Project Baby First Edition

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s e o d Howyour es at

car grow?

Our ADVANSAFIX is cleverly designed to grow with your child. Offering the reassurance of 5-point harness protection prolonged until 25 kg. With secure seat belt protection for older children until 36 kg.

No need to constantly upgrade your seat. And no need to compromise.

Just the high safety standards you expect from Britax, in a seat that will take you from toddler to pre teen. So you can concentrate on watching them grow.

Find your freedom at britax.com

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be free

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star mums

Silver Cross Balmoral Pram British-Croatian socialite Tamara Ecclestone stepped out with husband Jay Rutland and their newborn daughter Sophia in London.

Price: £1,450 www.silvercrossbaby.com

Silver Cross Surf Aston Martin Edition Rochelle and Marvin Humes looked the perfect family, as they took their newborn daughter Alaia-Mai for a spin a round the countryside.

CYBEX by Jeremy Scott Baby Bag Superstar and supermum Gwen Stefani has been snapped out and about in LA with her favourite fashion accessory - the CYBEX by Jeremy Scott Baby Bag!

celeb watch Price: £2,000 www.harrods.com

CYBEX by Jeremy Scoot 3-in-1 Callisto Famous model Amber Rose and her son were spotted out and about with the gorgeous Jeremy Scott Callisto pram.

Price: £500.00 www.cybexbyjeremyscott.com

Seraphine Natasha Cashmere Blend Coat Kate Middleton attended the opening of the Kensington Aldridge Academy and wore this pretty pale blue coat. It was chic. It was such a beautiful color. It was winter weather and slush be damned.

Price: 195.00 www.seraphine.com

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Price: £95.00 www.cybexbyjeremyscott.com

contents FEB/MARCH 2015

34

12. products we love

24. ask the midwife

Everything you will need from pregnancy to parenthood.

Essential Questions and answers for all expecting mums.

Welcome

28 62

28. prenatal yoga Be in the best possible shape for birth and beyond.

34. Sleep! i miss you Clever ways to get the sleep you need.

18. help i’m having a baby Breaking down the choices you have and how to find the right help.

22. Your 20 week scan What you can expect.

38. Pregnant & ultra stylish A big belly doesn’t need a big new wardrobe, just the right one!

42. Combining Function & Fashion Icandy introduce their new contemporary, luxury bags.

46. grand escapes Retreat to Luxury with our familyfriendly hotels and getaways.

48. Family ski Hitting the slopes with the whole family in tow.

50. health & beauty Beautiful Saviours for Beautiful Mums.

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Welcome

roject

roject

Natasha Hewett

From the editor If your reading this then you may well be pregnant ... Or maybe your baby is already here... Either way, congratulations and welcome to parenthood!

Editor-in-chief

Rebecca Harding Assistant Editor

Emma Pailing Copywriter

Emma Reily-James Sales Consultant

Thank you for choosing to pick up our first edition of Project Baby, hopefully you will enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.

Paul Palmer

We have some amazing articles, products and advice to help you along the way from pregnancy to raising your little ones.

Gavin Bridle

Let’s start with “10 things We Love” (p. 8), we think you will love them too! In “Ask the midwife” (p. 24) our expert Sarah gives out her professional advice and answers your questions to help put your mind at ease. If you are feeling sleep deprived and need some helpful tips on how to get that crucial shut eye then you may enjoy “Sleep! I miss you” (p. 34). Cybex release the much talked about and exclusive Priam (p.17) and if you are looking for the perfect family getaway but still enjoy certain luxuries when away from home then we have put together a selection of enchanted hotels and rental properties in our feature entitled “Grand Escapes” (p. 46).

We also show you how to put the Mmm back into Yummy Mummy in our “All things Fashion” feature (p. 36). As well as beauty ideas for all new mother’s (p. 50).

It would be lovely to hear your thoughts on our articles and features. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for weekly competitions, or to sign up for our weekly newsletter just visit our website.

Enjoy a well earned break and cup of tea. Happy Reading.

Natasha Natasha Hewett, Editor natasha@project-baby.co.uk

win a PacaPod Moab Changing Bag Price: £175.00 www.pacapod.com

Page

41

Webmaster Art Direction

Advertising with us: Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk Tel: 07514 852 648

General Enquiries: Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk

With many thanks to our contributors: Mini Rodini, Mary Ashton, Natasha Wiening Photography, Gambado, Diddi Dance, Maria from Eddie Catz, Kathryn Mewes, Annabel Karmel, Sarah Rose, La Chouette School & all our advertisers.

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, without the express permission of the editor. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The opinions expressed within Project Baby magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Project Baby is printed by Wyndeham Group.

www.project-baby.co.uk

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Welcome

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38 87

contents MORE

52. Celebrity Special Drew Barrymore’s 2 minute make-up tips for mums.

54. jewellery box Something beautiful for everyone, including a perfect selection for Mother’s Day.

56. Real Father Story Read to me Daddy.

58. Fitta mamma Everything you need to know about staying fit during your pregnancy.

60. Real mother Story I gave birth in an ambulance.

62. creating your dream nursery Release the inner designer in you.

67. Is Breast Always Best Our resident maternity expert Mary Ashton gives her opinions.

70. project baby’s beautiful boutique A selection of Winter clothing for all children.

74. late bloomers when baby’s speech is slow going.

77. weaning made easy Delicious weaning recipes from Annabel Karmel.

82. Chew on This Top teething toys we love.

84. Your Child at One Year Important milestones every baby should reach by their 1st birthday.

87. The Importance of Routine For a happy baby & a happier mum.

92. Clubs & Classes Find a club or class near you. project-baby.co.uk

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nano travel stroller A truly lightweight, compact folding travel stroller that offers an authentic Mountain Buggy experience - perfect for today’s busy, travelling modern families. www.mountainbuggy.com

10 Things

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Luxury Icandy Emilia Inspired by the beautiful actress, Emilia Fox, this East West Bag is the special edition from the collection.

Made in a stunning soft-touch leather with rose gold detail on the zips, buttons and hooks. www.icandyworld.com

YUYU Hot Water Bottle The range features 100% cashmere knitted covers sourced from the highlands of Inner Mongolia in cable or classic variations. www.yuyubottle.com

The Year I Met You Jasmine loves two things: her sister and her work. And when her work is taken away she has no idea who she is. Matt loves two things: his family and the booze. Without them, he hits rock bottom. One New Year’s Eve, two people’s paths collide.

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lifestyle

PAUL ANDREW Destiny Pumps A modern camouflage print covers these effortlessly stylish pumps from Paul Andrew. www.stylebop.com

Stokke Stroller Winter Kit Stokke Stroller Winter Kit is designed as the perfect outerwear for your stroller.

The insulated fabric together with the additional storm cover safeguards your child from harsh winter winds. Features genuine sheepskin rims. www.stokke.com

Charlie Crane Baby Rocker Levo Finally, a baby rocker that stands proudly in your living room! A must have from birth to 7 months. en.smallable.com

monica vinader jewellery Wear alone or mix and match your favourite pendants to create a uniquely beautiful necklace. www.monicavinader.com

JO MALONE COLOGNE A modern story of vanilla. The fragile vanilla orchid forms the perfect counterpoint to the oaky caramel-rich vanilla bourbon, spiced with star anise. Warm and enveloping. www.jomalone.co.uk

Hootle Infant Car Seat Growing from rear-facing hugger into that first forward facer for your little petal. Grows to the next level fitting front or rear vehicle seats, this combination seat lets your munchkin stay rearward facing all the way up to 13kg. www.cosatto.com

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lifestyle

Pregnancy Health Yoga - tara lee One of the country’s leading pregnancy yoga experts guides you step by step through each stage of pregnancy, labour and post-natal recovery - with a practical book plus a how-to DVD. Price: £12.99 www.yogamatters.com

Love Boo Luxury Mummy Spa Gift Set Aleva Naturals Newborn Baby Gift Set

A gorgeous gift set for mums and mums-to-be.

Contains everything she needs for a relaxing spa session in the luxury of her own home.

Price: £39.95 www.johnlewis.com

Blooming Lovely Necklace

The Aleva Naturals™ gift set is the perfect gift for any newborn baby. With natural ingredients to keep baby’s skin clean, soft and healthy.

I fell in love with this necklace from the moment I set eyes on it and its a fantastic present for any mum to be, baby shower gift, Mother’s Day or just because you love her. To be worn before or even after the birth of your little one.

Price: £29.99 www.vitalbaby.co.uk

Products for

bump Listen to your Bump

Summer Infant Digital Prenatal Listening System The clever device allows you and your partner to hear your baby’s heart beat, kicks and hiccups.

It includes two headsets so that both mother and father can enjoy fetal growth and developments.

Price: £22.95 www.preciouslittleone.com

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Price: £29.00 www.blooming-lovely-jewellery.co.uk

lifestyle

3 of the Best

Editors Choice

nursing bras

YUYU Hot Water Bottle 100% Cashmere cover with Mother of Pearl buttons.

Supplied with an ivory natural rubber bottle. Presented in a luxury gift box.

YUYU Bottle is the most special and beautiful NEW Gift for Her or Him. A unique and wonderful innovation on the traditional hot water bottle, YUYU Bottle is the world’s first luxury LONG hot water bottle.

Price: £159.00 www.yuyubottle.com

Products for

The Confetti Nursing Bra The Confetti Nursing Bra featuring a fun Swiss Dot pattern, lightweight, stretchy, wire-free and super comfy!

Price: £26.00 www.bravadodesigns.com

mum fast food bra/striped

iCandy Charlotte Round Satchel Changing Bag

The enforced section under and around the breasts offers extra support. Flexibility in the bra accommodates changing breast size, common during nursing.

This icandy bag is bag envy to all the yummy mummy’s at rhyme time. It is beautifully spacious with plenty of front pockets for easy access to money, phones, keys ect. It is complete with inside pockets and pocket slips helping keep items separate, saving time searching for the wipes and nappies. A bag that will turn heads.

Price: £40.00 www.boobdesign.com

Price: £180.00 www.icandyworld.com

Cybex Jeremy Scott Food Fight Carrier The ideal baby and toddler pleasurable sleeping. Unique “4 in 1” design with adjustable length. You can adapt to any season and it will last for years. The Bag is adjustable depending on the size of your child, from 7 months up to 2.5 years. With one sleeping bag you are prepared for all seasons over the year.

Price: £175.00 www.cybexbyjeremyscott.com

Bravado Bliss Nursing Bra The Bravado Bliss nursing bra is perfect for new mums who want a mix of an elegant shape and exceptional fit. Featuring Bravado’s Flexi-Fit support technology, it includes moulded foam cups and a low neckline.

Price: £34.00 www.johnlewis.com

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lifestyle

Editors Choice Special Edition Stokke Xplory True Black Now available in an exclusive special edition, True Black.

Inspired by the unique silhouette and innovation of the stroller itself, True Black makes the iconic design of the Stokke® Xplory® even more striking.

Contrasting textures of soft, matt textiles and shiny metal combine for a decidedly distinctive look.

Cybex cloud Q

No matter what your sense of style, classic, cool or rock ´n´ roll - True Black is truly you.

There isn’t much we can fault on the True Black Xplory. It is stylish and contemporary with a real eye catching design. It really is Buggy Envy at its best. It’s easy to steer with one hand and glides over the pavement with no worries. The hood is a good size but I do like hoods that are a little bigger so I can cover the little one. I wouldn’t be without this pram and I would recommend the Xplory to anyone looking to purchase a pram that is stylish and ticks all the boxes.

Price: £1,319.00 www.stokke.com

The CYBEX Cloud Q infant carrier creates a new level of protection and safety coupled with supreme comfort from birth up to 18 months or 13kg. Developed by doctors and midwives together with CYBEX safety experts, the Cloud Q can be adapted to have a flat lying angle inside a car to ensure that a young baby can be transported comfortably and safely - even on longer trips.

Price: £220.00 www.cybex-online.com

baby 3

Products for

of the Best

Stokke Step Bouncer

The new Stokke Steps bouncer features multiple recline seating positions and is ergonomically designed to support your newborn for added comfort.

Price: £149.00 www.stokke.com

Graco Duet Rocker Your little one will love to relax in this roomy Graco Duet Rocker, with soft fabrics, body support and super comfy seat pad. With two position recline for your baby’s comfort, the calming rocker transforms by flipping down the Rock Locks, into a stationary, two speed, vibrating seat for two ways to soothe your little one.

Price: £79.99 www.mothercare.com

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AngelCare Digital Video & Sound Monitor The world of parenting is just a little easier with the most versatile baby monitor by Angelcare. It combines a quality baby video and sound monitor with an under-themattress baby movement Sensor Pad.

Price: £169.99 www.angelcareuk.co.uk

lifestyle

3 of the Best

Animal Daysack Ladybird The LittleLife Animal Daysack is a great toddler bag for days out or even on holiday travelling. Parents can be assured they can keep their little one close with the parent safety strap included.

nursing bras

Price: £20.98 www.tesco.com

BabyDan Sleep n Safe Bed Guard The BabyDan Sleep n Safe Bed Guard is a compact folding bed guard, ideal for travelling or use at home..

Products for Your

Price: £27.99 www.safetots.co.uk

toddler

Wheelybug Bumble Bee Designed and manufactured with great attention to detail, the Wheely Bugs can travel in any direction or around and around for endless fun!

Price: £49.99 www.babycurls.co.uk

2-In-1 Potette Plus The perfect solution to have to hand while out and about - the Potette foldaway travel potty is quick and convenient to use by your potty training toddler whenever they need it.

Price: £14.99 www.mothercare.com

Easy Srolling mamas & papas armadillo flip stroller The Mamas & Papas Armadillo Flip is a forward and reverse facing pushchair which folds and opens in seconds, one handed, with the seat on in either direction.

It is lightweight at just 9kgs.

The Mamas and Papas Armadillo Flip is suitable from birth thanks to its lie flat seat and has a large basket, large seat and a big sun canopy.

Price: £399.00 www.mamasandpapas.com

Branching Out Picnic Tea Set This beautiful little set is made up of four porcelain plates and cups as well as four spoons, napkins, a teapot, a milk jug and a small blanket.

Price: £28.96 www.toysbymailorder.co.uk

Snow Fairy Dolls Pram The handmade Chatsworth Dolls Pram is a beautiful gift for any little girl and her dolls.

It comes in a high gloss finish with beautiful hand-painted fine line detail, chrome spoked wheels and fully adjustable hood.

Price: £400.00 www.silvercrossbaby.com

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EAMES

advertorial

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

PRIAM

the CYBEX PRIAM: an homage to EAMES

advert When researching timeless design, you quickly arrive at the work of Charles & Ray Eames. The California-based duo pioneered sleek, modern, minimal designs, creating an “Eames look” that is simultaneously playful and sophisticated. Working in the mid-20th Century, the pair left an indelible mark on architecture, furniture design, industrial When researching timeless design, you quickly design, graphics, arts and movie making.

“If arWhenfine researching timeless design, you quickly arrive at the workwork Charles & Ray Eames.

The Californiarive at the ofbeautiful,” Charles & Ray Eames.

The Calit’s not functional, it isofnot said based duo pioneered sleek, modern, designs, ifornia-based duo pioneered sleek,minimal modern, miniCharles. creating an “Eames look” is simultaneously mal designs, creating anthat “Eames look” that is simplayful and sophisticated. Working in the mid-20th

ultaneously playful and sophisticated. Working in Century,the the pair left an indelible mark on architecture, The PRIAMthe from CYBEX PLATINUM series mid-20th Century, pair graphics, left an indelible furniture design, industrialthe design, fine arts is an homagemark to Eames’ works, anotstroller that is exon architecture, furniture design, and movie making.

“If it’s functional, it isindustrial not design, graphics, fine arts and movie making. beautiful,” said Charles. quisitely modern and yet feels comfortable and fa-“If it’s not functional, it is not beautiful,” said miliar.

The PRIAM from the CYBEX PLATINUM series is an Charles. homage to Eames’ works, a stroller that is exquisitely

Uniquely among strollers, the PRIAM takes its inmodern and yet feels comfortable familiar.

The PRIAM from the CYBEX and PLATINUM series an homage to Eames’ a stroller that is exfluence fromishow we live today;works, its design cues Uniquely among strollers, the PRIAM takes its influence quisitely modern and yet feels comfortable and facome from the world ofliveinteriors, with specific from how we today; its design cues come fromrefthe miliar. world of interiors, with specific reference to Eames’ erence to Eames’ classic furniture. classic furniture.

Uniquely among strollers, the PRIAM takes its influence from how we live today; its design cues come from the world of interiors, with specific reference to Eames’ classic furniture.

Like all CYBEX products, only more so, the PRIAM reflects the tastes of stylish adults embarking on parenthood. The PRIAM sits contentedly among the elegant and contemporary, and speaks in the vernacular of interior design.

A functional pushchair that is also a design object on wheels, theproducts, PRIAM’s geniusso,istheto combine Like CYBEX only Like allall CYBEX products, only more so,more the PRIAM beautiful form with exceptional function. reflects thereflects tastes of stylish adults embarking on PRIAM the tastes of stylish adults embark- The parenthood.

The PRIAM sits contentedly among the ing on parenthood.

The PRIAM contentedly PRIAM is extremely sturdysitsand versatile yet inelegant speaks in the vernacular amongand thecontemporary, elegant and and contemporary, and speaks comparably of interior design. light. One frame fulfils three funcin the vernacular of interior design. tions, from baby’s first months up to early childA functional pushchair that is also a design object on A functional pushchair that isbe alsoused a design hood.

The PRIAM as aobject pram with a wheels, the PRIAM’s genius iscan to combine beautiful on wheels, the PRIAM’s genius is to combine form with exceptional function.

The PRIAM is extremely matching carrycot, as a travel system with one of beautiful form with exceptionallight. function.

The sturdy and versatile yet incomparably One frame the award-winning CYBEX infant car seats, and PRIAM extremely sturdy versatile fulfils threeisfunctions, from baby’sand first months upyet to incomparably light.

One frame funcearly childhood.

The PRIAM can be fulfils used that asthree a pram with later as a luxurious buggy, can be either forations, matching carrycot, asfirst a travel systemup with one ofchildfrom baby’s months to early ward or backward facing.

There areaswheels to suit the award-winning CYBEX car seats, and later hood.

The PRIAM caninfant be used as a pram with a surface: All-Terrain and Trekking. aevery luxurious buggy, thatLight, can be either forward or backward matching carrycot, as a travel system with one of facing. There are wheels to suit every surface: Light, For snow, ice and young siblings, the the award-winning CYBEX infant car seats, andPRIAM is All-Terrain and Trekking. For snow, ice and young later asthe a luxurious buggy, that be either equipped withis ski attachments and aforKid Board. siblings, PRIAM equipped with can ski attachments ward or Board. backward and a Kid

facing. There are wheels to suit every surface: Light, All-Terrain and Trekking.

For snow, ice and young siblings, the PRIAM is equipped with ski attachments and a Kid Board.

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pregnancy

HELP! I’m Having a Baby

By Mary Ashton, Our Resident Maternity Expert

A

re you expecting a baby and thinking about getting some help. Your friends all rave about whatever kind of help they had, Maternity Nurse, Night Nurse, Doula etc and you are so confused you don’t know what to do. Let me try and help break down the choices you have and how to find the perfect person for you.

For help immediately after you have your baby you have some different options:

Maternity Nurse A maternity nurse will work 24 hours a day generally 5 or 6 days a week. They will take a break in the day for a couple of hours so they can catch up on some sleep as they will be up in the night with the baby regardless of how you are feeding.

During the night if you are breast feeding the maternity nurse will be up in the night with you and help you to latch the baby on and make sure the feeding is going well. Then after the feed they will take

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the baby and resettle them allowing you to get back to bed quickly.

If you are bottle feeding the maternity nurse will get up and feed the baby and resettle them enabling you to get a good nights sleep.

A maternity nurse will be able to help you learn all the aspects of caring for your new baby, and give you much need reassurance and confidence when dealing with your new baby especially if it is your first.

Maternity nurses are self employed and responsible for their own tax and national

insurance so you will pay them a gross wage and not be liable to pay anything else. Depending on the maternity nurse's experience (less experienced maternity nurses can be referred to as a maternity nanny) you can expect to pay between £130-180 for a single baby, £180-220 for twins and £200+ for triplets. You may be recommended a maternity nurse from a friend or you may need to either advertise your job online on a website such as www.childcare.co.uk or www. nannyjob.co.uk or go through an agency who should be able to provide you with several CV's of maternity nurses who may be right for you.

pregnancy

The thought of having someone living in your house and being around for such a huge amount of time can be an intimidating so I would advise you to interview more than one nurse even if you think you have found the right person for you - meeting the wrong person can help you to sort out in your mind exactly what it is you are looking for.

My clients say that they knew very quickly after meeting me that I was the right maternity nurse for them.

Postnatal Doulas will come to your home after you have returned from hospital.

They will provide you with support and help with light housework. They charge between £10-20 pr hour plus mileage costs and they may have a minimum number of hours required per visit. For more information or to find a Doula got to www.doula.org.uk

Mother's Help A mother's help is usually unqualified but with some experience of looking after children (with siblings or through babysitting).

They will help, generally on a part-time basis, around the house with housework and may after time be able to take the children sole-charge. This kind of help may be beneficial if you are not having your first baby and just feel you need an extra pair of hands around the house. You can expect to pay around £150-300 net for 35+ hours a week. To find a mother's help use the website's above or contact a nanny agency.

Au Pair An au pair will help you to look after your older children but as a general rule should not be left in sole charge of children under

the age of two unless she has specific experience of this. This could be useful if you have older children and know what you are doing with your baby and just need some help with school runs and light housework. Au pairs live in your home and receive pocket money on average between £75 - 80 per week. They should be working no more than 30 hrs per week and this includes any babysitting.

Whilst with you your au pair should be attending a language school to improve their english. There are several au pair websites that will tell you all you need to know about getting an au pair but a good place to start would be www.bapaa. org.uk the British Au Pair Agencies Association website.

If you are looking for help with your impending arrival good luck and trust your instincts.

By Mary Ashton, Our Resident Maternity Nurse www.mary-ashton.com www.facebook.com/maryashton maternitynurse?fref=ts witter.com/MatNurseMary

Night Nurse/Night Nanny A night nurse will come to you from the beginning if you wish and can do between 1 and 6 nights a week depending on your needs. They will usually arrive between 9/10pm and leave around 7am this needs to be arranged with your specific night nurse and most will be flexible with their hours. Like maternity nurses, night nurses are also self employed so you will pay them a gross wage. Costs again depend of experience but you can expect to pay between £100-120 per night. The night nurse will look after the baby for you at night and help you to get the baby into a good and healthy sleeping/feeding routine at night. To find a night nurse use the same advice for finding a maternity nurse.

Doula You may have heard of the name before and thought what on earth is one of those.

Well there are two kinds of Doula, a birth doula and a postnatal doula. Birth Doulas charge between £350-1000 and for this you get 2 ante-natal visits, phone and email support, 4 weeks on call 24/7 for the birth, Labour and birth no time limit and 1/2 post natal visits that are 1-2 hours long.

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lifestyle

8

3 Changing Bags

Top

that wow

Parental

1

2

Look Bunny Find

PacaPod Moab Changing Bag The new Moab baby changing bag from PacaPodis is crafted with traditional heritage wool and oiled leather so you’ll be dying to go back to work to show it off as it will always leave you in control and turning heads.

Price: £175.00 www.pacapod.com

Jungle Leather Dad’s bag This beautiful butter-soft satchel from the OiOi Man range will please dads everywhere.

The rugged look and smell of real two-tone distressed leather inspire a world of Indiana Jones, so that dad won’t mind at all taking charge of baby when he’s out and about.

Price: £220.00 www.oioibaby.co.uk

Look Bunny

Find is the ultimate tool for discovering all the activities available to you and your children throughout the UK allowing you to make the most of your time.

3

Available on iPhone and Android, free This app suggests dinner recipes from a range of quick meals. Select by the type of dish you require or ingredients.

4

Baby Monitor & Alarm Available on iPhone and Android, £1.99 Use your smartphone as a baby monitor when you are in another room.

Available on iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 7 and Kindle, £2.49

This on trend changing bag is a must have, with a combination of 9 pockets so there is plenty of room to store your essentials when on the go.

Price: £130.00 www.mamasandpapas.com

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Available on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone 7, free

Dinner Spinner

iReward Chart

Cybex Priam Changing Bag

WebMD

This app tracks good behaviour of your children by the criteria you set up yourself, by awarding stars.

7

WebMD provides health information for your family.

It includes a symptom checker and a drugs and treatments guide.

Pregnancy for Men

My Pregnancy Today

Available on iPhone and Android, free

Available on iPhone and Android, free

5

Pregnancy for Men is a frank, factual and funny journey charting what men need to know, need to do, and need to avoid like the absolute plague when their partners are pregnant.

Nighty Night! HD Available on iPad, £1.49 A bedtime story app that lets infants put farm animals to bed and turn off the light. The short story creates an ambient atmosphere for bedtime.

This app enables you to track your pregnancy on its calendar and provides advice for each stage.

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lifestyle

5 Book Picks FOR MUM

How to fall in love - Cecelia Ahern She has just two weeks. Two weeks to teach him how to fall in love – with his own life. Adam Basil and Christine Rose are thrown together late one night, when Christine is crossing the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin.

Myth

Pregnant Women should Avoid Exercise REALITY: Actually, when a pregnant woman exercises, her fetus gets a beneficial workout, too. Research shows that the fetuses of pregnant women who are physically active have heart rates that are slower and more variable; both signs of cardiovascular health. The babies of exercisers have lower birth weights, and may even become more intelligent adults because of their bigger brains.

Fact v Fiction

Sex During Pregnancy

The two biggest misconceptions about sex during pregnancy are that sex is not safe and that women lose the desire to have sex. Here is what you need to know: • Sex is typically safe during all stages of a normal pregnancy. If you have a history of miscarriages, however, your doctor may advise you to avoid intercourse during the first three months.

• Your baby is well protected inside the womb and is not harmed by sexual intercourse.

• Although many women may feel less interested in sex, a woman’s desire for sex during pregnancy may actually increase during the second trimester.

• Sex can continue late into pregnancy with some adjustments and precautions.

Bridget Jones Mad about the Boy - Helen Fielding With her hotly anticipated third installment, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Fielding introduces us to a whole new enticing phase of Bridget’s life set in contemporary London, including the challenges of maintaining sex appeal as the years roll by.

Sense and Sensibility - Joanna Trollope Joanna Trollope’s much-anticipated contemporary reworking of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility launches The Austen Project and is already one of the most talked about books of the year.

How (Not) to Murder Your Mother - Stephanie Calman A witty, humorous and poignant take on the mother-daughter relationship by bestselling author Stephanie Calman. On her fractious relationship with her mother

How Not to be a Perfect Mother - Libby Purves A Project Baby favourite, this is the perfect present for any first-time mother in need of a survival guide to navigate the baby years. Purves shamelessly describes how to cut corners and the book is filled with down-to-earth tips and hilarious anecdotes.

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pregnancy

What to Expect from your

20 Week Scan If you are pregnant, your caregiver will probably order an ultrasound exam around the 20th week. What can you expect from your ultrasound?

R

eady for your big 20-week ultrasound? Ultrasounds are common procedures during pregnancy. It’s a non-invasive prenatal test used to ensure that Baby is developing properly, to check the baby’s estimated size and to see how the baby, placenta and umbilical cord are positioned. At the 20-week ultrasound, it’s also an opportunity to learn the baby’s sex... if Baby is willing to reveal that information to you.

The 20-week ultrasound is usually done with a special wand called a transducer that is used on the exterior of the belly. It allows the technician to “see” into the uterus. Earlier ultrasounds may be conducted with a “transvaginal probe” (To give you a hint what that’s like, they use a condom to sheath the probe before inserting it) because the baby is smaller.

What does the UltraSound Show?

Ultrasound technology has improved a lot since its advent. If Baby cooperates, you can see fingers, toes, spines and even a little face! Also, you may be able to see the baby’s anatomy. Make your intentions known about finding out the gender (whether you want to or don’t), so that the ultrasound tech knows not to spill the beans. If you don’t tell,

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then you might accidentally find out - or worse, you might not be able to find out at all.

The ultrasound works by sending high-frequency sound waves that are used to produce images of what’s inside you. You may not be able to recognise much of what you see, but the technician is trained to interpret the images.

On most sonograms, the image is grainy black and white. The transducer - the part of the machine they rub on your belly (wand) - is moved around almost constantly, and the baby is swimming around, too! (You wouldn’t be the first mama-to-be who thought she’s expecting not a human baby but an alien one.)

Ultrasound Cheat Sheet Spine Some moms think the baby’s tiny spine looks a lot like a string of pearls - lots of little tiny bones in a line. It reminds me of the spine of dinosaur skeletons you see in natural history museums.

Girl or boy?

Girl parts look like three lines, while a boy part often appears pretty much as you’d expect.

(Be sure not to confuse the umbilical cord and the penis.

You might get a surprise at birth if you try to interpret the scan on your own!)

Little face Waiting for the first glimpse of Baby’s face? The baby’s face will look a little spooky - like a skull mask - from certain angles. But it will seem super cute if you see your little one sucking his thumb in-utero!

pregnancy

More to Look For

Speak Up

Amniotic fluid will be one of the darker things on the scan, and the harder tissue - such as bone - will appear bright.

While you do need to let the technician concentrate on doing her job, not knowing what’s happening can be frustrating.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what you are seeing (or if you can’t see).

“For one of my ultrasounds in my first pregnancy, the ultrasound technician turned the screen away for the entire 30-minute process, did not talk to me and only printed out a picture at the end. I was too shy to say, ‘Can I see?’ Knowing what I do now, I would have no problem doing that. Speak up, talk to your technician,” said Brenda Mulligan, mother of two.

Preparing for the Ultrasound There really isn’t much to preparing for the ultrasound. Usually, the sonogram imaging specialists will ask you to have a full bladder (but then what pregnant woman doesn’t feel like she has a full bladder?). Depending on how long you have to sit in the waiting room, you may want to bring a bottle of water so that you can unload and refill while you wait so that you aren’t too uncomfortable.

Why does your bladder need to be full? When your bladder is full, it acts as a balloon, pushing the uterus up out of the pelvis a bit, which helps the tech visualize the baby, umbilical cord, amniotic sac, placenta and uterus.

The Sound of Silence The ultrasound technician will need to concentrate on finding the right images and measurements for the doctor. (They actually have specific shots they need to capture and annotate.) And depending on the tech, that could result in a lot of silence. “It was nerve wracking at first, while the technician was just measuring and not speaking. We were relieved when she told us everything was perfect. We were not uncomfortable at all, just very excited to see our baby growing,” said Jacqueline Alvarado of Kent.

What to Wear?

The technician will need to access your whole belly. Wear a loose fitting top that can be easily moved up and pants with enough give to be pulled down a bit. Also, do not wear a dress - or you will be in your skivvies for the exam.

There won’t be a second chance to find out everything you want to know about what you are seeing. If you don’t ask now, you probably won’t have a chance to ask later since techs see many patients every day and won’t be able to answer your questions. Feeling shy?

Enlist your partner or whoever goes with you to advocate on your behalf.

Note: Only a physician can diagnose the content of the ultrasound, and at many practices, he or she is the only one who is allowed to report your Baby’s gender.

So, don’t worry. Silence doesn’t signal something bad. Chances are, the tech is just concentrating.

Every Ultrasound is Different

Cold Goo for you

Even if you’ve had an ultrasound before, you should know that every ultrasound is different.

A variety of factors can influence the experience making it better or worse.

The wand used to administer the ultrasound is slathered with a gooey gel that allows the wand to easily glide over your skin. Unless they have a special warmer on hand, get ready for a quick shock - the gel is cold. It will remain on your belly throughout the ultrasound. But don’t worry, the ultrasound tech will likely clean off as much as possible after the exam, or at least give you the paper towels to do so.

“Your experience can be completely different depending on where the ultrasound takes place (an imaging department vs. at a doctor’s visit) and unfortunately, what kind of mood your ultrasound technician is in that day - how much they want to share with you on what they are seeing,” said Brenda.

Just relax. You will be reclining on a padded table or exam chair, the lights will be dimmed and it will be quiet. It’s a perfect environment for “meeting” your baby for the first time!

Q& A

Q. What is a show? Will I bleed?

A. Bloody show: this will be a small amount of blood and mucus.

This is a very good sign that the cervix has started to dilate. This is what we call the barrier in your cervix which helps prevent germs getting to the baby.

Q. I have very little control down below I only need to sneeze and I leak urine so how do I know my waters have gone and its not urine?

A. The difference is the smell. you will have a very sweet smell which will be inevitably different to the smell of urine.

Q. I am afraid of the pain, what would you suggest.

A. As a birth coach I suggest to all my clients they switch off from everything around them, this will give you nothing to concentrate on apart from your contractions and breathing.

A laboring woman is at her best and at ease most when she is not being questioned. Basically we say don't stimulate the neocortex of a laboring woman, this means in everyday life you are thinking, in labor you switch your thinking brain off, if you are then left, labor will be much much more manageable, the problem occurs when you are then asked a question, you then have to think and then realise the pain your experiencing.

Q. How will I know i’m in active labour?

A. Active labour is when your contractions are less than 5 minutes apart.

Established labour is when the contractions are less than 3 mins apart, this is when you need to go to hospital

By Deearnas Maternity

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pregnancy

Ask the

Midwife There are several suggestions that may help:

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? My baby is three weeks old and has been breast-fed since birth.

Our midwife Sarah says: Many mothers are concerned that their babies are not getting enough milk, for various reasons. When you know the signs to look for, you will be able to assess for yourself whether your baby is getting enough milk and you will most likely find that your baby is very healthy and is getting all the milk that s/he needs.

A baby who is breastfed and is receiving all the milk s/he needs will: • Have 6 – 8 wet nappies per day – the nappies should feel heavy with pale urine.

• Have soft bowel movements. The number of bowel movements can vary greatly – anywhere from several per day to one a week.

• Have at least 6 feeds in 24 hours. At three weeks, many babies feed every 2-3 hours, so this would equate to 8-12 feeds per day.

Each feed will last anywhere from 20-45 minutes.

• Grow! This can be demonstrated by weighing your baby regularly. By two weeks of age, your baby should have re-gained his/her birth weight and from this point, a healthy baby gains 150-200g per week. You can also tell that your baby is gaining weight by how clothes fit on your baby. As time passes, you should notice clothes getting tighter and larger sizes should be needed.

• Be alert when s/he is awake.

• Be settled between feeds (at least for some of the time).

• Have bright eyes.

• Have good muscle and skin tone.

When you feed, there should be no pain or discomfort in your breast or nipple. Your baby’s nose should be free so that s/he can breathe, with his/her chin tucked into your breast. You will see your baby sucking – there will be a rhythmic movement in the jaw. There may be some milk around your baby’s mouth, and sometimes your baby may bring up some milk after a feed. You may also hear your baby swallowing or gulping.

I am 11 weeks pregnant and feel like vomiting every day.

I can’t eat but I am hungry. What should I do?

Our midwife Sarah says: Morning sickness (which is sometimes more like “all day sickness”) is a very common concern in early pregnancy. It often goes by about 12 weeks of pregnancy, however some women continue to experience nausea and vomiting until 20 weeks.

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• Eat small, frequent meals. This ensures that your stomach does not become over-distended during each meal. Aim for at least 6 small meals (more like snacks) each day.

• Concentrate on carbohydrate-rich foods. While this is not recommended as a long-term eating plan, it is sometimes really helpful for morning sickness. Foods such as pasta, rice, dry crackers, toast, potato, pumpkin and fruit are often all that women can eat during this time. Eggs are also quite easy to eat. If meat and fish are the last foods you feel like eating, you are not alone. Some women like to replace the fish with a fish oil supplement, although even a fish oil supplement is often not well tolerated. Go with the flow and eat what your body asks for.

• Vitamin B6 can often help.

• Acupuncture can help.

• Ginger: either in a tea, tablet form or in cooking.

• Herbs and homeopathics – please see a naturopath or health food store.

• Rest • Fluids – rather than drinking large amounts at once, you might find it better to sip smaller amounts throughout the day.

The main aim is not to have your stomach too full or too empty. It does get better, so hang in there. For most women, the morning sickness passes by 12 weeks.

What sort of exercise can I do during pregnancy?

Our midwife Sarah says: Generally speaking any exercise that you were previously doing, is safe to continue to do during pregnancy. If you have not previously exercise, then swimming and walking wold be the safest forms of exercise. It is also possible to start a new regime with the assistance of a personal trainer or exercise physiologist who can guide you professionally through exercises.

Yoga or Pilates are also great for pregnancy and for preparing your body for labour and birth. Many of the postures that you will use during yoga or Pilates will be helpful for labour as well.

The only caution with exercise is that you avoid exercises that bring physical risk to you or your baby. These would include such exercises as boxing, SCUBA diving, tactile sports and martial arts.

Wayfarer

Any way you want it Wayfarer is the contemporary three-in-one lightweight travel system that’s designed for ultimate flexibility and all-out fun. It includes a carrycot, and adapts from lie flat pram to easyfold pushchair, with vibrant mix and match fabrics and ingenious accessories. Personalise it to suit you – whichever way you style it, it’s an instant classic.

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lifestyle

New Mama 10 Reasons 5 Myths Age Three is More Terrible Than Two

Top

It’s True! Scientists have found that parts of a woman’s brain, including those responsible for reasoning and planning, grow after childbirth, but here are some common misconceptions.

MYTH: When babies pull on their ears, it means they have an ear infection.

It’s normal for kids to tug on ears! They’re floppy, fun things to grab onto, and babies are very curious and interested in ears. If an ear hurts, the baby probably won’t want to tug on it.

MYTH: Breastfeeding mums have to eat a totally bland diet.

Sometimes nursing mums think they can only eat rice and pasta, no citrus or anything spicy. But babies actually get the flavours of foods their mum eats through her breast milk, and research shows that those flavours may help babies develop their palate.”

MYTH: Babies can be spoiled if held too much.

During those first few months, holding your baby and responding to his cries is helping him form a secure feeling about the world.

It’s common for parents to be so wrapped up in our babies that they forget to put them down, which can mean they learn not to be able to fall asleep alone or soothe themselves.

MYTH: A green or yellow runny nose means that your child has a sinus infection and needs antibiotics.

This is usually not true. A sinus infection is commonly defined as having a green or yellow runny nose that lasts for more than 1014 days without improvement.

Many other infections caused by viruses can also cause a green runny nose, but unlike a sinus infection, these infections will not respond to an antibiotic.

MYTH: Giving your infant cereal will help him to sleep through the night.

This is one of the most common.

When your child begins to sleep through the night has more to do with his development and having a good bedtime routine where he learns to fall asleep on his own, and not on how hungry or full he is. Remember that many children do not begin to sleep though the night until they are about 3-4 months old.

One for luck

MYTH: It is good to talk . “baby talk” to your baby

uage and Adults should always use the very best lang h day the vocabulary when talking to the baby, Eac bounds. baby’s understanding grows in leaps and

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Written by Amy Simmons

1. At two, they can barely talk. At three, they literally never shut up.

2. At two, they cry. At three, they throw temper tantrums so epic, you become convinced that they are possessed by the devil.

3. At two, they’re happy to eat anything you present to them. At three, they eat only three foods (usually consisting of a starch and processed cheese.)

4. At two, baths are a ten minute event, the result of which is a clean child. At three, baths take over an hour, and result in a drenched bathroom, sopping wet mummy and 16 used towels.

5. At two, they wear nappies that can be changed on your watch. At three, they’re potty trained and the world revolves around their bladders and bowels.

6. At two, they are distracted by a box of Gerber Puffs at the grocery store. At three, they want to dictate your entire food list.

7. At two, they let you dress them, looking innocent and adorable. At three, they insist on picking out their clothes, looking like pint sized versions of mental institution inhabitants.

8. At two, they don’t like to get dirty. At three, they thrive on it.

9. At two, you can do things for them, saving infinite amounts of time. At three, they must do everything by themselves, taking FOR-EVER. 10. At two, manipulation is the last thing on their minds. At three, they own you. And they know it.

lifestyle

Diono Dry Seat Waterproof Car and Pushchair Seat Protector

Sunshine Kids Super Mat Non-slip surfaces on the top and bottom prevent slipping and sliding of child safety seats. With handy front organiser pockets, it really is the ultimate undermat. Works with all infant carriers, car seats and booster seats.

Washable. ISOFIX compatible.

Dry Seat is softly padded, waterproof protection that keeps car seats and buggies dry. Whether it’s a wet swimsuit or a toilettraining ‘accident’, make travel more comfortable and stress free for everyone.

Price: £8.99 www.argos.co.uk

Price: £16.99 www.bizziebaby.co.uk

Ruby and Ginger Cosy Car Seat Cover The Cosy Car Seat Cover ensures that your little one is snug and protected whilst removing the risk of overheating. The elasticated 3+tog rated cover allows the safety harness to be fitted correctly offering maximum protection.

Price: £30.00 www.rubyandginger.co.uk

Doona Car Seat This fantastic Doona car seat converts from a group 0+ car seat into a compact stroller! Ideal for nipping out and about with baby meaning there is no need for a travel system frame in the boot of the car. The Doona is the next generation infant car seat that combines the highest standard in safety and a revolutionary integrated travel system that has already won multiple industry awards.

Price: 299.00 www.toysrus.co.uk

Run Mummy Run Phil&Teds Sub 4 Running Stroller The world’s fastest jogger... The power and freedom to walk, run or jog. This superior jogging stroller allows your child to be part of your training regime - brilliant! With superior features and state of the art technology, the sub 4™ jogger is in a league of its own.

Price: £699.00 www.philandteds.com

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health & fitness

Prenatal

yoga Be in the best possible shape for birth and beyond

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health & fitness

4. Easy Pose Meditation

Top

10Prenatal Yoga Positions 1. Dog Pose

Kneel in "table position," with knees under hips and arms beneath shoulders. Back is straight, head faces forward. Inhale and raise head and tailbone, letting your belly drop toward the floor. Curve your back in a swayback position. Eyes gaze upward. Take care not to overextend the neck or over arch the back.

Alternate between dog and the following cat pose several times, inhaling and exhaling deeply.

2. Cat Pose

Kneel in “table position,� with knees under hips and arms beneath shoulders. Back is straight, head faces forward. Exhale and drop head and tailbone. Arch your back, exhaling further. Tighten buttocks and abdominal muscles. Alternate between dog and cat several times, inhaling and exhaling deeply.

Benefits: - Strengthens and relaxes the lower back Increases suppleness along the spine - Improves circulation - Stretches muscles along the back, neck, and arms.

Sit in any comfortable position. 1.

Arms are by your sides or folded in lap, shoulders down and away from ears. Close your eyes, breathe deeply. 2. Inhale and exhale deeply as you repeat: Meditation: I become aware of the muscles that support me as I sit. 3. Exhale and scan your body, acknowledging those muscles and the good work they do. 4. Inhale and repeat silently. 5. Exhale, allowing those muscles to relax completely. Breathe deeply several times as you continue to relax and let go.

Benefits: - Relaxes the muscles Brings you back to the present moment - Slows the mind Reduces blood pressure and heart rate - Calms the entire being, promoting peace and serenity.

3. Easy Bridge Pose 1. Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor and close to your buttocks. 2. Arms are by your sides. 3. Start by pressing your lower back into the floor so that the tailbone lifts up and away from the floor. Gradually lift the lower back from the floor, one vertebra at a time, until you are resting on your middle or upper back. Buttocks should be lifted a few inches from the floor. Weight should not be on your shoulders and neck. 4. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and begin to slowly lower the back from the upper portion one vertebra at a time. Visualize the spine unrolling. Relax with the legs outstretched or hug the knees gently to the body.

Benefits: - Increases flexibility in the back and shoulders - Stretches and releases tension in the neck - Strengthens leg muscles. As long as comfort allows, women in the second trimester may also do this pose.

Note: When getting up from a back-lying position, turn to your left or right side first and gradually work up to a sitting or kneeling position. This avoids any straining or dizziness.

5. Modified Bellows Breath Exhale completely as you tuck chin and tailbone, round your back, and bend at the waist and knees.

Hands rest on thighs. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

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health & fitness

6. Sideways Swing 1. Sit on a mat with legs bent to the right of the body. If necessary, lean against a wall to support the back. 2. Inhale and raise arms up; interlace fingers over your head. Upper arms are alongside the ears.

3. Gently curve your body to the right as you exhale slowly. 4. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and breathe deeply. 5. Inhale and return to an upright position. Lower arms, rest, and breathe normally. 6. Move legs to the left side and repeat by curving to the left.

Benefits: - Tones and strengthens muscles along the sides of the body - Aids digestion Increases flexibility of the spine.

7. Firm Pose Sitting Position 1. Kneel on a mat with a cushion or folded blanket between your legs. You may need to lean forward slightly to avoid losing your balance. Tops of feet are flat against the floor, pointing straight back.

2. Supporting yourself with your hands, slowly and carefully lower your buttocks between your heels onto the cushion. 3. If you feel any discomfort, adjust the position of the feet or add more height to the cushion.

4. Hands may be placed behind you for support or may rest on thighs. Chest is lifted. Do not sit in Firm Pose if you have symptomatic (i.e., painful, throbbing) varicose veins.

9. Tension-Relieving Breathing Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms held in front of you, palms together at chest height.

Shoulders are down and away from the ears.

Open mouth and inhale as you stretch your arms to a T position. Lift your chin.

Benefits: - Opens the chest and lungs Relieves tension in the spine - Promotes a sense of well-being and fulfillment

8. Knee Rocking 1. Sit in a cross-legged position with your left leg on top. If necessary, lean against a wall to support your back (see Healthy Sitting).

2. Cradling the left leg with both arms, lift it toward your chest and abdomen as far you comfortably can. 3. Keeping your back straight, hold the leg as high and close to you as possible without straining. 4. Moving from the hip joint, gently rock the leg back and forth as though rocking a baby. 5. After rocking one leg several times, switch leg position and repeat with other leg.

Benefits: - Helps alleviate discomfort in the hip joints caused by your growing baby’s pressure on the nerves and joints in the hip area, buttocks, and thighs.

10. Hands-to-Wall Pose

1. Slowly bend the elbows so that gradually and with control, your upper body moves toward the wall as you slowly exhale.

2. Bring your face as close to the wall as you comfortably can.

The body remains straight. Do not bend at the waist or knees.

3. Hold for a few moments, breathing normally. 4. Inhale and slowly push away from the wall until your arms are straight and your body is erect. Lower your arms. Relax and breathe normally. Repeat 2 to 3 times.

Second part: 1. Stand erect with arms extended in front of you, palms against a wall. Place the body so you are at arm’s length from the wall, leaning at a slight angle.

2. Fingers of both hands point toward each other, touching but not overlapping. 3. Shoulders are relaxed, feet flat on the floor. Buttocks are tucked to prevent lower back from arching.

Benefits: This two-part pose tones and strengthens the muscles of the upper chest to better support enlarging breasts. It also strengthens the arms and wrists.

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advertorial

Step out in style on your next adventure Sporty, versatile and robust the iCandy Peach All-Terrain is a must for outgoing, active parents The action-packed iCandy Peach All-Terrain allows your new-born or toddler to join in with as much of your life as possible.

With on-the-go parents in mind, the designers at iCandy have created the ultimate versatile travel system with the use of three action-packed air-filled tyres that provide incredible terrain versatility. This is the pushchair for parents who want to show their child how to enjoy life to the maximum.

The sporty colour-ways provide a splash of neon, with the option of an electric yellow or vibrant coral to create the ultimate statement with your iCandy or even match it to your sport trainers. Modern sleek curves combined with soft touch sport fabrics and simplistic styling, with a variety of two striking colours: Toucan (Jet black with electric yellow piping) and Sneaker (Grey with vibrant coral piping).

• Understanding the needs of the modern day parent, the Peach All Terrain is suitable from birth. The carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping and comes with a padded mattress and washable liner.

• The Peach-All-Terrain is suitable

iCandy have engineered a great solution as postnatal life typically revolves around baby activities and clinic visits.

Studies show it’s still important to embrace the outdoors and exercise as it can relieve stress, improve stamina and essentially make you a happier parent.

The iCandy Peach All-Terrain offers functionality beyond measure, a compact one-hand fold for swift collapsing when on-the-go. Once folded, the PeachAll-Terrain boasts one of the smallest folds in the marketplace and can be freestanding to carry and store in the tightest of spaces.

The quick release, front swivel wheel ensures your child will experience the smoothest ride possible as you glide up and down pavements and along bumpy trails. The easy-lift, lie-flat carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping, making it perfect for adventures abroad. This pushchair system has all the manoeuvrability, functionality and style a new parent could wish for.

for use with the Maxi-Cosi Cabrio or Pebble and BeSafeiZiGo car seats.

• iCandy Price: £640.00

• View the Peach All-Terrain demonstration video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW 4XGlrSnVk&list=UUzzUEiRPUWy g8lD_11FeDIw

• Available in colours Sneaker and Toucan.

• Available now www.iCandyworld.com

• Optional solid wheels available.

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health & fitness

Pregnant? Stop oral infections from being transferred to your baby with these dental do´s

Take Care Hormonal changes increase your sensitivity to plaque, so reduce the buildup that can lead to gingivitis - the most common oral disease for expecting women - by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

Visit Go to your dentist every three months while you´re pregnant for a cleaning and make an appointment if your gums are red, swollen, bleeding, or uncomfortable, or if you notice any other changes in your mouth.

Rinse Swish your mouth with water after vomiting if you´re prone to morning sickness. It´ll help flush away the acids that can erode teeth.

Everyday Fitness It can be hard juggling your many tasks as a mum, but staying fit should never be a task that is put on the back burner. Use the following tips to make staying fit easier to work into your busy lifestyle.

1. Walk It Out -

While driving may be the quicker option in most situations, walking is the healthier option. If you’re running a quick errand, try to walk or even bike there instead of driving. Not only can you feel great about getting exercise, you are helping the environment at the same time.

2. Exercise with the Kids -

Find ways to include your children in your workouts. This is a great way to show your children that exercising is fun.

3. Sweep That Fat Away -

Cleaning is something that you will always have to do and is often an excuse busy mums use to get out of exercising.

However, you can turn your daily chores into a workout. Do your chores with more energy or turn on your favorite music and dance while you clean.

4. Canned Goods For Weight Lifting - No need to spend a ton of money buying weights, just use everyday household items. When you’re making cereal for your children do a few curls with that gallon of milk.

5. Get Fit in the Office - Workdays are full of opportunities to get active. Try taking the stairs instead of the lift, stretching at your desk and go outdoors for lunch. Not only are you taking the proper steps to live a healthier lifestyle, you are also giving yourself a much needed stress reliever while at work. Make those 8 hours count!

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Q

A

&

If I’m pregnant, can a yeast infection hurt my developing baby?

No, though you do need to see your health care professional for treatment. Also, some treatments currently on the market, such as Fluconazole (Diflucan), are not recommended during pregnancy. Be sure your health care professional and pharmacist are both aware that you are or may be pregnant.

My health care professional has prescribed antibiotics to treat an unrelated illness. What precautions should I take to avoid getting a yeast infection?

Use a preventive dose of yeast medication and eat yogurt.

health & fitness

5 Fitness Accessories FOR MUM & dad

The hottest trend to hit the UK is barre workouts. The latest, Bootybarre, has just arrived from LA.

Karrimor Roller 61cm Price: £29.99 www.sportsdirect.com

Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 2015 - Road Bike Price: £1,899.00 www.tredz.co.uk

USA Pro Yoga Ball Price: £6.99 www.sportsdirect.com

Eliza Stuart trained with Tracey Mallett, the founder of Bootybarre, and was hooked ever since. “I started ballet when I was 3 years old and always knew I would be a dancer, so I was excited to discover a workout where I could incorporate and share those skills. “Eliza has performed at the Royal Opera House and in the West End, and has always had a keen interest in fitness, also enjoying a career as a personal trainer. “After having 2 children I have a great sentimental touch when placing my hand back on that barre. My body was ok but I have a high expectation and I wanted the best! Bootybarre toned, sculpted and lifted parts I never knew I had. I have seen improvements in all my clients too, and It thrills me so much when I see their flexibility and posture improve and the definition in their upper and lower body.

What I love is that Bootybarre brings all the excitement of dance, ballet and uplifting music and takes away the boredom of your regular Pilates/yoga workouts.

It moves through the body targeting on one area at a time with a variety of exercises interspersed with highs of dynamic cardio burst. Posture and core all blend to carry me through the class with that dancers deportment.

The fluidity moves the class and time flies. Feeling sexy and strong this workout works for all ages and walks of life. You can’t help but leave the class with your head held high!

asics GELNIMBUS 16 Price: 130.00 www.asics.co.uk

Suunto M2 Watch Price: £64.99 www.sportsdirect.com

Start running with these high-tech cushioned trainer.

To find out more visit: www.thebootybarre.com project-baby.co.uk

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real life

Clever ways to get the sleep you need

Sleep, I miss you Oh baby! Motherhood is a little different from what you had in mind. Of course, you love your baby more than you could have ever imagined. But you haven’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks -- maybe months. And this sleep deprivation isn’t likely to let up anytime soon!

I

t’s not easy caring for your baby - not to mention the rest of your family - when you are sleep deprived. It’s also dangerous. Drowsy driving, such as driving your infant to the pediatrician when you have had little or no sleep, is responsible for thousands of crashes each year. And sleep loss can also increase a new mum’s risk of postpartum mood problems.

Sleep when your baby sleeps

Follow these expert tips for improving your sleep while bringing up baby.

Any experienced baby nurse will tell you that the key to staving off postpartum sleep deprivation is to sleep when your baby sleeps. If your baby takes a nap, put everything aside and take a nap too, everything can wait - except the baby.”

Talk about your sleep needs Do it early, before you bring baby home. Once you become pregnant, discuss your ability to handle sleep deprivation with your partner.

Just say no to added responsibility If you feel guilty about spending less time with your oldest child, you may want to volunteer to go on a trip with his class or take him for a special excursion to the museum. Think twice. Do not take on any extra responsibilities when you have a newborn at home.

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It is very tempting to try and do chores, wash dishes, do laundry and clean floors when your baby is asleep. But accept that your house is dirty and messy and go to sleep because once baby is up, you have to be up too.

Do not use this time to make phone calls or catch up on episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, 24, or other favorite shows that you have been recording.

I don’t care if you have piles of laundry all over the house - if you are too tired to drive your child to the pediatrician, you have a problem on your hands.

real life

Sleep Help Say yes to help Accept any help that you can get, many people are resistant, but whether it is a family member, friend, or babysitter, accept help, so you can get a few hours of sleep. People think of sleep as a luxury, but it is a medical requirement.

When you do get to nap, avoid television, radio, and looking at your clock so you don’t focus on how much time you have left, a cool, dark environment is also optimal for napping.

Don’t worry that you won’t hear your baby cry A baby is a natural alarm clock and mothers tend to be attuned to their baby’s crying. If you are concerned that you won’t hear your baby or if the nursery is far away from your bedroom, buy a monitor and keep it near you. Remember that your baby is safe, and if he cries for a few minutes before you hear him, he will be OK

Use a co-sleeper

russell the dream sheepdog Our adorable cuddly Russell® with sofly changing warm glow, gently lights up the room with a calming green and blue ‘colour therapy’ display.

Price: £34.99 www.sweetdreamers.co.uk

Keeping the baby close at hand throughout the night means that you can feed her without having to get out of bed. Keep baby in a bassinet or co-sleeper in your bedroom, right next to the bed, when baby is hungry, bring her into your bed. Breastfeed while lying on your side, and place baby back into the bassinet when you are finished - you don’t have to get up so you don’t fully awaken.

Separate rooms On the nights that I really want undisturbed slumber, my husband and son sleep in a separate room so I don’t hear them get up for feeding and changing. We also take turns sleeping in on the weekend.

Outsource tasks If your baby takes a bottle, ask your partner to take on some of the feedings. If you’re breastfeeding, consider pumping and giving someone else a turn to feed. Try to divide up all your household responsibilities as best you can.

snuzpod Nothing compares with being close to your baby. The award-winning SnüzPod Bedside Crib™ allows you to easily comfort, settle and feed your baby without having to leave your bed.

Price: £169.00 www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

Keep your eye on the prize One day, maybe tomorrow, maybe when your infant is 8 months she will sleep through the night. And so will you. Some babies sleep through the night earlier than others. If your baby is crying all night, talk to your pediatrician as there may be a medical reason, such as acid reflux or too much gas - that can be treated.

Don’t ignore the baby blues Sleep loss can lead to mood changes, and new moms are at risk for baby blues or the more serious postpartum depression. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to address them. Mood changes may be made worse by sleep deprivation.

Rule out underlying sleep disorders Short naps should revive you somewhat, but if you don’t feel like they do, see a professional as there may be an underlying sleep disorder that can be treated. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, pauses in breathing while you sleep, are very common among people who gain weight, and may develop due to the weight gain of pregnancy. A sleep study, in which you are monitored while asleep, can identify sleep apnea. Treatments are available.

ewan the dream sheep Ewan the dream sheep® emits soothing sounds at a low base frequency and a calming pink warm glow, helping settle babies and toddlers into a peaceful sleep.

Price: £29.99 www.sweetdreamers.co.uk

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style

Maternity Wear

for hot mums

Putting the Mmm back into Yummy Mummy

HOTmilk Maternity Nightfall Chemise Nightdress Price: £46.00 www.honeyslingerieboutique.com

Lorna Drew satin Nursing Bra and Brief Set Price: £58.00 www.lornadrew.com

Limited Edition piece Price: £45.00 www.bibeedresses.co.uk

A Bibee is an interchangeable Front that can be attached to any Bibee Dress or Bibee Tunic to create a different look each time. It not only looks good, but it makes breast-feeding a breeze.

HOTmilk Maternity Nursing Bra Price: £32.99 www.honeyslingerieboutique.com

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At Bibee Maternity, we keep real mums looking glam and feeling fab throughout pregnancy and early motherhood. www.bibeedresses.co.uk

Honeycomb Print V-Neck Bibee Sale Price: £22.50 www.bibeedresses.co.uk

PRODUCTS

for bump

We Love All Things Price: £195.00 www.sophiawebster.com

Emily strapless lace maternity dress The neutral lining elegantly flatters the daring black lace outer layer and the pretty fluted edges at the top and hem of the dress are simply gorgeous! The dress has flattering pleats at the bust and an empire line cut to flatter you throughout your pregnancy.

Price: £120.00 www.bumpaliciousmaternity.co.uk

Riko Flat Orchid leather sandal with black suede and sharp green patent zig-zag, aqua patent woven detail, black suede laces and a white rubber tread sole.

Price: £495.00 www.sophiawebster.com

Grace lace maternity evening dress The beautiful jet black floral lace drapes elegantly over a soft satin lining which feels and looks amazing to wear. The high round neckline works the sophisticated look and the see through sleeves add a real touch of glamour.

Lola Gem

Price: £95.00 www.bumpaliciousmaternity.co.uk

Black patent pump with multi gem toe and fluoro pink patent insole.

fashion

Aneeka Black patent pump with sunny lime leather and turquoise patent spot scallop back.

Price: £320.00 www.sophiawebster.com project-baby.co.uk

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style

Pregnant

&

ultra stylish Moschino Logo Large Scarf Price: £138.00 www.moschino.com

maternity tights, black nursing dress grace, charcoal

Price: £16.00 www.boobdesign.com

Price: £75.00 www.boobdesign.com

Birdie Patterned Maternity Dress Price: £31.00 www.seraphine.com

Black Maternity Down Jacket Price: £89.00 www.seraphine.com

fast food bra/ dotted, black/ white Price: £45.00 www.boobdesign.com

seamless brief/ dotted, black/ white Price: £20.00 www.boobdesign.com

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style

Coast Faria Flower Necklace Price: £25.00 www.coast-stores.com

ASOS Maternity Ridley Skinny Jean in Black with Over the Bump Waistband Price: £30.00 www.asos.com

Maternity & Nursing Blouse Price: £29.00

Maternity Skirt Price: £25.00

Maternity Tights Price: £6.00 www.vertbaudet.co.uk

nursing night cami, dot black Price: £49.99 www.boobdesign.com

Mother tights Price: £10.00 www.seraphine.com

isabella oliver double breasted coat

Leather Skinny Tie Belt

Price: £259.00 www.isabellaoliver.com

Price: £15.00 www.seraphine.com

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style

Reiss Andrea Felt Floppy Hat Price: £59.00 www.reiss.com

Michael Kors Darci MK2353 Leather Watch Price: £165.00 www.michaelkors.com

Navy Wool & Cashmere Maternity Coat Price: £149.00 www.seraphine.com

ASOS Maternity Wrap Skater Dress in Floral

ASOS Maternity Exclusive Dress with Double Layer and Metallic Skirt Price: £42.00 www.asos.com

Price: £28.00 www.asos.com

Navy Seraphine Tote Baby Changing Bag Price: £69.00 www.seraphine.com

support socks knee high, multi stripe Price: £15.00 www.boobdesign.com

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competitions

competition one

PacaPod Moab Changing Bag Moab is a head-turner and a cleverly crafted and modern satchel. Combining wool felt mix and black leather it’s the ultimate smart, casual blend – great with a weekday suit and weekend knit. Filled with our luxury, brains behind the brand 3-in1 baby organisation system.

Hidden inside is everything you need for your baby, toddler and beyond. All PacaPod’s come with two completely detachable feeding and changing ‘pods’ for storing baby and toddler feeding and changing items and keeping them hygienically separate.

The pods can be removed from the main bag, attached to any buggy, or dropped at nursery containing lunch or clothes, leaving plenty of space for a laptop, shopping or gym gear.

To bag this bag all you need to do is tell us who is strictly a fan of this Moab bag, you can find the answer on their website below - Hint (news cuttings) Email your answers to natasha@project-baby.co.uk. Best of Luck.

Price: £175.00 www.pacapod.com

competition two

Jungle Leather Dad’s Bag This beautiful butter-soft satchel from the OiOi Man range will please Dads everywhere. The rugged look and smell of real two-tone distressed leather inspire a world of Indiana Jones, so that Dad won’t mind at all taking charge of baby when he’s out and about.

To win this stunning but manly bag all you need to do is tell us the key features to this macho bag, you will find the answers on their website below, email them to natasha@project-baby.co.uk. Best of Luck Price: £220.00 www.oioibaby.co.uk

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style

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style

Conbining

Function & Fashion iCandy combines function and fashion to create contemporary luxury bags

Ex-Mulberry designer, Janet Collin, designs inaugural bag collection for iCandy pushchairs.

and iCandy, understand the importance for today’s modern women to express their individual style whilst adhering to the practicalities of being a mother.

The leading luxury pushchair brand are thrilled to present their inaugural bag collection from ex-Mulberry designer, Janet Collin. With a great gap in the market for practicality and style, Collin, part of the team who created the famous ‘Alexa’, now turns her hand to ensuring fashion savvy, stylish parents can be sophisticated on the go whilst carrying all a child’s necessities.

The collection will also consist of a special edition ‘The Emilia,’ exclusively designed for a charity close to iCandy’s heart, ‘The Lullaby Trust.’ £10 from every ‘Emilia’ sold will go towards specialist support for bereaved families and help to promote expert advice on safer baby sleep.

Beautifully designed, the special edition features rose gold detail on the zips,

Available nationwide, this exciting collection will consist of 14 functional versions of fashion favourites from leather totes, satchels and travel bags in a range of fresh colours in rich fabrics including burgundy, black, cream, biscuit, to name but a few.

Silver details, from the zips to the buttons and hooks, provide an elegant contrast to the relaxed leather or patent look. External zipped compartments and pouches allow on the go parents easy access to small items.

The interior presents deep compartments with generous space to fill with a child’s everyday needs and essential zipped and open pockets for quick ‘go-to’ grabs.

Understanding the needs of the modern day mother, the launch of iCandy’s bag collection marks the brands first major move into the fashion arena. Combining 80 years of experience within the nursery sector with impressive design and fashion credentials, both Janet, as a working mother in the fashion world,

buttons and hooks, adding to the finishing touch to whichever material chosen; patentPU or leather.

Janet Collin, iCandy’s Accessories Designer, speaks about how her own experiences gave her inspiration: “When I became a mother I remember how very frustrating it was to find a beautiful bag that looked fabulous yet didn’t work on a practical level when carrying nursery products around as well as my own belongings. As a designer you are always trying to improve your life by improving the products you use, and with our new collection of bags I feel we have really achieved that”.

• The launch for iCandy’s first bag collection will be available from summer 2014.

• The collection will be available directly at all iCandy retailers nationwide including John Lewis and Mothercare.

• The bags will retail from between £80 and £275.

• 5 styles included; o The lifestyle bag ‘The Charlie Bag’ o The zip tote ‘The Verity bag’ o The round satchel ‘The Charlotte’ o East West bag ‘The Emilia bag’ o The Pocket tote ‘The Nicola bag’

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The BabaSling Superstar limited edition the versatile hammoc-style sling can be worn 5 different positions.

Price: £44.00 www.thebabasling.com

luna leaf curv The beautiful swaying seat that makes a statement - thanks to its updated posh design with a twist (or should we say swirl) the LEAF CURV. Price: £170.00 www.nuna.eu

Baby Carrier Original Small, easy-to-use and perfect for your newborn. A few buckles and some simple adjustments allow you to carry your baby comfortably and securely.

Price: £51.99 www.babybjorn.co.uk

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the unique 3 in 1 Babymule changing bag

babasling Superstar

Price: £84.00 www.babymule.co.uk

lifestyle

advertorial

The NEW CLOUD Q: Infant travel re-defined A new level of safety, flexibility, luxury and style The CYBEX Cloud Q infant carrier creates a new level of protection and safety coupled with supreme comfort from birth up to 18 months or 13kg. Developed by doctors and midwives together with CYBEX safety experts, the Cloud Q can be adapted to have a flat lying angle inside a car to ensure that a young baby can be transported comfortably and safely - even on longer trips.

Outside the car, the Cloud Q can be adapted to have a completely horizontal position.

Incorporating a longer leg rest, it easily transforms into a practical and clever carry cot for the first months - encouraging the baby to sleep in an ergonomically correct position The angle can be adjusted easily with one hand without having to take the child out of the carrier, and the handle remains in the carrying position for easier mobility. The Cloud Q can also be combined with other-prams and buggies to form a travel system Cloud Q Autumn Gold (burnt red), Price: ÂŁ220.00 www.cybex-online.com

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travel

Grand Escapes family getaways IN THE uk

Holiday Rental at Oast House Chiddingly, East Sussex This is a “fairy tale” family house, set in the extensive grounds of Pekes Manor House. A wonderful house, which consists of two large (17ft diameter) round towers, that were originally used for drying hops for beer making during the late 19th century. The house also has a delightful “country style” kitchen, with green tiled floor and light oak fitted units either side. At one end stands a stripped pine dresser, which displays the china you use and in the centre is a magnificent light oak table that can seat 12. The house is up a driveway of about 350 yards, which makes it very peaceful and safe for children. Visitors have the use of part of the grounds including a large lawn area, with a badminton court. They also have shared use of the hard macadam style tennis court and exotic swimming pool.

www.groupaccommodation.com

Family Luxury at New Park Manor Hotel

Farwood Barton

Rippledown

Colyton, Devon

Deal, Kent

New Park Manor may be a grand and ancient building, but their attitude is modern and accommodating. Whether you are bringing babies and toddlers or an energetic tribe of older children, they make sure they are entertained and comfortable. One thing is for sure: they will never be bored. A holiday isn’t a holiday unless you are able to de-stress. That means taking some time to yourselves: they provide fabulous crèche facilities for the under-eights, and a listening service in your room, so you can dine like adults in our wonderful restaurant. With superb indoor and outdoor pools in our grounds, and nearby sailing schools and watersports at Calshott Activity Centre – there is plenty for the water babies.

Land-based fun is literally everywhere – from tree climbing and croquet in the grounds, horse-riding and bike riding in the local area and lovely family rambles throughout the New Forest.

Historic, secluded, courtyard setting, contemporary barn conversion, vaulted ceilings, beams, with stunning views of Coly Valley from every room.

Under floor heating and log burners. Tennis court, games barn, large lawn, patio, fishing in pond and river on farm. 15 minutes from heritage Jurassic Coast beaches.

Set in three acres of beautiful woodland and landscaped grounds this historic family house is ideally situated to explore the Kent Coast and Countryside. South East Kent also offers many visitors attractions for families with children and Rippledown is in close proximity to a number of Zoos, Farms and Parks..

www.newparkmanorhotel.co.uk

www.groupaccommodation.com

www.groupaccommodation.com

New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7QH

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travel

Walton Castle

Fowey Hall Hotel

Clevedon, Somerset With 8 bedrooms, 8 turrets, an indoor swimming pool, 4 acres of beautiful grounds, a stunning setting, entertainment suites, 2 function rooms, Walton Castle is just perfect for large and small family get togethers.

Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk

Longs Park Castle Trowbridge, Wiltshire There is an almost endless list of fun things to do during your stay at Walton Castle, only limited by your imagination.

Stunning self catering holiday house.

Impressive Grade 2 listed folly castle boasting most of its original features, sleeps 12 in the main castle and an extra 4 in the Clock House 50 feet away which is a completely self contained, ideal for an entire family.

With exclusive use on a self catering basis, the Castle is perfect for family gatherings, with its lounge to cosy up in front of the fire whilst reminiscing, or creating family meals in the beautiful octagonal fully fitted kitchen whilst the children play safely outside.

The Castle has a fully equipped children’s play area, and within walking distance, there are ruins, a large fishing lake, a paddock and some woodland.

www.groupaccommodation.com

www.groupaccommodation.com

The Ickworth Hotel Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk Welcome to this country house hotel, where luxury and family life go hand-in-hand. Climb trees, ride bikes and spot deer in 1,800 acres of parkland, then chill out with delectable cuisine, country views and child-friendly facilities on tap.

Just two hours from London, the Ickworth Hotel is enveloped in rolling Suffolk countryside.

Here you can sip champagne in the Italianate gardens, follow geo-caching clues around the estate, or free-wheel along the Grand Tour bicycle route. Once you’ve enjoyed a breath of fresh air, relax with the family in elegant hotel surroundings, or hunker down in a private apartment in The Lodge.

www.ickworthhotel.co.uk

A luxury family retreat overlooking the Fowey Estuary, it’s believed that the majestic Fowey Hall inspired Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows. Author Kenneth Grahame was certainly a frequent visitor to this former family mansion, and it’s the perfect location for messing about on the river like Ratty and his friends.

Once you’ve slung your fishing nets in the lobby and been greeted by Bramble the hotel dog, make yourself at home and enjoy the seamless fusion of luxury and family time. Despite the hotel’s grandeur and elegance, the patter of little feet is welcomed throughout – and the crèche, play areas, zip wire and games room ensure there’s plenty of child-friendly activity. However this is a sanctuary for grown-ups too, with opulent bedrooms, peaceful alcoves by roaring fires, spa treatments on tap and sumptuous Cornish cuisine served in the fine-dining restaurant. www.foweyhallhotel.co.uk

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travel

La Tania, France The charming little village is a modest, family-friendly gem of the Three Valleys. With excellent access to the world’s biggest linked ski area and beautiful views from attractive tree-lined runs leading into this laid-back settlement. www.sno.co.uk

Family

Ski Top Pick

Courchevel, France

Courchevel - stylish, chic, the place to be. This upmarket resort is an ideal family ski resort for younger children. The chalet hotel Dahu puts you in the middle of it all. 100 metres from the Croisette lift station and right on top of the shops, bars and restaurants, the location couldn’t be better.

The ski school is a couple of minutes walk away and the Forum Centre, with a bowling alley, skating rink, climbing wall, more shops and even more restaurants. www.sno.co.uk

Ylläs, Finland If you’re looking for an alternative to the tried and tested Alpine holiday, head to Ylläs in Finland. The gentle Arctic landscape is ideal for beginners, and the alternative activities, such as husky-sledding, reindeer sleigh rides and snowshoeing, will enchant young children. www.igluski.com g in the Chalet Nicole - Plagne 1800, Catered Chalet.

The car-free village of Saas-Fee in Valais is a perfect choice for young children and families - it’s a rural haven perfect for just strolling around and relaxing in. Saas Fee is also a great destination for those with older kids - it has two terrain parks, one, a truly world-class set up, with a huge half pipe and interesting features like a gondola roof job; the other, aimed at beginners with entry level jumps, rails and lines, near the nursery slopes. www.skisolutions.com

La Plagne, France A vast expanse of intermediate cruising runs spread out above the 10 villages that together make La Plagne, and the different characters of the bases make it an ideal destination for all types of families and children, from young tots to energetic teens. Most Brits stay in Belle Plagne (good for youngsters with a children’s playground for tots to learn in). Each village has good ski schools and its own nursery run or two, then there are endless intermediate slopes (225km of them) plus five terrain parks or boardercross courses to keep the more adventurous children and big kids entertained. www.skifamille.co.uk

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travel

Winter Travel Accessories

2

NO 01 W 5/ ON 1 SA 6 LE

Expedition Svalbard Baby Boot Padded baby boot with faux leather penguin patch. No taped seams, fleece lining, adjustable strap and elastic at top of shaft.

Price: £17.50 www.minirodini.com

Columbia Snuggly Bunny Bunting The down insulation is perfect for keeping your littlest ones snuggly warm throughout Winter and the water resistant fabric makes it ideal for skiing holidays.

Price: £45.00 www.littleskiers.co.uk

Barts Baby Nylon Mittens Lovely warm, well insulated mittens that will keep little hands toasty warm. Very easy to get on (and stay on) tiny hands.

Price: £13.99 www.littleskiers.co.uk

SAVE UP TO £810 PER FAMILY

with our Esprit Family Savers 13 TOP RESORTS in France, Austria and Italy H We focus 100% on caring for your children H Dedicated Esprit Nurseries H FREE evening Baby-Listening / Child Patrol Service H Strict child care ratios and procedures H Catered chalets & Chalet Hotels specially for families H Flights from 8 regional airports

trunki BoostApak

Price: £44.99 www.trunki.co.uk

Big savings and fun extras for Babies and Toddlers on our BAT Weeks!

B.A .T A D L B Y AN D S E R WEEK

B D TO

BoostApak is the best way to avoid hire charges when travelling abroad. It’s a hand luggageapproved backpack that doubles as a booster seat with plenty of space for toys and games.

H NEW Baby And Toddler Weeks

Call 01483 791 900 visit espritski.com project-baby.co.uk

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health & beauty

Health &

beauty Viktor & Rolf Bonbon

BONBON is composed of sparkling, effervescent mandarin and orange slices - crystalised into crackling pieces of caramel wrapping succulent fruit.

Price: £49.50 www.theperfumeshop.com

Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Foundation

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne The sensuality of a daring red dress. Ruby-rich juices of pomegranate, raspberry and plum are spiked with pink pepper and laced with Casablanca lily and spicy woods.

Dark and enigmatic.

Price: £82.00 www.jomalone.co.uk

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Foundation meets skincare. Bobbi’s revolutionary 2-in-1 foundation utilises Light Reflecting Technology to instantly give skin natural luminosity without traditional pearls..

Price: £33.00 www.bobbibrown.co.uk

health & beauty

Clarins Facial Cleansing Duo This Clarins cleansing routine for normal to dry skin is designed to leave your skin refreshed, soft and comfortable.

Bare Minerals Mascara

Price: £50.00 www.clarins.co.uk

Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder

Volume you can see. Power you can feel. The be-all, end-all, 10-in-1 volumising, lengthening, thickening, separating, long-wearing mascara has arrived. The exclusive ProTwist180 Wand is spiralled 180 degrees to curve around each lash and coat ALL angles with intense black colour.

Powered by nourishing minerals and quinoa protein complex for largerthan-life lashes.

Hoola is the No.1 selling Bronzer in the UK. Dust this soft bronze powder over your complexion for a healthy, natural looking “tan” year-round. No tanning bed necessary! Complete with soft, natural-bristle cheek brush. It’s pure colour - no sparkle and no shine!

Price: £23.50 www.uk.rituals.com

Price: £17.00 www.bareminerals.co.uk

Post Pregnancy Care

Bootcamp Boobs

Bootcamp Butts

www.beautybridge.com

Price: 45.00 www.fishpond.co.uk

Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer helps lift & firm boobs skin while reshaping the muscles beneath in only 4 minutes a day intensifying pecs & defining cleavage.

4 Minutes-a-day Exercise System to Reshape Your Butt Tighten Lift & Boost Muscles. Ideal both for personal use & as a gift.

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health & beauty

Drew

Barrymore’s 2 Minute Makeup Tips for Mums Interviewed and written by Mybaba www.mybaba.com

Drew Barrymore, mum to Olive and founder of FLOWER beauty, always looks so fresh, pretty, and confident, doesn’t she? What’s her secret? Drew shares her 2 minute makeup routine for new mums, what she loves (and hates!) about motherhood, her most embarrassing pregnancy moment (oh, how we can relate to her craving!), and the mom advice she most treasures.

What is your favorite thing about being a mum?

straight back to beating yourself up again for not being perfect (and then hopefully having a good laugh at yourself).

Being a mum makes me think so much about my reactions to things. With kids, your reactions to everything are so utterly important and it’s made me rethink other parts of my life as well.

In a nut shell, how you handle everything comes into the sharpest focus of your life when you become a parent.

Any embarrassing pregnancy or new mum moments?

What’s been the hardest thing about motherhood?

Guilt, guilt and more guilt. It’s never enough, being an overachiever doesn’t come close to cutting it. Worry, Worry, Worry. Wanting to make everything as perfect as you can for your kids, while trying to remember perfection probably doesn’t exist. Then, going

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I’m at Rite Aid, ordering a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone, and as I’m going animal on the cone, I look up and a paparazzi is taking a picture inside the store. I felt so humiliated in that moment, I just wanted to be a crazy pregnant woman eating her ice cream. Needless to say, I yelled at him, walked out of the Rite Aid with my head held high, and continued to eat that ice cream like nobody’s business.

health & beauty

What’s the one thing about motherhood you were never told prior to being a mum, but totally want to share?

A friend of mine said, “It’s their journey” and that sentence has really, really stayed with me. It’s not about you, it’s about making their journey the best that it can be.

For new mums who are short on sleep and time, do you have any every day recommendations for how to feel like themselves again?

I’ll try to do a workout DVD at home while Olive is napping every once in a while. It’s also good to start wearing more fitted clothes again because I don’t know about you, but I dressed like “Frumpy Mc. Frumpterton.”

Any tricks or shortcuts for new mums who have less time to get ready – if they could apply 2 or 3 things tops, what would you recommend?

I do these short videos called “Tip Tuesdays” on www.FlowerBeauty.com and I talk about my “Two Minute” makeup routine. It’s amazing what you can do in two minutes!

What’s in your makeup bag?

Our new FLOWER Glisten Up! Highlighter Chubby that is coming out in January. I put it on my cheekbone, brow bone, a tiny bit down the slope of my nose and a dab on the bow of my lips. It has literally changed the way I do makeup.

I love it and I can’t wait for people to try the new product.

What’s the one beauty item you can’t live without?

Concealer. I never leave home without it. I love our Skincognito Stick Foundation, or for something lighter, our Lighten Up! Illuminating Concealer click pen. They’re my go to!

What celeb do you most admire for her makeup (or makeup free!) style?

I like women who change up their styles. Whether it was Jane Fonda, Vintage Madonna, Scarlett Johansson — I like reinvention and women who keep you guessing.

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box

beauty

jewellery

Rose Gold Plated Intertwined Necklace This feminine necklace can be engraved with names, words of love or the romantic message of your choice to create a truly unique gift.

Price From: £89.00 www.mercimamanboutique.com

Personalised Calla Lily Necklace The Family Necklace was created as an alternative to the Duchess Necklace, as worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, for those with larger families. It has been seen on Autumn Phillips, wife of Peter Phillips - grandson of The Queen.

Price: £29.50 www.notonthehighstreet.com .

His & Hers Michael Kors Ladies’ Parker Chronograph Watch A stunning ladies Michael Kors watch in PVD rose plating, with a sparkling stone set bezel, mother of pearl dial and beautifully stone set hour markers. This watch also features date function, chronograph and the bracelet fastens with a push-button clasp.

Price: £185.00 www.watchshop.com

Michael Kors Men’s Lexington Chronograph Watch A striking Mens Michael Kors watch design made from stainless steel.

This smart and classic style watch has a blue dial which is set with bold silver baton hour markers, silver hands and date function. This model includes chronograph and is powered by a quality quartz movement.

Price: £160.00 www.watchshop.com

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The Family Necklace The Family Necklace was created as an alternative to the Duchess Necklace, as worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, for those with larger families.

It has been seen on Autumn Phillips, wife of Peter Phillips grandson of The Queen.

Price From: £89.00 www.mercimamanboutique.com

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real father story

daddy 75% of fathers don’t read to their children.

They don’t know what they’re missing, says Charlie Swinbourne.

Every family has a bedtime routine, and we are no different. At around 6.15pm every night, it begins. Our daughters have their bath, brush their teeth, get their pyjamas on, and then, usually after a number of protests and appeals, they finally agree to settle into bed ready for my wife and I to read them their stories.

Reading with them is really important to us.

Our daughters are four and two years old, and because they’re both into different books, we swap who we read to every night. Martha, four, is currently into Horrid Henry tales.

Meanwhile, Edie, two, loves The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Our evenings have been like this for nearly three years so, until recently, I thought reading to my girls every night was perfectly normal – that all dads do it. But it turns out I am in the minority, because according to Booktrust, only one in eight fathers reads with his children.

Its statistics show that in 25 per cent of cases, this is because fathers work late, and I must confess, the fact that I work from home makes my nightly commitment to telling tales a lot easier. But what about the other 75 per cent? Interviews showed that one of the main reasons some fathers don’t read with their kids is because they see reading as a female – the mother’s – domain. These findings are worrying, because fathers reading with their children has been proven to boost academic success, and leads to improved social and emotional wellbeing. Booktrust is running a campaign called Get Dads Reading as a result.

So what do I see as the benefits of reading with my kids? First, after all the playful chaos

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of the day, I find reading with my girls a special, calm time. Because I read with them one-to-one, it’s a rare occasion when they have my full focus, and I have theirs, without any of life’s distractions.

Stories also give my girls their first stepping stones to understanding the world outside our home. We learn about the human condition through stories, and it’s no less true for children. By stealth, stories place them in other people’s shoes, and help them empathise with others – even it’s just a frightened mouse trying to survive the attentions of the Gruffalo!

As well as teaching them about the wider world, reading to my children has taught them about me, and me about them. Through our nightly routine, I know what my girls find funny or sad. I find out what they don’t know and get the chance to explain words and concepts to them as we go along. You could say reading to them helps me see things through their eyes.

Because I’ve read with them, I find I can explain other areas of life more easily.

When I told them recently about a relative who is moving house to get more room, I only had to reference Julia Donaldson’s book A Squash And A Squeeze to help them understand.

There are so many good reasons for fathers to read with their children. For me, the biggest of all is that it’s made us closer. That’s something that can’t be bought – it comes from the time we spend day in, day out, travelling to magical worlds together.

reading

5 Book Picks

FOR your toddler Elmer’s Day

By David McKee

Elmer the patchwork elephant has a busy day ahead of him. He likes to have fun squirting himself with water and playing with his friends. He often stops for a chat, and when he is hungry he stops for lunch and some fresh juicy grass.

Price: £4.49 www.bookstart.org.uk

Momo and Snap Are Not Friends!

By Airlie Anderson Meet Momo the monkey and Snap the crocodile. They are not friends. Don’t you go thinking they are buddies because they are not. No sir. In fact, anything one can do, the other can do better.

Price: £12.88 www.abebooks.co.uk

The Boy who lost his Bumble

By Trudi Esberger A boy is fascinated by the bees in his garden, and is puzzled and saddened when they disappear one rainy day. What can have caused them to leave, and is there anything he can do to get his bumble back.

Price: £4.49 www.lovereading4kids.co.uk

Harold finds a voice

By Courtney Dicmas Harold is an amazing mimic, and can imitate the sound of everything in his home. Tired of repeating the same old noises, he yearns to find out what other voices there are in the big, wide world.

Price: £4.49 www.thebookpeople.co.uk

Roar: a big-mouthed book of noises

By Jonathan Litton and Fhiona Galloway Who’s the loudest animal in this fiercely fun book of noises? With colourful, concentric finger holes on every page, this sounds book with an exciting rhyming text introduces toddlers to animal sounds and makes learning come alive!

CozyGlo are the fun new, multifunctional nightlights for kids and babies.

Features include: • Thermometer • Stopwatch • Free standing and mains powered • Countdown light timer • Clock • Dimmer • Light alarm

www.cozyglo.co.uk

Price: £4.79 www.whsmith.co.uk

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health & fitness

as compressing the lumbar spine. If your upper back curves over in a bit of a slouch your pelvis can tilt back too far – resulting in your baby lying towards your back and putting pressure on your lower back.

Everything you need to know about staying fit during your pregnancy.

A

s your body changes, so does your wardrobe – but it’s not just about wearing clothes to accommodate your burgeoning bump and blooming boobs!

If you’re planning to keep fit during your pregnancy you’ll want clothes that make you feel good about exercising – there’s nothing more likely to keep you out of the gym or the yoga studio than drawstring trousers that fall down when you bend down or a baggy t-shirt that rides up when you stretch up! And if you’re hoping to keep on running, choose clothes that stop your bump from jiggling when you jog.

It’s hardly surprising that so many pregnant women tend to hold their backs, or their bump - or both! Whilst exercise, flat shoes and getting someone else to carry the shopping will help, if you’d like to ease the strain on a day to day basis,wearing a supportive top that cradles your bump and gently takes some of the weight onto your back without putting strain on your spine is a real boon.

For maximum mamma-to-be comfort and support, clothes that not only look good but make you feel good as well will encourage you to enjoy your pregnancy and stay active too.

The FittaMamma range has been designed for exercise but the level of support they provide for your bump makes the clothes a ‘wardrobe essential’ for all expectant mums, regardless of how active they are!

Need some good reasons to keep on keeping fit?

Regular exercise can help ease many of those pregnancy niggles such as backache and tiredness as well as building up your strength in preparation for labour and helping you recover more speedily afterwards. Pregnant mammas who exercise regularly are likely to sleep better whilst the natural endorphins will raise your mood levels, helping to combat the baby blues as well.

The latest NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommends at least 30 minutes per day of moderate intensity activity for all pregnant women, stating that women who exercised before pregnancy should be able to continue with no adverse effects. And the governments Change4Life campaign encourages pregnant women to exercise too – suggesting mums-to-be should aim to walk for at least 30 minutes every day.

And of course, mammas-to-be who exercise regularly find it easier to maintain a healthy weight gain, recover faster after the birth and shed any extra baby pounds more quickly.

How’s your back?

Lots of women suffer from niggling back ache during pregnancy, often combined with pain around your hips and pelvis as your joints soften.

Lower back pain is often caused by the pelvis tilting forward as the weight of the baby increases, straining the abdominal muscles as well

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The FittaMamma ‘High Support’ top works like a sports bra for the bump, perfect for women who want to continue with high impact exercise (such as running or gym workouts) during pregnancy and but also ideal to ease the strain if you’re suffering from back ache or SPD. Constructed to hold your bump securely the top has high elastane content with a firm, stretchy back panel designed to help with body posture and to lift the extra baby weight onto your upper back and shoulders where you’re naturally stronger. The wide waistband sits under your bump and around your hips and pelvis, providing extra comfort as your joints loosen.

Best of all, the top looks good too! Available in flattering jet black, raspberry pink or dove grey it smoothes your curves and will look fantastic throughout your pregnancy, regaining its shape to help support the inevitable ‘mummy tummy’ after the birth.

health & fitness

Tired legs?

For extra support and everyday comfort FittaMamma leggings have a unique waist panel that can either be rolled under your bump or pulled up snug right over the top to hold where you need it most.

Whilst the leggings are perfect for exercise and give you a stylish look for the gym they look just as good under a jumper and tucked into boots – you can even wear them under skirts or dresses to get the benefit of the support whatever your day to day style.

Described by a national newspaper testing panel as ‘the most comfortable maternity leggings ever’ they look just as good after your baby is born!

Stretch out!

Yoga and Pilates are recommended during pregnancy as an ideal way to exercise. You’ll enjoy a gentle workout, help alleviate stress and stretch out your body in preparation for the birth of your baby.

But there’s nothing worse than your bottoms falling down when you do your downward facing dog or your top riding up when you do tree pose! The FittaMamma Gentle Support top has a longer length to accommodate your bump and will stretch when you stretch out.

Available in lovely soft colours it looks good with jeans too!

‘We want women to look and feel good during their pregnancy,’ say FittaMamma. ‘Wearing clothes that support the bump encourages a feeling of security to make any activity more comfortable. Looking good helps you to feel positive about your body - and the extra support really helps with so many pregnancy niggles such as backache and tired legs.

Check out www.fittamamma.com - in addition to their full range of FittaMamma supportive exercise and leisurewear, the website is full of useful information about safe exercise in pregnancy, easy workouts, yoga poses and postpregnancy exercises too. Or call them on 01444 876900.

Keeping your core muscles strong will do much to ease back ache during pregnancy. These simple exercise will work your core, strengthen your back and are good for your pelvic floor too.

Abdominal hollowing on all-fours On your hands and knees, using a mat, make sure your hands are beneath your shoulders, your knees are hip-width apart and your back and neck are straight.

Breathe in deeply and let your chest expand.

As you exhale, draw your belly button in, sucking in your abs all the way around your middle, pulling up your pelvic floor and raising your back towards the ceiling. Allow your head to relax gently forward.

Hold for a couple of seconds, then release.

Make sure you don’t hollow your back as you return to the original position, it should remain in straight and firm. Repeat 15–20 times and do two sets.

Squeeze your Abs! You should avoid exercises that involve you lying on your back after 12 weeks but there’s no reason not to continue with a standing ab-squeezes as your pregnancy progresses – don’t worry squeezing your abs won’t affect your baby! Keeping your core strong will help will help alleviate back ache and lessen the risk of diastasis too.

Stand upright with your shoulders back.

Breathe in deeply and let your chest expand, then as you exhale draw your belly button in.

Have your hands by your sides or resting on your belly. The rest of your body should be still. Hold for a couple of seconds, then breathe in as you release. Repeat 15–20 times and do two sets.

When doing any activity when pregnant make sure you listen to your body and stop if you feel uncomfortable. Always consult your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns.

Pregnancy yoga to help back pain The child’s pose is one of our favourites as it takes the weight of the baby off your spine completely, releasing your spinal muscles and increasing the mobility of your pelvic joints. At the same time it releases tension in the hip joints and groin and can help circulation to the pelvic area. It’s also very comfortable and relaxing!

Start by kneeling on a folded blanket with your knees as wide apart as possible, feet turned inwards and following the curves of your buttocks.

Circle your shoulders loosely, relax your arms and let your chin drop down slightly to relax your neck.

Come forward slowly, moving from the hips, lengthening your back without bending your spine.

Place your palms on the floor with your arms straight and focus on lengthening your spine from the back of your neck towards your coccyx.

Go as far forward as you feel comfortable, stretching your arms out in front of you and, if you can do so without any strain, place your forehead on the floor. If you don’t feel comfortable going right to the floor, lean over a cushion or a bean bag.

For more exercises in pregnancy, yoga poses to help aches and pain and recipes and nutrition guidance as well visit www.fittamamma.com or email Deborah Hazeldean at: Deborah@fittamamma.com project-baby.co.uk

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real mother story

ambulance This birth was the culmination of five years of waiting, hoping, and desperate desire. We had been trying to conceive a second baby since our first was only a few months old. Through fertility drugs, inseminations, and several rounds of IVF, we battled on, determined. When we finally got a positive result, it took almost half the pregnancy, before we let ourselves believe it was real, and the excitement truly gained serious momentum.

On a Friday night in December of 2008, slight pains woke me from my sleep. I waited a moment, but these were familiar, they never led anywhere, so I settled back to sleep. The next day they continued, and in the back of my mind, I made a note to keep an eye on them, but nothing obvious was going on.

My 5-year-old son, Finn, was going to see The Wiggles in concert, and had looked forward to it for months, so I was hoping nothing would happen to ruin that for him. I asked my sister to come and stay with me whilst Finn and his Dad headed off to the concert. She and I had a lovely afternoon. We giggled at silly TV shows and ate some good nibbles. As the afternoon wore on, the pains became more pronounced, but they were irregular, so I was not sure whether this was something real or not. Finn had been induced, so I had no experience with a spontaneous labor. These were sometimes fifteen, sometimes twenty minutes or more apart, completely unpredictable, though definitely hurting more than they had been upon waking that morning.

At 6pm, I sent my sister home, and as the boys arrived home thirty minutes later, I had a show.

Now I knew, this was certainly something, and I said so to Josh. I called the hospital, and told them that it took us an hour to drive in, and asked at what point should we leave?

The nurse advised when the contractions were eight minutes apart. Mine were still twenty minutes or so apart, but I called my Mum and asked her to head over to mind Finn. She is also an hour from us, in the other direction.

In the next thirty minutes, things suddenly took off at breakneck pace. As though aware big brother had seen his precious Wiggles and the go ahead was given, baby was on it’s way – and fast. I went from cringing through contrac-

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tions that were twenty minutes apart, to toe curling and groaning through contractions that were suddenly only seven minutes apart. There was no way that Mum was going to arrive in time, so I called my best friend, who dropped everything and came - in her pajamas, with her 6 week old baby no less – to sit with Finn until Mum got there. When we left home, the contractions were only five and a half minutes apart and they were breathtakingly painful.

In the car, I was bracing my feet against the door and screaming through each contraction.

Josh was driving faster than he ought to have been in absolute driving rain, and we were both beginning to panic. Only twenty minutes into the drive, I felt the urge to push and shrieked at Josh that he needed to call an ambulance. Josh called 000 and pulled into a roadhouse petrol station. With each contraction I wailed, and the 000 operator would make Josh check to see if the baby’s head was emerging. The operator asked him to make sure there was something warm ready to wrap the baby in, should it be born before the ambulance arrived. The look on Josh’s face was pure terror, panic, anxiety and stress. I will never forget it. I was being told to breathe through the contractions and I felt my waters break.

I was told it was okay to push, but it was not something I could have helped anyway. The urge was so strong, and my body was operating on autopilot. It knew exactly what to do; it was my mind that had gone into a panic. Eventually, I heard Josh shout, “I can see the ambulance lights, they’re coming!” I was saying: “I can’t do this, it hurts too much!” repeatedly through tears. At this point, the contractions were roughly two minutes apart.

Once in the ambulance, I was given gas, and although it didn’t really detract from the pain, it gave me a focus during each contraction.

The paramedic was telling me to pant, I was screaming that I couldn’t, I had to push. He didn’t bat an eyelid at how vocal I was, but I am sure I must have been rather distracting for the driver!

I just kept yelling and moaning through the pains and pushing, because I had no choice, I had to push, it was overwhelming. I’m sure the ambulance officers thought I was such a weakling but oh my, it hurt! I heard the paramedic that was in the back with me say to the driver “pull in here at emergency,” and I thought he meant pull over because the baby was coming, because I could feel the burning and change in the feel of the pain and knew it was about to happen. What he actually was saying was that we had reached the hospital and were pulling into the emergency department!

Right as we pulled in, the baby came sliding out into the paramedics waiting hands.

We stopped and I lay there, wanting to know where Josh was, hoping he was right behind but he had not been able to keep up with the ambulance. I didn’t see him for another twenty minutes.

real mother story

Products We Love

Dream Genii Pregnancy Support Pillow Designed to provide support in the second and third trimester of your pregnancy, and can help you get a comfortable night’s sleep by offering support for your back, tummy and knees.

Price: £39.99 www.nctshop.co.uk

Elle TENS Machine The Ultimate Digital Obstetric TENS uses the latest Opti-Max technology. This easy-to-use TENS offers maximum pain relief during labour and beyond.

The cord was cut and the baby cried almost immediately and was put on my chest. I vaguely remember asking if she was a girl and being told she was. I lay there half out of it, saying silly things like, “I cant believe I just did that. Doesn’t this only happen on TV?!” I don’t think anyone even answered me; I was just so overwhelmed and shocked. I started to shake.

I was wheeled in to a labor ward and baby and I were tagged. I soon delivered the placenta, and was checked for any tearing or problems, but everything was fine. Josh arrived at last, and was able to meet his lovely daughter. A magical moment between Dad and daughter – they now shared a birthday.

Josh said he had passed the paramedics as he came in and he knew from their bouncing step and beaming faces that she had arrived on route. He wasn’t upset at having missed her arrival, he was grateful I think, that we had made the right call and gotten them in.

Too close for comfort that he almost had to do it himself.

We named our little girl Rory-Jane Ellen. She weighed 7lb 5oz and fed like a champion, so

we were able to leave the hospital less than 24 hours later. It took some time for the shock to wear off for both Josh and I, and the reality to sink in as our brains caught up with the events of the previous few hours.

Price: £69.95 www.nctshop.co.uk

Once home, we settled in quickly. Finn was besotted, and remains so to this day. He spoke to her daily, fell in love with her instantly. The moment my babies met – siblings – remains one of my highest held, treasured memories. The generosity, and new side I see in him as a big brother, and the way she adores and worships him, is beautiful, every single day. It took a while for me to believe Rory-Jane was truly here. So much fighting, so much stubborn determination, and it was an amazing high.

I sent an SMS to Josh when I woke up the day after she was born that said “I had forgotten how good this is...” – it was better than I remembered, hoped or dreamed. She was worth every single second of that infertility hell, without a doubt.

Womama Organic Birthing Wrap Every pregnant woman deserves a little black dress to birth in! The Womama Birthing Wrap is the only clothing designed specifically for labour and birth, allowing you to feel comfortable and feminine on your special day.

Price: £55.00 www.nctshop.co.uk project-baby.co.uk

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interiors

jaffy house bunk bed A truly unique bunk bed. Made from high quality woods, the Jaffy bunk bed will provide hours of play while creating fond childhood memories. The detail to attention cannot be missed in the play inspired bunk bed.

Creating Your Dream

Price: £5,280.00 www.punkinpatch.co.uk

Price: £2,870.00 www.custardandcrumble.co.uk

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Celebrate the birth of a new baby with this beautiful personalised wooden elephant clock engraved with baby’s name, birth date and weight.

Price: £34.99 www.notonthehighstreet.com

NURSERY

Orpheus Round Cot This Orpheus round cot has all the elegance and sophistication of a four-poster bed and blends superb design with unbeatable safety features.

A stunning centrepiece in any nursery

Personalised New Baby Elephant Flower Clock

interiors

Orpheus Armoire

Chaise Longue This glamorous chaise longue will have them beaming with pride (and perhaps playing at ‘Princess’ a little more often!)

This Orpheus armoire is the perfect storage solution for your baby’s room. The two open shelves house four medium-sized Eos boxes (part of the Bambizi range) which provide the ideal home for soft blankets and towels. The roomy interior offers versatile storage space, featuring a chrome-plated hanging rail and a base shelf for shoes and toys.

Price: £2,200.00 www.custardandcrumble.co.uk

Price: £233.00 www.aspace.co.uk

babystyle bordeaux 4pc roomset The BabyStyle Bordeaux set is beautifully sleek giving a sturdy modern enrichment to a timeless style. The soft close doors and designer handles promote elegance to a tranquil environment. This unique set will add taste and sophistication to your nursery interior. Package includes: CotBed, Dresser, Wardrobe, Shelf, Sprung Cot Bed Mattress and Home Delivery.

Price: £899.00 www.babybabyonline.co.uk

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interiors

Hestia Cot Bed This magical cot is hand-crafted from solid wood and laminated birch and finished in a durable child-safe white lacquer. A truely stunning cot with beautifully shaped feet and elegant turned spheres adorning each tapered post.

Price: £2,250.00 www.custardandcrumble.co.uk

Mobile Library This shelf unit is designed especially for arranging books or comic books facing outwards so they’re easier to find.

Price: £64.00 www.vertbaudet.co.uk

16 Butterfly Decorations These different butterflies will look great in your little childs room!

Moon crib Handmade from recycled wooden palette with cutout stars. You’ll be able to lay your hands on your very own moon crib from February. An investment piece for sure!.

Price from: £900.00 www.cremeanglaise. bigcartel.com

Ceiling Lampshade Clouds and little cars create a circle around this adorable lampshade to diffuse soft lighting in your little ones’ room.

Price: £22.00 www.vertbaudet.co.uk

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Price: £13.00 www.laredoute.co.uk

interiors

Palais Rocking Chair Palais rocking chair is as comfy as it is stylish.

With its classic lines soft durable upholstery and handmade rocking base, makes this the perfect nest for nighttime feeds and afternoon stories alike.

Price: £3,400.00 www.bambizi.co.uk

Anne-Claire Petit Mama Teddy This charming series of crocheted soft-toys is designed by AnneClaire Petit whose interest in handicrafts and love of traditional craftsmanship has grown over years. Most of the detailed work is hand-crocheted by women living in countryside villages of Northern China..

Joseph princess carriage Bed Young girls will feel like a real Princess going to sleep in this delightful Princess Carriage Bed by Joseph. In pretty pastel pink and lilac with a beautiful carriage design. The large wheels raising the bed give you a more authentic design. Your daughter will feel like a Royalty climbing through the carriage door via the cute little ladder.

Price: £299.00 www.expressbedz.co.uk

Price: £141.00 www.amara.com

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advertorial

keeping them close Unborn babies enjoy the ultimate luxury – twenty hours of sleep a day! Cocooned in our stomachs they are comforted by the sounds of our heartbeat, gurgles of our tummies and the soft tones of our voices. They are fed constantly, and so naturally they sleep a lot. Don’t we all curl up on the sofa for an afternoon nap after Sunday lunch!?

O

ur babies are so used to us by the time they are born, that being separated from us comes as a big shock. The first three months of a baby’s life are now often referred to as the ‘fourth trimester’, and understandably it’s a period when babies want to be especially close to their parents, and parents want to keep them close too. It’s no surprise that infant co-sleeping was the absolute norm all over the world until Western society started separating newborns by putting them in their own cribs or rooms to sleep.

Keeping a newborn baby close is instinctive to most mothers, and many fret at the thought of trying to put their baby down to sleep alone. Of course, we are now more aware of the potential dangers of bed sharing, but it’s not always as clear-cut when you are suffering from lack of sleep and baby won’t settle anywhere except by your side.

For many parents it is a real dilemma, in fact a recent survey by organic brand The Little Green Sheep discovered that over ¾ of parents had shared a bed with their baby, but 60% had worried about it.

Moses basket or bedsharing are no longer the only choices, finally there is a solution for new parents who want to keep their baby close. In the past two years there has been a surge in Bedside Cribs that attach to the bed to give babies a separate space to sleep in that is still right next to mum. They last longer than Moses Baskets too, perfect for the first six months when you’ll be feeding through the night.

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Fi Star-Stone from childcare website; Childcare is Fun and author of The Baby Bedtime Book comments:

bonding. I believe these are far safer than having your baby in bed with you, yet still allow you to enjoy the benefits of co-sleeping.’

‘Through my parenting advice service, I’m finding that more and more parents wanting to co-sleep but have worries about doing so.

The Little Green Sheep’s SnüzPod 3 in 1 Bedside Crib can also be used as a standalone crib, and the rocking bassinet can even be detached and moved around the house. SnüzPod is £179 from www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

For parents who are worried about the risks of co-sleeping but still want to be close to their baby, bedside cribs offer the benefits of co-sleeping while providing a safe, separate sleeping environment for one or two babies that is only an arm’s reach away for comforting, feeding and

real life

Is Breast Always Best

By Mary Ashton, Our Resident Maternity Expert

If you’ve just started breastfeeding, you’re doing the right thing for you and your baby. But if breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally at first, don’t worry. Plenty of new mums and babies have to practise and persevere until they get the hang of it.

Is it true that breast is best?

Y

es, breast milk is the best food for your baby. It’s the healthiest way to feed her. Breast milk is a complete food. It contains at least 400 nutrients, as well as hormones and disease-fighting compounds, that aren’t present in formula milk. Its nutritional make-up even adjusts to your baby’s needs as she grows (Inch 2006).

Feeding your baby only breast milk for up to six months (exclusive breastfeeding) is particularly good for her. It can improve your baby’s cognitive development (Iacovou and Sevilla-Sanz 2010, Kramer et al 2008). So being breastfed could even make her more intelligent.

Babies who are exclusively breastfed from birth are also much less likely to be ill in their first year of life (Kramer and Kakuma 2012, Ladomenou et al 2010). Being breastfed may help your baby to fend off illnesses such as: Gastroenteritis Pneumonia and bronchiolitis Ear infections (Ip et al 2007, Kramer and Kakuma 2012, Quigley et al 2007, Unicef and DH 2010)

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real life

We can’t say that exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of children ever developing eczema (Flohr et al 2011, Kramer and Kakuma 2012, NHS Choices 2011). But babies who are breastfed for any period of time do tend to have lower rates of severe eczema than babies who were always formula-fed (Flohr et al 2011). It’s also possible that breast feeding delays when your child first develops eczema (Greer et al 2008).

Breastfeeding helps to build a special bond between you and your baby. And in the long-term, breastfeeding may help your baby to stay healthy. Studies have shown that adults who were breastfed as babies, when compared with those who were formula-fed: Had lower blood pressure, Had lower cholesterol levels, Were less likely to become obese, Were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes (Horta et al 2007, Robinson and Fall 2012).

Breastfeeding is good for you, too, and may help you to lose weight (Unicef and DH 2010). In the long term, it also helps to: lower your risk of breast cancer, protect against ovarian cancer before the menopause, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Ip et al 2007)

How long will I be breastfeeding for?

The Department of Health recommends that your baby has only breast milk for the first six months of her life. It also recommends that you carry on breastfeeding after your baby has started on solid foods, until the end of her first year and beyond, if you’d like to (WHO 2002, Unicef and DH 2010).

Continuing to breastfeed while introducing solid foods to your baby may benefit her immune system. She may also be less likely to develop health conditions such as coeliac disease (Henriksson et al 2013) and type 1 diabetes (Agostoni et al 2008).

Most mums aim to breastfeed for between three months and 12 months, and some choose to breastfeed beyond the first year (extended breastfeeding). A lot depends on your individual circumstances and how you feel about it.

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How can I prepare for breastfeeding?

Staying healthy is as much as you can do to prepare your body for breastfeeding.

But learning as much as you can about breastfeeding before your baby is born will help you when the time comes.

Read how to prepare for breastfeeding, and encourage your partner to learn about it too, so he’s ready to support you.

How do I start breastfeeding?

Feeds can take anything from five minutes to 40 minutes, so find a comfortable place before you start. In the early days of breastfeeding, when you're still trying to get the hang of it, creating the right atmosphere is important. If you're easily distracted by noise, find somewhere quiet. If you tend to get bored, you may want to feed with the radio or television on, but only if breastfeeding is going well. Try different spots until you find what works for you.

Hold your baby in a position that won't make your arms and back ache. Have cushions or pillows nearby to support you or your baby.

Laid-back breastfeeding involves lying on your back, so that your baby can rest on your body, while your hands are free to support her. Or try the cradle hold, which means cradling your baby across your chest, raised up on a cushion or pillow. It depends on what's most comfortable for you.

Get yourself and your baby in a relaxed position before you start feeding. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. She should take in a big mouthful of breast tissue.

If you have large breasts, you may find it more comfortable to lie on your side while feeding, or you may want to try holding your baby under your arm in a rugby ball position.

If latching on hurts, break the suction by gently inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple, and try again.

Once your baby latches on properly, she'll be able to do the rest.

How easy is breastfeeding?

Though some women take to breastfeeding easily, many new mums find it hard to get going. So if you're feeling discouraged, you're not alone. Talk to your community midwife, or ask to be referred to a breastfeeding specialist, if you're having problems. She can watch you feed your

baby, and suggest ways to make it easier.

The National Childbirth Trust, La Leche League and The Breastfeeding Network can put you in touch with skilled supporters.

Breastfeeding takes practise, and is a skill that you and your baby will be learning from scratch. Give yourself as much time as you need to get it down to a fine art. Take it a day, a week, or even just one feed, at a time.

If you're having a bad feeding day, tell yourself that tomorrow will be better, and that any problems you are having are likely to pass. By the time of your postnatal check, you'll probably be breastfeeding without giving it a second thought. If not, ask for support.

Can I breastfeed in public?

You may feel shy about breastfeeding in front of other people. But you have the right to breastfeed in public places in England, Scotland and Wales (MA 2012a). The rules differ slightly in Northern Ireland (NCT 2010), but you have some protection under the Sex Discrimination Act.

You may feel comfortable about breastfeeding in front of others.

However if you feel self-conscious, there are tops that allow you to breastfeed discreetly. Shirts that you have to unbutton will make you feel exposed as you feed, and buttons are fiddly to deal with. Stretchy tops you can pull up work well.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, drape a scarf, muslin or blanket over your shoulder and chest while you feed. This will give you and your baby privacy. Make sure your baby can breathe easily, though.

Some larger shops have mum-and-baby rooms where you can sit comfortably and feed, and local councils also provide information about where you are welcome to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding your baby when she’s hungry is your first priority, so try not to feel self-conscious about doing what’s best for her.

real life

What should I buy for breastfeeding?

Buy at least two or three comfortable breastfeeding or nursing bras so your breasts are properly supported. These have hooks or zips that you can easily undo when your baby needs to feed.

Make sure that your bras fit properly, and that any flaps open completely. If only a small part of your breast is exposed, the bra may press on breast tissue and lead to blocked ducts or mastitis (Mohrbacher and Stock 2003).

You may prefer to wait to buy bras until after your baby is born, to make sure that they will fit you perfectly. But bear in mind that getting out of the house with a newborn isn’t easy, so think about going in late pregnancy. Many department stores have staff who are trained

to fit nursing bras after 36 weeks of pregnancy.

breastfeed her as usual (MA 2012b).

You may find that your breasts have a tendency to leak, as even another baby’s cry or the sight of a baby can stimulate milk flow.

Keep a supply of washable or disposable breast pads handy, and consider buying a light-weight nursing bra for night time, so you can wear breast pads while you sleep. If you’re planning to express your breast milk, you may want to consider buying a breast pump.

If you can’t visit your baby during the day, you may want to express milk. Or you may choose to breastfeed only when you are with your baby, and give her formula milk during the day (MA 2012b) (mixed feeding).

Can I breastfeed after I go back to work?

If you’re going back to work, it doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. If your workplace has a nursery, you may be able to visit your baby during the working day, and

Let your employer know in writing if you want to breastfeed after you return to work, so a risk assessment can be carried out. This is to make sure that your workplace is safe for a breastfeeding mum.

It’s good news for employers, too. Mums who are supported to carry on breastfeeding after they return to work take less time off (Click 2006).

And some research suggests that exclusively breastfed babies are less likely to be ill than babies who are formula-fed (Click 2006, Kramer and Kakuma 2012, Ladomenou et al 2010).

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style

LEGO Paco Waterproof Pants 5 - 10yrs Price: £19.99 www.welliesandworms.co.uk

Eisbar Pink Mona Lux Bobble Beanie Price: £85.00 www.alexandalexa.com

Fisherman’s Raincoats Price: £35.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Willow Cord Dungarees Price: £28.00 www.welovefrugi.com

Project Baby’s

beautiful boutique Littlelife Toddler Animal Daysack With Reins Dinosaur

Baby Boys’ Stripe Dungarees

Price: £19.99 www.welliesandworms.co.uk

Price: £28.00 www.thewhitecompany.com

Toddler Bow Ugg Boot Price: £79.99 www.trotters.co.uk

Bugzz Pirate Umbrella Price: £9.99 www.welliesandworms.co.uk

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style

Winter Warmers mini rodini

www.roomseven.com

Neon Rose Pyjamas Price: £46.00

Melissa Heart Tights Price: £15.00

taxi scarf Price: £23.00

Cama Pico Baby Overall Green Price: £60.00

Toby Red Stripe Dress

Snow Leopard Onesie Yellow

Price: £49.00

Price: £50.00

Penguin Long sleeve Body Price: £26.00

www.minirodini.com

blue kiss skirt Price: £38.00

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style

Gift Set - Blanket + Hat + Baby Grow Price: £45.00

Sapphire & Natural Bamboo Hat Price: £8.00

Sapphire and Natural Bamboo Body T-Shirt

Bamboo clothes for your little ones

Price: £16.50

Coral and Natural Bamboo Baby Grow Price: £20.00

Gift Set - Blanket + Hat + Baby Grow + Applique T shirt Price: £65.00

Moonstone Tie Waist Legging

4.

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6.

Reversible Coral & Natural Bamboo Blanket Price: £22.00

Jade Bamboo Baby Grow Price: £20.00

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Late

development

bloomers!

When Baby’s Speech is Slow Going

Written by Marianne Brown, speech and language therapist and owner of the Children’s Therapies practice in Putney.

As a parent it’s often difficult to know when a child’s development falls within the ‘normal’ range and when there is cause for concern. Just like learning to walk, children develop the ability to communicate at different speeds, and some will encounter difficulties along the way.

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development

What is the difference between speech and language?

Speech is how we produce or articulate the sounds that form words. Language refers to the way we receive, understand and express information through all forms of communication - verbal and non-verbal.

Although speech problems and language problems are different, they often overlap. A child with a language problem for example, may be good at pronouncing words but be unable to join more than two words together. A child whose speech may be difficult to understand may still use words and phrases to express ideas. And another child may speak clearly but have difficulty understanding instructions.

Speech delay As a very rough guide, and remembering that each child is different, your toddler should have an expressive vocabulary of around 50 words by the time they are 2 years old, and you should be able to understand about half of what they say.

If your little one only uses certain sounds or words repeatedly, and is unable to use spoken language to communicate more than their immediate needs by this age, he or she might have speech or language problems, or a combination of both.

Stammering and lisps Stammers and lisps are two common speech difficulties that we see here at Children’s Therapies.

To help a child with a lisp, a therapist will demonstrate the correct production of the ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds, highlighting to the child how the tongue is hiding behind the teeth.

The child is given lots of opportunities to listen to the production of the correct sounds, and then helped to produce ‘s’ and ‘z’ correctly from a sound to use in conversation.

For children who stammer, the therapist will try to establish any factors that may be contributing to the problem, and work with the parent on strategies to help the child to talk more easily, including overcoming fear and anxiety.

There are many successful communication programmes which therapists can offer children with these type of difficulties, even before they have received a confirmed diagnosis. One we recommend is the Hanen ‘More than Words’ parent course. This was designed especially for parents of children aged 5 years and under and teaches parents how to help their child reach their full communication potential.

Early signs of social communication problems and autistic spectrum When to seek help disorders We also meet many parents whose children are facing more serious difficulties. At as early as 12 months children can be observed for symptoms of autism or social communication problems. Possible signs can include (but this list is by no means exhaustive): • A lack of early babbling • Limited copying of speech sounds • Limited copying of actions such as clapping hands • Not pointing to ask for things or to get someone’s attention • Lack of other gestures such as waving • Repetitive actions or movements • Rack of shared enjoyment and rarely smiling or laughing when playing • Poor eye contact

Parents are correct in thinking that some children do naturally grow out of some of these speech or language difficulties, but unfortunately it is impossible to predict which ones. What we do know is that the earlier parents seek help, the more successful therapy is likely to be. We also know that children entering school with a speech or language delay are much more likely to have difficulties accessing the school curriculum.

If you have any concerns about your child’s communication development, contact your GP, or a speech and language therapist directly. They will either be able to reassure you that everything is fine, or assess your child and work with you on strategies and techniques to help your child’s communication.

• Limited play with toys Some parents of young children with social communication issues initially wonder if their child is hearing properly as the child does not respond to their name being called.

Children with delayed language should have a hearing test to rule out a hearing problem.

However children with an autistic spectrum disorder or social communication difficulties may have problems with paying attention and understanding language, so they do not respond when their name is called even though their hearing is fine.

Children’s Therapies have clinics in Putney and Clapham South, telephone 020 8673 7930 or visit www.childrenstherapies.co.uk A Hanen ‘More than Words’ course for parents will commence in June, please call Children’s Therapies on 020 8673 7930 for further details.

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development

Babbling Babies Top tips to get your little one talking

There are many ways of “tempting” your child to speak. Here are 8 Communicative Temptations you may find helpful. After getting the idea of how this works, I’m sure you will be able to come up with some“temptations” of your own. If you do and they seem to work for you, please share them with us.

1.

Eat something your child loves in their presence with out offering them any.

When your child indicates that they would like some, model a more advanced way for them to make the request, whether it is using a sign, a word or a simple phrase. For example, if your child points and grunts to cake, model the sign for cake then wait and see if your child will imitate the cake sign. If your child simply keeps pointing and grunting take his/ her hand and help them make the sign for cake then reward him/her with the cake.

2.

Play with something your child loves but don’t offer to share. For instance if your child loves playing with playdough and wants to participate in the fun, you could model the /p/ sound for “please” or “play,” or you could model the signs for please or play. If your child can already say one word model a two word phrase for him/her to imitate like, “play please.”

3.

At meal time and snack time give your child bite size portions, rather than dishing up a whole serving for them, then wait for them to request more. If no attempt is made model the sign “more,” help them make the sign, or model the /m/ sound for them to imitate.

4.

Limit your child’s access to things like the t.v., toys, food, or going outside.

Set it up so they have to make a request or

ask for help to access these things. You may accomplish this by putting favourite things up high or locked up.

5.

Play turn-taking games such as rolling the ball back and forth, or pushing a car back and forth. Once your child expects another turn hold the car or ball and wait.

Look at him/her expectantly if no sign or verbal request is made, model an appropriate request such as the sign for “ball,” the /b/ sound, the word “ball” or “ball please”…

6.

Use tight containers to store things in. When your child indicates he/she wants a biscuit you might hand him/her the biscuit jar (tightly sealed of course), when he/she can’t open it and hands it back to you make him/her sign open or help.

7.

Use wind up toys or other toys that are difficult for kids to operate on their own. Wind up a wind-up toy your child gets a kick out of then hand it to them when they want a turn, wait for them to request help by using the sign or the word to operate the toy.

8.

Blow bubbles then screw the lid on tightly and hand it back to your child for their turn. Wait for them to request help with a sign or a word. Model the sign or word if necessary.

Using these little tricks that require your child to communicate will teach your child the power of communication. They will learn very quickly that when they sign or say “out” they can go outside but if they simply cry by the door nothing happens. It is important to be quick with your reinforcement so your child will make the connection easily, for example if you are teaching your child to request “more cake” be sure to have that cake ready to put in their darling little hands right away. When your child points and grunts, or tantrums pay no attention at all, or be sure to explain that you don’t understand what they want even when you do. Then model an appropriate way to make the request. Little tricks like these have help get most non-verbal children to start communicating. And of course these things need to be done in patience and love. When your child sees that he/she can communicate their wants/needs effectively, it will give them added confidence that will help them in the continuing process of language development.

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Just Sayin

The what and when of typical tot talks:

12 to 15 months

Listen closely for that first word (dog, cup, mama)

15 to 18 months

You may now hear inflection, such as a raised tone when asking a question

18 months

He may speak just a few words but likely knows 50 (and is learning more daily)

18 to 24 months Your child says 50 to 70 words and understands more than 200

25 to 36 months Your child knows 300 words, and he´s getting the hang of pronouns

food & drink

Pasta with Tomato & Mascarpone Sauce

Method: 1. Cook the pasta following the packet instructions, then drain.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan and sautĂŠ the onion, carrot, courgette and celery for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sautĂŠ for 1 minute.

3. Add the mushrooms and sautĂŠ for 2 minutes. Stir in the passata or tinned tomatoes with the apple juice, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove the tomato sauce from the heat, add the basil (if using) and blend in a food processor. Return to the pan and stir in the mascarpone and Parmesan. Stir the sauce into the pasta.

Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 red onion (about 140 g/5 oz), peeled and chopped 30 g (1 oz) carrot, peeled and chopped 30 g (1 oz) courgette, washed, topped and tailed and chopped 15 g (1/2 oz) celery, washed and chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 50 g (2 oz) mushrooms,washed and chopped 400 ml (14 floz) passata or 400 g (14 oz) tinned chopped tomatoes 2 tablespoons apple juice 60 g (2 oz) pasta shells 2 tablespoons torn basil leaves (optional) 3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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food & drink

Vegetable Couscous

Method: 1. Put the couscous into a bowl, pour over the stock or water and cover the bowl with cling film. Leave to absorb for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onion, courgette and pepper, stir, then cover with a lid and sautÊ for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, then add the passata. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add the basil, then blend half of the mixture until smooth, using a hand blender. Mix with the chunky sauce and the couscous. If the consistency seems too thick for your baby, you could add a little extra water or stock.

Ingredients 30 g (1 oz) couscous 100 ml (3 1/2 floz) unsalted vegetable stock or water 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/2 medium red onion (75 g/3 oz), peeled and finely chopped 1/2 medium courgette (75 g/3 oz), washed, topped and tailed and finely chopped 1/2 red pepper (50 g/2 oz), washed, deseeded and finely chopped 1/2 garlic clove, crushed 150 ml (1/4 pint) passata 2 teaspoons chopped basil

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food & drink

Sweet Potato with Broccoli & Peas Method: 1. Steam the sweet potato for 3 minutes. Add the broccoli florets and steam for another 4 minutes.

2. Add the frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes. Blitz the vegetables using an electric hand blender, together with about 75 ml (3 floz) of the water from the bottom of the steamer.

Ingredients 1 small sweet potato (300 g/11 oz), peeled and chopped 60 g (2 oz) broccoli florets, washed 40 g (1 1/2 oz) frozen peas

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food & drink

Apricot, Apple, Pear & Vanilla Puree Method: 1. Put the apricots and apple into a heavy-based saucepan together with the apple juice, water and vanilla extract.

2. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 4 minutes.

Add the pear and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.

3. Purée using an electric hand blender.

Ingredients 75 g (3 oz) dried apricots, chopped 1 large dessert apple (150 g/5 oz), peeled, cored and chopped 3 tablespoons apple juice 2 tablespoons water A few drops of vanilla extract 1 large ripe pear, peeled, cored and chopped

The must-have winter app As the days get longer, so too does the list of great ingredients on offer.

For lots more winter recipe inspiration for your growing family, check out Annabel’s Essential Guide to Feeding Your Baby & Toddler app.

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With instant access to more than 200 delicious, easy-tofollow recipes, as well as a host of features including weekly planners, shopping lists, a kitchen timer, tips, and recipe videos, it’s the ultimate guide to help you shop for, prep and cook delicious food for your growing family.

Download the new version from the App Store now Price: £3.99 or visit www.annabelkarmel.com

food & drink

We Love

3

of the Best

highchairs stokke trip trap Price: £159.00 www.stokke.com

Bloom Fresco Chrome personalised tea for two biscuit tin

Price: £369.99 www.bloombaby.com

OXO Sprout Price: £174.95 www.pramworld.co.uk

These beautiful biscuits - inspired by vintage china - can be personalised - simply let them know your message and they will ice it in their very best handwriting on to the tea pot biscuit in your tin.

Price: £43.50 www.biscuiteers.com

made easy

Beaba Bib Expresso

mr. men biscuit tin Our talented biscuit artists have lovingly recreated our favourite Mr. Men characters in icing, and packed them in our keepsake tins.

Quick! Before Mr. Greedy eats them all!

Price: £30.00 www.biscuiteers.com

The Beaba Bib Expresso makes a bottle in just 30 seconds, and the direct water control makes sure the milk is always prepared to the right temperature.

Price: £79.99 www.beaba.com

Boon Grass

Prince Lionheart BebePOD Plus This cleverly designed Prince Lionheart bebe POD Plus is soft and squishy for ultimate comfort.

Price: £28.34 www.thekidswindow.co.uk

This cleverly designed Grass Drying Rack lets you drain and dry all your bottles and teats and other accessories.

Price: £14.99 www.safetots.co.uk

butterfly mini biscuit collection Our beautiful biscuits were inspired by long summer evenings in blooming gardens.

They come beautifully packaged in our hand-illustrated gift tins and can be delivered to your door.

Price: £30.00 www.biscuiteers.com

Zoli On-The-Go Formula & Snack Dispenser Made with 100% non-toxic materials and an eco-friendly manufacturing process.

Price: £12.00 www.zolibaby.com project-baby.co.uk

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development

Top

s r e h t e e T Sophie La Girafe

We Love

MAM Oral Care Rabbit Teething Cloth in Pink This MAM Rabbit Teething Cloth is ideal to clean and massage baby’s gums when teething. Removes plaque and prevents decay. Use to both clean baby’s mouth and massage gums at the onset of teething.

Here’s something to chew on.

Sophie the Giraffe is designed to stimulate the senses; she makes a happy sound when squeezed, and soothes teething gums. A French classic.

Price: £12.99 www.sophielagirafe.co.uk

Mothercare Baby Safari Ring Rattle - Zebra

Price: £5.99 www.toysrus.co.uk

Our Mothercare Baby Safari ring rattles are great for cuddling, rattling and chewing, featuring adorable plush animal designs.

Price: £3.99 www.mothercare.com

Editors Pick

Tommee Tippee Wobble Bug Teether Tommee Tippee Wobblebug teether is a fun and colourful bug soother toy with a squeaky nose, rattling mouth and mirror on the back to entertain and stimulate baby when gums are sore from teething.

ELC Baby Bugs Water Teether A cooling teether with a cute bug theme.

Price: £4.00 www.elc.co.uk

Mothercare Water Filled Hand Teether Use the Mothercare Water Filled Hand Teethers in a two pack to give your little one something to chew on when their gums are sore or if they’re teething The teethers are ideal for cooling in the fridge before giving to your little one.

Price: £3.99 www.mothercare.com

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Price: £5.99 www.toysrus.co.uk

advertorial

Weaning

with Annabel Karmel

Lovely Lentils You might not have thought of giving your baby lentils but some of my most popular baby recipes are lentil purees. Lentils are a good source of protein, iron and fibre.

They are good for all babies and especially good to include in your baby’s diet if you are a vegetarian.

1 tbsp sunflower oil 50g onion, finely chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped (100g) 2 tbsp celery, chopped 50g split red lentils, rinsed 225g sweet potato peeled & chopped 300 ml unsalted vegetable stock or water 30g grated Cheddar

SautĂŠ the onion, carrot and celery in the oil for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the lentils and sautĂŠ for one minute. Stir in the sweet potato and pour over the stock or water. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer covered for about 20 minutes. Puree in a blender and stir in the grated cheese until melted.

Makes: 5 portions (500ml) From: 6 months

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development

Important

Mile stones

How your child plays, learns, speaks, and acts offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age.

Check the milestones your child has reached by his or her 1st birthday. Take this with you and talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

What most children do at this age: Social and Emotional

Language/Communication

• Is shy or nervous with strangers • Cries when mum or dad leaves • Has favourite things and people • Shows fear in some situations • Hands you a book when he wants to hear a story • Repeats sounds or actions to get attention • Offers an arm or leg to help with dressing • Plays games such as “peek-a-boo” and “pat-a-cake”

• Responds to simple spoken requests • Uses simple gestures, like shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye” • Makes sounds with changes in tone (sounds more like speech) • Says “mama” and “dada” and exclamations like “uh-oh!”

• Tries to say words you say

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development

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

• Explores things in different ways, like shaking, banging, throwing • Finds hidden things easily • Looks at the right picture when it’s named • Copies gestures • Starts to use things correctly; for example, drinks from a cup, brushes hair • Bangs two things together • Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container • Lets things go without help • Pokes with index (pointer) finger • Follows simple directions like “pick up the toy”

4

Toys We Love

for your one year old

Pound n Tap Bench with Xylophone Price: £24.95 www.wicked uncle.co.uk

Princess and Pony - Pretend and Play

Movement/Physical Development

• Gets to a sitting position without help • Pulls up to stand, walks holding on to furniture (“cruising”) • May take a few steps without holding on • May stand alone

Price: £19.95 www.wickeduncle.co.uk

Walkalong Wooden Puppy - Walks & Sits!

Price: £19.95 www.wickeduncle.co.uk

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: • Doesn’t crawl • Can’t stand when supported • Doesn’t search for things that she sees you hide • Doesn’t say single words like “mama” or “dada” • Doesn’t learn gestures like waving or shaking head • Doesn’t point to things • Loses skills he once had

Baby Darcy Bear Price: £16.00 www.wickeduncle.co.uk

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world class doctors and midwives and all the reassurance of the extensive facilities of the best NHS Trust in London.

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needs with us directly prior to booking, arrange a tour of the Suite, or book your private Caesarean Section, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We would be delighted to hear from you. 09/10/2012 15:56

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real life

A child relaxes with daily struture - this allows them to open their mind and learn.

e n i RouBt aby & Happier Mum

For a Happy

Written by Kathryn Mewes

When a mother sees the word ‘Routine’ she often thinks of something ridged and restricting. I will mention the word in a consultation and they will often say ‘I don’t want to be housebound and restricted to my baby having to sleep in their cot! I need to have a life!

I always say ‘You will have your own life - with your babies routine running alongside yours.

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real life

The most important factor to a child’s life is that they have happy parents.

The fact of the matter is that we all like routine. Think about the start of your day.

Many of us visit the loo before doing anything else, others turn on the radio or boil the kettle ready for the first brew of the day. We take comfort in routine – children are no different.

In fact routine is fundamentally important for children. They are learning each and everyday from the moment they open their eyes in the morning.

They need to know that their day has structure.

A child relaxes with daily structure.

This allows them to open their mind and learn.

Children like to know the structure of their day and what is happening next. They can become fractious and irritable if they don’t know the next activity or when they are going to next eat or sleep.

The main stages on how to develop a routine right from the start:

0 – 3 months

Your main aim is to teach your baby to differentiate between day and night. This is done by feeding more in the day than at night.

3 – 6 months

Your aim is to be feeding at regular times.

Your baby needs to be feeding rather than snacking throughout the day.

Night feeds will be reduced and you will be on your way to solid sleep at night.

6 – 9 months

This is the wonderful stage where solid food is introduced and you steer your baby towards eating breakfast , lunch and dinner.

Solid food during the day can eliminate hunger at night and you can now guide your baby to sleep through the night without milk feeds.

9 – 12 months

Your baby is now showing signs of being a true little girl / boy. They are eating the same foods as you. Having 3 solid meals a day and often only 2 milk feeds.

Your baby is now fully capable of sleeping from 19.00 - 07.00.

Many parents ask me ‘When should my baby be in a routine?’ or ‘How long will it be until my baby sleeps through the night?’ I have my own view on a baby being born into the world.

Firstly I suggest you think about yourself and what is best for you. On first coming home from the hospital with your new baby I class this as the ‘free fall’ period. The time when you focus on establishing a good feeding technique. The decision of bottle or breast is totally up to you. Your baby needs a happy Mummy. Make a decision that suits you both.

Some parents like to ‘Free Fall’ for several months but by the time your baby is 6 months old most parents like a routine in place and some solid nights sleep.

If you are wanting your child to sleep through the night – a daily routine is compulsory for this to occur. I believe that life starts to gain a little more structure when your baby reaches 6 months old.

You slowly start to introduce solid foods and within a month they can be eating 3 solid meals a day.

This is when routine starts to fall clearly into place.

Routine for a 6.5 - 7 month old Baby 06.30 - 07.00

Wake naturally.

Solid breakfast followed by 180ml milk (You can do this the other way around if you prefer and give him his milk first. You will have to leave a 30 minute gap to ensure he eats his solids after lining his stomach with milk).

8.30 - 09.00

45 – 60 minutes morning nap.

This can be taken in the pram or cot.

09.30 - 11.30 Morning Activity.

11.30

Solid Lunch.

12.00 - 14.00

2 hour midday sleep in cot.

15.00

180ml milk feed.

In time your baby may reject this and it can be substituted with a beaker of water and a small snack.

15.00 - 17.00

Afternoon Activity Around 16.30 your baby might want a 20 – 35 minute nap. This can simply be in the pram while visiting the shops etc.

17.00

Solid Dinner.

18.00

Bath Time.

18.30

210ml milk feed in the nursery.

19.00

Place in cot and leave the room closing the door behind you.

Some babies are still having their dream feed around 22.30 / 23.00. When you feel confident that they are having enough solid food in the day to allow them to sleep through the night you can stop this late feed.

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By

Kathryn Mewes

real life

A practical 3-day guide to overcoming key parenting challenges from sleeping and eating to potty training and behavioural problems Nanny extraordinaire Kathryn Mewes helps parents solve common parenting challenges quickly and easily – and in just 3 days. With step-by-step advice for different issues and ages, Kathryn will guide parents through the relevant 3-day plan to give them more confidence as a parent. The 3 Day Nanny will help parents with children aged 6 months to 6 years to: Sleep through the night Try new foods and enjoy healthy eating Transform negative behaviours and habits Potty train with ease 'Whether it be sleep issues, thumb sucking, potty raining, food faddiness or general lack of routine, Mewes will swoop in and after three days your family will be harmoniously but firmly put back on track.' -The Daily Telegraph The 3 Day Nanny by Kathryn Mewes is published by Vermilion on 7 June, £12.99, and is available for pre-order and on publication from all good bookshops.

The simple way of looking at the routine for your baby once they are over 6 months old is:

The Importance of Routine with a Toddler (Age 18 months - 3 years) When a child reaches 18 months old they start to make the decision that they want to take charge of their own lives. It is the stage when they are likely to start saying ‘No’ more often and want to do things ‘their way’!

It can be so helpful for them for you to have a clear routine in place. By remaining consistent with the routine it will cause them comfort and they are less likely to push their boundaries.

Top Tips on Routine with your Toddler Eventually the milk drops and the size of the meals increase but in general the routine is formed for the rest of your child’s life.

You can always be flexible with a routine. Some days you need to visit family or spend a solid amount of time at the shops. This can all be done and at times the routine can go ‘out of the window’!

All I suggest is that after a day like this you aim to return to your routine. You will notice that your baby is far from happy if you don’t remain consistent and return to the routine.

In my experience during weekends we find routine becomes very flexible.

Monday arrives and the routine returns!

Always get your child dressed in their bedroom before they come downstairs for breakfast. It prevents the ‘chase to get dressed’ routine!

A child is more likely to get dressed with the prospect of breakfast waiting on the table in the kitchen. Lay out 2 outfits on the floor in your child’s bedroom at night. They choose which outfit in the morning. This solves the ‘battle of clothing’ in the morning.

Have an allocated place at the table where your child sits at meal times.

The chair needs to be high enough so that your child’s tummy button is resting on the table, not their chin!

After bath time at night I advise you remain upstairs and then go straight into the bedroom. Once upstairs, stay upstairs. This is a clear message that bedtime is approaching.

Set clear boundaries around routine so that your child knows where they stand. Eg: We only eat food at the table, no climbing on the furniture.

I advise that you have ‘snack times’. Ideally at 10.30 and 15.00.

When a child knows this they stop continually asking for food. project-baby.co.uk

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Weaning made easy At the end of the day, the routine draws to a close until the next morning - but just think - I am sure you are in routine even once the children are in bed!

Additions to a Toddler’s Routine Children can be totally thrown if something is added to their routine that they have not been given advanced warning on. I suggest that if you are going to go to the shops straight from collecting from school or you are going to the doctors for yourself in the morning let the child know ahead of time.

Written by Kathryn Mewes author of The 3 Day Nanny.

Kathryn also offers an individual practical service on how to ‘manage your children and speak in a way that they listen’. For further details contact her direct on 07787 821525 or go to her website www.bespokenanny.com to email her direct.

8 Steps 1.

Choose the appropriate time. The success you have has much to do with when you decide to wean your baby from the bottle.

2.

Introduce your child to a sippy cup. This introduction can begin as early as 6 months of age.

3.

Allow the baby to explore the cup. He or she may even “play” with it rather than drink from it during the initial introduction. You will see him or her trying to use it as he or she becomes more familiar with it.

4.

Give the baby a beaker instead of a bottle during mealtime. Begin using the cup at one meal for a means of liquid once the child is familiar with the cup. This may occur at 8-to-10 months old.

5.

This gives them time to adapt to the change rather than fight it at the time due to no warning.

Use the cup instead of a bottle during other feedings.

Bed Time Routine

6.

Replace your baby’s bottle at other meals slowly until all meals are eaten with a sippy cup instead of a bottle.

Finally I would like to mention the importance of a routine at bed time. It is closure to the end of the day and I strongly advise that you keep this the same where ever you go.

7.

Remain consistent during the weaning process. Going back and forth between the bottle and sippy cup during meals will only confuse the child.

8.

www.bespokenanny.com 07787 821 525

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Offer your child a beaker cup instead of a bottle during other times of the day such as nap time, snack time and bedtime preparation.

Most babies are ready to give up their bottles and formula at 12 months.

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Clubs & Classes puddle ducks

The swimming and life-saving skills your little one is taught on the Puddle Ducks programme will stay with them… for life!

Skills for Life means that at Puddle Ducks, every child is taught to swim using a tailored programme that is unique to them, and their levels of ability and confidence, within our structured framework – we keep it fun and we know that it works!

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YogaBellies offer authentic classes, therapies and workshops for women and children at every stage of their lives including pregnancy and birth; for post-partum mum and baby and now also, yoga for children. We offer yoga for women from mentruation to post menopausal. We even have a revolutionary new Birth Preparation course called Birth ROCKS for mums and their birth partners.

The sessions incorporate a range of authentic yogic and holistic techniques.

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With a network of 1,500 coaches and 210 franchises in 16 countries, we’re Little Kickers are now the world’s biggest and most successful pre-school football academy and there’s plenty more to come. They are constantly enhancing their classes with the help of their experts.

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Stagecoach Theatre Arts is a highly regarded network of performing arts schools with a proven record of delivering quality dance, drama and singing lessons to youngsters worldwide.

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Over the years Stagecoach has provided a springboard for some of the UK’s leading young talent and has had the privilege of watching thousands of kids grow in confidence and ability.

They offer brilliant kids’ parties, children’s holiday activities involving musical theatre and drama workshops. www.stagecoach.co.uk

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Designed to encourage babies and young children to enjoy the joys of song and dance, baby ballet has built up a fantastic reputation for providing children with the opportunity to express themselves within a fun, safe and caring environment. www.babyballet.co.uk

La Jolie Ronde is a leading provider of language learning through extracurricular language classes and the supply of language teaching resources.

Hundreds of thousands of children learn French and Spanish each week either in the classroom or in one of our after-school or lunchtime classes.

La Jolie Ronde provides a proven method with a solid underlying structure that enables children, aged between 3 & 11 years old, to progress year after year in French and Spanish. www.lajolieronde.co.uk

To appear in our Clubs & Classes section contact us at: natasha@project-baby.co.uk

kiddy cook

Fun Cooking Classes for Kids Aged 4 – 11yrs.

During each session the children have fun with hands-on gastronomic experiments and recipes and they are encouraged to learn about ‘good’ food and to explore new flavours in an educational and fun way.

Each workshop encourages the students to discover the excitement that food can bring. Children get involved in the whole cooking process from reading the recipes to weighing and measuring the ingredients. www.kiddycook.co.uk

Water Babies

Hartbeeps

At Hartbeeps they put your child at the heart of their magical, musical adventures.

They offer original and super fun, developmental baby classes, toddler classes and pre-school classes, as well as educational sessions, pregnancy classes, stay & play with baby discos, and fabulous children’s parties.

Clubs & Classes Monkey Music

All of our classes are set to a soundtrack of original songs, remixed nursery rhymes and lullabies. We take you and your little one on a sound journey and bring the story to life.

Monkey Music has an award winning reputation for innovative, beautifully presented music classes for each stage of your little one’s development, from 3 months to 4 years. Amazing puppets, hand crafted props, specialist percussion instruments, movement, bubbles and lots more. Guaranteed giggles and learning, great for making friends too!

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Diddi Dance

rugbytots Rugbytots is the first of its kind; a specifically designed play programme using the multiple skills of Rugby to create a fun and enjoyable environment whilst developing basic core motor skills.

Water Babies is the UK’s leading baby swim school, teaching a core skill to hundreds of babies & children every week. The courses are very different to traditional swimming lessons. For a start, because they only use warm water pools, babies can join them from birth. And while the emphasis is on having fun, their course is carefully structured, with progressive lesson plans for each week. www.waterbabies.co.uk

At Diddi Dance they realise and encourage endless enthusiasm and energy in an action packed, full of fun 45 minute dance class. Using various dancing games and exercises, bells, hoops and dance ribbons to their own funky pop songs so your little one not only improves their rhythm and co-ordination but also their social and gross motor skills.

Classes are ideally suited for both boys and girls between 2-4 years old, however they have had children as young as 16 months.

All Rugbytots lead coaches are paediatric first aiders, Rugby qualified coaches, CRB checked and trained to a very high standard to ensure your children enjoy their time at Rugbytots in a safe and organised environment.

www.diddidance.com

www.rugbytots.co.uk

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