Baby May 2020

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MAY 2020 • BABY-MAGAZINE.CO.UK

MODEL MOTHER

Ashley Graham on welcoming

HOT WHEELS 2020’S BEST LOOKING PUSHCHAIRS

her baby boy

Skincare

GET THE LOOK INSTA-WORTHY

TAKING CARE OF YOUR AND BABY’S SKIN

NURSERIES

Carole Middleton

ON THROWING A MAGICAL FIRST BIRTHDAY

SOS

HELLO

beautiful

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Marina Fogle & Chiara Hunt on

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CONTENTS MAY 2020

FEATURES

47 PARTY TIME: FIRST BIRTHDAY Make that first birthday a memorable one with a Peter Rabbit-themed party, with tips from Carole Middleton 48 MODEL MOTHERHOOD After giving birth to her son in January, model Ashley Graham talks parenthood and becoming an influential figure 57 HOT WHEELS We spotlight the most beautiful strollers on the market for 2020 60 SKIN DEEP Martha Alexander investigates what expect from your skin during and after pregnancy, and how best to care for it 66 MUM ON A DIFFERENT PATH Parent to Theo, who has Down’s syndrome, and baby Freddie, Claire Farrington shares her moving journey into motherhood 70 INFANT INFLUENCERS Interiors guru Ali Howard hunts down the coolest nurseries on the grid

Kirby wears cotton-blend one-piece, £87, Bonpoint.

STYLE

36 SWEETNESS AND LIGHT Dress your little one up in super-soft, breathable cottons, linens and knits in soft tones this springtime 44 AHEAD OF THE CURVE Antonia O’Brien shares her pre- and postnatal wardrobe lust-haves

PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHAN MALPASS

SHOPPING

23 BABY LOVES This month, we’re coveting the gorgeous new Oasis Oval cot from Australian brand Boori 25 CATCHING RAYS With summer on the horizon, set your sights on this season’s cutest wardrobe offerings

FOOD & TRAVEL 73 FOOD NEWS The latest and greatest new treats for babies, toddlers and parents 74 HOME COMFORTS Kickstart baby’s weaning with

36 these tasty recipes from Piccolo’s infant nutritionist 79 TRAVEL NEWS We round up the hottest new getaways for young families 80 POSTCARD FROM DUBAI Neev Spencer embarks on an Arabian adventure at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai with her husband and two little ones

Pick up planning tips for a Peter Rabbitthemed party (p.47)

Presenter R ochelle Hum launching he es talk s r own beau ty brand (p .31)

REGULARS 15

BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small 19 WIN! AN OWLET SMART SOCK This month, we’re giving away two award-winning Owlet Smart Socks, worth £269 each 20 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Pens at the ready – we have a few suggestions to keep you busy this May

baby-magazine.co.uk | 5

EDITORIAL Editor-at-Large Kate Freud Editor Rebecca Moore Sub Editors Laura Sutherland, Natalie Keeler Editorial Assistant Henrietta Easton Online Editor Ruby Norris

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West

DESIGN Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado Freelance Designer Matt Bookman

PUBLISHING Chairman Paul Dobson Chief Operating Officer Kevin Petley Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin Director of Media James Dobson Managing Director of Sales and Chelsea Create Steve Ross Publisher Caroline Scott Circulation Manager Daniel Webb EA to Chairman Sarah Porter

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ADVERTISING

MY ESSENTIALS We chat to singer and presenter Rochelle Humes about motherhood, social media and launching her own business LOOK GOOD ON PAPER Are you sitting comfortably? Emma O’Donovan puts forward the most beautifully illustrated books LEO’S LITTLE LUXURIES Leonora Bamford shares her favourite things this month, from pregnancy skincare to eco-friendly nappies DIARY OF A MUM In her latest instalment, our columnist Jakki Jones addresses how she’s balancing pregnancy with her growing toddler TOT GEAR NEWS What’s new in baby kit, plus first-time dad Adam Naxton and baby Oscar put the Joie i-Venture to the test HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS From skincare to baby tech, these are the latest products and innovations in the world of wellbeing

80

Sales Director Cameron Hay Head of Market Julie Price Sales Executives Emma Cain, Miranda-Alix Forsyth Baby is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: baby-magazine.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 Email: baby@chelseamagazines.com

Model A shle y Graham ta media, mor lk s social als and mot herhood (p .4 8)

63 Q&A WITH ZITA WEST This month, the fertility expert explains how pregnancy hormones affect the body, and the changes you can expect as your bump grows 65 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ What are the first few days of breastfeeding like? Medela’s Sioned Hilton shares the facts 68 TIME TO TALK Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt discuss the rare but fatal situation when the placenta isn’t delivered fully 69 THE REVIEW From vegan-friendly designs to the best for travel, Laura Mason lines up the top changing bags for parents on the go 82 INSPIRE Steven Le Van, managing director of Le Toy Van, talks traditional toys, proud business moments and celebrating the brand’s upcoming 25th anniversary

BABY (print) ISSN 2516-5178 BABY (online) ISSN 2517-813X | Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2020 All rights reserved

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PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHAN MALPASS Anaiya wears cotton body, £49, Rachel Riley. Cotton blanket, £25, Newbie. Muslin, £7, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

Effortless organisation and style, when you need it most ENJOY 15% OFF AS A BABY READER USING CODE BABY15 * This cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and expires 31st May 2020

WWW.KERIKIT.COM

Give baby all the summer feels with a sunshine-inspired wardrobe – and footwear to match Baby shoes, £17, poconido.com OYOY wall hanging £39.95, scandiborn.co.uk

EDITORS

LETTER

Skin Repair moisturiser £22, lizearle.com

@BabyMagazineUK

@baby_mag_insta

K AG

M

#babymaginsta

VISIT •

We’d love to see pics of you and your bump, or baby, with our current issue

@BabyMagazineUK

P-TO-DAT

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PU

• B A B Y-

Leather studded handbag £165, kerikit.com

REBECCA MOORE, EDITOR

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Cotton sleeping bag £29.95, snuz.co.uk

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Baby bath £29.95, shnuggle.com

Skin is a hot topic for mothers, whether it’s looking after baby’s precious early layers or trying to take care of your own, Martha Alexander takes a look at what you can expect during pregnancy and beyond, on page 60.

As a team with a penchant for pushchairs, we couldn’t resist putting the spotlight on some of the most attractive choices for 2020. If you’re shopping for your first set of wheels or like me, just appreciate a beautiful pushchair when you see it, flick to page 57.

And if your little one is about to reach her landmark first birthday, then no doubt a big bash is on the cards. Our resident party expert Carole Middleton knows a thing or two about baby celebrations; head to page 47 for her tips on how to throw the perfect Peter Rabbitthemed celebration.

Happy reading!

KEE

Cotton T-shirt £8, mamasandpapas.com

With gardens now in full bloom and (sometimes) clear-blue skies, this issue is dedicated to all things bright and beautiful, and all creatures, well, small.

Perhaps you’re still awaiting your teenytiny newborn arrival? If so, I urge you to turn straight to page 70. Our interiors guru Ali Howard has pulled together her four favourite Instagram-worthy nursery styles – plus, her helpful tips will have you nailing the look in your own home in no time at all.

Someone who’s fast becoming an inspirational figure for mothers globally is model and mum-of-one, Ashley Graham. Read all about her beautifully real motherhood journey thus far on page 48.

On the subject of all things photogenic… we’ve teamed up with wonderful model agency Bonnie & Betty to give readers the chance to earn your adorable baby a modelling contract. The winner of our June Baby of the Month will not only feature in the issue, they’ll also be on the agency’s books which only open twice a year – flick to page 12 to find out more.

A Z I N E .C

@baby_magazine_uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 9

Where were you born?

Tunbridge Wells.

Where do you live now?

Crystal Palace.

Do you have a go-to beauty product?

Clinique’s Superbalanced Makeup Foundation in Alabaster 27 is my second skin.

Most beautiful thing you’ve ever bought?

My huge vintage art-deco L’Oreal salon mirror, which I found in a junk shop for £50.

See Ali’s Insta-nursery mission on p.70

Where were you born?

I’m a west-country baby, born in Plymouth.

Where do you live now?

Wandsworth – I’ve swapped fields for parks.

Do you have a go-to beauty product?

It would have to be Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Wonder foundation – it’s a miracle masker.

Most beautiful thing you’ve ever received?

When I turned 21, my mum gave me a lovely gold ring encrusted with opals, which is my birthstone. I wear and love it every day.

AM

ORE, EDITOR MO

ON AS

, JOURNA LIS

LAUR

REBEC CA

ORUNALIST D, J R A

T

ALI H OW

CONTRIBUTORS

Where were you born?

Birmingham.

Where do you live now?

Worcestershire.

Do you have a go-to beauty product?

I adore Urban Veda Night Cream as it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated!

Most beautiful thing you’ve ever bought?

My Vera Wang wedding dress. I bought it on a whim in New York – it was love at first sight!

Laura reviews the best changing bags on p.69

BABY O NL INE

When you’re on the go or grabbing a coffee with a moment P-TO-DAT

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.U

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VISIT •

• B A B Y- M

KEE

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A Z I N E .C

The latest headlines and guidelines from the world of pregnancy and parenting

We round up the best activities for mums and babies on the go Get the inside scoop with our reviews of the latest tot gear

O

O F TH E M O N TH

Eden PHOTOGRAPHED BY LB PHOTOGRAPHY

Say hello to eight-week-old Eden, adorable son to mum Cassia and dad Guy. When he’s not enjoying a snooze – as this picture beautifully captures – he’s giggling at his daddy’s beard, and smiling at mummy’s silly baby voices.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The winner of our June Baby of the Month will not only feature here, but WIN a contract with renowned baby and children’s model agency, Bonnie & Betty. Opening their books only twice a year, and with applicants in the thousands, this is a unique opportunity to earn your adorable baby a modelling contract.

WANT TO SEE YOUR BABY HERE? UPLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE SNAP AT BABY-MAGAZINE.CO.UK/BABY-OF-THE-MONTH Entries close at 11:59pm on 6 March 2020.

12 | baby-magazine.co.uk

CA M CA M COPE NH A G E N

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baby

-DATE, VI S -TO

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• BA

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KEEP U P

UPDATING YOU ON ALL THINGS GRE AT AND SMALL

IT •

NEWS

NEWS

B

YM A G A ZI N

MONO MOVEMENT

Subtle, simple and Scandi-inspired, Mamas and Papas’ new Caprio furniture collection is timeless Nordic-chic design at its best, taking your little one from baby to toddler and beyond in the coolest way possible. Featuring a convertible cotbed, wardrobe and dresser with easily adjustable features to grow with baby, the range’s soft edges and minimalist shapes and monochrome and wood-grain colourings will add a fresh edge to your nursery this spring. From £749, mamasandpapas.com

SETTLE INTO THOSE LATE-NIGHT FEEDING SESSIONS WITH NETFLIX’S BRAND NEW SIX-PART DOCU-SERIES BABIES, A FASCINATING JOURNEY INTO INFANT DEVELOPMENT THAT COVERS THE STAGES OF LEARNING, FROM FIRST FOOD TO FIRST WORDS, WITH SOME SUPER-ADORABLE LITTLE ONES TO COO AT ALONG THE WAY. NETFLIX.COM

baby-magazine.co.uk | 15

Peace at last

Settle in for the best night’s sleep you’ve had since baby came along, because the miracle baby monitor you’ve been dreaming about (literally) is now available to buy in the UK. The Sleep System features a super-smart camera that provides you with all of baby’s sleep data, lets you see everything that’s going on in and around her cot, and notifies you when you might be needed. £379, nanit.com

SUMMER LOVING

With a salute to the Art Nouveau movement, a nod to traditional Japanese design and a sprinkle of romance, Cam Cam Copenhagen’s SS20 collection, Fiori, brings a new and colourful dimension to the brand’s iconic Scandisimplicity. Featuring a hand-drawn watercolour-hued floral motif inspired

by Liberty prints, the organic cotton collection features gorge baby bedding, changing mats, muslins and sleepwear, perfect for staying stylish in the warmer months. From £9.50, camcamcopenhagen.com

SEEING DOUBLE

Popsy and Mama make luxury hand-sewn baby and children’s clothes from founder Sam’s studio in leafy Berkshire. The brand has extended its matching line for mama, baby and sibling to include coordinating sweatshirts, t-shirts, leggings. With a range of wonderful prints and colours, you’ll be twinning in no time at all.

From £14, popsyandmama.com

THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY UK HAS ANNOUNCED A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WORLD’S LEADING BABY SWIMMING ORGANISATION, WATER BABIES. JOINING OTHER INDUSTRY LEADERS SUCH AS BRITISH TRIATHLON AND LEARDAL, WATER BABIES WILL BRING ITS OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE TO THE RLSS’ AIM – ENSURING EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE WATER SAFELY. RLSS.ORG.UK

I LOVE YOU BERRY MUCH Mini Boden’s new strawberry-themed collection looks good enough to eat and is perfect for long summer picnics in the rolling English countryside.

Deliciously red and pink, the classic motif adorns frothy summer dresses with ruffles galore, picnicready gingham romper suits and cosy beach towels,

WIN! A LITTLE BUTTERFLY

LONDON LUXURY GIFT BOX

Little Butterfly London is an award-winning, luxury Ecocert organic-certified skincare brand for mothers and babies. We’ve teamed up to give you the chance to win a luxury Gift Box for your baby, worth £88. The perfect present for new parents, the box includes the Dewdrops at Dawn Body Lotion, Bubbles in the Breeze Top-to-Toe Wash, Soft as Moonlight Nappy Change Cream and Love Eternal Baby Massage Oil, as well as a 100 per cent cotton wash cloth and a beautiful box to keep. littlebutterflylondon.com

Enter online at baby-magazine.co.uk/competitions

as well as super-cool sunglasses, soft sunhats and bright, funky backpacks. From £16, boden.co.uk

WORK IT, BABY

Stylist, editor and mother-of- two Charlotte blogs all things mini fashion

Baby will be catwalk ready in Bambino Mio’s bold Safari Celebration collection’s two newest prints: Safari Spots and Savannah Stripes. The reusable nappy brand had its fashion-forward cap on when this colourful collection of nappies, change mats, muslins and nappy inserts was created, featuring swirly zebra-stripes, funky leopard prints and sweet animal friends. Chemical free and super-soft on precious bottoms, Bambino Mio nappies help to reduce plastic waste and save you money too. bambinomio.co.uk

BEST OF THE BLOGS

The internet is awash with information but these brilliant bloggers cut to the chase with honest and practical advice

THE LITTLE STYLIST

IT’S ALL IN THE BAG

At the request of its adoring customers and granting all of your mothering wishes, iconic British fashion brand Joules has launched its first ever range of baby changing items, with some dreamy arm candy to boot. The most stylish and practical way to pack everything your baby needs, the quilted Dinky Range includes a large changing bag, overnight bag, washbag and changing mat adorned with delicate hand-drawn Joules’ prints. From £24.95, joules.com

Make a difference

Comfort-conscious, unisex, ethically-made and sustainable, Dinki Human make sweet and wearable clothes for babies and little ones that are designed to last and be passed down. Unswayed by trends and determined to avoid the environmentally-damaging fastfashion process, its pieces are made using organic cotton, non-toxic inks and dyes and are packaged in recycled and plastic-free materials. Choose from T-shirts, leggings, rompers, sweatshirts, muslins and bodysuits in standout quirky prints and soft, earthy colours. From £10, dinkihuman.com

Editor and fashion stylist Charlotte lives with her husband Jonathan, her daughter Isabella and son Jesse in East London. Her true passion is baby and children’s fashion, and The Little Stylist is a curated edit of the best of current childrenswear. Charlotte’s new eco-led Preloved initiative, launched in the hope of improving kidswear sustainability (@thelittlestylistpreloved) is worth checking out too. thelittlestylist.com

A BABY ON BOARD

Gill’s honest, sweet and stylish blog is for parents in and beyond the ‘baby bubble’. She lives with her husband and two daughters, Eliza and Florence and is a freelance digital consultant, editor and writer. Gill writes about parenting, pregnancy and general mum life, covering family-friendly interiors, style, things to do in London and seriously helpful tips about your pregnancy and post-pregnancy body. ababyonboard.com

MUMMY CONSTANT

Web designer Sonia started her blog as an online magazine and pregnancy journal, documenting her first pregnancy with her eldest son Noah, and it has grown ever since.

Sonia now lives with her husband Deano, nine-year-old son Noah, her little daughter Isla, aged eight and their ‘fur-baby’ dogs. A keen photographer, Sonia aims to capture, snap and share every moment of her life as a mother. mummyconstant.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 17

NEWS

Baby news roundup KATE FREUD Editor-at-large

W

ith summer just around the corner, look no further than French favourite Petit Bateau for baby’s warmer-weather wardrobe. The latest collection is packed full of graphic prints, inspired by travel, with flowery designs inspired by France, hibiscus prints from Africa, and jungle and animal illustrations fresh from the tropics, all made from the softest organic cotton.

Stripes and prints rule this spring with Petit Bateau’s beautiful collection for children, from newborn onwards. petit-bateau.co.uk

WALKING ON SUNSHINE

Sophia Webster’s shoes are like walking works of art, and her Mini collection for the little ladies is no different. As the sun comes out, it’s all about ditsy floral prints, with zesty neons, animal prints, broderie anglaise and even a range inspired by strawberries. These are statement shoes to have fun in, and with a boot, sandal, jelly and sneaker to choose from, your tot need never step out in anything else.

Step into spring with Sophia Webster’s exquisite shoes for even the tiniest tootsies. sophiawebster.com

GREEN WEANING

Lifestyle brand Blue Brontide design the sweetest eco-friendly, sustainable pieces for children, created to be passed down through generations to come. The organic baby accessories and wooden toys make the perfect gift, but I particularly love the tableware, with wooden plates shaped like bears, whales and rabbits, and my favourite, the bus!

CALL OF THE WILD

Blue Brontide’s designs encourage kids to eat from beautifully crafted wooden plates rather than the usual garish plastic. £32.99, bluebrontide.com

Steiff’s new collection with National Geographic boasts everything from a bell frog to a manatee. steiff.com

With the next generation already taking a keen interest in the future of the planet, what better time for Steiff to team up with National Geographic to launch a range of toys, inspired by creatures that are endangered. The babies will love a snuggle, it will get the older children thinking about conservation and with every purchase, monies are donated to help fund scientists, education and explorers around the world.

LET’S GET SOCIAL…

There are plenty of ways to get the lowdown on all things Baby

ONLINE

baby-magazine.co.uk 18 | baby-magazine.co.uk

FACEBOOK @babymagazineuk

INSTA

@baby_mag_insta

TWITTER

@BabyMagazineUK

PINTEREST

@baby_magazine_uk

WIN!

COMPETITION

ONE OF TWO OWLET SMART SOCKS Monitor your darling’s heart rate and oxygen levels with this award-winning piece of wearable tech

T&C’S: COMPETITION CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON 21 APRIL 2020.

L

aunched in 2013 by a dedicated team of parents, Owlet Baby Care’s flagship product has given hundreds of thousands of parents in the US, Canada and Australia huge peace of mind. Now comforting parents up and down the country, the innovative Smart Sock is making waves here in the UK. Award-winning technology allows parents to track their little ones’ heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep, through the clever Owlet Smart Sock and the all-new Owlet app.

This advanced baby monitor, along with high-

definition video and sound streaming, provides parents with sleep data and trends as well as health insights, including heart rate and oxygen level history, educating parents along the way.

Owlet Smart Sock users report 96 per cent less anxiety and 94 per cent better sleep as a result of using this super-smart product. So how does it work? The Smart Sock comfortably wraps around your baby’s foot to track heart rate, oxygen levels and sleep using clinically-proven pulse oximetry.

The base station glows green to let you know

WORTH £269 EACH everything is okay, but notifies with lights and sounds if heart rate or oxygen levels leave preset zones. Parents can see live readings using Owlet’s new app.

And the best bit… here at Baby HQ we have two sets to give away, worth £269 each. owletbabycare.co.uk

To enter, visit baby-magazine.co.uk/competitions baby-magazine.co.uk | 19

The Big Breastfeeding Café

MAY

31 MAY

Time for tea

2 HEY, MAY!

Today’s your last chance to try Luxury Family Hotel’s Edible Garden afternoon teas. Available at all five hotels, the totfriendly tea includes a hummus and crudité flowerpot, fresh sandwiches, a scone, and fresh carrot-and-orange juice. From £12.50, luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

With the first bank holiday of the month in sight, take a family trip to Hever Castle & Gardens this weekend for the May Day Festival, where there’ll be face painting, games, and you’ve guessed it, Morris dancing! From £9.25, hevercastle.co.uk

dates for your

3 AND BREATHE

Freestyle Flex Double Electric Breast Pump, £349.99, medela.co.uk

5 THANK YOU!

It’s time to give a shout-out to the unsung heroes of the medical profession – that’s right, today is International Day of the Midwife!

DIARY

Pens at the ready – we have a few suggestions to keep you and baby busy this month

6 TIME TO TALK

Now in its fifth year, The Big Breastfeeding Café is uniting mums across the UK as part of an initiative launched by Medela. Host your own café at home or a local coffee shop to chat all things breastfeeding. Sign up for a free hosting pack at thebigbreastfeedingcafe@ gmail.com

7 YOU’RE

UNTIL 31 MAY

Second time around

Make a beeline for Selfridges’ fourth floor, where Kidswear Collective has launched its first pop-up.

Open until 31 May, there’s lots of preloved designer baby fashion to browse and buy – think Stella, Gucci and Dior – all at a fraction of the original cost, plus an online edit, too. selfridges.com

20 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Wean in 15, £16.99, waterstones.com

BOOKED

Settle in for a morning of storytelling at Toddler Tales, a wonderful free session for under-fives at the University of Manchester from 11am. manchester.ac.uk

14 WEAN IN

Ace those first meals

with Wean in 15, the new cookbook from Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach. Inside, you’ll find 100 tasty, healthy recipes for each age group, with tips on adapting meals and handling fussy eaters. £16.99, waterstones.com

15 SHOW TIME

Head to the NEC this weekend for The Baby Show, where the likes of Newbie, BabyBjörn and Joolz will be showcasing their latest products. New for this year, visitors can also check out The Wean Kitchen and The Sleep Clinic in partnership with John Lewis. From £17.50, thebabyshow.co.uk Baby swimsuit, £25, newbiestore.com

19

STROLL SQUAD Ideal for those with a newborn, enjoy a gentle 45-minute stroll amid the fresh air and greenery of Gibside, Tyne and Wear, where the Slings and Buggies Club will take place from 11am. nationaltrust.org.uk

20 ARTY TIME

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival returns today until 31 May. This year is filled with an array of interactive performances for little ones, and there’ll also be a free Family Day at the National Museum of Scotland. imaginate.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: ULLA NYEMAN

In need of a prenatal pickme-up? Replenish yourself at the Nourish and Nurture Pregnancy Retreat with Orange Bloom Yoga today.

Held at the Stockport studio, the session will teach hypnobirthing techniques, and how to have a more positive birth experience. £50, orangebloomyoga.com

The Toddler Bath

Contoured Base

Grippy Surface

Bath Anywhere

They’re only little once, so why not have twice the fun.

Available now at Shnuggle.com

Room to play

The Best View of Your Baby

Personalized Sleep Coaching

Real-Time Breathing Motion Monitoring

No Sensors or Electronic Contact

All-in-One HD Baby Monitor and Sleep Tracker Peaceful sleep for baby. Peace of mind for you.

The overhead Nanit Plus camera helps you help your baby sleep better. And with Breathing Wear, you can track your baby’s real-time breathing motion without wires or sensors touching them.

Use code BABY20 at www.nanit.com to get £20 off your first camera order.

Also available at:

LOVE S ith increased air ow and a soothing tonal palette o r little one is s re to ha e well-ro nded naps in the oori asis al cot

DREAMS CAN COM E TRU E

Whether floating on clouds or riding a unicorn, Boori’s new Oasis Oval Cot is a perfect slumber sanctuary for drifting off to the land of nod. The first oval-shaped cot from the popular Australian brand is available in three calming hues of Barley White, Beech and Pebble. The unique curved sides and dainty spindles increase airflow for a safer night’s sleep for baby, while the sustainable wood and eco-blend bio paint mean that Boori is looking out for the environment, so you can sleep easy too. £349, boori.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 23

SHOPPING

BabyBjörn One Baby Carrier £143.95, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Chambray bodysuit £44, trotters.co.uk

Cotton dungarees £26, boden.co.uk

CATCHING RAYS

Chambray bloomers £41, bonpoint.com

Cotton teddy bear £59, grinandbearlondon.com

With summer tantalisingly near, it’s time to give baby’s world a makeover worthy of blue skies and sunbeams

Emile et Ida trousers from £49, alexandalexa.com

Cotton shoes £17, poconido.com

Fabelab rattle £26.50, folkinteriors.co.uk

Mayoral dress £28, childrensalon.com

C

RAY A

HAMB

WAY Tartine et Chocolat romper £75, childrensalon.com

Liewood comforter £15.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Chambray dungarees £19, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Globe Stroller pushchair £199, icklebubba.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 25

SHOPPING

Mima Xari Limited Edition pram £1,699.99, cheekyrascals.co.uk

Cotton cardigan £18, newbiestore.com

Plush toy £21, jellycat.com

Cotton bloomers £30, emileetida.com

Cotton T-shirt £16, absorba.com

Leather sandals £55, shoopom.fr

Foam playmat £89.99, toddlekind.co.uk

Sunshine vibes only this summer, from the nursery floor to the tip of your tot’s sun hat

Straw basket £4.95, rexlondon.com

Cotton dress £150, mariechantal.co.uk

LLOW

OUT

YE Catimini jumpsuit £47, childrensalon.com

26 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Cotton baby nest £98, camcamcopenhagen.com

Cotton sunhat £16, polarnopyret.co.uk

Cotton doll £53, merimeri.co.uk

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AL

EALS

L THE T

SHOPPING

Louise Misha dress £98, alexandalexa.com

Cotton wall hanging £22, cottage-toys.co.uk

Cotton romper £19, mamasandpapas.com

Chair and stool set £673, mamasandpapas.com

Laurette convertible cot £664, smallable.com

Cotton cardigan £22, cyrillus.fr

Cotton bib £8, adenandanais.co.uk

Velvet dress £80, verymerryberry.co.uk

Opt for saturated turquoise, aquamarine and sea foam shades for a fresh take on baby’s first greens

Cotton bloomers £17, numero74.com

Cotton rattle £15, moulinroty.com

FreeRider baby wrap £49.95, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Suede shoes £27, littlerolondon.com

Cotton blouse £32, arseneetlespipelettes.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 29

Helping Mums Make Milk the Tasty Way

www.boobbix.co.uk

INTERVIEW

ochelle thin s of ara as her safe space when shopping for laia and alentina Cotton shirt £14.99, zara.com

espite a to gh first pregnanc ochelle too to otherhood with

ease

She and daughters Alaia and Valentina trialled the My Little Coco product range

MY ESSENTIALS You’ve just launched your hair and body brand My Little Coco.

Can you tell us a bit about it?

I started working on the idea when I was pregnant with Valentina (who’s now three), and what I wanted was to create an all-inclusive brand that’s premium, but available at high-street prices.

The products are designed to make bathtimes simpler – that covers everything from the veganfriendly ingredients, to the design of the pump, which you can use with one hand. I also just wanted to create a really good product for curly hair, because that’s kind of my life!

How did you find the process?

Well, I’m quite fussy and know what I want (laughs). I’ve worked with illustrator Rachel Suzanne for the past few years on my books, so I wanted her to help with the packaging, and my mum drew the logo. It’s been a real family project – my daughters helped me trial the products and even my husband Marvin was there blowing bubbles for the kids

ROCHELLE HUMES

The singer and presenter talks about launching her own business, social media and juggling motherhood during all the photoshoots. The entire process has been a journey for all of us.

Was developing the brand tougher than you expected?

Definitely – it was a whole Marvin and Rochelle married in 2012

new world for me, and just creating your own business is an absolute minefield. It’s a mad thing, being taken seriously as a businesswoman as opposed to having a ‘celebrity range’. I never wanted it to be ‘babycare by

The Coconut Curl Custard from My Little Coco is perfect for taming Alaia and Valentina’s locks

Rochelle Humes’; that’s not what it is. I want it to be a brand that can live on and really build.

Do you have a favourite product in the range?

I always have the My Little Everything Balm with me, and I’ve already had messages about it from a few parents; one mum even told me that her baby’s eczema cleared up after using it.

We know it’s good obviously, but we never intended it to be used for that purpose, so that’s pretty amazing. The Coconut Curling Custard is another important product for me and my girls – for obvious reasons!

The product range can be used by mum, too. Did you have enjoyable pregnancies?

I was very sick with Alaia (who’s now six), and though I did enjoy it towards the end, I just felt like I was on a boat for most of the time. But with Valentina, I just flew through the whole thing – I didn’t get sick, and I just felt like I could do anything.

baby-magazine.co.uk | 31

Published last year, Rochelle’s children’s book is all about learning to love your curly locks The Mega Magic Hair Swap! £6.99, waterstones.com

My Little Coco Detangling Coconut Water £5.99, boots.com

She and husband Marvin welcomed their first daughter Alaia when she was just 23

Being a mother is her most rewarding role

You recently announced that you’re going to be sharing more of your family life on Instagram.

What changed your mind?

It was actually the kids, Alaia especially. She was a baby when

Rochelle is part of This Morning ’s presenting team, alongside Phi l and Holly 32 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Instagram came on the scene, and because nobody could predict what it was going to become, I was reluctant to push her onto a platform that I didn’t know much about. I did protect them both too much, but I’ve found that – if used in the right way – Instagram can be a wonderful place. I’d never want either of them to feel as though they’re left out of my story, because they’re the biggest part of my story.

Which clothing brands do you like to dress your girls in?

I find it tricky with kidswear

sometimes, because occasionally you walk into some shops and it’s hard to tell if the clothing is for five-year-olds or 15-year-olds; it can be a bit of a grey area. But I do love Zara Kids – I think it’s a really safe space for childrenswear.

What’s your favourite thing about motherhood?

You learn so much about life, and it’s the most rewarding job ever.

It’s exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Actually – some days I would change bits of it! But even when they keep you up all night and you’re at your Rochelle recently made the decision to share more of her family life on Instagram

wit’s end, all they have to do is smile at you and you just think ‘ah, I really love you!’.

And the toughest part?

It’s such a big juggle – making sure the PE kit is packed on a Monday and that they’ve got the right outfit for the school play, then Valentina wants to go to her friend’s birthday party, and Alaia’s saying ‘well, I’m not going to that!’. You end up having to split yourself into a thousand pieces, and sometimes I look back on the week and think ‘how did we manage to do all of that?’.

Will you expand the My Little Coco range down the line?

Yes, I’d love to branch out into the children’s ‘space’, not necessarily just cosmetics but the industry as a whole. I’m learning so much on the job, and I really want for it to be a brand that people think of as a safety blanket they can trust.

My Little Coco is available in Boots stores and online now; boots.com

INTERVIEW: NATALIE KEELER. PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/ROCHELLEHUMES

How did you take to motherhood?

I think I fell into it quite naturally, but when I look back now, it’s hard to believe how young I was; I was 23 when I had Alaia. It’s difficult not to take everyone’s input on board the first time round as well, but by the second time, I had much more trust in myself and had a good idea of what worked for us.

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MATTRESSES

NATURAL PLAY

MOSES BASKETS

BEDDING

LOOK GOOD ON PAPE R Emma O’Donovan PUTS FORWARD THE MOST BE AUTIFULLY ILLUSTR ATED BOOKS

LET’S FIND THE DINOSAUR

By Alex Willmore

Budding palaeontologists will delight in peeping under felt flaps in search of an elusive T-Rex. Which other dinosaur friends will you meet along the way? £6.99, Little Tiger Press

BOOKS

Build their growing confidence with tips on b ttons laces and ips

A IS FOR AVOCADO: AN ALPHABET BOOK OF PLANT POWER

Illustrated by Carolyn Suzuki This culinary celebration of the alphabet, with its bold and vibrant illustrations, will be sure to inspire a love for food and healthy eating. £6.99, Ladybird Books

BUILD A CASTLE

ILLUSTRATION: ALEX WILLMORE

By Paul Farrell

Parents and children alike will delight in constructing infinite castle variations using these beautifully designed connector cards. A delightfully gentle, educational activity. £12.99, Pavilion Books

I CAN DO IT!

By Patricia Hegarty and

Hilli Kushnir A brilliantly fun way to master simple skills such as zips, buttons and shoelaces, this is perfect to help nursery-aged kids learn about independence. £9.99, Caterpillar Books

NINE LIVES NEWTON

By Alice McKinley

Slapstick mayhem unfolds as Newton and his reticent cat pal embark on a perilous adventure.

Parents and little ones will delight in this hilarious story as it unfolds. £6.99, Simon and Schuster

BRUCE LEE

By Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Miguel Bustos This spectacular series surprises at every turn as it tells the life stories

of iconic figures who started out as a child with a dream. Bruce Lee is sure to inspire many little ninjas. £9.99, Quarto

GARDEN JUNGLE

By Helene Druvert

Follow a magical butterfly across intricate laser-cut landscapes in this breathtaking wildlife adventure. This pretty read would make the perfect celebration gift. £16.95, Thames and Hudson

WHERE’S MY UNICORN?

By Becky Davies and Kate McLelland

Follow the hoof prints to find a unicorn, via mermaids with shiny tails and flamingos with fluffy feathers. Little hands will love exploring all of the different

textures in this magical tale. £6.99, Little Tiger Press

MY FRIEND EARTH

By Patricia MacLachlan and Francesca Sanna Take a gently poetic journey through the seasons hand in hand with Earth. Rich illustrations with die-cut features make this a truly inspiring adventure in book form. £12.99, Chronicle books

VROOM, ZOOM!

By Surya Sajnani

Touch sensors trigger sounds of the city as we’re introduced to five well-known vehicles. This interactive sensory experience will engage little minds and encourage fun learning. £9.99, Words and Pictures

baby-magazine.co.uk | 35

THIS PAGE: Kirby wears cotton-blend one-piece with collar, £87, Bonpoint.

RIGHT PAGE: French-Nevahé wears cotton broderie anglaise dress, £34, The Little White Company. Cotton bloomers, £12 (pack of two), Newbie.

Cotton-blend socks, £5 (pack of three pairs), Next. Cotton blanket, £25, Newbie. Muslin blanket, £48, Cam Cam Copenhagen. Cotton quilt, £85, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

Cotton cushion, £30, Cam Cam Copenhagen. Cotton plush toy, £30, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

Sweetness AND LIGHT This summer, whether you’re settling your darling down for nap time or taking her for picnics in the sunshine, dress her up in super-soft layers of pristine white, ivory and cream

PHOTOGR APHY: JONATHAN MALPASS

ST YLING: ROXZANN WESTON

THIS PAGE: Analea wears cotton cardigan, £49, Rachel Riley. Cotton leggings, £8, Newbie. Plush toy, £40 (part of bloomer set), The Little White Company. Cotton knitted blanket, £48, Cam Cam Copenhagen. Cotton blanket, £55, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

RIGHT PAGE: Dylan wears cotton knitted cardigan, £14, Next. Linen tunic, from £74, Bonpoint. Linen pants, from £68, Bonpoint. Leather shoes, £92, Bonpoint. Muslin blanket, £48, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

THIS PAGE: Dylan wears cotton romper, £112, Bonpoint. Cottonblend socks, £5 (pack of three pairs), Next. Cotton knitted blanket, £48, Cam Cam Copenhagen. Cotton blanket, £55, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

LEFT PAGE: Analea wears cotton romper, £55, Rachel Riley. Cotton body, £23, Laranjinha at Childrensalon. Cotton knitted blanket, £52, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

Muslin blanket, £48, Cam Cam Copenhagen. Cotton cushion, £30, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

SPECIAL THANKS TO LOCATION: HOLMES HOTEL, MARYLEBONE, LONDON. HOLMESHOTEL.COM MODELS: ANAIYA, ANALEA, DYLAN, FRENCH-NEVAHÉ AND KIRBY. MODEL AGENCIES: BONNIE & BETTY, BRUCE & BROWN, GRACE & GALOR, KIDS LONDON AND MINI MODELS. ART DIRECTOR: CHLOË COLLYER

www.cuddledry.com

BABY TALK

B

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG; THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

I was over the moon to find Kit & Kin hitting the scene when my youngest was born, with its brilliant eco nappies and delicious products. The brand even offers a nifty subscription, so that you’re never caught short. kitandkin.com

WHERE TO GO Driving past Marble Arch last weekend, I noticed a herd of elephants seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

With a bit of research, I found out that the life-sized sculptures, collectively titled The Elephants of Tomorrow, are the work of artists Gillie and Mark to help the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust spread awareness and the message of love, equality and conservation. They’ll be there until December, so I can’t wait to take my kids for a spring walk through the park to see them. sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

eauty is always a bit of a hard one when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding; I never knew what I could or couldn’t use.

I’d pare right back on skincare, not to mention supplements.

I found the endless mumand-baby options daunting at first, but there are so many amazing products and therapies out there now, so this month I’m sharing a few of my favourites. For example, the Soho House group boasts amazing pregnancy facials, massages and leg treatments.

After all, it’s really important to treat yourself if you’re a new mama or expecting.

Leo’s

LITTLE LUXURIES OUR COLUMNIST Leonora Bamford SHARES HER FAVOURITE THINGS THIS MONTH

Kokoso was one of my top pregnancy go-tos for sensitive skin. It’s great for little ones suffering from cradle cap and I always have one open in the bathroom for any rough bits of skin or sore areas. It’s suitable from birth and is made from 100 per cent natural organic coconut oil. Kokoso, £8, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

I love the sound of Ecooking, which is heralded as food for your skin. They have a lovely range and I’ve just ordered the Day Cream and Lip Scrub. Being 100 per cent vegan, many of their products can be used by the entire family, and some are so pure that they’re actually edible! Prices start from £9, lookfantastic.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 43

FASHION

AH E AD OF TH E CU RVE ST YLIST AND PRESENTER Antonia O’Brien SHARES HER PRE- AND POSTNATAL WARDROBE LUST-HAVES

Layer up your jumpsuit with a long-sleeved tee or roll-neck for daytime vibes A cotton-soft scarf will be hugely useful for everything from trans-seasonal dressing to covering yourself during a feed; a fail-safe camel or tan choice will look great with blues, greys and black Cotton scarf £175, mulberry.com

Cotton shirt £39.95, gap.co.uk I love the no-nonsense ease of donning a jumpsuit – it’s an entire outfit in one! Hatch’s stretchy khaki number is perfect for spring

Vegan leather boots £285, grenson.com/uk

It may not sound sexy but supportive footwear is key, especially when waddling in those last months; Grenson’s Nanette hiking boots support in style and are vegan-friendly too!

Hatch jumpsuit £224.67, shopbop.com

GREAT OUTDOORS

There’s a few reasons the BabyBjörn carrier is a tried-and-tested favourite: it’s comfortable from newborn to three years, it carries on the front and back, and it looks pretty smart, too

44 | baby-magazine.co.uk

BabyBjörn One Baby Carrier £143.99, johnlewis.com

Me And Em hoodie £199, selfridges.com

Arket news! The Scandi brand has launched a babywear range which delivers classic neutrals and punchy prints, all made from sustainable and responsibly-sourced materials

If it sounds like an exaggeration when I say that these Birkenstocks are the best thing I’ve ever bought, trust me it’s not. It’s like wearing slippers everywhere you go Suede leather sandals £115, birkenstock.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/FIIT/

With spring in full swing it’s time to get outside, whether that’s for city strolls or country walks. This in-between weather can be tricky, so keep it simple with buttondown layers and zip-up styles in relaxed, breathable fabrics

FASHION

Lululemon’s Align High-Rise pant is the best pair of leggings on the market for all stages of pregnancy: comfortable, stretchy and super-soft – I still live in mine

Style your bump…

Whether it’s prenatal yoga or pram-pushing, sometimes the great outdoors is whenever important and that means the best shapes always say buy less and buy better because in my experience they are the pieces that last!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: high-waisted leggings, £88, lululemon.co.uk; bamboo long-sleeved T-shirt, £50, sweatybetty.com; sheer PU hooded coat, £109, uk.rains.com; woollen trainers, £95, allbirds.co.uk; Adidas by Stella McCartney backpack, £129, stellamccartney.com; insulated reuseable bottle, £35, uk.swell.com; Bravado maternity and nursing bra, £34, jojomamanbebe.co.uk; silk-cashmere tracksuit, £995, oliviavonhalle.com.

Yes, I consider a silk and cashmere mix Olivia von Halle tracksuit practical and dare I say necessary; whether indoors or outdoors, comfort is key

A favourite of one editor I know (she won’t walk in anything else) if you haven’t heard of All Bird trainers, you need to try them ASAP – it’s like walking on a cloud

Find time with Fiit, the brilliant fitness app which now has a postnatal training programme that’s slow, steady and just what I’ve been looking for; all you need is the app – and ideally 25 minutes peace!

# TR EN DING

@MEMOBOTTLE

@BOBBLELOVE

@STOJO

@CHILLYSBOTTLES

Pregnancy and motherhood are thirsty work, which means I really know my bottles and keep cups. That’s a yes to coffee-fuelled adventures and a hard no to single-use plastic!

baby-magazine.co.uk | 45

PARTIES

Embrace this charming theme with some traditional gifts for bab s first birthda

1

SET THE SCENE

PARTIES

Finishing touches for a showstopping party

Carole Middleton

2

Peter Rabbit & Friends paper garland £12.49, partypieces.co.uk Peter Rabbit birthday card £2.25, paperchase.com

3

Peter Rabbit & Friends paper plates (pack of 12) £5.99, partypieces.co.uk

4

C Peter Rabbit's Garden cake From £198, liggyscakes.com

5

6

1. Beatrix Potter cotton footsie £48, mini-la-mode.com 2. Orange Tree pushalong wooden toy £9.99, johnlewis.com 3. The Complete Peter Rabbit & Friends framed poster £110, spinelessclassics.com 4. Peter Rabbit knitted jumper from £27.95, joules.com 5. Peter Rabbit plush toy £25, marksandspencer.com 6. Beatrix Potter money bank £22, argos.co.uk

FIRST BIRTHDAY

Flopsy Bunnies tapestry cushion £35, hinesofoxford.com

ongratulations – you made it through the first year of parenthood! And whether you choose to keep this once-in-a-lifetime celebration cosy and intimate or you want a big birthday bash your friends and family will never forget, the key is to keep it fun-filled and personal.

Beatrix Potter characters, such as Peter Rabbit, are a classic choice for baby’s first birthday and with Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway hitting cinema screens this summer, and Easter on the horizon, the shops and online stores are awash with plenty of fluffy-tailed bunny products!

Be sure to cater to young babies of all ages on the day with child-friendly activities. Clear a space and fill it with playmats, rugs and cushions for baby and her friends to play, and choose simple, inexpensive activities such as sensory boxes, ball pits, finger painting and playdough to keep them entertained while parents enjoy a slice of cake and a glass of fizz!

If the weather’s on your side, this theme is perfect for a party in the garden, but if outdoor space is minimal then artificial grass table runners and mats will do the job nicely!

Peter Rabbit & Friends plates (pack of 12) £6.49, partypieces.co.uk Balloon banner £7.99, partypieces.co.uk

Peter Rabbit & Friends paper party bags (pack of eight) £10.99, partypieces.co.uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 47

INTERVIEW

shle s

LOVES

Her nickname. “Justin calls me ‘Butt’, which I think says most of what you need to know. For me it’s about more than a funny name – it’s trust and humour.”

Meditation. “I have always prayed every morning, and I don’t think motherhood will change that. I’m looking forward to many more special, quiet moments where I can connect with my baby and also something higher.”

Adidas. Away from the major catwalk brands, Ashley admits she has always returned to adidas for leisure wear.

“How early on can you can put your baby in some Adidas sneakers?” she laughs.

HATES

Scented nappy sacks.

“It’s one of those smells that you love at first but learn to hate after a while. The smell becomes stuck in your nose, and is tainted somewhat by lingering poop.”

‘Plus-size’ terminology.

“Whenever we start to label people as different to the norm we are putting up barriers rather than taking them down.

To that person, they’re not ‘plus-size’, they’re ‘my size’ – that’s why I don’t like that term.

48 | baby-magazine.co.uk

fter first eeting at their ch rch stin and shle ha e been arried al ost a decade

INTERVIEW

• TA L K I N G W I T H A S H L E Y G R A H A M •

MODEL MOTHERHOOD here are those who set out to break the mould from day one – they might be fortunate enough to express that bravado and eccentricity through the exposure of their celebrity status; or perhaps they’re just everyday people living everyday lives. On the flipside, there are disruptors who impact our thoughts, opinions and preconceptions almost by accident. The cards that they’ve been dealt lead them, almost involuntarily, to challenge ideas, with model and new mum Ashley Graham certainly falling into that category.

On 18 January 2020, Ashley gave birth to Isaac, and almost certainly began the next chapter of a person who has constantly had to deal with the questions raised by onlookers. For that reason alone, it makes the 32-year-old a perfect example of how the route to motherhood can and should only be driven by one person – the mother.

“I do like the idea that I’m made out to be some sort of influential figure,” she begins, “but that’s never what I set out to do. I come from quite simple beginnings – certainly from very uncomplicated people; and yet the way my life has unfolded it seems as though I’ve always ended up near a debate.

“Will becoming a mum mean I have a whole new range of ideas and opinions to express myself and take on board from others? Possibly.

But, you know, I like that. I can’t think of a better purpose than to celebrate the wonderful thing that is our children, our families. And at the same time it means I can also give credit to mums and dads all over the world for the amazing things they do. This needs to be celebrated!”

Ashley first came to the public’s attention when the positive celebration and associations behind ‘plus-size models’ – a term she herself doesn’t especially like – began to come about in the early 2000s. From a ‘look’ criminally overlooked by the vast majority of major brands, retailers and fashion houses, Ashley and some select others – from Amy Lemons and Tess Holliday Stateside to Chloe Marshall and Iskra Lawrence here in the UK – found not only a voice, but a place too on the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Sports Illustrated and Harper’s Bazaar, and for brands including D&G, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors.

“It felt like a really defining time when we were being given the exposure we deserved.

Fuller figures are not in the minority in western culture, yet you’d have assumed they were, judging by the coverage they were getting. It

WORDS: SIMONE LEE. PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY/XAVIER COLLIN/IMAGE PRESS AGENCY; INSTAGRAM.COM/ASHLEYGRAHAM

T

was completely disproportionate. It was society’s worst-kept secret.”

As opinions from the industry’s gatekeepers changed, so too did Ashley’s station as a role model, and this looks set to evolve again with her life in the lens now welcoming two others into shot – her baby, and husband Justin Ervin, who is a videographer. The pair met in church in 2009 and were married a year later.

As well as equipping herself with a strong faith, she has also stood proudly behind topics of sexism and racism. The first time he travelled with her to meet family and friends in her native Nebraska, she admitted to feeling embarrassment and shame at their ‘simple opinions’ towards races and backgrounds different to their own. “It was another thing that said to me, ‘leave people behind if they cannot catch up with life’; we all have too much to lose to be held back.”

Certainly those morals have been carried forward. Ashley admits that, outside of any late night or early morning requirements son Isaac may demand, her firmest connection with the world is through Instagram. Sure enough, her social feed is a brilliant, brazen, no holds barred journey around the early days of motherhood. “I would never apologise for what I post – if people don’t like it, they can look away.

“Obviously in the past the subject matter was different, but I hope that as I evolve as a mother other people can look at what’s on there and be as loud and proud as I am,” she says. “I’m so relieved that the days of having to hide away the mechanics of how we raise our children and nurture our babies is gone. We should all be proud of the job we do… and the jobs we do!”

Sure enough, from touching family photos of mum, dad Justin and baby Isaac, to nappy changes in the Staples store, to expressing milk in the car and breastfeeding in a coffee shop, Ashley is beautifully real and unapologetically honest. “What I discovered very quickly after giving birth is how trivial a lot of the world is,” she admits. “So much was suddenly put in perspective for me – it was a real awakening.

“Nothing prepares you for just how magical and intense giving birth is; I’m so grateful that I was able to deliver naturally in my home, with my husband by my side for all six hours of labour. Holding my baby for the first time is a moment I’ll never forget – it was such a special moment in my life.”

And now, it seems, she is set for many more.

The arriva l of her son Isaac has pu life into pers t pective for A shley

baby-magazine.co.uk | 49

Meet the new members of our team, making bath-time fun and clean

SAVE 20% On Pureana Voucher code: PURE20 www.anawiz.com 0800 1114800

Dermatologically Tested

DIARY OF A MUM

MY STAR PRODUCT Seeing as I’m resigned to a sober nine months, tea has become my new best friend. And on a psychological level, it’s even better when served up in a very beautiful ceramic cup and saucer. I absolutely adore Burleigh designs, and this pretty pairing is just perfection! Who wouldn’t want to sip their Earl Grey from this?

Breakfast cup and saucer, £35, burleigh.co.uk

@JAKKIDOODLES

MY TOP FINDS

DIARY OF A MUM PART 3

with JAKKI JONES

This month Jakki continues to balance raising a toddler with pregnancy, while throwing a few squats in for good measure

Skin Food, £7.95, weleda.co.uk

Shirt dress, £384, odabash.com

Full-grain leather boots, £110, sorelfootwear.co.uk

Silk seamless nursing bra, £34, bravadodesigns.com

s have eekly PT session Jakki’s twice-w y fatigue nc na eg pr r he le helped her tack

regnancy second time around has definitely been a slightly different experience to my first. The main thing is, I guess, that I’ve had no rest and recoup time. While pregnancy-number-one weekends were all about me slobbing around the house in my jim-jams and watching box sets, those so-called days off are now completely jam-packed with a mixture of ballet, hip hop, drama, playdates, birthday parties and so on.

Saturday is easily the busiest day of any mum (and especially this one’s) week.

And for that reason my energy levels seem lower and I feel constantly knackered. As soon as Riley’s in bed at 7pm I’m desperate to hit the sack myself. I guess I have to also consider the fact that I’m now four years older and the added daily journey to nursery each morning and afternoon, followed by the commute to work is naturally going to take its toll more. Come 9am I feel like I’ve done half a day’s work already!

On top of all that, my husband has been on a rigorous European tour so I’ve been solo parenting.

Lots of people ask me if I find this challenging. The answer is yes and no. Of course, I really miss having him around, and two pairs of hands are certainly better than one. However as we’ve been together for more than a decade, I’ve kind of gotten used to being by myself for a few weeks around touring schedules. Obviously, when Riley was born the idea of being on my own for a few weeks without him was daunting, but in reality I’ve got Riley into a routine that

P

really works. Coupled with the fact that she’s really well behaved during one-on-one time – presumably because she has my full attention – I cope very well on my own. Although I do wonder if this is all set to change once Baby Jones 2.0 arrives.

I signed up to a personal trainer two weeks before I found out I was pregnant. I must be one of the rare people with a PT who is actually putting on weight and body fat each week! But the training routine has been brilliant for my body and I’m absolutely loving it. Two one-hour sessions per week of dedicated me-time. This money would usually be my gin-andgoing-out fund, but it’s now instead going towards doing something good for body and I’m really enjoying the benefits. It’s also been nice to share this experience with my friends and on social media, as I think some people are a bit daunted about doing the gym, especially weight-training when they’re pregnant. David my PT has been great encouraging and supporting me and I really feel it’s done wonders for my strength, my mind and the baby itself. Happy mummy, happy baby and all that.

Saying that, I returned from the gym last week feeling great, and saw a friend I hadn’t seen in a few weeks who told me I was carrying differently compared to when pregnant with Riley. She told me I was bigger on my ‘tush’ and hip area – and that I must be expecting a boy! So much for my intentions of being a little trimmer. I was a little stunned by the honesty, but while those home truths have sent my lean maternity dreams out of the window, I’m sure a few more squats won’t hurt in the meantime...

baby-magazine.co.uk | 51

Ready for the next adventure!

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TOT GEAR

MIXX IT UP

The constantly evolving Nuna brand has now added the MIXX Next into the fold. Designed to make life as smooth as possible for parents and baby – it’s fitted with a one-hand recline for on-the-go relaxing, all wheel suspension and a one-touch brake system. Its new retracting wheel makes it even more compact – so parents can squeeze it into the tightest of spaces.

From £500, nunababy.com

tot gear

NEWS COOL AND CLEVER BABY KIT FOR NEW FAMILY LIFE

Pushchair accessory brand, Baby Uma, has launched its handy buggy hooks in a stylish brown colourway.

Using a durable performance fabric in a tan faux leather, each handle can carr p to g and are designed to fit any pushchair or stroller. Perfect for when a spot of retail therapy calls. £9.99, babyuma.com

IN THE LIMELIGHT

iCandy began as a fashion company sourcing the finest quality materials and this heritage is most recently showcased in the mélangefabric style for the iCandy Lime pushchair, Duo-Pod and co-ordinating Carryall changing bag. Luxurious and soft to the touch, the new fabrics are inspired by classic twill weaves, while the colours add a sophisticated finish.

From £750, icandyworld.com

NEW AND IMPROVED

Cool, innovative pushchair brand Bugaboo has announced the launch of its two latest pushchairs: the Bugaboo Fox2 and the Donkey3. These new editions are improved evolutions of the existing, much-loved products from the cult brand. Parents will appreciate the improved aesthetics for a sleeker look, lighter wheel designs, and upgrades to the carrycot, with extra pockets to provide additional storage. bugaboo.com

UPDATED FOR 2020, SILVER CROSS’S COMPACT JET PUSHCHAIR HAS A NEW ERGONOMIC SEAT FOR EVEN BETTER COMFORT, WITH WIDER FRONT WHEELS AND IMPROVED SUSPENSION PROVIDING THE BEST RIDE YET. £275, SILVERCROSSBABY.COM

baby-magazine.co.uk | 53

REVIEW

THE REVIEW

FIRST-TIME DAD Adam Naxton PUTS THE JOIE I-VENTURE TO THE TEST WITH HELP FROM BABY SON, OSCAR

W

hen it came to purchasing the big-ticket baby items for the house, I’ll admit my wife wore the trousers. But there was one category I wanted to take the steer on, and that was the car seat. A self-confessed tech nerd, I couldn’t believe all the gadgets out there, but when it comes to car seats it boils down to one thing: safety. After scouring the internet for reviews, chatting to new-parent friends and discussing it with anyone who’d listen, choosing a car seat became quite the conundrum. But then Joie released the i-Venture, an iSize group 0+/1 car seat packed with all the safety features, including a rearward-facing-for-longer design!

After mountains of car-seat research, tech enthusiast Adam opted for the Joie i-Venture

SAFETY Built with a reinforced steel frame, I’m confident Oscar is safe when strapped into the i-Venture. He loves the padded inlay and five-point harness, along with the snug fit and I have the reassurance that he isn’t going anywhere. The harnesses are easily secured and provides a tight but comfy fit, clipping firmly into the buckle. I’ve also been really impressed with the extra secure features, such as the surround safety panels, which absorb the energy and slow the force of impact in the event of a crash. Plus it’s great that it can be used as rear-facing up until the age of four too.

USABILITY The i-Venture and i-Base Advance are really easy to install – something that comes in handy when your baby arrives early and you’re trying to fit both at 11pm at the hospital! The

i-Base isofix points are very straightforward to secure, as is the supporting leg. There are also various guides over the base that change from red to green when correctly installed, assuring you everything is as it should be. The car seat simply clips into the base and can be removed by pushing the release button.

When fastening the belts, the buckles overlap and slide into the fastening clip, this has definitely got easier after a few journeys and now we feel like seasoned pros. And when Oscar’s ready to make the move to forwardfacing at 15 months, the switch can be made in seconds, with no reinstallation required.

COMFORT

dad, Oscar the road with While out on a e in nap likes to squeez

54 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Oscar absolutely loves his car seat. Within minutes of us being on the road he’s usually asleep, and will snooze for as long as the journey takes. If he does wake up, he tends to dose back off quickly or will just happily look out the window, with the memory-foam padding and temperature-controlled fabrics keeping him cosy.

GOOD LOOKING? The i-Venture in Ember fits really well with the black interior of my car. Joie The i-Base Advance has done a brilliant job at was an absolute making the i-Venture look cinch to install professional; all buttons, stitching and upholstery complement each other and friends have commented on how good it looks.

THE VERDICT I’d definitely recommend the i-Venture and the i-Base. We’ve been using both for four months now and have only great things to say.

Safety is obviously the number-one priority, but Joie has achieved this, along with lots of other benefits: easy to use, looks great, futureproofed and comfy – what’s not to like?

Priced at £225; i-Base Advance £124.99, johnlewis.com

HOME

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TOT GEAR J-Carbon, JuniorJones

Having stormed onto the scene in 2019, JuniorJones has been making waves with its elegant and practical designs, with the J-Carbon leading the charge. The first pushchair to be made entirely of carbon fibre, this premium model delivers the ultimate comfort and quality. Our favourite bit? It’s fully bespoke, enabling parents to switch up the shades of back panels, fabrics, wheels and bumper bars to suit their personal taste. £2,100, juniorjones.com

HOT WHEELS WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE MOST BE AUTIFUL STROLLERS ON THE MARKET

Cruz V2, UPPAbaby

Sashaying onto the scene this spring is a truly standout set of wheels. Sleek, lightweight and super practical, the modest dusty pink Alice colourway on the new Cruz V2 makes this luxe travel buddy an instant classic, paired effortlessly with an ultra-comfy seat that switches positions with ease. Add to this a glossy aluminium and magnesium frame with optimal, lightweight performance, and you’re onto a winner. £599.99, uppababy.com

Tinum, Venicci

Turning heads since 2011, Venicci is undoubtedly a strong contender in the pushchair department – and its latest invention has got us well and truly weak at the knees. With its plush carrycot with quilted hood and glossy metallic frame – not to mention plentiful storage underneath the seat – this superior stroller comes in a mix of elegant shades, with a range of luxury changing bags to match. It steers beautifully, and the handlebar adjusts with ease, too. venicci.co.uk

The Xplory Gold will certainly add a touch of glam to getting out and about with baby

Ocarro x Liberty London, Mamas and Papas

High-fashion figurehead Liberty London has unleashed its chic eccentricity onto Mamas and Papas’ signature Ocarro pushchair, and the results are pretty dazzling. Showcasing an iconic print from Liberty’s historic archive, the Sea Grass floral-patterned lining pairs beautifully with the Ocarro’s striking metal chassis and plush seat. With its lie-flat position and easy one-hand fold, the stroller also comes with two luxury Liberty teddy bears and ultra-soft cashmere blend blanket. £999, mamasandpapas.com

Xplory Gold, Stokke

Renowned for its timeless designs, Stokke has struck gold (pardon the pun) with its limited edition Xplory stroller. The scratch-proof matte black and gold chassis and leatherette handle draws on catwalk influences, while the pushchair also boasts a versatile, lightweight structure and matching accessories.

Teamed with Stokke’s signature seat-height adjustability, which allows for closer bonding between baby and parent, this uber-luxe ride is sure to turn heads. £974, stokke.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 57

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HEALTH

TIME TO SHINE

Freshen up your pregnancy skincare haul with new vegan brand Petit Jovial. Made with 100 per cent natural, organic ingredients (with no nasties or hidden chemicals), every product in the range is gentle enough for baby’s skin, too. You’ll find a body and scalp massage oil, soothing bath oil and nourishing multipurpose balm in the first capsule collection.

And if you’re a fan, you can even order the whole lot in a luxury bundle. petitjovial.com

ALL THINGS MOTHERHOOD with NEEV SPENCER

T

his month’s been all about Vivienne’s newfound love of food! I love Bellota Baby’s organic baby food for when I’m on the go, and Nuby do a weaning kit of bibs, spoons and bowls that’s ideal for this messy process.

Getting back to work meant it was time to look at childcare but the idea of leaving my littlest filled me with dread. After finding a reputable nanny agency, looking over references and meeting different candidates, we found a great fit and have hired a nanny to help for a few hours a week. We wanted someone experienced but able to foster a natural connection with our girls. To celebrate having some time back to myself, I visited the Espa spa at Fenwicks London for an Inner beauty facial and massage, a wonderful treat.

Vivienne is now a confident sitter but isn’t interested in crawling. During tummy time I noticed she was struggling to pull herself up onto her arms, so I went back to London Osteopathic Care to see Kam Panesar. She did some further cranial work, and helped her to extend her back further so she could start to lean forward with her arms. She also helped me with a new problem I’d developed from this separation-anxiety phase; as baby gets heavier and moves through their different mental states of neediness, we tend to hold them for longer. I was given some home exercises to combat this. I now make sure I do 10 minutes of stretching each morning!

Catch me next month for more on my motherhood journey. Don’t forget to check out the online version of this column and follow me on social media @neevofficial

I’M LOVING...

This month I’m loving the new Espa Positivity Blend range.

The super-luxe selection of pick-me-up essential oils promises to inspire optimism.

From £21, espaskincare.com

health & beauty

NEWS

THE L ATEST PRODUCTS AND INNOVATIONS IN THE WORLD OF WELLBEING

For a relatable, honest look at pregnancy, birth and beyond, this brilliant read from midwife Marie Louise makes for great prep in the lead-up to labour and motherhood. Inside The Modern Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy, irth and e ond o ll find eas -to-na igate ad ice on breastfeeding bonding with bab sex during pregnancy, and how to take care of your body and mental health after welcoming your new arri al £14.99, Vermilion

LOOKING TO CLEAN UP YOUR BEAUTY ACT? CHECK OUT BABY BRAND SKIN SAPIENS, A NEW SUSTAINABLE SKINCARE LINE THAT’S 100 PER CENT VEGAN. PRODUCTS IN THE RANGE INCLUDE LOTION, BALM AND BATH GEL, ALL MADE USING NATURAL INGREDIENTS. SKINSAPIENS.COM

baby-magazine.co.uk | 59

HEALTH

SKIN DEEP ou now hate mushrooms and eggs, and the smell of Persil. You haven’t had a bad-hair day in months but your nails are peeling and you cry during any adverts that feature animals. Pregnancy is synonymous with surprising changes in all aspects of a mother’s life with everything from body shape and hair texture to mood, sense of smell and immunity altering. Skin itself undergoes plenty of change during and after pregnancy.

“These changes are due to a sudden and dramatic rise in oestrogen and progesterone levels,” says Dr Sophie Shotter, an aesthetics specialist. “A woman will produce more oestrogen during one pregnancy than during the rest of her life. Progesterone also rises significantly, with both hormones reaching their peak in the third trimester.”

Immunity also changes during pregnancy – and this can affect one’s skin, for better or worse. One of the loveliest side effects of pregnancy is the ‘glow’ many women are said to radiate when they’re expecting. “The pregnancy glow is not a myth,” confirms Dr Daron Seukaran, Medical Director at sk:n clinics, which specialise in dermatology. “When pregnant you get an increased supply of blood to the skin and this is what makes your skin look like it’s ‘glowing’.”

However, Dr Seukaran explains that this isn’t the case for every woman, a point shared by other medical professionals.

“For many women, pregnancy is a time of glowing skin, rosy cheeks and lustrous hair,” says Dr Shotter. “But this isn’t universal, and hormone changes can affect skin negatively too.”

Half of all pregnant women experience acne, thanks to high hormone levels leading to increased sebum and blocked pores. It’s also worth remembering that your body is working incredibly hard, but you aren’t its priority any more. “I see a lot of patients who notice they’ve aged more rapidly during pregnancy,” says Dr Shotter. “This is because your body will nourish the foetus ahead of itself, so the skin doesn’t receive its normal nutrient supply.”

One of the biggest changes that can affect women’s skin during pregnancy is stretchmarks. These present as long red lines (which ultimately fade to silver) across the stomach. “Not all women will get stretchmarks during pregnancy, but the majority will,” explains Dr Seukeran. “Stretchmarks develop due to fracturing of collagen fibres in the skin often related to rapid growth such as a teenager or stretching of the abdomen during pregnancy. However, it’s dependent on the individual in terms

Y

60 | baby-magazine.co.uk

of the number and severity of them.”

There’s no way of predicting whether you’ll develop stretchmarks, but those carrying a big baby or twins are more likely to develop the marks. It’s important to remember that stretchmarks are completely normal, natural and common and there’s no shame in having them. However, despite this, the demand for products to prevent or minimise the appearance of stretchmarks is high, with plenty of products on the market.

However, some medical professionals are sceptical about any product which promises to remove the marks completely.

“There’s no strong statistical evidence that using various topical preparations can prevent the development of stretchmarks,” says Dr Suekeran. “Fortunately, stretchmarks fade and become less prominent with time. There are some treatments in terms of lasers which can reduce the redness of new stretchmarks and some treatments may reduce severity, but there’s almost no treatment which can remove them completely.”

As with most things related to healthy skin, the best thing to do is moisturise, moisturise and then maybe moisturise a little bit more for good measure. Dry skin can be itchy and is vulnerable to small cuts and nicks, and of course will have less elasticity making stretchmarks more likely. There are so many creams on the market which claim to help prevent stretchmarks or make them disappear altogether. The best ones aren’t marketed as some kind of magical elixir; they’re ones which soothe, hydrate and often smell delicious.

Many women will notice changes in the pigmentation of their skin, particularly on their face, where patches become noticeably darker. This is known as chloasma or the “the mask of pregnancy”. Make sure that you’re wearing a strong SPF as hyperpigmentation is more acute after sun exposure.

Many women might experience a dark line – the linea abla – appearing from the belly button right down the abdomen. This is completely normal, as is a darkening of the nipples. Both will simply fade back over time.

The most important thing for expectant and new mothers to do is nourish themselves inside and out. This can be done by eating plenty and well, staying hydrated and giving your body some TLC with relaxing baths, plenty of moisturiser and of course, that thing that might evade you after the birth – sleep.

Also, remember that any changes to your skin are natural and normal – it’s just one of the cogs in this most extraordinary of life transitions.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR SKIN DURING PREGNANCY AND AF TERWARDS – AND HOW BEST TO CARE FOR IT? Mar tha Alexander INVESTIGATES

HEALTH

Be sure to give your skin as much TLC as you do your tot’s, with lashings of moisturiser and a nourishing diet

THE SKIN SUPERS...

FOR STRETCHMARKS Palmer’s do a brilliant line of moisturisers – many a bump has been basted in this delicious-smelling stuff and with good reason. It does the job beautifully and costs next to nothing. Meanwhile the Natural Birthing Company’s Bump Envy Soothing Stretch Mark Oil, which was developed by midwives, is a completely natural blend of plan oils and butters which help hydrate the skin. It’s also fragrance free – very helpful for the many women with sensitive noses during pregnancy. Bloom & Blossom’s Anti Stretch Mark Cream is award-winning – and it’s not hard to see why – it’s smooth, light and soft. Natural Birthing Company Bump Envy, £11, amazon.co.uk

FOR NEW MUMS ‘Me time’ doesn’t really feature when you’re a new mum, so when you do get a moment to yourself you should be spoiled with lovely products to help revive your skin. Grounded Body Scrub’s grapefruit coffee scrub is designed to refresh tired skin and give you some top-to-toe pep. The caffeine is a welcome boost too!

Coffee body scrub, £15, groundedbodyscrub.co.uk

FOR BABY Mustela is a fabulous go-to brand for babies. The Hydra Bébé Body lotion not only moisurises but strengthens the skin and leaves baby feeling silky smooth. Mustela Hydra Bébé body lotion, £7.96, landyschemist.com FOR PREGNANCY Skin health is often dictated by what’s going on inside the body, specifically in the gut. The Pregnancy Prebiotic by Chuckling Goat helps keep expecting mother’s gut health flourishing to ensure better sleep and improved mood. Pregnancy Prebiotic, £52.95, chucklinggoat.co.uk

FOR SHARING Petit Jovial’s Nourishing Bath Oil is so gentle and mild, which is especially good for sensitive baby skin which might not be ready for soaps. But, it also smells completely divine and is still luxurious enough for a relaxing bath after your little one’s tucked up in bed. Bath Oil, €27, petitjovial.com

FOR MULTI-TASKING Dr Lipp’s Nipple Balm is, as the name suggests, for sore nipples. But it’s for so much more too – chapped lips, wayward eyebrows, scars and dry skin – that it has become something of a cult wonder product.

DR. Lipp Original Nipple balm, £12, spacenk.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 61

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Luxury handmade and made to order baby and children’s clothes.

Popsy and Mama sew unique baby and children’s clothes in the leafy county of Berkshire.

The company is known for its beautiful, delicate and detailed printed fabrics that can be made into dresses, dungarees, leggings, sweatshirts, skirts and even reusable baby wipes.

Popsy and Mama has recently extended its Mama, Baby and Sibling Twinning range and now makes matching and coordinating sweatshirts, leggings, t-shirts and headbands for Mama’s and their little ones.

www.popsyandmama.com 62 | baby-magazine.co.uk

@popsyandmama

RUNNING HEAD

Q&A with fertility expert

Zita West

“I’ve just found out that I’m pregnant. How will pregnancy hormones affect my body?”

A

fter conception, your body undergoes dramatic internal changes, all triggered and controlled by the production of key hormones. You may even experience exhaustion in early pregnancy due to high hormone levels. Here are the most important pregnancy hormones and what they do:

HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN (HCG) Straight away hCG is produced in large quantities by the developing placenta. It’s thought to be responsible for the first-term nausea, but is also vital for a successful pregnancy, as it triggers the release of other essential hormones.

PHOTOGRAPHYISTOCK/JEFFBERGEN

OESTROGEN This hormone boosts the flow of blood to the body’s organs, giving you the ‘glow’ of the second and third trimester. In the early stages, oestrogen helps to thicken the lining of the uterus for implantation. It also promotes the development of your breasts and uterus, and softens

the collagen fibre in your connective tissue so ligaments become more flexible.

absorb vitamin D, so that your bone density isn’t affected by your growing baby’s demands.

PROGESTERONE

CORTISOL AND ACTH

This hormone has a relaxing effect on so many parts of your body, including your brain, where it induces feelings of wellbeing. It relaxes the blood vessels in the digestive and urinary tracts to aid increased blood flow. Muscles, tendons and ligaments become more elastic too, so that the uterus can expand. It also prepares the birth canal, while preventing the uterus from contracting until baby’s ready.

The end of the first trimester sees an increase in this hormone’s production, which helps your baby’s lungs to develop.

HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN (HPL) HPL accounts for 10 per cent of the placenta’s protein, transfers nutrients and prepares the breasts for milk production.

ed Recommend ct u prod

THYROXINE It’s necessary for the development of baby’s central nervous system.

CALCITONIN Vital DHA £17.50, zitawest.com

This enables your body to store calcium and

INSULIN This is essential for baby’s food store and regulating glucose levels.

PROLACTIN Although prolactin levels increase throughout pregnancy, they only stimulate breasts to produce milk after the birth.

RELAXIN This helps soften the pelvic ligaments for delivery. It also stimulates the cervix to soften during labour, ready for dilation and birth.

OXYTOCIN Levels of this rise during the first stage of labour, causing the uterus to contract. As the birth canal widens, more is produced to stimulate stronger contractions.

Zita West is the founder of the Zita West Fertility Clinic which specialises in a holistic approach to IVF. Instagram: @zitawestpregnancy

baby-magazine.co.uk | 63

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www.lbphotography.co.uk 01883 338314 @laurenballaphotography 64 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Pre-School | Junior | Senior | Sixth Form 023 9236 0036 | www.pgs.org.uk

BREASTFEEDING

The Breastfeeding Café with

SIONED HILTON

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

B

WHAT ARE THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF BREASTFEEDING LIKE?

reastfeeding is often referred to as the fourth trimester of pregnancy, boosting immunity, supporting nutrition, brain growth and transferring vital stem cells through breast milk. Every mum and baby are different, but it’s handy to have realistic expectations for those first crucial weeks.

THE FIRST HOUR In the first hour your baby adapts to the outside world. Skin-to-skin immediately after birth helps your baby crawl, search and reach for the breast. This ‘flight path’ of smell and darkened areola, is a beacon for baby to find the nipple and latch on for his first feed. Baby’s first milk is colostrum, (small in volume), a concentrated energy drink bursting with antibodies.

THE EARLY DAYS These next few hours and days are crucial to get breastfeeding off to the best start, enjoy lots of skin to skin and don’t do too much, ensuring you both have the calm space to get used to breastfeeding, and time to recover after birth.

Every baby is different. Initially she’ll need frequent feeds and these first few days will be a learning curve for you both. Your job is to feed, sleep and eat. Your baby will feed every one to three hours, including night-time feeds. This means you both get lots of practice and lots of milk to optimise growth.

Over the first week, milk supply builds when it comes to volume. By day seven, baby has supported

DID YOU KNOW?

mum’s milk production to more than 650ml over 24 hours – increasing daily with day and night feeds.

It’s expected that newborn infants lose around seven to 10 per cent of their weight after birth.

Occasionally some babies lose more, and your midwife will ensure that everything is well with you, your baby and breastfeeding, giving you additional support and guidance.

NIGHT FEEDS The hormone, prolactin, which is responsible for making milk, surges when you sleep, supporting milk supply. Expect that your newborn will wake every few hours and that these feeds may take a while. While recovering after birth, you may feel that waking your partner to help, reassure and keep you company in the first few weeks.

SUPPORT Support is key to successful breastfeeding and a good milk supply. If you’re experiencing difficulties your midwife and health visitor are there for you, as well as your partner, family and mum mates too. Breastfeeding does take a lot of belief and determination, especially in the early days. Make sure you have a support network, and always seek advice if you’re unsure on anything.

Sioned Hilton is the Lactation Consultant at Medela

• 75% of mums attend a local baby or breastfeeding group • Of the mums that attended a group, more than two-thirds feel that talking to other mums helped to support their breastfeeding experience • Not only did 80% of mums asked find the support from fellow mums (a friend, sister or antenatal buddy) helpful with breastfeeding in the early days, the same amount believe that this advice prolonged their feeding journey

Sign up to join #thebigbreastfeedingcafe Would you like to join an annual celebration of all things breastfeeding? The Big Breastfeeding Café is taking place on 6 May. This national initiative connects thousands of mums virtually via a network of mini breastfeeding café events.

You can attend one of the many venues up and down the country (check Medela UK Facebook to find out where) or host your own with some local mum mates. Whether there are two or 10 of you it doesn’t matter!

This is all about mums from across the country sharing a cuppa, chatting about their breastfeeding experiences, sharing tips and giving every mum a virtual high five!

To find out more, email thebigbreastfeedingcafe @gmail.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 65

PARENTING

Brothers Theo and Freddie are already forging an unbreakable bond

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PARENTING

Mum on a different path AS HER SECOND BABY APPROACHES HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY, Claire Farrington SHARES HER MOVING JOURNEY INTO MOTHERHOOD eing a mother again to a brand new, little person has been so lovely and healing. Too lovely that I have felt it so profoundly every day – something I didn’t have with my first baby – that it almost hurts.

It hurts because it may be the last time and because I’ve already journeyed on the flipside of the reality I have now with baby Freddie.

Freddie’s older brother, Theo, was born at 29 weeks in January 2016 through an emergency c-section, with a surprise for us – he was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome a few weeks into his three-month-long hospital stay. Our introduction into parenthood was not this seminal time I’d hoped for, but traumatic and full of fear.

Expecting your second child is an interesting phase as it’s the only time in your life you can be sure of what you’re getting into, yet the only time when you’re absolutely not guaranteed what you’re getting yourself into. I learned that painfully the first time round, naively thinking the baby inside of me would be born at full term with no concerns. The second time, I fiercely hoped that I wouldn’t have an unexpected diagnosis. I wanted to be staring in wonder at my new baby in a cot on a labour ward instead of peering through the plastic shield of an incubator in NICU. And then along came Freddie. A straightforward birth with a planned c-section. Those first few precious months were blissful; I had given birth to my second baby but I was experiencing my first in many ways. Theo was a ‘crisis’, then a ‘critically-ill patient’, then a ‘diagnosis’, then an ‘under-sized baby’ each label filling us with sadness. Then, once time had led me away from that raw period and forced me to walk on into the future I feared so much, finally, Theo became my baby.

Freddie bypassed the gruelling journey his big brother went through, he was our baby minutes after he born, instead of the endless weeks. Ours to hold, ours to dress, to feed,

B

to cuddle, to kiss, to take home. Taking our newborn home felt like a reward, a day I could endlessly relive. It was where I had so desperately wanted to be four years ago with Theo, and I had arrived at last knowing I had months and months looking after my longedfor second baby and everything was okay.

With no relentless physical or mental barriers to fight, I relished watching my healthy baby become more aware – not questioning everything and incessantly worrying what was,

Theo was an easy little baby. Content and happy to sleep whenever, he weaned surprisingly well and I learned to love him deeply and truly. Having two boys, I was revisiting Theo’s baby wardrobe and certain outfits had me stopping mid-change, remembering the very different place I was in the last time I had a little one in it. Theo was small and has taken his time to grow.

As it stands, in just a year Freddie will catch Theo up, not only in height and foot size but in many things. At four years old, Theo has about 20 words he can say. In a year’s time, I’ll be hearing 20 words every few seconds from Freddie. Freddie appears to be developing typically, thankfully, so those milestone moments have reverberated just that little bit deeper with us. And that isn’t such a bad thing to have your wonderment augmented.

With Theo a month didn’t go by without numerous appointments.

This time I’ve had to make effort to get out the house as we’ve been in a baby bubble.

Breastfeeding was the gamechanger, not being able to do it the first time I wondered if I could the second, and from the minute Freddie latched on, to our final feed at eight months, that connection offered such contentment. I felt like I had discovered a superpower I hadn’t harnessed before.

As my maternity leave enters its twilight days I’m struggling with this bubble bursting.

The time that healed some of 2016’s pain – 10 glorious months with my healthy boy – yet also had me tearful. I know those baby outfits probably won’t be worn again, not by another baby of mine; it is really hard to say that final goodbye to the world of babies.

And the future? I’m already seeing a budding relationship between the boys which will be a little different as that’s what we have in our family. That difference illuminates what is everyday for us; leaving just the gold dust.

And I’ve got a big jar of that already, thanks to both my blessed, little boys.

PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/MUMONADIFFERENTPATH

TAKING OUR NEWBORN HOME FELT LIKE A REWARD, A DAY I COULD ENDLESSLY RELIVE or was not, to come. The fourth trimester was the most bittersweet for me. Instead of pumping my breasts, driving to hospital in tears, wondering what the doctors were going to tell me that day, waiting for a NICU nurse to carefully hand over my baby complete with the forest of wires and pour any milk I had in through a tiny tube into Theo’s nose, I could just lean over to the Moses basket from my bed, pull up my top and simply feed Freddie.

Not one moment was lost on me.

While I know I shouldn’t compare my two experiences, every baby is different, right?

You’d need super-human powers not to.

Mine just happened to be an antithesis which persistently tugs, reminding me, again, of how much we lost out on having a premature baby with Down’s syndrome. Inevitably, Freddie has helped me make peace with this now.

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HEALTH

TIME TO TALK with MARINA FOGLE & DR CHIARA HUNT

RETAINED PLACENTAS This issue, the sisters discuss what to do in the rare but potentially fatal situation where the placenta isn’t delivered fully

nce your baby is born and you’re having your first cuddle, while it might feel that you’ve crossed that metaphorical finish line, there’s a little more work to do yet. Known as the third stage of labour, the birth of the placenta is thankfully much less intense as the placenta has no bones, but still a really important part of the birth process.

In 97 per cent of deliveries the placenta comes away easily and naturally. If there has been any intervention in your delivery, such as an epidural or instrumental delivery, you’ll be recommended to have an actively managed third stage, where you’ll be given an injection of the hormone oxytocin to help the detachment of the placenta from the inside of the uterine wall. For most women this is a simple process which barely registers as they gaze into their newborn’s eyes.

Once the placenta is born, the midwife will check it carefully to ensure it’s complete. It’s crucial that all the placenta is delivered; if any of the placenta is left inside the uterus or retained, it can result in serious, sometimes fatal health complications for the mother.

While it’s rare for retained placenta to be missed, it’s really important that new mothers are aware of the symptoms so that they can seek help as soon as possible. These are: • Excessive bleeding. It’s normal for women to bleed quite heavily after birth. This usually decreases and stops around four to six weeks after birth. If you find that your bleeding starts increasing

O

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fatal. To check if placenta has been retained they will scan you and if they find retained placenta, they’ll need to perform a small operation, a D and C (dilation and curettage), to extract the retained placenta. They’ll talk to you about anaesthetic, whether it’s a spinal epidural or a general anaesthetic and will prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Obviously no one is ever going to put this surgery on their birth plan, but sometimes births don’t go to plan so we at The Bump Class believe that pregnant women should be armed with the knowledge to help them through every situation, especially the ones they aren’t planning or. Most women feel a bit guilty talking to their midwife about vaginal bleeding or asking them to look at the clot, but it’s a midwife’s job to keep you and your baby safe, which is made easier if you’re honest with them, about your worries, clots and vaginal bleeding!

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

again, you’ll need to see a doctor.

• This postnatal bleed often contains a few clots but anything larger than a 50-pence piece rings alarm bells. If you’re worried about a clot you’ve passed, it’s easier for medical staff to diagnose it correctly if they’ve seen it, so if you can, keep it and show it to them. I promise they’ll be grateful rather than grossed out! Otherwise, take a photo.

• Abdominal pain that’s not subsiding or is getting worse.

• Foul-smelling blood – while we aren’t suggesting that you need to sniff every pad, let someone know if it smells disgusting.

Often the last thing a women who has just given birth wants to do is return to hospital, but if you suspect you might have retained placenta, it’s crucial that you get checked out as, if untreated, this condition can be

Marina and Chiara’s podcast, The Parent Hood Podcast is the go-to podcast for curious parents – available free to download on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

SHOPPING

THE REVIEW Best for

SPACIOUS

MUM ON THE GO Laura Mason SHOWS US INSIDE HER FAVOURITE CHANGING BAGS Best for

BACKPACK

Best for

TRAVEL

Best for

UNISEX

Best for

VEGAN

ZELLIE

Southwold Baby & Family Adventure Bag No need to compromise on what you pack with this roomy holdall, it’s ideal for travel with multiples or even extra nappy supplies.

With an impressive 14 compartments of all dimensions, it’ll keep you organised on the go, while the wide top opening offers a view of all contents at a glance: perfect for airport emergencies. £149.95, thenestplanner.co.uk

BABABING!

Lucia Changing Bag For parents that don’t want a traditional-looking changing bag, this slouchy tote can easily pass off as a handbag; it can also be carried in backpack mode or hung from your stroller.

Made from high-quality vegan leather, the bag doesn’t suffer the wear and tear effects often seen in synthetic material designs. It also boasts large pockets and a useful removable bottle holder. £59.99, bababing.com

SKIP HOP

NUNA

BIZZIE GROWIN

If you’re after a hint of Chanel in your changing bag, this one takes inspo from the iconic label.

Featuring a chicly quilted exterior, the interior has all the essential practicalities you need, such as small separate pockets for your keys or phone. The padded straps also make this catwalkworthy backpack supercomfortable to wear. £99, skiphop.co.uk

This messenger-style bag has a gender-neutral design that won’t leave men feeling too selfconscious when it comes to bag carrying. It features a padded portable change mat, and an excellent thermal bottle holder that’ll keep baby’s bottle warm for hours. It’s a bit more compact when it comes to general space, but this makes it easy to pop under your stroller or use on shorter outings. £120, nunababy.com

Not content with being a practical change bag, the POD cleverly adapts into a mobile crib, eliminating the need for additional luggage during travel and days out. The bag features plenty of storage space for all the essentials, and can conveniently extend out in minutes to a cosy sleep pod which is both strong and secure with lots of breathable, mesh panels for safety. £65, bizzigrowin.com

LINX Changing Backpack

Change Bag

POD Travel Changing Bag

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INTERIORS

Infant influencers Ali Howard GETS HER INSTA-INSPO ON AS SHE HUNTS DOWN THE COOLEST NURSERIES ON THE GRID

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here’s a wealth of possibilities when it comes to decorating the nursery, but knowing where to start can be a sticking point.

Enter Instagram: an endless mood board for baby-room inspiration that’ll have you mixing up the wallpaper paste and choosing the perfect lighting in no time. We’ve picked four beautiful but very different IRL baby bedrooms for our roundup of the best #nurseryideas to inspire you ahead of your mini-me’s interiors makeover.

MINI MODERN Insta: @lotsoffun.kinderkamers

MONO & MUSTARD Insta: @anne_made_

This cheerful nursery belongs to baby Job and it’s a masterclass in mixing contemporary and classic design. Colour pops in muted earthy tones complement the pale-wood furniture and flooring.

Behr’s room is chic and contemporary in bold black and white with warm mustard accents – plus a little help from some furry and feathered jungle friends.

SnuzKot Skandi cot bed £349, snuz.co.uk

Woven storage basket £99.90, beaumonde.co.uk

Printed storage basket, £29.84, ksl-living.fr Cam Cam Copenhagen mobile, £24.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Sew Heartfelt rug, £70, bobbyrabbit.co.uk Jute rug, £40, beaumonde.co.uk

Cotton blanket £75, bluealmonds.co.uk

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Vitra RAR Eames rocking chair, £869, nest.co.uk

INTERIORS

Plant power dominates this natural leaf-inspired nursery set up

BABY BOTANICALS Insta: @lust_life_designs

FLUORESCENT FUN Insta: @heneddyhouse

Teddy has an eye-popping bedroom enlivened with eclectic vintage charm, varied textures and electric flashes of neon. We love the carefully curated gallery wall above the cot.

Felix is surrounded by lush greenery in his leaf-lined nursery, with its combination of real house plants and palm-print wallpaper. His mum knows all about the soothing power of plants.

Nobodinoz cushion, £27.95, scandiborn.co.uk Bamboo hanging lampshade, £94, abodeliving.co.uk

Cam Cam Copenhagen cushion £23.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Alphabet design print, £70, jessicarusselflint.co.uk Lambswool throw, £140, thefinecottoncompany.com

Velvet cushion £19, dunelm.com

Dwarf Cavendish house plant, from £40, patchplants.com

Sleepyhead Deluxe+ Pod, £150, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

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www.thelittlesensorybox.com info@thelittlesensorybox.com

The Little Sensory Box provides you with everything you need to recreate your favourite sensory classes at home with a range of sensory boxes suitable from birth upto 3 years. @thelittlesensorybox

20% o cod ff BAB e:

Y20

@thelittlesensorybox

Maternity Support Belt

The belt is designed and developed by female chiropractors specialising in pre-natal healthcare.

2 in 1, pelvic belt and belly band. Soft and flexible material for comfortable wear.

Provides relief from pain and/or discomfort to lower back, pelvis or symphysis pubis during pregnancy.

Can be worn during exercise for support and increased endurance.

Learn more at www.bbhugme.com

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FOOD

PROMOTION

food

NEWS

NURTURE SKIN FROM THE INSIDE

THE L ATEST AND GRE ATEST TRE ATS FOR BABIES, CHILDREN AND PARENTS

By DR SOPHIE NIEDERMAIERPATRAMANI, Little Tummy’s inhouse paediatrician and co-founder

T

he skin is our body’s largest organ.

Baby skin is exceptionally delicate and the cells of its outer, protective layer (epidermis) are renewed more frequently than adult skin (every five days versus every 28 days). While skin creams ensure that our skin remains moisturised from the outside, it’s equally important to provide sufficient amounts of vitamins and micronutrients from the inside. Add these five superfoods to your little one’s diet to make their skin strong and smooth.

KALE: A great source of vitamin C, which supports the epidermal lipid barrier, as well as the elasticity of lower skin layers.

ALMONDS: Rich in vitamin E, almonds can protect against inflammation, help keep your little one’s skin moisturised and repair skin damage. Offer them as nut butter or ground up in your breakfast porridge.

CARROTS: Like all orange vegetables, carrots are high in beta-carotenes, which are transformed into vitamin A. It’s an essential vitamin for our skin, as it stimulates cell renewal and helps keep our skin moisturised.

CHICKPEAS: They provide our skin with zinc, a micronutrient involved in many skin renewal processes. Heating or boiling chickpeas makes it easier for our bodies to absorb this zinc.

COTTAGE CHEESE: It’s a good source of selenium, which works with enzymes to fight off antioxidants and repair skin damage. Dairyfree families can opt for eggs or ground Brazil nuts to increase their selenium intake.

In addition to a balanced diet, your little one’s skin benefits from regular vitamin D supplementation (unless they drink more than 500ml of infant formula per day). It supports our skin and by keeping it intact and strong. littletummy.co

OFF TO A FRESH START

Parents Karina and Daniel, wanted to know why the baby food on the shelf is older than the baby it’s made for. So they launched the Mia & Ben baby food range to bring tot dining into the 21st century, which uses innovative high-pressure technology to keep the freshest food safe for longer, while locking in all of the essential nutrients.

Available at Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Abel & Cole. From £1.50, miabenorganic.com

Launching into a playground near you, Munchkin’s new Bento Toddler Lunch Box is the easy-peasy lunchtime solution you didn’t know you needed. Colourful, cute and practical, the leak-proof and dishwasher-safe lunchbox has fi e separate co part ents that will eep pic eaters happ red ce ess and pro ide the perfect portion sizes for little hands and tummies.Available at amazon.com. £19.99, munchkin.co.uk

KITCHEN QUEEN ANNABEL KARMEL HAS JOINED FORCES WITH THE EARLY YEARS NUTRITION PARTNERSHIP, TO LAUNCH A NEW DIGITAL WEANING COURSE. A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO NUTRITION AND FEEDING FOR HEALTHY AND HAPPY EATING. £59, ANNABELKARMEL.COM

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FOOD

Sneak some greens into this comfort food dish for a tasty, no rishing first-tri ester eal

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FOOD

Home

comforts

PICCOLO’S INFANT NUTRITIONIST Alice Fotheringham SHARES THE FINEST SE ASONAL FARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY WA L N U T A N D B A S I L P E S T O W I T H R OA S T E D C H I C K E N A N D W H O L E M E A L PA S TA Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Serves: 2 portions Contains dairy Not suitable for freezing

Getting green vegetables into your diet is often hard in the first trimester if you’re feeling nauseous, but pesto is a great way of getting nutritious greens, as well as good fats and proteins from the nuts into your diet in a yummy, easy-to-digest way that takes minutes to make, plus it lasts for a few weeks in the fridge or longer in the freezer.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 chicken breast • 300g spinach or wholegrain fusilli pasta • 2 handfuls of spinach Pesto

• 1 handful of spinach • 1 handful of basil (including stalks) • 2 tbsp walnuts/ almonds or pine nuts • 1 tbsp Parmesan, grated • 1 Piccolo veg stock cube • 1 garlic clove • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Boil the pasta as per packet instructions (I make double the pasta so I can have it for lunch the next day). When cooked, drain, add in the spinach leaves and mix through to wilt slightly in the heat. Set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, lay the chicken breast on a piece of cling film, place another layer on top and bash it with a rolling pin until it’s a couple of cm thick. Cut in half, season with salt and pepper and place on the baking tray. Roast for 8-10 minutes, turning over halfway through. Ensure that it’s cooked through.

While the chicken is cooking, make your pesto in a small blender. Add all the ingredients and blend well. If the mixture is too dry, add more olive oil. Season to taste.

Mix some of the pesto into the pasta and spinach and place into two bowls, chop some cooked chicken slices on top and grate over some additional grated parmesan.

MAKE THIS BABY FRIENDLY: Homemade pesto is a great option for babies, as it has a lot less salt than shop-bought blends. Simply remove the salt from this recipe for a babyfriendly pesto pasta dish!

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FOOD

WAT E R C R E S S & P E A P U R É E Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 6 portions Suitable from 6 months

Watercress is packed full of nutrients and is a great green to get into your baby’s diet in springtime. It can be quite stringy though, so best whizzed up in a purée and goes beautifully with fresh or frozen peas. Dairy inclusion is optional for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp butter

S I C I L I A N - S T Y L E B A K E D E G G S • 1 tsp olive oil Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 2 portions Suitable from 6 months Not suitable for freezing

• 1 shallot or ½ onion, peeled and chopped • 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

• 50g parsley • 100g fresh watercress • 200g frozen peas • 1 pint boiling water • 1 Piccolo vegetable stock cube • Splash full-fat milk or cream METHOD

Heat the butter and olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and fry gently until softened. Add the watercress, peas, crumbled stock cube and boiling water. Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat until it’s simmering and continue to simmer for 3 minutes, or until the peas are bright green and just tender.

Add the parsley, milk or cream and blend fully with a hand blender. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for an extra bit of good fat.

If you’ve ever made baked eggs as a light meal, you’ll know how delicious and quick they are to make. I love making them for little ones as an introduction to texture. I usually mix the egg in, rather than cracking it on top.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tsp olive oil • 3 medium-sized, good quality tomatoes • 1 small garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 2 tsp tomato purée • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar • 4 basil leaves, roughly torn • 1 large free range or organic egg

Make sure your little one gets a spring-fresh green fix with this blend of watercress and peas

METHOD

Warm the olive oil in a heavy based frying pan.

Cut the tomatoes into rough chunks, and add them to the warm oil, along with the garlic.

Cook on a medium heat, stirring now and then for 5+ minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.

Add the tomato purée and balsamic vinegar and cook for a further couple of minutes.

Next, crack the egg into the mixture, and stir as if making a scrambled egg until it’s creamy and cooked through.

Take off the heat and sprinkle through the torn basil. Serve on its own or with some crumbled cheese, or even on toast.

Alice Fotheringham is a co-founder and infant nutritional therapist at Piccolo. Piccolo makes a range of organic baby meals, snacks and ingredients to fuel your family for a lifetime of adventures. Piccolo is committed to adding no sugar, salt or palm oil. 10 per cent of Piccolo’s profits go to charity. Visit mylittlepiccolo.com or follow on Instagram @mylittlepiccolo

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Baby & Toddler breaks at Bedruthan.

You make the memories, we’ll take care of the rest....

THE BEDRUTHAN LOGO The Bedruthan logo is available in various colourways shown below.

Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall.

Stay@bedruthan.com 01637 861200 Primary colourways:

7474m

Warm gray 7

Secondary colourways: Example stand-alone logo

Example usage on brand colour background

147m

2405m

2602m

583m

372m

1788m B&W version - for use in limited palettes Black

Bedruthan Š 2011 | Identity Guides

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NEXT ISSUE

IN THE JUNE ISSUE OF

STOCKISTS RACHEL RILEY

RACHELRILEY.CO.UK

NEWBIE

NEWBIESTORE.COM

CAM CAM COPENHAGEN

CAMCAMCOPENHAGEN.COM

BEATRICE & GEORGE

CHILDRENSALON.COM

BONPOINT

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MIRANDA

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LARANJINHA

CHILDRENSALON.COM

THE LITTLE WHITE COMPANY THEWHITECOMPANY.COM NEXT.CO.UK

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/ANCHIY

NEXT

We turn to the garden, with our guide to the BEST OUTDOOR PIECES for a cool outdoor space for baby

How to throw an ETHICAL BABY SHOWER MARINA FOGLE AND DR CHIARA HUNT discuss what it means when you have gestational diabetes We review THE MOST POPULAR BESIDE-THE-BED CRIBS

ON SALE

�� APRIL 78 | baby-magazine.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHAN MALPASS

The tastiest summer WEANING RECIPES for a healthy start

French-Nevahé wears cotton blouse, £34 (part of a set), The Little White Company. Tights, from £8, Newbie. Cotton bloomers, £12 (pack of two), Newbie. Knit blanket, £48, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

Cotton quilt, £85, Cam Cam Copenhagen. Cotton quilt, £55, Cam Cam Copenhagen.

TRAVEL

travel

THIS MONTH W E VI S IT…

St Pierre de Serjac

Editor REBECCA MOORE escapes the everyday for South of France luxury

T

hough I wouldn’t usually try to tempt those carrying precious cargo to a vineyard, I’ve just returned from a spell at château St Pierre de Serjac, in the Languedoc region, and I can’t stop waxing lyrical. Having said that, it goes way beyond being just a wine-lovers’ destination. Whether you’re visiting with the family (the kids’ club is brilliant), a babe in arms, or have stolen away sans kids, Pierre de Serjac is oh-so-stylishly at your service.

While we visited out of peak season, what stood out to me was the flexibility; this goes much further than simply choosing hotel vs self-catering – you really can do as much or as little as you please. We opted for somewhere in the middle, cycling around the estate on the complimentary bikes in the morning – albeit not all 200 acres – and indulging in poolside lazing in the afternoon. Days would begin with fresh croissants and fruit at the hotel’s restaurant, and end on our terrace with chunks of crusty bread and lashings of the estate’s red wine, overlooking row upon row of luscious vines.

But quite honestly, my main goal was to just press pause, and Serjac allowed me to do just that. I’d have happily switched my phone off if it wasn’t for all the ’gram-worthy views. But for optimum out-of-office vibes, head to Le Spa; flooded with natural light and boasting a 12m heated pool with massage jets, hot tub and hammam, relaxation is just a dip away.

I’d like to say our self-catering property was a home from home, but for something this spacious in London you’d need a blank cheque.

The estate’s 36 outbuildings make the chicest pads, many with pools and a handful sleeping up to eight. Tastefully uniting traditional character, natural materials and modern tech the end result is idyllic. And with a third property, Château Capitoul, on the horizon for January 2021 perhaps a return to South of France is on the cards.

NEWS

WHEREVER YOUR DESTINATION, TR AVEL IN ST YLE WITH BABY IN TOW

ALL GREEK TO ME

Pining for Mediterranean sunshine? Pack your bags and head to the new-and-improved Porto Sani, a gorgeous beach resort that’s reopening on 8 May. After undergoing a multi-million-pound refurb, the new-look hideaway now comprises 98 luxury suites, an upgraded spa and a new Spanish restaurant. Plus, those who book the Little Guests offering will receive complimentary baby gear, and a free session with Carole Mae Baby Consulting Services, a baby-advice programme for new parents. sani-resort.com

ETIHAD AIRLINES IS THE MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY AIRLINE, ACCORDING TO A STUDY BY LASTMINUTE.COM. PRIORITY BOARDING, BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES, AND ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT WERE SOME OF THE CRITERIA USED TO RANK, WITH AIR CANADA AND QATAR AIRLINES ALSO MAKING THE SHORTLIST.

HOLME SWEET HOLME

If you’re in the capital over May half term, treat your tot to an uber-luxe stay at Marylebone’s Holmes Hotel. Located just off Baker Street, the family package includes welcome goodies, bedtime milk and cookies, an adorable teddy bear, and a tipi upon request. Pencil in a booking at the hotel restaurant, Kitchen at Holmes, too; under-12s dine free, and the deep-fried chipirones on the kids’ menu are top notch. £249 per night; holmeshotel.com

A two-bedroom house is priced from ¤380 per night, serjac.com Bedtime snacks and space for a tipi sleepover: what could be better?

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RUNNING HEAD

Genevieve enjoyed a daily scoop from the garden’s gelato stand

POSTCARD FROM

DUBAI

Neev Spencer CHOOSES AN AR ABIAN ADVENTURE FOR HER FAMILY OF FOUR

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The family’s Dubai days would begin on the beach

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the city’s busiest promenade, there’s a seriously chilled vibe here.

By keeping the children on UK time you can enjoy generous lie-ins and late dinners without compromising routines or worrying about the time difference.

We very much had our own schedule: lying on the beach, swimming in one of the six pools (the baby pool is generously heated) and watching Genevieve whizz down the water slides. Lunch at Palm Grill on the beach – where we’d enjoy super-fresh seafood and the Arabian Gulf backdrop – would be followed by afternoons of camel-spotting and long walks through the landscaped gardens, rewarded with a stop at the gelato cart.

The hotel has six sensational restaurants, but our favourite was the Syrian-themed Amaseena. Genevieve especially loved the traditional singing, bellydancing and waterside firework displays worthy of any bonfire night.

A real highlight was my Mother’s Day present: a full-body massage at the hotel’s dreamy spa. Just what this mum needed. If R&R isn’t your thing, venture outside of the resort: some of the world’s best shopping malls, attractions and water parks are on your doorstep.

For us, this desert gem will always hold dear memories of our journey into parenthood for the second time and becoming a group of four. And isn’t that what family holidays are all about?

A family room is priced at £750 per night, ritzcarlton.com

Everlasting memories were made against the Arabian Gulf backdrop

OUTFITS PROVIDED BY MONSOON

he first holiday you take after having a baby might just be the most necessary one you’ll ever have. And with a threenager in the mix, that need is doubled. The hectic six months that followed Vivienne’s arrival meant we’d been looking forward to our first getaway as a family of four for what felt like an eternity. And with its direct flights and virtually guaranteed winter sun, Dubai seemed ideal. We’d stayed at Tenerife’s Ritz-Carlton as a trio, so the chain was already top of our list.

After weeks of planning and endless lists, the day had finally arrived. With what felt like our entire family home shoehorned into suitcases, we finally made it to the airport. The flight itself, at just under seven hours, was remarkably calm, with both girls occupied, meaning that we swerved any mid-air tantrums.

On dry land, nestled on a private beach within the Palm Jumeriah, sits the impressive Ritz-Carlton Dubai; a hotel chain renowned for looking after kids’ needs without compromising on parental luxury: a real win-win. The hotel, with its French riviera-inspired architecture, is the perfect balance of traditional Arabian architecture and that modern twist that Dubai does so well. We had one of the hotel’s plush suites for our entire six-night stay. And while we might have packed our entire lives, we needn’t have.

Equipped with a kitchen, baby supplies and gadgets galore, we soon felt at home.

The whole resort feels wonderfully secluded; despite being moments from

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baby-magazine.co.uk | 81

BUSINESS

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Wooden toy kettle £14.95, letoyvan.com

As a wooden-toy brand, sustainability is key to Le Toy Van’s future

Tell us a bit about Le Toy Van? Le Toy Van is a family-run and orientated business that creates traditional wooden toys with a contemporary twist. More than 25 years ago our founder, my dad, Georges designed his first ever dolls house in his garden shed and Le Toy Van began shortly after, now our products are available in more than 60 countries.

What are the brand’s values?

We believe that childhood should be enjoyed to the full, so hold fun at the core of our values.

Our tactile toys encourage imaginative play while aiding development including hand-eye coordination, number, shape and colour recognition and social development. As a wooden toy company, we’re passionate about sustainability and are always looking for ways to progress.

We use sustainable wood that we pledge to replant, and recently switched to renewable sources at our HQ, but the next big step is our plastic-free ambition. We’ve recently introduced plastic free lines and are in the process of removing plastic

82 | baby-magazine.co.uk

INSPIRE STEVEN LE VAN

The managing director of Le Toy Van talks traditional toys, proud business moments and exciting anniversaries from our packaging and switching to compostable boxes.

Describe a typical day for you.

As a small design team, every day is full of variety. It ranges from creating content for adverts and designing the toys to trade shows and photoshoots. We never forget to stop the madness to enjoy a coffee together with some homemade cakes from the team! Also, Fridays tend to be a good day for a company drink at the local pub with our office dog.

How do you maintain a good work-life balance?

The best way for me to relax after work is by spending as much time as possible in the garden with my dog. I appreciate the fresh air, watching nature grow and change with the seasons. When winter comes and it’s too chilly to be outdoors, I enjoy spending time in my garage where I perfect my woodwork skills, making frames and sometimes even small toys!

Sometimes a team visit to air-hop trampoline park is a good way of getting out the office to refresh.

What’s been your proudest business moment?

This year at a trade show, one new potential customer came back to our booth at the very end of the day to tell us that, having walked the whole exhibition, she found no other products like our new 2020

The father-and-son team believe that childhood should be enjoyed to the full

collection and that she felt the need to tell us how happy she was to start a working relationship with Le Toy Van. This might seem like a small, specific example, but this is exactly why we do what we do, and we were very proud to hear that our creative vision had been well received.

Why do you think the Le Toy Van business stood the test of time?

2020 marks our 25th anniversary which we’re all very excited about! Rather than trying to expand quickly, Le Toy Van has grown organically and gradually over the years. We believe this has been right for us as we’re bringing out high quality toys every year as opposed to high quantity.

We’re now sold in 65 countries worldwide and have got longlasting relationships with retailers and consumers.

What’s next for Le Toy Van? We’ll continue working towards our sustainability goals while creating luxury toys that can and will be enjoyed by little ones for generations to come. letoyvan.com

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