Baby September 2019

PA R E N TI N G M AGA Z I N E

SEPTEMBER 2019 • BABY-MAGAZINE.CO.UK

HEALTHY START The best weaning tips and tricks

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baby T H E LUXU RY P R EG N A N C Y &

EAT WELL WHAT YOUR BUMP NEEDS

HANDMAID’S TALE ACTRESS

Yvonne Strahovski

ON MOTHERHOOD £4.20

How to…

CARE FOR YOUR BABY’S TEETH

Shine BRIGHT stay happy and healthy WATER BABY THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING

NEW SEASON FASHION THE BEST LOOKS FOR MUM AND BABY

IN THE RUNNING

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The best buggies to run with

How to regain control of your

PELVIC FLOOR

The new Wave Our most luxurious travel system just got even better!

Wave is the single to double pram that’s ready to go straight out of the box. Add our ride-on-board and it can carry up to three little passengers. The new Wave is lighter too making it even easier to handle.

See Wave at selected nursery specialists nationwide.

Carrycot

Pushchair

One plus One ÂŽ

Travel System

Available in Granite, Sable and new Slate.

silvercrossbaby.com

Ride-on board

litetrax™ 4 flex signature Welcome to a luxurious world of warmly woven quilted fabrics; aged cognac leatherette touches; and an elite, high brilliance carriage chassis; all exquisitely crafted to make memories of each moment with baby last forever.

A SIMPLY TIMELESS 3IN1 SYSTEM WITH THE FINEST OF FOLDS.

joiebaby.com/signature

in-seat suspension for a 30% smoother stroll

Available from Argos, Boots, Halfords, Mothercare, Very and all good independent nursery retailers.

CONTENTS SEP TEM BER 2019

FEATURES

52 A MOTHER’S TALE Actress Yvonne Strahovski opens up about her journey into motherhood 58 IN THE RUNNING Rebecca Moore rounds up the best running buggies 61 PARTY TIME: MY FIRST FESTIVAL Carole Middleton offers her tips on throwing a festival-inspired celebration 64 PELVIC FLOORED? Becky Dickinson reveals how to take back control of your body post-pregnancy 67 A ROUGH PATCH Martha Alexander explores the triggers and treatments for eczema in babies 68 SAY CHEESE! Caring for your child’s teeth before they come through is more important than you think, as Georgina Blaskey reveals 76 SENSITIVE SUBJECT Martha Alexander tackles the tough topics of miscarriage and infertility 80 MAKE A SPLASH Sarah Dawson offers everything you need to ace that first pool trip with baby

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NEW SEASON BABY TRENDS

Yvonne Strahovski reveals why motherhood has been quite the learning curv e (p.52)

Luca wears corduroy jumpsuit, £62, Bobo Choses. Chloë wears T-shirt, £8, ASOS. Watch, model’s own.

STYLE

40 NEW SEASON TRENDS We showcase the latest fashions to look out for to dress your baby in style 50 AHEAD OF THE CURVE Antonia O’Brien shares her favourite maternity fashion finds

SHOPPING

PHOTOGRAPHY: LOL JOHNSON

25 BABY LOVES We adore Merci Maman’s tropical jewellery collection 27 SHOP THE THEMES Whatever your nursery style, say hello to autumn with this season’s latest offerings

FOOD & TRAVEL

83 FOOD NEWS The latest treats for babies, children and parents 84 HEALTHY START Delicious seasonal dishes for baby to try this month

89 TRAVEL NEWS Dreaming of sunnier climes? We round up the hottest new escapes and products for young families 90 POSTCARD FROM MARBELLA Martha Alexander heads to southern Spain for a girls-only holiday 92 SLIM PACKING Travelling with hand luggage and a little one is possible, as Zoey Goto demonstrates Be inspired by our pick of new-season baby buys on p.27

REGULARS

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BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small 21 WIN! A HOLIDAY IN THE MALDIVES Here’s your chance to win a seven-night family stay at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives 22 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Pens at the ready – we have a few suggestions to keep you busy this month

baby-magazine.co.uk | 7

58 Editorial Director Maxine Briggs Editor-at-Large Kate Freud Editor Rebecca Moore Online Editor Jennifer Read-Dominguez Sub Editor Natalie Keeler Freelance Sub Editor Sally Jones Editorial Assistant Henrietta Easton Digital Content Producer Ruby Norris Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado Freelance Designer Matt Bookman Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West Digital Publishing Director Paul Rayner Director of Media James Dobson Advertisement Director Lyndal Beeton Head of Market Julie Price Senior Sales Executive Miranda Gyamfi Ma Sales Executive Emma Cain

35 MY ESSENTIALS We chat to TV presenter Vogue Williams about her first year of motherhood, juggling the work-life balance, and shopping for baby Theodore 38 BABY BOOKWORMS Need some fresh reading material?

Emma O’Donovan rounds up the best new releases for story time 49 LEO’S LITTLE LUXURIES Leonora Bamford shares her favourite things this month 55 DIARY OF A MUM In her final instalment, Joanna Ellner reflects on the trials and tribulations of early motherhood 56 TOT GEAR NEWS What’s new in baby kit, plus first-time dad Tim Maynard puts the iCandy Raspberry to the test 63 HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS From skincare to baby tech, these are the latest products and innovations in the world of wellbeing

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Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin 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

Vogue William s talk s about fa mily life with hu sband Spen cer and baby Th eodore (p.35)

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Q&A WITH ZITA WEST The fertility expert addresses nutrition during pregnancy, and the vitamins and minerals you need THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ What is it that causes pain during breastfeeding? Professor Amy Brown offers her insight TIME TO TALK Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt discuss morning sickness during pregnancy THE REVIEW Are you looking to express your milk?

Laura Mason rounds up the best breast pumps on the market NURSERY NEWS What’s going on in early years and beyond, from new nurseries to the latest educational toys BOUTIQUES Our pick of the most beautiful baby boutiques nationwide INSPIRE We meet Dr Hilde Tavares, co-founder of pregnancy pillow brand bbhugme, to talk business and raising a family

Email: baby@chelseamagazines.com 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 2019 All rights reserved

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PHOTOGRAPHY: LOL JOHNSON Rueben wears Blue chunky knit moon cardigan £77 and knit bloomers £39, Bobo Choses.

Liewood plate £16.95, scandiborn.com This ocean-inspired outfit ill ha e baby al ing with turtles Linen-blend dungarees £17.99, shop.mango.com

EDITORS

LETTER

REBECCA MOORE, EDITOR

@BabyMagazineUK

@baby_mag_insta

VISIT •

@BabyMagazineUK

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Four-wick candle £180, neomorganics.com

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#babymagishere

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

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Bib £8, mamasandpapas.com

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Velour snuggle suit £34, welovefrugi.com

A Z I N E .C

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TouchWords: Food £11.99, amazon.co.uk

swimming will have you acing that first dip with baby so you can both reap the benefits.

Check it out on page 80.

September’s not just a great time for a health update, big and little fashionistas alike can freshen up the wardrobe, too; I love checking out the new-season trends especially when they’re miniature, and I’ve been cooing over our baby fashion story, full of this season’s finest. See for yourself on page 40. We’ve got mum covered, too, as stylist Antonia O’Brien showcases autumnal attire for new and expecting mums, page 50.

We all know the best medicine is Vitamin Sea, so if a holiday is on the horizon, have a look at Zoey Goto’s ‘Slim Packing’ feature: a guide to travelling light, even when baby’s in tow, on page 92. And if you’re yet to book an autumn getaway, our five-star holiday competition could see you and your family being whisked away to Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – find out more on page 21.

Health and happiness one and all.

KEE

Baby wash (250ml) £4, childsfarm.com

September always feels like the right time to dedicate an issue to health. A time to reset the mind and body after the indulgent summer break, where alfresco eating and Aperol Spritz become commonplace.

At the cornerstone of good health is good nutrition, but more so than ever when you’re expecting. On page 71, fertility expert Zita West gives us an insightful run down on what to eat during each trimester.

As parents, you’ll know all too well that feeding becomes all-consuming when you hit that weaning stage, and having a good start is crucial for a healthy relationship with food in later life. If you’re lacking kitchen prowess, then nutritional therapist Alice Fotheringham’s three favourite recipes are a good place to start. This issue she also provides tips and tricks for weaning success, page 84.

Out of the kitchen and into the bathroom, we’re putting baby’s pearly whites in the spotlight. Georgina Blaskey looks into the importance of good oral hygiene, even on those gummy smiles, plus the best products to help you on your way, on page 68.

Something that’s sure to get baby smiling is swimming, and it’s a wonderful bonding experience, too. Sarah Dawson’s piece on

@baby_magazine_uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 11

Where were you born?

Plymouth, Devon.

Where do you live now?

We now live in East London.

What has kept you happy this summer?

Podcasts! Particularly On Being with Krista Tippett.

The best thing about being a mum?

That finally, at the grand old age of 13 months, Noah is gracing me with intentional hugs.

Check out Joanna’s final column on p.55

ANTO NI

ZOEY

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N, FASHI BRIE ON O’ RNALIST

Where were you born?

I was born in London.

Where do you live now?

London! I have lived in other cities but I’m like a homing pigeon!

What has kept you happy this summer?

Taking my children on a tour of England, staying overnight in castles along the way.

The best thing about being a mum?

Seeing the friendship between my kids grow.

Check out Zoey’s guide to packing light, p.92

ER , JOURNAL LN IS L E

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JOAN NA

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CONTRIBUTORS

Where were you born?

Shrewsbury.

Where do you live now?

Stoke Newington, London.

What has kept you happy this summer?

My Birkenstock sandals.

The best thing about being a mum?

When Grayson shrieks laughing, and nap time!

As the new season starts, Antonia puts her favourite autumn staples for mum forward on p.50

When you’re on the go or grabbing a coffee with a moment

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KEEP U P

BABY O NL INE

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We talk about all things related to being a parent

Go online to check out all the latest tot gear Advice from the experts to help keep you in the know

OUR BABY, 60 YEARS ON

Weleda Calendula Baby Care

First introduced in 1959 and now celebrating its 60th anniversary, Weleda Calendula Baby Oil was the very first product in the Weleda Baby range. This high quality fragrancefree oil is certified organic and can be used from your baby’s very first day.

Available from selected stores at Boots and Holland & Barrett, independent health stores and pharmacies or weleda.co.uk

TRIED, TESTED AND TRUSTED Gentle natural care from the very first day 0% synthetic colourants, fragrances or preservatives Recommended by midwives

O F TH E MO NTH

Olive

PHOTOGRAPHED BY NIKKI WATTS

Say hello to this month’s winner, Olive, who lives in Kingston-upon-Hull

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 24 July 2019.

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O .U K E .C

KEEP U P

B • BA

NEWS

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baby

NEWS

YM A G A ZI N

U PDATING YOU ON ALL THINGS GR E AT AN D SMALL

WELCOME HOME

Make sure your home is ready for the arrival of your new baby with the Zara Home’s Welcome Baby collection. Find your newborn’s first outfits, cot linen, bibs, towels and just about every essential you’ll need from mini-cots to avocado cuddly toys, all in colourful hues that will greet baby in the most stylish way possible. From £3.99, zarahome.com

LANSINOH HAS ANNOUNCED ITS FEED WITH CONFIDENCE AWARDS 2019 AFTER A SURVEY REVEALED THAT ONLY 10 PER CENT OF MUMS WOULD POST A PIC OF THEMSELVES BREASTFEEDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA. NOMINATE VENUES THAT MAKE FEEDING EASY, PEOPLE WHO OFFER SUPPORT AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WHO CHAMPION THE CAUSE AT LANSINOH.CO.UK

baby-magazine.co.uk | 17

CHANGING ROOMS

Hibou Home’s new Rainbows wallpaper collection has a changing-season theme designed to inspire calm, tranquillity and sweet dreams every night. Seamlessly fitting into any home, all paper is sustainably sourced, and with colours like sage green, dusty pink and terracotta, will add a contemporary, stylish twist to any room.

From £59.95 per 10 metre roll, hibouhome.com

Jungle fever

In time for the release of The Lion King film, luxury baby brand Wild & Tame has released a safari-themed collection. The prints feature giraffes, lions, tigers, elephants and zebras and are available as blankets, bibs and teething rings to create a nature-inspired nursery or playroom.

From £13, thewildandthetame.co.uk

SUPPORT ACT

Offering optimum comfort and care throughout pregnancy; supporting around the belly, lower back, pelvis, knees and ankles, bbhugme’s pillows are a bump’s best friend.

We’re coveting the newly launched two special edition prints! £148 each, bbhugme.com

FOR GENERATIONS, BABIES HAVE BEEN ENJOYING WELEDA’S VINTAGE BABY OIL, WHICH CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. IT WAS THE FIRST BABY PRODUCT IN THE WELEDA BABY RANGE; NOW THERE’S A COLLECTION OF 15 PRODUCTS, ALL OF WHICH ARE CERTIFIED NATURAL OR ORGANIC. WELEDA.CO.UK

In a techno world, Petit Bateau has come out with a wave-block duo, designed to protect little ones by blocking an average of 99.5 per cent of wifi and smartphone frequency waves!

The innovative superknit fabric keeps its effectiveness wash after wash and is antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Cap, £19, blanket, £89, petit-bateau.com

18 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Blooming Lovely Jewellery is offering an engraving service for its sterling silver collection, making a unique gift for every mum-to-be. You can request initials, names or dates and create a gift to be kept forever, marking the new addition to the family. From £35, blooming-lovelyjewellery.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: FOXSTAR PHOTOGRAPHY

MAKING WAVES

Forever engraved

NEWS

SLEEPING SOUNDLY

Aden + Anais has launched an innovative snug fit sleeping bag so that babies, and their parents, can enjoy hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Available in three colours and sizes, the quilted design gives the comforting feeling of being inside the womb, ensuring baby feels safe and secure. £40, adenandanais.co.uk

Fitness blogger Carly Rowena writes about going on holiday with her baby Jax

BEST OF THE BLOGS

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

CARLY ROWENA MONKEY BUSINESS

Matchstick Monkey’s latest fullsize teether contains anti-microbial technology that kills 99.9 per cent of microbes and prevents bacteria on the teether. It can also be used as a pretraining toothbrush. Now, which colour? £9.99, matchstickmonkey.com

Fashion forward

Sarka London is a fashion brand that should be on the radar of all new mothers!

The clothes stylishly cater to a constantly changing body and allow wearers to breastfeed. The brand is entirely sustainably sourced and all femalefounded, which obviously makes it a winner. From £55, sarkalondon.com

Carly Rowena is a self-proclaimed girl-next-door fitness blogger who “would never turn down a meal to stay in shape”. She lives in Norwich with her husband Leon and young baby Jax, and by writing a blog, hopes to help all readers feel comfortable in their bodies. Topics covered range from working out during pregnancy and mental health as a new mum, to Christmas gift lists and holidaying with a baby. She has 420,000 followers, and is helpfully honest. carlyrowena.com

GAS AND AIR BLOG Clemmie Hooper is a midwife who lives in Kent with her husband, Simon, and her four young daughters. Her blog shares honest and less-talked about stories of pregnancy and mothering, both her own and of mothers she has nursed, and recognises the important relationship between mental health and motherhood and, crucially, talking about it. Clemmie has also written two books, How to Grow a Baby and Push it Out and How to Grow a Baby Journal. gasandairblog.com

MY MILO AND ME Mother to toddler Milo and newborn Rex, and wife to Olympian Greg Rutherford, Susie Verrill lives in Milton Keynes with her family, three dogs and a few chickens. Her blog covers travel, fitness, nutrition, fashion and the incidents that she says make her feel “un-mumsy”. For moments that will make you say “thank goodness, me too”, follow her as she navigates her way through motherhood and the good, the bad and the ugly that come with it. mymiloandme.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 19

NEWS

The clever folks at KidPix have done all the hard work for you, choosing the best brands for your little ones from around the globe. kidpix.uk

Baby news roundup KATE FREUD Editor-at-large

W

hen you become a mum, time becomes the greatest luxury, so finding a spare minute to shop for the children (heaven forbid shop with them) can be tricky. Step forward KidPix, who, besides its subscription box service, has now picked its favourite independent childrenswear brands and boutiques from across the globe and put them all in the same place online. With newer brands like I Haven’t the Foggiest and Little Lord & Lady available alongside established names such as Bebe Bombom and Oscar et Valentine, from newborn to 12 years, there really is something for everyone here.

BABY BLOOMING

My children have always loved the pillow sprays and bath washes from Bloom and Blossom. Now little Willow can get in on the act, too, as the brand has teamed up with The Very Hungry Caterpillar to create a range just for baby. All products are dermatologist and paediatrician approved, safe for sensitive skin and suitable from newborn to two years, with 97 per cent natural ingredients and absolutely no nasties.

SWEET DREAMING

Moses baskets are one of those bits of baby kit it’s rather sad to see the back of, especially when they’re as gorgeous as this reversible Moses basket from Camomile London. It comes with two fitted sheets, a bassinet lining and a quilt in a lovely cotton gauze grey print. You’ll just wish they did one in your size.

Dana Levy’s personalised jewellery would make a superb gift for a new mother – there’s also presents for dad here, too. £80, danalevy.co.uk

Put baby to bed smelling deliciously clean with Bloom and Blossom’s Very Hungry Caterpillar bath and bed range. From £4.99, bloomandblossom.com

THE NAME OF THE GAME

I’m loving these playful DIY personalised beaded necklaces from jeweller Dana Levy. Simply order online by writing your offspring’s monikers; a little heart will be added to separate each name, so the more the merrier. The rest of the design is created under the watchful eye of the designer. I’ve had many compliments on mine already.

You’ll never want baby to grow out of this beautiful Moses basket from Camomile London. £120, camomile.london

LET’S GET SOCIAL… There are plenty of ways to get the lowdown on all things Baby

ONLINE

baby-magazine.co.uk

20 | baby-magazine.co.uk

FACEBOOK

@babymagazineuk

INSTA

@baby_mag_insta

TWITTER

@BabyMagazineUK

PINTEREST

@baby_magazine_uk

Guests can relax in style in the luxurious overwater villas

COMPETITION

WIN!

A SEVEN-NIGHT FAMILY STAY AT HARD ROCK HOTEL MALDIVES

T&C’S: COMPETITION CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON 13 AUGUST 2019. PRIOR RESERVATION IS REQUIRED BY THE PRIZE WINNER AND BOOKING IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PRIZE IS VALID FOR TWO ADULTS AND 2 CHILDREN UNDER 16 SHARING. BLACKOUT DATES APPLY FROM 22.12.19 TO 10.01.20. ORIGINAL VOUCHER IS REQUIRED UPON CHECK-IN. THIS PRIZE CAN ONLY BE REDEEMED BY THE BEARER AND IS NON-ENDORSABLE. THIS PRIZE IS NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR PROMOTIONS AND IS NOT REFUNDABLE NOR EXCHANGEABLE IN CASH OR ANY OTHER SERVICES.

Enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the sea while you dine at the Elephant and utter y restaurant

H

ard Rock Hotel Maldives is set to open its doors for the first time this September. It’s part of CROSSROADS® Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s largest integrated resort, and is sure to have travellers of all ages weak at the knees. Located on the stunning Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes from Malé International Airport by speed boat, the Hard Rock Hotel will feature a series of signature music-inspired experiences for all ages. To celebrate the opening, we’ve teamed up to give away a seven-night B&B stay for two adults and two children in a Silver Family

Suite, including complimentary transfers.

Boasting 178 guestrooms made up of duplex family suites, beach villas, overwater villas and pool villas, there are options for every occasion. For little guests, no two days will be the same. Mini globetrotters who visit the Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club™ will be given an “All Access Pass” and can collect passport stamps by participating in the extensive range of activities on offer, from arts and crafts, a mini circus, gymnastics, water sports and musical stage shows with real instruments and professional musicians.

Little ones are well taken care of as all children under the age of six eat free, plus families can travel light by borrowing a wide range of amenities, from cots, bottle sterilisers and baby monitors to safety stair gates, toilettraining seats and bathtubs for toddlers.

Parents in need of a night off will be able to book the certified babysitting service, too, giving them the chance to discover serene spa treatments or romantic meals for two.

At the end of a jam-packed day, families will be able to enjoy memorable

WORTH £10,000

dining experiences at two fantastic hotel restaurants; the Elephant and Butterfly offering Pan-Latin cuisine, or opt for all-day dining at Sessions, alternatively just a short walk from the hotel, the Hard Rock Cafe at CROSSROADS® Maldives, will offer a taste of American favourites, along with legendary music memorabilia. Bespoke in-villa dining will also create opportunities for families to come together in culinary harmony. hardrockhotelmaldives.com

To enter, visit baby-magazine.co.uk/competitions baby-magazine.co.uk | 21

7 SEPTEMBER

And breathe

Don’t miss Toodler Tuesday at Stowe

Verve Festival in Wiltshire is launching today, bringing together nature, wellbeing, fitness and the great outdoors. Ideal for families, this year’s programme includes yoga, Pilates and a ‘wild spa’, plus craft workshops and fire building for kids. From £25, universe.com

SEPTEMBER 1 HOT WHEELS

Get ready to stroll in style as the new Aston Rose pushchair from Ickle Bubba launches today. With its sleek rose gold handle and brown leather detailing, this is the brand’s most luxurious travel system yet. £900, icklebubba.com

dates for your

2 WOOD WORKS On sale today, the new baby play gym set from The Little Green Sheep, designed with a birch wood frame and four detachable woodlandthemed charms. Ideal for home or on-the-go, the heart and star-shaped teethers are perfect for soothing sore gums. £69.95, thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

Play gym set £69.95, thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

DIARY

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

3 NATURE CALLS 6 #MAMASTE

17 RUN FREE

4 TOY STORY

27 SHOW ME

Revel in the great outdoors at Stowe’s Toddler Tuesdays in Buckinghamshire, where little ones can explore the Farmhouse Garden trail.

There’ll also be a storytelling session – this month’s tale is Badger and the Great Journey. nationaltrust.org.uk

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Slimline September

If you’re decluttering this month, multifunctional products can help. Say hello to the Cover Me multiuse baby cover. The stretchy soft cover can shelter a car seat, eliminate messy high chair moments, be used as an on-the-go breastfeeding scarf, and more. Perfect for slimming down your changing bag. From £25, covermebaby.co.uk

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Aston Rose pushchair £900, icklebubba.com

Learn a new skill while creating a precious keepsake for baby with Mabel Bunny & Co, a beautiful new crochet book from the founder of Wool Couture Company.

Inside, you’ll find simple instructions for creating a precious cuddly toy that your little one will cherish for years to come. £12.99, woolcouturecompany.com

Bump & Mind is hosting a retreat in the Isle of Wight this weekend, to help expectant mothers prepare for a more positive birth experience. Held at Northcourt House, the course includes a maternity fitness programme, relaxation workshops and pregnancy massages. £899 per couple, bumpandmindretreats.co.uk

13 PLAY TIME

Hosted every Friday until 18 October, head to the Chickenshed Theatre in London for Planet Play, where under-threes can learn new songs and play with puppets. £6, chickenshed.org.uk Mabel Bunny & Co £12.99, woolcouturecompany.com

Let your kids loose inside Little Liverpool, a hands-on fantasy world where they are in charge. From alphabet games to wet-play activities, the gallery is a multi-sensory hub where tots can acquire skills while making friends. liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Over 150 brands will be exhibiting at The Baby & Toddler Show in Manchester this weekend, including Cybex, Mamas & Papas and Boori. Experts will also be on hand to offer advice on everything from birth to breastfeeding. From £11, babyandtoddler show.co.uk

Flex technology.

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A whole new pumping experience, shaped

d n y u o o r

RE MILK MO

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TESTED C OMFO

Comfortable.

Flexible.

Personalised.

Explore the FlexTM range.

The first pumps you can adapt to fit your natural breast shape. medela.com/flex

Little drops... big impact!

Care Co-Lactase Infant drops Feed milk immediately after adding Co-lactase

Sufficient for 60 feeds

Reduces the lactose content in milk

Can be used from birth onwards

Feed y instantl

Does not contain Sugar, preservative or flavours

Available at:

The No 1 brand sold through UK pharmacy * Find out more by visiting www.allthecareyouneed.co.uk

*For verification please write to Thornton & Ross Ltd, HD7 5QH

Care + and the lozenge device are trademarks of Thornton & Ross ltd.

LOVE S

The Mother Nature collection was inspired by the delicate drawings of tropical plants

TROPIC LIKE IT’S HOT

The delicate designs of tropical plants fiddle-leaf fig, Tropic Snow and Swiss cheese plant are the inspiration behind the Mother Nature collection from chic French jewellery brand Merci Maman. Mirroring the natural world, each piece will be individual to its owner, hand-engraved with an intricate leaf design with the option to personalise.

As a symbol of growth, love and creativity, this is the perfect way to celebrate the most precious things. Think fast, though, this limited edition is leafing quite the impression.

Mother Nature collection, from ÂŁ69, mercimamanboutique.com

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SHOPPING

From a selection at adenandanais.co.uk Cybex high chair £159.95, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Cotton playsuit £38, beatriceandbee.com

HELLO, YELLOW

Cotton jumper (part of a set) From £12, next.co.uk

Leather sandals £35, bobux.co.uk

No need to say goodbye to the sunny shades of summer! These stylish buys for baby are in cool colours for autumn

Cotton-mix dress £25, kidsbury.com

Cotton sleepsuit £44, maisonsdumonde.com

Plush toy £135, steiff.com

Cotton sunhat £12, cosstores.com

SATIO

SUN

NAL Rain cape £45, petit-bateau.co.uk

Chest of drawers £248, maisonsdumonde.com

Cotton bodysuit £12.60, polarnopyret.co.uk

Bib (part of the Bibs & Bobs set) £24, welovefrugi.com

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SHOPPING

Cam Cam Copenhagen teddy bear £23.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Cotton-mix dress £17.99, shop.mango.com

Globe stroller £199, icklebubba.com

Cotton sweatpants £12, newbiestore.com

Warm and super-cute is what your child will be in this bear hoodie with matching joggers

Liewood cotton cape £31, alexandalexa.com From a selection at polarnopyret.co.uk

EW LE

AF

Oli & Carol teether £14, mamaandmax.com

N Tula carrier £139.90, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Cotton harem pants £39, anywarekids.com

28 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Cotton pyjamas £65, caramel-shop.com

Knitted cushion £40, merimeri.co.uk

Cotton bodysuit £18.50, babymori.com

Leather sandals £56, youngsoles.london

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SHOPPING

PLE RE

PUR

IGN Sleepyhead spare cover £67, sleepyheadofsweden.com

Timberland shirt £55, kidsaround.com

Tiba + Marl rucksack £120, scandiborn.co.uk

Pureté du Bébé velour babygrow £41, childrensalon.com

Bonds cotton-mix jumpsuit £25.99, zalando.co.uk

Two-in-one Trybike £129.99, hippychick.com

Cotton dress £89.99, bonnetapompon.com

Kubrick armchair £399, made.com

Ewan the Dream Sheep £29.99, johnlewis.com

Cotton-mix bodysuit ¤39.95, molo.com Etta Loves at naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Cotton bloomers £18, ceciliabelle.co.uk

Your little one will love being wrapped up in this super-soft muslin blanket

Suede trainers £33, vans.co.uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 31

SHOPPING

E

H ROS

NGLIS

This pretty Cybex baby carrier is suitable from newborn to two years

E

Mini cot £99.95, mokee.eu

Embroidered blouse From £35, rachelriley.com

Cybex at naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Denim dungarees £42, dottydungarees.com

Jem + Bea pouch £19, mamaandmax.com

Personalised print £35, belleandboo.com

Hugo Loves Tiki T-shirt £29, alexanadalexa.com

Veja trainers From £62, kidly.co.uk

Cotton romper £52, tocotovintage.com

Smocked cotton dress £94, pepaandcompany.com

Kit & Kin Bubble Bath (250ml) £7.99, ubershoponline.com

Cotton sweatpants ¤27.95, molo.com

Lotus pushchair £950, didofy.com

32 | baby-magazine.co.uk

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baby-magazine.co.uk | 59

INTERVIEW

That’s not my lion… £6.99, whsmith.com

Leather booties £49, rachelriley.co.uk

Books keep little Theodore entertained for hours and these are two of his favourites Where’s Spot? £7.99, waterstones.com Vogue with husband Spencer and baby Theodore

MY ESSENTIALS How has your first year of motherhood been so far?

Demanding, but it’s been the best time of my life – I wouldn’t change it for the world. Yes, it’s exhausting, but even when I’m meant to have a morning off and Spencer gets up with Theodore, once I hear him chatting away, I just can’t stay in bed. I have to spend the morning with him!

You have that fear of missing every precious moment.

How are you coping with the work-life balance?

I’m still juggling it! I always feel guilty, regardless of whether

to be ts Theodore Vogue wan ved lo d an y healthy, happ

VOGUE WILLIAMS

The Irish TV presenter and DJ talks juggling work and motherhood, storytime and shopping for baby the best job in the world comes up and I really want to do it, I still feel guilty leaving Theodore.

I’ve done one night so far, so I’m building it up slowly.

You regularly post about working out on Instagram; how did you find getting back into exercise after pregnancy?

I didn’t feel any pressure to

get back into it, but it took a lot longer than I thought it would.

I knew that you’re supposed to wait six weeks; I did try to do some light exercise before that, but I just wasn’t ready. I think I ended up waiting around seven or eight weeks in the end. I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I would, but it was nice to get back into it when I was able to.

Writing a letter To My Baby is all part of the Fairy campaign

You’re working with Fairy Non-Bio on its #ToMyBaby campaign, which is encouraging parents to share their wishes for their children as they grow.

Why did you get involved?

I think the campaign is really beautiful. The three things you want for your child are for them to be healthy, happy and loved, so I just love the message behind it. And it’s great that it’s helping other families through Great Ormond Street Hospital, as Fairy Non-Bio is donating £1 for every wish shared using the hashtag #ToMyBaby. In Ireland, the Fairy Liquid campaigns were always a big thing, and now I get to be one of the Fairy mums. It’s amazing!

What are your wishes for Theodore as he grows up?

I’d hope that he wouldn’t experience any pressure, and I’d hope that we’re in an age where everyone can be comfortable in who they are. For example, I wouldn’t go into a toy shop and force him to buy a truck if he didn’t want one – if he

baby-magazine.co.uk | 35

Cotton-mix sweatshirt £9.99, zara.com

Vogue and family enjo y city life in West Lon don

here s nothing ogue en oys more than a family day out with Spencer and Theodore

wanted a doll, he could have a doll. When I was younger, my brother had a doll, and I don’t think that was viewed as strange – and that’s going back 30 years!

The most important thing is that Theodore is happy and comfortable in himself.

Theodore is turning one in September. Do you have any exciting birthday plans?

We’re definitely going to do something to mark the occasion! We’ll probably just have a lunch at home with close family and friends, and save the bigger birthday celebrations for when he’s a bit older.

Is storytime a big thing in your house? Does Theodore have any favourite books he likes you to read to him?

He loves books, and I try to read to him a lot. I used to pack lots of toys whenever we were going

36 | baby-magazine.co.uk

on a flight, but now I just bring books because they keep him entertained for so much longer!

Books also bring me back to my own childhood, and we read the classics like Where’s Spot?.

He also loves That’s not my lion… and Where is the Frog?. We have a nanny for 15 hours a week and she has a grandson who’s 18 months, so she brings Theodore loads of his old books, so that’s probably why he’s so into them.

Cotton romper £46, patachou.com

Where do you like to shop for Theodore’s clothes?

There’s so many baby brands that I love, like Patachou and Rachel Riley, but I also love high-street stuff. You can’t beat Zara and Gap; they always have great sales.

Marks & Spencer and Next are great, too – the list is endless!

Any favourite interior brands for his bedroom?

We were very lucky to have Ventura design his nursery, which we worked on before he was born, and it’s probably DJ Vogue is still juggling her work with being a mum

my favourite room in the house.

I think when he eventually moves out, we’ll turn it into a playroom, but it’s just the perfect, relaxed little space right now.

What do you like to do when you have time to yourself?

I like to go out training. Usually when I exercise, I go for a run with Theodore in the buggy, or have him sit with me on the balcony, so I like to go out with my trainer when I can. I also love a facial! But I don’t get much time, and if I’m working, I like to spend the rest of my time with Theodore.

What’s your favourite thing about being a mum?

The unconditional love, and seeing your baby change and pick up new skills every day, which is really exciting to watch.

Vogue Williams has partnered with Fairy Non-Bio and Great Ormond Street Hospital on the #ToMyBaby campaign.

Visit gosh.org

INTERVIEW: NATALIE KEELER. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES; PA IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK; INSTAGRAM.COM/VOGUEWILLIAMS

Breastfeeding in public doesn’t phase Vogue

ADVERTORIAL

Under the sun

LE ADING DER MATOLOGIST Dr Jennifer Crawley WAR N S PEOPLE TO BE MIN DFU L OF TH E SU N ’S R AYS ALL YE AR ROU N D s the weather picks up, sun protection is back in the limelight.

But did you know that to avoid longterm sun damage and the risk of developing skin cancer, sun cream needs to be applied all year round?

“Any sunburn on children’s skin is especially worrying, because young skin is much thinner than that of an adult, making it far more susceptible to damage,” explains Childs Farm’s consultant dermatologist, Dr Jennifer Crawley.

“Sunburn in childhood dramatically increases the chance of skin cancer in later life; it really is imperative that parents take the right steps to protect their little ones when they are outdoors whatever time of year.”

With more than 10 years’ experience in dermatology, working from the University College Hospital London, Dr Crawley believes re-education is needed when it comes to sun protection and is urging people to get out of the mindset that sun cream is just for holidays abroad or for peak heatwaves. “I think we need to really make the point when we are talking about sun protection, it’s not just blistering heatwave sun; we are talking about UV light,” Dr Crawley says.

“Getting sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important to be applying sun cream all year round. Skin cancers take a long time to occur and this is because of an accumulation of UV damage over time, making it fundamental to protect skin from an early age.”

But how do you know when enough is really enough? “One of the main problems we find is that people don’t apply an adequate amount,” says Dr Crawley. “We recommend at least two teaspoons for the head and neck area and two tablespoons for the body. But you can’t apply too much, so use it liberally.”

Many of us are aware that sun cream does wear off so will apply twice during the day, but does that cut it? “While this is a good start, sun cream really does need applying more than twice, particularly on very hot days,” explains Dr Crawley. “It’s

A

Childs Farm’s suncare range helps to protect and moisturise children’s skin

THE GOLDEN RULES also important that whatever your skin type you use one with a high SPF of 30+ that will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and to make sure the sun protection is suitable for eczema-prone or sensitive skin if you suffer with those conditions.”

Reassuring those who enjoy being outdoors, Dr Crawley believes the sun shouldn’t stop the fun. “Everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors, so don’t let the sun hold you back, just reapply, reapply, reapply!”

Childs Farm’s new 30 SPF suncare range is exclusively available at Boots Sun Shop, along with the 50 SPF range, and both are suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Find out more at childsfarm.com

Dr Crawley’s top tips for sun safety • On hot days and when you’re abroad keep little ones in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is hottest • Cover any exposed skin with sun cream even on cloudy days • Use a high factor SPF 30+ suncream, with protection against UVA and UVB rays • Reapply numerous times throughout the day, especially after swimming • Pay particular attention to forgotten areas such as the shoulders, back of the neck and behind the ears when applying • Where possible, cover up skin with a hat, loose fitting clothing and sunglasses • Always keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight • For those who have sensitive or eczemaprone skin, use a product that has been clinically tested as suitable

baby-magazine.co.uk | 37

BABY BOOKWORMS Emma O’Donovan ROU N DS U P TH E BE ST N EW R ELE ASE S FOR STORY TIM E

THIS LITTLE PIGGY

By Jarvis

Counting never looked so fun, and Jarvis delivers piggy mayhem in bucket loads with this stylish early-learning series for the small and discerning. £6.99, Walker Books

BOOKS

Lay down a baby beat and get your little one rapping in no time

ARE YOU THERE LITTLE TIGER?

By Sam Taplin and Essi Kimpimaki

Jolly jungle japes unfurl as we hunt high and low for little tiger. There are lots of other animals to help search along the way in this bright textural seek-and-find adventure. £5.99, Usborne

SWARM OF BEES

ILLUSTRATION: JARVIS

By Lemony Snicket and Rilla Alexander

This book by a dynamic creative duo explores feelings of anger and love, with a quirky text complimented by majestic block-colour illustrations. A snazzy addition to any bookshelf. £12.99, Andersen Press

BETSY RABBIT IN THE PARK

By Melissa Crowton Learn about opposites, familiar greetings and colours with Betsy Rabbit. A stylish, retro-feel book with lots of detail to explore. £7.99, Nosy Crow

FIRST 100 WORDS

By Edward Underwood A thoughtfully complied intro to first words. With arty illustrations depicting familiar and less familiar objects and scenarios, this book will be enjoyed over and over. £9.99, Nosy Crow

THAT’S NOT MY FLAMINGO

By Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells

This book is a taste of the tropical with fuzzy, spiky, soft textures to get little hands on and mice to find on each page. A perfectly pink delight for the very young. £6.99, Usborne

5 WILD SHAPES

By Camilla Falsini

Cool in the extreme, this beautifully designed book for babies is a geometric celebration of the natural world with fun sliding discs throughout. £11.99, Words & Pictures

MARVEL ALPHABLOCK

By Peskimo

One for comic and movie fans young and old, this chunky compendium of Marvel Universe characters from A-Z is a clever

and entertaining addition to this wonderful series. £12.99, Abrams Appleseed

I HAVE AN IDEA!

By Herve Tullet

Turning the page has never been so enticing. Creative use of white space, colour and vivid brushstrokes make this a magical storytelling experience for all. £12.99, Chronicle Books

THE STORY OF RAP

By Nicola Edwards and Lindsey Sagar

A rhyming celebration of rap music and its biggest stars. From Grandmaster Flash to Jay-Z, music fans will love reading this book aloud to the next generation. £5.99, Caterpillar Books

baby-magazine.co.uk | 39

COLOUR BLOCKING

Ivy Rose wears knit jumper, £89.99, Bonnet à Pompon. Cotton bloomers, ¤58, Tinycottons. Chloë wears knit sweater, £99, Baukjen. Jeans, £99, Baukjen.

Jewellery, model’s own.

NEW SEASON TRENDS As autumn appears there’s something for everyone in the wonderful world of baby fashion

PHOTOGR APHY: LOL JOH NSON ST YLING: CHAR LOT TE KEWLEY

FRILLS Sherry wears cotton babygrow, £235, Gucci at Childrensalon.

Bean bag, £76.95, Nobodinoz at Scandiborn.

COOL RAIN GEAR Ruben wears rain cap, £36, Noe & Zoe. Knit trousers, £40, Baby&Taylor at KidPix. Chloë wears knit sweater, £99, Baukjen.

BIG BOWS

Sherry wears knitted hat, £21, Mebi. Cotton velvet shortie, £52, Phi Clothing at Childrensalon.

Wool and cashmere jumper, £90, Baby&Taylor at KidPix. Chloë wears T-shirt, ASOS. Jeans, £99, Baukjen. Jewellery, model’s own.

CHUNKY KNITS

Ivy Rose wears knit cardigan, £97, Velveteen. Romper, from £37.50, Mini A Ture. Socks, £20, Caramel. Chloë wears knit sweater, £99, Baukjen. Jeans, £99, Baukjen. Jewellery, model’s own.

ANIMAL PRINT Luca wears cotton hat, £34, Mini Rodini. Cotton top, £14 (pack of three), Next. Cotton leggings, £11 (pack of three), Next. Tripp Trapp chair, £178, Stokke. Baby set, £47, Stokke. Tray, £39, Stokke.

RETRO ROMPERS Kalei wears knit romper, £48, The Bonnie Mob. Chloë wears knit sweater, £99, Baukjen. Jewellery, model’s own.

CO-ORDS Luca wears cashmere cardigan, £210, Burberry at AlexandAlexa. Cashmere trousers, £80, Burberry at AlexandAlexa.

Cotton T-shirt, £12, The Bonnie Mob. Chloë wears jeans, £99, Baukjen.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MODELS: IVY ROSE, SHERRY, RUBEN, LUCA AND KALEI. MODEL AGENCIES: TINY ANGELS, BRUCE & BROWN, KIDS LONDON. ART DIRECTOR (AND MODEL): CHLOË COLLYER.

ADVERTORIAL

Help is at hand THOSE FIR ST FEW MONTH S WITH YOU R BABY AR E BOTH SPECIAL AN D CHALLENGING , BUT COLIEF CAN H ELP YOU FROM TH E START…

Colief Infant Drops can help ease the symptoms of colic so your baby sleeps peacefully

W

WHAT IS COLIC? Colic is defined as repeated episodes of excessive and inconsolable crying in a newborn baby who otherwise appears to be perfectly healthy. The condition can affect up to one

48 | baby-magazine.co.uk

in five babies, so you’re not alone.

Infant colic can have many causes. In some cases it is believed to be caused by temporary lactose intolerance. This is because in the first months of life, some babies are unable to fully break down lactose, a complex sugar in breast and formula milk. It can produce wind, bloating and cause discomfort, and one of the main symptoms is inconsolable crying.

As any parent with a distressed, crying baby knows, colic affects a whole household, and can be very frustrating and upsetting for all involved. Let Colief bring you peace of mind so you can enjoy those first precious months with your happy and healthy baby.

Colief Infant Drops are available at Boots, Superdrug, supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide: £11.99 (7ml), £15.99 (15ml).

For more information, visit colief.com or facebook.com/ColiefCare

COLIC: TIPS AND TRICKS If you suspect your baby has colic, it can help to do the following: • Keep a cry diary • Try a one-week trial of Colief Infant Drops to help diagnose whether temporary lactose intolerance could be the cause Colief Infant Drops can help ease the symptoms of colic by breaking down the lactose in your baby’s milk, resulting in less discomfort. Add a few drops to the milk each time you breastfeed or use formula.

WHAT ARE COLIEF INFANT DROPS? It’s a natural product that is added to infant milk and used to treat temporary lactose intolerance in babies suffering from colic; the active ingredient in the drops is lactase, a safe, naturallyoccurring enzyme produced within the small intestine.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

hen your newborn cries constantly and seems distressed, it can be very upsetting for you, not to mention tiring with all the sleepless nights. Although it is a worrying time, colic is common in babies and in a small number it may be caused by temporary lactose intolerance as their digestive system develops – this is where Colief Infant Drops can help. An effective dietary supplement that is added to infant milk, Colief has been tried and trusted by parents for 20 years. The active ingredient in it is lactase, a safe, naturally-occurring enzyme produced within the small intestine. In fact, it’s the only lactase enzyme with clinical studies supporting its efficacy. That’s why it’s the most commonly prescribed treatment for colicky symptoms.

BABY TALK

A

fter a summer jam-packed full of barbecues and ice creams galore, I love to reset on my health and wellbeing when September rolls around. I remember doing a collaboration with Daylesford a few years ago. We were promoting #healthyseptember and I was amazed at how quickly everyone jumped on it on social media. September is a great month to reboot for the new school year, and a great time to dedicate an issue to family health – happy reading!

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

If your baby is a mini yogi, then, like me, they’ll love these beautiful Little Earth Baby play mats. The perfect cushion for any tumbles, they are made from all-natural tree foam and are non-toxic and plastic-free with no synthetic nasties for babies. And stretch! £110, littleearthbaby.com

WHERE TO GO

The gorgeous Tara Lee does lovely postnatal mummy and baby yoga at The Life Centre in Notting Hill, so for anyone with a new baby, this is a lovely bonding thing to do.

Classes can be attended six weeks after giving birth, and are designed to help bring a sense of wellbeing, alleviate aches and retone muscles. taraleeyoga.com

Leo’s

Guidelines on the NHS call for more people to take vitamin D – and I have just ordered a three-month’s supply of Zita West’s Vitamin D Spray. Vitamin D-deficiency is common among the UK population and this easy one-day booster can be sprayed directly onto your tongue. £10.50, zitawest.com

LITTLE LUXURIES OU R COLUM NIST Leonora Bamford SHAR E S H ER FAVOU RITE THINGS THIS MONTH

I've been working with Lucinda Miller for a while now and I couldn’t live without her cookbook, The Good Stuff. It’s packed full of healthy recipes that the whole family will love, and she also shares invaluable nutrition and parenting tips. I love her clever swaps for the 14 most common allergens, and it was really useful for weaning and beyond. The Good Stuff, £14.95, naturedoc.shop

baby-magazine.co.uk | 49

FASHION

AH E AD OF TH E C U RVE ST YLIST AN D PR E SENTER Antonia O’Brien SHAR E S H ER PR E- AN D POST-NATAL WAR DROBE LUST-HAVE S

Loewe wool and cashmere-blend coat £1,700, net-a-porter.com

The check blazer returns with well-defined shoulders; wear it simply with skinnies or go retro with a pussy-bow blouse

Milly wool blazer £227, theoutnet.com

Bold colours are a huge story for both day and night; go head-to-toe in a bump-wrapping dress or add pops of colour with your accessories

Equipment Adisa satin dress £430, net-a-porter.com

Leather trousers are this season’s hero piece; Isabella Oliver’s are the softest and best fit on a bump (I know from experience!)

HOLIDAY STAPLES

The new season caters to both the minimalist and maximalist dresser Leather leggings £349, uk.isabellaoliver.com

Wandler Lotte leather mules £350, mytheresa.com

Somerset by Alice Temperley tie pleat blouse £69, johnlewis.com 50 | baby-magazine.co.uk

Burberry silk-twill hair scarf £190, mytheresa.com

Leather handbag ¤415, elleme.com Gabriela Hearst leather boots £1,095, matchesfashion.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

Midi skirt £65, johnlewis.com

FASHION

Style your bump…

Modern and minimal, invest in futureproof pieces that you’ll love and wear forever when you’re no longer dressing CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Jumpsuit, £49.99, zara.com; Staud leather tote, £240, net-a-porter.com; Joseph cashmere sweater, £375, matchesfashion.com; Leather shoes, ¤225, aeyde.com; Tencel trousers, £55, arket.com; Cashmere coat, £1,890, uk.burberry.com; Hair clip set, £12, urbanoutfitters.com

Layer Zara’s knitted jumpsuit with tan knitwear and belt over the bump

These Arket trousers have both tailored structure and an elasticated waist!

The core palette is beautifully soft and tonal in cream, beige, grey, camel and tan

Clash and contrast textures like silk on suede or cashmere with leather

# TR EN DING

@KAITY_MODERN

@JOSEPHFASHION

@TINAHU

@CELINEAAGARD

Originally the uniform of 80s power dressers, the camel coat continues to be a wardrobe staple that is both professional, polished and timelessly stylish. What’s more, it’s so comfortable to wear.

baby-magazine.co.uk | 51

INTERVIEW Playing so many different characters has prepared Yvonne well for her role as mother

52 | baby-magazine.co.uk

INTERVIEW

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

A MOTHER’S TALE Australian actress Yvonne Strahovski shares her somewhat strange journey into motherhood

he power of coincidence seems to have always been something that has followed Yvonne Strahovski around.

While the juxtaposition of falling pregnant while playing Serena Joy Waterford, a woman who couldn’t bear children, in The Handmaid’s Tale, was profound enough, the actress even found herself at a women’s march in Toronto surrounded by placards referencing Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel when filming the first series.

“While I’ve gone through recent events with caution, there have always been a few things along the way that have made me sit up and wonder if this is all destined to be,” she says. “I’m not an overly superstitious person, but I think every expectant mum is going to look out for and scruntinise signs or ideas because having a baby is something that means so much. I guess I was constantly on the lookout, and probably reading into things more than I should have; but it was genuinely very strange the way some things came about.”

Strahovski needn’t have worried – she and husband Tim Loden officially announced the birth of their son in mid-October last year, and although the early days of motherhood saw her celebrate, enthuse and overflow with emotion over a little person who, in her own words, had “melted my heart into a billion pieces a thousand times”, the actress has, since, been careful to keep a sensible distance from exposing her son to the world’s media too readily. In an extended Instagram message shortly after the birth, she continued, “We have been blessed with the greatest joy of our lives, our baby boy. Welcome to the world Peanut, your parents love you beyond measure. My heart has been stolen.”

The actress’s Instagram account, as a result, is now a pleasant combination of red carpets, tourist photographs, film and TV announcements, plus impromptu shots with her partner and son. There is nothing showy, nothing complicated – these are simply the throes of a mother stepping out for the first time.

“I think I’ve dealt with the learning curve well enough,” she says. “There has been nothing that’s daunted me, and I feel myself learning the ropes every day, much in the same way that I did when I was first starting out on stage or on film sets.

“There is support from all sides, and I love that; but the truth is, very quickly I realised I knew enough and could trust my own motherly instincts.”

Strahovski may admit the control she has perfected in becoming a mum wasn’t perhaps

WORDS: CAMILLA DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/YVONNESTRAHOVSKI; ALAMY/HUBERT BOESL/DPA

T

always so evident during pregnancy. Mother Nature declared the actress to show quite heavily from early on, while the couple’s plan to keep the gender of the child private was spoilt when she accidentally announced it to a live watching audience of millions at the Emmys in 2018. “Ultimately, none of that stuff matters,” she says. “You only want one thing as a mother and that is to have a happy, healthy baby.”

Strahovski grew up in Sydney, the daughter of Polish parents (her real name is Strzechowski) who emigrated to Australia shortly before her birth. She started acting during high school and decided to make it her profession after playing Viola in a school production of Twelfth Night.

She would soon land roles in Australian film and TV productions before she left for Los Angeles in 2006. Her big break came when she was cast as spy superbabe Sarah Walker in Chuck, the short-lived comedy series. From there, she has exceeded expectations with almost every project, and although a burgeoning career has been slowed by recent events, the actress has recently been announced in new ABC TV drama Stateless, alongside fellow Aussie Cate Blanchett.

Professionally, it has been an ascent to international acclaim that has been gradual, well-deserved and always undertaken with humility. In fact, in exploring such a wild variety of characters over the years you can’t help but feel the actress has, handily, quickly equipped herself to conquer the multiple personalities required to survive as a parent.

“I’m the kind of actress who loves the opportunity to explore all types of people and human behaviour,” she says. “I thrive on being able to play as many different kinds of people as I can, people who have different occupations and different ways of thinking. Those experiences help you grow as an individual – you learn so much about yourself and life in general. And as for growing a family – well, that always felt like very good practice to me.”

In the past, Strahovski has admitted to being affected by the expectation of the roles she takes on. “Take someone like Serena – for so long she’d always wear me down; she is the kind of character you can’t shake off because she’s so mean. You go home and you’re still haunted by her. Now I have something different to look forward to when I go home, and it feels like there is a purpose. I have this desire to keep those professional and private worlds as far apart as possible, because nothing is worth the sacrifice of not investing everything pure, happy and uplifting into my child.”

Blessed! Yvo nne with he r “little drea m boat”

baby-magazine.co.uk | 53

Nanny nnycare follow on formula gives parents a genuine choice.

BABY TALK

THE GOOD STUFF

otherhood is ripe with clichés, but there was ne’er a truer cliché than this one: it goes in the blink of an eye. I wrote my first column three days after the birth of Noah, perched in the doorway of my bedroom as she slept in a little nest. Today, I write my last from the kitchen table, while she spends her second day with our very own Mary Poppins, otherwise known as our shared nanny, Gill. Should you be nesting at home with a three day old, or staring down the barrel of impending motherhood, here are the things I want you to know the most: You will be tested. No mother skates through her first year completely unscathed – mastitis, depression, an unwell baby, surgery and its unending complications, financial upheaval or marital strife – the law of averages says you’ll endure some hardship. It will require you to dig deep. But it won’t last forever.

For me, it was a complicated birth with a long, long recovery.

I got through it. You will, too.

People that were stuck to you like glue will fall away.

And it will hurt. We hold a mirror to each other and some

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We have entered summer hat season and I couldn’t be more thrilled about that. Noah seems a little indifferent, but we’re working on it, by way of this classical English bonnet.

Liberty print cotton sunhat, £28, olivierbaby.com

I’m pretty sure I have this uber-gentle formula to thank for the end of the Post-BabyBig-Hair-Loss, making brushing a thousand times less eye-wincing, too. Deep Conditioner, £22, dizziak.com

DIARY OF A MUM part 14

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After spending months willing Noah to crawl, I’m now curtailing her mobility with this rather smart, non-plasticky little gate.

Fred wooden stairgate, £120, cheekyrascals.co.uk

IN H ER FINAL COLUM N , Joanna Ellner R EFLEC TS ON TH E TRIAL S AN D TRIBU L ATION S OF E AR LY MOTH ER H OOD won’t like what you’re reflecting back at them. You will revise your long-held belief that you don’t need mum friends. You really do.

Say ‘hello’ to the mum beside you at the doctors. Those women will

help you keep the midnight oil burning. Grandparents, mothers, sisters and brothers will inevitably disappoint you, too. But they have their own fires to put out.

Happily, given the above, you’ll have very little time for bullshit. You will rebuild your ‘Stuff That Actually Matters’ list. And it will be short.

You will need to find a way to move your body that you actually enjoy. It wasn’t until Noah was eight months that I addressed the fact that the baby weight wasn’t coming off and it was making me miserable.

I sparked up an old love affair with spinning and have taken two

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classes per week since January. My body has shrunk but more vital, more transformative than that, I feel strong in body and mind for the first time in… well, ever.

All that requires a bit of self-love. And if you don’t feel much love for yourself, fake it until you do. Take the pedi appointment your mother-in-law offered, dress in your finery for Starbucks, swathe your face in luxurious face creams. It’s now more prescient than ever that you have a healthy relationship with yourself. Babies learn by example.

If your partner isn’t pulling their weight, ask them to do more. It is not ‘nagging’.

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It is simply an effort towards the efficient distribution of labour. If their response is “Hold on, I do more than Chris down the road,” politely remind them that the baseline is not Chris down the road, it’s you – the other parent.

I lucked out with a partner that hates mess, is hands on with our baby and didn’t blink an eye when I ran up huge shopping bills online while sleep-deprived and loopy.

Don’t be a hero. There are no prizes for who breastfeeds the most, or co-sleeps the longest, or shows up at all the baby classes. Your baby only wants you, a tensionfree and loving version of you.

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TOT GEAR

WHEEL THIS WAY

New to Micralite’s stroller selection is the super-slick ProFold – Micralite’s most compact and lightweight stroller to date. Weighing in at just 7kg, with added four-way suspension to keep journeys as smooth as possible, the intuitive one-handed fold and weatherproof fabrics means this stroller makes the perfect on-the-go companion, ideal for adventures big or small. £225, micralite.com

tot gear

NEWS COOL AN D CLEVER BABY KIT FOR N EW FAMILY LIFE

Known for its wonderful weaning products, Béaba has now teamed up with Swedish company Najell to launch a new baby carrier.

We love the super-strength magnetic buckles, which can be fastened and unfastened single-handedly. What’s more, the Najell Original Carrier can be used in four different carrying positions depending on the age of your baby. £150, amazon.co.uk

NEW LOOKS Dutch brand Joolz continues to offer head-turning pushchairs. Revived green and grey colourways will have you strolling in sophistication, while the release of its classic blue fabric is a conscious purchase, as it’s been sustainably created using plastic bottles recycled from land and sea. Made from 100 per cent high twisted filament yarns, to increase the breathability of the fabric, it provides the ultimate in comfort. From £579, joolz.com

PASTELS GO POP! British brand Silver Cross has launched its Pop stroller in three new colours, Quarry, Blush and Flint. Suitable from birth to 25kg, the light stroller boasts all-new fabrics, which are complemented by a matte black chassis. The plush padded seat fabrics feature diamond quilting, with colour-coordinated details on the soft foam handles. £190, silvercrossbaby.com

GRACO’S ALL WAYS SWING WITH REMOVABLE ROCKER IS A MULTI-USE BABY SOOTHER WITH 16 SOOTHING MOTIONS. MOVING FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE OR UP AND DOWN REPLICATES THE MOTIONS THAT PARENTS USE TO SOOTHE BABY. SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO APPROXIMATELY NINE MONTHS OLD. £200, BOOTS.COM

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REVIEW

THE REVIEW FIR ST-TIM E DAD Thomas Brendon PUTS TH E ICAN DY R ASPBER RY TO TH E TE ST

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aving moved to London two years ago, we were looking for an all-encompassing pushchair that was light, nimble and would fit through the narrow doorway of our flat. Tipped as ‘the smart choice for urban adventures’ and suitable for use from birth, the iCandy Raspberry seemed an ideal choice.

Jack tends to falls asleep when he’s in the buggy

THE LOWDOWN The state-of-the-art Raspberry has recently been revamped with city-dwelling parents in mind, with improved wheels and suspension for a smoother ride, a redesigned seat and even more of a luxurious aesthetic. Of all the iCandy products available, this one is said to be the ultimate for parents on the move.

GOOD LOOKING? It’s definitely easy on the eye. The brand offers a wide choice of colours but we picked out the Greenwich Grey colourway with matching carrycot – and we love the look of the two-tone style, especially for summer.

The smart branding, matte-metallic (or Moonrock) chassis and thick fabrics make this feel like a luxury product, and the clean, tailored lines give you a sophisticated and streamlined ride. The basket underneath is tucked away but spacious, which was great as many of the other compact strollers we looked at didn’t offer that much capacity. I only wish I’d purchased myself a cup holder!

The extendable handle means that, at 6ft 1in, Tom can push the iCandy Raspberry in comfort

PRACTICALITY AND DRIVABILITY Hopping on and off buses, navigating kerbs and even climbing the steps up to our flat is really smooth with this buggy. Weighing in at 6.6kg, it’s lightweight yet robust, making it easy to manoeuvre. The puncture-proof tyres lock into place, which means it also handles well on grass and rougher terrain for our park walks.

We’ve managed to get the hang of the folding and unfolding after some practise, too – it was stiff at first and, as new parents, we had to watch a few videos before we got it. It’s also helpful that it’s freestanding when stored and sits nicely in our car boot. We’re looking forward to being able to fold it with the seat in place, rather than taking off the carrycot and having to juggle the two components.

The basket underneath is tucked away and offers a great deal of storage space

notice. In fact, he falls asleep almost every time we take him out in it. You can also use the seat unit from birth as it reclines to fully flat. Although we haven’t got round to using it yet, the seat is fully padded and the base is deep enough for baby to sit back cosily, rather than being perched on the edge. The included elevators ensure that baby sits or lies at a good height, and the large extendable hood (which also boasts SPF50 protection) makes Jack feel cosy and protected from traffic fumes and loud city sirens going by.

VERDICT COMFORT Jack only weighed 6lb 6oz at birth, so we were conscious about him rolling around in the carrycot, especially when travelling over bumpy pavements, but he hardly seemed to

This pushchair is a joy to use. Even better, the carrycot can be used for overnight sleeping, which saves on space if you’re going away.

From £550, icandyworld.com

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TOT GEAR

In the running Rebecca Moore TACKLE S TH E BE ST RU N NING BUGGIE S

n general, exercise and babies, don’t tend to mix very well.

However, what if I told you there was a solution where mum and baby could exercise in harmony… it’s time to dust off your trainers, sling on your dusty sports bra, strap baby in (that part’s important) and head outside with your running buggy.

That’s right, once your baby hits six months or nine months – depending on the pushchair’s guidelines on running – you can get fit with baby in tow. And the best bit?

No childcare required.

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RUNNING BUGGY CHECKLIST Wheel type: You need air-filled (pneumatic) tyres to take on uneven terrain with ease.

Wheel size: Pushchair wheels come in a variety of sizes but they tend to range from 16in to 20in. The bigger they are, the easier it is to push over uneven terrain.

Lockable front wheel: Important for running stability; if the front wheel is swivelling while you are running, you can easily lose control. Many models give the option to lock into place for running or swivel freely for everyday use.

Suspension: This makes it a more comfortable ride for baby but also easier for you to push. Running buggies have back suspension to absorb impact.

Five-point harness: To ensure baby is strapped in as safely as possible.

Adjustable handlebar: Allows you to be at a comfortable running position.

Tracking controls: To adjust the locked front wheel if the pushchair is veering to the left or right.

Handbrake: A brake that’s accessible on the handlebar is for safety to slow you down when running downhill, much like you would do on a bike.

Wrist strap: Some come with these, or buy an additional as they’ll keep you attached to the pushchair if you fall.

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Nipper Sport

This buggy was born to run! Out’n’About is known for its rugged pushchairs and the Nipper Sport makes a great running companion. The fixed front wheel ensures maximum stability over uneven or rough terrain, while the large 16in wheels guarantee a smooth ride for baby and an easier push for the parents. Designed with a handlebar-operated brake to give extra control. £349.95, outnabout.com

The Nipper Sport makes it easy for you to hit the road running with your baby in tow

Thule Urban Glide 2 Double

If you’ve got two babies to contend with, then fear not, your chariot awaits. The Thule Urban Glide 2, which is available as both a single and a double, is a dream to manoeuvre thanks to the lockable swivel front wheel and the 16in rear wheels. The integrated twist hand brake is great for speed control on hilly terrain, while the suspension keeps the pusher and the pushee comfy. The reflective rims on the canopy are a useful addition if you’re running in the evening. £700, thule.com

Bugaboo runner

Bugaboo makes beautiful pushchairs, and its running buggy is no exception. Either purchase the Bugaboo Runner as a complete jogging pushchair or as an additional accessory for existing Bugaboo owners. It has all the ingredients for a perfect running companion: brilliant built-in suspension; large air-filled fixed wheels; a height-adjustable handlebar with quick-access handlebar brake; tracking controls on the front wheel, plus a reversible seat if you fancy having that little baby face facing you. From £409.80, bugaboo.com

Feeding Freedom

I’m Itsy Blitz The award-winning, portable, baby food blender for here there & everywhere

on seen BBC 1 As

Get yours at myitsy.com

Hey, we’re Itsy, we make baby adventures possible with hassle-free, healthy feeding on the go.

I’m Itsy Guzzler A handy 3-in-1 drinking adapter for bottles & cartons

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PARTIES Mini festival-goers can make a statement with clashing patterns and bold colours!

PARTY EDIT

PARTIES

Set the scene with these finishing touches

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with Carole Middleton

Gabrielle Paris cushion £39, mollymeg.com

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Tallulah Goes to the Festival £6.49, waterstones.com

Cake pop tower From £2.50 each, slattery.co.uk

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1. Denim jacket From £65, sarahbaily.com 2. Cotton trousers £20, boden.co.uk 3. Cotton jumpsuit ¤65, theanimalsobservatory.com 4. Paul Smith cotton sunhat £33, childrensalon.com 5. Cotton trousers From £12, johnlewis.com 6. Cotton romper From £18, marksandspencer.com

MY FIRST FESTIVAL

Throw a bright celebration to remember by hosting your own festival

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Paper lanterns (pack of five) £5.99, partypieces.co.uk

Ferm Living tent £89, scandiborn.co.uk

he festival theme makes a wonderful foundation for a party, whether it be a birthday, special occasion or simply a family gathering, and September can be a lovely month for an alfresco celebration. You can really go to town with this theme, as there are no boundaries when it comes to throwing your own festival, anything goes! Go heavy on the balloons and brightly-coloured paper lanterns; try arranging them in a rainbow palette for maximum effect.

I’d suggest setting up a teepee, or making a den with colourful bed sheets and scatter cushions on the floor for the little ones. This will keep them shaded and give them space to roam around. Hang up some bunting, too; you could make your own and spell out ‘My First Festival’ or create your own festival name. Don’t forget the bubbles, too; you may want to save yourself a job and invest in a machine to keep them going throughout the day.

The decoration doesn’t stop there. Little (and big!) guests need to look the part, too, so get creative with some face painting; something easy like a flower or a rainbow are simple yet effective. Set up a photo booth to capture moments from the day and provide some festival props – like big sunglasses, Hawaiian Lei garland necklaces and inflatable instruments.

When it comes to feeding your guests, street-style food can be a fun addition and can be served up in cardboard trays to save on the washing-up. Mini burgers, brightlycoloured salads and chicken skewers are fun options.

Keep it casual with the cake and opt for cake pops, that way the dancing doesn’t have to stop!

Table runner £26.99, partypieces.co.uk

Paper napkins (pack of 20) £3.49, partypieces.co.uk

Wooden bowl £39.99, partypieces.co.uk

HEALTH

BRAIN FOOD

As much as 20 per cent of a baby’s brain should be made up of omega-3 fatty acids, and Bump & Glory’s fish oil capsules provide an easy way of ensuring this during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Proven to ensure the normal development of baby’s brain and eyes, and with a five-star IFOS certificate for purity and freshness, this oil is free from contaminants and contains oil only from wild, sustainable fish. Even better?

Receive a Pai Skincare pack when you buy Bump & Glory! £16, barebiology.com

ALL THINGS MOTHERHOOD with NEEV SPENCER

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ello there! I can’t quite believe it but me and bump are in our ninth month of pregnancy. I’m so excited that I’ve finally given up work and am enjoying lazier days of nesting and time with my little girl Genevieve.

I recently revealed that I’m having another girl at a party, which was a babyshower and gender-reveal party all rolled into one. It was an afternoon made of dreams; I had a magical garden of paradise themed party arranged by creative director Anisha Vasani. I held it at the wonderful children’s club Maggie & Rose so that my daughter, whose birthday is days away from my due date, could also celebrate. I want to keep her as involved and made to feel really important for as long as possible.

The party started with drinks and canapés on the roof garden that had been decorated in balloons by Balloonista. We then moved down for the second part of the day to the marquee area complete with a double-decker bus for the children to play and eat in. We were greeted with freshly made candy floss and sat down to play cute babyshower games.

After the cake-cutting, we finished off the afternoon enjoying sweet treats by Sugar Box Events. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world, and what a way to celebrate Genevieve’s third birthday and shower our baby to be.

In other news, all the yoga and osteopathy sessions have really helped me maintain a good body balance and I am now looking ahead as I lead up to the big day. Next month, I’ll be chatting to a renowned psychologist about pre-birth anxiety and learning about Chinese medicine and acupuncture in preparation of the birth. See you then.

health & beauty

NEWS

TH E L ATE ST PRODUC TS AN D IN NOVATION S IN TH E WOR LD OF WELLBEING A SOFT TOUCH Saving the planet while soothing baby’s skin has never been easier. Kit & Kin, the eco-friendly, family brand co-founded

by Emma Bunton, has announced a range of hypoallergenic skincare that combines 12 naturally nourishing oils and plant extracts to keep baby’s skin soft and supple. Buying from Kit & Kin will also help save the rainforests and support vulnerable women and children in Guatemala through education programmes. £9.99, kitandkin.com

I haven’t been able to do without the Better You Magnesium Sleep Lotion. I've had the worst cramps in my legs, always in the middle of the night, and have spent hours pacing trying to calm them down.

Massaging this lotion into my body before sleep seems to have worked; it’s even made my irritating restless legs subside. £9.95, betteryou.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

I’M LOVING...

THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES SUGGESTS THAT WE SHOULD BE ASKING NEW FATHERS ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH. THE LACK OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR MEN CAN EXACERBATE STRUGGLES, LEADING TO DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND OCD. SURREY.AC.UK

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HEALTH

Pelvic floored?

WELL, IT’S GOING TO TAKE MOR E THAN A FEW SQU EE ZE S TO R EGAIN CONTROL, AS Becky Dickinson E XPL AIN S hat do bouncing on a trampoline, sneezing and watching comedy have in common? For many women, the answer is that they cause embarrassing leaks.

One in three women admit to having some degree of stress incontinence – leaks of urine that can be brought on by anything from laughing to exercise. Far from being an “old person’s problem”, the condition often develops because of pregnancy and childbirth.

Earlier this year, the most senior doctor in the country admitted it’s something she too has struggled with. The chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies bravely opened up about her own issues with incontinence. And it’s time more of us did the same!

Having had three (large) babies, my pelvic floor has certainly seen better days. And like scores of other women, it isn’t something I’ve ever discussed. Why? Because it’s a tad embarrassing.

And because there seems to be a consensus that some collateral damage is a necessary price to pay for having babies. By keeping silent, millions of women continue to believe that stress incontinence is just something that they have to put up with, but your pelvic floor can, and should, recover.

Kegels – those “squeeze and lift” exercises we’re told to do during and after pregnancy – are a good starting point, but they won’t prepare you for returning to a life full of movement. This doesn’t help much because it’s not when you’re sitting down that you need a strong pelvic floor; it’s when you’re running or dancing! Indeed, the only way to treat the pelvic floor is to treat the core itself.

“There’s a stigma attached to incontinence, and a fear that, once you suffer, it’s

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permanent, but this is absolute rubbish,” says postnatal fitness specialist Jenny Burrrell. After developing devastating incontinence herself at the age of 41 and being told by her doctor she’d need pads for the rest of her life, Jenny decided to take matters into her own hands.

Building on her background as a biochemist turned personal trainer, she threw herself into developing a programme to strengthen her pelvic floor and core, based on in-depth scientific research. Within two months, she had managed to cure her incontinence.

Since then, Jenny has rolled out the Holistic Core Restore programme across Britain and overseas and now has 80 specially trained coaches in the UK. It’s a six-week regime designed to restore pelvic function and the

approach is key to the whole endeavour and the first session started with a soft tissue massage to loosen up any other areas, from shoulders to feet, as Sammie explained that the core is intrinsically connected to the whole body. We then moved on to breathing.

Holistic Core Breathing teaches you to inhale right into every cavity of your body and I was amazed to discover how different this felt.

Next, we linked this breathing to some pelvic floor lifts, using visualisation techniques.

The effort and concentration required was exhausting and the “lift”, by contrast, seemed dishearteningly negligible, but Sammie reassured me that this was normal to start with. As I practised at home, however, the breathing began to make sense and somehow everything seemed to come together. As the weeks progressed, the sessions became more dynamic, moving from floor-based exercises to standing, and then exercises involving the whole body using resistance equipment. It’s this integrated approach at the heart of the programme’s ethos that makes it so much more successful than the clenching-at-traffic-lights exercises women are usually told to do.

As Jenny stresses, the pelvic floor doesn’t exist “in splendid isolation”. It is connected to the rest of the body, and can only be fixed through a “whole body” philosophy that unifies the breath with functional movement.

The regime requires commitment – to the classes, homework, and nutritional advice – but after a few weeks, thanks to Sammie’s gentle expertise and tuition, I feel more in touch with my pelvic floor and would urge any woman to give it a go.

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project’s successful application has been transformative for thousands of women.

Jenny says: “I’m here to shout about incontinence from the rooftops. It’s not something you have to live with – in six weeks you can turn your life around. When you’re young, your vagina is all about having fun, but as you get older, it can be a cause of great stress. Nobody should have to spend the rest of their lives wearing pads. They need their pelvic floor (and their bodies as a whole) totally fit for purpose.”

I decided to try the programme out and was introduced to one of Jenny’s fully trained coaches, Sammie McFarland (sammiemcfarland.co.uk). Taking a holistic

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

THERE’S A STIGMA ATTACHED TO INCONTINENCE, AND A FEAR THAT IT’S PERMANENT

HEALTH

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

• Don’t go to the loo too often – try to build up to at least two hours between trips.

• Avoid going for a wee “just in case” and wait until you really have the urge.

• Drink plenty of water but try to cut down on bladder irritants like tea and coffee.

• You can exercise your pelvic floor by practising squeezing the muscles needed to stop the flow of urine (don’t actually do this on the loo).

However, for the best possible results, enrol on a programme that strengthens your whole core like Holistic Core Restore (holisticcorerestore.com).

• If the problem persists, seek help.

Incontinence is common, but it’s not okay and you can cure it.

Having a baby plays havoc ith your pel ic oor but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with being incontinent

Expecting?

Research shows that doing pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy makes it less likely that you’ll leak urine after birth. Help is at hand…

Squeezy NHS pelvic floor app £2.99, itunes.com

Weighted vaginal cones £34.99, kegel8.co.uk Elvie trainer £169, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Vibrance pelvic trainer £169, imedicare.co.uk

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HEALTH

While your baby might be prone to eczema, the good news is it can be managed

A rough patch AS Mar tha Alexander KN OWS FIR STHAN D, ECZEMA IN BABIE S IS COMMON BUT WHAT TRIGGER S IT AN D HOW CAN WE H ELP? s a small child, I recall furiously itching my inner elbows, making the already angry red, bumpy terrain even more livid. At night, I was washed with Aqueous cream. I suffered with eczema – which is also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition that causes patches of dry skin that can be cracked, blistery and flaky but above all, aggressively itchy. Eczema can affect any part of the body, but common locations are the inner elbows, behind the knees, and around the eyes and lips.

It is a condition 20 per cent of children in Europe suffer from, and yet, in adulthood, only one in 10 people continue to suffer.

Thankfully for me, my eczema cleared up before I hit puberty. Who gets it is genetic: parents with eczema and dry skin are more likely to have a child with the same complaints.

The very best sensitive-skin superheroes

GENTLY DOES IT

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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Eczema will commonly run alongside hay fever, asthma and other allergies – and flare ups can often be triggered by allergens like dust, soap or certain foods, such as dairy products.

So what makes existing eczema worse?

“Teething exacerbates eczema,” says Dr Bav Shergill of the British Association of Dermatologists, “because of all the inflammation in [a baby’s] body during that time. In fact, any illness will make eczema worse.” Dr Shergill also notes that washing with hard water, as opposed to soft water, will worsen it – and advises not to wash with soap.

And while Aqueous cream might not be the most glamourous product in the world, it does work to help keep skin clean and moisturised.

Much has changed since 1988 and there are in fact children’s toiletry brands that keep the lows of eczema in mind. Childs Farm is one

Aqua Wipes (pack of four) £7.50, boots.com

Comfort & Calm Rescue Cream £28, aureliaskincare.com

Nappy cream (50ml) £8.95, weleda.co.uk

Baby moisturiser (250ml) £4.50, childsfarm.com Top to toe wash (200ml) £19.50, littlebutterflylondon.com

such brand, offering vegan, organic ingredients which result in gorgeous fragrances. “With naturally-derived ingredients and essential oils, our range is dermatologist and paediatricianapproved for sensitive skin and safe for people who may be prone to eczema,” says Childs Farm founder Joanna Jensen.

When vicious flare ups strike, it can be really distressing for a baby and tough to manage as a parent. Dr Shergill advises getting on top of the situation as soon as possible. “Intervene with moisturiser,” he says. “The skin should look slightly shiny after you’ve applied it; that means you have put on enough.” He also recommends ensuring the temperature is regular and appropriate and that a child suffering from eczema is wearing soft clothes made from natural fibres, although avoid wool as this can cause major irritation.

Sleep is often compromised during acute eczema inflammation as the itchy skin makes it hard for babies and small children to get to sleep and remain asleep. This itchiness is at the root of the problem – and should be tackled as a priority. “Patients are always reluctant but topical steroids under supervision from your GP can clear things and keep the itch under control,” says Dr Shergill. In short, there is no quick fix for eczema. It’s irritating and painful but, thankfully, it can be managed.

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HEALTH

It’s important to start your child brushing as soon as their first teeth appear

68 | baby-magazine.co.uk

HEALTH

GET TO GRIPS

Let baby get stuck into toys, teething rings and more – all designed to take the discomfort away from teething! Always check the products are age-appropriate…

Aquafresh Milk Teeth toothpaste (50ml) £1.25, boots.com

Say

cheese!

FROM THAT FIR ST FL ASH OF WHITE, DENTAL CAR E IS E SSENTIAL FOR YOU R CHILD’S TEE TH , SAYS Georgina Blaskey hile it’s true babies (for the most part) are born with soft gummy smiles, their teeth are already embedded in their gums, waiting to make their first appearance. The first tooth to emerge can be pre-empted by days (and nights!) of red cheeks, drooling and unsettled feeding and sleeping. But the first time you spot that pure white gnasher gleaming in their mouth, it’s a momentous milestone.

Following that, you can expect the others to come through over the course of the next 12 months. Most typically you can anticipate the bottom incisors first (bottom front teeth), usually at around five to seven months, followed by the top incisors (top front teeth), which tend to come through at about six to eight months. After that, the top lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth) come through at around nine to 11 months and then the bottom lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth) at around 10 to 12 months. These are followed by the first molars (back teeth) around 12 to 16 months, the canines (towards the back of the mouth) around 16 to 20 months, and finally the second molars, around 20 to 30 months. Most children will have all of their milk teeth by the time they are two and a half years old – hallelujah!

Caring for your child’s teeth before they

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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come through is more important than you may think. The number one worry is tooth decay – even when there are no teeth! If your baby consumes breast milk or formula out of a bottle, it is important you don’t put them to bed with the bottle. Because sugar is present in milk (from either source), you should avoid it soaking your baby’s teeth all night long. Less saliva is produced at night to wash the milk away so all teeth, even the ones that haven’t come through, are vulnerable.

Once that first tooth makes its grand entrance, start brushing. As well as being important for dental care, it’s an excellent habit to get in to. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a smear of special toothpaste designed specifically for babies is all you need – but make sure it contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. Talk positively about brushing teeth, show them how you brush yours and make it a happy experience.

The sooner you can take your baby to see the dentist, the better, usually once their first milk tooth has appeared. It will help them become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. They’ll be happy to open wide and it’ll help stop them worrying about future visits. NHS dental care for children is free so start them early and continue regular check-ups.

Teething toy £9.99, matchstickmonkey.com

Finger Toothbrush & Gum Massager (pack of two) £4.49, bickiepegs.com

Wood teething toy £14, nibbling.co.uk

Nurofen For Children (100ml) £3.90, boots.com

DentalWipes £4.99, brushbaby.co.uk

My FirstBrush & Teether Set £6.75, brushbaby.co.uk

Baby electric toothbrush £79, foreo.com

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Most recommended by midwives1,2

For your new arrival

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1. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 2. Based on a survey of 1000 midwives. 3. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.18, No.5, 487-489 (1999).

4. A beneficial effect can be obtained from a maternal daily intake of 200mg DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg DHA / EPA for adults – Annex of Commission Regulations (EU) No. 440/2011. *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 23 Feb 2019.

Q&A

RUNNING HEAD

with fertility expert

Zita West

“How important is nutrition during pregnancy, and does it differ each trimester?”

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

N

utrition is the cornerstone to a • Iodine: helps to make the thyroid healthy pregnancy. The first trimester hormones that assist the brain in development is the time when your baby will grow and helps keep cells and the metabolic rate at a dramatic rate. However, many find it hard healthy; found in fish, shellfish and edible to eat a good diet in the beginning as they are seaweed, but most seafoods should be getting used to what their body needs. Many avoided during pregnancy, so ensure you women crave carbs, and with nausea kicking take a supplement to get your RDA. in, it can mean eating what you’re able to in • Zinc: vital for tissue growth and repair, and order to just get through the first few weeks, helps the immune system and the processing which is perfectly fine. The focus right now is of fat, protein and carbohydrates; found on growing a healthy placenta: the better the in beef, nuts, fish, and dairy products. placenta, the better the exchange of nutrients The second trimester is a crucial time and oxygen. Make sure you get at least these for the development of your baby’s teeth key vitamins and minerals in your diet: and bones. The baby will be growing and • Folate: protects against neural tube defects developing 300 bones, so during this trimester, you should aim to eat around 200-300 extra such as spina bifida. calories per day of nutrient-rich foods from • Choline: essential for the production of each of the major food groups, but help your cell membranes and cell division; found in baby’s skeleton to develop with good sources bananas, fish, eggs, nuts and wholegrains. of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, • DHA omega 3: a crucial component manganese and vitamin D. of the brain, eyes and nerve cells; During the third trimester, found in avocados, nuts, seeds, ed Recommend your baby will be gaining eggs and oily fish. product weight faster than ever, • B vitamins: help your body but it is not the quantity convert food into energy and of what you eat that play a part in the formation of is important – it is the new cells; found in wholemeal quality. Your baby’s brain bread, cereals, cheese, eggs, Vital DHA supplements will begin to develop to fish and lean meats. £15.50, zitawest.com

its full potential and it requires a specific set of nutrients. More than 60 per cent of their brain will be composed of fatty acids, but they cannot make essential fatty acids (EFAs) themselves, so food rich in omega 6 and DHA omega 3 are important. In addition to the essential fats, you should pay particular attention to the following nutrients: • Choline: linked to the memory and learning centres of the brain. The richest source of choline is egg yolk.

• Protein: more important than ever now as your baby builds muscles and tissue. Aim to eat a number of different protein-rich foods.

• Iron: vital for you to build up your stores in preparation for labour. It will help give you energy and boost your immune system to enable you to fight off infection and will also help prevent premature labour.

• Vitamin C: to boost your immune system and help your body heal after delivery because it aids the production of collagen, connective tissue and repairs blood vessels.

• Zinc: needed for your baby’s growth.

• Vitamin K: routinely given as an injection to newborn babies as it plays an essential role in the clotting of blood. Boost your baby’s supply in advance of birth by eating broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

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

baby-magazine.co.uk | 71

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Choose your colour pink or blue

BREASTFEEDING

The Breastfeeding Café with

PROFESSOR AMY BROWN

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

WHAT CAN CAUSE PAIN WHEN BREASTFEEDING?

I

t’s a common misconception that it’s normal for breastfeeding to hurt. If you feel anything more than a few seconds of mild pain or discomfort, then please speak to your health professional, seek further support from a breastfeeding support group, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

There are lots of things that could cause pain during feeding – and, luckily, usually a solution with the right support. For nipple pain or nipples that are visibly damaged, the way your baby is latching onto the breast might be the issue. They need to take a deep mouthful of the nipple and surrounding skin (the areola) with your nipple aiming towards the upper back of their mouth. How your baby is positioned can make all the difference to how comfortably they latch onto your breast. A shallow latch can damage your nipple by squishing it between your baby’s tongue and roof of their mouth or rubbing on the rear of their tongue.

If your baby is struggling to latch onto the breast, is it possible that your baby has a tongue tie – where

Nursing bra £34, bravadodesigns.com

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their tongue is tethered to their mouth too tightly and therefore they cannot latch onto your breast deeply enough. Other signs your baby might have a tie include being very gassy, ‘head banging’ at the breast popping on and off, they might not be gaining much weight despite frequent feeds, and your nipple coming out looking flat or like a lipstick shape.

Thrush is a fungal infection in your nipples that can cause pain and itching. Your nipples might feel like they are burning or you may have stabbing pains in your breast. Your nipples may also look shiny or flaky and your baby might have white patches in their mouth.

Mastitis can happen when a duct in your breast becomes blocked and infected. You may have a visible lump that might look red and feel hot to touch. It will hurt deep in your breast and can feel more painful during feeds.

You are likely to feel unwell. Sometimes you can have a blocked duct without the infection – so it can feel sore and hot but you probably won’t feel unwell. In both cases, helping ease the blockage is important.

Professor Amy Brown is the author of The Positive Breastfeeding Book (£14.99, Pinter & Martin Ltd), which is available now

Meemoo feeding light £45, kidly.co.uk

Reusable breast pads £10.99, closeparent.com

TOP TIPS FOR EASING PAIN • Nipple pain: A small change to how you are holding your baby can make all the difference. Watching a video on how to latch your baby on can be helpful.

• Thrush: Ask your GP for a topical cream (Daktarin) for your nipples. If things do not get better, they may prescribe you fluconazole.

Wash everything that comes into contact with your nipples – so a clean bra and towel everyday. If you use breast pads, it might be worth using disposable ones, otherwise wash them at a high temperature.

• Mastitis: Ease the blockage by massaging it gently towards the nipple. Doing this in the shower with some conditioner on your breast can help. You might need antibiotics – go to your GP if you feel unwell, or it does not start to get better within 24 hours. Keep feeding from that breast as this helps reduce the blockage and stops you getting even more engorged.

• Tongue tie: If you suspect tongue tie, ask your health professional to look in your baby’s mouth. Get a second opinion from a specialist, if you like. To find a list of accredited practitioners, visit tongue-tie.org.uk

baby-magazine.co.uk | 73

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HEALTH

TIME TO TALK with MARINA FOGLE & DR CHIARA HUNT

MORNING SICKNESS The sisters talk about one of pregnancy’s most undesirable side effects

eeling sick during your pregnancy is not, as its name suggests, confined to the morning. It hits at random; some women spend their pregnancies amazed that they’ve never felt better, while others are plagued by vomiting.

Although we don’t know what exactly causes morning sickness, it tends to be more profound in women with high levels of hCG, the hormone your body produces as soon as the egg is fertilised. If you’re carrying twins or multiples, your hCG levels will be higher and you’re more likely to feel sick. For this reason, as uncomfortable as the nausea is, it’s actually reassuring that all is progressing well with your pregnancy.

Most women feel sickest between weeks four and 12; it usually gets better once you’re in your second trimester.

But while you’re suffering, you’ll be wondering if there’s anything you can do to make it better. Unfortunately, nobody has yet come up with a magical cure for morning sickness. However, after six years of supporting women through their pregnancies on The Bump Class, we’ve heard tips that help.

EAT: You might not want to, but eating little and often will make you feel better. Women often find that if they get hungry, they will quickly start to feel sick, so if you can prevent that hunger, you might prevent the sickness.

TRY GINGER: This is actually a natural anti-emetic (anti-sickness). The ginger doesn’t have to be fresh, so stock up on ginger tea, biscuits or juice.

VITAMIN B12: Some studies have revealed this can help with nausea, too.

Annoyingly, its highest levels are in liver

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

F

and shellfish, which you shouldn’t eat during pregnancy, but it’s also found in fish, cheese and eggs. If you can’t face these, use a supplement instead.

EXERCISE: Lots of women find that being active for as little as 20 minutes makes the world of difference. Try a brisk walk and see how you feel.

REST: Women often say they feel sicker in the mornings when they haven’t slept well. Since your body is doing so much work to create your baby in the first 12 weeks, it makes sense that your body is doing all it can to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. You might find it hard to justify daytime sleeps before you have a visible bump, but your body knows best, so listen to it!

ACUPUNCTURE: Although the evidence behind it isn’t concrete,

many pregnant women swear by acupuncture and reflexology. Just make sure you are seeing someone who has a good knowledge of treating pregnant women.

STAY POSITIVE: As wretched as you might feel in your first trimester, the one thing we can guarantee is that the joy your baby will bring you will make all that vomiting worth it.

However, if you aren’t really coping, speak to your doctor about treatment with medication. Although the advice is to avoid all medication in pregnancy, it’s a matter of weighing up the risk against the benefit. If your prescribed medication prevents you from getting dehydrated and allows you to function again, it’s probably worth it, plus there is increasing data on the safety of these medications in pregnancy.

Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are the founders of The Bump Class, which provides antenatal classes in South West London.

Their podcast, The Parent Hood, is free to download on iTunes and Acast. Visit thebumpclass.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 75

HEALTH

Sensitive subject “

he good thing is you can get pregnant...” As the words left my mouth, I saw my friend’s heartbroken expression and registered my mistake. There was no good thing about this; she had just miscarried a baby at nine weeks after a year of trying to conceive. Her eyes were raw from crying, her shoulders slumped from the weight of twin enemies grief and disappointment.

I consider myself a sensitive person, not overly prone to making gaffes or causing friends to feel worse in times of crisis. And yet, here I was blithely adding insult to injury.

Why are we so inept at talking about miscarriage and infertility, when our lives centre on communication these days? We’re never not communicating with each other – whether sending quick-response hearteye emojis to Instagram stories or writing paragraphs of political theory on Facebook comments. We’ve got opinions coming out of our ears; nothing is taboo; yet miscarriage and infertility remain two subjects that are still met with discomfort and silence, or with aphorisms and coping advice that may be well-intentioned, but are clumsy at best.

And it’s not as if miscarriage or infertility are rare. One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving naturally.

Alice Rose, infertility campaigner and host of TTC (Trying To Conceive) Life Raft Podcast, which aims to offer support to people who are going through infertility, believes our inability to communicate effectively about these issues is down to a huge lack of awareness of what it’s really like to miscarry or struggle to conceive: “how it affects every aspect of your life and how debilitating emotionally, financially and socially it can be.

“I think people stop themselves from speaking up because it’s such a personal

T

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journey and one which many are just not ready to talk about openly while they’re trying to process it themselves,” she says.

“I also think the issue lies with people saying the wrong thing to them when they do open up. We’ve created a vicious cycle. No one wants to talk about it for fear that people will not understand and not be able to support them effectively, but the less we open up, the longer it will take for people to understand what they should say or do.”

Alice believes fear of judgement and lack of understanding around the issues at hand are major reasons as to why people might not want to open up to friends and family.

“Some people don’t want the sympathy; they don’t want people to feel sorry for them; they don’t want to exacerbate the feelings of failure already beginning to germinate and take shape,” she says.

Molly, 34, who struggled to conceive for three years before becoming pregnant with her daughter, now two, recalls how friends would urge her to “relax” and “stay calm”.

“I know they just wanted to help me but the idea that this could all be fixed if only I would chill out and have a nice cup of tea was massively unhelpful,” she recalls.

Petra, 37, who has suffered multiple miscarriages, says she is constantly amazed by how people try to comfort her.

“Someone said to me that miscarriages are actually a sign that something was wrong with the baby – as if it was some kind of lucky escape,” she says. “That is extremely painful for me to hear.”

Other parents say that being told that they should “just adopt” feels callous, and Alice says any form of attempted joviality with comments like, “Want to hang out with my kids? They’ll make you change your mind!” are unlikely to go down well.

PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/HILARIABALDWIN; ISTOCK

Mar tha Alexander TACKLE S TH E DIFFICU LT SU BJEC T OF TALKING ABOUT MISCAR RIAGE AN D IN FERTILIT Y

HEALTH

Struggling to get pregnant can affect every aspect of your life

Hilaria Baldw in took to Insta gram to share a heartfelt mes sage that she w as miscarrying

So, what are the best things to say when a friend is facing the prospect of infertility or grieving a recent miscarriage?

“Everyone is different, but I think there’s a good rule of thumb: try not to offer advice unless they’ve asked for it and just be there,” says Alice. “Be kind, be supportive and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Tell them you are there if they ever need to talk, acknowledge their pain, understand that they might need time away from social situations.”

An already painful situation can, of course, become even more fraught in friendship groups when there is happy news for some – but not for others.

“I knew my friend had had a miscarriage after 18 months of trying to conceive and so I was dreading telling her that I was pregnant,” says Claire, 29. “I put it off and put it off, and in the end, she found out through someone else. The fallout was horrendous. I wish I had handled it differently.”

There is no easy way for a friend to hear about your good news when coping with her own pain. However, thoughtfulness and sensitivity should be front and centre.

Some people might like a face-to-face chat, others might want an email or a text.

But social media announcements, scan pictures sent to a WhatsApp group or announcing it at a public gathering without having given your friend any private warning are all damaging and thoughtless.

This is tricky terrain and it seems like we’re all still learning how to navigate it. The lesson I am learning is that talking less and listening more is perhaps the best thing anyone can do for a friend in crisis.

For more information about Alice Rose’s work, go to thisisalicerose.com

baby-magazine.co.uk | 77

SHOPPING

THE REVIEW

LOOKING TO E XPR E SS YOU R MILK ? Laura Mason ROU N DS U P TH E BE ST BR E AST PUM PS ON TH E MAR KE T

le ible and efficient this pump fits to your breast comfortably and indi idually

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NUK FIRST CHOICE

While feeding or pumping from one breast, it’s common for excess milk to leak from the let down of the other breast. Mothers have been forced to watch on as the liquid gold went to waste.

However, this pump now securely captures that milk. Without the need for any manual pumping, a suction affixes the pump to the breast that then captures excess milk. £13.99, amazon.co.uk

A great-value option for mothers who want to occasionally support breastfeeding, or who are interested in exploring pumping options without a hefty price tag. Simple to use, the one-handed pump works powerfully with good suction that produces a fine supply of milk, especially when you get into the swing of it and establish a good rhythmic action. £25, cmsshop.co.uk

One of the newest pumps on the market specially designed to support women who are short on time and regularly on the move.

Completely silent, it fits discreetly into a standard nursing bra without the need for cords or special adjustments. The companion app uses the latest smart features for reliable remote control and monitoring. £249, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

A double pump can be useful for faster pumping action and supporting with increasing and sustaining milk supply.

This award-winning pump adopts a process that mimics the way a baby naturally feeds. The new PersonalFit Flex™ shield also ensures optimum comfort as you align it to best suit individual wellbeing. £249.99, medela.co.uk

A great all-rounder electric pump that supports new mothers starting out, right the way through to regular pumpers. The LED display provides clear visuals, making it very simple to navigate between the settings that control the numerous suction speeds, depths and rhythms.

The system also records preferred settings for improved ease of use. £149.99, nuk.co.uk

Milk Collector

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Finesse

Pump

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ADVERTORIAL

Prepare for the weaning journey by investing in Thermapen’s First Foods digital thermometer

Just right hermapen, the UK’s leading specialist thermometer brand, has launched its First Foods digital thermometer, designed to accurately check the temperature of baby’s food and milk during weaning and beyond; offering speed and convenience for parents who want to ensure that their little one’s food temperature is safe every time.

Research shows that a quarter of UK parents (25 per cent) have concerns when it comes to weaning, and that as many as 5.5m have accidentally burned their little one while giving them food or milk that was too hot. The research carried out by Thermapen also found that a huge six out of 10 parents don’t know what temperature their baby’s food should be.

Nearly three quarters of the parents surveyed (71 per cent) admitted they would feel less anxious if they had the right equipment to test the food accurately, and more than a fifth (22 per cent) of parents are unsure about how to test the temperature of their child’s food correctly, with some using techniques such as testing with their finger, a

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for families on the go, easily fitting into a changing bag.

Child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed, said: “I’m asked questions every day about introducing babies to solid foods. It can be a really nerve-racking experience for many parents. One of my aims is to help take the pressure off and fill mums and dads with confidence when offering their babies food and make the experience enjoyable for both parents and their little ones.

“My top tip would be to prepare for weaning as much as you can. It’s good to do a bit of reading in advance to build your own confidence before you start. It can also be a good idea to get equipment ready, such as plastic or bamboo bowls and spoons for baby and the Thermapen First Foods digital thermometer is also a good option to help you get the temperature of baby’s first foods right.”

spoon or tasting it themselves before serving.

Embarking on the weaning journey can be a stressful time, especially for first-time parents.

Let the First Foods digital thermometer help take the guesswork out of heating baby food, breast milk or formula.

The blunt tip makes it safe to use around little ones, while the easy to read digital display gives an accurate temperature reading in under three Exclusive offer: Baby magazine seconds – perfect when you have readers receive 20 per cent off First Foods digital a little one waiting impatiently for when quoting BABY-20 at thermometer, their lunch, plus it conveniently thermapen.co.uk. Valid until £39.99, thermapen.co.uk folds away, meaning it’s perfect 31/10/2019.

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baby-magazine.co.uk | 79

DEVELOPMENT

Make a splash Sarah Dawson PROVIDE S EVERY THING YOU N EED TO KNOW TO ACE THAT FIR ST POOL TRIP WITH YOU R N EWBOR N our first time in the pool with your baby is a moment you’ll never forget.

There’s something magical about a baby in water – born with the natural reflex to move their arms and legs when supported in the water, as well as hold their breath and open their eyes underwater, babies really are natural swimmers.

There are no rules as to when you can take your baby swimming for the first time – the NHS advises you don’t need to wait until after their immunisations – so it’s up to you when you feel ready to take the plunge. Get baby used to the water at bathtime, with plenty of splashing. It can be handy to play with bath toys and sing songs while they bathe, then use these as reassuring prompts when you’re in the pool for the first time. Just make sure the pool water is warm enough – 30°C for a baby older than 12 weeks or heavier than 12lb, and 32°C if they’re younger or smaller.

The first year of life is crucial to your baby’s development, and swimming has an impressive number of benefits. Ali Beckman, technical director and head teacher at Puddle Ducks, explains, “Swimming is a truly amazing activity, facilitating development of higher brain functions, core muscles and coordination. In fact, swimming gives your baby the opportunity to develop all of these skills earlier than their non-swimming peers.”

Studies have shown that, on the whole, babies who swim have a much better balance out of the pool than those who don’t. Swimming is the only opportunity babies have to move freely and move that little body in a unique way, plus all that grasping for the colourful

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swimming toys is great for their early motor skills development.

It’s not just the physical benefits that get the thumbs up. Swimming is so important for a baby’s emotional development, too. “It’s the only time your baby can feel truly independent,” says Ali. Signing up to baby swimming lessons gives your little one’s brain a workout, as they learn to respond to certain key words and thrive on the repetition. “Classes are a fun and socially stimulating activity for both parents and babies,” Ali explains.

As well as all of this, swimming classes are a great way to bond with your baby through all that skin-to-skin and eye contact. “The bonding experience is second-to-none,” says Ali. “It’s a time for you and your baby to relax together, plus it helps your baby build confidence in the water, and you, too, if you lack water-confidence.” It’s a fun way to give your baby some undivided attention, plus it’s great for your fitness (not to mention providing a bit of structure and sanity to those hazy newborn weeks), is something both parents can get involved with and can even help improve baby’s eating and sleeping patterns – music to our sleep-deprived ears!

Classes are the perfect way to start a habit that will hopefully last a lifetime. “Encouraging a baby to take regular exercise, such as swimming, will make it easier to establish a healthy lifestyle in the future,” Ali explains, plus, what could be more important than teaching them a potentially life-saving skill?

It goes without saying that any outing with a small baby can be a little daunting – throw

Ali Beckman from Puddle Ducks believe swimming al s lows babies to feel independ ent

in the prospect of wrangling them out of wet costumes and swim nappies, while desperately trying to keep your towel firmly wrapped around you, and it’s understandable that a lot of first-time parents can be nervous about the first trip to the pool. As a mum who’s been there, done that (and dropped the towel far too many times than I’d like to remember), it pays to be prepared. The first rule of baby swimming? Double up! Always dress them in

RUNNING HEAD

INSTILLING A LOVE OF WATER AT AN EARLY AGE IS SOMETHING YOU’LL NEVER REGRET

IN THE SWIM OF THINGS

Essential buys for baby’s first dip

Baby frill swimsuit £5.99, hm.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Baby swim float £15, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

a swim nappy, with a Happy Nappy (a pullon, neoprene nappy with snug fabric bands around the thighs and tummy) on top, to keep any accidents out of the pool. A lot of public swimming pools and classes insist on this. Have a soft, hooded towel on the side-lines, to wrap your baby up as soon as you leave the water, then make sure you have a clean nappy and change of clothes laid out ready to get them dressed as quickly as you can. This is not the time to be frantically scrabbling around inside the change bag searching for a missing baby

sock! Another thing to bear in mind is that swimming works up a serious appetite, so try to find a quiet spot to give them a quick feed or bottle before heading home. And if they cry? Don’t stress. All the other parents are in exactly the same boat as you, so just relax and know that no one is judging.

Whether you opt for some solo swimming with your baby or decide to sign up to classes, instilling a love of water at an early age is something you’ll never regret. Time to dig out the swimming costume.

Liewood hooded towel £35, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Baby Wrap™ Little Elephants from £19.99, splashabout.com Swim Happy Nappy £11, jojomamanbebe.co.uk baby-magazine.co.uk | 81

Advert AW Set up for PDF.pdf

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FOOD

food

NEWS TH E L ATE ST AN D GR E ATE ST TR E ATS FOR BABIE S, CHILDR EN AN D PAR ENTS

DELICIOUSLY GOOD

Say goodbye to processed baby foods and welcome Mamamade. Frozen, organic, plant-based meals for busy parents, who want to provide the best but simply don’t have the time! The tasty combinations will introduce a wide range of flavours to your baby and are naturally low in sugar and full of goodness.

From £2.47, mamamadefood.com

TASTY DELIVERY A hamper from the Meg Rivers Artisan Bakery is the perfect gift for exhausted parents. This family-run bakery will send a box of treats to get you through those sleepless nights and a rabbit toy for baby, too. With every baby box bought, a donation will be made to the Teenage Cancer Trust. £40, megrivers.co.uk

ADVENTURE AWAITS

With Itsy’s new drinks guzzler, a baby bottle can be created anywhere, from festivals to mountain climbing! The guzzler can fit onto hundreds of pre-made formula bottles and cartons and can be bought in a range suiting babies through to “sippy cup teats” for toddlers. £5.99, myitsy.com

The first day of school is the start of a big adventure! Frugi’s new lifestyle collection pays homage to “brave and brilliant” inventors and Arctic explorers such as Roald Amundsen.

The boldly printed products include lunchboxes, water bottles and dinner sets and are made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton and bamboo.

From £8, welovefrugi.com

ORGANIC BABY AND TODDLER FOOD COMPANY ORGANIX IS ENCOURAGING PARENTS TO #FUELTHEIRWONDER WITH ITS BRAND-NEW BOOK. RECIPES WILL SUIT EVERY STAGE OF A BABY’S DEVELOPMENT AND, BRIMMING WITH GOODNESS, WILL SPARK A LOVE OF FOOD FROM AN EARLY AGE! £12.99, ORGANIX.COM

baby-magazine.co.uk | 83

FOOD

Healthy

Start

IN FANT N UTRITIONAL TH ER APIST Alice Fotheringham H ELPS YOU ON YOU R WE ANING JOU R N EY WITH TH E SE DELICIOUS AN D N UTRITIONAL DISH E S

BAKE D BE ETROOT R ISOT TO Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 1 hour Serves 4-6 Not suitable for freezing Suitable from 6 months (make sure the stock is very low in salt) INGREDIENTS

• 200g fresh beetroot • 2tbsp olive oil • A sprig of rosemary • A little black pepper, to taste • ½ onion • ½ garlic clove • 125g risotto rice • 425ml hot low-salt vegetable stock • ½tsp of Marmite (for children over 1) • ½tsp finely chopped fresh or dried rosemary • Handful of grated Parmesan cheese or vegetarian equivalent • 2tbsp soured cream or cream cheese METHOD

Heat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Peel

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and trim the beetroots (use kitchen gloves if you don’t want red hands!) and cut into large wedges. Place on a large sheet of foil on a baking sheet. Toss with 1tbsp olive oil, the rosemary, a little black pepper and cook for 1 hour until the beetroots are soft.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in an ovenproof pan with a lid. Tip in the onion and garlic, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until translucent. Stir in the rice until well coated.

Add in the Marmite if serving to older babies, then pour over the stock. Stir again, cover and place in the oven. Cook for 15 minutes until the rice is soft.

Remove the beetroots from the oven.

Reserve a couple of wedges to chop into small pieces, but blitz most of the beetroot into a purée. Add in all the beetroot, chopped rosemary and Parmesan through the risotto.

Serve with a dollop of soured cream or cream cheese and extra Parmesan scattered on top.

FOOD P E A R , OAT & P E C A N COOKIES Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Makes 12 Suitable for freezing Suitable from 12 months Get your child to love beetroot early as this versatile veg is packed full of vitamins

These low-sugar cookies are quick to bake and full of good stuff for all the family. And you can get your toddlers to help you make them.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large free-range eggs, beaten • 2 large tbsp coconut oil, melted • 50g coconut sugar or maple syrup • 160g spelt flour • 100g rolled oats • 1tsp baking powder • A sprinkle of cinnamon • 1tbsp sugar-free nut butter (almond or peanut is lovely) • ½ firm pear, peeled and chopped • 50g pecans, finely chopped METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4.

Whisk together the eggs and melted coconut oil in a medium-sized bowl.

In a separate large bowl, mix the coconut sugar or maple syrup, spelt flour, oats, baking powder and cinnamon.

Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir. Add in the nut butter, pear and pecan pieces and mix together.

Give it a good knead for a minute until it forms a thick dough.

Line a baking tray with a silicone sheet or greaseproof paper.

Take dessertspoon amounts of the dough and roll in your hands into a ball and flatten on the baking tray. Repeat with all the dough mixture.

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

baby-magazine.co.uk | 85

FOOD

ALICE’S Advice Alice Fotheringham is co-founder and infant nutritional therapist at Piccolo organic baby food. She is passionate about helping families to relax and enjoy their baby’s weaning journey. Here are her top five tips:

Dairy products like yoghurt should be introduced into your meal plan a few times per week

SUPER GREEN PURÉE Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Serves 4-6 Suitable for freezing (not the dip) Suitable from 6 months (make sure the stock is very low in salt)

This storecupboard staple has been a family favourite for years and takes minutes to make. The base recipe can be used to make a smooth baby purée, a family soup or a delicious green dip for after-school snacking.

BASE INGREDIENTS

• 1.25 litres hot water, from a boiled kettle • 300g frozen peas • ½tsp vegetable bullion stock powder • 1tsp dried mint • 2 cloves garlic, peeled • 300g frozen broccoli florets • Fresh ground sea salt and pepper, to taste FOR THE DIP

• ½ ripe avocado

86 | baby-magazine.co.uk

• A generous tablespoon crème fraîche or cream cheese, to taste • Salt and pepper • A squeeze of lemon juice METHOD

Pour the water into a saucepan large enough to fit in all the ingredients and that has a lid.

Bring the water to the boil and add in the peas, stock, mint and garlic, then let the pan come back to the boil with the lid on.

Add the broccoli and cook, with the pan uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft (you want the vegetables well-cooked for this recipe). Season.

Remove two cups full of cooking water and set aside. Let the vegetables cool a little before blitzing with a stick blender until smooth, adding the additional water depending if you want it to be a smooth purée or family soup. Serve straight away.

If you have any left over to make a dip, wait until it is cool, then mash in the avocado, crème fraîche or cream cheese, and season to taste with the salt, pepper and lemon juice.

• Listen to your baby and respond to their cues. Try not to worry if your baby is not that interested in food. Milk is still a major source of nutrition in the first year so offer food at mealtimes, but don’t worry if you get flat-out refusal. The offering and exploring is more important than quantity in weaning.

• Find a balance. Offer a rainbow of fruit and vegetables and sources of protein. You may need to try different foods a few times, but be patient; it’s a big change and takes time for your baby to get used to new tastes.

• Encourage a taste adventure. Get your baby trying a wide range of ingredients and tastes, from naturally sweet and savoury to sour and bitter. Enjoy their faces as they explore these new flavours, and keep offering stronger ones such as bitter green vegetables and sour fruits. It’s important that they are exposed to these flavours early on.

• Lead by example. Eating together is a key part of the weaning journey. Babies are great mimics and eating is a very social experience, so even if you are just having a snack with them, take time to eat together.

• Get out of the kitchen. Feeding can take time, but you don’t need to stick to three set meals a day. If you have more time in the morning, make the morning meal more substantial. If you want to get out over lunch, pack some boxes of soft finger food that you can enjoy with other babies and parents.

Piccolo makes a range of 100% organic baby meals, snacks and cooking ingredients to inspire your family to start a lifetime of food adventures. 10% of Piccolo’s profits go to charities that support local families.

Visit mylittlepiccolo.com or follow on Instagram @mylittlepiccolo

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IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF

How to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy What you need to consider when buying a cot, plus the most beautiful bedding for baby Prepare for weaning success as we feature three delicious recipes perfect for the autumn season We put the best Moses baskets to the test Top classes for you and your baby

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Kalei wears velour sweater, ¤66, Tinycottons.

Bloomers, ¤38, Tinycottons.

TRAVEL

travel

THIS MONTH W E V I S IT…

The Lanesborough Hotel, London

MARTHA ALEXANDER goes in search of the ultimate babymoon

A

nyone looking for a last hurrah before dream feeds and dirty nappies – call off the search.

The Lanesborough Hotel at London’s Hyde Park Corner is the one for babymooners who would struggle to find a more luxurious place to celebrate the impending arrival and enjoy their last weeks of relative peace. Here, opulence reigns supreme, especially when it comes to the décor – think chandeliers, portrait paintings and richly patterned upholstery.

Our junior suite was exquisite – the colour of duck eggg and a sanctuary. Bowls of fruit and chocolates greeted us – and should we have needed anything, a butler was on hand to help.

The spa here is otherworldly; a subterranean vortex of calm with loungers in a row next to a warm, welcoming hydrotherapy pool. We read novels submerged in the water – occasionally pressing the button to activate water massage.

We noticed that the spa was quiet – a dimly lit space with only the sound of the infinity pool. While saunas are not exactly an expectant mother’s best friend, ditto the steam room, your partner can enjoy both.

The Rosy Pregnancy Massage is among the best you can find – choose an hour or 90 minutes and sink into some peaceful pampering that will nourish both your mind and body.

Dinner in Céleste promises to be a highlight.

We started with a cocktail (grapefruit margarita) and a mocktail (raspberry punch) with freshly made bread and butter. The waiters know about the dietary requirements of expectant mothers so you don’t have to explain about the cooking of eggs. They get it from the off. Thus, the perfect egg for our starter was indeed perfect.

This is a grand experience with world-class service. Grab the opportunity to stay here with both hands before they are full of baby! lanesboroughclubandspa.com

NEWS

WH ER EVER YOU R DE STINATION , TR AVEL IN ST YLE WITH BABY IN TOW

PREGNANCY PICK ME UP

Few places are more idyllic than Sheraton Cascais Resort – and the five-star hotel has just introduced a babymoon package. Prepare to unwind as you engage in prenatal workshops, massages and mindfulness classes, designed to help you prepare for motherhood. Plus the meals have been created to optimise health during pregnancy. sheratoncascaisresort.com

TIME TO PLAY Heading to The Algarve this summer?

Perfect for babies aged six months to two years, Four Seasons Fairways has added a new Baby Sensory facility to its popular creche. The thrilling play area, which offers plenty of outdoor space, a kitchen, dining area and cots for nap time, is a creative space where tots can engage in free play, story time, puppet theatre, music and movement sessions, as well as messy activities. fourseasonsfairways.com

PACKING FOR BABY’S FIRST HOLIDAY NEEDN’T BE A NIGHTMARE WHEN YOU STAY AT THE PELIGONI CLUB, A FAMILY-RUN BEACH RETREAT IN GREECE. FAMILIES WHO STAY HERE CAN NOW HIRE ESSENTIAL ITEMS LIKE BATH MATS AND PLAY PENS. JUST CHOOSE THE KIND OF ‘BOX’ YOU WANT. PELIGONI.COM

baby-magazine.co.uk | 89

RUNNING HEAD

Girls just want to have fun, especially by the seaside

Marbella Club Hotel welcomes children to its luxury complex

MARBELLA

ON A GIR L- ON LY H OLIDAY, Mar tha Alexander H E ADS TO SOUTH ER N SPAIN here’s one thing Britney Spears, Brigitte Bardot and me all have in common and it’s not that we’re world-famous blondes with killer abs. It’s that we’ve holidayed at Marbella Club Hotel, a kingdom of opulence on the Costa del Sol, which smells of jasmine, looks like a beautifully manicured jungle and is managed by staff who have been to charm school.

I was here with my best friend Mary, her daughter (my goddaughter) Mika, and my daughter (Mary’s goddaughter) Robin.

There was a time before babies that a girls’ weekend of sun and sangria was, if not commonplace, then at least doable.

But since motherhood, the idea of going on a girly minibreak was inconceivable.

Besides, our daughters are such good friends that we like hanging out as a team. And that’s how we happened upon the Marbella Club, which promises luxury, quality and service for any age in the form of the Tiny Tots Programme designed for those travelling with children below the age of five.

We were given champagne on arrival, before being taken to our private villa with its own swimming pool. The girls received a hamper with cookies, T-shirts, bath bombs and even a hooded towel each with their names embroidered on.

Their cots had been set up, a pushchair was on standby and the windows were fitted with blackout blinds.

Before long it was time to check out the kids’ club. The 5,000-square metre mini village is almost obscenely

T

The pool and garden setting was so inviting

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tasteful; there’s no plastic in sight.

Instead, children are welcomed into a rustic space cocooned by a variety of rooms, including an art studio, library and kitchen for cookery lessons. Parents have two hours per day complimentary use of the kids’ club, and each day is timetabled. Children under five must be accompanied by parents or a nanny (who can be easily hired) and you might dance to the Moana soundtrack, cook or make pottery. Our nanny, Ana, took the girls off for an afternoon while we basked in the Spanish sun. After a couple of hours, we heard the girls’ chattering getting louder as they approached the villa; they couldn’t wait to tell us about their day.

There are six restaurants, including the Beach Club, where the seafood buffet must be seen to be believed, and the MC Beach, which overlooks the sea. We had sushi, gazpacho, fried calamari and cold rosé. The girls had ice creams the size of their heads and then fell asleep together in a shady spot.

For all its fanciness, the Marbella Club welcomes children everywhere, so we didn’t worry about their noise or the trail of French fries they left under every table we ate at. In late afternoons, a tray of warm milk with cocoa powder would arrive in the villa for the girls. It’s safe to say I’ve reached a hospitality apex, which is a bit depressing, but proof, if I needed it, that we’ll have to come back.

Tiny Tots Programme at Marbella Club Hotel from ¤2,764, marbellaclub.com

Mika and Robin loved their time in the water

Relaxing at the MC Beach was a real treat

baby-magazine.co.uk | 91

TRAVEL

Slim

packing Zoey Goto SHOWS FAMILIE S HOW TO TR AVEL WITH A BABY AN D JUST HAN D LUGGAGE

n our recent family holiday to Portugal, it took just 15 minutes to touch down on the runway, whizz through passport control and jump into the taxi en route to our resort. There were no meltdowns at the baggage carousel, no dragging heavy bags and pushchairs around, and not a hint of a lost case – taking just hand luggage was, quite honestly, a family travel revelation!

Packing light makes travelling with a baby cheaper, quicker and easier to get about. With some clever packing hacks and an accommodating hotel at the other end, a hand-luggage-only family holiday is within easy reach.

O

THE MINIMALIST’S GUIDE TO PACKING LIGHT

COME FLY WITH ME…

• Invest in some decent hand luggage.

Amercian travel and lifestyle brand Away has some great cabin cases, complete with built-in phone chargers.

• Measure your bags to ensure they comply with your airline’s restrictions. Each airline has its own size and weight limits and many will fine you if your bag exceeds these.

• Start by packing just the essentials, including passports, travel documents, chargers, snacks and enough nappies, wipes and milk for the journey.

• Just carrying hand luggage means you’ll be limited to 100mls of most liquids, so take solid toiletries (Lush has a good selection) or decant your essentials into smaller bottles before you leave home and pack them in a separate transparent bag.

• When travelling with a baby, you are allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. Thankfully, these items can exceed the 100mls container rule. You can either buy them after passing through security, or take your own from home and they will be scanned separately at security.

• Once you have your liquids organised, think about your clothing essentials. Try to

Packing cubes (pack of four) £30, antler.com

Carry-on suitcase £225, awaytravel.com

Cotton-mix scarf blanket £75, marloelondon.com

Travel kit £10, childsfarm.com

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Mosquitan mosquito patches £8, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

plan complete outfits in advance, eliminating the need for ‘just in case’ items.

• Check the weather and pack multi-tasking items accordingly – for example, a pashmina can be worn on a chilly evening and then double as a baby blanket.

• Consider if you’ll need clean outfits for each day, or if you can mix and match items. Many hotels have a laundry service, or a travel-sized tube of clothes wash.

• Packing cubes help to organise your belongings into neat parcels that decluttering expert Marie Kondo would be proud of!

• Save space and creases by rolling rather than folding clothing.

• Wear bulky clothing for travelling.

• Borrow oversized items rather than taking your own. Carry your baby in a sling when you travel, then borrow a seat from the car hire or taxi company and a pushchair from the hotel.

• Staying somewhere that lends out baby items is a game-changer when it comes to packing minimally.

Close Parent carrier £54.95, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

SPF 50+ sun lotion £11, laroche-posay.co.uk

New Park Manor

RUNNING HEAD

THESE THREE HOTELS MAKE TRAVELLING LIGHT EFFORTLESS New Park Manor Pack light and you will enjoy your family holiday even before you get to your destination

THE NEW FOREST This hotel is perfect for a mini-break. Before your arrival, staff will liaise with you to make sure your room is equipped with all the baby equipment you need, including a mini fridge to keep milk cool. Video baby monitoring is also available, to enable parents to enjoy a meal together, plus two hours free childcare each day at the crèche. newparkmanorhotel.co.uk

Elounda

Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts CRETE, GREECE These three luxury family hotels in the picturesque Elounda area of Crete have recently introduced the Babies Travel Light programme. Parents can pre-book items, such as nappies, strollers, toiletries, sunscreen, baby milk and freshly prepared gourmet baby food, which will all be waiting for you in your suite when you arrive. elounda-sa.com

Martinhal

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Martinhal Sagres ALGARVE, PORTUGAL The complimentary baby concierge service means you can pre-book items such as baby baths, cots, sterilisers, highchairs and pushchairs. An onsite shop also stocks nappies, baby food, kids’ swimwear and shoes. The Conran designed décor is tasteful, the location is unspoilt and the service takes family-friendly to the next level. martinhal.com/sagres

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RUNNING HEAD

STARTING RIGHT

NAOMI BARTHOLOMEW, Headmistress at St Catherine’s Prep School, offers her advice on preparing for nursery

T

NEW BEGINNINGS

Whether they’re starting nursery for the first time or welcoming a baby brother or sister, change can be pretty overwhelming for young children. This is why CBeebies’ hit TV show Bing and the National Day Nurseries Association have teamed up to offer parents and nurseries access to a range of resources to help ease those life transitions – just go online to download activities and factsheets for free. ndna.org.uk

nursery

NEWS

H ER E YOU ’LL FIN D TH E L ATE ST E AR LY YE AR S U PDATE S FINGER FOOD

PARENTS ARE CURRENTLY FORKING OUT AT LEAST £127 PER WEEK ON CHILDCARE. THANKS TO THE INTRODUCTION OF TAX-FREE CHILDCARE, WHICH REPLACED CHILDCARE VOUCHERS IN 2018, FAMILIES CAN NOW RECEIVE UP TO £2,000 PER CHILD, PER YEAR, TO HELP COVER THE COST. GOV.UK/TAX-FREE-CHILDCARE

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Little ones will have hours of fun mixing and matching these Stacking Veggies from Le Toy Van. Each set includes six interchangeable toys that encourage colour and shape awareness; create a carrot, beetroot, or something entirely new! And for every rubberwood tree that’s been repurposed into a toy, at least one new tree has been planted in its place. £19.95, letoyvan.com

he start of a new adventure always brings a lot of anticipation, and as children begin nursery, they’ll clock each event and interaction to work out how it feels to be a part of their new class.

This can be a tiring time, as they settle, negotiate new relationships and understand new routines. It may also be tiring for you, as you work out a route to nursery, drop siblings off elsewhere and adjust to a new routine yourself, perhaps even returning to work now that your child has settled into a certain stage.

Help your child adjust by talking positively about going to nursery, and get your son or daughter excited about their new adventure.

Some parents might feel anxious, but children can sense this, so avoid any mention of the fact you are missing them throughout the day.

It’s a good idea to introduce your child to the routine of managing their own clothing, too, as this encourages independence. Arriving in good time for the start of the day should also help them learn good habits.

Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep, too, and expect her to be tired – even if she is used to a full weeks’ worth of activities, starting nursery is a whole different experience, and it’s normal for them to feel a bit worn out after their first week.

You should put your trust in the staff – they’ll have masses of experience between them and will look after your child. You’ll have chosen the nursery very carefully, and parental instincts are invariably right!

Finally, let your child tell you about their day in their own time – avoid firing questions at them the minute they step in the door.

You’re most likely very interested about hearing the ins and outs of nursery life, but avoid putting too much pressure on your child to tell you everything. They’ll open up about it in their own way, and staff will be trained to share any concerns they may have with you. Good luck!

Open Mornings Wednesday 25th September Thursday 17th October

Reception Taster Afternoon Friday 4th October

St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info

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Open Morning dates • 27 September 2019 • 7 February 2020 • 15 May 2020 Book now to reserve your place: www.parkside-school.co.uk/open-mornings Tel: 01932 869974 www.parkside-school.co.uk

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baby-magazine.co.uk | 95 London_General_Advert_99X129mm_portrait.indd 1

20/06/2019 14:19:17

Boutiques BODEN, LONDON

Since its launch in 1991, Boden has paved the way for timeless womenswear, menswear and childrenswear with a twist. The kids’ lines, Mini Boden and Baby Boden, are inspired by the best parts of childhood, with storytelling prints and appliqué. The Kings Road flagship store has a whole floor dedicated to childrenswear; check out the latest collection which is inspired by classic British style, complete with embroidered London buses, smocking and even machine-washable cashmere.

STORES ACROSS LONDON boden.co.uk

NATURAL BABY SHOWER, SURREY

When her son Dylan was born, Victoria Hampson noticed a lack of ethical baby products on the market and was inspired to set up Natural Baby Shower. Nowadays, her established store offers high quality, natural and meticulously-researched parenting products, from baby carriers to buggies and skincare solutions to sleep suits. Much of the product range is from small, family-run businesses, and all items are offered at the best prices.

WINDLEBROOK HOUSE, 55 GUILDFORD ROAD, BAGSHOT GU19 5NG naturalbabyshower.co.uk

EVE’S TOY SHOP, WALES

A veritable treasure trove for kids big and small, Eve’s Toy Shop in the colourful town of Llandeilo, South Wales, has toys of every kind. Whether you’re after something creative, want to get messy or spark imaginations, you’ll find it here. The owners source products from the best toymakers across Europe, with featured brands including Djeco, Moulin Roty, Haba and Jellycat. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for updates on the latest in-store events, from pet parties to Lego fun.

1 KING STREET, LLANDEILO, CAMARTHENSHIRE SA19 6AA evestoyshop.co.uk

THE LITTLE NATURAL CO, EAST SUSSEX

ALEX AND ALEXA

ON LIN E

LUCY & BELLE

ON LIN E

As the name would have it, The Little Natural Co specialises in organic, natural and handmade products for both baby and child. With an emphasis on ethical and sustainable production, its beautiful pieces are both trend led and environmentally friendly, from clothing and toys to skincare and accessories. They stock some of our favourite brands, including Olli Ella, Mabli, Wee Gallery and Sleepy Doe. 147 HIGH STREET, LEWES BN7 1XT thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

Home to more than 200 fashion, sportswear and toy brands from across the world, Alex and Alexa is one of the coolest online boutiques around. Founded a decade ago by husband-and-wife team Alex Theophanous and Alexa Till, the site remains dedicated to offering parents ‘the world’s best kids’ brands’ at the click of a button. Shop standout pieces from the likes of Stella McCartney Kids, Chloé, Burberry, Fendi and more. alexandalexa.com

After being inspired to set up her own online boutique after the arrival of her twin daughters, Clara Bentata founded Lucy & Belle as a shopping destination for discerning parents. The site prides itself on delivering the best customer experience with an extensive selection of products, from baby clothing and changing bags, to outdoor pieces and accessories.

Top brands include Pasito a Pasito, Cam Cam Copenhagen and Babidu. lucyandbelle.com

96 | baby-magazine.co.uk

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baby-magazine.co.uk | 97

BUSINESS With bbhugme, Dr Hilde Taveres and her team are on a mission to make mums and babies happier Being the right shape for pregnant women was a key design feature Pregnancy pillow £138, bbhugme.com

The back is one area that needs comfort when you’re pregnant

What inspired bbhugme?

In our work as chiropractors, my co-founders, Ann Kristin and Elisabeth, and I have always had a desire to support women throughout pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. However, the exact moment we came up with the idea for bbhugme was a random workday lunch, when we were discussing the typical challenges our patients – pregnant women – encounter in their daily lives; pain and lack of sleep have always been a huge problem. From this, we saw a need for an adjustable pregnancy pillow, but there were none on the market at that time that would solve these issues, so we decided to design one ourselves.

How has the business grown in the last six years?

It’s grown organically, by grabbing opportunities that line up with our philosophy and long-term goals. I don’t believe in ‘forced growth’, but rather that by being open and curious, great opportunities will come along.

We started off with just

98 | baby-magazine.co.uk

INSPIRE DR HILDE TAVARES The co-founder of pregnancy pillow brand bbhugme talks about juggling family life with a successful business the three of us, and now have a team of eight diverse, passionate people. We’ve also expanded into new markets, and our product portfolio has grown, too.

How do you juggle running your own business with family life?

It’s always been about keeping a good balance. My daily routine revolves around family, sleep, work and exercise, and I prioritise in that order. I’m an introvert by nature, so I also have to honour the fact that my brain and body need a little solitude sometimes.

Describe a typical work day There’s no such thing as a typical work day! When I start at 8am, I never know what the day will bring. Some days I feel as though I’m not making any progress, while others are fun. I usually leave the clinic at around 4pm and head home to make dinner for the kids.

After my youngest is tucked in for the night, I’ll answer some emails and put a few hours into whatever project I’m working on.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to start their own business?

Go for it. It won’t be easy, so try to connect with other people for help and guidance.

Create a team or network of friends or colleagues around you who have experience and knowledge in areas

Tied around your waist, the pillow provides support for you and your baby

you don’t; they’ll challenge and push you further. The success we’ve seen so far with bbhugme is definitely a team effort.

What has been your proudest moment with the business?

I’ll never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt on the day I held our first finished product.

It’s also nice to receive awards for something you’ve made, and I love hearing stories from our customers, particularly when our products have made an actual difference to their lives. I’m really proud of the bbhugme team, and everyone’s willingness to bring their A-game to the table has helped us grow.

What’s next for bbhugme?

We’re continuing on our mission to support pregnant women and families through creating smart, functional and beautifully designed products. We’re about to go global as a brand, and new product concepts are soon to be launched. But our care for our customers will always be at the heart of everything we do. bbhugme.com

ARE YOU CHICKENPOX AWARE? Chickenpox can be unpleasant for your child, but there may be ways you can help them feel better.

Do you know how to care for chickenpox at home?

To find out more, visit chickenpoxaware.co.uk This is an MSD website with more information on chickenpox.

This advert has been written, produced and distributed by the pharmaceutical company MSD. Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Hertford Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 9BU Registered in England No. 820771 GB-VVX-00032

Date of preparation: March 2019

A humanist naming ceremony The perfect welcome If you’re thinking of a non-religious naming ceremony for your child, a humanist naming ceremony is the most authentic, creative, and fitting choice.

A Humanist CeremoniesTM celebrant will help you plan a unique, personal, and meaningful ceremony.

Speak to an accredited humanist celebrant from the Humanist CeremoniesTM network.

It’s a charity whose name and reputation for quality means you know it can always be relied upon.

Find out more and contact a celebrant near you today at

humanistceremonies.org.uk/ namings

Humanist Ceremonies™ is part of Humanists UK, a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 285987) and company limited by guarantee (no. 228781).