Baby London May/June 2016

baby london MAY/JUNE 2016

BABYLONDON.CO.UK

FR E E E READEXCLUSIVE R EVEN See ins ide for details T

Calgary Avansino

ON HEALTHY PREGNANCY

DADDY COOL!

CELEBRATING FATHERHOOD

SIMPLY THE BREAST?

£3.99

Feeding advice with CLARE BYAM-COOK

05

9 772040 855001

FOREST SCHOOLS COUNTRY LEARNING COMES TO THE CITY

Going

NATURAL • REUSABLE NAPPIES • BABYWEARING • ECO HOTELS • GREEN GIFTS

S TA RT

WAL KING Made with super soft and super flexible materials

startriteshoes.com Share your #SpecialMoments

WELCOME TO THE OTHER NIGHT CLUB learn more at www.bugaboo.com © Copyright 2016 Bugaboo® International BV

BORN TO #BeBrave

Give them the best, even when you’re apart.

The flexible and efficient Medela Swing pump, feel happy and confident in your moments apart.

50 years of breastfeeding innovation. www.medela.com/swing

Medela Swing

PUMP MORE MILK IN LESS TIME, THANKS TO OUR 2-PHASE EXPRESSION TECHNOLOGY *Journal of Human Lactation 18 (4) 2002 “Effect of Vacuum Profile on Breast Milk Expression Using an Electric Breast Pump”

CONTENTS MAY/JU N 2016

Cassius wears printed bamboo bodysuit, £34, Vild House of Little

27

46 PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

FEATURES

58 “IT’S LOVELY BEING A MUM AGAIN” Interior designer Jo Berryman invites Susannah Warren into her Hampstead home after the birth of her second child 66 GARDEN PARTY Carole Middleton offers her top tips for an outdoor celebration 69 BABYWEARING: TRADITION TO TREND Why carrying your child is now fashionable as well as practical 73 THE GREEN PARENT Take your first steps towards the eco-parenting path 78 BARE NECESSITIES Talking maternity lingerie with designer Lorna Drew

80 UP ALL NIGHT How to fight the dreaded ‘mumsomnia’ 82 FATHERHOOD CAPTURED Six new dads reveal what being a parent means to them 93 TOT GEAR We road-test the Stokke Xplory, plus check out the best eco pushchairs 96 THE GREAT NAPPY DEBATE One mum reveals why she loves using cloth nappies for her children 106 AU NATUREL Louisa van den Bergh discusses non-medicated births 141 FOREST FOLK Education that’s moving outside of the classroom

Gift inspiration for dads

91

STYLE

46 NATURAL WONDERS Get back to basics with these stylish seasonal wardrobe heros 56 SHOP THE SHOOT Get the look with our edit 76 MATERNITY FASHION Covetable essentials for mums-to-be

SHOPPING

25 BABY LONDON LOVES Aim high with this cool new activity tree 27 SHOP COLOUR TRENDS Summer must-haves in every shade 91 FATHER’S DAY Show him how much he’s loved with this stylish selection of gifts

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 9

82 Editor-in-Chief Kate Finney Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Senior Sub Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Contributing Editors Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton Publisher Chatty Dobson Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Marketing Manager Will Delmont Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Stephanie Organ, Ginny Maclean

100 SKIN DEEP Organic products for mum and baby 116 SITTING PRETTY Hip high chairs that do it all

FOOD

119 FOOD NEWS Table talk for baby and you 120 FRESH FROM THE GARDEN Annabel Karmel delivers the best spring and summer vegetable recipes for baby 124 EATING FOR YOUR TRIMESTER Expert chef Sophie Wright shares some of her favourite dishes for glowing pregnancy health

TRAVEL

129 TRAVEL NEWS Prepare to pack your bags 130 GREEN GETAWAYS Take a guilt-free trip to one of these eco-friendly hotels around the world

REGULARS

17

BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know 37 MY ESSENTIALS We catch up with Calgary Avansino

116

The hottest high chairs for stylish homes

Sales Manager Amy Thacker Sales Executives Harriet Cottrell, Helena Murphy Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross

Laura Harris tests the

Stokke Xplor y (p.

93)

40 BACK TO NATURE Seasonal reads for your little one 43 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Goings-on around the capital 44 FOCUS ON: UPPER STREET Where to shop, eat, play and learn 99 HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS What’s new in the world of wellbeing 102 DIARY OF A MUM Martha Alexander finds out whether she’s having a girl or a boy 105 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ This issue we ask, how can we improve Britain’s breastfeeding rates?

108 MEET THE EXPERTS Advice from our healthcare professionals 111 TIME TO TALK… Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt of The Bump Class discuss water births 112 THE REVIEW Laura Mason gets to grips with natural teethers for baby 115 INTERIOR NEWS Make your house a home 137 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from classrooms and beyond 138 IN THE SPOTLIGHT The ethos behind Abacus Ark nurseries 145 MINI AGENDA What’s on in London this summer 162 INSPIRE Talking business with Raegan Moya-Jones of Aden + Anais

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: editorial@littlemedia.co.uk

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: KEN COPSEY MODEL: MARGOT Margot wears hand-smocked cotton dress, £48, Jacadi.

SHARE YOUR ADVENTURES WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE NEW! Baby Carrier One Outdoors www.babybjorn.com

The Parallel Line Design is a sign of a genuine BABYBJÖRN product.

EDITORʼS

Silk dress £165, mariechantal.co.uk

As Calgary Avansino describes her comfy, minimalist ‘mum wardrobe’ on p.37, these have put a spring in my step

Hello again! So, I made it back to Baby London HQ in one piece after giving birth to another baby girl last August. But as many of you will agree, the concept of ‘getting back to work’ after maternity leave is an odd one.

I have honestly never worked so hard as I’ve done over the last six months, juggling a new baby and a toddler with very little extra childcare. There have been days when I felt like I wouldn’t last another hour, and there were moments when making it to the end of the day made me feel like Superwoman. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but if you hang on and remember to enjoy as much of the ride as possible, the reward of seeing a tiny baby grow and become a little person is unrivaled.

This time round, I’ve tried to embrace a more environmentally-considerate approach to parenting. I’ve been totally won over by reusable nappies after trying Totsbots’ new styles, and I’ve loved the physical closeness that comes with wearing my baby as much as possible in a sling, carrier or wrap. I’ve switched to using glass bottles and I definitely don’t have the inclination (or energy!) to bath my children every single day. What I’ve come to

realise is that you don’t have to do a complete U-turn to become an ‘eco parent’.

We’ve tried to reflect this sentiment in this issue, focusing on green or ethical products, brands and trends where possible, and sharing advice that you can integrate into your life.

In addition, the fabulous Louisa van den Bergh talks us through natural birth (p.106), while Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt focus on water births (p.111). I’m thrilled to kick off our new breastfeeding series with lactation expert Clare Byam-Cook (p.105), who has helped me personally, and many others, with her indispensible knowledge.

We also have beautiful baby fashion (p.46), stylish maternity wear (p.76), and a stunning photographic celebration of fathers (p.82). For those of you looking ahead to nursery choices, we take a look at the forest schools opening across London (p.141) and round up education news (p.137). Most importantly, we also take a look at some holiday options… I don't know about you, but I need a holiday urgently!

KATE FINNEY, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHY: KATRINA TANG

Babylondonmagazine s been by ring sling ha My Rockin’ Ba us of th bo r fo a complete hit,

@Baby_London

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Join me online…

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

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Nike Air Max 1 Cherry Blossom trainers £96.99, office.co.uk

LETTER

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UK

Natural merino wool will keep your little one snug on chillier days and cool in the summer From a selection, scarletribbonmerino.com

Green Toys recycled tugboat £10.95, ethicalsuperstore.com

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babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 13

POL LY

OTOGR AP H

Where were you born?

Wanstead, north-east London.

What’s your earliest memory?

Riding along in the double buggy with my baby brother, I must have been about three.

How do you find working with babies?

I love babies and enjoy meeting new people, so family photography is a natural fit for me.

As a mother myself, I know how unpredictable little ones can be!

Polly helps us celebrate fatherhood on p.82

VISIT • K

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YOU SAY…

P-TO-DAT E,

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• B A BY

When you’re on the go or grabbing a coffee and have a moment to spare, dip in and get your daily digital fix. Here’s what we’ve been up to recently…

KEE

BABY LONDON ONLINE

ND

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CAL GA R

Where were you born?

Reno, Nevada, USA. Have you always loved food?

My first words were “Num, nums”, so I think it’s safe to say I was a foodie from the start.

Favourite thing to eat as a child?

Peaches from our tree.

What’s your top tip for fellow mothers?

Sleep when your baby sleeps – don’t scroll through Instagram!

Calgary talks pregnancy essentials on p.37

, PH AL E G

ER

COLUMNIST

Where were you born?

St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth, London.

What’s the best thing about being pregnant?

Having nails that no longer peel or snap. If only my fingers weren’t like Cumberland sausages, I could probably tout myself as a hand model.

Any laugh-out-loud pregnancy moments?

When the final hook of my bra lost its fight against Mother Nature while I was writing on a whiteboard during a meeting at work.

Martha’s second diary instalment is on p.102

SIN VAN O, FOO YA

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CONTRIBUTORS

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@BabyShows The @Baby_London magazines are the perfect companion for your journey into parenthood. They are full of all the information you’ll need. @Mirandsrw @Baby_London I’m starting a blog called Mama and Me featuring baby Arthur. We are big fans of #babylondon!

We’ve had an online makeover!

Head over to babylondon.co.uk for the latest advice and goings-on in the world of parenthood

Join in We want to see your pics of you and your little ones enjoying Baby London

#BLLOVES facebook.com/babylondonmagazine twitter.com/baby_london instagram.com/babylondonmagazine babylondon.co.uk It turns out the residents of Albert Square are fans, too

beautiful clothes for gorgeous girls 0-15yrs

A gorgeous new collection is now available

Notting Hill, London W11 2AJ 020 7229 5855 Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UY 020 7586 1552

www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk

baby

NEWS

NEWS

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

ART-POP PAIRING

Children’s clothing brand La Coqueta has teamed up with iconic interiors label House of Hackney to present what might just be our collaboration of the season. The 11-piece collection features traditional hand-smocked dresses showcasing whimsical Alice in Wonderland characters and 1920s botanical print Voysey’s Garden, while mini shirts and bonnets boast House of Hackney’s vibrant Wild Card and Palmeral patterns. The Little House of Hackney X La Coqueta range is available from 20 April. lacoquetakids.com, houseofhackney.com

MULTIMAC, THE BRAND BEHIND THE THREE- AND FOUR-SEATER CHILD CAR SEATS, IS CAMPAIGNING FOR ALL CAR SEATS TO COME WITH A STAR RATING TO HELP PARENTS MAKE INFORMED PURCHASES. ACCORDING TO ITS SURVEY, ALMOST 75% BELIEVED A PRICIER SEAT WOULD BE SAFER, DESPITE HAVING NO GRADING OR CLASSIFICATION. CURRENTLY, CAR SEATS IN THE UK DON’T NEED TO BE TESTED FOR SIDE IMPACT, DESPITE SUCH CRASHES BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR 40% OF FATALITIES. MULTIMAC.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 17

NEWS

PRINTS CHARMING Eco-friendly lifestyle label Anny Who has revealed its latest collection of unique prints.

Inspired by nature, the new patterns adorn everything from baby leggings and cushions to posters and greetings cards, in muted colours and organic shapes. Think chic Scandinavian charm with a touch of English humour. annywho.de

BUNDLE OF JOY

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to celebrate a new arrival, head over to Taylor’d Bundles. The bespoke gift boutique will create a luxury package comprising anything from handmade baby booties to Libertyprint blankets. What’s more, Baby London readers can claim 10% off by emailing hello@taylordbundles.co.uk and quoting ‘Baby London’. From £23, taylordbundles.co.uk

PLENTY OF FISH Toms has teamed up with ocean conservation group Oceana as part of its wider animal initiative. As a tribute to the importance of sea turtles, four new prints for children adorn Toms’ classic styles, including blue tie-dye and embroidery. With each pair sold, £5 will be donated to help save marine life. From £25.99, toms.co.uk

ROCK ‘N’ GO

Bugaboo has unveiled its third and final collection with fashion label Diesel, Bugaboo by Diesel Rock. The limited edition, leather-look pushchair features a wax-coated fabric with a lightweight bassinet for newborns, and a seat that grows with your child.

It’s safe to say, only those with a rebellious spirit will be seen pushing this one around. £635, bugaboo.com

18 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

STYLISH SOOTHERS Tommee Tippee’s new Moda dummies have been created with style-conscious parents in mind. The soothers come in a range of pastel colours and quirky designs, while the long and flat orthodontic teat is similar to that of a bottle, optimising the chance of acceptance from baby. £4.79 (pack of two), asda.com

KEEP

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TALKING SHOP

Mamas & Papas has unveiled its new concept store at Westfield, White City. Browse all your baby needs, from top-of-the-range pushchairs to designer clothing collaborations, and check out the dedicated areas for parents to relax and feed their little ones. The retail space will also hold in-store events and masterclasses where mums can get to know one another. mamasandpapas.com

mums ‘parent room s’, In the dedicated s bie ba eir th d and dads can fee

MOTHERCARE HAS BEEN VOTED AS PROVIDER OF THE BEST BABY CHANGING ROOMS FOR PARENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE RETAILER WON FIRST PLACE IN ITS CATEGORY AT THE SUDOCREM CARE & PROTECT BABY CHANGING ROOM AWARDS. THE EDMONTON BRANCH WAS SELECTED TO PICK UP THE AWARD. SUDOCREM.CO.UK | MOTHERCARE.COM

SPLASH OF COLOUR BabyBjörn’s new spring collection sees some of its best-loved products transformed with a brand new colour palette. The Watercolour Collection offers five new limited-edition, sea-inspired shades, including ocean blue and coral. Don’t hang about – the range is only around until September! babybjorn.co.uk

SHOPPING SUPPORT The NCT has introduced a new Parent Friendly Places charter for the high street.

Starbucks has been the first to adopt the scheme, pledging a welcoming environment in its shops where parents can breastfeed their baby in comfort. You can identify participating retailers by looking out for the sticker in shop windows. nct.org.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 21

NEWS

IN THEIR SHOES If celeb parents love a shoe label, it’s Akid. From Blue Ivy Carter to the Hudsons and even the adorable brood of Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, A-list tots everywhere are sporting the edgy footwear. Now, Akid has teamed up with UK personalised baby gift brand My 1st Years to offer a new toddler collection, which includes cool sliders and hightops in sizes 3 to 13. Hold tight for a mini-footwear frenzy…

From £25, my1styears.com

BOOKSHELF ESSENTIAL

Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt, the sisters behind The Bump Class antenatal courses, have released their first book, The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond.

Taking a pragmatic and honest look at pregnancy, the book gives practical and friendly advice on what to expect. And don't miss their tips on water births on p.111. £18.99, waterstones.com

BEST OF THE BLOGS

Ruth describes The Uphill as her own online diary as a thirty-something mum

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

THE UPHILL

Ruth Crilly regularly brings us style updates on her blog A Model Recommends, but when it comes to refreshingly honest thoughts on being a new mum, The Uphill is where it’s at.

There are no glossy images this time – just Ruth documenting the ups and downs of motherhood one unfiltered iPhone shot at a time. Expect everything from breast pump reviews to laughout-loud ‘body updates’ we can all relate to. theuphill.com

22 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

THE WOODLAND WIFE Mother-of-one Jessica Cresswell, aka The Woodland Wife, started her blog in 2015 after moving from London to the Kent countryside. With a strong focus on the outdoors and eco parenting, you’ll be able to read everything from sustainable gift guides to organic skincare reviews and cake recipes. You’ll also find a host of step-by-step upcycling crafts to enjoy at home with the kids. thewoodlandwife.co.uk

LITTLE B

The latest addition to the B.Loved lifestyle blog is Little B, filled with aspirational ideas for parents. Founder and stylist Louise Beukes documents everything from themed baby showers and family shoots to baby bedroom décor and fabulous fashion for little ones. Louise also features posts from a variety of contributors, from party planners to accessory designers. In a nutshell, if it’s beautifully styled imagery and lashings of party inspiration you’re after, you’ll find it all here. blovedblog.com/little-b

FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP DESIGNED BY MOTHERS, WITH LOVE

Sleep time guard & play time companion We have put a lot of love in creating Whisbear – The Humming Bear. The shushing device – that we prefer to call the Whisbear’s Heart – emits sound similar to what your baby remembers from safe and cosy environment of the womb. That is why Whisbear supports the transition from prenatal to postnatal life and helps babies settle and fall asleep.

The Heart is armed with CRYsensor, an innovative technology that automatically enables soothing sounds if your baby wakes up and cries, to bring peaceful sleep back.

Whisbear not only guards your baby’s sleep but is also a great playtime companion. We have used rustling elements in his ears and easy-to-grab legs along with contrasting fabrics to encourage sensory and fine motor development of your baby through exciting play!

Buy online at www.whisbear.co.uk

JOIN US ON OUR PLAYGROUND SELF-CATERING FAMILY HOLIDAYS ON THE CORNISH COAST

BABY STYLE

LOVES With four different sections, this activity tree will keep little ones busy!

Spruce up the playroom Bring the outdoors in with The Manhattan Toy Company’s Treetop Adventure play table. The colourful wooden toy features four quadrants, each guaranteed to set imaginations alight. Little hands can push and turn the coloured beads and animal gliders, developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they interact. It’s treetop exploration without the risk of a broken limb! Suitable from 12 months.

‘Treetop Adventure’ activity toy, £99.95, johnlewis.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 25

CONNOISSEUR TRAVEL Experi e your o nce unique wn tailor made worldw ide luxury family holida y

Providing family holidays for discerning travellers since 1994

Tel: 01403 272143 • hazel@connoisseurtravel.co.uk

www.connoisseurtravel.co.uk

SHOPPING OXO Tot high chair £204.25, johnlewis.com Bajo wooden bell rattle £9, eenymeenykids.co.uk

Mini Rodini sweater £27, scandimini.co.uk

Make this adorable printed sundress a summer staple Printed cotton dress and bloomers set £34, mamasandpapas.com

Cotton crepe trousers £29, ilovegorgeous.co.uk

Little Marc Jacobs patterned shorts £67, childsplayclothing.co.uk

Bamboo and organic cotton bodysuit £16.50, pandaandthesparrow.co.uk

Moses basket £99, mobauk.com

Leather ‘Matthew’ shoes £119, vevian.co.uk

Leafy

Baby bowl £16.99, lullabuy.co.uk

GREENS A verdant flash will give their summer get-up a bright and breezy twist

Tomy Boon drying rack £10.98, argos.co.uk babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 27

SHOPPING Single quilted blanket £85, camomile.london

For those much-needed hands-free moments, this chair has a soothing bouncing motion little ones will love Bouncer Balance Soft baby bouncer From £119, babybjorn.co.uk

Printed dress and bloomers set £49, lacoquetakids.com

Leather ‘Tippi’ shoes £44, youngsoles.co.uk

Organic cotton and linen dress £56, omibia.com

Pretty in PINK

From candy-coloured stripes to subtle shades of blush and berry, here’s how baby can pull off the season’s rosy tones Merino wool cardigan £39, scarletribbonmerino.com

Knitted cotton toy block £11, pebblechild.com

Tiny Cottons sweater £27.95, en.smallable.com

I-Angel hipseat baby carrier £89.99, dinkydragon.co.uk

28 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Bioserie teether £6.49, toyella.com

Leather ‘Bronte’ boots £37, scarletribbonmerino.com

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

for Nappy Rash

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

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

www.metanium.co.uk 8236 Baby London

2

common cold

3 teething

4

antibiotic s

5

first sle ep

throug h the nig ht

6

change in diet

7

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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

babies’ bums

SHOPPING Give baby’s wardrobe a nautical twist and layer these adorable dungarees over a T-shirt Cotton dungarees £20, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Molo Kids dress £42, scandimini.co.uk

Cotton throw £55, babymori.com

Denim pinafore dress £29, mmlmkids.com

Life Factory glass baby bottle £12.99, littlegreenhome.co.uk Chambray linen shirt from £38, olivierbaby.com

Cool

BLUE

Comotomo teether £7.50, amazon.co.uk

Organic cotton bodysuit £14.90, frombabieswithlove.org

From cobalt to navy, add a splash of blue to the mix for effortless summer style

Kid O whale bath toy £13.50, mollymeg.com

Kalon Studios Toddler and Cot Bed £920, cuckooland.com Little Mary leather boots £156.66, bonpoint.com babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 31

SHOPPING

Organic cotton top and bloomers set £29.90, omibia.com

Go Go Bag sleeping bag £70, merinokids.co.uk

Yellowpelota romper suit £36, scandimini.co.uk

Moodelli high chair £219, bebemoda.co.uk

Suede ‘Baby Mercedita’ shoes £25.50, meenys.co.uk

Super

Cashmere cardigan £59, olivierbaby.com

Cotton top (not shown) and bloomers set £45, ilovegorgeous.co.uk

NATURAL These soft and stylish pieces prove subtle shades can still make a statement

Storksak leather changing bag £175, naturalbabyshower.co.uk

‘First Choice’ glass bottle £5.99, nuk.co.uk

This sweet brush with super-soft bristles makes a perfect gift for newborns Baby hairbrush £8, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Cotton blanket £25, tobiasandthebear.com

32 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

organic baby & child

www.omibia.com

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Get close to nature.

Immerse yourself in a simpler way of living. Unplug from the daily rush.

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INTERVIEW

MY ESSENTIALS CALGARY AVANSINO

How are you finding life as a mother of three?

A little bit chaotic, but a whole lot of fun. It’s amazing how your heart expands with love in ways you didn’t think possible.

I just wish the hours in the day expanded, too.

How has the age gap worked between your two girls, Ava, 10, and Margot, six, and your new baby boy?

When I fell pregnant, I was a bit nervous about it but now that he’s here, we couldn’t imagine it any other way. Plus, I have built-in childcare with my 10-year-old daughter, who watches him more closely than I do.

Has your approach to motherhood changed at all?

It has changed dramatically with a third child. I’m more at ease and appreciative of my ‘baby time’.

I wish I had the patience and wisdom I have now the first time

We chat to the foodie, columnist and wellbeing expert about becoming a mother for the third time around, but we all have to learn through experience.

What were your favourite pregnancy treats?

Getting into bed at 7pm and long foot massages from my husband.

Like everyone, I had food cravings, but they were different with each baby. This last pregnancy, all I could think about after 6pm

Calgary craved potatoes of any variety Keep comfy with loose shirts Denim shirt £25, next.co.uk

was kiwi fruit. Sometimes I would eat five! And during the first four months, when I was sick, it was potatoes. Those first weeks were only bearable with the help of a good spud: chips, crisps, mashed or roasted – I didn’t care.

Did you eat differently during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?

Definitely! When hunger strikes me during pregnancy, it is all consuming. I think it’s important to listen to what

Calgary with her daughters, Ava and Margot, and baby Remy

your body is telling you and not make restrictions. I craved carbohydrates more than normal so I always prepared meals rich in grains, legumes and beans. We ate a lot of risottos – which I like to make with brown rice, buckwheat or barley – and hearty stews.

While breastfeeding, I snacked a lot. To produce good milk your body needs nutrient-dense foods and, on top of my three meals a day, I would keep healthy snacks handy – and lots of water.

What essentials would you recommend to new mothers?

The reality is that you don’t need much when you have a newborn.

You’re pretty homebound, you live in comfortable clothes (I favoured black leggings and denim button-down tops), and your baby is happiest snuggled close to you in a cotton babygrow. However, there were a few things that helped, including nursing bras from Bodas and

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 37

INTERVIEW

If she gets chance, Calgary loves a trip to Paris

Calgar y admits she was a lot mo re relaxed during her third pregnancy

The family love to visit the Royal Academy of Arts

What’s in your changing bag?

This time around, I’m lucky if I remember to throw a nappy and some wipes in my own handbag!

Actually, he does have a great Marni nappy bag – which is not a nappy bag at all, but I liked it.

Apart from the obvious, I also include snacks for my other children, a phone charger, a spoon and bib, sunscreen, and lipstick – you never know when you might need to spruce yourself up.

What prompted you to write Keep It Real?

My aim was to create an approachable resource that people could dip in and out of and always come away with a nugget of information they felt they could try. I wanted it to encapsulate everything I believe is important –

38 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

eating a wholesome, plant-based diet, teaching children about the value of food, and re-organising our food priorities – and I hoped to make it as simple as possible.

These are not quick fixes and it certainly isn’t a diet. This book is about making sustainable changes to your lifestyle.

How do you juggle work with three children?

We need to debunk the myth of the superwoman. There’s no such thing and it makes everyone feel a bit crap. The things that help me

most are lists. It’s also important to work out your main priorities each day and stay focused on them. If I’m at work, my focus is on deadlines, writing articles and testing recipes. If I am at home, my focus is on playing with my children and spending time with my husband. I also get up early before the house stirs to get stuff done, and am conscious of trying to spend alone time with each child every week – that helps me feel more balanced.

“To produce good milk, your body needs nutrient-dense foods”

Keep It Real by Calgary Avansino (£17, Yellow Kite)

As an American living in London, what do you love most about your adopted city?

It’s such an eclectic mix of art, history, neighbourhoods, markets, architecture – we try to take in all that London has to offer and don’t even scratch the surface.

Where do you take the kids?

We love to go to museums – the Royal Academy, National Portrait Gallery, both Tates and The Courtauld. We also love to go to the farmers’ market in Marylebone, and sometimes we just go to our local bookstore – that’s one of our favourite weekend outings.

And where do you escape to when you need a break?

My bathtub. But if I ever left my kids, I would go to Paris or Puglia.

The mother-of-three recommends an Ergobaby sling to help make those early days easier

Any plans for a baby book on the horizon?

Definitely. Watch this space!

PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHELLE DREWES, FLORENCE FINBURGH, ISTOCK

Stella McCartney, an Ergobaby sling, a hospital-grade breast pump (you can rent one of these – it does a better job in less time), a nursing pillow or two, and lots of frozen food in the freezer.

back to

nature Emma O’Donovan ROU N DS U P TH E BE ST BOOKS CELEBR ATING TH E GR E AT OUTDOOR S

ABC: A WALK IN THECOUNTRYSIDE

By Rosalind Beardshaw Take a jaunt through the British countryside in this book created for the National Trust, and enjoy an alphabetical introduction to the animals and plants you’ll encounter along the way. £6.99, Nosy Crow

40 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

BOOKS

This offbeat tale is a perfect read-aloud bedtime story

DEAR GREENPEACE: 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

By Simon James

A touching story about a girl and the whale who lives in her pond.

The perfect introduction to learning about our planet and the importance of caring for it. £6.99, Walker Books

ANIMAL BABIES ‘IN THE RIVER!’

By Julia Groves

An introduction to animals. This is part of a set of four books exploring different habitats. £4.99, Child’s Play

BLACKBIRD, BLACKBIRD, WHAT DO YOU DO?

By Kate McLelland

Blackbird sets off to find out what each of his feathered friends does best. From owls and puffins to majestic herons, this is a jolly story with eye-catching illustrations throughout. £11.99, Hodder Children’s Books

young girl and an unexpected encounter with a bee. £10.99, Old Barn Books

day. Stunning illustrations bring this delightful tale to life. £11.99, Walker Books

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BEAR SPOTTING

LITTLE HOME BIRD

WHERE’S THE STARFISH?

A laugh-out-loud guide to spotting wild bears. Little ones will love guessing what will happen next and there are hidden details to spot on each page. £12.99, Bloomsbury

By Barroux

Bright, bold and fun, this engaging game of hide and seek reveals a more significant message about protecting the environment for future generations. £10.99, Egmont

By Michelle Robinson and David Roberts

A BRAVE BEAR

BEE & ME

By Sean Taylor and Emily Hughes

Learn about friendship in this wordless picture book about a

A touching observation of a bear and his cub as they take a trip to the river to cool down on a hot

By Alison Jay

By Jo Empson

Little Bird likes his nest just the way it is, so he’s not too keen when it’s time to migrate. Vibrant illustrations will have even the smallest readers enthralled. £5.99, Child’s Play

THE BIG BOOK OF BUGS

By Yuval Zommer

Meet hundreds of mini beasts in this book for young children.

Just how slow does a snail go?

You’re sure to find out in this fact-packed book. £12.95, Thames & Hudson

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 41

Lifetime Kidsrooms gets eco

19 JUNE

Father’s Day June is all about daddy cool.

Check out p.82 for some beautiful fatherhood imagery, and if you’re stuck for gift ideas try p.91. We love Envie de Fraise’s new mini me range (left) for mum, dad and newborn all the way up to eight years.

MAY

1 NURSERY NEWS

Danish furniture designer and manufacturer Lifetime Kidsrooms is launching a range of stylish Nordicinspired nursery furniture, all ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. cuckooland.com

9 TIME TO GET

STORAGE SAVVY

Having a delayed spring clean?

Get yourself down to Great Little Trading Co’s brand new flagship store in Wandsworth for the ultimate in cool storage solutions for kids. gltc.co.uk

dates for your

DIARY

15 HEAD TO HAMLEYS

From 10am-12pm, join Little London for a morning of adventure at the legendary toy store. Register online for your free ticket at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/ hamleys

23 MORSELS OF MINDFULNESS

Learn various mindfulness techniques at this practical outdoor session taking place from 6.30pm to 8pm in the private gardens of the Education Centre, Hyde Park. supporttheroyalparks.org 27 MAY

PHOTOGRAPHY: PRESS ASSOCIATION

Alice Through The Looking Glass As the latest Alice film hits our screens, we’ve turned to Anne Hathaway, who plays the White Queen, for inspiration on how to dress your baby bump. The Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner looked positively glowing at Vanity Fair’s after party.

Summer’s certainly on its way, keep them cool in Start-rite’s latest collection of sandals

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

28 MINI

MUSICIANS

Head to St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden for a Bach to Baby classical concert, where little ones and their parents can dance and revel in the wonder of live music. bachtobaby.com

JUNE

3-5 WE LOVE

WYCHWOOD

If you’re nervous about braving a festival with a baby, but don’t want to miss out this summer, the family-friendly Wychwood Festival is a stone’s throw from London, at Cheltenham Racecourse. wychwoodfestival.com

Bach to Baby

22

THE IVY CAFÉ HEADS NORTH Opening in the heart of St John’s Wood, pop in for breakfast, coffee or the signature shepherd’s pie in a relaxed, neighbourly setting.

9 BE A WINNER

It’s your last chance to enter our fantastic competitions – it could be your lucky day!

Visit babylondon.co.uk/ competitions

27 TENNIS TIME!

As the crowds descend upon Wimbledon’s finest lawns, make sure your little lady looks the part in this Armani Junior tennis dress, £94.95, harrods.com

19 THE GHERKIN CHALLENGE

The NSPCC is calling on families to take their fundraising to new heights by climbing The Gherkin’s 38 floors. nspcc.org.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 43

RUNNING HEAD

WHERE TO SHOP

Upper Street is just a short walk from both Angel and Highbury & Islington stations

FOCUS ON

GILL WING

UPPER STREET

Originally set up to sell British-made ceramics, this quirky gift shop now houses an array of products, from fine china teapots to children’s toys.

194-195 Upper Street

Discover the best spots to eat, shop, learn and play in this vibrant part of Islington homemade ice cream in a variety of cool flavours – how does Piña Colada sound? udderlicious.co.uk

SCREEN ON THE GREEN Baby Club at the Everyman Cinema hosts weekly screenings for you and baby to enjoy. Tickets include hot drinks and a slice of cake. everymancinema.com ISLINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET Every Sunday, the Islington Farmers’ Market is brimming with stalls selling everything from seasonal flowers to organic meat and poultry.

Head down to Chapel Market from 10am. lfm.org.uk/markets/islington

Romeo’s Sugar Free Bakery

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE One of only three buildingbased puppet theatres left in the UK, here you can see magical adaptations of classic stories such as Puss In Boots and The Three Little Pigs. littleangeltheatre.com REGENT’S CANAL Take a stroll up to King’s Cross or go east into Hackney with a walk along the waterside.

GRAB A BITE Meet other mothers at Nurturing Mums’ postnatal courses

UDDERLICIOUS Enjoy a scoop (or two) of

ROMEO’S SUGAR FREE BAKERY Indulge without guilt in the capital’s first sugar free bakery. Goodies also include gluten and dairy free options. romeossugarfreebakery.com

AFTER NOAH

Head to After Noah for an eclectic collection of vintage and restored 20thcentury furniture and classic toys, alongside some well-designed contemporary pieces.

121 Upper Street

PARENTAL ADVICE NURTURING MUMS POSTNATAL COURSES Bring your little one, make new friends and take advice from the experts about any mothering concerns. nurturingmumsuk.com

LEARN THE LINGO BILINGUAL BEATS Help your little one learn a new language with the power of music at St Mary’s Church. bilingualbeats.com

MARY’S LIVING AND GIVING SHOP

Packed with designer donations, Mary Portas’ charity boutique sells clothing and homeware in aid of Save The Children.

138 Upper Street

NURSERIES: HIGHBURY FIELDS BANDSTAND, 020 7704 9337, FACEBOOK.COM/HIGHBURYFIELDSBANDSTAND; MARY’S PRE-SCHOOL, 020 7704 2873, MARYS.ORG.UK/PRE-SCHOOL; MARS MONTESSORI BILINGUAL NURSERY, 020 7099 0452, MARSMONTESSORI.COM 44 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAP DATA ©2016 GOOGLE, ISTOCK

OUT AND ABOUT

NATUR AL WONDERS PHOTOGR APHER : KEN COPSEY ST YLIST: COURTNEY ROBINSON

LEFT PAGE Margot wears cotton and linen romper suit, £45, Amaia.

LEFT PAGE Belle wears cotton denim dress, £72, Chloé at Childrensalon.

THIS PAGE Charlie wears jersey cotton tank top, £22, Gray Label.

Chambray denim dungarees, £42, Jacadi. Wooden binoculars, £45, Fanny & Alexander at The Mini Edit.

THIS PAGE Paige wears cotton dress, £72, Chloé at Childrensalon.

RIGHT PAGE Cassius wears jersey cotton T-shirt, £26, Gray Label. Linen shorts with braces, £46, Nanos at Childrensalon.

THIS PAGE Ailsa wears cotton romper suit, £39, Olivier Baby and Kids.

RIGHT PAGE Rusty wears jersey cotton T-shirt, £26, Gray Label.

Stretch-denim jeans, £49, Stella McCartney Kids.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: GEORGIA SHANE. MODELS: AILSA, BELLE, CASSIUS, CHARLIE, MARGOT, PAIGE, RAYAAN, RUSTY. MODEL AGENCIES: GRACE AND GALOR, BRUCE & BROWN, URBAN ANGELS.

THIS PAGE Rayaan wears cotton salopettes, £36, Gray Label.

LEFT PAGE Margot wears cotton Liberty print blouse, £97, Bonpoint.

Frilly linen and cotton bloomers, £33, Nanos at Childrensalon.

Cotton broderie dress £30, thewhitecompany.com

Cotton dungarees £32.99, chateaudesable.co.uk

Ailsa wears cotton romper suit, £52, Bonpoint

SHOP THE SHOOT

Louise Wilkinson cotton romper suit and hat set £20, marksandspencer.com

We’ve picked the wildest prints and prettiest pastel shades for baby’s summer wardrobe We love the frilly broderie sleeve detail on this bodysuit Embroidered cotton dungarees and bodysuit set £16, mothercare.com Woven shirt £32, patachou.com

Cotton denim shorts £10, johnlewis.com

Striped cotton dungarees and bodysuit set £18, next.co.uk

WILD THINGS

Left to right: Jungle-print sweater, £45, molo.com. Noé & Zoë organic cotton bodysuit, £24.95, harrods.com.

Tiny Cottons plant-print bodysuit, £25, fancykids.com. Printed cotton jersey top, £40, molo.com.

INTERVIEW

‘‘

IT’S LOVELY BEING A MUM AGAIN, I’M SO MUCH MORE RELAXED THIS TIME

’’

INTERIOR DE SIGN ER Jo Berryman WELCOM E S Susannah Warren INTO H ER H OM E TO TALK ABOUT H ER EPONYMOUS DE SIGN STU DIO AN D WHAT IT’S LIKE HAVING A BABY IN TH E H OUSE AGAIN

58 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

INTERVIEW

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 59

INTERVIEW

Nine-year-old Nico helps her mum so much, “it’s like having a live-in au pair”

t’s one of those rainy, grey London days that makes everything, however brilliant, seem less so. But as soon as I step into Jo Berryman’s Hampstead home, it’s as if the sun comes out. Fresh from her threeday festival-style Ibiza wedding to Encycle CEO Philip Bergkvist, the interior designer is buzzing with energy and talking nineteen-tothe-dozen as she arranges a glorious bunch of hydrangeas atop her golden-streaked onyx kitchen island.

Nine-year-old Nico, the spitting image of her mother, excitedly introduces the smallest members of the family: first Romy, her adorable nine-month-old half sister, who she cradles expertly in her arms; then Dolly, the family’s much-loved dachshund-shih tzu cross.

The age gap between the two children is not by design – Nico’s father is Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman, who Jo split with six months after their daughter’s birth – but has its advantages: “It’s lovely being a mum again.

I’m just so much more relaxed this time,” she says. “And although it was tricky to navigate at first, it’s kind of like having a live-in au pair with Nico around the house.”

With a thriving interior design studio to run as well, though, Jo is heavily reliant on her

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

I

support network. “They say it takes a whole village to bring up a child. And it does! I’ve had the same nanny since Nico was in my belly.

And my mum lives just down the road. Romy’s so used to having all these women around her.

It makes it a lot easier.”

Jo was, she admits, delighted to have another girl – “I have a sister and it’s such a gift.” And her respect for the sisterhood is confirmed when she tells of her decision to opt for a home birth with Romy. “With Nico, I had a very medically-controlled pregnancy and birth [a c-section at The Portland], but I wanted to manifest the birth of my dreams this time, so I created this wonderful tribe of women around me.”

She gathered together a hypnotherapist, doula, and a mother and daughter midwife duo, who convinced her she could do it.

“I would never have believed it – no way!

Everyone was there, even the dog. There was no noise, no monitoring, just candlelight and my favourite music. It was a dream. And the recovery was so rapid. Half an hour later, I was having coffee and croissants in bed.”

While Jo says being pregnant was great for her creativity, it became harder once Romy had arrived. “I was a bag of hormones and

exhausted,” she explains. “But I was also in the midst of some of my most major projects. So it was feed, pump, go! It was tough, I didn’t enjoy breastfeeding much.”

Although feeding is no longer a problem (she stopped at four months), Jo now has different challenges to face: “Romy’s progressing at such an alarming rate, I’m like, ‘Stop, stop, stop!’ It’s the guilt that I’d forgotten about. It’s inherited. You just have to cope with the feeling of guilt.”

She is determined to do it all, though, and is very realistic about what being a modern working mum involves. “The lines do blur and it’s hard to switch off,” she admits. “You’re on a Skype call and you’ve got a crying baby in the background, and it’s not professional, but it’s modern. Yes, I work – and I have a baby.

So I’m working from home right now. So what?

“Some people struggle with that, but most of my clients are incredible women. They get it. We’re all trying to navigate that path.”

Up until three weeks before Romy was born, the first floor of this five-storey townhouse was her office, but now the studio is based in “a mad 1960s space in the old BBC building” in Soho. She goes there about three times a week, but says, “It’s inspiring to be at

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 61

INTERVIEW

Jo’s interior favourites “This place makes beautiful bespoke lights that are perfect for children’s rooms” Glass pendant, from £325, Rothschild & Bickers

home – it’s a great place to receive clients.”

Although you wouldn’t know it to look around her stunningly curated house, Jo is not classically trained. She started life as a fashion stylist, doing a stint at ELLE before freelancing for a few bands in the early Noughties. But a few years after opening her own shop in Marylebone in 2005, she fell out of love with the fashion industry. “It’s easy to consume and be consumed by the fashion world, but it’s also very empty. It wasn’t the kind of world I wanted to be immersed in anymore. And interior design seemed the obvious next step.”

The Hong Kong-born designer’s approach is, she says, “very intuitive” and it was designing her own home that got the ball rolling. “I got a few accolades and someone emailed me after having seen my home in InStyle. It happened very organically – and here I am now with a team of five.”

Jo describes her current interior design style as “future classic, rough around the edges, but with a certain glamour. It’s not rooted in any era – I love a bit of midcentury and a bit of renaissance. And even lovely old relics from the 12th century. It’s about how you splice everything together.”

And it’s this ‘splicing’ at which she excels.

For the latest redesign of her own Victorian redbrick, Jo collaborated with Japanese friend

and architect Takero Shimazaki to add an elemental, earthy appeal to the mix. They opened up the top floor to create a well of light upstairs, dug down a bit to add a Zen-like garden room in the basement, and masterminded a peaceful mezzanine library area overlooking the cleverly raised dining platform. “You have to work with what you’ve got with these higgledy-piggledy Victorian London houses. We couldn’t go out, but we could go up.”

Despite her bold use of colour and the array of strikingly eclectic furniture and art throughout, the house has a balanced and harmonious feel. “I wanted it to be quite elemental, so we used a lot of fumed oak. It means the architectural add-ons are apparent.

I like the jarring nature of having my friend’s modern linear approach alongside the classic Victorian features – the rest of the house kind of happens in between the insertions.”

She is, she says, delighted with the results, but can’t promise how long it will be before she starts to tinker away again. “I drive Philip insane because I’m always changing things.

It’s an expensive habit!” As I glance around this cool, clever and colourful house, though, it seems cheap at the price. joberryman.com

“My go-to for children’s interiors. A great edit” Oeuf NYC chairs, £202 (set of two), Smallable

“This brand does beautiful nursery prints” Wallpaper, from £60, Sandberg Wallpaper

“She does amazing wall stickers.

I love everything about her work – whimsical, but grown-up, too” ‘Les Animaux’ stickers, £39.70 (set of 27), Nathalie Lété

62 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

16 0 2

g n o i n t i Spr ec l l o c

Ways to keep in touch:

Call us on 0871 423 5656 or visit our website at www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk Visit one of London stores: Balham, Battersea, Blackheath, Chelsea Green, Chiswick, Crouch End, Dulwich, Muswell Hill, Putney, Stoke Newington, Westbourne Grove, West Hampstead & Wimbledon * Free delivery to UK and Ireland. See website for full details.

ADVERTORIAL

The

best

zz

z

z

night’s

sleep

WHAT R E ALLY GOE S INTO YOU R BABY ’S MAT TR E SS? KEEP IT NATU R AL WITH TH E LIT TLE GR EEN SH EEP ’S AWAR D -WIN NING BEDTIM E PRODUC TS t may come as a surprise to many that a lot of baby mattresses have been produced using chemical fire-retardant sprays.

However, after a recent survey revealed that 90% of parents rated their baby’s mattress as one of the top three most important items to consider while preparing for their little one’s arrival, The Little Green Sheep knows parents will rest easier knowing their child is sleeping in a healthy environment, free from added toxins and chemicals.

Founded in 2006, the eco-friendly company has dedicated its time to creating the best quality baby mattresses around, which are naturally fireproof without the use of chemical fire-retardant sprays.

It’s fair to say, The Little Green Sheep knows a thing or two about the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep – the brand has refined its mattresses to just four ingredients.

A typical Little Green Sheep baby mattress contains: • Breathable cotton yarn.

• Fibres of organic coconut husks, which form a supportive core.

I

The Little Green Sheep mattresses are packed with temperature regulating organic sheep wool

• Natural latex from the Hevea tree, which binds the coconut fibres and acts as a comfy and supportive layer.

• Organic sheep wool – hypo-allergenic and temperature regulating, this is the naturally fireproof material which removes the need for chemical fire-retardant sprays.

This simple recipe is the pure and powerful formula behind all The Little Green Sheep mattresses, so you can give your child a natural, allergen-free sleep environment from newborn through to their teenage years.

With a range of safe and supportive mattresses to choose from, plus a selection of organic cotton bedding, mattress protectors and sheepskin liners that are made for delicate skins, thousands of parents all over the UK trust The Little Green Sheep to keep their little one safe and sound so that baby – and you – can enjoy a restful night’s sleep. thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER The Little Green Sheep is offering customers 20% off its natural baby mattresses online and in-store, available in Moses basket, pram, crib, cot, cot-bed and single sizes. The offer is available from 11 April to 9 May 2016. Shop online at thelittlegreensheep.co.uk or visit your local stockist.

There for the most preci us in life

PARTY TIME

Large balloon £1.99, partypieces.co.uk

Metallic balloons (pack of eight) £1.49, partypieces.co.uk

Hanging honeycomb birds (set of three) £4.99, partypieces.co.uk

GREAT TIPS FOR A GREEN PARTY • In an outdoor setting, fussy prints and patterns can get lost amid the scenery. Instead, opt for bold pops of colour such as hot pink and turquoise.

Organic cotton top and shorts set £28, welovefrugi.com

• If you don’t have access to a garden, head to your local park for a big open space.

• Create lasting memories of your celebration by setting up a photo booth corner with lots of decorations and quirky props.

The outdoor space makes a beautiful backdrop.

• When partying outside, disposables are the easiest option but try to be mindful when clearing up. Teach little ones about recycling by labelling bags for bottles and paper or cardboard, and see if they can help match them up.

• Sending out invites? Why not go paperless? Send bespoke online invitations via Paperless Post (paperlesspost.com) or try Botanical PaperWork’s plantable paper. It’s a recycled, biodegradable paper that’s embedded with wildflower and vegetable seeds.

Eco-friendly bamboo fibre bowls (set of six) £26, yourssustainably.com

Square paper plates (pack of eight) £1.99, partypieces.co.uk

Circle paper plates (pack of 100) £6.99, partypieces.co.uk

TOP TIP

Eco-friendly bamboo fibre spoons (set of six) £9.50, yourssustainably.com

66 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Cotton dungarees £45, whatmothermade.co.uk

Keep the whole family entertained with a traditional game which can be reused time and time again!

Tin Can Alley game £19.99, partypieces.co.uk

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT IDEAS

TOP TIP

Ethically-sourced gifts are the gifts that give back!

Look out for Fairtrade toys and organic cotton clothing.

Bunting, from a selection, partypieces.co.uk

d ting editor an Our contribu eton dl id M le ro t Ca party specialis

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

GARDEN PARTY with Carole Middleton

As the sun begins to make an appearance, it’s time to embrace the great outdoors

(From top) Plan Toys wooden toy, £17.99, babipur.co.uk. Organic cotton bib, £7.99, yourssustainably.com. Organic cotton crochet rabbit, £17.99, yourssustainably.com.

Green Toys stacker, £9.99, toyella.com.

Organic cotton bodysuit and bib set, £23.50, noths.com.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 67

CHELSEA AND WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL

The Kensington Wing Private Maternity Unit The birth of a new baby is a very special moment for any family and the Kensington Wing at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital ensures that you will be in the hands of experienced Consultant Obstetricians and Midwives, all dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care.

You'll enjoy the privacy and comfort of our private en-suite bedrooms and can be reassured that you are in a dedicated private maternity wing within one of the safest hospitals in the UK.

To find out more about our services, please call us on:

020 3315 8616 Š Merino Kids 2014

PARENTING

Babywearing TRADITION TO TREND

CAR RYING YOU R BABY IS NOT ON LY PR AC TICAL, IT’S N OW A FASHIONABLE OP TION , TOO. Kate Finney INVE STIGATE S Victoria and baby Annabelle model a Mezaya silk slings

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 69

PARENTING

Tayor carries baby Remy in one of her Wildbird slings This age-old technique has proven to be a perfect fit for our busy modern lives

BABIES WHO ARE ‘WORN’ CRY LESS, LEARN MORE AND FORM BETTER BONDS alking down the street one day, wrestling a screaming baby in a huge double buggy in one hand and dragging a reluctant toddler in the other, I bump into another mother walking – no, gliding – along in the opposite direction, a picture of serenity. The difference is that her baby is cocooned in a wrap on her front, her toddler seems far less reluctant to walk and there’s no buggy in sight.

W

A NATURAL STATEMENT I’m awestruck: it all seems so simple, and the woven wrap she is using to carry her baby is beautiful. I stop to ask her about it, and that’s when I find myself disappearing down the babywearing rabbit hole.

There is a real resurgence in babywearing underway. It seems strange to describe it as a ‘trend’ when women have been carrying their babies in slings for centuries, possibly millennia, but there is a whole community of mothers – and fathers – out there, for whom this age-old parenting technique is a perfect fit with their modern lives.

So what’s the appeal? Dr William Sears, one of the biggest advocates for so-called ‘attachment parenting’, coined the phrase ‘babywearing’ and lists many benefits for both mother and baby. Babies who are carried or ‘worn’ cry less, learn more, form better maternal bonds and spend more time in a state of ‘quiet alertness’ which enables them to develop connections in their brains. In addition, mothers are less likely to suffer from post-partum depression.

70 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Hannah Perry, the mother-of-two I bumped into on the street, agrees: “I’m prone to anxiety, but when I’m wearing Allegra I feel calmer and more capable than I did with my first, and she’s incredibly content.”

And, as well as the practical benefits of using a carrier, the babywearing world has become increasingly fashion-conscious. “It’s something that has allowed me to express my sense of style as well as doing something practical,” says Hannah. “I’m not into high-end fashion but I really look for that in a wrap.”

BabyBjörn regularly releases new designs in increasingly varied colourways, Ergobaby has slings suitable for hiking as well as everyday life, We Made Me has slings embroidered with stars, and there are increasing numbers of mothers setting up shop producing beautiful ring slings and woven wraps.

Victoria Lowry, a former ballet dancer who now runs a Pilates studio in Devon, is one of these mothers. After experimenting with different carriers, Victoria felt she couldn’t find anything quite right, so she set up Mezaya Baby after designing a ring sling that was stylish and fashion-led, while still being practical. She settled on double-layered Thai silk – very soft and very strong – in a range of beautiful colours.

Victoria’s baby Annabelle is now a year old and has been worn regularly since she was born. “When I think back to the early days, having the sling has been so beneficial for both of us. In new situations, she can adjust a lot quicker, and I think it’s because she’s been up at my height, seeing my reactions.”

BACK TO BASICS While many new parents opt for a softstructured carrier with straps, buckles and waistbands for ergonomic support, the simpler wraps and ring slings are growing in popularity. The trend is even bigger in the US. Taylor Gunn founded her sling company, Wildbird, after having a baby in 2014. Having worked as a nurse, Taylor spent her pregnancy reading and researching birth and newborns, and discovered babywearing. “I knew it was something I wanted to do. I love that I was able to have my hands free and bond with my babe at the same time – I feel like it’s home to both of us.”

Wildbird slings are simple and incredibly popular – with more than 30,000 followers on Instagram, Taylor attracts a lot of international orders. “I just think we are learning how to modernise it,” she explains.

Intrigued by the research that promotes babywearing, and inspired by the mothers singing its praises, I try a ring sling from Rockin’ Baby. The length of fabric is over two metres long, but is easy to fasten and simple to adjust.

I test it out in different situations with my seven month old and discover it is surprisingly supportive and far more versatile than I had imagined. What’s more, it looks good, and I find myself choosing my outfit based on how well the sling will stand out. As Victoria of Mezaya Baby says, “in this country we haven’t really seen it as a fashion accessory before, but I think there’s a sling for every occasion”. I have to say, I’m a convert and most importantly, my baby seems to be, too.

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FAMILY LIFE

A HEALTHY HOME Something else you can do before baby arrives is to look at the essentials you’re stocking up on. Choose non-toxic paints for nurseries and products that are plastic-free wherever possible. Baby clothes that are preloved are generally easy to get in great condition, as they only get worn a few times before they’re outgrown. Many new clothes have harsh chemicals in them that can be removed with a few washes, so buying preloved babygrows actually removes this problem. When it comes to toys, if you start out plastic-free it will become easier to stick with. Wooden toys are all the rage at the moment and glass baby bottles for formula feeding are also an option.

Baby-led weaning is the one way to encourage little ones on to solids ‒ just buy organic and shop local where possible

WALKING CAN BE EYE-OPENING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND BONDING WITH YOUR BABY

really eye-opening for environmental impact and bonding with your baby. Babywearing also allows you to enjoy the benefits of public transport without the hassle of a buggy. Did I mention how green that is?

EVERY DROP COUNTS

When you start thinking about weaning, ignore all the conflicting advice – your baby will tell you when he or she is ready. This tends to be around six months but, rather than going by age, it’s best to use developmental milestones such as sitting upright and being able to reach out, grab and gum food without aid. Baby-led weaning (BLW), which has been found to help babies regulate their own intake of food and therefore not overeat later in life, is also a green way of getting the good stuff into your little one through exploring tastes and textures at their own pace. It’s simple, too – just give baby some of what you’re eating before adding salt to your own portions, and choose organic ingredients. Buying local will also decrease your family’s carbon footprint.

Once baby is here, remember you have a marathon ahead of you which you needn’t take at a sprint. Babies need masses of love and physical contact, but they don’t need much more care than that. For example, daily bathing and skincare routines are unnecessary – in fact, their skin is quite delicate for the first few months at least and the NHS recommends only using the ‘top and tail’ method for cleaning. If you breastfeed, ignore the manuals and do it on demand. And make friends with other breastfeeding mums – science says that

having a strong support network behind her is the largest factor in whether or not a mother is able to, or can continue to, breastfeed.

KEEP THEM CLOSE One item I recommend to every new parent is a sling. Babywearing frees up your hands when you’re out and about, and gives baby close contact to your body which carries various proven health benefits. Walking is also a gentle post-childbirth activity to take up.

If you find that you drive a lot then replacing some of these journeys with walks can be

ECO-LIVING ESSENTIALS

Just a few changes will put you on a greener path

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A MUST-READ All the modern family needs to know is right here.

The Ultimate Guide To Green Parenting by Zion Lights, £12.99, newint.org

74 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

ON THE SHOPPING LIST Get organic fruit and veg delivered to your door.

Large Everyday Easy Fruit & Veg Box, £26, abelandcole.co.uk

KIND TO SKIN Even the packaging for this chemical-free washing powder is recycled.

Bio D Washing Powder, £4, biodegradable.biz

Reusable nappies are almost certainly the greenest option, so long as they aren’t being regularly tumble-dried or collected by a laundry service. I’ve met people who are really into cloth nappies and others who reject them altogether, so what I like to suggest is that you take a middle ground if you can’t go full cloth.

Even if you only use reusable nappies in the daytime (and use disposables at night), you’ll be doing the environment, your bank balance and your baby’s bottom a favour.

As with all the suggestions here, take one area and tackle it in your own time. The parenting marathon lasts a long while, and we’re all in it for the long haul. Good luck!

PHOTOGRAPHY: JAY WILLIAMS, ANDREW CROWLEY, ISTOCK

MAKING THE CHANGE

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Discover the best in private maternity care at bornattheportland.com or call 0207 390 6324

Sydney Evan yellow gold and diamond necklace £1,300, harrods.com

Cotton nursing top £35, seraphine.com Bleach denim shirt £34, topshop.com

IN THE FRAME

Top to bottom: ‘Percy’ mirrored sunglasses, £160, finlayandco.com. ‘Ray’ wooden sunglasses, £125, toast.co.uk. ‘Charlie Rae’ acetate sunglasses, £99.99, toms.co.uk.

Leather crossbody bag £115, jemandbea.com

Form-fitting wrap dresses will show off your shape in a good way. The cut is comfortable and the plunging neckline accentuates curves

Tada & Toy gold-plated earrings £42, otiumberg.com

Breton-stripe wrap dress £39, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Cotton embroidered dress £32, asos.com

Suede espadrilles £54.99, toms.co.uk 76 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Chambray cotton jumpsuit £175, toast.co.uk

STYLE Larsson & Jennings watch £225, harrods.com

Silk dress £215, raefeather.com

Cotton knit nursing shawl £49, seraphine.com

maternity

Crossbody bag £59.99, toms.co.uk

Jigsaw suede boots £149, johnlewis.com

FASHION

WOR K TH E BE ST DR E SSED BUM P AROU N D WITH SUMM ER’S MOST COVE TABLE PIECE S FOR MUMS-TO -BE

MAKE A SPLASH

Julien David floral dress £634, nineinthemirror.com

Odette New York gold brass cuff £69, otiumberg.com

Left to right: Bamboo-print swimsuit, £34, topshop.com. Printed tankini, £32, mamalicious.com.

Stripe and polka-dot printed swimsuit, £28, jojomamanbebe.co.uk.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 77

INTERVIEW

bare necessities

WH EN IT COM E S TO ST YLISH MATER NIT Y LINGERIE, Lorna Drew IS TH E NAM E TO KN OW. TH E SOON-TO -BE MUM R EVE AL S TH E IN SPIR ATION BEHIN D H ER BUSIN E SS What inspired you to set up the Lorna Drew brand?

I was working as a design and account manager for a wellknown high-street lingerie chain, when my sister gave birth to her first child and came to me for help, as she was struggling to find a nursing bra that fit. Before a feed her breasts would swell, and her bra became tight and uncomfortable, but after the feed her chest would reduce so much that the bra was no longer giving her any support. After a year of researching, I decided to create a solution. Three years later, I launched the ‘adjust to fit’ nursing system, had patented the design, and started my own brand.

What is it about lingerie that you’re particularly drawn to?

I love the old-fashioned glamour.

Wearing a beautiful lingerie set can make any woman feel more confident. When I hear feedback from our customers, it’s incredibly rewarding. Fit is fundamentally the most important element of any bra; get it right, and your lingerie can make your outfit. Get it wrong, and not only will you not look your best, but you may suffer from back pain, rubbing or, while breastfeeding, mastitis.

78 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Cotton Rose bra, £35, and briefs, £16

Describe a typical day for you.

I’m usually in work for 8am, and on the phone to our factory’s production manager. I then work on my emails and have a meeting with our accounts manager who looks after our larger UK stockists, including John Lewis, ASOS, JoJo Maman Bébé and Bravissimo.

I could spend the afternoon doing anything from designing, measuring and quality checking to working on campaigns, and making changes to our website. In addition, our customer phone line goes though to our office, so if you call us for advice you’re just as likely to get through to me, as one of my colleagues.

Tell us about your work with the Oxfam Frip Ethique enterprise.

We regularly donate maternity bras, which Oxfam then sends out to Senegal. Most of the workers are women, who sort and sell the donated clothes, including these highly sought-after bras. It’s a great way for us to help mothers to financially support themselves and their children in one of the poorest parts of Africa.

What has been your proudest achievement so far?

The sheer number of awards our lingerie has won has been amazing but my ‘wow’ moment was when the Duchess of Cambridge wore one of our nursing bras after the birth of Prince George.

How are you planning on juggling new motherhood with work?

I’m lucky to have such a great team, most of them mothers themselves. I’m planning on taking

Elegant nursing bras like you’ve never seen them before

The Lorna Drew team regularly ge involved in t charity init iatives and events

a couple of weeks off, then I will be back part time. I plan to breastfeed, so will be taking my baby to work with me.

Any new plans in the pipeline?

We are introducing two new nursing bra technologies – one for larger sizes (up to a J-cup), and a fantastic seam-free bra.

However, the most exciting news is that we are launching the brand into Mothercare this August, which means our nursing bras will be even more accessible to all breastfeeding mums. lornadrew.com

W W W. N IN E IN T H E M IRRO R. CO M 3. 1 P H I L L I P L I M • J O S E P H • L A N V I N • MI SSONI • PRAB AL G URUNG • VAL ENTI NO • AND MANY MO RE

FAMILY LIFE

MERINO KIDS™

the natural choice

Up all

Night WHAT HAPPEN S WH EN YOU CAN ’ T SLEEP TH ROUGH , EVEN WH EN YOU R BABY CAN , ASKS Francesca Steele

I

t all started so positively. Harry slept well at night from the start. As other mothers complained about their babies waking up every two hours, I thanked my lucky stars that I was still getting around six hours of sleep a night.

And then, after two months, everything went wrong. Not with Harry – he had his blips, but overall things were looking good, the end of night feeds seemed just around the corner.

No, the problem was with me – I couldn’t sleep. Trying to go back to sleep at 3am after a feed became impossible. I even started waking up at 1am and staying awake from then on, getting around two hours’ sleep a night or less, even when my husband took over the night feeds. After establishing that it wasn’t postnatal depression, the GP dismissed it as sleep deprivation and said it was to be expected with a young baby. He prescribed me sleeping pills but I couldn’t breastfeed on them so I only took them for a few days.

Despite it affecting around one in three people at some point in their lives, insomnia is a frequently misunderstood condition.

It is not just about poor sleeping; it’s an anxiety disorder, where negative thoughts prevent us from sleeping even when there is a comfortable, quiet environment in which to do so. It can have a severe impact on our health, contributing to depression, diabetes and weight gain.

I

For 10 years, our 100% natural products have been helping families sleep safely and better in the United Kingdom and around the world.

Our range, including the award-winning, hip-healthy Cocooi™ Swaddle, is made from the world’s finest, fully breathable, Merino wool.

80 | MAR/APR 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

You can be consciously aware of your baby’s movements even while sleeping

And with so much differing advice on how to raise our children these days, it’s hardly a surprise that what some mums have dubbed ‘mumsomnia’ – insomnia afflicting new mothers – is on the rise.

David Kilmurry, a cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist, says that ‘mumsomnia’ is increasingly prevalent, although parents-to-be are rarely warned about it.

“We are nervous of our cherub’s every move. You can learn to be consciously aware even when unconscious, and that is what causes us to have sleep issues,” he says.

Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used to treat insomnia and works by challenging our thinking patterns and trying to change our response to them. Would it work for me?

I booked a course with Lee Grant, clinical director at Efficacy, a CBT clinic in London. We talk about my thinking patterns. In my case, the problem is that I can’t stop thinking about sleep itself. I am epileptic and although my condition is under control, sleep deprivation

FAMILY LIFE

MERINO KIDS™

the natural choice

HOW TO BEAT IT

• Instead of thinking, “I can’t sleep”, try thinking, “I may sleep” or “If I don’t sleep, it will be OK”.

• If you worry about to-do lists, try writing out a list before going to bed.

If you find yourself worrying about things that you have no control over, ‘shelve’ them. For example, think, “There is nothing I can do about this right now.”

• Avoid watching TV late at night and switch off your phone. Smartphones and thinking about the time can ‘switch your system on’.

• To help you relax in bed, try visualising the number 50 as you breathe in deeply. Then, as you breathe out slowly, picture that 50 dropping to 49. Do the same all the way down to 0 and then start again.

If you start thinking about sleep again, acknowledge the worry then gently push it aside and re-engage with the counting process.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

IT’S ALL ABOUT DISENGAGING FROM NEGATIVE THOUGHTS, WHICH PHYSICALLY WAKE UP YOUR SYSTEM can trigger seizures, so I spend a lot of time worrying about how little sleep I might get, even when things are going well. A lot of it is about control. I spend nights thinking, “If I can figure out a way to get to sleep right now, I will get ‘x’ amount of hours”. But if I don’t fall asleep right away, my anxiety increases.

I have to learn to relinquish control.

Lee offers several practical tools to help me – never looking at the time at night, for example, and a number of breathing exercises.

He adds that I should think of them simply as relaxation exercises rather than an immediate fix, and eventually they start to help.

“It is all about disengaging from negative thoughts, which quite physically wake up your

system,” he says.

After just one session I find it easier to get back to sleep after waking up, and after four sessions, I am having just one bad night a fortnight, instead of several each week. Even the bad ones mean a couple of hours spent tossing and turning rather than being awake for most of the night.

Sessions at a private CBT clinic vary from £50 to £150 each. Therapy is available on the NHS but my GP explained that the waiting list is long, which is a shame for something that has drastically improved my mental health.

For a while, ‘mumsomnia’ was robbing me of my sanity and ruining any enjoyment of my baby. CBT has given both back to me.

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Offer ends 30/06/16 and excludes certain items. Visit website for T&Cs. babylondon.co.uk | MAR/APR 2016 | 81

fatherhood CAPTURED

TO MAR K FATH ER’S DAY THIS JU N E, Polly Geal PHOTOGR APH S SIX N EW DADS WITH TH EIR BABIE S, AS TH EY R EVE AL WHAT BEING A PAR ENT M E AN S TO TH EM

“I can’t imagine what my life was like before kids now. They have shaped me, defined me and helped me to grow, not just as a dad but as a person, too.”

• OLI, ISLEWORTH, LONDON • with Elsie and Rafferty

“It’s life changing in a way that you can’t imagine unless you’re a parent. It’s exciting watching them grow and develop their own personality.”

• DAN, ISLEWORTH, LONDON • with Juniper

“I didn’t realise quite how much I would love being a dad, I’m enjoying every minute. It’s everything I hoped it would be and more – fascinating, challenging, rewarding. There is nothing that can top hearing my daughter say ‘daddy’, even if it is normally preceeded by ‘no’!”

• MARK, ISLINGTON, LONDON • with Sophia

“Becoming a father to my twin girls changed me in ways I hadn’t expected. There are far fewer lie-ins these days, but on the plus side, I get to wake up to three girls in my bed every morning, which is pretty special.”

• LEE, EALING, LONDON • with Abigail

“She’s the best person I’ve ever met, and we made her. I always knew I wanted to be a dad, but the actual experience is somehow everything and nothing like I expected it to be.”

• RORY, YORKSHIRE • with Orla

“Fatherhood has been one amazing surprise after another. Each day brings countless precious moments and reasons to laugh, cry, smile and to live.”

• GARETH, GREENWICH, LONDON • with Chloe

PORTRAITS BY POLLY GEAL OF LITTLE KIN PHOTOGRAPHY (LITTLEKIN.CO.UK)

In the next issue of

baby london Bonding with your baby: the benefits of bedtime stories • Annabel Karmel cooks up delicious weaning recipes • Sky News presenter Isabel Webster shares her pregnancy essentials • Clare Byam-Cook advises on breastfeeding problems and how to conquer them • Born free: one mother reports back after taking her little one on safari • and much, much more!

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

TWO FR E E G I F TS

SHOPPING

FATHER’S DAY Our ultimate gift edit to help you show him how much he’s loved

Cutebot XL wooden robot £295, conranshop.co.uk

Fitbit Alta fitness wristband £99.99, fitbit.com

‘Mummy, Daddy and Me’ print

by Nadeem Chughtai £80, printclublondon.com

Stokke MyCarrier baby carrier £99, stokke.com

Fine china mug £14, hammade.com

Onni Twinkle Connect baby monitor £99.99, babymonitorsdirect.co.uk

Omnio stroller £389, omnioworld.com

Cotton linen shirt £80, tobiasclothing.com

Personalised money clip £89, mercimamanboutique.com

Nike Af1 Flyknit trainers £150, office.co.uk

Cotton canvas changing bag £79.95, baby-beau.com

Camo-print changing bag £89, jemandbea.com Does he love art?

Print Club London runs workshops, too

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 91

REVIEWS

TOTGEAR

N EW MUM Laura Harris PUTS TH E ST YLISH AN D COM PAC T STOKKE XPLORY TO TH E TE ST STOKKE XPLORY Admittedly, the first thing that came to mind when thinking about buggies (or, as I now know them, travel systems and strollers) was whether it was appealing on the eye. However, I soon realised there was definitely a checklist of more practical must-haves which needs to be considered, too.

THE LOWDOWN I assume the checklist varies from person to person, but I required a compact frame (for public transport and Victorian terrace hallways); versatility, to perform equally well on muddy countryside tracks as it does on city pavements; fuss-free, with easy assembly and minimum parts for storage; manoeuvrability, again for those tricky spaces, and durability, as you want to have peace of mind that one of the biggest purchases you make prior to your baby’s arrival will last. I thought I may be aiming a little too high, but the Stokke Xplory delivers all of the above and more.

GOOD LOOKING? It certainly is! The design caught my eye while out, and now I’m so pleased to have one of my own. It’s quite unisex, so my husband loves it, too. We’re happy we opted for navy, which so far hasn’t shown any of the marks that are part and parcel of life with a baby. There is a bag at the front, which I only use for the raincover at present as it is not easy to access while Evie is still in the bassinet, but once she starts sitting upright, it’ll be much easier to use.

Shield your little one from the wind

Laura chose the sheepskin lining for extra comfort

The narrow frame makes navigating small spaces a breeze

PRACTICALITY & DRIVEABILITY

but promptly got to the bottom of it (the buttons are underneath the fabric, so you need to feel for them) by watching a YouTube clip!

The compact frame, adjustable handle and 360° lockable swivel wheels allow me to squeeze past tables and chairs in coffee shops, wheel into a spot alongside COMFORT another buggy in the not-soEvie, was born at generous two-buggy bus bay, and, Christmas, so the Winter most importantly, get in and out of Kit would have been our front door. a nice addition, but I read a number of reviews it’s pricey, so we just detailing that the Stokke Xplory opted for the cosy was ideal for taller parents Stokke Sheepskin The iconic model is suitable due to the adjustable handle Lining. The hood from newborn up to 15kg height and footrest. Being 5ft, I is sturdy, and offers can say it’s equally ideal for petite individuals. an additional pull-out windbreaker for It becomes a ‘drivers seat’ scenario, where the particularly chilly days. handle is left in the position of whoever drove it last (my husband is 5ft 9in).

THE VERDICT Once you’ve got the hang of it, assembling All in all, we love it, and Evie appears to, too! the Xplory is straightforward. The carrycot I’m looking forward to when she is a little clips off either side and the frame folds like bigger and we can experiment with the a golf trolley, so you only need to negotiate different seating positions. bl two parts into the car boot. I found it tricky to figure out how to attach the hood at first, £849 | stokke.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 93

REVIEWS

For every Joolz pushchair purchased, the brand plants one tree in its Columbian forest

kind kit

We round up the most eco-friendly pushchairs on the market

GIVING BACK

Fast-growing Dutch company Joolz has a passion for nature.

In line with its ‘positive design’ approach, the company’s eco conscience is demonstrated through its very own Birth Forest initiative – for every Joolz pushchair that is bought, a tree is planted in the Joolz Birth Forest in Columbia, helping to fight deforestation and climate change. Not forgetting that its reusable cardboard packaging can also be recycled into practical and beautiful products for children to play with, or used as bedroom decorations, too. my-joolz.co.uk

BORN AGAIN

It’s quite hard to believe that the Greentom Upp is a 100% recycled product.

The frame is made from 5.6kg of recycled and biobased materials and, quite amazingly, the fabric seat is made of 62 recycled soft-drink bottles! greentom.com

EARTHY APPEAL

The new Farmer editions from Mutsy ooze style.

Enjoy thick yarns, wool- and jute-like outer fabrics in beautifully natural colours, while the best bit has to be the luxury quilted liners made from organic cotton. mutsy.nl/gben

NATURE’S WAY

Joolz Essentials organic cotton nest, £65, my-joolz.co.uk

Not only lovely on the eye, the Bugaboo Cameleon3 Blend has eco-friendly factors, too. The lining is sourced from eucalyptus trees from sustainable forests, and the material’s technology absorbs moisture in its fibres, creating a cosy, bacteria-free environment for your baby. bugaboo.com

Discover more at www.icandyworld.com

PARENTING

the great nappy debate ree Katerina has th

children under six

R EUSABLE NAPPIE S: AR EN ’ T TH EY E XPEN SIVE, COM PLICATED AN D, WELL, A LOT OF HASSLE? NOT N ECE SSARILY, WRITE S Katerina Adams hen other mums catch a glimpse of my baby’s cloth nappy, they respond in one of two ways. Either they call me ‘Supermum’ and pat me on the back, or they raise an eyebrow and say, ‘Rather you than me!’

This sums up life as a professional nappy recycler. On the plus side, people admire you.

On the minus side, they also tend to think you’re a little bit weird. After all, to many rightthinking people, the idea that any time-poor mother might choose to adopt a poo-disposal technology that has in theory been rendered obsolete by the invention of Pampers seems bizarre and ludicrous. Insane, even.

Yet here’s the thing: these people are wrong. I speak as a mother of three children who are under the age of six, the youngest of whom, Henry, is a four-month-old baby. I’ve been using cloth nappies on a constant basis since 2010 and, well, they’re brilliant: easier to use than you might think, better for your child’s precious bottom and capable of giving you a warm glow of pride.

So, what are cloth nappies, and what’s the point of them?

The ‘normal’ nappy, by which I mean the sort you’ll find in every supermarket or pharmacy, is a throwaway product: you pop it on, your baby fills it up, and then you throw it in the bin. After that, it goes to landfill, where – usually being made from products that are not biodegradable – it will take several hundred years to rot.

The cloth nappy is, by contrast, recyclable.

When it gets dirty, you take it off, wash it and use it all over again. A good one can last for years. As a result, they’re far better for the planet than the wasteful disposable type.

So far, so straightforward. But saving the planet is not the only reason to ‘go cloth’.

W

96 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

PARENTING

KATERINA’S TOP THREE

NAPPY FACTS

• By switching to a cloth nappy just once a day, you will save 912 nappies going to landfill over a two-and-a-half year period.

• Each baby will use 5,000 nappies – that’s eight million nappies going to landfill in the UK each day.

• Every day across the world, 6,000 tonnes of nappies are thrown away.

Source: naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Bambino Mio Miosolo All-In-One, £15.95 Winner of a Consumers’ Choice Award for its perfectly-designed poppers and velcro tabs, this adorable panda-print nappy clings nicely around even the chunkiest thighs.

Parents will find there’s a whole range of cute designs to choose from

COTTON INTERIORS ARE KINDER TO YOUR CHERUB’S BOTTOM – AND THEY SAVE YOU MONEY Far from it. In my book, there are two other good reasons to use these rather fetching products. Firstly, they look pretty, and cotton interiors are kinder to your cherub’s backside than paper, particularly when it gets a bit damp. Secondly, they save you money.

I first realised these pertinent facts in June 2010, when my eldest child, William, came into the world. At the time, I called nappies “diapers” because I was temporarily living in California, where my husband had been posted for work. Here, in the birthplace of the hippy movement, reusable nappies were all the rage – and some of my eco-conscious, yummy “mommy” friends managed to persuade me to give cloth a whirl.

We duly did what locals call the “math”.

Using disposable nappies would, we worked out, cost around $750 per year, the equivalent of £500. Presuming William would take two-and-a-half years to potty train, we were looking at a total spend of £1,250. More if he wasn’t an early adopter of the toilet.

Cloth nappies, by contrast, required just one initial investment: around $300 to buy 20 nappies and a few bucks more for an air-tight container to stick them in when they got wet.

Even including the cost of running a washing

machine a couple of extra times per week, this represented a substantial saving. As someone who loves a bargain, I was sold, particularly when I saw the gorgeous designs of some of the top US brands (Bum Genius and Fuzzibunz were my favourites).

A couple of years later, with a second baby, Megan, under my belt, we returned to London.

Here, we live in a flat, rather than a house, with no sun-drenched garden to hang a washing line. But I decided to plough on with cloth nonetheless. And I’m glad I did. Using them in the UK turned out to be far easier than I expected. I remain a convert.

So if you fancy going over to the cloth side, here’s some advice: Firstly, you don’t have to completely renounce paper. Instead, to see if cloth nappies might work for you, try buying two or three and using them as an occasional alternative. If you get on with them, like I do, then you can go the whole hog.

Secondly, bear in mind that the velcro tabs which fasten cloth nappies do occasionally need replacing, as can the elastic. To avoid having to reach for your sewing kit too often, be sure to pay proper attention to the washing instructions.

Close Parent Pop-In V2 Bamboo, £16.95 The label’s New Gen V2 nappy comes with a double gusset inside. It’s fiddly to fasten at first, but the design makes it one of the most absorbent nappies on the market.

TotsBots Easy Fit Star, £16.95 I love the nursery rhyme prints. These soft and stitch-free nappies never leak during the day, but for night, I add an extra liner.

All available at naturalbabyshower.co.uk

NO MORE WIPES…

Little Lamb washable wipes, £12 Have you ever considered washable wipes? This set of 10 from Organic Bliss are available in either cotton or bamboo. organicbliss.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 97

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HEALTH

health & beauty

NEWS TH E L ATE ST R E SE ARCH AN D DEVELOPM ENTS IN TH E WOR LD OF WELLBEING

MOVES FOR MAMAS

Explore the health benefits of yoga from the comfort of your own home, with the new Bump, Baby & Beyond DVD box set from Tara Lee. Tara, whose clients include Cat Deeley and Rosamund Pike, explores everything from preparing the body for birth to postnatal recovery with exercises and deep relaxation suitable for all levels. £24.99, amazon.co.uk

SO SPA, SO GOOD Premium day spa, Thai Square Spa has relocated from its Covent Garden home to new premises in Westminster. Housed within a converted Victorian Turkish bath, the tranquil oasis boasts opulent décor and first-class treatments that will leave you calmer in minutes. Prepare to leave with nothing less than buttery-soft skin and a new lease of life.

25 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5AP. thaisquarespa.com

A DREAM CREAM

A topical treatment has been proven to shrink scars by up to 40%, making it a bathroom cupboard essential for parents treating children’s scrapes, injuries and chicken pox blemishes.

The green tea extract in Science of Skin: Solution For Scars, developed by surgeon Douglas McGeorge and clinical scientist Dr Ardeshir Bayat, also reduces the irritation felt when the skin is healing. £18.99, scienceofskin.com

PERFECTLY PACKAGED Dr Joanna Helcké has added to her fitness subscription services with the FitBump Box. The package is filled with items an expectant mother needs for a healthy pregnancy, including a resistance band, Pilates cushion and ball, a surprise gift and access to a wealth of online advice.

From £49, fitbumpbox.com

Say goodbye to the redness and itchiness of chicken pox scars

RESEARCH DISCUSSED AT THE CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE FESTIVAL SUGGESTS THE EXTENT OF A MOTHER AND BABY’S BOND COULD BE MUCH DEEPER THAN WE THOUGHT. RESEARCHERS AT THE BABY-LINC LAB USED BRAIN-IMAGING TECHNOLOGY TO SHOW HOW BOTH BRAINS BECOME NATURALLY SYNCHRONISED DURING PLAY, AS SHOWN BY THE MIRRORING OF POSTURES, GESTURES AND EVEN MOOD. babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 99

WELLBEING

SKIN DEEP

MUM AN D BABY WILL GLOW FROM TOP TO TOE WITH OU R EDIT OF ORGANIC SKIN SAVIOU R S MADE FOR MUM Naïf Nourishing Baby Shampoo £8, boots.com

Make this multi-purpose ointment a changing-bag essential Purepotions Lavender Nappy Salve £8.99, purepotions.co.uk

Minois Paris L'eau Légére £16, ruedespetits.co.uk Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil £5.49, kokoso.co.uk

Storksak Organics Baby Oil £8.95, ocado.com

Childs Farm Moisturiser £3.99, childsfarm.com

100 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

This thick, nourishing cream helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite

(From top) Nom Nom Perineum Balm, £15, nomnomskincare.com.

Lala & Bea Sleep Tight Pillow Spray, £14, lalaandbea.com. Aleva Naturals Nursing Balm, £7.99, amazon.co.uk.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil, £28.50, trilogyproducts.com. Little Butterfly London Fall Into Dreams Mother & Baby Massage Oil, £29, littlebutterflyorganic.com.

Love Boo Soft & Creamy Body Smoother, £14.99, loveboo.com.

I'M VAST FOR FIVE MONTHS: I MOVE THROUGH CROWDS LIKE A BIG BLONDE BULLDOZER

Diary of a

BABY TALK

mum

PART 2

IN TH E SECON D IN STALM ENT, Mar tha Alexander DISCOVER S WH E TH ER SH E’S HAVING A GIR L OR A BOY

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Y

ippee! Everything people say about the second trimester is true. I’m up at the crack of dawn doing restorative squats and lunges. Then I might eat the first of two breakfasts boasting varying levels of nutritional value, have a bath, do an online shop, feed the cats, take the bins out. I’ll go to work. I might even go out for a lime and soda on a Friday night.

I’m wearing fragrance again. I’ve been to Topshop Maternity and now don’t permanently dress like I’m about to undertake a weekend’s worth of DIY in my husband’s shirts and saggy leggings that are worn to threads at the knees and buttocks.

My beard of acne is fading and I feel relatively alert at work: at one stage in the first trimester I couldn’t remember the rules of apostrophes, or whether it was rein, reign or rain.

I’m vast for five months: I move through crowds like a big blonde bulldozer. I went to a black-tie party and hovered around like a mobile wigwam, everyone else in sequins looking like members of Taylor Swift’s girl squad asking me when I was due, agog when I said not for another four months.

My father refers to me as “the whopper”, colleagues have started to call me “Globe” and I’m a threat to the profits of allyou-can-eat Chinese buffets. But I don’t mind. I have spent the last 18 years caring how thin I am. This is different.

Anyway, the headline news is that the little kidney bean who waved to us a couple of months ago is a girl.

We had the second scan: we saw the soles of her feet, the blood flowing through her little heart and life ticking in her brain. I was keeping my eye out for the one definitive sign of boyhood but could not decipher anything.

“Are you certain?” I asked the sonographer, when she said it was a girl. “I hate a change of plan and it will really weird me out if my daughter is born with a willy.”

“No, it’s definitely a girl,” said the sonographer, who now thinks I’m bonkers.

Some people don’t approve of finding out. They say there will be no surprises left. Frankly, pushing another human being out of there in front of strangers as I howl like one of Narnia’s wolves will be bombshell enough for me.

People assume we found out so we can paint her bedroom pink or buy gender-specific toys. I do not subscribe to pink for

girls, blue for boys. In fact, my husband has already bought her a ‘boys’ dinosaur print parka, and he has painted her walls a soft blue.

Knowing her gender is not about pink bedrooms or baby clothes with ‘Daddy’s Little Princess’ on them, it’s about wanting to know as much about her as soon as possible.

Starting with being able to call her “her”, not “it”.

We have been shopping, though. It was terrifying. Buying anything for a baby requires as much question-asking and deliberation as purchasing a car, and the cost is just as traumatising. Twice we have been into Mothercare and John Lewis and twice we have left empty handed after wheeling prams around not knowing what we need to look for, blinking blankly at assistants who ask us if we want a drop-sided cotbed or just a cot. Do we want a Moses basket or some contraption that straps onto the side of the parents’ bed? Have I thought about the back pain if I don’t have a changing unit?

“What’s a teething rail?” asked the husband, scratching his head and looking confused. “A rail for teething,” I said. “Sure.

What does that mean?” “Not sure.”

Luckily, there’s always someone who is sure. A lot of my friends hate other mothers who are all-knowing about teething rails and Bugaboos, and systems of swaddling a baby that comply with current government guidelines. Not me. I love all information, gobbling up even the most appalling delivery anecdotes detailing 40-hour labours and giving birth on the loo. However, I can’t quite process the reality of the inevitable.

I just met with a friend who gave me a bag of “things no one tells you about” including giant adult nappies, New Mama Bottom Spray, breast balm and lots of round tea bags.

“Those are nipple pads, moron, for when your milk leaks.”

I put the bag in a cupboard behind the hoover, telling myself it’s months before I have to face up to this.

But just before denial can kick in, our unborn daughter kicks, seven times in quick succession while we’re watching TV. It’s as if she’s telling me to get a grip, she’s here and she needs a mother who knows what a teething rail is and isn’t afraid of bottom spray. bl Next issue, Martha tackles the burning issue of birth plans.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 103

HEALTH

The Breastfeeding Café with CLARE BYAM-COOK

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

“HOW CAN WE IMPROVE BRITAIN’S BREASTFEEDING RATES?”

T

he reason I ask this question is because, despite endless campaigns to promote breastfeeding, Britain still has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the Western world. Statistics show that about 30% of women won’t even attempt to breastfeed their babies and of the 70% who do try, roughly half give up within the first six weeks.

Numerous surveys show that these mothers are giving up because they find it too painful or difficult, rather than because they are unaware of the health benefits.

So what can we do? First of all, I think we should be more realistic when teaching breastfeeding in antenatal classes so there is less emphasis placed on discussing the benefits of breastfeeding and more on teaching mothers how to do it and what to do if things go wrong. There seems to be a fear that if we discuss all the potential breastfeeding problems that might arise, the mothers will be put off from even trying.

Unfortunately, this policy means most mothers assume that because breastfeeding is natural, it will also be easy. It then comes as a shock if they find it difficult and worse still,

they have no idea how to overcome common problems such as sore nipples or difficulty in latching. These mothers would feel more confident if they knew what to expect and how to deal with it.

I also think it’s important to give mothers more information on all the breastfeeding aids that have been designed to enhance the whole experience. Many breastfeeding counsellors won’t discuss breast pumps or nipple shields, even when members of the class they are teaching have asked them to do so. This is such a shame, as these aids can make all the difference between a mother continuing to breastfeed and giving up completely.

And finally, we should abandon the ‘all or nothing’ approach which leads mothers and many health professionals to believe that it’s either breastfeeding exclusively or not at all.

Surely it’s better, for those mothers who are struggling, to try combination feeding, rather than feeling that if they give even one bottle of formula to their baby they have failed and need to give up breastfeeding completely. clarebyamcook.co.uk

And if you buy only one thing…

Pick up a copy of Clare’s book for invaluable, practical advice on how to prepare and how to overcome the common problems that many mothers face.

What To Expect When You’re Breastfeeding… And What If You Can’t? £12.99, amazon.co.uk

TIPS FOR NEW MUMS • Do your research before baby is born. Read books which reflect the way you would like to breastfeed your baby and keep an open mind about things like feeding on demand versus a strict routine. You may well change your views once your little one is born!

• Ask other mothers to recommend any bits of equipment that they found helpful, such as breast pumps and nipple shields.

• Get recommendations for good breastfeeding counsellors and drop-in clinics in your local area from friends and family.

• Try not to give up too soon. For most mothers, breastfeeding problems are only temporary and if you can work your way through them you will have many happy months of breastfeeding ahead of you.

• If the experts, such as your midwife, can't show you how to breastfeed successfully, please don’t feel a failure if you give up. The most important thing is that your baby is well fed and that you are both happy.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 105

PREGNANCY

au

NATUREL

PL AN NING ON HAVING A N ON-M EDICATED L ABOU R? Louisa van den Bergh HAS ADVICE FOR GIVING BIRTH NATU R ALLY n our classes at Lulubaby, we see women who have elected for caesarean sections and we see women who are determined to have a natural, drug-free, intervention-free delivery. For those who are keen to take the natural route, there are some thing you can do to prepare both mind and body for what lies ahead.

I

THE INITIAL STAGES Choose your healthcare practitioner carefully.

Research has shown that continuity of care contributes hugely to your outcome. You may want to consider a private midwife, obstetrician or doula to have during your pregnancy and by your side to support as you labour, to help you stay focused and feel safe.

THE BEST SETTING Likewise, do your research when choosing the environment where you wish to give birth. Visit your local hospital or birth centre, and look into the option of a home birth.

You may feel uncomfortable considering a home birth for your first baby (the risk of a negative outcome increases by one per cent for first babies) but you will need to decide for yourself. For subsequent babies, if you have had a successful vaginal delivery before, the risks are no greater and a home birth is definitely worth considering. You will have a midwife present, probably one with who you are already familiar. Whatever you decide, make sure you can visualise yourself there.

YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK Make sure your birth partner is on the same page as you. If they are the sort of person who faints at the sight of blood or can’t bear to see you in pain, it is important that they know what to expect and how to cope with it. The last thing you want when you are labouring is

106 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Be sure to research your options if you plan on having a completely natural birth

PREGNANCY

HOLDING A HEALTHY BABY IN YOUR ARMS IS THE PERFECT OUTCOME, HOWEVER YOU GET THERE

to worry about your partner and how they are feeling. If this is the case, consider a doula who can be there for you to offer practical and emotional support and manage your partner!

often with reduced instances of medical intervention. It does, however, need to be practised regularly (often by listening to a CD) so you are able to enter that state of relaxation quickly when needed.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

PREPARING YOURSELF PHYSICALLY If possible, try to stay active during pregnancy.

Labour is a huge feat of physical endurance and the fitter you are before, the easier you will be able to cope. Gentle exercise such as walking or yoga is perfect for pregnancy, but don’t push yourself too hard. You should always be able to carry a conversation while exercising when pregnant. Preparing yourself physically also means exercising your pelvic floor to support your ever-growing uterus and other key organs. They’re under huge pressure during pregnancy, and exercising them regularly is essential both for birth and recovery. You can also try perineum massage.

COPING TECHNIQUES

PREPARING YOURSELF MENTALLY

SNACK SMART

Try to ignore people’s negative birth stories.

Instead, read positive stories and trust that your body can do the job it is preparing for.

Many women try hypnobirthing – I am a big fan. Contrary to many people’s perceptions it is not about being in a trance. Essentially it is learning simple but specific self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for birth.

It works on the premise that the endocrinal (hormonal) system plays a massive role in labour. Oxytocin is the hormone which makes your uterus contract, and hypnobirthing involves entering a deep state of relaxation so the oxytocin is really flowing and you are able to cope with the contractions. If you are stressed or frightened then your body does not release oxytocin so freely (the release of adrenalin and catecholamines inhibits this). Mums who use these techniques have remarkably different birth experiences,

Labour can be long and exhausting; it’s a good idea to keep up your energy levels but take advice from your doctor, as sometimes it is inadvisable if it looks like surgery might be an option. Eat a meal at the beginning if you can (with slow-release carbohydrates) and have healthy snacks on hand. Drink plenty of liquids, too, as it can be hot business so you may be sweating.

You need to equip yourself with the right tools and advice for giving birth. Going to an antenatal or hypnobirthing class is a good place to start. Breathing is a hugely important part of the process. Often when we are in pain, we hold our breath which can make things worse. Other things to try include having a bath – warm water can help you feel more comfortable, and most birthing units have birth pools. Trying different positions, sitting on a birthing ball and moving around can all help. Massage is worth a try, too – get your partner to practise on you.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND Remember that labour is unpredictable and often things do not go according to plan. It’s always worth noting that there are two of you involved here – you and your baby. Take each step as it comes and remember that holding that healthy baby in your arms is the perfect outcome, however you get there. lulubaby.co.uk

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 107

HEALTH

meet

the

EXPERTS OU R PROFE SSIONAL S GIVE YOU TH E LOWDOWN ON BIRTH AN D BEYON D

FLYING WHEN PREGNANT

Babies are naturally inquisitive and, once crawling, are everywhere. Be especially careful where you leave hot drinks – they can remain hot enough to burn a child up to 10 minutes after they were made. If your child does get burnt, hold the affected area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes.

A good way to prepare for the next stage is to invite a friend with a slightly older child to come round, and watch their child like a hawk! Be particularly vigilant about electrical cables as they can be pulled easily. Never hang anything on the edge of a cot and ensure blind cords are secured out of reach as every year these hazards result in strangulation.

Ideally, buy appliances with child safety locks, get bath taps with an adjustable thermostat and fix locks on your cupboards and safety covers on plugs. Take time to teach your child to go down the stairs backwards.

As children move faster, they are more prone to head injuries. Always treat these seriously; monitor them for the next 48 hours and if you are concerned, get medical help.

Heads are highly vascular and will bleed a lot.

Keep calm and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean, non-fluffy cloth – you will probably find that the cut is not nearly as deep as you first feared. Always get facial wounds assessed by a medical professional.

Your child will experience bumps, and this is normal and healthy. The key is to ensure they can explore their surroundings safely and gain confidence and independence as they grow.

Emma Hammet, founder of firstaidforlife.org.uk

In most cases, it’s considered safe for pregnant women carrying just one baby to travel up to 36 weeks gestation, providing it has been a straightforward pregnancy. Sometimes, airlines may be unwilling to allow women who are more than 28 weeks’ pregnant to fly, due to the risk of premature labour. Airlines can also refuse to fly pregnant women who have had blood clots in the legs previously. Make sure you check the airline’s policy and your travel insurance before you book your flight. It’s a good idea to get written permission from your doctor or midwife, particularly if you’re more than 28 weeks. The letter should confirm your due date and state that they have examined you and that you are unlikely to go into labour during your flights.

Ideally, you should avoid having travel vaccinations if you are pregnant. There is not enough evidence to suggest that it is safe for your unborn baby. Live vaccines, such as yellow fever, could be particularly risky as there is a chance you or your baby could develop the disease.

On the plane, make sure you drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine and wear TEDS (thrombo-embolus deterrent) or compression stockings. Women flying while pregnant should have an aisle seat for space to move and easy access to the bathroom. When seated, wear the seat belt under your belly and as low as possible over your hips. You should not fly in small planes that do not have pressurised cabins.

Dr Giada Frontino of richmondpractice.co.uk

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DEALING WITH COLIC It is thought that colic is caused by trapped wind or cramps, however no doctor or health professional can agree to an official cause.

What are the signs of colic?

There are a few symptoms to look out for, these include persistent crying, back arching, drawing knees up to the chest, the stretching of legs and looking very red faced.

What can I do to help?

There are a few natural routes you can try to alleviate colic, such as baby massage, a warm bath, osteopathy, or very weak, warm chamomile tea. You can also try some overthe-counter remedies. Some parents have been known to purchase lactose-free milk to help, but this will make no difference as colic has nothing to do with lactose.

How can I ease the crying?

When the crying is in full flow, grab a mirror and place it in front of your baby. Put the sole of baby’s naked left foot on the mirror, the cool should instantly stop the crying, then allow baby to focus on their reflection.

Deearna Withey, founder of deearnas-maternity-agency.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

KEEPING YOUR LITTLE ONE SAFE

HEALTH

SAFE MEDICINES IN PREGNANCY

THE BEST FOODS FOR NEW MUMS

Some medicines, including some painkillers, could harm your baby during pregnancy.

Other medicines are safe, such as common prescriptions used to treat conditions like asthma, over and underactive thyroids and diabetes. To be sure, always check with your doctor or midwife. Be sure to tell any health professional you are pregnant before they prescribe anything, and talk to your doctor immediately, ideally before you start trying for a baby, if you take regular medication.

If there’s a time in your life when you need to make sure you’re eating well, it’s during those first few months after your baby is born. You’re sleep deprived, likely to be breastfeeding and full of anxiety. Here are my top 10 tips for a healthy diet: 1. Drink plenty of water, more than normal.

You’ll get very dehydrated breastfeeding.

2. Go easy on the tea and coffee. It can affect baby’s sleep (gulp!) and the caffeine can make you feel even more anxious.

3. Eat regularly, especially after you’ve had a nap when your blood sugar will naturally dip.

Snack on full-fat organic natural yogurt with seeds, nuts and some dried fruit, or oatcakes with coconut oil.

4. Try to consume oily fish several times a week or take a supplement to promote a healthy mind and ensure your breast milk is rich in DHA for baby’s brain development.

5. It’s easier said than done, but resist sugar.

It’s tempting when you’re emotional and tired, but it can make your baby gassy and will give you terrible blood-sugar spikes, leading to unsteady emotions.

6. Eat lots of slow-release carbs such as lentils, chickpeas and beans. A quick lunch idea is a tin of chickpeas, tuna, salad leaves and tomatoes with some olive oil, salt and lemon.

7. Have eggs for breakfast, or something that’s high in protein or slow-release carbs, like porridge with full-fat milk (or milk alternative).

8. Eat meat and fish if possible, with lots of vegetables, including dark leafy greens.

9. Limit alcohol to a few glasses a week. Wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding for the evening to limit the amount of alcohol in your breast milk.

10. Don’t restrict calories! You’ll lose weight naturally if you eat normally and healthily.

Melanie Lawson, founder of Omega 3 supplement specialists barebiology.com

MEDICINES THAT ARE USUALLY SAFE IN PREGNANCY INCLUDE • Paracetamol • Most antibiotics • Local anaesthetics • Most vaccinations Should I avoid medications?

Ideally avoid taking medications during pregnancy if you can, particularly during the first three months. If you feel you do need to take medicines when you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist first.

If you take any medicine while pregnant, you should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Can I take paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Paracetamol is safe to take as it has been routinely used during all stages of pregnancy with no evidence of any harmful side effects.

However, avoid those that contain both paracetamol and caffeine. High levels of caffeine can result in low birth weight and potentially miscarriage. Ibuprofen should be avoided unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk, as it has been linked to a number of complications. Ibuprofen shouldn’t be used at all during the third trimester.

Katie Hilton, midwife working with pushchair brand icandyworld.com

OUR PANEL

Emma Hammett

Dr Giada Frontino

Deearna Withey

Katie Hilton

Melanie Lawson

First Aid for Life

Richmond Practice

Deearna’s Maternity Agency

iCandy

Bare Biology

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 109

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Time to Talk…

WATER BIRTHS MARINA FOGLE & DR CHIARA HUNT

Thinking about taking the plunge and using a birthing pool?

The sisters discuss the benefits of delivering this way hen we talk in The Bump Class about pain relief options, women are often surprised to see water at the top of our list. That’s right, no needles, no drugs – water is a great help to women throughout their labours. The vast majority find being in the bath in the early stages of labour helps to ease the intensity of the contractions, but wish they could be more upright and mobile, which is why so many birth centres and labour wards now offer birthing pools.

The feeling of weightlessness makes women more comfortable but it’s also a lot easier to get into the squatting positions that are so great for labour, but difficult to maintain out of the water.

The water also eases the pain of the contractions (which a lot of women only realise when they get out) and reduces your risk of tearing. But it is also very safe to deliver your baby in the water.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

W

If there are any concerns about you or your baby, the midwife will recommend that you get out, but all being well you can spend as long as you like in the birth pool.

You should have your own dedicated midwife on hand for your water birth. While they will not get into the pool with you, they will support and encourage you from the edge, using a mirror and a torch to examine your perineum and your baby’s progress, and you can use gas and air if you want. With one contraction your baby’s head will be born and because she does not want to stimulate your baby to breathe, the midwife will not handle the baby unless she has to. With the next contraction, your baby’s body will be born and the midwife will reach down and gently pass your baby to you, allowing you to bring him to the surface and watch him take his first breath.

Many women worry that giving birth in the water carries with it a risk of the baby drowning.

But remember that your baby is currently floating happily in a watery environment inside your uterus, not using their lungs at all. Once you reach the pushing stage, the midwives are careful to keep the water temperature exactly the same as your body temperature. Because babies are only stimulated to breath with the cold air hitting their face and by being handled, it is very safe. The midwife will handle your baby as little as possible in the water and your baby will be oxygenated through the umbilical cord until he takes his first breath.

Birth pools aren’t cheap, easy pieces of kit to install and the NHS would not have gone to all the expense to include them in its facilities if there wasn’t a huge amount of evidence showing how beneficial they are in labour.

We always recommend giving a birth pool a try. If it’s not for you or you want a stronger method of pain relief such as an epidural, you can get out any time you want. That said, approach your labour with an open mind. If the professionals are recommending that you get out of the pool, remember that they only have your best interests at heart.

Time and time again we hear women rave about the experience they had in the birth pool. So do ask whether this is something your hospital can accommodate and give it a go!

Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are founders of The Bump Class, with antenatal classes in Parsons Green and South Kensington. Their book, The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond is available now. thebumpclass.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 111

SHOPPING

THE REVIEW Laura Mason GE TS H ER TEE TH STUCK INTO TH E BE ST NATU R AL TEE TH ER S FOR YOU R BABY

Best for COMFORT

Best for

SOOTHING

Best for STAYING GREEN

Best for

DURABILITY

Best for

STIMULATION

SOPHIE LA GIRAFE

BRIO

Made of natural rubber from the sap of Hevea trees, and non-toxic food-grade paint, this popular teether is perfect for little hands, with plenty of knobbly bits to soothe sore gums. Added amusement comes from the familiar Sophie squeak, which babies will love. £12.99, johnlewis.com

I’ve always known the Brio brand for its range of wooden toys, and new for this year is a selection of teethers that have been carefully crafted to meet baby’s biting needs. The FSC-certified wood is paired with a pliable plastic, and the contrasting textures worked well in our test to relieve sore gums. £5.99, amazon.co.uk

Original Sophie La Girafe

112 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Teether Toy

LITTLE BIG THINGS

MAM

GREEN TOYS

Brand new to the UK, the Bibo is a teether made of premium natural wood with a soft cotton comforter to provide a reassuring extra for irritable teething babies.

The wooden ring works best for little ones who really want to gnaw down hard to exercise and stimulate their gums. £14.99, 1two.co.uk

These fun and colourful ‘Friends’ come in the form of Lucy the Snail, Max the Frog and Bob the Turtle, all made from natural rubber. Crafted and painted by hand, they’re made of the natural latex ‘milk’ sourced from the forest located next to the factory in Thailand, and are polished, painted and packed on site.

From £7.99, boots.com

For a spot of upcycling, this eco-friendly teether is made from food-safe recycled plastic milk containers. Not only is it lightweight, visually appealing and easy for tiny hands to grasp, parents can also rest assured that there are no unnatural external coatings, so babies can bite and chew to their hearts’ content. £9.99, amazon.co.uk

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babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUNE 2016 113

The Online Baby Boutique Enter LB at checkout for ÂŁ5 off!

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NEWS

ST YLISH U PDATE S AN D IN SPIRING FIN DS TO MAKE YOU R HOUSE A H OM E

EVOLVE & GROW

The new BBDOR Cocoon Cradle is the first bed for newborn to five-month-old babies that has been designed in the symbolic and reassuring shape of an egg. Made from biodegradable flax fibres, the format means as soon as your little one is able to sit up, the crib can be converted into a small egg-shaped chair, and the stand transforms into a play table. The cradle can be upholstered in leather or linen and comes with a custom-made mattress and small pocket. Price on request, available at Dragons of Walton Street, Harrods. dragonsofwaltonstreet.com

FLORAL FEVER Ditch those supermarket bouquets and fill your home with seasonal flowers that have been delivered straight to your door, with the new service from Bloomon. After starting life in Amsterdam, Bloomon has now brought its services to London, offering modern hand-tied arrangements for your home.

Simply choose your size, how often you’d like them delivered and when, and enjoy! From £20.95, bloomon.co.uk

The new sleepwear collection was designed with sensitive skin in mind

SLEEP ESSENTIALS Let them snooze easy this summer with the new range of eco-friendly cotton sleepwear from Magnus & Mouse. Alongside the lightweight pyjama sets there is also a range of organic cotton duvets and blankets in Scandinavian-inspired prints. The range will be available from May. magnusandmouse.co.uk

SAY HELLO TO ONLINE BOUTIQUE LITTLE GREEN HOME. SHOP NATURAL AND NON-TOXIC BABY AND TODDLER PRODUCTS FOR EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE, FROM STYLISH SWADDLES FOR THE NURSERY TO KITCHEN ACCESSORIES AND ORGANIC BATHROOM PRODUCTS. IT’S YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR GREEN GOODS. LITTLEGREENHOME.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 115

BEAUTY

SITTING PRETTY

Choosing a high chair for your baby might primarily be about safety and comfort, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Clockwise from top left: make eating together easy with this functional design from Danish brand Leander (£159, nubie.co.uk); the clever creation from fellow Scandinavian label Flexa will see your little one right through to the age of 12 with its removable tray and adjustable height (£205, cuckooland.com); we love the combination of changeable cushions with this Micuna chair (£270.66, en.smallable.com); and this minimalistic style from Charlie Crane is inspired by 1950s French design (£199.95, shanael.com).

116 | MAR/APR 2015 | babylondon.co.uk

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Create meals for you and your child in as little as 15 minutes

CLEVER COOKING

Preparing meals with a little one around can often be chaotic. Step up the Béaba Babycook, now available in grey. The four-in-one machine steam cooks, reheats, defrosts and blends, enabling parents to create nutritious meals from scratch in just 15 minutes. Say goodbye to numerous pots, pans and utensils as your little one starts their weaning journey; this is the hero product your kitchen shouldn’t be without! From £109.95, johnlewis.com

FEELING FRUITY Let them enjoy something sweet with Bear Claws – the tempting new nibbles are nothing more than pure fruit and veg mashed into monster shapes, and each packet is lower in natural sugars than half an apple. Snap up the Blackcurrant & Beetroot for a tangy treat, while other flavours include Mango & Carrot and Apple, Pear & Pumpkin. £2.49 (pack of five), Sainsbury’s

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

Stylish, fun and eco-friendly; what’s not to love about Tulipop’s new bamboo tableware?

TO THE TABLE Those loveable folk at Tulipop have introduced a new collection of colourful eco tableware for toddlers’ mealtimes that’s made from bamboo and is free from BPA and other synthetic nasties.

The recyclable sets work well with Tulipop’s stylish embossed cutlery sets, too.

From £6.50, tulipop.com

SUPER CEREALS Ella’s Kitchen has introduced four new breakfast products for tiny tummies. The range includes Multigrain Baby Rice in carrot and banana flavours, as well as Strawberry & Raspberry Porridge and Banana & Cinnamon Muesli.

All four come in a handy new resealable pack, too. From £2.30, ellaskitchen.co.uk

MAKE ORGANISING MEALTIMES A BREEZE WITH VITAL BABY’S NEW TWIST ‘N’ LOCK FREEZER PODS. THE SIX INDIVIDUAL PODS ARE PERFECT FOR PARENTS WHO WANT TO PRE-PREPARE BATCHES OF WEANING FOODS FOR THEIR LITTLE ONE, AND ARE MICROWAVE AND DISHWASHER SAFE. THE HANDY TRAYS CAN ALSO BE STACKED ON TOP OF ONE ANOTHER TO SAVE PRECIOUS SPACE. £5.79, VITALBABY.CO.UK

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 119

FOOD

FRESH FROM THE

GARDEN

Annabel Karmel HAS BEEN DIGGING AROU N D FOR TH E BE ST SPRING AN D SUMM ER VEGGIE S TO CR E ATE A H E ALTHY FE AST FOR YOU R LIT TLE ON E S

hether you buy from the local market or grow them in your own back garden, there’s nothing quite like the flavours of fresh seasonal vegetables.

Packed with all of the nutritious goodness your baby needs, vegetables such as kale, broccoli, peas and leeks are ideal from the age of six months. Simply steam, mash them up and let your little one enjoy the flavours.

For more recipe inspiration, download Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding Your Baby & Toddler app.

Access more than 200 delicious recipes, as well as a host of features to keep your family on track and enjoying meal times.

Download the new version from the App Store now or visit annabelkarmel.com.

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120 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

FOOD

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, PEAS, BROCCOLI AND KALE SUITABLE FROM 6 MONTHS • MAKES 4 PORTIONS INGRE DIE NTS

2 tsp olive oil 1 onion, sliced 200g peeled butternut squash, diced 350ml unsalted or weak vegetable stock 100g broccoli florets 40g trimmed kale leaves, washed 50g frozen peas 20g grated Parmesan cheese METHOD

• Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onion and squash and sauté for 1 minute, then add the stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes.

• Add the broccoli, kale and peas and simmer for a further 10 minutes until tender.

• Puree in a blender until smooth. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CARROT, SWEET PEPPER AND LEEK SUITABLE FROM 6 MONTHS • MAKES 4 PORTIONS INGRE DIE NTS

1 tbsp oil 350g butternut squash, diced 200g carrot, diced 75g red pepper, diced 100g leek, chopped 50g cheddar, grated 300ml water METHOD

• Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the squash, carrot, pepper and leek and fry for 3 minutes.

• Add the water and bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.

• Blend until smooth using a hand blender.

Add the cheese.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 121

FOOD

CHICKEN, PEAR, PARSNIP AND CARROT SUITABLE FROM 6 MONTHS • MAKES 5 PORTIONS INGRE DIE NTS

Knob of butter 1 large leek, trimmed, washed and chopped 125g carrots, peeled and diced 100g pears, peeled, cored and diced 100g parsnips, peeled and diced 100g skinless chicken breast, chopped 300ml milk METHOD

• Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the leek and fry for 5 minutes until soft, then add the remaining ingredients.

• Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes until everything is soft and cooked through.

• Blend until smooth, or for older babies blend half, finely chop the rest and stir together.

FLOWER SANDWICHES SUITABLE FOR TODDLERS INGRE DIE NTS

Sliced white bread Butter Cream cheese A variety of fillings, choose from: Slices of smoked salmon and chives Slices of ham and grated cheese Thinly sliced cucumber METHOD

• Cut out flower shapes from the bread and sandwich them together with a little butter and cream cheese.

• Cut out a circle from the centre of each flower using a small round cutter and insert the filling.

• Arrange on a board or serving plate and arrange spring onions as the stems of the flowers.

122 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

NUTRITION

EATING FOR YOUR TRIMESTER with Sophie Wright

The expert chef shares some of her favourite recipes for glowing health during your pregnancy from her new book ealthy eating and eating well is something we should all be thinking about, preganant or not. There are no quick fixes for overall good health, but within a few months of eating well-balanced meals, you will start to notice some fabulous benefits. Your skin and hair will feel better, your energy levels will be up and your digestive health improved. Pregnancy takes its toll on our bodies, so it’s essential that we keep the machine well oiled and firing on all cylinders. With that in mind, these recipes are designed to take you through all the stages of your journey. I know that pregnancy will feel tough and at times all you will feel like doing is crawling back to bed with the biscuit tin, but I promise these dishes are so delicious you honestly won’t feel like you’re missing out.

All pregnant women will need to combat certain ailments at different stages, and I am a huge believer that food is nature’s medicine and, when used and consumed in the right way, will make us feel so much better.

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Blooming Delicious

by Sophie Wright, £18.99, Vermillion

First trimester

BUCKWHEAT PANCAKES WITH BLUEBERRY COMPOTE PREP TIME 10 MINUTES • COOK TIME 20 MINUTES • MAKES 8-10 Make a big batch of these at the weekend, then freeze the leftovers for when you don’t have time to cook. Simply freeze any pancakes you don’t eat between sheets of greaseproof paper and store in a freezer-safe container, then heat one or two in the microwave or a hot pan with a little butter when you need a hearty breakfast. Buckwheat contains slowreleasing carbohydrates which will keep you feeling fuller for longer and keep any waves of sickness at bay. Blueberries are rich in vitamin C for a healthy immune system.

INGRE DIE NTS

225g buckwheat flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp baking powder 2 free-range eggs 225ml almond milk or semi-skimmed cows’ milk 2 tbsp maple syrup 2 tbsp butter, melted 2-3 tbsp rapeseed oil FOR THE COMPOTE

400g blueberries, fresh or frozen 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 2 tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup TO SE RVE

Natural yogurt

124 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

METHOD

• Make the batter by sifting the buckwheat flour, cinnamon and baking powder into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs. Beat the eggs, bringing in some of the flour from the sides of the bowl to form a paste. Add half the milk and mix again, whisking in the remaining flour as you mix.

When you have a smooth, thick paste, beat in the rest of the milk, the maple syrup and the melted butter. Leave the batter to rest while you make the compote.

• Place the blueberries in a small pan over a low heat and add the vanilla bean paste and agave nectar. Cook for 5-10 minutes, until the berries burst. Turn off and leave to cool.

• Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of rapeseed oil and wipe it around the pan using kitchen roll. Pour half a ladle of pancake batter into the pan.

You should be able to cook 2-3 pancakes at a time, depending on the size of your frying pan. Turn the pancakes over when bubbles start to appear on the surface of the batter, after about 2 minutes. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Repeat this process until you have used all the batter.

• Serve the pancakes with a large spoonful of compote and a dollop of yogurt.

NUTRITION

Sophie recommends buying large batches of blueberries when in season and freezing them whole or as a compote

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 125

NUTRITION

Third trimester

THE CHICKEN & AVOCADO BURGER PREP TIME 20 MINUTES • COOK TIME 15 MINUTES • SERVES 2 When I asked pregnant women what they most wanted to eat during pregnancy, I usually got the same answer: a burger! They are packed with protein and iron, and are the ultimate comfort food, so I just had to include one, but of course with a healthy spin.

INGRE DIE NTS

2 x 200g skinless free-range chicken breasts 2 tbsp rapeseed oil Juice of 1 lemon 1 ripe avocado 2 wholemeal burger buns 2 tsp mayonnaise (made with pasteurised egg) 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 plum tomato, thinly sliced 1 large pickled gherkin, thinly sliced 1 baby gem lettuce, leaves washed salt and freshly ground black pepper TO SE RVE

Sweet potato chips

Second trimester

GRAPEFRUIT, PEACH & PISTACHIO SALAD PREP TIME 5 MINUTES • SERVES 2 Peaches are an excellent source of fibre, as are pistachios. Fibre is very important while pregnant, especially as your digestive system starts to slow down in the later weeks. I often have this salad with a spoonful of ricotta cheese to add some protein.

INGRE DIE NTS

1 tbsp agave nectar ½ tsp orange blossom water 1 large pink grapefruit 2 large ripe white peaches (you could also use tinned peaches) 10 fresh mint leaves 50g pistachio nuts, chopped

METHOD

• First, butterfly the chicken breasts. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of the rapeseed oil and half of the lemon juice, and season.

• Heat a griddle or frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 8 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove from the griddle and leave it to rest, covered with foil.

• Cut the avocado and scoop out the flesh.

Cut into small chunks and use a fork to mash. Season with salt and pepper and the remaining oil and lemon juice.

• Toast the buns under the grill until golden.

• Smother the bottom of each bun with mayo and the top half with mustard. Assemble the burger and enjoy with sweet potato chips.

• Pour the agave nectar and orange blossom water into a small bowl and mix well.

• Top and tail the grapefruit and cut away the skin and pith. Cut into slices or segments.

Cut the peaches into eighths, discarding their stones, and mix with the grapefruit in a bowl.

• Divide the fruit between two plates and pour over the agave mixture. Tear over the mint and sprinkle over the chopped pistachios.

126 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS TERRY

METHOD

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READY TO RENEW If you’re feeling the effects of new-mum fatigue, we may have just the prescription, and energetic little ones can come along, too. At the &Breathe postnatal retreats, parents will have personal trainer Caroline Bragg on hand to kick-start their fitness. Held at the stunning Manoir La Croix de la Jugie in France, there are en suite rooms set up for families, homecooked meals, massages and even babysitting services. The next retreat is 25 June 2016, plus &Breathe also offers day retreats in London. andbreathepostnatal.com

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NEWS

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

GO-TO GUIDE Celebrity parenting guru and maternity nurse Rachel Waddilove has revised her manual, The Baby Book, to include a chapter dedicated to travelling with your little one. Packed with brilliant tips to help your journey go as smoothly as possible. £8.99, Lion Hudson

IT’S IN THE BAG With a decade of aviation experience behind the brand, 00Babies London has launched a new travel bag for parents. Incorporating clear zipped pouches and travel-size formula tubes, plus all the standard changing accessories, this lightweight bag will make navigating airport protocols a breeze. £155, 00babies.com

JET, SET, GO Staying closer to home this summer? FlyBe has launched its new faster planes, making it possible to fly from London Gatwick to Newquay in just 45 minutes – perfect for escaping the city without the hours of motorway traffic. For a range of idyllic properties on the Cornish coast, check out Beach Retreats. flybe.com, beachretreats.co.uk

THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE CHIC PIG HOTELS CHAIN, THE PIG AT COMBE, IS SET TO OPEN IN JUNE. NESTLED IN THE DEVONSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE, THE SECLUDED MANOR BOASTS LUXE ROOMS WITH ORIGINAL FEATURES AND ROARING FIRES, AS WELL AS THE BOUTIQUE CHAIN’S SIGNATURE KITCHEN GARDEN. BOOK NOW! THEPIGHOTEL.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 129

TRAVEL

GREEN

getaways

MOTH ER- OF-T WO Holly Tuppen ROU N DS U P H ER FAVOU RITE WOR LDWIDE HOTEL S BOASTING ECO CR EDENTIAL S

here’s no point pretending that being eco is high up on a mother’s list of priorities when it comes to holidaying with little ones. Convenience is king and relaxation is paramount. Luckily, these things are no longer mutually exclusive. Luxury hotels are getting greener by the minute. And what’s more, far from requiring any kind of sacrifice, going eco will often enhance your experience. If a hotel invests time and energy into its local community, think how much it will care about the welfare and satisfaction of its guests. Here are just a few top babyfriendly eco hotels both home and away.

T

130 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

CLOSE TO HOME

TRAVEL

BEDRUTHAN CORNWALL Set into a clifftop overlooking Mawgan Porth beach on Cornwall’s wild north coast, Bedruthan is the mothership of luxury familyfriendly hotels in the UK. The ocean views make being ‘trapped’ in your room while baby sleeps an absolute pleasure. Equally relaxing is heading off to the spa while Ofsted-registered childminders look after your little one for free.

Special baby packages also include all the kit you could need, from sterilisers to buggies.

Sharing the same ethos as sister hotel, The Scarlet, Bedruthan is committed to ‘creating experiences that don’t cost the Earth’.

Everything from leftover soap to beach toys are recycled, and living roofs encourage the return of flora and fauna. bedruthan.com

The contemporary yet cosy interiors make Bedruthan a luxury eco haven

LE CITIZEN HOTEL PARIS Admittedly not renowned for being either green or baby-friendly, Paris actually ticks both boxes surprisingly well. Jumping on the Eurostar is infinitely more eco than flying and is a more relaxing way to travel with a baby.

Le Citizen overlooks the trendy Canal St. Martin. The interiors are Scandinavian in design, service is enthusiastic, minibars are free and the family suite has plenty of living space.

Le Citizen is also keen to do its bit for the environment. The hotel buys locally where possible, recycles, offers filtered rather than bottled water and has implemented numerous energy saving policies. lecitizenhotel.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 131

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Little kids simply love wrapping both their arms & legs around a Cuddle Mate for the most comfortable night’s sleep. Help your child wake up happy, full of energy and ready to have fun!

Visit cuddlemates.co.uk to be redirected to Amazon. Enter claim code R3FB2R74 to receive 10% off each Cuddle Mate. Promotion only valid until 30 June, so hurry!

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Baby and toddler friendly holidays on the Cornish coast …a welcoming family-friendly retreat and a very stylish one at that.

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132 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Keep little ones cosy with this soft, fleecy carry - on cushion that fits perfectly into aircraft seats making it easier for junior passengers to get comfortable. Portable, light weight, washable, tumble dry -able, TravelSnug makes flying child’s play.

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Made in the UK

TRAVEL

STRATTONS HOTEL NORFOLK

FURTHER AFIELD

This bolthole nestled in the market town of Swaffam, just two hours from London, has been serving up extravagant eco hospitality before ‘going green’ was even a thing. Families are more than welcome and tired parents will be quickly transported by the eccentric suites on offer. A baby listening service makes feasting in the evening hassle-free, and the hotel deli provides organic grub for little ones.

Strattons has spent years perfecting the art of embedding an eco culture – chefs work with local suppliers to improve conservation, and less than two per cent of the hotel’s waste goes to landfill. strattonshotel.com

GROOTBOS NATURE RESERVE SOUTH AFRICA Just two hours from Cape Town, this 2,500 hectare coastal nature reserve offers families winter sun with a healthy dose of adventure.

Whale watching and horse riding are included in most packages, and all the accommodation offered – from a one-bed suite to 12-person villa – are pockets of luxury surrounded by the great outdoors. Although more kid than baby orientated, high chairs, baby cots, babysitters and baby food are all available for families.

The owners of Grootbos are seriously conservation-minded – so much so that funds generated by the resort are invested back into the Grootbos Foundation, supporting local environmental and social initiatives in the surrounding area. grootbos.com

Guests who stay at Grootbos are directly contributing to local conservation efforts and the livelihoods of local communities babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 133

TRAVEL The traditionally designed bures are made from locally sourced materials

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU RESORT FIJI Winner of the Mr and Mrs Smith Family Hotel Award, this eco resort is a tropical playground.

Beachside ‘bures’ are designed in traditional Fijian style but equipped with everything you need for baby. All-inclusive activities, food and drink, and a dawn-to-dusk nanny service make instantly unwinding that bit easier, whether time out involves a private yoga lesson, spa session or the snorkel of a lifetime.

Owned by ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, protecting the environment is at the heart of the resort. Fish is sustainable, fruit and veg comes from the onsite garden, water is recycled and all the building materials are locally sourced. fijiresort.com

You don’t get much closer to a slice of paradise than this barefoot luxury island in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. Older and larger than most other island resorts, Soneva Fushi is covered with thick vegetation. Sandy paths weave their way around the island to pristine beaches and cool, calming villas. Your personal butler and the on-site babysitters make the island’s ‘no shoes, no news’ philosophy easy to adopt.

Despite all the luxurious touches, Soneva has won numerous eco awards. Bottled water is banned (all water is filtered on site), solar energy plentiful and more than 80% of waste is recycled. soneva.com/soneva-fushi

134 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK LUSCOMBE-WHYTE, MORITZ KREBS

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PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP

Researching schools

NEWS

EVERY THING YOU N EED TO KN OW IN AN D OUT OF TH E CL ASSROOM Let your child embark on a playful Arctic adventure

ARCTIC EXPLORERS Let your toddler explore the icy world of the Arctic with Duplo’s latest addition to its Around The World range.

The easy-to-build set features an igloo, various animal inhabitants and Inuit characters to inspire imaginative stories and encourage children to learn about the habitat, and the animals and people who live there. £24.99, lego.com/duplo 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 just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.

CHARITY BEGINS AT BEES Busy Bees childcare has announced its latest partnership with childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.

Every year the charity helps more than 40,000 grieving youngsters through therapy and counselling. Children and parents from all 250 Busy Bees nurseries across the UK will take part in fundraising events to help make a difference. winstonswish.org.uk | busybeeschildcare.co.uk

STICK WITH IT Children’s charity BookTrust has produced a sticker storybook to encourage little ones to visit their local library. Bear’s Reading Adventure features 10 missing objects, which children can gradually fill in with each visit.

The free scheme is currently being piloted in selected libraries across England. booktrust.org.uk

OUTDOOR NURSERY LITTLE FOREST FOLK OPENS TWO NEW SITES IN WANDSWORTH AND CHISWICK ON 11 APRIL 2016. WITH A 1:4 TEACHER TO CHILD RATIO, THE NEW NURSERIES ARE SET TO BE JUST AS POPULAR AS THE WIMBLEDON BRANCH. LITTLEFORESTFOLK.COM

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 137

EDUCATION

The nurseries aim to offer the best combination of teacher-led and child-based learning

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

HAVING JUST OPEN ED A THIR D N U R SERY, WE CATCH U P WITH Laura McCole OF Abacus Ark TO FIN D OUT MOR E When was Abacus Ark set up, and what’s the history behind it?

Abacus Ark is the product of three generations. My mother opened a small nursery in 1971, and I joined her when I was 17.

Together, we went on to open the Toddlers Inn Nursery School in St John’s Wood. When my mother had to take a more passive role in the business due to ill health, I continued to expand on her practices and systems.

After opening Toddlers Inn, my son Anthony was born. He, of course, attended the nursery.

After a spell of volunteering at Toddlers Inn, Anthony made the decision to leave his career in the city to begin Abacus Ark. The idea was to expand on what he considered a special way of educating children but at the same time provide wrap-around

hours for parents who need the extra care but don’t want to sacrifice their child’s early years development.

How would you describe the nurseries’ ethos?

Our ethos is centred around confidence, community and passion, not only in relation to the children but also the parents and our practitioners.

How would you summarise what you offer?

Our children are independent and fully prepared academically and socially to engage from their first day at school. Parents are provided with the tools and support needed to be assured, confident and empowered when they leave us. We also have the highest calibre of practitioners, who offer children exceptional learning experiences.

What’s a typical daily routine at the nursery like?

We’ve created an atmosphere that reflects our ethos, inspires curiosity and independence, while harvesting a family spirit.

Our core day is 9am to 4pm, where the children engage in planned and structured learning activities. We offer a breakfast club from 8am and an afterschool session until 6pm.

138 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

How do you prepare the children for their school years?

We combine the very best of teacher-led and childbased learning to ensure that the children are confident and willing to start learning at school. Our Holistic Development Programme is aimed at helping each child consistently achieve what is required for the next phase in their development. This includes encouraging questions and observations, speaking to children using a rich vocabulary and providing a classroom environment for children to experience a ‘school like’ setting.

What kind of feedback do you receive from parents?

We always encourage our parents to share feedback. So far, they have been captured by our ethos and how we draw aspects from various educational philosophies, such as Reggio Emilia, to deliver the best practices.

What do you see in the future for Abacus Ark nurseries?

Our vision is to continue to challenge traditional preconceptions of a nursery being a place where children go just to be looked after and play.

Of course, that is part of what we offer, but there is so much more,

Miss Laura, as she is known to pupils, parents and staff of Abacus Ark

including a structured programme of learning based around our holistic approach. We strongly believe that a quality early years education has a profound impact on a child’s development.

Find Abacus Ark nurseries at: 1-4 The Parade, Kilburn High Road, London NW6 5TR Severn House, 17 Enterprise Way, London SW18 1FZ St Paul’s Church, St John’s Hill, London SW11 1SH 020 7624 5718, abacusark.com

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years

Independent Day School for Girls from 4 -18 years Queen’s Gate School offers girls a friendly, supportive environment, where individuality is nurtured, academic standards are high and where a broad based curriculum ensures a well rounded education.

Endeavour Courage Truth

For a prospectus, or to make a private visit to the School, please contact the Registrar on 020 7594 4982 or email, registrar@queensgate.org.uk Queen’s Gate Junior School 125-126 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5LJ

Queen’s Gate Senior School 131-133 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5LE

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140 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

EDUCATION

forest folk Becky Dickinson LOOKS AT WHY WE’R E MOVING EDUCATION OUT OF TH E CL ASSROOM AN D INTO TH E TR EE S

magine a nursery where the walls were made up of trees, or a school where the roof was nothing more than the sky above, where play happened amongst woodland, rather than inside a classroom, and where children were encouraged to get muddy and take risks.

Now imagine that school or nursery, not in some rural idyll, but in our very own London.

Incongruous as it sounds, increasing numbers of children are benefitting from an outdoor

I

education right inside the capital.

It’s all thanks to the Forest School Association: a Scandinavian approach to education that involves learning in an outdoor environment, regardless of the weather.

The philosophy was introduced to Britain in the early Nineties, when students from Somerset visited some Danish nurseries.

Inspired by the outdoor-focused, play-based approach to learning, they employed the same techniques back home and were amazed at

Outdoor pl

ay nurtures children’s fi agility and tness, coordination

how much the children’s confidence and creativity soared.

The idea caught on, and schools and nurseries across the UK began incorporating Forest School principles into their own curriculums. At first, it was often in rural areas, where space was more readily available.

Yet in urban areas, where children have less opportunity to explore the outdoors, parents are increasingly seeking out this kind of nursery provision.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 141

EDUCATION

WHAT SOME MAY SEE AS BAD WEATHER, WE SEE AS OPPORTUNITIES TO EXTEND OUR PLAY One of the early Forest School pioneers in London was Carol Evelegh. She is the owner of The Kindergartens, a group of 12 privately run nursery schools. Every week, children spend one whole day at a local common. Carol says the results are overwhelming.

“The natural environment has a marked effect on the children, it brings a calmness to them. They discuss new things, they problem solve, they work in teams, interact, and they are free to take risks. They enter a magical, ever-changing world and their focus and confidence as a result is amazing.”

In 2014, London’s first full-time outdoor nursery, Little Forest Folk, was established by husband and wife team Leanna and James Barret. The couple have three children of their own – Ella, four, Jack, three, and baby Indie.

It was only when they started looking at nursery places for Ella that they realised the lack of opportunity for children in the city to connect with nature.

Leanna says, “We were horrified that the best nurseries we found only offered one or two hours of play outdoors in a whole day, and those hours were generally spent in a sterile outdoor environment. We wanted Ella to experience the joy of free play outdoors, to enjoy a world we don’t believe it’s possible to experience when you are stuck inside a room playing with plastic toys. When we researched Scandinavian forest schools and realised how well young children learn outdoors, we decided it was time for a change in the earlyyears education system here in London.”

The first Little Forest Folk nursery was set up in Wimbledon, but demand for places has been so high that a second is about to open in Chiswick, followed by another in Wandsworth.

For Leanna, it’s about increasing the connection between children and nature – regardless of location.

“We don’t feel the need to have acres and acres of land to explore. It’s more about the quality of the teaching we provide and the activities, along with our holistic ethos. Any small green space in London can be used for a forest school, providing you have high-quality practitioners and creativity.”

The Wimbledon site is set in a secure nature reserve with a dome for shelter. The fully fenced area consists of open grassland,

142 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

This more holistic approach to learning promotes creativity and lifelong positive attitudes towards nature

Children ar e encourag ed to explore the wild surrou ndings

Little Forest Folk pupils looking for bugs

woods and marshes, with wild rabbits, moles, squirrels, frogs, insects and birds.

Leanna adheres to the saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”.

Children are provided with high-quality waterproofs, so play is never suspended.

“What some may see as bad weather, we see as opportunities to extend our play,” says Leanna. “On windy days we make kites.

On rainy days we use tarpaulins to collect rainwater and guttering to experiment with floating natural objects downhill. The day it snowed was one of our most fabulous days ever. Most other local nurseries closed, but we had an absolute blast.”

For parents, it’s about giving children the physical space to explore, the freedom to be children. And with that comes learning. Katie Marshall, whose son attends Little Forest Folk,

Little ones are able to engage with nature in a safe and secure setting

says it’s the best decision she ever made.

“His ability to think independently, his creativity and imagination, along with his speech has developed immensely and he is so happy running around outside, getting muddy and exploring,” she says.

Come rain or shine, Forest School principles are catching on across London. The advice to parents is sign up early.

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OUT AND ABOUT

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STRATFORD CIRCUS ARTS CENTRE Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX 020 8279 1080 stratford-circus.com

VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk

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Spitalfields Music’s interactive opera series for babies and toddlers returns with a brand new adventure. Enjoy a fantastical river journey with music by Vivaldi, and explore a world of shapes and sounds.

Admission: Adults and children, £10; concessions, £8.

Saturday 7 May. Performances at 10am, 12pm and 2.30pm.

Journey across the V&A with stories, games and materials.

These bags are aimed at under-fives, with backpacks also available for older children.

The mission is to find animals hiding in the galleries, with the help of audio buttons and fabric jigsaw cubes.

Admission: Free.

Every day, 10.30am to 5pm.

The annual Special Children’s Day welcomes little ones with special needs and their families.

Featured attractions include the Discovery Zone, with lots of hands-on activities. There will be costumed characters, sensory storytelling, wildlife gardening and an art zone.

Admission: Adults, £13.25; children, £9; under-threes go free.

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May.

Whether you’re into dogs, cats, rats, rabbits, reptiles, ponies, fish, chickens or chinchillas – the National Pet Show promises to be a great day out. Watch performances, including birds of prey shows and SuperDogs Live, and enjoy the zones dedicated to small, cuddly pets.

Admission: Adults, £17; children £12; under-fives go free.

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May, 9.30am to 5pm.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 145

The Private Pregnancy UK Show

Sensational Butterflies

Paddington Fire Station Open Day Canalway Cavalcade

Little London at Hamleys

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Little London at Hamleys HAMLEYS 188-196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/ hamleys Come along and meet the Hamleys characters, get your face painted by celeb artist Annie Newman, enjoy a puppet show and treasure hunt, plus food by Heddon Street Kitchen.

Don’t forget your goody bag!

Admission: Free, preregistration is required.

Sunday 15 May, 10am to 12pm.

Sensational Butterflies NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk From chomping caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, experience one of nature’s most fascinating life cycles in this outdoor exhibition. Learn about the creatures’ lives through specimens and games.

Admission: £6.50 each, under-fours go free.

Until Sunday 11 September.

146 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

IWA Canalway Cavalcade Fire Station Open Day

Butterfly Ball

LITTLE VENICE Paddington, London W9 07979 676461 waterways.org.uk

PADDINGTON FIRE STATION 156 Harrow Road, London W2 6NL london-fire.gov.uk

FORTY HALL & ESTATE Forty Hill, Enfield, London EN2 9HA 020 8363 8196 fortyhallestate.co.uk

England’s busiest fire and rescue service celebrates its 150 th anniversary this year.

To mark the occasion, many stations are opening for fun days out. Kids will have the chance to climb aboard the engines and maybe even have a go on the equipment.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 21 May, 11am to 4pm.

This family fundraising festival, in aid of conservation and community arts, includes loads of workshops, including bug hunts and snail racing, and a caterpillar parade, followed by the Butterfly Ball.

Admission: Adults, £4; children, £6; under-twos go free.

Saturday 8 May, 12pm to 6pm.

Check out the colourful narrowboats adorned with flowers and bunting for this annual celebration. The three-day party offers varied attractions for little ones, including shows, music and boat trips. There are also stalls, food and real ale for the adults.

Admission: Free, though some activity prices may vary.

Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May. Procession of boats takes place at 8pm on Sunday.

Mum’s The Word ROUNDHOUSE Chalk Farm Road, Camden, London NW1 8EH 0300 6789 222 roundhouse.org.uk Burning Eye poets Lydia Towsey, Liv Torc and Hollie McNish plan to entertain parents in need of culture and adult conversation as part of The Last Word Festival. Children welcome.

Admission: £7.50 each.

Friday 3 June, 2pm.

Rug Rhymes

Giffords Circus: The Painted Wagon Tour

THE POETRY LIBRARY Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

CHISWICK HOUSE Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 2RP 0845 4597469 giffordscircus.com

Under-fives are invited to join puppets Federico and Firebird on their poem carpet to find out what rhymes with ‘rug’.

The session is followed by the opportunity to look at and borrow books from the children’s collection.

Admission: Free.

Alternate Fridays from 24 April to 3 July, 10.30am to 11am.

This vintage circus will decamp in West London with a Wild West extravaganza. The show will include acrobatics and aerialists, dancing horses and gold panning, as well as a rodeo rider and Tweedy the Clown.

Admission: Adults, from £27; children, from £17.

Thursday 30 June to Monday 18 July. Performance times vary.

OUT AND ABOUT

Children’s Cookery Theatre at Foodies Festival

RBC Race for the Kids, Great Ormond Street

Boxy & Sticky

Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival

Children’s Cookery Theatre at Foodies Festival

PHOTOGRAPHY: LONDON FIRE BRIGADE; ANDY PARADISE ROYAL ALBERT HALL; THE TRUSTEES OF THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON

SYON PARK Park Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JA foodiesfestival.com Children as young as two can take part, as the theatre covers everything from easy party pinwheels to bread and homemade butter. Classes are included in admission, on a first come, first served basis.

Admission: Adults, from £12; children under 12 go free with a paying adult.

Saturday 28 to Monday 30 May, from 11am.

Boxy & Sticky POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB polkatheatre.com The two characters revel in mischief, dressing up and wordplay, and soon learn that co-operation can make playing together more fun. Includes 20-minute play session.

Admission: £12 each.

Friday 10 to Sunday 12 June.

Performance times vary.

Urban Village Fete

Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival

RBC Race for the Kids, Great Ormond Street

ST PAUL’S CHURCH YARD Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ED alternativearts.co.uk

QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK Stratford, London E20 2ZQ 020 7239 3270 raceforthekids.co.uk

Covent Garden comes alive for its annual May Fayre & Puppet Festival with Punch & Judy professors from around the world. Besides the regular celebrations, there’s also music, dancers, jugglers and stalls.

Admission: Free.

Sunday 8 May, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

The Private Pregnancy UK Show THE ROYAL INSTITUTION 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS privatepregnancy.co.uk The Private Pregnancy UK Show showcases the UK’S top private healthcare providers and latest innovations in women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and paediatric care. There will also be a series of seminars and workshops at extra cost.

Admission: £20 each, includes access to two seminars.

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May, 10am to 6pm.

Ideal for families, this 5K race is suitable for all ages and abilities. Fundraisers are invited to make a day of it with a host of post-race entertainment.

Admission: Registration is £18 for adults, £12 for children, under-fours go free.

Sunday 15 May, 9.30am.

The Magic Garden HAMPTON COURT PALACE Surrey KT8 9AU 0844 482 7777 hrp.org.uk This new play area is located in King Henry VIII’s former tiltyard – where Tudor tournaments were held. Discover a world of mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon, become knights, and explore a secret grotto.

Admission: Magic Garden and Maze-only ticket, £7 for adults and £2.50 for children, or included in general palace admission. Under-fives go free.

Daily, 10am to 6pm.

Urban Village Fete GREENWICH PENINSULA London SE10 0ES 020 3770 2212 urbanvillagefete.co.uk Putting a contemporary twist on traditional village fairs, the Urban Village Fete celebrates the best in design, music and art. There’s loads for families, including the Big Mob – a giant slinkie walkabout. There’s also drumming sessions, hulahooping classes and lots of great food, arts and crafts.

Admission: Free.

Sunday 15 May, 12pm to 7pm.

Trooping the Colour THE MALL AND ST JAMES’S PARK London SW1 householddivision.org.uk Join in the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at this 1,400-soldier parade, together with 200 horses and over 400 musicians. The route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back.

Her Majesty will later take to the balcony for an RAF flypast.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 11 June, from 10am.

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 147

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Pandamonium CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Leatherhead Road, Surrey KT9 2NE 0871 663 4477 chessington.com Pandamonium features life-like animatronic pandas, giving kids the chance to see what it would be like to get up close to these endangered animals. These mischievous creatures will have the family roaring with laughter.

Admission: Book online from £27.60; under-threes go free.

Park open daily from 10am.

148 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Whether you have a Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott or a whole crew of Beastie Boys on your hands, this is the ultimate hip-hop party for families. DJs will be spinning three-and-a-half hours of child-friendly tunes.

Admission: Adults, £13.24; children, £7.12.

Monday 30 May, 12pm to 3.30pm.

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Splash Zone LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER & STEAM Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, London TW8 0EN waterandsteam.org.uk Brand-new outdoor fun for all the family in the Waterwheel Courtyard of this West London museum. The kids will be amazed (albeit a little wet) by the unexpected ways of moving water using wheels, buckets, levers, pumps and pipes.

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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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babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUNE 2016 149

A SELEC TION OF

LOCAL AC TIVITIE S FOR YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E

Groups & Classes

ACTIVITIES

150 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

FOR WATER BABIES

FOR LITTLE LEARNERS

Classes across London This is the UK’s leading baby swimming company offering innovative baby swimming classes across London, taught by world-class instructors.

Babies love being in the water, having fun and learning life-saving skills.

Swimming from birth is natural, after all, they have just spent nine months in the womb! Water Babies’ multi-award-winning programme is structured yet gentle, and centred around the needs of each child.

Little ones can have fun engaging in physical activity, all the while gaining confidence in the water.

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Starting from babies to 11 years Check out the Little Discovery classes for ages six months to 24 months old.

These magical classes allow babies to explore their senses with new topics each week, including bees, frogs and stars, combined with music, colours and shapes. Little Maths Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two fantastic 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, build your child’s confidence with numbers. Meanwhile, the Little Science workshop, for ages three to 11 years old, introduces new scientific concepts through discussions and experiments.

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Club Petit Pierrot 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 from 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.

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Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, has a unique approach and offers innovative, stimulating immersion programmes for children from eight months old.

Led by a team of passionate and qualified native teachers, children flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities, including contemporary songs from its educational CD. Language experts agree that learning a second language early in life enhances overall cognitive skills and improves brain development.

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ACTIVITIES

PRIVATE, BESPOKE ANTENATAL CLASSES

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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Classes across London Pregnancy is an exciting and anxious period for every couple embarking on this journey. To help relieve the anxiety, Eileithyia Limited has the class for you. Eileithyia is a midwifeled company offering women and their partners one-to-one antenatal classes in the comfort of their own home. There is a range of personalised and interactive classes from early pregnancy through to labour and birth, and finally caring for your newborn. Also available is private breastfeeding support and assistance in the first few days after labour to enable you to feel confident right from the beginning. eileithyia.info@gmail.com eileithyia.co.uk

Unfortunately, it only takes a split second for accidents to happen and knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make all the difference. A short course can make you feel more confident to manage life’s little emergencies. Little Aid specialises in delivering practical first aid courses in the comfort of your home. Courses can be held at any time of the week including evenings and weekends. The most popular course is the three-hour Child & Baby First Aid Class which covers CPR, choking and the recovery position, along with serious illness.

Little Aid also offers a shorter CPR & Choking course. info@littleaid.co.uk littleaid.co.uk

Gymboree’s commitment to quality is unsurpassed, and every day thousands of parents and carers across the UK choose them because they want the best for themselves and their children.

The team has a simple goal: to provide the best Play and Learn, Art and Music classes for newborn to five year olds in the world! With over 30 years of experience, the classes and activities are based on a blend of early childhood development theories, with years of hands-on experience.

Gymboree’s tried-and-tested formula with physical, social, sensory and imaginary elements make for 45 minutes of fun. Enjoy challenging and age-appropriate activities which help your little ones through the crucial early stages. Themes, props and setups change frequently.

Members also get exclusive access to Open Gym free play sessions on site. Little ones can bring any adult along with them to play in a clean, colourful and safe environment with purpose-built equipment. Art classes start from 18 months and let children be the artist. Selfexpression and creativity are inspired by painting, drawing, printing and more. Music classes run from ages six months onwards, using a global mix of language and genres, from ‘the classics’ to more modern sounds.

Sensory Baby Play classes start from newborn, and feature sensory and physical stimulation from a varied mix of props and activities. Little ones become attentive and interested in their growing understanding of the world with songs, tactile play, physical games and more.

Free trial classes available at: Bayswater and Notting Hill, Bromley, Chiswick, Clapham, Docklands, Ealing, East Dulwich, Hampstead, Harrow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Putney, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. gymboree-uk.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 team 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

NURTURING A LIFETIME OF MUSIC Award-winning pre-school music classes for children aged three months to four years. Monkey Music has 20 years’ experience of providing entertaining classes that captivate both children and adults with a combination of songs, activities, percussion 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.

Check the website for timetable and book your complimentary session. monkeymusic.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 151

COMPETITIONS

CHANCE TO WIN

Exclusive competitions and offers for Baby London readers WIN A TEETHING PACK WITH METANIUM

FLY WITH TRAVELSNUG

The nappy rash experts at Metanium are giving away 10 Teething Packs, worth £25 each. Each pack features a Sophie la Girafe So Pure Teething Ring, Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion (60ml) and a handy Metanium Busy Baby daily planner, so you can track when your little one’s teeth start to come through. The double-action Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion protects delicate skin from irritants like urine and faeces that can cause nappy rash. Two sprays should be enough to form a thin protective layer. Pat around the area to maximise coverage – there’s no need to rub in. metanium.co.uk | sophielagirafe.co.uk

A soft carry-on cushion that fits perfectly into aircraft seats, the TravelSnug makes it easier for mini passengers to get comfortable when flying, and we have one to give away, worth £59.99. Portable, light, washable and tumble-dry safe, the cushion is available in eight fun designs. Choose from two sizes: the smaller for ages 12 months to three years, or the larger for ages three to seven. Fleece designs subject to availability. travelsnug.co.uk

WIN WITH LUCY & BELLE

WIN WITH THE LITTLE GREEN SHEEP

Luxury Spanish brand Cambrass is now being stocked online at Lucy & Belle, and to celebrate, the baby boutique is giving away a £150 voucher to spend on the collection. Cambrass offers a classic range of nursery pieces handmade in Spain, including beautiful Moses baskets, adorable cradle beds – perfect for baby’s first months – and soft, cotton-covered changing mats in a range of pretty pastel colours. lucyandbelle.com

WORTH £150

The team behind The Little Green Sheep are baby sleep experts, hand-crafting the UK’s only GOTS-certified organic mattresses. Every mattress is made using certified organic sheep wool and cotton to create a healthy sleeping environment, free from toxins and chemicals. Plus, The Little Green Sheep’s mattress protectors are super soft and 100% waterproof, offering a comfy and dry sleep environment for baby. One lucky winner will get to choose between a cot or cot-bed mattress (from £169), with a waterproof mattress protector, too. thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

BAG A FAMILY TICKET TO THE ZOO Win one of four family tickets, worth up to £63 each, for two adults and two children to Marwell Zoo, near Winchester in Hampshire, and get up close to the wonders of the natural world. From ring-tailed coatis to majestic giraffes, endangered tigers to giant anteaters, curious meerkats to pygmy hippos – its 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species, in beautiful landscaped surroundings. marwell.org.uk

ENTER ONLINE AT BABYLONDON.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS 152 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

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At Uber Kids we pride ourselves in being one of the largest independent nursery stores in the UK, which stocks over 130 brands with a wide range of products to suit various families, whether they’re expecting their first child, or their fourth.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS KEY We believe in finding the right product for you. All of our staff have the same dedication and training to advise customers through every important decision. Our website has been designed with clarity in mind, lots of images and detailed descriptions to help inform every purchase you make.

Even if an exact picture of the item is needed from our warehouse or showroom, we’re more than happy to help via e-mail or telephone.

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EVERYONE LIKES SOMETHING FOR FREE Whether you want to take advantage of the various free accessories we offer with selected items or not, you can always enjoy our free UK mainland delivery on orders over £24.99.

Not only that, we also have options for next day or weekend deliveries too. As children are a big investment, spreading the cost is always welcomed, and that’s why we offer interest free finance packages to make it more affordable.

INCREDIBLE PRICING AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS EXTENSIVE RETURNS We aim to give you fair pricing, and that’s reflected in the prices on our site. However if you happen to find better pricing elsewhere, we’ll do our best to match it. On the other hand if for whatever reason, you aren’t happy with your purchase- perhaps it’s gone unused or in the end just didn’t look right- exchange, credit or a full refund can be arranged easily whether it’s over the phone, via e-mail or in our showroom.

23/03/2016 12:21 babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUNE 2016 153

The White Rose Baby Boutique Uncomplicated • Beautiful • Simple • Natural Products Make the world around them beautiful

To see our full range of ethical toys and clothes visit our website www.whiterosebaby.com or for more information call +44 (0)1732 529669 or email hello@whiterosebaby.com The White Rose Baby Boutique Ltd • 207 Regent Street • 3rd Floor • London W1B 3HH

SHOPPING

London

Boutiques A FIN E SELEC TION OF HAN D -PICKED LON DON BOUTIQU E S. H ER E’S OU R SHOPPING GUIDE

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 155

RACHEL RILEY

Rachel Riley’s traditionally-inspired looks for girls, boys, infants and mamas are beautifully crafted and feature hand-embroidery and vintage prints. And we’re spoilt in London, with two charming Rachel Riley boutiques to choose from. These gorgeous 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

BLUE ALMONDS

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, ranging 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 conjunction with Madeleine Thompson.

164 WALTON STREET, LONDON SW3 2JL bluealmonds.co.uk

MERINO KIDS

Merino Kids’ showroom, located on Northcote Road, is bedecked with all things cute and cosy. The team at Merino Kids knows how important sleep is to little ones; check out the award-winning Go Go Bag and Cocooi Swaddle baby wraps. From the fabric to the finish, the collection is internationally renowned for its quality. If you’re looking for light, silky soft, kind-to-skin sleepwear, Merino Kids is the perfect solution.

151 NORTHCOTE ROAD, LONDON SW11 6QB merinokids.co.uk

DECADO

Established just last year, Decado provides top quality shoes for toddlers and kids at very reasonable prices. Its Shepherd’s Bush shop is brimming with footwear in every colour and style – from school shoes to trainers, sandals to hiking boots – so you’re bound to find something that you and your little one can both agree on. Dedicated staff are on hand to help find the right fit, and for any waiting siblings there’s a play area to help pass the time.

UNIT 31 SHEPHERD’S BUSH GREEN, LONDON W12 8PH decado.co.uk

PEPPERMINT

Family-run boutique Peppermint has been sourcing the very best innovative products for newborns and toddlers for more than two decades. With branches in both Battersea and Chiswick, here you’ll find everything you could need, from the best pram systems to nursery furniture. What's more, the friendly staff are fully trained and on hand to offer specialist advice.

56 NORTHCOTE ROAD, LONDON SW11 1PA 87-89 CHISWICK HIGH ROAD, LONDON W4 2EF peppermint.co.uk

ILOVEGORGEOUS

Designing exclusively for little girls aged from newborn up to 13 years, ilovegorgeous has proven a hit worldwide. Luckily for London parents, the brand’s flagship store is in the heart of bustling Notting Hill, where you can browse the beautiful clothes and accessories to your heart’s content. More recently, ilovegorgeous opened its second boutique in Primrose Hill.

52 LEDBURY ROAD, LONDON W11 2AJ 73 REGENT’S PARK ROAD, LONDON NW1 8UY ilovegorgeous.co.uk

156 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

SHOPPING

TROTTERS

This iconic London-based brand offers a wide choice of childrenswear and acessories, all excellent in quality, value and design. The family-run business first opened its doors in 1990 and has been delivering stylish and exclusive yet affordable products for children aged from newborn to 10 years ever since. The stores also offer a renowned hairdressing service. With six boutiques across London, Trotters is never far away.

STORES ACROSS LONDON trotters.co.uk

CARAMEL BABY & CHILD

Caramel’s collection for newborn to 12 years manages to be both understatedly cool and adorably sweet at the same time. You’ll find a mix of trendy and timeless pieces for everyday wear, as well as outfits for more special occasions, and there’s a small but well-edited selection of toys and home décor. Stop by Caramel Baby & Child’s newest store in Soho or its pop-up boutique in Shoreditch for the ultimate in on-trend and luxurious children’s clothing.

STORES ACROSS LONDON caramel-shop.co.uk

ON LIN E

FANCY KIDS

The people at Fancy kids believe there need not be a trade off between eco-friendliness and style; packed with characterful fashion, toys and lifestyle accessories, everything here is organically produced and of the highest quality. You can shop from a wide range of worldwide independent designers for children up to 10 years old, and every product is just as ethical as it is beautiful, so you can indulge your little ones without an ounce of guilt. fancykids.com

ON LIN E

NOD

STOCKISTS

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

Picture a world filled with whimsical characters in boundless colour and you’ve got Nod. The online baby boutique’s curious creatures and quirky designs have been lovingly imagined in Britain, using only the boldest colour palettes to bring to life to each and every illustration.

Head on over for for truly individual printed cotton babygrows and gorgeous sleep suits that little ones will love. nodlondon.com

STOCKIST INFORMATION

Cassius wears gingham romper suit, £45, Amaia

Amaia Bonpoint Château de Sable Childrensalon Fancy Kids Gray Label Jacadi John Lewis Marks & Spencer Molo Kids Mothercare Next Noé & Zoe Olivier Baby & Kids Patachou Stella McCartney Kids The Mini Edit The White Company

amaiakids.co.uk bonpoint.com chateaudesable.co.uk childrensalon.com fancykids.com gray-label.com jacadi.uk johnlewis.com marksandspencer.com molo.com mothercare.com next.co.uk harrods.com olivierbaby.com patachou.com stellamccartney.com the-mini-edit.com thewhitecompany.com

babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 157

YOUR SHOPPING

emporium The Fine Cotton Company Soft to the touch, kind on your conscience

Personalised Garlands Personalised children’s clocks Only £2.00 letter made in per Britain plus p+p

Organic bedding & accessories for children & babies

www.littletimbers.co.uk

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Horkesley 01234 589383 Joinery Ltd tel: web: www.littletimbers.co.uk

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158 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

The Wellkid® vitamin range for children provides great all-round, carefully balanced formulas for kids aged 4-12 years. If you’re looking for a comprehensive formula with more than vitamins A, C and D, or the ideal Omega-3 or calcium supplement for kids, the Vitabiotics’ range of children’s vitamins has it covered. See the full range at wellkid.com.

Wellkid® supports The Diana Award, which inspires and recognises social action in young people.

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From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores & wellkid.com © 2015 Vitabiotics Ltd © 2015 KidZania, S.A de C.V

Working with

EMPORIUM

160 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Leading retailer of eco, ethical & premium baby brands.

www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk 55 Guildford Road, Bagshot, GU19 5NG

Tel: 01276 408494

BUSINESS The versatile blankets are made from 100% breathable cotton

The collection features a range of nostalgic prints starring Bambi, The Jungle Book and Winnie the Pooh

Raegan launched her business after being unable to find muslin swaddles in the US

INSPIRE Why did you start Aden + Anais?

I was expecting my first daughter and preparing in the same way that most new mums do – by stocking up! On my list was muslin swaddles, a basic staple in Australia. We looked all over New York, where we live, but I couldn’t find any. Generations of Australian mothers swore by muslin swaddles, and I knew American parents would love them, too. I decided to be the person to make that happen.

What are the benefits of swaddling your baby?

Women have been doing it around the world for centuries, and that’s because it works. It’s comforting and recreates that secure sensation of the womb.

The most important thing is that it helps your baby to sleep, and when baby sleeps, you sleep!

RAEGAN MOYA-JONES

The Australian mum and founder of Aden + Anais talks muslin swaddles, royal fans and life in New York “You’re worked to the bone right now, but it will all be worth it.”

lives around the world – and bringing something new to life.

Why did you decide to develop an organic line within the range?

Natural products are important to me personally, and I knew there were other parents who felt passionate about them, too.

How do you juggle the business with family life?

Every working mother on earth is a juggler – we have so many balls in the air sometimes, it’s a wonder we can keep them all up.

Except, we can’t – sometimes something has to give. You just need to know which things to prioritise. It’s important to acknowledge that I also have an incredible team at work and a support network at home.

What did you enjoy most about creating the Disney collection?

Working with a truly iconic brand – one that has touched countless

Do you spend time in London?

All four of our girls are in school, which makes travelling for fun harder now, but I am lucky enough to be able to visit London for work – I try to get over a couple of times a year to visit the Aden + Anais team in the UK.

How did it feel to see newborn Prince George wrapped up in one of your muslin swaddles?

Surreal! When I see things like that – from Prince George to a mother on the subway using one of our products – I just want to tap mum on the shoulder and say,

162 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babylondon.co.uk

Aden + Anais X Disney resulted in a gorgeous line of swaddles, muslins, bibs and blankets

What do you love about living in New York?

We live in Dumbo – a fantastic neighbourhood in Brooklyn with cobblestone streets, ice cream factories and a riverfront park.

But New York as a whole never stops surprising you, even when you think you’ve seen it all.

Any advice for mothers wanting to start their own company?

Don’t quit your day job, and don’t quit your day dream. I worked another job full-time until Aden + Anais got off the ground. While it wasn’t sustainable long-term, it was what I needed to do to keep our family financially secure. You also need to do what you love, or you will never going to find the energy to keep going.

What’s on the horizon for Aden + Anais this year?

There are more collaborations in the pipeline, none of which I can talk about just yet. We are also looking at an acquisition, which will launch us into a whole new category – we’re always working on something new! bl adenandanais.co.uk

sway on Sway left. Then right. Then left again. Relaxing—right? That same calming motion can now be a continuous one, thanks to the newest member of our Nuna family the LEAF wind. Creating a soft, steady breeze as it connects with just a click to your LEAF or LEAF curv*, with 6 speed settings sure to soothe your little one straight on into newborn dreamland.

Here’s to swaying on...and on. *compatible with models SE-10-xxx & SE-30-xxx

learn all about it at nuna.eu