blondon b SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2017
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COSI A MAXI-& MORE T C AR S E A
WOR£T7H00 OVER SEE INSID
E FOR DE
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MILA KUNIS on why mothers can’t be perfect all the time Behind the scenes with fashion favourite
Caramel
BABYLONDON.CO.UK
BABY’S NEW WARDROBE The cutest looks for autumn
Fearne Cotton
on motherhood and the joys of baby yoga
Egg freezing
IS IT REALLY WORTH THE MONEY?
WAITING GAME How to cope when you are overdue
HEALTH and happiness £3.99
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• STAY HEALTHY THROUGH PREGNANCY • BEAT THOSE SLEEP SETBACKS • THE POTTY TRAINING HANDBOOK
bugaboo atelier collection our modern classic
we love to create key features: • stone mélange fabric • leather-look details • hand-stitched leather-look handlebar and carry handle • black chassis • coordinating black quilted seat inlay
limited edition 2017 The Atelier Collection is available for the Bugaboo Cameleon³ and Bugaboo Buffalo. learn more at www.bugaboo.com © Copyright 2017 Bugaboo® International BV
bugaboo atelier collection our modern classic Bugaboo introduces the Atelier Collection, a limited edition design for the Bugaboo Cameleon3 and Bugaboo Buffalo. By using a stone mélange fabric and black leather-look trim, our designers have cleverly added another dimension to the contours of the pushchair.
Stone mélange fabric crafted from Bugaboo’s in-house design studio
Hand-stitched detailing and leather-look materials.
Coordinate in style with matching footmuff.
from concept to creation The Atelier Collection showcases the craftsmanship of our in-house design studio, which has been producing fashionforward pushchairs for over 15 years.
measure twice, cut once Quality is of the utmost importance, so there is painstaking attention to every detail. Our designers uphold the highest standards in order to please the most critical eyes.
CONTENTS SEP TEM BER /OC TOBER 2017
32 d to ers ju st nee why moth 2) .4 (p Fearne on s’ o a the ch ‘embrace
72
Willow wears cashmere babygrow, £125, Oscar et Valentine. Wool shawl, £69.95, G.H Hurt & Son.
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN
FEATURES
42 COTTON TALES Fearne Cotton on writing books, family and the pressure to be a perfect mother 45 LITTLE LONDON AWARDS 2017 They’re back and bigger than ever – vote now, and you could win a luxury holiday! 58 MILA KNOWS BEST Hollywood actress Mila Kunis on motherhood and that ‘East European work ethic’ 68 “THE MOMENT YOUR CHILD IS BORN YOU WANT TO PROTECT THEM” Accessories designer Eddie Harrop invites us into her new family home 79 TOT GEAR Yvadney Davis takes the Cybex Mios out on the road 84 BEHIND THE BRAND: CARAMEL Danielle Wilkins meets designer Eva Karayiannis
92 THE WAITING GAME How to maintain your sanity when you’re pregnant and overdue 96 BUYING TIME More women are relying on egg freezing, but how effective is it really? 100 ROCK-A-BYE BABY Are they – and you – getting enough sleep? Here’s how to beat those setbacks 104 BRING IT ON… A run down on everything you can expect when you’re being induced 110 BEAT THOSE POTTY TRAINING PITFALLS Ensure you’re well-prepared and you’ll ace your toddler’s transition 129 BABY COMES FIRST How to decide on the right childcare for your family 132 ASK THE EXPERTS Your burning education questions answered
89
Carole Middleton shares her gift and party ideas for naming day celebrations
STYLE
50 LITTLE TREASURES It’s all about those embroidered collars and vintage-style prints this autumn 72 GOLDEN HOUR Take it back to basics with the sweetest cream and metallic tones
SHOPPING
25 BABY LONDON LOVES Skincare for baby has never looked so good 27 SHOP THE COLOURS From blues and greens to powder pink – just pick your palette 65 EASY DOES IT Layer up these maternity and nursing pieces for simple September dressing
FOOD & TRAVEL
117 FOOD NEWS The latest offerings for little diners
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 5
Editor-in-Chief Kate Freud Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Features Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Contributing Editors Clare Byam-Cook, Emma Cannon, Georgina Cohen, Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton, Jade Parfitt, Natalie Pinkham, Kate Silverton, Zita West
80 118 WHOLESOME & HEARTY From veggie yoghurts to savoury muffins – dive into these family recipes to give baby a variety of tastes and textures 123 TRAVEL NEWS The latest updates and family escapes 124 POSTCARD FROM THE HAGUE Rowena Carr-Allinson heads to the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands
REGULARS
15
35
39
40
48
63
BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small MY ESSENTIALS Izzy Judd on fertility, her IVF journey and why she hopes her new book will inspire others DATES FOR YOUR DIARY What's going on this September and October PEEK THROUGH We round up the best lift-the-flap books for baby INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION Interior designer Sophie Paterson talks nursery styling and fellow followers MATERNITY FASHION NEWS Do bump style right – here’s how
118 6 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Chatty Dobson, Ginny Maclean Marketing Executive Catrina Linz
Children’s auth
or Benji Davie s has advice for new dads… (p.83)
83 THE DAD DIARY Children’s author and illustrator Benji Davies answers all the important questions about fatherhood 89 PARTY TIME: NAMING DAY Carole Middleton is here to help you celebrate your little one’s arrival 91 HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS What’s new in the world of wellbeing 95 Q&A WITH ZITA WEST The fertility expert shares her thoughts on acupuncture and postnatal depression 99 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ This issue, we ask, could your baby be using you as a dummy? 103 DIARY OF A MUM Martha Alexander tackles new heights as she takes baby Robin on her first holiday 106 MEET THE EXPERTS Advice from our panel of healthcare professionals 108 TIME TO TALK In this two-page special, The Bump Class demystifies the medications you can take during pregnancy 113 INTERIOR NEWS Stylish updates and inspiring finds 114 THE REVIEW The best top-of-the-range baby monitors 127 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from classrooms and beyond 135 MINI AGENDA What’s on over the next two months 146 INSPIRE Talking business with Christina Moss and Julia Yule of Bloom and Blossom
Baby weaning just got exciting with Alice Fotheringham’s recipes for the whole family
Head of Market Samantha Howard Sales Executive Harriet Cottrell Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Baby London is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: babylondon.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: babylondon@chelseamagazines.com
Baby London Print ISSN 2040-8552 Online ISSN 2059-982X | Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2017 All rights reserved
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PHOTOGRAPHER: HELEN MARSDEN MODEL: WILLOW Willow wears cardigan, £45, Wild & Gorgeous. Blouse, £14, and shorts, £18, Marie-Chantal for Marks & Spencer. Turban, £30, Lili Gaufrette at Childrensalon.
Find the perfect cot to fall in love with... With 15 cot bed styles and colours to choose from, create your dream nursery for your little creation.
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Handcrafted from the ďŹ nest materials and contemporary in design, a Memory Book is a refreshing approach to a photograph album to be enjoyed for generations to come.
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We’re totally in love with the new shoe designs from German label Birds of Nature Leather booties £52, birdsofnature.com Elephant soft toy £22, jellycat.com
EDITORS
LETTER
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PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
Billybandit shirt £40, alexandalexa.com
ND
UK
Carrément Beau pram shoes £29, childrensalon.com
Babies, tells us how motherhood and writing have become her greatest pleasures (p.42). Accessories designer Eddie Harrop gives us a tour of her London home with her eightmonth-old daughter, Xenia (p.68) and Izzy Judd, wife of McFly’s Harry, talks about her IVF battle and her ‘miracle’ second baby (p.35). For women who aren’t sure what life has in store for them during their fertile years, egg freezing is becoming an increasingly popular choice, but is it worth the money? Rhiane Kirkby investigates (p.96). We have plenty of tips to help women who are overdue cope (p.92), and if baby is stubbornly staying put, the Portland Hospital’s consultant obstetrician Dr Asma Khalil explains the induction process (p.104). We go behind the scenes of fashion brand Caramel (p.84), cherry pick the cheeriest autumn buys for baby (p.27) and review the best baby monitors so you don’t have to (p.114). And last but not least, check out our delicious recipes for weaning your little one (p.118). Enjoy!
KEE
Leather weekend bag £800, eddieharrop.com
I like to imagine that, come September, we’ll find ourselves enveloped in the balmy warmth of an Indian summer, but knowing the British weather as we do, it’s nothing if not full of surprises. So, whatever the forecast, one thing we can be sure of is that September heralds the start of a new school term for big brothers and sisters, and plenty of new and fun activities for baby to enjoy in our Mini Agenda (p.135). If you’re heading back to work after maternity leave, Georgina Blaskey’s comprehensive guide to the best childcare for your little one is well worth a read (p.129). It might also prove the perfect time to beat all of baby’s sleep setbacks with Louise Pyne’s helpful tips (p.100). And while we’re running through the to-do list, for those facing the onerous task of potty training their toddler, our guide makes the whole process easy (p.110). This issue, we were lucky enough to interview not one, but four inspiring working mothers. We catch up with Hollywood actress Mila Kunis, a mother of two who’s putting work on the backburner with her new baby Dimitri (p.58), and the gorgeous Fearne Cotton who, on the release of her latest book, Yoga
O N .C O
.
@baby_london
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 9
R
Where were you born? In Manchester. What did you do this summer? It’s been such great weather this year, so when I’m home in Suffolk I spend a lot of my days walking Millie, my spaniel, in the countryside. What do you like most about autumn? I mostly love the amazing colours. It reminds me of playing conkers after school as a child. Richard captures our Little Treasures shoot on p.50
E YN
TE , WRI R
Where were you born? Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow. What did you do this summer? My family and I went on an amazing road trip through Europe. We travelled from London to Switzerland, France and Italy. It was epic! What do you like most about autumn? London looks so beautiful at this time of year. I love taking my little one to the park to play with the falling leaves, it’s so much fun. Louise shares her potty training tips on p.112
RHIA NE
NS, PHOTOG
LOUI SE P
R BU
R HE AP
RICH AR D
CONTRIBUTORS
WRITER BY, RK I K
Where were you born? Bury, in Lancashire. What did you do this summer? We spent a relaxing week on a Dorset beach, then enjoyed discovering new places here in London to keep my energetic toddler and curious baby entertained. What do you like most about autumn? Digging out my favourite knits and going crunching through fallen leaves with the kids. Rhiane investigates egg freezing on p.96
UK
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10 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
With over 30 configurations and an integrated ride-on-board, the new British designed and engineered iCandy Orange is packed with innovation. Featuring our trademark elevator adaptors, unique 'cinema' double seating mode and a 64 litre basket, the Orange leads the field whilst still being compact enough to fit through a standard door. Brilliantly flexible, beautifully crafted and absolutely futureproof.
As seen on
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Breathable Mesh Cover
Available in Three Colours
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From Newborn
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Christabel PHOTOGRAPHED BY BOGGIO STUDIOS
One-year-old Christabel is full of giggles and always on the lookout for the next adventure! She lives with her parents, Camilla and Ed, her sister
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 13
baby
NEWS
O-DATE, V P-T
.U K
• BA
BY
• ISIT
KEEP U
U PDATING YOU ON ALL THINGS GR E AT AN D SMALL
CO
NEWS
LO N D O N
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ETHICAL INFANTS
Sustainable label Tootsa has launched a clothing line for the littlest members of the family this autumn, with its new baby range. The Tootsa Tots unisex collection includes rompers, t-shirts, sweatpants and more, many featuring the brand’s trademark animal prints. Jeans and cords have been specially adapted for baby, with deep crotches to allow for nappies, and reinforced knee patches for crawlers, in sizes newborn to 24 months. From £19, tootsa.com
ENSURE YOUR BODY AND MIND ARE IN TIP-TOP CONDITION FOR MOTHERHOOD WITH REST & BE’S ONLINE MEDITATIONS. SESSIONS FOR EXPECTANT MUMS INCLUDE PREPARING YOUR BODY FOR BIRTH AND BONDING WITH BABY. PODCASTS CAN BE AS SHORT AS TWO MINUTES AND DON’T REQUIRE AN INTERNET CONNECTION. FROM £10.95 A MONTH, RESTANDBE.COM
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 15
NEWS
SLEEP EVE-N BETTER
The geniuses behind the renowned Eve mattress have introduced a new version for baby. Made from premium materials with exceptional breathability, the design features supportive pocket springs, an added foam layer and a waterproof panel to protect against leaks. We can’t guarantee your little one will sleep through the night, but with this mattress, we reckon the odds are in your favour. Available in two sizes. From £125, evemattress.co.uk
OPEN FOR BUSINESS Nurturing Mums, the company which hosts postnatal courses across the capital, has relaunched its online store. From 1 September, you can shop a new selection of artisan brands, from nursery gear and baby clothing to treats for mum. nurturingmumsuk.com
Leave your vest to do the talking…
WEAR YOUR WORDS Selfish Mother’s range of cult slogan tees and sweaters have been joined by a line of bright, oversized vests. This is a chance to really let the world know how you feel, whether it’s ‘love’, ‘solidarity’ or that you’re, quite simply, ‘winging it’. With each sale, £7 is donated to Selfish Mother’s chosen charities, including War Child and Help Refugees. £25, thefmlystore.com
HAPPY FEET Inspired by her goddaughter’s traditional Spanish footwear, mother of two Clare set up Willabeans to bring a bit of Mediterranean flare to London. The brand launches with two desert boot styles crafted from premium leather, available in four colours. From £32, willabeans.com
THE BABY BOX CO HAS TEAMED UP WITH MAUDSLEY HOSPITAL TO SUPPORT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF NEW PARENTS. THOSE ATTENDING THE HOSPITAL’S ‘TALKING THERAPIES’ WILL BE OFFERED A FREE BOX FILLED WITH NEWBORN ESSENTIALS, DOUBLING UP AS A SLEEP SPACE FOR BABY. THE FINNISH TRADITION IS CREDITED WITH REDUCING THE RATE OF SIDS. BABYBOXCO.UK
16 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Because our little ones have good taste too. Leading the way with innovative, vegetable-led recipes packed with flavour and nutrition giving your little one only the best start on their foodie journey!
Food for babies, not baby food.
BLUE JEAN BABY If your little one is going to wear knee patches, you might as well make them faux-fur and heart-shaped. Replay & Sons’ denim collection for baby girls features just that, with other standout styles including a faded star-print black pair. This is baby denim reimagined. Sizes from six months. From £63, replayjeans.com
SENSORY SOOTHER From nursing to swaddling, the humble muslin is most definitely a nursery necessity – but what if it could also help baby’s development? Each sensory muslin from Etta Loves is adorned with stimulating patterns, with the range split into two age groups for optimal effectiveness. From £19, ettaloves.com
HIT REFRESH
BabyBjörn wants you to celebrate your uniqueness with its latest limitededition collection. The Be You range sees the Baby Carrier One, One Air and Bouncer Bliss dressed in a line of new fabrics, from grey pinstripes to turqouise, all modelled by parents and their kids. The aim of the campaign is to challenge social stereotypes and encourage parents’ self-belief. £134.99, babybjorn.co.uk
WELCOME GIFTS DOUBLE DUTY Meet the new multi-use muslin from Cheeky Chompers. Not only does it swaddle, it can be used as a nursing cover, burp cloth, attachable shade for pushchairs, blanket, and features a tag for attaching two teething rings. The design is available in four fun prints. £28.99, cheekychompers.com
Kidly has revealed its New Baby clothing collection, featuring newborn essentials like footed leggings and bodysuits, to booties and bibs. You can buy pieces individually, or as a set, in three sizes – small baby (up to 6lbs), newborn and three months. The mix and match pieces work together, but also blend seamlessly into exisiting wardrobes. From £6, kidly.co.uk
AS A NEW PARENT, OFTEN ALL YOU NEED IS ADVICE FROM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS. BUDDYWITH IS A BRAND-NEW SITE HELPING PARENTS CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES – FROM THE GOOD AND BAD TO THE CHALLENGING. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE, SO SIGN UP NOW AND GET READY TO SHARE YOUR WISE WORDS. BUDDYWITH.ORG.UK
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 19
NEWS
UNDER WRAPS Swaddling is a great way to settle young babies, but some methods can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. The new ‘Hip Healthy’ Groswaddle from The Gro Company features an innovative pocket design that gives baby plenty of room to wriggle their little legs, while securing their upper body and arms. There’s seven prints to choose from, suitable from birth up to 14lbs. £13.99, gro-store.com
WATER WORKS
Add some fun to bathtime with Skip Hop’s new toys. Part of the brand’s Zoo collection, the Fill Up Bee Fountain creates a mesmerising water umbrella when dunked, but for more of a challenge, see how many balls you can get through the hoop with the Bathtime Basketball Puppy, which sticks on to bathroom tiles. From £10, skiphop.com
BEST OF THE BLOGS
The internet is awash with information but these brilliant bloggers cut to the chase with honest and practical advice Check out Lisa’s Instagram for a run-down of her most co eted outfits
LUX MUMMA As a new mother to little Ava Grace, London-based Kerstin started blogging during her pregnancy to record her thoughts and feelings. She offers great advice for prospective mothers, from air travel tips to your ultimate hospital bag checklist and essentials for life with a newborn. There’s an insight into giving birth at The Lindo Wing, too, where Kerstin’s daughter was delivered by the same consultant who was on the Duchess of Cambridge’s ‘birth team’. luxmumma.com
20 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
NOT SUCH A MODEL MUM Prior to having children, Jessica and Caroline met as models on the Parisian fashion circuit, and soon became firm friends. Five kids later – Jess has three, Caroline two – they set up Not Such A Model Mum, a blog focusing on fashion, beauty and the ups and downs of motherhood. Caroline, who now lives in Barcelona with her family, offers her perspective on life in the Spanish city, while London-based Jess shares hers. notsuchamodelmum.com
CITY RUN MUM City worker Lisa set up City Run Mum as a place to highlight her favourite fashion finds – for work and for ‘toddler days’ with her young daughter. She effortlessly mixes investment buys with high street pieces, and manages to nail the look every time. We particularly love her Working Mum series, documenting different mothers and addressing how they manage to make it work with young children. cityrunmum.com
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus can be used from birth up to 12 months
WIN!
A QUINNY PUSHCHAIR AND MAXI-COSI CAR SEAT S
ummer may be fading out, but strolls with your baby needn’t become dull. The latest collection from Quinny – the Zapp X – is about adapting to your little one’s everchanging needs. With one iconic frame, the designs offer several travelling solutions, suitable from birth to when your child is able to walk their own way. To celebrate the launch, Quinny is offering readers the chance to win a Zapp Flex Plus, worth £335, complete with MaxiCosi Pebble Plus car seat (£199) and a Maxi-Cosi 2wayFix Base (£199) – ensuring you’re ready for any adventure as soon as your baby arrives.
A functional and stylish option for parents, the high-end finish of the Zapp Flex Plus is thanks to the use of premium materials inspired by the latest athleisure trend, making it lightweight, water-resistant and breathable. Matching its sporty look, the addition of the Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus offers parents a complete travel system that can be used from birth – all it takes is a few clicks to switch, and folding is a doddle, too. The winner will get to choose a colour – will you mix and match with graphite and blush, or keep it simple with one block colour? Good luck!
WORTH £733
To enter, visit babylondon.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES 11:59PM ON 12 OCTOBER 2017. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT QUINNY.COM
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 21
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With you every step of the way Thinking about starting a family? Pregnacare® Conception provides expert nutritional support, with 21 micronutrients including vitamins D and B12, plus 400mcg folic acid,1 the level recommended by the UK Department of Health for all women from the start of trying to conceive. The carefully balanced formula, including zinc which contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, helps to safeguard your daily nutrient intake during this important time.
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1. Getting enough folic acid is vital from the start of trying to conceive. Supplemental folic acid increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Folic acid also contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. 2. Pregnacare is the pregnancy supplement brand that is most recommendedby midwives. Based on a survey of 1000 midwives. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 25 March 2017.
SHOPPING
LOVES
Take baby back to nature with the full range of Little Aurelia probiotic skincare
A soft touch Add a little enchantment to baby’s bathtime with the beautiful new range of products from Little Aurelia. Skincare for baby has never looked so good with these hand illustrated bottles, including bath and massage oil and calming rescue cream, as well as the limited-edition Sleep Time Tales book, all beautifully packaged in a printed suitcase. The botanical range is thoroughly luxurious and designed to soothe the most delicate of skin, so you can rest assured you’re giving baby the very best – naturally. Woodland Friends gift set, £150, aureliaskincare.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 25
6
Cotton cardigan £40, lucyandbelle.com
Ralph Lauren cotton babygrow £59, chocolateclothing.co.uk
From a selection scandiborn.co.uk
Cashmere booties £67, bonpoint.com
Merino wool dungarees £59, mabli.co.uk
Cotton musical mobile £24, fermliving.com
BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One £134.99, johnlewis.com
Cotton dress £52, cocoandwolf.com
SING THE BLUES
A host of indigo and dove grey tones adds a cool and calming touch to baby’s nursery. Pair with white for a softer feel
Charlie Crane Levo baby rocker £184.95, scandiborn.co.uk
Changing mat £6.50, mothercare.com
Cotton blouse £39, olivierbaby.com Livly cotton hat £11, alexandalexa.com Cotton bodysuit £66, lacoqueta.com
Baghera pedal car £162.54, en.smallable.com
Mayoral pram shoes £13, childrensalon.com
SHOPPING
OYOY cotton cushion £35, decobaby.co.uk
Plastic bowl £7.50, buddyandbear.com
Corduroy dress £19, jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Cotton t-shirt £29, wildandgorgeous.co.uk
From a selection next.co.uk
Chloé dress £124, childrensalon.com
Billieblush babygrow £29, childrensalon.com
EARTH ANGELS
Polka Dot Club teddy bear £120, rosesandthestars.com
Merino sleeping bag £75, merinokids.co.uk
Baby’s wardrobe gets the green light with a painterly palette of verdant hues
Bugaboo Cameleon3 Kite travel system £1,049, johnlewis.com
Leather moccasins £42, amyandivor.com
Aden + Anais muslin swaddles set £39, alexandalexa.com
Knitted cotton romper £56, benedita.co.uk 28 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Billybandit trousers £27, littlegiantedit.com
The Online Baby Boutique
www.lucyandbelle.com
Available from
Musical Elephant
Musical fun learning for babies 6 months +
and other leading toy retailers
www.clementoni.com • clemuk@clementoni.com •
Sandy, Cuddle and Words Helps baby learn ABC’s, numbers, colours and shapes
clementoniUK
SHOPPING
Lambskin gilet £260, bonpoint.com Wool felt mobile £35, hedgehogshop.co.uk Linen romper £49, mabokids.com
Kalon wooden dresser £1,330, lullabuy.co.uk
Cotton leggings £18, ministylin.com
Suede shoes £48.99, alexandroskids.com
From a selection at Smile by Julien Macdonald mothercare.com
SUPER
Laranjinha cotton top and shorts £52, childrensalon.com
Wooden stacking toy £12.50, decobaby.co.uk Micuna OVO high chair £297.95, scandiborn.co.uk
Djeco wooden rattle £7.50, babyme.com
Rattan tray £36, kalinko.com Sheepskin bear £30, whiterabbitengland.com Cotton bodysuit £16.50, petit-bateau.co.uk Cotton muslin bibs (pack of two) £29, camomile.london
Cashmere blanket £120, olivierbaby.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 31
SHOPPING
By Heritage organic blanket £65, decobaby.co.uk Knitted cotton crown £20, angels-face.co.uk
Chloé gilet £112, childrensalon.com
Sebra cot bed £699, nubie.co.uk
Cotton dungarees £39.50, dottydungarees.com
From a selection stellamccartney.com
Jellycat soft toy £28, alexandalexa.com
Nobodinoz cotton sleeping bag £45, nubie.co.uk
BLUSH
Cotton dress and bloomers set £68, lacoquetakids.com
From pastel to peachy to bubblegum, these
Cotton bib £36, bonpoint.com
Elodie Details play mat £71, alexandalexa.com
Cotton hat £26, lacoquetakids.com
Carrément Beau leather pram shoes £29, childrensalon.com Cam Cam Copenhagen organic cotton blanket £55, mamaowl.net Olivier Baby & Kids cashmere cardigan £59, rosesandthestars.com
32 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Wheat tulle skirt £25, johnlewis.com
INTERVIEW wan remains a firm fa ourite in the udd household Ewan the Dream Sheep soother £29.99, johnlewis.com
he couple shared their pre nanc y news with this sweet photo on nsta ram
MY ESSENTIALS IZZY JUDD
You’re mum to 18-month-old Lola with your second baby due in a few months’ time, have you always wanted a family? Ever since I was a little girl I would dream about becoming a mum, and I found it difficult to see my life without having children of my own. I would imagine having four children – two boys and two girls. After struggling to conceive Lola I could only hope we would be able to give her a sister or a brother. I count my lucky stars every day. You’ve spoken very honestly about your IVF journey in your new book, Dare to Dream. How did you find opening up about such a personal subject? Harry and I made the decision to be open about our fertility struggles when we announced our pregnancy with Lola. I remember ‘Elwood’ faux leather backpack £130, tibaandmarl.com
The violinist and author on her battle with fertility, falling pregnant naturally
how hard I found other people’s pregnancy announcements and felt I wanted to be respectful to those who may be going through a difficult time. I also feel proud of the way Lola was conceived. I was amazed at the positive reaction we had, not only from Three will become four this September
friends who were facing similar issues, but also from couples who got in touch to say how grateful they were that we had spoken out about our difficulties. It was those people and encouragement from Harry that inspired me to write Dare to Dream.
How did you find the time to put pen to paper? Lola and I are lucky to have such a wonderful dad and husband in Harry! I would also write when Lola was napping, or head to a café while Harry and Lola were in the playground. Can you describe how you felt when you found out you had fallen pregnant naturally? It was New Year’s Day morning and Lola was in the bathroom with me. As the line appeared, I just kept saying to Lola, “Look, there’s a line, there’s a line!” Then I woke Harry up. It was so surreal – I just couldn’t believe after all we had been through that it would ever be that simple. How are you finding pregnancy this time around? This pregnancy has been tougher than my first – I’ve felt more nauseous and a lot more tired. I do feel guilty for admitting
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 35
INTERVIEW
The couple met in 2005, when violinist Izzy joined McFly’s concert tour
that though. I think having gone through so much to have Lola, I don’t feel it’s fair to complain as I feel so lucky to be pregnant. I have to remind myself that it’s OK to have tougher days and allow myself the odd moan. Poor Harry has basically been living with a hormonal wife for the best part of four years! Have you found out the sex? No. We didn’t know with Lola and the moment Harry told me she was a girl was one of the most magical moments of my life. It’s funny because I love to plan, so not finding out goes against my character completely. Perhaps because so many other things surrounding our fertility have been planned, this is the one thing we can leave up to nature. What products or essentials have proved invaluable so far? My pregnancy essential has to be my Bravado bras – they are
36 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
ola’s BabyB rn bouncer pro ed in aluable when y was busy around the house Bouncer Balance Soft £129.99, babybjorn.co.uk
so comfortable! Also, a good pregnancy pillow does wonders to help you get comfy at night. Other than that, this pregnancy has been all about sparkling water, I can’t get enough of it! In terms of baby essentials, I found Clare Byam-Cook’s book, What to Expect When You’re Breastfeeding… incredibly helpful. Another great read was Your Baby Week by Week by Simone Cave and Dr Caroline Fertleman. Practical baby products that I loved with Lola were her Caboo baby carrier, SnüzPod crib, BabyBjörn bouncer, Shnuggle bath and Ewan the Dream Sheep. If we looked in your changing bag, what would we find? I love the Tiba + Marl changing bags – we chose a black rucksack. Inside, you would probably find heaps of nappies, Water Wipes,
nappy bags, Weleda nappy cream, Nurofen and Lola’s health record book. Then for me, lip balm, hairbands, chewing gum and a phone charger. Where do you and Harry like to go on date night? Harry and I would always choose to go for brunch over dinner. There is nothing we love more than a lazy breakfast with coffee, newspapers and magazines. There’s a cute café near us that does great food. If we do go out for a date in the evening, it’s usually to a musical – they’ve always been our guilty pleasure!
Izzy says Harry is a very hands-on father
There is a chapter from Harry in your book, what was the thought behind that? It’s vital to acknowledge that fertility is very much about the couple. Often the emphasis can be on the woman and actually men need just as much support. I wanted Harry to tell his side of the story in the hope it helps other men to feel less alone. What advice would you give to anyone going through their own fertility problems? Going through fertility issues is an isolating experience, so take time to do the things that make you happy with the people who make you happy. Look after yourself mentally and physically and discover your own space where you can find peace from your busy mind and begin to think positively. Always believe amazing things can happen. Dare to Dream by Izzy Judd (£14.99, Bantam Press) is out now
PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/MRS_IZZYJUDD; INSTAGRAM.COM/HARRYJUDD; PA IMAGES/IAN WEST
s y would find time to wor in caf par the in were while arry and ola
Maria Montessori School Dedicated to helping each child lay the best foundation for life
Our school, established in 1965, is located on several sites in North and West London a e a a the te e a hl e t yea Hampstead - Lyndhurst Gardens, NW3 West Hampstead - Abbey Road, NW6 Hornsey Rise (Crouch End) - Ashley Road, N19 Bayswater - St Petersburgh Place, W2 Holland Park ale ae n - Powis Gardens, W11
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NEW COLLECTION
Prints charming
SEPTEMBER
This September, our friends over at Aden + Anais are launching three new print designs; Bird Song, Dream Ride and Wild Horses. The prints are available as swaddles, muslins, bibs and blankets – a dreamy companion for baby through the autumn months. From £8, adenandanais.co.uk
1 RAIN READY!
Today Bugaboo launches a high-performance raincover to fit all its strollers, so we can be prepared for whatever the weather has to throw at us this autumn! £52.95, bugaboo.com
10 #MAMASTE
Designed to support fitness during pregnancy and post-birth, new activewear label The Blume Collection has teamed up with Triyoga Camden to offer a special 45-minute yoga class complete with refreshments. Spaces are limited, sign up for your free ticket at eventbrite.co.uk
14 MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
Today is the last day to have your say in our Little London Awards! Now in its third year, don’t miss your chance to vote for your favourite brands, and you could win a holiday to the luxury Kurumba family resort in the Maldives. littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/ awards
dates for your
DIARY
My First Book of Patterns £12.95, Phaidon
Pens at the ready, we have a few suggestions to keep you and baby busy for the next two months
18 SHAPE
SHIFTERS
Explore polka dots, plaid, stripes, chevron and more with the My First Book of Patterns board book, available from today. This vivid, artisic introduction to patterns is the creation of two Montessori educators, Bobby and June George. £12.95, phaidon.com
23 LUNCH BUNCH WHAT’S NEW
Family fashion As the ‘mini me’ trend grows, September sees the launch of Envie de Fraise’s AW17 Family Collection, aimed at expectant mothers, nursing mothers and beyond, with matching styles for kids up to six. Dads can get matching tees, too! enviedefraise.co.uk
Stella McCartney gives creepy a cool twist with this fringed number Cotton top £36, childrensalon.com
Did you know, Nibble + Squeak hosts foodie events for mums and babies all over the world? The company returns to the London dining scene this September, with lunch at The Manor in Clapham today and more dates in October. nibbleandsqueak.com
OCTOBER 2 BRA-ILLIANT!
Looking for the perfect nursing bra? The new Body Silk seamless nursing bra from Bravado combines comfort and style, and goes on-sale in John Lewis stores today.
5 BOUNCE, BABY
BabyBjörn adds new designs to its Bouncer Bliss range this month. Say hi to the Bouncer Bliss Cotton, with pure cotton cover and soft grey frame. From £144.99, babybjorn.co.uk
Bravado Designs seamless bra £30, johnlewis.com
6 SHOW TIME
Taking place at Sandown Park in Surrey, the Baby & Toddler Show is a three-day event for new and expectant parents that combines top brands, fab shopping opportunities and plenty of expert advice. babyandtoddlershow.co.uk
12 WIN BIG!
Today’s your last chance to win prizes at babylondon. co.uk/competitions
31 HAPPY
HALLOWEEN
It’s the spookiest time of the year, so make sure your little pumpkin looks the part. We love Stella Mccartney's wicked offerings. stellamccartney.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 39
PEEK
through Emma O’Donovan ROU N DS U P TH E BE ST LIF T-TH E-FL AP BOOKS FOR BABY
KIKI AND BOBO’S SUPER SURPRISE By Yasmeen Ismail
Juicy technicolour illustrations bring Kiki and Bobo to life as they plan a secret surprise party. The clever flap details create an immersive and fun-filled read for toddlers. £10.99, Walker Books
BOOKS
Discover a whole host of Egyptian animals while you look for mummy…
CAN YOU SAY IT TOO? GROWL! GROWL! By Sebastien Braun
Parents and children alike will delight in mimicking the sounds of the jungle as you get to know all creatures great and small. A fun robust book for the very young. £5.99, Nosy Crow
NO, NANCY, NO! By Alice Tait
Nancy tries to reunite a lost teddy with its owners in this mischieffilled romp across London. A deliciously stylish and beautifully illustrated storybook. £12.99, Walker Books
THIS WAY, THAT WAY By Antonio Ladrillo
Create your own stories with
this clever wordless flip-and-fold book. Bold jolly shapes interact with each other and the reader in this fun book-sharing experience. £7.99, Tate Publishing
OPPOSITE THINGS By Anna Kövecses
Little Mouse encourages young readers to lift the flaps and learn about opposites. Simple, stylised illustrations and familiar images will make this a big hit with babies. £5.99, Wide Eyed Editions
HIDDEN ANIMALS By Agnese Baruzzi
Colourful geometric patterns reveal hidden animal surprises through the use of peek-through holes. Little ones will delight in the transformations, which also
promote shape recognition. £6.99, Templar Publishing
experience for little hands. £6.99, Nosy Crow
MUMMY!
LITTLE HAZELNUT
By Lerryn Korda Help a young Egyptian girl find her mummy, who is hidden somewhere in the story. Filled with easy-to-lift flaps and fun historical facts, it’s the perfect mix of educational content, interactivity and story-telling. £5.99, Nosy Crow x The British Museum
WHERE’S MRS LADYBIRD?
By Ingela P. Arrhenius Explore a beautiful garden and find new friends along the way, hidden under the soft felt flaps. A stylish and satisfying reading
By Anne-Florence Lemasson and Domenique Ehrhard An exquisite first pop-up book for all ages. The poetic story features delightful birds, cats and plants. This would make a beautiful christening or first birthday gift. £10.99, Old Barn Books
FLIP FLAP OCEAN By Axel Scheffler
Take the first steps into independent reading with this whimsical exploration of creatures from the sea. Little ones will have hours of fun mixing and matching the familiar faces. £8.99, Nosy Crow
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 41
INTERVIEW
COTTONtales earne Cotton is famously bubbly, warm and charming on camera, so I’m delighted to find her much the same when we meet in person. Today, we’re talking about her latest book, Yoga Babies, a delightful children’s read praising the practice of yoga for all the family, complete with humorous insights into life with little ones and heart-warming illustrations by Sheena Dempsey. “This year my book, Happy, came out, which was very personal to me. Then there was a cook book, so writing Yoga Babies at the end was just a total joy. It’s all been pretty full on!” Fearne laughs. Yoga is something Fearne has enjoyed herself for years, having discovered it before she had her son, Rex, four. She says, “I was very into running before, but then discovered a fabulous yoga teacher and it’s been part of my life ever since. It’s integral to my sanity! And it makes me feel fit. I do one class a week, then practice twice a week at home for 45 minutes, too.” And clearly the kids, who both feature in the book, love to join in, which is where the idea for Yoga Babies came from. “I think anything that helps children to concentrate in a calm way has to be a good thing,” Fearne explains. “Rex, and little boys in general, are so energetic and testosterone-fuelled it’s great to see them unwind when they do yoga. I love seeing my two channelling their energies into something so positive, even just for 10 minutes,” she says. “At the moment Rex is determinedly working on his handstand while my daughter Honey, two, is focusing on the tree pose, though the balancing bit is tricky!”
F
but once it was out there I was relieved. The public’s response has been amazing, and I’m proud to say it’s probably the best thing I have ever done in my career,” she says. She is currently working on the sequel, which is due for release next year. Fearne always knew she wanted a family, but her path to motherhood came about in an unexpected way. When she met her husband, Jesse Wood, a musician (and son of the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie) he already had two children; Arthur, now 15, and Lola, now 11, so as she says, she fell into parenting by chance. “I was so lucky,” she says. “They are such cool, smart, accepting kids, and they are amazing with the two little ones now.” The family live in South West London, near Richmond Park, and love spending time outdoors together. “Sometimes I do the soft play thing, but we tend to just put our wellies on and head to the park. Rex can ride a bike now, and Honey pushes her little buggy, and it’s something we all enjoy,” Fearne explains. When they’re at home they love to bake cakes and do arts and crafts together, which, given Fearne’s own love of sketching and writing, proves the artistic streak runs in the family. So now she’s been through it twice, what advice would she give to a first-time mother? “It’s going to be chaos, but it will pass!” she laughs. “Rather than fight it, just go with it and you’ll be happy.” And if she’s anything to go by, it’s a mantra that’s clearly working.
RATHER THAN FIGHT THE CHAOS, JUST GO WITH IT AND YOU’LL BE HAPPY
42 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
These kinds of simple pleasures have become part of Fearne’s ethos in general. Happy is about letting go of ‘perfect’, a concept that is near impossible for many mothers to achieve, and part of the reason she wrote the book in the first place. “Our parents’ generation just tried to keep their children alive, but these days, there’s a plethora of ideals that mothers are expected to live up to, and it’s just too much pressure,” she says. “It was an incredibly cathartic process to write, to be honest. I wrote completely freely from personal experience, and I was so glad I did.” She read and re-read the book 20 times before it was published, and right up to the moment it came out she wasn’t sure she had done the right thing. “I felt nervous the night before, like I wanted to take it all back,
Yoga Babies (£9.99, Andersen Press) is available from 7 September
PHOTOGRPHAY: RAY BURMISTON; INSTAGRAM/FEARNECOTTON. ILLUSTRATION: SHEENA DEMPSEY
Fearne Cot ton TALKS TO K ATE FR EU D ABOUT LIFE AS A MOTH ER OF T WO, H ER N EW BOOK , AN D H OW WE CAN ALL LE AR N TO FIN D JOY IN TH E EVERYDAY
Fearne and Jesse have be en married for three ye ars
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LITTLE LONDON AWARDS
I Last year’s judges get ready to make their choices for the four special categories
t’s that time of year again, when the great and good of the pregnancy, baby and children’s industry come together to applaud all they have achieved over the last year, and you – our loyal readers – get to choose who you’d like to see win at our Little London Awards 2017. Whether you are pregnant, a first-time mother or already have little ones approaching their tweens, we all have those can’t-live-without products that make parenting life that little bit easier. It might be the pregnancy pillow that’s helping you sleep at night, the handbag-friendly baby wipes that have saved you from many a food explosion, or the fail-safe buggy that makes navigating tubes and buses a breeze – whatever you’re thankful for, you can show your favourite brands just how much you love them by voting for them in this year’s awards. Plus, when you do, we’ll automatically enter you into our draw to win a luxury family holiday to the Maldives. With 22 categories, four of the winners of these will be chosen by our expert judging panel, and all the winners will be announced in a special ceremony later this year. Happy voting!
THE NOMINEES BEST CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND • Alice à Paris • Blade & Rose • Emile et Rose • Kingdom of Origin • Magnet Mouse London • Molo • My Little Shop • Noé & Zoë Berlin • Peacheyboo • Scamp & Dude • Someday Soon • Sophia Schneider-Esleben • The Bonnie Mob • Wild & Gorgeous
BEST BOUTIQUE
BEST TRAVEL ESSENTIAL
• Cuckoo Hibou • Eat Sleep Love • Lucy and Belle • Molly Brown London • Peacheyboo • The Little Square Gallery
• A Little Bit Brilliant Space Cot • Avery Row Go Everywhere Mat • Bundle Beds • Hauck Swift Buggy • Penny Scallan 4-Wheel Spinner • Sleepyhead Of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe Pod • Splash About Go Splash Swim Vest • Splash About The New Improved Happy Nappy • Storksak Cabin Carry-On
BEST ONLINE RETAILER • Alex and Alexa • All By Mama • Childrensalon • Me & Buddy • Mori • My 1st Years • Stuck On You
BEST CHILDREN’S SHOE BRAND
BEST APP
• Bobux • Clarks • Moccstars • Salt-Water Sandals • Start-rite
• Ebookadabra • Hopster • MyMedela
BEST CHILDREN’S FOOD BRAND • Annabel Karmel • Little Dish • Piccolo • Kiddyum
BEST TRAVEL COMPANY • Abercrombie & Kent • Bushbaby Travel • Powder Byrne • Scott Dunn • Ski Famille • Tots To Travel
BEST FAMILY DAY OUT • Kidzania London • Lapland UK • ZSL London Zoo
BEST KIDS’ CLUB, GROUP OR CLASS • Club Petit Pierrot • Gymboree Play & Music • iCoolKid Ltd • Kids en Cuisine • Little House of Science: Little Discovery • Nurturing Mums Postnatal Courses • Purple Dragon
Vote now at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards
êêêê ê
FIVE STAR R E S OR T
Vote today for your chance to WIN a luxury family holiday to the Maldives! BEST BABY ESSENTIAL
BEST CHILDREN’S TOY
BEST NURSERY NECESSITY
• BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One • Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser • Green People Organic Children Sticky Hand Sanitiser • Huggies Little Swimmers • Huggies Pull-Ups • Kit & Kin Biodegradable Nappies • Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil • Little’Un Baby Box • Matchstick Monkey Teething Toy • Medela Swing Essentials breastfeeding pack • Mori Clever Sleeping Bag • Motorola MBP36XL video monitor • Motorola MBP855 Connect monitor • Mustela UK Gentle Cleansing Gel • Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules • OptiBac Probiotics For Babies & Children supplement • Sleepyhead Of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe Pod • Snugbags Merino Sleeping Bags • Smalls Merino Swaddle • Sophie la girafe Cosmetics SOS Cream • Splash About The New Improved Happy Nappy • Stokke Tripp Trapp • The Little Green Sheep Organic Mattress Protector
• Gymboree Play & Music Bubble Ooodles • Lego Juniors construction toys • Ooh Noo Toy Pram • Ooh No Toy Chest on Wheels • Scamp & Dude Sleep Buddy
• Belo + Me wardrobe dividers • Ethaca Sofa Bed / Merry-Go-Round • Katie Bourne Children’s Wallpaper • Matchstick Monkey Teething Toy • Naturalmat Coco Mat • Noé & Zoë Berlin storage baskets • Ooh Noo Alphabet Blocks • Ooh Noo Rocking Horse • Sleepyhead Of Sweden Sleepyhead Deluxe Pod
BEST PUSHCHAIR • Britax Affinity 2 • Bugaboo Cameleon 3 • Uppababy Vista • YippieYo Crossbuggy
BEST PREGNANCY ESSENTIAL • Bump & Baby Club London • Elderflower & Delilah Feed 3-in-1 maternity top • Weleda Perineum Massage Oil
BEST MATERNITY FASHION BRAND • Envie de Fraise • Isabella Oliver • Nine in the Mirror
BEST CHANGING BAG • Jem + Bea ‘Jemima’ • PacaPod ‘Madison’ • Storksak ‘Charlotte’
BEST BLOG • Dress Like a Mum • Mama Still Got It • The Dad Network • The EVB Edit
Plus, the top scorers from the categories above go through to our judges categories:
BEST NEW BRAND BEST NEW PRODUCT BEST PRODUCT BRAND OF THE YEAR
Vote now at littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/awards
PROFILE
GET THE LOOK
Hydrocotton bathrobe £28, thewhitecompany.com
Wooden play gym £72, oskoe.com
Cashmere gift set £350, belleenfant-boutique.com
Women’s cashmere sweater £275, chintiandparker.com
INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION
@SOPHIEPATERSONINTERIORS How did you become interested in interior design? Even as a little girl, my favourite pastime was to rearrange my bedroom, and occasionally the rest of the house when my mum let me! After a career in events management, I had the opportunity to design a townhouse for a developer who had seen my house and liked it. I did this free of charge in exchange for the experience, and that led to more and more projects. Was designing Ava’s nursery an easy task? I had a clear idea of how I wanted it to be, in that I wanted a practical space that would grow with her. It’s still my favourite room to have designed. Any tips for first-time parents creating a nursery? Invest in a rug – it’s a great way to introduce pattern
48 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
into the room while protecting the carpet or adding softness if you have wooden floors. I used Velux blinds to ensure total blackout during the day, and this has been a godsend. I also designed some shelves to display books – they look great as a space filler and act like art. If you don’t want to go down the bespoke route, Ikea has picture shelves that work just as well. Who do you take inspiration from on Instagram? I follow @humphreymunson – this account is a great example of a company doing social media well, plus, it’s total kitchen heaven! I also love @carolyneroehm and @casiebamford; these women do entertaining on another level and always inspire me to try harder with my own dinner parties and table décor.
Frame jeans £235, net-a-porter.com
Made-to-order rocking horse from £3,300, stevensonbros.com
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Little treasures
PHOTOGR APHY: R ICHAR D BUR NS ST YLING: Y VADNEY DAVIS
THIS PAGE: Bella Rose wears cotton blouse, £87, Bonpoint. Cotton-blend pinafore dress, £105, Burberry. Floralprint blanket, £25, Next. LEFT PAGE: Gabriel wears merino wool top, £42, Mabli. Cotton cardigan, £55, Rachel Riley. Corduroy shorts, £29, Wild & Gorgeous. Crochet rattle, £12.99, Sebra at Scandibørn.
THIS PAGE: Arthur wears cotton bodysuit, £48, and shorts with braces, £89, both Marie-Chantal. Wool blanket, £70, Little Knittle. LEFT PAGE: Cecilia wears wool cardigan, £148, Caramel. Cotton dress, £33.54, Lab La Petite Collection at Smallable. Cotton denim bloomers, £35, Noé & Zoë. Cotton tights, £10, Pepa & Co. Wool bonnet, £28, Woollywonder Knits. Floral-print blanket, £25, Next.
THIS PAGE: Bella Rose wears jacquard cotton-blend dress, £125, Chloé at Harrods. Cotton bodysuit, £48, Marie-Chantal. Floral-print blanket, £25, Next. Knitted woolblend blanket, £18, Marks & Spencer. LEFT PAGE: Florence wears cotton bodysuit, £85, Caramel. Cotton tights, £10, Pepa & Co. Wool blanket, £70, Little Knittle.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODELS: ARTHUR, BEATRICE, BELLA ROSE, CECILIA, FLORENCE, GABRIEL. MODEL AGENCIES: KIDS LONDON, MINI MODELS WALLPAPER THROUGHOUT: SWEET PEA 100/6027 (ARCHIVE ANTHOLOGY COLLECTION), £90 PER 10M ROLL, COLE & SON
Cotton-blend tights (pack of three) £10, mothercare.com
Organic cotton babygrow £7.99, hm.com
Cotton t-shirt £12, mamasandpapas.com
Cotton cardigan £15, next.co.uk
Cotton romper £24, boden.co.uk
Cotton-blend dungarees and bodysuit set £10, matalan.co.uk
Cotton knit cardigan £22, mamasandpapas.com
Cecilia wears cotton-blend dress, £11, Next. Cashmere cardigan, £115, Brora. Cotton tights, £10, Pepa & Co. Knitted wool-blend blanket, £18, Marks & Spencer. Floral-print blanket (just seen), £25, Next.
George crochet cardigan £6, direct.asda.com
Cotton-blend romper £10, hemashop.com Cotton dress £22, monsoon.co.uk
Corduroy dungarees £28, boden.co.uk
Cotton bodysuit £12, marksandspencer.com
SHOP THE SHOOT
Give baby’s wardrobe a vintage twist with
Cotton trousers £6, marksandspencer.co.uk
Cotton dress £25, mamasandpapas.com
Cotton-blend cardigan £12.50, hemashop.com
Cotton tights £6.95, gap.co.uk
Cotton cardigan £14, marksandspencer.com
Leather pram shoes £28, moccstars.com Cable knit cotton sweater £16.95, gap.co.uk
COMPILED BY: CHLOE COLLYER
Cotton t-shirt £3.99, zara.com
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Amazing shopping and expert advice for new and expectant parents to give their baby the best start
Save 1/3 on tickets, quote SEB21 at babyandtoddlershow.co.uk Expert Advice Workshops | Baby First Aid Seminars | Baby Carrier Trial Baby Feeding Area | Baby Changing Area Offer closes 5 October 2017. Standard adult tickets £12, children under 16 do not require tickets. Booking fees not included. Show content subject to change.
INTERVIEW
Mila and Ashton have known each other since childhood, when they met on set
mila knows best SH E’S KNOWN FOR H ER HIGH-JIN KS COM EDY ROLE S, BUT AS AC TR E SS Mila Kunis TELL S K AR EN AN N E OVERTON , BECOMING A MOTH ER WAS NO L AUGHING MAT TER
58 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
INTERVIEW
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 59
INTERVIEW
M
The pair are regularly seen out in LA with their children
The actress says she looks forward to the day she can become a full-time parent
AS MOTHERS, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO ADMIT WE CAN’T BE PERFECT ALL THE TIME “I told myself that I would never tell this story to anyone and that it was a mistake I would never make again. But as soon as I arrived and met Ashton, I burst into tears. I was so upset and just kept telling myself I’d messed up.” But her epiphany would come only a month later when Kutcher made exactly the same mistake. “So I was like, ‘thank you!’ I wasn’t alone,” she laughs. At a time when so much emphasis is put on women having it all, Kunis is a breath of fresh air. Her frankness is likely a side effect of a tough but loving childhood that epitomised the ‘American dream’. Born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union, her parents sacrificed their academic careers to move to the United States when Kunis was seven to secure a better future for her and her older brother, Michael. She has described in the past how finding herself as a young child in a new country where she was unable to speak the language was akin to being ‘blind and deaf’, and it’s from these humble beginnings she has worked to forge a life for herself. “I definitely have an East European work ethic and mentality. You never feel secure and you never stop working,” she explains. “You also remember what it’s like to have very little and that keeps you motivated to
keep working as hard as you can, even when things are good in your life. My parents always gave our family everything we needed in life, and I never felt poor even though we didn’t have a lot of luxuries. But our family was very close and supportive of each other.” Yet despite being a workaholic, the actress has also been adamant that when the time was right, family would become the priority. “I have never wanted to be the person who only has business on her mind,” Kunis says. “To me, this job has always been a hobby that turned into a great profession, but I don’t live and breathe acting. I’m excited about being a full-time mum. Although, give me a year of not working and I’ll see how I feel!” Having had an exceptional career comprising fantastic comedy roles in films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and her ongoing part as the voice of Meg in TV’s irreverent animation Family Guy, along with meatier fare like the harrowing ballet drama Black Swan, it’s fair to say that motherhood came at a good time for the star. And like many women, she confesses to experiencing a fundamental shift in her desires and values. “For me it changed everything. My priorities really shifted when I decided to start a family, and I think I became incredibly selfless,” she says firmly, before adding with a megawatt smile, “Knowing that I was going to have a baby made me think, ‘I know that I have to give up so much of myself and I’m happy to do that’.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES; SPLASH NEWS
ila Kunis is refreshingly unHollywood. Witty, whip-smart and willing to make fun of herself, she showcases a more human, humbler side of celebrity, particularly when it comes to motherhood. Having begun dating childhood friend Ashton Kutcher in 2012 – the pair met while working on That ’70s Show when Kunis was 14 – the couple have surprised even themselves by turning what was initially intended as a fling into one of the most enviable marriages in Tinseltown. And since becoming parents to daughter Wyatt, two, and son Dimitri, born in November 2016, they are arguably the coolest parents, too. Last year Kunis starred alongside Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn in Bad Moms, a raunchy comedy about the trials and tribulations of three overworked and exasperated mothers who finally cut loose. And despite the flawless image presented by the media, the 33-year-old admits to struggling with the idea of being the perfect mum and despairs when she doesn’t live up to her own expectations. “As mothers, we need to be able to admit that we can’t be perfect all the time. We have to accept that we’re going to make mistakes!” declares Kunis. “I’ve learnt that from my own experience as a mother, and that’s why making Bad Moms gave me the chance to bond with the other women who all have kids and have gone through the same thing themselves.” When asked if she deems herself to be a good mother, Kunis nods emphatically. “I think I’m pretty good,” she says, before relaying an incident when Wyatt was a baby. “I was driving along the freeway to meet Ashton at work and I remember being in a really good mood. Then, when I looked at Wyatt in the rear-view mirror I could see she was happy too, but then I turned white when I saw that she wasn’t strapped into her baby seat,” recounts the star. “I pulled over on the highway, trying to stay calm, strapped her in, and then just started driving again.
With her Bad Moms co-stars; Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Annie Mumolo and Christina Applegate
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STYLE
FOREVER FINDS
See your maternity wardrobe as an investment rather than a temporary fix with Isabella Oliver’s latest collection. The label’s Maternity & Beyond range features clever designs to ensure the pieces can be worn long after pregnancy, with subtle wrapping, ruching and strategically placed pleats to flatter and support. There’s more than 65 stylish pieces to choose from, including leather leggings, fitted jumpsuits and long-line shirts. isabellaoliver.com The latest range from Isabella Oliver has been designed to work beyond pregnancy
maternity fashion
NEWS NAIL TH E ART OF ST YLING YOU R BUM P WITH TH E SE CHIC FIN DS
THE BAG EDIT THE MULTI-TASKER Who said your changing bag needs to look like one? New label Bow & Rattle has created five designs which transform easily into a regular handbag. From £98, bowandrattle.com
THE WEEKENDER Jem + Bea has added to its stylish set of bags and accessories with eight new designs, including its first weekender, the ‘Edie’. £160, jemandbea.com
SUPPORTING ACTS Newly launched label XO Three Active creates stylish activewear for pregnancy, nursing and beyond. There are sports bras to work for each type of exercise – low, medium and high impact – all of which have the capacity to ‘grow’ up to twoand-a-half cup sizes as your body changes, and provide easy access for breastfeeding. xothree.com
THE TRAVEL RANGE PacaPod’s new Travel Lite collection features four lightweight changing bags, all with the brand’s signature three-in-one organiser system. From £79, pacapod.com
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Handcrafted Natural Dolls www.ciaobimba.com /ciaobimbadolls
@ciaobimba.dolls
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STYLE
EASY DOES IT
As the weather switches, September can become a tricky time of year to master. Cue these new-season purchases, which will help you layer up or down with ease
Cotton dress £79, hush-uk.com
Chambray jacket £29.99, zara.com
ade arfitt
Cropped leggings £16, jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Denim dress £38, next.co.uk
Cotton scarf £95, somervillescarves.com
Floral-print dress £46, topshop.com
Leather shoes £60, boden.co.uk
Paige jeans £211, nineinthemirror.com
TEAM YOUR FAIL-SAFE SUMMER DRESS WITH A COLOURFUL SLIP OR SCARF, AND PICK LIGHT JACKETS TO WEAR LOOSE AND OPEN FOR WHEN THE COOLER EVENINGS TAKE HOLD
Woven cotton dress £65, seraphine.com
Marc Jacobs ring £47, shopbop.com
Leather bag £575, chloe.com Hot Milk nursing bra £39.95, mothercare.com On the Rise cotton sweater £70, trilogystores.co.uk Gold-plated pregnancy necklace £56, ilado-paris.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 65
Fingerprint charm bracelet £270, philippaherbert.co.uk
Brogue wedges £110, kurtgeiger.com
Nursing t-shirt £25, marksandspencer.com
Vanessa Bruno canvas and sequin bag £125, mytheresa.com
James Perse hooded zip-up top £199, stylebop.com
STRAW TOTES AND SANDALS MAY BE OUT, BUT IT’S STILL TOO EARLY FOR WINTRY BAGS AND SHOES. COOL METALLICS AND SEQUIN EMBELLISHMENT ARE THE ANSWER! Rails denim shirt £185, trilogystores.co.uk Rose gold earrings £75, dinnyhall.com
Printed shirt dress £220, heidiklein.com
Lexy Pexy wooden teether £18, nineinthemirror.com
Katherine Heigl
Hooded parka jacket £149, thewhitecompany.com
Printed leggings £75, sweatybetty.com
Cashmere scarf £220, eric-bompard.com Silk top £150, riciaclothing.com Cashmere poncho £84.15, purecollection.com
Embellished trainers £195, russellandbromley.co.uk 66 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Nursing yoga bra £29.90, cakematernity.com
COMPILED BY: CAMILLA RIDLEY-DAY. PHOTOGRAPHY: REX FEATURES
Velvet cotton cardigan £139, stylebop.com
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INTERVIEW
‘‘
FROM THE MOMENT YOUR CHILD IS BORN YOU WANT TO LOOK AFTER AND PROTECT THEM
’’
ACCE SSORIE S DE SIGN ER Eddie Harrop TELL S K ATE FR EU D ALL ABOUT TH E DELIGHTS OF MOTH ER HOOD, H ER LOVE OF TR AVEL AN D FIN DING A N EW KIN D OF CONTENTM ENT hen I first meet Eddie Harrop in the spacious kitchen of her London home, her fresh complexion and boundless energy belie any sleepless nights she may have suffered at the hands of her eight-month-old daughter, Xenia. “Thankfully she sleeps through the night now,” Eddie explains. “I remember my mum always said it would happen eventually, but I am so relieved to have turned that corner!” And life as a new mum is clearly suiting her. “It’s definitely a change compared to my old life, but I’m learning to adapt,” Eddie says, having spent many years living in the Far East during her twenties. “Now Xenia is older, we’ve found our groove in this topsy-turvy but rewarding new world,” she laughs. Eddie was fortunate enough to have an easy pregnancy, though she is well aware the novelty may wear off second time around. “I was lucky as I didn’t suffer from very bad morning sickness. I found, in general, there is a purity in being pregnant – it’s very balancing not to have a hangover for nine months!”
W
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When Xenia was just a couple of months old, Eddie and her husband, Rory, took the opportunity to head to LA. “We rented a flat in Venice for two months while Rory [who works in PR] was doing some film work. I had meetings with American stockists, and we managed to squeeze in a trip to Miami and the Caribbean. It was an incredible experience.” It was one of many adventures the couple has enjoyed over the years; they first met at a London PR firm where Rory was Eddie’s boss. She was fresh out of the London College of Fashion and working her first internship. They stayed in touch after she left the company, and got together before taking a break for a few years when Eddie headed to Asia. It was during this time of extensive travel that Eddie decided she wanted to create a range of travel bags to match the style stakes of your handbag. “I had seen so many pieces of dreary hand luggage, I wanted to produce what was essentially a ‘cool carry-on’,” she says. The results – now stocked everywhere from Net-a-Porter
INTERVIEW
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 69
INTERVIEW
WE’VE FOUND OUR GROOVE IN THIS TOPSY-TURVY BUT INCREDIBLY REWARDING NEW WORLD
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PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
INTERVIEW
to Harvey Nics – are luxury, textured leather bags, complete with tassels. They’re so good-looking you’re guaranteed to garner more than a few admiring glances on your travels. While she was away, Eddie and Rory stayed in touch, and when they got together the second time round they knew that was it. “We got married in 2015, in Morocco, at the Jnane Tamsna hotel, which was just beautiful,” Eddie recalls. The pair recently moved to Putney, leaving behind their cosy Chelsea pied-à-terre. “We loved our flat, but with five flights of stairs and one bedroom, it proved totally impractical once Xenia came along. The poor baby was having to sleep in the corridor before we moved!” Living near the river now gives them plenty of scope for outdoor adventures, and not only that, they are enjoying more indoor space in which to grow as a family. “Xenia is quite a personality,” Eddie says. “Only a month ago she could hardly sit up and now she is terrorising the dog, charging around the kitchen in her baby walker!” It’s clear to see Eddie is delighting in her new surroundings too, and the chance to put her hand to another passion of hers – interiors. Her love of the exotic is reflected in the eclectic interiors of their home, which, against a neutral backdrop, has an otherworldly feel, with vivid splashes of colour and unusual furniture. Eddie says, “Many of the pieces I acquired when I was in Saigon. A friend of mine set up The Lacquer Company and I love our scalloped tray which he made in collaboration with Rita Konig.”
Other decorative pieces come from Forwood Design, which makes pieces like the beautiful backgammon board that has been artfully placed in the living room. “The company also made the silver bamboo dining chairs which I covered with grey palm-print fabric from Saigon Pattern House. I also adore Julian Chichester furniture – we have a few of his lamps and mirrors.” On the walls are pieces by Eddie’s uncle, the artist William Harrop, Gilbert & George and Alessandro Kokocinski. Xenia’s nursery has a mix of pictures by illustrator Susannah Garrod, handpainted initials from The Letter Bug and a beautiful handwoven Thai bath mat, which Eddie framed for the wall. With so much going on, it’s obvious the exhaustion of early motherhood hasn’t affected her go-getting nature. “I get up at 6am to feed Xenia, then I’ll put her in with Rory so I can do some exercise. I’ve recently started British Military Fitness in the park and although it’s painful finding the motivation, I’m always pleased when I have.” The nanny arrives at 9am, when Eddie heads over to her Fulham offices. I try to get back to Xenia after her afternoon nap and then work the rest of the day from home.” So what does 2018 have in store for Eddie Harrop, the brand and the woman behind it? “We’ve launched a hat range, now I’m designing new pieces for our cruise collection, and personally, I’m looking forward to my cousin’s wedding in Cape Town next year, where Xenia and I will be bridesmaids. It’s going to be pretty special.” One of many adventures to come, we’re sure.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 71
THIS PAGE: Elvis wears cotton babygrow, £29, Carrément Beau at Childrensalon. Cotton blanket, £20, Smile by Julien Macdonald at Mothercare. RIGHT PAGE: Ivy Rae wears cottonblend top, from £14, Marie-Chantal for Marks & Spencer. Cashmere bonnet, £28, Olivier Baby & Kids. Cotton blanket, £52, Patachou.
Golden hour
PHOTOGR APHY: H ELEN MAR SDEN ST YLING: KELLIE DAGGE T T
THIS PAGE: Vivi wears cotton cardigan, £20, Monsoon. Silk taffeta bloomers (part of a set, dress not shown), £229, Bonpoint. RIGHT PAGE: Ivy Rae wears cotton-blend dress, £53, Patachou. Cashmere leggings (part of a set, hooded top not shown), £25, Smile by Julien Macdonald at Mothercare.
THIS PAGE: Elvis wears cotton velour babygrow, £68, Marie-Chantal. LEFT PAGE: Vivi wears cashmere romper, from £42, Olivier Baby & Kids. Cashmere booties, £39, Brora. Cotton swaddles (pack of three), £38.95, Aden + Anais.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODELS: ELVIS, IVY RAE, VIVI, WILLOW. MODEL AGENCIES: ALPHABET KIDZ, BONNIE & BETTY, GRACE & GALOR
+44 (0)1978 664362
www.hauckuk.com
info@hauckuk.com
REVIEW
TOTGEAR
Yvadney Davis AN D H ER DAUGHTER LOLO PUT TH E L ATE ST C YBE X STROLLER TO TH E TE ST
M
y daughter is now at the age where we need a buggy which is a little more streamlined and speedy to go about our daily adventures with ease. We still need a buggy that has comfort, but perhaps a bit more lightweight than the previous travel system that saw her through the early baby years. Working in fashion, I’d already heard of Cybex through the brand’s various collaborations with designers such as Jeremy Scott. The Cybex Mios is the newest model, and when I discovered its Hide & Seek butterfly fashion collection I knew something that’s so lightweight, compact and easy on the eye would be the perfect fit for our family.
he Mios cuts
a stylish fi
ure
GOOD LOOKING? Cybex pushchairs really are things of beauty. Already dedicating many designs to the works of Charles and Ray Eames, the Mios is the latest tribute, so as you can imagine it’s super sleek with great attention to detail. I love the on-trend camouflage print with appliqué butterflies. The butterfly wings on the canopy even flutter when we’re zooming down the road on the school the run, while the leather handles give a luxurious finishing touch.
PRACTICALITY & DRIVABILITY For me, the best pushchairs are the ones you can steer with one hand, be it to have a quick sip of your coffee or hold on to your toddler if they want to walk for a while. The Mios is super easy to manoeuvre, and it handles
ei hin in at ust the desi n ma es ettin from to B a bree e
well on a gravelly path or tube carriage. It’s lightweight, so is easy to pick up, even with a toddler inside. You can even switch easily between forward and parent facing if you wish, but these days my daughter loves to see as much of the world as possible. The shopping basket, while not the largest, has enough space for essentials and is accessible from both sides, which is very handy when you’re on the move. My favourite feature, however, is how easy it is to fold down and up again – this is something else you can do with one hand and all it takes is the push of a button. There is a vent on the canopy which means I can check in on the little one, too.
seat design matched with the deep canopy means I can keep her cool in the summer heat, but I would recommend purchasing the additional padded inlay to make this more user-friendly and cosy during the colder months. I have to say, even though it’s a narrower model than we’re used to (measuring in at just 50cm wide), it still feels surprisingly spacious, but also whizzes through those station barriers.
THE VERDICT COMFORT Although the days of Lolo snoozing her way through lengthy walks are long gone, the reclining backrest can be adjusted to four different positions, while the leg rest has three different positions meaning she’s comfortable enough for catnaps on the move. The mesh
The Cybex Mios really strikes the perfect balance of form and function. It looks exquisite, but does the job well, too. And, most importantly, my daughter loves it as much as I do. From £600, cybex-online.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 79
All-new essentials The latest and greatest baby kit to get your hands on
JOOLZ GEO2 The redesigned Joolz Geo is fully prepared for bumpy rides on all terrains, with punctureproof tyres and an ergonomic seat complete with open harness. From £849, joolz.com
BRITAX TRIFIX I-SIZE CAR SEAT The perfect follow up to the popular BabySafe i-Size seat, Britax has launched the Trifix i-Size, suitable for children from around 15 months up to four years. £250, britax.co.uk
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GB CAR SEAT RANGE GB has strengthened its car seat range with a trilogy of new designs, including the Idan Group 0+ (pictured), the Vaya i-Size, and the Group 2-3 Elian-Fix. From £175, gb-online.com
ERGOBABY OMNI 360 Ergobaby has revealed its most versatile carrier yet, with four carry positions that enables you to easily switch baby to face out while on the move. £154.90, ergobaby.co.uk
STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP The Tripp Trapp’s new colours are inspired by nature with Heather Pink, Moss and Forest Green. There are four new botanical-print cushions available, too. From £169, stokke.com
DIONO QUANTUM TRAVEL SYSTEM A brand known for car seats, Diona has venture into the world of pushchairs. The Quantum’s canopy has extra-large coverage, while the basket can hold a cabin-sized bag. £500, diono.com
The new Quantum stroller. One-step brake
Eclipse hood with sun visor
3 in 1 seat
quantum
Featuring little things that make a big difference for everything you need to explore uk.diono.com
ADVERTORIAL Choose one of 15 SnüzKot designs to suit your style
Your dream nursery DISCOVER TH E PER FEC T COT FOR YOU R LIT TLE ON E WITH TH E L AU N CH OF TH E SN ÜZKOT esigning a nursery for your precious bundle is such an exciting time, from choosing the colour of the walls to picking out those finishing touches. And at the heart of it all lies the cot that you’ll be putting your little one down in. So, now that your dream is becoming a reality, what aesthetic will you create for your baby’s first room? With everything from bright, bold colour to more muted Scandi-inspired styles available, nursery design is being turned on its head for 2017, and about time too.
D
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Shape, colour and the materials used in a cot’s creation are all important design elements – but what’s big right now? Keep your eyes peeled for bright pops of green, blue, orange and pink, as well as hints of rose gold, floral prints and natural wood. And while creating a safe sleep space for baby is the number-
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one priority for parents, now safety can be combined with a design that doesn’t mean compromising on style.
A COT TO SUIT YOU Thankfully, the team at Snüz have created the new SnüzKot Collection with this in mind. The iconic, sturdy designs are the same high quality you’d expect from the team behind the popular SnüzPod – but with the addition of being beautiful pieces of furniture, too. The SnüzKot can be adapted to suit your child from birth right up to their 10th birthday. But it’s the variety of designs within the collection that is proving to be a real game-changer. With 15 different colour and style combinations to choose from, parents can select a cot bed that fits perfectly with their
baby’s nursery. There’s also a changing unit to match the SnüzKot, and high quality printed bedding for parents to create a truly stylish nursery just the way they’ve always imagined. Whether you want something timeless or a little more bold, the new collection fits in seamlessly with the current trends. But SnüzKot is born from style not fashion, so whatever your look these classic designs will work now and in years to come as your nursery evolves into your children’s bedroom with the toddler and junior bed conversions. So, which style of SnüzKot will your little bundle of joy be dozing off in? Choose from Skandi, Luxe, Rococo or Mode – it’s up to you. Find your own perfect cot to fall in love with, with SnüzKot. snuz.co.uk SnüzKot Skandi cot bed From £349, snuz.co.uk
BABY TALK
Investing in the ultimate picture-book testing apparatus…
THE DAD DIARY Benji Davies
A character in the making?
What has fatherhood taught you so far? It’s introduced me to a whole new level of emotion that I never knew existed, especially in the first few days of Esther’s life. Also, that you should never expect your mug of tea to be hot again. Ever.
INTERVIEW: DANIELLE WILKINS. PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM.COM/BENJIDAVIES
Putting his animation skills to the test in the name of Grandad’s Island
Baby Esther happily sporting a promo for dad
What advice would you pass on to other new dads? The best piece of advice is to not listen to too much advice. Each baby and each new set of parents are different, so no two experiences will be the same and I think you have to explore things in your own way. Listen, but take it all with a pinch of salt. There’s no point trying to make things harder for yourselves by following someone else’s idea of parenthood. Tell us more about your book, The Grotlyn. It’s a mystery told through the eyes of the children who live in a dusty old town. Things go missing – an oil lamp, a toolbox – but nobody knows who or what has taken them. After The Storm Whale and Grandad’s Island, it’s my first rhyming picture book. It might feel a bit spooky for kids at the start, but I urge readers to carry on and see who The Grotlyn is because the book is about finding out that not everything is what we might think at first. It was a lot of fun to write.
“I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT…”
Benji’s studio – complete with big windows to stare out of
What has life been like since having your daughter, Esther, three months ago? Very busy! My wife Nina and I were both keen from the outset to not feel like we were stuck at home so we’ve made lots of effort to be out and about. We even managed a week in Norfolk in the first month! I’ve been able to take about six weeks out of my schedule, which has been amazing. Now I’m on the verge of ramping things back up on the work front in my studio at home, so I’m sure there are plenty of challenges to come…
Water Wipes. We’ve been buying them in bulk, but we also love our Pacapod backpack for when you’re on the move.
The children’s writer and illustrator reveals the good, the bad and the oh-so honest about life as a new father
It’s back to the grind
for new dad Benji…
How did you get into children’s books? I worked for years as an animation director on TV commercials and music videos. What I really wanted to do, though, was make short films. But it’s hard to make a living from that. I had also been working on some projects as an illustrator for children’s books, so decided to delve more into that. When I got to write my own, that’s when it all fell into place. It gave me the chance to explore everything I love about filmmaking in a different format. What aspect do you love the most? I love to indulge my imagination. It’s such a luxury to be able to daydream. All children have the right to be given that opportunity. Staring out of windows is a good start. Was there a book from your childhood that was particularly special for you? The Little Grey Men by BB [Denys WatkinsPitchford]. It’s a fantastic story of three gnomes who set off down the river to find their lost brother. Reading it as a child made me believe you might one day stumble across a real gnome if you look hard enough. And I do still keep looking… The Grotlyn (£12.99, HarperCollins Children’s Books), available 7 September
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SPOTLIGHT ON Designer and founder, Eva Karayiannis
Celebrating the launch of the brand’s new made-to-measure party collection with a garden-party sneak preview
Behind the brand
CARAMEL
SINCE ITS L AU NCH IN 1999, CAR AM EL HAS CONTIN U ED TO PUSH TH E BOU N DARIE S OF CHILDR EN SWE AR WITH ITS HAN DCR AF TED PIECE S. Danielle Wilkins M EE TS TH E DE SIGN ER BEHIN D TH E NAM E
The brand is synonymous with classic design and detail
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 85
SPOTLIGHT ON
ven as a child, Caramel founder and director Eva Karayiannis always had a penchant for design. “I was often doodling and creating clothes for my dolls,” she admits. But it wasn’t until after she left Athens, where she grew up and studied, worked as a lawyer in London and had her own two children that she decided to embark on a whole new career path. Spotting a gap in the market while shopping for her daughters, Chloe and Kiki, now 22 and 21, back in 1999, Eva decided to launch her own children’s brand. “It was an exciting time for fashion in London, and having my own children obviously helped,” Eva says. “You’re more in tune with what your customers want. Having children also forces you to not live in a bubble and do something that you’re proud of. It’s liberating – they keep me on my toes,” she smiles. Caramel began as a stockist of kids’ clothes from small, independent, artisan designers from London, the Cotswolds and even as far as Peru, and Eva reveals she would spend months tracking down the perfect pieces for her online shop. The designer ran the company from her living room and kitchen, before eventually opening a bricks-and-mortar store in Brompton Cross. “It was great to have the opportunity to open a store in London – but it’s not easy in a big city where you’re competing with a lot of companies who want that same location,” recalls Eva. “Location is really important when establishing a brand – your building needs to have some personality too and that’s not always easy to find. “At the beginning, I didn’t put too much pressure on myself to succeed, so that allowed me to be more creative and daring. I took risks with what I put in the shop and was able to push boundaries.” But demand was growing, and it didn’t take
E
Eva spotted a gap in the childrenswear market after having her two daughters
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SPOTLIGHT ON
PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON J EVANS; INSTAGRAM.COM/CARAMELLONDON; ALICE WHITBY
Eva chooses fabrics that are both beautiful and tough-wearing
long for Eva to realise that her sources couldn’t keep up with the range of sizes and styles that her customers wanted, so she took the step to design the clothes herself. “There’s something about the proportions and detail of children’s clothing that I’m very drawn to, and I’ve always been attracted by that nostalgic English feel. The fabrics I pick are raw, honest, robust – but at the same time there’s a frivolity about them,” she says. And it’s those raw, robust fabrics that Caramel has since become synonymous with. With an emphasis on pieces that are both beautiful and tough-wearing, Eva only uses the finest cottons, linens, leather, lambswool and, of course, that incredible cashmere that makes those tiny baby knits. The prints she uses are charming and offbeat (think Liberty-print florals and nautical stripes in strong, seasonal colourways) while the attention to detail – the delicate embroidery, the crafted collars and cuffs – is second to none. So what goes into the making of Caramel’s collections? The design process begins with
Straw boaters and blooms at the label’s summer party this year
Key
The Karayia nn
is clan
sourcing those all-important fabrics. “You can’t cook amazing dishes without amazing ingredients, and the same applies here,” says Eva. “I think about the shape of a piece and how the fabrics react, then I consider colour – which is always a strong element of our collections – and what feels right for the season. “We have an exciting archive of designs which is constantly evolving, and which we refer back to a lot. I also have an amazing collection of vintage pieces in our studio – I love to add to these whenever I have the spare time. “I am also fortunate enough to work with some extremely talented print designers, many of whom are based here in the capital,” she adds. Eva is now a mother of three – her son, Ari, is seven – who lives in Chelsea, a place she has called home for more than 25 years. And its not just her family that has grown, but the business too. Today Caramel also offers homeware and womenswear, all of which boast a similar vintage aesthetic to the label’s childrenswear, as well as four stores in London, and additional concessions in Selfridges and Harrods. “It’s exciting,” smiles Eva. “To know we have a brand that is constantly evolving – that’s what drives me.”
styles for autumn Cotton trousers £75
Cotton romper £60
Wool coat £165
Cotton dress £75
Cotton bloomers £35
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 87
1
PARTY TIME
GIFT IDEAS
2
Sweet presents especially for baby
BABY PARTIES Carole Middleton
Personalised book £23.99, noths.com
3
Naming day
4
5
Personalised bracelet £39, mercimamanboutique.com
Personalised silver money box £25, my1styears.com
Sterling silver teething ring £95, mappinandwebb.com
6 English Troussea rattle £39.95, harrods.com
7
1. Ancar shirt and shorts set £44, childrensalon.com 2. Lace dress £90, monsoon.co.uk 3. Merino wool shawl £49.95, ghhurt.com 4. Cotton dress £27.30, petit-bateau.co.uk 5. Silk romper £45, marksandspencer.com 6. Cotton and linen-blend romper £82, pepaandcompany.com 7. Leather shoes £49, rachelriley.co.uk
H
osting a naming day party is a wonderful opportunity to get together with friends and family and introduce them to your new addition. Decide on a clear theme for the décor. You might want to pick an all-white theme, or pastels are a perfect way to add a subtle splash of colour. If you want to avoid pink or blue; lemon, grey and pale green all work well. Keep the decorations simple; think hanging paper pom-poms, tealights and small posies of flowers in silver vases on the tables. Ensure there are plenty of refreshments. While you might choose to keep things formal with circulating canapés, a dessert table laden with iced biscuits, macarons and, of course, a cake, works particularly well for this kind of event.
Paper pom-pom £1.99, partypieces.co.uk
It’s likely friends will bring their children, so offer entertainment to keep the little ones occupied. Balloon modelling, storytelling and soft play are all good options. Finally, why not create a special ‘time capsule’ box for your little one by asking your guests to place handwritten notes, photos or small gifts inside. This box of mementos is then presented to your child when they turn 18.
Paper fan £1.99, partypieces.co.uk
Personalised wall print £20, letterfest.com Plastic flutes (pack of six) £7.99, partypieces.co.uk
Paper plates (pack of eight) babylondon.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2017 | 89 £3.99, partypieces.co.uk
A brand new nursery opening August 2017 Part of the Riverlight Development in Battersea, The Battersea Nursery & Pre-School is set to be the most amazing environment for under 5s Our brand new nursery will be a great place for children to develop, flourish and grow We can’t wait to meet you Visit battersea.busybees.com or call 0330 134 8829 to arrange your visit today The Battersea Nursery & Pre-School, Riverlight, Nine Elms Lane, Battersea, London, SW8 5BP
HEALTH
TEA FOR TWO
Enjoy a cuppa with Pukka Herbs’ new blends for mothers. The Motherkind Pregnancy tea contains medicinalgrade herbs to support a healthy nine months, and the Motherkind Baby variety helps to increase breastmilk flow and even ease colic. Now we just need someone to put the kettle on. £2.49 (20 bags), pukkaherbs.com
health & beauty
NEWS
TH E L ATE ST PRODUC TS AN D IN N OVATION S IN TH E WOR LD OF WELLBEING SICKNESS SAVIOURS
CLEANSE & CALM
While there’s no magic cure for morning sickness, the new range from Myrtle & Maude can help ease nausea. The organic collection includes a herbal tea to settle your stomach, peppermint oil bon-bons for an energy boost and acupressure wristbands to relieve symptoms. From £6, myrtleandmaude.com
When baby has sensitive skin, it can be difficult finding toiletries that don’t aggravate the problem, but the new Cesarino bio soap from Linea Mamma Baby is made with organic ingredients, such as rice starch, to soothe. The Italian brand creates skincare that can be used by mum and baby. £6, lineamammababy.com
HIIT AT HOME
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
Stay active with FitBumpBox’s latest collection. The PRIIT and Mama HIIT workouts feature high intensity exercises adapted for both pregnant and postnatal women, with a different video for every week of pregnancy and the 26 weeks post-birth. £69, fitbumpbox.com
The organic vegetable soap is perfect for daily cleansing, and has moisturising properties
MISSING YOUR OLD PT CLASSES? CHECK OUT THE NEW BABIES & BURPEES SESSIONS AT K WEST HOTEL & SPA, SHEPHERD’S BUSH, WHERE A PERSONAL TRAINER WILL CREATE A BESPOKE FITNESS PLAN FOR YOU. AND OF COURSE, BABY IS WELCOME TOO. £40 PER SESSION, OR £150 FOR FIVE. FITNESS@K-WEST.CO.UK
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 91
PREGNANCY
THE WAITING
GAME
ongratulations! You have carried a baby for nine long months. But whether or not you have enjoyed every moment, or been plagued by sickness, backache and heartburn, there comes a point for every woman when enough is enough. Your uterus has done a sterling job, but by 40 weeks all you want to do is to hold your baby in your arms, especially as that immortal due date has been engraved in your mind since your first antenatal appointment. But what happens when that longedfor day arrives, but your baby doesn’t? For many women, the lack of labour can be accompanied by feelings of intense frustration, sadness, disappointment and even surprise. But it’s important to remember that your due date isn’t a deadline, or an expiry date. It’s simply an estimate, a rough guide to when your baby is likely to enter the world – give or take a week or two. In fact, though babies are considered term from 37 weeks, most don’t arrive until 41 weeks, so try to keep this in mind. Community midwife Emma Herbert says despite the anticipation, try to treat your due date as a regular day. “Going over your due date can make your
C
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pregnancy feel like it is never ending. The best thing to do to keep your sanity is to carry on as normal; be mobile, eat and drink regularly and ensure you keep well hydrated.” In fact, only around five per cent of babies arrive on their so-called due date. So to avoid the anti-climax of your baby not arriving on schedule, forget due date, and think due fortnight instead. Unfortunately, it can be hard to stay sane when you have a chorus of friends and family repeatedly asking whether there’s ‘any news’, so, keep your due date under wraps and never reveal it to anyone who has a tendency to ask annoying questions – this may even include your own mother. Of course, if you’ve already told people it’s probably too late to erase the date from their minds (but something to bear in mind for future pregnancies). Also consider turning your phone off, or avoiding Facebook for a while. They’ll soon forgive you once there’s a gorgeous newborn to coo over. Once you’ve politely told people to mind their own business, concentrate on staying busy. Staring at your bump all day isn’t going to make your waters break. So try and focus on other things instead by planning something every day for the next week: meet up with friends, book a haircut or pedicure, bake a
cake, or stockpile meals for the freezer. If you’re still pregnant the following week, make further plans. No one is going to mind if you cancel because you’re in labour. Try to plan some relaxation time too; read a book, take long baths, try gentle yoga or have a nap, because very soon you won’t have the chance. If you have other children, then enjoy quality time with them. Finally, you may feel like you’ve been pregnant for years, but doula and antenatal teacher Cathy Williams says to enjoy it while it lasts. “We only have a few times of feeling a baby growing inside us. Treasure these last days of connection,” she says. And remember, if you’re tired of the whole thing you can always book a midwife appointment for a cervical sweep to speed things up, or book an induction.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
IF IT’S BEEN 40 WEEKS BUT IT APPEARS BABY IS YET TO GET THE MEMO, Becky Dickinson OFFER S ADVICE ON H OW TO COPE WH EN YOU ’R E OVER DU E
PREGNANCY
Be patient – he’s probably pretty comfortable in there!
KEEPING SANE Remind yourself it’s normal. Very few babies come on their due date – most arrive late. Keep busy. Plan something every day. Ignore the questions. Stay away from social media and turn off your phone if people are pestering you for news. Focus on yourself. Sleep deprivation is imminent, so relax while you can. Be grateful you’re not an elephant. The gestation period of an elephant lasts up to 22 months. Your pregnancy is almost over and soon you will have your baby!
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 93
ADVERTORIAL
Here for you H E ALTHCLIC ’S N EW PR EGNAN C Y M EM BER SHIP IS TAILOR ED E SPECIALLY FOR U NIQU E, BUSY MOTH ER S LIKE YOU Planning a baby Your GP can undertake check-ups to assess your immunity levels and review your medical history to advise you on your safest options. Feel reassured that you will have dedicated healthcare advisors on hand throughout your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Your GP can confirm your pregnancy and send you in for a Dating Scan. At this point you will also meet your consultant who will work with your GP to determine a bespoke plan for the duration of your pregnancy and ensure you receive the best care.
12-32 weeks
A
s an expectant mother, your pregnancy journey throws questions at you every day. With this being a new and life-changing experience, you’ll be looking for reassurance every step of the way. Thankfully, HealthClic can guide you through this magical time from start to finish. HealthClic specialises in concierge medicine and preventative healthcare, with a team of home-visiting doctors. Its new pregnancy membership offers complete peace of mind. Say goodbye to waiting lists, paperwork and hassle – HealthClic is your VIP service in waiting. Available seven days a week for you and your family, whether you are looking for same-day attention from a GP, want a
• Full use of healthcare concierge • A dedicated Healthcare Representative • 24-hour prescription delivery • Access to visits by GPs seven days a week • Your own personal GP to support you alongside a consultant • A bespoke plan of care during pregnancy • Inclusion of further ASAP GP visits • VIP referrals to specialists • Tailored pregnancy wellness experience simple question answered over the phone or a referral to a private London hospital, HealthClic can make that happen. Each membership comes with a dedicated healthcare representative and a bespoke plan overseen by your doctor and consultant. It’s time to enjoy this beautiful experience and leave the details to the HealthClic team.
Prospect Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AL, 020 3713 4117, healthclic.co.uk
94 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
32 weeks + • Growth scan (to check your baby is growing healthily) We are available seven days a week in case you need to see your doctor. Should you wish, we are able to organise transfers to and from hospital, or arrange for your GP to accompany you.
Post pregnancy We can arrange bookings for assessing the health of your baby in these early stages, organise immunisation schedules and support the mother post-birth wuth checkups and bespoke health management. Following the Bright Futures guidelines from the American Academy of Paediatrics, we can also arrange regular well-child care visits for your children. Starting from newborn, it can continue until the age of 21.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
Pregnancy Package
• Harmony test and screening • Blood group, anaemia and check-ups for diabetes • Fetal anatomy scan In addition to these standard checks, a variety of scans and tests are possible dependent on the mother’s individual needs as assessed by her doctors. In week 15 we provide a pregnancy massage wellness treatment, and from week 20 regular check-ups will be carried out by your GP, usually every two to three weeks.
Q&A
RUNNING HEAD
with fertility expert
Zita West
“Is it true that acupuncture can help with fertility, IVF and postnatal depression?”
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
I
lot of vital resources, and early motherhood ’ve been an acupuncturist for 25 years can be overwhelming, especially if you are now, so I’ve always been a huge believer sleep-deprived and have worked right up in its benefits for fertility and IVF, and until you have had your baby. from personal experience in the treatment At the time, there was very little of postnatal depression (PND). I think what’s information out there for me, and my feelings difficult for some women is there’s a lot of of sadness became overwhelming. There was conflicting advice out there. But the most no internet or ‘Dr Google’, so I had to do a lot recent findings from the annual fertility of reading as to why I was feeling like I was. conference in Helsinki revealed that As well as focusing on diet to improve my acupuncture may, in fact, double the mood, I discovered acupuncture, and this was success rate of IVF. a real turning point for me. I felt better in less Personally I experienced the benefits for than six weeks. It is known to reduce stress PND. Following the birth of my son nearly 30 and beta-endorphin release, which creates a years ago, I went to my GP who diagnosed me with mild postnatal depression and prescribed greater sense of relaxation, ultimately having a positive effect in the treatment of postnatal medication. Every woman is different and depression. Once I fully recovered, I some forms of postnatal depression are more trained in acupuncture. severe than others so medication will From this grew my interest in prove helpful in these situations. But ed d n e m m o looking at pregnancy and for me, despite my debilitating c e R motherhood in a much symptoms, I was reluctant to product more woman-centred take the drugs as a first route, way, which is why I now instead choosing to explore encourage a holistic what I could do to help myself. approach to help Pregnancy, childbirth and Revital Essence supplement couples conceive. motherhood drain a woman of a £26.50, zitawest.com
ACUPUNCTURE AND FERTILITY
What’s involved, how it works, and can it really help couples conceive? How does acupuncture work? Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of very fine, hair-like needles into channels called meridians. These are invisible channels of energy that relate to different organs in the body. There are around 500 different acupuncture points around the body. The form of treatment is individualised – every person has a different type of treatment because we are all different, but similar channels are used for the treatment of fertility and other channels for the treatment of postnatal depression. How can it help when trying to conceive naturally or through IVF? Acupuncture may help with blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which means more oxygen, more nutrients and more help developing the follicles to produce an egg. It may also help with stress and betaendorphin release, which means a greater sense of relaxation and wellbeing for mum. I find it can really give you that bit of extra support that you need, whether trying to conceive naturally or through IVF.
Zita West is the founder of the Zita West Fertility Clinic which specialises in a holistic approach to IVF. Instagram: @the_first_1000_days
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 95
FERTILITY
Buying time MOR E WOM EN AR E R ELYING ON EGG FR EE ZING TO PR E SERVE TH EIR FERTILIT Y, BUT H OW EFFEC TIVE IS IT R E ALLY ? Rhiane Kirkby FIN DS OUT
W
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with more women spending around £5,000 in an attempt to future-proof their fertility. New research from Yale University in America shows the reason women there are doing it is not, as it’s generally believed, to further their careers, but because they haven’t yet found ‘Mr Right’. “The same is true here,” says Zeynep Gurtin, who last year began the first in-depth study into egg freezing in the UK. As well as analysing data for The London Women’s Clinic and the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge, Zeynep has spoken to fertility clinic patients about their circumstances. “I ask whether they feel they chose career over family,” she says, “and not
Laura is one of those women. Having suffered multiple miscarriages in her early thirties and later discovering she had premature ageing of her ovaries, she is now mother to a little girl. Laura says it was a “massive shock” when IVF worked at the first attempt, but having embryos left over, she decided to freeze them. She’s now trying to get pregnant again and despite it being a rollercoaster for her and her husband, she says she has nothing but gratitude for the people who have made this possible. “I think egg freezing is a brilliant idea,” she explains. “I just wish I’d done it earlier. My 20-year-old eggs would be amazing to have, compared to the
HAVING COMPLETED THEIR CYCLE, MANY SAY THEY FEEL LUCKY, GRATEFUL AND EMPOWERED a single woman has yet said yes. “I see three different types of women,” she adds. “The first group are determined to become mothers but have given up on finding ‘Mr Right’ and want information on using donor sperm. The second group, women in their early thirties, are proactively planning and freezing their eggs at their biological prime. And the third, and fastest growing group, are women in their late thirties and early forties who, while aware they’re standing on their reproductive precipice, still want to hold out for that elusive partner.” I ask Zeynep about the emotional state of the women entering London fertility clinics. “Attitudes vary,” she explains, “and of course for many it’s not Plan A. There’s ambivalence, disappointment, especially from women whose social group has morphed into parents. Some are concerned about the physical side effects, while others are more focused on the emotional aspects. However, having completed their egg-freezing cycle, many say they feel lucky, grateful and empowered.”
40-year-old ones I’m currently doing IVF with.” While there are many positive messages about egg freezing’s potential, there are also voices of concern, with experts warning it shouldn’t become the fall back option for the ‘have it all’ generation. “Increasing numbers of women think they can use it to hit snooze on the biological clock and alleviate the time pressure on relationships,” explains Zeynep. “The reality is, egg freezing risks not living up to the hype,” adds Dr Ainsley Newson, associate professor of bioethics at the University of Sydney. “It should not be the default option. It certainly isn’t an easy solution and should never be marketed as such.” Dr Sarah Martins da Silva agrees, “Every week I see women in front of me and I have to tell them that at 42, they’ve left it too late.” So while science has made it easier to wait for ‘Mr Right’, and given women who not so long ago would have been forced to remain childless the chance to become mothers, there’s still a long way to go before it becomes a guarantee of future happiness.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. SOURCE: HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY AUTHORITY, 2016
hatever your thoughts on egg freezing, there’s no denying it’s becoming increasingly popular in the UK. So much so that it’s included, for the first time, in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s latest report. Its data shows a surge in the number of women freezing their eggs, from just 29 in 2001 to 816 in 2014 (the latest year it has figures for). The introduction of a more effective freezing technique called vitrification, which was adopted by most clinics in 2010, is part of the reason for the growth in popularity. Yet, despite the scientific advances, the number of frozen eggs being thawed and used in successful IVF treatment in the UK remains low, with fewer than 60 babies being born in the past 16 years. Those figures may look exceptionally bleak, but experts stress they don’t tell the whole story. Many of the women who have frozen their eggs haven’t returned for them, perhaps because they’ve changed their minds, or become pregnant naturally. Added to which, there’s no information about the quality of the eggs frozen or the age of the women involved. “Eggs frozen for medical reasons, for example, from a woman about to start cancer treatment, are, by their very nature, generally not such good quality and can result in lower birth rates than those harvested from a healthy woman,” explains consultant gynaecologist Dr Sarah Martins da Silva. “Also, most women freezing their eggs are in their late thirties or early forties, which, from a fertility point of view, can be too late.” Thankfully, figures collated from private clinics over the last five years paint a much rosier picture. They suggest the chances of an IVF cycle being successful are about the same, whether frozen or freshly harvested eggs are used. “I’d like to stress it’s now an absolutely valuable technique,” says Dr Melanie Davies, of University College Hospital, “especially for women facing infertility for medical reasons.” It seems this message is getting through,
THE PROCESS “Although vitrification allows women to control the timing of pregnancy in order to fit with other commitments, it’s important to remember that it’s usually only effective for those under the age of 35, as the chances of having genetic problems within the eggs increase rapidly after that,” says Dr Victoria Walker, fertility specialist at Institut Marquès. The procedure is essentially IVF, but without the embryo transfer at the end. As with IVF, medication is used to stimulate a woman’s ovaries to produce lots of eggs at once, and these are then harvested at the same time, usually under a short general anesthesia. “The medication comes in the form of small daily injections – the needles are similar in size to the ones used by diabetic patients injecting insulin – for about 12 days. And while it’s never very pleasant to inject oneself, most patients find it tolerable,” adds Dr Walker. “In the days and weeks after ovarian stimulation, the patient may note she is feeling bloated, and some complain of constipation, but these side effects are often short-lived and her body will return to normal.”
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 97
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HEALTH
The Breastfeeding Café with CLARE BYAM-COOK
THIS ISSUE WE ASK:
IS MY BABY USING ME AS A DUMMY?
I
s it OK for your baby to use your breast as a pacifier? Well, the short answer is yes, because breastfeeding is not just a means of giving a baby milk but is also about bonding and spending time with them – and this involves giving comfort as well as food. However, the long answer is that it is not a good idea if feeds start to become unnecessarily long because you regularly allow baby to stay on the breast long after he has finished feeding. Apart from long feeds being tiring for the mother, when a baby learns to suck himself to sleep on the breast rather than being able to settle happily in his own bed, this can create a habit that is hard to break. This might not matter too much during the day, but at night it gets very tiring indeed if a baby demands constant suckling and cries every time you try to put him down. To prevent this from happening, it is important to learn the difference between a baby who is sucking properly and getting milk and a baby who is simply sucking for comfort but no longer getting milk.
STEP-BY-STEP TIPS TO TRY • Try to make each feed a full meal rather than a snack.
Your baby is feeding properly if: • His sucking is deep and rhythmic • He settles well when you put him down • He is feeding every three to four hours • His weight gain is good
• Try to notice when your baby’s sucking changes. Take him off the first breast once he stops sucking properly and offer him the second.
He is not feeding well if: • His sucks are shallow and infrequent and he keeps falling asleep • He doesn’t settle well in his own bed • He is feeding very frequently without a good sleep in between feeds • His weight gain is poor
• When he is no longer feeding effectively on either breast, it’s time to stop feeding.
It takes time to get used to being a mother, so don’t expect to become an expert overnight. In the early days you may find it difficult to recognise your baby’s signals but don’t be afraid to experiment as this is the way to learn what suits you and your baby the best. A little trial and error is always the best solution. Invariably you will have good days and bad days – this is all part of parenthood!
• Try to put him down while he is still awake so he doesn’t get used to falling asleep in your arms. • Hopefully baby will settle, but if he fusses you may need to put him back to the breast for a few minutes longer, then wind and swaddle him so he feels comfortable and secure. • Try offering him a dummy.
clarebyamcook.co.uk • Observe your diet to see whether you could be eating anything that disagrees with him.
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 new mothers face. What To Expect When You’re Breastfeeding… And What If You Can’t? £12.99, amazon.co.uk
• Check that your milk supply is plentiful and you are producing. • See your GP if you think he might be suffering from a problem such as gastrooesophageal reflux.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 99
WELLBEING
Rock-a-bye
BABY
A WELL-R E STED BABY MAKE S FOR A HAPPY BABY. Louise Pyne SHAR E S H ER GUIDE TO BE ATING THOSE SLEEP SE TBACKS
aking sure your child gets enough sleep is paramount for their development, but as any new parent can vouch, getting them to drop off like clockwork is no easy task. Dealing with issues that might be preventing your newborn from catching enough zzzs while in the throes of bleary-eyed sleeplessness yourself can take its toll on your emotions and energy levels, but on the flip side, prioritising your little one’s sleep from day one can offer big rewards for both you and your bubba. “Sleep is essential for your baby’s cognitive development, immune system and general growth, and fortunately there are many ways you can help to ensure they get enough rest,” adds The Baby Show’s sleep expert, Chireal Shallow. So, here are the secrets to making sure your baby drifts off soundly.
M
READ THE SIGNS During the first three months, your baby’s sleep pattern will be erratic, but as you get to know them, you’ll notice they give you clues to their tiredness. Along with obvious clues like yawning and eye rubbing, you may notice changes in their behaviour. “They may
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be more irritable than normal or restless and cry more than usual,” says Chireal. Don’t miss the window of opportunity to put them down for a nap as soon as you sense drowsiness, and use the time to relax yourself so you feel refreshed for the rest of the day’s activities.
BALANCE BABY’S SLEEP-AWAKE SYSTEM At around three months you can start to set up an evening sleep routine with your child by following the same pre-bedtime routine. This could involve bath time, followed by baby massage, reading a picture book together with the lights dimmed and lots of cuddles to release the stress-busting hormone oxytocin. “Your baby’s body rhythm matures at nine months so between three-to-nine months their sleep may still fluctuate. Try not to get frustrated and just remember this is totally normal. They will find their natural rhythm when they are ready,” explains Chireal.
when to hit the sack – naturally helping to regulate their internal body clock. Sleeping in a darkened room at night will also help to boost levels of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. “Use a balanced combination of blackout blinds and low lighting to ensure your child drifts off happily,” advises Chireal.
ENJOY THE SUNSHINE
DREAM FEED YOUR BABY
Take your baby out for a walk in their pram every day so they have plenty of exposure to natural sunlight. This will reinforce the difference between rise-and-shine time and
Waking your baby up for a feed when they are asleep might sound counter-intuitive but it’s thought that having a full tummy will help them sleep for a longer stretch at night. At
WELLBEING
Babies are born with an undeveloped biological clock that takes months to mature
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
around 11pm give them a bottle or nurse them – without making eye contact. Introduce this as soon as possible. “You can drop the feed when your baby is old enough without the worry that they will wake up,” adds Chireal.
MAKE THEM FEEL SAFE Providing a cosy, secure environment that will encourage daytime naps will also help your child to sleep better at night. “Turn on white
noise, leave a picture of you in the room, and a blanket smelling of your natural scent. This will allow your child to feel safe and to focus on these things,” shares Chireal. Reducing the space they sleep in will also help them feel more secure, so try swaddling them so they feel snug and cosy.
REGULATE THE TEMPERATURE Babies wake in the night when they’re too hot
or too cool so adding or removing layers when necessary is key to making sure they are not too sticky or cold. Make sure your baby sleeps away from radiators or windows in the room, and use a temperature gauge to regulate the coolness. “The optimal temperature is 20˚C,” says Chireal. And with all this advice your baby will be enjoying a happier, healthier slumber in no time at all.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 101
PROTECT YOUR BABY FROM MOSQUITOES LIGHTWEIGHT . WASHABLE . REUSABLE
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102 | SEP/OCT17 | babylondon.co.uk
BABY TALK
PART
Diary of a MUM Mar tha Alexander TACKLE S N EW H EIGHTS AS SH E TAKE S BABY ROBIN ON H ER FIR ST H OLIDAY
T
his comes to you from the aisle seat of a budget airline: Robin is asleep, koala-style on my front, slack of mouth and milky of breath. My husband (Mikey is his name – I realised he has been, as far as this diary is concerned, nameless and there’s no actual reason for that; he’s not famous or shy or precious) is not talking to me because I asked the air stewardess, who looks like she missed her calling as the fifth member of Little Mix, if the Duty Free Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick was a miniature and she responded with a loud monologue about the translucence of the powder, letting me, and all of the suitcases in the hold, know that her sister-in-law swears by it and never leaves home without it. Robin woke up and howled like a chainsaw. “What did you think was going to happen?” hissed Mikey after I spent £40 on said product. “Now Robin is awake and it’s because of you and your ridiculous conversation about glitter bombs or whatever they’re called that you could have literally any hour of the day in London and not in the middle of the night at 40,000 feet over the Aegean Sea after 45 long minutes of patting our daughter to sleep. You are completely bloody mad.” He pulled his hood over his eyes and nuzzled into the shoulder of the stranger next to him. It hasn’t been like this the entire time. In fact, as far as travelling with an infant goes, we’ve kind of been nailing it. I feel capable, for the first time in ages. Our first triumph was getting a Doona, which is basically a car seat that grows wheels. It’s genius, lightweight and really satisfying to use. I cannot believe it’s the first of its kind. How has it taken so long for a species to come up with something so essential? We whipped it off the baggage reclaim belt, released the wheels in two seconds flat and sashayed smugly out of Ben Gurion airport feeling slick and together, as other parents struggled with unfolding clunky pushchairs. No matter that I found a small rubber giraffe knotted into the hair behind my ear hours later. We’ve been to both France and Israel in the past month. It took ages to get Robin’s passport (word to the wise: whoever is your guarantor needs to reply within
about 48 hours or the passport office reject the forms – I should know). But now we are fully international. People, on the whole, are nice when you are travelling with a baby. Obviously the person next to us on the plane, well, their heart sinks when they see us bearing down on them from the gangway. They reach for their headphones and order gin and tonics. But then again, so do we. There have been a lot of firsts. Robin has seen the sea. She has floated inside an enormous pink flamingo. She has felt (and eaten) sand. She has screamed in rage as I smothered her with sun cream. She has delighted the Israeli side of our family with her frilly sun hat (“she’s so English!”). She has watched her mum bellowing with fury after being stung by the same wasp twice in one minute. She has taken to eating warm croissants for breakfast. She has spat out olives in abject disgust. She even has her own sunglasses by Babiators, so she’s now cooler than me (which admittedly is not hard). As for me, on the beach, I’m not taking #belfies in a laser-cut one-piece by any means, but I’m feeling pretty confident. I have been lounging around in beautiful pieces by SZ Blockprints – kaftans and dresses all handprinted in India. I cannot believe the compliments I have had, which only makes me question how basic my poor old wardrobe must have been before. Holidays have changed, in much the same way life has changed. There’s less spontaneity, more cost, and the opportunity to float off into the middle of an eternity pool beached on top of an inflatable slice of pizza with a pina colada in one hand and a copy of Arundhati Roy’s long-awaited new novel in the other is basically nil (so many abandoned attempts because of explosive nappies, lost bottles and the like). However – and this is cheesy, so gird your loins – there’s so much excitement in being able see the world through the eyes of a tiny child again. But before I get too misty eyed, I must remember we have a long-haul flight soon, so ask me how I feel about travelling with a baby after that… bl Twitter: @marthalondon
Turn your car seat into a stroller in seconds – and save valuable luggage space Doona infant car seat £329.99, cuddlecoshop.co.uk
Next time – Martha turns her attention to going back to work
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 103
PREGNANCY
BRING IT ON… Dr Asma Khalil, CON SU LTANT OBSTE TRICIAN AN D FE TAL M EDICIN E SPECIALIST AT TH E PORTL AN D HOSPITAL, DISCUSSE S IN DUCING L ABOU R
ne of the most joyous moments in any mother’s life is the day she welcomes her child into the world, and while usually the little one will make an appearance on its own, on occasions where the estimated time frame is exceeded and you’re approaching 42 weeks, your obstetrician or midwife may recommend inducing labour. Every year, one in five labours is induced, so knowing what to expect from this common procedure is important.
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HOW IS INDUCED LABOUR DIFFERENT TO ‘NATURAL’ LABOUR? Induced labour is generally known as the process of using medications or natural methods to help kick-start the process. When labour starts naturally, the hormone prostaglandin is released in the muscle wall of your womb. Later on in labour, your brain releases a second hormone, called oxytocin. Both of these stimulate the contractions in the uterus. The advice during an induced labour is that baby should be monitored more closely. This is partly because if too much hormone is given, it can make the contractions happen too close together, and this could make the baby unhappy. It’s also because the underlying reason for the induction may put baby at increased risk of becoming unhappy when regular contractions start (whether they had started naturally or not), so it’s important to have an obstetrician or midwife on hand.
WHY WOULD I NEED TO HAVE AN INDUCTION? An induction will be recommended if a pregnancy runs a couple of weeks past the due date. When women go past the 42-week mark, it is more common for the placenta to ‘run down’ and not give the baby as much food and oxygen as it needs.
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Additionally, if there is a chance that other medical conditions may present harm to either the mother or the baby, your doctor may advise that labour is induced. Common reasons include high blood pressure in the mother (known as pre-eclampsia), reduced fetal movements, diabetes, or issues relating to the baby’s development and size. Ahead of an induced labour, your doctor will discuss the advantages and disadvantages with you. They will also help to determine the safest way to continue with the delivery, and advise you on the best course of action. I always stress that receiving an induction is a personal choice, however when there is a
be offered before labour is induced. This involves a vaginal examination and an attempt to separate the membranes in your uterus away from the cervix. This may release your natural prostaglandin hormones to help start labour. The sweep can be a bit uncomfortable but usually only takes a minute or two. Unfortunately, it’s not that successful; it only increases the chances of going into labour in the next 48 hours a little. But if there’s time, it’s worth a try. If labour doesn’t start after this, or if there isn’t time to try a sweep, you will be offered induction of labour, which will take place at a hospital maternity unit. As a first step, the
EVERY YEAR, ONE IN FIVE LABOURS IS INDUCED USING MEDICATIONS OR NATURAL METHODS medical reason, such as high blood pressure, it’s usually pretty obvious that inducing labour is much safer for both you and the baby.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS? Labour induction is not always successful. If attempts to get the labour started have been going on for 24 hours or more and there’s still no sign of labour, the doctors will discuss your options with you. If all is well with you and your baby, there may be time to take a break for a further 24 hours, then try again. If there isn’t time to wait – for example, if high blood pressure is becoming increasingly difficult to control, the only remaining option may be a caesarean section.
WHAT DOES THE INDUCTION PROCESS INVOLVE? A membrane sweep or ‘cervical sweep’ may
baby’s heartbeat will be monitored for 10 or 15 minutes to make sure baby is completely happy before giving any hormones. A vaginal examination will take place before the mother is administered a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin. This is very much like your own natural prostaglandin hormone that your womb releases when labour starts naturally. It does two things: it acts to ‘ripen’ your cervix, or in other words, makes your cervix softer and more elastic, so when the contractions come, it’s more ready to dilate. These hormones can also gradually bring on contractions. Usually, you will be given either a tablet, pessary or gel containing this hormone. Over the next few hours you may experience period-like pains, or contractions, or you may feel nothing at all. Depending on which type of prostaglandin has been used (gel, tablet or pessary), this
PREGNANCY
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
If labour doesn’t start naturally after a ‘sweep’, you will be offered an induced labour at hospital
may be repeated after six hours or so. This is sometimes all that is needed to induce labour, and at some point the contractions will start to come regularly and your cervix will dilate. Sometimes, however, as the hormone wears off, the contractions may also reduce or even stop. In this situation, if your midwife finds that your cervix is already a little open (as a result of the contractions), she may suggest breaking your waters. This is done during a vaginal examination and usually takes a minute or two. As the water comes out, it can help to stimulate some of your own natural prostaglandin hormones and get the contractions started again. If, a few hours after the waters have broken there is still no sign of the contractions returning, the midwife or doctor may suggest giving you a second hormone – oxytocin. Although this is a synthetic hormone, it is actually identical to your own natural oxytocin. This is given via a drip in your arm. It’s started off at a very low level and increased in small steps every 10 to 15 minutes until the contractions are coming every three minutes or so (which is what you would expect in normal labour). The oxytocin drip almost always makes the contractions come. But it’s not safe to use until the waters have broken (either naturally or by the doctor). And it’s not possible to break the waters until the midwife can get to them, in other words, your cervix is open a little. So it’s typical to go through the steps in the order above. Some women will need just the prostaglandin, some will need that and their waters broken, and some will need all three. Other options include doctors using a Foley catheter or cervical ripening balloons; these can help to induce labour and are particularly useful when hormones must be avoided.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 105
HEALTH
meet
the
EXPERTS OU R H E ALTHCAR E PROFE SSIONAL S AN SWER YOU R QU E STION S ABOUT PR EGNANC Y AN D BEYON D
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘NATURAL’ AND ‘ACTIVE’ DELIVERY OF THE PLACENTA? The difference between the two is that with the natural delivery, no drugs are given. Your midwife or obstetrician will wait for the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before clamping the cord, and then will await spontaneous delivery of the placenta. This can take up to an hour, but the timing can vary. Holding and feeding your baby, as well as passing urine or sitting upright, can help. With an active third stage of labour (the stage where the placenta is delivered), a drug called syntometrine is given into your thigh, usually as the baby’s body is delivering. You won’t feel it as you will be busy delivering your baby! This drug helps the uterus to contract more quickly, so the placenta will separate and deliver without a delay – the benefit is a reduction in the incidence of excessive blood loss. It is particularly recommended if you have had a long labour, required drugs during the labour to make you contract, have twins or fibroids, or if you have an instrumental or caesarean delivery – all of which can increase the risk of bleeding. The placenta is smaller and much softer than your baby so apart from feeling an urge to push, it rarely feels painful. Dr Shazia Malik, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at The Portland Hospital
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HEALTH
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE BCG VACCINE?
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
HOW COULD MY BLOOD GROUP AFFECT MY PREGNANCY? Pregnant women are always given a blood group test. Essentially, there are four main blood types – A, B, AB and O. However, each can either be RhD positive or RhD negative, which means there are eight main blood groups in total. Mixing blood groups can be life-threatening, so you will always receive blood from the same blood group in hospital. In blood group A, for example, there are anti-B antibodies in the plasma, which would attack the cells in blood group B. While more than eight in 10 people in the UK are RhD positive, if a mother is RhD negative but the child inherits an RhD positive blood group from the father, it could cause complications if not treated in a timely manner. It is important to identify at-risk pregnancies early on, so women are usually screened during early pregnancy and again at 28 weeks, regardless of RhD status. If a woman is RhD negative, then there’s a few considerations, such as partner testing, and potential steps that will need to be taken. Anti-D prophylaxis may be administered – which can actually be given to an RhD negative mother following birth to protect future pregnancies, too. Depending on your initial screening results, you may be referred to a specialist clinic for further investigation and detailed antenatal management. It is best to have a clear plan in place for your pregnancy – from the planning stages through to labour and beyond – as each individual will have a completely different circumstance. But there’s no need to worry, if your tests are organised by an experienced professional you will be able to enjoy all the best bits of the next nine months and relax! Dr Anuj Chaturvedi, medical director and GP at HealthClic
The BCG vaccine is a live vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), which can be a serious disease in young children. Studies have shown that immunisation in the first year of life protects against the most severe forms in 70% to 80% of cases. The BCG vaccine is recommended to all babies up to one year who are born in areas of the UK with high rates of TB or who have a parent or grandparent from a high-risk country (see Government TB report 2016:13). In London, areas north of the river Thames are particularly affected. Live vaccines such as MMR should either be given at the same time as the BCG vaccine or at least four weeks after the injection but all routine immunisations in the first year, including the Rotavirus vaccine, can be given. Babies who have a high fever or weakened immune system should not be vaccinated. The vaccine is administered into the skin of the left arm. It leaves a small mark which can develop into a blister after two to six weeks. It heals by itself but usually a small scar remains. The site doesn’t need to be protected during washing. Sometimes a scab appears which might take longer to heal. Small ulcers should be kept dry and exposed to air; otherwise it might not heal properly. Occasionally, the axillary lymph nodes can swell after the injection. Immunity is reached after six weeks. Dr Sophie Niedermaier MD, consultant paediatrician at Richmond Practice
WE’RE GOING ON HOLIDAY THIS MONTH AND OUR VILLA HAS A POOL. WHAT CAN WE DO TO ENSURE OUR 18-MONTH OLD STAYS SAFE? Eighteen months is a great age to encourage your child to enjoy swimming, and it’s lovely to have a pool to relax in when on holiday. But fearless little ones don’t understand the potential dangers – they are likely to find the water irresistible – so you will need to remain vigilant at all times. Drowning can happen quickly and often silently, without any obvious struggle. In fact, a child can drown in just 2cm of water. Ensure you are prepared with the necessary skills to help your child if they have a near-drowning experience. Ensure your child is always supervised in or near the water. Never rely on a buoyancy aid or inflatable, and never leave your child on their own around the pool. Also remember that the sun’s rays are magnified by water, so be sure to reapply sun cream regularly when swimming, and keep your little one out of the midday sun. Swim suits with built-in sun resistance are a great idea, and waterproof hats and tops will also protect your child’s delicate skin. Beach shoes are good for protecting little one’s feet, especially if you decide to spend the day at the beach. Emma Hammett, founder of First Aid for Life
OUR PANEL
Emma Hammett
Dr Anuj Chaturvedi
Dr Shazia Malik
Dr Sophie Niedermaier MD
firstaidforlife or u
healthclic.co.uk
theportlandhospital.com
richmondpractice.co.uk
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 107
HEALTHL SPECIA
Time to Talk
SAFE MEDICATIONS Marina Fogle & Dr Chiara Hunt
IN THIS SPECIAL EDITION , TH E SISTER S DEMYSTIF Y WHICH R EM EDIE S YOU CAN AN D CAN ’ T USE DU RING PR EGNAN C Y 108 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
PREGNANCY
hile a lot of women are health conscious even before they become pregnant, this consciousness often reaches obsessional levels when expecting. Myths abound; they predate the internet like vermin. If you look hard enough you’ll probably find someone, somewhere, saying that anything is either harmful or safe. Remember though, the internet is not regulated, so it’s worth getting important information like this from a trusted source. When it comes to medication, doctors are generally reluctant to give anything to pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester and, if you read the small print on any medication or supplements, the advice is to always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The reason for this is simple; it is unethical to test drugs on pregnant or breastfeeding women and so while, in many cases, they probably won’t be harmful, the evidence base is not there, so decisions are made on a case by case basis. Doctors therefore make the assessment according to the risk and benefit. For example, if a mother has an infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics, the doctors will ask, is the baby more at risk from the antibiotics or the mother’s infection? Very often the small risk from the medicine is less than not treating something potentially serious in the mother. But at a time when you’re driven crazy by hormones, the minefield of which medicines are safe to take is enough to drive you mad. As a general rule, avoid taking medicines that are not strictly necessary, during the whole pregnancy but particularly in the first trimester when most of baby’s development is taking place. In the meantime, here’s a list of what’s safe and what’s not.
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natural antiemetic, so drinking ginger tea or eating ginger biscuits sometimes helps. Eating little and often tends to keep sickness at bay and, surprisingly, exercise has been shown to reduce the feeling of nausea – even if it’s the last thing that you feel like doing. Anecdotally, women report acupuncture and reflexology as being helpful. When women get an extreme form of nausea, called hyperemesis gravidarum, they are so sick, they cannot keep anything down and risk getting dehydrated. This is a typical case of risk versus benefit where the risks of antiemetic drugs in the pregnancy are considered less than the effects of dehydration.
HAY FEVER Broadly speaking, the nasal sprays and eye drops that contain sodium cromoglicate, antihistamines and corticosteroids are considered the safest first line of treatment when pregnant. If you feel you need to take oral antihistamines, you should speak to your
relief’ which may contain other drugs as well. Raising your pillow while you’re bunged up helps, as does a room humidifier.
COUGHS Over-the-counter cough medicines are not advised and are not that helpful, in any case. If you are feeling unwell with a cough it is important that a doctor listens to your chest to make sure you are not brewing an infection. Night-time coughs can be helped by keeping the air moist with a humidifier.
ECZEMA / ITCHY SKIN RASH Eczema often gets worse during pregnancy and using plenty of emollient cream can help to prevent it. Topical corticosteroids are considered safe if the benefit outweighs the risk – it’s likely that baby will be more affected if the mother is stressed and unable to sleep because of the itchiness, than by the effects of the cream.
THRUSH Thrush is also a common problem during pregnancy and best cleared up as soon as possible. The thrush cream clotrimazole is generally considered safe to use, either in cream or pessary form. If this doesn’t work speak to your doctor about taking the one-off oral tablet fluconazole.
AVOID MEDICINES THAT ARE NOT NECESSARY, PARTICULARLY IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG
PAIN RELIEF Paracetamol is the safest painkiller to take in pregnancy. Ibuprofen and high-dose aspirin have both been linked to complications, especially later on in pregnancy, so the advice is to stay away from these.
NAUSEA Nausea in pregnancy is mostly mild and ridden out without the need for drugs. Ginger is a
doctor. Generally the ones that make you drowsy have been studied in pregnancy more than others, and are considered safer. Oral or topical decongestants should be avoided. Otherwise, applying a balm to your nostrils is a good way of preventing pollen getting into your nose and poses no risk to your baby.
HEARTBURN Heartburn can be helped by over-the-counter brands such as Rennie and Gaviscon, and these are safe. Lots of women with bad reflux say constantly sipping the liquid Gaviscon works best. Some foods will irritate heartburn – typically acidic foods, but it often varies from woman to woman so keep a note of what you’re eating to see what exacerbates your symptoms, and try to eat little and often.
COLDS Annoyingly, taking a decongestant is not safe in pregnancy. Paracetamol does help but make sure it is just paracetamol rather than a ‘flu
ANAESTHETIC Anaesthetics are not considered safe in pregnancy and if an operation is avoidable, it’s postponed. An epidural is the safest. This is why pregnant women are advised against any risky sports such as riding and skiing. In the first trimester it’s unlikely that a fall would affect your pregnancy, but if you get injured and doctors need to administer drugs or anaesthetic, then the risk is from those drugs. For more, BUMPS (medicinesinpregnancy.org) is a good online source that compares all the evidence, and of course, always speak to your doctor if you’re worried. Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are founders of The Bump Class, which provides antenatal classes in South Kensington and Parsons Green. thebumpclasss.com
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 109
FAMILY
BEAT THOSE
potty training PITFALLS
TIM E TO DITCH TH E NAPPIE S? EN SU R E YOU ’R E WELL-PR EPAR ED AN D YOU ’LL ACE YOU R TODDLER’S TR AN SITION , SAYS Louise P yne
astering the switch from nappies to pants is a huge milestone in your toddler’s life, and as a parent, setting a positive tone right from the start will make the learning process a whole lot easier. “The average age a child starts showing signs of readiness to potty train is between the age of two and two-and-a-half years, however, it’s important to remember that every child is different,” says toilet training expert Amanda Jenner (pottytrainingacademy.co.uk). If your little one is demonstrating cues that he’s ready to go nappy-free, here’s what you need to do to teach your child to become a pro.
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Clues that your child might be physically ready to swap nappies for pants include stopping in his tracks or hiding when he needs to go, asking you to change his nappy when it’s full or tugging at the sides. But if your child doesn’t seem interested in sitting on the loo, he might not be mentally ready. Whatever you do, don’t force the issue – it might be worth taking a break and trying again in a few weeks. “Quite possibly your child doesn’t have the verbal communication skills or he is not fully ready, so be patient and give him some time,” adds Amanda.
YOUR CHILD STILL WANTS TO POO IN HIS NAPPY If your child has mastered bladder control but still protests at the prospect of
110 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
YOUR CHILD HAS ACCIDENTS WHEN YOU’RE OUT Accidents are all part of the toilet training learning curve, and when they do happen don’t make a big deal about them as your tot will feel like he has done something wrong. When you go out, make sure to bring at least one change of clothes with you and plenty of baby wipes. “His bladder muscles may not be fully developed yet if he’s under two-and-a-half, so do bear this in mind. Toddlers are also very busy at this age playing and sometimes they forget to tell you that they need to go, so keep offering gentle reminders to minimise accidents,” says Amanda.
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HE’S DRY IN THE DAY, BUT WAKES UP WET IN THE MORNING
If your child is dry in the day but still needs a nappy at night then tweaking your nightly routine might help him tune into his body a little more. “Reduce liquids one hour before bedtime – this includes avoiding fruit snacks, as some fruits can contain up to 80% water,” advises Amanda. Take your child to the loo just before he goes to bed and reassure him that if he wakes up in the night needing to go that he can call you for help.
YOUR CHILD IS SCARED OF THE LOO The toilet can seem like a scary place to a toddler. Your little one might be frightened of falling down it or be scared of the flushing noise, he may even feel anxious about sitting on the seat because it just feels too big. “Take your child out to chose his own seat. Allow him to decorate the seat with his favourite character stickers, and if the loo is still overwhelming, start with a potty and progress when he feels ready,” says Amanda.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK
EVEN THOUGH HE’S SHOWING SIGNS, YOUR CHILD JUST ISN’T INTERESTED IN USING THE LOO
pooing on the loo he may not be emotionally ready. “This is very common. Children will often go to hide to do a poo as this is a new sensation for them and they feel embarrassed,” says Amanda. He may also be scared about having an accident, so try to offer as much reassurance as possible and don’t insist he goes to the toilet if he doesn’t want to. “If he poos in his nappy, take him to the bathroom and let him see you flush away the contents so he can see where it goes. Give lots of positive praise when he does eventually sit on the loo to go for a poo,” adds Amanda.
FAMILY
If your child lets you know when they ‘need to go’, it could be time to start potty training
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 111
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SHADES AT PLAY We know babies respond well to colour, so where better place to have some fun with your décor than their nursery? With Crown’s new range, featuring hues such as ‘Lavender Cupcake’ and minty ‘Cool Aqua’, you can opt for one shade or mix and match for an eye-catching effect. From £14, crownpaints.co.uk
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 113
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Slight and compact, the Minicall has a battery life of 25 hours and vox muting technology that enables it to save energy. The design is water and humidity resistant, making it great for travel to more tropical climates. Charged via USB, it’s definitely one of the more flexible options for parents. £40, jojomamanbebe.co.uk
For peace of mind, this monitor ensures zero electromagnetic waves in baby’s environment. To get the most out of it, the app can host up to four users, offering a two-way talk function, the taking and sharing of images, the chance to share your music library and various soothing light options. £170, kidly.co.uk
This wearable device attaches to baby’s nappy to finely monitor their breathing. The closeness of the monitor means it detects even the slightest of breaths and alerts parents in cases of weak or no breathing within 15 seconds, switching from monitor to vibration mode to rouse baby if they do stop breathing. £79.99, babiesrus.co.uk
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116 | SEP/OCT17 | babylondon.co.uk
Notting Hill Baby Boutique 99 Talbot Road London W11 2AT
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18/07/2017 10:44
FOOD NATURAL HIGH Heavenly Tasty Organics has been awarded a prestigious Sugarwise certificate in recognition of its commitment to low-sugar foods. Its collection of snacks, made with healthy organic ingredients, all met the certification body’s strict standards regarding quality and free-of-sugar content. heavenlytasty.com
food
NEWS CUPBOARD STAPLES
Little Dish has launched a new range celebrating those childhood classics we all know and love. The collection includes baked beans, spaghetti hoops, macaroni cheese and tomato soup, all packed with veg but zero added sugar. There’s also two new cooking sauces to get taste buds tingling; mild korma and tomato. From £1, sainsburys.com
BRAIN FOOD
The meals are made with bigger chunks of veg, rice and pasta to encourage chewing
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
TRULY HUNGRY BABY Holly Willoughby is taking on the world of weaning with her second parenting book, Truly Scrumptious Baby. Published this autumn, the title features practical advice on the basics of nutrition, the equipment that’s worth the splurge, feeding techniques, and of course, a ton of recipes. Out 7 September (£16.99, Harper Collins)
What if mealtimes could support baby’s future development? The new Little Bistro range from Kiddylicious does just that; its pouches contain larger chunks to encourage the development of important tongue and speech muscles, with plenty of veg for optimum nutrition. There’s 20 meals to choose from, covering all weaning stages. From £1.20, ocado.com
RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THE INFANT & TODDLER FORUM FOUND ALMOST NINE IN 10 PARENTS DON’T FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED FOOD GUIDELINES FOR THEIR TODDLER. 65% MISTAKENLY THOUGHT THEIR CHILD SHOULD ONLY EAT STARCHY FOODS LIKE BREAD AND PASTA ONCE A DAY, RATHER THAN THE SUGGESTED THREE TO FIVE SERVINGS.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 117
FRESH GREENS WITH PEAR AND A HINT OF MINT Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing Makes 4 portions
This smooth purée is packed full of greens; creamy spinach and courgette with sweet peas and juicy apple and pear. INGREDIENTS
• 100g frozen peas • 40g baby spinach, washed • 60g courgette, chopped • Pinch of chopped fresh or dried mint • 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored and chopped • Squeeze of lemon juice (optional) METHOD
Place the frozen peas in a steamer and cook for a few minutes. Then add the courgette and spinach and steam for a further 5 minutes. Take off the heat and drain, reserving a little of the water. Add the pear and mint, and purée. Add a little of the reserved water (or freshly boiled water) to the purée if it’s too thick. Tip: Add a spoonful of natural yoghurt to this, to add a little protein.
118 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
FOOD
Weaning advice Alice Fotheringham answers the most frequently asked questions around introducing solids. What is weaning and when do I begin? Weaning is the introduction of complementary foods other than breast milk or formula. The recommended age to start introducing solids is around six months of age. But it’s important to remember that breast or formula milk are still your baby’s main source of calories and nutrients in the first year: foods are in addition to this.
Wholesome & hearty FROM VEGE TABLE YOGH U RTS TO OLIVE MU FFIN S, GE T R E ADY TO COM BIN E SE ASONAL INGR EDIENTS IN A WHOLE N EW WAY THIS AUTUM N , SAYS N UTRITIONIST Alice Fotheringham
What are the best foods to start with? There really is no one ‘best food’, so don’t feel under too much pressure! I like the Mediterranean approach of offering a wide range of vegetables, fruit, pulses, grains, lean meat, fish, eggs and good fats from food like olive oil – from early on. Try not to stick to vegetables and fruit for too long and get that variety in. Good first food examples include steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or steamed or baked root vegetables such as carrot, sweet potato, butternut squash and parsnips. Easy (and no-cook) foods such as mashed banana or avocado are quick and simple to prepare. What’s best, finger food or purées? A mix of both. Finger food is an important part of your baby’s development, as it helps with hand-eye coordination and speech development. Try them with a steamed broccoli floret or carrot baton, a finger of toast with a bit of full-fat cream cheese, or pop a bit of raspberry on their finger. The most important thing is being responsive to your baby’s hunger, and not worrying too much if some days they don’t appear interested. Never force your baby to eat and try not to distract them if they turn away or clamp their mouth shut – they’ll probably be keen again tomorrow!
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 119
FOOD Using a good quality olive oil ma es these muffins extra healthy
MAN GO, PE AR AN D K A L E W I T H A DA S H O F YO G H U R T Preparation: 8 minutes Cooking: 5 minutes Storage: Suitable for freezing (into ice lollies) Makes 4 portions
This purée is a delicious combination of juicy, tropical mango and apple with vitamin-rich kale and a swirl of smooth yoghurt. INGREDIENTS
• Handful of curly kale, washed and tough stems removed • 1 small ripe pear, peeled, cored and chopped • ½ mango, peeled and de-stoned • 3 tbsp of full-fat natural or Greek yoghurt
F E TA , O L I V E A N D PA R S L E Y M U F F I N S Suitable from 1 year (remove the salt if giving to a child under 1 year) Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 20 minutes Storage: Store in fridge; suitable for freezing Makes 12 muffins
These savoury muffins are packed with flavour and perfect for eating on the go. The fresh herbs are great for introducing new tastes to baby, and you can use any cheese you like in this recipe.
METHOD
Place the kale in a steamer and steam for five minutes until wilted. Remove the kale from the steamer and place into a blender. Blend until as smooth as possible, and you only have very small bits. Add the pear, mango chunks and yoghurt and blend all together. Tip: This also makes great breakfast smoothies for grown-ups, or freeze into lolly moulds for an iced yoghurt treat!
INGREDIENTS
• Olive oil for greasing • 2 tsp baking powder • 250g plain flour • 3 free-range eggs • 2 tbsp semi skimmed milk • 50ml extra virgin olive oil • 100g black or green olives, pitted • 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley • 1 tbsp fresh tarragon • 150g feta, roughly chopped
• 100g cream cheese • 30g pumpkin or sunflower seeds • pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a standard-size 12-hole muffin tin. To make the muffin mixture, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl, and mix in the feta cubes. Stir the eggs, cream cheese, milk, oil, olives, parsley and tarragon and thyme together, then add the dry ingredients and lightly mix together until just combined. Fill each mould in the muffin tin with the mixture. Sprinkle pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top, then place in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave the muffins to cool in their tin before serving. Tip: If your little one is not a fan of olives, you could instead try using 50g sundried tomatoes or 100g grated carrot.
Alice Fotheringham is infant nutrition specialist at Piccolo. Piccolo is an organic baby food brand with roots in the Mediterranean approach to feeding children. The brand supports the NCT and gives 10% of its profits to food education. Visit mylittlepiccolo.com to find out more and receive an exclusive discount off your next purchase.
120 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
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babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT17 | 121
TRAVEL You’ll find the sweetest prints and colours for baby in the new Mini Bahimi collection
A LIGHTER LOAD A luxury holiday without having to lug a pushchair round the airport? Sign us up! Scott Dunn has teamed up with Bugaboo to provide a fleet of buggies for its mini guests. Available at the Pine Cliffs resort, Portugal, the ski resort of Val d’Isère and its villas in the South of France, there are models to tackle every kind of terrain. scottdunn.com
BEACH BABY Bahimi has launched a capsule collection for young swimmers. Mini Bahimi includes swimsuits and kaftans for girls, complete with frill details and eye-catching prints, in sizes from three months. From £14, bahimi.com
travel
NEWS
WH ER EVER YOU R DE STINATION , TR AVEL IN ST YLE WITH BABY IN TOW MAKE A SPLASH
A HELPING HAND
Introduce your little ones to the joys of water at MarBella Corfu. The five-star resort has launched its Aqua Baby classes, incorporating massage, flotation and stretching into a 20-minute pool session for parent and child. Designed for ages three months to one year, each class works to build confidence, body awareness and balance. You’ll have a water baby in no time! Family rooms from £253 per night, marbella.gr
It’s no secret that holidaying with a baby requires a lot of kit. But travel to Elounda SA Hotels & Resorts in Crete, and you’ll be able to fit a whole lot more into your luggage. The resorts’ Babies Travel Light programme allows parents to pre-order all the necessary items before their trip – from potties and strollers to baby food and nappies – to be found ready and waiting in your suite when you arrive. Double rooms from £252 per night, sovereign.com
M&S BANK HAS REVEALED THE NATION’S FAVOURITE HOLIDAY HACKS. TALC HAS BEEN FOUND TO HELP REMOVE SAND FROM WET SKIN, SHOWER CAPS ARE GREAT FOR STORING MUDDY OR SANDY SHOES, AND A LAYER OF CLING FILM OVER TOILETRY BAGS GIVES EXTRA PROTECTION AGAINST LEAKS.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 123
ª Postcard from…
Checking into a cosy cabin courtesy of Stena Line
THE HAGUE
Views from Scheveningen beach
The Hague is a city on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands
Rowena Carr-Allinson H E ADS TO TH E WE STER N N E TH ER L AN DS
he beach? In Holland? Really?” This is the reaction I get when I explain that for the last couple of years I’ve been heading North to the beach, unlike the rest of the world who heads South. To be fair, we do both, but my love for the Dutch shores is growing – so much so that this year we stayed for two weeks. Even better, to get there, instead of driving the ‘long way around’ we hop on a Stena Line ferry at Harwich for an overnight adventure. The kids (Lennox, four, and Tess, eight months) love the excitement of the late-night departure, checking into a cosy cabin and waking up on the other side. Yes, the weather can be iffy, but we’ve been lucky and there is much to love about the Dutch seaside: the ‘Chocomel’ chocolate milk, the chips, the kid-friendly beach clubs, Dutch kroketten pancakes, and the fact everyone speaks great English, not to mention the soft sand. My mother is from The Hague – or Den Haag – so that’s where I tend to head, more specifically its beachside resort of Scheveningen. Impossible to pronounce for most, it’s a haven of raw herring, kite-surfers and beach clubs. The architecture of the town isn’t much to look at, but the locals have made up for it by building beach shacks aplenty with great décor, affordable food and drinks – and a relaxed, laidback atmosphere. At Hart Beach, one of our favourites, there’s even a surf camp for kids from
T
the age of six to take surfing lessons (hartbeach.nl). What more could you ask for? Hotels and rentals can be expensive in Holland, so we opted to house swap (lovehomeswap.com). The perfect solution for families, not only is it free (our Dutch counterparts stay in our place for a week while we occupy their home), it’s ideal for kids as the houses come preloaded with toys, a garden and all the local knowledge you need. Between us, we manage to organise babysitters, activities and share experiences and tips – like staying with friends, but without them! It’s our third year running, and this time we’re returning to the same house a few minutes’ drive from the beach, where I know my daughter will sleep well in the nursery, my son will enjoy the garden and I can walk to the local Albert Heijn supermarket. Easy! In addition to long, lazy days at the beach, we also venture further afield into The Hague by tramway, where the city is packed with great shopping and historic sights that even the kids will enjoy, like the 16th century Noordeinde Palace where the king is based, and the 13th century Ridderzaal Knights’ Hall in the Binnenhof. Not your cup of tea? There’s another family friendly must do there: Madurodam, a park with all the famous Dutch landmarks and cities in miniature, so you can see all the country has to offer in one day! Perfect for tired little feet.
There’s plenty to do and see in The Hague
Hart Beach boasts a surf camp for kids
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK
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City reach, City reach, City reach, Village location, Village location, Village location, Country life. Country life. Country life.
'An exceptionally friendly school where everyone is quickly made to feel part 'Anthe exceptionally school The Good Schoolswhere Guide, everyone June 2016 is quickly made to feel part of community.’friendly 'An exceptionally friendly school where everyone of the community.’ The Good Schools Guide, June 2016 is quickly made to feel part 'An exceptionally friendly school everyone is quicklySchools madeInspectorate to feel part2015 ‘Excellent’ in all areas teaching and learning. Theof Good Schoolswhere Guide, June 2016Independent of the community.’ Theof Good Schools and Guide, June 2016Independent Schools Inspectorate 2015 of the community.’ ‘Excellent’ in all areas teaching learning. ‘The Facebook and fixtures app are fantastic. AsSchools a mum working2015 ‘Excellent’ in all snapshots areas of teaching and learning. Independent Inspectorate ‘Excellent’ all snapshots areasthis of is teaching and learning. Independent Schools Inspectorate ‘The Facebook and fixtures app fantastic. a mum working Parent 2015 full-time ininLondon amazing! I feel soare in touch withAs the school.’ ‘The Facebook snapshots and fixtures app are fantastic. As a mum working full-time in London this is amazing! I feel so in touch with the school.’ Parent ‘The Facebook snapshots fixtures appsoare fantastic. Asthe a mum ‘When education looks good and learning is thiswith inspiring, howworking can you Parent full-time in London this this is and amazing! I feel in touch school.’ Parent full-time in London thischildren?’ is amazing! I feel so in touch the school.’ ‘When education looks this goodParent and learning is thiswith inspiring, how can you not choose it for your ‘When education looks this good and learning is this inspiring, how can you not choose it for your children?’ Parent ‘When education looks this good and learning is this inspiring, how can you Pupils go onit to broad range ofParent leading independent senior school destinations not choose forayour children?’ Parent not choose it to forayour children?’ Pupils go broad range leading independent senior school destinations across theon South East and alsoofto Kent grammar schools. Pupils go on to a broad range of leading independent senior school destinations across the South East and also to Kent grammar schools. Pupils to a broad range independent senior school destinations acrossgo theon South East and alsooftoleading Kent grammar schools. marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/relocatingtothecountryside across the South East and also to Kent grammar schools.
marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/relocatingtothecountryside marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/relocatingtothecountryside marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/relocatingtothecountryside A high quality education with a truly individual focus A high quality education with a truly individual focus A high quality education with a truly individual focus MARLBOROUGH A high quality education with a truly individual focus MARLBOROUGH
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education
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP
Researching schools
EDUCATION
NEWS
EVERY THING YOU N EED TO KN OW IN AN D OUT OF TH E CL ASSROOM
HEADS UP
The White House School in Clapham is starting the school year with a new headmaster. Tony Lewis has been teaching for more than 30 years, most recently as head of St Nicholas Prep in Kensington. Lewis’s speciality lies in humanities – history in particular – and he has plans to roll out ‘Headmaster’s Lessons’, giving pupils the chance to learn from the man in charge. whitehouseschool.com If you want to know more about schooling and are keen to plan for the future, then check out our sister title. Published twice a year, The Guide to Independent Schools is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector. The Guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.
ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independent-schoolparent or call 020 7349 3700. The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.
COLOUR CODING Inject a little fun into learning numbers and letters with The Jam Tart’s new range of colouring-in posters. And, if you’re after something to keep them educated on the go, check out its collection of colourful flashcards for reciting the alphabet and maths basics. From £11, thejamtart.co.uk
PEACE OF MIND Mulberry House School in West Hampstead is the first school in London to have been presented with an award from charitable organisation AcSEED in recognition of its commitment to the emotional wellbeing of its pupils. The AcSEED Initiative was impressed by the school’s efforts to address the needs of every age group. mulberryhouseschool.com
From Red Robin to Orange Orangutan, little ones can enjoy learning the colours ‘hidden’ within each animal letter
RESEARCH ON BEHALF OF PAT-A-CAKE BOOKS SAYS 87% OF PARENTS AGREE THAT READING IS IMPORTANT TO A NEWBORN’S DEVELOPMENT, BUT MOST ARE NOT AWARE OF WHY. READING TO BABY HELPS TO STIMULATE THE BRAIN AT PRECISELY THE TIME WHEN IMPORTANT CONNECTIONS ARE BEING FORMED.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 127
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www.kerensnursery.com 128 | SEP/OCT17 | babylondon.co.uk
CHILDCARE
STRUGGLING TO DECIDE ON THE BEST CHILDCARE FOR YOUR FAMILY ? Georgina Blaskey WEIGHS UP THE OPTIONS eciding on the type of childcare that’s right for you and your little one depends on many factors – how many days and hours you need each week, and your budget, just for starters. There are myriad options available, so here are the pros, cons and costs of each, to see your child from baby days through to school age.
D
CHILDMINDERS Childminders are self-employed and usually take care of children within their own home. Registered with Ofsted in England, they are inspected every two years. By law, registered
childminders can look after up to six children under eight years old. Three of these can be five and under, and only one can be under 12 months. They must have completed a local authority-approved training course and a 12-hour paediatric first-aid course. Hours are agreed between the childminder and parents. How much does it cost? On average in London, it’s around £146 per week (for under-twos) for 25 hours a week*. Pros: Childminders are qualified and inspected regularly, they can provide tailored care for your child in a secure home environment, and there may be some flexibility with drop-off
and pick-up times. Cons: If your childminder is ill or away you will need a Plan B, and you may have to subsidise additional outings and activities.
DAY NURSERIES Day nurseries offer care for children from about six weeks old to when they start school (normally around four years old). The number of children attending will vary from nursery to nursery, and many have multiple rooms to separate ages and stages. There are different types of nurseries including private, community, local authority and workplace
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 129
RUNNING HEAD
EXTRA OPTIONS Kidsitter: This genius, London-based on-demand service has a network of more than 150 trusted childcare professionals available to babysit at any time, even on short notice – no membership or booking fee required. kidsitter.co.uk Student Nannies: Linking parents who need cover in school holidays with local students who have time on their hands and fees to pay, Student Nannies founder Tracey Blake believes, “this is a win-win situation”. studentnannies.com Koru Kids: Want a nanny but don’t need one full time? Koru Kids has families across London willing to share their top-class nannies.It’s the perfect opportunity to give your child a friend to play with, and save a bit on the cost. korukids.co.uk
NANNIES A nanny is employed by you to care for your child in your own home; they may live in or live out. Depending on what you want your nanny to do and the age of your child, they may be
130 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
WITH AN AU PAIR, YOUR CHILD MAY ENJOY THE EXPOSURE TO ANOTHER LANGUAGE AND CULTURE responsible for feeding, bathing and dressing your baby, changing nappies, or helping him use the potty, preparing his meals, cleaning his room, washing and ironing his clothes, and planning activities, such as swimming, reading and social interaction, for example, going to a playgroup. Be aware that nannies aren’t required to hold a qualification in childcare, but many have a form of training or study, the most traditional being Norland Nannies. How much does it cost? The London average for a live-in nanny is £460 per week, and £478 per week for live-out. You are also responsible for their tax and national insurance*. Pros: Hours are flexible depending on your needs, especially if you have a live-in nanny, but you will need a back-up plan if they are ill or on holiday. Your child may develop a strong bond with their nanny. Cons: It’s the most expensive form of childcare and nannies are not inspected unless they’re registered. You will have to arrange back-up care and cover their tax and NI.
AU PAIRS These are generally students from outside the UK, here to study and improve their English, who live with you as part of your family. You can expect them to help around the house a little and look after your children when needed, working about 35 hours a week over five days. However, due to their age and lack of experience or qualifications, it may not be the best option if your child is under two. How much does it cost? They must be provided with a bedroom and meals, and they receive ‘pocket money’ (£85-£120 per week) rather than a wage; they are not classified as employees so they don’t need NI or tax. Pros: The ‘big sister’ role can be very beneficial to older children (au pairs tend to be aged around 17 to 27) and your child may enjoy the exposure to another language and culture. Cons: They are quite young and may have poor command of English. You need to give them time to attend their college, which may impact the hours you need them.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK. *SOURCE: WHICH.CO.UK
nurseries. They are inspected by Ofsted and there are legal ratios for each child: for babies aged five weeks to two years, it’s one carer per three children; children aged two to three years is one carer to four children; for children over three, it’s one carer to eight, or 13 if led by a teacher. How much does it cost? The typical cost of a full-time day nursery place is about £210 per week for a child under two. In London, the average cost rises to £300 to £450. Pros: Staff are well trained with valid childcare qualifications, and nurseries are inspected every two to three years. If someone is ill, there should be enough staff to cover and they will stay open during the holidays. Your employer may even subsidise your fees. Best of all, there are lots of other children for your child to interact with. Cons: Drop-off and pick-up times are fixed, and staff turnover can be high. You may feel your child isn’t getting the one-to-one care other options can give, and little ones are more likely to pick up illnesses.
ur o y Bookit this vis umn aut
Nursery and Pre-Preparatory Schools, NW3 19 September 3, 10 & 31 October 14 November 5 December
North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior and Sixth Form Schools
Preparatory School, NW1 5 & 20 October 10 November
Senior School Hampstead, NW3 26 September 4 & 31 October 8 November 9 December
Senior & Sixth Form Canonbury, N1 21 & 28 September 14 October 1 & 16 November
Full event details on the website
Book onto an Autumn Term open event today northbridgehouse.com/open admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com
020 7428 1520
EDUCATION
ASK THE EXPERTS We put your education questions to those in the know
Be sure to immerse yourself in your child’s education when they eventually start school
HOW CAN I INTRODUCE MY LITTLE ONE TO EARLY EDUCATION WITHOUT BEING TOO PUSHY? Christine McLelland, headteacher of North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep in Hampstead, says: Surprisingly, it’s not all about filling their brains with every little bit of information you think they ought to know. For example, it may sound counterintuitive, but try to hold back from teaching them the letters of the alphabet. Your child will not learn to read simply by reciting the alphabet, but by sounding out letters phonetically. Reinforce this by reading to them, singing songs and engaging in conversation. This will make them familiar with phonetic sounds in everyday contexts and broaden their vocabulary. If you only do one thing, read to your child as much as possible. A similar rule applies to numbers. It’s all well and fine teaching your child to count to 10, but can they recognise each digit? Do they know the value of each number? Can they count out a given number of objects? This is what they’ll be learning at nursery school. Which brings me to the most important point: when your child does start nursery school, immerse yourself in their education as much as possible. Take advantage of parentchild mornings, holiday clubs and workshops where offered. Parent workshops establish a crucial link between school and home. They are a celebration of your child’s work over the term. They also give you a vital glimpse into what it is your child is learning at school. If you want to continue the learning process at home, understanding what it is your child is learning at school and how they are learning is the key to success.
HOW DO CENTRAL LONDON SCHOOLS MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR LOCATION? Donal Brennan, headteacher of The Hampshire School, Chelsea, says: A central location brings with it a world of possibilities. We’re at the heart of one of the world’s great global cities – we attract a diverse student body, with families hailing from Switzerland to Saudi Arabia. This encourages children to develop a global outlook. Just last month, the school hosted a ‘UN Day’, where families were invited to host a stall representing their country of origin. Pupils regularly visit the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both of which are less than a mile from our school. They have even opened the London Stock Exchange. And finally, the capital is home to some of the best senior schools in the country, so when the time comes, children will be able to continue in first-class education.
MEET THE EXPERTS
Christine McLelland North Bridge House
132 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Donal Brennan The Hampshire School
Catherine Kelsey Gabbitas Education
I’M SIX MONTHS PREGNANT AND FRIENDS HAVE SUGGESTED I START THINKING ABOUT NURSERY SCHOOLS – ARE THEY RIGHT? Catherine Kelsey of Gabbitas Education says: The race for schools – and increasingly nurseries, too – has become so fierce, parents are planning their child’s school career before they have even been born. Competition for nursery places is tight. The momentum seems to be for children to join the more structured environment of a nursery school, rather than go to a church hall and do some painting, singing and messy play. There is no right answer here, but it’s never too soon to start your child out on the right trajectory. Increasingly, ambitious parents like to put their child into a ‘good’ nursery as this will ensure a good pre-prep, and so on. The more competitive the school environment becomes, this has a knock-on effect all the way down to nursery schools. Historically, some parents would prefer to keep their child at home until the start of school age at four, with the occasional visit to a playgroup, but now the pressure to gain a good place for your child means they feel obliged to join other parents in the nursery school race, and the more ‘prestigious’ nurseries are able to pick and choose their intake as demand is so high.
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our littler children this year have included a Mad Science workshop, a visit from a menagerie of farm animals, trips to local London landmarks like the Museum of London and several visiting top authors.
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The Mall is a successful independent prep school for boys age 4+ in Twickenham
From 2019 we will become an 11+ school and boys will leave at the end of Year 6 • Non-selective entry into Reception (4+) • Entry into our expanded Year 3 (7+) is based on assessment • Popular destinations include: Hampton, KCS Wimbledon, St Paul’s & Reed’s • Minibuses from: Richmond, Kew, Chiswick and Kingston
Autumn Open Mornings • Wednesday 20 September, 9.00am
• Saturday 7 October, 9.30am-12.00pm • Tuesday 31 October, 9.30am – For 7+/8+ entry only • Wednesday 8 November, 9.00am – For 4+ entry only
Bringing out the best in every boy 185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ • 0208 614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk • www.themallschool.org.uk
“We are very happy as we have found an amazing environment for our son where he is encouraged and motivated.” Reception parent
Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years
Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School Children join the Pre-Nursery class in the term they turn three. Please come and visit us. To arrange an appointment, telephone 01372 463695 or email preprepschool@claremont.surrey.sch.uk
Claremont Fan Court School Claremont Drive Esher Surrey KT10 9LY www.claremont-school.co.uk 134 | SEP/OCT17 | babylondon.co.uk
OUT AND ABOUT
mini
AGENDA
Lianne Kolirin ROU N DS U P TH E CAPITAL’S BE ST EVENTS Play Base
Play Base
Planet Play
Peppa Pig’s Adventure
FUN DMC Film Special
NATIONAL ARMY MUSUEM Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT 020 7730 0717 nam.ac.uk
CHICKENSHED THEATRE Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PE 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk
ORCHARD THEATRE Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent DA1 1ED 01322 220000 peppapiglive.com
ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com
This immersive experience offers loads of fun activities for kids. Watch as your little ones spring into action in the command liaison vehicle, the cookhouse, the assault course and more. There is also a soft and squishy baby area for the littlest recruits. Admission: £4.50 per child and accompanying adult. Hour-long sessions run daily, see website for details.
This magical world of sensory learning and exploration is for babies and toddlers aged up to three years. Devised by the creative Tales from the Shed team, Planet Play has been specifically designed to encourage communication development through song, music and movement. Admission: £6 each; babies under six months go free. Every Friday, 10am.
Peppa Pig and her pals are back in a brand new live show for pre-schoolers. Join her as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with her school friends. With their lunchboxes packed, and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their musical adventure. Admission: From £13 each. Friday 20 to Sunday 22 October, 10am, 1pm and 4pm.
The daytime hip hop party for kids and their parents is back for a cinematic special as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s Festival of Film. This edition will feature a screen showing video clips from famous hip hop videos and films alongside classic tracks from the movies. Admission: Adults, £16.30; children, £11.20. Thursday 26 October, 10am and 1.30pm.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 135
Pat-A-Cake Baby
Eukanuba Discover Dogs 2017
Africa on the Square TRAFALGAR SQUARE London WC2N 5DN london.gov.uk/events Celebrate African arts and culture with a fantastic day of entertainment, food stalls, fashion and loads for kids to get involved with. The festival returns to the heart of London with live African music, DJs, dancing, a market and a talent show from the continent. Admission: Free. Saturday 14 October, 12pm to 6pm.
Apple Day Celebration FULHAM PALACE Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, London SW6 6EA 020 7736 3233 fulhampalace.org This annual festival at Fulham Palace celebrates the apple orchard in the walled garden, with seasonal displays and tastings, live music, bee keeping and wood turning demos, a baking competition, children’s activities, storytelling, refreshments and more! Admission: Free. Sunday 8 October, 11am to 3pm.
136 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Eukanuba Discover Dogs 2017 EXCEL LONDON 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL discoverdogs.org.uk
Apple Day Celebration
Brick or Treat
On Blackheath
Baby & Toddler Show
BLACKHEATH London SE3 0UA onblackheath.com
SANDOWN PARK Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9AJ babyandtoddlershow.co.uk
This event is filled with doggy displays and competitions for pedigree, crossbred and mixed breeds. There’s a Young Kennel Club Area for children over six, or if you’re looking for a pet, discover which breed best suits your family. Admission: Adults, £15.40; under-eights go free. Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October, 10am to 5pm.
The family festival returns with a stellar line-up, including Travis and Jake Bugg. For the kids, there will be plenty of soft play, crafts and adventure areas, as well as storytelling from the likes of Michael Rosen and Julian Clary, and a special Village Green sports day with egg-andspoon races and tug-of-war. Admission: Adults, from £49.50; children, £10; under-fives go free. Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September, from 12pm.
Pat-A-Cake Baby
The Great River Race
LYRIC HAMMERSMITH Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL 020 8741 6850 lyric.co.uk
VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS LONDON greatriverrace.co.uk
Long Nose Puppets offers up a marvellous show full of riotous rhyme, zany puppets and cake; all iced with music and songs by Tom Gray, based on the book by Joyce Dunbar. Admission: £8 each. Saturday 23 September, 11am and 1pm.
This spectacular boat race up the Thames attracts more than 330 international crews and appeals to every level of competitor. The race starts from London Docklands but the best viewing points are Richmond Bridge and along the South Bank. Admission: Free. Saturday 9 September.
This bump- and baby-friendly show returns to Sandown Park, promising lots of shopping opportunities and a chance to chat to experts in everything from birth and feeding to sleeping and finance. Admission: Adults, from £12; children go free. Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October.
Brick or Treat LEGOLAND Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY legoland.co.uk This year’s event features Ninjago-themed fireworks on the Saturday and Sunday evenings to celebrate the opening of Lego Ninjago World. Other activities include skeleton and pumpkin building, and puppet shows. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without fancy dress! Admission: From £37 each in advance; under-threes go free. Saturday 14 to Tuesday 31 October.
OUT AND ABOUT
The Baby Show
A World inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons & Other Creatures
Mister Maker & The Shapes Live
Southbank Centre Beach
A World Inside a Book: Gruffalos, Dragons & Other Creatures
ARTWORK BY AXEL SCHEFFLER. COPYRIGHT © JULIA DONALDSON AND A. SCHEFFLER LTD 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY: JONATHON VINES, VICTOR FRANKOWSKI
DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London E15 4QZ discover.org.uk For a touch of storytime magic, head to Discover’s new Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson exhibition. The story centre in East London brings 12 of the duo’s most enchanting books to life for their legions of young fans to see up close. Admission: Adults, £8; undertwos, £2; under-ones go free. Saturday 21 October to September 2018.
The Big Draw VENUES NATIONWIDE thebigdraw.org Children are encouraged to get creative with this month-long festival of drawing activities. Every year thousands of events are organised up and down the country for children of all ages. Admission: Many events are free, prices may vary for specific events. Throughout October, event times vary.
Mister Maker & The Shapes Live
Baby Loves Disco Mini Roadshow
RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1Q J mistermakerlive.com
SHOREDITCH TOWN HALL 380 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT babylovesdisco.co.uk
OLYMPIA LONDON Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX 0871 231 0844 thebabyshow.co.uk
With a fabulous supporting cast and art at its heart, this fantastic live show encourages Mini Makers and grown-ups to sing, dance and make plenty of noise! There’s a big ‘make’ to take part in, lots of audience participation and, of course, the Shapes; Circle, Square, Rectangle and Triangle. Admission: From £15.75 each. Sunday 17 September, 1.30pm and 4pm.
Baby Loves Disco’s resident club DJs mix chart floor-fillers with nostalgic pop classics for parents and young children to enjoy together. There are play tents and inflatables, balloons, bubbles, dressing up, arts and crafts, healthy snacks and plenty of dancefloor games. Admission: £4 each. Saturday 30 September, 10am to 12pm.
Listen to expert speakers, watch demonstrations and do some shopping at one of the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting events. The show offers visitors everything from pushchairs to nursery ideas, maternity fashion to healthcare. Admission: Adults, from £11.50; children go free. Friday 20 to Sunday 22 October, 10am to 5.30pm.
Southbank Centre Beach
Singalong Grease
SOUTHBANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 0844 8750073 southbankcentre.co.uk
KEW GARDENS Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE 0844 858 6767 thelunacinema.com
Una Guitar Girl: Spooky Autumn Singalong ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON 24–26 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1HL rosetheatrekingston.org Little ghouls are invited to this singalong for under-sixes, so get into the spirit of Halloween by coming dressed up. Themed toys and props will be available, along with the chance to play with percussion instruments. Admission: £6 each. Saturday 14 October, 10.30am.
A staycation in London needn’t mean missing out on some old-fashioned beach fun. Pack a picnic and a bucket and spade and head for the the Southbank Centre’s urban riverside beach boasting 85 tonnes of sand. Admission: Free. Until Sunday 24 September, 10am to 10pm.
The Baby Show
If baby can’t sleep, you may as well make the most of it! This autumn, Kew will be showing a singalong version of Grease on the lawns in front of Kew Palace. Be sure to pack a picnic. Admission: Adults, £17.50; children, £13.50; under-fives go free. Thursday 7 September, from 6.15pm; showing at 7.45pm.
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 137
SUBSCRIBE TO LITTLE LONDON
OUT AND ABOUT
Totally Thames
1 YEAR for just £18 Countryside Live 2017
VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS LONDON totallythames.org
WALTHAMSTOW AND LEYTON MARSHES Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL 0845 6770600 visitleevalley.org.uk
September is all about celebrating the capital’s waterway, with a spectacular 30-day programme of arts, music, colourful regattas, river races, environmental and educational activities and much more, all along the 42-mile stretch of the Thames. Admission: Many events are free; prices may vary. Throughout September, event times vary.
Kidtropolis EXCEL LONDON Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL kidtropolis.co.uk This wonderful world of toys, games and family brands is back for another year. Little ones will love meeting the likes of Postman Pat, Fireman Sam and Sooty and friends. Plus there’s loads for older siblings, too. Admission: From £13.50 each. Monday 23 to Thursday 26 October, sessions from 9.30am or 2pm.
138 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Head to Countryside Live for arena displays, falconry, sheep dogs, ferret racing and more. You can also try willow weaving and wood turning, or marvel at the blacksmith demonstrations. There will be animals galore and family activities for the park’s 50th anniversary this year. Admission: Adults, from £5; children go free. Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October, from 10am.
Queen’s Park Day QUEEN’S PARK London NW6 qpark.org.uk This village fete will host everything from donkey rides and tug-of-war tournaments to GBBO-worthy cake and jam-making competitions, as well as an array of street food stalls. Families can even get tips on bee keeping and martial arts. Admission: Free. Sunday 17 September, 12pm.
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For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth
27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk
babylondon.co.uk | SEP/OCT17 | 139
A SELEC TION OF
LOCAL AC TIVITIE S FOR YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E
Groups & Classes
ACTIVITIES
140 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
EXPERT-LED POSTNATAL COURSES FOR PARENTS Weekend courses in London Expecting your first baby? Going through a difficult period with your toddler? The Parenting Chapter provides a programme of expert-led, Londonbased postnatal courses aimed at expectant and new parents, and parents with toddlers. The programme is split into four chapters: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 12+ months. Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, each chapter covers all the potential hurdles that parents may encounter with their first and subsequent children at each age and stage, empowering them with practical and impartial advice and solutions. lauren@theparentingchapter.com theparentingchapter.com
FOR LITTLE LEARNERS Workshops across London Check out the Little Discovery classes for ages six months to 24 months old. These allow babies to explore their senses with music, colours and shapes. Little Maths Rhythm & Shapes and Little Science are two after-school workshops that nurture curiosity while making a child’s first steps into the world of numbers and science that much easier. The Little Maths workshops, for two to four year olds, builds their confidence with numbers. While the Little Science workshop, for ages three to 11 years, introduces new scientific concepts through discussions and experiments. Visit the website for a timetable of workshops throughout the autumn months. 0800 092 1062 littlehouseofscience.com
COULD YOU HELP A CHOKING CHILD?
FUN FRENCH LESSONS FOR CHILDREN
Classes across London Every year, thousands of parents choose First Aid for Life to empower them with the skills to help their child in an emergency. Join a course in the company’s training room, or book a bespoke course at a time and place to suit you. The medical professionals run informative, reassuring, handson training. Learn CPR, how to help if your baby chokes and first aid for common injuries. Everyone receives comprehensive first aid manuals, CPR flow charts and certificates, and the paedriatic courses fulfil Ofsted requirements for child carers. Quote ‘Baby London’ to receive a free preschool first aid kit with your booking. 020 8675 4036 firstaidforlife.org.uk
Chelsea, Putney, Notting Hill and St John’s Wood/Maida Vale Club Petit Pierrot, London’s premier French club since 1993, offers innovative, stimulating immersion programmes for children from eight months old. Led by a team of passionate and qualified native teachers, children will flourish and learn French effortlessly while having fun with a wide range of activities, including contemporary music from the company’s educational CD. Language experts agree that learning a second language early in life enhances overall cognitive skills and improves brain development. 020 7385 5565 admin@clubpetitpierrot.co.uk clubpetitpierrot.co.uk
COMPETITIONS
CHANCE TO WIN
Exclusive competitions and offers for Baby London readers ORGANIC BABY SKINCARE PACKAGE
ONE OF FIVE ORGANIX FOOD BUNDLES
To celebrate the launch of the Harry & Rose organic baby skincare range at The Conscious Parent Company, the online retailer is giving away luxury Harry & Rose goodies, worth more than £50. The prize package includes a Baby Bath Gift Set, a Baby Skincare Gift Set and two bottles of soothing Nappy Spray. Formulated from gentle, natural ingredients and dermatologically tested, this innovative range will leave your little one’s skin hydrated, nurtured and baby soft. theconsciousparent.co.uk
To celebrate Organix’s 25th anniversary, the organic baby food brand is giving away five tasty bundles, worth £25 each. The prize includes a selection of Organix fruit pots, cereals and finger foods, including baby biscuits, and its top-selling carrot sticks and apple rice cakes in the new, great-value multi-packs. As always, all the foods come with the Organix No Junk promise, so little ones get great tasting snacks without added nasties. organix.com
THE ULTIMATE SLEEP BUNDLE
ONE OF 12 SOPHIE LA GIRAFE TEETHING RING SETS WITH METANIUM
As one of the world’s most iconic sleep brands, Gro Company is offering Baby London readers a prize worth more than £120. Gro is known for its innovative, Lullaby Trust-approved Grobag baby sleep bag, and boasts a whole host of other sleep-friendly essentials to help your little ones nod off. This exclusive bundle includes a Grobag of your choice, plus the all-new ‘hiphealthy’ Groswaddle, the bestselling Groegg2 colourchanging thermometer and nightlight, and the Groclock. gro-store.com
Metanium is giving away 12 prize packs, all featuring a Sophie la Girafe So Pure Teething Ring and a 60ml Metanium Everyday Easy Spray, worth £15 each. Sophie is perfect for little hands to hold and ideal to help soothe your baby’s painful gums. Double-action Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion forms a barrier to protect delicate skin from irritants like urine and poo that can cause nappy rash. Two sprays should be enough to form a thin protective layer. Pat around the area to maximise coverage – no need to rub in. metanium.co.uk; sophielagirafe.co.uk
ENTER ONLINE AT BABYLONDON.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS 141 | SEPT/OCT 2017 | babylondon.co.uk
Fun French Lessons
Innovative immersion programme Highly recommended by BBC, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Time Out
Venues across London
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The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joy of music Comprehensive, structured & stimulating music classes for children 6 months – 5 years. Bookings now open for our New Autumn Timetable! Our classically based curriculum is taught by opera singers, accompanied by orchestral instruments and is tailored to each stage of your child’s development.
www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com +44 (0)7530 459 468
info@thelittlelondonmusicschool.com
NOTTING HILL • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • NEW FULHAM LOCATION! 142 | SEP/OCT17 | babylondon.co.uk
SHOPPING
London
Boutiques
FOR TH E FIN E ST SELEC TION OF HAN D -PICKED LON DON BOUTIQU E S, H ER E’S OU R SH OPPING GUIDE
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 143
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, 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 exclusively in collaboration with Madeleine Thompson. 164 WALTON STREET, LONDON SW3 2JL bluealmonds.co.uk
LA COQUETA
Inspired by the childhood of founder and mother of five, Celia Muñoz, La Coqueta’s collection channels the sweeter, more old-fashioned look of the Spanish aesthetic faultlessly. Timeless smock designs, ruffled collars, vintage-style frocks and delicate pointelle knits are given a contemporary twist with fresh cuts, rich colours and modern prints. Shop here for cosy knits and sweet accessories just perfect for the new season. 5 HEATH STREET, LONDON NW3 6TP lacoquetakids.com
BONPOINT
Bonpoint has to be the haute couture of children’s fashion, with in-house design studios and stores all over the globe. Under the artistic direction of Christine Innamorato, each piece from the Parisian boutique is meticulously hand-crafted to exacting standards. Its clothing features signature detailing and unrivalled quality fabrics, catering for stylish boys and girls ranging in age, from newborn to young teenagers. STORES ACROSS LONDON bonpoint.com
RACHEL RILEY
The royals can’t get enough of Rachel Riley’s traditionally-inspired pieces for infants, girls, boys and mamas, which are beautifully crafted and feature hand-embroidery and vintage prints. And we’re spoilt in London, with two charming boutiques to choose from. These authentic stores are the perfect place to head if you’re looking for something that little bit special. 82 MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET, LONDON W1U 4QW 14 PONT STREET, LONDON SW1X 9EN rachelriley.co.uk
LUNA & CURIOUS
Luna & Curious, the trendy boutique based in East London, is a treasure trove of goodies, with pieces for baby, mum and the home. Established in 2006, the founding trio have a passion for high-quality, traditional craftsmanship, constantly sourcing new talent from near and far. The store even stocks some Baby London favourites, including Piu Pia, Amy & Ivor and What Mother Made. 24-26 CALVERT AVENUE, LONDON E2 7JP lunaandcurious.com
NATURALMAT
This cosy baby boutique in Notting Hill is the home of natural sleep. All its mattresses are handmade in Devon using the finest natural fibres, and the pure cotton bedding is Soil Association certified organic. You can also shop a range of organic products from brands such as Aden + Anais and Merino Kids, as well as nursery furniture from Stokke, Leander, Kidsmill and Moodelli. 99 TALBOT ROAD, LONDON W11 2AT naturalmat.co.uk/baby
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SHOPPING
WILD & GORGEOUS
ON LIN E
Designing for both girls and boys from newborn to 15 years old, Wild & Gorgeous has proven a hit with families 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, with a second boutique in Primrose Hill. 52 LEDBURY ROAD, LONDON W11 2AJ 73 REGENT’S PARK ROAD, LONDON NW1 8UY wildandgorgeous.co.uk
SCARLET RIBBON MERINO
ON LIN E
Keep your little one warm in the winter and cool in the summer by wrapping them up in nature’s best. Scarlet Ribbon Merino makes knitted daywear for babies aged up to 18 months from the finest merino wool. Combining quality with everyday practicality, Scarlet Ribbon’s knitwear is versatile and long-lasting; something to treasure and pass down to younger siblings. scarletribbonmerino.com
SCANDIBØRN
For those who love the Nordic aesthetic, Scandibørn is the name to know. Launched only last year, the family-run online retailer stocks a whole host of Scandinavian brands, plenty of which are new and exclusive to the UK market. You can shop for everything from clothing and shoes to nursery furniture and toys. Some of our favourites labels include Cam Cam Copenhagen and Ooh Noo. scandiborn.co.uk
ON LIN E
ALEX AND ALEXA
STOCKISTS
PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN
Home to more than 200 fashion, sportswear and toy brands from across the world, Alex and Alexa is one of the coolest online boutiques around. Founded a decade ago by husband and wife team Alex Theophanous and Alexa Till, the site remains dedicated to offering parents ‘the world’s best kids’ brands’ at the click of button. alexandalexa.com
Willow wears silk taffeta dress, £229, Bonpoint. Cashmere shawl, £88, G.H Hurt & Son.
Aden + Anais Bonpoint Brora Burberry Caramel Childrensalon Cole & Son G.H Hurt & Son Harrods Hucklebones Little Knittle Mabli Marie-Chantal Marks & Spencer Monsoon Mothercare Next Noé & Zoë Olivier Baby & Kids Oscar et Valentine Patachou Pepa & Co Rachel Riley Scandibørn Wild & Gorgeous Woollywonder Knits
adenandanais.co.uk bonpoint.com brora.co.uk uk.burberry.com caramel-shop.co.uk childrensalon.com cole-and-son.com ghhurt.com harrods.com hucklebones.co.uk littleknittle.com mabli.co.uk mariechantal.co.uk marksandspencer.com monsoon.co.uk mothercare.com next.co.uk noe-zoe.com olivierbaby.com oscaretvalentine.com patachou.com pepaandcompany.com rachelriley.co.uk scandiborn.co.uk wildandgorgeous.co.uk woollywonder.co.uk
babylondon.co.uk | SEPT/OCT 2017 | 145
BUSINESS
The duo create products for both mum and baby
INSPIRE What inspired you to set up Bloom and Blossom? Christina: Julia and I have always been interested in beauty and skincare – searching for innovative solutions to looking and feeling our best – and no time more so than when we were pregnant. We wanted effective, safe, ingredient-led products that delivered the same results as our non-maternity focused skincare. We also wanted something stylish and elegant, that didn’t scream ‘pregnant’. When we couldn’t find anything on the market we liked, we decided to create our own. What did you both do before you set up the business? Christina: My background is in marketing and financial services, having spent six years in the city. Julia: My background is PR and publishing – I spent 10 years in PR followed by six years at Glamour magazine. It gave me an incredible foundation in an industry that I love. Are your children an inspiration for the brand? Christina: Bloom and Blossom is a brand created for mums, by
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CHRISTINA MOSS AND JULIA YULE The sisters-in-law and founders of skincare brand Bloom and Blossom talk family, early starts and multi-tasking mums. We have five children between us, ranging from two to seven years old. They’re definitely a daily inspiration, from the products we need to the ingredients we want to use on our kids’ skin. Describe a typical day for you. Christina: My mornings start early and most days I am up by 6am so I can work out and meditate before my kids wake up. One of the things I love
most about my job is that no two days are the same – I don’t really have a ‘typical’ day. The only constant is that I drop my daughter off at school every day (this was a non-negotiable factor in choosing the right office space for both Julia and I). After the school run, it could be heading into London for retailer meetings, or to the office to review sales figures or inventory control or planning a marketing campaign. With a small business you have to be very hands on and willing to apply yourself wherever you are needed. I’m still no stranger to packing up last-minute press kits and making emergency runs to the post office! What is your advice for anyone wanting to start a business? Julia: Believe in yourself, believe in your product and just go for it.
Don’t be put off when you hear the word ‘no’ – make a judgement or a change and try again. You have to be quite thick-skinned, and also open-minded, so listen to advice and try, try again. What has been the highlight of the business so far? Julia: It might not sound like much, but seeing our products on the shelf in a store or shop window is everything to us. Watching the orders coming through our website, seeing the customer feedback and people’s love for the products, and holding a copy of a magazine or newspaper with a rave review – all of these are highlights for us. They’re all accomplishments we are so proud of. What are your plans for Bloom and Blossom moving foward? Julia: 2017 is a big year for us – we have a very large launch happening in early 2018! We can’t say too much yet but we are so excited about the new steps we are taking with the business, so watch this space! bloomandblossom.com
n s a l c e e p u s o o y u , n o d r l y g with t s u r t
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