hope it stirs your interest, too. NOÉ & ZOË , P.12

Hel en Ba r on E DITOR

@hel_bow helen.baron@zest-media.com

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

absolutely-mama .co.uk

Group Editor: KATY GILLETT Editor: HELEN BARON Editorial Assistant: GEORGIA MCVEIGH Fashion Editor: CHARLOTTE KEWLEY Commercial Director: LEAH DAY Commercial Manager: ROCHELLE STREATER Marketing Manager: ANGIE KOLECI Art Director: PHIL COUZENS Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA, LINSEY CANNON

RECIPES FROM HELLO , P.68

Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN, CATHERINE PERKINS Production Manager: CHRIS COUCHMAN Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Directors: GREG HUGHES & ALEXANDRA HUNTER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT

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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.

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E From aprons to keepsakes, this is the best stuff hitting stores this month

LEATHER CRAFT

LIFE IN COLOUR

Noé & Zoë This brand’s collections just gets stronger and stronger. Inspired by African prints, SS18 mixes beautifully crafted pieces, multicoloured stripes, yellow sparks and bright, punchy motifs to maximum effect. The fun range includes capes and swimwear, too.

Witloft Jamie Oliver, the Hairy Bikers, Gennaro Contaldo and Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown have all been spotted in these stylish leather aprons – and now the brand has launched a kids range. Ready, steady, cook! wit-loft.com

noe-zoe.com

Chocs Away

MEMORY LANE

P R E STAT For the sweet-toothed this Mother’s Day, look no further than these mini sharing truffles from Prestat, with decadent flavours such as Earl Grey and Pink Strawberry Crush. More flavour, less guilt and, importantly, Fair Trade. £14

Me mi n i o A purchase you won’t forget – Meminio’s beautiful memory cases and albums store precious objects, photographs, memorabilia and highlights from family life. The perfect Mother’s Day gift.

prestat.co.uk

From £120; meminio.com

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ma m a LOVES

SLEEPING BEAUTY

BOX FRESH

F. R . S For Restless Sleepers is a cutting-edge Milanese brand that champions the casual elegance of pyjama dressing. Embrace a bold collection of exquisite styles that are splashed with daring floral prints and chic details.

Mon Bento Packed lunches will pack a visual, as well as a nutritional, punch when presented in a pastel-hued bento box by Mon Bento. Do away with disposable packaging – and check out the wooden versions for adults, too.

forrestlesssleepers.com

monbento.co.uk

Face the day

Th e Ord i n a r y This beauty brand stripped back unnecessary packaging and misleading ingredients, making it easy to curate a tailored regime. The Ordinary Lactic Acid, £5,80; theordinary.com

Bird Watch

Lol a Des ig n s Part of the Wildlife Botanical Collection, this beautiful ‘Japanese Cranes’ art print is the ideal gift for bird-lovers. Made to order and created to your specification and size, it comes on archival textured fine art paper of superior quality. £25; notonthehighstreet.com

Scoot Over

Name Tag

Micro Scooters Kids aged five and up will love the new Micro Cruiser. Chopper-inspired handlebars give it a retro vibe while oversize wheels ensure a smooth and stylish ride. £139.99; micro-scooters.co.uk

Sto r ks a k Motherhood just got personal. These beautiful leather pouches can be embossed with up to three characters to add that unique touch. Match with a personalised changing bag and you’re good to go. £39; storksak.com

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06/02/2018 08:16

ENJOY 15% OFF* ONLINE WITH CODE: MAMA15 London Stores: 45 Marylebone High Street, W1 I 179 Kensington High Street, W8 I 102 Northcote Road, SW11 Leeds Store: Victoria Quarter, LS1

WWW.SERAPHINE.COM

Absolutely Mama_Jan-Issue_Full.indd 1 SERAPHINE.indd 1

*Offer is available on orders over Â£60 until 30/04/18. Excludes sale items, baby wear and the bump kit.

14:26 06/12/2017 16:38

agenda W H AT ' S O N p . 16 • T H E B E ST N E W R E A D S FO R LI T T LE S p . 18

Fresh Fairy tale 30 -31 March Sadler's Wells

PHOTOGRAPHY: BILL COOPER

Sadler’s Wells gives new – and musical – life to the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Rumpelstiltskin. The adaptation, retold by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, brings the classic tale of deceit, love and jealousy to the stage in this fresh and fun dance-theatre production. sadlerswells.com

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06/02/2018 08:58

W H AT ’ S ON

3 O F TH E B E ST A F TE R N O O N TE A S Quirkiest and coolest afternoon teas around

Top-notch teas, best Easter activities and mad museum experiences for March

Alice in Wonderland Ongoing Taj 51 Buckingham Gate

It’s a well-known fact that no one does a quirkier tea than a Mad Hatter. Jump down the rabbit hole for chocolate teacups, Pocket Watch macaroons and more. taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk

ELISHA SMITH-LEVEROCK

Science Afternoon Tea

editor’s pick

Ongoing Ampersand Hotel

Interactive, innovative and educational, this science-themed afternoon tea is sure to entertain both kids and adults. Liquid nitrogen and test tubes guaranteed. ampersandhotel.com

Harmonics

IN SPACE 28 February - 29 April  NOW Gallery

Light, colour, breathing and movement are all words associated with therapy. And Fred Butler’s new installation at the NOW Gallery is designed with your wellbeing in mind. Take a step back from the stress of everyday life by immersing yourself in colour – and put a spring in your step to match the new season. nowgallery.co.uk 16

Bakery Bus Tour Tea Ongoing B Bakery

Take a tour of London while eating afternoon tea – on a vintage London bus. See the sights accompanied by the most delicious of cakes, sandwiches and treats. london.b-bakery.com

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agenda

WHAT’S ON

The Baby Show BEATRIX POTTER ™ © FREDERICK WARNE & CO., 2018

2- 4 March ExCel London

The Baby Show is back. This exclusive event sees all of the most prominent baby, maternity and mama brands come together in the leading parenting retail event of the year. Take advantage of more than 200 exhibitors, one-to-one advice, discounts, and the UK’s widest range of buggies, pushchairs and car seats – and even a buggy testing track so you can try out different terrains. Royal Victoria Dock; excel.london

PETER RABBIT

BUNNY HUNT

30 March - 15 April Kew Gardens

oin Beatrix Potter’s much-loved Peter Rabbit on a trip around Kew Gardens this Easter and find out where the iconic writer drew so much of her inspiration from. See the gardens in its finest springtime bloom, learn how to grow your own vegetables, play games and listen to all of the most popular stories from Beatrix Potter – as told by the characters themselves. Royal Botanic Gardens, TW9 kew.org

26 March - 15 April Hampton Court Palace

nce the haunt of Kings, Queens and Princes, Hampton Court Palace is opening its doors with an added touch of luxury this Easter. Wander the grounds in Henry VIII’s footsteps in search of Lindt Chocolate’s iconic golden bunnies for an Easter egg hunt with a twist – and save your own back garden from the trampling of little feet. hrp.org.uk

LINDT

3 Museum Experiences

WO N D E R L A B

G O LD E N H I N D E Ongoing Golden Hinde

17 + 24 March Natural History Museum

Experience the very best of science at the Wonderlab. With more than 50 exhibits, shows and demonstrations, encourage an interest in the world around us and fun phenomena. Statoil Gallery, SW7; sciencemuseum.org.uk

Step back in time by stepping aboard the Golden Hinde, a true-to-form replica of Sir Francis Drake’s vessel that sailed the globe in the 1500s. A sensory and historical time warp. St Mary Overie Dock, SE1; goldenhinde.co.uk

See the Natural History Museum as never before – at night. Sleep alongside dinosaurs, explore a torch-lit trail and watch a live animal show in the morning. Exhibition Road, SW7; nhm.ac.uk

Ongoing The Science Museum

DINO SNORES

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We love

BOOKS Entertaining, informative and funny tales to read out loud this month

Wo r d s G E O RG I A M C V E I G H

Superheroes

AWESOME ANATOMY A N AT O M Y by Hélène Druvert and Jean- Claude Druvert

Delve into the intricacies of the human body caught within the pages of this beautifully illustrated cut-out book, detailing the function of organs, systems and senses for children aged nine and above. Nurture their inner biologist...  £18.95, thamesandhudson.com

M O L LY M I S C H I E F by Adam Hargreaves

Forget Superman, there’s a new, young, female hero in town. Written and illustrated by Adam Hargreaves of the Mr Men series, Molly Mischief Saves the World is the fi rst in this exciting new series. £6.99, pavilionbooks.com

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Mama loves

agen d a

BOOKS

TUNE IN

TH I S LIT TLE PI GGY AN D OTH E R

FAV O U R I T E N U R S E R Y R H Y M E S by Genine Delahaye

Assault the senses with this colourful and fun board book. Sing along, act along, and encourage touch with the multitude of furry animals on every page. A great way to encourage a love of reading and singing – and great fun for parents, too.  £7.99, littletigerpress.co.uk

M A RV E LLO U S M A PS F I R S T AT L A S by Philip Steele

Quirky quests

Th is bold and bright book is perfect for preparing for school. With fun facts, illustrations and diagrams, it will make your little one want to travel the world before he or she is even walking.  £12.99, mileskelly.net

ROBINSON by Peter Sís

Touching on his own childhood and and combining it with the adventures of the fictional character Robinson Crusoe, Peter Sís’ charmingly illustrated book teaches of the importance of self-reliance and the value of reading.  £12.95, thamesandhudson.com

MUM TALE BONKERS by Olivia Siegl

In this honest account of her own experience of childbirth, motherhood and mental health, Olivia Siegl sensitively delivers her message – you are not alone. From post-natal depression to post-baby body, she deals with motherhood in the wittiest of ways.  £12.99, harpercollins.co.uk

LI F E LE S S O N S B I G B O O K O F A E S O P ’ S FA B L E S by Various

Why leave those important life lessons to the older kids? Miles Kelly’s Big Book of Aesop’s Fables includes all of the most well-loved tales, such as The Hare and the Tortoise and The Boy Who Cried Wolf, accompanied by witty and wonderful illustrations. Teach your child the importance of patience, kindness and humility the fun way.  £12.99, mileskelly.net March 201 8

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TO P BA BY B U YS p . 2 2 • N E W S P R I N G FA S H I O N S p . 2 4 • M OT H E R ’ S DAY G I F T S p . 2 7

Sitting Pretty • NUNA•

Safety meets style in the elegant Nuna REBL plus, an easy-to-install, technically advanced iSize car seat for kids aged one to four. Keep your most precious cargo perfectly protected and completely comfortable. £350 shopnuna.co.uk

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Wishlist Stylish must-haves for spring babes

Wo r d s H E L E N B A RO N

1. Leaf Motif

2. Flower Power

3. Sea Creature

4. Water Works

5. Crib Notes

Sarah and Bendrix Inspired by nature, handmade from completely natural materials and featuring a beautifully restrained nature design, this charming leaf puzzle from wooden toy masters Sarah and Bendrix is, naturally, brilliant. £43.50 • sarahandbendrix.com

Newbie Welcome brighter days and warmer weather with these cute dungarees from Swedish brand Newbie. They’re cut from soft organic cotton and feature a seasonally appropriate floral print. Just the thing for spring. £22 • newbiestore.com

Splash About A quirkily cool piece from the swimwear specialists, this pink ‘Nina’s Ark’ design doesn’t just feature a fun animal print – it also incorporates the brand’s acclaimed ‘Happy Nappy’, which prevents unwanted leakages. Essential. £17.99 • swimbabes.co.uk

Trotters While it may be a little early to hope for sun around these parts, there’s no reason you can’t take baby and head somewhere warmer for a week or two. If you do plump for a spring break, this ditsy ruched swimsuit is just the thing for the poolside. £34 • trotters.co.uk

Krethaus Easy to move thanks to its integral wheels, this crib (from one of our favourite furniture brands) converts to a junior bed with the removal of a single slat. Crafted from alderwood, it’s sustainable, as well as beautifully made. €740 • krethaus.eu

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6 6. Chin Up Molly and Moo Few brands get it right every time, but Molly and Moo are defi nitely one of the few. Th is organic cotton muslin bib in a stylish Breton stripe is a case in point; you can even personalise and match it with baby’s bath towels. £15 for two • mollyandmoo.co.uk

9 essen t i a ls

BA BY

7. Island Life

8. Soft Touch

9. Box of Delights

10. Apple of My Eye

Plan Toys Sustainably- and ethicallyproduced, Plan Toys’ range of wooden products is fi lled with colour and imagination. We love this island bath toy, with accompanying turtle and sandy beach. Perfect for watery playtimes. £21.95 • babipur.co.uk

Storksak Baby bag specialist Storksak is also rather good at producing high-end baby essentials – like these cotton muslin swaddles in two nicely restrained prints. Neutral tones and super-fi ne fabric ensure style and comfort. £25 • storksak.com

The Mother Box The perfect gift for expectant mamas, this Mother Box features a tummy-settling ginger snack bar, relaxing scented candle and various other goodies – all of which are designed to ease the progress of the early stages of a pregnancy. £60 • themotherbox.co.uk

The Animals Observatory Best kids label in the world? It certainly would take some beating. Indulge in the vintage-inspired yet effortlessly up-to-date bohemian stylings of T.A.O.’s ‘Porcupine’ appleknit playsuit. Juicy style for the sweetest little ones. £85 • en.smallable.com

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06/02/2018 09:02

Spring Fling

Styles for the new season Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

In Print MINI RODINI

Discovering the latest print motifs from Mini Rodini has become a highlight of the season, and the SS18 range doesn’t disappoint. Peanuts, piñatas, swallows and love-hearts are at the core of the new collection, which channels a vibrant Mediterranean spirit through the brand’s customary filter of functional Scandi cool. minirodini.com

Donkey Work

SHORE LEAVE ROCK AHULA

STELLA MCCARTNEY

If we were a thread of organic cotton, we’d want to end up in this: a pom pom-adorned Stella McCartney gilet featuring two lovable embroidered donkeys. Folksy boho brilliance even Eeyore would be proud of. £66 en.smallable.com CAMP BESTIVAL: THE GRANDADDY

The SS18 Rockahula collection is inspired by an imaginary land on the seashore, all coral garlands, glittering air and sunbeams on water. The dreamy, enchanted vibe is present in the designs, too, which include delicate floral tops for girls and wide-brimmed straw hats with cute mouse motifs. Let the endless summer commence... rockahulakids.com

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editor’s pick

essen t i a ls KIDS

White Heat OUTSIDE THE LINES

Specialising in real fashion for little people, Outside the Lines does pretty summer dresses like no other. Classically feminine detailing feature on deceptively simple designs, which will see girls through fresh spring days and balmy summer evenings. We love the floral prints and classic white peasant styles. outside-the-lines.co.uk

ART & SOLE VEJA X HUNDRED PIECES

French footwear master Veja has teamed up with Hundred Pieces to create these snazzy (and eco-friendly) kids’ sneakers, featuring easy Velcro fastening and a fun, faintly Eighties colour-bar print. Ideal for family holidays in the sun, they’re available from March. From €75 en.smallable.com

PACK UP BABYMEL

These striking and robustly made backpacks come with cute “Zip and Zoe” keyring charms and a booklet introducing kids to the adventurous duo. There are sizes for tots aged one to nine, and plenty of space inside for all the essentials. From £17.95 babymel.com

True Blue AS WE GROW

Icelandic label As We Grow conjures up images of the blue skies of summer with its latest collection, featuring timeless designs in shades of azure, cobalt and navy. Inspired by tradition, the garment quality is second-to-none and emphasises durable, sustainable products. aswegrow.is

RAINY DAZE BOBO CHOSES

The new Bobo Choses collection doesn’t disappoint. Brimming with colourful prints, we suggest protecting your minime from spring showers with this lightweight hooded rain coat, featuring a colourful leaf motif. £103 en.smallable.com March 201 8

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Award winning products created by orthodontists, designed for babies.

soother teething ring

Oral care starts at birth

toxin-free

toothbrush

There may be no sign of teeth yet but they are there, waiting to make an appearance, hidden away in tiny gums. CURAPROX Baby works hand in hand with mother nature to support the natural development of your baby’s mouth from their jaw line and teeth to their breathing. Did you know that 70% of children who use a standard paciﬁer develop an open or cross bite in later life? The CURAPROX Baby paciﬁer has been designed to promote the correct development of your baby’s jaw keeping your baby happy and giving you peace of mind. So ensure your little ones get the very best start in Oral Care with CURAPROX Baby.

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When you buy online at curaprox.co.uk

Use offer code AB25 30/01/2018 24/01/2018 13:49 16:54

essenti a ls

CHOCOLATE Hotel Chocolat, £22.50; hotelchocolat.com

MAMA

HAT & SCARF Zara, £9.99/£19.99; zara.com

DIFFUSER Baylis & Harding, £18; houseoffraser.co.uk

PERFUME Bottega Veneta, £76; harrods.com

SHOULDER BAG Stella McCartney, £835; harrods.com PERSONALISED PRINT Coconut Grass, £9.95; notonthehighstreet.com

gif ts for

MUM Mother’s Day gifts that say “thank you”, “I love you”, and “ I wouldn’t be here without you”

a Mames lov FLOWERS McQueens, £110; mcqueens.co.uk

MIXER Kitchen Aid, £549; harrods.com

r’s editock pi CANDLE Diptyque, £50; harrods.com

NAPPY BAG Tiba + Marl, £130; tibaandmarl.com

SLEEP MASK Longstaff Longstaff, £35; longstafflongstaff.com

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THE MAKING OF ME

The senior product developer of the Bugaboo Fox tells us more about this brand-new sustainable pushchair Wo r d s M A R C O N I E U W E N H U I Z E N

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: How many years did it take to develop the Bugaboo Fox? MARCO NIEUWENHUIZEN: The design process began three years ago. The first stage was to understand what we wanted from the product, how it would function and what we wanted it to achieve. We then started discussing concepts and making prototypes. Once we had decided upon the rough dimensions of the pushchair we began our rigorous testing process. We have very high standards when it comes to quality, functionality and ease of use; each prototype must pass these crucial steps in order to continue development. Only when we were completely satisfied with the test results did the Bugaboo Fox became a finished product. Additional testing also takes place before it is released for production to ensure it will be another reliable pushchair. AM: What makes it innovative? MN: A big innovation and design leap for us has been creating a pushchair in which all play is removed from the frame. This has been achieved by adding suspension to the central joint, making it easier for the parent to manoeuvre the pushchair without sacrificing on comfort for themselves or their child. Another notable development is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very strong and sturdy pushchair, but only weighs 9.9kg.

THE BUGABOO FOX CAN BE PASSED DOWN GENERATIONS

AM: Were there any major hurdles you had to overcome? MN: The biggest challenge was removing the play from the central joint and seat frame, which is used for folding and unfolding and makes all the different seat positions possible. It is a very complex system that needs to function well on comfort and suspension. There was a lot of tweaking involved within the design process and it took us a long time to get it perfect. If you remove the play you are in danger of sacrificing comfort, but by adding things like rear suspension and new wheels we were able to remove all play without affecting this. Another challenge was creating a high seat that can carry a child of up

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essen t i a ls

Q&A

still providing support. We have designed the pushchair to allow the fabrics to be easily separated from the backbone so parents can easily switch their pushchair fabrics for a new colour or completely refresh when they have a new baby.

MIX AND MATCH PARTS AND FABRICS

IT’S STRONG AND STURDY, BUT ALSO JUST 9.9KG

to 17kg. We had to perfectly balance the dimensions of the stroller to make sure it was completely safe and stable. AM: What is your favourite feature? MN: My personal favourite feature is the central button that allows parents to fold and unfold the pushchair USE THE PUSHCHAIR without having WITH JUST ONE HAND to bend over. By improving this part we have made it more practical for parents in lots of different circumstances, such as when they need to unfold the pushchair with one hand while holding their infant securely in the other. AM: How can the Bugaboo Fox be strong and sturdy, but also light? MN: To get the Bugaboo Fox to weigh just 9.9kg we used the same technologies in the aluminum tubing that are applied in marine and aviation applications. Creating a pushchair that is sturdy and

lightweight is down to a combination of clever engineering and design. AM: What materials are used to make the pushchair so light? MN: It’s a balance between strong, long-lasting materials like polyamide where they are required (like the central joint) and lighter materials in other places. For some parts we use polypropylene, which is lightweight and recyclable. AM: How did you design the backbone part of the pushchair? MN: The backbone has two purposes: to provide comfort for the child and to allow parents to refresh their pushchair. The ergonomic shape and partly flexible material makes the seat fit with the shape of the child, while

AM: How does the pushchair answer the needs of the modern parent? MN: For me, it’s about ease. Parents have a lot to juggle and they can use the Bugaboo Fox with just one hand, making it easier for them to be spontaneous and to avoid compromising their existing lifestyle. In addition, parents are becoming more and more aware of the environment and want to make better choices. The Bugaboo Fox is designed to be a long-lasting, serviceable pushchair, with replaceable parts that can be recycled. Parents are able to style the stroller however they want, using mix-and-match parts and fabrics made from recycled materials. AM: What makes it sustainable? MN: The Bugaboo Fox takes our philosophy of creating a longlasting pushchair to the next level. By separating the hardware from soft parts and fabrics, we’ve created a pushchair that can be easily serviced and repaired to extend its life cycle. The pushchair has a lower environmental impact because we use durable materials for the parts that need to last and materials that can be recycled for the parts that are subject to more wear and tear. In addition, we produced the fabrics from recycled PET bottles. AM: Why use the PET bottles? MN: We’ve always created longlasting products, but we wanted to take the next step when it comes to sustainability. That includes our serviceable, modular design, but also making sure the replaceable parts are sustainable, too. We see that parents like to replace their fabrics, so by creating them from recycled PET bottles it further reduces their environmental impact. bu gaboo .com March 201 8

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mamahood TA M A R A ECC LE STO N E O N B ECO M I N G A M U M A N D L AU N C H I N G A B R A N D p . 3 2 I N STA - M A M A N I CO L A E Y R E S G O E S P O LI T I C A L p . 3 7

Ac t i n g Out • IN THIS SECTION •

We speak to mama-of-four Nicola Eyres, founder of visionary kids boutique Cissy Wears, about her new, politically charged clothing line, Activist, and how Instagram has helped her to build not one but two trailblazing children’s brands. cissywears.com

March 201 8

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I WAS UNPREPARED FOR JUST HOW MUCH I WOULD LOVE MY DAUGHTER. IT WAS SO IMMEDIATE AND INTENSE

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mamah o od PROFILE

B O R N T O D O I T Mama talks natural parenting and organic products with party girl-turneddevoted mother, Tamara Ecclestone Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

t first glance, Tamara Ecclestone is not your regular mother. The daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie, and model Slavica, Ecclestone, she’s been in the public eye since girlhood. She was educated at the distinguished Francis Holland school in London and today, aged 33, calls a £45 million Kensington mansion home. Her professional life has taken in everything from sports presenting for Sky to posing for Playboy. And for a number of years, she was a favourite of the gossip pages – a socialite with an apparent knack for partying. Then came Sophia. It’s fair to say that Tamara Ecclestone’s public life can be divided into two sections, pre- and post-partum. When her daughter Sophia (whom she calls Fifi) was born in 2014, Ecclestone’s life, priorities and public profile changed dramatically – so much so that you can’t help feeling that motherhood is her true calling. We meet Ecclestone at London’s Harvey Nichols. She’s there to celebrate the launch of Fifi and Friends –

her range of organic children’s bath products – and we want to find out more about what inspired the brand. Because, let’s face it, few commentators saw this coming: Tamara Ecclestone, bronzed billionairess and sometime party girl, now a leading light in the promotion and development of natural toiletries for kids. In person, the old image of Ecclestone is even harder to reconcile with her new direction. She’s still a glamourpuss, of course, but the look seems secondary to the spirit; she beams with warmth, welcome and positivity, clearly overjoyed to be launching her products into one of the world’s premier luxury retail spaces. It’s a triumph that seems all the more meaningful because the products weren’t designed with this uppermost in mind. They were, first and foremost, a personal project. “My daughter Fifi and her cousin Lavinia inspired the brand,” Ecclestone tells us. “Lavinia has really curly hair and it was hard to find decent products to tame it. I had the idea to do a range for both curly and straight hair, so we developed a detangler that can untangle even the knottiest hair. From there it grew into swimming haircare, sun-block, nappy cream and even baby wipes – I wanted them all to use organic ingredients and to have the same fragrance.” The natural approach is core to Fifi and Friends, and Ecclestone’s products outstrip many of their competitors’ March 201 8

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Newborn Helper Service

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mamah o od PROFILE

by offering recyclable and often biodegradable packaging. We ask why the eco-conscious angle is so important and she replies without hesitation: “It’s really, really important to me. It had to be this way. A lot of products are misleading [about such things]. And they smell fake. There was no way I was going to use anything harsh or artificial on my daughter. “It took almost two years to get everything right – and I tested everything on myself.” It’s all part of a conscious yet apparently neverjudgmental embrace of natural parenting – itself inspired by a kind of epiphany Ecclestone experienced after having her daughter. We ask if motherhood is everything she thought it would be. “Actually, way better!” she enthuses. “Growing up, I wasn’t desperate to be a mum. When it happened, it blew my mind; I was unprepared for just how much I would love my daughter. It was just so immediate and intense. So far, it’s been an amazing journey and I’ve loved every stage. I don’t think you can know how you’re going to feel beforehand – or even what to plan for. I bought all these bottles and a cot thinking they would be useful, then Fifi came and I breastfed exclusively and we co-slept – I ended up following my gut with those things, so you learn on the job.” Strange as it seems, being a public figure and endorsing breastfeeding and co-sleeping opened Ecclestone up to criticism in some quarters. That must have been hard, we venture. “I don’t really understand it. There are other things to have opinions about – [breastfeeding and co-sleeping are] such personal choices. For me, breastfeeding was easier for both me and baby, and I enjoyed that bond. Motherhood itself defi nitely engenders opinions and judgment. Well-meaning people like to give advice and share thoughts, but it’s bizarre that breastfeeding is contentious.” At this point, Fifi comes over to ask for a blanket and we say how nice it must be that Ecclestone can take her daughter with her when “on duty”. “Well, she’s so friendly and confident,” Ecclestone says. “She’s been exposed to so many adults and this is her norm.” But, we continue, balancing work and parenting must still be a challenge? “It’s defi nitely a challenge. But Fifi

PEOPLE LIKE TO GIVE ADVICE, BUT IT’S BIZARRE THAT BREASTFEEDING IS CONTENTIOUS

does now have full days in nursery, so I get as much done as I can on those days. When she was younger, I utilised nap times. It’s important to have balance. I had to make it work so I could do something for me, too, and keep my brain ticking over.” With that in mind, we ask for some of Ecclestone’s top advice for fi rst-timers and mums-to-be. “Just to see what happens without planning too much,” she suggests. “And reserve judgment, because you never know how you will react in similar situations – down to whether your child uses an iPad at a certain age or how they behave in public, and how you choose to discipline them in a moment of meltdown.” Learning on the job, balancing work and motherhood, and wanting the best for her daughter... in all the most important respects, Tamara Ecclestone is not so different from a regular mum after all.

The Fifi and Friends range is available now at Harvey Nichols and selected retailers, or online at f if iandf riend s .co.uk March 201 8

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INTERVIEW

INSTA MUM

Nicola Eyres, mama of four and founder of Cissy Wears, on launching her clothing line, Activist @cissywears / cissywears.com

Q Tell us about Activist – what is it and what inspired it? A Activist is a range for kids based on important issues, with a view to empowering them to talk about current affairs. Around the time of last year’s general election, when everyone was feeling politically charged, I was interested to read that one of the biggest growth groups in terms of voting was women aged 30-45 – no doubt a large proportion of mums – because, like me, they were beginning to understand how decisions made in government now would affect the future generation. Kids are much more “woke” than we give them credit for. I could overhear my kids discussing Jeremy Corbyn, racism, plastic pollution and Donald Trump. It seemed natural that my first attempt to do my own thing should be based around this. Rather than release another brand on the market, I wanted to create a project designed to empower kids to fight for their futures, and to

encourage my customers to engage with important social issues. Q Do you see Instagram as a good platform for positive messages? A For me, Instagram is a community of like-minded people who appreciate beautiful things, have an eye for a good aesthetic, but who love their family and keep it real. In this sense, it becomes a great place to be able to raise awareness within a supportive environment. Q How instrumental is Instagram to your business? My business pretty much exists because of Instagram. When I joined five years ago, mine was one of the first few independent kids’ stores on there and growth was rapid; the creative community opened up a whole new world. A few years on and sadly it feels saturated, all the negatives of the Facebook buy-out are taking over... but I still love it. Some of my best friends, and even my business partners, I’ve met through Instagram. Q Instagram obviously brings pressures alongside the opportunities. Do you and your family enjoy the platform? A One of the most difficult things is being expected to be on-call 24 hours a day – people can be inappropriate. I am conscious of dangers, too – I never post live from somewhere or mention

in advance where we will be. My kids enjoy having their picture taken and doing photoshoots with friends. While they continue to enjoy it, I’ll let them get involved. What’s next for your brands? If the demand is there for Activist, I’ll keep growing it. It’s been great to continue my relationship with Liberty London and stock it there, and reaction from press and customers has been fantastic. As for Cissy Wears, the big news is I’ll be closing the physical store later this year, as we’re moving away. We’ll continue online and hope soon that I’ll be able to make the next big announcement. Q A

March 201 8

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mamah o od

ADVICE

Sleepover

POLITICS The very thought of a sleepover will strike fear into the heart of the most robust parents but, in best Scout tradition, be prepared and it can be survived without disaster or broken friendships

Wo r d s L I B BY N O R M A N

1. Right time

T H E H OST ’ S A I M I S TO G E T T H EM TUC K E D U P AS S O O N AS POS S I B LE

oved by children, the sleepover is a rite of passage. To offspring, it’s a license to stay up all night, eat junk food, scream a lot and then relive the memories for days afterwards. But hosts plan a military-style campaign with the sole objective of getting everyone tucked up safely in the land of nod as soon as possible. Guests’ parents, meanwhile, cross their fingers and hope their child won’t be the worst behaved. Here are five rules for happy slumber parties...

Your child may desperately yearn for a sleepover and there’s no “right age”, so take the cue from their behaviour at parties and group events. Restrict the first sleepover to two or – better still – one friend to test the waters. Sleepovers should never happen on a school night or everyone will feel the pain. Saturdays are the safest bet; Fridays can also be good as the children are likely to be tired out from school, ensuring an earlier collapse into slumber.

2. Stay close

The ideal sleepover is within walking distance or a short drive away, just in case you have to collect or deliver a homesick child. Be prepared for this, and don’t see it as a failure on anyone’s part. Plan for all eventualities – that means swapping numbers and being contactable throughout. Sleepovers are not babysitting and there is simply no excuse for child-free parents to abandon all responsibility and slip out for a night on the town. If you’re wondering how your child is getting on, it’s fine to check in with the sleepover hosts once,

but after that trust them to call you if there’s a problem.

3. Pizza rules

Your home may be an organic temple for 364 days of the year, but on this night the lords and ladies of misrule are in charge. Sleepover law dictates pizza, popcorn, crisps and other salty and sugary party fare, and you risk your child losing face in perpetuity if you forget that fact. All hosts are expected to slip in healthier options, but don’t expect that quinoa salad or spiralized courgette surprise to get eaten. It is the responsibility of parents of children with dietary requirements to let hosts know and, if necessary, deliver safe food with the child.

4. Party plan

The host’s goal is to wear them down quickly. Lay on a lively activity, then put on their film choice, dim the lights and bring in the “midnight feast” in the hopes their eyes will soon become heavy. Make sure you have night-lights, in case there’s a late-night fridge raid or a child needs to find you.

5. Sleepiquette

Guests are normally expected to return the invitation, but if the slumber buddies fought all night or your child was an abominable houseguest, apologise and retreat. As host, there can be no public shaming about whatever disaster befell your home – be it mashed pizza, smashed bed or whiskerless cat. After all, this happened on your watch. March 201 8

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NI NE I NTH E M I R R O R .CO M

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Sets Ap p e a l • SIX STUDIO •

Few gifts for expectant mamas are as sure to be appreciated as an underwear set from maternity brand Six Studio. Designed in Scotland and made in Portugal using finest Italian jersey and French leavers lace, they’re desirable and oh-so-comfortable. six-studio.com

March 201 8

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6 of the best C H A N G I N G B AG S TIBA + MARL Kaspar knapsack; £130 tibaandmarl.com

H&M Leopard print tote; £17.99 hm.com

mama

ST Y LE NOTES

Six chic changing bags, clothes for a cause and the best spring pieces ’s tor i d k e pic

Resort Collection

STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS Khaki bag; £225 melijoe.com

• L’ O R L A •

JEM + BEA Romy puffer tote; £130 jemandbea.com

The latest collection from L’Orla (stylist Leith Clark x Orla Kiely) is the prettiest we’ve ever seen. It’s overtly feminine and surprisingly wearable, with smart use of tulle and ruffles. Dresses start from £340; orlakiely.com

JOSEFINA Backpack; €308 josefina.fr

KONGES SLØJD Navy quilted cotton bag; £90 mamaowl.net

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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fas h i on

DUNGAREE DAY •FORT Dungarees•

MAMA

d Branus Foc

Like jeans, a good pair of dungarees is a modern essential. Ethically made and with sustainability a focus, FORT dungarees are a new favourite. Available in black or stripes. £85; fortdungarees.com

W YSE LUXE LINGERIE •Auralure•

The latest name in lingerie for expectant mothers is Auralure, which was launched in 2017 by a new mama struggling to fi nd beautiful and practical maternity underwear. Pieces are luxurious but comfortable and bra cups are lined with soft, breathable bamboo cotton. Nursing bra, £55; auralure.com

we love

WHAT?

• S m i t h We b b •

Smith Webb is an ethical fashion brand for the whole family. It was founded last year by two mamas who wanted to combine clothing design with supporting mental health and antibullying charities, both causes close to their hearts. Sweatshirt, £48; smithwebb.com

Rains

pril showers are almost upon us, so here’s the perfect school-run rain jacket for the fashion-conscious. Rains is a Danish rainwear company reinventing classics in elegantly modern, minimalist Scandi style. Jacket, €80; rains.com

WHO? Designer and owner Marielle Wyse created the brand back in December 2014. She had a love of cashmere jumpers but couldn’t find what she wanted at a price she was happy with.

KIND CLOTHES

Take Cover

The young British brand making cashmere cool

Cashmere is not normally associated with bright pops of colour. That was until Wyse London. For this brand, the design is in the details. Luxury, ready-to-wear cashmere remains simple and elegant but each piece has a little something extra. Think rainbow stripes, metallic or sequinned elbow patches, lurex stitching or a block of bright colour; there’s even neon in there, and new in is the striking lightning bolt motif. The collection is mostly sweaters, but you’ll find cardigans and lounge bottoms too. For the upcoming warmer months you’ll find linen tees (plain or embellished) and there’s a selection of more muted sweaters for men. Championing the “everyday wearable”, the fits have a little slouch so are comfortable but (importantly) flattering. Wyse has recently received a lot of attention after Holly Willoughby posted a shot of herself in a full tracksuit to Instagram – but, in truth, the brand has had a huge fashion following since its launch. wyselondon.co.uk

March 201 8

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Look SHARP Own the season in smart statement tailoring with a fun and feminine twist b aukj en .c o m

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KIDS

and watching how they wear and play in clothes has been very motivating.

woman in

WORK Elizabeth Kelly of Nights by Wilder on nailing kids’ nightwear

ELIZABETH AND HER DAUGHTER LUELLA

Q Why did you decide to take the plunge and set up your own business? A After struggling to fi nd anything for my daughter that wasn’t either garish or twee, I saw an opportunity and took the plunge. I had vintage shapes that I have collected over the years, so, with some help from friends working in the industry, it all happened very quickly – about 10 months from initial meeting to launch! I’m conscious of the huge landfi ll waste happening (especially with childrenswear), so wanted to make the collection durable as well as stylish, to encourage customers to pass on pieces once their child has outgrown them.

Q What’s been the most challenging thing so far? And how have you managed the company while parenting such young kids? A The biggest challenge was putting my taste out to the wider world. While I have helped and advised other brands before, I have never had to do it for myself. Trusting my intuition and being bold has been a real learning curve. I am really lucky to have great support from family who help with childcare. The more organised and disciplined I am, the more I can focus. Surprisingly, I can get so much done in two hours when I have to – I’m forever writing lists. Q Where did you get the idea for the collection and where will you look for inspiration for future lines? A I do need to make more time to get out there and be inspired. It is so easy now to get lost on the Internet, but I always feel inspired after a holiday or a trip to a museum. Inspiration has come from all over. I am really drawn to interiors magazines (Cabana, World of Interiors) and love textiles and prints. I’m a big fan of vintage children’s artists such as Mabel Lucie Attwell – I just love the nostalgic innocence. I am also off to Morocco (sans kids!) in March, where I hope to get some ideas for the next collection…

nightsbywilder.com @nightsbywilder

Q Was the prospect of working on your own scary at all? A I have been running my own PR agency since starting my family as I wanted to work around the kids, so making the transition to design wasn’t such a daunting process. It has always been my goal to run my own business. Of course it is nice to have some adult company to bounce ideas off of, so I try and make a trip into London to work with clients or friends as often as possible. Q Do you see it as a positive that your work and personal life are interconnected through childrenswear? A Of course. If it wasn’t for the children I would never have been inspired to start Nights by Wilder. Children’s clothing is so much fun! I learn so much from the children – it’s great to have their perspective on things

March 201 8

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6 of the best B A BY B U N N Y B U YS

kids

FASHION NOTES

Fashion Editor Charlotte Kewley on a kids’ styling service and La Coqueta SS18

RACHEL RILEY Bunny babygrow, £39 childrensalon.com

OEUF Alpaca bunny hoodie, £127 nineinthemirror.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS Bunny shortie, £59 childrensalon.com

GREENBERRY KIDS Bunny ears jumpsuit, £40 greenberrykids.com

Sweet dreams GUCCI Gingham bunny pea coat, £725 harrods.com

r’s editock pi

•Faune•

A Victorian nightdress provided the inspiration for new nightwear brand Faune. Their vintage-style nightdresses, pyjamas and robes make the prettiest summer dresses and tops, too. faune.co.uk

CATH KIDSTON Baby bunny cardigan, £28 cathkidston.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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fas h i on

KIDS

MINI STYLING •Muddy Creatures•

Muddy Creatures takes the effort out of shopping for kids by delivering a box of handpicked and hard-to-source brands (tailored to your kids’ style, needs and age) direct to your door. You only pay for what you keep. muddycreatures.com

CITY GOATS

CHIC BOUTIQUE •La Coqueta•

London-based label La Coqueta has opened its second store on Ledbury Road. The new collection – which is in-store now – is particularly dreamy, with a romantic, summer vibe that stays true to the label’s traditional aesthetic. lacoquetakids.com

Introducing a brand we love

•Hollyz•

Soft, stylish and super-cute, luxury children’s wear brand Hollyz is launching their new range - made entirely from cashmere. Each garment is hand fi nished with small details for a personal touch. hollyz.com

Willabeans

he solution to the much-discussed issue of fi nding reasonably priced, stylish children’s shoes; Willabeans offers simple, timeless, good quality, unisex leather shoes that are also durable – like this Angelitos lace-up desert boot. £34; willabeans.com

Wo r ds : HE L E N BA RO N

CLASSY CASHMERE

Happy feet

Eco- ly d frien

ike toddlers, modern life seems to move at an everincreasing speed, and many mamas are wondering how to slow it down a bit. And while what your kids wear won’t make the difference between calm and chaos, your style choices can at least suggest a slower, more mindful pace of living. Enter, City Goats: a kids’ clothing brand effortlessly balancing streetconscious style with a “slow living” ethos and aesthetic. The brand’s USP – aside from its trend-setting designs – is its unwavering focus on sustainability, which entails using only 100% organic cotton and natural, botanically-derived dyes. This means that both the production process and the clothes themselves are free from toxins inherent in the making of most garments, and are kinder to both kids’ skin and the planet as a result. The clothes, too, are completely covetable – from ruffled shirt dresses and unisex quilted jackets to cute workwear aprons. The only downside? This stuff sells out almost as soon as it hits stores. city-goats.com

March 201 8

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Bohemian RHAPSODY Fun, free and radiantly creative â&#x20AC;&#x201C; introducing summer styles infused with the spirit of childhood by kidswear pioneer, Bobo Choses cubscartel .com

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06/02/2018 11:53

HURRY UP SUM MER

ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Each of our beautiful catered villas in Mallorca and the south of France comes with its own pool and experienced Scott Dunn staff. Your private chef will prepare mouth-watering menus, with ingredients sourced from local markets, while your host will take care of everything from bringing you fresh sorbets by the pool, to advising you on the local highlights. For little ones, we offer fantastic nannies that will look after children from 4 months old. They tailor activities around their needs, interests and routine while always ensuring the fun factor.

To start planning your luxury holiday today, visit scottdunn.com/villas or call on 0208 682 5040

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Skin to skin contact benefits for your newborn : • Enhances development • Deepens the bond between parent and baby • Supports the successful establishment of breastfeeding • Reduces crying and stress • Encourages better sleep • Increases healthy weight gain by maintaining warmth

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Hold your baby closer Stylish and supportive clothing range for skin to skin contact. Options for mums, dads, full term, twins and premature babies

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wellness

B E AU T Y N E WS p .6 4 • F R E S H FA M I LY R EC I P E S p .6 8 W H AT ’ S WO R K I N G FO R YO U R P E R I O D p .7 1 • FO C U S O N M E N TA L H E A LT H p .72

Fe e l G o o d SILOU

Check out Silou’s new SS18 collection online now. The range of ethical, luxury athleisurewear features minimal pieces designed to seamlessly transition from workout to daily life. Gym visits would be far more exciting when you’re rocking this look.

siloulondon.com

March 201 8

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6 of the best HAND CREAMS

ANNE SEMONIN Extreme Comfort Hand Cream, £30 (50ml); annesemonin.com

mama’s

BEAUT Y NOTES

Products to keep you looking (and feeling) pretty, through pregnancy and beyond L’OCCITANE Rose-scented Shea Hand Cream by Rifle Paper Co., £8 (30ml); uk.loccitane.com

NEOM ORGANICS Nourish, Breathe & Calm Hand Balm, £15 (50ml); neomorganics.com

NO7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Daily SPF15 Hand Cream, £11 (75ml); boots.com AURELIA PROBIOTIC SKINCARE Aromatic Repair and Brighten Hand Cream, £30 (75ml); aureliaskincare.com

Smooth lines •THE PERFECT V•

Brand new and exclusive to Harvey Nichols in the UK is The Perfect V, a line of luxury skincare that targets the delicate bikini area (AKA, the “V”). The selection includes eight products, such as the VV Beauty Mist and Shades of V Luminizer. It’s all fragranceand paraben-free. From £19; harveynichols.com

’s tor i d e pick ELEMIS Frangipani Monoi Hand and Nail Cream, £20 (100ml); elemis.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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welln es s BE AUT Y

NEW COLLECTION •SÉRAPHINE•

Pregnancy skincare brand Unity Beauty Essentials and maternity store Séraphine have introduced a new line, including the Complete Duo, Intensive Body Nourisher and Daily Body Hydrator for mums-tobe, available from the Kensington boutique. £25-35; seraphine.com

we love HAIR LOSS, OUR GAIN

Kate Somerville Skincare launches in the UK Wo r ds K AT Y G I L L E T T

•RESEED•

Approximately eight million women in the UK experience hair loss and we each shed around 100 hairs per day. As a solution, Reseed has launched a gender-specific range of anti-hair loss treatments using active ingredients such as ginko and swertia extracts, designed to work with your hormones. The products are available at Lloyds Pharmacy nationwide. £18-48; reseedhair.com

WE CAN BE HEROES •BLOOM & BLOSSOM•

Expecting? Then you’ll love Bloom & Blossom’s new Pregnancy Heroes Trio Skincare Kit, which includes anti stretch mark oil, revitalising leg and foot spray, and a bath and shower gel. All three use all-natural, gentle and solution-focused ingredients (that haven’t been tested on animals, either). £24; burblebaby.co.uk

Magic wands •BEA SKIN CARE•

hese AHA Rejuvenating Wands are mini skin peel applicators that use acids primarily derived from natural elements (like grapes and sugarcane). Apply them twice a week for a brighter complexion. They also ease skin conditions like acne, enlarged pores and wrinkles. £60 (pack of 10); bea-skincare.com

MARKLE A P P R OV E D

acialist-to-the-stars Kate Somerville is revered among the likes of Meghan Markle and Karlie Kloss, and she’s just made the transatlantic trip from her US base to London in order to launch her renowned skincare line here, too. Somerville has been tending to A-list visages for decades and first launched her iconic clinic on Melrose Place, in the heart of LA, more than 25 years ago. And she has been transforming skin ever since, using her clinically-proven, formulated products that use highly functional active ingredients balanced with natural botanicals. Some of her bestsellers include the Wrinkle Warrior 2-in-1 Plumping Moisturiser and Serum, which targets crow’s feet, fine lines and deep wrinkles. Then there’s the EradiKate Acne Treatment that successfully fights blemishes and future breakouts. Plus, the ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, an award-winning product that promises smoother, brighter and healthierlooking skin in two minutes. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Want skin like Markle and Kloss? Sure, who wouldn’t? But you’ll have to get in line. katesomerville.co.uk

March 201 8

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wellness

FOOD & DRINK

Fuel for your mood

•THE GOOD FOOD GOOD MOOD COOKBOOK by Lina Bou•

Nutritional therapist Lina Bou introduces The Good Food Good Mood Cookbook. It includes a bunch of easy, nourishing vegetarian recipes (like this raw coconut tart with chocolate mousse) that work to improve immunity, boost energy and balance hormones. Bon appétit! £13.99; eddisonbooks.com

mama’s

Ed’s pick

FOO D N OTES

Hot news, fresh from the kitchen

SIZE MATTERS

ROLL WITH IT

L i t t l e J u d e’s

Kiddylicious

Small cartons of Little Jude’s Chocolate Milk and Banana Milk are now on shelves at Sainsbury’s, using all-natural ingredients and enriched with added vitamin C and calcium. It’s also been sweetened with honey – absolutely no refi ned sugar allowed. £1.25 (180ml) judes.co.uk

The coconut rolls by Kiddylicious were such a hit that it’s added two new flavours to its range at Morrisons and Asda. The strawberry- and bananaflavoured treats encourage self-feeding for children aged one and above. £2.50 kiddylicious.com

Sweet relief MYRTLE & MAUDE

ase your friend’s pregnancy-induced queasiness with this thoughtful mum-to-be gift pack by Myrtle & Maude. The Yorkshire-born brand’s recipes have helped new mamas for more than three generations, using advice and wisdom handed down from their grandmothers. This box includes: caffeine-free organic herbal tea that blends

ginger, peppermint, lemon balm, chamomile, rose petal and orange peel; acupressure wristbands that use a 5,000-year-old alternative therapy technique from Asia; and sweet, vegan-friendly bon-bons doused with natural peppermint oil and enriched with vitamin B6. You’re sorted. • £23, burblebaby.co.uk March 201 8

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ick of your regular roster of recipes you stick to throughout the week? Bored of dinner, but don’t have time to get creative? Hello Fresh could be the answer. It’s a service that allows you to choose your favourite dishes from their weekly menu of international options – as well as how many people it should cater to – then delivers those recipes, plus the fresh ingredients, to your door every week. For a small taster, the team has shared three of their most vibrant recipes…

Chermoula spiced ha lloumi w ith bulg ur wheat and chickpea tabbouleh Preparation time: 20 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tins chickpeas • 2 tsp chermoula spice • 2 pots vegetable stock pot • 300g bulgur wheat • 4 vine tomatoes • 2 bunches mint • 2 lemons • 2 blocks halloumi • 2 pots Greek yoghurt • 2 tbsps honey

Directions

world O N YO U R P L AT E The

Hello Fresh shares Thai, Mexican and Middle Eastern recipes for an international meal plan Wo r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T Recipes HELLO FRESH

1 Heat a splash of oil in a saucepan on mediumhigh heat. 2 Drain and add the chickpeas and chermoula to the pan and cook for one minute. 3 Add 600ml of boiling water and stock pot, then stir to dissolve. 4 Add the bulgur wheat, bring back to the boil and cover with a lid. Remove from the heat and leave for ten to 12 minutes. 5 Chop the vine tomatoes into chunks; roughly chop the mint leaves, discarding the stalks; zest and then halve the lemon; cut the halloumi into three slices per person. 6 Heat a glug of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, then cook the halloumi until golden brown, three minutes on each side. 7 Meanwhile, mix half the mint and half the lemon zest into the Greek yoghurt. Season with salt and keep to one side. 8 When the halloumi is cooked, remove from the heat and drizzle over the honey. 9 Stir the tomato, remaining lemon zest and mint into the bulgur wheat. Add salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. 10 Share the tabbouleh between your plates and top with the halloumi slices, then finish off with a dollop of cooling yoghurt.

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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wellne s s

RECIPES

Tostadas Rapidas Preparation time: 20 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince • 2 yellow peppers • 1 bunch fresh coriander • 2 tins red kidney beans • 3 tsp Mexican Spice fajita mix • 5 tbsp vegetarian Worcester sauce • 2 packs finely chopped tomatoes with onion and garlic • 1 pot beef stock pot • 4 wholemeal tortillas • 2 pots sour cream • 1 lime

Praw n red Thai curry w ith rice

Directions 1 Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan on high heat. Add the beef mince and cook until browned, around five minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. 2 Halve the pepper, discard the core and seed, then roughly chop. Also roughly chop the coriander, and drain and rinse the kidney beans. 3 Add the pepper and fajita seasoning mix to the beef mince and stir-fry for a minute. 4 Add in the Worcester sauce, finely chopped tomatoes, kidney beans and stock pot, stirring well to dissolve the stock. 5 Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to mediumlow and simmer until thick, around seven to eight minutes. 6 Pop the tortillas in a single layer on your prepped baking tray and drizzle

over some oil. Tip: If you’re hungry, use two per person. 7 Sprinkle on some salt and pepper, and then bake in the oven until crisp and golden, around five to seven minutes. 8 Put the sour cream in a small bowl, grate in the zest of the lime, add a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir all together. Then chop lime into quarters. 9 Serve the crisp tortillas on plates topped with a helping of beef, a drizzle of lime sour cream and a sprinkling of coriander. Finish with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Preparation time: 20 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 packs green beans • 2 carrots • 1 bunch fresh coriander • 50g Red Thai Curry paste • 400ml coconut milk • 250g king prawns • 500g basmati rice • 1 lime

Directions 1 Trim the green beans and chop into thirds; chop off the ends of the carrots, then slice into thin rounds; roughly chop the coriander. 2 Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan on mediumhigh heat. 3 Add the carrots and stir-fry until they start to soften – two to three minutes – then add the green beans and stir-fry for a minute. 4 Stir in the curry paste and cook for 30 seconds. 5 Mix in the coconut milk and add the prawns. 6 Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid (or foil), and cook for five minutes. Tip: the prawns are cooked when they are pink on the outside and opaque all the way through. 7 Meanwhile, squeeze the pouch, tear strip and microwave the rice at 800W for two minutes (or stir-fry for three in a dry frying pan over a medium-high heat). 8 Squeeze juice of the lime into your curry, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 9 Serve the rice in bowls topped with the curry and sprinkling of fresh coriander.

*For more nutritional information or details on allergens in these recipes, please visit hellof resh .co.uk

March 201 8

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welln es s HE ALTH

Life

CYCLE Mama profiles three modern brands that are working for our periods W o r d s K AT Y G I L L E T T

ecently, all sorts of innovative initiatives have sprung up around the world, attempting to break down taboos surrounding menstruation. And out of these discussions, a host of great services have been born, aiming to make our monthlies easier. Here are just three brands Mama loves…

Freda

iodegradable, hypoallergenic and chemical-free, the pads and tampons offered by the new online subscription service, Freda, should be on your must-have list. The company behind this organic, cotton, eco-friendly period care range, which launched in January, uses artificial intelligence and insight from gynaecologists, allowing you to select products based on your own cycle, then sync their delivery date. “We want to embrace how we experience periods and start recognising them as a sign of a healthy woman,” says founder Affi Parvizi-Wayne. “I was struck by the lack of available information around what actually goes into pads and tampons. Just as we pay attention to what goes into the foods we eat and the products we put on our skin, we should also be able to make a more informed decision when it comes to the most intimate product we, as women, use.” A portion of every subscription to Freda also goes towards

“ WE WANT TO E M BRAC E HOW WE E XP E RIE NCE P E RIODS AN D START RECOGN ISING THE M AS A SIGN OF A HE ALTH Y WOM AN ”

initiatives such as A Bloody Good Cause and Bloody Good Period, which aim to offer period care to refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless.  myfreda.com

FLO Living

he brainchild of Alisa Vitti, a functional nutritionist and women’s hormone expert, FLO Living is a virtual destination offering hormone support for menstruating women. After being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Vitti recovered her hormonal health through a food protocol that has now also helped thousands of women in more than 216 countries through the signature online programme, the WomanCode System, according to the website. Whether your flow is light or heavy, you’re suffering from low libido, or can’t handle PMS, FLO Living has a wealth of information, products and consultations that promise to help you recognise your symptoms – and be happier and healthier.  floliving.com

Pink Parcel

ome may think a box packed full of goodies delivered to your door before your period may be overindulgent. Our busy mums at Mama, however, think Pink Parcel is a nifty service that’ll see an end to lastminute supermarket runs when we’re caught short. Dominic Hill created It’s a Monthly Thing in 2014. It started with him, his wife and their daughter packing the first-ever Pink Parcel at home, and it has since grown to include an online platform and e-shop. The parcel is full of essential (and non-essential) products, including your choice of femcare, herbal tea, chocolate, and skincare items. Don’t mind if we do.  pinkparcel.com

March 201 8

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Just breathe Can we teach mindfulness to very young children? A new picture book called Mind Hug is designed to help children do just that by teaching simple deep breathing techniques to help them find a calm place in a hectic world W o r d s E M I LY A R B E R & VA N E S S A L O V E G R O V E

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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wellness MENTAL

ood mental health and resilience to everyday life is what every parent and teacher is striving for. But, as this year’s Child Mental Health Week (5-11 February) reminded us, even young children are vulnerable to feelings of isolation, panic and low self-esteem. The fi rst book from Bath-based publisher Circus House aims to assist by teaching the very young techniques to cope with whatever slings and arrows life throws their way. Mind Hug is a beautifully designed picture book for children aged three to seven, with a core readership of age five (so ideally suited to children making the transition to more formal education). The narrative by Emily Arber and engaging illustrations by Vanessa Lovegrove are easy to follow and perfect for reading aloud. The book’s two main characters, Jack and Sarah, learn how to change their mood and dispel confused or worrying thoughts by taking long, deep breaths. Th is is then their “superpower”, which they share with their friends.

Concepts of happiness and confusion are conveyed simply through colour: muddy and grey shades to convey the thought clouds that just won’t go away; bright and cheerful hues when Jack has learned the art of breathing deeply. It’s this deep breath that is the “mind hug” of the title, as Circus House publisher Alice Xavier says, while you can’t easily explain mindfulness to young children, most kids immediately pick up on the concept of noticing their breathing. The idea came about, Xavier tells us, because they wanted to create fun and beautiful books, but also had an extra goal – to make a difference and open conversations. “My background is in publishing, but my whole family works in the NHS, so I’m aware of the issues facing young people. Children are so naturally resilient, but sometimes they need a positive push.” A proportion of the sale of each book is being donated to children’s mental health charity Place2Be, which provides counselling and support services to schools and has the Duchess of Cambridge as its patron. Place2Be estimates that one in ten children aged between five and 16 has a mental health problem – that’s three in every classroom from primary up – so Mind Hug taps into a very real issue. Once the original idea of Mind Hug was developed, the team at Circus House decided to test it before taking it to market, and so they sought guidance from people on the front line. They had input from Sarah Gibbs, a Suffolk-based psychotherapist and mental health consultant who uses mindfulness within her practice, and Hannah Woods, a primary school teacher and PSHE coordinator at Widcombe Infant School, Bath. Circus House also sought advice from Somerset GP, Dr Sarah Temple, as she has a special interest in mental health services and works with children and young people across West Somerset (she has developed psycho-social tools now being implemented through Somerset’s children’s services). The book was then tested in early years and junior classroom settings in the county, and Dr Temple describes it as a valuable resource, also loved by older children and parents. She adds: “Normalising mindful exercises as part of the school day will mean that children learn how to increase their attentional control – an important skill for everyone to develop and a key building block for being ready to learn”. Mind Hug readers and their parents can also tap into an online guide. Developed by Circus House’s psychotherapist consultant

HE ALTH

WHILE YOU CAN’ T EASILY EXPLAIN MINDFULNESS TO YOUNG CHILDREN, THEY IMMEDIATELY PICK UP ON THE IDEA OF NOTICING THEIR OWN BREATHING

Sarah Gibbs, this includes really simple exercises – from blowing bubbles and the seed-heads off of dandelions to breathing onto a window to see how much breath you can exhale. The guide also shows carers how to teach children not to gulp air and raise their shoulders (typical when you ask young people to take a deep breath) but to “belly breathe”, the essential slow and controlled technique familiar to anyone who has tried mindfulness or yoga exercises. While the activities are great for young children, parents will also fi nd value in the games – an antidote to a long and stressed-out day. Th is is planned as the fi rst in the Mind Hug series, and Xavier is confident there is more to be done through picture books to help young children fi nd the coping mechanisms they need to handle testing times.

MIND HUG £9.99, with a percentage of each sale going to the charity Place2Be (place2be.org.uk). For more information about the book, visit circus-house.com March 201 8

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

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

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home &

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Pl a y Pe n • COMING KIDS •

Cuckooland has become the first and only UK retailer to stock Dutch furniture brand Coming Kids. We love this adaptable cot bed by the cult design house – remove the base and it becomes a playpen. Nifty, huh? £345; cuckooland.com

March 201 8

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mama’s

5 of the best TOY C A R S

N UR SERY NOTES 2

Bedding for dinosaur-lovers and our favourite Japanese toy-maker

Size Up •Rafa Kids•

We’ve long been fans of Rafa Kids’ function-meets-form approach to furniture design. Their modern but playful toddler bed now comes in a sophisticated chocolate-brown colour. £695; cuckooland.com

r’s editock pi

5 1. Kids Concept, £14.95; scandiborn.co.uk 2. Sarah and Bendrix, £29.50; sarahandbendrix.com 3. Sebra, £13.99; scandiborn.co.uk 4. Bloomingville, £7.95; scandiborn.co.uk 5. Pinch Toys, €22; pinchtoys.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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h o me & interio rs

NURSERIES

HEAR ME ROAR

d Branus c Fo

•Snurk•

Transform bedtimes into an adventure with this dinosaur bed-set, ideal for a mini paleontologists. An ingenious way to encourage intrepid littles to go to sleep. £49 for a singlesize duvet and pillow cover; nubie.co.uk

Kiko+

READY, STEADY, COOK •Kids Concept•

The latest minimal import from Scandinavia is this swish play kitchen from cool brand Kids Concept. It comes with a stove, oven and sink – and the sweetest utensils to match. It’s as good as any adult kitchen. £124.95; cuckooland.com

new in

WHEELY GOOD •Ooh Noo•

Th is toy wheelbarrow isn’t just beautifully designed – it’s also ethically made. Great for developing little ones’ balance and coordination, it’s also a perfectly stylish toy storage (and transport) solution. Price to be announced; ooh-noo.com

Run Rabbit Meri Meri

aster can’t come quickly enough if it means we can adorn tiny feet in these sweet bunny booties. Part of a range of rabbit-themed goodies from Meri Meri, they’re comfortably above chocolate eggs on our spring shopping wishlist. £18; shopmerimeri.co.uk

Words: Helen B a r o n

n Japanese, “ki” means “wood” and “ko” means child, which gives you a good idea of the kind of product Japanese toy brand Kiko+ specialises in. Inspired by art and play, the brand crafts beautiful, unique toys and objects that engage children’s senses and inspire their imaginations. Already well known for its city playsets, which pair quirky wooden vehicles and magnetic chalkboard surfaces with worldfamous monuments (think the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Tower Bridge), Kiko+ also does a fine line in toy sushi sets, gumball machines and even a wooden take on the classic Etch-a-Sketch. The brand’s eco credentials mean you can buy their goodies without trepidation: all the wood comes from sustainable forests and every toy exceeds global safety standards. The firm’s logo is restyled for each design as a way of symbolising all races and cultures around the world, while the “+” in the brand’s name is a shout out to the people who helped grow the company. Beautiful design that wears its (happy, humane) heart on its sleeve, Kiko+ makes the kinds of toys your kids will remember – and probably pass on to their own children – when they’re grown up. It doesn’t get better than that.

kiko-kids.com

March 201 8

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GRAPHIC detail

The mama behind Wonder and Rah shows us around her new coastal home W o r d s & I m a g e s N ATA L I E C A R D E W

NATALIE CARDEW IN THE LIVING ROOM OF HER DORSET HOME

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: You’ve recently moved house. Was it stressful? What were you looking for in your new home? NATALIE CARDEW: We have! Last summer we made the move from London down to the south coast of Dorset. It was a huge change that involved selling/buying and relocating jobs, so managing the timing of it all was super stressful. We wanted a lot out of relocating; the forever home, a seaside location, studio space for my business and school places for the kids. I don’t think you ever get the full list with any house (unless you have endless budget!) and so ours has needed lots of TLC and building work, which has only just finished. In hindsight it was a crazy year for a renovation, but I always think when you’re in the midst of chaos you may as well go hard and get it all done – and now we’re looking forward to a slow, relaxing summer with no dust or DIY. At least that’s what I’ve promised my husband! The kids have been brilliant and it makes me really happy to see them settling so well into their new home by the sea. Both my husband and I grew up this way and giving them that lifestyle was the main motivation behind the move. AM: Have you always been an illustrator? What’s your career background? NC: Actually, no. Art was always my main focus growing up and I went on to study illustration at university, but then did a U-turn and decided to start a career in fashion retail. Fashion has always been a big hobby of mine and I felt at the time I would be better suited to it for a career. Working my way up over 13 years, my most recent job was as Senior Merchandiser at Kurt Geiger. It was a very analytical role that focused on range planning and trading; it was really interesting and with lots of lovely perks but completely different to what I’m doing now. I decided against returning to work after having my second child, Robyn. I had returned to work four days a week after having my first, Leo, but a combination of working hours, commuting and nursery fees made me rethink my career path. I took a year’s maternity leave with Robyn, which gave me lots of thinking time. I knew I really wanted to get back to my creative roots and have always had a huge passion for interiors, especially in prints and pattern.

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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h o me & interio rs

FA MILY HOME

WO R K I NG HO URS, CO MMUTI NG AND NURSERY F EES MADE ME R ETHI NK MY CAR EER PATH

March 201 8

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interio rs FA MILY

confidence at the time to even call it a business. I just announced to friends on social media that I would be selling them on Etsy and it went from there. Soon after that I joined Not on the High Street and then as sales grew I set up my Shopify store. Gradually I became more confident and began to focus on developing the kind of business I wanted to create. I also took on collaborative illustration work, which I’ve loved. I wanted my brand of children’s prints to be an antidote to the cutesy, more mainstream designs I had come across during my maternity leave. Since then I have also ventured into more grown-up abstract themes, so something for the mums, too! Ultimately I design for people who like the things I do, which I think is the best way. AM: How would you describe your style? NC: Like most people I am such a chameleon and it changes with my mood. I guess it’s eclectic, alternative, fun and pattern-focused. Nothing too matchy-matchy.

Gradually the idea to create my own nursery prints evolved.

O F TEN I 'L L BU Y SO METHI N G F OR THE CHI L D R E N THEN DEC I D E I WANT I T F OR T H E LI VI NG R OOM

AM: Why the name Wonder and Rah? NC: For me the word “wonder” perfectly encapsulates childhood; both my children are asking questions all the time. They marvel at everything new and it’s a joy to watch. It’s been my favourite thing about becoming a parent, if not sometimes really tricky to fi nd answers for! The “rah” represents their playful, crazy side. I honestly think we had a week where they didn’t say a single other phrase than “rah”! Charging around the house, “rah” all day!

AM: And how do you apply that to your own home? NC: I love interiors to a

HOME

fairly unhealthy degree, and I’m completely obsessed with pattern and texture in rugs, cushions and prints. Because I know how much I love to play with soft furnishings and switch up the feel of a room with cushions and prints, I keep the basics fairly neutral. I have a range of grey walls in my house, from the very dark to the very light, and I love how they allow a print to pop and are so easily adapted. That said, I’m about to paint a green/ blue half-wall in my son’s bedroom – pretty daring for me, but maybe it’s the start of something new! AM: How much has becoming a parent influenced your interior styling choices? NC: It’s made me focus more on the style of my home. I spend so much more time here than I did before. I focus on the practicalities more, too; I need good storage so that in shared spaces I can hide all the toys easily. It’s made me more playful as well; often I’ll buy something for the children’s rooms then decide I like it too much and want it in the living room! I rarely invest in expensive décor, as with two small children and cats things do get damaged. For furniture and longer-lasting items, I tend to stick with simple Scandi or mid-century shapes that won’t date. wonderandrah.co.uk

AM: When did you decide to launch your own store? NC: After my maternity leave with Robyn I had begun designing my fi rst collection of nursery prints. I didn’t really have a plan and I don’t know if I would have had the March 201 8

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Simply

DESIGN Mama tours the new Skandium Townhouse, London’s fresh Scandinavian dream home Wo r d s PE N D L E H A R T E

he notion of Scandinavian style is definitely in danger of overexposure. Last year’s frenzy over hygge and the eternal popularity of pale spaces has led to the most universal of looks being credited with having a Scandinavian influence. Well over a million Instagram posts are tagged #scandinaviandesign and most of them show all-white rooms with angular furniture, lit candles and maybe a plant. Is that really what Scandinavian design is about? Has the whole idea lost its meaning? Design store Skandium has quietly been selling Scandinavian furniture and homeware in London for nearly 20 years, and is best described as the “United Nations of Scandinavian Design”, in the words of cofounder Christina Schmidt. She and Magnus Englund founded the brand after they had a design epiphany over a cooking pot in Finland. The pot (made by Iittala) seemed to them to epitomise simplicity; it was a pot like a child’s drawing of a pot, combining quality materials with perfect proportion to create a fully satisfying piece of functional design with no excess, no frills, no fuss. And from this they devised their philosophy of design that is beautiful and relevant, existing outside fashion and relying on craftsmanship and quality. These days, the store showcases the best of Scandi modernism in different forms; furniture and textiles are found alongside toys and kitchenware, including mugs with the loveable Moomin characters on.

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

March 201 8

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New Collection

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

NOW SK ANDI UM H A S ROLLED O UT I TS V I S IO N I N THE FO RM O F AN ENTI R E HO M E

And now Skandium has rolled out its vision in the form of an entire home. The pioneering retail vision sees a four-storey house at 31 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, transformed into a fully shoppable, Scandinavian-inspired home, with living rooms, dining areas, a reading nook, a children’s bedroom and even a garden. Skandium’s design team explains: “Working within the natural scale of a residential property, we are able to demonstrate exactly how our customers can capture the unique character of Scandinavian living in their own homes. The residential-meets-retail space has been populated with our engaging mix of modernist masterpieces and future classics, expertly curated for the designconscious and the curious.” Walking round, it is impossible not to wish this was your actual house. Everything fits together but isn’t overly matching; it feels individually created rather than devised by a brand.

Scandinavian design might be known for its simplicity, but that doesn’t translate into it being boring, as there’s a wide variety of shapes, materials, textiles and influences on show, with pieces dating back to all periods of the 20th and 21st centuries. Fritz Hansen chairs, Örsjö Belysning lamps, and Iittala glassware are able to shine like never before. “Scandinavian design is perceived by many people as rather boring if they don’t understand it,” Schmidt adds. “Because it is not made to impress you, it is made to live with you like an old friend.” Skandium’s new homeware mecca, in a two-storey building at 35-36 Thurloe Place – directly opposite the Townhouse - showcases a range of soft furnishings, accessories and one of the largest collections of Scandinavian lighting in London. skandium .com March 201 8

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Discover blissful baby & toddler friendly holidays Everything that parents need for stress free getaways in luxury villas and resorts All private pools barriered

Free 20+ items of baby & toddler kit

30 point child safety check

0800 014 2770 www.totstotravel.co.uk

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T R AV E L I N S P I R AT I O N p . 8 9 • BA LI ’ S M O ST LUXU R I O U S H OT E L p . 9 0 G R E AT B R I T I S H A DV E N T U R E S TO B O O K N OW p . 9 6

Slope off  LES GRANDES ALPES

Fancy some late-season skiing? The Les Grandes Alpes could be just the ticket. It’s nestled in the heart of Courchevel 1850 and offers the contemporary chalet experience, with all the atmosphere of a private home and the amenities of a fivestar hotel. After hitting the slopes, a butler will be waiting back at the property with hot chocolates for the whole family. grandealpes.com

March 201 8

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sixphysio.com

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2018

DISCOVER YORKSHIRE WWW.HOLIDAYATHOME.CO.UK 5 * HOLIDAY LET TINGS

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INSPIRATIONS

Luxe Langkawi

•Four Seasons Resort Langkawi•

With three new Deluxe Family Beach Villas (with private plunge pools) at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, there’s never been a better time to visit the luxurious Malaysian property. Try the kids-only Mangroves & Monkeys Safari, which sees little explorers enjoy an educational eco-experience. From £1,100 per night; fourseasons.com/langkawi

mama’s

TR AVEL N OTES

r’s editock pi

Nifty travel gear for tots, plus great Easter escapes

NAPPY STATION •Mokee•

UNICORNS DO EXIST!

The new Mokee Pokee is a nappy organiser that transforms cots into full-on changing stations, with room for wipes, creams, cosmetics and vitamins. Oh, and it fits perfectly in a suitcase. £49.95; en.mokee.eu

Let’s be serious – how much is your little girl going to love heading out on hols with this unicorn-themed rucksack? You’ve got it in the bag. £10; direct.asda.com

•George at Asda•

3 GREAT EASTER GETAWAYS Aphrodite Hills Resort & Spa

D-Resort Grand Azur

Soneva Kiri

A seven-night stay at this gorgeous Cypriot resort starts from £629 per person over Easter, for stays valid between March 1 and April 20, and if you book by February 28 through Destinology. Enjoy a luxurious getaway just over four hours away. destinology.co.uk

This five-star Marmaris-based property re-opens for the season, and is offering a seven-night allinclusive stay from £699 per person, based on a family of four sharing a suite, via Travel Republic. The flight leaves from Luton on April 1. travelrepublic.co.uk

This stunning beachside resort is hosting “The World’s Greatest Easter Egg Hunt” with cheeky chocolate prizes to be won. Other activities include Thai arts and crafts sessions, a butterfly quest and junior cooking competition. soneva.com/soneva-kiri

CYPRUS

TURKEY

THAILAND

March 201 8

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Bali High Mama heads to one of the world’s most lauded luxury hotels, Bali’s Alila Villas Uluwatu Wo r d s A L I C E H E N N I N G

ost likely, you’ve already seen Alila Villas Uluwatu, the flagship hotel of the celebrated Alila Hotel & Resorts Group. Perched on a clifftop at the tip of Bali’s stunning Bukit Peninsula, its famous infinity pool and Sunset Cabana Bar have popped up on many Instagram feeds over the last few years: the pool a sheet of glass reflecting the clear Balinese skies; the bar balanced impossibly at the lip of the precipice, its glassless windows offering indescribable views of the Indian Ocean below. Condé Nast Traveller has named the hotel one of the best in the world every year since 2012, and its considered design and luxury facilities have been lauded by titles from Vogue to Brides Magazine. Conceived as an environmentally sustainable complex, everything about the resort has been carefully designed to minimise human impact, from the beautiful walls of limestone excavated on-site to the use of reclaimed and locally sourced wood throughout. Even the water system is built around a series of rain gardens – but don’t think for a second that ecoconsciousness is a barrier to luxury. Alila Villas Uluwatu regularly tops honeymoon and babymoon “dream destination” lists, and, after our stay there – which followed two amazing but exhausting weeks trekking through Balinese jungles, touring the rice paddy fields of Ubud and eating our way through Seminyak’s hip surfer cafés – we understood why. Whether you’re postwedding, pre-baby or have a young family in tow, this is hospitality at its finest.

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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es c a p es BALI

84 SPACIOUS VILLAS ARE STAGGERED UP THE CLIFF

THE POOL A SHEET OF GLASS REFLECTING THE CLEAR BALINESE SKIES; THE BAR BALANCED IMPOSSIBLY ON THE LIP OF THE PRECIPICE

If you don’t usually think of checking in to a hotel as a relaxing experience, Alila Villas Uluwatu is here to prove you wrong. We were greeted on arrival not just by the hotel’s incredible views but by its wonderfully friendly staff, who supplied us with cool towels and a selection of the resort’s own-brand hand creams, face mists and sunscreens to get us started. Butler services are available at guests’ pleasure and can be tailored to their needs, so you can plump for anything from “no disturbance whatsoever” to a dedicated personal assistant (who can even babysit the kids). We sensibly opted for a combination of the two – the standard hotel service, although nothing at Alila Villas Uluwatu can accurately be described as “standard”. Rather than rooms, the hotel is made up of 84 spacious villas staggered up the cliff, each with its own private cabana and pool overlooking the spectacular ocean view. They’re perfect for couples looking for some romantic privacy but equally suitable for families – there’s plenty March 201 8

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THE WATER SYSTEM IS BUILT AROUND A SERIES OF RAIN GARDENS

esc a p es BALI

of space for kids to play and enjoy themselves without bothering fellow guests. As you’d guess, the attention to detail is second-to-none; everything is prepared and executed to somewhere beyond even a five-star standard. Towels are soft and fluffy, the wardrobe comes complete with a chic beach bag and straw hat, and every afternoon sees a complimentary box of chocolates, cookies and strawberries hand-delivered to your room. Within minutes of arriving, we were lying on our private sun-deck, tucking into a delicious lunch with a side of lychee martinis, wondering if we could just spend the next three nights in our villa. Eventually, though, we decided the hotel’s two restaurants looked too good to miss. One, Cire, specialises in Western fare, and quickly became our go-to for eggs

WE FEAST ON DELICIOUS BALINESE FAVOURITES AT THE HOTEL’S INDONESIAN EATERY, WARUNG

and granola breakfasts, pizza, pasta and the like. At the Indonesian eatery, Warung, we feasted on delicious Balinese favourites, including fresh fish satay and nasi goreng. After dinner, there’s the Sunset Cabana, where guests gather to listen to live music, courtesy of a rindik (a traditional Balinese instrument made of bamboo), and sip on cocktails. On our second day we set out to explore the charms of the wider area, starting with a sunrise yoga session on the cliff’s edge. This was followed by a brisk hike down 620 steps to the hotel’s beach, monkey-spotting along the way. We were tempted to take advantage of the hotel’s chauffeured tour of the area but opted instead for a surfing lesson at the famous Padang Padang beach, where we were taught by a local pro. Our lesson saw more laughter than progress, but by the time we returned to our villa, we were exhausted. Later came a trip to the nearby Uluwatu temple, to watch the traditional Balinese fire dance at sunset. The hotel provided us with a tour guide – a must if you want to

see the grounds of the temple, get the best photo opportunities and ensure you get top seats for the performance. There were lots of tourists there when we visited, but it still felt like an authentic taste of the local culture – and it was clearly thrilling for the little ones in the audience. That night we ate at the lively Jimbaran Bay, where you can end the day with a Bintang beer and fresh fish straight from the barbecue. The food here was so good that even when the tide came in, restaurant-goers – a mix of locals and tourists – barely moved, ending their meals with their feet and chairs in the sea. The eating and drinking didn’t stop there, though, because on returning to the hotel we found they had set up a street food market in its tropical gardens, complete with a live four-piece band. For our final day, we headed to the hotel’s prestigious spa, which is surrounded by tranquil pools brimming with giant lilypads. We indulged in a 90-minute couples’ massage, which began with a luxurious foot soak and ended with a bubble bath under the palm trees – plus coconut ice cream and champagne. By the end of our trip, fully indulged, tanned and rested, we were just about ready for the 16-hour flight back to London. Later, when friends asked about the trip and the hotel, we almost described it as a once-ina-lifetime experience – such was the level of luxury. But then we thought that wouldn’t be accurate. Because we’ll most definitely be returning…

Rooms at Alila Villas Uluwatu start at £465.96 per night; alilahotels.com/uluwatu March 201 8

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FOR MINDFUL PARENTS Sign up to Readly for only ÂŁ7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Education, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Mama, Absolutely Weddings and Absolutely Home. Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

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UK GETAWAY

The Hotel

his sprawling white building has an impressive ocean liner look to it, especially when set against the clear blue skies that we’re all hoping for when travelling to Cornwall. It’s a super-friendly and comfortable place, inhabited by returning fans of its fantastic seaside location, indoor and outdoor pool and inviting vibe. Perfect for families, accommodation includes self-catering villas and apartments as well as hotel rooms.

The Rooms

ur garden family room opens directly onto a sunny terrace and to the hotel’s gardens and large outdoor pool. Fold-out bunkbeds accommodate two children and it’s a spacious room with a discreet seaside theme to the décor in shades of acqua and shell.

St Moritz C O R N WA L L

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

Th e B E AC H

ollow the coastal path at the back of the hotel for 10 minutes and you’ll emerge at popular Polzeath Beach, where the vast expanse of sand is filled with people in high season. Most of them are here for the brilliant surf, and there are lots of surfing schools offering lessons (the hotel can recommend their favourite). Good coffee, ice creams and fish and chips are all available at this busy spot. Following the path in the other direction from the hotel takes you to the smaller and less crowded Daymer Bay. Or, keep going and you’ll get to Rock in around 45 minutes; from there it’s a quick boat crossing to Padstow.

T h e S PA

his outpost of Cowshed gets very busy, so be sure to book in advance. I enjoyed my manicure for the comfortable chair, easy chat and the neat and shiny nails I emerged with; the spa is a popular destination in itself.

The food

here’s a poolside café offering simple daytime meals and drinks, while the main restaurant offers top-quality local produce with an emphasis on fish. Walking over to Polzeath for dinner is another option.

St Moritz Hotel, Trebethwick, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6SD; 01208 862 242

stmoritzhotel.co.uk March 201 8

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Let’s go

WILD From a woodland hideaway log cabin to glamping by a glorious sandy beach, here are six brilliant ideas for close-to-home activity breaks that all the family will love Wo r d s R AC H E L W E B B

nyone with children knows that the days of fly and flop are gone. Even if you find that perfect Mediterranean beach or idyllic rural gîte, it’s the getting there that reduces the allure, especially on a shorter break. Enter, the great British escape. Fair weather isn’t guaranteed, but with these spectacular locations, offering activities to appeal to all ages, the scene is set for a memorable break.

Forest Holidays he ten locations offered by Forest Holidays include Argyll, Scotland, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and Blackwood Forest in Hampshire – so options to take you across Britain. A small but perfectly formed site (just 16 cabins) in Beddgelert, Snowdonia opens this summer to bring North Wales into the mix.

ACCOMMODATION Copper Beech cabins sleep four to six and have an open-plan living space, fully equipped kitchen and outdoor deck. Trade up to a Golden Oak cabin, sleeping two to eight, and you also have a log-burning stove and private hot tub. If you’re travelling with a large group or older children, Golden Oak Treehouses sleep up to 10 and include a separate ensuite bedroom located across a rope bridge. 96

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FOREST HOLIDAYS OPENS A SITE IN SNOWDONIA THIS SUMMER

UK ADVENTURES

“WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, THE DAYS OF FLY AND FLOP ARE GONE – ENTER THE UK ACTIVITY BREAK” ACTIVITIES

It’s all about the great outdoors and, with bike hire available and lots of nature trails to explore, you can make the most of the wilderness. Forest ranger-led tours and activities are tailored for all age groups and you can also hire a personal guide. Children aged ten and up will love the after-dark tour, where you track nocturnal creatures using night-vision equipment, while the forest survival adventure is fun for all ages and includes foraging, fire lighting and building a shelter.

GOOD TO KNOW Each location centres round a Forest Retreat or Forest Hub with café/restaurant, shop and information on local beauty spots and visitor attractions. An in-cabin chef experience is offered at all sites. Forest Holidays are all located on Forestry Commission-managed land and work together to manage sites sustainably. forestholidays.co.uk March 201 8

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1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.18, No.5, 487-489 (1999). 2. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 3. Based on a survey of 1000 midwives. 4. Folic acid contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Pregnacare® has always contained 400mcg folic acid, the level recommended for all women from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy. 5. Source: NHS Choices. 6. Agrawal, R. et al. Prospective randomised trial of multiple micronutrients in women undergoing ovulation induction, Reproductive BioMedicine Online December 2011. 7. L Brough et al. Effect of multiple-micronutrient supplementation on maternal nutrient status, infant birth weight and gestational age at birth in a low-income, multi-ethnic population. British Journal of Nutrition (2010), 104, 437-445. *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 25 March 2017.

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UK ADVENTURES

cabana, replete with TV, refreshments and loungers for child or adult nap time. Outside, you’ll find RYA-led sailing lessons, paddle boarding and wind surfing. On dry land, activities include quad biking or more sedate exploration by segway, as well as nature watchthemed sessions for budding zoologists. Indoor adventures range from climbing walls to pottery painting.

GOOD TO KNOW Family-friendly dining is the norm, with play areas and even Apple Macs in some Center Parcs restaurants. You can order in and have food delivered to your forest home.

centerparcs.co.uk

Herbert Woods he tranquil waters and big skies of the Norfolk Broads are what Herbert Woods offers, with boats for hire, as well as quarters on shore close to the marina, many with moorings. The base is Potter Heigham, 12 miles north of Norwich, giving you access to the small communities and navigable rivers that criss-cross this unique landscape.

HOSEASONS GO ACTIVE BOASTS 19 LOCATIONS ACROSS BRITAIN

Bluestone National Park Resort luestone offers 500 acres of pine-scented forest and nature trails where you can let off steam. Off resort, you are close to the lovely market town of Narberth and the family-focused visitor attraction Folly Farm, while Pembrokeshire offers a treasure trove of beaches, ancient forts and wonderful produce.

ACCOMMODATION Options range from dinky one- and twobed cottages up to contemporary lodges, including one that sleeps 14. The four-bed detached St David’s Lodges sleep eight, and include a separate playroom. There’s an adapted lodge for guests with limited mobility and several single-storey options.

ACTIVITIES The Blue Lagoon offers balmy temperatures, a wave machine, rapids and flumes. There’s also an outdoor temperature-controlled pool and children’s play area. Land activities include everything from zip lines to rock climbing, kayaking and raft building. The Rangers-led programme includes the full gamut from bug hunting to archery and tree climbing.

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GOOD TO KNOW This is a car-free zone, making it a great place for family cycling (bikes and tag-alongs can both be rented). Hire an electric golf buggy if you want to really impress the kids. bluestonewales.com/resort

Center Parcs s a pioneer in activity breaks, Center Parcs offer all the bells and whistles you need to keep children from toddlers to teens amused. With five locations, including Woburn, Sherwood and Longleat forests, it’s easy to vary the scenery if you’re a Center Parcs returner.

ACCOMMODATION Options range from hotel and small apartment accommodation and familyfriendly Woodland Lodges right up to swanky treehouses, with open-plan living areas, games dens and outdoor hot tubs. Children will love living in the trees, but the glamorous Waterside Lodges overlooking the lake at Elvedon, Suffolk will also earn their vote.

ACTIVITIES The Waterpark is each centre’s hub. Heated to 29.5°C year-round, it has enough flumes, waves and other watery distractions to keep children entertained all day. Hire a private

ACCOMMODATION Boats range from a compact cruiser sleeping three to a four-cabin, three-bath Regal Light, sleeping eight-plus. On-shore cottages are ideal if you’re bringing your own boat, or want to combine day-boat hire with landbased exploration.

ACTIVITIES Water is the star, and there’s lots of it around these parts. You can hire paddleboards, canoes and kayaks or join a guided kayak adventure. Bring binoculars because the birdwatching is great, although you are more likely to hear the elusive bittern and cetti’s warbler than see them. The flat landscape is perfect for cycling and is a great way to explore the local landscape – bike hire companies are plentiful in the area.

“BLUESTONE IS A CAR-FREE ZONE. HIRE A GOLF BUGGY TO IMPRESS THE KIDS”

March 201 8

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is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

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for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness. Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

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UK ADVENTURES

GOOD TO KNOW Most locations are close to stunning coastline, making it easy to combine beach fun and supervised pool activity. The onsite Go Junior programme is a good way to encourage new skills – with swimming lessons and Balanceability cycle training on the menu. hoseasons.co.uk/go-active

Wild Luxury oing safari ticks all boxes for children and Wild Luxury has also nailed the happy parents end with its superior Norfolk glampsites where kids can run around and parents can chill on a well-appointed deck. The two locations are The Hideaway, a quiet spot on a private estate where you will need a car to get out and about, and Thornham Bay close to the quiet beach of Holme Dunes and Thornham village.

CENTER PARCS OFFERS FIVE LOCATIONS AND KEEPS IT INTERESTING

GOOD TO KNOW

ACTIVITIES

You don’t need any prior boating experience and will be given a tutorial before you start out. This is a top spot for fishing, but remember to buy a licence from the Post Office and read up on fishing regulations. herbertwoods.co.uk

Each Go Active site offers the same core activities. Water-based fun includes snorkelling, sea scooters and water walkerz (inflatable balls that enable children and adults to walk across water). Land-based activities include archery, fencing and body zorbs. Other activities are offered on a park-by-park basis, and include kayaking, mountain biking and abseiling. Finlake in North Devon has a new state-of-the-art waterpark, as well as zip wires, trapeze and treetop seesaws.

Hoseasons Go Active

ACCOMMODATION Serengeti Lodges sleep up to six in comfort and combine the allure of canvas with all mod cons, including great kitchens with range cookers. Electric lights, power showers and flushing loos make this camping without tears. Younger children will love the beds in cupboards. Zambezi Lodges are located at The Hideaway only, sleep up to ten and have substantial living quarters as well as great decks to admire the clear night sky.

ACTIVITIES

ACCOMMODATION

It’s go your own way here, and it’s the place to enjoy an old-fashioned beach holiday without crowds or the razzle dazzle of arcades. Thornham Bay is next to a farm where you can pop into the café or eat fish and chips at Eric’s. The village itself has an award-winning deli and three choice pubs. Get in the car and you can head out to some of Norfolk’s other fine beaches, including Holkham. Sandringham Estate has a country park with nature trails, while Snettisham Farm Park offers deer safari, horse and pony rides, and an adventure playground.

This varies from site to site, but generally includes static caravans (which children will love) and some wooden lodges. Some sites include brick-built accommodation and apartments. Many options are family-sized, including living areas, multiple bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens, outdoor decks and hot tubs. At Battle, East Sussex, you can even hire a lodge in the rolling grounds of the 17thcentury Crowhurst Park country estate.

The Hideaway is more remote, but ideal for supervising younger children as there’s space to run around but the site is well enclosed. A summer-only Wild Camp offers exclusiveuse glamping for groups of up to 12 in swish sleeping tents with proper showers, an outdoor kitchen and giant barbecue on site. wildluxury.co.uk

he focus is on trying new things at Hoseasons Go Active. With 19 locations across Britain, from the Southern Highlands to North Cornwall, there’s scope for short breaks or longer holidays. Six of the sites are Go+, meaning laser clays and off-roading fun. All offer dedicated activity programmes designed for children aged three to seven.

WILD LUXURY TICKS ALL THE BOXES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

GOOD TO KNOW

March 201 8

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; We are delighted to announce that Mogg Hercules, Headteacher and founder of Dallington School has been appointed MBE for outstanding services to education in the New Year Honours List, 2018 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 3rd May 2018 from 6 to 8 pm

Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk USE.indd 1

10/01/2018 14:20

resources

A S K T H E E X P E R T S p10 4 • TA LK I N G H E A D p1 1 1 • LO N D O N ’ S TO P N U R S E R I E S p1 1 2

Push Power  BRITAX RÖMER

The Britax B-LITE pushchair, available in four colours, weighs just 7.4kg and boasts an easy-to-use single-handed pull fold. It comes with the brand’s new travel system, plus added features that make it safer, more compact and more agile than ever before. It’s particularly perfect for active families. £180; britax-roemer.com

March 201 8

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Jodi FORSTERMOLSTAD

Specialist Women's Health Physio at Six Physio gives advice on addressing diastasis rectus, or abdominal separation, also known as “Mummy Tummy” after baby. sixphysio.com

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

Parenting professionals and leading entrepreneurs answer some of your most pressing questions 1 04

Q Help! I just had a baby, but now I want my belly back. What do I do? A Th is is a common complaint. A natural consequence of pregnancy is that the abdominal muscles and connective tissues stretch to make room for your growing baby. In about 30% of pregnant women, a diastasis rectus occurs. Th is is when the abdominal muscles and the linea alba, a connective tissue, which connects the right and left abdominal muscles, becomes overly stretched. Th is results in the abdominal muscles moving away from the midline, leaving a gap of varying widths. It can be a distressing consequence of childbirth and might contribute to back pain, pelvic pain, or urinary incontinence. In most women, the separation heals on its own. The fi rst eight weeks postpartum are a critical time for healing, so make sure you: • Practice good postural habits • Do pelvic floor (Kegal) exercises • Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby • Avoid traditional sit-ups • Try temporary supports, known as binders or braces • After your six-week check with, start working on core strength with a specialised personal trainer or postnatal Pilates or yoga class At eight weeks postpartum, if you still notice a bulging, separation or a soft gap between the abdominals it’s unlikely to change without a core muscle training programme. As part of a full Postnatal Body Check, a Women’s Health Physio can go through specific exercises best for you to start with and provide a safe progression.

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Nicole HASTIE

Nicole Hastie is a Carrying Consultant and Director of Kangaroo Care UK. She is passionate about helping parents learn the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with their babies. vija-design.co.uk Q Why is skin-to-skin contact so important for my baby? A Newborn babies need an intense amount of care in their early days. They rely on their parents for food, warmth, security and wellbeing. These essential needs can be met in a way that is both rewarding and relaxing for parent and baby through skin-to-skin contact. Using a wrap or kangaroo care top can make it easier to stay warm and secure during skin-to-skin contact. When you hold your baby on your chest their whole nervous

T HE EXPERTS

system responds with an increase in oxytocin. Your own body (mum’s and dad’s) will also release oxytocin, and for breastfeeding mums this increases levels of prolactin, which helps establish your breast milk supply. Oxytocin is known as the “love” hormone. It ensures a sense of wellbeing, deepens feelings of attachment and lowers stress levels in both parent and baby. Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby regulate their breathing and keep warm. This can enhance growth, as they are not having to use as many calories to maintain body temperature and respiration rates. It also promotes deep sleep, which is essential for early cognitive development. These benefits are known to have a long-lasting impact.

“SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT INCREASES THE RELEASE OF OXYTOCIN, ALSO KNOWN AS THE ‘LOVE’ HORMONE, IN BABY AND PARENTS”

Lianne BERTELLI

The Communications Manager for Dr Brown’s Anti-Colic Baby Bottles explains two major problems associated with most traditional baby bottles – air and vacuum. drbrowns.co.uk Q What is the difference between a vented and traditional non-vented baby bottle? I get very confused! A Traditional or restricted vented bottles tend to develop vacuums because babies have to suck progressively harder on the one hole in the bottle to obtain the liquid. Th is causes teat collapse and baby has to stop feeding. Air enters the bottle when the teat reinflates and this is subsequently ingested and this can result in colicky symptoms.

Seventy-eight per cent of healthcare professionals agree that the most common causes of colic in young babies are through digestive or feeding problems, including swallowing air. The unique Dr Brown’s internal vent eliminates the vacuum and air bubbles in the feed, thus helping to reduce colic and burping, which has been clinically proven to help reduce windy colic, and is the number one choice of UK health professionals for the relief of colicky symptoms.

“HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AGREE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF COLIC ARE DIGESTIVE OR FEEDING PROBLEMS, INCLUDING SWALLOWING AIR”

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Heather MORRIS

Heather Morris is a Registered General Nurse and state-certified Midwife. She is also mum to Freddy, Harry and Jack. metanium.co.uk Q What’s the best way to treat nappy rash? A No matter how careful you are, most babies are likely to get nappy rash at some time. Nappy rash is usually mild and can be managed with a good skincare routine and a barrier ointment. Taking care of your baby’s delicate skin is essential in treating it. These simple steps will help: • Lie your baby on a towel and leave your baby’s nappy off as often as you can, to let fresh air get to the skin.

Fiona-Jane KENWORTHY Fiona-Jane is Marketing Manager at Dreamgenii and she feels it’s important that pregnant women are made aware of the “Sleep On Side” campaign. dreamgenii.com

Q What exactly is the Sleep On Side campaign, and is it true that sleeping on your back in late pregnancy can potentially be dangerous for my baby? A The Midlands and North of England Stillbirth Study (MiNESS) found that if pregnant women sleep on their side during the third trimester, a 3.7 per cent decrease in stillbirth could be achieved, saving around 130 babies’ lives a year. Sadly, around one in 225 pregnancies in the UK end in a stillbirth and leading

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• Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible. • Clean the nappy area thoroughly using plain water or alcohol and fragrance-free wipes. • Don’t use talcum powder, as it contains ingredients that could irritate your baby’s skin. • Try to bath your baby every day, but don’t use soap or bubble bath. • Gently pat rather than rub your baby’s bottom dry and avoid vigorous rubbing. • Use a suitable barrier ointment at each nappy change. Most mild cases of nappy rash can be easily treated with an ointment recommended by your pharmacist. However, whenever you feel worried always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

“NAPPY RASH IS USUALLY MILD AND CAN BE MANAGED WITH A GOOD SKINCARE ROUTINE”

charity Tommy’s have launched the Sleep On Side campaign to educate women about the risk of going to sleep on their backs in late pregnancy. One theory suggests that lying on your back puts all the weight of the baby and uterus on the main blood vessels that supply the baby, which can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the baby. Sleeping on your side during late pregnancy can be difficult unless this is your general preferred position. But the multi-award-winning dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow is the only patented pregnancy pillow shaped to promote the health of you and your baby and can help mums-tobe sleep easily on their side. The product not only helps to aid a restful sleep, it supports your bump, back and knees. Most importantly, it helps you to lie on your left side. Using the pillow will help you achieve the best position for you and your baby, and prevent you rolling onto your back during sleep. Once baby arrives safely, the dreamgenii can then be used as a comfortable feeding support pillow.

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Theodora LITTLE

Theodora Little, Dental Therapist Hygienist and Prevention 1 consultant at Curaden AG, Switzerland discusses proper oral care. curaden.com Q How can I be sure that my child is receiving proper oral care? A Improper oral care from inadequate dummies, teething products and brushing during infancy can lead to serious dental problems, such as tooth decay, overbite and misplaced teeth. Long-term use of such things as dummies can prevent the correct alignment and occlusion of teeth; as the child is still developing, anything held in their mouth for long periods of time can influence the developing jaw to grow around the foreign object. Th is can then result in a narrow palate and

Lucy COE

Lucy Coe, Lead Midwife for the Midwifery Led Team at The Kensington Wing, talks bathroom visits during labour. chelwest.nhs.uk Q What happens if I need to go to the loo during labour? A Firstly, this is a really common question – please do not worry! When you are in labour, it is normal to feel lots of pressure down below when you have a contraction, and sometimes you can mistake this for actually needing the loo. But your midwife will be there to support you and help you to the bathroom if you really need to go. When it’s time to push your baby out, you actually use the same muscles as you would to pass a stool, so the sensation of

T HE EXPERTS

the upper front teeth tipping forward, resulting in what we call an “overbite”. It could also result in an “open bite”, where the teeth do not meet in occlusion, which can contribute to speech difficulties, such as a lisp, that may last until adulthood. Curaprox’s Baby Soother ensures no displacements or damage result from its use under ordinary conditions, due to the fact that it leaves enough room for tongue and palate to develop normally. Oral care becomes important as soon as your child begins eating – you need to clean their gums with a wet washcloth. If you don’t do this, you can increase the chances of damage to the child’s gums in later life. Oral care is also extremely important as soon as teething begins; even if it’s just one tooth coming through, you must begin brushing the baby’s teeth at least twice a day. Make sure you attend regular dental appointments with your child, clean your baby’s mouth even before teeth erupt, avoid bulbous dummies, sugary foods and drinks, and always try to make brushing fun!

this is very normal and nothing to worry about. Our bodies are very clever and usually we don’t need to open our bowels for a day or so after the birth, which can give us a little time to heal. Sometimes you need an episiotomy. This is a small cut to your perineum performed by your midwife to expedite the birth of your baby. Episiotomies are not routinely performed, but stitching afterwards heals similarly to when you tear naturally, so you should still be able to go to the bathroom without any problems. It is also very important to think about your bladder in labour, as it’s best to keep it as empty as possible. Your midwife will remind you to try and go regularly, and within a few hours after the birth of your baby.

“YOUR MIDWIFE WILL BE THERE TO SUPPORT YOU – AND OUR BODIES ARE VERY CLEVER”

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Teaching children to fly Our schools differ in character but share the same focus: teaching children to fly. The higher and happier the better. The powerful combination of highly trained staff and tailor-made teaching encourages our pupils to excel. They mostly call it having fun. We call it being the best they can be. OPEN DAYS Bassett – open afternoon – 2 March Orchard – open morning – 8 March Prospect – open morning – 22 February To book in, please call the school you would like to visit.

Notting Hill | 020 8969 0313 bassetths.org.uk

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Chiswick | 020 8742 8544 orchardhs.org.uk

Putney | 020 8246 4897 prospecths.org.uk

04/01/2018 11:25

resources ASK

THE EXPERTS

FITTAMAMMA CO-FOUNDER ALEXANDRA MCCABE IS CURRENTLY PREGNANT WITH HER FIRST BABY

WORKOUT GOALS Mama talks to maternity fitness experts FittaMamma about staying active during pregnancy

Tell us more about FittaMamma. FittaMamma is best known for our unique range of stylish, supportive maternity and postnatal fitnesswear. But fittamamma. com is not just an easy way to shop online for maternity gym kit. We provide a “onestop” resource for health and wellbeing in pregnancy, with expert information around prenatal exercise and yoga, including workouts, videos, pregnancy-friendly recipes and nutritional guidance as well. Q A

Q Is it really okay to carry on exercising when you’re pregnant? A Experts (including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) recommend ALL healthy pregnant women should aim for 30 minutes of daily exercise

to benefit both mother and baby. If you regularly attend exercise classes, work out in the gym or love running there’s no reason not to continue. If you don’t already exercise, now is a good time to embrace a healthier lifestyle. You’ll feel less tired, less prone to niggles and discomforts such a backache, swollen ankles and varicose veins, and you’ll be glad of your improved strength and stamina during labour. Women who exercise generally maintain a healthier weight gain and recover more quickly after the birth. And their babies are less chubby, develop faster and are more likely to exercise.

“EXPERTS SAY ALL HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AIM FOR 30 MINUTES OF DAILY EXERCISE” conversation, ease up and slow down. Warm-up and cool-down, scale back as your pregnancy progresses and keep your bump, back and boobs supported with properly designed maternity fitnesswear. There are comprehensive guidelines on fittamamma.com for safe pregnancy exercise, along with trimester-specific workouts and videos to help you get started. Stylish FittaMamma gymwear will improve your confidence as well as your comfort – looking good when you workout is a great motivator!

f ittamamma.com

What are your top tips? Remember the “Talk Test”– if you’re exercising so hard you can’t continue a Q A

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EDUCATION

Prospect House School Headmaster Michael Hodge on adapting teaching methods to respond to each pupil’s individual learning style

hinking back, most of us can name that one teacher who was inspirational. Mine was called Mr Wessels. Unlike many other teachers, he listened to me and made me feel my opinions mattered. As a result of his encouragement and contagious enthusiasm, my light-bulb moments came thick and fast. His example taught me far more about being a good teacher than any other professional training I later undertook. Teaching is so much more than imparting knowledge. To ignite a child’s curiosity, teachers must first build relationships with their pupils, understanding what makes

each child tick and developing mutual trust. Children are naturally inquisitive and it is through questioning that they gain a deeper understanding, which ultimately drives their desire to learn. But if a child lacks the self-confidence to speak up, many of their questions remain unanswered. What a wasted opportunity. It is our responsibility to create a learning environment where children feel free to raise their hand to ask a question or voice an opinion, safe in the knowledge this will lead to supportive discussion, not derisive criticism. The positive impact of recognising and rewarding success can never be underestimated. Regardless of a child’s ability, every small success leads to greater self-belief, nurturing a confident “can do” attitude. Every child learns in a different way and we need to adapt our resources and teaching methods to respond to each individual’s learning styles. In today’s environment of instant gratification, my staff and I believe in teaching children the value of perseverance and resilience and giving them the right skills to utilise when things feel difficult. As teachers we also need constantly to improve and update the way we educate. At Prospect House, we evaluate our own teaching methods continuously, investigating new educational thinking and initiatives. Classrooms should be alive with

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“ I F I N 2 0 Y E ARS F R O M N OW O N E OF M Y P U P I L S SAYS ‘MR H O D G E , HE M AD E A D I F F E R E N CE’, T H E N I WI L L H AVE ACH I EV E D M Y GOAL”

discussion and activities, not rooms where one person is speaking and the rest are quietly listening. When walking around our school, I expect to see the children engaged, teachers working with groups or individuals, questions being asked, and interesting discussions taking place with everyone participating. As the headmaster of Prospect House, in addition to the teaching of the children, I am tasked with the responsibility to develop and guide the next generation of teachers: the two go hand-in-hand. It is my aim to help each of our teachers to be brilliant practitioners. A great teacher makes a huge difference to a child’s life and it is our responsibility to be great; it is what makes our profession so rewarding. In the words of William Arthur Ward: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Amen to that. To see Prospect House’s ethos in action you are invited to the open morning on 22 February. Please call Emily Porter on 020 8246 4897 to book a place. prospecths.org.uk March 201 8 | 111

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

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

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

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

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

Henry Fawcett Community Nursery (Leaf ) Clayton St, London SE11 5BZ 020 7582 0509 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 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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Melrose House 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296

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

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

Creative Explorers Day Nursery 18 Gisburn Rd, London N8 7BS 07956 809748

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

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

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Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757

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

The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111

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

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 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

The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004

Carmelite Parish Centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241

Holland Park Nursery School Kenley Walk Hall, Kenley Walk, London W11 4BA 020 7792 0323

Iverna Gardens Montessori Nursery School Armenian Church Hall, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP 020 7937 0794

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

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

St Peter’s Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617

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

Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125

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

Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918

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HELP – I'VE HAD A BABY!

New Dad

DIARY

CH RIS’ TOP BABY BUY

Mama’s resident TV magician and new dad celebrates his new arrival Wo r d s C H R I S C OX

s Little Cox hits three months old we seem to be living all the clichés. Time really does fly, having a baby really does change your life and you really do fi nd yourself loving your offspring more than anything else in the world. Most people also fi nd themselves settling into a fairly solid routine by this point. However, most people we are not. One of the joys of being a mindreader is travelling the world, something that pre-baby was a real perk of my job. But, within days of Little Cox arriving, I cancelled shows in the Caribbean so I could spend more time with her. As a friend who went in my stead sent photos of himself sipping cocktails on the beach, I sent him photos of me sniffi ng nappies on the changing mat. How times have changed. Over Christmas I had to go away for two weeks’ worth of shows in Manila, the Philippines and we decided that I’d go alone, and my wife Helen and Little Cox would hang out with our family here. FaceTime means it’s easy to stay in touch, but it also means it’s never been easier for my wife to see me tearing up as I look at our little girl smiling on the screen. I felt so close to her, but was so very far away. Upon my return we vowed to try and use 114

I HAD TO HALVE THE AM OUNT OF T-SH IRTS I’ M TAK ING TO FIT HER SWIM M IN G STUFF IN

maternity leave as an opportunity to travel as a family. As such, I’m writing this while Helen fi nishes packing the mountain of suitcases, as we’re about to embark on a seven-week trip to South Africa for me to read minds. The days before I left for Manila were fi lled with sadness, but now that we’re all travelling together the days are fi lled with excitement (and stress). But, I have one question: How can something so tiny need so many things? I had to halve the amount of T-shirts I’m taking to fit her swimming stuff in – because even at three months Little Cox has become a water baby. Before going away for so long, we decided we wanted to be confident in the swimming pool with her. To do that we booked ourselves in for classes with Water Babies. Held in a private, extra-warm pool just down the road from us, I was amazed at how relaxing and fun Little Cox found the 30-minute lessons. They’re jampacked full of songs and movements

Splash About This brand has the coolest swimsuits and wetsuits around, and everything else you need to get your baby comfortable in the water. Their changing mat comes in especially useful and most pools request your baby wears their Happy Nappy, as they know it won’t leak. splashabout.com

Water Babies It’s easy to see why they’re the UK’s number one baby swim school, as they teach them how to be confident, safe and have fun in the pool. I can see our little one following their courses until she’s a toddler – she loves it. waterbabies.co.uk

that you do with your baby to make them feel safe in the water. I can see us irritating everyone sunbathing in South Africa as we move Little Cox through the water singing “swish swish this-a-way”. It was incredible to see how natural it was for her and all our panicking about not getting water on her face during baths was poo-pooed as she giggled with delight. Even my slightly nervous wife beamed as Little Cox did her fi rst underwater swim and Water Babies fast became the highlight of our week. I know we’ll both be super-comfortable in the pool with her and I can’t wait to get her back into the lessons when we return. At fi rst I had one major concern about the baby swimming. What if nature calls and the nappy leaks? Helen’s bigger concern was making sure Little Cox looked awesome and stayed warm in the pool. Fortunately, we discovered Splash About and their Happy Nappy system. I have memories of freezing on a Cornish beach trying to squeeze into a wetsuit but the super-cute Happy Nappy Wetsuit gave us no problems. It was as simple as putting a nappy liner in a washable wrap, putting her in that, then sticking the stylish wetsuit over the top. Little Cox loved wearing it and, best of all, it was snug and secure enough to ensure any excited poops (turns out they’re a thing) stay in the nappy and not in the water. So, the suitcases are packed. Next stop, South Africa. After a 12-hour fl ight. With a baby. Let’s hope the magic of white noise will keep her snoozing and not screaming. Wish me luck! Actually, scrap that – wish my fellow passengers luck!

CH R I S COX was named by The Guardian as “one of the most exciting entertainers in Britain”. magiccox.com

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