Baby London March/April 2017

blondon b MARCH/APRIL 2017

Natalie Portman ON PREGNANCY, MOTHERHOOD AND THE MOVIES

ARE YOU READY FOR BABY NO.2?

What to wear when you’re

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Be your family’s superhero Protect your baby online and spread joy to the people that matter

“Tinybeans is the only app I use every day!”

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Baby milestone tracking Keep on top of measurements and development

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CONTENTS MAR /APR 2017

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PHOTOGRAPHY: PA IMAGES

FEATURES

56 “I LOVE BEING A MOTHER” Natalie Portman reveals all about life at home, and how parenthood has changed her career in film 73 ARE YOU READY FOR BABY #2?

Is there ever a perfect time to add the next baby to your brood?

76 LIFE AFTER LOSS Actress Sarah Parish talks to Kate Freud about her most rewarding role to date 79 BEHIND THE BRAND: DRAGONS OF WALTON STREET Danielle Wilkins goes behind the scenes of the quintessential British brand 83 TOT GEAR We put the iCandy Peach pushchair through its paces 86 ON THE ROAD Kate Finney and her three young girls road test the Multimac car seat

55

96 SALTY OR SWEET? Pregnancy can bring about all sorts of surprise cravings, here’s why…

100 ON THE DOWNLOAD Check out the best parenting apps around right now 103 SLIM THE SCANDI WAY Why Nordic walking is the fitness trend we’ve all been waiting for 106 YOUR PREGNANCY JOURNEY Louisa van den Bergh reveals what to really expect when you’re expecting – toilet troubles et al 111 SECONDARY INFERTILITY Fertility expert Emma Cannon explores the difficulty of trying to conceive second time around 116 HOW TO FIX A FLAT HEAD What is plagiocephaly, why does it occur, and what treatment options are available to you?

Hop over for aster inspired out ts

STYLE

44 COTTON & CANDY Give baby’s wardrobe a spring update with this season’s ice cream hues 52 SHOP THE SHOOT Get the look with our high street edit 66 SPRING FRESH Nine In The Mirror cherry-picks its key pieces for expectant mothers

SHOPPING

23 BABY LONDON LOVES Think inside the box when it comes to Mother’s Day this year 25 SHOP THE THEMES The stores are bursting with Easterinspired gifts and clothing this month 63 PASTEL PARTY Stylish sorbet staples to update your wardrobe pre- and post-baby 92 SPRING FEVER It’s time to refresh your beauty haul

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 7

79 Editor-in-Chief Kate Freud Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Features Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Chatty Dobson, Ginny Maclean Marketing Executive Catrina Linz

122 STYLISH STORAGE These space-savers will look good in any room of the house

FOOD & TRAVEL

127 FOOD NEWS The latest food offerings for little diners 129 WEANING YOUR WAY Baby-led vs traditional methods – we discuss the pros and cons of both 132 A TASTE OF SPRING Alice Fotheringham introduces textures and flavours with three seasonal recipes 137 TRAVEL NEWS Prepare to pack your bags!

138 POSTCARD FROM CRETE Victoria Smith reports back on her luxury Greek babymoon 140 CABIN CREW All you need to know about flying while pregnant or with a little one in tow

REGULARS

15

33

BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small MY ESSENTIALS We catch up with author and blogger Giovanna Fletcher to talk motherhood

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Head of Market Leshna Pirie Advertising Manager Amy Thacker Sales Executives Harriet Cottrell, Emma Payne

These tasty recipes can be made to delight the whole family (p.132)

37 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Goings-on in the capital this month 38 FOCUS ON: DULWICH The best spots to shop, learn and play 40 NATURAL WONDERS New book releases inspired by spring 42 INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION We chart the accounts you need to follow – this issue it’s Harlen Bodhi White 55 PARTY TIME: EASTER Carole Middleton shares her tips 61 MATERNITY FASHION NEWS Do bump style right – here’s how 89 THE DAD DIARY Blogger Jamie Day talks family life 91 HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS What’s new in the world of wellbeing 95 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ Is tongue-tie being misdiagnosed?

99 DIARY OF A MUM Martha Alexander talks pals old and new 108 MEET THE EXPERTS Advice from our healthcare professionals 115 TIME TO TALK… The Bump Class discuss life with twins 118 THE REVIEW The best play gyms for your little ones 121 INTERIOR NEWS Stylish updates and inspiring finds 143 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from classrooms and beyond 147 MINI AGENDA What’s on over the next two months 162 INSPIRE Talking business with Little Cloud

Feel like a Greek goddess in Crete – yes, even while pregnant

Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Baby London is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: babylondon.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: babylondon@chelseamagazines.com

Baby London Print ISSN 2040-8552 Online ISSN 2059-982X | 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 2016 All rights reserved

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PHOTOGRAPHER: SARAH WINBORN MODEL: ZACHARY Zachary wears cotton dungarees, £45, Rachel Riley.

Cotton bodysuit, £20, Jacadi.

eco-white

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Bright lights: see more of our colourful pastels shoot on page 44 Satin dress £350, gucci.com Metallic leather sandals £59, thelittleshoemaker.com

‘Odette’ ostrich soft toy £26.50, jellycat.com

EDITORS

LETTER

Dewy Facial Mist £47, demamiel.com

We’d love to hear what you think about our latest issue

Babylondonmagazine , aughters dorable d aby Iris a s y’ e n b Kate Fin otte, with nd Charl Martha a

@Baby_London

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KATE FREUD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

• B A BY

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG; SARAH WINBORN

Cotton canvas backpack £17.99, partypieces.co.uk

Oscar winner Natalie Portman (p.56), and author Giovanna Fletcher talks about life as mum to her two boys, Buddy and Buzz (p.33). Talking of two, Louise Pyne’s piece on whether you’re ready for another child is a must-read for anyone considering it (p.73), and fertility expert Emma Cannon says that if you are, remember that it’s not always as easy as you might think to conceive quickly second time around (p.111).

Read Louisa van den Bergh’s inimitable piece on the pregnancy taboos we all need to know (p.106) and maternity boutique Nine In The Mirror styles the most gorgeous pieces to dress your bump in (p.66). And finally, with babe in arms, we explore the trend of Nordic walking, an outdoor pursuit that not only sheds the pounds but cheers the soul (p.103).

Last but not least, congratulations to Baby London’s other Kate F on the safe arrival of her beautiful baby girl, Iris!

ND

UK

Needle & Thread embroidered bomber jacket £245, lyst.com

Hello! And welcome to the SPRING issue.

Despite a few New Yorkstyle icy days which have been bathed in brilliant sunshine, the weather this winter has been quintessentially British; cold, grey and wet.

But, with March in sight there’s a whiff of spring in the air, and all the sense of possibility that comes with this change of the season.

So as those first brave daffodils and crocuses make an appearance, we celebrate all that this time of year has to offer. With Easter around the corner, we cherry-pick our favourite seasonal finds (p.25), Emma O’Donovan chooses the best nature-inspired books (p.40) and Carole Middleton shows us how to throw an Easter party to cluck about (p.55). Our pastel fashion shoot taps into spring’s key trends (p.44), and we meet Claire Walker, founder of interiors label Little Cloud, one of the prettiest brands around (p.162).

We also go behind the scenes at Dragons of Walton Street, a brand synonymous with Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit and friends (p.79).

This month we were lucky enough to discuss all things pregnancy and parenting with

O N .C O

.

@babylondonmagazine

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 11

E

Where were you born?

Hanover, Germany. My father was in the British Army and was posted out there.

What do you love about your work?

Listening to the stories of women and helping them to identify the source of the imbalance in their bodies.

What are your plans for Easter?

Skiing! It's one of my favourite holidays to enjoy as a family. Emma discusses secondary infertility on p.111

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ON, FERTILITY

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BECK Y Where were you born?

I was born in Oakham, East Midlands.

What do you love most about your work?

The flexibility of being able to work around my three children, though sometimes I have to work in the evening to make up for it!

How do you plan to spend your Easter?

We’re away for half term, so I’m looking forward to staying at home at Easter, planting veg in the garden and eating chocolate.

Becky explores Nordic walking on p.103

N AN

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CONTRIBUTORS

Where were you born?

Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital, London What is the best thing about your job?

I feel so fortunate that I have managed to forge a career in an industry I could only dream of working in since I was 16 years old!

Where will you be for Easter?

Every Easter I head off with my extended family for a magical holiday off the west coast of Florida. I can’t wait!

Camilla has maternity style in store on p.63

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When you’re on the go or grabbing a coffee and have a moment to spare dip in and get our dail digital fi

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BABY LONDON ONLINE N D O N.

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Head online to discover great competitions and giveaways it could be your lucky day!

From choosing a nanny to exclusive weaning recipes, we’ve got expert advice on all areas of parenting

Join in We want to see your pics of you and your little ones enjoying Baby London Be sure to stay updated with the latest news and talking points

#BLLOVES facebook.com/babylondonmagazine twitter.com/baby_london instagram.com/babylondonmagazine babylondon.co.uk

12 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

with the

New Cosatto Wow

Anna with Wow. The ultimate pram and pushchair. Shown in Fjord.

See the full collection at cosatto.com/london

baby

NEWS

NEWS

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Kiwi brand Solvej has just landed exclusively at Scandiborn, and its timber and canvas swings are proving a hit. Suitable for use both indoors and out, it comes with all the kit you’ll need for assembly, and can be converted from a baby seat to a child’s swing as your little one grows. The fun can start as soon as baby can sit upright. £139.95, scandiborn.co.uk

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MOTHERCARE HAS TEAMED UP WITH HUBBUB FOUNDATION TO LAUNCH ITS #GIFTABUNDLE CAMPAIGN. PICK UP YOUR BAG FROM A MOTHERCARE STORE AND FILL IT WITH SIX ITEMS OF UNWANTED, GOOD-QUALITY BABY CLOTHING AND, ONCE RETURNED, IT’LL BE DISTRIBUTED TO OTHER MOTHERS AND CHILDREN IN NEED. LAUNCHES 26 FEBRUARY, MOTHERCARE.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 15

NEWS

LITTLE TREASURES

Gift a new mum with something luxurious from The BeauBox. Each box includes a curated selection of brands and genderneutral gifts for both mum and baby to enjoy, from Molly & Moo muslins to Balance Me skincare and Jem + Bea leather pouches.

There’s one for every budget, too, starting at just £25 for ‘The Mini One’. thebeaubox.com

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At Nine In The Mirror you can expect a hand-picked edit of ready-to-wear designer pieces from Valentino, Alexander Wang, Joseph and more, that work through pregnancy and beyond. To celebrate the SS17 collection landing online, the boutique is offering readers the chance to win £500 to spend across all clothing, baby and gifts. Visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions

PLAY ON WORDS Learn a new word every day with Dorling Kindersley’s latest board book.

100 First Words covers all the familiar things little ones are interested in, including the body, animals, and things around the home. There’s a mix of colourful illustrations and photographs, with labels to encourage pointing and naming, too. They’ll be a wordsmith in no time! Available 1 March. £7.99, Dorling Kindersley

Outdoor label LittleLife has expanded its range of baby carriers with the new Freedom S4. The upgraded design features adjustable buckles and airflow meshing to improve breathability, as well as tons of useful features, including a sunshade and rain cover. Suitable from six months, £189.99, littlelife.com

RIDING HIGH Skip Hop has given traditional baby bouncers a boost. Designed to keep baby involved in family life, the Uplift baby bouncer can be elevated to sofa height. And when you’re busy, the toy bar, sound effects and bouncing should keep them happy. £160, johnlewis.com

EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE PINK CHARACTER IS RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITY. PEPPA PIG’S MUDDY PUDDLE WALK, IN ASSOCIATION WITH SAVE THE CHILDREN, IS ASKING NURSERIES, EARLY YEARS GROUPS AND FAMILIES TO GET OUTDOORS. TODDLERS CAN BE SPONSORED FOR PUDDLE JUMPING, OR YOU CAN FUNDRAISE IN OTHER WAYS. 8-14 MAY, MUDDYPUDDLEWALK.ORG

16 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

organic wonder salve Suitable for babies who may be prone to eczema

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Multi-tasking salve for the whole body

goodness you can trust FOR A FREE SAMPLE: 01403 740350 organic@greenpeople.co.uk www.greenpeople.co.uk/babies

More milk for your baby, more time for both of you.

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SITTING PRETTY

SPECIAL DELIVERY If you’re after a last-minute gift to celebrate a new arrival, Blue Almonds’ Newborn Baby Gift Service is a sweet choice for new parents. The luxury hamper features a cotton babygrow, bib, hat and blanket in a range of coordinating prints, and the boutique will post to anywhere in the UK, and even offer same-day delivery in central London. £124, bluealmonds.co.uk

Proving that highchairs needn’t be unattractive or disposable, the Nomi by Evomove is now available in a chic charcoal grey. The Scandinavian-inspired design, with its wooden stem and moulded plastic features, grows with your child, transforming from a baby seat to child’s chair. And if grey isn’t your thing, there are six other colours to choose from.

From £199.95, evomove.com

LOUNGE ABOUT

OVER THE RAINBOW Little Bird by Jools Oliver has launched a very special printed bodysuit to support Tommy’s, an organisation which funds research to help save babies’ lives. A rainbow baby is an infant born following a miscarriage or stillbirth – a £1 donation from each sale goes towards the charity, with sizes from newborn to nine months. £9, mothercare.com

Bloom & Blossom, the brand that creates natural skincare for mum and baby, is stepping into new territory with a loungewear line.

Teaming up with Mamas & Papas, the collection includes stylish pyjamas, as well as pillow mists and comforters to encourage a good night’s sleep. Because that’s the least you can hope for…

From £6, mamasandpapas.com

HIGH-CHAIR ANY CHAIR Make any chair baby-friendly with the Bumbo Multi Seat. You can attach the compact seat to most chairs using its special straps, allowing baby to join the rest of the family at the dinner table. The three-point harness and detachable tray make for easier feeding, too.

Suitable from six months – or as soon as baby can sit upright unaided. £49.99, bumbo.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 19

NEWS

STYLE STEPPERS Everything changes once your baby starts to walk. Make sure their feet are supported – as well as on trend – with Bobux’s new range of Step Up first-walker shoes. Each style features a sturdy toecap and flexible, lightweight sole, both ideal for healthy foot development. Not to mention they come in spring’s latest prints and colourways, from grey to neon brights.

From £27, bobux.co.uk

SHAKE YOUR TAIL FEATHER Move over Sophie the Giraffe – Gertie the Good Goose has come all the way from Canada on a mission to soothe babies’ sore gums. The teether, made from 100% natural rubber, is designed to fit in baby’s hands, with a tail, beak and feet for gnawing on. She even quacks! £14.99, gertiethegoodgoose.co.uk

BEST OF THE BLOGS

The internet is awash with information but these brilliant bloggers cut to the chase with honest and practical advice Anna’s storytelling photography is a feast for the eyes

THE CURVE

TRAVEL MAD MUM

MUMMY DADDY ME

This beautiful blog was unsurprisingly set up by a photographer, Anna Hardy, and Caroline Sheehan, a childrenswear designer, who have five children between them aged from six months to 11 years. The blog is divided into categories, covering everything from food and style to crafts, home inspiration, parenting and photography. It’s a blog full of great ideas, but mostly it’s a feast for the eyes. thecurve.space

When nurse Karen Edwards was on maternity leave with her daughter Esme, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to go backpacking with her 10-week-old daughter and husband. Her friends thought she was crazy, but by the end of her first year they had travelled to 12 countries, documenting the highs and lows. Karen is now pregnant again, and the adventures are set to continue. travelmadmum.com

Katie Ellison set up this sweet, award-winning family blog back in 2011 as an outlet for her creative side while on maternity leave with her first child Madeleine, now six. She has since had two more children, Lottie, three, and Wren, 10 months, but the ethos of the blog remains the same, to cherish the ordinary, everyday moments with your children. The photography, interiors and travel sections are particularly lovely. mummydaddyandmemakesthree.co.uk

20 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

3-in-1 system from birth to 17kg.

See the collection at: www.cybex-online.com

SHOPPING

LOVES

Delight the senses with Victoire & Lou’s little luxuries

Tick all the boxes When we say we only want breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day, we’re just being polite. Take the guilt out of lavish present requests with Victoire & Lou’s curated gifts – the baby boxes are as much for baby as they are for you. Expect treats such as organic soap, hand-knitted booties, soothing face mist and, of course, the most beautiful flowers.

Welcome Baby box, £104, victoireandlou.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 23

ENJOY 15% OFF* ONLINE WITH THE CODE BL15 London Stores: 45 Marylebone High Street, W1 I 179 Kensington High Street, W8 I 102 Northcote Road, SW11 Leeds Store: Victoria Leeds, LS1

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*Offer is available on orders over £50.

Excludes sale items, baby wear and the bump kits.

Pehr felted wool mobile £65, rosesandthestars.com

Welcome spring in Bonpoint’s pretty range of Liberty-print dresses and blouses From a selection bonpoint.com

‘Clicki Chick’ collector toy £49.99, steiff.com

Wooden pull-along toy £15, mollyandmoo.co.uk Leather booties £20, bobux.co.uk

SUNNY SIDE UP Hello, yellow. Cracking pops of gold paired with adorable chick and duckling details make perfect seasonal gifts

Maileg DK Easter egg tin £5.50, sistersguild.co.uk

Cotton cardigan £87, bonpoint.com Buckled sandals £38, salt-watersandals.com

Cotton playsuit £26, monsoon.co.uk

Duez cotton play tent £120, kidly.co.uk Mima Xari 3-in-1 pushchair £1,099, cheekyrascals.co.uk

Bloomingville wooden pull-along toy £26.95, scandiborn.co.uk

Linen shorts £29, happyology.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 25

SHOPPING

This adorable sheep design will sit pretty in baby’s nursery Elements Optimal wooden chair £257.14, en.smallable.com

Donsje faux-fur hat £65, rosesandthestars.com

LITTLE LAMBS Spring’s woolly wonders and sheepskin accessories are a shear delight

Farg & Form changing mat £39.75, northlighthomestore.com

Anne-Claire Petit crochet music box £48.88, en.smallable.com

From a selection scarletribbonmerino.com

Shearling gilet £198, belleenfant-boutique.com

Little Bird Told Me infant rocker £94.95, cuckooland.com

Belle Enfant wool and cashmere hat £26, harrods.com Bedside crib £199.95, snuz.co.uk

Cotton-blend bodysuit £23.17, molo.com

Couche Tot cotton-blend cardigan £20, childrensalon.com

26 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Sheepskin moccasins £55, amyandivor.com

Don’t let your hair spoil this moment Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most exceptional and rewarding events that can change a woman’s life. However many new mums will experience another change, which may not seem related to childbirth at first.

Did you know that 40-50% of new mums experience postpartum hair loss?

By using Nourkrin® you can support and maintain the approximately 100,000 hairs you have on your head.

Nourkrin® POST PREGNANCY – FOR HAIR MAINTENANCE is a safe and drug-free food supplement developed to maintain natural, beautiful hair for new mums.

Find out how Nourkrin® POST PREGNANCY can help you: www.nourkrin.co.uk Tel: 0845 894 9680

+ Available from good independent Pharmacies and Health Food Shops

is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

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

1

wea ning

Treatment

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For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

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Protection

from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help protect against the irritants that can cause nappy rash.

we

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SHOPPING Beatrix Potter framed print £25, rosesandthestars.com

Rabbit soft toy £10, belleandboo.com

From a selection at Sebra en.smallable.com

Wooden teether £15.95, meandbuddy.com

COTTON TAILS Hop into the new season and get your claws into these magical bunny-inspired nursery additions

Rabbit melamine bowl £5.95, cultfurniture.com

Plastic bowl £7.50, buddyandbear.com Wool rug £69, mamasandpapas.com Oeuf NYC alpaca wool hooded sweater £153.94, en.smallable.com

Oeuf NYC wooden chairs (set of two) £212, sistersguild.co.uk

Paul Smith cotton t-shirt £39, childrensalon.com Cotton-blend leggings (part of a set) £13, next.co.uk

Linea by Leander changing table £260, naturalmat.co.uk

Crochet booties £15, cathkidston.com

For every ‘Sleep Buddy’ purchased, another is donated to a vulnerable child Scamp & Dude cotton comforter £40, libertylondon.com babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 29

SHOPPING

Suede moccasins £55, mooibylienkie.com

SPRING BOUNTY The latest offerings at Bubble London were a real force of nature, with earthy tones and leafy prints

Organic cotton blanket £49, camcamcopenhagen.com

Cotton coat £38, kite-clothing.co.uk Silicone teething bangle £7.90, mamaandbelle.com

Sheepskin booties £20, toastiepig.com Cotton bib £13, houseofbibs.com Leather clutch £45, jemandbea.com

Cotton-blend top £22, smafolk.dk

Cotton sarong £35, tornalucia.com

Silicone teether £10, nibbling.co.uk

Choose from a range of stylish summer prints Hold car seat £154.94, cosatto.com Cotton bloomers £24, annaliv.co.uk 30 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

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INTERVIEW

Giovanna’s pregnancy indulgence was warm milk and biscuits

Downtime with baby Bud dy

Giovanna and muscian Tom met when they were just 13 years old

Cosying up on the sofa

MY ESSENTIALS GIOVANNA FLETCHER

How has life been lately as mother to Buzz, who’s nearly three, and one-year-old Buddy?

We imagine it’s pretty full on…

It is! Especially when you consider Tom is writing new songs with McFly and I’m working a lot, too.

But I can’t complain. The boys are brilliant to be around – providing they’re not bashing each other or pinching toys. I love the fact that we can be with them so much despite our work schedules.

How did having your children change things for you?

I’m not allowed to sleep anymore.

I think that’s the huge difference.

I used to be able to sleep anywhere, any place. Now I get five hours of broken sleep a night.

Surprisingly that’s left me feeling more energised than before. I’ve no idea how that has happened.

Did you have an enjoyable pregnancy?

I loved being pregnant with Buzz

The mother of two talks books, babies and body image, and reveals how she loves a spot of late-night shopping and felt more feminine and comfortable in my own body than ever before. With Buddy my bump appeared straight away and I felt a little more scrutinised. That wasn’t so much fun. However, I do love being pregnant. Throughout both pregnancies, my day would

end with a mug of warm milk and a couple of biscuits.

Tell us more about your new book, Happy Mum, Happy Baby: My Adventures into Motherhood.

Well, being an author anyway it

made perfect sense for me to document the most important years of my life. I’m used to writing fiction, but as I talk online about being a mum through my blogs and vlogs, I felt like moving into writing something more personal. The book is a very honest account of my experience.

It’s not a tips or advice book – there are more than enough of those out there already. I’d like the book to give other mothers confidence in trusting their own instincts, rather than hankering after the thought of being a ‘perfect’ mum.

Where do you like to shop for the boys?

I’m a sucker for online shopping – Mothercare, Next, Zara, John Lewis and Gap are probably my favourite stores to browse late at night, but I’ve also stumbled across smaller brands that are fantastic and fun, including Fred & Noah, Frugi and Lil’ Cubs.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 33

INTERVIEW

The writer gets to enjoy London when she’s working

c ly nd th e selves a fth ban d e ber

If we were to rummage through your changing bag, what would we find?

Beside the endless crumbs of lost snacks, it’s rammed with spare clothes, nappies, Waterwipes, a few of Buzz’s favourite cars, a cuddly Winnie the Pooh for Buddy, a bib, lipbalm, purse, phone, keys and lastly, lots of rice cakes, fruit pouches and mini oat bars. My boys don’t function very well if they’re hungry, so the snacks are essential.

Who inspires you?

Gosh, I’m inspired by so many people. My parents, my Nonna and Tom for starters, but also

34 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

ooh is uddy s cuddle co panion of choice Winnie the Pooh soft toy £14.95, disneystore.co.uk

anyone who’s committed to making the world a brighter and more positive place.

How have you managed to juggle that work and life balance so successfully?

I think the trick is recognising that you’re juggling and just stopping to check every now and then that you’re happy with the balance. It’s really tough and I’m not sure I’ve got it completely right yet. That said, everything is ticking along at the moment and I’m getting to spend a lot of time with the boys – which is always my priority.

I am about to start writing another book though and that is always an intense time. I expect I’ll have a few meltdowns along the way. It’s a struggle!

Do you spend much time in London?

We live just outside London but I do travel in for work a lot. I’m used to the commute as I used to travel in from Essex every day for school from the age of 13. I love the hustle and bustle, although I’m not sure I could ever live in the heart of town.

What do you like to do with the boys when you get some free time?

Our favourite thing to do at the weekend is to go get brunch and

go for nice long walks. That’s the best thing about being out in the countryside, the ability to be outdoors and immersed in nature whenever you like.

What about when you manage to carve out some time for yourself?

I’d love to say I’m part of some wonderful groups, or that I spend loads of time with mates, but I don’t. I love just curling up on the sofa with Tom of an evening, having a glass of wine and a treat or two.

Do you and Tom make time for date nights?

We do occasionally, although we’re always saying we should do them more. I think I might book us some theatre tickets to make sure we get out once a month!

Happy Mum, Happy Baby: My Adventures into Motherhood by Giovanna Fletcher (£16.99, Coronet) is out now

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, INSTAGRAM.COM/MRSGIFLETCHER

What essentials have proved invaluable to you that you would recommend to new mothers?

If travelling and sleeping in the same room, then I’d say headphone splitters. Tom and I have enjoyed so many shows snuggled up in bed while the boys are asleep next to us.

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BABY’S FIRST YEAR

Milestone muslins

MARCH

Muslins are fairly multifunctional, but the latest collection from Lulujo Baby adds a fun twist. The brand’s latest design comes complete with 14 coordinating milestone cards to record baby’s age, from one day to one year. A perfect gift for Instagram addicts! Available from March, from £19.99, fill-your-pants.com

2 CRAFTY KIDS

Every Thursday, little ones aged up to 12 can enjoy The Creativity Room’s new arts and crafts club, with drawing, painting, clay modelling and more. From £8.50 per session.

St Barnabas Church, SW4.

9 POP-UP, POP IN Online baby boutique Roses and the Stars has teamed up with Blush + Blow in Parsons Green for a two-day event.

197 New King’s Road, SW6

dates for your

10 FRIENDLY FACES

From today, toddlers can potty train with the help of three new animal characters from My Carry Potty. £26.99, mothercare.com

20 LA-LA LAND

Getting hold of La Coqueta’s beautiful Spanish threads is now even easier – from today, the brand launches in Liberty on Regent Street. libertylondon.com

New spring designs from The Bright Company!

Cotton babygrow £29, thebright company.uk

DIARY

This pendant can be personalised for a magical Mother’s Day gift Silver and diamond necklace £165, harryrocks.com

Pens at the ready, we have a few suggestions to keep you and baby busy for the next two months

24 MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

Since the last Red Nose Day, the money raised has been used to give over 860,000 children in Africa life-saving vaccines. Get involved today. rednoseday.com

25 HAPPY

MOTHER’S DAY

DON’T MISS OUT!

Bring your own baby Causing laughter across London is the Bring Your Own Baby comedy club. With perfomances currently taking place in Bromley, East Dulwich and Greenwich, join in on an afternoon of giggles at the UK’s only baby-friendly comedy show – no childcare required (they’ll even provide soft toys).

Selected dates, byobcomedy.com

Today is a day to celebrate motherhood and all the wonderful work you do.

Be sure to enjoy a cuddlefilled day with baby!

28 GET FRUITY

Pick something sweet for your toddler with Piccolo’s new fruit purées, launching today. £1 each, Waitrose and Asda

APRIL 1

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY! April’s showers are the perfect excuse to update baby’s wet weather wardrobe.

Check out Muddy Puddles or Joules for stylish waterproofs.

7 SHOW TIME!

The Baby & Toddler Show in Esher, Surrey, is on today. babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

1O MOON

LANDING

Comfortable, cool and safe, the Mima Moon high chair launches in Harrods today.

Mima Moon high chair, £345, exclusive to harrods.com

14 WIN BIG!

It’s your last chance to enter our competitions, this issue you could win £500 to spend at Nine In The Mirror.

Head to babylondon.co.uk/ competitions

16

EASTER SUNDAY How will you be enjoying your chocolate-filled weekend?

Check out p.147 for ideas.

22

LOVE EARTH Today is dedicated to our wonderful planet, and Londoners can enjoy an eclectic agenda of activities to get involved, too. earthday.org

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 37

RUNNING HEAD

WHERE TO SHOP

The area of Dulwich has a real village vibe, with green, open spaces, and is popular with families

FOCUS ON

TOMMY’S UK

DULWICH

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pushchair, head to Tommy’s UK, near Peckham Rye, for full demos and advice.

82 Rye Lane

Discover the best spots to eat, shop, learn and play in this London hotspot Horniman Museum

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY As the world’s first purposebuilt public art gallery, this vibrant cultural hub makes for a perfect afternoon wander. Check the website for its family friendly events. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk EAST DULWICH PICTUREHOUSE This charming three-screen cinema runs viewings specifically for parents with

Bach to Baby

JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ

JoJo’s is home to everything from beautiful babygrows to the best-fitting maternity bras – there’s even a dedicated breastfeeding area for nursing mothers.

6 Lordship Lane babies and children. picturehouses.com

you at St Barnabas Christ’s Chapel. bachtobaby.com

HORNIMAN MUSEUM Nearby Forest Hill has been home to the Horniman Museum & Gardens since Queen Victoria’s reign. It hosts a number of family events, including storytelling, a weekly farmers market and more. horniman.ac.uk

GRAB A BITE

BACH TO BABY You’re never too young to appreciate classical music.

Check out Bach to Baby’s concert series for baby and

THE ROSENDALE This local pub is as familyfriendly as they come, with high chairs, baby changing facilities, a kids’ menu and fantastic outdoor play area. therosendale.co.uk BRICK HOUSE BAKERY This light and airy space is a working bakery, shop and licenced café – perfect for a cuppa and a slice of banana bread. brickhousebread.com

VILLAGE BOOKS

This independent shop is a treasure-trove for keen readers, with titles for even the smallest of book lovers. Be inspired by the packed-out children’s section.

1d Calton Avenue

NURSERIES AND SCHOOLS: NELLY’S NURSERY, 020 8761 0770, NELLYS.CO.UK; DULWICH NURSERY, 0330 311 4196, BRIGHTHORIZONS.CO.UK; LITTLE FINGERS MONTESSORI NURSERY, 020 8425 2566, LITTLEFINGERSMONTESSORI.COM; DUCKS KINDERGARTEN, 020 8693 1538, DULWICH.ORG.UK; OAKFIELD PREPARATORY SCHOOL, 020 8670 4206, OAKFIELD.DULWICH.SCH.UK 38 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAP DATA ©2017 GOOGLE, ISTOCK

OUT AND ABOUT DULWICH PARK With over 75 acres to explore, Dulwich Park boasts a café, playground and a boating lake. College Road, SE21

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Natural wonders Emma O’Donovan EM BR ACE S TH E GR E AT OUTDOOR S WITH H ER PICK OF TH E BE ST BOOKS TO R E AD WITH YOU R BABY

LISTEN TO THE BIRDS

By Marion Billet

An immersive book introducing the songs of six different birds with a sound button on each page. Bright, bold illustrations make this an enchanting read. £7.99, Nosy Crow

BOOKS

What will Jack and Alice discover hiding in the woods?

THE LADYBIRD

By Bernadette Gervais A lift-the-flap introduction to one of the gardens most charming inhabitants. A beautifully illustrated, fascinating book filled with fun facts for little explorers. £6.99, Laurence King

POP-UP GARDEN

By Fiona Watt

A sunny garden erupts with life in this pop-up celebration of the outdoors. Buzzing bees and bright blooms spring from the pages, making this book a joy to share. £9.99, Usborne

EVERYBUNNY DANCE!

By Ellie Sandall

These bunnies love to dance, and sing and play the flute, but there’s

something lurking and it looks a lot like a fox. A heartwarming story about friendship. £6.99, Hodder Children’s Books

TOWN MOUSE, COUNTRY MOUSE

By Libby Walden and Richard Jones

These delightful little mice will inspire a journey of discovery and exploration in this charming reimagining of the classic Aesop’s fable. A treat to read over again. £10.99, Caterpillar Books

FLORA AND THE CHICKS

By Molly Idle

Flora is tending to a basket of eggs as they hatch one by one. This wordless counting book, filled with delightful illustrations, will

become a firm favourite. £6.99, Chronicle Books

TIME NOW TO DREAM

By Timothy Knapman and Helen Oxenbury

Hand in hand, Alice and Jack seek out the creature making noises in the woods, only to discover it’s not nearly as scary as they thought. A sweet bedtime read. £12.99, Walker Books

REALLY FEELY BABY ANIMALS Each page introduces a new baby animal, including donkeys and kittens, with soft touch-and-feel textures. Pat and tickle to your heart’s content, and have fun learning along the way. £5.99, Dorling Kindersley

NEVER TAKE A BEAR TO SCHOOL

PAIRS! IN THE GARDEN

By Mark Sperring and Britta Teckentrup

A lift-the-flap adventure; little ones can explore the outdoors in search of matching pairs. From butterflies to bees, there are lots of friendly faces to find. £6.99, Francis Lincoln

There are so many fun things to do on his first day of school, but will this little boy be brave enough to face it alone? This brilliantly imaginative tale will delight and reassure your little nursery goers. £12.99, Orchard Books

By Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Lorna Scobie

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 41

PROFILE

GET THE LOOK

Foque cotton shorts and sweater set £55, childrensalon.com

Printed floatsuit £42, sunuva.com

Leather shoes £29.90, babyshoes.co.uk

Magnolia Baby cotton babygrow £36, childsplayclothing.co.uk

INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

@HARLENBODHIWHITE We chat to Chelsea White, mother to baby Harlen, as we follow his Instagram adventures Why did you set up a profile for Harlen, one, and your five-year-old daughter Harlow?

After I had my daughter, it wasn’t long before my photography business account was being taken over by her photos. I’m always photographing my children, so it made sense to post pictures on their own pages.

The majority of Harlen’s followers are from America.

Which Instagram accounts do you find inspirational?

I really like @Amberfillerup. I love that she travels so much but always has her children with her. All Amber’s images are of a professional quality, and she has the most amazing hair extension line – I often look at her page for hairstyle inspiration for shoots!

42 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Cotton-blend knee-high socks £6.99, chateaudesable.co.uk

What are your favourite children’s brands right now?

Pepa & Co, Foque and Pangasa for traditional clothes, Magnolia Baby for sleepwear and Sunuva for swimwear.

What would we find in your changing bag?

Mustela Skin & Body Freshener – it’s a water-like spray that I use on Harlen’s hair to brush it into place. I also carry the Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths and its HydraStick with Cold Cream. And I always pack a hat and snacks. Harlen loves the Annabel Karmel breadsticks.

Do you enjoy dressing yourself or your kids more?

I love dressing my children. Although I’m not sure how much longer I’ll get away with the frilly collars and pom-pom socks, before they get their own way!

iCandy Peach pushchair £755, johnlewis.com

Evie wears THIS PAGE:cotton Xxxxx bodysuit, wears Product £60, Name, £xx,Cotton Bonpoint.

Brand name. dungarees, £45, RIGHT PAGE: Rachel Riley. Xxxxx Leatherwears sandals, Product £45, Name, The Little £xx,Shoemaker.

Brand name.

Cotton & Candy PHOTOGR APHER : SAR AH WIN BOR N ST YLIST: ROXZAN N WESTON GROOMING: PATR IZIA LIO

Tiy wears cotton blouse, £93, Bonpoint. Alpaca yarn romper, £62, Waddler.

Andrew wears cotton bodysuit, £59, Rachel Riley. Wool-blend socks, £18, Caramel. Leather shoes, £24, Start-Rite.

Evie wears cotton dress with matching bloomers (not shown), £51, Jacadi. Cotton hat, £24, Olivier Baby and Kids. Leather sandals, £45, The Little Shoemaker.

Tiy wears wool-blend cardigan, £75, Rachel Riley. Cotton top, £60, and cotton bloomers, £32, both Caramel. Leather shoes, £45, Amy & Ivor.

Xxxxx Evie wears wears Product cottonName, dress with £xx, matching bloomers (notBrand shown), name. £95, Rachel Riley. Cashmere cardigan, £89.95, Harrods of London.

Andrew wears wool sweater, £68, Waddler. Cotton bloomers, £32, and bonnet, £24, both Olivier Baby and Kids. Leather sandals, £45, The Little Shoemaker.

Arlo wears cotton shirt, £62, and shorts, £50, both Caramel. Leather booties, £46, Amy & Ivor.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: JULIE STEWART. STYLIST ASSISTANT: AMY LITWIN MODELS: ARLO, ANDREW, EVIE AND TIY. MODEL AGENCIES: RAY & ROBIN, KIDS LONDON, SIGNATURE MODELS

Andrew wears cotton shirt, £12, and shorts, £12, both Marks & Spencer. Cotton waistcoat, £64.95, Bimbalo at Harrods. Leather sandals, £60, The Little Shoemaker.

Cotton dress £24.95, gap.co.uk

Cotton chambray shirt £12.99, hm.com

Cotton top and shorts set £16, marksandspencer.com

SHOP THE SHOOT

Cotton t-shirt and dungarees set £13, next.co.uk

Dip into spring’s sweetest trend with these popping pastels for baby Cotton and lace top £12, riverisland.com

Cotton top £3.99, zara.com

Mayoral pre-walker sandals £12, childrensalon.com

Rubber sandals £12, mothercare.com

Leather ballerina pumps £22.99, zara.com

Suede moccasins £12.95, gap.co.uk Leather moccasins £19.99, meandhayari.co.uk

COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER

SUMMER SHOES

Give baby’s knitwear collection an update for spring Cotton cardigan £14, johnlewis.com

Celebrating Motherhood

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PARTY TIME

1

GIFT IDEAS Sweet spring buys especially for baby

BABY PARTIES with Carole Middleton

2 That’s Not My Lamb book £6.99, waterstones.com

Easter

3

Celebrate the arrival of spring with an Easter party to remember Tomy Hide ’N’ Squeak Eggs toy £8, ocado.com

E

aster is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some crafty activities and playtime fun with friends and family of all ages. From egg hunts to egg and balloon decorating, bunny-hop races and mask-making, little ones will love getting involved.

4

5

1. Oeuf NYC alpaca wool hat £46, nineinthemirror.com 2. Cotton sweater £11, johnlewis.com 3. Cotton-blend dress £13, next.co.uk 4. Minna Parikka leather shoes £100, harrods.com 5. Cotton-blend leggings £10, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Felt Easter bunny bucket £1.99, partypieces.co.uk

Since Easter is a spring holiday, make the most of popping pastel colours. Decorate the space with banners, printed cushions and seasonal flowers, and if you’re hosting your party in the garden, hang paper baskets and bunting from the trees to catch the breeze.

Coordinate your table décor with themed paper plates and cups. Fill vases or shredded brown paper ‘nests’ with mini chocolate eggs or eggs hand-painted in vibrant colours.

Cotton and cashmere blanket £84, stellamccartney.com

Toddlers will love donning their bunny ears and taking part in a sack or egg and spoon race. Give each child a pillow case or hessian sack to hop in and let them go!

Chocolate bunnies and eggs are favourites, but you could also mix it up with an array of sweet treats. Try mini meringues decorated as chicks, muffins baked in mini terracotta flowerpots or hot cross bun cookies.

Backpack (with safety rein) £22.99, littlelife.com

These cute designs are the perfect way to serve your party food

Paper decoration £3.99, partypieces.co.uk

Paper plates (pack of eight) £4.49, partypieces.co.uk babylondon.co.uk | NOV/DEC 2016 | 55

INTERVIEW

“I love being a mother and I am so grateful for my life…”

WITH A BLOSSOMING BABY BUM P AN D AN IMMACU L ATELY WELL-R ECEIVED PORTR AYAL OF JACKIE, IT LOOKS LIKE 2017 COU LD BE Natalie Por tman’S BIGGE ST YE AR YE T, AS K AR EN AN N E OVERTON DISCOVER S

Natalie with husband Benjamin Millepied

56 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

INTERVIEW

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 57

INTERVIEW

S

Nailing maternity style in a design from Dior’s SS17 couture collection at the SAG Awards

The actress is mesmerising in Jackie

58 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

a mother means you can’t just run off in isolation and inhabit that character completely, you have to make compromises that many male actors are able to avoid.”

Off-screen, motherhood has helped Portman flourish not just in herself, but also in her career. “There’s a sense of greater responsibility and maturity that you develop very quickly. You know you’re beginning a new chapter and it’s wonderful to watch your child grow and learn every day,” she explains. “I also have a lot more confidence and that’s why I decided to direct my first feature that we made in Israel last year.”

In her directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness – based on Amos Oz’s biography of the same name – Portman played the young Amos’ mother Fania, a devout and sophisticated woman who is deeply troubled by the horrors she witnessed in Poland during the Holocaust. The star is also vocal in her comparisons between her family duties and the ‘maternal’ art of directing, explaining that the ability to stay calm in the face of pressure and tantrums has very much come in handy when it came to taking her first steps behind the camera!

As well as this move to directing, Portman’s recent maturation has led to her not only taking on “more adult roles” but also embracing her thirties on a personal level, learning to be less self-critical and even dressing differently.

“Being a mother makes you feel a little more conscious about how you present yourself.

I used to be fine wearing a T-shirt and jeans, but now I’ll wear a dress or something more serious – otherwise my grandmother will be very upset with me!” she laughs.

Portman has certainly been dazzling the media with her maternity style, particularly Natalie with at the Venice film festival when shortly five-year-old Aleph after announcing her second pregnancy she appeared on the red carpet in a Grecian-style gown by Dior, and at the SAG Awards, also in white Dior. At a petite 5ft 3in, the star began showing deceptively early. In November she decided to set the record straight, telling The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon: “Everyone thinks I’m about to pop and give birth any minute, and I have months to go!”

Fortunately for Portman, the cravings she has experienced during this second pregnancy have meant the past months have been less dangerous when it comes to retaining her filmstar figure. While carrying Aleph, the Jerusalem-born beauty “wanted anything with cream”, whereas this time around the desire for dairy desserts has been replaced with pineapple and cucumber. While sweet treats are said to indicate the arrival of a baby girl, the birth of Aleph suggests that the gender of her new babe will be a surprise no matter what the old wives say.

While she would doubtless be delighted with a second statuette for her mantelpiece, Portman knows true joy is not found through fame and fortune. “I’ve always considered myself very lucky in life,” she says. “I’ve been able to enjoy a wonderful career. At the same time, there’s nothing more important than your personal life. Nothing else really means very much if you can’t find happiness in your own world.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: PA IMAGES; REX FEATURES

ince her disarming debut aged 12 in the French drama Leon, Natalie Portman has managed to carve herself a niche in Hollywood roles – playing strong, intelligent and energetic women, during a career that has continued to blossom for more than 20 years. And none of her most memorable roles could be considered ‘easy’.

In fact, the 35 year old has proved she prefers a challenge – as seen in her troubled and obsessive ballerina in 2010’s Black Swan. Preparation for the film required months of gruelling training, but the hard work paid off as it garnered her both an Oscar and a husband – the film’s choreographer, Benjamin Millepied – with whom she now has a son, Aleph, five.

“I love being a mother and I am so grateful for my life with Benjamin, who has enabled me to take on the best role of my life – being a mum,” Portman beams. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s also very rewarding. You feel this new family responsibility and it changes so many things about the way you live.”

Portman’s latest turn as Jackie Kennedy in Pablo Larraín’s biopic Jackie has already attracted critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination, but the star’s determination to get through the iconic veneer that surrounds the widow of JFK and find the woman, and mother, underneath threw up issues at home with young Aleph.

“I was trying to talk to him in my Jackie voice,” she explains. “But he just kept asking what I was doing! I had to learn how to turn it on and off, which probably helped me develop as an actress in the long run. Being

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When you book a family holiday with Sovereign, luxury comes as standard. We include the little touches that take the hassle out of holidays, from private hotel transfers to complimentary airport lounge access. We’ll also find flights to suit you and ensure you’re getting the best value for money, so all that’s left for you to do is sit back, relax and make some memories.

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STYLE

maternity fashion

NEWS NAIL TH E ART OF ST YLING YOU R BUM P WITH TH E SE CHIC FIN DS

SPRING STYLE

We’re big fans of Isabella Oliver’s new spring collection. Offering up an array of everyday pieces, including cold-shoulder tops and this season’s pinstripe shirt, the collection is designed to slot perfectly into your wardrobe and flatter your burgeoning bump. isabellaoliver.com

NEW-SEASON ARM CANDY Beyoncé will have nothing on you when you hit the pool in this supportive Frame X Mamas & Papas swimsuit

FIT FOR BUMP

Top to bottom: ‘Jamie’ python-effect backpack £140, jemandbea.com.

‘Cambridge’ leather tote £179, seraphine.com. ‘Joy’ leather backpack £295, kerikit.com

It can be a difficult task to find workout gear to accommodate your ever-growing bump.

Thankfully, London-based fitness studio Frame has teamed up with Mamas & Papas to create a stylish fitness wear range, so you know you’ll look good while working out (and even when you’re not).

From £19, mamasandpapas.com

MAMA BIRD High street favourite Little Bird by Jools Oliver has launched a line of maternity wear. The pieces are based on the kidswear collection, with designs simply scaled up to size and reworked for pregnancy; we love the embroidered denim dungarees and 60s-style floral shift dress. mothercare.com

BRIDAL BABY Tiffany Rose has unveiled its new bridal collection for both pregnant brides-to-be and bridesmaids. The flattering styles come in soft lace and smooth silk jersey – and for new mothers tying the knot, the ‘April’ design features a hidden nursing panel. From £140, available from 1 March. tiffanyrose.com

ĘĜŸ ĜŸ ƼŅƚų kŞåĹ %±Ƽ

Family Woods

Open Day Bring your wellies for Tractor Rides, Farm-Fun and Campfire Lunch.

Saturday 25th March 2017 10:30am to 12:30pm – Bring your little ones (0 – 4 years) 11:00am to 1:00pm – Bring your slightly older ones (5 – 12 years) To secure your Open Day place, please call our Registrar on 01444 483528 or visit www.greatwalstead.co.uk and click on the front page link to learn more.

STYLE

Bridget King diamond and rose-gold bracelet £1,390, jewelstreet.com

PASTEL PARTY The season brings with it a whole host of sugary sweet shades to liven your wardrobe

Cashmere sweater £199, cocoacashmere.com

Pleated dress £99, seraphine.com

Lauren Conrad

Cake London maternity bra £32.90, and matching briefs £14, mothercare.com

LAYER UP BUMP-GRAZING SPRING DRESSES AND TOPS, AND INVEST IN A SUPERSTROKEABLE CASHMERE SWEATER

Emilia Wickstead cotton-blend dress £890, nineinthemirror.com

Melissa Odabash embroidered top £189, stylebop.com

Velvet ‘Kitty’ pumps £395, uk.charlotteolympia.com

Leather bag £395, millimillu.com

Stretch top £55, isabellaoliver.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 63

STYLE Leather bag £750, chloe.com

Cotton-blend scarf £45, hush-uk.com

Theory cotton dress £315, net-a-porter.com

Embroidered trainers £75, boden.co.uk

Carven cotton dress £540, net-a-porter.com

POST-BABY, FLATTERING PINSTRIPES, EYECATCHING EMBROIDERY AND A CROSS-BODY BAG WILL BE YOUR NEW BEST FRIENDS

Blake Lively

Oscar de la Renta beaded drop earrings £409, mytheresa.com

Cashmere wrap £250, harrods.com

Rebecca Taylor silk-blend shirt £330, trilogystores.co.uk Patent leather court shoes £250, lkbennett.com

64 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

COMPILED BY: CAMILLA RIDLEY-DAY. PHOTOGRAPHY: REX FEATURES

Claudia Schiffer for TSE cashmere sweater £319, stylebop.com

WWW.NINEINTHEMIRROR.COM 3.1 PH IL LIP LIM • ALE XAN DE R WANG • JOSEPH • MISSONI • VALENTINO • AND MANY MORE

Ladies who lunch Cotton-blend dress, ÂŁ350, 3.1 Phillip Lim. Leather sandals, ÂŁ630, Isabel Marant.

SPRING FRESH

Dressing a baby bump can be a tricky business, ut with a few e pieces ou can oat through pregnancy looking as stylish as ever.

Nine In The Mirror cherry-picks every mama-to-be’s wardrobe wish list PHOTOGR APHER : JASPER CL AR KE HAIR & MAKE UP: MAR IAM JENSEN

Keep it casual Denim jacket, £225, 7 For All Mankind. Cotton denim trousers, £220, Current/Elliott. Satin shoes, £440, No.21.

Cool cover-ups Cotton denim shirt, £180, 7 For All Mankind. Bikini top, £122, Marysia.

Silk trousers, £878, Valentino.

Weekend chic Cotton top, £264, Vivetta. Cottonblend trousers, £220, J Brand. Suede sandals, £610, Fabrizio Viti.

Date night Pleated dress, £735, and leather shoes, £465, both 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Dress to impress Silk dress, £390, Kalita. Gold bracelet, £3,500, Irene Danilovich.

ALL CLOTHING AND JEWELLERY ITEMS AVAILABLE AT NINEINTHEMIRROR.COM SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODEL: TESSA MAYE (SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT) MODEL AGENCY: MILK MANAGEMENT

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FAMILY

ARE YOU READY

FOR BABY #2?

Louise Pyne DISCOVER S WH E TH ER TH ER E’S EVER A PER FEC T TIM E TO TRY FOR A SECON D CHILD

ou probably couldn’t have imagined how much your life would change after having your first baby. Sure, lieins may be thing of the past and you probably can’t remember the last time you went to the bathroom alone, but the birth of a new life brings with it a beautiful new perspective. If baby fever is starting to strike once again but you’re just not sure if now is the right time, we’re here to help weigh up the choice.

Y

YOU YEARN FOR THOSE EARLY DAYS Do you see a newborn in the street and get a pang for those days when your baby was so incredibly teeny? “Dramatic increases in levels of oxytocin, in pregnancy and early parenthood, actually changes the wiring of our brains, helping to blur any harder times in our memory and allow us focus on the cuddly, ‘edited’ version of life with a newborn,” says Vanessa Christie, founder of All About Baby & Me and expert speaker at The Baby Show.

The smell, touch or sight of a newborn can trigger those memories of oxytocin-fuelled love, prompting us to long for it all over again.

But if you’re seriously contemplating trying for another baby, make sure you don’t just gloss over the challenges that come with childrearing but take a fully comprehensive approach to make a decision based on your personal circumstances.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 73

FAMILY

e e ber to look beyond the rst year – picture where you would like to see your fa ily in or years

CHILD NUMBER ONE KEEPS ASKING FOR A SIBLING

YOU’RE FINANCIALLY STABLE A baby is a huge economic investment, which can cost up to an eye-watering £7,200 in the first year, according to a survey by the Money Advice Service. Fortunately if you do decide to have a second baby, you’ll already be armed with hand-me-downs, which will whittle down those initial costs considerably. “Remember, too, that having another baby is a lifetime investment, so do look beyond the first year and picture what you’d like for your family in five, 10, even 20 years,” recommends Vanessa.

THE SMELL, TOUCH OR SIGHT OF A NEWBORN BABY CAN TRIGGER THOSE MEMORIES OF LOVE YOUR PARTNER IS GAME It can be great news if your partner wants to have another child, but you’ve got to be feeling the baby vibes too. “Adding more children into the equation when one partner is unconvinced is definitely not a good idea, so only go for it if you are both pro. Facing the new demands of a bigger family will be a whole lot easier without the worry that one of you feels resentful about it,” says Vanessa.

YOU FEEL OLD While fertility starts to drop after 35, plenty of women still conceive in their late thirties, and some even in their early forties, so don’t slip into panic mode just yet. “Look to your mother and to your grandmother. The age at which they went through menopause could tell you something about your own fertility, as there is a known genetic link,” says Vanessa.

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YOUR FIRST CHILD IS FINALLY SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT Hurrah! After what felt like endless sleepless nights, baby number one is snoozing happily the whole night long these days. So now that you’re getting adequate resting time yourself, you may feel ready to cope once again with the challenges of early motherhood. “There’s

no doubt that this makes life a little easier on some levels, but if you can avoid it, try not to be in a position where you are kicking off potty training with a toddler in late pregnancy or with a very newborn baby. It will drive you mad!” advises Vanessa.

YOU BEGIN TO MAKE A MENTAL NOTE OF NAMES Ava or Ethan? Oliver or Emma? If you find yourself toying with names for your next baby in your spare time, your brain may subconsciously be getting into baby-making mode, but obviously don’t let that alone be a sign to try for number two. “Buy a fish tank and name all your new aquatic friends with the top favourites. If that doesn’t suffice, then yes, you probably want to grow something a little bit more human,” laughs Vanessa.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

Wondering if it’s better to have a small age gap or whether you should wait and have a second baby a few more years down the line? Just remember, there are no set rules as to when’s the perfect time. “Children always want what other people have, so if their friends have siblings, it is only natural for them to start questioning it for themselves, but don’t let that be the one deciding factor,” says Vanessa.

Mummy & Me

COLLECTION

L IT T L ESTAR JEWELLERY.C OM K E E P I N TO U C H

FOL LOW US TODAY

INTERVIEW

Sarah and James met and married after meeting on the set of BBC show Cutting It

76 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Life after loss

BROADCHURCH STAR Sarah Parish TELL S Kate Freud HOW, AF TER TH E TR AGIC LOSS OF H ER BABY, ELL A-JAYN E, SH E VOWED TO MAKE A DIFFER EN CE IN H ER NAM E t wasn’t until Sarah Parish – known for her roles in Mistresses, Cutting It and Merlin, as well as Broadchurch – was 35 weeks pregnant that she and her husband, actor James Murray, had any idea something was wrong. “I had a neat bump, I felt well, and the 20-week scan had been clear,” Sarah explains, “so when the consultant walked in, concerned that the baby was small for her dates, it came as a bolt from the blue.”

Sarah was induced immediately, but when the heart rate monitor showed the baby was in distress, an emergency caesarean quickly ensued. When Ella-Jayne was born she was given oxygen to resuscitate her, and blood transfusions. “It was just horrific,” Sarah recalls.

As their baby was whisked off to the paediatric intensive care unit, Sarah and James were left reeling in shock. The next day Sarah went to see Ella-Jayne, and there were signs something was wrong. She was very small and had broad, spade-like big toes and thumbs, a familiar sign of a genetic disorder.

Their daughter also had a hole in the heart and a defective valve, a common symptom of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition affecting just 1 in 100,000 live births, which Ella-Jayne would later be diagnosed with. She was taken for surgery almost immediately.

“After the surgery we really felt that, though Ella-Jayne might have some challenges, everything was going to be OK,” Sarah says.

There was an agonising eight-week wait for the results of the genetic tests – but the couple remained optimistic.

And to everyone’s surprise they were allowed to take their daughter home two months later. “The first time she came home was so exciting,” says Sarah, “but within 12 hours she had to go back for more surgery.”

For Sarah and James it was “like reliving a nightmare” – they were back to where they had started. Ella-Jayne was allowed home

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

I

again two months later but by this stage Sarah and James knew their role was as carers, and it proved to be both trying and terrifying at times. But Ella-Jayne seemed to be doing well over Christmas, taking her first bottle in the new year (though she was still fed through a nasogastric tube). Later that same night when Sarah went to check on Ella-Jayne she was cold, and despite the couple’s best efforts to revive her, they couldn’t. An ambulance came, and 10 days later there was a cremation for their daughter and a service held in the same church where the couple were married.

“My husband and I grieved in different ways, I think men and women do,” Sarah explains.

“But I kept having to remind myself that it wasn’t like losing a healthy child, we had an extremely sick daughter, and we lost her.

Our grief was huge, but we had something rational to hold onto.”

Nell, and her womb and bladder in tact.

Nell is now six, and brings a smile to her mother’s face just talking about her. “She’s got a huge character and she’s brilliant company,” Sarah beams. “She knows all about her sister and seems to understand.”

Following Ella-Jayne’s death, the couple had begun fundraising for the Southampton General Hospital PICU, a place where their daughter had received extraordinary care.

“Before we had Ella-Jayne, my husband and I led very privileged lives. But when we saw what was involved in a ‘real job’ – doctors, nurses, midwives – it was a total wake-up call for us.” The couple spent hours with the staff at Southampton and they became like family.

In 2014, they set up the Murray Parish Trust in their daughter’s name and now work determinedly raising funds to support the extension of the PICU. Through their

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO NUMB THE PAIN OF LOSING A CHILD AND THAT IS TO HELP OTHER CHILDREN The couple took themselves to Cambodia and Vietnam for two months, working with disabled children, an experience that proved cathartic for them both.

Ella-Jayne died in the January, and despite Sarah’s age at 41, in the spring the couple found out they were expecting again.

Understandably, it was a time of mixed emotions. “We were so happy but anxious.

I worked throughout the pregnancy which proved a great distraction,” Sarah explains.

Her second delivery was equally harrowing; Sarah’s placenta was embedded in the uterine wall and she was told she might need a full hysterectomy as well as her bladder removed.

Thankfully, Sarah woke up with a healthy baby,

#2millionsteps campaign, they managed to get George Osborne to promise £2m to match their own fundraising goal.

So far the funds raised have gone directly towards paying for a full-time counsellor for parents, two new bed spaces and specialist equipment to transport critically ill children by air ambulance. As Sarah says, “there's only one way to numb the pain of losing a child and that is to help other children. To try and help give them the future they deserve.” And if Sarah and James have anything to do with it, they’ll keep working until they do.

For fundraising events or to support the charity, visit themurrayparishtrust.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 77

T H E WOOD E N T O P S K I N D E RGA RT E N 2–5 YRS

PA RT O F T H E W H I T E H O U S E S C H O O L FA M I LY

THE WOODENTOPS KINDERGARTEN EST.1985 8.30am – 4pm, Term-time only 24 Thornton road, SW12 0LF

THE WHITE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 24 Thornton Road, SW12 0LF Telephone: 020 8674 9514

whitehouseschool.com

office@whitehouseschool.com

Dragons is known for its signature hand-painted chairs

Behind the brand

DRAGONS OF WALTON STREET

TH E QUINTE SSENTIALLY BRITISH L ABEL HAS BEEN CR E ATING BE SPOKE CHILDR EN ’S FU R NITU R E FOR ALMOST 40 YE AR S. Danielle Wilkins TAKE S A PEEK BEHIN D TH E SCEN E S babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 79

s a brand known for its handcrafted children’s furnishings, it’s impressive that Dragons of Walton Street has more than 200 products to its name.

The wooden furniture – everything from cots to chairs, toy boxes to rocking horses – is all hand-painted, with the company holding exclusive licences for the likes of Beatrix Potter and Paddington Bear. It even counts a number of high-profile faces as customers, including Madonna, Samantha Cameron and Gwyneth Paltrow.

So it comes as rather a surprise that behind the façade of luxury that has always been synonymous with the brand, the designs are created in a humble studio on a sleepy business park in the West Sussex village of Billingshurst. With just a small plaque on the door as a giveaway, local skilled artists and carpenters ply their trade side by side, creating the most breathtakingly beautiful nursery furniture for clients from as far as Russia and the Middle East, as well as London.

Dragons’ designs have long been a firm favourite with the Royals, too. Founder Rosie Fisher worked with Princess Diana to kit out the nurseries of Prince William and Harry, and cousins Beatrice and Eugenie, while daughter and managing director, Lucinda Croft,

A

80 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

THESE PIECES BECOME HEIRLOOMS – THEY ARE TIED TO PEOPLE’S CHILDHOODS collaborated with Grosvenor House to create a bespoke nursery suite when Prince George was born. Not bad for a business that began life as a small antiques shop in Sussex, with just a few hand-painted pieces in the window.

“I remember my mother taking us to see the new shop in Walton Street in 1979, which was very run down at the time, I thought she was mad!” recalls Lucinda. “Her hand-painted chairs began to sell faster than her antiques, so she added a table. She was wonderful at listening to what her clients wanted – creating all they required until she had a full inventory.”

Lucinda goes on to say how finding the right artists at that time was key – two of which still work their magic in the Dragons studio today.

“Terry and Barbara really are the pillars of the business,” she smiles. “I remember the first

time Terry turned up to be interviewed – with a leather jacket and long hair – I thought my mother wouldn’t like him,” she laughs. “How wrong I was. They are an intrinsic part of the family and a walking archive of our artwork.”

As Lucinda sweeps me through the workshop and warehouse floor, it’s obvious that family really is at the heart of the brand.

She took over the business 10 years ago, when her mother was diagnosed and later died of leukaemia. Today she runs the business with her husband, Simon, splitting her time between the studio in Billingshurst and their concession in Harrods. She warmly introduces me to every employee by name – some 12 in total. To watch the artists, including the talented Terry and Barbara, at work is fascinating and strangely hypnotic.

SPOTLIGHT ON

xxxxx Baby’s first xxxxxxxx

edroo

The artists work

As well as individual furnishings, Dragons also offers a full interior design service – everything from the lighting to fabric sourcing – creating bespoke nurseries for families across the globe from Moscow to Abu Dhabi.

“I love that other cultures appreciate our work, it’s a testament to British design,” says Lucinda. “These pieces become heirlooms – they are tied to people’s childhoods. We’ve worked with some families for more than 30 years. That high degree of trust leads to a lot of repeat business within the wider family. It makes me proud to know our pieces are being shipped around the world,” she adds.

There is no question that the company has benefitted from the kudos of being a British brand – Dragons’ classic style and trusted reputation is indeed what makes families return again and again. Lucinda even reveals that many clients bring back pieces to be restored for the next generation of children in their family, which is surely testament to the quality of its creations.

Dragons is, without doubt, the last word

closely at the stu

Wooden toy soldier bookends £35

dio

in children’s furnishings, having created everything from an ‘Aston Martin’ bed to a £22,500 dolls-house replica of Walton Park, in collaboration with interior designer Nina Campbell. With laid parquet flooring, remote control lighting and a real marble entrance hall, it even comes with its own set of particulars from Savills. The house, which was until recently on display in Harrods, now stands pride of place in the – rather humble by comparison – studio entrance.

I ask Lucinda is she has any advice for mothers creating a nursery: “Create a space you will all love to spend time in. One that is peaceful, for feeding, storytelling, playing, dressing and bathing,” she says. “Create a space where the ‘world’ can’t barge in.”

Far from resting on the laurels of Dragons long-standing success, Lucinda is continuously pushing forward, and has been searching for a new showroom in London. “We finally found it, in the heart of Chelsea Green; a place where we will be able to serve our original clients in the personal way we love to,” she smiles.

Choose from a selection of artwork, or have your own bespoke piece designed Wooden hanging shelves £645

Wooden toy box from £625

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 81

Chelsea Swim Spa

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Swimming lessons are available for babies, children and adults. This pool is perfect for baby swim classes as it is generally kept at a constant temperature of 33°C or above.

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very carefully selected. Most of the parents use our pool because of our wonderful teachers.

All of our swimming teachers are very professional, energetic and great at connecting with the children they teach. They love kids and kids love them. All teachers are fully ASA qualified and DBS checked. Most of t hem have more than 10 years experience in teaching swimming. hello@chelseaswimspa.co.uk

chelseaswimspa.co.uk

REVIEW

TOTGEAR

Sophie Mazrekaj PUTS TH E ICAN DY PE ACH TH ROUGH ITS PACE S WITH TH E H ELP OF LIT TLE OTIS ICANDY PEACH The iconic iCandy Peach has been turning heads since 2009, gaining a cult following with the likes of the Beckhams and the Bransons, as well as boasting a protuberant awards cabinet, most recently scooping a Which? Best Buy.

Sophie proudly shows off her Jem + Bea – and baby Otis

The Peach passes the manoeuvrability test with flying colours

THE LOWDOWN A pushchair can be one of the most daunting purchases to make, but luckily I came to my decision swiftly. Ever since an equally tall friend purchased her iCandy, I knew I wanted one too, but first I had to convince my other half. We paid a visit to John Lewis so he could examine the latest models. Fortunately he came to the same conclusion that the iCandy Peach was the one for us. It’s substantial and robust without being ungainly, the handlebar comes to a perfect height for both of us, and my ever-practical husband was happy with the manoeuvrability. Success!

GOOD LOOKING? Yes. The design feels modern and sleek. We’ve had many compliments on it, so we can’t be alone in thinking it’s stylish! We opted for the ‘Black Magic’ colourway, knowing it would coordinate with various footmuffs, bags and blankets, along with whatever Otis and I happen to be wearing that day.

PRACTICALITY & DRIVABILITY I’ll admit, my biggest concern was collapsing the now in the seat and is Otis still sn pushchair by myself. just as comfortable, so oozes as muc h in the seat as he did in I’m embarrassingly much so, he still tends the carr ycot impractical and to nap as soon as we thought I’d end up trapped head out. The footmuff inside it in a panic. But the Peach is surprisingly keeps him extra cosy on simple, and once I’d done it a couple of times, chilly days and the raincovers are easy to put it became second nature – I even managed to on – another plus for my impractical side. My get it into its travel case. In the eight months only niggle is that there’s no easy way to hang since Otis was born, the Peach has joined us the changing bag. I treated myself to a Jem + on three flights and many train journeys, and Bea ‘Beatrice’ which goes beautifully with the it’s coped remarkably well. It’s not the lightest Peach, so I wanted to show it off! model, but it’s easy to manoeuvre, even with one hand – if the other is occupied with a THE VERDICT coffee, for example…

The three of us are very happy with our purchase. It fulfils all of our criteria; it looks good, it’s comfortable for Otis, it’s very easy COMFORT to drive and it’s durable. Plus, it can be turned I was anxious when it came to making the into a double buggy should the need arise... transition from the carrycot to the seat. Otis seemed so content, and as it’s suitable for overnight sleeping I knew he was safe. Otis is From £755, icandyworld.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 83

Buggy update The latest and greatest designs for strolling around with your baby

ICANDY RASPBERRY iCandy’s lightweight pushchair has had an update for spring. Parents can now benefit from innovative elevators which bring baby higher and closer. £460, icandyworld.com

BUGABOO CAMELEON3 KITE Bugaboo never fails to impress with its specialedition products. Gliding onto the shelves this March, for a limited time only, is the superlight Cameleon3 Kite. £1,049, bugaboo.com

84 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

WILD COTTON BLANKET Keep your little passenger cosy in this supersoft organic cotton knitted blanket from The Little Green Sheep’s new Wild Cotton collection. £29.95, thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

BUGGYBOARD MAXI PLUS Attaching to 99% of pushchairs, the Maxi Plus allows little riders to cruise along. If they get tired of standing, they can rest on the foldable seat. From £99, cheekyrascalsco.uk

PEG PÉREGO One of Italy’s most stylish nursery brands is bringing its products to the UK. We’re huge fans of the Book stroller, with its leather-look accents. Bellissimo! £500, pegperego.com

MOUNTAIN BUGGY Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with Mountain Buggy’s special metallic print, available for the Nano, Swift, Urban Jungle and Duet. From £274, mountainbuggy.com/uk

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TOT GEAR

ON THE ROAD

Kate Finney and her three girls, all aged under four years, put the Multimac to the ultimate test The seat berth

Each seat will hold up to 36kg (children around 12 years) in the adjustable five-point harness.

Both headrest types are compatible with every seat – the ‘Ylva’ is recommended for children aged up to six.

The Multimac

Available in three different widths of fourseater and three-seater variants, the Multimac can fit virtually all cars, including compact cars.

The Minimac

The Minimac locks into the seat berth, and is suitable for babies weighing 0-13kg, around 18 months.

WHY A MULTIMAC? When we found out we were expecting our third child last year, it dawned on us that we wouldn’t be able to fit three car seats in our car. We had two options: buy a new car or try a Multimac. A new seven-seater would mean our eldest would have to sit in the back on her own, and when we drilled down to the nitty gritty of boot size and Isofix points, we weren’t gaining much. So, we got a Multimac Super Club with two Minimacs.

HOW SAFE IS IT? The Multimac tests well – its bench-like structure strengthens it to exceed in crash scenarios. You also have added peace of mind, given that each Multimac is fitted by an expert (at motability branches in garages across the UK), you are able to avoid the pitfalls of a poorly fitted seat which is where many of us go wrong with traditional car seats.

IS IT PRACTICAL? It’s easy to get children in and out; the seat belts adjust in a similar way to other car seats. The upholstery is wipe-clean, too. In hindsight we could have gone for a four seater which would make it even more versatile as you’d be able to cater for an extra adult, or leave a space between children. The upright position of the Minimac was something I initially disliked, but I very quickly got over it as our new baby loves it.

DOES IT LOOK GOOD? The product is seriously good looking. So much so that it made the rest of our almost-new car feel quite downtrodden!

I like the simple lines and the clever design.

The leather-look fabric is the same as that used in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, but you can also customise your Multimac to match your own car interior. It feels almost indestructible, too.

Three-seater Super Club Multimac, £1,499; Ylva headrest, £59; Minimac, £269, multimac.co.uk

86 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

THE VERDICT It really depends on the age of your children but for us, with three girls under four, the Multimac ticks so many boxes and offers longevity, given that it will be used for another eight years or so on our parenting journey.

Charlotte, 18 months, and Iris, two months, sit in the Minimacs

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BABY TALK

Weekend life

THE DAD DIARY a ie ay

A twinning look in Scamp & Dude

Cosied up with Mama Day, Georgia

Edie showing dad how it’s done in the kitchen

What challenges has having a toddler thrown your way so far?

The only challenge we really have is giving Arlo the same upbringing as his sister. When Edie was younger, she was our sole focus, whereas now, like many younger siblings, Arlo finds himself just mucking in as our time as parents is so difficult to spread evenly. It’s fine, he’s getting a lovely upbringing, but he might just get one bedtime story whereas Edie would have had an entire village library’s worth.

What kind of dad are you?

I like to try and find a decent balance of being someone they see as a human climbing frame, and someone who will cuddle up on the sofa and comfort them when they need it.

What has fatherhood taught you?

I think it’s important to ensure you and your partner are a team. From day one there are huge decisions to be made and they don’t stop. Whether it’s about routines, moving off the bottle, dealing with poor health or money issues, the decisions are always going to be easier when you’re on the same page. That, and buy cheap babygrows. Those leaky explosions in the early days aren’t ever coming out in the wash.

“I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT…”

Nailing lads’ night with In The Night Garden and rice cakes

What’s life been like lately as a dad of two?

Have a second child, they said. You know what you’re doing now, they said. Second baby is always easier, they said… yeah, right! Life with Edie and Arlo is amazing though, and filled with endless love, giggles and Peppa Pig. Edie is four going on 40; wise beyond her years with the ability to argue her point better than the average government backbencher. Arlo, one, is as strong as an ox, as fast as Usain Bolt and as cheeky as Ant & Dec. Imagine that weird mutation and you’ve got my son.

My Pacapod changing bag. It’s compartmentalised brilliantly and just makes life that little bit easier with a screaming, smelly baby in tow.

The father of two and ay n he ife blogger reveals the good, bad and oh-so honest truth about family life

plays it cool el e ti e – but rlo

You switched north London life for the countryside. What’s a typical weekend like?

Ah, you know, pretty wild. We’ll have a big breakfast, followed by a long dog walk round some muddy fields. Then home for some play, supper, then bath and bed for the kids. Then to round off all the craziness, we’ll tidy up the tsunami of toys and do some ironing before collapsing on the sofa. I know, mental right?

Why did you start your blog, A Day In The Life?

Simply because I love writing. I find it therapeutic and in a world that feels like it’s going 100mph with children and work [Jamie works in education], it’s sometimes nice to slow down and tap away at a keyboard that’s filled with biscuit crumbs.

What’s next for you?

We’re decorating the downstairs loo in the next couple of weeks. Great for when I want to get away from it all. I’ve also got some exciting collaborations lined up with some great brands on the blog.

Find Jamie at @adayinthelifedad on Instagram, or visit adayinthelifedad.com

3-in-1 changing backpack £95, pacapod.com babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 89

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HEALTH

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CHILD’S POSE Get back into exercise safely with Carifit’s ingenious new regime. The online subscription-based workouts are designed to be completed while ‘wearing’ baby in a carrier, focusing on cardio-resistance methods to restore core strength. Suitable for all fitness levels and entirely safe for baby. £69 for a six-month membership, carifit.co.uk

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NEWS

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POWER SURGE

HAPPY NAPPIES Featuring Air-Seal technology, Angelcare nappy bins are cleverly designed to keep bad smells out of the nursery and beyond. Now available in beautiful pastel shades, this simple-to-use system makes a happier, more hygienic home.

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The programme has been designed by postnatal recovery specialist Jenny Burrell

Power Plate has launched its Healthy Mums Programme; a 12-week regime using the brand’s vibration technology to help you reconnect with your core, improving pelvic floor function and easing back pain. The programme includes your own Power Plate, as well as nutritional guidance, with an accompanying recipe book filled with ideas. £1,554, powerplate.com

BABY LONDON CONTRIBUTOR AND QUALIFIED NURSE EMMA HAMMETT HAS PUBLISHED HER NEW BOOK, BURNS, FALLS & EMERGENCY CALLS. ABOUT VITAL FIRST AID SKILLS, AS WELL AS THE SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE TO ALLOW LITTLE ONES TO ENJOY CHILDHOOD SAFELY. £9.99, FIRSTAIDFORLIFE.ORG.UK

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BEAUTY

PETAL POWER

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FEED YOUR HAIR If your hair is looking thin or brittle, get it looking its glossy best again in time for spring with HairJelly, a daily protein supplement. Packed full of keratin-boosting amino acids, biotin, vitamin D and zinc, it helps nails grow stronger, too. £29.95, hairjelly.co.uk COMPILED BY: KATE FREUD PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

GREAT WAVES Only Curls’ microfibre hair towel is set to be a revelation for curly-haired women everywhere. Our hair is most fragile when wet, but this towel is made from smooth yarn which keeps hair cuticles in tact to leave you with bouncy, frizz-free curls every time. £15, onlycurls.com

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Daddy’s home! Meet the fathers who opted to take shared parental leave • Helen Skelton talks work, motherhood and making new friends • Going green: We round up the world’s best baby-friendly eco resorts • Behind the scenes at ethical kids’ fashion and lifestyle label Oeuf NYC • Good for business: The mothers who met through NCT and went on to do incredible things • Celebrating Father’s Day with the ultimate gift guide • and much, much more!

HEALTH

The Breastfeeding Café with CLARE BYAM-COOK

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

“IS TONGUE-TIE BEING MISDIAGNOSED?”

I

n the past, I only saw a few babies a year who had a tongue-tie but now approximately eight out of every 10 mothers who consult me have been told that their baby has a tongue-tie. So what is going on? Are we getting better at diagnosing it, or is it being used as the go-to excuse for all breastfeeding problems?

In my opinion, tongue-tie is frequently misdiagnosed. The NHS claims that only 4-11% of babies are affected by tongue-tie, yet many more are being diagnosed. Many mothers who have been told their baby has a tongue-tie will often consult a doctor who disagrees. It is also common for those who go on to have the tongue-tie cut to see no improvement in their breastfeeding problems. In my experience, I find I can usually demonstrate that a tonguetie does not need to be cut by showing the mother how to better latch her baby on, which then resolves the problem instantly.

the baby has a tight piece of skin (frenulum) which tethers the underside of his tongue to the floor of his mouth. This can cause a number of feeding problems, including preventing the baby from opening his mouth wide enough to latch on properly, sore nipples for the mother, difficulty in feeding effectively, long feeds, swallowing air and making a clicking noise when feeding. But it’s important to note that these problems can also be caused by the baby latching on badly.

There are two main types of tongue-tie: 1. Anterior tongue-tie, where the frenulum is too short and tight and/or extends too far towards the tip of the tongue. This is clearly visible and will often be accompanied by a Vshaped notch at the tip of the tongue.

2. Posterior tongue-tie, which is hidden under the lining at the base of the tongue. This is harder to diagnose but can be suspected if the tongue dimples down in the middle, or if the tongue appears to be very short.

WHAT IS TONGUE-TIE? Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where

clarebyamcook.co.uk

Clare Byam-Cook trained as a nurse and midwife, and has since become the go-to expert for breastfeeding. Clare is the author of What To Expect When You’re Breastfeeding... And What If You Can’t? and also has a DVD, Breastfeeding Without Tears. Check Clare’s YouTube channel for more practical tips.

Clare explains the latching technique to a new mother

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? An anterior tongue-tie is easily treated by dividing it with a pair of sharp, sterile scissors. It’s a very simple procedure which only takes a few seconds and is normally pain-free for baby.

Dividing a posterior tongue-tie is more complex and the specialist may use a laser rather than scissors.

Tongue-tie can be treated privately or on the NHS – you should ask your midwife or GP for details.

Do note that a tonguetie only needs dividing if it is causing a problem. The difficulty for the mother is knowing whether her breastfeeding problems are caused by a tonguetie or whether the health professional she is consulting is not giving her the right advice and is blaming everything on a tonguetie which may or may not exist! For this reason, it’s always best to seek a second opinion, preferably from your GP or paediatrician.

You could also look at the section in my book or DVD which explains my method of latching the baby onto the breast, and see whether this helps resolve your feeding problems.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 95

PREGNANCY

SALTY or SWEET?

DU RING THOSE NIN E MONTH S, WE CAN CR AVE TH E ODDE ST THINGS. Louise Pyne E XPL AIN S WHY hether you lust after chocolate for breakfast, or you can’t stop thinking about gorging on a greasy plate of chips with gravy at 2am, pregnancy cravings are common. In fact, 80% of mamas-to-be confess to hankering after specific foods.

Hormonal fluctuations can change your perception of taste and smell during pregnancy, often sparking strong cravings for particular foods, but there might also be a hidden health meaning to your pregnancy food preferences. Here are the most common cravings and what they could mean.

W

CHOCOLATE Why: If you’ve found your sugary cravings have got even sweeter, it could be a sign of a mineral deficiency. The sweet stuff is a source of magnesium, so a strong craving for chocolate could be a sign that you’re low in magnesium, an important mineral which helps to build strong teeth and bones in your baby. Magnesium is also a muscle relaxant, so if you suffer restless legs or sleep issues then increasing levels may help.

What to eat: Nibble on a few squares of dark chocolate and load up on wholegrains such as brown rice and wholemeal bread, and dark green leafy veggies like spinach and kale as these are high in magnesium.

CHIPS Why: Salty cravings are one of the most common, and one theory is that a yearning for salty food could be the result of your body losing more sodium due to a rise in pregnancy hormones like progesterone.

What to eat: Try to keep oily foods like chips

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and crisps to a minimum and load up on pickled foods such as sauerkraut and miso soup – both of these are rich in probiotics, beneficial bacteria which can boost immunity and digestion.

What to eat: Ditch fast food for a palm-sized piece of steak and try leaner cuts like top sirloin or skirt steak which pack in juiciness without a high fat content. And load up on dark green leaves, including rocket and spinach, for an extra punch.

CURRY Why: A desire for spicy food is common in pregnancy, with one in 20 women reporting a weakness for curry.

It’s thought that changing tastebuds are responsible for spicy urges along with the theory that spicy food can bring on labour.

What to eat: Opt for vegetable curries like dhal or chickpea curry served with plain rice as these tend to be easier on the digestive system and lower in fat.

A CHEESEBURGER Why: It’s not unusual to crave red meat during pregnancy. This is because red meat is high in iron, which is needed for red blood cell formation in your baby. Iron is also a vital component for making haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells, and since blood volume increases by almost 50% during pregnancy it’s even more essential to increase iron stores to ensure oxygen is transported efficiently around the body. Low iron levels can also result in anaemia, a condition that affects up to 24.4% of expectant mums in the UK. Bizarrely, some women get cravings for non-food items like dirt, clay and ice – a phenomenon called pica which can be a sign of anaemia, so make sure to speak to your midwife if you experience this type of craving.

ICE CREAM Why: If the thought of an extra-large scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled in chocolate sauce makes you go weak at the knees you’re not alone.

Core body temperature rises during pregnancy which can naturally make you feel hotter than usual, and by the time you’re due to give birth you’ll have gained around 12.5kg which can make you sweat more than normal – no wonder you’re longing for something ice cold and sweet!

What to eat: Ice cream is loaded with sugar which can play havoc with energy-stabilising blood sugar levels. Swap ice cream for a pot of creamy Greek yogurt with puréed berries for a sweet treat that won’t send blood sugar levels soaring.

LEMON Why: Many women get a thirst for sour, zesty flavours during pregnancy because of changing tastebuds. Lemon is a natural nausea aid, so a desire for the tangy fruit during the first trimester could be your body’s way of helping to curb queasiness.

What to eat: Try to incorporate lemon into your daily diet. Start your day with a cup of hot water and lemon to calm digestion and help alleviate nausea, add a slice of lemon to herbal teas and use lemon juice in a salad dressing and as a marinade base.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS CAN CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION OF TASTE AND SMELL

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98 | MAR/APR17 | babylondon.co.uk

BABY TALK

PART

Diary of a MUM Mar tha Alexander PR AISE S TH E PATIEN CE OF OLD FRIEN DS AN D CELEBR ATE S N EWFOU N D N EIGH BOU R S

F

“

riends show their love in times of trouble,” so said Euripides, and while I’m not given to quoting philosophers or feeling #blessed by sisterhood, I can’t ignore how lucky I am.

I have always felt that I have to perform for my friends, to keep their affection, that I have to sing for my supper and bring something to the table in order to be loved. So the last few months have been a revelation.

When I couldn’t speak for my supper, let alone sing for it, when I didn’t ask anyone a single question about themselves because as far as I was concerned life began and ended within a 20m radius of my flat, when I’ve been low – and I have been really, really low at times – my friends didn’t run away. They didn’t say, “call me in six months when you’re fun again”. They didn’t say, “you look like Satan’s sister and I can’t be seen in public with you”. They didn’t say, “can we talk about me now?”

I’ll spare you the “I’ve always been independent…” yawn-inducing yarn, but suffice to say, I wasn’t planning on letting my friends do so much for me.

One friend, Blue, walked two-and-a-half hours in the pouring rain with me in the hope Robin might drop off for a nap. And almost every day I would ring Mary at nap times, hold the telephone up to Robin’s bedroom door, asking, “is this bad crying or sleepy crying?” She never once screened my call.

Antonia would turn up every couple of days with a jolly disposition, bacon sandwiches and her laptop, ostensibly to work from my kitchen but really to keep an eye on me. Katie and Milly, two school friends, got in touch and gave me the type of practical support that could make me weep with gratitude. It didn’t matter that we hadn’t seen each other in a decade.

Amelia served up honesty (“welcome to hell, babe”) that made me snort with mirth at a time when I could hardly raise a smile. Bryony introduced me to the joys of sensory play centres, we ate ice-cream and she told me I was normal. Kate brought champagne. Laura sent nursing bras from Barcelona. There are countless other friends who mothered me through early parenthood.

Poppy, Christie and Nicola had babies within a month

of me having Robin, so I had people to compare notes with. But while we all live in London, we’re not next-door neighbours. And this is the thing. You need someone in the same boat, at the same time, in the same place.

I didn’t join NCT. I admit, I thought I was above it.

I wasn’t going to pay hundreds of pounds to talk about babies with the sort of women I was sure I’d never choose to be friends with in ‘real life’. I have my own friends, thanks, and we are not interested in talking about lactation and white noise and papooses.

But two weeks post-partum, I was in my local park, staring at groups of mums picnicking and gossiping – who cares what about, they were talking to other adult humans – and felt desperately left out. Would it be uncool to go over and say, “hi, I’m lonely, can we be friends?” I wondered. I looked for other lone wolves like me – dishevelled and creased with Rod Stewart hair.

There was one, reading her Kindle as her angelic infant snoozed next to her. She would probably murder me if what might be the first interval of peace she’d had in weeks was disturbed with a friendship proposal.

Luckily I didn’t have to wait long. Georgie and Carly, who live a street away, have babies a bit older than Robin and need applauding for befriending a neurotic, unwashed mess. I feel comforted following in their footsteps – gobbling up their advice about teething powders and blackout blinds, but also talking about lots of other stuff too: telly, trainers, Trump.

Then, there’s my social media U-turn. Since July, I have taken 7,600 photographs of my daughter. I could spend days uploading pictures of her, but I know it’s wrong to be that person. I used to hate that person.

And then you have a baby and realise that this is what you’re doing now. No, I haven’t read any good books recently. No, I haven’t been to any festivals. No, I haven’t been shopping or training for a marathon or having LOLs in the office. I do try to curb it, but I’m in love. And look how cute she looks in this hand-knitted cardigan. Did you see the ones from when we took her to Kew? Wait, I’ll just quickly find them…

Thank you, thank you, dear friends. bl

Keep track of friends – old and new – by putting pen to paper Kate Spade New York contacts book £22, johnlewis.com

Next time: Martha’s ready to brave it and face postnatal fitness

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 99

ON THE DOWNLOAD

It’s time to show some appreciation for the fingertip friends we can’t live without

Guys, brush up on your pregnancy knowledge with this on-the-go tool

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If you’re forever worried about oversharing on social media, say hello to Tinybeans. Save all of your snaps, document milestones and allow only your nearest and dearest to see them. Free

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Swipe right if you like the name, left if you don’t, and find a match! Free

Preparing for a new baby can make you feel like the most disorganised soul on the planet. Let this app do all the legwork as it tracks your pregnancy and symptoms, offers daily tips and diary dates. Free

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NCT Babychange will point you in the direction of all the facilities nearby – you can even rate them on cleanliness, too. Free

If all you’re longing for is a good night’s sleep, soothe baby with white noise, including the sounds of rain, the womb and more.

You can track baby’s sleep and record your own sounds, too. Free

Did I feed her an hour ago? Did she have two ounces or four? MyMedela helps you monitor your breastfeeding and pumping schedule, alongside helpful advice and progress tracking. Free

Plugged as Tinder-meetsNCT, Mush brings together local, like-minded mums with babies of the same age. Simply make your profile and organise meetups with other mamas just like you! Free

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Listen Mode allows your baby’s cries to automatically turn on the app and soothe them back to sleep

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NORDIC WALKING

WITH LAURA

Laura is a fully accredited Nordic Walking Instructor

from Finland – the home of Nordic Walking.

“Nordic Walking is a fun, sociable way to exercise with your baby and turn a walk into a workout!” – Laura NEW MUMS book now for a 1–2–1 or why not group-up for a private session. Poles provided. Sessions can be arranged at a park near you. South London based.

@BrockleyNordic

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FITNESS

SLIM THE SCANDI WAY

Becky Dickinson REVEALS WHY N OR DIC WALKING IS TH E PER FEC T E XERCISE FOR N EW MUMS

he thought of returning to exercise after giving birth can often feel as daunting as the prospect of labour itself. Well, maybe not quite that daunting, but challenging nonetheless.

In the first few weeks after delivery, it’s a good idea to be kind to yourself and snuggle down with your baby, without worrying about counting calories or steps. Those precious newborn days will be over before you know it.

When you do feel ready to start exercising, you may not feel like stepping inside a

T

gym or going for a run. However, finding a fitness routine that’s invigorating rather than exhausting, toning rather than torturous, can seem about as likely as the chance of getting a good night’s sleep. Which is why Nordic walking could be the answer. Currently one of the fastest-growing fitness trends in the UK, it involves walking with a pair of specially designed poles, and promises maximum results for minimum exertion – burning twice as many calories as ordinary walking and using 90% of the body’s skeletal muscles.

As the name suggests, Nordic walking originated in Scandinavia, where it was developed as a summer training programme for cross-country skiers. In the past year, there has been a 60% increase in people joining classes in the UK. And whereas it was once an activity that appealed to the older generations, it’s now gaining a younger following, as people cotton on to the benefits.

The technique involves propelling yourself along using a pair of poles as extra legs. As you walk, you swing your arm forward and

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 103

FITNESS

Try Nordic runs classes across Reiga Richmond te, and Wimbl edon

USEFUL CONTACTS To find an instructor or class near you, visit: nordicwalking.co.uk britishnordicwalking.org.uk For mother and baby sessions, visit: trynordic.co.uk

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Even though Beverley trained as a Nordic walking instructor back in 2008, it wasn’t until the arrival of her granddaughter in 2015 that she began running mother and baby sessions.

“After my daughter, Katie, gave birth by caesarean, she wanted to find an exercise that was gentle enough to get her back in shape,” says Beverley. “She wasn’t happy leaving her daughter with a childminder so we decided to

your core, work your upper body, tone your biceps and triceps, release tension in the shoulders and get a good cardio workout. And there are great social benefits, too, as mums can make new friends.”

As with all exercise, it’s important to make sure you are well enough to take part, and Gill adds extra care should be taken if you do decide to join a class where babies can come.

IT PROMISES MAXIMUM RESULTS FOR MINIMUM EXERTION – USING 90% OF THE BODY’S MUSCLES try Nordic walking with her daughter Lottie in her baby carrier and we couldn’t believe the results. Lottie thoroughly enjoyed the rhythm of walking, while Katie got a good workout.”

Beverley now runs classes in Reigate, Bushy Park, Richmond Park and Wimbledon. Poles and baby carriers are provided, and she says the benefits are wide-ranging: “If you adopt the correct technique you can burn as many calories as a bootcamp workout. You engage

“If baby is on the back we advise that he or she should be small enough for their legs to not obstruct the arm movement. We also advise that care is taken to walk on even terrain, and to walk in a group led by a suitably qualified instructor.”

As the weather warms up, London’s array of parks and green spaces have never looked so inviting. So the next time you go for a walk, why not make it Nordic?

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

plant the pole into the ground, creating a full body movement. This activates your core and increases the use of your upper body muscles.

Yet the process is remarkably low-impact, making it an ideal workout after pregnancy.

“Nordic walking is perfect for expectant or new mums because it helps take the weight off the legs and is a gentle whole-body exercise,” says Gill Stewart, director of Nordic Walking UK. “It helps you maintain a healthy weight because it increases the calorie burn of walking due to the amount of large muscles involved in the action. It also helps with posture and can relieve back pain.”

Aside from the physical benefits, being outdoors is great for mental wellbeing.

Research shows linking exercise with nature can relieve depression, anger, fatigue and mood disturbance, all of which can commonly affect new mums.

Although Nordic walking isn’t difficult to get the hang of, it’s important to learn the correct technique. Beverley Boon of Try Nordic runs classes across London, including some specifically tailored to mums and babies, where you carry your baby in a sling or carrier, leaving your hands free for the poles.

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PREGNANCY

Your pregnancy

JOURNEY

Louisa van den Bergh OF LU LU BABY E XPL AIN S WHAT YOU CAN R E ALLY E XPEC T WH EN YOU ’R E E XPEC TING HEALTHIER HAIR

FEELING HOT

We’ve all heard of pregnant women having fuller locks, this is because it doesn’t really fall out like normal. But were you aware other parts of your body may become more hirsute, too? Hair on your tummy and face is common and this extra growth is thanks to pregnancy hormones and the extra blood raging through your system. Unfortunately, once baby is born, that luscious hair will begin to fall out.

You’ll almost always feel hot (less sexy hot, more sweaty, red-in-the-face hot) and may feel quite uncomfortable. It’s hardly surprising, you have a lot more blood pumping around your body and a whole other person to carry. You may be hoping that all will return to normal once baby has been born, but alas, those hormones will have the last laugh. Ladies, you’ll sweat like never before,

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especially at night. No, it isn’t a bad dream, just a postpartum delight to deal with.

BIGGER BOOBS Sometimes they double, triple, or even quadruple in size; they can be tender and really hurt. If you escape with little change in the bosom department at first, be prepared for when your baby arrives and your milk starts to come in. Boobs can become

PREGNANCY

FEELING YOUR BABY KICK FOR THE FIRST TIME IS A TRULY MAGICAL MOMENT

STRETCH TO PREP Don’t be alarmed if ‘down there’ swells up a bit and looks different or larger – this is normal and not permanent. The truth is, many first-time mums will need some stitches either because they have torn or been cut (an episiotomy) to make way for their baby’s head.

But mums should be encouraged to know that you do normally heal beautifully. It may sting to pee (make sure you have a jug of warm water by the toilet) and sitting will be painful, but it will pass. Before your baby arrives, spend some time on perineal massage (yes, that’s exactly how it sounds). Try a trainer like the Epi-No with a soothing oil.

few weeks, and should always seek medical advice on this, but for many it’s a lovely break. Once your baby has been born, you are greeted, however, with the mother of all periods, known as lochia and this can last up to six weeks.

READY, STEADY, KICK Feeling your baby kick for the first time makes pregnancy feel more real and is a truly magical moment. But those first few gentle movements can soon develop into forceful kicks. You can see your stomach move and it can really hurt especially when their feet are poking right up into your ribs.

TOILET TROUBLES

HERE COME THE TEARS

Many women suffer with an impaired digestive system during pregnancy. You may also develop haemorrhoids, nasty swollen veins around your rectum. Unfortunately, once baby is born, a little more discomfort may come your way before things start to improve.

If you’ve had a c-section, constipation is a common problem as iron supplements (if you’ve lost blood) or certain painkillers will block you up. Stock up on high-fibre foods and keep well hydrated.

Most women are aware that pregnancy may make them a little emotional. After your baby has arrived, pregnancy hormones dive, and your milk-making hormones rise, causing a massive hormonal shift. This frequently results in tears on day three or four (often when your milk comes in). Even if everything’s peachy, chances are you will cry but for most this is short-lived. However, if you find that the tears come every day there is a chance postnatal depression may develop, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

PELVIC PRESSURE

enormous, hard and lumpy, and will literally fill with milk. Your nipples and areolae (the area around them) can get bigger and you may notice little bumps on the areolae. These bumps are normal – they release oily fluid and help prevent chafing. Don’t be alarmed if they look really veiny, too, they’re doing a precious job so more blood flow is needed in that area.

If feeding becomes very painful be sure to seek help from your health visitor or doctor.

Weeing all the time is commonly an early sign of pregnancy but happens again in later pregnancy. Your bladder has a huge weight bearing on it, and you feel the need to go all the time. Once your baby’s born, and depending on how big they are and how they were delivered, you may find you’re leaking down there again. Remember to work on your pelvic floor muscles early.

BLEEDING AFTER BIRTH Most mums would agree one of the best things about pregnancy is the months spent period-free. Some do bleed during the first

BONDING WITH BABY For many mums, the moment they first meet their baby it is love at first sight. For many others, this is not always the case, it can take weeks or months. This is completely normal and not a reason to feel guilty. After what you’ve just been through, it can take time to bond with your baby, especially if the birth was not easy or breastfeeding is proving a challenge. Give yourself time and you’ll soon realise you have fallen head over heels in love with your little one. lulubaby.co.uk

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meet

the

EXPERTS OU R H E ALTHCAR E PROFE SSIONAL S AN SWER YOU R QU E STION S ABOUT PR EGNANC Y AN D BEYON D

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WHY DO I NEED A POSTNATAL CHECK SIX WEEKS AFTER LABOUR? You should have a six-week check after your delivery to ensure that you are recovering properly. The checks are available at most NHS surgeries and can also be scheduled privately.

A well-balanced diet of 1,800 calories daily (adding 500 calories if you are breastfeeding) will help ensure you get the nutrients you need, while allowing you to lose weight safely.

A gradual return to physical activity will keep your bones strong and improve your mood. Before resuming sexual activity, you should consult your doctor about the best contraceptives available to you – you could get pregnant as early as 20 days after delivery.

You’ll be fertile even before your periods reappear and while breastfeeding!

Your body goes through a lot of changes through pregnancy, but you should tell your doctor if you’re still bleeding after 40 days from delivery or concerned about how you’re healing, experiencing unusual discharge, have piles, or worried about a tear or stitches after a c-section. You should also contact them if you have been suffering with low mood, if sexual intercourse is painful, you are having trouble holding urine or wind back, have problems with a breast infection, were due a smear test while you were pregnant or struggled with high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Dr Giada Frontino, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Richmond Practice

HEALTH

I’M CONCERNED ABOUT THE LEVEL OF SUGAR IN SHOP-BOUGHT TODDLER SNACKS. WHAT SNACKS CAN I GIVE MY ONE YEAR OLD THAT ARE NUTRITIOUS BUT DON’T CONTAIN ADDED SUGARS?

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

I’M EXPECTING MY FIRST BABY THIS SUMMER AND THE FRIENDS I HAVE MET THROUGH NCT HAVE ALREADY STARTED DISCUSSING A FIRST AID COURSE. IS THIS SOMETHING I SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO ALREADY, AND WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT IT? Many parents book onto our courses when they’re pregnant, but some wait until their babies have arrived, and still more are prompted when they start weaning, depending on what suits each individual. My advice would be to gain these skills as soon as you can so that you have peace of mind from knowing that you are able to recognise if something is seriously wrong and know how to help. Parents can book on as individuals, arrange a group course at a time and place to suit them, or learn at work, so it may be worth grouping up with your NCT friends if you think group learning would suit you. It’s important that training is refreshed regularly to ensure the information is current and fresh in your mind in case you need to jump into action.

Refreshers can be practical or online.

The most important message I tell people is not to let yourself be in the position of wishing you had known what to do. Ultimately basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death and can massively effect the extent of your child’s recovery, the amount of pain they’re in and how long they need to be in hospital. Prompt first aid can even lead to someone recovering completely without the need for medical intervention at all! Attending a first aid course will mean you can let your children develop and flourish, experiencing inevitable minor bumps and bruises, but being safe in the knowledge and skills to recognise and help if something is more seriously wrong.

Emma Hammett, founder of First Aid For Life

Most toddlers need three meals and two to three nutritious snacks each day to provide the nutrients they need and keep their energy levels topped up. To ensure little ones are getting enough protein and fibre, and to protect tiny teeth, try to aim for more savoury rather than sweet snacks.

Quick and easy savoury snack options include seeded crackers or oat cakes with cream cheese or a nut butter like peanut, cashew or almond, mashed avocado on toasted wholegrain pitta bread, vegetable sticks (such as peppers, carrot, cucumber, celery) with hummus, cheese cubes or a small bowl of homemade soup sprinkled with sesame seeds and grated cheese.

I think the new Chickpea Pop Pops from Little Dish are a good savoury snack option when you’re out and about. They are made with 40% chickpeas, making them a great source of protein, and they’re high in fibre, so they provide essential nutrients and energy for growing brains and bodies.

Eggs are also a great savoury snack as they’re packed full of good quality protein and take no time to prepare. Try them hard-boiled and sliced, made into a simple omelette or scrambled on wholegrain toast. To avoid added sugar, natural yoghurt with chopped fruits made at home is another good option for toddlers with a sweet tooth.

Lucy Jones, nutritionist for Little Dish

I’M SIX WEEKS PREGNANT AND OVERWHELMED BY ALL THE DIFFERENT SCANS AND CHECK-UPS. WHAT SCANS WOULD YOU ADVISE? This is a common question that many women and their partners have, as there is an overwhelming amount of information out there. Each mother-to-be will have unique requirements, of course, but usually you will have your first scan (the dating scan) at around eight weeks, then a key scan at 12 or 13 weeks and at least a further two scans at around 20 weeks and the 30-week mark. These final scans are to check that the baby is growing healthily and at the correct rate, but some women may require further check-ups due to their pregnancy or medical history.

I would say the key thing to remember during your pregnancy is that this is such a magical time where you need to also enjoy the process and focus on yourself. Nine months may seem like a long time, but it really flies by!

In my role at HealthClic, I am in charge of looking after our pregnant members, and we take them through the whole journey; organising all check-ups, appointments and scans with a bespoke plan of pregnancy care. Something like this is what I would recommend if you’re feeling worried, to ensure you have a team around you who you can trust, so you can focus on looking after yourself while feeling happy and healthy.

Please do avoid unnecessary stress and remember that your diet and mental wellbeing can make a huge difference throughout your pregnancy, so always find the right care suited to you and your family. It will hopefully make the journey extremely memorable, while leaving you feeling supported and healthy.

Dr Anuj Chaturvedi, medical director and GP at HealthClic

OUR PANEL

Lucy Jones

Dr Giada Frontino

Emma Hammett

Dr Anuj Chaturvedi

lucy onesdietitian.co.uk

richmondpractice.co.uk

rstaidforlife.org.uk

healthclic.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 109

Online boutique for the chic Mama, rocking Dads and their gorgeous little ones. In our one-stop multi brand shop you’ll find contemporary modern nursery and playroom décor with art, toys and accessories for children, plus luxe newborn and baby shower gift ideas.

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Pebble UK Support Hosiery Suppliers Flat seams that will not dig into your tummy or show under clothes.

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HEALTH

Secondary Infertility FOR MANY PAR ENTS, TRYING TO CON CEIVE A SECON D TIM E CAN PROVE MOR E DIFFICU LT THAN TH EY IMAGIN ED. FERTILIT Y E XPERT Emma Cannon E XPLOR E S TH E SU BJEC T

One in seven couples suffer from secondary infertility

nterestingly, according to Chinese medicine, a woman needs five years between children to recover her energies and make space in her life in order to give proper care and attention to the next child. But with the average age of a woman having her first child being 29, this would be impossible for many, and it has become necessary to have children closer together.

Secondary infertility is the inability to become pregnant following one or more successful pregnancies. One in seven couples struggle with secondary infertility and many of the patients I see in clinic are finding it difficult to conceive a second or third child. Infertility affects approximately 15% of the population and secondary infertility approximately 5%.

Sometimes it is simply a matter of reduced opportunity; it can be hard to fit in enough sex when you already have one or two children and you are tired from broken nights.

Furthermore, there is a growing trend to have our children in quick succession with very little gap in between.

I

WHEN YOU’RE TRYING TO CONCEIVE DO

DON’T

• Seek help if you have been having regular sex for a year and have not conceived.

• Try acupuncture to help optimise fertility.

• Address your diet and manage your BMI. • Prioritise sex and make space in your life for your partner and your relationship.

• Monitor your menstrual cycle and note if there are any changes. Your menstrual cycle is the only outward sign of your fertility.

• Be positive and have gratitude for all the gifts in your life.

• Seek emotional support if you think you may be traumatised by a previous birth.

• Turn your life into ‘project baby’ and become obsessed with having the next one.

• Become a Google addict.

• Compare yourself to other people.

• Forget that this is about your loving relationship with your partner.

• Diary sex in – it is such a turn-off for your partner and makes sex less enjoyable for you.

• Leave it if you really feel something is wrong and you have tried everything mentioned here.

• Wait too long if you are over 35 and you want another baby.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 111

HEALTH

DO I HAVE A PROBLEM? As a general guide, if you are having regular sex every two or three days and you have not conceived within a year, then seek help.

It is important to also check the following: • Have your periods returned to normal?

• Did you breastfeed for longer than nine months? This can result in the blood becoming deficient and responds well to acupuncture and herbal medicine.

• Have you gained or lost a significant amount of weight? If so, get your thyroid tested. Weight can also affect conception if your BMI is too high or too low.

• Did you lose a lot of blood in your previous delivery or after?

• Did you have retained products of birth which were hard to pass, or had to be surgically removed? You might need a scan to check that the uterine lining is clear and there are no adhesions.

• Did you have a traumatic birth or suffer from postnatal depression? If yes, perhaps you need to work through this with a counsellor.

Sadly, many couples who suffer with secondary infertility can remain uninvestigated for too long. Often it is assumed that since they conceived perfectly easily the first time it is only a matter of time before they will again.

Or they wait too long to seek help because they feel they are ‘lucky enough’ to already have a child. Listen to your instinct, if you feel something is not right or that something in your body or menstrual cycle has changed then be sure to visit your GP or find a fertility consultant who can help.

Dr Alan Beer, author of Is Your Body Baby Friendly? suggests that in some women an immunological problem can develop; “Women with one liveborn child followed by a history of infertility, IVF failure or miscarriage have the highest incidence of autoimmune

112 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

disorders.” He suggests that if the problem is of an immunological nature, these women can actually be among the hardest to treat.

If immunology is the cause it often results in a problem around implantation. So the sperm and the egg can appear to be normal and fertilisation will occur, but the embryo will fail to implant. It is thought that elevated NK (natural killer) cells are to blame. There is much controversy around this diagnosis and treatment, making it hard for the patient to find suitable answers. The good news is, research suggests couples who have had one or more children and are seeking treatment are more successful and have more live births than couples who have not had children. emmacannon.co.uk

• It is worth getting a sperm test because sometimes sperm problems can develop, particularly if your partner has had an acute illness with a fever.

• Age. It’s important to remember that as you get older your fertility does naturally reduce and may play a part in subsequent pregnancies taking longer to conceive.

• Resist the habit of comparing yourself to other people. We are all different and just because those around you are having babies close together, you don’t have to follow the crowd. When babies are small, a year or so seems like a long gap, but in the bigger scheme of life it really isn’t that long.

• Asherman’s Syndrome is scarring of the uterus. This can result in lighter periods or no periods at all as it is difficult for the endometrium to be shed. If you think you might be suffering from Asherman’s, visit your GP as it is treatable.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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Time to Talk…

TWINS & MORE part 2 MARINA FOGLE & DR CHIARA HUNT

The sisters discuss early life with twins or multiple babies

EW

iving birth to twins or multiples is joyous but for many, the prospect can be terrifying. Whatever anyone tells you, bringing up twins is challenging, particularly in the early months. Everything is twofold – twice as many feeds, twice as many nappies, twice as much crying and, quite possibly, you feeling twice as sleepdeprived and overwhelmed. But don’t forget, without doubt you have twice the smiles, hugs, first steps and giggles, and twice the joy. And, of course, your babies will forever have a close friend and playmate. Here’s our guide to making it easier: PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

G

Get your babies into the same feeding and sleeping routine.

Although it’s hard, feeding twins together is not impossible and the sooner you master this, the better. If you end up feeding them at different times, there will be no time for anything else and

it becomes easy for exhaustion and low mood to set in.

Teach them to feed, settle and sleep at the same time.

Most babies very quickly learn to sleep through each other’s crying, however, if yours are light sleepers background ‘white noise’ can really help.

Get them used to the bottle as well as the breast. This will enable you to share some of the responsibility of feeding but also give you some flexibility if your milk supply dwindles and your babies need top-ups.

If you’re not producing enough breastmilk, pump between feeds. This will stimulate your body to produce more milk.

Don’t feel guilty if you have to top up. We all know that breastfeeding is best for babies, but supplying enough milk for

two babies can be difficult for some mothers. If you find you have to top up, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s tough enough being a mother to twins without feeling guilty about something you can’t control.

Remember, your babies can’t hurt themselves by crying.

Mothers of twins all have to get used to the sound of their babies crying. It’s not because they’re negligent mothers, but often they’re busy with one child and simply can’t get to the other straight away.

Get as much help as you can.

Being a father of twins throws dads - who often lack confidence - in at the deep end, which is a great thing. Most fathers of twins end up mucking in from day one because they have to. And don’t be afraid to ask favours of anyone else who offers – even if it’s just for an hour during the day,

taking the babies for a walk in the pushchair to give you a break.

Don’t forget about your partner. Parenthood strains a relationship at the best of times, but with twins, the stresses are double. Having a strong, healthy relationship is the best thing you can do for your children.

Make friends. Most mothers of twins agree that having support from other mothers of twins is invaluable. It’s worth joining a local twins group. Have a look at the Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association) website, tamba.org.uk/clubs for details of groups that are local to you.

Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are founders of The Bump Class. Their book, The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond (£18.99, Vermilion) is available now. thebumpclass.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 115

HEALTH

ow to

a

FLAT HEAD PL AGIOCEPHALY – OR FL AT H E AD SYN DROM E – AFFEC TS MANY BABIE S. WE E XPL AIN WHAT IT IS, WHY IT OCCU R S AN D HOW BE ST TO TR E AT IT

116 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

lagiocephaly is a common condition found in infants, characterised by flattening on one side of the head.

Once diagnosed, choosing the right treatment can be tricky, so we asked Dr Saeed Hamid, clinician at the London Orthotic Consultancy to clarify the issues for concerned parents.

P

WHAT CAUSES PLAGIOCEPHALY? Plagiocephaly can onset at various stages of infant development, including the foetal position in the womb, during a prolonged labour and even during time spent in a neonatal unit. That’s because plagiocephaly

HEALTH

results from constant pressure on the same part of a baby’s head, causing it to flatten.

Babies who spend long periods in a buggy or car seat, and even babies who prefer sleeping on one side can develop flattening of the head. Plagiocephaly is also linked with torticollis, a condition which tightens a baby’s neck muscles causing them to tilt their head to one side.

Another factor is the success of the 1994 ‘Safe to Sleep’ campaign, which educated parents to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by sleeping babies on their backs. Incredibly, the number of infant deaths has halved since the campaign launched, and this important advice remains the same, but it has meant an increase in plagiocephaly cases.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY BABY GETTING PLAGIOCEPHALY? Repositioning and ‘tummy time’ (techniques that make sure your baby’s head is not always resting on the same area) are important to relieve pressure on the head and encourage natural correction of the skull. These are the recommended actions for babies up to the age of five months, and should improve mild cases of plagiocephaly. You should also: • Alternate the end of the cot your baby sleeps in • Encourage tummy time by joining your baby on your front while playing • Use toys or mobiles to encourage your baby to move their neck muscles in the cot • Minimise time spent in baby travel systems when not travelling

WHAT SIGNS SHOULD I LOOK FOR? A straightforward physical examination can diagnose a case of plagiocephaly. Key signs to look out for in your baby are: • Flattened head on one side • Flattening at the back of the head • Two sides of the face that do not match (asymmetry) • An uneven forehead

BEFORE

AFTER

CAN PLAGIOCEPHALY BE TREATED? Currently, the NHS categorises plagiocephaly as a cosmetic issue and does not offer medical intervention. However, new guidelines from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) now endorse the success rates of helmet therapy in cases of severe plagiocephaly where repositioning has proved unsuccessful.

Helmet therapy should be started as early as possible. After the age of two, our skulls harden and plagiocephaly becomes impossible to correct – so seek advice as soon as you can (you don’t usually need a GP referral to seek an orthotic diagnosis).

If you’re worried about your baby’s head shape, you can start by getting a free flat head diagnosis online without having to visit a clinic.

Or contact the London Orthotic Consultancy or your own local orthotist for clinical help and support.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. VISIT LONDONORTHOTICS.CO.UK

Helmet therapy works by directing growth from the flat spot, but the custo tted hel et ust be worn during the ti e when the skull is actively growing

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upport your baby s growing skull

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CASE STUDY

Kate Finney shares her experience of treating her daughter’s plagiocephaly It wasn’t until our second baby was eight weeks old that we noticed that her head was seriously misshapen. I’m not sure how it took us so long, but the problem suddenly seemed urgent.

When you looked at her from above, our baby’s head was almost growing diagonally.

The right side of her forehead was becoming more prominent, and the left side of head was being pushed out as the right side was being increasingly flattened.

My first port of call was our GP. She seemed unconcerned and said our baby’s hair would soon cover it up, but she did outline the pros and cons of wearing a corrective helmet. It just felt extreme, not to mention expensive, so I went home and googled plagiocephaly until I came across the idea of seeing a cranial osteopath.

I kept an open mind and I couldn’t have been more surprised with the results.

Within a week of my first appointment (the first of three) we noticed an improvement.

As well as these appointments, we also took a careful look at her environment at home and changed everything we could to encourage her to face the other way.

While it hasn’t been totally corrected, at 18 months old, you wouldn’t notice now, and it turns out the GP was right – a mop of curly hair does hide the slight wonkiness!

HELPFUL ADVICE • Switch your baby between a sloping chair, a sling and a flat surface. This ensures there isn’t constant pressure on one part of the head.

• Change the position of toys in their cot.

This will encourage baby to turn their head on to the non-flattened side.

• Alternate the side you hold your baby when feeding and carrying.

• Reduce the time baby spends lying in car seats and prams. Try using a sling or carrier instead. For more guidelines, visit nhs.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 117

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The doughnut-shaped mat provides a soft, comfortable nest to cocoon baby while also supporting tummy time and – when the time comes – an upright sitting position. It comes with contrasting colours and textured, crinkle patches, and you can add your own toys to the centre without them escaping! £42.99, amazon.co.uk

Tummy time is the best way to build up strength in your baby’s back, neck and arms that will assist them in rolling, crawling and eventually walking.

The high-contrast colours on this mat provide a great visual incentive for baby to explore the different patterns, as they independently spin. £34.75, lamazetoys.co.uk

This beautiful mat and gym combo harnesses all the essential hand-eye coordination that babies need. On the lower level there’s a variety of textures – squeekers, crinkle fabric and mirrors, with lights and hanging toys under the arch that baby will love to reach for.

It’s even MP3 compatible. £99, mamasandpapas.com

This captivating gym is a great way for parents to interact with their baby.

I liked this for the array of textures, sounds and colours – with lights, animal sounds, teether toys, hanging toys and an excellent assortment of textured objects to increases awareness and search skills. £64.99, argos.co.uk

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The world of Didi and Bud is one where babies are babies, children are children and mums/dads get to enjoy at least one hot beverage a day!

It’s a world where manufacturing is ethically conscious, crisp whites and a full nights sleep (we wish) are the order of the night time.

The concept, the design, the illustrations and the manufacturing are all born in England. We support ‘Make it British’ and are proud to do so. Our minimalist designs capture the essence of ‘mini gents’ and ‘little ladies’ with a modern twist. Everything is made from 100% OEKO Tex certified cotton.

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INTERIORS

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There’s nothing more classic than muted tones in baby’s room, and the new range from Ferm Living ticks all the boxes. From wall art to lamps, bedding to cushion covers, all in the prettiest shades of grey, peach and blush. alexandalexa.com

The new collection from Ferm Living draws inspiration from traditional Scandinavian design

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WACKY AND WILD

BED HOPPING

Animal heads made from felt are so last season – this year it’s all about these ceramic animal wall vases from Graham & Green. Choose from the fox, polar bear, hare, koala, zebra or bear designs, and fill with a plant to add a little greenery to the nursery. £35, grahamandgreen.co.uk

Ideal for storytime, this adorable white rabbit night light by Little Ella James will make a beautiful addition to a nursery.

Larger than your average night light, it looks brilliant perched on a bookshelf or bedside table. Just wait for the compliments to roll in… £48, ellajames.co.uk

COMPILED BY: KATE FREUD

MOTHER & CHILD Hope & Fortune makes luxurious, ethically-made blankets for babies, and gives one per cent of each sale to projects protecting women and children. Each design comprises three layers of organic, unbleached herringbone weave muslin – perfect for baby skin. £89, hopeandfortune.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 121

STYLISH STORAGE

Short on space, but big on baby stuff? These chic solutions will look great in your little one’s nursery. Clockwise from top left: Mamas & Papas’ cotton tidy attaches conveniently to baby’s cot, wardrobe or dresser (£26, mothercare.com); this coral-dipped seagrass basket will look stylish in any room of the house, with a range of colours to choose from (£29, gingerandmay.co.uk); Scandi brand Tellkiddo has nailed toy storage with its characterful drawstring bags (£27.95, meandbuddy.com); keep their favourite things on display, and messy items hidden, with the cool eco-wood range from Flexa Play (storage box, £153.94, and shelves, £92.02, en.smallable.com).

Sometimes, one size does not fit all. Nurseries, just like beautiful newborns, come in all shapes and sizes – which is why Izziwotnot have extended their best-selling Tranquillity range to include everything from full-sized cot beds to cribs perfect for fitting safe and sound by parent’s bedside.

With clean lines and subtle sophistication, the Tranquillity range lends beautifully to all style of interiors, whether you’re loving the minimalist Scandi trend or keeping it traditional with all the lace trimmings.

Izziwotnot have been crafting beautiful baby bedrooms for 40 years and are on a mission to find all families their dreamiest of children’s bedroom.

Join our Izziwotnot family today by shopping the dreamy collection online at www.izziwotnot.com www.izziwotnot.com

Izziwotnot

@Izziwotnot

THE PURPLE CARROT Branding Concepts 01

Oliver Hayden Ad 99x129 proofs.qxp_Layout 1 02/02/2017 14:34 Page 2

THE COLOUR PALETTE

The colour palette is fresh, confident and quirky to encapsulate some of the brand’s unique offering.

Bespoke children’s party planning and party packages.

Luxury children’s gift buying service.

For stylish and fabulous bedding, furniture, wallpaper and accessories, please enjoy browsing our Junior Range at Oliver Hayden.

Enjoy 0% finance across our store.

0844 3350710 www.oliverhayden.com sales@oliverhayden.com

At The Purple Carrot we believe creative imagination dreams up the best children’s parties. We organise everything you need for your occasion from invitations to thank you notes.

A family orientated online shop full of colourful cool and innovative products www.lazebrashop.com • Hello@lazebrashop.com 124 | MAR/APR17 | babylondon.co.uk

Please visit our website www.purplecarrot.london to order a Silver or Gold Party in a box or call 07588317717 for a free consultation with Francesca, our party expert.

Email – bespokeparties@purplecarrot.london

PROMOTION

MOTHER’S DAY

Being a mum is one of life’s greatest gifts, but a little treat never hurt anyone

Silver fingerprint charm necklace From £165, philippaherbert.co.uk

Flower bouquet £24.95, bloomon.co.uk

Cybex Priam x Jeremy Scott Lux stroller £1,450, harrods.com

Personalised gemstone ring £59, mercimamanboutique.com

Faux leather changing bag £89.90, shopuk.jollein.com

Skin Glow Trio skincare set £42.50, greenpeople.co.uk

Python-print leather pumps £79, seraphine.com

Sterling silver bracelet £59, littlestarjewellery.com

Nova Harley faux leather changing bag £139, cuckooland.com

Pasito a Pasito vanity case £35, lucyandbelle.com

Marloe London cotton-blend swaddle £75, nineinthemirror.com

Mabel & Fox nappy bag and changing mat £42, daisiesanddinosaurs.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 125

FOOD

DINE WITH ME

Give baby the best possible start with Dr Sarah Schenker’s new book, My Sugar Free Baby and Me. Each weaning recipe, based on a core ingredient such as white fish, is adapted into a meal for mum and dad, too. Dr Sarah shows how the recipes can help your body recover and lose weight gently, while managing your baby’s new feeding regime.

Out 9 March. £16.99, Green Tree

food

NEWS

WE BRING TO TH E TABLE TH E L ATE ST AN D GR E ATE ST FOOD FOR TH E SMALLE ST OF DIN ER S

TASTY TIPPLE Don’t let pregnancy stop you from enjoying a sophisticated drink. Thomas & Evans No.1 is a sparkling, alcohol-free blend of fruit juices, citrus peel and distilled botanicals. At less than 100 calories a bottle, you won’t even miss the bubbly… £3.95, harveynichols.com

Introduce your toddler to another new taste and texture with these wholegrain rice cakes

SPEEDY SUPPERS Piccolo Plates is out to help parents feed their little ones nutritious meals, even when there’s no time to cook. With eight dishes to choose from, including fish pie and veggie pasta bake, the chilled meals are delivered to your door.

The team will tailor orders to accommodate allergies, too. £5 per dish, piccoloplates.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ADRIAN LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

FINGER FOOD Keep tummies full on the go with Kiddylicious’ new rice cakes. The wholegrain cakes are thinly ‘splashed’ with either yoghurt or Belgian chocolate, and come in handy snacksize bags. They’re also low in sugar and free of nasties. Suitable from 12 months. 70p, ocado.com

RESEARCH BY ORGANIC BABY FOOD BRAND PICCOLO HAS IDENTIFIED WEANING AS ONE OF THE MOST STRESSFUL PARTS OF PARENTING, ACCOMPANIED BY TEETHING AND CHILDBIRTH. ALMOST HALF OF THE 1,000 PARENTS SURVEYED FELT THEY WEREN’T MANAGING THE FEEDING PROCESS PROPERLY. MYLITTLEPICCOLO.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 127

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL EALING a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18

New Nursery & Pre-Prep building opening September 2017

Nursery Open Mornings 21 February 07 March

Book a place on our website or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk

FOOD

WEANING YOUR WAY

H ELPING YOU R BABY MOVE FROM MILK TO SOLID FOODS CAN BE A M E SSY AN D E XCITING STAGE, BUT H OW BE ST TO DO IT ?

Vicki Scot t OF TH E N EW BABY COM PANY SHAR E S H ER ADVICE ix months is the ideal age to begin introducing solids as your baby is more likely to be physically ready to handle, chew and digest them. Likewise, the World Health Organisation recommends a diet of purely breast milk until six months, but whether your baby is breast or bottle fed, this continues to be their main source of sustenance while weaning begins. If your baby is weaned earlier than necessary, or given the wrong types of foods, then they

S

are more likely to develop allergies due to the immaturity of their digestive system. If you have a very hungry baby, and you are thinking of offering solids before this time, do seek advice from your health visitor or doctor.

By seven or eight months at the latest, solids must be introduced, as by this time a milk-only diet is inadequate for your baby’s developmental needs. If your baby starts on solids later, move more quickly through the early stages of rice, fruit and vegetables so your little one is taking protein foods in good time. If you have started very early (from four months), keep it simple and remain on fruit, vegetables, baby cereal and full milk feeds, and don’t introduce protein foods until six months.

THE PURÉE METHOD The traditional, parent-led purée method involves specially preparing a meal for your

baby, which is puréed or mashed, and most often spoon-fed. Many bought baby foods are puréed, with the meals becoming more textured through the stages.

PROS You choose the content of the meal and each spoonful gives a good portion of each food group, so you feel your baby is having a balanced meal. Purée is very easy to carry with you if you are out and about, and it’s also easier to ensure a distracted or less interested baby eats enough.

CONS Always spoon-feeding your baby doesn’t encourage exploration and independence.

Your baby may become dependent on purée and not learn to manage lumps easily. Readymade baby foods are often very smooth, which can make it more difficult to get your baby to eat homemade purées instead.

SOLVE THE PROBLEM Give finger food, too, with every meal. Maybe a vegetable portion or bread, or carbs such as pasta or potato wedges. Finger foods and snacks will encourage independence and self-feeding.

FOOD

KEY POINTS REMEMBER TO • Smile when your baby is eating.

• Let him see you eat the same food.

• Don’t make a fuss if he spits it out.

• Don’t worry about the mess.

• Distract and talk to your baby.

THINGS TO AVOID Before six months: • Wheat and gluten • Well-cooked eggs Until a year: • Soft eggs • Honey • Shellfish Avoid altogether: • Adding salt and sugar Never add salt to your baby’s portion. Small amounts of fats and oils are healthy, but avoid using too much. Don’t make foods too spicy, use herbs for flavour instead.

FOR MORE USEFUL INFORMATION: Baby-led weaning: baby-led.com; babyledweaning.com General weaning advice: nhs.uk

The popular baby-led weaning method tends to avoid purées and spoon-feeding altogether.

Your baby experiences different textures from the beginning, and can eat a wide variety of age-appropriate foods, deciding what to pick up themselves.

PROS Baby has the same meal as the rest of the family, which cuts down on your cooking time and they benefit so much from shared family meals. It encourages independence from the start and it’s remarkable to watch your baby pick up, squeeze and choose what to eat!

Your baby is in control, which is great for building confidence, and to establish the pleasure in mealtimes.

mashed or puréed. It can also be impossible to ‘feed’ your baby if you sometimes need to, as they are used to doing it themselves!

SOLVE THE PROBLEM It can help to offer the less ‘preferred’ foods on the plate first when your baby is really hungry. Cut up tricky foods, like meat, into very small pieces for a short time until baby finds it easier to bite and chew. Babies this age have a ‘gag reflex’, which enables them to bring food to the front of their mouth using their tongue. This can be scary to watch but it’s not the same as choking. It’s worth attending a paediatric first aid course to boost your confidence just in case you need to spot when your baby needs help.

WHICH METHOD DO I RECOMMEND? CONS It can be frustrating if they are not choosing what you think they need to eat. Many new parents are fearful of choking if food is not

130 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

With the best will in the world, whichever method you prefer – your baby may have their own ideas and prefer self-feeding or to be fed from a spoon. In my experience, a

combination of the two is the way forward – it really doesn’t have to be one way or the other.

Some meals can be baby led, some spoon fed, others can be a combination of the two!

The most important thing is to make sure that meal time doesn’t become a battleground.

Never make food a reward or withhold as a punishment. Food is one of life’s great pleasures, you should offer but never force your baby to eat something they don’t want.

Eating with your baby – especially the same foods – is one of the greastest things you can do to encourage healthy food habits, manners and the social side of eating as a family.

WHAT IF MY BABY WON’T EAT? If your baby only wants to eat one type of food for a whole week, it’s really not a problem in the grand scheme of things – just give a multivitamin, especially if you know your baby struggles to eat a varied diet at times. Talk to your health visitor or doctor if your baby cannot be persuaded to wean.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

THE BABY-LED WEANING METHOD

our t u abo rter k s A ta S New nt and Pare Groups er l d d To

North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep, NW3

Give them an Outstanding start to school life See our vibrant and happy Nursery School in action at one of our Spring Term Open Mornings: 21 February and 7 March Book your visit at northbridgehouse.com/open or call 020 7428 1520

FOOD

A taste of

spring

INTRODUCE BABY TO N EW TE X TU R E S AN D FL AVOU R S TO PROMOTE A LOVE OF FR E SH FOOD FROM TH E START

ith the arrival of spring and longer days also comes an abundance of deliciously fresh, seasonal ingredients to introduce to your baby.

Nutrient-packed greens, such as leeks and peas, are on the menu, and getting your little one into their greens from an early age is a great idea. Greens can naturally be a little more bitter to taste, and sometimes can take a few tries to introduce, but be persistent and have patience, it can take up to 10 or 12 attempts for a new food to be accepted.

Babies often like what they know, so keep offering. Also try cooking some of these greens in a little fat such as olive oil or butter for added flavour.

W

SEASONAL INGREDIENTS TO ENJOY: Broccoli, cabbage, curly kale, rhubarb, leeks, spring greens, wild salmon, sea trout, cauliflower, celeriac, chicory, parsley, mint, potatoes, spring onions.

132 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

This fruit purĂŠe is packed with vitamins and minerals

FOOD

BLUSHING BERRIES & PEAR Suitable from 6 months Preparation: 8 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing, or store in a sealable container in the fridge for up to 2 days Makes 5 portions

This fruity purée is a delicious combination of zingy fresh berries with smooth banana and pear, and requires no cooking.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 strawberries, hulled • 1 ripe Williams pear, peeled, cored and chopped • ½ medium banana, peeled • handful of blueberries • 4 raspberries METHOD

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Tip: Add yoghurt or milk and a sprinkling of oats to the mix before blending to make this into a delicious creamy smoothie.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 133

FOOD Get baby used to the taste of sh, which is packed with brain boosting ega s

E ASTE R CAR ROT & G I N G E R OAT B I S C U I T S Suitable from 7 months (without syrup) Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 15 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing Makes 15 biscuits

You can make these two ways: Either mix in a bowl for a rougher texture – these make brilliant teething biscuits for babies under 1 year, or mix in a food processor for a finer dough that can be rolled out.

SALMON & COD FISH PIE

INGREDIENTS Suitable from 7 months Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 30 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing, or store in a sealable container in the fridge for up to 2 days Makes 6 portions

Salmon and cod are perfect partners in this creamy fish dish. Peas and leeks add a fresh taste, and a hint of basil and parsley finishes the dish off perfectly.

INGREDIENTS

• 600g potatoes • 20g butter • dash of olive oil • ½ onion or 1 shallot, peeled and diced • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • ½ leek, trimmed and diced • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced • 100ml milk, plus 6 extra tbsp • 200ml low-salt vegetable or fish stock • 1 ½ tsp chopped parsley, thyme and basil • 200g salmon, skin removed, cut into 2cm chunks • 150g cod, skin removed, cut into 2cm chunks • 70g frozen peas

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200°C. If making a purée, you do not need to use the oven.

Place the potatoes in a pan of cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes until soft. Drain and mash with the butter and 6 tbsp milk. Set aside.

To make the sauce, heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion for 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and leek and cook for a further 8 minutes.

Gradually stir in the fish or vegetable stock and remaining 100ml of milk, then cook over a medium heat, stirring continuously. Bring to the boil and cook for a few minutes to thicken.

Remove from the heat and stir in the herbs.

Add in the fish and peas, making sure to check for bones in the fish. If making this dish for the whole family, or for children over 1 year, remove the portion for the family, season well and place in a small dish or 4 individual ramekins. Spoon over the potato and grate over some parmesan. Bake for 25 minutes.

For baby’s portion, place the fish and sauce back on the heat and cook for 4-5 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Remove from the heat and blend. Mix a little potato in with the fish mix and serve.

• 100g butter, softened • 2 tbsp golden syrup (or 1 mashed banana for babies under 1 year) • 1 egg • 200g oats • 100g plain flour • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • ¼ tsp dried ginger • ¼ tsp dried cinnamon • 1 small carrot, peeled and finely grated METHOD

Preheat the oven to 170˚C. Cream the butter and syrup (or banana) in a bowl or food processor. Mix in the egg, then sift in the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon.

Stir in the carrot and oats, and mix thoroughly until it forms a dough. If you plan on rolling out the dough, wrap in cling film and store in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

If you are making teething biscuits, simply spoon the mix onto a greased baking tray. If rolling out, roll the dough until it is 1-2cm thick and cut out into shapes you like. Place on a greased baking tray.

Bake both types of biscuit for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Alice Fotheringham is infant nutrition specialist at Piccolo. Piccolo is an organic baby food brand with roots in the Mediterranean approach to feeding children. The brand supports the NCT and gives 10% of its profits to food education. Head online to mylittlepiccolo.com to find out more and receive an exclusive discount off your next pouch.

134 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Celebrating 25 years

Wet

play?

throughout 2016-17

No With 3 sports

Bright children, exceptional opportunities: visitors to Newton

problem. indoor halls to add to our 70m x 40m huge all-weather pitch

Prep in the last year have included the Dalai

Lama, Rowan Williams, Michael Gove MP, Shami Chakrabarti, Johnny Ball.

World Cup Rugby player Josh Lewsey and film director Alan Parker.

we have more sports facilities than most secondary-level London schools.

During 2016-17, we celebrate

Newton@25,

marking the first 25 years since its 1991 foundation. So far we have raised £25k, giving 25% each to our four chosen charities—and we stage an event on the 25th of each termtime month.

Thinking big: with

“Newton combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves. All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to accommodate variety.”

650+ pupils, aged between 313, Newton is London’s biggest stand-alone prep school.

Current parent Several 100% Bursaries are

If music be the food of love, we are eating well

available from Year 3 upwards for sparky children who

at Newton: over

300 children learn a musical instrument

or take singing lessons

might not otherwise be able to afford a fee-paying school.

Bright children Exceptional opportunities

A co-ed London prep school for children aged 3-13 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

at babylo

n

WIN A FAMILY HOLIDAY

.uk n.co /com

Enter o

e lin

do

n

ADVERTORIAL

pe

titions

A Welsh wonderland

FR EE-R ANGE FU N IS TH E OR DER OF TH E DAY AT BLU E STON E NATIONAL PAR K R E SORT IN PEM BROKE SHIR E The cosy lodges are crammed with modern amenities for the whole family

et in 500 acres of beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, with rustic nature trails that meander through ancient woodland, Bluestone National Park Resort is a magical place to visit with your family at any time of year.

The resort in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, is home to more than 300 places to stay. Ranging from cosy cottages, ideal for couples and small families, to large luxurious lodges with space for your extended family and friends, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect match for your break. All lodges are equipped with a high chair, travel cot and stair gates as standard for peace of mind.

S

With a colourful village at its heart, complete with a traditional Welsh pub and a shop stocking all the holiday essentials, the resort offers a complete escape from the outside world.

During your break you can make the most of more than 100 activities and sample the ‘free-range fun’ that the resort is famous for. If you’re looking for adventure you can zip through the trees or challenge the family to a raft-building game on the lake. It’s all about getting back to nature and immersing yourselves in the beautiful surroundings.

If you are hoping for a more relaxing escape then why not book some alone time at the guest-exclusive Well Spa, where you can enjoy treatments inspired by the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast. There are even relaxing activities for your little ones; during your break they can enjoy an introduction to special baby yoga or massage. Guests at the resort will also get unlimited, complimentary access to the subtropical Blue Lagoon Water Park, where wild waves and fun flumes await. The Indoor

Adventure Centre is the home of activities on the resort and ensures that no matter what the weather, there is always a new memory to make!

CHANCE TO WIN Bluestone has teamed up with Baby London to offer five luxurious four-night escapes. To enter, visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions Competition closes 28 April. For more information, visit bluestonewales.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS: BLUESTONE IS GIVING AWAY FIVE, FOUR-NIGHT MIDWEEK (MONDAY TO FRIDAY, SELECTED DATES APPLY) SELF-CATERING BREAKS IN A TWO-BEDROOM LODGE, THAT WILL SLEEP UP TO FOUR PEOPLE, HERE AT BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESORT IN PEMBROKESHIRE, WEST WALES. YOU’LL ALSO ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS TO THE BLUE LAGOON WATERPARK AND INDOOR ADVENTURE CENTRE. GUESTS MAY ARRIVE FROM 11AM ON THE ARRIVAL DATE AND USE BLUESTONE’S RANGE OF FACILITIES FROM THAT TIME. ACCOMMODATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 4.30PM.

136 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

TRAVEL

AIMING HIGH

Ignite imaginations with a family break at Sweden’s Treehotel. The six, branch-hung dens boast chic Scandinavian interiors, with outstanding views of the surrounding forest.

Cots can be added to most of the treehouses, with babysitting and children’s food menus available, too. And if you still aren’t convinced, it recently won Best Family Friendly Hotel at the Mr & Mrs Smith Awards. From £448 per night, mrandmrssmith.com

HEADSPACE HOLIDAY Escape the capital for a sunny Spanish yoga retreat with the whole clan. RoRo Retreats is holding a week-long family stay at Centro Santillán, a converted farmhouse in Andalucía, during May half term. Enjoy yoga with experienced teachers, and get little ones involved with family classes. Babysitting is available, too. Adults, £1,200 for seven nights, under-fives go free. 27 May to 3 June, rororetreats.com

travel

NEWS

WH ER EVER YOU R DE STINATION , TR AVEL IN ST YLE WITH BABY IN TOW LittleLife’s mini-sized kits are perfect for when you’re travelling

ALWAYS BE PREPARED Accidents will happen wherever you are in the world, so make sure you’ve got the right kit to hand. LittleLife’s updated first aid kits contain everything you’ll need, neatly divided into compartments for optimum organisation. Particularly brave patients will appreciate the little star stickers. From £14.99, littlelife.com

STYLISH SWIMMERS This March, kids’ swimwear brand Sunuva will unveil a new collection of girls’ swimsuits, beach dresses and accessories featuring the iconic Liberty print, with a modern neon twist.

Naturally, each piece of swimwear offers UPF 50+ protection, too. Sizes start at three months. From £19, sunuva.com

Yes, that’ll do nicely, thanks

ª Postcard from…

CRETE

Victoria Smith AN D PARTN ER RYAN VISIT ELOU N DA MAR E FOR TH EIR BABYMOON BR E AK

I

Crete is Greece’s largest island and is known for its varied terrain

Taking in the ocean views

The holistic spa is a sanctuary for expectant mothers

hideaway meant those dashes to the bathroom kept any embarrassment to a minimum.

I felt so spoilt having the ocean as a backdrop every day, and even more when I left Ryan to concentrate on his tan and escaped to the hotel’s award-winning Six Senses Spa. The soothing sanctuary overlooks a huge stretch of the Aegean Sea. It was busy, without being crowded, and the treatment menu is nothing less than luxurious, with authentic massages, aromatherapy and olive oil scrubs, and even an anti-ageing red wine facial. After your treatment it was a heavenly place just to relax and unwind. The beautiful spa and views were matched by equally impressive food. Elounda Mare’s Old Mill restaurant, overlooking the water, became our favourite hangout. The chefs only use the freshest, traditional Cretan ingredients, and the menu boasts an extensive wine list.

We would thoroughly recommend a trip to nearby Spinalonga, too, as the views are quite spectacular. It can only be reached by boat but takes just an hour to meander across the whole island, and it’s definitely worth it.

Looking back, it really was the perfect escape for our babymoon.

And after checking out the hotel’s impressive kids’ club, I can’t wait to return with our little one to create many more happy memories. eloundamare.com

Ryan gets ready to make the most of the private pool

Dining in style

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK, ISTOCK

’m a nervous flyer at the best of times but flying when pregnant was taking my anxiety to a whole new level. That said, the promise of my favourite perfume at duty free from my very patient partner encouraged me to board with a smile. We found out I was pregnant 12 weeks ago – a big surprise, but a very welcome one.

We’d already splurged on a trip for some much-needed time away from the city, but it actually felt more special knowing it would be our last trip away as a twosome. And of course it was my last chance to fly for a while.

Having visited Chewton Glen in Hampshire on a girls’ weekend last summer, I was familiar with the Relais & Châteaux hotel group, and when we decided we wanted somewhere with reliable sunshine, our research pointed us in the direction of Elounda Mare in eastern Crete.

The layout of Elounda Mare is beautifully designed to mirror a traditional Cretan village, with charming winding paths and cobbled roads at every turn. We wanted a room that was a bit more secluded, so we opted for our own bungalow, which came complete with stunning sea views and its own private pool (which I think always feels quite glamorous). It couldn’t have been more appreciated than on our third day, when I suffered a serious bout of morning sickness. Having our own

Hand picked family holidays that are perfect for children and their parents too!

From luxury family hotels to relaxed family hostels, fun farm stays and child friendly cottages and castles, family camping in the English countryside to glamping in France - Away with the Kids offers masses of ideas for your holiday break with baby and toddlers, older children or teens.

Every specially selected holiday is independently owned and is personally approved by Away with the Kids family friendly holidays GUARANTEED!

www.awaywiththekids.co.uk Find us on Facebook

@awaywiththekids

Cabin crew

TR AVEL CON SU LTANT Claire Eastwood SHAR E S H ER SU RVIVAL GUIDE FOR FLYING WH EN PR EGNANT OR WITH YOU R BABY • Bag

Seamless maternity leggings £15, seraphine.com

PREGNANCY

Choose a light cross-body bag

• Heartburn tablets or sachets • Healthy snacks • Compression socks and leggings • Flat shoes • Lip balm • Lavender oil

Leather cross-body ‘Farah’ bag £120, jemandbea.com

Rub lavender oil on the sides of your temples and wrists to relax and soothe tension (suitable only for the second and third trimester)

Preggers maternity socks £16.99, pebbleuk.com

Lavender oil roll-on £12, loccitane.com

• Comfortable leggings • Shawl or blanket • Bag Opt for a large tote bag, use freezer bags to keep everything separated, dry and easy to access

• Travel changing mat • SkyBaby mattress • Hand sanitiser gel • Overnight nappies

BABY

These will last longer than the standard variety

• Wipes • Travel-size nappy cream • Calpol sachets • Dummy and dummy clip • Supersize muslin

My First Nursery Rhymes Soft Book £10, mothercare.com Pao baby carrier £89.99, wemademe.com

I like Marloe London or Molly & Moo, whose muslins double up as a blanket or cover-up

• Bottle for milk during take off and landing If using formula, take pre-mixes rather than powders. If breastfeeding, feed during take-off and landing to help little ears to equalise

• Couple of silent toys • Car seat

Pebble Plus car seat £190, maxi-cosi.com

Sensory teething toy £20, squidgeandpip.com

This keeps baby secure and also supports their head when sleeping

• Bag

Peppa Pig sticker book £5.99, waterstones.com

TODDLER

Go hands-free and choose a backpack

• Antibacterial wipes • Snacks (for both of you) • Water bottle with really good seal • Favourite cuddly toy • Travel buggy • Sticker book • Toddler headphones • Set of pyjamas

Lil Gadgets headphones £15.95, amazon.co.uk

iGuy iPad case £34.95, speckproducts.co.uk

Accidents of all sorts can happen!

• iPad Load it with new cartoons and games

140 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Nano stroller £249.99, mountainbuggy.com

TRAVEL

Samsonite Cosmolite suitcase £299, harrods.com

TOP TIPS

Embroidered suede shoes £250, sophiawebster.com Cashmere poncho £149, brora.co.uk

Don’t forget to take your maternity or hospital notes.

Check your travel insurance is still valid in pregnancy.

If you’re over 28 weeks, you’ll need a letter from your doctor.

Check-in as much as possible, travel with a light, four-wheeled case and be sure to ask for help if you need it.

TOP TIPS

Cotton and bamboo blanket £21, babymori.com

Lightweight duffle bag £125, storksak.com Tommee Tippee soother (pack of two) and holder (pack of two) £4.79 each, amazon.co.uk

First Choice+ 300ml bottle £5.85, nuk.co.uk Travel mattress £29.99, sky-baby.co.uk

Changing mat £20, johnlewis.com

Elephant soft toy £25, jellycat.com

Faux leather ‘Elwood’ backpack £130, tibaandmarl.com

Cotton pyjamas £39, mini-la-mode.com

Remember baby food, milk and sterilised water is exempt from the 100ml rule.

Be sure to book the bassinet if on a longer flight.

In many destinations, specifically cities, or depending on the hotel, you can rent or borrow baby gear – everything from buggies to travel cots and high chairs.

Check if your car seat is suitable for flying – it will have an FAAapproved sticker.

This means the car seat can be used on aeroplanes as well as in cars because it has passed the inversion test.

TOP TIPS It’s worth trying to book flights that will fit into napping or sleep schedules.

Remember, even if your flying partner is not playing ball, the flight will eventually end and it is very unlikely you’ll ever see any of your fellow passengers ever again!

Good luck!

Skip-Hop Zoo water bottle £11, happybags.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 141

A co-educational, day and boarding school from 3 -13

‘If anyone is going to bring out what your child is good at, Port Regis will.’ GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE t. 01747 857914 | www.portregis.com | e. admissions@portregis.com |

A first class education in the Dorset countryside @PortRegisSchool |

Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School Children join the Pre-Nursery class in the term they turn three.

Please come and visit us.

To arrange an appointment telephone 01372 463695 or email preprepschool@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

www.claremont-school.co.uk

142 | MAR/APR17 | babylondon.co.uk

Claremont Fan Court School Claremont Drive Esher Surrey KT10 9LY

www.facebook.com/PortRegis

education

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP

Researching schools

EDUCATION

NEWS

EVERY THING YOU N EED TO KN OW IN AN D OUT OF TH E CL ASSROOM

JOIN THE CLUB

If you want to know more about schooling and are keen to plan for the future, then check out our sister title. Published twice a year, The Guide to Independent Schools is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector. The Guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.

ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independent-schoolparent or call 020 7349 3700.

The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.

A study by Kellogg’s has found a third of working mothers would have to give up work if it weren’t for school breakfast clubs. Its report looks at the role clubs play in the lives of working families, as it’s revealed parents make childcare savings of more than £50 a week using them. The company has provided funding, cereal donation and training to 2,500 schools across the UK. breakfast-club.co.uk Miffy is out to help toddlers develop self-expression and creativity

PARTY ANIMAL Rod Campbell’s timeless tale Dear Zoo is celebrating its 35th birthday this year with a special anniversary edition. The hardback book comes in its own slipcase and features the same lift-the-flap fun and charming illustrations, in time for World Book Day on 2 March. £12.99, Macmillan Children’s Books

LEARN WITH MIFFY Encourage your child to develop independence with help from Miffy.

The new app, Miffy’s World, guides you through her daily routine, from waking up and getting dressed to baking or gardening. Little ones will grow in confidence and creativity as they learn from the Dutch bunny’s habits. Available 9 March. £3.99, itunes

RESEARCH OBTAINED BY OXFORD HOME SCHOOLING HAS IDENTIFIED A HUGE 582% INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF LONDON CHILDREN BEING TAUGHT AT HOME OVER THE LAST DECADE. THE BIGGEST INCREASE WAS SEEN IN NEWHAM, FOLLOWED BY HACKNEY AND EALING. OXFORDHOMESCHOOLING.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 143

EDUCATION

MEET THE FOUNDER How did Woodentops begin?

I founded the Woodentops Kindergarten in 1985 when I was looking for a pre-school for my daughter and found the options were limited. Having worked as a qualified teacher for 10 years, I felt I could add something to the education landscape for Early Years, and 30 years on the Woodentops Kindergarten continues to thrive and has grown into the White House Prep School, which goes up to Year 6.

How would you describe the ethos of your school?

To provide a high-quality education and excellent pastoral care to create wellrounded, happy and confident children. This all starts from our Kindergarten, where the staff nurture the children’s desire to learn, whether it be making mud pies, or starting the day with yoga and meditation. With a focus on family at our school, this helps our younger children learn from their peers and siblings.

How many classes do you operate in Kindergarten?

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MARY McCAHERY The Woodentops Kindergarten

We catch up with the founder of the Kindergarten and White House Prep School We have two classes and offer both morning and afternoon sessions for each. The classes are split by age, with two to three year olds joining Kindergarten and three to four year olds joining Pre-Reception. We also offer a lunch club from 12 to 1pm.

How do you ensure every child achieves their full potential?

Listening to and observing our children is the most important way. We encourage child-led activities which provide a great source of information for the teachers and results in independent individuals.

What range of learning environments do you offer?

Kindergarten pupils enjoy outdoor activities such as

‘Muddy Mondays’ and ‘Wellie Wednesdays’. They build dens, dig for mini-beasts and make clay faces on trees. It is incredible to watch their vocabulary grow the more they discover. Back in the classroom, they use tough cameras to make videos and tell stories, and there is a separate creative room to explore arts and

crafts. The school also benefits from a large garden and our Kindergarten pupils love taking books to the Reading Cabins and climbing into the Adventure Area.

At this age, we encourage pupils to choose what they want to do, offering as many experiences as possible to engage their imagination.

How do you communicate with parents?

We place great importance on families, and welcome them as partners in their child’s education.

We have an Open Door policy and parents can be as involved in the school as they wish, joining the pupils on school trips and being part of our WAPS comittee.

Where do you see Woodentops Kindergarten in the future?

The school is going from strength to strength and the school is continually growing to meet the demand of parents who want their children to start their education in a fun, safe and happy environment. whitehouseschool.com

VISIT OUR NEW NURSERY Holland Park Synagogue VISIT OUR NEW NURSERY VISIT OUR OUR OUR NEW NEW NEW NURSERY NURSERY NURSERY VISIT OUR NEW NURSERY 8VISIT St VISIT James’s Gardens W11 4RB Holland Park Synagogue Holland Holland Holland Park Park Park Synagogue Synagogue Synagogue Holland Park Synagogue Ofsted Outstanding 8 8James’s James’s St James’s Gardens Gardens Gardens W11 W11 W11 4RB 4RB4RB 8 8St James’s Gardens W11 4RB Developing Self-Esteem & Independence 8StSt St James’s Gardens W11 4RB Stimulati ng Curriculum Ofsted Ofsted Ofsted Outstanding Outstanding Outstanding Ofsted Outstanding Ofsted Outstanding Developing Developing Developing Self-Esteem Self-Esteem Self-Esteem &&Independence Independence &Prepared Independence Developing Self-Esteem & Independence Kosher Meals Freshly Daily Developing & Independence Sti Sti mulati mulati StiSelf-Esteem ng mulati ngCurriculum Curriculum Curriculum Sti mulati ngngCurriculum Bi-lingual Nursery (English & Hebrew) StiFreshly mulati ng Curriculum Kosher KosherKosher Meals Meals Meals Freshly Freshly Prepared Prepared Prepared Daily Daily Daily Kosher Meals Freshly Prepared Daily Bi-lingual Bi-lingual Bi-lingual Nursery Nursery Nursery (English (English (English & & Hebrew) Hebrew) & Hebrew) Kosher Meals Freshly Prepared Bi-lingual Nursery (English & Hebrew) Our branches: Hampstead Garden Daily Suburb

Bi-lingual Nursery (English &Park Hebrew) Our Our branches: branches: Our Hampstead Hampstead Hampstead Garden Garden Suburb Suburb Suburb Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb •branches: Belsize Park •Garden Holland Belsize • Belsize Park Park ••Park Holland Holland Holland Park Park Park ••Belsize Belsize Park • •Holland Park

Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb Contact us today Contact Contact Contact us us today today us today Contact us today • Belsize Park • Holland Park hollandpark@kerensnursery.com

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth

hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com

Contact us today www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com www.kerensnursery.com hollandpark@kerensnursery.com 020 020 020 7602 7602 7602 7981 7981 7981 020 7602 7981 020 7602 7981

www.kerensnursery.com 020 7602 7981

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

N PE O Y DA

Family day saturday 25th march 10am-12pm Discover Bluebell Cottage this Spring with your family and friends.

Admissions 2017 - 2019

londonnurseryschools.com

MONTESSORI NURSERY

FRIDAY 24 MARCH 9.30am – 11.00am

Preparatory School 59 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ Montessori Nursery 196 Munster Road, London SW6 6AU Tel 020 7736 9182 Email info@sinclairhouseschool.co.uk www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

#lnscommunity S I NC L A I R HO U S E S CH OOL FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 2-11 babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR17 | 145

The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joy of music Comprehensive, structured & stimulating music classes for children 6 months – 5 years. £15 off your Summer Term with the code BABYSU17 Our classically based curriculum is taught by opera singers, accompanied by orchestral instruments and is tailored to each stage of your child’s development.

146 | MAR/APR17 | babylondon.co.uk

www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com +44 (0)7530 459 468 info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com NOTTING HILL • FULHAM • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • BROOK GREEN

OUT AND ABOUT

mini

AGENDA

Lianne Kolirin ROU N DS U P TH E CAPITAL’S BE ST EVENTS

ILLUSTRATIONS © MOOMIN CHARACTERS ™

The Moomins at Kew

The Moomins at Kew

Baby & Toddler Show

KEW GARDENS Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 kew.org

SANDOWN PARK Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9AJ 020 7772 8377 babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

With the arrival of spring, the Moomins will be coming out of hibernation for all sorts of mischief. There’s a Moomin trail to enjoy amongst the flowering daffodils and and crocuses, and you might even glimpse Moomintroll through the trees!

Play in the dens and expect plenty of activities, too.

Admission: Adults, £15; children, £3.50; under-fours go free.

Saturday 1 to Monday 17 April.

This bump- and baby-friendly show returns, promising a host of free facilities, including baby changing and feeding areas. The show is packed with shopping opportunities and the chance to chat to experts in everything from birth and feeding to sleeping and finance.

Admission: Adults, from £13; children go free.

Friday 7 to Sunday 9 April, from 10am.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Gong Babies: Gamelan for Parents & Babies FENTON HOUSE & GARDEN Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 6SP 020 7435 3471 nationaltrust.org.uk

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

Weave your way around the lawns, terraces, orchard and kitchen garden in your hunt for clues to win a chocolate prize. While there, take the time to explore this handsome 17th century National Trust property and its grounds.

Admission: £3 per trail; standard admission applies.

Friday 14 to Monday 17 April, 11am to 4pm.

On the Indonesian island of Java, many children experience the beautiful sounds of the gamelan as babes in arms. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself and baby in the meditative and mesmerising chimes of the gamelan while meeting other new parents.

Admission: £5 per adult and child.

Monday 20 March, 2pm.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 147

Bach to Baby

Easter Eggstravaganza, Willows Activity Farm

Baby Ballet

Family Folk Show

Easter Eggstravaganza

Bach to Baby

Baby Ballet

Family Folk Show

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com

ST MARY’S CHURCH Church Road, Barnes, London SW13 9HL bachtobaby.com/barnes

HUGGLE 8-10 Winchester Road, London NW3 3NT 020 7281 3575 huggle.co.uk

HALF MOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, London E1 0ND 020 7709 8900 halfmoon.org.uk

Join farmyard friends for some Easter fun during the holidays.

Little ones will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny and go on a special egg hunt, plus there’s all the regular family favourites including animal feeding, rides and indoor play.

Admission: Adults, from £8.50; children, from £10.50; undertwos go free.

Saturday 1 to Monday 17 April, 10am to 5.30pm.

Head to Barnes to watch an exhilarating classical music performance, especially for baby and you. This popular series, which features across many other venues in London, was set up by mum and pianist Miaomiao Yu, who was frustrated by the lack of family-friendly concerts.

Admission: Adults, from £8; children go free.

Tuesday 7 March, 10.30am.

It might seem hard to imagine, but toddlers can learn to ballet dance too! These fun classes for little ones aged 18 months to three years run weekly at the wonderful baby-focused store and hangout in Swiss Cottage.

Be sure to book in advance.

Admission: £8 per session.

Tuesdays, 2.45pm and 3.30pm.

Feel the rhythm at this fun concert for all ages. Awardwinning folk duo Megson blend their infectious mix of vocals and harmonies into a gentle and entertaining concert for all, featuring children’s folk songs.

Admission: £7 each; babies under one year go free.

Saturday 25 March, 11am and 2pm.

Academy Tots

For Crying Out Loud!

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC Marylebone Road, London NW1 5HT 020 7873 7300 ram.ac.uk

WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2BP 020 7935 2141 wigmore-hall.org.uk

Inquisitive tots and parents are invited to this interactive session to discover a world of instruments and music, set in the Museum Piano Gallery.

Admission: Adults, £3; children, £5.

Tuesday 21 March, 10am to 10.45am.

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Here, nobody cares if your baby cries, shouts or makes lots of noise – it’s all part of the magic!

These fun 45-minute sessions are a relaxed introduction to music for babies up to one year.

Admission: Adults, £7.50; children go free.

Tuesday 28 March, 11am and 12.30pm.

Singing and Stories LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB 020 7379 6344 ltmuseum.co.uk This fun session for under-fives includes stories about hopping on buses and songs about catching the tube. Sessions include singing, dancing and the chance to handle objects.

Admission: Free; standard admission applies. Visit the ticket desk at 10am and 1pm.

Term-time Tuesdays, 10.45am, 12pm, 1.45pm and 3pm.

Easter Egg Hunt BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN’S ZOO Battersea Park, Chelsea Embankment, London SW11 4NJ 020 7924 5826 batterseaparkzoo.co.uk Embark on the challenge to find the colourful eggs – but be careful, they are being guarded by the zoo’s residents! Pick up a quiz sheet for clues and prizes.

Admission: £1.50 each; standard admission applies.

Saturday 1 to Sunday 17 April, 10am to 5pm.

OUT AND ABOUT

Easter Baby Boom

Toddler Time, Ritzy Cinema

Big Fish Little Fish Madchester Special

The Baby Show

The Baby Show EXCEL LONDON 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL thebabyshow.co.uk The Baby Show is the UK’s biggest parenting event. See a host of top brands, and get specialist advice from experts.

Expect top-notch facilities, as well as a crèche and the Emma’s Diary shop-and-drop service.

Admission: Adults, from £11.50; children go free.

Friday 3 to Sunday 5 March, 9.30am to 5.30pm.

The Palace Explorers

PHOTOGRAPHY: JACK WOODHOUSE.

FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EA 020 7736 3233 fulhampalace.org Join The Palace Explorers for these weekly themed toddler sessions. Activities include gardening and cooking, dressing up and storytelling. Booking in advance is essential.

Admission: Children, £4; accompanying adults and babies go free.

Tuesdays throughout March, 9.30am to 10.30am.

Big Fish Little Fish Madchester Special PROUD CAMDEN The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk DJ Dave Booth spins classics at this ultimate family rave. Take a break from boogying to have fun at the Captain Cookie craft table, in the chill-out area or even at the bar. It’s optional fancy dress for those keen to don neon and smiley faces.

Admission: Adults, £9; children, £6; non-walkers go free.

Sunday 12 March, 2pm to 4.30pm.

Leaf WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS 020 8232 1010 watermans.org.uk This theatrical experience for under-threes follows the story of a special leaf as the seasons change. At the end, little ones are welcome to play amongst the leaves on stage.

Admission: £8 each.

Sunday 19 March, 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Disco Kids: Jurassic Jive

Animal Magic

THE ALBANY Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG 020 8692 4446 thealbany.org.uk

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA vam.ac.uk

The Albany presents the latest in its popular Disco Kids series.

Step back in time and gather your tiny tyrannosaurs for a dino-themed party with live dancers, video art and more for children aged seven and under.

Admission: £6 each; family ticket, £20.

Sunday 26 March, 2pm to 5pm.

Easter Baby Boom LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892781 lvfarms.co.uk Head just beyond the M25 to see how busy spring is down on the farm, with all the various newborn animals. Meet the new arrivals while also enjoying indoor and outdoor play areas and exciting trailer rides to the Hollyfield dairy.

Admission: £9 each; under-twos go free.

Saturday 1 to Monday 17 April, 10am to 5pm.

Enjoy multisensory storytelling inspired by well-loved animal tales, for little ones aged 18 months to five years. While there, have a wander around and introduce baby to some of the toys of your childhood.

Admission: Free.

Monday to Friday, 2pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am.

Toddler Time RITZY CINEMA Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London SW2 1JG 0871 902 5739 picturehouses.com Introduce your baby to the magic of the big screen with this twice-weekly treat.

Screenings are short to match limited attention spans!

Recent favourites have included Rastamouse and Tractor Ted. Admission: Children, £3; accompanying adults go free.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11am.

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 149

OUT AND ABOUT

St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

ONE YEAR FOR JUST £16

THE STYLISH MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS IN THE CAPITAL BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN 020 7223 2223 bac.org.uk On the last Saturday of every month you are invited to Battersea for family fun, including storytelling, music and face painting. There are also organised workshops and the centre’s soft play area.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 25 March and 29 April, 10am to 1.30pm.

Drip Drop DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 discover.org.uk This brilliant multisensory event is for little ones aged newborn to three years. Puppetry, voices and movement bring the weather alive in this fun session.

While there, check out the Dr Seuss exhibition, too.

Admission: £6.50 each; family ticket, £22.

Monday 6 March to Sunday 23 April, 11am and 1pm daily.

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St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival TRAFALGAR SQUARE London WC2N 5DS london.gov.uk The London St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival showcases Irish music, dance, culture and arts. The parade celebrates both the deep roots of Irish communities in London and the present-day vibrance of Irishness in London. Highlights include a comedy festival, film festival, ballroom dance and a street food market.

Admission: Free.

Sunday 19 March, 12pm to 6pm.

Quacky Races MORDEN HALL PARK Morden Hall Road, Morden, London SM4 5JD 020 8545 6850 nationaltrust.org.uk Borrow one of the ducks and race it down the river to see if yours will be the quickest!

While there, let your children explore the real wildlife amongst the wetlands. Watch out for green parakeets, native kingfishers, herons and more.

Admission: £1.50 per race.

Thursday 6 April, 11am to 3pm.

Little London guides you through the next stage of the adventure that is childhood – from nursery, first trips away from home and the most exciting activities and events in and around the capital, to the hottest holidays, coolest kidswear and interiors ideas. PLUS expert advice on your child’s health and education.

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Family Saturdays

RHYTHM & SHAPES

CHELSEA, BELGRAVIA, GLOUCESTER ROAD, PIMLICO E: chelsea.westminster@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8767 9827 PUTNEY, BARNES, FULHAM E: putneybarnesfulham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8480 6064 MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, HAMPSTEAD, KENSINGTON, NOTTING HILL E: hampstead.nottinghill@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8438 0189

ies s ub in er Cl run urs so N al ls & o ho Sc

LIttle MATHS WEEKLY CLASSES PRESENTING AN EXCITING NEW CONCEPT FOR CHILDREN AGED 2-4 YEARS TO BEGIN THEIR WONDERFUL JOURNEY WITH NUMBERS TERM CLASSES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS ARE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Chelsea, SW3 & SW10 • High St Kensington, W8 South Kensington, SW7 • Notting Hill, W11 Swiss Cottage, NW3 Contact us also for Little Science (3-11 years) Classes e: info@littlehouseofscience.com • www.littlehouseofscience.com • t: 0800 092 1062

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A SELEC TION OF

LOCAL AC TIVITIE S FOR YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E

Groups & Classes

ACTIVITIES

152 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

TAILORED PILATES CLASSES

FOR LITTLE LEARNERS

Classes across London As the first private clinic in London to run Pilates classes back in the 80s, and with over 230 classes a week, Six Physio has the capital covered.

The machine- and mat-based Pilates classes offer a session which is tailored to you, not the person next to you. With only three people per class, the qualified physios can encourage you to work harder, knowing the exercises are safe and effective for your body.

The tailored nature of these classes means they are suitable for both antenatal and postnatal, so be sure to give Six Physio a call and book an Initial assessment to get your programme started.

020 7036 0286 sixphysio.com

Workshops across London Check out the Little Discovery classes for ages six months to 24 months old.

These allow babies to explore their senses with music, colours and shapes.

Little Maths Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two after-school workshops that nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps into the world of numbers and science that much easier. The Little Maths workshops, for two to four year olds, builds their confidence with numbers.

While the Little Science workshop, for ages three to 11 years, introduces new scientific concepts through discussions and experiments. Visit the website for a timetable of workshops throughout the winter months.

0800 092 1062 littlehouseofscience.com

AS SOON AS YOU CAN WALK, YOU CAN PLAY FOOTBALL

FUN FRENCH LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

Classes across London Offering the very best football coaching for children aged 18 months to 10 years, Kiddikicks involves the whole family by encouraging parent participation. Join up and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun with Kiddikicks football classes. There are also sporty birthday parties with a variety of themes for children aged three and up, private and holiday classes, and nursery and after-school sessions.

Sign up to receive your mini player’s free kit (registration fees apply).

Plus, quote ‘Baby London’ when you sign up to receive an extra 5% off!

020 7937 7965 info@kiddikicks.co.uk kiddikicks.co.uk

Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, offers innovative, stimulating immersion programmes for children from eight months old. Led by a team of passionate and qualified native teachers, children will flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities, including contemporary music from the company’s educational CD. Language experts agree that learning a second language early in life enhances overall cognitive skills and improves brain development.

020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk clubpetitpierrot.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

LIVE JAZZ GIGS FOR BABIES Across South West London As cool as a baby group can be, Jazzabyebabies offers music your baby and you will love. The Jazzabyebabies musicians come from top London music colleges and play a range of traditional jazz with a cheeky injection of original Jazzabyebabies songs that you and your baby can sing along to. With amazing musicians, baby percussion instruments, play parachutes and bubbles, Jazzabyebabies is like a mini jazz café, brimming with friendliness where your baby can play and you can get comfy on beanbags. There’s even free homemade cake! Online tickets are just £5 and private birthday parties can be booked over the phone.

020 8788 7014 jazzabybabies.com

LEARN TO SWIM Chelsea, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Swimming Rocks has established itself as London’s most exclusive swim school with a reputation for exceptional service. Its dedicated teaching staff are well known for their outstanding knowledge.

Providing swimming lessons in luxury locations, courses are available for babies, children and adults either on a private or shared basis, or in a small group for babies and toddlers. And Swimming Rocks’ creative teaching pathway will ensure every child develops their individual swimming style. Lessons are available every day during term time as well as intensive crash courses in the holidays.

07557 051 904 info@swimmingrocks.co.uk swimmingrocks.co.uk

COULD YOU HELP A CHOKING CHILD?

AWARD-WINNING AND INTERACTIVE CLASSES

Classes across London Every year, thousands of parents choose First Aid for Life to empower them with the skills to help their child in an emergency. Join a course in the company’s training room, or book a bespoke course at a time and place to suit you. The medical professionals run informative, reassuring, handson training. Learn CPR, how to help if your baby chokes and first aid for common injuries. Everyone receives comprehensive first aid manuals, CPR flow charts and certificates, and the paedriatic courses fulfil Ofsted requirements for child carers. Quote ‘Baby London’ to receive a free preschool first aid kit with your booking.

020 8675 4036 firstaidforlife.org.uk

Gymboree’s commitment to quality is unsurpassed, and every day thousands of parents and carers across the UK choose Gymboree because they want the best for their little ones.

The team has a simple goal: to provide the best Play & Learn, Art and Music classes for newborns to five year olds in the world! With more than 30 years of experience behind the brand, the classes and activities are based on a blend of early childhood development theories and years of hands-on experience.

Gymboree’s tried-and-tested formula of physical, social, sensory and imaginary elements make for 45 minutes of fun. Enjoy challenging and age-appropriate activities which will help your little one through the crucial early stages. Themes, props and set-ups change frequently.

Members also get exclusive access to Open Gym free-play sessions on site. Little ones can bring an adult along with them to play in a clean, colourful and safe environment with purpose-built equipment. Art classes are for children from 18 months and allow them to demonstrate their artistic flair. Self-expression and creativity are inspired by painting, drawing, printing and more. Music classes run for ages six months plus, using a global mix of language and genres.

Sensory Baby Play classes are for newborns onwards, and feature physical stimulation from a varied mix of props. Little ones become attentive and interested through songs, tactile play and physical games.

Free trial classes are available at Bayswater and Notting Hill, Bromley, Chiswick, Docklands, Ealing, East Dulwich, Hampstead, Harrow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Putney, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. gymboree-uk.com

NURTURE A LIFETIME OF MUSIC Classes across London Monkey Music offers award-winning music classes for children aged three months to four years. The company has 20 years’ experience of providing classes that captivate children and adults with a combination of songs, activities, instruments and props.

Monkey Music’s progressive curriculum encourages children to grow in confidence, improve listening, communication and concentration skills, and make new friends. Classes are offered in Putney, Barnes, Parsons Green, Fulham, Chelsea, Gloucester Road, Belgravia, Kensington, Notting Hill, Primrose Hill and Hampstead.

Visit the website for a timetable and to book your complimentary session. monkeymusic.com

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COMPETITIONS

CHANCE TO WIN

Exclusive competitions and offers for Baby London readers ONE OF FIVE CUDDLEDRY BABY BATH TOWEL PACKS WITH METANIUM The nappy rash experts at Metanium are giving away five Cuddledry bath towels (RRP £30) and a Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion with each one. Worn like an apron, the Cuddledry keeps you both dry and hands-free, allowing you to lift your baby from the bath.

Metanium Everyday Easy Spray protects and moisturises baby’s skin to help prevent nappy rash and is ideal for keeping in your changing bag. Two sprays are enough to form a thin protective layer and soothe the skin; simply pat the area to maximise coverage, no need to rub in. metanium.co.uk

ONE OF TWO NEWBORN HAMPERS

A SLEEP BUNDLE, WORTH OVER £300

A FAMILY TRIP TO THE ZOO

All we want is for our little ones to have a good night’s sleep. Set them up for a cosy doze with this sleep bundle – the winner will receive a Sleepyhead Deluxe portable baby pod complete with transport bag; an ErgoPouch swaddle and sleepsuit; ErgoPouch organic bamboo stretch sheet, and for the perfect sleep aroma, the Love Boo Sleep & Snuggle bedtime set. Happy snoozing!

Win one of four family tickets for two adults and two children to Marwell Zoo, near Winchester in Hampshire, and get even closer to the wonders of the natural world. Embark on Marwell’s popular Explorers Trail, delve into a wild journey collecting stamps of your favourite animals, and look out for the playful tiger and leopard cubs who are growing up fast, as well as the adorable pygmy hippo calf. marwell.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: NATASHA JEFFERIES

Perfect for mums-to-be or those with brand new arrivals, this newborn bathtime hamper from Organic Babies (worth £44), is packed with goodies. Beautifully presented in a lined wicker basket, the lucky winners will receive the scent-free Mum & Baby Rescue Balm, great for dry skin and soothing sore nipples; Baby Oil, perfect for baby massage or moisturising cradle cap; Baby Wash & Shampoo, carefully formulated for babies’ sensitive skin; Nappy Cream Baby Balm, which protects bottoms against dampness, and a soft, organic cotton bib. greenpeople.co.uk

ENTER ONLINE AT BABYLONDON.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS 154 | MAR/APR 2017 | babylondon.co.uk

Y

YY

Possibly the hippest baby group in town, Jazzabyebabies is taking London by storm, with its rustic homely look of sheep skin rugs, Indian cushions, colourful xylophones, bubbles, parachutes and, oh, did we forget to mention, live jazz! Founder, Pippa is as passionate about creating a relaxed and welcoming space for you and your baby as she is about singing to your baby with some of London’s top jazz musicians. “The idea of Jazzabyebabies was born on a rainy afternoon at home when I decided that our son would surely be a happier bunny if he were surrounded by musicians and friends! I decided to draw on all my professional jazz experience to create a space for parents to take their babies during the day that would leave lasting impressions”.

Jazzabyebabies is half the price of any other baby event of its kind in London, making live jazz as accessible as possible for you & your baby. And the effect is showing, with the South West London venues brimming with life & energy. Jazzabyebabies knows how tiring it is to be a parent, and as a result give out complimentary organic energy balls at each gig. What’s not to love?!

Visit our website to find times & venues that suit you.

www.jazzabyebabies.com

Jazzabyebabies is one of London Baby’s favourite new finds. Private Birthday parties can also be booked on 02087887014

Y

They love the rhythm, the rhyme, the rich piano chords, the soulful saxophone, the bright trumpet, the cool bass….

T WI C K ENHA M

Non-selective entry into Reception (4+) From September 2017 expanded entry into Year 3 (7+) – subject to assessment 2016 Senior School destinations included Hampton, St Paul’s, King’s College Wimbledon, Westminster & St George’s College Excellent on-site facilities including 20m swimming pool and 130 seat theatre Next Open Mornings: THURSDAY 23 MARCH 9.00am FRIDAY 28 APRIL 9.00am 020 8614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk

www.themallschool.org.uk

Bringing out the best in every boy babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR17 | 155

Bébégrow Independent Health Visiting Service

• Antenatal Contact • Sleep management • Emotional Health

Artistic. Relaxed. Timeless.

www.bebegrow.co.uk E: info@bebegrow.co.uk T: 07732-398-471

Horkesley Joinery Ltd richmond practice .

The family doctor.

GP · Paediatrician · Gynaecologist

020 8940 5009

Clinical excellence hassle-free

156 | MAR/APR17 | babylondon.co.uk

Bespoke Wooden • Stair Gates • Fire Guards • Stair Refurbs 01206 271 509 info@horkesleyjoinery.co.uk www.horkesleyjoinery.co.uk

SHOPPING

London

Boutiques

FOR TH E FIN E ST SELEC TION OF HAN D -PICKED LON DON BOUTIQU E S, H ER E’S OU R SH OPPING GUIDE

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MARIE-CHANTAL

Founded by HRH Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, this beautiful childrenswear collection is made from the most luxurious fabrics, including pure cotton and cashmere. In the boutiques you’ll find traditional-meets-contemporary pieces for babies, girls and boys from newborn up to 12 years old. The clothing exudes modern elegance, and the comprehensive range of baby essentials includes cosy sleep suits, cotton rompers and bib sets.

STORES AND CONCESSIONS ACROSS LONDON mariechantal.co.uk

MONSOON

An iconic British brand, Monsoon has been a stalwart on the high street for over four decades, giving us more than its fair share of affordable pieces for our homes and wardrobes. Its bright, bohemian vibe carries all the way through to childrenswear, with pieces for boys and girls of all ages; from Indian-inspired embroidery to retro prints and bold motifs. Head to its sister brand, Accessorize, for great little pieces kids will love.

STORES ACROSS LONDON monsoon.co.uk

RACHEL RILEY

The Royals can’t get enough of Rachel Riley’s traditional pieces for infants, girls, boys and mamas, which are beautifully crafted and feature hand-embroidery and vintage prints. And we’re spoilt in London, with two charming boutiques to choose from. These authentic stores are the perfect place to head if you’re looking for something that little bit special.

82 MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET, LONDON W1U 4QW 14 PONT STREET, LONDON SW1X 9EN rachelriley.co.uk

BONPOINT

Bonpoint has to be the haute couture of children’s fashion, with in-house design studios and stores all over the globe. Under the artistic direction of Christine Innamorato, each piece from the Parisian boutique is meticulously hand-crafted to exacting standards. Its clothing features signature detailing and unrivalled quality fabrics, catering for stylish boys and girls ranging in age from newborn to young teenagers.

STORES ACROSS LONDON bonpoint.com

SERAPHINE

The Seraphine story began back in 2002, with the opening of its flagship boutique on Kensington High Street. Offering stylish, high-quality maternity fashion for mothers-to-be, the label has dressed everyone from A-listers to royalty. As well as the company’s main line, Seraphine Luxe provides women with a wider choice of maternity occasionwear, plus, a bespoke design services for exclusive international clientele.

179 KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, LONDON W8 6SH seraphine.com

NATURALMAT

This cosy baby boutique in Notting Hill is the home of natural sleep. All its mattresses are handmade in Devon using the finest natural fibres, and the pure cotton bedding is Soil Association certified organic. You can also shop a range of organic products from brands such as Aden + Anais and Merino Kids, as well as nursery furniture from Stokke, Leander, Kidsmill and Moodelli.

99 TALBOT ROAD, LONDON W11 2AT naturalmat.co.uk/baby

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SHOPPING

BLUE ALMONDS

ON LIN E

Blue Almonds is a leading boutique for baby and children’s furniture, luxury clothing and accessories. It’s a haven for mothers-to-be, offering bespoke pieces for nurseries and children’s rooms, from cots, beds, Moses baskets and cribs to changers, wardrobes, desks, and a selection of handmade blankets and bedding. Blue Almonds also offers a cashmere collection for babies, designed in collaboration with Madeleine Thompson.

164 WALTON STREET, LONDON SW3 2JL bluealmonds.co.uk

IZZIWOTNOT

ON LIN E

Welcome home your bundle of joy with a luxury nursery set from Izziwotnot. Timeless and elegant, it is furniture that will grow with your family. As a boutique dedicated to great British design, Izziwotnot’s prestigious Bailey Sleigh cot bed and bestselling wicker Moses baskets are firm favourites amongst London mums. izziwotnot.com

SCARLET RIBBON MERINO

Keep your little one snug this spring and wrap them up in nature’s best. Scarlet Ribbon Merino makes knitted daywear for babies aged up to 18 months from the finest merino wool.

Combining quality with everyday practicality, Scarlet Ribbon’s knitwear is versatile and longlasting; something to treasure and pass down to younger siblings. scarletribbonmerino.com

ON LIN E

ALEX & ALEXA

STOCKISTS

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH WINBORN

Home to more than 200 fashion, sportswear and toy brands from across the world, Alex & 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 button. alexandalexa.com

STOCKIST INFORMATION 3.1 Phillip Lim Amy & Ivor Bonpoint Caramel Current/Elliott Fabrizio Viti Gucci Harrods of London Irene Danilovich Isabel Marant Jacadi J Brand No.21 Olivier Baby & Kids Rachel Riley Start-Rite The Little Shoemaker Waddler

nineinthemirror.com amyandivor.com bonpoint.com caramel-shop.co.uk nineinthemirror.com matchesfashion.com gucci.com harrods.com nineinthemirror.com isabelmarant.com jacadi.co.uk nineinthemirror.com mytheresa.com olivierbaby.com rachelriley.co.uk startriteshoes.com thelittleshoemaker.com waddler.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2017 | 159

With you every step of the way

BEFORE

DURING PREGNANCY

AFTER

Pregnacare® Conception with 21 nutrients including folic acid as recommended for all women trying to conceive.

Pregnacare® Original with19 nutrients including folic acid and vitamin D as recommended by the Department of Health.

Pregnacare® Breast-feeding with 21 nutrients including 10mcg vitamin D and 300mg DHA for mums during lactation.6

Helping to make healthy mums and babies over the last 25 years, Pregnacare® has always contained the recommended level of folic acid1 along with vitamin D and a range of micronutrients, and is supported by unique clinical research with mums-to-be2,3. Trust Pregnacare® for the most important time of your life.

Most recommended by midwives4,5

ADPRGRANGEP 05-01-17E 2

Most trusted by mums5

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores &

www.pregnacare.com

UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplements* PREGNACARE QUEEN’S AWARD INNOVATION

1. Folic acid contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Pregnacare® has always contained 400mcg folic acid, the level recommended for all women from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy.

2. Agrawal, R. et al. Prospective randomised trial of multiple micronutrients in women undergoing ovulation induction, Reproductive BioMedicine Online December 2011. 3. L Brough et al. Effect of multiple-micronutrient supplementation on maternal nutrient status, infant birth weight and gestational age at birth in a low-income, multi-ethnic population. British Journal of Nutrition (2010), 104, 437-445. 4. Based on a survey of 1000 midwives. 5. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 6. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.18, No.5, 487-489 (1999). *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 10 September 2016.

BUSINESS

The brand creates everything from wall hangings to cushions

How did you set up Little Cloud?

For as long as I can remember I’ve loved making things. In 2013, while on maternity leave with my first daughter, I made some Liberty print cushions and mobiles for her nursery. A friend saw them and asked me to make some items for her interiors shop in France. A few weeks later, she’d sold out and quickly placed a second order. I knew then I was on to something. I set up my website, then took the plunge and quit my day job.

What sparked your passion for children’s interiors?

I’ve always loved leafing through interior design magazines, perfecting my idea of our dream home. My creative side was set free when I was expecting Eleanor, who’s now four, and I loved decorating her nursery.

I think this is when I realised I could unleash my passion for Liberty fabrics and floral prints all under the guise of working!

Describe a typical day for you.

We get woken up by Rose, two, every morning at 6.45am – no need for an alarm clock in our

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Little Cloud’s name signs come in a range of Liberty prints

INSPIRE CLAIRE WALKER

The founder of interiors brand Little Cloud talks family, business and being creative house. My husband has breakfast with the girls while I get ready, then I take over until 8.30am when our nanny arrives. I always start work by answering emails, then it could be anything from sourcing fabrics to preparing for a photo shoot, or even doing the books. I try to be home for 6pm to enjoy bath time and our evening routine. If it’s been a busy day, I’ll do some work in the evening once the girls are in bed. I don’t work on Fridays, which allows me to have that special one-on-one time with Rose while Eleanor is at school. One of the perks of being your own boss is allowing work to fit around family, so I always make sure to remember that.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I used to work in marketing, and although I enjoyed most aspects of the job, I always suffered from those Sunday-night blues. The job never felt creative enough and I was secretly envious of people who seemed truly happy going to work every day. I’m now lucky enough to be one of those people! And I love how my girls inspire my work. If they love a

Claire says her da ughters are her be st critics

product, I know it will do well, although, with Eleanor, if it’s not pink, then it won’t make the cut.

How do you juggle family life with work?

This has been the hardest part for me. I think it’s really important to be in only one role at a time – if I try to answer a work email while with the girls, things tend to slip into chaos. So if I am with the kids, work can wait! Removing my work emails from my phone has made a huge difference.

What’s been your proudest moment?

There have been so many milestones in the past three years – I think the most recent was seeing our products in Selfridges.

What can we expect from Little Cloud in the next 12 months?

We are launching three new themes for spring, based around some gorgeous Liberty prints.

The new collections are full of bright colours, and we’re also going against Eleanor’s wishes and introducing a blue range! little-cloud.co.uk

info@hauckuk.com +44 (0)1978 664362 LIFE IS FOR LIVING

iCoo.de