Baby Surrey May/June 2016

baby MAY/JUNE 2016

BABYSURREY.CO.UK

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

Carole Middleton

ON THE ULTIMATE GARDEN PARTY

DADDY COOL!

CELEBRATING FATHERHOOD

SIMPLY THE BREAST?

£2.99

Feeding advice with CLARE BYAM-COOK

05

9 771757 615694

LITTLE LINGUISTS SIMPLE WAYS TO GIVE THEM A HEAD START

Going

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

S TA RT

WAL KING Made with super soft and super flexible materials

startriteshoes.com Share your #SpecialMoments

CONTENTS MAY/JU N E 2016

53

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

21

38

The season’s best bright and beautiful buys

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

FEATURES

32 “IT’S LOVELY BEING A MUM AGAIN” Interior designer Jo Berryman invites Susannah Warren into her home 46 GARDEN PARTY Carole Middleton offers her top tips for an outdoor celebration 49 BABYWEARING: TRADITION TO TREND Why carrying your child is now fashionable as well as practical 53 TOT GEAR We road-test the Stokke Xplory, plus check out the best eco pushchairs 60 AU NATUREL Louisa van den Bergh discusses non-medicated births 68 THE GREAT NAPPY DEBATE One mum reveals why she loves using cloth nappies for her children 83 MASTERING MANDARIN The benefits of exposing your child to another language early on

STYLE

38 NATURAL WONDERS Get back to basics with these wardrobe heros

44 SHOP THE SHOOT Get the look with our edit of wild prints and pastel hues

SHOPPING

21

SHOP COLOUR TRENDS Summer must-haves in every shade 57 FATHER’S DAY Show him how much he’s loved with this stylish selection of gifts

REGULARS

13

17 18 28

58

BABY NEWS Keeping you in the know with all things great and small DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Goings-on around the county FOCUS ON: KINGSTON Where to shop, eat, learn and play BACK TO NATURE The best books which celebrate the British countryside MEET THE EXPERTS Top advice from our healthcare professionals 63 TIME TO TALK… Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt discuss water births

Gift inspiration for dads

57

64 DIARY OF A MUM Martha Alexander finds out whether she is having a boy or a girl 67 THE BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ This issue we ask, how can we improve Britain’s breastfeeding rates?

70 THE REVIEW Laura Mason gets to grips with the best natural teethers for baby 73 TRAVEL NEWS Prepare to pack your bags…

74 FRESH FROM THE GARDEN Annabel Karmel cooks up the best spring and summer vegetable recipes for baby 78 DIARY OF A NIGHT NANNY Georgie Bateman continues to help new mum Laura with her new routine 81 EDUCATION NEWS The latest from classrooms and beyond 86 LOCAL LIFE Rebecca Moore visits Legoland Windsor 89 MINI AGENDA What’s on in Surrey this summer 97 GET MORE… Your chance to win a range of goodies 98 INSPIRE Talking business with Raegan Moya-Jones of Aden + Anais

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 7

s a m o e n h i g T n E k A Visit to London for

Tan

the

It’s a very proud day for the little blue engine in the big city!

The Fat Controller has been invited to the Queen’s birthday celebrations!

What better engine to take him there than Thomas the Tank Engine!

ISBN: 9781405281263

B A S E D O N T H E R A I LWAY S E R I E S BY T H E

R EV. W. AW D RY

AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD BOOKSHOPS © 2016 HiT Entertainment Limited. © 2016 Gullane (Thomas) Limited

www.thomasandfriends.com

EDITORʼS

LETTER

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

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

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

In addition, the fabulous Louisa van den Bergh talks us through natural birth (p.60), while Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt focus on water births (p.63). I’m thrilled to kick off our new breastfeeding series with lactation expert Clare Byam-Cook (p.67), who has helped me personally, and many others, with her indispensible knowledge.

We also have gorgeous babywear (p.38), beautiful buggies (p.53), and more fabulous weaning recipes from Annabel Karmel (p.74).

For those of you looking at educational choices, we consider the benefits of teaching languages at an early age (p.83), plus we have all the latest travel news (p.73). I don't know about you, but I need a holiday urgently!

KATE FINNEY, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHY: KATRINA TANG

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

@BabySurrey

UR

S

BabySurrey

• B A BY

Join us online…

PU

P-TO-DAT ISIT • E, V

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

K

Comfortable and stylish, these newseason kicks have put a spring in my step

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

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

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

KEE

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

Silk dress £165, mariechantal.co.uk

Green Toys recycled tugboat £10.95, ethicalsuperstore.com

R E Y.C O

.U

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

EB CLA R

OOK, BR EA M- C A S Y

ING EXPERT EED TF

A

EXANDER , JO U AL ST ALI RN

MAR TH

CONTRIBUTORS

baby Editor-in-Chief Kate Finney Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Senior Sub Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Contributing Editors Marina Fogle, Chiara Hunt, Carole Middleton

Where were you born?

St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth, London.

What’s the best thing about being pregnant?

Having nice nails. If only my fingers weren’t like Cumberland sausages, I be a hand model!

Any laugh-out-loud pregnancy moments?

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

Martha’s second diary instalment is on p.64

Where were you born?

In Gloucester. I'm one of six children.

How many babies haver you delivered?

As I haven’t delivered a baby since 1983 I can’t really remember! Probably a few hundred.

What led you to focus on breastfeeding?

The realisation that it isn’t as easy as everyone makes out. Once I became known as a handson problem-solver, my career was launched.

For Clare’s breastfeeding thoughts, see p.67

BABY SURREY ONLINE

When you’re on-the-go or grabbing a coffee and have a moment to spare, dip in and get your daily digital fix

Publisher Chatty Dobson Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Marketing Manager Will Delmont Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Manager Ginny Maclean Advertisement Manager Amy Thacker Sales Executives Harriet Cottrell, Helena Murphy Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Baby Surrey is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: babysurrey.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: editorial@littlemedia.co.uk

Baby Surrey Print ISSN 1757-6156 Online ISSN 2059-9838 | Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2016 All rights reserved

HAVE YOUR SAY… We want to know what you’re getting up to in Surrey.

Get in touch with us, and see your name here!

We’ve had an online makeover!

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

SUBSCRIBE Enjoy our special subscription offer and you’ll receive Baby Surrey magazine for a year, delivered straight to your door all for just £14.99.

PLUS we’ll send you a £20 JoJo Maman Bébé gift voucher absolutely FREE! Simply visit:

babysurrey.co.uk/subscribe 01442 820 580

Join in

We want to see your photos of you and your little ones enjoying Baby Surrey

S

10 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

K

• B A BY

UR

ISIT • E, V

KEE

#BSLOVES P-TO-DAT PU

R E Y.C O

.U

facebook.com/babysurrey twitter.com/BabySurrey babysurrey.co.uk

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

READY FOR ANYTHING Life changes. Children develop.

Families grow. But why should you have to change your pushchair?

The convertible pushchair for newborn, siblings or twins. B-READY. coming soon www.britax.com

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

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

K

, VISIT •

KE

P-TO-DA TE

UR

S

NEWS

U EP

• B A BY

baby

NEWS

R E Y.C O . U

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

Find adorab le art pieces for your little on e’s nurser y

MODERN MINIS

New Surrey-based business Mini Maison is the place to find stylish and affordable décor for your child’s bedroom. From nursery accessories for baby’s first room, to soft furnishings and lighting, each piece is lovingly crafted or curated by founder Joanna Riding.

We particularly love this sweet sunshine print (from £13) – when purchased, all profits are donated towards Children With Cancer UK. minimaison.co.uk

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

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

NEWS

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

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

ACTIVITY HUB

The Little Gym is opening a brand new branch in Cobham. The kidfriendly space aims to improve children’s coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility through a curriculum-based program of gymnastics. Watch their confidence grow as they learn new physical skills and make new friends. Classes are designed for ages four months to 12 years. thelittlegym.eu/cobham

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

ROCK ‘N’ GO

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

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

14 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

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

PETITE PARTY

To mark the Queen’s 90th birthday this June, Legoland Windsor will unveil its own royal party set-up made completely from Lego. The miniature scene will showcase its very own Mall, in front of a 35,000 brick recreation of Buckingham Palace. Mimicking the official Patron’s Lunch street party celebrations, the display will feature rows of picnic tables laden with hampers and flags, and, of course, Lego versions of the Royal family themselves. View it from Wednesday 8 June. legoland.co.uk

mire the Prince Philip ad The Queen and lace Pa am Buckingh Lego version of

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: PRESS ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 15

is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

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

1

wea ning

Treatment

for Nappy Rash

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

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

www.metanium.co.uk 8236 Baby London

2

common cold

3 teething

4

antibiotic s

5

first sle ep

throug h the nig ht

6

change in diet

7

dia rr hoea

Protection

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

we

babies’ bums

Lifetime Kidsrooms gets eco

19 JUNE

Father’s Day June is all about daddy cool.

Check out p.57 for brilliant gift ideas to spoil the man in your life. We love Envie de Fraise’s new mini-me ensembles (left) for mums, dads and little ones, from newborn all the way up to eight years. enviedefraise.co.uk

MAY

1 NURSERY NEWS

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

2 OYEZ! OYEZ!

Don’t miss the fantastic Town Crier competition, part of Haslemere’s Charter Fair which takes over the town on the bank holiday. With food stalls, fairground rides and live music. haslemere.com

dates for your

DIARY

7

PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE Every toddler’s favourite pig is back, along with George and friends, in a new live show in Dorking. Enjoy all the fun and games in this colourful stage extravaganza. dorkinghalls.co.uk

15 HEAD TO HAMLEYS

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

27 MAY

PHOTOGRAPHY: PRESS ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

30 THE SURREY COUNTY SHOW

Head to Stoke Park in Guildford to see hundreds of farm animals, as well as show jumping, motorcycle stunts, dog agility competitions, cheese making and a petting zoo for the little ones. surreycountyshow.co.uk

JUNE 1-3

LOVE YOUR ZOO WEEK Birdworld, near Farnham, is joining zoos across the country to celebrate Zoo Week. Expect cool demostrations, arts and crafts, and extra tours. birdworld.co.uk

Bach to Baby

21 WORK IT, BABY Now the sun is shining, book a free trial at one of the new Mummy & Me buggy fitness classes now being offered in Godalming. busylizzyguildford.co.uk

9 BE A WINNER

It’s your last chance to enter our fantastic competitions – it could be your lucky day! Visit babysurrey.co.uk/ competitions

27 TENNIS TIME!

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

15 MINIATURE MUSICIANS

The fabulous Bach to Baby concert series is at St Andrew’s in Farnham today.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the melodies! bachtobaby.com

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

RUNNING HEAD

The ancient market town became a part of Greater London in 1965

FOCUS ON

WHERE TO SHOP

JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ

KINGSTON

JoJo’s filled with beautiful French-inspired baby clothes and maternity fashion, plus essentials to help with bathing and feeding.

6-8 Thames Street

Discover the best spots to eat, shop, learn and play in Surrey’s riverside market town Do-Re-Mi Babies

HAMPTON COURT PALACE Wander the corridors and explore the extensive gardens of this grand palace with your little one in tow. With lifts between floors and babychanging facilities, children of all ages are welcome. Just don’t get lost in the maze! hrp.org.uk BOHO CAFE This friendly independent eatery welcomes children of all ages, with a dedicated play area and outdoor buggy park.

Kick back and enjoy a cuppa with an extra large scone – it’s a Boho Cafe special. bohocafe.co.uk

The majestic Hampton Court Palace

FUN WITH BABY DO-RE-MI BABIES Encourage your child’s musical streak with these classical concerts specifically designed for little ears.

With different programmes each month, there’s always something new to enjoy. doremibabies.co.uk

DOWN TIME MUMU YOGA Whether you’ve had your baby or are still pregnant, relax and stretch out with Muriel Mueller’s expert classes. All abilities welcome. mumuyoga.com WELLBEING UPON THAMES Indulge in a pregnancy massage at founder Juliet’s home studio. Ease pressure, boost circulation and increase endorphins for a happy bump and an even happier mama. wellbeinguponthames.co.uk

RHYME TIME AT ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON Head over for rhyme and storytime sessions.

Perfect for early language development, baby will be babbling away in no time! rosetheatrekingston.org WATER BABIES Babies are born with a natural affinity for water, so they’ll love swimming classes. Water Babies operates from a number of locations in the Kingston area, just book your session online. waterbabies.co.uk

BENTALLS With one of the largest baby ranges in Kingston, the nursery department at Bentalls has recently been refurbished by Mamas & Papas, featuring private feeding areas and dedicated changing tables.

Wood Street

A3 BABY BARN This traditional barn sells everything you could possibly need for your little one, from pushchairs to nursery equipment.

Waffrons Farm, Chessington

NURSERIES AND SCHOOLS: KINGSTON DAY NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL, 01753 201122, ASQUITHNURSERIES.CO.UK; THE FEATHERNEST NURSERY, 020 8541 4387, THEFEATHERNEST-NURSERY.CO.UK; MONKEY PUZZLE DAY NURSERY, 020 8546 4500, MONKEYPUZZLEKINGSTON.CO.UK 18 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAP DATA ©2016 GOOGLE

OUT AND ABOUT

All clothes can be recycled Find out how at recycleforsurrey.org.uk

IVY CABIN

OFF 15% use code BABY

FOR LITTLE PEOPLE

www.ivycabin.com

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

Mini Rodini sweater £27, scandimini.co.uk

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

Cotton crepe trousers £29, ilovegorgeous.co.uk

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

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

Moses basket £99, mobauk.com

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

Leafy

Baby bowl £16.99, lullabuy.co.uk

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

Tomy Boon drying rack £10.98, argos.co.uk babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 21

SHOPPING Single quilted blanket £85, camomile.london

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

Printed dress and bloomers set £49, lacoquetakids.com

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

Organic cotton and linen dress £56, omibia.com

Pretty in PINK

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

Knitted cotton toy block £11, pebblechild.com

Tiny Cottons sweater £27.95, en.smallable.com

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

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

Bioserie teether £6.49, toyella.com

Leather ‘Bronte’ boots £37, scarletribbonmerino.com

nic e g r e l l a Hypo Wool

Comfy al N atur L atex

Breathable Cotton

S upportiv e Coconuts

One mattress, four ingredients ... the most natural night’s sleep Only four natural ingredients go into making a Little Green Sheep mattress. Thousands of parents trust our mattresses to keep their baby sleeping safe and sound, in a pure and healthy environment.

learn more ...

thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

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

Molo Kids dress £42, scandimini.co.uk

Cotton throw £55, babymori.com

Denim pinafore dress £29, mmlmkids.com

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

Cool

BLUE

Comotomo teether £7.50, amazon.co.uk

Organic cotton bodysuit £14.90, frombabieswithlove.org

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

Kid O whale bath toy £13.50, mollymeg.com

Kalon Studios toddler and cot bed £920, cuckooland.com Little Mary leather boots £156.66, bonpoint.com babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 25

SHOPPING

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

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

Yellowpelota romper suit £36, scandimini.co.uk

Moodelli high chair £219, bebemoda.co.uk

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

Super

Cashmere cardigan £59, olivierbaby.com

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton blanket £25, tobiasandthebear.com

26 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

There for the most preci us in life

back to

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

ABC: A WALK IN THECOUNTRYSIDE

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

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

BOOKS

This offbeat tale is a perfect read-aloud bedtime story

DEAR GREENPEACE: 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

By Simon James

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

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

ANIMAL BABIES ‘IN THE RIVER!’

By Julia Groves

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

BLACKBIRD, BLACKBIRD, WHAT DO YOU DO?

By Kate McLelland

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

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

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

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BEAR SPOTTING

LITTLE HOME BIRD

WHERE’S THE STARFISH?

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

By Barroux

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

By Michelle Robinson and David Roberts

A BRAVE BEAR

BEE & ME

By Sean Taylor and Emily Hughes

Learn about friendship in this wordless picture book about a

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

By Alison Jay

By Jo Empson

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

THE BIG BOOK OF BUGS

By Yuval Zommer

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

Just how slow does a snail go?

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 29

WIN EVERYTHING ON THIS PAGE! We have teamed up with some of our favourite brands to offer you the chance to win The Ultimate Baby Bundle

CYBEX PRIAM BUGGY

JEM + BEA ‘LOLA’ CHANGING BAG

STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP HIGH CHAIR

ADEN + ANAIS MUSLIN PACK AND SLEEPING BAG

PHIL & TEDS BABY CARRIER

BABYBJÖRN TRAVEL COT

COCOONABABY MATTRESS

BÉABA BABYCOOK

PRIZE WORTH OVER £2,000 MEDELA SWING BREAST PUMP

NUNA LEAF BABY CHAIR

ONE-YEAR BABY SURREY SUBSCRIPTION

Enter online for your chance to win!

babysurrey.co.uk COMPETITION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON 9 JUNE 2016. SEE ONLINE FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

READER EVENT

at little london SUNDAY 15 MAY

* DISCOUNT ONLY AVAILABLE FROM 12PM-1PM ON THE DAY, AND EXCLUDES CONCESSION BRANDS.

You’re invited to an exclusive morning of extraordinary adventure. Join Little London from 10am to 12pm for an unforgettable private party!

Event includes • Red carpet entrance • Hamleys Ragdoll and Toy Soldier • Face painting with celebrity artist Annie Newman • Puppet show • Treasure hunt • Food by Heddon Street Kitchen • Balloon modelling • 10% discount* on the day • VIP goody bag not to be missed

To register for your FREE TICKETS, please visit

LittleLondonMagazine.co.uk/Hamleys babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 31

INTERVIEW

‘‘

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

’’

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

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

INTERVIEW

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 33

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

INTERVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

I

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

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

It makes it a lot easier.”

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

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

“I would never have believed it – no way!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 35

INTERVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“She does amazing wall stickers.

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

36 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

PROMOTION

PREFERENTIAL TERMS for readers of Baby Surrey

For all your little treasures…

and the larger ones, too!

Valuable homes and possessions deserve more than a run-of-the-mill high-street insurance policy, which is why Baby Surrey has teamed up with specialist insurance advisers Smith Greenfield.

This carefully researched insurance opportunity is available to high net worth individuals whose homes are valued at over £800,000 or whose contents are worth more than £75,000.

It comes with many benefits that standard policies do not offer, and

readers of Baby Surrey will receive preferential rates and access to products only available through expert independent advisers. Smith Greenfield will be happy to advise you on the best policy for you and your family, and claims are settled promptly and without fuss.

For a free quote or more information: Call us on: 020 8603 3730 Visit us at: www.smithgreenfield.co.uk

Special benefits can include: • Accidental damage caused by children.

• Contents and liability cover for au pairs, nannies and other domestic employees.

• Warranty-free policies – your property is still covered if you fail to set the alarm.

• Family travel insurance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cotton broderie dress £30, thewhitecompany.com

Cotton dungarees £32.99, chateaudesable.co.uk

Ailsa wears cotton romper suit, £52, Bonpoint

SHOP THE SHOOT

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

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

Cotton denim shorts £10, johnlewis.com

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

WILD THINGS

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

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

16 0 2

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

Ways to keep in touch:

Call us on 0871 423 5656 or visit our website at www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk Visit one of our stores: Cobham, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Kingston, Reigate & Richmond * Free delivery to UK and Ireland. See website for full details.

PARTY TIME

Large balloon £1.99, partypieces.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

The outdoor space makes a beautiful backdrop.

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

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

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

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

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

TOP TIP

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

46 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

Cotton dungarees £45, whatmothermade.co.uk

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

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

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT IDEAS

TOP TIP

Ethically-sourced gifts are the gifts that give back!

Look out for Fairtrade toys and organic cotton clothing.

Bunting, from a selection, partypieces.co.uk

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

GARDEN PARTY with Carole Middleton

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

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

Green Toys stacker, £9.99, toyella.com.

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 47

Leading retailer of eco, ethical & premium baby brands.

www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk 55 Guildford Road, Bagshot, GU19 5NG

Tel: 01276 408494

PARENTING

Babywearing TRADITION TO TREND

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 49

PARENTING

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

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

W

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

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

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

50 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REVIEWS

TOTGEAR

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

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

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

Shield your little one from the wind

Laura chose the sheepskin lining for extra comfort

The narrow frame makes navigating small spaces a breeze

PRACTICALITY & DRIVEABILITY

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

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

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 53

REVIEWS

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

kind kit

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

GIVING BACK

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

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

BORN AGAIN

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

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

EARTHY APPEAL

The new Farmer editions from Mutsy ooze style.

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

NATURE’S WAY

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

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

Discover more at www.icandyworld.com

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

Providing family holidays for discerning travellers since 1994

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

www.connoisseurtravel.co.uk

SHOPPING

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

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

Fitbit Alta fitness wristband £99.99, fitbit.com

‘Mummy, Daddy and Me’ print

by Nadeem Chughtai £80, printclublondon.com

Stokke MyCarrier baby carrier £99, stokke.com

Fine china mug £14, hammade.com

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

Omnio stroller £389, omnioworld.com

Cotton linen shirt £80, tobiasclothing.com

Personalised money clip £89, mercimamanboutique.com

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

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

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

Print Club London runs workshops, too

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 57

HEALTH

meet

the

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

FLYING WHEN PREGNANT

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

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

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

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

Heads are highly vascular and will bleed a lot.

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

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

Emma Hammet, founder of firstaidforlife.org.uk

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

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

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

Dr Giada Frontino of richmondpractice.co.uk

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

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

What are the signs of colic?

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

What can I do to help?

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

How can I ease the crying?

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

KEEPING YOUR LITTLE ONE SAFE

HEALTH

SAFE MEDICINES IN PREGNANCY

THE BEST FOODS FOR NEW MUMS

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

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

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

You’ll get very dehydrated breastfeeding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can I take paracetamol or ibuprofen?

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

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

Katie Hilton, midwife working with pushchair brand icandyworld.com

OUR PANEL

Emma Hammett

Dr Giada Frontino

Deearna Withey

Katie Hilton

Melanie Lawson

First Aid for Life

Richmond Practice

Deearna’s Maternity Agency

iCandy

Bare Biology

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

PREGNANCY

au

NATUREL

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

I

THE INITIAL STAGES Choose your healthcare practitioner carefully.

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

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

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

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

60 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

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

PREGNANCY

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

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

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

COPING TECHNIQUES

PREPARING YOURSELF MENTALLY

SNACK SMART

Try to ignore people’s negative birth stories.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wellkid® vitamin range for children provides great all-round, carefully balanced formulas for kids aged 4-12 years. If you’re looking for a comprehensive formula with more than vitamins A, C and D, or the ideal Omega-3 or calcium supplement for kids, the Vitabiotics’ range of children’s vitamins has it covered. See the full range at wellkid.com.

Wellkid® supports The Diana Award, which inspires and recognises social action in young people.

GREAT TASTING VITAMINS FOR KIDS

Multi-Vitamin Liquid

Multi-Vitamin

Immune Chewable

Soft Jelly

15 nutrients including iodine which contributes to normal growth of children

21 nutrients including iron which contributes to children’s normal cognitive development

24 nutrients, with zinc which contributes to normal immune system function

10 vitamins plus flaxseed oil in delicious wildberry or strawberry flavour

Britain’s No.1 Vitamin Company* ADWKDCONP 18-02-16E

*Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value Sales 52 w/e25 April 2015.

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores & wellkid.com © 2015 Vitabiotics Ltd © 2015 KidZania, S.A de C.V

Working with

Time to Talk…

WATER BIRTHS MARINA FOGLE & DR CHIARA HUNT

Thinking about taking the plunge and using a birthing pool?

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG

W

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time and time again we hear women rave about the experience they had in the birth pool. So do ask whether this is something your hospital can accommodate and give it a go! bs Dr Chiara Hunt and Marina Fogle are founders of The Bump Class, with antenatal classes in Parsons Green and South Kensington, London.

Their book, The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond is available now. thebumpclass.com

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 63

I'M VAST FOR FIVE MONTHS: I MOVE THROUGH CROWDS LIKE A BIG BLONDE BULLDOZER 64 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

Diary of a

BABY TALK

mum

PART 2

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Y

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does that mean?” “Not sure.”

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

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

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

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

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 65

Born in a birthing pool Swimming with Mum from 2 months Fingerpainting before first birthday Graduate of Royal College of Art Artist (and junior swimming coach) Born@ThePortland The best start there is.

World-class, well loved and within reach.

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

HEALTH

The Breastfeeding Café with CLARE BYAM-COOK

THIS ISSUE WE ASK:

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And if you buy only one thing…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PARENTING

the great nappy debate ree Katerina has th

children under six

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cloth nappy is, by contrast, recyclable.

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

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

W

68 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

PARENTING

KATERINA’S TOP THREE

NAPPY FACTS

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

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

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

Source: naturalbabyshower.co.uk

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

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

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

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

We duly did what locals call the “math”.

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

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

Even including the cost of running a washing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All available at naturalbabyshower.co.uk

NO MORE WIPES…

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

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

SHOPPING

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

Best for COMFORT

Best for

SOOTHING

Best for STAYING GREEN

Best for

DURABILITY

Best for

STIMULATION

SOPHIE LA GIRAFE

BRIO

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

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

Original Sophie La Girafe

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

Teether Toy

LITTLE BIG THINGS

MAM

GREEN TOYS

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

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

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

From £7.99, boots.com

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

Bibo Grasping Toy & Cloth

Teether Friend

Twist Teether

FOR PREGNANCY, RECOVERY & BEYOND

Beautiful Selection of Fashionable, Maternity Support Tights, Thigh-Highs & Knee Highs

Effectively improves blood circulation to energise legs Prevents and relieves leg fatigue, swelling, varicose veins, vulva varicosities and vein insufficiencies Some styles help support the lower back, baby bump, hips, thighs and buttocks.

Same Day Dispatch*

n at u r a l newborn

& f a m i l y

portraiture relaxed home/location sessions

No Expectant Mum Can Do Without Them!

Free Phone 0800 433 4757

www.pebbleuk.com

01483 272016 07952 337443 www.jojocooperphotography.co.uk

*subject to order & payment being received by 2pm (stock level dependent).

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUNE 2016 | 71 Baby Surrey Advert HP Vertical 2.indd 1

14/03/2016 15:22:19

Hawley Place School Open Afternoon - Thursday 12 May An independent, co-educational school for children ages 2 - 16

www.hawleyplace.com

An Excellent School - ISI inspection Feb 2016 Bramley School Leading girls pre-prep and prep school in Surrey

72 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

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

travel

and courage new mums Fitness sessions en ain ag ise dads to enjoy exerc

NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 73

FOOD

FRESH FROM THE

GARDEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

W

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

FOOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Blend until smooth using a hand blender.

Add the cheese.

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 75

FOOD

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

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

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

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

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

FLOWER SANDWICHES SUITABLE FOR TODDLERS INGRE DIE NTS

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

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

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

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

76 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

night nanny Z

Z

Z

DIARY OF A

have been caring for Polly, who is only four days old.

I worked my first night last night for her mum, Laura, whose milk had still not come through. But when I walk through the door, Laura’s first exclamation is, “Look at my boobs – what a cleavage!”

It’s true – colostrum doesn’t fill breasts up in the way that milk does, and the first day that a mother’s milk comes in can be a very odd feeling. First-time mothers are often nervous about breastfeeding because it’s such a new sensation, and if your baby has trouble latching on, it can seem impossible.

When I’m not working as a night nanny, I volunteer as a Breastfeeding Peer supporter in my local hospital, and the wide variety of experiences the new mums have with their babies amaze me. Some latch on within an hour of birth, others are so sleepy that it’s hard to get them interested in the breast, and some premature babies need a lot of coaxing. But within 24 hours, most mothers who want to breastfeed will be doing so successfully, but they are still feeding colostrum.

When the milk comes in, it can feel very different.

I

THE FIRST DAY A MOTHER’S MILK COMES IN CAN BE A VERY ODD FEELING I sit down opposite Laura, who is feeding Polly. “Am I doing it right?” she asks me. “It’s just that my breasts do feel a bit hot and uncomfortable.”

I explain to Laura how her breasts have become engorged, but she is doing the right thing in feeding Polly.

“You didn’t need to produce much colostrum to feed Polly; it was a case of quality rather than quantity, and it was rich and thick. But your milk is more liquid and there is more of it.

And your body doesn’t know how much of it Polly is going to want, so it is over-producing for the moment. In a day or so,

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

your body will anticipate how much Polly needs and you will be more comfortable.”

Engorged breasts can feel tender and hard because they are so full. Both breasts will be swollen, the nipples may be stretched flat and because more blood flows to the breasts, the surrounding tissue swells, worsening the full feeling.

This can put a mother off breastfeeding, but feeding your baby is the best way to reduce engorgement. Once Polly has had her fill on one side, Laura winds her and then offers her the other breast. Polly is keen to have more, and Laura feels much more comfortable after the feed. “We could consider expressing if you still feel discomfort,” I suggest.

“No, I’m fine now,” she pauses, then says with a small laugh, “My mother suggested a hot shower or cabbage leaves might help? But one is hot and the other cold, so they sound a bit contradictory!”

The application of heat before a feed can help the milk to flow, but I think a hot flannel applied to the breast is better than a shower. “But no more than 10 minutes,” I caution.

And everyone has heard the old wives’ tale about using cabbage leaves – it is certainly an effective trick, but medical research has been unable to discover why. It’s probably simply because the cool leaf, when placed over the breast, acts like an ice-pack and relieves the tenderness and swelling.

“You could try it,” I say, “but make sure you have removed the outer leaves and washed the leaves you’re going to use. If you also cut out the stem, you’ll find they’re a better fit!”

We both laugh at the thought, when Laura’s husband, Mike, comes in. “Time my beautiful girls were in bed,” he says. Laura is beginning to look tired and Polly has finished her feed.

I take her from her mother and wind her gently. As Laura goes up for a bath before bed, I take Polly into the nursery and settle her for the night. bs For more details on anything mentioned in this article, contact Katie Price at Night Nannies on 07800 843618 | katie@nightnannies.com | Visit the Facebook page Night Nannies South of England.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

THIS ISSU E, Georgie Bateman OFFER S U P H ER E XPERT ADVICE TO H ELP ON E N EW MUM WITH BR E ASTFEEDING

DEVELOPMENT

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 79

‘LOVE GOD, LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR’

A thriving independent school for girls & boys aged 2-13 years in Bletchingley, Surrey

rowan TODDLER GROUP Come along and join in with our activities in a welcoming and toddler friendly environment with other parents and carers.

Friday afternoon’s during term time from 1.45pm-3.00pm.

Summer Term 2016 22 Apr 29 Apr 6 May 13 May 20 May

Becoming a Hawthornian means… …a happy child with the best start to his or her educational journey

Welcome to Toddlers Craft Time Story Time Music Time Messy Time

27 May 10 Jun 17 Jun 24 Jun 1 Jul

Summer Craft Story Time Music Time Messy Time Summer Celebration

£2.50 per session. For further information please contact Mrs Drake on 01372 462 627. All children under 5 welcome.

Do come and visit - 01883 743048 www.hawthorns.com

www.rowanprepschool.co.uk Rowan Brae, 41 Gordon Road, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0PJ

St Nicholas’ School FLEET

•

HAMPSHIRE

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 - 7 and girls aged 3 - 16

“We foster a love of learning and ensure that pupils are confident and secure”

Open Morning

• Small class sizes

Thurs 12th May 2016 6 - 8pm

Sat 5th March 2016 10am - 1pm

Open Evening

• Inspiring teachers

Open Morning

• First rate facilities • Outstanding results

Sat 8th October 2016 10am - 1pm

st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

01252 850121

For more information please contact the Registrar: registrar@st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

St Nicholas’ School, Redfields House, Redfields Lane, Fleet, Hampshire GU52 ORF Registered in England Reg. No. 872200 Reg. Charity No. 307341

80 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

n2t0”15 e l l Oct ce x ion t c E “ISI Inspe HI

GH

E

ST

RA

TIN

G

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 Let your child embark on a playful Arctic adventure

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

The easy-to-build set features an igloo, various animal inhabitants and Inuit characters to inspire imaginative stories and encourage children to learn about the habitat, and the animals and people who live there. £24.99, lego.com/duplo If you want to know more about schooling and are keen to plan for the future, then check out our sister title. Published twice a year, The Guide to Independent Schools is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector. The Guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.

ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independent-schoolparent or call 020 7349 3700.

The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.

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

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

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

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

TWO OF THE TOP 10 NURSERIES IN SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND ARE BASED IN SURREY. MANOR HOUSE NURSERY & TODDLER GROUP IN LEATHERHEAD AND PLAYTIME NURSERY IN SHEPPERTON WERE SELECTED BY DAYNURSERIES.CO.UK’S TOP 10 NURSERY AWARDS 2016, BASED ON 22,000 REVIEWS FROM PARENTS.

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 81

Before r e and Aft are C School ble availa

Minibu routes s availab le

Co-Educational Independent Preparatory School Rising 3s – 11 Years Small class sizes with excellent academic results Small class record sizes with excellent music academic Successful of academic, andresults sports scholarships  Successful record of academic, music and sports scholarships  Before and after school clubs available  Before and after school clubs available  Stimulating and caring Early Years programme with an excellent  Preparatory Stimulating and caring Early Years programme with an excellent Department Preparatory Department  Thriving Parent and Toddler group held Tuesday/Wednesday/  Thursday Thriving Parent and Toddler group held Tuesday/Wednesday/ afternoons Thursday afternoons T: 01737 224212 E: office@micklefieldschool.co.uk T: 01737 224212 E: office@micklefieldschool.co.uk www.micklefieldschool.co.uk www.micklefieldschool.co.uk Micklefield School, 10 Somers Road, Reigate, Surrey. RH2 9DU Micklefield Somers Reigate, RH2 for 9DU Micklefield is aSchool, Charitable10 Trust existingRoad, to provide a first Surrey. class education its pupils.   

Micklefield is a Charitable Trust existing to provide a first class education for its pupils.

It’s It’s all all about about the the best best years years of of your your life life

Built on Tradition – Embracing the Future

So many opportunities to shine at Parkside Co-ed 2-4 years, Boys aged 4-13 years Next Open Morning Friday, 13th May 2016 To register please email office@parkside-school.co.uk parksideprep

www.parkside-school.co.uk

parksideprep

It’s all about the girls www.notredame.co.uk It’s all about the girls www.notredame.co.uk

82 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

Notre Dame School, Cobham 01932 869990 A Foundation of the Company of Mary Our Lady

Notre Dame School, Cobham 01932 869990 A Foundation of the Company of Mary Our Lady

EDUCATION

Many of Mandarin’s sounds are short and single-syllable, which children find easy

MASTERING MANDARIN LIT TLE ON E S LOVE GE T TING TO GRIPS WITH TH E WOR LD’S MOST COMMON LY SPOKEN L ANGUAGE, SO Becky Pugh LOOKS AT OP TION S FOR LE AR NING

ot so long ago, all a toddler wanted on a Saturday morning was a mountain of Coco Pops and Peppa Pig. These days, however, any self-respecting two-year-old demands more from her weekends. She wants to learn while she plays.

She wants to interact with other cultures. She wants to immerse herself in the language of the future.

In short, she wants a place at one of the Mandarin playgroups popping up around London. There, with her finger firmly on the pulse, she will spend an hour singing, dancing and rhyming her way to global success. When she graduates from playgroup, she’ll hone her skills in a pre-school class before really nailing the most commonly spoken language in the

N

world when she gets to big school.

For there is no doubt Mandarin is having a moment – and you are never too young to start learning. We know children pick up languages as easily as parents pick up dirty socks. But it seems that Mandarin is particularly appealing to little people. Because it is tonal, it lends itself well to songs, rhymes and repetition. Plus, many of its sounds are short, single-syllable ones that children remember without much trouble.

At Knightsbridge School, as soon as they start Reception, each child learns French and another language of their choice, with the most popular being Spanish and – you guessed it – Mandarin.

“Our children seem to love learning

Mandarin, especially when they are little. As they get older and the work becomes more complex, they can find it harder,” says teacher Henrietta Taylor. “The parents who choose it usually do so because they’ve lived in the Far East before or because they simply want their children to get ahead.”

Nick Baker, headmaster of Wetherby Preparatory School and the new Wetherby Senior School, tells me: “There are many benefits to teaching languages from an academic and social perspective, and, of course, they are easier to absorb at a young age. We make Mandarin compulsory in Year 5 for half-an-hour a week, and there is the option after that to continue studying it for Common Entrance.”

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 83

EDUCATION Parents realise their child may grow up to be employed by a Chinese company

A HELPING HAND Three top picks to inspire your little learner…

and understand Mandarin, and they want them to continue to use those skills. A few parents come to us simply because they think Mandarin is a useful language to learn.”

But if playgroups are not for you, Mandarin lessons are not on offer at your child’s school and a Mandarin-speaking nanny is a step too far, don’t despair. Apps such as Kids Learn

CHINEASY FLASHCARDS Sixty gorgeously colourful flashcards to help little ones master characters as part of the Chineasy visual method – a simple system for quickly learning the basic building blocks of written Chinese. £12.95, amazon.co.uk

MANDARIN IS PARTICULARLY APPEALING TO LITTLE PEOPLE. BECAUSE IT IS TONAL, IT LENDS ITSELF TO SONGS AND RHYMES

CLEVERSTIX These training chopsticks are an ideal introduction for little ones. Eating noodles will no longer be a challenge, and research has found that using chopsticks can improve concentration and motor skills. £12.95 sciencemuseumshop.co.uk

Mandarin and Monki Home can provide an excellent basis. There is the brilliant website, primaryschoolchinese.com, as well as The Lingo Show, a perky television programme that introduces kids to the magic of Mandarin (among other languages).

My boys – aged five and two – are hooked.

In just a few sittings, an adorable Chinese bug called Wei has taught them the words for hello (ni hao); one (yi), two (er), three (san); and goodbye (zai jian). They are ear-achingly proud of what they have learned and seem hungry for more.

So there is no reason why your little monkeys shouldn’t have a shot at world domination, too – from the comfort of your sofa if needs be. bs

TANGRAM DUO An ancient Chinese game has been reinvented by Mon Petit Art. Tangram Duo has two sets of seven pieces, in two colour schemes and sizes, along with a booklet of 200 designs for children to recreate. £12.99, toyella.com

the language – and children love learning it.”

Mandarin mania is not confined to playgroups, nurseries and schools, either.

Agencies across the capital have noted an increase in the number of people hiring Mandarin-speaking nannies to ensure their children are exposed to the language.

Chiahua Chang of mandarinaupair.com, says: “More people are looking for Mandarinspeaking nannies. Some of them say because schools are offering Mandarin, they want to hire a Mandarin-speaking nanny so the kids can immerse themselves at home.

“Other families have said it is because they have been living in a Chinese-speaking area, such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan. Their children have learned to speak

84 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

One of the key people feeding this burgeoning appetite for Mandarin is Marcus Keoch, founder and managing director of Dragons in Europe, which provides schools with specialist Mandarin teachers and parents with private tutors.

“We’ve seen many more prep schools putting Mandarin on their curriculums in the last three years and a huge growth in parents seeking private tutors because Mandarin is not on their children’s school curriculums.

“Parents understand that their children are likely to be employed by Chinese companies in the future and that it is worth demystifying

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

The Junior School of Reigate Grammar School The The Junior Junior School School of of Reigate Reigate Grammar Grammar School School For boys and girls aged rising 3 to 11 years For boys and girls aged rising 3 to 11 years For boys and girls aged rising 3 to 11 years

ISI INSPECTION 2015 EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS ISI ISI INSPECTION INSPECTION 2015 2015 EXCELLENT EXCELLENT IN IN ALL ALL AREAS AREAS

Extra Class for Year 3 starting in 2017 Extra Extra Class Class for for Year Year 33 starting starting in in 2017 2017 For further details, please contact the Admissions Secretary For further details, please contact the Admissions Secretary WHO _ HPDLO RIĂ€FH#UHLJDWHVWPDU\V RUJ For further details, please contact the Admissions Secretary WHO _ HPDLO RIĂ€FH#UHLJDWHVWPDU\V RUJ www.reigatestmarys.org WHO _ HPDLO RIĂ€FH#UHLJDWHVWPDU\V RUJ

www.reigatestmarys.org www.reigatestmarys.org

www.claremont-school.co.uk

Baby Surrey.indd 1

H A PP INE SS • CONFIDE NCE • A CH IE VE ME NT

15/07/2014 12:11

Prep School - Day, Weekly & Full Boarding 8-13 Years | Nursery & Pre-Prep 3-7 Years

“A First-Rate Education�

ISI 2014

“Full Marks for Pastoral Care�

Good Schools Guide

‘ Excellent ’ Latest ISI Inspection

Brookham Open Morning Friday 6th May 9.30am – 11.30am

Highfield Open Morning Saturday 7th May 9.30am – 12noon

2SHQ 0RUQLQJ 2FWREHU

$ KDSS\ FDULQJ HQYLURQPHQW IRU JLUOV ER\V LQ :RNLQJ DJHG MXVW PLQXWHV IURP /RQGRQ

ZZZ KRHEULGJHVFKRRO FR XN DGPLVVLRQV#KRHEULGJHVFKRRO FR XN

For more information please call 01428 728000 or visit our website www.highfieldschool.org.uk | Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

Baby Hampshire Final.indd 1

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUNE | 85 01/03/2016 2016 13:06:19

RUNNING HEAD

The park proved a hit with little Lego enthusiasts Sam and Sophie

LOCAL LIFE

’ve never known anyone to be quite so obsessed by those tiny Swedish bricks than my eight-yearold nephew, Sam. And his younger sister Sophie, six, comes in at a close second. So, you can imagine when Baby Surrey was invited to preview Legoland’s new 4D movie, I was crowned world’s best aunty, temporarily.

Just across the border, Legoland Windsor is within easy reach from Surrey. This year marks its 20th year of business, and the park has continued to add more and more bricks, including a 150-room hotel, Duplo Valley, and last year’s addition of Heartlake City.

Having been a handful of times, I’m fairly

I

86 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

familiar with the park, but every time I return, I’m impressed with the new additions, meaning there is always something to look forward to.

This time it was the 4D A New Adventure film at the Lego 4D Movie Theatre. We chose to start our day with this, before the hyperactive frenzy of being on the rides had kicked in. Each day, the Theatre shows a mix of short films lasting between 10 to 15 minutes.

You have to arrive 20 minutes prior, so it’s worth checking showing times if there’s one you have your eye on. The interactive film proved a hit with kids of all ages. The audience get to join Emmett and rest of the gang from The Lego Movie on their mission (Sam soon

filled me in on all of their names). And it’s not long before everyone is yelling at the screen in a panto-like fashion, with wind, fog and lighting effects going on around us. The kids loved every minute.

After the show had finished, we were ready to explore the park. It’s pretty big, so if you’re undecided on whether to bring a pushchair, I’d recommend it, otherwise pushchairs can be hired for an additional charge. If you have especially little legs to look after, you might want to hop on the Hill Train at the beginning of the park. Not only does this cut out some of walking, it’s also the perfect excuse to sit back and take in the views.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ™LEGO GROUP & WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.

BABY SU R R EY ’S Rebecca Moore TR E ATS H ER NIECE AN D N EPH EW TO A DAY OUT AT LEGOL AN D WIN DSOR

DAYS OUT

There are rides for all ages

LEGOLAND WINDSOR

Navigate the water courses at Coastguard HQ

There’s a good mix of rides for varying ages, and if you’re just doing a day trip it’s worth checking out the website first so you can plan accordingly – there’s even a section specifically for under-threes.

Unfortunately for me, Sam’s favourite ride was the Jolly Rocker, a high-swinging pirate ship which kids seem to go crazy for, but leaves adults feeling nauseous. After the third time, I passed parental responsibilities back to my sister. If you have little ones (or don’t fancy losing your stomach like I did) there’s a smaller version called Longboat Invader.

Sophie could have quite happily spent the day at Heartlake City, mainly because there’s pink and purple at every turn. Despite not being quite tall enough for the equestrianthemed Mia’s Riding Adventure, it’s a great area to grab an ice cream. It’s also next door to the performance area, where you can see the Lego Friends to the Rescue and Pirates of Skeleton Bay shows. Another firm favourite 4D film, A New Adventure

Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY 0871 222 2001 legoland.co.uk Opening hours: Opening times vary depending on the time of visit, but are generally between 10am to 5pm or 10am to 7pm.

Admission: Adults, £50.40; child, £46.20; under-threes go free. Discounts available when you book in advance.

IT’S NOT LONG BEFORE EVERYONE IS YELLING IN A PANTO-LIKE FASHION, THE KIDS LOVED EVERY MINUTE was Coastguard HQ, a gentle boat ride around the waterways. With Sam’s navigational skills, we managed to dodge the squirting elephant.

When it comes to food, there’s a vast choice. As with most theme parks, it’s all quite grab-and-go, but there are plenty of options for kids. If it’s a nice day, I’d recommend taking a picnic, as there are lots of spots to sit down.

Whatever you do, be sure to leave the Vikings’ River Splash until last. You will get wet. And depending on where you sit, perhaps even very wet. It’s also close to the front of the theme park, so a good one to end on.

Being Lego enthusiasts, Sam

and Sophie both love Miniland. Not only is it remarkably impressive to view, it’s also a great opportunity to inject some educational geography into the day. With replicas of cities in the US and Europe, all the set-ups are bustling with traffic and buildings. The kids enjoyed spotting some of London’s landmarks.

You can’t fault the opportunities that Legoland offers families – there’s fun at every turn. If anything, it’s almost too big for one day out. And possibly a pretty pricey one at that. Search online deals before buying tickets, or look into purchasing a Merlin Annual Pass, which offers access to 32 family hotspots in the UK. That’s unlimited fun for a year – and you get money off while you’re there, too! bs

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 87

">?V >KA QLAAIBO COFBKAIV ELIFA>VP LK QEB #LOKFPE @L>PQ …a welcoming family-friendly retreat and a very stylish one at that.

Away with the Kids

Quote Sprinkle dB to get 1 aby 0% off first ord er

www.sprinkledmagic.co.uk 07525 708578

01872 580206 rosevine.co.uk/ seasonal-breaks

@SprinkledMagic

FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 2 - 7 YEARS

‘Outstanding Nursery’ for 2 & 3 year olds SIS Inspection 2014

Tots & Toddlers Tuesday Afternoon 1.45pm to 3.15pm Thursday Morning 10am to 11.30am Term Time Only £3 per child per session Swimming lessons also available on a Tuesday afternoon

VISIT US AT OUR

OPEN MORNING

OUR NURSERY AUTOMATICALLY FEEDS THROUGH INTO OUR PRE-PREP.

Thursday 26th May 2016 at 10am

Ockham Road North East Horsley Surrey, KT24 6NS T. 01483 282329

www.gleneskschool.co.uk

88 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

For more information visit our website

OUT AND ABOUT

mini

AGENDA

Charlot te Tomlinson-White ROU N DS U P SU R R EY ’S BE ST EVENTS Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales

Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales

PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE ULLATHORNE

ROSE THEATRE KINGSTON 24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL 020 8174 0090 rosetheatrekingston.org This production is perfect for kids aged three years and over.

Venture under the sea, onto the farm and into the jungle, and meet the colourful characters from author Julia Donaldson’s best-loved titles, with puppetry and live music. Jazzy moves and toe-tapping tunes guaranteed.

Admission: See website.

Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June, performance times vary.

Wildlife Aid Open Day RANDALLS FARMHOUSE Randalls Road, Leatherhead KT22 0AL 01372 377332 wildlifeaid.org.uk Discover what goes on behind the scenes at Surrey’s largest wildlife hospital. Watch the dedicated volunteers looking after some of the sick, injured and orphaned animals, and see how they are rehabilitated to return to life in the wild. With food, music and lots of stalls, plus activities for all the family.

Admission: £2.50 each on foot, or £10 per car (of up to four).

Sunday 19 June, 10am to 5pm.

Spring Spectacular Half Term BOCKETTS FARM PARK Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS 01372 363764 bockettsfarm.co.uk Enjoy a great day out with a packed programme of events for kids and families, such as birds of prey flying demonstrations and panning for gold (weather permitting), plus lots of new animals to meet, including baby goats.

Admission: Standard admission applies, see website for details.

Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June.

Star Gazing PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE 01932 868113 painshill.co.uk Suitable for older children over the age of eight years, don’t miss this rare opportunity to observe the Eta Aquarids meteor shower at its peak.

Explore globular clusters, meteorites and spot Jupiter in this beautiful park setting.

Refreshments are included.

Admission: Adults, £17.50; child, £12.

Saturday 7 May, 8pm to 10.30pm.

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUN 2016 | 89

A Real Mermaid’s Tale

Kung Fu Panda 3

Little London at Hamleys

DON'T MISS!

My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

Little London at Hamleys

My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

Windy Wednesday: Extraordinary Energies

HAMLEYS 188-196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/ hamleys

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ 0844 871 7645 atgtickets.com

SHALFORD MILL Nr Guildford GU4 8BS 01483 561389 nationaltrust.org.uk/ shalford-mill

Come along and meet the Hamleys characters, get your face painted by celeb artist Annie Newman, enjoy a puppet show and treasure hunt, plus food by Heddon Street Kitchen.

Don’t forget your goody bag!

Admission: Free, preregistration is required.

Sunday 15 May, 10am to 12pm.

This popular fairytale comes alive on stage. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and shortened versions of Tchaikovsky’s stunning music, this is a perfect introduction to ballet.

Admission: See website.

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May, performance times vary.

Kung Fu Panda 3

Farnham Carnival

Find out about renewable sources of energy including hydro, solar and wind power.

Then discover your creative side and decorate a windmill, as well as enjoying lots of other children’s activities and crafts.

Admission: Normal admission applies, plus £2 per child for craft activities.

Wednesday 1 June, 11am to 4pm.

Ripstop Theatre presents this exciting tale for little ones aged three to seven years.

Join explorer Amelia Buttersnap on a journey of magic, puppetry and mutinous rats as she discovers evidence of mermaids and mythical underwater creatures on the high seas.

Admission: £12 each.

Saturday 21 May to Sunday 22 May, 11am and 2pm.

THE HARLEQUIN THEATRE Warwick Quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 01737 276500 harlequintheatre.co.uk

GOSTREY MEADOW Union Road, Farnham GU9 7PT farnhamcarnival.org.uk

National Insect Week

Bat Walk

RHS GARDEN WISLEY Wisley Lane, Woking GU23 6QB 0845 260 9000 rhs.org.uk/wisely

HATCHLANDS PARK East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT 01483 222482 nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park/

Enjoy a movie adventure at the Saturday Morning Cinema Club.

When Po’s long-lost father suddenly reappears, they travel to a panda paradise to meet new characters. Can Po train them to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas?

Admission: £2.50 each.

Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 May, 9.30am and 11.30am.

90 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

With two distinct events, the fair and the procession, it’s no wonder this is a highlight on the town’s social calendar. Enjoy live music, food, beer tents and local organisations, then witness more than 50 floats in the procession, with the running theme of Disney superheroes and fairytales.

Admission: Free.

Saturday 25 June, 1pm to 8pm.

With RHS entomologists on hand to help, witness the action of insect predators, explore the features of insects such as honeybees under microscopes, and find out how to study insect life in your own back garden.

Admission: Standard admission applies, see website for details.

Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 June.

A Real Mermaid’s Tale POLKA THEATRE 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB 020 8543 4888 polkatheatre.com

Head to Hatchlands at dusk for a guided walk around the park in search of bats. With bat detectors provided, you might be able to hear or see some of the nine species that live there.

Admission: Adults, £5; child, £2.50.

Thursday 26 May, 8pm to 10pm.

OUT AND ABOUT

Goldilocks And The Three Bears

Stig Of The Dump Out Of This World Family Fun Afternoon

Story Pocket Theatre

Story Pocket Theatre PAINSHILL PARK Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE 01932 868113 painshill.co.uk Story Pocket Theatre presents two treats for the family – Arabian Nights, a feast of adventure involving genies, villains, heroes and princesses, and A Pocket Full of Grimms, which explores stories by the Brothers Grimm. With music, puppetry and theatre. See them both on the same day!

Admission: Arabian Nights, £12; A Pocket Full of Grimms, £20.

Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 June. Arabian Nights, 11.30am; Pocket Full of Grimms, 2.30pm.

Decorating A Chocolate Cake

PHOTOGRAPHY: THE LIGHTBOX

FARNHAM MALTINGS Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR 01252 745444 farnhammaltings.com Don an apron and have fun with buttercream. Colour the icing and make edible decorations.

All materials and cake supplied.

Admission: £13 each.

Friday 3 June, 12pm to 1.30pm.

Out Of This World Family Fun Afternoon THE LIGHTBOX Chobham Road, Woking GU21 4AA 01483 737837 thelightbox.org.uk Experience an afternoon of space-themed family fun. Make your own UFO, get your face transformed into a friendly alien by expert face painters, and look out for ‘flying saucer’ treats around the building!

Admission: Free, suggested donation £2.

Friday 3 June, 1pm to 4.30pm.

May Half Term & Budding Gardeners RHS GARDEN WISLEY Woking GU23 6QB 0845 260 9000 rhs.org.uk/wisely Marvel at an array of mini show gardens built by local schools, as part of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. Plus, enjoy scout-themed activities with an interactive orienteering trail around the garden.

Admission: Standard admission applies, see website for details.

Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June.

Stig Of The Dump FARNHAM MALTINGS Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR 01252 745444 farnhammaltings.com After nearly 50 years, this children’s classic remains as entertaining as ever. Stig is a caveman, he lives at the bottom of the old quarry close to Barney’s grandparent’s house.

Since the quarry isn’t used any more, people throw all their old junk down there, so it’s a great place to build a den…

Admission: £10 each.

Friday 3 June, 2.30pm.

Glorious Gardens Family Day G LIVE London Road, Guildford GU1 2AA 0844 7701 797 glive.co.uk Celebrate all things bright, beautiful, green and glorious, with workshops and shows all themed around gardens. With most activities free, pop along and explore the outside world.

Admission: Free, prices vary for certain activities, see website.

Saturday 28 May, 10am to 4pm.

Goldilocks And The Three Bears THE HARLEQUIN THEATRE Warwick Quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 01737 276500 harlequintheatre.co.uk In this hilarious pantomime adaptation of the traditional story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears help save the future of her Grandma Gertie’s circus.

With magic, illusions, special effects, song, dance, puppets and an abundance of laughter.

Admission: £10 each.

Saturday 21 May, 2pm.

Father’s Day Kite Day HATCHLANDS PARK East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT 01483 222482 nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatchlands-park/ Celebrate Father’s Day at Hatchlands Park. Bring your own kite or have a go at making one at the kite craft workshop, then let Dad show off his skills.

You’ll be flying high with all the fun you’ll be having!

Admission: Adults, £10; child, £5; family, £25.

Sunday 19 June, 11am to 4pm.

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

OUT AND ABOUT

FREE £20

Tortoise & the Hare

VOUCHER

WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO

BABY SURREY

INCLUDES FREE iPAD ACCESS

Pinocchio

Pinocchio

RICHMOND THEATRE The Green, Richmond TW9 1Q J 0844 871 7615 atgtickets.com

THE HARLEQUIN THEATRE Warwick Quadrant, Redhill RH1 1NN 01737 276500 harlequintheatre.co.uk

Following the sell-out successes of Three Little Pigs and Elves & the Shoemaker, Northern Ballet brings this much-loved Aesop fable to life. It’s the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet and music.

Admission: £9 each.

Wednesday 1 June, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Let Ballet Theatre UK carve you a new love for Pinocchio through the magic of classical dance. Follow Pinocchio, the cheeky marionette puppet with an unruly nose, on his quest to become a real boy, as he overcomes obstacles, faces consequences and even ends up in the belly of a whale!

Admission: See website.

Thursday 5 May, 7.30pm.

Emergency Services Day BROOKLANDS MUSEUM Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0QN 01932 857381 brooklandsmuseum.com Enjoy an impressive line-up of emergency vehicles, apparatus and demonstrations.

Get up close to the forces and chat to experts about their field. Plus, the nation’s favourite fire fighter, Fireman Sam, will be making personal appearances throughout the day.

Admission: Standard admission applies, see website for details.

Monday 2 May, 10am to 5pm.

92 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

Bear Behaving Badly EPSOM PLAYHOUSE Ashley Avenue, Epsom KT18 5AL 01372 74255 epsomplayhouse.co.uk Brace yourself for chaos as the CBBC show takes to the stage in its first ever live tour. Expect an adventure of mischief, laughter and mayhem with Nev and the gang. Plus, discover the benefits of healthy eating and leading an active lifestyle.

Admission: See website.

Saturday 28 May, 1.30 pm.

ONE Y

ONLY £14.99 EAR FO

R

SAVIN

G 40%

AND WHEN YOUR LITTLE ONE GETS A BIT OLDER… …we recommend our sister publication, Little London.

Available at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

Go to littlelondonmagazine.co.uk for more information.

EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE… www.babysurrey.co.uk/subscribe

01442 820 580 quote code P603BS Direct Debit offer only. Credit Card rate is £17.99 for one year.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIAN SLATER

Tortoise & The Hare

babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUNE 2016 | 93

A SELEC TION OF

LOCAL AC TIVITIE S FOR YOU AN D YOU R LIT TLE ON E

Groups & Classes 94 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

CLASSICAL MUSIC CLASSES

FOR WATER BABIES

Classes held in Esher for babies and toddlers Baby Maestro offers a whole world of music to discover each week. Fun percussion instruments, puppets and other props are used to engage and stimulate your child’s interest in music. Each session, a well-known piece of classical music is used to act as a theme which is explored through nursery rhymes and interactive play to create an exciting and stimulating musical experience. The classes are taught by a professional musician who will be playing the clarinet or piano each week, exposing your child to the beautiful world of classical music throughout each session.

07973 119855 info@babymaestro.co.uk babymaestro.co.uk

The UK’s leading baby swimming company, Water Babies runs fun and innovative swimming classes for newborns through to toddlers in Surrey, providing core swimming skills that could potentially save your little ones’ lives. The lessons are taught by world-class instructors and the company’s award-winning programme gives babies confidence in the water and teaches safety skills from birth.

They are great classes for you and your baby to experience together.

Water Babies was also voted best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Contact Melissa for more information, or visit the website for class details.

01932 227428 waterbabies.co.uk

HELP GIVE BABY A VOICE

AS SOON AS YOU CAN WALK, YOU CAN PLAY FOOTBALL!

TinyTalk’s baby signing and toddler classes introduce simple signs using songs and hands-on sensory activities, to delight your baby and develop their communication skills.

Signing avoids frustration, as babies can tell you what they ‘want’, ‘feel’ or ‘see’ early on. The fun and relaxed classes are followed by playtime for the babies while mums and dads can enjoy a cuppa and a good chat.

Suitable for newborns to two years.

Guildford, Godalming: Lyndsay | 07973 937505 Kingston, Thames Ditton, Surbiton: Kerry | 07759 852717 Dorking, Bookham: Katherine | 07599 551882 Caterham, Oxted: Beth | 07557 370109 tinytalk.co.uk

Classes across Surrey The very best football coaching for toddlers and children for ages 18 months to seven years. The classes are unique in that they involve the whole family and encourage parent participation. Join the fun and see your child score a hat-trick of football, fitness and fun with Kiddikicks Football Classes!

Birthday parties, private and holiday classes, nursery and after-school sessions can all be arranged. Kiddikicks is also available to franchise – contact Kiddikicks now for more information.

Sign up to receive your player’s free kit (registration fees apply).

01932 489 335 | 07496 644007 jen@kiddikicks.co.uk kiddikicks.co.uk

Swim Swim to to win win at at life life Cuddle MatesÂŽ help little kids sleep better.

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

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

cuddlemates.co.uk

Life-enhancing, confidence-building, Life-enhancing, confidence-building, swimming instruction Life-enhancing, confidence-building, swimming instruction swimming instruction TUITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY TUITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY TUITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Founded by GB Commonwealth Foundedcompetitor,

by GB Commonwealth Games Angela Wilson.

Founded by GB Commonwealth Gamesskills competitor, Angela Wilson.

Learn that bring benefits Games competitor, Angela Wilson.

Learn skills that throughout life. bring benefits Learn skills that bring benefits throughout life. throughout life.

CALL TODAY CALL 118 TODAY 07415 440 CALL TODAY

07415 07415 118 118 440 440

surrey@angelasswimschool.co.uk surrey@angelasswimschool.co.uk babysurrey.co.uk | MAY/JUNE 2016 | 95

Bébégrow Independent Health Visiting Service

• Antenatal Contact • Sleep management • Emotional Health

www.bebegrow.co.uk E: info@bebegrow.co.uk T: 07732-398-471

Tired? Sound advice and a sound night’s sleep for you and your baby Whether you are looking for a good night’s sleep or some new ideas to encourage your baby to sleep through the night, an experienced Night Nanny can help.

Whatever your needs, the Night Nannies team can help.

Tel: 07800 843618

Owned & operated by Marwell Wildlife reg. charity no. 275433.

Or you can email us: katie@nightnannies.com

www.nightnannies.com

">?V >KA QLAAIBO COFBKAIV ELIFA>VP LK QEB #LOKFPE @L>PQ BANSTEAD & CLAYGATE E: banstead.claygate@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 223 309

RICHMOND & TWICKENHAM E: kew.teddington@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8847 4031

GUILDFORD, FARNHAM & EWHURST E: guildford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01483 821 932

SOUTH CROYDON & CATERHAM E: southcroydon.caterham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0203 251 1061

KINGSTON & SURBITON E: kingston.surbiton@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0208 224 3971

WEYBRIDGE & COBHAM E: weybridge.cobham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8224 0096

LEATHERHEAD & DORKING E: leatherhead.dorking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 020 8432 0811

WOKING E: woking@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01932 429 240

96 | MAY/JUNE 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

…a welcoming family-friendly retreat and a very stylish one at that.

Away with the Kids

01872 580206 rosevine.co.uk/ seasonal-breaks

COMPETITIONS

CHANCE TO WIN

We bring you exclusive competitions selected for Baby Surrey readers

WIN A TEETHING PACK WITH METANIUM

The nappy rash experts at Metanium are giving away 10 Teething Packs, worth £25 each. Each pack features a Sophie la Girafe So Pure Teething Ring, Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion (60ml) and a handy Metanium Busy Baby daily planner, so you can track when your little one’s teeth start to come through.

The double-action Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion protects delicate skin from irritants such as urine and faeces that can cause nappy rash. Two sprays should be enough to form a thin protective layer. Pat around the area to maximise coverage – there’s no need to rub in. metanium.co.uk | sophielagirafe.co.uk

BAG A FAMILY TICKET TO THE ZOO Win one of four family tickets, worth up to £63 each, for two adults and two children to Marwell Zoo, near Winchester in Hampshire, and get up close to the wonders of the natural world. From ring-tailed coatis to majestic giraffes, endangered tigers to giant anteaters, curious meerkats to pygmy hippos – its 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species, in beautiful landscaped surroundings. marwell.org.uk

WIN WITH THE LITTLE GREEN SHEEP The team behind The Little Green Sheep hand-craft the UK’s only GOTS-certified organic mattresses. Every mattress is made using organic sheep wool and cotton to create a healthy sleeping environment, free from chemicals. Plus, The Little Green Sheep’s mattress protectors are super soft and 100% waterproof, offering an extra comfy sleep environment for baby. One winner will get to choose between a cot or cot-bed mattress (from £169), with a waterproof mattress protector, too. thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

STOCKISTS

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN COPSEY

ENTER ONLINE AT BABYSURREY.CO.UK/COMPETITIONS STOCKIST INFORMATION

Cassius wears gingham romper suit, £45, Amaia

Amaia Bonpoint Château de Sable Childrensalon Fancy Kids Gray Label Jacadi John Lewis Marks & Spencer Molo Kids Mothercare Next Noé & Zoe Olivier Baby & Kids Patachou Stella McCartney Kids The Mini Edit The White Company

amaiakids.co.uk bonpoint.com chateaudesable.co.uk childrensalon.com fancykids.com gray-label.com jacadi.uk johnlewis.com marksandspencer.com molo.com mothercare.com next.co.uk harrods.com olivierbaby.com patachou.com stellamccartney.com the-mini-edit.com thewhitecompany.com

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

BUSINESS The versatile blankets are made from 100% breathable cotton

The collection features a range of nostalgic prints starring Bambi, The Jungle Book and Winnie the Pooh

Raegan launched her business after being unable to find muslin swaddles in the US

INSPIRE Why did you start Aden + Anais?

I was expecting my first daughter and preparing in the same way that most new mums do – by stocking up! On my list was muslin swaddles, a basic staple in Australia. We looked all over New York, where we live, but I couldn’t find any. Generations of Australian mothers swore by muslin swaddles, and I knew American parents would love them, too. I decided to be the person to make that happen.

What are the benefits of swaddling your baby?

Women have been doing it around the world for centuries, and that’s because it works. It’s comforting and recreates that secure sensation of the womb.

The most important thing is that it helps your baby to sleep, and when baby sleeps, you sleep!

RAEGAN MOYA-JONES

The Australian mum and founder of Aden + Anais talks muslin swaddles, royal fans and life in New York “You’re worked to the bone right now, but it will all be worth it.”

lives around the world – and bringing something new to life.

Why did you decide to develop an organic line within the range?

Natural products are important to me personally, and I knew there were other parents who felt passionate about them, too.

How do you juggle the business with family life?

Every working mother on earth is a juggler – we have so many balls in the air sometimes, it’s a wonder we can keep them all up.

Except, we can’t – sometimes something has to give. You just need to know which things to prioritise. It’s important to acknowledge that I also have an incredible team at work and a support network at home.

What did you enjoy most about creating the Disney collection?

Working with a truly iconic brand – one that has touched countless

Do you spend time in the UK? All four of our girls are in school, which makes travelling for fun harder now, but I am lucky enough to be able to visit the UK for work – I try to get over a couple of times a year to visit the Aden + Anais team in London.

How did it feel to see newborn Prince George wrapped up in one of your muslin swaddles?

Surreal! When I see things like that – from Prince George to a mother on the subway using one of our products – I just want to tap mum on the shoulder and say,

98 | MAY/JUN 2016 | babysurrey.co.uk

Aden + Anais X Disney resulted in a gorgeous line of swaddles, muslins, bibs and blankets

What do you love about living in New York?

We live in Dumbo – a fantastic neighbourhood in Brooklyn with cobblestone streets, ice cream factories and a riverfront park.

But New York as a whole never stops surprising you, even when you think you’ve seen it all.

Any advice for mothers wanting to start their own company?

Don’t quit your day job, and don’t quit your day dream. I worked another job full-time until Aden + Anais got off the ground. While it wasn’t sustainable long-term, it was what I needed to do to keep our family financially secure. You also need to do what you love, or you will never going to find the energy to keep going.

What’s on the horizon for Aden + Anais this year?

There are more collaborations in the pipeline, none of which I can talk about just yet. We are also looking at an acquisition, which will launch us into a whole new category – we’re always working on something new! bs adenandanais.co.uk

sway on Sway left. Then right. Then left again. Relaxing—right? That same calming motion can now be a continuous one, thanks to the newest member of our Nuna family the LEAF wind. Creating a soft, steady breeze as it connects with just a click to your LEAF or LEAF curv*, with 6 speed settings sure to soothe your little one straight on into newborn dreamland.

Here’s to swaying on...and on. *compatible with models SE-10-xxx & SE-30-xxx

learn all about it at nuna.eu