YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE
Making Parenting Easier
DEC 21/JAN 22 ISSUE 43
YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE
The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London As a mother to be, life is one big adventure. You get overloaded with information, things to arrange and choices to make. From cribs to car seats and blankets, and from prams to buggies. Of course, only the very best and safest for your little sprout. We get it! Well, we have good news for you: you no longer have to spend hours doing online homework for that pram. The Leclerc Baby prams are safe, stylish, pleasing on the eye and above all practical, the strollers allow you to roam the streets with ease as a new parent, may it be running your daily errands or going on a shopping spree. Take your family to enjoy five star luxury at The Ritz - and they really roll out the red carpet for their younger guests and make sure that every moment is full of fun. Time spent with the family at The Ritz is a wonderful tradition, where every moment is magical and memories are made and remembered for a lifetime. The Ritz London have a range of family friendly rooms as well as a delicious and extensive children’s menu. Visit the Finest Toy Shop in the World to experience fun, magic and theatre like never before! Step in to a world of toys and festive entertainment, exclusive experiences and special appearances from the legendary Hamleys Bear himself.
Alex Lux Editor
EDITOR ALEX LUX EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE SENIOR BUSINESS ACCOUNT MANAGER VANESSA LANE ACCOUNT MANAGERS NICOLA DREW, LISA WESTERMAN DIRECTORS RORY SMITH, PATRICK SMITH
PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD 0844 800 8439 WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM © All Rights Reserved. Life Magazines are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd. takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to Life Magazines, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to such material. Fish Media Group Ltd. reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.
YUMMY MUMMY
LECLERC BABY: Making Parenting Easier “The Leclerc Baby prams are safe, stylish, pleasing on the eye and above all practical, the strollers allow you to roam the streets with ease as a new parent”
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s a mother to be, life is one big adventure. You get overloaded with information, things to arrange and choices to make. From cribs to car seats and blankets, and from prams to buggies. Of course, only the very best and safest for your little sprout. We get it!
Crème de la crème Well, we have good news for you: you no longer have to spend hours doing online homework for that pram. The Leclerc Baby prams are safe, stylish, pleasing on the eye and above all practical, the strollers allow you to roam the streets with ease as a new parent, may it be running your daily errands or going on a shopping spree. One of the nicest advantages of this pram is that it can be folded within 1.5 seconds. And that’s great, because nothing is more frustrating than a crying baby who is tired or hungry, while you are struggling to get your pram into the car.
Light & compact In addition, the Leclerc Baby prams are light and super compact. Trust us: your back will thank you for that. You can fold the pram with one hand into 4 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
Ready for winter
a small package, which makes it perfect for when you have limited space at home. This handsome buggy is therefore recommended if you (often) travel, because it fits in every car and can be taken on almost every plane as hand luggage.
Whichever pram you go for, they all have matching accessories, such as a footmuff, travel bag, carrying handle and cup holder. And of course there are car seat adapters and wheeled boards available; handy for when there is a big brother or sister that wants to join the ride. And now with the cold days ahead, Leclerc Baby has introduced a winter package. This package includes a beautiful faux fur canopy collar and a set of faux fur hand muffs, specially for you! With these stylish accessories you are ready for a cosy winter and for a warm long stroll. leclercbaby.com
Never alone, always together With the cosy bassinet – which is available separately – you can use the pushchair right from birth. In addition, the backrest has three positions and can be laid completely flat – ideal for a nap. With the position of the carrycot you always have your little one in sight, so making crazy faces and laughing together is guaranteed (maybe once in a while some tears). Also, the seat has a comfy soft filling, so that your child always sits comfortably, even during days when you are on the road for longer period of time. Do you have twins or two siblings younger than 5 years old and want to transport them in style and comfort? No problem. With the help of the twin and duo connectors you have a double carriage and double the fun!
Choose your style and make it your own The strollers are available in two stylish models: the MF Plus, available in five colours and the Influencer especially for parents who love adventure. Do you love a bit more luxury and exclusive design? We have great news, Leclerc Baby is launching a new model from March on. The luxurious Hexagon: designed by Christian Lagerwaard is the fashion pearl of the collection. With perforated leatherette handles and suede in three stylish colours: Champaign, Carbon black, Heritage sport. Do you want to make the pram even more personalized for you? Leclerc Baby now offers the possibility to engrave your babies name or initials in the sun canopy or the matching diaper bag. Yup, we want! DEC 2021/JAN 2022 5
YUMMY MUMMY
[SHOPPING]
BABIES & KIDS FESTIVE TREATS Eco-Friendly gift ideas for children, toddlers & babies, to help you have your most sustainable festive season yet! Kids gifts made not just for Christmas but to last a lifetime. bluebrontide.com
MATCHY MATCHY FOR ALL THE FAMILY The perfect pyjamas for the festive season! This ladies Christmas pyjama set includes a cosy long sleeve top that features an adorable doggie wearing antlers, whilst the brushed cotton bottoms are dotted with lots of playful pooches. The pyjama bottoms have practical pockets, an elastic waist with tie, and can be turned up at the cuff. A beautiful navy pyjama set with contrasting red features. sophieallport.com
IMAGINATION STATION
BOY WONDER
Fuel their imaginations as they learn with this exclusive Adventure numbers print. Perfect for boys or girls, this print has been designed to help children learn numbers and assist in the development of language skills by functioning as a focal point for questions and dialogue. laraaleda.com
We love this kids long-sleeved t-shirt ethically made in Britain from British-made certified organic cotton with a handdrawn repeat print of jelly & ice-cream on a grey background. boywonderland.com
HELLO SAUSAGE! How cute is this wooden pull along sausage dog toy? Charlie the Sausage Dog would make the perfect little companion for little ones. The perfect, timeless gift. Thefindstore.Co.Uk 6 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
YUMMY MUMMY
KIDZ AT THE RITZ Creating magical memories for children
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ake your family to enjoy five star luxury at The Ritz - and they really roll out the red carpet for their younger guests and make sure that every moment is full of fun. Time spent with the family at The Ritz is a wonderful tradition, where every moment is magical and memories are made and remembered for a lifetime. The Ritz London have a range of familyfriendly rooms as well as a delicious and extensive children’s menu
JUST FOR THE LITTLE ONES They have created an exclusive kidz@theritz club, where each child receives their very own VIK (Very Important Kid) membership card which comes with a host of exciting benefits, including: • Special welcome gifts 8 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
• In-room games consoles • Children’s bathroom amenities, bathrobes, and slippers • In-room selection of age-appropriate children’s books and DVDs • Complimentary ice cream in The Palm Court or The Ritz Restaurant • Children’s menus in the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant for £30 for two courses or £35 for three courses • English breakfast for £19.50 per child • Afternoon Tea for £35 per child • Complimentary baby cots • External babysitting service can be arranged through Concierge Young guests of The Ritz will remember for the rest of their lives, getting dressed up and taking their first Afternoon Tea in the world-famous Palm Court with mummy and daddy. They will remember their first Ritz bathrobe and slippers, identical in all but size to that of their parent’s; and little girls will remember sipping Shirley Temples with their mother as they had their first taste of a grown-up world of luxury. The services offered at The Ritz are designed to create moments between families that will be cherished forever, rather than providing a distraction for children when travelling away from home.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ROOMS • Children, 16 years of age or younger can stay in their parents’ room on a complimentary basis (Deluxe King or above) • Flexibility to have two adults and two children in a room* • Guaranteed interconnecting rooms at the time of booking (subject to room category) • Non-smoking rooms
THE DETAILS
LOCATION The setting of The Ritz, with the wide spaces of the stunning Royal Green Park on its doorstep and a variety of stores and family activities to delight children only a short walk away, The Ritz London is close to the following attractions: • Buckingham Palace • Hamleys toy store • British Museum • Madame Tussauds • Science Museum • London Zoo • Sea life London Aquarium Step through their famous revolving doors – and experience the wonders of The Ritz London. Follow in the footsteps of English playwright Nöel Coward who wrote songs at The Ritz including ‘Children of The Ritz’
Telephone reservations on: +44 (0) 20 7300 2222 Or email: reservations@theritzlondon.com Terms and Conditions: For children up to 16 years old and subject to availability. The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR Telephone: 020 7493 8181
About The Ritz London Step into a five-star world steeped in 115 years of history and the finest of British traditions. When The Ritz first opened its doors on 25th May 1906, it was considered one of the greatest hotels in the world. Conceived by the famous hotelier César Ritz with the aim of becoming the ultimate destination for guests looking to stay at the most luxurious hotel in the land, no expense was spared on its opulent interiors and lavish furnishings . 115 years on, The Ritz continues to offer their guests the same exceptionally high standards and exquisitely luxurious experience that was the keystone in the creation of their world-class hotel. theritzlondon.com DEC 2021/JAN 2022 9
YUMMY MUMMY
Westfield presents festive fun for little ones! Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City announce unique Christmas experiences for families this Christmas.
Meet Santa, Westfield London & Westfield Stratford City
Tea with Father Christmas at John Lewis & Partners
Until 24 December 2021 Westfield’s one-of-a-kind festive experience offers loved ones around the UK to join their family and friends as they greet Santa with the addition of a ground-breaking livestream feature. Attending guests share a unique code to those unable to join them in person, which allows them to watch the magical, once-a-year moment happen virtually via a private one-way live-stream. Westfield has pulled out all the stops to create this magical moment with guests welcomed by an elf who leads them through the treetop walkway and snowy forest to Santa’s Lodge to greet the man of the moment. The lodge’s windows magically come to life showing details about the children that only Santa knows! The experience lasts approximately 10 minutes. Tickets are £10 per session; maximum of 6 people - including at least one adult and one child per session. For more details and to purchase tickets, subject to availability visit westfieldsanta.com
Until 21 December 2021 Get into the Christmas Spirit and take the family to join Father Christmas for Tea at John Lewis & Partners. As well as meeting Father Christmas, you can take part in festive crafts with each child receiving a special gift from Father Christmas! Each child ticket is £15 which includes a festive creative activity, food hamper, story time with Father Christmas and gift. Adult tickets are £7.50 each which includes a slice of cake and unlimited hot drinks. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. To book, please use the form at westfield. com/london/event-detail/Tea-with-FatherChristmas or email experiencedesk.whitecity@ johnlewis.co.uk and a member of the John Lewis & Partners team will be in touch.
A Night Before Christmas by Sharky And George - All Star Lanes, Westfield London 19 December 2021 All Star Lanes have partnered with Sharky & George to bring you ‘A Night Before Christmas’ experience taking place at Jack’s Winter Lodge. Children will be welcomed by the awesome Sharky & George team for an hour long party of epic festive games and crafts with refreshments for the kids! You can find Jack’s Winter Lodge outside in Westfield Square in the Winter Village. Tickets priced at £20 per child. For more info and to book, visit allstarlanes.co.uk/ NightBeforeChristmas uk.westfield.com @westfieldlondon @westfieldstrat
10 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
YUMMY MUMMY
Taking the kids
Christmas shopping
can boost their development and social skills
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e know last Christmas wasn’t what we hoped for, but this year everything appears to be going to plan, Christmas is back! With restrictions now at a minimum, festive days out and events are in huge supply! Every woman loves to shop, but having children can hold you back from strolling round the boutiques and department stores of London looking for that next luxury item. Reminiscing 12 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
of the days when you were free to spend bundles of cash followed by ‘ladies who lunch’ with your friends. Trying to keep the kids occupied and enjoy quality family time together in the run-up to Christmas is never an easy task. Taking the kids shopping can conjure up nightmare thoughts of boredom, temper tantrums, and ‘can I have this Mum?’ over and over again! But have no fear, you can turn this around to benefit you and your little ones at the same time. A study by academics from Oxford and The Open University has found that shopping actually boosts infants’ happiness levels and the development of everyday skills. Researchers have said there is evidence of a “positive” link between shopping and the physical skills that children need to master in the early years. A large scale analysis of parental activities and the impact they have on children, found that more
“There is evidence of a “positive” link between shopping and the physical skills that children need to master in the early years”
passive activities such as watching television and looking through picture books had “no discernible benefits”. By taking them shopping they are getting visual stimulation, getting out of the house and into a new environment and bumping into other families where social skills come into play. There does seem to be a connection between the kinds of activities that are taking place and the skills that are being developed. The key is to engage them when you are shopping, not dragging them behind you while you indulge in a fashion shopping frenzy. Include visits to stores that will capture their imagination and excite them. With all upmarket stores offering exciting window displays, kids workshops and activities there is plenty to choose from. Consult individual stores as to whether they have a Santa’s Grotto this year. Taking them to enchanting Toy Departments at stores like Harrods, Selfridges and Hamley’s gives your children some time to enjoy themselves, also giving you a great chance to listen and observe them, compiling their ‘Christmas Wish List’ without them realising! There is a huge amount of exciting family activities that can be included in your shopping trip - feeding the reindeers at ZSL London Zoo, ice skating – Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Somerset House and Natural History Museum are just some of the ice rinks that are open now and until January. Afternoon theatre shows offer huge entertainment value, pantomimes are in abundance and there are many West End Shows with matinee
“Shopping actually boosts infants’ happiness levels and the development of everyday skills”
performances. Taking them to see Santa at one of the many department store Grotto’s will go down very well – although you need to book these in advance. Giving your children some time to enjoy themselves will make them just a little more patient when you want to splash the cash on yourself. Some health spas offer relaxing treatments for children too - so you can all get pampered away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping in London. Venues and stores will be following any government guidelines so everyone is safe, ensure your family is still protected with face masks, although this is not mandatory.
DEC 2021/JAN 2022 13
YUMMY MUMMY
CHRISTMAS TREE MADE OF 364,481 BRICKS GOES ON DISPLAY AT LEGOLAND
By Alistair Mason
A
Christmas tree made of nearly 400,000 plastic bricks has gone on display at
Legoland. The construction at the Windsor attraction is made up of 364,481 Lego and Duplo blocks and stands at nearly 33ft tall. Paula Laughton, the resort’s chief model maker, said: “We’re really excited for what is set to be one of Legoland Windsor’s biggest Christmas celebrations yet, as our guests and their families plan to make up for lost time and enjoy some magical memory making this winter which they couldn’t do because of restrictions last year. “Nothing marks the start of getting into the festive spirit more than putting up the Christmas tree, and our giant tree made entirely out of thousands of Lego and Duplo bricks will leave families awe-inspired by its size and intricate details.” The oversized arboreal model took a total of 2,909 hours to put together. The tree boasts baubles, candy canes and candles as well as a huge star, which weighs in at 80kg and is made of 5,251 Lego bricks. The tree will be available for visitors to view for Legoland’s Christmas season. 14 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
Award-winning pre-loved website helping to preserve the planet’s resources, whilst making little ones extra stylish. Buy or sell through us.
Find out more at www.kidswearcollective.com FIND US IN-STORE AT SELFRIDGES OXFORD STREET, FENWICK BRENT CROSS & BENTALLS KINGSTON
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GORGEOUS CHILDREN’S CLOTHING FROM TILLY & JASPER offer an outstanding selection of bright, fun styles, that are as varied as the characters of the little ones they are designed for. Choosing organic clothing offers a wealth of benefits. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful chemicals, which helps preserve soil, conserve energy and reduces water usage. Not only does this aid towards a lower carbon footprint, but it can also provide a much more comfortable material for your children to wear, helping reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions for newborn or sensitive skin. Being made from a higher quality organic cotton means READER clothing can last much longer and be OFFER: SAVE handed on once it has been outgrown, reducing the amount we produce and consume. Tilly & Jasper offer one of the largest collections of beautiful organic children’s clothing in the UK. You will find a fabulous collection from most of the leading brands of organic children’s clothing, alongside a growing collection of sustainably sourced wooden toys. Tilly & Jasper are offering 10% of for all Yummy Mummy readers with code YUMMY10 tillyandjasper.co.uk
10%
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illy & Jasper are committed to achieving long-term sustainability, with the aim of helping combat the impact of fast fashion. Founded around their kitchen table in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Arend and Philippa, and still run today from their rural HQ in East Sussex, Tilly & Jasper continue to focus on their vision of providing beautiful children’s clothing that leave as little impact on the environment as possible. Named after their own children and obvious inspiration, Tilly & Jasper, founders Arend and Philippa wanted to establish a company that would help leave a legacy of positive change. Through their intentional choice of designs made from low impact, natural materials, their hope is to help spark curiosity and raise awareness of the effect our clothing choices have on the environment. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the fashion industry is one of the most damaging when it comes to our planet, rife with over consumption and excessive production of shortlived, low quality, disposable products. To help combat this challenge, Tilly & Jasper offer one of the most sustainably produced collections of beautifully made, long lasting children’s clothing from 0 to 8 years. Made almost entirely from organic cotton and recycled plastics, Tilly & Jasper
16 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
ROCKIT - AWARD WINNING
PRODUCTS TO HELP BABIES SLEEP
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ockit is the multi award winning portable baby rocker that fits any pram or stroller and gently rocks to soothe your baby to sleep or keep them asleep when the stroller comes to a halt. With your baby content by your side you can enjoy a coffee in peace or manage the supermarket checkout with both hands. You can also avoid those late-night walks around the block to get your little one to drift off. Zed mimics the feeling of being in a car. His clever technology recreates soothing low frequency vibrations that are known to send babies to sleep. Simply place Zed on the mattress by your baby’s feet and press the snooze button. The finely tuned vibrations ripple gently through the mattress, comforting your baby and encouraging a deep sleep. Zed can also be used as a portable night light - great for night-feeds and for taking on holiday.
Do you ever make shushing sounds to help your baby drop off? Then, once they’re asleep, do you creep around the house afraid to wake them? Wooshh can help, by surrounding your baby with soothing sounds. The comforting sounds will encourage them to drift off and mask disruptive noises, helping them to sleep soundly… anywhere. Find out more at rockitrocker.com
DEC 2021/JAN 2022 17
YUMMY MUMMY
STARTING THE WEANING JOURNEY
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eady to offer your baby solids? Such an exciting time! Consider starting with handmade, less sweet flavours which leads to healthier eating habits.* The journey to the family table is also easier with homemade flavours. Minimally cooked foods maintain the nutrients and hand-mashing provides a variety of textures babies can explore. If your baby has eczema or there is a family history of food allergies, they may react to certain foods; consider consulting your doctor. Otherwise, it is still a great idea to introduce one new food at a time to be sure and allows your baby to get used to individual flavours. From seven months, baby will need foods containing vitamin A, C and D for a balanced diet. Tom Pom Organic offers handmade, allergy friendly purees and award-winning meals, based on the NHS guidelines and offers home delivery within London. *Garcia et al 2015, Harris and Coulthard 2016 tompomorganic.com
18 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
YUMMY MUMMY
GET YOUR SKATES ON THIS CHRISTMAS! London’s Coolest Ice Rinks
London is a magical place to be at Christmas. With twinkling lights and trees set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations, a trip to an ice rink is a must for a truly festive experience for the whole family. Here’s our pick of the best – they are only open for a limited time so get your skates on before it’s too late!
ICE RINK CANARY WHARF Open until 22 February 2022 except Christmas Day) Set to the backdrop of Canary Wharf ’s twinkling towers and enchanting greenery, the 200-square-metre outdoor covered ice rink is a must. Skate aids can be hired for little ones to help them find their feet on the ice hire on a first come, first served basis on the day. Individual ice skating lessons should be available from December with their dedicated NISA qualified coaches. The Off Piste Bar brings the best of the world’s luxury ski resorts to the heart of financial district. With a variety of drinks on offer to cater to all tastes, as well as heaters for those chilly winter evenings, this is the perfect place to warm up or cool down after your session on the ice. icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE Open until 16 January 2022 (except Christmas Day) Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences with unrivalled skating, groundbreaking music, seasonal shopping and delicious food and drink. The stunning courtyard is the backdrop to a beautiful ice rink and dazzling 40ft Christmas tree. For beginners, Skate School returns with new professional coaching sessions with National Ice Skating Association (NISA) instructors. Stabilisers are offered to children as part of entry on a first come, first serve basis. An array of special events and activities are available for all ages to enjoy and visitors can browse an exclusive pop-up store from Hotel Chocolat where a range of luxury chocolate gifting is available for those in search of an indulgent gift, or simply a treat for themselves. somersethouse.org.uk
SKATE BACK IN TIME AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE Open until 9 January 2022 (except Christmas Day) Glide across the ice under the stars for an unforgettable festive experience in the grounds of Henry VIII former residence. For those needing a little helping hand, skate aid helpers are available to support your little ones finding their feet on the 20 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
ice. - accompanied by lots of festive funky tunes from Heart that the whole family won’t be able to resist singing along to! To round off your skating you can reserve a table in the on-site café with delicious treats from chicken nuggets and halloumi strips with chips, all the way through to antipasto platters with something for everyone! There are plenty of things for mum and dad to enjoy too, from wine and beer to a festive mulled wine. Truly magical against the backdrop of one of London’s finest Palaces. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND Open until 3 January 2022 (except Christmas Day) Welcome to London’s spectacular Christmas destination! The UK’s largest Ice Rink is set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand where you can unwind and glide with a gentle musical backdrop. Festive fun for everyone, penguin skating aids and children’s bob skates are available for your little ones! Mornings are great for families, where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace. For 15 years, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has been spreading the Christmas spirit for Londoners and tourists alike and with a host of exciting attractions, rides and shows for all ages it is a onestop festive day out set in one of London’s most iconic locations. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK Open until 16 January 2022 (except Christmas Day) Set against the stunning backdrop of one of London’s best-loved landmarks and after an incredible 16 years, sadly this is the ice rink’s last year. A perfect day out in a simply stunning setting, it welcomes all ages and abilities. The sparkling rink is once again topped off with a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree, the perfect centrepiece to everyone’s skating experience. For your little ones, The Penguin Skate Club will be running lessons for children aged four to eight. The Café Bar has
a bird’s-eye view of the rink and is open daily with tea, coffee, hot chocolate or mulled wine, or take your pick from a range of delicious meals and a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks. nhmskating.com
ALEXANDRA PALACE ICE SKATING Open until 3 January 2022 (except 11/12 December and 25 December) It’s great to have the Alexandra Palace ice rink open again! Skating is a year-round activity at the Palace but the rink feels particularly merry at Christmas time and gives an opportunity for a full-on festive day out. They have regular skaters aged 3-90 years old and cater for every standard imaginable, from first-timers all the way up to seasoned pros and national champions. They offer courses for adults and children alike, to make skating easy, safe and ultimately lots of fun for the whole family! alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink
SKATE AT THE QUEEN’S HOUSE, GREENWICH Open until 9 January 2022 (except Christmas Day) Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the elegant surroundings of Royal Museums Greenwich, the Queen’s House Ice Rink is a truly magical place. You can enjoy stunning views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north. Little ones are also catered for with penguin skate aids to hire. Warm up with hot drinks and seasonal snacks at Benugo’s catering stall, situated right next to the rink. For a wider selection visit the National Maritime Museum’s Parkside Café, which will be open during museum hours. rmg.co.uk/skate
DEC 2021/JAN 2022 21
YUMMY MUMMY
WHAT’S ON AT
HAMLEYS REGENT STREET
V
THIS CHRISTMAS!
isit the Finest Toy Shop in the World to experience fun, magic and theatre like never before! Step in to a world of toys and festive entertainment, exclusive experiences and special appearances from the legendary Hamleys Bear himself. Over the squeaking, bleeping, whizzing and chiming of toys, you hear all the children laughing excitedly as they explore and play on seven wonderous floors of all the best toys and games. With special events and an unrivalled toy kingdom of iconic brands including Playmobil, Fisher Price,
22 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
Lego, Harry Potter, Peppa Pig, Barbie, Marvel, DC Comics, LOL Dolls……It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to Hamleys!
OPENING CEREMONY, Front of Store Santa Bear and his Elves need your children’s help opening their Regent Street doors - every morning in December! They will be amazed with a promise of festivities, fun and fantastic toys, this Christmas is going to be better than ever! Don’t forget to head upstairs so they can say Hello to Santa’s reindeer!
“Visit the world-famous Toy Shop where the Elves will use their festive magic to make your little ones’ dreams come true and make it snow every day”
A WIZARDS CHRISTMAS, Lower Ground Floor What better place to spend the most magical time of the year than in the most magical world? Grab your cloak, it’s time to give Hamleys Wizarding World a frosty makeover! Make sure the kids have their wands at the ready, the Elves need their help to swish and swoosh all the baubles, tinsel and lights onto the Christmas Tree!
CAPTAIN HOOK’S PUPPET SHOW, Ground Floor LET IT SNOW! Front of Store Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? Visit the world-famous Toy Shop where the Elves will use their festive magic to make your little ones’ dreams come true and make it snow every day! Make sure you all wrap up warm, the Elves may need your help to make an enchanting White Christmas!
SANTA BEAR MEET & GREET, Ground floor Santa Bear has arrived at Hamleys! Join in the festive spirit this Christmas for the chance for your kids to have a photo with their very own Santa Bear! He loves meeting all his holly jolly visitors and spreading festive cheer at the most wonderful time of the year! Don’t forget to post their photos with Santa Bear on Instagram and tag @HamleysOffficial
THE DETAILS
“Second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning.” that’s the way to Neverland… join Captain Hook, and his swashbuckling crew as he finally captures Wendy and The Lost Boys and watch Peter Pan walk the plank for the very last time!! Let’s hope the hungry crocodile is lurking nearby…tik tok…tik tok so, be a part of the Pirate Crew as they avenge that pesky Peter Pan at Hamleys this Christmas. Make sure you keep up to date with all the fun!
hamleys.com Instagram @HamleysOfficial, Facebook and @HamleysToys on Twitter #Hamleys. 188-196 Regent Street London W1B 5BT
ELFIE SELFIE, Front of Store Hamleys very own Santa’s Little Helpers are waiting for you to take your Elfie Selfies! The Hamleys Elves love being in as many pictures as possible so don’t be shy! Grab a selfie and strike a pose with the most mischievous Elves in town! Don’t forget to post their pictures on Instagram and tag @HamleysOfficial
ELF OR NO ELF, Front of Store The Elves are back for some seasonal shenanigans, and this year, they’re causing havoc with the presents! Let your children choose a present to discover which mystical gift is inside, will they be lucky enough to have sugar, spice and all things nice or will a lump of coal or a smelly sock have to suffice? So… be careful what they wish for, will be Elf or no Elf ? DEC 2021/JAN 2022 23
YUMMY MUMMY
Beano goes for gold to mark special year for sport By Ellie Iorizzo, PA
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mma Raducanu and Bukayo Saka were among the young sporting stars honoured in a special edition of the Beano comic, launched to celebrate a golden year of British sport. The limited-edition comic book follows trouble maker Dennis the Menace and his special guests, including Olympic gold medallist diver Matty Lee, world record holding Paralympic swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton and Olympic skateboarder Sky Brown, in a Home Alone-inspired adventure. Following the success of the first ever Beano for grown-ups last years to raise the nations spirits, Beano has created the collectible BeONE comic, to commemorate the golden year of sport enjoyed by Great Britain in 2021. The special comic book, which goes on sale on Wednesday, also has appearances from some of the other biggest names of 2021, including Matt Hancock, Piers Morgan, Jackie Weaver on Zoom and Elon Musk and his moon mission. First published in 1938, it is Britain’s longestrunning children’s comic. Featuring as a special pull-out inside the weekly comic, BeONE sees classic rulebreaker Dennis set off on a solo quest to reunite Gnasher with his family for Christmas. In the comic, teenage stars Emma Raducanu, who was the first British woman to win a Grand Slam in 44 years, and Bukayo Saka, who was a stand-out star of the young England team in the
24 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
Euros, come to Dennis’ rescue. Alongside sporting heroes Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, and Kare Adenegan, they all help Dennis make his way back to Beanotown to be reunited with his family in time for Christmas. Mike Stirling, editorial director of Beano Studios, said: “This year, our sporting superstars have lifted the nation’s spirits so we couldn’t think of a better way to round off 2021 than with some welldeserved appreciation for these incredible young athletes and the joy they brought to the nation.” Four individual special gold leaf comic covers featuring the sports superstars Matty Lee, Maisie Summers-Newton and Sky Brown will also go on sale, with the proceeds from the exclusive covers to be donated to Save the Children. Gold medal-winning Olympic diver, Matty Lee said: “I loved reading the Beano as a kid so to see myself on the cover of such a special, charity issue is a crazy feeling, it’s absolutely amazing. “I’ve had a sneaky preview and it’s as hilariously funny as I remember.” Double gold medal winning Paralympic swimmer, Maisie Summers-Newton, said: “Seeing myself on the cover the special charity issue Beano is amazing, it’s such a memorable part of the childhood of many generations, so it’s a real honour to be a part of it and celebrate a fantastic year for sports.”
“Four individual special gold leaf comic covers featuring the sports superstars Matty Lee, Maisie SummersNewton and Sky Brown will also go on sale, with the proceeds from the exclusive covers to be donated to Save the Children”
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Why babies and toddlers need to avoid sugar Snacks contain concerning amounts of sugar, experts explain why sugar isn’t good for young children. By Lisa Salmon
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abies and children love sweet food (don’t we all?), but although parents want to please their children, giving them sugary things to eat is not a good idea. New research issued to mark Sugar Awareness Week (November 8-14), has found that even mums and dads who have the best of intentions may be unwittingly feeding their children shop-bought so-called ‘healthy’ baby snacks that contain an unnecessary two teaspoons of sugar per serving. Action on Sugar (AoS, actiononsugar.org), analysed 73 baby and toddler snacks – such as biscuits, rusks, oat bars and puffs – and found that, although they featured “healthy sounding” claims on their packaging, more than a third (37%) could receive a red traffic-light label for sugar content. AoS says the worst offenders include Heinz Farley’s Rusks and Kiddylicious, and in a poll of parents with young children, found 84% buy supposedly ‘healthy’ baby and toddler sweet snacks for their children, with 60% saying a ‘no added sugar’ claim would be why they’d choose a product, and nearly all (92%) saying they were more inclined to buy products containing ‘natural sources’ of sugars like fruit. AoS explains that while naturally-occurring sugars found in whole fruit, vegetables and milk-based products aren’t considered harmful
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for health, they still contain calories and may be confused with free sugars (added sugars), which can include fruit juice concentrates and mashed or processed dried fruit. Nutritionist Katharine Jenner, campaign director at AoS, says: “Snacks made with processed fruits aren’t clearly stated as sugars in ingredients, despite contributing to total free sugars, so parents don’t realise they’re buying sugary options.” But why should babies and young children avoid sugar? After all, research shows they’re programmed to like sweet food. Here’s what the experts say… Babies just don’t need sugar The NHS warns: “Your baby does not need sugar” and paediatric dietitian Lucy Upton (thechildrensdietitian.co.uk) says consuming sugars means they could miss out on other nutrients, warning: “It’s recommended that babies and young children six months to two years of age generally avoid any added or free sugars for multiple reasons, from a health and development perspective. “There’s potential for increased energy intake, and crucially for children this risks displacement of other nutrients they require for health and development.”
“Snacks made with processed fruits aren’t clearly stated as sugars in ingredients, despite contributing to total free sugars”
Katharine Jenner
Sugars cause tooth decay AoS warns baby and toddler foods are often high in free sugars which can lead to tooth decay. “Tooth decay is very painful, and setting the child up for a taste for sweet foods could easily track through life,” says Jenner. “Snacking on sweet foods at any age contributes to poor oral health – both the type of food and drink and the frequency of exposure to free sugars affect the health of teeth.” Babies don’t need snacks, especially sugary ones Jenner says: “Babies under 12 months old do not need snacks at all, but ‘mini-meals’ to complement their milk-based diets. Yet there’s a growing market of snack products aimed at babies aged six months and over, which [can] state on the pack that they are suitable for babies aged 6+ months. This age criterion is often mistaken as a dietary requirement, when in fact it relates to food safety.”
especially around ‘no added sugar/refined sugar’ when such ingredients are replaced by fruit concentrates. These are still a type of free sugars and should be limited, it says. “Product packaging is often coupled with health messages that put parents’ minds at rest, distracting them from seeing the high hidden sugars content,” warns Jenner, who also stresses: “Baby foods have the potential to make life easier for stressed parents and support the needs of the growing baby. But they must do just that: support the growth of the baby, not put their future health at risk, and the parents must have the information to know what they’re buying.” Lucy Upton
Eating sugar as a baby can give children a sweet tooth Food preferences and behaviours are formed during childhood, and can directly impact later health, warns Jenner. “Poor diet in childhood can lead to adolescent health issues such as obesity, likely to remain into adulthood,” she says. And Upton explains it’s crucial for babies and young children to have a wide experience of tastes and textures. “Sweet food will always be easily and well accepted, so it’s important children have a variety of other tastes and food experiences,” she says. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain which can remain into adulthood Eating too much sugar regularly means the body stores the extra calories as fat. “This can lead to weight gain, and if this happens to our children, it’s likely they will carry the weight into their adolescent and adult years, potentially leading to overweight or obesity,” warns Professor Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London and chairman of AoS. Beware misleading packaging AoS is calling for the removal of misleading nutrition and health claims on-snack packs, DEC 2021/JAN 2022 27
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JAMIE KAY: BEAUTIFUL, QUALITY CHILDRENSWEAR THAT LASTS Above all, we want our children to play in comfort because they’re not so concerned with looking cute. These pieces are made with them in mind, so they look adorable but not at the expense of children being children. Breathable cotton provides yearround comfort, and their snuggly knitwear should be top of your list for this season.
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op of our wishlist this season is for some gorgeous luxury pieces by Jamie Kay. Trends may come and go, and we all know little ones themselves often have a short attention span for their favourite fashions! The beauty of Jamie Kay childrenswear is its timeless design, from high-quality basics to delicate prints and motifs. Jamie Kay can kit your children out in an entire capsule closet thanks to their neutral colour palettes, ideal for every season. The brand started with gorgeous cot blankets, so they know a thing or two about luscious fabrics and comfort. Since then, they’ve recreated that level of comfort through their beautiful quality childrenswear. From cotton bloomers to cord jackets, floral headbands, to patent shoes, they’ve got your little ones covered from head to toe! Many of us have dreamed of indestructible outfits for our children, and excellent quality clothing is key to long-lasting pieces. Organic cotton is the ideal super strength fabric for children’s clothing. If your mini-mes put their outfits to the test, you can combat that with superb quality long-lasting pieces. Organic cotton is not only resilient enough for your little ones, but it’s also super soft and mega comfy. This luxury fabric is made of the highest quality fibres and makes for a gorgeous winter wardrobe! Whether you’re looking for a cosy onepiece or frilly tulle skirt, these heirloom pieces are perfect for your Christmas family photos! Luxury knitwear makes for a super cosy night in, while their skirts and dresses make for gorgeous dressup pieces as we move into the party season.
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THE DETAILS For pieces that will become their favourites - and yours! - shop the collections now at jamiekay.co.nz
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ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT
Alison Roy explains that though many adopted children come with problems, parenting be rewarding.
complicated aspects of your child’s history, you may struggle to enable them to come to terms with their own story. “Understanding your potential vulnerabilities and what’s led to your decision to adopt is really important too. Parenting a child who may be very different to you can be a struggle, but it can also be rewarding. It isn’t a happy ever after fairy tale – it can feel like one big muddle. “Being open to your child’s questions and worries and validating their experiences – the ones they often can’t put into words – will improve your connection with them and help you understand their behaviour as communication, rather than feeling they’re rejecting you. “The experience of adoption can stir up deep emotional pain, often related to loss and early trauma. I worry that not enough consideration is Ask a psychotherapist: If we adopt, how likely is it that our child will have emotional and psychological problems? We’re thinking of adopting, but we’re worried that a child placed with us might be so screwed up that it would ruin our lives. Do many adopted children have psychological and/or emotional problems? Speaking in the run up to National Adoption Week which begins on October 18, child and adolescent psychotherapist Alison Roy, a spokesperson for the Association of Child Psychotherapists and author of A For Adoption; An Exploration of the Adoption Experience for Families and Professionals, says: “A child placed for adoption may well arrive with a number of potential difficulties. It’s unlikely to be easy and it’s important to try to prepare yourself well for the journey. “Many of the adoptive parents I work with, who now have support and the company of other adopters, find there are many joys as well as challenges to family life. “The key is getting support as early as possible and asking the questions that will give you a good understanding of your child. “Many prospective adopters feel they have to be on their best behaviour for assessing social workers in order to be approved for adoption and are afraid to ask questions about the birth family and the child’s early history. As prospective parents, you need to know if your child was exposed to substances in the womb, for example, or if their birth parent/s had significant mental health problems. “If you struggle to bear these painful and 30 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
“Many of the adoptive parents I work with, who now have support and the company of other adopters”
given to more long-term, consistent, and multiprofessional support. This help is too often not available, even when the complex difficulties seem to be affecting every area of a child’s life. Children and their adoptive parents need specialist support like the interventions offered by child and adolescent psychotherapists, in order to make sense of their feelings. “The new National Adoption Strategy, while a welcome approach to breaking down the barriers for would-be adopters, doesn’t set out how those already struggling will be supported. As a professional working with adoptive families, I’d like to see more investment in longer term support and a greater understanding of the challenges these families can face.”
Inspiring learning W
ith half-term just around the competing in a game of tennis, you can be rest corner, and the dilemma of assured that they will have a brilliant time. childcare approaching, Camp Camp Beaumont’s half-term camps take place Beaumont, the UK’s most from 14th to 25th February 2022. Childcare experienced day camp provider, is on hand to vouchers are accepted and all bookings are flexible provide your child with a fun-filled adventure at with their COVID flexible booking promise. If over 21 locations across London and the Souththere are any changes to the government guidance East. you can change the date hassle-free or receive a Their award-winning multi-activity programme full refund. will ensure your child learns new skills, makes new friends and enjoys an exhilarating and confidence boosting half-term break. From archery to tennis to yoga, each unforgettable experience will enhance their wellbeing READER and revitalise them for their return to OFFER: SAVE school. With over 50 activities each week, there is something for every child – from the fun-loving 3 year old to the most adventurous 12 year old. So, whether your child enjoys getting crafty or
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YUMMY MUMMY
Christmas Gift ideas BAGPAD
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HAPI BOTTLES Great for a gift for a loved one or a sneaky gift to yourself! The Hapi Bottle is stainless steel, double wall insulated flask great for hot or cold drinks. It has a push-button lid that makes it really easy to use, is lockable and leak free! hapibottles.com Also for sale on Amazon. info@hapibottles.com
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ANNAFIE Annafie’s classically styled Bella dress offers timeless appeal, making it the perfect outfit for special occasions. Available from £68 in ages 3m-12y, the beautifully crafted brushed cotton dress comes in a deep festive red with a white peter pan collar, and features elegant hand smocking and embroidery details. annafie.com
EDX EDUCATION Edx Education’s FunPlay range is the perfect Christmas gift for children aged 18m-6y! Igniting a passion for maths through the magic of play, the collection includes seven kits packed with fun and engaging activities to teach early maths concepts, lateral thinking, creativity, problem solving and develop fine motor skills. shopedx.co.uk
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READER OFFER: SAVE LITTLE BUTTERFLY LONDON Award-winning Little Butterfly London’s organic-certified skincare range for mothers, babies and little ones is the perfect gift this Christmas. Their beautifully presented Journey of Discovery gift set (£43) includes their best-selling baby products: top to toe wash, body lotion, anti-pollution baby face cream, baby massage oil and nappy change cream. littlebutterflylondon.com
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PERSONALISED KIDS CAMO, DENIM, HOODIES & JUMPSUITS
Fast growing London brand Cat in the Hood offers kids camo and denim jackets, hoodies, funky jumpsuits and backpacks – all personalised to order. Hundreds of designs to choose from, including sequin wings and unicorns, tigers, dragons and superheroes. Available for ages 3 to adult. Prices from £50 for jackets, £35 for backpacks and £45 for jumpsuits. catinthehood.com sales@catinthehood.com @catinthehoodlondon
Royal Touch London is a London-based online retailer specialising in sterling silver products made by artisan craftsmen from around the world. Our baby’s gift collection products include the ultimate sustainable gift – the World’s first multi-functional Sterling Silver Baby Bottle as well as a range of exquisite Christmas, baby shower and Christening gifts. Get 10% off now. Use Code Yummy21. royaltouchlondon.com
HAIRSPROUTS® HairSprouts® is a range of pure and natural hair care products for babies, children and adults. The range is designed to support the growing needs of your child’s hair whilst still being gentle enough for sensitive scalps. Our products promote healthy hair growth. Available at hairsprouts.com
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YUMMY MUMMY
ASK AN EXPERT:
Prof Andrew Shennan says certain bacteria, infections or a damaged cervix may cause premature birth, but it’s often unclear why babies arrive early.
IS THERE ANY WAY OF TELLING IF MY BABY MIGHT BE BORN PREMATURE? My first baby was born extremely premature, and although I’d like to have another baby I’m scared of giving birth early again. Is there any way of telling if that’s likely to happen, or anything that can be done to stop it? Professor Andrew Shennan, head of the baby charity Tommy’s (tommys.org) preterm birth surveillance clinic, says: “Around 60,000 babies are born premature in the UK each year, but it’s not often clear why, making it hard for doctors to predict and prevent. “We’re researching the causes of premature birth so we can find ways to stop it happening, and our latest study found levels of bacteria and chemicals in the womb seem to play a role. It’s early science but eventually we hope these could be measured as warning signs and even adjusted with treatment. “In the meantime, we already know several things make premature birth more likely, so mums and care teams can take steps to guard against it. “Some risk factors can’t be controlled, such as age, race and pregnancy history. Black mothers, under-18s and over-40s are more likely to give birth early. Premature birth is more common with twins, and if it’s already happened in a previous pregnancy. Infections and operations can damage the cervix (neck of the womb) so it’s less able to keep the baby inside. The risk is also raised by long-term health conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders, or pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and cholestasis. “When things like this mean a mum might give birth early, we can do tests to see how likely that is. In Tommy’s preterm birth clinic, we use
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our QUIPP app which is very precise; the wider NHS has other tests, like measuring the cervix and swabbing the vagina for a protein called fetal fibronectin. “It’s very important to keep up with antenatal appointments, so the care team can spot any problems early, when treatment is most effective. We can prevent premature birth with hormone therapies like progesterone or specialist operations like a cervical stitch. “Eating a balanced diet and staying active during pregnancy can help lower the chances of premature birth. Women who have a very low or high BMI when they get pregnant are more likely to give birth early, so it’s important to be as healthy as possible. Premature birth has been linked to gum disease, so take extra care of your teeth, avoiding fizzy drinks and sugary foods. Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs also reduces the risks. “Research suggests premature birth may be linked to clinical stress or depression, so mental health is as important as physical. Giving birth early can fuel anxiety and complex emotions – care teams know this and will be ready to support you, not judge you. Raise any concerns with your midwife or doctor, trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right, and ask to see someone else if you don’t feel listened to.”
“It’s very important to keep up with antenatal appointments, so the care team can spot any problems early, when treatment is most effective”
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SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN FOR KIDS years. Cots converting into toddler beds or Sofa’s and Cribs converting into a cute reading bench. Highchairs that will see a family through from 6 months to 9 years old! With their in-house dedicated delivery team your order could be with you the very next day. Be sure to check out their Christmas gift guide on their website. Their Mr Maria Miffy lights have always been a popular choice for gift giving as well as the classic Baghera Riders and the Playforever cars! With fun and vibrant gifts which include their BIBU cushions and range of corduroy Miffy soft toys you can wrap up your Christmas shopping with MOOD Kids.
THE DETAILS 10% off using LONDONLIFE10 miniobjectsofdesire.com Tel: 0330 330 0126 Email: Info@mood-kids.com
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OOD Kids brings you Scandinavian design from the leading manufacturers in Children’s furniture and accessories. Stocking brands such as Oliver Furniture, Leander, Micuna and Oeuf amongst many others, their furniture gives you clean classic lines you’d expect from Scandinavian style, while Matty by Bols Tent and Treehouse beds adds fun and practicality. MOOD Kids can help you create a room full of dreams and adventure. Their aim is to source items that fit in with the modern family. Children’s furniture that is sleek and highchairs that bring a sense of style to your dining table and accessories that are fun and stylish! Mini Objects of Desire – MOOD Kids was founded in 2017 and is constantly striving to provide excellent customer service. With sustainability at the heart of what they do, they look to source furniture that will last through the
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TOP TOYS
These are some of the top toys you need to snap up right now for Christmas, according to industry experts
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he official Dream Toys list has been announced by the Toy Retailers Association, rounding up all the most recommended playthings, just in time for Christmas. All the big names are in there, from Lego to Barbie, as well as some brand new and innovative creations sure to wow any child on December 25.
Bluey Family Home Playset, £39.99 Why is it brilliant? Bluey, for those who don’t know, is from the animated TV series on CBeebies and Disney+ and here, the Blue Heeler pup comes complete with his own home. Open-fronted, with 10 accessories like chairs and beds, little ones can play out scenes inside the house. The bottom half also shuts up, which will help with tidying up and keeping mess at bay.
HERE ARE THE SOME OF THE TOP DREAM TOYS, AND WHAT WE THINK OF THEM…
Little Live Pets My Pig Piggly, £24.99 Why is it brilliant? In case we haven’t bought enough pets during lockdown, Piggly is keen to become a member of your family. Feed, walk and nuzzle the pig while it squeals and snorts, playing over 25 sounds and reactions. And it has a very cute little trot. Who’s it for? Aimed at children over the age of four, any little one who fancies a pretend pet of their own will love this. Would we buy it? The music that plays while it walks is slightly annoying and the squeal is really quite loud, so on that basis, probably not. It would be a well loved but quite annoying toy to have in the house.
Magic Mixies Cauldron, £69.99 Why is it brilliant? If you’re looking for 38 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
the wow factor, this is it. We would prefer the cauldron to be a little less plasticky, but the idea of mixing a potion, with which you create a magical creature (or soft toy) from, is only going to be a huge success. Genuinely spellbinding, kids will adore the process (which can be used again with refill packs). A sure-fire hit this Christmas. Who’s it for? Any child between the age of five and eight will absolutely love this. Would we buy it? It is expensive, which would make us think twice, but it is an absolutely brilliant gift.
Cocomelon Deluxe JJ Interactive Doll, £39.99 Why is it brilliant? One of the best things about this toy is it’s a doll which is also a boy, and though that’s not unheard of, it is ridiculously rare. Big in size (think My Generation Doll), you can feed him food, undress and dress him, and he sings songs and makes a cute baby giggle sound. Who’s it for? Aimed at boys and girls over the age of two, any little one who enjoys playing babies and role play will love this.
Who’s it for? Aimed at children over three-years-old, fans of the show will enjoy bringing Bluey to life. Would we buy it? Honestly, we prefer our dolls’ houses made of wood and slightly prettier, but we can see the appeal for regular Bluey watchers.
Would we buy it? It’s quite big and the songs will definitely get annoying, but we love the idea of encouraging equality in the doll world, and can imagine lots more boys wanting to play with this, so yes, we would.
Jurassic World Scorpios Rex, £31.99 Why is it brilliant? It’s a largescale realistic dinosaur action figure, which rex-loving kids can play with, while interacting with its moving parts. Press buttons to activate the roar, claw slash, tail whip and slash and grab attack. Who’s it for? It’s aimed at children over the age of four, but we suspect slightly older kids will be more likely to engage in the less-cutesy action role play, though possibly not anyone old enough to see the Jurassic World films.
Hot Wheels Massive Loop Mayhem, £54.99 Why is it brilliant? Anyone who’s experienced Hot Wheels gameplay knows how many hours can be wiled away seemingly doing the same thing over and over again. As the name suggests, this set forms a huge loop, which comes with a motor and a booster, to enable the biggest car smash-ups possible. Who’s it for? Aimed at over fives, we suspect the perfect receiver of this set will be aged seven or eight, and their Christmas Day will be spent speeding round lots of loops. Would we buy it? If you’re looking for something that will entertain for hours, without you necessarily having to get involved, this will certainly do the job. But it is big, so you’ll need plenty of space to set it up.
L.O.L. Surprise Movie Magic Doll, £10.99 Why is it brilliant? The latest LOL range is somewhat sophisticated. The ‘movie magic’ theme definitely adds a touch of class. Encased in small round balls, each LOL doll comes with 10 surprises, including a secret message, 3D glasses, a fashion outfit and a movie script. Who’s it for? Any LOL fans will love this. Perfect for Christmas stockings, the outfits and diverse skin tones get a big
tick from us (but it would be great to see a range of body shapes in the future, too). Would we buy it? Definitely. A great price and a lovely gift.
Paw Patrol Chase’s Deluxe Transforming Vehicle, £44.99
Would we buy it? Probably not. The dinosaur fans in our lives might like this, but it doesn’t have much buyer satisfaction
Why is it brilliant? Paw Patrol is still going strong and fans of the show would happily own all the paraphernalia. Featuring Chase the dog, kids can push the car’s spoiler to armour up his Deluxe Vehicle, revealing a projectile launcher at the back, which shoots discs at the press of a button. Who’s it for? Paw Patrol fans aged three and over. Would we buy it? More plastic cars aren’t really high on our wishlist this year, but there’s no doubt show lovers will be delighted with it.
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Philly & Friends: A new edition Multi-award winning inclusive children’s brand, Philly & Friends, launches readily available handmade Black Fairy & Ballerina dolls in time for Christmas.
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hilly & Friends, the 2021 BBBA Consumer & Luxury rising star of the year, has always launched products based on a need its founder, Vese Aghoghovbia has experienced personally. Last Christmas, her daughter requested a Fairy from Santa. She searched the high streets and shops for a beautiful fairy doll she knew her daughter would like but couldn’t find any readily available black fairy dolls. One of her favourite mantras is, you have to be the change you want to see. So she decided to design and make a fairy doll for her, just because she believes children deserve to dream. So she made a ballerina one too - and the best part is, her daughter loves them so much. She didn’t plan to add it to the brand. However, her parents saw the dolls and instantly fell in love. They encouraged her to make them readily available for other parents searching for something similar, and now she has sold over 70% of the dolls in pre-order. It turns out other parents wanted this too. The dolls are beautifully handmade with the finest cotton linen and stand 39cm tall. The fairy comes with a soft pink dress, a gorgeous capelet, sparkly bows and tights. We might be biased, but the best part is her wings. They give a glassy fragile illusion and are detachable, which allows for pretend play. The Ballerina comes with a subtly sparkly bodice, a gorgeous tutu skirt, a gold bow and cute ballet shoes. We love her hair, packed up in a single loose pony, which allows for play, braiding and styling.
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The dolls officially launch on the 7th of December in time for Christmas and would make a wonderful gift along with her much-loved debut book, Who Do I See in the Mirror?. The book has been listed in a lot of press as one of the best books on diversity and equality. It was also selected and read by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, on her storytime channel. Philly & Friends aims to add a drop of colour in the sea of children’s products. They believe all children need to see themselves and others represented in the books they read, toys they play with and media they consume. Visit Philly & Friends to see more phillyandfriends.com
“The dolls are beautifully handmade with the finest cotton linen and stand 39cm tall”
YUMMY MUMMY
‘Why do babygrows have all these poppers?’
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his is a question most parents probably ask as they are dressing their newborn in the middle of the night. As a Mummy of two very wriggly little boys I have first hand experience of the struggle to dress them, it’s like wrestling a lion cub trying to get them dressed after bath time. ZIPPYUP’s will make nappy and outfit changes so much quicker and easier. With this in mind I got to work on making ZIPPYUP a brand that gives you not only useful but stylish babygrows. Before promoting myself to the position of Mummy I had a background in textile design and fashion, a passion I didn’t want to be lost in the midsts of motherhood. I have taken the many years of experience and put it to good use by designing a babygrow that works well for both the wearer and the dresser.
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ZIPPYUP products aren’t just well designed, they are beautiful quality. The collection has now expanded with an organic cotton range in a variety of colours, Winter fleece onesies are great for after swimming or just to keep cosy on strolls in the buggy…and now sleeping bags with legs. I personally source and work with the factories making ZIPPYUPs to get the best possible materials. All ZIPPYUPs have concealed zips so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab at the neck ensures the zip puller doesn’t catch on any little chins. Sleeves have turn back cuffs so you don’t need separate (often lost or odd) mittens. There is a wide variety of prints and colour combinations including unisex colours such as aqua and pale grey along with traditional whites, pinks, blues and rainbows. I am very excited to have also launched the new ZIPPYUP sleeping bag with legs and detachable arms. Select from 1 Tog and 2.5 Tog thickness, designed to be worn as a baggy fit so it can also be layered with a ZIPPYUP babygrow underneath for extra warmth. The sleeves simply zip on or off depending on your babies needs. Sizes are from 6-12 months up to 24-36 months. New to the ZIPPYUP family this month is a subscription service, you can have a range of babygrows delivered straight to your door every month! Choose how many and what size you want in either girl, boy or neutral colours and we do the rest! At ZIPPYUP we are always developing new designs, prints and colour combinations, I look forward to sharing these with you. zippyup.com
BABY CLOTHES WITH ZIPS
www.zippyup.com
@zippy.up
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The Finest Toy Shop in the World is now in Westfield London!
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A Festive Pop-up and brand-new store opening
amleys, the world-famous and most iconic toy store, brings the magic of Christmas to Westfield London, with a brand-new festive pop-up. Offering the brand’s signature fun and immersive store experience, step in to be instantly transported to a world of fun, magic, theatre, festive entertainment, exclusive experiences and even special appearances from the legendary Hamley Bear himself. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to Hamleys! Opening just in time for the festive gifting period, visitors can see the biggest selection of your favourite toys, from cuddly Hamley bears to super speed racing cars and all the classic family favourites. An unrivalled offering of toys, suitable for babies to children aged 10 years +. Watch out for crazy flying drones or giant bubbles floating through the store, there is always something to see. You may even get to meet their amazing Ragdoll or Toy Soldiers - they can’t wait to show you all their favourite toys! Alongside Hamleys exclusives, brands available include L.O.L. Surprise, Lego and Playmobil, making it the ideal destination to makes Christmas wishes come true! The opening of Hamleys complements Westfield’s 2021 ‘Come Together’ Christmas concept which encourages people to come together to celebrate the traditional experiences of
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Christmas with friends and family. The Hamleys pop-up at Westfield London is located on the ground floor.
NEW STORE OPENING SPRING 2022! The pop-up is in place while Hamleys prepares its move to a permanent brand-new 11,000 sq ft store. The upsized Hamleys Westfield London store will continue to be the ultimate destination for families looking to discover toys, games, crafts - and fun, compliments of Hamleys’ worldrenowned experience team. The new permanent store will showcase a brand new store concept, featuring engaging and educational play areas, with interactive and exciting installations, as well a year-round programme of in-store events and character appearances - adding to the centre’s already established family brands, including Lego, The Entertainer and KidZania London. Hamleys has been creating magic for over 260 years and really does have something for everyone! Sumeet Yadav, CEO, Hamleys, comments: “Hamleys has always been about offering the very best in magical experiences for families, from
About Hamleys Hamleys rich history began with William Hamley, a Cornishman from Bodmin, England. Mr Hamley dreamed of opening the best toy shop in the world, which was realised when he opened his first shop at Holborn, London in 1760. Some 260 years later, Hamleys as the finest toy shop in the world, is synonymous with bringing magical experiences and joy to children with each store enabling children to play, plus an engaging store design, expertise in customer service and incredible toy demonstrations. hamleys.com
making life-long memories during the festive period, to finding the perfect toy for under the tree. We are very much looking forward to expanding into Westfield and introducing our brand new store concept, giving our customers the chance to see, feel and play their way through Hamleys.”
About Westfield London Westfield London is the capital’s pioneering shopping and leisure destination – an innovative and dynamic place for a new generation of consumers to shop, to eat and to meet. Since its £600m expansion in 2018, the centre is now the largest retail destination in Europe at 2.6m sq. ft. housing 450 retail outlets ranging across luxury, premium and high street fashion and beauty
retailers, showcasing more than 750 brands. Over 20 luxury brands are found within The Village, the centre’s luxury space. Westfield London also houses over 80 exciting eating concepts offering 25 styles and nationalities of cooking, as well as the UK’s biggest cinema, Vue Westfield. Westfield London also plays host to experiential, cultural and educational events throughout the year – from outdoor film viewings to photographic exhibitions, immersive experiences, spectacular fashion shows and World Film Premieres. Exhibition London, a 3,000-capacity music venue opened at the end of 2019. uk.westfield.com/london @westfieldlondon
Follow on: instagram.com/hamleysofficial linkedin.com/company/ hamleys-of-london/ facebook.com/Hamleyslondon twitter.com/HamleysOfficial
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INSPIRING OUR EARLY YEARS FOR AN UNKNOWN FUTURE
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t is our belief that if we want the world to change we must begin with the teaching in the very young. This is the moment where our minds are the most open and the most receptive, where we see the world around us without judgement and where we are able to ask questions without fear or embarrassment. Ecology and Climate Change, Equal Thinking, Care and Kindness within our communities - the list goes on -will only be positively affected if we educate our children from the beginning, giving them the imagination, tools and skills at an early age. Neil Postman wrote ‘Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see’ and it is this exact sentiment that we need to keep in our minds when looking at how we approach every area of our children’s early education. If we give them the skills to question, to problem solve, to recognise and celebrate their differences, to listen to and to respect their different opinions, to understand and value their different emotions and realise that all emotions are equally valid – rather than pushing the emphasis on constant happiness – we will be giving them the skills that will help them to prepare for the future with resilience. We believe that the most inspiring way of
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“Ecology and Climate Change, Equal Thinking, Care and Kindness within our communities - the list goes on -will only be positively affected if we educate our children from the beginning, giving them the imagination, tools and skills at an early age”
teaching these invaluable lessons is not through ‘forced learning’ but through the art of play. This was recognised in ancient times; ‘Do not keep children to their studies by compulsion but by play’ Plato. Children’s play has an imaginative and creative flow which leads to discovery and problem solving. The forced learning of phonics and numbers can kill the joy of literature and numeracy. The use of stories, songs, rhymes, drama all the time, even for daily requests, will enthuse a child with a love of words – and the exciting environment around us with all its rich mathematical content, can stimulate a love of and show the child the necessity of number. It is the children who will mould the future of our world but it is for us to inspire them with the skills to create that future. tadpolesnursery.com
The Happy Song Toys by Penny and Lola.
If you love The Happy Song, you’ll love the toys! Penny and Lola a family-run business, bring you The Happy Song Toys. Cute, and quirky, each toy is soft and fluffy with squidgy beanie arms and legs; perfect for little hands to hold onto. With happiness in mind, they support a cause that is really deserving: the NSPCC, so you know the happiness will spread a little further. www.pennyandlola.co.uk Instagram @penny_andlola
Nourish London’s Blissful Sleep
This tranquil trio of products will bring your skin and mind the calm it needs during the busy festive season. Mental chatter is hushed with restful, natural aromatherapy essential oils that include lavender, frankincense, chamomile and rose. Perfect for anyone with a busy life or stressful job, who dreams of sleep or just some restful calm. Contains full sizes of Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask, Sleepy Pillow Mist and Sleep Essential Oil Blend. £45, nourishskinrange.com
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MY LITTLE GEM W
hen you look back at the 1960s, every parent used cloth nappies. Fast Forwarded to today, disposables are pretty much unthinkable in the life of a modern-day parent. We’ve chosen temporary convenience over the long term green benefits for the future of our planet. But as climate change is pressuring us to rethink our lifestyle, modern cloth nappies are the most fun way to hack our sustainable parenting skills. Now you can save the planet while styling your baby’s bum. My Little Gem (formerly known as Happy Nappy) is Ireland’s largest online retailer in stylish premium quality reusable cloth nappies and accessories. They stock the most wanted brands from around the world. With every nappy change you literally hold the future of your child in your hands. On average you will save 6,588 disposables per child from landfills when you decide to go full-time cloth. Not to forget to mention that each disposable nappy takes over 500 years to decompose. While the world of cloth diapering can be quite daunting at first, My Little Gem offers a wide range of tools to help you get started. On their website www.mylittlegem.ie you can find a handy nappy starter’s guide filled with great tips and
“My Little Gem (formerly known as Happy Nappy) is Ireland’s largest online retailer in stylish premium quality reusable cloth nappies”
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tutorials that will show you how to use and care for your reusable cloth nappies. It’s a great place to start when disposables are all you’ve ever known and you are new to cloth nappies. If you need some extra advice you can speak to one of their nappy experts by booking a free nappy consultation to answer any of your questions in person and to help you find which nappies would suit your baby’s needs best. Before you make the switch from disposables to reusable cloth nappies you might want to check out their nappy calculator and see how much money you can save for your family and how many nappies you can save from landfills. mylittlegem.ie
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Focus on…
OBESITY DR SANJAY MEHTA, from The London General Practice discusses the risks associated with obesity
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besity remains an increasingly common and complex issue with numerous causes. The modernisation of society has contributed to increased rates of obesity through an environment that encourages higher calorie intake and reduced physical activity. In the UK, 26 out of every 100 adults are now obese with men being more likely to be obese than women and those aged 66-74 being most likely to be overweight or obese. In addition, childhood obesity is an increasing problem, with approximately 20% of 10-11 year olds being obese.
Risks of obesity Whilst fat is required for healthy functioning of the body, it is vital to take steps in preventing and reducing excess fat that results in obesity due to the associated risk of serious conditions, such as heart disease and several types of cancer, as well as the impact on fertility and reproductive health. Obesity can also affect your quality of life and lead to psychological problems, such as depression, low self-esteem and stress.
Treating obesity Whilst the most effective ways to prevent and treat obesity is to exercise regularly and to follow a healthy diet, this can be challenging to sustain long 50 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
term and manage within a busy daily schedule. Regularly monitoring your weight, setting realistic goals and involving your friends and family with your attempts to lose weight can help. Diet alone is not always the cause of increased weight, so speaking with your doctor can help you identify whether there is an underlying cause, such as an underactive thyroid. Together, you can establish the risks your current weight is placing on your health and build a realistic, sustainable plan to help with losing weight, if it is deemed to be required. You may also benefit from receiving psychological support to help change the way you think about food and healthy eating. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective, involving a specialist to discuss medical and surgical options, particularly in patients with a very high weight to height ratio.
Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP MBBS BSc MRCGP DCH DRCOG AICSM Clinical Audit Lead A medical graduate from Imperial College London, with a further Bachelor of Science in Haematology, Dr Sanjay Mehta has been recognised as a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners. His previous NHS posts have been in a variety of medical, psychiatric and surgical specialties at both Oxford and Cambridge University Hospitals. Dr Mehta is Clinical Audit Lead for the London General Practice and also part of the home visiting service. Dr Mehta’s specialist interest is in Paediatrics, holding a postgraduate Diploma of Child Health and having jointly published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood during a paediatric post at The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
THE DETAILS The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place) Tel: 0207 935 1000
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Private GP services thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services londonocchealth.com
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CASUALTY FIRST
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he Urgent Care Clinic at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood provides first-class care and treatment for all the family for a range of minor accidents, injuries, and illnesses with safe, efficient consultations without the wait.
NO WAITING TIMES – JUST BOOK AN APPOINTMENT The Urgent Care Clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and weekends from 8am to 6pm, with same day appointments and no waiting times, so people are seen quickly and are guaranteed to receive tailored care promptly. The service operates on an appointment only basis, but booking is easy and made over the phone, with most appointments scheduled for the same day.
A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS The clinic offers a wide range of treatments for urgent injuries and illnesses, including sports injuries; fractures; soft tissue injuries; sprains and strains, ear; nose and throat conditions; eye conditions; and stomach, bowel and bladder problems. Instant referrals are also available to over 500 expert Consultant specialists, all under one roof in 52 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
the comfortable private hospital of St John & St Elizabeth.
SAFETY ASSURED The Hospital has been recognised by Bupa as a COVID-19 Green Zone for complying with the UK guidance on COVID-19 infection control.
VISIT URGENT CARE Located at the entrance of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood, the Urgent Care Clinic is a self-pay service for all the family, including children aged one and up, with appointments from around £100.
THE DETAILS Book your appointment by phone on 0207 432 8300 Find out more at: hje.org.uk/ services/private-urgent-care-centre Open 8am - 8pm (last appointment at 7pm) Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday and Sunday (last appointment at 5pm) St John & St Elizabeth Hospital 60 Grove End Road London NW8 9NH
Leading private Urgent Care Clinic in St John’s Wood Receive fast treatment and excellent care for all minor accidents, injuries and illnesses.
No waiting times Open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday & Sunday 8am to 6pm, with same day appointments and no waiting times, so you can be seen quickly. How we can help We treat sports injuries; fractures; soft tissue injuries; sprains and strains; ear, nose and throat conditions; eye conditions; and stomach, bowel and bladder problems. Instant referrals are also available to expert Consultant specialists, all under one roof. COVID-19 Green Zone We are recognised by Bupa as a COVID-19 Green Zone. Your safety is our top priority.
Book an appointment on 0207 432 8300 Open Monday -to Friday8am 8am- 7.30pm. to 8pm and Saturday Sunday8am 8am to 6pm. Open Monday Friday: Saturday and & Sunday: - 5.30pm
https://www.hje.org.uk/services/private-urgent-care-centre St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH
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THE KENSINGTON WING T
“To ensure the safety of women and their birth partners, The Kensington Wing have important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to, but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay”
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he Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services. Being located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital - one of the UK’s safest hospitals - the safety and wellbeing of mother and baby are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times, 24/7, dedicated to the needs of women on the Kensington Wing. In these uncertain times, expectant parents can have additional anxieties or concerns about childbirth or going into a hospital. To ensure the safety of women and their birth partners, The Kensington Wing have important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to, but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven in these times and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team. And are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages. The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries from prospective women and the opportunity to discuss midwifeled care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to
talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of our experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They remain to support you through the postnatal period including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation. The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions. If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit our website thekensingtonwing.co.uk
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A pathway to sporting success A Yorkshire school is supporting students looking to compete at the highest levels of sport, through its Performance Sports Programme.
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et in 220 acres of stunning Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is a top performing independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 months to 19 years. The Team QE Performance Sports Programme offers specialised training and development for those students with the potential and determination to push themselves to compete in their chosen sport, as part of a wide and varied curriculum. Using the dedicated Sports Village on campus, the professional team of coaches will create Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each Pathway student, with age-based strength and conditioning programmes, use of video analysis tools appropriate to professional sport and ongoing nutritional guidance, to support each student to access their full athletic potential. Sport options in the programme include: athletics; basketball; cricket; football; rugby; netball; hockey; and swimming. Each students’ programme follows a unique scheme of work including the latest tactical, technical, physical
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“Sport options in the programme include: athletics; basketball; cricket; football; rugby; netball; hockey; and swimming”
and mental training. They are designed with a focus on individual talent development and present opportunities for students to develop their skills right through to UK and international competition. Importantly, all Performance Sports students are enrolled within The Faculty, one of QE’s two senior schools, where the flexibility of the curriculum allows them to combine their sporting programme with a range of options in GCSE, A Level and BTEC courses in both Key Stages 4 and 5. This enables them to maintain a well-rounded education whilst pursuing their passion. They also have access to a strong network of pastoral and academic support including Tutors, Heads of Year, and Academic Learning Mentors. Students are taught responsibility, resilience and leadership skills, and are challenged to achieve at the highest level at all times. For more information about how your child can pursue their sporting passion by studying at QE, or to book on to their next Open Day on 29 January, please visit qe.org
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CELEBRATING VALUES
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or millions of people around the world the pandemic has borne a spiral of anxiety and an apathy that has had mental health professionals appealing for urgent action to be taken and conjecturing about whether people, young and old, will ever fully recover from the effects of locking down their lives. The current climate of caution breeds
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apprehension and unease where previously we traded in fearlessness and adventure but because of these societal changes, an education built on character and Values is more relevant and impactful than ever. At Dulwich Prep London, eight school Values of ‘Love’, ‘Honesty’, ‘Courage’, ‘Justice’, ‘Selfdiscipline’, ‘Humility’, ‘Service’ and ‘Gratitude’ were introduced a few years ago, adopting the original characteristics identified by the Jubilee Centre for Character and Values: ‘a pioneering interdisciplinary research centre focusing on character, virtues and values in the interest of human flourishing’ because that is exactly what Dulwich Prep wanted – for their pupils to flourish. Dulwich Prep embedded Values into the infrastructure of the school, weaving the language and principles into policy and practice. They understood the need for a holistic approach to education and wanted to prepare their pupils to meet the challenges of living, as well as academics. Rare is the investment which has paid such
“The current climate of caution breeds apprehension and unease where previously we traded in fearlessness and adventure but because of these societal changes, an education built on character and Values is more relevant and impactful than ever”
dividends. Six years of focusing on being kind, telling the truth, helping others, saying ‘thank you’, playing fair, being brave, joining in, listening, and being organised, provided pupils with the ability to demonstrate remarkable resilience, humbling generosity of spirit and heart-warming optimism when faced with unprecedented restrictions in their young lives. Committing to a life of principle is never the easy choice; the complicated cocktail of youthful innocence and childish self-centeredness, spiced with a dash of naive impulsivity makes it a daily challenge for some, but by embracing that challenge, Dulwich Prep pupils embody hope and tenacity in a spirit of unity and friendship. September 2021 heralded an emotional return to school for many, as the doors opened once more to welcome families back on site. At Dulwich Prep London, staff and pupils delighted at the opportunity to join together in Assemblies, swelling numbers attended choir practice and children ran with unfettered joy towards the luxury of free play. These fundamental elements of a child’s education which had previously, understandably, been taken for granted, suddenly became incredibly precious. Perhaps this generation of children, far from being lost, will be the winners, the game changers whose understanding of ‘Gratitude’ is not measured in likes, possessions or financial gain; a renewed sense of magic surrounds life at the Prep, and their Values lie at the heart of it. Dulwich Prep London’s whole staff, strategic focus for the academic year 2021-22 is their Values.
“Perhaps this generation of children, far from being lost, will be the winners, the game changers”
With so much time spent in and out of school, separated from each other, fragmented, and disconnected, the Prep want to remind their pupils and their families of exactly what they stand for and what it is that unites their community: ‘Love’, ‘Courage’, ‘Gratitude’, ‘Humility’, ‘Justice’, ‘Service’, ’Self-discipline, and ‘Honesty’. It is Dulwich Prep’s belief that, if their children can live by these guiding principles: knowing how to be kind and offer help where it is needed; to play fair and tell the truth no matter who is listening; to join in and play their part whilst letting others be heard; to appreciate the world around them and how valuable their contribution is; then we believe they will thrive wherever life’s journey takes them, and they will be the success stories of the future. Admissions email: admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org Telephone: 0208 766 5525 dulwichpreplondon.org
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The 2022 Mother & Baby Award Best Bathtime Product Goes To…
THE LUXURY HOODED PANDA TOWEL SET
BY BEING BABY!
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eing Baby are delighted with their recent win of the most prestigious GOLD award at the 2022 Mother and Baby awards for BEST BATHTIME PRODUCT for their Luxury Bamboo Hooded Panda Towel and Face-cloth Set. The esteemed awards event, sponsored by ASDA and normally held in London, was hosted virtually this year and had some of the largest brands in the UK and beyond tune in on the night. Winning the Mother and Baby awards for the 2022 BEST BATHTIME PRODUCT has propelled Being Baby and the Luxury Bamboo Hooded Panda Towel and Face-cloth Set alongside some of the best baby brands in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Being Baby Limited is a husband and wife team from Belfast, Northern Ireland. As the parents of two boys, aged ten and four, Mark and Daniella realised when they became
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parents how quickly babies outgrow many of their new born products. With a passion for useful baby items that would last longer than a few months, their first product ‘The Luxury Bamboo Hooded Panda Towel and Face-cloth Set’ was launched. Unlike many new born products, the towel is suitable from birth through to early childhood, measuring 90cm x 90cm, much larger than standard baby towels. Made from bamboo cotton, chosen for its organic, soft fibres which last wash after wash, the softness, thickness and size makes the luxurious towels a high quality investment choice for parents. As a relatively new company, launched August 2019, Mark and Daniella have put their heart and soul into building a trustworthy brand and winning GOLD, ahead of renowned brands such as Child’s Farm and Johnson’s, is a fantastic achievement for this young, Northern Irish company. The company launched it’s second product earlier this year and it has also proven extremely popular with parents. Both the Luxury Bamboo Hooded Panda and Fox Towel Sets are available to purchase from www. beingbaby.net and make the perfect gift for new parents, Christenings, Baby Showers, Christmas, Birthdays and beyond. Each retails at £19.99 and many parents describe the sets as a must-have investment item, lasting their little ones for years to come. What’s more, receive free U.K. shipping if you spend more than £30.00. Shop today, visit beingbaby.net
“With a passion for useful baby items that would last longer than a few months, their first product ‘The Luxury Bamboo Hooded Panda Towel and Face-cloth Set’ was launched”
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ADELE ON DIVORCE:
Why splitting and not staying together for the kids can be better for everyone
Adele has opened up about her divorce in a wide-ranging interview with Oprah Winfrey. By Prudence Wade The 33-year-old singer said she was “embarrassed” about her split from ex-husband Simon Konecki, with whom she has a son, Angelo. “I’ve been obsessed with a nuclear family my whole life because I never came from one,” she told Winfrey. “From a very young age I promised myself that when I had kids we’d stay together and we would be that united family and I tried for a really really long time. I was just so disappointed for my son; I was disappointed for myself.”
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ven though Adele admitted she felt “very uncomfortable” about “choosing to dismantle my child’s life for my own”, she also said: “I was ignoring my own happiness… And I knew that, as an adult, Angelo would be livid with me for doing that.” Adele and Konecki are still on good terms and live across the street from each other in Los Angeles. The singer said they haven’t spoken about her highly anticipated upcoming album, 30 – with many songs inspired by the split. Relationships expert and psychotherapist Neil Wilkie, founder of online couples therapy programme The Relationship Paradigm (relationshipparadigm.com), understands Adele’s feelings of embarrassment and disappointment, saying these emotions are “very common”. “Nobody teaches us how to have a good relationship, but we are expected to have great relationships,” he says. “We arrive in them by accident by falling in love, and the expectation is that love is going to stay regardless. When it doesn’t, when couples drift apart, when they divorce – that [can be] seen as a real failure.” When faced with unhappiness in a relationship – particularly when children are involved – Wilkie says people need to think about three potential outcomes: “One is for them to stay together and
put up with things. The second is to separate and say, ‘This relationship has met its end and we need to part amicably’, or the third is to say, ‘OK, we’re now in a very different place to when we first met – we can’t put a sticking plaster over the old relationship, but can we create a new and better relationship from where we are right now?’” Often, Wilkie finds people decide to “put up with it and hope it gets better of its own accord”, he says, “until something significant happens, like all the children leave home, or one of them has an affair”. If you are unhappy, Wilkie urges couples to “face up to the fact the relationship isn’t good” because “everyone deserves to have a great relationship”. He understands why parents might be nervous about splitting up. “They’re worried about the impact on the children of the break-up – two parents in separate places, having disagreements over who sees the children and when. They think that’ll be just too much for the children to bear. But the reality is, children – even at a very young age – pick up intuitively the unhappiness in a bad relationship. They can see and feel the lack of love, the lack of support, the lack of communication.” Staying could potentially have a knock-on effect. “Often children feel it is their fault,” says Wilkie. “[They think] if only they behaved better, if only they went to bed at the right time and ate the right stuff, their parents would be happy.” For Wilkie, one of the most important things is for parents to model what a great relationship looks like for their children, he says. “Because the relationship their parents have will have a huge impact on the relationships they will have in the future.” If a couple ultimately decides to split, Wilkie suggests the real impact on the children will hinge on how the separation is handled. It could be positive “if the parents are able to separate and remain on good terms; remain good co-parents for the children”, he says – but if it becomes a “war between them for who has access to the children and who has access to the money, then it’s going to have a hugely negative impact.”
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All I want for Christmas is… Zoo Give the gift of togetherness this Christmas with a ZSL membership
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s friends and families up and down the country look forward to a Christmas together this year, ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos are offering 20% off gift membership – the gift of togetherness that’ll last a whole year. Surprise an animal lover this Christmas with the gift of a membership and they can enjoy unlimited entry to ZSL’s two world-class zoos for a whole year, visiting the incredible 30,000 animals as often as they like as well as discounts in the zoos’ outlets and an exclusive subscription to members’ magazine, Wild About. Perfect for families, couples and wildlife enthusiasts alike, ZSL’s zoos have something for everyone. Children can run wild at Whipsnade Zoo’s huge outdoor play area, or explore Darwin’s ship at London Zoo’s Animal Adventure. Couples can pop in for a coffee morning with friends in one of the Zoo’s restaurants while animal lovers will delight in exploring London Zoo’s brand-new Giants of the Galápagos exhibit, with no need to book ahead of time as a member to ZSL. Days filled with nature don’t stop there, they will benefit from 10% off at ZSL shops and restaurants where purchases will in turn support the international conservation charities work across the world and two Zoos. With 10% off the Zoo’s special experiences, gift members can enjoy behind-the-scenes access and up-close encounters with amazing animals – from Whipsnade’s elephants to London’s Komodo dragons - at a discounted rate. 64 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
“Perfect for families, couples and wildlife enthusiasts alike, ZSL’s zoos have something for everyone”
Gift members can also enjoy a discount on the Zoos’ overnight experiences – ZSL London Zoo Lodges or Lookout Lodge at Whipsnade Zoo - and spend a night in one of the UK’s wildest venues, before being woken up to the sounds of the animal kingdom. To make trips to the Zoo even easier, gift members can also enjoy free parking at London Zoo and half-price car entry to Whipsnade Zoo. Visit zsl.org/gift-membership to make the most of this special offer and purchase a gift membership for the special someone in your life. In the wake of COVID-19, they are still facing tough times. Please help them to bounce back, care for the amazing animals, and continue to protect wildlife around the world today. They really need your support, please visit donate.zsl.org.
UP YOUR GAME THIS WINTER!
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ith the winter months closing in, it can be difficult for parents to find ways of keeping the kids healthy, active and away from their games console! Over the summer we saw loads of families getting out and staying active in London’s parks and green spaces, with tennis proving to be the most in-demand sport of the summer! One company which enjoyed the uptake in the sport were Will to Win. Their tennis centres saw huge increases in demand as soon as they opened their doors, and continue to see both Parents and Juniors enjoying their courts and range of lessons. Resting in some of London’s most iconic locations, Will to Win really are the beating heart of activity in London’s Royal Parks. Will to Win have been delivering community sport across London for more than 20 years with locations in Hyde Park, The Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Lammas Park, Chiswick House Gardens and Pitshanger Park.
With sessions available for adults and kids of all ages and abilities, their coaching team are experts in providing top quality instruction, with experience in nurturing players to become national level champions. Whilst they have had an impressive ability to produce results, their main message is (and always has been) “Sport For All”. Will to Win pride themselves on creating an open and accepting place for all levels to develop their skills. Learn more about Will to Win and their tennis sessions at willtowin.co.uk
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OVERNIGHT GUESTS THIS CHRISTMAS? PUT THEM UP IN STYLE ON A ‘WISKAWAY’ WALLBED ®
(Fold the bed away – use the space all day!) seconds. They come with a choice of hotel quality interior sprung mattresses, so your guests are assured of a really good night’s sleep. ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbeds are designed to be fixed to the floor and concealed behind independent bi-fold, or sliding doors. They are the strongest wall beds on the market anywhere, are extremely compact, simple to install, easy to use, come in single, double and made-to-measure sizes and in 10x bedframe colours - all with a full 10 year guarantee. Use a ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbed to upgrade that little-used spare room into a home office, or hobbies room, but still be able to accommodate your guests at short notice and in total comfort for long, or just short stays. Or use one to give your children more room to play in their bedrooms. Incorporate a ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbed into a holiday home, a granny annex, a studio flat, or even staff accommodation and see how they’ll make almost any room completely dual-purpose and help create extra daytime living space, without any loss of comfort at night.
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hristmas is a time when even big houses can fill to bursting point, as families get together to celebrate and this often involves putting up relatives and friends
overnight. The problem of where to put everyone, is a perennial one, especially when space is limited, but there are some great solutions available from Britain’s longest-established and most experienced space-saving bed specialists, Wallbeds Direct, in the shape of their high performance ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbeds. ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbeds are counterbalanced and designed to be used every night and fold-away effortlessly and fully made up, complete with all the bedding, including the pillows, in literally
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THE DETAILS Visit wallbeds-direct.com for further information, or call 020 7434 2066. Pictures 1 & 2 (left) show a double Vertical ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbed in a home office/guest room.. Pictures 3 & 4 (below) show two single Vertical ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbeds in a shared boys’ room.
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FOLD THE BED AWAY - USE THE S P A C E ALL DAY! ‘WISKAWAY®’ Wallbeds help free-up extra daytime
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Use them to upgrade your guest room, childrens’ rooms, granny annex, home office, studio flat or staff accommodation. ‘WISKAWAY’® Wallbeds are only available from Wallbeds Direct – the country’s longest established and most experienced wall bed specialists.
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BLADE & ROSE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION 2021
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et in the Christmas spirit with Blade & Rose’s festive collection. The leading British childrenswear brand have added adorable new Christmas themed leggings, tops and socks to their continually evolving range. Little ones will love celebrating in the adorable I believe top (RRP £14) , which can be mixed and matched with the iconic Blade & Rose leggings. The Santa leggings come in a beautiful red stripe with a cute Santa face on the bum for tiny tots (0-4 years RRP £10), and a winter grey version with happy Santa’s on the knees (and bum of course!) for junior sizes (4-10 years RRP £11). You will absolutely fall in love with the red and white candy cane striped Festive leggings with a red nosed Rudolph on the bum. The new Peter Rabbit collection features everyone’s favourite character in festive tops, leggings and booties. All sets deliver colourful fashion and comfort, available in sizes 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-4 years (from £10.00). With all the gorgeous items made of the softest cotton mix, any baby will look adorable in the bright and fun colours of the collection! The Festive set is the perfect gift for new parents, friends and/or family Little cherubs are in for a treat with the rest of the festive collection, which includes Robin, Christmas Pudding and Elf leggings. The super soft cotton-mix leggings are available in sizes 0-4 years, (RRP £10). The Christmas collection also includes matching socks for each pair of leggings, perfect to complete
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the full look whilst keeping kiddies feet warm during the cold winter. The cotton mix socks are available in sizes 0-14 years (RRP £3.50). Blade & Rose clothing is made using certified Oeko-Tex 100 standard cotton and is free from harmful substances. Christmas collection prices range from RRP £3.50 - £11.00. For more information and to see the full range, please visit bladeandrose.co.uk Blade & Rose now operate in 33 countries, and have won multiple parenting awards, including Best Preschool Apparel and Accessories Range in the Progressive Preschool Awards, Best Fashion Brand in the Baby Awards, Loved By Parents Best baby Fashion Brand and Best Toddler Brand, Best Children’s Fashion Brand in the Absolutely Mama Awards, Awards for Best Baby Fashion Brand and Best Heritage Children’s Fashion Brand in the Junior Design Awards.
This Christmas, little ones will look just edible in a Peter Rabbit festive set little crawlers could not look any cuter as they display Peter Rabbit with a Christmas present on their bum. With all the trademark quality, fun and details of all clothes they are perfect for special occasions, nursery or a trip to see the Grandparents. All sets deliver colourful fashion and comfort, available in sizes 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-4 years (from £10.00). With all the gorgeous items made of the softest cotton mix, any baby will look adorable in the bright and fun colours of the collection! For more information and to see the full range, please visit bladeandrose.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
bladeandrose.co.uk
YUMMY MUMMY
A Vegan Pregnancy
A vegan mother and restaurant owner advises on the vegan foods to prioritise to ensure babies get the right nutrition in the womb.
I’m vegan and I’ve just found out I’m pregnant. Will my baby get enough nutrition from my diet, and what should I make sure I eat? Vegan mother-of-two Louise Palmer-Masterton, founder of the plant-based restaurants Stem & Glory, says: “Absolutely, your baby can get the right nutrition if you’re vegan during pregnancy. It does, however, depend on following a varied and healthy diet. Just being vegan in itself doesn’t necessarily mean your diet is healthy. “It‘s recommended all pregnant women take folic acid. With regard to vegan pregnancy it’s additionally recommended to take B12 and vitamin D. I think all pregnant women should take a pregnancy-safe multivitamin, which includes vitamin D and iron, just to be on the safe side. “I’ve done two vegan pregnancies myself, and my own experience with being vegan during pregnancy is that it was completely normal. I was almost 40 when I became pregnant with my first daughter, and my diet was mainly vegetables, small amounts of (mainly) wholegrains, lots of tofu, lentils, nuts, seeds and beans, and I continued eating in exactly the same way throughout my pregnancy. “I had no morning sickness, no cravings, no 70 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
complications, no deficiencies and delivered both my children safely at home. For both pregnancies, I did take a pregnancy multivitamin and the recommended folic acid. “Many vegans are very well researched on the subject of vegan nutrition. If that doesn’t sound like you, I’d recommend reading up on this during your pregnancy. It’s also a great time to develop a love of cooking, as home-cooked, fresh food is by far the best diet during pregnancy. “You should increase your protein intake in pregnancy by 10-20%, and this can be done with greater attention to eating balanced meals. You don’t necessarily need to eat protein-rich foods such as tofu – pulses, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and vegetables combined will also give you what you need. “I said when I first became pregnant that if I craved something I’d eat it. Fortunately, I didn’t have any cravings in my pregnancies, but I’d definitely advise paying attention to this if you do. If you crave non-vegan products, try increasing your vegan protein and fat intake. Snacking on nuts and toasted seeds is one of my go-tos and a really good option during pregnancy.” – Remember to check with your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns or questions about your diet during pregnancy.
“You should increase your protein intake in pregnancy by 10-20%, and this can be done with greater attention to eating balanced meals”
YUMMY MUMMY
THE FARAWAY GANG
Award Winning Children’s Knitwear
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low fashion children’s knitwear brand The Faraway Gang won their third Junior Award recently, making it a bumper start to the Autumn/Winter season. The brand which is built on an ethos of an heirloom wardrobe for children proved a popular choice again with the judges. See what the judges had to say. WINNER OF BEST CHILDREN’S KNITWEAR COLLECTION: SILVER WHO: The Faraway Gang WHAT: A unisex children’s knitwear brand with a slow fashion approach
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WHY: These beautiful, timeless knits are made for adventures and our judges loved the spirit of fun that they evoke with their bright, zingy colours, bringing life to traditional knitting motifs and silhouettes. The quality of these jumpers was superb and the panel was extremely impressed with the brand’s central ethos that clothes should be made well, made to last, and handed down. The Faraway Gang’s collaboration with the children’s charity Clear-Sky, which works to enhance the emotional well-being of children and families through play therapy, also excited our judges who were delighted to hear that a proportion of the profit made from every garment sold goes to this charity. A wonderful quality brand with heart, bringing life and colour to children’s knitwear. thefarawaygang.com
“Love the modern look of these traditional knits. The colours and patterns are lovely and fun. The quality is great, so soft. Love the unisex nature of the brand, that’s so important to me, and also means these are jumpers that can be handed down to little siblings so it’s sustainable.” – Leonie Freeman, Children’s lifestyle and fashion photographer
“Love this colourful take on traditional Fairilse” – Yvadney Davis, Children’s Stylist
YUMMY MUMMY
CLEVER HACKS TO MAKE PARENTING A BIT EASIER YouTuber Kate Murnane shares time-saving tips from her Little Book Of Mum Hacks with Lisa Salmon.
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f there’s any way to make looking after a baby or toddler a little easier, most mums and dads will grab it with both hands. Mum blogger Kate Murnane (katemurnane. com) knows how hard it is to get everything done, as she regularly posts videos and blogs for her 348,000 YouTube followers, while looking after her two young sons, Archie, aged six, and Elliot, three. Like most mums, she’s picked up tips and tricks on her motherhood journey, and is now sharing them in her new book, The Little Book Of Mum Hacks. “My main reason for writing the book was to share my passion for making life as a parent that little bit easier,” she says. “All we can do is try our best and, thankfully, there’s often a way to do something quicker, or more simply and efficiently, that enables us to free up that one thing we can’t get more of – time.”
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HERE ARE SOME OF MURNANE’S FAVOURITE HACKS…
The vest hack “I couldn’t have got through the first night of being a new mum without this hack, and I’m so shocked at how many people have told me they didn’t know this simple trick,” she says. Instead of taking a baby vest off over baby’s head, you can pull it down over their shoulders, thanks to the stretchy envelope neckline on almost all baby vests, she explains. “This was an especially useful hack for us, as my first son was very ‘mucus-y’ when he was born, and was sick about five times that first night in the hospital (so don’t let anyone tell you you’re taking in too many outfits, we got through them all and needed more).
“Aside from sick, this hack also comes in handy for poo explosions, as it helps you keep the mess away from your baby’s face, allowing you to change them with the least amount of upset for both of you, and to keep things as clean as possible. It’s also useful when your child gets to the wriggly, crawling-away-as-you’re-trying-to-change-them stage, as you can quickly pull the vest off them as they zoom in the other direction!”
The disappearing stain Munane doesn’t shy away from the subject all new parents know about but don’t love – poo explosions – pointing out that they definitely take a bit of getting used to, and quickly turn all the beautiful white vests, baby grows and expensive outfits a much less attractive mustard shade, even after a few washes. But never fear – your lovely baby whites can shine again with a simple sunshine hack, she promises. “The day I discovered the sun is nature’s way of bleaching stains, I have to say, I felt like a genius,” she says. “Place the washed item of clothing in the sun and watch the poo stains disappear. OK, maybe give it a few hours. But it’ll happen!” She says it works best on white clothes, and also works well on soft baby pinks, blues and pastels. But avoid anything brightly-coloured, as the sun will bleach the vibrant colours too.
Crinkle-cut veg Baby-led weaning, where young children explore the texture and taste of food with their hands and mouths, can be messy, and Murnane points out that because babies’ little hands are still learning to grasp, it’s not unusual for them to struggle to hold certain foods initially, so most of them end up on the floor. But there’s an ingenious way to help your baby hold food, she says. “Try using a crinkle-cut potato cutter to cut your baby’s cooked vegetables, and even some fruits. The ridges will give them a better grip on slippy foods. Some fruit and veg can be really difficult for small, uncoordinated hands to grip – instead of a carrot stick, it would look and feel more like a crinkle-cut chip.”
Sensory box As babies leave the newborn stage, they start to focus better on objects, faces and lights, and Murnane says they’ll really enjoy and be stimulated
by safe, sensory home-made toys. She suggests: “Fill a box with household objects that have different textures, and make different sounds, such as a rattle they can begin to grasp, brightly-coloured or black and white objects, or pictures with bold patterns, that will catch their attention and make them want to explore.”
Busy board All parents of toddlers will know they’re fascinated by things like keys, zips and handles, and love seeing how they move and sound – although often mum and dad don’t feel they should be playing with them. The solution, says Murnane, is to create your toddler’s very own busy board for little to no money. “Take a wooden board and firmly attach items such as door knockers, zippers, wheels on casters, door chains, clips, and anything that opens and closes, or has an interesting texture or mechanism,” she suggests. “You may have many of these items around the house or in the garage or shed that you’re no longer using. It’s great to help toddlers develop their fine motor skills and will keep them busy for ages! I’ve seen some that are pre-made if you’d rather buy one, but it’s fun to get creative and see what you can come up with.”
THE DETAILS The Little Book of Mum Hacks by Kate Murnane is published by Seven Dials, priced £12.99. Available now
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YUMMY MUMMY
IS YOUR CHILD SPOILT ROTTEN? 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, 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?
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 wiggleroom 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.
“The first time you give in to begging, you teach your child that it works”
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 STICK TO THOSE LIMITS?
HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE HER TO EARN HER TREATS?
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.
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.
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Paula Radcliffe on her kids’ love of running and why you can’t beat tackling a fun run as a family
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The mum of two and former marathon world record holder tells Lisa Salmon about her mission to get families taking part in 10K runs together.
aula Radcliffe started running as a child with her father, and quickly developed a passion for the sport which led to her becoming one of the world’s greatest ever long-distance runners. But although she retired from competitive running more than five years ago, Radcliffe, who held the women’s world marathon record for 16 years, has by no means hung up her trainers. She’s on a mission to get not only children but whole families out running together, just like she does with her own children. “I’ve always been a big fan of families getting active together,” she says. “My own family love running and I want to spread the pleasure we get from it to other families.” To share that running joy, Radcliffe – spurred on by her now 14-year-old daughter Isla, who was the first person to ask if a family running initiative could work – created Families on Track, in which teams of three to five people, including at least one person aged over 18 and one aged between four and 16 years, complete 10km continuously in a relay by running loops of various distances. “It’s about making it much easier for families to run 10k together, and have some quality time,”
says Radcliffe. “Even youngsters of five or six can run 250m. We wanted young kids to be able to work hard and be really active. At the first one we did it was pouring down all day, and it was lovely to see the big smiles on everyone’s faces despite the weather. They really enjoyed it – particularly the kids. “It’s not really a race, it’s more about the whole family completing 10k together. It’s important to make sure everyone – and particularly the kids – have fun.” 78 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
“Isla and her brother Raphael, 10, are also keen runners and are members of an athletics clubs in Monte Carlo, where Radcliffe and her husband Gary Lough, a former Northern Irish 1,500m runner, moved to in 2005”
And it doesn’t just have to be mums, dads and kids – anyone can take part, including grandparents, and Radcliffe’s dad, Peter, joined the family for the first Families on Track event in Durham in 2019. Sadly, Peter died last year, at the age of 73. It was a tough year for Radcliffe, as Isla was also diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. However, after chemotherapy she has been given the all-clear. Radcliffe, 47, won a host of races during her illustrious career, including the London Marathon, the New York Marathon and the World Cross Country Championships three times each. She retired from competitive running in 2015, but says: “I still run pretty much every day – I’m not really strict, it’s just what I can fit in. I think I was lucky to have as long and as healthy a career as I did.” Isla and her brother Raphael, 10, are also keen runners and are members of an athletics clubs in Monte Carlo, where Radcliffe and her husband Gary Lough, a former Northern Irish 1,500m runner, moved to in 2005. “Isla likes to listen to music when she’s running – I don’t,” says Radcliffe, who proudly says both children are competitive runners and Isla has already won a regional cross country title.
“I’m really keen that they do a sport they enjoy, and don’t just do it because their parents did it. But I would love it to be running,” admits the proud mum. Thankfully, Isla has been well enough to resume sport – but after what the teenager has been through with cancer, Radcliffe is keener than ever to make sure her kids get plenty of exercise and eat well. “As far as nutrition goes, it should be everything in moderation, and I try to make sure my kids eat a balanced diet,” she says. “I try not to say ‘You can’t have that’, but the one thing they can’t have is coke, because they’re still young.” Living in Monte Carlo, Radcliffe’s family often eat a healthy Mediterranean diet packed with fish, vegetables and fruit, and Radcliffe says one of the first solid foods Raphael ate when he was weaned was calamari. Both children are bilingual, and Radcliffe studied French at university and is also fluent in the language. Just like children in the UK, both kids missed a lot of school and had to be home-schooled during the pandemic, and Isla missed even more because of her illness. “It was more challenging for Isla, but I think a lot of kids, including mine, have done really well during the pandemic,” says Radcliffe. “It’s been hard for so many people, and I feel lucky that my sport is one I’ve been able to do throughout it. I try to take the positive out of everything – I think it’s made us appreciate what we have. Being able to spend quality time with your family is so important – I think it’s made families stronger.” The next Families on Track fun run events are at Newcastle Try on the Tyne on August 21-22, Run Fest Run at Laverstoke Park on August 27-29, and Worcester City Run on September 4-5. “My message is to get running as a family,” stresses Radcliffe. “Spend some quality time together, and not only will it be fun, but it’ll be so good for everyone in so many ways.” Paula Radcliffe is the brand ambassador for children’s smartwatch brand Xplora (myxplora. co.uk), which is also the official Families on Track tech partner. DEC 2021/JAN 2022 79
YUMMY MUMMY
ART ATTACK:
HOW TO CHOOSE ART FOR YOUR KIDS’ ROOM
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ecorating a kids’ room doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive - here are Desenio’s top tips on how to easily and affordably give your kids’ room a makeover with art prints for every age!
NEW ARRIVAL Waiting for your little miracle to arrive leaves you with plenty of time to decorate the new nursery! When choosing a colour palette for your baby room, consider that the space will need to evolve as your child grows. Keeping walls and larger furniture neutral will pay off in the long run, allowing you to switch up decor such as art prints. When choosing art prints for a nursery, we love these styles featuring woodland animals and cute quotes! Decorating with soft colours creates a calming space for baby and you to bond, read books and sing songs.
A PLACE FOR PLAY Small humans with big personalities! Sooner than you think, your little baby will be a toddler learning new things at every turn. Let your kids’ room reflect their personality by adding a dash of colour! A nice idea is to decorate with art prints that are also educational. Toddlers love learning about the world around them, making alphabet prints, educational animal posters and world maps perfect for a kids’ room! Are you looking for something extra special? Check out our personalised prints where you can add your child’s name and birthdate to the art print. A personalised art print also makes the perfect gift!
ROOM TO GROW Once your little one has started school, if not sooner, they will often want to be involved in decorating their own room. Keep their interests in mind in the hunt for art prints - do they play sports or have an eye for photography? Make 80 DEC 2021/JAN 2022
“Let your kids’ room reflect their personality by adding a dash of colour!” redecorating a project you do together with your child, letting them choose their favourite art styles and where to hang them. It could be fun to let your child style their walls themselves by providing picture ledges (easy to re-style when needed!) or washi tape instead of frames so that they can switch out drawings, photos or art without damaging the walls or the prints. Add a personal touch with an art print featuring your child’s zodiac sign! desenio.com
YUMMY MUMMY
It’s the most wonderful time of year….
Merrythought’s 2021 Christmas Bear revealed!
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ritain’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer, Merrythought, is bringing a special Christmas sparkle to 2021 with the launch of its brand-new Christmas Teddy Bear. The Christmas bear, which is one of the Shropshire-based firm’s most sought-after limited editions, has been unveiled after months in development. Hand-crafted in the firm’s Ironbridge factory from the finest snowy-white mohair plush, the beautiful bear is dressed in a satin-lined, berryred pure cotton velvet coat with elaborate Winter Rose embroidered detail. With a cosy hood and fudge-coloured faux fur trim to keep out the cold during the winter nights, the bear’s adorable outfit is neatly secured with gold ribbon adorned with matching faux-fur pompoms. His left paw is embroidered with a coordinating flower design, interwoven with the iconic
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Merrythought wishbone and the year 2021. Hand stitched by a dedicated team of 20 in the firm’s 91 year old factory, it’s a delicate 15 stage process that requires the finest materials and skills. Managing director Sarah Holmes, the great granddaughter of the company’s founder Gordon Holmes, was delighted to unveil this year’s bear. “The past couple of years have presented a variety of challenges, but 2021 has seen the Merrythought team come back together with renewed passion for what we do best….bringing to life the highest quality, British-made teddy bears. “Each bear is handcrafted lovingly here at the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge,” Sarah continued. “A Merrythought teddy bear is made with love, given with love and, we hope, will be loved by generations to come.” The bear, of which only 250 will be available, is priced at £185 and is presented in a luxury gift box. It is available to buy at merrythought.co.uk
“Hand-crafted in the firm’s Ironbridge factory from the finest snowy-white mohair plush, the beautiful bear is dressed in a satin-lined, berry-red pure cotton velvet coat with elaborate Winter Rose embroidered detail”