Absolutely Mama August 2020

AU G U S T 2 0 2 0 • I S S U E 4 0

BACK TO CLASS September start feelings • DIVERSE MOTHERHOOD Candice Brathwaite on her new book • EXTRA BOOST Expert immune health advice • HOLIDAY AT HOME The best UK staycations

FAMILY KITCHEN RECIPES FROM NATASHA CORRETT

A L L T H E F E E L S Spreading the love with helpful parenting advice and smile-inducing summer buys...

THE MAGAZINE FOR MODERN MUMS

Tripp Trapp® Designed by: Peter Opsvik

T H E C H A I R T H AT G R OW S W I T H T H E C H I L D™ TRIPP TRAPP® Bringing your Tripp Trapp® home is the start of a new story that will span generations.

Tripp Trapp® is designed for every stage of childhood and beyond. This is longevity in its purest form. Let your story begin. stokke.com | @stokkebaby

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Stokke® Sleepi™ Design: Susanne Grønlund & Claus Hviid Knudsen

T H E B E D T H AT E VO LV E S AS YO U R C H I L D G R OW S S TO K K E ® S L E E P I ™ The distinctive oval shape of Stokke® Sleepi™ gives your baby a cozy nest-like environment.

Its small footprint combined with lockable swivel wheels makes it easy to move and efficient in even the smallest of spaces. Best of all, it grows with your child expanding to accommodate their changing needs and size.

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mama WELCOME

contents AUGUST 2020

64

16 70

54

32

AGENDA 12 New Books

Our favourite diverse reads ESSENTIALS 16 Back to School

Everything they’ll need for heading back to class

20 Tot Gear

Key kit to make parenting easier

MAMAHOOD

24 Women in Work ON THE COVER: @arketofficial arket.com

The founders of organic baby meal delivery service Little Tummy

26 Insta Mama

Candice Brathwaite, founder of Make Motherhood Diverse

8 FASHION 34 Hey Baby

Summer style for mamas and minis from ARKET

40 Kids Fashion Notes

Th e best looks and launches for little ones

48 Follow Suit

Absolutely Mama meets the

founder of House of Minimus

WELLNESS 54 Family Kitchen

Vegetarian recipes from Natasha Corrett’s new cookbook

58 B eauty Notes

August’s brand new products for mamas and minis

60 Immune Health

Tips and advice from Dr Jenna Macciochi

HOME & INTERIORS 70 Nursery Notes

Beautiful decor and furniture for your little one’s space

72 Home Tour

Inside Live Loud Girl’s family home

RESOURCES 78 Game On

The best educational toys for little ones

84 Rise Up

Explaining racism to kids

August 2020 | 5

Quote Absolutely Mama & Save

10%

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

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Get in touch

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

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mam a WELCOME CANDICE BRATHWAITE P.26

Editor’s

MAMAS & PAPAS P.40

LETTER

I INTERIORS TOUR P.72

t’s been an eventful few months (to say the least!), and as this is our first issue back after a brief pause we want to send a message of love and positivity to everyone. The mama community is a strong one, so let’s support each other – whether that’s shopping small with mum-run businesses or not stockpiling all the loo roll and nappies.

This month, we meet Candice Brathwaite, the author of ‘I’m Not Your Baby Mother’ and founder of Make Motherhood Diverse. Read our interview with her on page 26. And in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, award-winning barrister and BBC expert Paula Rhone-Adrien explains how to talk to your kids about racism on page 84.

Elsewhere in this issue, we talk to Lotte Jeffs and Stu Oakley, the founders of a new podcast about LGBTQ+ parenting. We have health advice health from immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi. And we have some delicious family-friendly recipes to try from vegetarian chef and food writer Natasha Corrett.

Finally, we have the best back to school buys for returning to class. Enjoy!

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

@carlyjglendinning carly@zest-media.com

BOOKS P.12

Part of the

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

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

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

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

Absolutely Mama supports

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

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

August 2020

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month

Party On

THE MIDDLE DAUGHTE R Even if most of their birthday parties this summer are on Zoom, it’s still worth dressing up. We love the happy vibes of this colour-pop sateen design from The Middle Daughter. themiddledaughter.co.uk

KEEP FOREVER

PHI LIP PA H ERBERT The sweetest way to mark a new arrival, Philippa Herbert can hand engrave their jewellery pieces with your little one’s fingerprint. We love this solid gold octagon pendant. philippaherbert.co.uk

8 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

STAY AFLOAT LIEWOOD A summer staycation-ing at home calls for a stylish paddling pool and the designs from Liewood have to be some of the cutest around. We love their matching rubber rings too. scandiborn.co.uk

Hold Me A W EAT HER ED P EN N Y One of our favourite indie jewellery brands, A Weathered Penny, has launched their first collection of bags and accessories. Beautifully minimal, each style has been handcrafted in London from ethically sourced leather. aweatheredpenny.com

mama LOVE S

NICE WHEELS

MAMA & MINI LOU I SE M I SH A X SM A LLA BLE Louise Misha and Smallable have come together to create the perfect summer collaboration. The limited collection for mamas and minis features a pretty print named ‘Jaipur Flowers’. smallable.com

BA N WO O D Following the success of their balance bikes, Banwood has just launched the cutest vintage-inspired trikes. The design is suitable for ages 2-6 and has a soft oak padded seat and vegan leather details. themodernnursery.com

Paint Job

L’AT EL IER G R EEN A 13-free formula, the nail varnish collection from L’Atelier Green is non-toxic and kinder to nails. The French brand’s formulations are enriched with organic ingredients including pure avocado and sweet almond oils, ginseng and zinc. lateliergreen.com

B OT T L E I T Dino Mad

P LAY IN CH OC Dinosaur-mad littles will love the new prehistoric themed chocolate and surprise toy boxes from PLAYin CHOC. Each box contains two vegan and organic chocolate treats, a fun facts card and a 3D puzzle toy. johnlewis.com

É LH É E Designed for little hands, the BibRond baby bottle from French brand Elhée is one of the most stylish we’ve seen.

It’s also made from non-toxic materials and is eco-friendly. cosstores.com

Fresh Prints A D EN + A N AI S Known for making the best swaddles and muslins, the new collection from aden + anais is full of pretty summery prints. Our favourite failsafe gift for baby showers. adenanais.co.uk

or’s Editick P

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STRADA

Streets Ahead

C O M PA CT W I T H O U T C O M P R O M I S E In store and online at mamasandpapas.com

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Indoor Fun SEBRA

With current world events, many of you will still be looking for ideas to keep little ones entertained at home (and to keep you sane!). Our books page is filled with reads to curl up with, but we also want to champion small brands who have lots of fun educational toys like these memory cards from Sebra. sebra.dk

August 2020  |  11

We love

BOOKS Fill your little one’s bookshelf with our favourite diverse reads W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Easy as ABC AN ABC O F EQ UALIT Y

By Chana Ginelle Ewing and Paulina Morgan

From A to Z, this beautifully illustrated board book contains simple explanations accompanied by engaging artwork to teach little ones about the world we live in and how to navigate our way through it. Characters from a range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities lead the way through the alphabet. £6.99;  blackwells.co.uk

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HAND IN HAND WE AR E TOG ETH ER

By Britta Teckentrup

From award-winning illustrator and author Britta Teckentrup this book teaches young readers about the power of love and friendship. A beautiful addition to young readers’ bookshelves, this is one to treasure. £7.99; waterstones.com

agenda

BOOKS

RAISING THE FUTURE

A N T I R AC I S T B A B Y

By Ibram X. Kendi and Ashley Lukashevsky

With bold and colourful artwork and thought-provoking text, this brilliant board book introduces the littlest of readers (and grown-ups too) to the concept and power of antiracism. An important addition to any little one’s bookshelf. £6.99;  waterstones.com

CHANGE MAKERS LITTLE LEADERS , BOLD WO M E N I N B L AC K H I S TO RY

The

KING

LITTLE PEOPLE , BIG DREAMS, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

By Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and Mai Ly Degnan

By Vashti Harrison

Featuring 40 trailblazing black women, this beautifully illustrated book aims to educate and inspire young readers as it tells the true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations. £7.99;  waterstones.com

The life of the legendary Civil Rights activist is celebrated in this brilliant addition to the popular Little People, Big Dreams range. Making King’s inspiring work, life, and ultimately tragic death accessible to little readers, this is a sensitively handled and beautifully illustrated book. £9.99;  waterstones.com

Just say

NO

A K I D S B O O K A B O U T R AC I S M

By Jelani Memory

A conversation that’s never too early to start, this brilliant book is an introduction to racism for kids. It explains what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens. A crucial read for both mamas and minis alike. £18.50;  bon-tot.com

A S YO U A R E I A M P E R F E C T LY D E S I G N E D

By Karamo Brown, Jason “Rachel” Brown and Anoosha Syed

From Karamo Brown, the Culture Expert of the Netflix hit series Queer Eye, this brilliant read is an ode to modern families and celebrates loving exactly who are you are. Joyful, magical and full of tenderness. £14.99;  bookdepositary.com August 2020 | 13

Energy | Courage | Integrity

“

The best decision we ever made...

Start your King’s Ely journey today!

Independent School Girls and Boys, ages 2-18 Day and Boarding

www.kingsely.org

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Carry On BABYBJÖRN

Babybjörn has launched a new colourway of their popular Baby Carrier Mini – light yellow. The gender-neutral tone will be popular with dads as well as being easy to mix and match with your summer dresses and autumnal coats. babybjorn.co.uk

August 2020 | 1 5

Back to

School Editor’s Pick

Carly Glendinning rounds up everything they’ll need for heading back to class

C O SY UP TÖASTIE

Made with responsibly-sourced down, Töastie’s puffer jackets are super lightweight – making them easy to fold up and store in their school bag. The clever design also has thermo-regulating qualities so it’s suitable for all weathers. £74.99; toastiekids.com

Scoot Away BIRD

One of the smartest scooters around, this design from BIRD will get you to the school gates in style. Suitable for little ones aged 3-8, the design incorporates a wide footboard and chunky wheels for extra stability. £129.95; scandiborn.co.uk

16 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

WRITE ON LIEWOOD

Get their homework (or homeschool!) space organised with Liewood’s cute bear pen holder. Individual slots mean it’s easy to see all of your colours – making it a great choice for budding artists. €18; liewood.com

essentials BACK

TO SCHOOL

5 Ext ra Sch o o l

E S S E NTIA L S

DESK SPACE FERM LIVING

Make the dreaded homework seem (slightly!) more appealing by creating an inviting desk space. This minimal design from Ferm Living is available in a rainbow of hues and doubles up as a cute play area. fermliving.com

2 STEP OUT

YOUNG SOLES

Retro-cool meets classic British heritage in the new back to school collection from footwear favourites Young Soles. Reminding us of the styles we once wore to class, we love all the sweet detailing and also how lightweight they are. youngsoles.london

Bags of Fun

JEM + BEA

Changing bag brand Jem + Bea has branched out into backpacks for minis. This super-cute style is made from eco-friendly fabric and will fit all of their school essentials. £39; jemandbea.com

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3

5

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1. Sebra, Water Bottle, £10.95; scandiborn.co.uk 2. Liewood, Lunch Box, €33; liewood.com 3. OYOY, Abacus, £50; oyoylivingdesign.co.uk 4. Djeco, Aiko Colouring Pencils, £3.99; tickety-boo.co.uk 5. Meri Meri, Rainbow Sketch Book and Stickers, £10; merimeri.co.uk

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Co-educational 2-4 years, Boys aged 4-13 years

Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future Co-educational 2-4 years, Boys aged 4-13 years

BuiltBuilt on on Tradition the Future Tradition–– Embracing Embracing the Future

NEXT OPEN MORNING

Friday 2 October 2020 - 9:30 am To book a bespoke virtual tour or a distanced personal tour with the Deputy Head, visit www.parkside-school.co.uk, call 01932 862749, or email head.pa@parkside-school.co.uk

Next Set in 45 Open acres of Morning beautiful2nd SurreyOctober 2020 Friday

countryside with school To book a bespoke virtual tour or a distanced bus routes including personal site tour with the Deputy Head, visit from SW London www.parkside-school.co.uk, call 01932 862749, orCo-educational email head.pa@parkside-school.co.uk 2-4 years, Boys aged 4-13 years

Next Open Morning Friday 2nd October 2020

Set in 45 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside with school bus routes including from SW London.

To book a bespoke virtual tour or afacebook.com/parksideprep distanced twitter.com/parksideprep

Built on Tradition Embracing the visit Future personal site tour – with the Deputy Head, www.parkside-school.co.uk

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www.parkside-school.co.uk, call 01932 862749, or email head.pa@parkside-school.co.uk

20/07/2020 11:25 Set in 45 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside with school bus routes including from SW London. www.parkside-school.co.uk

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twitter.com/parksideprep

facebook.com/parksideprep

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mamah o o d COLUMN

“My daughter very quickly became disenchanted with lockdown, refusing to do any home schooling”

real mum talk...

Back to School?

Anna Woolf on her feelings about sending her eldest back to the classroom this September

C

omparing last September, when my daughter was about to start Reception, with this coming September, and her return to school after a 13 week hiatus couldn’t be more different. Last year there was a sense of excitement and curiosity about what was to come: the school run, making friends and playing more independently.

This year we are worried. Are we making the right choice sending her back? Bubbles are set to increase in September so that classes can resume in a more normal fashion, but this means children will also be in contact with a lot more people.

As a working parent, I have been lucky to have been able to send my daughter back for a few weeks to play catch up this term. At first I

felt apprehensive, but the school has done all they can to mitigate against the risk. Many families have chosen to keep their children at home for fear of a second spike.

There are also families who have felt relieved to send their kids back.

School is vital to promote mental health, learning and socialisation (particularly for younger children).

Just recently, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) sent a l​etter​to the Government urging them to release plans to get kids back

in school, citing the emotional, social and health impacts of the pandemic as seriously affecting young people’s mental health. My daughter very quickly became disenchanted with lockdown, refusing to do any home schooling; her behaviour became erratic, emotional and more difficult as time went on. Seeing her friends and having a normal school routine has returned some balance. In short, school is good for the soul.

Not only because of the learning, but mainly because of all the extra stuff the children get to do – singing, playing, chatting, laughing. Normal everyday behaviours that will help them cope with any further effects the pandemic may deliver.

If you are worried about sending your child back, chat with teachers and other parents. It’s clear that schools have been overwhelmed with conflicting Government guidance, and schools and their students are unique. My daughter’s school is a small inner city primary, with no extra outdoor space for temporary buildings to allow for additional social distancing. But I know they will try their best to keep the classes separate and promote healthy behaviours like hand washing. Classrooms may look and feel very different, but the warmth and willingness from the teachers will mean that most kids don’t even notice, they are just happy for things to be returning to normal.

Anna Woolf, Marketing Consultant and mama to Alba 5, and Luna 1. @socialmediamum annawoolf.net August 2020 | 19

e s s ent i al s

TOT GEAR

ent d r a p rove app

CRUISE CONTROL M A M A S & PA PA S

Mamas & Papas has launched their brand new Strada pushchair. With clever design features, Strada is the brand’s most lightweight and compact pushchair yet, making it ideal for city living and travel. mamasandpapas.com

TOT GEAR SNOOPY STYLE

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

E T TA L OV E S X P E A N U T S

Baby sensory brand Etta Loves has teamed up with Peanuts to create a collection of baby essentials featuring classic characters such as Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown. Each print has been scientifically designed to aid baby’s visual development. ettaloves.com

T R AV E L LIGHT NUNA

At just 2.8kg, the ‘PIPA next’ car seat from Nuna is both portable and protective making it perfect for day-to-day use.

Thanks to the option of belt path or base installation it’s also versatile enough to take from a taxi to the family car. £200; nunababy.com 20

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MAMA BEHIND THE SQUARES Micralite Twofold

Absolutely Mama’s social media editor, Jessica Shaltout, puts the latest parenting kit through its paces @absolutelymama

L

iving in east London with a toddler and a baby we needed a lightweight double buggy for the nursery run and getting out and about on the weekend. The Micralite TwoFold is one of the most stylishly designed doubles on the market. It converts easily from a single to a tandem and also has a built-in buggy board, which is great for short trips. For those with a newborn, it’s adaptable for use with a carrycot or car seat.

The TwoFold is really lightweight (ideal for city living) but it also has all-terrain wheels, which has been useful for family holidays. In double-mode the handlebars take a bit of getting used to, but generally the design is well engineered and has great maneuverability. In single mode, you can easily use it one-handed.

The additional seat (for your toddler) is really light and easy to store, but is quite small and doesn’t recline – so it can be difficult for your little one to nap. The main seat however, has three seat and leg positions and has a lie-flat option, making it really comfortable.

Overall, we’re really pleased with the TwoFold and would definitely recommend it to other parents.

Micralite TwoFold, from £350; micralite.com

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mamahood I N STA M A M A C A N D I C E B R AT H WA I T E O N M OT H E R H O O D A N D D I V E R S I T Y p . 2 6 LOT T E J E F F S A N D ST U OA K LE Y O N T H E I R N E W LG B TQ + PA R E N T I N G P O D C A ST p . 2 8

Hey Mamas IN THIS SECTION

This month we talk to author and insta mama Candice Brathwaite about diversity; we also meet the founders of organic baby food delivery service Little Tummy; and we talk to Lotte Jeffs and Stu Oakley, who have recently launched the UK’s first LGBTQ+ podcast.

August 2020 | 2 3

women in

WORK Nadine Hellmann and Dr Sophie Niedermaier-Patramani on launching baby meal delivery service Little Tummy

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

24 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

Q How did you meet and how did Little Tummy come about?

A Nadine: We still remember our first meeting at Zack’s on Gloucester road – quite a historic moment! I was introduced to Sophie, a paediatrician, through a mutual friend.

Sophie: The idea for Little Tummy came after Nadine became the godmother to her best friend’s baby. She started to realise that all products on the market were heavily heat-processed, lacking essential nutrients and fresh taste – she couldn’t find anything fresh and nutritious but still convenient, so decided to take things into her own hands. At the same time, I was supporting parents on their weaning journey a Paediatrician, and I couldn’t recommend any convenient baby food options that were truly nutritious. Therefore I was immediately taken in by Nadine’s energy and by the opportunity to give hundreds

mamah o o d

of babies the healthiest possible start into life. Our mission with Little Tummy is to build an honest company for baby and childrens’ food that makes it easy for parents to provide their little ones with nutritious yet convenient meals.

Q How are your meals made and what makes Little Tummy different to other baby food brands?

A Nadine: Our meals are better than homemade. First of all, Sophie puts your babies’ nutritional needs first. She has created all the recipes ensuring that each ingredient combination is nutrient-dense and supports baby’s healthy development.

Moreover, we use a gentle cold-pressure method to retain all the natural goodness such as nutrients and authentic tastes of each ingredient we use. Other baby food brands heat-process their products, thus destroying the fresh taste and nutrients to make them shelf-stable for the next two years. Using the benefits of the latest food tech and Sophie’s medical expertise to create the recipes is unique – leading the way to healthier yet convenient baby foods, making the lives of busy parents easier!

Q How do you come up with the recipes and where do you get your inspiration from?

A Sophie: We make sure that every ingredient has a purpose, supporting your

“We believe that baby food should be just as delicious as what we eat”

baby’s healthy development. This drives our choice of ingredients and the way we combine them. As an example, guidelines recommend introducing iron-rich foods from 6 months onwards. We use red lentils as a plant-based source of iron and combine them with mango, as the Vitamin C they contain enhances iron absorption. Other brands are often promoting products which are too high in fruit sugar, we focus on having a healthy balance of fruit and vegetables! On average our meals contain 4.6g sugar (per 100g) which is half of what most pouches currently on the market contain. We get inspiration from the meals we prepare for ourselves, as we believe that baby food should be just as delicious as what we eat.

Q Tell us something about Little Tummy that people don’t usually know?

A Nadine: In the early days of Little Tummy, Sophie’s husband was the company’s Chief Feelgood Officer, providing meals and drinks while Sophie and I were busy setting up the company.

INTERVIEW

Q How important is sustainability?

A Nadine: It’s at the core of our heart. First of all, we believe in sustainable products in terms of nutrition not only environmental factors. We support children to set up healthy habits for a life-time. Most of the ready-made baby food products don’t support a healthy and sustainable lifestyle as they are too high in sugar and lack the authentic taste to set up healthy habits. Little Tummy provides all this to parents. Moreover, we only source organic ingredients and support local farming. In regards to our packaging, one part of this is made from recycled materials, the other part is fully recyclable. In order to further reduce our carbon-footprint we decided to deliver only once per week.

Q Finally, how did your own motherhood journeys play into your daily life as founders of a baby food brand?

A Sophie: The struggle is real. Having a business and looking after a child brings new challenges every day and sometimes feelings of guilt towards both as none can get the full attention. We know that these are feelings every mother experiences. We also strongly believe that mothers make the world a better place and should be supported as much as we can. I’m currently experiencing first hand how Little Tummy is making my life less stressful by providing healthy and delicious meals for my daughter so I can focus on my work for the company, or simply have a little bit more time to enjoy with my family. littletummy.co @littletummy.co August 2020 | 2 5

“I’ll keep fighting for a broader and more positive representation of Black British motherhood”

Q Firstly a huge congratulations on the publication of ‘I Am Not Your Baby Mother’.

It’s such an important read for everyone.

What’s the reaction been like so far?

A Overwhelmingly positive. Although I try not to read too many reviews as if you search hard enough you’re surely going to find something which isn’t so kind.

But I’ve been overwhelmed with love and support from all people, even men.

INSTA M AMA

Candice Brathwaite, founder of Make Motherhood Diverse and author of I’m Not Your Baby Mama @candicebrathwaite • @makemotherhooddiverse makemotherhooddiverse.com

26 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

Q What has lockdown been like for you and your family? You must be desperate to go and celebrate your book!

A It’s been intense to say the least! At the top of the year my consistent written ask (I’m big on manifestation) was that I would be able to spend more time with my children because as of January it seemed as if I wouldn’t see them at all this year. Granted a global pandemic was not my intention but I’ve been able to have a personal silver lining to this. All of a sudden the idea of flexible working and having children screaming in the background of work calls isn’t just professional, it’s expected.

Being at home has made myself and husband really consider what we want our working life to look like moving forward and this lockdown has given us the chance to make some changes in regards to our lives and business which we are sure will be for the better.

Q Did you join the UK #blacklivesmatter protests?

A No, unfortunately I didn’t. My children are six and two and I’m still hyper aware of the virus being an invisible enemy and whatever I can do to keep the kids safe, that is my top priority. But I want to use this moment to make it clear that there are other ways to

PHOTO: TRISH MCHUGH

mama h ood Q&A

space. What has been a shining light for me is definitely the Make Motherhood Diverse community and how encouraged I’ve been by the women and people who use that space. It reminds me that it’s not all bad.

support the Black Lives Matter movement.

It could be by financial donations if you are able. It could be by writing to your local MP. It could be that you change the way you vote to help support the many and not the few. It could be that in your personal time you seek to educate yourself on the universal hardships that Black people are still having to deal with.

PHOTO: ZOE TIMMERS

Q In your book you talk about what’s it like to be a black mother on so many different levels. What has your experience been like in the ‘mumfluencer’ sphere?

A I would say more negative than positive.

I’ve made a handful of firm friends in this space and they support and uplift me both in public and in private. But I’ve also been bullied and used. It’s hard not to focus on the more negative aspects of the ‘mumfluencer’

Q The statistic that black women in the UK are five times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts is beyond horrifying. Can you tell us about your own experience of health inequalities within the NHS before, during and after childbirth?

A Well if I went into detail, you would perhaps run out of page space. For more description I urge people to buy the book. But the long and short of it is that after 19 hours of induced labour I had an emergency c-section. Three days later I began to feel terribly unwell and all three midwives told me that I was overthinking it and spending too much time on websites like mumsnet. It would later turn out that I was slipping into septic shock due to an infection at the site of my c-section.

From beginning to end I was judged and not listened to. This is not a unique experience for black women giving birth in the UK. And I think it has a lot to do with why we are five times more likely to die in childbirth.

Q And finally, we’re big fans of ‘Make Motherhood Diverse’, which gives a voice to all versions of motherhood. Learning about what makes us all different seems like the only way forward right now.

Do you have any plans for the platform in the wake of #blackouttuesday?

A To continue on as we always have. I try to make it clear that MMD is not about me so whilst of course the Black Lives Matter movement is closest to my heart, that space represents as many people as possible. We will continue to allow people to share their stories and build a supportive community. On my end, I’ll keep fighting for a broader and more positive representation of Black British motherhood and parenting, that’s what I’m best at.

I Am Not Your Baby Mother Published by Quercus. RRP £16.99.

Out now August 2020

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SOME

Families Author and journalist Lotte Jeffs and film publicist Stu Oakley on launching the UK’s first LGBTQ+ podcast.

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

2 8 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

Q Tell us about Some Families.

How did it come about?

A Stu: Some Families is the only UK podcast series for queer families. Whilst the day to day life of an LGBTQ+ parent is the same as any other parent, the journey to becoming a parent can be quite different. There are so many different parenting options that we wanted to create something that really lifted the lid and explored those journeys.

The podcast is here to support and hopefully give reassurance and information to those that are thinking about, or already on, their parenting journey. For the wider audience it hopefully does its part to normalise and give interesting information to those that are curious about queer parenting. The feedback we have had has been incredible and many

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have expressed how refreshing it is to hear their own family represented, adding some diversity to the parenting podcast landscape.

Q Stu, you adopted your son and daughter. What was that like?

A Stu: Much like anyone’s parenting journey it’s been an incredibly exciting and emotional roller-coaster. My daughter was 2 and ½ and my son was 7 months. They are biological siblings and we adopted them at the same time. It was a year to the day from when we had our first interview with our social worker to when they moved in. We learned a few months ago that another sibling had been born and we were asked if we would be interested in adopting him. We had always prepared ourselves for having another child should a sibling come along, but when we heard the news it was big bolt out the blue. For us there was no decision to be made as the moment we heard of his existence he was part of our family in our hearts. He came home just before Christmas. Our family grew when we were least expecting but I think that is what makes it so special and I love that our three children get to grow up together as a little gang.

Q And Lotte, tell us a little bit about your parenting journey to conceive your daughter?

A Lotte: I’m the ‘other mother’ to a little girl who is coming up to two. My wife got pregnant via IUI and we chose an anonymous donor who our daughter can track down if she decides she wants to when she’s older. I so rarely think about the donor but have nothing but warm and thankful feelings towards him for his generosity in donating sperm so we could have the family I’ve always dreamed of – we’re such a tight little family I hope our daughter won’t ever feel the lack of a father in her life, she has two very different Mums

“It’s been incredible hearing other people’s stories and sharing our experiences ” raising her and that’s enough! We fill her life with diverse kinds of people and male role models, not least Stu and his husband.

I’ve found Stu’s story of becoming a parent so heart-warming and inspirational. His kids are so lucky to have such a wonderful Dad and Daddy. Making this podcast has made me feel so supported and part of a community, it’s been incredible hearing other people’s stories and sharing our experiences.

It’s about time LGBTQ+ parenting had a platform like this and I hope our straight allies find it interesting and enlightening too.

Q Who has been your favourite guest on the podcast so far and who should we listen out for?

A Stu: One of the first people we interviewed was the comedian Jen Brister. She is a lesbian “other mother” to twin boys. I loved speaking to Jen as her journey to being a parent is so different to my own, yet the life we lead as queer parents is so similar and that is what brings us together. I’m so proud to be part of something that is bringing the LGBTQ+ community together.

Q What are some of the myths about queer parenting that you’re hoping to tackle and dismiss?

A Stu: One thing Lotte and I are clear on is that we are not experts nor do we want to be perceived as ‘the voice’ of queer parents.

We want to celebrate and learn about all

INTERVIEW

these wonderful families and through that knock down some of these myths. There are lots of things about adoption that I feel people get wrong and misunderstand which could potentially put people off ever exploring. You will not be discriminated against as gay parent and as Niall explains in Episode 2 it can even work to your advantage as many heterosexual couples have to prove they have grieved and come to terms with the fact they will never have a biological child before they can adopt.

We can literally ‘gayly’ skip this step.

Q And finally, do you have any advice for LGBTQ+ parents-to-be, who are thinking about starting a family?

A Stu: Know that there is a huge community out there that will support you. That doesn’t include solely LGBTQ+ people. The world has changed and, whilst it is far from perfect, we have found such love from those around us in the community. I am so excited about our children being part of the next generation and the fact that from September children will learn about different types of families through the new relationship education policies. My kids will go to a school where the teachers may read a book about Two Dads or Two Mums, helping the step towards normalising different types of families which will, hopefully, end homophobia for good.

SOME FAMILIES is streaming now on Apple, Spotify and all good podcast providers.

Follow @somefamiliespod August 2020 | 29

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Bump Style STORQ

If you’re searching for effortless pieces for pregnancy, then look no further than Storq. For all nine months and beyond, their collection includes everything from comfortable basics to dressier designs. storq.com

August 2020 | 31

ST Y L E NOTES

The month’s best styles, collaborations and collections

E A SY STYLE we love

ARKET

Head to high street favourite ARKET for easy breezy pieces that are perfect for a summer at home. And don’t forget to take a look at their new baby collection before you check out. arket.com

S TAY SAFE BAUKJEN

Style meets safety in Baukjen’s premium organic cotton face masks. Available in a range of fun designs, we love that they are sustainably and ethically produced by familyrun factories in Portugal. baukjen.com

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Gold Standard MIMI BERRY

Upgrade your mum bag with one of the roomy new styles from Mimi Berry. We love the East London based brand’s eco credentials which include recyclable packaging and an almost zero waste design process, where leather off cuts are turned into tags. mimiberry.co.uk

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CANOPEA X SMALLABLE

Canopea and Smallable have come together to create the sweetest mama and mini matching swimsuits. Perfect for summer – even if it’s just for splashing about in the paddling pool. canopea-paris.com

PANACHE Award winning lingerie for mamas and mamas-to-be

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YO U & M E ISABELLA OLIVER

Cute and altruistic, 50% of the net proceeds from the sales of Isabella Oliver’s Thalia Tee will be donated to Birth Companions, a charity offering support to pregnant women and new mothers experiencing disadvantage. isabellaoliver.com

5 o f t he b e st T RU E B LU E ARKET Bikini Top, £29; arket.com

ANDREA FOHRMAN Star Necklace, £1549.58; andreafohrman.com

ARKET Slim Denim Shorts, £45; arket.com

COS Knitted Basket Bag, £45; cosstores.com ARKET Bikini Bottoms, £19; arket.com

ands up if you find maternity lingerie a bit of a mind boggle?

Much like your cup size, the checklist changes when you are pregnant and often you end up compromising style for comfort and support. For those of you expecting, Panache is a brand well worth checking out.

Their Sophie Nursing Bra has recently won the Mumsnet award for best maternity bra 2020. The design was put to the test over a course of 2000 hours and 500 breastfeeds for a duration of 10 whole weeks (phew!). One of sixteen finalists, the mums trying it out were impressed with the shape and lift the bra gave, as well as its stylish lace design, easily adjustable straps, and comfy cotton lining.

And if you’re not expecting?

The specialists in sizes D-K are a great brand to know especially if your cup size has changed post partum. Expertly constructed for extra support, their collections include sports bras, bra-sized swimwear and they also have a luxury lingerie range.

What we love most is the focus on fit, and it doesn’t hurt that their designs are pretty too. panache-lingerie.com

August 2020 | 33

Hey

B A B Y Fresh summer dressing for mamas and minis a rk e t .c o m

kid s

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

we love

MIX IT UP BACABUCHE

Bacabuche has carefree summer dressing for your minis covered. Perfect for mixing and matching, we love their organic cotton pieces in a range of soft muted tones. bacabuche.com

LITTLE PA N D A S M A M A S & PA PA S

From Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World collection, this bodysuit is made from the softest cotton for little ones’ delicate skin. We love the cute panda motif. mamasandpapas.com

Art Attack BONMOT ORGANIC

The third collection from the sustainable kids brand is inspired by the craft of talented artisan makers. Look out for sketchy prints, arty colour clashes and comfortable shapes. bonmotbrand.com

40 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

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Lazy Days THE BONNIE MOB

The current collection from Brightonbased brand The bonnie mob is inspired by the long, lazy days of childhood summers. As usual, it’s full of colourful prints that your minis will love and is sustainably made from 100% organic cotton jersey and knit. thebonniemob.com

THE LITTLE STYLIST PRELOVED Childrenswear stylist Charlotte Kewley launches a clever new eco-friendly shopping concept

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MIMI & LULA

Much-loved kids accessories brand Mimi & Lula has added lots of new designs to their collection ready for summer. Look out for pastel bows, liberty-print clips and glitter bags galore. mimiandlula.com

5 o f t he b e st M A KE A S PL AS H CANOPEA X SMALLABLE Sunflower Swimsuit, £43; canopea-paris.com

THE BONNIE MOB Baby Sunhat, £15; thebonniemob.com

GALAGO JOE Swim Shorts, £35; galagojoe.com

IZIPIZI Sunglasses, £25; toastiekids.com

ids’ fashion stylist and mama-of-two Charlotte Kewley has spent her career hunting down the best childrenswear pieces on the high street and from independent brands. She curates her finds (at every price point) at thelittlestylist.com and on her Instagram feed @thelittlestylist.

Her site is one of our favourite places for shopping inspiration, so we were excited to learn that she has launched @thelittlestylistpreloved.

An edit of preloved baby and kidswear cherry picked to fit in with The Little Stylist aesthetic, the aim is for anyone to be able to buy and sell from the feed.

Charlotte says “I wanted to be able to sell and buy second hand kidswear but I didn’t want some of the coveted pieces I’ve loved to be sold for £1 in a charity shop. I wanted them to go to someone else who’d appreciate them as much as me.”

To sell, email Charlotte images and info on the item (a separate email for each item). If it’s right for the feed, she’ll let you know and request a small admin/listing fee. To buy, just comment on the post, tagging the buyer. It’s then up to the buyer and seller to discuss payment and shipping. @thelittlestylistpreloved

ORGANIC ZOO LIEWOOD Olive body, £28; Bre Sandals, £20.95; organic-zoo.com scandiborn.co.uk

August 2020 | 41

Flower

P OW E R The prettiest florals for girls this summer n e l l i e q u a t s .c o m

RHI LENNON-SMITH

Q Tell us about House of Minimus.

What made you want to launch it?

A I wanted to create a brand that

Follow S U I T Absolutely Mama meets Rhi Lennon-Smith, founder of boiler suit brand House of Minimus

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

48 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

took playfulness seriously. I believe in the power of creativity within all of us and the positive impact it has on our mental health.

I wanted to allow people to feel free to be whoever they want to be. The hero piece of the brand is a boiler suit, a symbol of embracing unlimited possibilities. Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up”. The boiler suit, which is referred to as a canvas, represents life, creativity and the freedom for the wearer to throw as much paint on it as they wish – colouring outside the lines and creating whatever causes a revolution in their heart.

Q What was it like working with Tom Ford? Was it a good learning experience for going solo?

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“I pulled on my boiler suit during ‘break’ at prep school and became whatever I wanted to be”

A I gained the best possible schooling working with Tom Ford, which is something I will forever feel grateful to him for.

Q Tell us about the original boiler suit from your childhood...

A I pulled on my boiler suit during

‘break’ at prep school and became whatever I wanted to be. House of Minimus wants to take that thirty minutes and make it a philosophy of life. Be yourself, be independent, follow your passion and allow yourself to dream. Innocence.

Q You’re raising money for Heads Together, a mental health charity. What made you want to partner with them?

A I have had my own life challenges

and was lucky enough to receive enormous support, so naturally wanted to give back to a cause that resonated with me.

Q Something people don’t usually know about House of Minimus...

A I was the youngest of my siblings

at prep school and was referred to by the masters as ‘LennonSmith Minimus’. For me, the name House of Minimus represents ‘My Tribe’ and everyone that’s allowed and supported me to make my dream a reality.

Q How important is sustainability to the business?

A It’s so important. House of Minimus does not only offer a repair service but will also be opening a second hand shop in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage the creation of items that people love, look after, and want to keep using for longer periods, embracing Vivenne Westwood’s philosophy to “buy less, choose well and make it last”.

Q And finally, the brand is all about creativity. Where do you get your inspiration?

A Magic, I see it every day.

Magic touches people in the way great art does. It lets us see the world with new eyes. houseofminimus.com August 2020 | 49

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Making Waves FINISTERRE

Saving the planet is in Finiterre’s DNA: the Cornish brand try to make as little environmental impact as possible. Their active range is made from recycled performance fabric and is designed to last. finisterre.com

August 2020 | 51

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HEALTH

IN THE CLUB PICCOLO

Organic baby food brand Piccolo has launched a free-to-join Family Club. Sign up to receive monthly emails packed with helpful advice from a panel of family health and wellbeing experts. Members will also receive a welcome pack full of goodies and monthly discounts. mylittlepiccolo.com

mama’s

WELLNESS NOTES Immune health and organic feminine care

HELPING HAND T O G E T H E R H E A LT H

Helping to promote a healthy and strong immune system, these power-packed capsules combine the natural goodness of vitamin C, with zinc, selenium and over 2 billion live cultures. They are vegan-friendly too. £11.99 (30 day supply); togetherhealth.co.uk

Fem Care FLO

Female-founded brand Flo delivers 100% organic cotton and bamboo fem care products to your door each month.

Eco-friendly and better for your health, the company also donates 5% of their profits to girls and women in need. hereweflo.co

M AG I C C R E A M DR. KERKLAAN

To give you a helping hand around ‘that’ time of the month, this cream harnesses the powers of CBD to relieve PMS. Safe and non-psycho active, just massage a little bit into crampy stomach areas. £59.99; thedrug.store

August 2020 | 53

Q &A

FA M I LY

Kitchen

Vegetarian chef and food writer Natasha Corrett on her new cookbook and healthy eating for the whole family I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G 54 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

Q Tell us about your new cookbook.

What’s it all about?

A Family Kitchen is a cookbook for everyone in the family no matter what age. From pregnancy to weaning, fussy toddlers, hungry teens, family meals, date night dinners, dinner party show stoppers and everything in between! I wanted to create recipes that meant only cooking once for the whole family – whether you have one that is weaning, one that is fussy and to be able to pimp up the same meal for you and your partner. It’s about hiding veg where you need to and making life simple in the kitchen for everyone.

wellness RECIPE S

Q How long have you been into health and wellness? Were you always a foodie?

A About 15 years! I was one of the first and a little before my time I suppose!

Everyone thought I was mad when I started, but now it’s everywhere which is amazing and so fantastic people are open to bringing healthy cooking onto their family table at home.

Q How can mamas get their little ones to eat a more healthy and varied diet? Any tips?

A Don’t panic is the main thing. Some children need to have a food put in front of them over 15 times before they will try it. Keep trying and don’t get disheartened if it doesn’t get eaten as they will eat when they are hungry! If you cook one meal for the whole family you tend not to worry so much as at least you will eat it!

I find hiding veg in sauces and mixing through pasta or adding to rice is a great way to get those veggies in and you can then have it as a lovely soup after a long day!

Turning some of their favourite dishes into ‘healthy’ options is also a great way of getting them used to eating green. Green waffles in my cookbook is a favourite at home. We have them with butter and marmite and I know that the spinach in them is full of iron.

There are so many great recipes

“I have always been an advocate of vegetarian eating” in this book that will put your mind at rest as a parent – teaching you how to nourish and trick your kids into eating good healthy food!

Q And what about mamas. Any advice for eating healthily when you are busy with little ones?

A Yes pack your freezer full of batch cooked meals. Especially when you are becoming a new mother – the first few months are exhausting and eating well is very important. There are a lot of dishes in the book that have a ‘freezable symbol’; like apricot tagine, lentil lasagne, prawn curry, energy bars, mackerel patties, quinoa salmon fishcakes, fenugreek Indian curry, mushroom risotto – so you can just heat up a portion and eat when you have time.

These dishes also work for the rest of the family too if you have more kids!

Q Do you eat vegetarian food as a family? And what are your thoughts about people moving towards a more plant-based diet for environmental reasons?

A I have always been an advocate of vegetarian eating. I wrote four vegetarian cookbooks! But it is important you supplement the family in other ways to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need.

For me as a family it’s about eating sustainably and buying good quality meat and fish if you do eat it. Most of the recipes are ‘flexible’ so you can make them vegetarian or meat / fish based if you want just swap out the protein for something else you prefer.

Family Kitchen by Natasha Corrett is published by Mums Know Best and is out on August 13th 2020. RRP £25; mumsknowbest.com

Leftover Porridge Bars

Makes 8 Bars Prep 5 Minutes. Cook 15 Minutes Ingredients • 100g dates • 60ml (¼ cup) warm water • 150g leftover porridge • 60g rolled jumbo oats • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut • 2 tbsp chia or flax seeds

DIRECTIONS 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. 2 Line a 20cm loaf tin with baking paper.

3 Put the dates and warm water into a blender and pulse until they make a coarse purée. 4 Add to the rest of the ingredients and mix together.

5 Spoon into the lined loaf tin and spread so that it is 1cm thick. 6 Bake for 15 minutes, then take out and leave to cool. 7 Cut into squares or bar shapes. The bars can be kept in an airtight Tupperware for three days.

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wellness RECIPE S

“Family Kitchen is a cookbook for everyone in the family”

Green Pancakes DIRECTIONS

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Serves 2 Children Prep 10 Minutes. Cook 30 Minutes – 1 hour Ingredients • 195g sweet potato • 35g self-raising flour (gluten-free or wheat), plus extra for dusting • 1 heaped tsp cornflour • Olive oil

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. 2 Bake the potato whole for 50 minutes, then leave to cool. You can then just peel the skin off and chop the potato. Alternatively, steam the sweet potato by heating 5cm of water in a saucepan. Chop the sweet potato, place in a sieve and add to the pan, without touching the water, and place a lid on top. Steam for 20–25 minutes until soft (do not allow the water to boil as the potato will get too wet and the gnocchi won’t work. 3 Mash the cooked sweet potato with the back of a spoon in a bowl.

Add the flour and cornflour to the bowl and mix well. 4 Cover a work surface with flour and, with two small teaspoons, shape the mixture into small balls and drop onto the floured surface (you don’t have to be neat). It is a wet mixture, not like a normal gnocchi that you roll, so sprinkle with a little more flour and gently rock backwards and forwards (as if you were rolling) just so the flour sits on the surface of the sweet potato. 5 Press the back of a fork gently onto each one: this will help the tomato sauce to stick to the gnocchi. 6 Boil a very large pan of water, drop each gnocchi into the pan and cook them for 3 minutes. Take out of the water and add into a bowl with some olive oil. Serve with any sauce or pesto.

Serves 2 Children Prep 10 Minutes. Cook 10 Minutes Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • ¼ tsp ground cumin • ¼³ courgette, grated • 2 broccoli florets, finely chopped • 50g spinach • 2 tbsp water • 2 level tbsp self-raising flour (gluten-free or wheat) • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tbsp store-bought pesto • 1 egg

DIRECTIONS 1 In a frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the cumin, courgette and broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes.

2 Add the spinach and water and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft. 3 Take off the heat and put into a blender with the flour, baking powder, pesto and egg and blend until smooth. 4 Using the same frying pan, add the other tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and bring to a medium to high heat. 5 Spoon heaped tablespoons of the mixture into the hot pan and leave to cook for 1–2 minutes until golden on one side, then flip and cook on the other side. 6 Keep warm while you repeat until all the mixture is finished.

August 2020 | 57

mama’s

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

FAC E I T we love

OLIO E OSSO

The makeup collection from clean beauty brand Olio E Osso is made without a long list of ingredients. We love their Crema Lipsticks and Lucente Lip Sheens – which are all-natural, waterless, and sustainably sourced. olioeosso.com

FRESH SCENTS BIO SCENTS

Made with plastic-free packaging, Bio Scents’ pure and organic essential oils are derived from medicinal plants. Our favourites include peppermint and lemon – use them with an oil burner or put a few drops in your bath. From £10 each; bio-scents.com

Plastic Free KANKAN

Removing plastic from the bathroom, we are big fans of KANKAN’s forever bottles – which can be refilled. Their baby wash is gentle enough for the whole family and is packed with nourishing botanicals, essential oils and is free from nasties. Baby Starter Set £24; kankan.london

5 8 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

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Root Cause FA B L E & M A N E

The formulations from new haircare brand Fable & Mane are infused with the potency of Indian plant roots. Beautiful packaging, free from nasties, and their products leave your hair nourished and glossy. fableandmane.com

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PURE & SIMPLE SKIN SAPIENS

A baby range that will look good on your bathroom shelf, it’s not only Skin Sapiens’ packaging that is minimal.

Their products are certified natural, 100% vegan and are made without unnecessary ingredients making them safe for little ones’ delicate skin. skinsapiens.com

5 of t he b e st SU MME R L AU N C H E S SOL DE JANERO Coco Cabana Shower Cream, £10; cultbeauty.co.uk

RMS BEAUTY Living Glow Face & Body Powder, £37; spacenk.com

VOLITION Oil Control Mattifying Mist, £25; cultbeauty.co.uk

RMS BEAUTY Tinted Daily Lip Balm, £23; spacenk.com

COOLA Sun Silk Drops, £44; cultbeauty.co.uk

orma treatments by Inmode are the new thing in skin-tightening.

Using real-time, temperature-monitored, radio-frequency heating to stimulate collagen and elastin production, they seek to rejuvenate and firm the skin at high speed, offering (in Inmode’s own words) a ‘zerodowntime lunchbreak lift’.

The use of radio-frequency and heat technology causes contractions in the deeper layers of the face and is particularly effective at tightening up the jawline and those dreaded jowls – something which can’t really be achieved with fillers. The technique is also effective in reducing nasolabial folds (those annoying lines which make the cheeks look saggy), raising and lifting the brow-bone area and sculpting cheekbones. As a bonus, skin’s overall appearance is improved by the increased collagen production.

My main concern was whether it was going to be painful, but your face only feels gently warmed, making the treatment satisfyingly relaxing and well worth the half-hour of increased pinkness immediately afterwards.

The only real downside is that, depending on skin laxity, weekly sessions over a six-week period are advised for best results. But then, is that such a huge sacrifice, after a lifetime of sun-worshipping? £350 per session. Book at drdavidjackclinic.com

August 2020 | 59

Immune

Health Dr Jenna Macciochi PhD, FHEA, immunologist, author and twin mama on how to take care of your immune system

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic continues, never has strengthening our immunity been more at the forefront of our minds. Never mind the natural worries that surround parenthood and pregnancy, the added layer of a global pandemic is extremely unnerving. Can you ‘boost’ your immune system or improve your health enough to skate lightly through this global public health crisis?

‘Improving the body’s immune system’ is the top reason for consuming nutritional supplements, as a recent study shows.

And the majority of Google searches for immune boosting were shown to be misleading and not based on scientific evidence obtained by conducting proper

60 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

wellness IMMUNE

HEALTH

E AT I N G

FOR IMMUNITY  The immune system requires all the essential vitamins and minerals for optimal immune function. Those most needed to sustain immunity include vitamins A, C, D, E, B2, B6 and B12, folic acid, beta carotene, iron, selenium, and zinc. Make sure you and your whole family supplement with vitamin D from October to April in the UK.  We also need adequate proteins (the building blocks of antibodies and other immune molecules), carbohydrates (good quality plantbased whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes) and good fats (avoiding too many saturated fats and ensuring enough omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish or a supplement).

clinical trials. The word ‘boost’ may not be a scientifically sound term but it’s perhaps more a question of semantics over science and I do understand what people mean.

Taking care of ourselves to make our immune response as robust as possible is not about popping a pill or the wilder alternative remedies spreading on social media faster than the virus itself. Your immunity is unique to you. It changes throughout your life course. As humans age, the immune system evolves from the immature and developing immune responses in infants and children, through to immune function that is potentially optimal in adolescents and young adults, followed by a gradual decline in immunity in older people.

Though we may not be able to ‘boost our immunity’, scientific research shows that there are a spectrum of lifestyle habits which can make a difference in our ability to combat disease and stay well, no matter your age. Importantly, these immune nourishing habits are not just for COVID19, but important for long term health and longevity. Despite our normal rhythms and routines turned upside down, the good news is that we can use this time to cultivate these small changes for life.

MORE ZZZZZZS PLEASE

The first thing that comes to mind particularly for new parents is sleep! Not only is good quality and quantity sleep essential for our immunity, lack of sleep can cause the emotional part of our brain to become more active and our emotions go into overdrive. Meaning we can feel

more stressed than normal too. Because that 8 hour stretch of unbroken sleep isn’t going to happen for most of us, some of that sleep debt we acquire as parents can be offset by naps. Even 20 minutes is more effective than a few hours. I urge all new mums to find a quiet spot and close your eyes. Even if you don’t sleep, a quiet rest will help relax you and lighten the load.

FOOD IS FUEL , BUT SO MUCH MORE

Taking care of our diet to ensure our immune system is as robust as possible is not about popping a pill. Aim for a food first approach before heading for the supplements. This is because food is conveniently packaged with fibre to feed your gut. And phytonutrients (special plant compounds like polyphenols carotenoids, resveratrol and flavonoids) have many immune nourishing properties. If you are not deficient then supplementing won’t help your immune system work better than it does at baseline.

 If 2019 was the year of gut health, then it’s definitely been fibre’s turn to hit the 2020 limelight. This can be achieved by improving the diversity of the trillions of bacteria that live in your gut. Gut health isn’t just for having good digestion. When your microbes chow down on fibre, they produce a veritable banquet of metabolic trash by-products known as ‘postbiotics’. These beneficial by-products are one of the key ways we can strengthen our immunity.  Take care of your energy balance.

Your immunity suffers if you consistently eat too many calories or too few so enjoy your meals and aim to avoid that mindless snacking.

C H E C K YO U R S T R E S S

We might think of stress as being psychological but it has a huge physiological impact on the whole body, not least the immune system. Modern life can be stressful enough let alone being a mum or mum-to-be amidst a global pandemic. Stay informed and prepared but don’t panic.

Be careful not to fall into a ‘Dr Google’ rabbit hole and instead seek advice from credible local government sources and the NHS.

Immunity The Science of Staying Well by Dr Jenna Macciochi, UK RRP £14.99 can be found on Amazon and is available from all major booksellers.

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London is open HAM YARD HOTEL

As London’s attractions start to slowly reopen, why not book a stay in one of the capital’s most stylish hotels. A Design Hotels member, the Ham Yard is tucked away from Soho’s crowds in a private courtyard, has plenty of space for families and is decked out in eyecatching art. From £440 per night; designhotels.com

August 2020 | 63

THE FISH HOTEL

IN THE WILD The Suffolk Farm House SU FFOLK

E

scape the crowds this summer at The Suffolk Farmhouse. Set within a 5,000 acre private estate, the beautiful grounds are a haven for wildlife watching.

Enjoy an evening out on the private terrace, or simply take in the views with a bbq and a few drinks. This Oliver’s Travels property sleeps up to 12 guests and benefits from a mix of original features (including the ‘Suffolk Pink’ exterior) and contemporary interior styling.

THE SUFFOLK FARM HOUSE

Britain’s

BEST

Absolutely Mama rounds up our favourite UK staycations for families this summer…

W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

64 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

From £5,706 for a seven-night stay oliverstravels.com • 0800 133 7999

CABIN LIVING The Fish Hotel THE COTSWOLDS

S

et within the beautiful 400-acre Farncombe Estate, The Fish Hotel has plenty of space for little ones to roam free. More of a collection of unique spaces than a traditional hotel, there’s three farmhouses with rooms and suites, as well as a collection

escapes UK

MARKET STREET HOTEL

GETAWAYS

TOWN & COUNTRY Market Street Hotel EDI N BU RGH

F

or a balance of city and country, head to Edinburgh. A member of Design Hotels, the stylish Market Street Hotel is situated in a quiet area just a stroll away from the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.

To avoid the crowds, take in the beautiful scenery surrounding Arthur’s Seat.

BEACH BAY COTTAGE

From £146 per night designhotels.com

of standalone buildings scattered throughout the grounds. A truly one-of-a-kind place from which to explore the Cotswolds countryside.

7 nights from £705 per person. Based on two people sharing a Terrace Room and including daily breakfast. inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

ON THE COAST The Beach House DEVON

I

f a trip to the coast takes your fancy, this modernist property overlooks the soft sands of Devon’s Woolacombe Bay and out towards Lundy Island. With sea views as far as the eye can see, there’s lots of outdoor space for al fresco dining and the sprawling lawns provide plenty of room for littles to run about. This Stay One Degree property sleeps up to 10 guests.

From £495 to £790 per night stayonedegree.com

THE BEACH HOUSE

CHEWTON GLEN

BACK TO NATURE

SEA ESCAPE

Chewton Glen

Beach Bay Cottage

H A MPSHIR E

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hewton Glen overlooks over 130 acres of breathtaking parkland, gardens and coastline – making it the perfect place to socially distance. The privately owned luxury hotel and award-winning spa is situated between the Hampshire and Dorset coastlines and the New Forest National Park and is the ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts. Follow one of the hotel’s Forest Walking Trails to see ponies, cattle, donkeys and pigs, and if you’re lucky you might even get a glimpse of the area’s elusive deer.

7 nights from £1,700 per person. Based on two people sharing an Estate Hotel Room, room only. inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

NORTH DEVON

R

ight in the heart of the pretty village of Croyde, Beach Bay Cottage is perfect for families who want access to local amenities as well as the region’s best beaches, including Croyde, Saunton Sands and Putsborough. An Oliver’s Travels property, it sleeps up to 10 guests and features four bedrooms including one with bunk beds for the littlest guests, a hot tub and a spacious outdoor terrace for families to enjoy meals al fresco.

From £2,125 for a three-night stay oliverstravels.com • 0800 133 7999 August 2020 | 65

NATURE HUNTS AT COUNTRY KIDS

COUNTRY KIDS LUXURY FARMHOUSE

VIVE LA

France!

COLLECTING EGGS FROM THE COOP

Why Country Kids in France makes the perfect post-lockdown escape.

Wo r d s Z O E Y G O T O

66 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

escapes FRANCE

PILING ON FARMER SYLVAIN’S TRACTOR

COUNTRY KIDS HAS ITS OWN PETTING FARM

O

ur London lockdown - with an active toddler and minus a garden presented all sorts of challenging moments! As restrictions slowly eased up, it became crystal clear that the one thing our two-year-old daughter Indiana needed was a dose of nature and some space to run free. So when I heard about Country Kids - a luxury farmhouse resort with its own petting farm, surrounded by stunning scenery in the South of France - I enthusiastically booked a visit. A health-packed week of fresh air, country walks and animal bonding sounded like the ideal post-lockdown retreat.

Although the path-most-travelled to Country Kids is by air – flying into Montpellier and driving an hour to the farmhouse – we decided to take the scenic route with an 8-hour Eurostar

RELAXING AROUND THE POOL

journey from London to Montpellier.

Masked-up and watching Paris whizz past the window, it was a surprisingly relaxing journey that also felt quite intrepid – a little like inter-railing with a toddler in tow, which it turns out is not as horrendous as it sounds!

Arriving at the rural idyll, we were greeted by the owners Laure and Sylvain, and their two young children. The family extend the kind of warm hospitality that puts you at ease to do as much or as little as you please. Apart from a local pony-riding lesson for Indiana, we decided to kick back and spend the week soaking up life on the farm.

We opted for the self-catering package, which was pretty effortless as the onsite shop stocks plenty of homemade family meals. Our visit also included unlimited use of the kid’s club, daily teatime with oodles of delicious cakes, a generous welcome hamper of food and two babysitting nights, when I

“Social distancing is a given in this scenic spot” headed out to La Palombe – a fantastic little restaurant within walking distance.

There’s also the all-in package during the school holidays, which covers all food and drink, spa treatments, yoga, baby essentials from the shop and even a few hidden extras such as cook-out and camping night for older kids.

A typical day at Country Kids starts with piling into Farmer Sylvain’s tractor for the morning farm visit, where the kids excitedly collect eggs from the coop, feed the animals and pet the outrageously cute bunnies.

The day can then be spent relaxing around the pool, venturing to the local market towns or lake with a picnic hamper, or the children can drop-in at the kid’s club, where the creative program includes nature hunts, animal grooming and pizza making.

One of the holiday highlights for Indiana was the pyjama party, where she was picked up from our apartment for a breakfast bash with her new friends. As the resort has just seven apartments, there’s a friendly atmosphere between guests.

In our downtime, we romped through fields of wildflowers, made regular visits down the grassy lane to feed the pregnant goat Juliette, and explored local villages by bike, with my speedloving toddler shouting “faster!” from her baby seat, as we ambled along peaceful country tracks. With rolling fields and barely a person in sight, social distancing is a given in this scenic spot.

One our final evening, as Indiana sang herself to sleep with a rousing rendition of Old McDonald, accompanied by the faint bleating of sheep in the background, I knew that we had experienced a very special holiday that will foster a love of nature for years to come.

C O U N T RY K I D S SOUTH OF FRANCE Self-Catering package prices start at €3,950 for a family of four for a week.

Absolutely Everything Included package (during school holidays). Prices start at €7,350 for a family of four for a week. country-kids.fr August 2020 | 67

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Hot Desk

OLIVER FURNITURE

One of the most desirable brands in kids’ furniture, Oliver has introduced two new models to its Wood collection: a desk and armchair. Visually light but robustly crafted, the desk features a tilting top for little artists, pop-up stationery storage, a hidden shelf and two drawers.

Wood desk, £545, and chair, £218; nubie.co.uk

August 2020 | 69

mama

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

CHECK IN OYOY LIVI NG

we love

Rooted firmly in the Danish tradition of simple design, interiors favourite OYOY creates pieces that can be moved seamlessly around the family home – from nursery to living room. oyoylivingdesign.com

BE MY DOLL MINIKANE

Made from non-toxic vinyl (and smelling sweetly of vanilla!), Minikane has one of the widest selections of dolls out there. The French brand also offers a beautiful collection of accessories, so that your little one can personalise their new mini friend. minikane.com

70 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

Smart Sleep SNOO

Tech might just have the solution for sleep deprived mamas. Doctor designed and based in science, the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot aids little ones’ sleep with soothing womb rhythms, and even responds to cries with increased motion and sounds. £1145; happiestbaby.co.uk

h o me & interio rs

Get Organised

NURSERIE S

d Bran s u c Fo

FERM LIVING

Completed a lockdown clear out?

These bear ears hangers from Ferm Living will spruce up their storage.

Irresistibly cute, they come in a range of perfectly muted shades. fermliving.com

HAPPY LITTLE FOLKS HIT REFRESH

W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

W

MUNKS + ME

If you’ve caught the lockdown interior decoration bug, look no further than munks + me.

The brand’s collection of stylish wallpapers, wall art and murals make it easy to update your little one’s space. munksandme.com

5 Wall Art Wonders

SEBRA Singing Birds Poster, £17.95; scandiborn.co.uk

NOT ON THE HIGH STREET Personalised Alphabet of Emotions Poster, £40; notonthehighstreet.com

FINE LITTLE DAY Fly to Tokyo Poster, €34; finelittleday.com

CAM CAM COPENHAGEN Alphabet Poster, £24; camcamcopenhagen.com

WONDER & RAH Peachy Print, £18; wonderandrah.co.uk

e love supporting small here at Absolutely Mama, and if it’s a local business all the better. Iga Sielenko has a creative studio in Walthamstow, where she designs wooden toys, nursery decor and interior accessories. You might have seen her colourful geometric balancing stones on Instagram – which feature in the feeds of many a nursery interiors blogger.

Waldorf and Montessori-inspired, all of the products found in the Happy Little Folks shop are non toxic and manufactured ethically using only natural and sustainable materials. Our favourites include earthy toned building blocks (the perfect size for little hands to grasp), custom-coloured wooden rainbows, and clever wooden storage boxes for keeping your mini’s nursery tidy.

Iga also sources ethically crafted toys from other makers and artisans from around Europe, including Raduga Grez, Tateplota and Mr Fox Crafts toys. Everything is beautiful to look at – with the aim of being as pleasing for you as it is your little one. Happy little (and big!) folks indeed. happylittlefolks.com

August 2020 | 7 1

“Your home should tell your story”

Loud LIVING

Absolutely Mama takes a peek inside the home of creative Linda Dekkers I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

72 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

L

inda Dekkers is the founder of Live Loud Girl. The creative agency, interiors styling consultancy, and online visual diary started out with just a name and an idea when Linda moved from New York to Dubai with her husband and two sons almost six years ago. Now the company works with brands and clients to create exciting content and interior spaces. Here, Linda shares a peek inside her Dubai home.

Q How did you come to move into your house and what drew you to it?

A This is our third home since we moved to Dubai six years ago. But it’s the first house where I feel at home as we were allowed to choose some of the finishes when it was refurbished.

So I can say from experience that it does pay off to invest in a rental home.

Q What was it like when you moved in and did you make any changes?

A We luckily got involved in the early stages of the refurbishment.

So we had a say in the flooring, the kitchen, the bathrooms...

Obviously it is not the same thing to refurbish a rental home as your own home, yet making it your own makes you feel more at home. We only moved in when it was done.

Q What was it like moving from New York to Dubai? And what’s it like raising kids in the UAE? A Well... I can honestly say that it was quite a challenging move. I absolutely loved NYC. The vibe, the buzz, the people, the walking, it was all so inspirational. And that inspiration led me to start my own business. I’ve always had an interest in interior styling and wanted to share my ideas with others. So when I came to Dubai, I started the Live Loud Girl

blog to hold on to that NYC vibe.

Today I know that it was a good move. My kids don’t know any better and enjoy life in the UAE. We spend so much time on the beach, in the desert (in winter) and doing sports.

They are in touch with different cultures, habits and traditions and we have settled here for now.

Q What was your decorating vision and where did you look to for inspiration?

A I am a true believer that your home should tell your story. Invest in design when you fall in love with it as those will be the pieces that you drag along your entire life. Then I mix it with more affordable pieces and style it with accessories that I change around a lot. Artwork, glassware, vases, rugs, they all can quickly change the vibe of a room.

Most of my inspiration I get from travelling when I am exposed to other materials, colour palettes and styles. On a day-to-day basis my inspiration comes from Instagram and magazines. There are so many incredible creatives out there to inspire me that I am never done with styling.

August 2020 | 73

Hawkesdown House School

For Boys & Girls aged 2 to 11 years

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

“Doing a makeover doesn’t imply buying new items ”

Q What have you done to your boys’ rooms?

A My kids have been sharing a room for almost their entire lifetime. Just recently Sam asked to have his own room and I totally understand. It was great to have a new project in the house. We reused furniture as I believe doing a makeover does not imply buying new items. We just changed them around a bit and used some makeover essentials like wallpaper, storage and bringing in some new bedding and artwork.

Jack’s room still has the bunk bed but recently we changed it as he is almost a teen now. Also it was a matter of changing things like curtains, and keeping the basics.

Q Being an interior designer, is there a temptation to change things all the time?

A Yes... absolutely. My home is never ‘done’. If I come across something that I love, I want to implement it straight away. It’s just how I am.

Besides that, as kids grow up, a home might require something different.

Q And finally, which room is your favourite?

A The kitchen and dining! In the new house we finally have a kitchen where we can all hang out together.

This is the place where we have breakfast in the morning, where I start my day with a coffee, where the kids have a snack after school, where we share our day... As you can see, it is more of a place where we speak to each other than a place where I cook. But maybe that will be added to the list some day. @liveloudgirl

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Game Plan IN THIS SECTION

We’re looking at ways to combine play and learning, from Montessori-style wooden toys to tech kits fit to inspire future Nobel-winners. More and more education providers are realising the importance of letting children lead their own learning – and our pick of educational toys and games are ideal ways of doing so.

August 2020 | 77

Coach House Woodworks  A family-run business that makes beautiful wooden learning materials for children in the early stages of education.

Montessori-inspired, the collection includes alphabet, shape and number tracing boards, flashcards and tracing pencils to reinforce phonic learning and basic sums. The custom-made cursive name boards also make fantastic educational gifts. coachhousewoodworks.co.uk

GAM E P LAN

Resources to nourish growing brains without compromising on fun Wo r d s H E L E N BA RO N

78 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

Tech Will Save Us  This British company makes super-cool and imaginative STEM toys for ages four and up. Ages eight and up can build their own cardboard guitar and amplifier, learning how to make it electric, adding effects and producing their own tracks. Each kit is designed to bring tech to life for kids, inspiring the next generation of inventors.

From £29.99; techwillsaveus.com

reso urces EDUCATION

Make and Wonder  Make and Wonder’s monthly boxes include four art activities as well as supplies. Set up by a primary school teacher, the company focuses on child-led learning through selfdirected, creative play, with activities designed to give children freedom for open-ended exploration.

From £12.50 a month; makeandwonder.com

Muro

The Colour Monster

 Each Muro busy board is founded on a unique twopart plug-and-play system. A complete set comprises the base unit (either a board or a cube) with interchangeable modular toys. Crafted from sustainable birch plywood and repurposed rubber wood, the brand recently added five new add-on kits – so you can mix and match accessories to suit your child’s age and stage of development.

From £129; mymuro.com

 Emotions are at the heart of this adorable game, based on the popular book of the same title

by Anna Llenas. Players must collaborate to help the Monster understand his emotions. As the game progresses, they must collect ‘emotion’ tokens by identifying happiness, sadness, anger, fear or calm. It’s not only fun but a useful tool to help children understand and express their feelings. £38; kosmosgames.co.uk

extra

Bloomingville Mini Black Board, £65.49; trouva.com

K IT

Personalised Astronomical Adventure Kit, £19.50; notonthehighstreet. com

Soft Sensory Alphabet & Number Blocks, £63; notonthehighstreet. com

Multiplication Square Print, £17; wonderandrah.co.uk

Activity Tiles Set, £119.95; letoyvan.com

August 2020 | 79

“Play could be the key to children's mental health during the Covid-19 crisis”

80 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

reso urces MENTAL

HEALTH

T H E P SYC H O LO GY

of

Play

Why play is crucial for children’s mental wellbeing and development during the pandemic W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

P

lay could be the key to children’s mental health during the Covid-19 crisis suggests findings from experts.

New research from a panel led by child mental health specialists at the University of Sussex, University of Cambridge and University of Reading has found that children’s emotional health is suffering in lockdown and is likely to continue into the long term. Recent polling data shows that around two-thirds of primary school children are currently feeling lonely – an increase of approximately 50% compared to normal levels.

The authors of the research formed their recommendations based on relevant academic literature which details the harmful impact of isolation on children and the alleviating benefits of play. One of the studies looked at by the panel examined parental reports of their children’s mental health following social distancing measures in countries affected by previous pandemics. It found children who experienced quarantine or social isolation measures were five times more likely to require mental health service input than those who did not. Play is essential to children’s holistic wellbeing and the August 2020 | 81

organic, fresh baby & toddler food www.bellotababy.com

next day, to your door.

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reso urces MENTAL

therapeutic benefits of play on child mental health have been shown in studies of children in war zones and survivors of Romanian orphanages.

The panel of psychologists, psychiatrists and other experts have written to senior ministers strongly recommending that small gatherings of children for outdoor play should be prioritised as lockdown measures continue to ease.

The panel also recommended that re-opened schools should ensure that all children have the opportunity to play and interact with their peers throughout the school day.

Dr Jenny Gibson, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Education at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, said: “It’s easy to dismiss play as unimportant, but for children, playing with friends and classmates has a very significant impact on their social development. Critically, it is an important way of working through emotions and will therefore be one of the principal ways in which they cope with the isolating effects of the lockdown. For that reason it’s important that whatever steps are taken to ease social distancing

“Increased time for play could be beneficial to their development” restrictions, children are given time and space to play with friends. My own research suggests that social play skills are directly related both to children’s social-emotional adjustment and their academic achievement, so it is a concern that this is something that has been missing from many children’s lives for a number of weeks.”

The British Psychological Society has also put a strong emphasis on the importance of play in relation to children’s mental health during this time. To help parents, carers and education professionals, they have made two films that

explain how play can be used to regulate children’s emotions and support psychological well-being.

Melernie Meheux, educational psychologist and joint chair-elect of the BPS division of educational and child psychology, said: “The Coronavirus crisis has been a new and unusual time for all of us, adults and children alike.

Play is a fantastic way of helping children make sense of what’s happening in their world and enables them to process their emotions, whether they’re excited and happy, or feeling anxious and unsure.

“We know schools will look different for children as they return to the classroom, so it’s really important children are given the opportunity to use play to process their feelings and understand their new environment.” A bigger focus on play during this time could also help to alleviate pressure on parents feeling the need to recreate the classroom environment at home (whether that’s due to continued distanced learning or to catch children up during the school holidays). For parents worrying about children focusing less on schoolwork at this time, there is evidence to suggest that increased time for play

HEALTH

could actually be beneficial to their development. Finland, Poland and Estonia, three of Europe’s most academically successful countries, do not send their children to school until age seven, allowing for more one-on-one time with parents and opportunities for unstructured play.

Paul Ramchandani, Lego professor of play at the University of Cambridge, who was part of the panel who wrote to senior ministers said: “I haven’t yet seen any evidence that kids in systems that formalise education later do any worse. So I lean towards thinking we should formalise education a little later.”

Speaking about the importance of play during this time, he added: “The most important thing for young children in times of stress is receiving predictable care and love from parents or carers they trust, but time to play is going to help.”

The Mental Health Foundation has suggested that parents should aim to define a couple of sessions in the day for primary age children to focus on activities that interest them. Reading together, playing games, cooking or doing something creative are all opportunities to have group time as a family. Allow your child to take the lead and as Ramchandani says: “Slow down and let the child complete the task themselves, however long it takes, because that is how they learn.”

August 2020 | 83

RISE UP How to talk to your child about racism

W o r d s PA U L A R H O N E - A D R I E N

84  | absolutely-mama.co.uk

reso urces ADVICE

a question, as long as it’s backed up with: “but let’s go and find out!”

If you try to dismiss such a serious topic, your child will sense your uncomfortableness and attempt to rationalise in their own immature mind why mummy/daddy shut them or a topic down. If you give them the impression that there is something to hide, shy away from or be embarrassed about, then that is the impression that they will be left with. This would be wrong, particularly when history tells us that it is those who fail to question or challenge wrongdoing that permits such wrongdoing to fester.

I

t would be hard for anyone to ignore the news reports referencing ‘Black Lives Matter’ and the protests in support and against the movement. After the alarming killing of George Floyd on 25th May, and the subsequent fury that enveloped thousands of people around the world, you must have had questions yourself about how or why this has all happened? What if you have a child who was also asking you questions? What could you possibly say to explain the anger or hurt that was being beamed into your home?

Racism may just not be an issue for you and so it is hard to talk about something that doesn’t or hardly impacts on your life. So perhaps the first question should be - do you need to talk about what’s currently happening, with your child?

If your child is asking questions because either they have seen or overheard something then please don’t shy away from answering, be brave and tackle the question head on.

I say be brave because dealing with this topic can feel like a minefield.

Most people worry they will say the wrong thing or use terminology that may be insulting, but remember, it’s ok to answer “I don’t know” to

“The power to eradicate racism is very real” If your child hasn’t raised the topic that doesn’t mean they aren’t aware.

Children are being subconsciously taught about society, including race, all the time. In nursery they are taught to describe themselves; their family and their community; they watch TV and will notice subtle differences far more than we give them credit for. Some toddlers will be able to tell you what a ‘girls’ toy is as opposed to a ‘boys’ or that grandma is really old! When you hear a toddler say this, have you ever stopped to wonder who has told them this or why? Moreover, have you ever stopped to ask them why they think this and whether the statement is true? I suspect if you did, you would get a blank stare.

Children don’t understand why the differences they are identifying should create feelings of upset or anger, and this is where you come in. You may find that you need to challenge yourself first about your own views on what you think racism is. How do you express feelings about other races when at home, safely behind closed doors? Do your children, for example, possess literature that references those from other races in a positive light? Do your children’s toys only reflect the inside of their home as opposed to what their community looks like?

Be in no doubt, children are not colourblind and neither is the society in which they live. If you do care about your child understanding and appreciating other races, then take responsibility for ensuring that they receive clear positive messages from you, and that you can reinforce that positive message if they challenge you with a misconceived one.

Racism is not innate, if you are racist you will have been taught to believe that your race is superior to another. This could be because your race is deemed more intelligent, worthy, or important. However, the power to eradicate racism is very real and attainable through education, information and communication.

Racism isn’t just about the tragic loss of George Floyd (or so many others like him). Racist negative stereotyping is just as harmful, it leads certain groups to believe that others should only have particular jobs, that they are deemed as a threat or that it’s ok for them to be treated less favourably because society is suspicious of them. It is just as important to tackle this bias, because in failing to address it, those who suffer the unfair treatment will become disaffected, upset and turn away from the more conventional methods of seeking redress because they can no longer trust in the system. Those protesting the death of Mr Floyd no longer trust that the system will protect them from injustice.

So…. it’s over to you.

Paula Rhone-Adrien is an award-winning barrister. She was awarded ‘Lawyer of the Week’ by The Times and is a trusted BBC Expert. As well as being a mama of four and a very well respected voice at the top of the legal profession Paula is also using her platform to educate people regarding racism.

August 2020 | 85

Claire MAGEE

Claire Magee is the MD at Nannycare, specialists in goat milk based nutrition for babies. nannycare.co.uk Q Can goat milk Follow On formula help if your baby isn’t settling?

A At Nannycare we talk to mums every day, and all they want is for their little ones to be happy, settled and feeding well. We know that goat milk is naturally nourishing and gentle on tummies.

Nannycare Follow On is simply made to retain the natural qualities of whole goat milk, preserving the goodness of the milk fat, one of the essential nutrients found in breast milk, and has a mild and creamy taste that babies love. If your little one is already on formula and experiencing minor issues such as colic or not settling, Nannycare Follow On may help*. And contented toddlers mean happy families – and who wouldn’t want to go outside and look for mini beasts or splash in some puddles?

And contented toddlers mean happy families – and who wouldn’t want to go outside for a nature walk, look for mini beasts or splash in some puddles?

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

&

A

Parenting and medical professionals, as well as leading entrepreneurs, answer some of your most pressing questions 86 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

If you’d like to talk to us, call our Careline UK: 0800 328 5826 ROI: 1800 937 375, email us on enquiry@nannycare.co.uk or visit our website for FAQs www.nannycare.co.uk You can find Nannycare Follow On in selected Tesco, Boots, Waitrose, Asda and Morrison’s stores and available on Ocado and Amazon. You can also order in local independent pharmacies.

Important notice: Breastfeeding is best for your baby and should continue for as long as possible.

Nannycare Follow on milk is for babies over 6 months, as part of a varied weaning diet. It should not be used as a breastmilk substitute before this age and should be used on the advice of a healthcare professional. . *Always consult your healthcare professional for feeding advice. Goat milk formula should not be given to babies with cow’s milk protein allergy unless directed by a healthcare professional.

reso urces ADVICE

Angela SPENCER Baby wellness expert and awardwinning author Angela Spencer is the founder of Babyopathy. babyopathy.com

Q How do I make my birth experience as positive as possible?

A Babyopathy is everything about being relaxed and positive so this is a subject close to my heart. The more relaxed a mum can be during her birth, the more energy that goes into pushing – does that sound strange to you? Well, let me explain. First of all, it’s our brain that tells us we are in pain, so, in the first instance, if we relax our brain we

can help to reduce our pain levels. But how do we do that? Well, that’s why I developed my Labour Day essential oil blend because it does some amazing things; when inhaled direct from the bottle during a contraction it travels through our olfactory system (sense of smell) direct to the pain receptors in the brain, and it also helps to quieten our thoughts and relax our entire body – so guess what, it means it reduces pain. Helping us be more relaxed and positive.

Now, one of the other things that we do when we are in pain is tense up our muscles, and that increases pain, BUT it also holds all of our energy in the tensed muscles and quite often that’s in our upper body as we ‘hang on to the bed or our partner’s hands. What we need is for all of that energy to be going into pushing baby so, try not to tense your hands and allow the focus of the energy to go down through your body and push.

Jessica MEADE

Jessica Meade is a mum of two young children. She joined NatureBond in 2018 and works in Sales and Marketing. uk.naturebondglobal.com Q I’ve seen a lot about silicone pumps lately. What do they do, and what is the best way to incorporate one in my feeding journey?

A A silicone pump has multiple uses.

Most commonly, it is used to collect milk leaking while nursing, but it can also be used to remedy a clogged duct!

Typically when nursing, the opposite breast will leak milk. This milk usually ends up going to waste in a nursing pad or on your clothing. Silicone pumps were created to help save this precious liquid gold. The collected milk can be used to build a freezer stash or donated to a milk bank.

To use, simply flip the flap back while squeezing the bulb and center over

your nipple. Release the flap and bulb and watch the milk begin to collect. To experience a strong suction, squeeze closer to the top of the bulb during application. If you desire a gentler suction, squeeze lower on the bulb.

Silicone pumps offer a variety of benefits. They are economical, quiet, and extremely portable, allowing mums to collect milk anywhere conveniently!

Only the NatureBond silicone pump comes with everything you need to start building your stash. The NatureBond Premium Pack includes a stopper, dust cover, carrying bag, and a pump strap, so there will be no more crying over spilt milk! The pump strap is a new addition to the NatureBond pump. While we are confident in the suction of our pump, many babies have “happy feet” and can kick off the pump.

We listened to our mums and came up with the pump strap solution. For more tips, please visit our website or follow us on Instgram or Facebook.

August 2020 | 87

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

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

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

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

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NORTH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

reso urces DIRECTORY

London. Property. We get it.

07/05/2019 10:37

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carmelite Parish Centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241

August 2020 | 89

TRIED & TESTED

IN DEPTH REVIEWS OF THE LATEST PARENTING KIT

r e s o u rces REVIEWS

Joie i-Spin Safe R e v i e w e d b y L E A H DAY

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Silver Cross Jet

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Re vie w e d b y A N NA WO O L F

ugging a pram around is one of the worst things about kids: they are often bulky, heavy and dirty (the pram, not the kids!). When your baby is small you definitely want something that feels robust, but as they grow and become able to sit up, switching to a lighter pushchair can be a great back-saving option.

Silver Cross has recently launched a new version of their popular Jet travel pushchair. A sleek and stylish travel system, it is suitable from birth up to toddler age and can be used with accessories including the brand’s Simplicity car seat and adaptors. It has swiftly become our ‘car’ pushchair.

It folds down to the size of a small case and is hand luggage approved. It has a great rain cover and a travel bag too.

Light and easy to manoeuvre, it has made trips out to the supermarket and the school pick up a breeze. What’s

90 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

more, the baby loves it. She feels safely strapped in with the 5-point harness and the lie-flat and multi-recline positions are great for napping. Sitting facing out to the world has given her a new perspective, and I know the pushchair will quickly replace our bulky pram as she grows. All we need now is a holiday abroad so we can really test it out.  £275, silvercrossbaby.com

ar seats can be a minefield for new parents. My tip would be to choose the comfiest and most robust but also the most foolproof to install. I road tested the Joie i-Spin Safe which in my opinion ticks every box. Renowned for safety, there are so many clever new features that you can’t go wrong. The top of the list is the one button swivel function which makes life so much easier when getting your tiny in and out of the car, also allowing you to make sure you have placed your little one in properly. It glides easily into a reclined position for long journeys – making lolling heads a thing of the past. There are even clever side impact bars that pop out for additional support when it’s locked in. Installing this seat is actually idiot proof and it’s colour coded for safety. Everything red is uninstalled and green is installed. There is a button to the rear to extend the isofix bars (which lock in together) and the floor support leg indicates when it is set up correctly. The plush fabrics make for a comforatble but most importantly safe ride and the extendable headrest means it grows with your child. I would 100% recommend this product!  £300, uk.joiebaby.com

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08/01/2020 12:21

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20/07/2020 11:45