Yummy Mummy September-October 2015

YUMMY MUMMY @mummymagazine

MAGAZINE yummymummymagazine.co.uk

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 6

Balmoral Bespoke One of a kind,

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THE BABY SHOW PILATES WITH BUMP & BABY WATER BIRTH CAR SAFETY

The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London

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Welcome to Yummy Mummy Club, Issue 6 The handmade to order personalised baby carriage showcases individual design and style and is available for the first time ever from British pram maker Silver Cross. Balmoral Bespoke promises to be the most desirable pram ever made.

The inaugural Silver Cross Balmoral Bespoke Limited Edition pram, is the pinnacle of premium luxury.

The Baby Show, with Made for Mums, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, will be returning to Olympia.

New and expectant parents will have access to the very best baby and infant essentials from the leading and not-on-thehigh street brands, many who will be launching brand new products for the first time and offering amazing discounts exclusively for visitors.

Choosing an infant carrier for your newborn is mind boggling.

There is an array of seats in different shapes and sizes. All will have passed strict safety testing which should reassure you that your baby will be safe in the event of an accident.

However, have you stopped to consider the health of your child whilst in a car seat?

When a new baby arrives, Dads can feel quite “left out”! There is absolutely no need for this to happen, Dads can be just as involved and bond with the baby as the new mum is. How?

Alex Lux Editor

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YUMMY MUMMY

Pilates with bump & baby

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hen people hear the word Pilates, they often think of it as a celebrity fad or a superficial form of exercise reserved for super fit women drinking fruit smoothies and wearing Lycra.

But the truth is Pilates isn’t for show. Pilates is specifically designed to strengthen the muscles you can’t see- the core muscles. Acting like a supportive corset, these muscles control your bladder, bowel, improve posture and maintain lower back strength.

The son of a prize-winning gymnast, Greek-German born Joseph Pilates was a Physical-culturist who developed a series of exercises in the early 20th century that were designed to help improve body alignment and accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening and rehabilitation.

“Patients are often surprised when they come to see me as a Physio and I recommend they come back to see me for Pilates” says Physiotherapist and professional Pilates Instructor, Sarah Gledstone.

Sarah, who owns ‘Physio&Co.’ and runs a series of specialist Pre/Post Natal and Rehabilitative classes, has been teaching and recommending Pilates to her patients for over 10 years.

“The results aren’t always instant, and some of the techniques require practice and patience – but the results are undeniable.”

They also appear to be universal – benefiting people of all ages and abilities. Whilst it seems that most of Sarah’s patients are women, she is noticing that more and more men are becoming interested. “This may be due to the rise in popularity of Pilates in professional sport” speculates Sarah, referring to the Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs - who credits the longevity of his career to regular Pilates sessions. “Once my husband heard that footballers were doing it, he suddenly became much keener on doing some exercises with me.” Sarah adds.

But it’s those who are less agile and who are suffering from lower back pain that Sarah prefers to focus on. “Some people are understandably nervous about aggravating or worsening their condition. But my classes are specifically tailored to 10 SEPTEMBER2015

help ease patients into a gentle exercise routine and, more importantly, they are designed to strengthen the body - which can help reduce the pain caused through injury and pregnancy.”

Sarah treats a lot of new mums, in fact she has even developed one particular class that uses one very special piece of equipment to them regain their strength – their own babies!

“I’m a new mum myself, so I totally understand how hard it is to get to classes and find childcare. So I combined the two and started tailoring different pelvic floor exercises to involve lifting and holding my son, and he loves it.”

Having given birth in September, Sarah knows all too well the stresses that having a baby puts on the body and credits her own recovery not only to what she has done since giving birth, but also to all the work that she put in before her son was born. “People don’t realise that Pilates is preventative as well rehabilitative. It’s such a safe and effective way to exercise during your pregnancy as it helps maintain strength in your lower back, abdominals and pelvic floor muscles – all of which are imperative to aid the huge changes that occur in your body.”

Having tried one of Sarah’s sessions I can confirm that it is also rather relaxing, but it’s not, despite popular belief, a form of yoga. “Both disciplines focus on developing strength, balance and a good breathing technique” says Sarah, who has also practiced yoga, “But Pilates doesn’t have the spiritual emphasis that yoga does.”

So it seems whether you are a young athlete, new mum, low back pain sufferer or just someone who enjoys low impact exercise and relaxation, Pilates may be just the thing for you.

THE DETAILS For more information, visit physioandco.uk, call 07793 075615 or email physioandco@gmail.com

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CONTENTS Editors letter 3 Contents 11 The baby show returns 12 Super supplements 14 Bumps and the boardroom 16 What’s a water birth like?

18 Choosing your baby’s name 20 Take a front seat...

22 Kiddy evo-lunafix 24 Talking timeline 26 Introducing balmoral bespoke 28 It’s about dads too!

30 Sweet as they are...

32 Is my child overactive?

34 The rabbit who wants to fall asleep 36 Every child deserves a family...

38 I need a nanny!

40 A pea in the pod 42 Child modelling: a parent’s guide 44 Play ‘boosts children’s development and happiness’ 46 Pester power 48 Spoilt rotten?

50 Mystical fairies 52 Orchard toys release top favourites for christmas 2015 54 The family travel show 2015 56 Does your child want a pet?

58 Masterchefs in the making?

60 Captivating art for childrens bedrooms 62 Bonfire night: first aid and safety tips to protect your children 64 Happy school days!

66 “Life was a constant struggle with no apparent end.”

68 How will our divorce affect our children?

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YUMMY MUMMY

The Baby Show T

Returns

he Baby Show, with Made for Mums, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, will be returning to Olympia. New and expectant parents will have access to the very best baby and infant essentials from the leading and not-on-the-high street brands, many who will be launching brand new products for the first time and offering amazing discounts exclusively for visitors.

As well as fantastic shopping opportunities, an array of inspirational speakers will take to the stage to share their knowledge and advice.

The Show is a great event for young families to attend with a crèche, a dedicated feeding area provided by tommee tippee and a baby changing area with wipes and nappies all included.

Susanne Rauberger, Show Manager at organisers, Clarion Events, says: “We’re very excited to be returning to West London for the 13th year running. We want parents and grandparents to get the most out of their visits and we encourage them to take time browsing and testing products, watching demonstrations and listening to expert speakers.

With more than 200 parenting brands exhibiting and some using the show as a platform to launch their latest products, it really is a must-attend event for new and expectant parents.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BABY SHOW AT OLYMPIA WILL INCLUDE Over 200 trusted brands, from the likes of iCandy, Maxi Cosi, Tommee 12 SEPTEMBER2015

23rd-25th OCTOBER OLYMPIA

Tippee, Milton, Mamas&Papas and Mothercare, offering visitors the chance to try before they buy.

Exclusive discounts and offers for Show visitors from top parenting brands.

The chance to win a number of competition prizes from exhibitors and speakers.

Catwalk shows with all the latest fashions in maternity, baby and toddler wear.

A complimentary crèche where parents can drop off their little ones and enjoy the show knowing they are being cared for.

The Baby Show Stars’ themed competition where the show’s cutest baby will be awarded a free, high end, exclusive photo shoot.

Dedicated baby facilities ensure visitors have everything they require, including the tommee tippee feeding area where parents will be able to take advantage of heating equipment, complimentary baby food and a comfortable and private space for breast feeding.

THE DETAILS The early bird advanced ticket price is £11.25 on the Friday, £12.25 for either the Saturday or Sunday while on-the-door tickets cost £20.

Opening times: Friday 23rd October: 10.00am-5.30pm Saturday 24th October: 10.00am-5:30pm Sunday 25th October: 10.00am-5:30pm.

For more information visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk

A good night’s sleep for your baby Baby sleeping bags are the safest way for babies to sleep, ensuring a good night’s sleep for your child and peace of mind for you.

It is normal for babies to wake during the night, particularly in the first few months of life. However, research has shown that babies often wake because they wriggle about, kicking off, tangling in, or even slipping down under conventional blankets and duvets. As a result, babies can easily become too hot or too cold, and it is this discomfort that leads to distress and the inevitable crying. By replacing blankets and duvets with a baby sleeping bag, you can keep your baby at a safe and comfortable temperature throughout the night. Because your baby will be warm and snug in her sleep sack, she will be less likely to wake in the night and more likely to go back to sleep if she does. When used as part of the bedtime routine, a sleeping bag is great for helping your baby to settle.

After an evening bath, put your baby into his sleeping bag for a cuddle, and you’ll find it simpler and far less stressful when you put him into his cot.

LONG SLEEVED WINTER SLEEPING BAGS As the nights start to draw in and the temperature drops, a Slumbersac long-sleeved sleeping bag is the best way to ensure that your child stays cosy and warm all night long! Unlike most sleeping bags, which only have short sleeves or no sleeves at all, these sleeping bags cover baby’s arms for that extra insulation, helping them to sleep better and wake less often.

The 3.5 tog winter bags are thicker too, made from 100% cotton with a soft, padded polyester fleece that is easy to wash and dry. They are available in sizes from birth right up to 10 years, so there’s no reason why your little one should suffer chilly nights this winter!

PERSONALISED COMFORT Baby sleeping bags come in a wide range of sizes and togs. The tog size determines the thickness of the sleeping bag and therefore how warm it keeps your child. Whether it’s summer or winter, Slumbersac offers sleeping bags for every season, and a wide choice of designs featuring beautiful embroidery, appliqués and prints to suit boys and girls, and to coordinate with your baby’s nursery. All sleeping bags are made from – and lined with – 100% cotton.

Padded with quick-dry, soft polyester fleece, Slumbersac baby sleeping bags are easily machine-washed and tumble-dried, and they make the ideal gift for babies and toddlers because they are both practical and attractive! To make them extra special you can opt for name embroidery in lots of different colours.

THE DETAILS

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Call 01202 825081 or visit www.slumbersac.co.uk for further details.

SEPTEMBER2015 13

YUMMY MUMMY

Super Supplements Don’t forget to take your vitamin D and folic acid to help your baby develop a healthy brain and body.

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ometimes it can be hard to make sure you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. But along with eating a healthy diet, vitamin D and other supplements like folic acid can do the trick. Vitamin D and folic acid help the growth of your baby’s bone and brain development.

Supplements aren’t meant to be a substitute for a healthy diet, but they can help to make sure your baby’s not missing out. You can also ask your GP, midwife or pharmacist about supplements – folic acid can be free with a prescription.

VITAMIN D All pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms. Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium in the body, which helps to keep bones and teeth strong and healthy. This also provides your baby with enough vitamin D in their first few months.

All pregnant and breastfeeding women, particularly teenagers and young women, are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. But you’re more at risk if...

You’re not exposed to much sun, for example, you cover up your skin, are housebound, or confined indoors for long periods You’re of South Asian or Caribbean descent, or have darker skin, because your body does not produce as much vitamin D in response to sunlight Warning: If you’re pregnant, you should avoid supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (retinol) –– as too much of it can harm your baby’s development. You should also avoid liver and liver products (including fish liver oil), as they are high in vitamin A. 14 SEPTEMBER2015

FOLIC ACID Folic acid is a man-made form of folate, a B vitamin that occurs naturally in food. It’s unlikely that you’ll get enough folate to protect your baby just from the food you eat, which is why folic acid supplements are recommended. But it’s still a good idea to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes folate-rich foods such as granary bread, beans and pulses, and green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Look out for the symbol on some breads and breakfast cereals which shows they’re fortified with extra folic acid.

Taking a 400 microgram folic acid supplement before and during the early days of your pregnancy helps with the development of your unborn baby. However, women who suffer from diabetes, or have had a previous neural tube defect (NTD) affected pregnancy, or have a history of spina bifida or similar conditions in the family, should consult their doctor as they may need to take a daily dose of 5mg of folic acid.

This applies to all women who are either pregnant or planning to get pregnant, whatever their age, and whether or not there is a history of spina bifida or similar conditions in the family. Many people with spina bifida will have some paralysis and need aids to help them to walk or will need to use a wheelchair. It can also affect the nerves controlling the bowel and bladder.

Folic acid supplements are widely available in pharmacies, health food shops and supermarkets. You can also get them free on prescription from your GP - It doesn’t matter which brand of folic acid supplement you choose – just make sure each tablet contains 400 micrograms of folic acid.

You’ll only need to take one tablet a day.

Trust Pregnacare® for the most important time of your life?

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Trust Pregnacare’s specially formulated range to help safeguard your diet at this especially important time.

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The first ever breast-feeding specific supplement with the recommended3 10mcg vitamin D, plus 700mg calcium. With a separate capsule providing 300mg DHA which contributes to normal brain and eye development in breast-fed infants.4

Carefully balanced to help support the nutritional requirements of new mothers. With iron which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue and biotin which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair.

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores & www.pregnacare.com 1Pregnacare® contains iron which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. 2For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 3UK Health Departments recommend mothers take a supplement containing 10mcg vitamin D during breast-feeding, and a healthy diet rich in calcium. 4A beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg of DHA/EPA for adults. Do not exceed a supplemental daily intake of 5g DHA/EPA combined. *Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value Sales 52 w/e 25 April 2015.

YUMMY MUMMY

‘Mums the word’

At Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park - New Mums’ Fitness Package The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, London is honouring new mothers with an exclusive package to kick-start their post-baby fitness programme. Celebrity personal trainer, Ruben Tabares, shares his secret training regime in Mum’s the Word, a fitness package that will help tone any body in just 4-6 weeks.

Mum’s the word priced £500 for 4 hours 50 minutes, and includes:

1 hour 30 minute private assessment and training with Ruben who customises each session to the needs of the mother, using biochemical analysis.

Training program designed to strengthen the body, with nutritional guidance for both mother and child.

1 hour 20 minute Body Lift and Sculpt treatment to contour and improve appearance of cellulite with immediate visible results.

50 minute Detox Massage developed by the Spa team that focuses on areas of concern using natural essential oils of Juniper, Siberian Pine, Mandarin and Amyris to effectively stimulate circulation, energise and tone the body.

Choice of two 50 minute body wraps: Nourish and Firm Body Wrap intensely hydrates and firms the body using the powerful antioxidant benefits of cranberry; or the Detoxify Body Wrap combines unique Siberian Ginseng, Birch and Green Tea to flush stagnant toxins from the body. Both finished with the Firming Cream by Russie Blanche.

With extensive expertise in nutrition and fitness, and a father himself, Ruben understands fully how important good health is to a new mother. Combining body strengthening with diet guidance produces fast track results promises Ruben. “With dedication to the right fitness and nutrition, I can promise visible results in 4 to 6 weeks,” he says.

Mandarin Oriental Group has five hotels with five-star spas, more than any other hotel group.

Offer valid until 31 December 2015 16 SEPTEMBER2015

ABOUT MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK, LONDON With bustling Knightsbridge on its doorstep and leafy Hyde Park at its rear, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is London’s most prestigious address. Blending sumptuous guestrooms with a world-leading spa and a stylish bar, it is the definitive destination for a luxury escape. And with two award-winning restaurants including Bar Boulud, London and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the first London restaurant for one of the UK’s most renowned chefs, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park stands at the culinary centre of the capital.

ABOUT MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL GROUP Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the awardwinning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from a well-respected Asian hotel company into a global brand, the Group now operates, or has under development, 45 hotels representing close to 11,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 20 hotels in Asia, ten in The Americas and 15 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

In addition, the Group operates or has under development, 15 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties. www.mandarinoriental.com THE DETAILS For further information, contact the fitness team directly on +44 (0)20 7838 9888 or Email molon-wellbeing@mohg.com For further information please visit www.mandarinoriental.com/london/luxury-spa

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YUMMY MUMMY

Bumps and

the boardroom

Pre and post natal holistic therapist Lisa Barnwell shares the positive effects that pregnancy can have on the brain.

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id June saw the start of an online conversation on the real value of the pregnant mind and its commercial advantage. Bumps and the Boardroom - A Global Conversation on the pregnancy Advantage for Business showcased 12 different perspectives from corporate H.R’s to female entrepreneurs and current senior women in business who are on the pregnancy, maternity leave, recent return-ship pathway. It offered businesses and individuals the opportunity to really understand the changes that take place in the brain during pregnancy and the early postnatal period and harness their positive effects.

Pregnancy hormones slow down left brain cognitive function to allow for an expansion of right brain, more intuitive and creative insights - which can not only help with bonding with your newborn and picking up more subtle clues to their wellbeing, but can be used in the workplace before your maternity leave starts to support conflict resolution, blue sky or out-of-the box thinking and far stronger emotional insights and understanding into co-workers or potential new business partners than your non-pregnant counterparts.

New scientific research confirms the changes in the brain peak at around 6 months into the pregnancy, and start to return to a more normal level at round 3 months post birth, giving thought to the option of delegating more creative projects to the pregnant member of the team and scheduling handovers, strategy meetings and detailed work deadlines far sooner than is currently the norm. More research is being conducted to

18 SEPTEMBER2015

expand these parameters but put a far more positive understanding on the generally negative perception of “baby brain” and how it can be managed to maximum advantage.

Trusting and working with mother nature and recognising and accepting these changes are definitely happening can benefit both mum-tobe in transitioning to care for her baby more naturally and with confidence and Corporations in building greater trust, loyalty and potential from their women during this period.

Many women confide that they “check out” mentally far earlier than they start their maternity leave and struggle with the sharp change from independent career women to mother which a later maternity leave start creates. I have spoken to hundreds of women who confirm that when they are valued and feel supported in their pregnancy by their employer, their loyalty, commitment, desire and speed to return to their workplace increases.

In the same way we prepare our bodies for childbirth with antenatal classes, exercise or yoga, allowing a real space for the pregnancy and new mother mind to evolve can reap huge rewards for Mum, Baby and Business.

Lisa Barnwell is the Go-To Feel Good Maternity Expert for the high level, ambitious, mindful new mother and mother-to-be, and sole founder of London’s first destination clinic for pre and postnatal therapies and previous exclusive partner to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s Private Maternity Wing.

YUMMY MUMMY

What’s a water birth like?

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The relaxing effect of water, with its support and warmth, can help you through your labour. Being bathed in water is likely to help you go with your contractions in active labour, so that they are less stressful for you and your baby

eing relaxed also helps you to breathe calmly. It means you’re less likely to take short, shallow breaths, which can make the pain of contractions worse.

In active labour, labouring in water may help your body to release less of the stress hormone adrenaline and more of the labour hormone oxytocin. This stimulates your labour contractions to be strong and regularOnce you’re immersed in the warm waters of the pool, you’re in your own world and can labour undisturbed. If the lights are dimmed the effect will be heightened. It may help you to feel more in tune with your labour.

The water buoys you up and makes you feel lighter. It’s easy for you to move about, so you can make yourself comfortable. The best position for you is likely to be one that helps your baby move most easily through your pelvis. A useful rule of thumb is to keep your knees lower than your hips.

But you can easily adopt lunge positions in the pool too (one knee down, one knee up). This helps some babies to descend. It may be easier to push your baby out in the water than in airu’ll be supported by the water and can use the sides of the pool for extra support.

Your baby will be brought to the surface as soon as possible, head first. This will enable him to start breathing soon after the birth. It is not common, but when the baby is brought to the surface too enthusiastically the umbilical cord can snapOne UK study reported this happening in fewer than one in two hundred water birthsA snapped cord is not a life-threatening emergency for a trained midwife, who will be alert to the possibility of it happening. Women who have water births generally say they have had a positive experience.

WHAT’S IT LIKE FOR MY BABY BEING BORN IN WATER? The idea is that the warm waters of the pool will feel like the waters of your uterus (womb) to your baby. Babies born in water are often calm, and cry less than babies born in air.

You may be worried that your baby will inhale water with his first breath if he is born in a birth pool. However, healthy babies don’t take their first breath until nerves in their face, mouth and nose have been stimulated by contact with air and a change in temperature.

Babies born in water are protected by the “dive reflex”. Your baby will instinctively close his airway, stopping him from breathing in water Your midwife will also monitor your baby during your labour to make sure he’s getting enough oxygen. There is no evidence that babies born in water suffer from breathing problems any more than babies born in air Experts believe that babies are only at risk of inhaling water if: Their head is brought to the surface before the rest of their body is born, overriding their dive reflex.

Their oxygen supply via the placenta is affected in some way.

Your midwife will monitor your baby for any potential problems.

Most water births go smoothly, but if an emergency does arise, it may take time to get you out of the pool. Even so, midwives are trained to deal with emergencies. They’ll have ways of getting you out as quickly as possible, and getting you the help you need.

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YUMMY MUMMY

Choosing your baby’s name

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Choosing a name for your baby can be a daunting prospect.

It stays with them for the rest of their life, so it is a big decision

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o you want to go for something traditional or modern? Popular or obscure? What about middle names? Don’t panic! We’ve got stacks of valuable advice for you

SHORTENING BABY NAMES Like a name that’s a shorter variant of another? Common sense says to put the longer version on the birth certificate. There’s no law that says you have to call your child by anything other than the shorter - invariably cuter version, but you leave them the option, as they get older, to use the longer version when the occasion suits.

MIDDLE NAMES FOR YOUR BABY Middle names seem to serve little purpose - until you’re naming your own child and then their use becomes immediately apparent. You could have a special relative’s name as your child’s middle name for example.

The only thing you need to worry about at this stage is the issue of unintentional acronyms - just what do all those initials spell out? Charles Ramsay Archibald Pearce, beware.

MAKE A BABY NAME SHORTLIST No matter how in tune you and your partner are, naming your child is one area where hitherto happy couples often fall out. If you can’t both agree on one definite winner, then your best bet is to draw up a shortlist of acceptable names and then one of you should point out in no uncertain terms that the person who has carried the baby for 40 weeks and then gone through a three-day labour gets the casting vote. RIGHT? Say the name out loud - you’ll be amazed what gets crossed off!

A name that sounds cute as a baby may not sound so cute for an adult Don’t forget what your surname is.Why on earth people choose names like Peter Peterson is beyond me.

I advise everyone not to discuss probable name choices with

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everyone, someone will always say ‘yuck, I know so and so with that name’ or say something that could put you off a name. Much better to keep it to yourself and announce it once the baby is born.

REVEALED:THE MOST POPULAR NAMES FOR BABIES IN LONDON Oliver and Amelia have both held onto the top spot as the most popular names for babies for the second year in a row, while Harper entered the top 100 for the first time. Amelia has been in the top spot for girls born in England and Wales since 2011. Lily replaced Mia in the top ten, climbing from number 12 to number nine. Thea, Darcie, Lottie, Nancy and Robyn were all new entries into the top 100 for girls.

Oliver has been first for boys since 2013. Harper - possibly popularised by novelist Harper Lee and Harper Beckham - climbed 71 places to enter the top 100 at 89. Jack was the second most popular boy’s name given to babies last year. George has risen in popularity since the birth of the royal prince, climbing three places to number seven. Ellis, Joey and Jackson were new entries in the top 100 for boys, replacing Evan, Aiden and Cameron.

London bucked the national trend for boys names, with Muhammad retaining the top spot.

Top 10 boy’s names in London 1. Muhammad 2. Oliver 3. Alexander 4. Daniel 5. Joshua

Top 10 girl’s names in London 6. James 7. Adam 8. George 9. Jack 10. Mohammed

1. Amelia 2. Olivia 3. Sophia 4. Isabella 5. Emily

6. Maya 7. Sofia 8. Mia 9. Sophie 10. Chloe

A spokesman for the Office for National Statistics, which released the figures, said: “The popularity of names can be influenced by names of famous figures or current celebrities and what they name their own babies.

However, it can also be influenced by other factors such as the religious, cultural and ethnic identities of parents or the names of family, friends or fictional characters.”

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YUMMY MUMMY

TakeCarasafety front seat... for your baby T

he most important feature when it comes to picking a car seat is safety. All these favourites put your baby’s safety first and most come with a few other handy features too! Here are some of the best-rated car seats of 2015.

Whether you’re looking for a car seat that’s super-easy to use, extracomfortable for your baby, or conveniently lightweight, we’ve got an option for you. Find out which car seats tick a lot of boxes, and which came out as number one.

5. GRACO LOGICO S Why mums love it...

The Graco Logico S comes with a five-point harness, a reclining feature and a newborn lining. Mums love the value for money and it clicks into the base in seconds.

It boasts a one-step click feature with the Graco Logico travel system too.

Price: from £49.99

4. CYBEX ATON Why mums love it...

When used with the appropriate Isofix base, this car seat has some great safety features for your baby. Cybex describe it as having an “energy-absorbing shell”, meaning it’s designed for a smooth and safe ride. The removable covers are a hit, making this car seat really easy to clean.

It’s also effortless to install and not too heavy to carry, which is always a bonus!

Price: from £120

3. MAXI-COSI CABRIOFIX Why mums love it...

Known for being solid and reliable, the Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix comes at an affordable price for most mums. It can fit into a range of Maxi-Cosi Isofix bases.

The seat has an attractive design and is available in a variety of colours.

Suitable from birth to 13kg (about 18 months).

Price: from £94

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2. MAXI-COSI PEBBLE Why mums love it…

The Maxi-Cosi Pebble comes with a three-point harness and has a snug headrest to keep your baby’s head still. It also has extra padding for a newborn baby. It’s compatible with a variety of travel systems and comes in a range of colours.

Price: from £150

and the winner is...

1. MAXI-COSI FAMILYFIX PEBBLE Why it’s a winner!

The Pebble is featured in our list twice, but this time focusing on the seat with the FamilyFix base. It’s super-easy to install, as it simply clicks into place. Suitable for babies from birth to 13kg (about 18 months).

Price: from £300 (seat and base)

YUMMY MUMMY

Shoreditch

style, Scandinavian cool

and no multi-coloured plastic in sight

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s parents we want to share our living space with our children’s toys and all the stuff that they love - what do you mean, you don’t like red, green and blue plastic? If you want to share in the joy of childhood play without feeling guilty about stashing everything away at bedtime then there is an alternative approach that creates a family space that is engaging for little ones and yet is still contemporary and cool.

At Mee Mee we are proud to have curated a collection of beautiful toys, furniture, blankets and playhouses that anyone would be proud to have out on display, whether they have little ones or not!

One of our suppliers summed it up perfectly. Sirch, who make designer wooden toys and furniture, have a concept based on powerful aesthetic principles – “the kind of toys that would look good even in the most chic, modern house - beautiful enough to leave out, not tidy away”. They are so good at applying this that

this year they won best eco toy at the Smallish Design Awards 2015.

Our Fabulous Goose organic blankets designs are stunning, not only are they super soft and super safe (GOTS/OEKO TEX certified) and just generally super, they have even been used as wall hangings!

The epitome of decadent cool is the classic sheepskin – which when combined with the unique embroidered personalisation means these baby rugs really are heirlooms in the making.

Our range of children’s gifts and furniture aims to spread smiles through intelligent design, intrigue children and enhance the family home. We love the fact that we’re able to provide something special and nostalgic, with a modern twist, that can be cherished and passed through the generations.

THE DETAILS Mee Mee London’s unique curated selection can be found at www.meemeelondon.com meemeelondon

YUMMY MUMMY

Car seats are not recommended for long sleeps, but when baby is out and about we would always recommend that he/she sleeps in the flattest possible position.We are delighted to see that the Kiddy Evo-Lunafix offers a solution to this problem.

The Lullaby Trust Chief Executive Francine Bates

C

hoosing an infant carrier for your newborn is mind boggling.

There is an array of seats in different shapes and sizes. All will have passed strict safety testing which should reassure you that your baby will be safe in the event of an accident. However, have you stopped to consider the health of your child whilst in a car seat?

It is well known that car seats should only be used for short periods of time because of the health implications for the child. However, did you know that oxygen desaturation can begin in an infant within just 20 minutes? This is 20 minutes from the time your baby gets placed in the infant carrier, not from the time you drive away!

The risk of oxygen desaturation can be eliminated through the use of a lie flat infant carrier or cot. There are a number of these on the market made by Jane, Kiddy, Britax, and Concord. The downside of most of these is that they fit sideways in the car, thus filling up the back seat. The Kiddy Evo-lunafix is unique because it fits in just one space in the car. It comes with an Isofix base to achieve the lie flat position.

All of these car seats and cots can also be used safely, without time restriction on a pushchair chassis, as a travel system. Great news for frequent

26 SEPTEMBER2015

travellers; or Londoners who need to be able to use a car seat in a taxi, and then out and about on a pushchair chassis for the rest of the outing.

The use of the Kiddy Evo-lunafix and its lie-flat technology is supported by The Lullaby Trust, a national charity that campaigns to improve awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promote safer baby sleep.

Their Chief Executive, Francine Bates commented, “Car seats are not recommended for long sleeps, but when baby is out and about we would always recommend that he/she sleeps in the flattest possible position. We are delighted to see that the Kiddy Evo-Lunafix offers a solution to this problem.” The Lullaby Trust also recommends that any car seat should be properly fitted and is right for your baby’s weight and size. Kiddy make a premature baby insert which can be used to reduce any excess space around a tiny baby, to ensure a safe and proper fit.

The Lullaby Trust recommends that in order to give a baby a safer sleep, they should be kept smoke free during pregnancy and after birth, they should be kept at a temperature between 16-20oC, their face should not be covered when sleeping and loose or excessive bedding should be avoided. A baby should be removed from an infant carrier when arriving at your destination as soon as possible.

THE DETAILS For more information about the Kiddy Evo-lunafix please visit www.kiddyuk.com/infant-carriers/evo-lunafix For more information about The Lullaby Trust and safer sleep for babies please visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep For more information about infant health when travelling see: www.whichcarseat.co.uk www.bestbuggy.co.uk/2015/01/lie-flat-infant-carriers

YUMMY MUMMY

talking timeline From chatter after after aa day day at at school, school, From your your baby’s baby’s first first gurgle, gurgle, to to his his excitable excitable chatter the before your your baby baby says says his his first first word, word, the ability ability to to talk talk develops develops gradually. gradually. But But before he’ll you and and other other adults adults around around him. him. he’ll be be picking picking up up language language skills skills from from you

Here’s an idea of what you can expect, and when. But remember it’s completely normal for your child to reach these milestones a little earlier or later.

BABY Birth to three months Crying is your baby’s first form of communication. Your newborn makes quiet, cooing sounds when he’s happy or contentThese are typically single vowel sounds, such as “ooh” and “ah” with his tongue and lips.

Two to three months Your baby alters his cry according to his needs. As you get to know your baby, you may be able to distinguish a hunger cry from the cry he makes when he’s tired or uncomfortable.

Three to four months Your baby cries less often but will still cry when he’s uncomfortable or annoyed. He utters mostly vowel sounds, but cooing and gurgling is now a little more varied. Consonant sounds will begin to mix with vowels, such as “baba” or “yaya” 28 SEPTEMBER2015

Five to six months Your baby practises making his voice rise and fall (intonation)often in response to your baby talk and the faces you pull. He’ll be able to make sounds to get your attention, and will babble to himself and laugh when he plays Ask for help if... If your child isn’t making vocal sounds or eye contact with you by the time he’s six months old, talk to your doctor.

Seven to 12 months Your baby is babbling with greater variety by now, making new sound combinations and intonations. He tries to copy your speech by putting consonants and vowels together, such as “bah-BAH-bah” or “no-no” He’ll have pretend conversations with you, taking turns to talk. He’ll recognise the names of familiar objects and toys, such as “car” and “teddy”.

TODDLER 12 months The all-important first words will have been spoken by now, and were probably “mummum” or “dada”. Your toddler may use a few words, but he won’t be able to pronounce them clearly.

15 months Your toddler raises his voice at the end of a question and makes hand gestures, such as pointing and waving, to emphasise what he’s saying.

He may be able to say up to six simple words.

Ask for help if... If your child isn’t saying any words by the time he’s 15 months old, talk to your health visitor.

16 months Talking rather than just babbling out loud has started, even if it isn’t all that clear. He calls you to get your attention and nods and shakes his head for yes and no. Common consonant sounds such as t, d, n, w and h become part of his speech.

18 months Your toddler may know between six and 20 words, including nouns “mama”, verbs such as “eat”, and adjectives such as “cold”.

18 to 24 months Your toddler may have started to put two-word and three-word phrases together to form simple sentences, such as “Daddy go”, “go home now”, and “milk mess”. By 19 months about half of all children will be doing this. He’ll sometimes ask questions about the names of people and objects around him.

24 months Your child may know as many as 50 words by now, including some

descriptive language. He’ll use short sentences consisting of two or more wordswith lots of pauses, such as “want milk”, “Baby ... fall down!” and “Me go... swings?”

Two to three years Your child knows about 200 words by now, including lots of verbs, and will be able to carry on a simple conversation about something in his immediate environment.

He’ll be asking simple questions, such as “What?”, “Where?” and “Who?” a lot. Phrases expand from three-word sentences to five-word sentences. He may stutter or stammer while he’s thinking what to say, but this is normal.

Ask for help if... If your two or three-year-old echoes your questions rather than answering them, or has been stuttering for more than six months, speak to your doctor.

PRE-SCHOOLER Three years to four years Your child will make words past tense by adding a “d” sound to verbs, and can talk about things in the future as well. He’ll make plurals by adding an “s” sound to nouns, such as “mans” and can use pronouns (I, she, we) correctly. He can talk and play at the same time, knowing between 800 words and 1,000 words. He can say sentences of four words to six words and repeat his favourite words such as “why,” “what,” and “who” often. You can understand him most of the time, and he can describe what happened if you were out of the room. By five years, speech is generally grammatically correct.

Ask for help if... If your child’s stuttering lasts for more than six months, or if he tenses his jaw or grimaces while trying to speak. If so, he may be referred to a speech therapist. Bear in mind it’s perfectly normal for your child to sound as though he’s stuttering if he trips up on his words in his excitement to communicate.

SEPTEMBER2015 29

YUMMY MUMMY

Introducing

Balmoral Bespoke One of a kind, Available from Harrods, £5,000 The ultimate in luxury, quality, design and elegance. Balmoral Bespoke, exclusive to Harrods.

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he handmade to order personalised baby carriage showcases individual design and style and is available for the first time ever from British pram maker Silver Cross. Balmoral Bespoke is the most desirable pram ever made. The inaugural Silver Cross Balmoral Bespoke Limited Edition pram, is the pinnacle of premium luxury.

With exquisite attention to detail, the quality of the Balmoral Bespoke is radiant. Every silver body is individually hand polished and painted with fine line detailing and a shine that has never been seen before.

Made to the highest standards of craftsmanship, in a time-honoured fashion, each iconic Balmoral Bespoke pram is truly unique. Silver Cross guarantees that every pram is one of a kind with a selection of details, tailored to individual preferences. Exclusive to Harrods, you can

30 SEPTEMBER2015

design the perfect pram for you in the Nursery department.

Finishes to choose from include: five sophisticated colours of premium leather for the hand-stitched hood and apron, hand crafted metallic C-sprung chassis available in varying statement colours and a beautifully crafted handle in walnut or white to reflect ones own personal taste.

Completing the look of absolute elegance and exclusivity, the child’s name will be engraved on a plaque on the front of the showcase body of the Balmoral Bespoke. Each pram also features a special identification plaque and distinct ‘Bespoke Range’ logo recognising that the Balmoral Bespoke is one of only fifty unique prams in the world. With the attention to detail, Balmoral Bespoke is prestigious and desirable in every way.

Every Balmoral Bespoke owner will receive an exclusive hand signed certificate of authenticity with the child’s name, individual number and date of manufacture.

THE DETAILS Available from Harrods, £5,000 Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL www.silvercrossbaby.com www.harrods.com

Santa Specials

See Santa on a steam train!

Advance booking only!

Enjoy the magic of a one hour steam train ride as Santa visits you at your seat with a gift for every child.

5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th - 24th December BOOK NOW ON WWW.WATERCRESSLINE.CO.UK

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It’s about Dads too!

When a new baby arrives, Dads can feel quite “left out”! There is absolutely no need for this to happen, Dads can be just as involved and bond with the baby as the new mum is. How?

D

ad can always be around in the evening, so why not take over bath time with your baby? Bath time is so much fun and can be a very enjoyable experience for Dad and your baby together. It also gives dad some time to have skin to skin contact with his baby, which is a great bonder.

If you are breast feeding then it might seem impossible for Dad to help in any way…wrong! You can express some of your supply and keep it in the fridge and dad can take over one of the night feeds (preferably the dream feed usually between 10pm and 12 midnight) so that you can have some extra sleep time. It is such a pleasurable

32 SEPTEMBER2015

thing for a dad to do. Having that time in the quiet and still of the night. Holding his baby close and feeding. Then winding and resettling the baby.

Nappy changing is also not exclusively for mums, dads can do that too. And while your baby is on the changing mat they can have a chat and a sing and just enjoy some fun time together. Remember that even from an early age babies enjoy contact and hearing sounds and voices. Very soon they will recognise their Dads voice and react on hearing it.

When your baby has been fed, dad can take over the winding, leaving you some time to wind down and enjoy a cuppa and put your feet up and may be watch some TV. Read a book or have some precious time to take a soak in the bath and relax.

When your baby wakes in the night for a feed, Dad can be the one to bring the baby from the cot to you and when feed time is done, he can be the chief winder and baby settler, allowing you to go back to sleep and catch up on some well-earned rest. Something that will be greatly appreciated!

These are just a few suggestions for enabling Dad to bond with his new little one. So you see it is not all about Mum, but it can be all about Dad too.

YUMMY MUMMY

Sweet as they are...

How to avoid giving your baby a sweet tooth

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abies who are given sweet things to eat or drink are more likely to get a taste for sweet foods than babies who are not. Giving babies food with added sugar can cause these serious problems.

I t can rot their tiny teeth, and lead to fillings and even lost teeth (drinks with added sugar are particularly bad for babies’ teeth – it’s like giving a baby a lolly to suck on all day).

It can put them at a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers in later life.

Giving your baby a sweet tooth also means that they are more likely to keep pestering and crying for sugary things. This makes it difficult to say ‘no’ to but means that your baby learns that crying and pestering will get them what they want.

It’s much easier to get your baby on the right track now than to try and change what they eat later. Some sugars are found in obvious places like fizzy drinks or squash, sweets, cakes, biscuits, pastries and chocolate. But some are found in food and drinks that many people think are healthy, so keep an eye on the sugar content of food and drink you give to the kids.

Foods like rusks, dried fruit, baked beans, some baby food, and drinks like sweetened fruit juice, cordial, milk shakes and flavoured water can actually contain lots of sugar. Unsweetened fruit juice is a healthier option when it’s been diluted, but better served with a meal as it’s still high in sugar.

Research shows that it’s best to give little ones milk (although not cow’s milk as a drink until 12 months) and water to drink, and things like fruit, toast, and rice cakes instead of sugary snacks.

34 SEPTEMBER2015

HEALTHY SNACKS Canned fruit: toddlers love peach, pear and pineapple slices. Make sure it is in its own juice and not syrup.

Fresh fruit: look out for fruit that’s in season, it’s cheaper!

Yoghurt: make sure it’s unsweetened, and then add fruit for a delicious snack or pudding.

Frozen yoghurt: make sure it’s unsweetened.

Frozen fruit: defrost slices of fruit and veg.

Rice pudding Porridge Bread rolls or toasted bread, bagels, potato cakes or rice cakes.

Dry cereal without added sugar.

CHILDHOOD ECZEMA HOW INFORMED ARE YOU? czema or atopic dermatitis is thought to affect 1 in 5 babies in the UK. If your little one suffers with eczema you are not alone and share your concerns with thousands of other parents across the country.

How to care for your baby’s skin

After 9 months in the womb, your baby’s skin is highly sensitive to the chemicals that can be found in many mainstream baby skin care products. The first year of life is crucial to the health of your baby’s skin; still developing it is 30% thinner than at 12 months. This delicate skin is more prone to water loss which leads to dryness, making it a less effective barrier against chemical toxins. The early introduction of harsh toiletries onto delicate skin may be a factor in the rising rates of eczema and allergies in children.

Be informed & skin smart

It is important to avoid toiletries that contain harsh foaming agents, sensitising preservatives and perfumes, as these are known irritants to eczema-prone skin.

By choosing ‘natural products’ it doesn’t guarantee they will be free from nasties.

Did you know, a product only needs to contain 1% natural ingredients to be classed as ‘natural’? Choose trusted organic products like the Organic Babies range which is 100% certified organic and naturally free from parabens, MI, artificial colours, lanolin, ethyl alcohol and petrochemicals.

Natural goodness you can trust

One to try - Organic Babies Soothing Baby Salve is 100% certified organic and rich in Shea butter and Calendula which reduces inflammation and skin soreness, plus Omega-3&6 fatty acids which are essential for healthy skin. Baby Salve is beautifully nurturing for ultra dry skin and trusted to deliver results without chemical nasties. Organic Babies use only the best ingredients with all products suitable for babies and children who may be prone to eczema.

Available from John Lewis, Ocado and independent health stores.

01403 740350

www.greenpeople.co.uk/babies

Baby Fact 1 in 5 children in the UK has eczema

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YUMMY MUMMY

Is my child overactive?

All young children are active, and it’s normal for them to have lots of energy. Children should be active on a daily basis; getting lots of exercise is good for their health and it’s fun.

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ut there are many children that are overactive. Some may suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is what used to be known as hyperactivity.

A lot of children who have behaviour problems and difficulty concentrating are not overactive, or they may be suffering from only a mild form of hyperactivity.

The challenge is to recognise the difference between normal behaviour problems and ADHD symptoms, which require early treatment. ADHD is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Common symptoms of ADHD include: a short attention span or being easily distracted restlessness, constant fidgeting or overactivity being impulsive ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although it is more common in people with learning difficulties. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders. ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder in the UK. It’s unknown exactly how many people have the condition, but most estimates suggest if affects around 2-5% of school-aged children and young people.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be first noticed at an early age, and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed in children between the ages of 6 and 12, and tend to be more boys than girls.

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families, and research has identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD compared to those who don’t have the condition.

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Other factors that have been suggested as potentially having a role in ADHD include: being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy) having a low birthweight smoking, alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who are diagnosed with the condition at a young age will continue to experience problems.

HOW ADHD IS TREATED There is no cure for ADHD, but it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support, alongside medication, if necessary. Medication is often the first treatment offered to adults with ADHD, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help.

LIVING WITH ADHD Looking after a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it is important to remember that they cannot help their behaviour.

Some issues that may arise in day-to-day life include: getting your child to sleep at night getting ready for school on time listening to and carrying out instructions being organised social occasions shopping GETTING HELP You should consider raising your concerns with your child’s teacher, their school’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or GP if you think their behaviour may be different to most children their age.

“I loved my visit to see the doctor and so did mum�

Owen, Casualty First visitor

Healthcare without the hassle at your local private urgent care centre A&E Doctors able to treat minor injuries and illnesses Children treated from age one *photo posed for by models

Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm Weekends 10am - 6pm Tel: 0207 432 8300 www.casualtyfirst.co.uk

Instant referrals to our specialist Paediatric Unit A reliable, friendly and supportive specialist paediatric team providing outstanding quality care from birth to age sixteen Direct line to professional and knowledgeable paediatric nurses for advice, triage, bookings and new parent support Tel: 0207 078 3831 Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm

info@hje.org.uk www.londonpaediatricunit.co.uk

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The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep becomes chart-topping bedtime read

For every parent blighted with the daily struggle of trying to coax their young child into going to sleep, anything that could speed up that process would be a godsend.

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self-published book that promises to help children fall asleep at bedtime has topped Amazon’s best seller list, marking the first time an independent author has taken the top spot on the chart. Written

by Swedish author and behavioral scientist/psychologist Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin, The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep is a 22-page story that follows Roger the Rabbit, the Sleep Snail and Uncle Yawn on their quest to help the rabbit fall asleep. They tell him to “think slowly, breath slowly and calm, slow and calm’ and ‘let your whole body be heavy, so heavy it feels like it falls... just like a leaf, that falls down, slowly down, down... Your eyelids are so heavy.”

The book’s description reads: “Do you struggle with getting your child to fall asleep? In The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep you will listen to and follow Roger The Rabbit when he gets help from Uncle Yawn and other friends to fall asleep in the evening.

Your child is quickly compelled by the story and falls asleep when you read it or after. The story is in a lovely way sleep-inducing and helps children all over the world to fall asleep. This is a new safe and innovative way to help your child fall asleep and is recommended by psychologists and therapists.

The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep will help you accomplish the task of getting your child to have its beauty sleep and sleep well all night.”

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The publisher recommends parents read the story “slowly and methodically,” practically yawning through the narrative. The characters urge the rabbit to “let your whole body be heavy, so heavy it feels like it falls... just like a leaf, that falls down, slowly down, down... Your eyelids are so heavy.” Reading the £6 tale slowly and methodically and yawning through the narrative, is thought that these psychological reinforcement techniques transfer to the child who then mimics their parents’ sleepy behaviour.

Mr Ehrlin, of Jonkoping University, said: “It’s the verbal equivalent of rocking your child to sleep... I help the child focus on relaxation and become part of the story.” And his claims are backed up by parents who are giving rave reviews online.

One mother wrote on forum Mumsnet:“I was really skeptical, but it really worked.” I’m actually speechless,” one parent wrote on Amazon, “I’m sat here waiting for someone to pinch me. Bedtime just went from take 2-3 hours to taking 12 mins.We made it to the middle of page 2.” Another added:”The booked helped my four-year-old to bed and fell asleep after reading just the first three pages.. I am truly amazed.”

Amazon UK’s director of books Alison Forrestal, added: “This is the first time an independent author has taken the number one position in our print books chart.”

THE DETAILS The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep: A New Way Of Getting Children To Sleep by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin is available on Amazon www.amazon.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Hippychick Waterproofs I

f there is one thing you can count on, it is that at some point you are going to get caught out by an autumn shower! Bad weather can mean that opportunities for outdoor play can be reduced unless you have the right protective clothing - a recipe for frustrated children and frazzled parents!

Made from the very highest quality Teflon-coated nylon, Hippychick’s All in Ones are completely waterproof, windproof and breathable. They are available in Shell or Fleece Lined options. Attention to detail is a real hallmark of the range, with each seam being fully taped for waterproofing and each piece displaying reflective piping strips – ideal for dark wintery afternoons! There are fully adjustable velcro tabs on the hood, wrists and on the elasticated waist, plus the ankle part features elastic stirrups (2 smallest sizes only).

Don’t let the rain stop play

These Waterproofs don’t just look good, they are also incredibly practical and can be wiped clean or machine washed. They are generously sized to ensure that they can fit over other clothing and come in a variety of colours.

An alternative to the All in Ones are the very clever Packasuits. These lightweight all in ones are breathable and 100% waterproof. They fold away neatly in their own little compact bags, making them perfect for days out.

THE DETAILS The full complement of the Hippychick range can be found at www.hippychick.com or call 01278 434440

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Every child deserves a family...

In England over 4,000 children are waiting for loving adoptive parents.They are a range of ages, from a variety of backgrounds.What they have in common is a difficult start in life and that they can no longer be brought up by their birth families.

A

ll these children need a loving, stable home. They need parents who will stick by them through the good times and the bad.

They need support and love to help them overcome their troubled backgrounds, make sense of who they are and grow up to be safe and secure.

Adoption is a way of providing a permanent family for children.

Parenting adopted children, whilst presenting unique challenges, can be extremely rewarding. If you are able to offer love, commitment, time, patience and the motivation to want to understand how your child sees the world, then that is a great start and the rewards will be limitless.

It may be that you have a wish to be a parent but fertility issues mean that you cannot have a birth child. Or you may already have a family but feel you still have space for another child.

Or you may be single and feel that you have masses of love, security and happiness to offer to a child who has not had a great start in life and/or has ongoing challenges. Or you may have adopted and are thinking of adopting again.

Whether you are married or single, divorced or living with a partner, gay or straight, unemployed or disabled, and whatever your cultural background adoption may be for you.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT? Adoptive parents need the same qualities as any other parent. Adoption offers children the love, stability and security of family life they may not have experienced before. Have confidence that you have what it takes!

You will need to give your adopted child(ren) lots of individual time, understanding and support. Children who experience unmet physical and emotional needs early in life can have their later development adversely affected, perhaps requiring different parenting techniques to a birth child.

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That may sound daunting but there is plenty of support available, via your agency and voluntary support agencies.

On a practical level, you will need to be able to support a child financially, though you don’t have to be a millionaire or even be a homeowner. You can apply for tax credits to supplement your income when you adopt, and other financial help may also be available in the form of one-off or regular payments.

When you first adopt, one partner will be expected to take time off work for between six and twelve months to help the child settle in. Your child will also need your ongoing support to help them understand about their birth family and why they were adopted. You will need to be able to help discuss their history with them in a respectful way and highlight the positives in their past.

Where it is in their best interests there may be ongoing contact with the child’s birth family. This can involve anything from occasional meetings with birth family members or ‘letterbox’ contact once or twice a year. As an adoptive parent, you will need to support your child with whatever arrangements are agreed for contact with their birth family.

Adoption is a lifelong commitment requiring skill, empathy, energy, patience – and a sense of humour! But there can be no greater reward than transforming a child’s life forever and building a happy, fulfilled family. Adoption transforms the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in society.

THE DETAILS For more information on adoption can be found at www.gov.uk/child-adoption/overview www.barnardos.org.uk/fosteringandadoption

Have you got what it takes

to Up 00 PA ,0 £21ees ancdes*

to be a Wandsworth Foster Carer?

d conapply

To find out more about fostering in Wandsworth, visit our website

www.wandsworth.gov.uk/fostering

It’s the most rewarding job “ I’ve ever done

“

f wan d allo*Termsitiaonns

Gemma, Wandsworth Foster Carer

or phone us on (020) 8871 6666

We are looking for people to adopt children who need families where they can grow up and enjoy security and a sense of belonging.

A re you interested

in

Whether you are single, cohabiting, or in a civil partnership, as adopters for Wandsworth Council you will receive great support and this may include a financial package to meet the needs of the child.

adopting

To find out more call (020) 8871 7568

adoption.wandsworth.gov.uk Designed and produced by the Graphic Design Unit, Wandsworth Council CS.1505 (9.15) YM

a

child?

YUMMY MUMMY

I need a nanny!

W

hen employing a nanny there are many responsibilities you may not have considered. The main concern when hiring a nanny is obviously to find the best person to care for your children. You may also be looking to approach a reputable private nanny agency. There are many in London to choose from.

Guide to employing a nanny The nanny who comes into your home is making a career out of caring for your children and as such there are some fundamental employment guidelines that you should follow: Nanny job description - a precise job description should be discussed and agreed before work commences.

Nanny contract - it is now a legal requirement to have a written contract of employment. You should agree the terms of this contract with your nanny or agency, and finalise the contract with each party signing and keeping a copy each.

Guidelines for your nanny - you should think about the way you like your home run and how you would like the relationship with your nanny to develop.

House rules for the nanny If you would like to keep the relationship fairly formal then state this at the outset. In particular, discuss and agree any house rules from the outset.

I s the nanny free to use the phone when she wants?

C an the nanny invite other nannies around?

D o either of the parents prefer being left alone when they return from work?

The ongoing relationship with your nanny Like any employer/employee relationship, your relationship with your nanny will have its ups and downs. There will be times when she is performing better than others and times when you may not agree on everything. You should make sure that there is an ongoing review process as well as ensuring an ongoing dialogue between you and the nanny.

42 SEPTEMBER2015

Legal obligations when hiring a nanny The nanny is an employee and therefore as her employer you have a number of legal obligations.

For example: Y ou have a responsibility to pay tax and national insurance - there is often a temptation to pay cash but this is illegal and you can be fined and charged interest by the Inland Revenue for unpaid tax. If you wish to look at ways of reducing your tax liability, then you should look at the possibility of claiming the childcare tax credit or using childcare vouchers issued by your employer/company.

Y ou are responsible for paying your employee’s statutory sick pay; statutory maternity pay and holiday pay. If you wish the nanny to accompany you on holiday, then please note that this does not count towards the nanny’s annual leave and she will need to be paid as normal. Also if you want the nanny to take some of her holiday when you take holiday, this should be specifically stated in the contract.

Y ou must ensure that your household insurance policy covers you for employers and public liability insurance.

Cars and transport for your nanny It is important that the nanny has appropriate insurance cover for the car that will be used to transport the children (she may need to get insurance to cover her for business use if using her own car). If you are providing a car to the nanny, or you are allowing the nanny to drive your car, check with your insurance company as it can be expensive to put a nanny on your insurance.

The nanny will need to be reimbursed for petrol and running costs whilst transporting the children around. You may either consider a flat rate sum per day or use a mileage rate, if she is using your car. If she is using her own car, then the nanny should be paid 0.45p per mile.

You will also need to clarify issues such as whether the nanny is allowed to use the car for her own personal use and, if so, who pays for the petrol.

NANNY AGENCY REliablE, ExpERiEncEd childcaRE TailoREd To youR nEEds

l

temporary and permanent nannies l housekeepers l maternity nurses l mother’s helps l carers l companions l cooks l chefs l couples l other private household staff on a live in/out basis

T: 020 7228 2811 E: agency@babyroom.co.uk

www.babyroom.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

A Pea in the Pod

®

Opens shop in Harrods

Destination Maternity Corporation (NASDAQ: DEST), the World’s leading maternity apparel retailer, have announced the opening of the new A Pea in the Pod® shop at Harrods, the iconic Knightsbridge department store.

T

his relationship marks the first time A Pea in the Pod branded apparel and its unrivalled assortment of designer brands will be available in the UK within a bricks and mortar location. The approximately 806-square-foot retail space is located on Harrods’ Fourth Floor adjacent to Childrenswear.

The shop in shop includes A Pea in the Pod’s denim collection, a favourite of celebrity mums-to-be, which features the brand’s patented Secret Fit Belly® on styles from AG Jeans®, which are available exclusively through A Pea in the Pod, as well as 7 For All Mankind®, JOE’S® Jeans, J Brand® Jeans, PAIGE Denim and Citizens of Humanity.

The shop also features the recently launched Rachel Zoe Collection for A Pea in the Pod, an exclusive collaboration with the distinguished designer, stylist and editor. Additionally, a curated selection of styles chosen and fit especially for expecting mums from contemporary designers including BCBG®, Splendid, Ella Moss®, and JOIE® are available. A Pea in the Pod’s shop also highlights the best of British maternity design with exclusive product from Séraphine, Isabella Oliver, and Madderson London.

Anthony M. Romano, Chief Executive Officer of Destination Maternity, commented, “A Pea in the Pod is delighted and honored to be selected as the exclusive maternity purveyor for Harrods: a legendary brand that is recognised globally as the number one luxury department store in the world.

Our focus to provide each mum-to-be with high quality, fashion right, great fitting apparel combined with exceptional service to create a truly special shopping experience will complement the Harrods experience perfectly.”

Elizabeth Mcluskie, Head of Childrenswear at Harrods, stated, “We are hugely excited to welcome A Pea in the Pod to Harrods.

We are the first and only UK retailer to offer A Pea in the Pod and their wealth of experience in maternity-wear. Their vast range of designer brands will ensure we are the number one destination for this market in London.”

THE DETAILS A Pea in the Pod Fourth Floor, Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL www.harrods.com

44 SEPTEMBER2015

PROVING THAT PREGNANCY IS NO OBSTACLE TO GREAT STYLE

W W W. N I N E IN T H E M IRRO R. CO M 3 . 1 P H ILLIP LIM • E MILIA WICKSTE AD • JOS E PH • MA R N I • MI SSO N I • VA L E N T I N O • A N D MA N Y M OR E

YUMMY MUMMY

Child Modelling A Parent’s Guide

Do you think your child has what it takes to be a child model? Modelling can be a fantastic, social and fun experience for children of any age.

E

very parent thinks that their child is the most beautiful, but what if everyone else seems to thinks so too? Does that mean he or she is a potential child model?

The world of child modelling isn’t all glamour. You need to be quite realistic about what a shoot involves. There is a lot of waiting around so parents should be well prepared with plenty of books and games. And even if your child gets a job, there is still no guarantee the pictures will be used. For commercials, they tend to book a variety of ‘types’ of children, not deciding until the day who they will use.

HERE ARE SOME MORE TIPS: Choose your agency carefully. A good model agency will help your child’s modelling career, help you find the best jobs for your child, and making sure their needs are put first and the law is complied with.

Don’t waste money on professional photos when applying to agencies. A good model agency will need only to see snapshots to decide whether your child has potential.

Avoid agencies advertising for children; a genuine agency will have enough children applying to them not to advertise.

Don’t rush into signing a contract. Genuine agencies will always want to meet your child in person and will let you read any paperwork in your own time.

Visit the website of the National Network for Children in Employment & Entertainment (NCEE) for more information on the employment of schoolage children.

Be realistic. If you don’t want your child to work during school time, she’s unlikely to get work as most shoots will occur during the working day.

And above all, make sure everyone is enjoying it. If your child stops having fun - don’t continue just because you want them to.

To find a reputable agency, it pays to do a little homework. Contact advertising agencies, magazines, catalogues and clothing companies to see which agencies they use regularly.

Your agency will send the model book out to clients; set up auditions, or ‘castings’; organise payment (and take around 25% commission) and secure you a licence. The licence is a Government requirement for all children aged from six months to 16 years. LEA requirements can vary from area to area, but generally a licence will enable your child to work between 20 to 30 times over a six-month period.

The money can vary – from £40 a job to thousands. The average rate is £40 an hour, but you will also get paid for castings (around £25). Advertising pays considerably more than editorial work but it is also much harder to get.

THE DETAILS Here are some of the best modelling agencies locally, for kids.

All that’s left is to get practicing that pose...

Bonnie & Betty Agency 020 8676 6294 Bruce and Brown 020 7624 7333 Kids London 020 7924 9595 Norrie Carr Agency 020 7253 1771 Urban Angels 0870 871 0045

46 SEPTEMBER2015

FittaMamma Maternity Yoga, Gym & Activewear Designed to look good, feel good and stretch when you stretch. Supportive maternity gymwear holds your baby bump with comfort and style throughout your active pregnancy.

Available from

www.fittamamma.com

Move • Nurture • Support

Visit Stand D120 at The Baby Show, Olympia 23-25th October

YUMMY MUMMY

Play ‘boosts children’s development and happiness’

P

lay helps boost children’s language development, problem solving, risk management and independent learning skills, a study reaffirms. The report, for the Children’s Play Policy Forum, found play improved children’s physical and mental health, as well as their emotional well-being. It also found playtime in the school playground could enhance academic skills and attitudes and behaviour.

Health professionals recommend that children aged five to 18 get at least one hour of aerobic activity a day.This should include a mix of moderate-intensity activities (working hard enough to raise the heart rate and break a sweat and vigorousintensity activities (breathing hard and fast, the heart rate going up quite a bit).

As part of this 60 or more minutes, children should also do activities that strengthen their muscles and bones.

Children under five, who can walk unaided, should be physically active every day for at least three hours, spread throughout the day, indoors or out.

Source: NHS Choices

48 SEPTEMBER2015

Parents associated playing in playgrounds with family well-being and those who lived near playgrounds and visited them often reported higher levels of family happiness. The study found school playgrounds were one of the best ways of increasing children’s levels of physical activity.

They were also linked to a range of improvements in academic skills, attitudes and behaviour, and to improved social skills, improved social relations between different ethnic groups, and better adjustment to school life.

“There is good evidence that making changes to school playgrounds leads to an increase in children’s levels of physical activity,” the report said. “Various forms of intervention have been shown to give this outcome, including changes to marking, the addition of play equipment, making available games equipment (such as balls and bats) and the introduction of loose materials such as scrap and recycled office equipment.”

“From the perspective of politicians and policy makers, the report highlights that investing in play can and does lead to multiple benefits including improved educational attainment, a healthier society and increased levels of tolerance within and between communities.”

YUMMY MUMMY

Pester power

P

ester power is more effective than ever, research suggests, as parents say modern life has made them closer to their children and less able to say no. 4 out of 10 parents said they are closer to their own child than they were to their own parents, while almost 6 out of 10 children aged seven to 15 said their mother and father are their best friends.

Only a third of children described their parents as “strict”.

The closeness comes at a cost as children who are the first to grow up in a world of apps have started to wield more influence, become more demanding and more likely to be spoilt. Their demand for instant gratification means pester power is now very much more alive.

One in six parents claim they now find it difficult to say “no” to their child when pestered to buy them something. 9 out of 10 parents said their children demand things when out shopping together.

Just under one in 20 had not been mithered while the rest choose to leave the offspring at home to avoid the whining. Of those that give in, four in five parents bought snacks even though they tried to be strict. An only child was the most likely to be spoilt while fathers are seen as a softer touch than mothers.

Most children ask their mum and dad to buy them something when they shop together, and most parents oblige, despite the fact that they

50 SEPTEMBER2015

tend to view themselves as being fairly strict. With lines between childhood and adulthood continuing to blur, mums and dads could be found watching the same TV shows, listening to the same music and even wearing the same brands of clothing as their kids.

It is therefore easy to see how today’s children’s influence and preferences could infiltrate the rest of the family. Parents are prone to ask for their children’s preferences and often and encourage and empower them to be more independent.

Kids’ and teens’ influence in British families stretches much further and children’s opinions have a bearing on decisions regarding many purchases not just for themselves, but for the whole family. “This generation of children has grown up with multiple screens and their entire childhood has been marked by easy and fast access to apps, information, ideas as well as adverts and new products.

Today’s kids, as no other generation before them, demand constant transformation to hold their attention. However, the strong desire to try out new things could prove to be a double-edged sword, children would be more prone to impulse buying and less likely to make educated purchasing decisions in their quest for novelty or the ‘wow’ factor that would impress their friends.

YUMMY MUMMY

Spoilt Rotten?

To raise a well-mannered, reasonable child, it’s important to say “no” sometimes.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to nip any spoilt behaviour in the bud.

HOW CAN I SET LIMITS FOR MY CHILD? It’s really important for you to be clear about what is allowed and what’s not. If you leave any wiggle-room then you set yourself up for arguments later on. A good example is when your child asks you for an unhealthy snack. See the difference between “OK, you can have a biscuit” and “You can have one biscuit, but don’t ask me for any more. This is it.” The first option doesn’t rule out another biscuit. The second option lets your child know exactly where she stands.

HOW CAN I STICK TO THOSE LIMITS? One really means one. It’s easy to say no to more than one biscuit and then start questioning yourself: would another biscuit really hurt today?

It’s important to think long-term, though. It’s too hard for your child to understand why some days eating two or three biscuits is fine while at other times only one is allowed. It could lead to some major tantrums as she becomes frustrated with the lack of consistency. Make it easier for you both by sticking to a limit.

HOW CAN I HANDLE MY CHILD BEGGING? Never give in to begging. The first time you give in to begging, you teach your child that it works. And the next time she sees something she wants and you say “no”, you won’t hear the end of it. She’ll plead with you until you give in again. Ignoring begging from the start lets her know it’s a waste of time and will save you a lot of stress.

WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE WHETHER SHE SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING? If your child asks for something and you’re not sure whether to allow it, 52 SEPTEMBER2015

ask her to explain why she thinks it’s a good idea. So if she really wants to watch a DVD and she explains that she’s tidied all her toys, then you can feel more comfortable saying “yes”.

SHOULD I GIVE MY CHILD CHORES TO DO? By introducing your child to simple chores, she’ll start to learn early lessons about taking responsibility. The key is to involve her with what you’re doing, rather than setting her tasks to do alone. For example, when you’re hanging the washing out, she’ll probably love passing you the clothes from the basket. Reward her by thanking her and telling her how helpful she has been. You may find she volunteers to help with a quite a few jobs around the house!

HOW CAN I HELP HER DEAL WITH DISAPPOINTMENT? It’s natural to hate seeing your child upset, but in life disappointment is sometimes inevitable! By making her familiar with it through little things such as denying her a new doll when you’re shopping, she’ll develop important coping skills. These will become invaluable as she grows up.

HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE HER TO EARN HER TREATS? The easiest way to spoil your child is to give her everything she wants too easily. It’s much better to give treats as a reward for good behaviour rather than “just because”. So if your child is desperate for a new toy, you could set up a star chart and let her know how many stars she needs for you to buy it for her. Every time she’s good, give her a star. She’ll feel a real sense of achievement when she finally gets what she wants. And she won’t take it for granted.

TIMELESS TIMELESS CLASSICS CLASSICS FOR FOR YOUR YOUR DARLING DARLING

www.mydarlingbaby.co.uk www.mydarlingbaby.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Mystical Fairies Conjuring Spectacular Unforgettable Memories

M

ystical Fairies is one of London’s top children’s party companies. They offer the widest possible variety of party themes, ranging from Princesses to Superheroes and everything in between. We have seen their parties with Scooby and the Mystery Inc. gang to the one where Harry Potter met Star Wars’ Luke and Leia and yes you had to be there!

Mystical Fairies is the obvious choice for a perfectly planned and executed event. The company prides itself on its ability to go above and beyond for their client’s needs. It doesn’t matter if you have a venue booked, decorations arranged and everything planned down to the birthday child’s shoes, or you just have a 3 year old who desperately wants to meet Tinkerbell, they have a collection of packages and options to suit you.

They can provide everything from a simple entertainer to putting on the whole party or event from activities, cakes, balloons and party bags to glitter tattoos, sweetie tables and personalised decorations.

Don’t let the name fool you, Mystical Fairies can most definitely provide everything for a special birthday girl, they certainly don’t forget about the boys. Anything from Knights and Princes to Pirates and Wizards, they will endeavour to organise an unforgettable event for your little man.

As we get closer to the summer holidays, I’m sure the majority of parents are starting to worry as to what they can do when the little ones are no longer at school and need to be kept occupied.

Mystical Fairies has an answer for this too! As well as organising incredible events, this wonderful company hosts many holiday classes, workshops and activities to suit a wide range of ages and personalities.

As I’m sure anyone who’s been to a Mystical Fairies party will agree, these are truly special events that will create unforgettable memories for both you and the children. If you want whimsical or wacky or a little bit of both, Mystical Fairies has the answer.

As they say, they are ‘a treasure trove of all things On boo your king sparkly and perfect’ and they couldn’t be more right. mentionparty, Trust me when I say there will be lots of sparkles and Mummy Yummy and recemagazine fairy dust!

THE DETAILS To book your Mystical Fairies children’s party please call 020 7431 1888 or email fairyqueen@mysticalfairiesparties.com www.mysticalfairies.co.uk

54 SEPTEMBER2015

luxury pive our bags fre arty eo charge! f

On book ing your mention party, Y u mmy Mummy and recemagazine iv e o ur luxury p a free of chrty bags arge!

YUMMY MUMMY

Orchard Toys release top

favourites for Christmas 2015 It’s time for the toy trade to start dusting down the tinsel and prepare for our favourite season!

Y

et again, Orchard Toys games and jigsaws will no doubt feature high on many Christmas lists. They are firm favourites with both parents and children alike, for different reasons – parents for educational value and children for play value. Orchard Toys have come up with their Top Ten suggestions for Christmas. Many of these games and puzzles will be perfect for a social get-together with the whole family.

TOP FIVE GAMES Shopping List is once again our best seller. With a new look for 2015, this is the perfect stocking filler or Christmas gift – if you can find anyone who doesn’t yet have it!

Can You Guess? is a great game for family occasions, involving lots of noise, silly actions and laughs as players try to guess the sounds or actions made by the other players.

Pigs in Pants is another hilarious game featuring pigs in multi-coloured, patterned pants. With children shouting “I’m going to nick your knickers!” or Granddad chanting “I’m going to pinch your pants!”, this popular game is a steal (or should that be ‘squeal’?) at just £7.50.

Where’s My Cupcake? is a great stocking filler for your little baker in the making! This top three best-selling match and memory game is a great social activity for all the family, where good manners are rewarded with imaginative treats. There is even a cupcake recipe included to spark your baking inspiration!

What a Performance! is another action-packed game, where players or teams work their way around the board and follow the instructions on the cards. If they can’t perform the action before the timer runs out, they must use the magic decoder to reveal the hidden forfeit! Aimed at players aged 5+, this is the ideal way to get the whole family laughing and playing together.

56 SEPTEMBER2015

TOP FIVE JIGSAWS The Giant Road Jigsaw is so much more than a jigsaw puzzle! The 20 interchangeable pieces can be put together in numerous road layouts for children to add their own cars, trains and characters for extra play value.

Part of the Orchard Toys Giant Road System, this puzzle can be used alongside the Giant Town Jigsaw and On The Farm Jigsaw to inspire hours of imaginative play! This best selling, award-winning jigsaw is fantastic value at £13.95.

Big Dinosaurs is a 50-piece jigsaw for children who are looking to be transported into an exciting, prehistoric world!

Big Number Jigsaw is a bright and busy 20-piece jigsaw, featuring numbers 1-20. Children can have fun piecing together this jigsaw whilst practicing counting and recognizing numbers with the help of a fun large poster. The colourful characters and illustrations will give children plenty to talk about once the puzzle is complete.

Big Alphabet Jigsaw features 26 colourful pieces, each showing a letter of the alphabet. With a large matching poster for use as a guide, children will soon become familiar with the letters and the sounds they make. The fun illustrations will spark discussion about the characters and objects.

What Do I Do? is a collection of six, 3-piece jigsaws featuring cheerful characters and their occupations. Suitable for children from age 2+, What Do I Do? encourages hand-eye coordination and develops matching and memory skills. These wipe-clean, sturdy jigsaws are perfect for little hands and great value at just £7.50.

THE DETAILS Visit your local retailer or buy online at www.orchardtoys.com or call 01953 859520.

Fr o of m t a ‘Sh wa he m op rd- ak pin wi ers g L nni ist ng ’

n i w ning e d r a w A ducational games and jigsaws

£7.50

£7.50

A very first matching activity and game

A fun ding and first rea game spelling

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Download our Ap

£9.75

To see our full range and a list of stockists, visit

www.orchardtoys.com 01953 859520

YUMMY MUMMY

The Family Travel Show 2015

31st Octob - 1st Novem er 2015, Olymber pia London

The UK’s first ever event dedicated to family travel adventures

T

he Family Travel Show is pleased to announce its inaugural event this autumn! Taking place at London’s Olympia, this exciting new show is the UK’s first exhibition completely dedicated to family travel adventures.

Show features include

The biggest collection of specialist family travel operators under one roof. Get face-to-face with the best family holiday providers and specialist operators, all under one roof. They will be on hand to offer advice on everything from all-inclusive luxury getaways, exciting cruise voyages, action-packed resorts and family-friendly villas to intriguing adventures, thrilling ski holidays and incredible wildlife safaris. Discover amazing trips that are hard to find online or on the High Street.

OVER 50 FREE SHOW TALKS With a large selection of show talks across three different theatres you have the chance to gain inspiration and information from celebrity speakers, travel writers and bloggers, journalists and family travel experts.

The talks will include travel tales and practical guidance, details on new destinations, cultures and experiences, and how to plan for every different type of family holiday imaginable.

YOUNG TRAVELLERS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION & EXHIBITION Do you have children who love taking charge of the camera on your travels? If so, then the Young Travellers Photography Exhibition is just the 58 SEPTEMBER2015

thing for them! This exciting new photography competition has one simple aim - to inspire young travellers to capture their adventures while exploring the world with their family. From quirky signs and bustling markets to incredible landscapes and amazing architecture – we hope to encourage children to get snapping away this summer. Winners and selected images will feature in the Young Travel Photographers Exhibition at the Family Travel Show, 31 Oct – 01 Nov 2015, Olympia, London. To enter please visit www.familytravelshow.com.

ESPRIT SKI CRÈCHE Esprit Ski are offering a complimentary crèche for children aged between 17 weeks and 8 years old, giving parents peace of mind so that they can enjoy the show knowing their children are having a great time being cared for by Esprit Ski’s fully experienced child care team. As the ‘Number 1 Family Ski Company’ they have over 30 years’ experience in Child Care and will make sure that your children have great fun in a safe and stimulating environment. With high ratios, excellent security procedures and a wealth of knowledge and experience, their team will ensure that your children will have just as much fun as you at the show.

2000, she launched their first spa directory. After becoming a mum in 2005, the new quest became to find the best spa resorts with second-to-none kids facilities so she, and all parents alike could continue to enjoy the luxury spa holidays that had been enjoyed so much! Emma was a Masterchef 2015 finalist, drawing culinary inspiration from some of the gourmet meals that she has enjoyed at Tots Too hotels around the world.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER EXPLORERS’ CORNER Get ready to discover the world with a visit to the National Geographic Traveller Explorers’ Corner. Be inspired with expert advice and insight from the National Geographic Traveller Family team who will be on hand with oodles of great ideas for family adventures, from the Caribbean to Italy, the UK, theme park trips and more. So whether you are looking to plan an independent adventure or are looking for a guide with updates on the latest and greatest family holiday destinations, start your trip at Explorers’ Corner.

Safe Adventures Abroad with Children – Jane Wilson-Howarth Jane Wilson-Howarth is a well-travelled mother, GP, zoologist, and author of Your Child Abroad: A Travel Health Guide. Jane’s passion for wildlife, nature and travel started when she was young; she studied zoology, learnt to SCUBA dive, indulged in all water sports and after graduating embarked on an overland trip to Nepal. Since then she has published a novel and is working on an eco-adventure series for 8 to 12-year-olds.

Here is just a snippet of some of the top speakers: Extreme Adventurer turned Family Adventurer - Benedict Allen Benedict Allen is one of Britain’s most prominent explorers – he’s probably lived more alone and isolated in hostile conditions than anyone else alive today. However, his wonderful life of freedom and adventure came to an abrupt halt when he had children – or so you might have thought. Benedict shares his thoughts on what’s possible – and what is not – when travelling with young kids. And shows you why having children doesn’t mean you have to stop adventuring!

Family Travel Seeker - Emma Spitzer Before founding Essential Escapes in 2002, Emma Spitzer worked for one of the UK’s leading marketing alliances, Great Hotels of the World. In

Expert Advice - National Geographic Traveller Heading overseas doesn’t have to mean enduring the trials and tribulations of flying with kids. The National Geographic expert panel reveal how to get from A to B without stepping on a plane and the foolproof formula to stress-free travel. Featuring Travel and Cruise blogger Mum – Becky Wiggins.

YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE READER OFFER Get reduced price tickets to the Family Travel Show!

To get your tickets for only £7 (saving £5 off the door price!) just quote “YUMMYMUMMY” when booking tickets online at www.familytravelshow.com or when calling 0844 209 7360.

(Calls cost 10p per minute. Door price £12, under 16s go free.)

THE DETAILS For more information about the Family Travel Show 2015 at Olympia London visit the website at www.familytravelshow.com FamTravelShow

TheFamilyTravelShow

SEPTEMBER2015 59

YUMMY MUMMY

Does your child want a pet?

Young children seem to be attracted by things that are soft and cuddly.This is catered for by providing them with soft toys, picture books and even television programmes that present animals as cute and desirable.

H

owever, there is a big difference between a photo or a soft cuddly toy and a pet. Pets are living things and need looking after to make sure that they get the right sort of food and enough exercise. They also get tired and irritable, just like children, and need grooming and cleaning up after.

There are though, good reasons for involving animals in a child’s life.

Looking after an animal can help a child learn that animals have needs similar to their own, developing empathy, tolerance and respect that can be transferred to other living things. In addition there is evidence that having a pet can reduce stress in people of all ages. Dogs have the additional benefit of needing regular exercise which has health benefits for both child and parents.

Choosing a pet is a decision that needs a great deal of care and above all commitment. Unlike a soft toy, any pet will suffer if it is neglected or treated harshly. You will need to show your child how to look after an animal, treating it gently and with care and also how to feed, exercise and groom it. While an older child might be allowed to groom a pet, younger children will need support because, like children, most pets find it hard to sit still.

Like humans, pets can be unpredictable and sometimes aggressive so children need to learn not to interfere when they are feeding or if they are tired or asleep. Never, under any circumstances leave a young child alone with an animal - even small pets can inflict a painful bite.

60 SEPTEMBER2015

While the most common pet choice might be a small furry animal like a cat, dog or guinea pig there a number of other possible choices that will support the developing understanding of how to look after animals. It is important not to forget all the other living things that can be investigated, talked about and (with support) looked after by young children, for example feeding garden birds, visiting farms or investigating the lives and habitats of worms and beetles.

Creepy-crawlies are easy to investigate as they are generally easy to find, and you can create an environment for them quite simply by placing a few logs or broken house bricks in a quiet area of the garden.

Within a few days there is likely to be a thriving colony living there.

Creepy-crawlies can be a good way of addressing any fears that young children might have and provide a focus for talking about the useful role they play in keeping the world tidy and recycling dead matter like leaves and old bark. They need very careful handling, though, as they are small and easily damaged. It is also important to know which ones are safe to handle and which should be avoided.

Just like pets, wild animals, insects and birds can play an important role in developing an understanding of living things and a growing respect for their right to life.

YUMMY MUMMY

Masterchefs

in the making?

Young children learn best by watching, doing and talking - it is an opportunity for your child to learn within the home environment, particularly in the kitchen.

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hildren love to learn, feel grown-up and have a go at safe adult tasks around the home. As a young apprentice, young children can learn at their own pace and in their own time supported by caring adults around them.

Meal and snack times naturally play a central part in a young child’s world and are ripe for exploring issues such as: Where foods come from Healthy eating Introduce new foods in an exciting way Planning and preparing foods

Young children love to be involved in the planning and preparation of food; it might seem mundane to us but it’s a whole new world to the developing child. There are opportunities for children to help with: Making lists for shopping (using pictures) Understanding which foods are good for them Naming foods Appreciating where foods are grown Weighing food Stirring and mixing foods Preparing foods Understanding the importance of washing hands and hygiene with food

FOOD SHOPPING Going shopping together for food is an opportunity for children to start learning about names of different foods, where they come from, prices and quantities. Engaging children in the shopping process can even help relieve the boredom. Children could you make the shopping list.

Once home, children can begin to help store away foods in the correct places. Again, an apprentice style of learning by watching grown-ups and copying is delightful for young children and a source of genuine educational experience for them.

MEAL TIMES ARE SOCIAL TIMES Meal times can teach a child that it is a time where both grown-ups and children can share food and share their experiences of the world with each other. This is an opportunity for children to learn how to behave in social settings.

VARIETY IS THE KEY At an early age, children can be encouraged to choose a variety of foods to help ensure that they obtain the wide range of nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Children can be exposed to a range of foods in fun ways, for example: L ooking at pictures of meals and foods in magazines R eading simple recipe books with grown-ups P ointing out different colours of foods E ncouraging them to notice different textures and tastes Children like to role play and becoming a chef (perhaps just by wearing an apron and hat) can set them off on the right track. Children can learn alongside adults to appreciate foods and enjoy the preparation time together.

With help, young children can start: U sing a rolling pin for pastry-making B uttering bread and rolls C racking eggs and learning how to separate whites from yolks R ubbing in butter and flour D ecorating –using a variety of toppings on puddings and cakes U sing a sieve Together, grown-ups and children can record their efforts using a camera or by drawing pictures. Why not start to compile a ‘My Cook Book’ with cuttings from magazines and their own photos of the food you have both prepared together?

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Ladival is available in a variety of SPF levels and formats for both adults and children. *Compared to UV-A/UV-B only sun creams.

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CAPTIVATING ART FOR

Childrens bedrooms

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ou can brighten up their bedroom, nursery or playroom with a captivating children’s wall mural, and create an adventure wonderland.

There are many cool designs available, including Disney classics, Winnie the Pooh, fairies and animals for the girls and Spiderman, Batman, football stadiums, cars, dinosaurs and pirates for the boys.

All are sure to bring a smile to your little ones’ faces, and make them feel comfortable in their own room. (hopefully no jumping into bed with Mum and Dad!) To transform your child or baby’s bedroom with a personalised theme, you could commission something

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bespoke by uploading an image online, or order readymade designs. With a lot of different materials also available you can pick and choose what is right for your child.

You could use your child’s wall mural as a learning tool with an alphabet, times tables or a world globe for example.

If you prefer not to cover a whole wall there are a huge selection of high quality vinyl wall stickers available to suit your space.

Let their imaginations run wild and create a visual masterpiece!

YUMMY MUMMY

Bonfire Night First Aid and Safety Tips to protect your children

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onfire Night can be magical for little ones - however excited children can be dangerous and advanced preparation can help to ensure the evening is memorable for all the right reasons: Over a four week period around 5th November more than 1,000 people are likely to suffer injuries due to fireworks. Of these accidents, nearly 600 are likely to occur at home or private parties and nearly 400 accidents involve children under the age of 13*.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a properly organised display. If you are planning fireworks at home; have an appropriately stocked first aid kit, a bucket of sand and plenty of water, a fire blanket and a bottle of sterile saline to irrigate eyes. Check the fireworks conform to British Standards and you have sufficient space to ignite them safely.

Sparklers Sparklers are fun, but burn fiercely and are not suitable for children under the age of five. Sparklers get six times as hot as a pan of cooking oil.

Always supervise children and ensure that they stand still, wear gloves and maintain a distance from others. Have a bucket of sand to put used sparklers into and ensure no one picks them up until completely cooled.

However careful you are, injuries may happen and here is First Aid advice for more common ones: Minor burns Hold the affected area under cold, running water for at least 10 minutes Cool the burn, keeping the person warm – look out for signs of shock.

If a child is burnt and a blistered area larger than a 50p piece, phone for an ambulance.

Once the burn has been cooled for at least 15 minutes, the burn can be loosely covered with cling film or inserted into a sterile plastic bag if appropriate – alternatively keep running under water until the ambulance arrives.

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If clothing is on fire Prevent the casualty from panicking or running – any movement or breeze fans flames Drop the casualty to the ground and wrap them in a blanket, coat, or rug made from inflammable fabric.

Roll the casualty on the ground until the flames have been smothered.

Severe burns Start cooling the burn immediately under cool running water for at least 10 minutes, until an ambulance arrives. Use a shower if the burns are large. Ensure you are cooling the burn and not the casualty, keep areas that are not burnt as warm and dry as possible to try and avoid them going into shock.

Make the casualty as comfortable as possible, ideally lie them down and elevate their legs, to reduce the risk of clinical shock.

Whilst cooling, remove loose clothing and jewellery from the affected area.Wear disposable gloves if possible.

Never Touch the burn or remove anything stuck to it Use lotions, ointments or creams Use adhesive dressings Break blisters If you are unsure of what to do in a medical emergency – please book onto a First Aid course or take an online course from www.onlinefirstaid.com.

First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. based on 1994 statistics

*

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Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1SB CMY

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OCTOPUS ROCK

Beautiful swim & beachwear available all year round for boys & girls age 0-12 years F E AT U R I N G D E S I G N E R S Vilebrequin, LoveBrand & Co, Kate Mack, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, Sunuva & ilovegorgeous

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YUMMY MUMMY

Happy School Days!

Starting school can be a daunting experience for your child. But there’s plenty you can do to help him approach school with a positive attitude. Here are some simple steps you can take to develop your child’s self-confidence, and increase his happiness and independence when stepping out into the big wide world.

Having new experiences Help your child to be confident with new people and places by enjoying a range of activities together. If he experiences different things when you’re there to support him, he’ll feel happier doing new things when you’re not around.

Here are some ideas for getting out and about: visit a playground you haven’t been to before go to a library’s story session have a picnic in the park take part in group activities Avoiding separation anxiety Dropping your child off at school can be tough if she doesn’t want to say goodbye. Most reception classes hold welcome sessions before term starts so that you and your child can meet her teacher together. This will help her to know that her school is safe and that the adults can be trusted.

Allow plenty of time each morning to drop your child off. If you’re stressed about being late, she may pick up on it and get anxious too. When you leave, reassure her that she’ll be well cared for. Let her know when you’ll be back in a way she’ll understand, such as “after story-time”.

what cup to drink his water from what toy to play with Offer him two options at first, so he isn’t overwhelmed by choices.

For example, would he prefer an apple or a banana? You can gradually increase his options as he grows in confidence.

Becoming independent Independence is an important part of your child’s development. She’ll gain confidence from being able to do things for herself too. Let your child have a go at putting her pyjamas on at bedtime. Then move on to more difficult clothes. Don’t worry if she doesn’t master zips, shoe laces and other tricky fastenings just yet.

Ensure she can feed herself by providing small cutlery, plates and cups. You could even ask her to pour her own drink from a small bottle or jug, or to clear up her plate after dinner.

Give your child lots of praise when she does something independently. She’ll love the attention, and will want to try more things by herself.

Getting fresh air and exercise Encourage your child to spend time being active and playing outside.

Fresh air and light are known to have a positive effect on young, developing brains. Have a regular time in the day where your child can run, jump, skip, climb and slide. She’ll probably sleep better having worn herself out, which will give you the chance to have a proper rest too!

Winding down Sticking to a regular bedtime allows your child to stay refreshed and ready to learn new things the next day. It’s a good idea to switch off the television and put away any tablets or electronic games in the hour before bedtime. Too much stimulation before bed can make it hard to fall asleep, so your child will need some time to wind down.

Sleep is vital for healthy development and for feeling able to cope with what the day may bring. Ideally, your child should get 10 hours to 12 hours sleep each night.

Making choices For more support and advice to give your child a happy start to Give your child plenty of opportunities to make choices for himself, such as: reception, visit readyforschool.co.uk and find out more about a new what to wear school-readiness app for you and your child, launching in autumn 2015. what to have as a snack 68 SEPTEMBER2015

eDUC ATION property EDUC AtIoN

YUMMY MUMMY

“LeArNiNG To LiVe ANd LoVe To The FuLL”

Independent, co-educational nursery for girls and boys aged three upwards

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n the Nursery at St George’s Junior School, Weybridge, children are welcomed into a happy and vibrant atmosphere that inspires, excites and supports development throughout the important first years of education.

Stimulating activities engage the body and mind, and children are actively encouraged to unearth their own passions by exploring the world around them. Small class sizes ensure that each child is supported individually, allowing them to discover their own unique way of learning within a calm and creative environment.

The Nursery provides a safe and caring place for children to flourish as individuals, whilst also developing a sense of mutual respect and compassion that will serve them in the rest of their school lives and beyond.

• Half or full day sessions available • Securely situated at front of Junior School for easy access

6 september 2015

• Over fifty acres with gardens, playing fields and private outdoor learning areas • Abundant access to computers, sports, arts, School library and much more • New Nursery building opens spring 2016 • Become part of our Georgian family

THE DETAILS Our next Open Mornings are on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2015 ••••• Find out more: www.stgeorgesweybridge.com Admissions enquiries: admissions@stgeorgesweybridge.com or 01932 839437

SEPTEMBER2015 69

YUMMY MUMMY

“Life was a constant struggle with no apparent end.”

Everyone knows that being a mother is a demanding role. Add dyslexia to it and things can start to get quite daunting very quickly. Yet, while our children’s education, improvement and long term sustainability is important to us, we are not always as vigilant in accepting help for ourselves. Mandy and Craig’s brave story shows how a wise investment significantly helped Mandy – Mother of 3, to carry out her role a lot more effectively.

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ife was a constant struggle with no apparent end. I would get overwhelmed with too many things to do, so ended up doing nothing! I was struggling with helping my children, they were overtaking me. Then I spoke to some friends that had done a treatment program and decided that it was the thing I needed to do. The Alison Lawson Treatment Program was not complicated. The therapists were easy to work with, and helped you through every step of the program. I felt that I had to put everything into the program to get the best out of the treatment. Which I did.

SURPRISES…

I used to experience ‘cloudy headaches’ but this lifted during the treatment. I thought this was normal until I had the treatment. It was amazing to experience differences and improvements so soon during the treatment. My spellings & handwriting visibly improved within the 2 weeks of treatment.

The biggest change that my husband saw was the increase in confidence. I will now attempt to do something completely new, that before I would have told myself I couldn’t do. I will attempt to try it and do it very well.

Writing was another big problem. I would never write a cheque in front of anyone because I was too embarrassed and I thought that I was probably spelling it wrong.

When I used to read, the lines looked like they were jumping into each other. So I used audio books instead. I don’t use them at all now, and I don’t have to put my finger under the line when I read, to keep track any more.

I feel a lot more confident to help my children with homework.

Before I didn’t understand what they should have been doing.

Taking in what their teachers are saying at parent’s evenings is much easier now. My husband says I’m more forthcoming with questions on the children’s educational progress and am able to take in the different levels they’ve got to. Registering what they mean, rather than just being a number and a letter.

I have always enjoyed cooking, but now I will try complicated new recipes with good results rather than a disaster which would have happened before. I might even have missed out the vital ingredient!!!

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I recently prepared, filled and painted my youngest son’s room all on my own!

IF ONLY…

If this had happened 10 years ago, we’d much further on and things would still be getting continually better. I can definitely say the program was worth every penny of it. I haven’t looked back.

Watch Mandy and Craig’s story Now the children are back at school, don’t you deserve a little time to improve yourself?

Be wise and contact the Alison Lawson Centre about completing a program before the October holidays. After all it won’t be long before your children are asking you for help on homework and you have to face those upcoming Parent Consultation evenings again…

Reach them on 01935 403260 or treatment@dyslexia-treatment.co.uk.

Just 10 Power Sessions Configured in anything from 1-5 days a week – you chose.

Tackles the Root Cause Not just the side effects. With the root cause fixed, anxiety and frustration decrease. While understanding increases.

Far Reaching Effects Reading, Spelling, Maths, Confidence, Handwriting, Tiredness, Headaches, Motion Sickness and much more.

Fast Results Often seen within days or weeks of completing treatment.

One off Life Time Investment “You mean I don’t have to come back?”

No, that’s right!

THE DETAILS Contact us at admin@dyslexia-treatment.co.uk or on 01935 403260

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West London School of Dance From Baby to Ballerina

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Tips for teaching your child to swim… for every mini shark adventure!

Children love to swim and generally as a rule the earlier you get them into the water the better.

When teaching your child in the water make sure your eye level is the same as your child's and always maintain a smile – kids pick up on negativity so remember to reinforce the positive and never use negative comments. Lavish your child with praise in the water and you will see their confidence grow immensely.

A fun way to teach children to breath properly in the water is to use phrases like “talk to the fish” by blowing bubbles in the water, or “listen to the fish” by turning the head with an ear in the water and breathing in. If your child really doesn’t want to get into the water then don’t force them – play it down and suggest they sit on the side with their feet over the edge so they can kick and splash the water instead. Just sitting will increase their confidence – not every child wants to jump straight in!

SwimFin aims to provide and encourage a fun learning experience for children and family members of all ages and abilities without being restrictive. Most importantly ensure your child is safe at all times – whether it be during a lesson, for recreational use at the weekend or on your summer holidays in a pool or down at the beach!

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YUMMY MUMMY

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How will our divorce affect our children?

f you are a parent going through a separation or divorce, you are likely to be worried about the effects on your children. You need to prepare yourself to deal with some of the sensitive challenges ahead relating to divorce and children, including issues involving arrangements for your children, like custody.

Divorce and separation affects children differently from adults.

Children can have feelings of bewilderment, loneliness, anxiety, sadness and anger. Many children will think that they may have done something to cause the difficulties between their parents.

Children may be unsure whether the separation is temporary or permanent, which can add to the confusion. Some children, particularly younger ones, may also hold on unrealistically to the possibility of you getting back together even after long periods of separation.

Children often try to protect their own parents by not expressing these feelings or by saying different things to each parent, depending on what they think that parent might want to hear, so it is not uncommon for parents to underestimate what their children are going through during a divorce.

Although you and your spouse will no longer be living together, remember that you will need to rely on each other as parents in the future. The wellbeing of your child depends on that.

Do not be afraid to get outside help for you and your child if needed, and make sure you spend time in trying to understand what your child is going through.

For separating parents, sorting out the arrangements for their children can be highly emotionally charged, making it difficult to agree – particularly in the early stages. In time, hopefully a civil/friendly parenting relationship can be maintained and the practicalities of child care can be discussed and agreed upon freely.

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If you still cannot come to an agreement then mediation or collaborative law should be considered. Although there will be some circumstances where court intervention is required, going to court should be a last resort.

Parental responsibility gives parents the right to make all the important decisions in the child’s life, for example which school they attend or religion they follow. All mothers have parental responsibility unless it has been surrendered through an adoption.

For fathers it is not as straight forward: If you were married at the time of your child’s birth, then the father will have parental responsibility.

If you were unmarried at the time then the child’s date of birth is important. If your child was born after 1 December 2003 and the father was named on the child’s birth certificate, he will have parental responsibility. If your child was born before that date then only the mother will automatically have parental responsibility.

A father can, however, acquire parental responsibility through one of the following: subsequently marrying the mother of the child applying to the court for a parental responsibility order making a parental responsibility agreement (in a set procedure) with the mother applying for and getting a residence order being appointed the child’s guardian (once the appointment takes effect).

If you require further assistance on any these issues, consult a family lawyer who can assist you by advising on and applying for any of these agreements and orders.

Kids in Court If you have children, divorce doesn’t just happen to you, it happens to them as well. words Lisa Pepper, Partner Osbornes Solictors LLP

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expect that you can remember a divorce in your teens.

Either because you experienced it first hand or you knew someone who was going through it. It was also quite unusual. When I was at school in the 1980’s most families would make arrangements for custody and access in a traditional way. The idea of the father being the main carer was really unusual. How times have changed!

The divorce rate is now around 42%. The court now assumes that parents will be able to resolve the issues regarding where a child will live, and when they will spend time with the other parent. If the case does go to court, then since October 2014 the court has been bound to presume, unless the contrary is shown, that the involvement of both parents in a child’s life is best for the child’s welfare.

In many cases parents are able to resolve the arrangements without commencing court proceedings. Some may need a little help from a family lawyer to understand what is fair and reasonable. Mediation might help. At the end of the day parents are far better able than courts to know what is right for their own children. In my experience some form of shared care arrangement is the norm.

But what about what the child wants? From the age of 9 a child can come to court, if the disagreement escalates to that level. The court always takes into account the child’s wishes and feelings. The older the child and the more mature they are the more likely the court’s decision will be influenced by what the child (or teenager) wants to happen. So how do you deal with this as parents, if you are not going to court? And how can you help your teenager? It isn’t easy at the best of times so how can you help them to cope during a divorce?

Our teens have a lot on their plate. Trying to navigate a separation and limit the impact on teenage children is by no means easy. We are holding a panel discussion on 21 October 2015 on this issue. Come and join us to hear what our panel of experts think, and put forward a question, should you wish. Refreshments will be provided after the discussion. It will be informative and thought-provoking. I hope to see you there. *ONS statistics on marriages that ended in divorce in England and Wales in 2012

THE DETAILS For more information on a family law issue contact Lisa Pepper at Osbornes Solicitors LLP. Livery House, 7-9 Pratt Street London NW1 0AE Telephone 020 7485 8811 or email lisapepper@osbornes.net www.osbornes.net

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