Project Baby Magazine Oct 2021

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OCT 2021 £3.99 project-baby.co.uk

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COMPETITION

Win a

MELOTOTE CHANGING BAG WITH METANIUM Win a Stylish Melotote Changing Bag with Metanium.

Metanium is giving away two MELOBABY Luxe Noir Twill Melotote Changing Bags (RRP £75) plus a Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion (ideal to keep in your changing bag to use when you’re away from home). This super stylish bag is extremely practical as well as good looking. It hangs neatly on any stroller or pushchair, it’s easy access design makes it simple to find everything you need quickly. It comes with an insulated bottle holder and a luxurious super-soft fleece changing mat in its own wipe clean case, so you can keep all your changing essentials to hand. www.metanium.co.uk www.melobaby.com

Open to UK residents only

To be in with a chance of winning simply email us at: lesley@project-baby.co.uk with your little ones D.O.B and name.

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contents

WELCOME

AUTUMN/WINTER 2021

46 22

8. PRODUCTS WE LOVE Everything yu will need from pregnancy to parenthood.

18. ENJOY YOUR MATERNITY LEAVE How to make the most of your maternity leave.

23. WHAT TO PACK Time to prepare for your little ones arrival, not sure what to pack for your hospital stay? we have you covered.

20. BABY SHOWER Creating the perfect Baby Shower

44

8

27. PROJECT BABY AWARDS Check out our 2021 Winners

34. BEST PLACES TO MEET SANTA Let the magic begin.

46. MEET CYBEX ZENO ZENO Making fitness easy with this multi functional pram

54. CREATING THE PERFECT NURSERY Release the inner designer in you.

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WELCOME

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!

Welcome to our first official 2021 edition, as we welcome normality back into our every day lives. You’re back in the office. The kids are back in the classrooms. We’re back with the countdown to Christmas.

Natasha Hewett Editor-in-chief

Henry Day Copy Writer

Emma Smith Sales

Lesley Mcdiarmid Sales Consultant

Paul Palmer Webmaster

Can you believe it’s already October? We’ve got just over 2 months until the best time of year and I think that’s cause for celebration. The Project Baby family have also got a cause for celebration as our due date lands on the big day itself. Not the elves, nor Rudolph, and definitely not the big man himself, but we do have a new cub arriving and we’re more excited than ever.

Let’s hope and pray, for a normal and family orientated Christmas. This edition is packed with festive frolics, and on page 36 you can find the start to our gift guides.

Keep checking our website and our App for the full gift guides for 2021.

Check out page 34 for the best places to meet the big man himself.

Now that I’ve got you buzzing over the excitement of December as a whole, let’s pull you back to reality. It’s still only October. You have 2 months. Relaaaax! On page 48, you will find the latest winter fashion, to keep you and that bump warm, but also looking stunning at the same time.

We are delighted to be able to share our latest edition with you, our favourite mums and dads. We can’t wait for Christmas. Its a Big Christmas. The best yet.

For more articles, tips, competitions and much much more this winter, download the Project Baby app from both the App Store and Google store.

Happy Reading and Welcome Back

Natasha

Natasha Hewett, Editor

Page

Gavin Bridle Art Direction

Advertising with us: Email: natasha@project-baby.co.uk Tel: 075957 294 061

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

With many thanks to our contributors: The Baby Show, Katie Hilton, Natasha Wiening Photography, CarShades, Kathryn Mewes, Annabel Karmel, Dr Goldstein & 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.

natasha@project-baby.co.uk

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WIN A METANIUM CHANGING BAG Worth: £75.00 Bought to you by Metanium

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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Olympia, London 22–24 OCTOBER 2021

the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting live event

Ticket giveaway* Register OLYPBM at thebabyshow.co.uk

*T&Cs apply. First 100 people to register will receive a pair of tickets, project-baby.co.uk l OCT/NOV 2021 l 7 worth £45, to The Baby Show Olympia, London, 22–24 October 2021.

DIDOFY ASTER The Aster is the ultimate innovative compact fold pushchair. www.didofy.com

10 Things

WE LOVE

NAVY BLUE 3 IN 1 WINTER PARKER The 3 in 1 Winter Maternity Parka in classic navy blue is designed for bump, for baby and forever. www.seraphine.com

DOCKATOT WELEDA CALENDULA Calendula based nappy change cream helps protect and nourish the skin, supporting its natural functions. www.weleda.co.uk

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Designed for newborns up to 8 months, the Dulxe+ Dock mimics the womb and can be used all around the home for supervised lounging, playing, cuddling and tummy time. www.amara.com

LIFESTYLE

BUBBLES IN THE BREEZE TOP TO TOE WASH Little Butterfly London, Light and refreshing, organic-certified top to toe wash, enriched with calming bio-actives, gently cleanses body and hair,. www.johnbellcroyden.co.uk

FRAUPOW WEARABLE BREAST PUMP Keeping a regular routine and good supply of breast milk shouldn’t get in the way of your life www.fraupow.com

NINI POD By imitating the natural rocking movement we experience in the womb, NiniPod will help you soothe and calm your baby into a safe, comfortable sleep like no other cot. www.ninibaby.co.uk

ORGANIC BABY BOOTIES Cocoon new baby toes in the softest knitted cotton. Our organic pom pom booties make the perfect new baby gift. www.islaandfraser.com

MUNCHKIN BEAR PLAYMAT

SECRET SAVIOURS The 3-step Stretch Mark Prevention Band Kit – containing the Prevention Band, Day Gel & Night Cream.

Designed with a clean, modern aesthetic and soft muted tones, to complement any room of your home. They are designed with safety, practicality and affordability in mind. wwwmunchkinandbear.co.uk

www.secretsaviours.com project-baby.co.uk

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ADVERTISMENT

Rest Assured

The Owlet Smart Sock Tracks your baby's heart rate and oxygen level while they sleep.

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ADVERTISMENT

2

JIVE Platinum Luxurious beginnings

Redsbaby prams and pushchairs combine modern design with sophisticated, practical and innovative features.

Available to buy exclusively online, our award winning Redsbaby Collection is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of growing families. Whether you’re welcoming your first or you’re a practised parent, we’re with you, for the journey.

project-baby.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE

MBH SOAKING SALTS Our Soaking Salts are formulated with a base of mineral-rich detoxifying Himalayan Pink Salts and Epsom Salt to relax the body and mind and help soothe aching, tired muscles and Lavender to encourage deep, restorative sleep.

Price: £14.99 www.mumbubhub.co.uk

BBHUG ME DARLING CLEMENTINE COLLABORATION The Prints are botanical prints have been inspired by Scandinavian nature and wildflowers and the result is a beautiful decorative print in unique colour combinations. The bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow was developed by three Norwegian female chiropractors to help pregnant women sleep better by supporting the belly, pelvis, lower back and legs Price: £155.00 www.bbhugme.com

Products for

BUMP MAMA BY MORI

Designed and made by mamas for mamas, mama

by MORI was created to empower you on your motherhood journey.

Supporting you through every stage and helping you celebrate your bodies and embrace all the changes being a mother brings. The collection is innovatively designed with you in mind to be comfortable, soft, flattering and supportive.

Using high-quality, sustainable fabrics to ensure the pieces will last through this pregnancy and the next or passed onto friends when they start their journey.

Price: Various www.babymori.com

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THE PERFECT ANTI-STRETCH MARK OIL This oil is perfect for preventing stretch marks and is certified organic. Designed for pregnant women, it is used from the 1st month of pregnancy to prevent stretch marks, and is compatible with breastfeeding.

Price: £39.95 www.joone.com

LIFESTYLE

PERSONALISED ILLUSTRATION NECKLACE

2 of the Best

We Love

IT’S ALL CHANGE

Choose from our range of delicate illustrations and selection of disc sizes to suit all personalities, paired with your hand-engraved message to create the perfect personalised jewellery necklace for a loved one.

Available in 18K Gold Plated, 18K RoseGold Plated or 925 Sterling Silver Price: £79.99 www.mercimamanboutique.com

BEATRICE TOTE 21

BIOEFFECT EGF Power Cream is a nourishing moisturiser to help minimise visible signs of ageing.Equipped with potent plant actives, the unique formula is designed to support firmness and elasticity. It helps to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother skin texture

Outside the raw edge pockets and streamlined silhouette fits your sartorial style with ease, whilst the inside has all the organisation you’d expect from us. New details in the Beatrice 21 make daily life with or without baby that little bit easier, including a strap to hold water/drinks bottles upright, a long leather key strap and 2 external slip pockets.

Price: £165.00 www.lookfantastic.com

Price: £220.00 www.jemandbea.com

BIOEFFECT EGF POWER CREAM

Products for

MUM ARDEN ORGANIC MATERNITY TOP Say ‘bonjour’ to a Breton-inspired maternity top. The Arden Top features classic stripes for a contemporary maternity wardrobe. The coveted stripes make for effortless off duty dressing and the relaxed shape feels comfortable throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Price: £140.00 www.uk.isabellaoliver.com

TIBA + MARL ELWOOD Tiba & Marl is famed for its fashion-forward, natural baby products. Crafted from pebbled faux leather, the Elwood backpack from the Selfridges collaboration is the ideal changing bag with its multi-purpose pockets, while the spacious interior is fitted with a phone and laptop sleeve to carry the everyday essentials. Detailed with gold-toned hardware, the brand’s lettering is embellished at the centre for a signature finish Price: £150.00 www.tibaandmarl.com project-baby.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE

TOTS BOTS REUSABLE NAPPY BUZZY BEES Try the EasyFit star reusable nappy from Tots Bots in a gorgeous buzzy bee pattern designed

by Frugi. The super absorbent and sustainable bamboo core and is made without the use of harsh chemicals to keep baby’s skin from being irritated.

Price: £17.99

www.totsbots.com

INGLESINA Aptica is the System Quattro by Inglesina featuring unmistakably glamorous styling and an exceptionally comfortable ride for the baby, plus, its super easy to use and pratical for parents too! www.inglesina.uk

NUNA CARI NEXT INFANT CAR SEAT CARRYCOT CAVIAR Perfect for parents with places to be, the Nuna Cari is an innovative carrycot which doubles up as a car seat when used in conjunction with the Nuna Base Next (sold separately), making getting out and about with baby an absolute breeze.

We Love

Price: £230.00 www.nunababy.com

Products for

BABY Keeping your Baby Close

BABYBJORN BOUNCER BLISS - MESH ANTHRACITE+LEOPARD The BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss in Anthracite + Leopard Mesh is a cosy space for your baby to play and rest. When baby kicks their legs or waves their arms, the baby bouncer rocks gently. Playing in the baby bouncer also helps your baby develop their motor skills and balance. It can be used from newborn and up to the age of 2 years.

Price: £210.00 www.babybjorn.co.uk

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COZEE XL BEDSIDE CRIB & COT The CoZee XL bedside crib in oak and charcoal offers the functionality you need to sleep side-by-side with your baby from birth until approximately 6 months, whilst the revolutionary cot expansion frames allow you to extend the life of the product by a further 18 months.

Price: £299.00 www.tuttibambini.com

LIFESTYLE

3 of the Best

INGLESINA QUID 2 STROLLER The Inglesina Quid 2 is a lightweight compact stroller ideal for travelling all around the world with. By air as well. Thanks to its compact size, Quid can fit everywhere.

From the overhead luggage compartment of the aircraft to the boot of a city car. Suitable from birth up to 22kg and weighing just 5.9kg, it really is the perfect stroller.

Price: £249.00 www.inglesina.uk

BOOKS FOR TODDLERS

CHICCO FOLD & GO AIR I-SIZE Chicco Fold & Go Air i-Size - Black is the car seat designed to follow children from 100-150cm. Independently adjustable height and width adapt to your child’s growth, giving them the correct comfort, space and safety the need.

OI DOG The absurdly funny sequel to the bestselling Oi Frog, this hilarious rhyming story will have children rolling around with laughter!

Price: £4.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Price: £179.00 www.halfords.com

TODDLER MINI MICRO DELUXE MAGIC SCOOTER The Mini Micro Deluxe LED Magic is our brightest scooter yet. The unique handlebars light up the minute kids touch them – alternating through five bold colours as they ride. ingenious LED wheels use induction energy to turn the power kids create as they scoot into bright white light.

LITTLE WHY Little Why just can’t stay in line. There is so much to see - like Giraffe’s long-lofty leggy legs and Wildebeest’s spiny-spiky horns. Why can’t he have legs and horns like them? And then Little Why spots Crocodile’s snippysnappy teeth… Look out!

Price: £5.99 www.whsmith.co.uk

Price: £94.95 www.micro-scooters.co.uk

JETKIDS™ BY STOKKE® The BedBox™ is a premium, and the world’s only, ride-on suitcase for children with an inflight bed or leg-rest feature. This travel essential combines Scandinavian style and aviation inspired design with practical features for the entire journey, and allows your child to rest comfortably or sleep during long and short haul flights. Fun and functional with ample storage, the BedBox™ holds your child’s must-haves.

Price: £149.00 www.stokke.com

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Blue crayon needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. Black crayon wants to be used for more than just outlining.

Price: £9.99 www.whsmith.co.uk project-baby.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE

WORK OR A FAMILY? OR BOTH? This is a question Beth Follini from Ticktock Coaching gets a lot. She’s a life coach who helps women decide whether or not they want children. “If work is your passion and you don’t have a strong desire to have a child, do you have to give up your life’s work for motherhood? My job is to show people their choices – it might be difficult but they can make it work.”

Follini asks clients to identify senior female role models in their industry and analyse how they manage career and children.

She also cautions against caring too much about what everyone else says or does. Since becoming a mother I know I’ve been guilty of urging friends wavering on the issue of parenthood to go for it – I love it, so they will, right? But doing it before you are ready could cause resentment towards your new lifestyle, partner and baby. “I would never tell people to just do it,” says Follini. “Women can feel overwhelmed by everyone else’s opinion. Listen to your own voice and feel confident in it.”

3 of the Best

FERTILITY AIDS

VITAL DHA The EFS’s in Vital DHA are provided in triglyceride form for maximum bio-availability. Supplementing with Vital DHA helps to safeguard against any dietary deficiency in both partners.

Price: £15.50 www.zitawest.com

EAT YOURSELF PREGNANT In this fabulous new full-colour cook-book Zita shows you 80 tasty and easy to prepare recipes that are packed full of all the most important nutrients your body needs to prepare for a successful pregnancy.

I had no inkling as to how much becoming a mother would change my life. Four years ago, I had a glamorous senior job on a fashion magazine in London, I travelled extensively, I went to parties with the A-list, I wore Louboutins. Now I have two small children, I work freelance three days a week, and you’re more likely to find me on a bouncy castle in my Converse. My life in 2012 is not better or worse than my life in 2008, it’s just different. You find a way to make motherhood work for you; you get on with it. I didn’t ever get the corner office in New York, but I still visit on work trips. I’m toying with Glastonbury sans enfants next summer, just like the good old days (but I’ll have to go to bed earlier).

My advice? Ditch the pre-baby bucket list.

Don’t do it unless you feel ready but don’t ever expect to feel completely ready. And if that thin blue line comes out of the blue? If you find out, unexpectedly, that you’re pregnant? Take a deep breath, take 100 deep breaths if you need to, and don’t panic. I promise that you’ll make it work, if you want to, like you always do. Your life will change, but you won’t.

Price: £14.99 www.zitawest.com

PREGNACARE HIS & HER Pregnacare® His & Her Conception provides an extra value dual pack containing both Pregnacare® Conception and Wellman® Conception nutritional tablets, which have been specifically designed to support both men and women who are trying for a baby, Price: £18.35 www.vitabiotics.com

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SUBSCRIBE to Project Baby for just £19.95 & receive a FREE Tommee Tippee Twist & Click nappy bin WORTH £29.99

Project Baby is a luxury parenting magazine packed with inspiration and tips for a new mum and expectant mothers, expert advice and product reviews. Never miss an issue with our subscription.

Great Reasons to subscribe 4 issues delivered to your home Get a free Twist & Click nappy bin from Tommee Tippee Includes free digital download

Free Gift

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Click on the link in our bio *limited availability* project-baby.co.uk

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PREGNANCY

SUPER WAYS TO

Enjoy Your Maternity Leave

7 L

Learning to enjoy maternity leave isn’t easy for everyone. We’ve narrowed down some tips and tricks from the pros about how to make your time off count. There’s more to maternity leave than changing nappies and watching Jeremy Kyle. Make it a special time for you and your baby.

Prearrange at Least Three Days of Help Line up your help, and play to each person’s strengths. For example, your mother might be great at grocery shopping and cooking, but virtually useless when it comes to waking up at night for a feeding. Your friend might be great at entertaining you with “Sex and the City” DVDs and keeping you company when you get lonely, but be hopeless at diaper changes. Getting help early makes it a lot more likely that you’ll feel energized and ready to have fun later on.

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ACCEPT THE FIRST WEEKS WILL BE HARD Those first few weeks with a newborn are a shock to everyone’s system. You’re getting used to being a sleep-deprived, milk-leaking mom; your baby is adjusting to living outside the warm comfort of your womb; and your husband is adjusting to being a dad.

This is not the time to pressure yourself into running around being social or productive. Simply walking around the block can feel like a major accomplishment.

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t make plans; just make sure the fun is on your terms and works for you. That cute little bistro where you and your best buddy used to brunch may be too cramped for a stroller.

PREGNANCY

TEST GEAR

Mums-to-be Bucket List 1. Eat the entire confectionery contents of a corner shop.

2. Go to the cinema, loads.

3. Get a completely useless, expensive beauty treatment.

4. Treat yourself to a beautiful, very small, impractical bag.

I lived in fear of the BabyBjorn. Never mind that it’s hands down the most convenient way to carry a newborn.

There are so many straps and buckles, I was afraid I was going to hang myself or that the baby would slip out through a leg hole onto the road.

The lesson: Try out the gear you fear before you have the baby so you’ll have the hang of using it by the time he’s arrived. Return any stuff you don’t like before you break it or baby spits up on it, whichever comes first.

ME TIME Allow yourself some ‘me’ time Try to give yourself some down time between leaving work and the baby’s arrival.

Ideally, you’ll have finished your baby shopping and can concentrate on the important things like sleeping, reading and watching Mad Men – those simple pleasures that are soon to become precious luxuries. Oh and triple checking you’ve packed your hospital bag.

Make the most of your baby nap gap.

Forget Facebook and Homes Under The Hammer – use your baby’s nap times to do something constructive. Whether it’s writing that novel, researching your amazing business idea or teaching yourself how to knit, maternity leave is the perfect time to let your creative juices flow.

Spend the day in your PJs Why? Because a) you can and b) you deserve it!

5. Take a day trip ALONE. MAKE MUMMY FRIENDS Brand-new parenthood can be lonely, especially after your help has departed and you’re facing time alone with a helpless baby. So if you see another pregnant woman at Starbucks every day, strike up a conversation.

WILL YOU GO TO WORK OR STAY HOME? Another vital issue when it comes to choosing new mommy friends is whether you’re planning to go back to work or stay home. Here’s the problem: If you’re going to stay at home, no matter how much you bond with the working types, you’re not going to see each other much once leave is over. So it’s best to find a mix of both mums you’ll see at the playground every day, and mums you can walk with on weekends. Working mums can really benefit from friendships with other working mums because they often have the same schedule and experience similar issues.

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PREGNANCY

Shower Baby

WHO SHOULD HOST? WHO TO INVITE? ARE MEN ALLOWED? Baby showers and baby-welcoming ceremonies are filled with joy -- and fraught with expectations. To ensure a good time will be had by all, here are some guidelines for hosts, guests, and parents-to-be.

Baby showers are a relatively recent phenomenon -- they became common only after World War II, during the baby boom of the 1940s and ‘50s. Still, they’ve developed their own traditions and etiquette.

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WHO SHOULD HOST A BABY SHOWER? Tradition states that a shower should not be hosted by a close family member of the parents-to-be, but instead by a friend or more distant relative, such as a cousin or an aunt. This rule was meant to avoid the appearance that the family was simply on a mission to collect gifts.

However, like many traditions, this rule isn’t strictly observed these days.

In fact, it’s usually considered perfectly acceptable for a sister, motherin-law, or even the guest of honor’s mother to host or co-host a shower.

It’s still unusual for a mother-to-be to host her own shower, though.

WHO SHOULD BE INVITED? Close friends are a natural for the guest list, as are family members.

Beyond that, when you’re thinking of adding someone to the list, consider whether it would be appropriate to ask that person to buy a

PREGNANCY

gift for the guest of honor, since that’s what’s expected of a shower guest. You should certainly consult with the guest of honor on the list and let her invite whomever she wants (keeping in mind any limitations on space, of course).

WHAT ABOUT THE DAD-TO-BEAND MALE GUESTS? It’s becoming more and more common to include men -- friends, spouses, relatives -- on the guest list. But it does change the chemistry of the party. You need to decide whether you want that traditional “female-bonding ritual,” with lots of oohing and aahing over adorable baby clothes and exchanging of labor tales, or whether you’re looking for a more coed experience. Also, consider the personality of the dadto-be; some may relish sharing in every aspect of the pregnancy, while others may be uncomfortable with the idea of being a guest of honor at a baby shower. The mom-to-be should be able to give you a good reading on this. Even at a “girl power” party, the expectant dad often makes an appearance toward the end of the shower to thank everyone for the gifts. And if you opt to include male guests, take a look at some of our coed-friendly shower ideas.

SECOND BABY SHOWER? WHEN TO SHOWER? THEME NEEDED? Can a shower be given to celebrate a second baby -- or one even further down in the birth order?

Every pregnancy deserves to be toasted and cheered. But, since the true purpose of a baby shower is to help new parents acquire the gear and supplies they’ll need, it’s probably not necessary to give a traditional baby shower for parents who have a basement full of baby clothes and equipment. Instead, consider throwing a shower designed to make their lives easier when they’ve got a newborn and another child or two to juggle: a “stock the freezer” shower, for example, or a “Mum and Dad” shower, with gifts like their favorite movies on video or DVD or promises for baby-sitting services.

ARE INVITEES WHO CAN’T ATTEND THE SHOWER OBLIGED TO GIVE GIFTS? No. If they wish, they may send a package to the home of the host, who can have it on hand to be opened at the shower. But they certainly aren’t obliged to do so -- a shower invitation is an invitation to a party, not a demand for a gift. It would be perfectly fine for the invitee who can’t make the party to wait until the baby is born, and then send a gift.

3 of the Best

BABY SHOWER GIFTS ELEPHANT KNIT TOY Price: £22.50 www.albetta.co.uk

WHEN SHOULD THE SHOWER BE HELD? Showers are typically given four to six weeks before the baby’s due date -- late enough so that the pregnancy is well along, but early enough so that the baby is unlikely to arrive before the party day does. Sometimes, for religious, cultural or other reasons, parents-to-be prefer not to receive gifts until after the baby is born (in certain traditions, it’s considered bad luck to acquire baby items beforehand). In that case, you could begin some preliminary planning, but wait until after the baby is born to set a shower date. For parents adopting a child, you might set a date once the child has arrived in their home.

DOES IT NEED TO HAVE A THEME, AND MUST THERE BE GAMES PLAYED? No. The hosts should take their cues from the style and tastes of the expectant parent. There’s no rule stating that games must be played, or that the color scheme must be pastel. The shower should be designed for the delight the guest of honor. (On the other hand, the guest of honor should maintain a sense of graciousness and good humor if she finds herself at the center of a party that’s not precisely her style).

CASHMERE COMFORT GIFT SET FOR BABY Price: £155.00 www.notonthehighstreeet.com

COPPER BLUSH CHRISTMAS TEETHING NECKLACE Price: £14.99 www.foxsfelts.co.uk

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PREGNANCY

Best

Products for your hospital bag

SHEEPERS EYE MASK Black and white – it has a classic and timeless appeal, whatever the item. When it comes in the form of a sleep mask, then it’s the ultimate in night-time chic. And with the clear benefit in helping with a good night’s sleep, it’s a must in any bedtime routine.

Don’t leave home without MY EXPERT MIDWIFE Bringing together our NEW Spritz for Labour and Labour Rollerball, our award winning; Spritz for Bits for instant post birth relief for the perineum, Soak for Bits for those first few postpartum baths, both developed to relieve soreness and aid recovery.

Spritz for Clean Hands which kills 99.9% bacteria, protecting hands without drying them out.

Delivered in a My Expert Midwife highly durable clear toiletries bag, making it easy to find what you need, when you need it.

SERAPHINE POST NATAL LEGGINGS Unlike others, this pair fits high at the waist and remains securely in place all day to ensure a silhouette that’s 100% smooth and streamlined. The soft, breathable fabric fits like a second skin and is never hot or uncomfortable. 360° of medium compression not only helps to slim your tummy, but also to gently realign your uterus after giving birth. It’s a much more comfortable option than the postpartum belly wrap, which tends to pinch and add unsightly bulk under your clothes.

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STORKSAK CABIN BAG

ELVIE CATCH Elvie Catch is a set of two milk collection cups with slip-proof security to help keep you leak-free. Even if you experience heavy leakage, you can be confident that Elvie Catch will collect every drop of milk discreetly inside your bra.

No need to carry multiple heavy bags into the hospital with you. With our Cabin Carry-On you can just wheel your all you essentials in with you. You can also slip one of the changing bags from our Storksak Travel range onto the adjustable telescopic handle, helping to take the strain off tired backs and shoulders.

Post hospital this bag is the perfect solution for short trips away as a family and overnight stays with the grandparents.

PREGNANCY

Packing your hospital bag WHAT TO TAKE FOR LABOUR • • •

• • • • •

• • •

Your birth plan Dressing gown An old nightdress or T-shirt to wear in labour Slippers & Socks Massage oils or lotions Lip balm Something to read or watch A hair band. If you have long hair, you might want it tied up Pillows Toiletries Music to listen to

FOR THE BIRTH PARTNER

AFTER BABY IS BORN

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Going home outfit

Water spray to cool down and refresh the mum-to-be while she’s in labour Comfortable shoes - you might be pacing the corridors!

A change of clothes, toothbrush and deodorant Watch with a second hand to time contractions Swimwear, if you want to join the mum-to-be in the birth pool Your phone, camera or camcorder Snacks and drinks

•

• • • • •

•

•

Towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste Breast-feeding bras Breast/Maternity pads Nightdress or pyjamas Toiletries Old knickers/cheap knickers/ disposable knickers Ear plugs (in case you end up on a noisy ward) Arnica tablets (may help with bruising)

FOR YOUR BABY Infant car seat.

One outfit for the trip home.

All-in-one stretchy outfits are best.

Baby blanket (a warm one if weather is cold).

Nappies.

One pair of socks or booties.

Hat. Jacket or snowsuit for winter babies.

Muslin squares.

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WEANING SPECIAL

Getting ReadyFor Weaning

By the time your baby is around 6 months old, they need more than breast milk or infant formula to meet their needs.

At this stage they need solid foods as well – not as a replacement, but alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. Weaning teaches your baby how to move solid food around their mouth, chew and swallow solid foods.

HOW MUCH WILL THEY EAT?

FUSSY EATER?

How much your baby eats depends on their appetite, so let your baby guide you on how much food they need – never force them to eat. In the same way you follow your baby’s cues when offering them breast or bottle feeds, be responsive to your baby when giving them solid foods, and learn to recognise when they’re hungry and when they’ve had enough.

It may take 10 tries or more for your baby to get used to new foods, flavours and textures. There will be days when they eat more, some when they eat less, and then days when they reject everything. Don’t worry – this is perfectly normal. Be patient and keep offering a variety of foods, even the ones they don’t seem to like, and let them get used to it in their own time.

IS THERE A GOOD TIME OF DAY? The best time of day is the one that suits you both, when you don’t feel rushed and your baby is not too tired. Your baby may take to weaning like a duck to water, or it might take them a while – don’t forget, eating is a whole new skill, so lots of smiles, claps and praise please! Allow plenty of time, go at your baby’s pace and stop when they show signs that they’ve had enough.

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Weaning teaches your baby how to move solid food around their mouth, chew and swallow solid foods.

WEANING SPECIAL

WHAT YOU NEED – HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED:High chair – your baby needs to be sitting safely, in an upright position (so they can swallow properly) Stokke Trip Traps are a double winner as they will last a lifetime.

First cup – encourage your baby to sip water from a cup with their meals (instead of a bottle). Open cups or free-flow cups (without a valve) help your baby learn to sip and is better for their teeth.

Spoons – soft weaning spoons, usually made of rubber or plastic, are easier on your baby’s gums.

Plastic bowls – ideally the ones with a suction base, otherwise they’re likely to end up on the floor!

There are so many to choose from, we personally love the bamboo ones.

Ice cube trays – very useful for batch cooking and freezing small portions. Nothing fancy required here just a good old fashioned ice cube try.

Bibs – LOTS of them. Make sure you have a few so that you can turn it around in the washing machine.

TOP TIPS

Weaning...

What can you do to solve your sleep problems during pregnancy? Here are some tried-andtrue suggestions: • Don’t rush things • Make sure your baby is sat upright before you begin.

• An easy-to-clean high chair is a real benefit when baby-led weaning.

During the first few weeks of weaning, it can be helpful to give your baby just one food at a time.

Start with very small portions of food when first weaning your baby – even just a couple of teaspoons.

Remember that every baby is different. Don’t worry about how much they’re eating at the beginning, as it’s more important for your little one to get used to experiencing different flavours and textures • You can generally give your baby pieces of your ˆordinary family meals, or things you have in the house already, with baby-led weaning..

• A hard aspect of this method of weaning can be relinquishing control. You really have to be able to step back and trust your baby to get on with it.

• Try a variety of food and more than once.

Avoid focusing on fruit when weaning your baby. Doing so can encourage their taste for sweet foods and make it more difficult to introduce vegetables and other savoury foods later on.

• Remember, ‘food is for fun before they’re one’, so see weaning as a sensory experience and messy play for the first few months. Your baby will play with her food at first, but this is an important part of her development.

• Baby-led weaning is messy and your baby will enjoy dropping food to see what happens to it.

• Give your baby a spoon to play with – lots of parents think that baby-led weaning means spoons are banned, but many babies love feeding themselves with one. .

• Be patient – your baby might take a while to get the hang of things, but she’ll get there in the end! project-baby.co.uk

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Stand H101 At The Baby Show

STEP

N°1 Expert in Sterilising For Baby & Home Clean

STEP

Sterilise

STEP

Did you know ?

The well-known Sterilising Fluid and Tablets can be used daily, to disinfect your floors, kitchen surfaces and bathrooms.

Disinfect hands

New alcohol-free For babies (3 mont hs+) children & adults

Protect your family home from germs with the Milton plant-based hygiene range Fresh mint fragrance

Idea for schol ols

No need to rinse

The Milton Antibacterial range is effective on viruses including Coronavirus*.

Milton has been trusted and used in hospitals for over 70 years Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. *Effective on Bovine Coronavirus according to EN14476+A2:2019. Sterilising Fluid & Tablets: Effective on all viruses including Bovine Coronavirus in 15 min according to EN14476+A2:2019 at the dilution 2 capfuls or 2 tablets per litre of water (Wearing gloves and rinsing required).

MILTON-TM.COM 26 l OCT/NOV 2021 l

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@MiltonBaby

AWARDS 2021

Meet our Winners

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AWARDS

Winner of the best Double Pram is the Cybex Gazelle

and the winners are...

Winner of the best Travel System is the Mee Go Milano

BEST TRAVEL PRAM GOLD - Didofy Aster SILVER - BabyZen +6 BRONZE - Cybex Libelle

BEST DOUBLE PRAM GOLD - Cybex Gazelle SILVER - Mountain Buggy BRONZE - Bugaboo

Nursery Awards Pushchairs BEST PRAM UNDER £500 GOLD - Didofy Cosmos SILVER - Your Little One - The Million Dreams

BEST CRIB/CO-SLEEPER/ MOSES BASKET GOLD - NiniPod SILVER - Tutti Bambini - CoZee Bedside crib BRONZE - Your Little One -Moses basket

BEST TRAVEL SYSTEM GOLD - Mee Go SILVER - Inglesina Aptica XT BRONZE - Didofy Cosmos Blooming

ALL PRAM ACCESSORY GOLD - SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe SILVER - Baby Uma - Premium Leather Buggy Clips Winner of the best Crib/Co Sleeper/Moses Basket is NiniPod

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AWARDS

BEST BABY COT

BEST BABY FOOD

GOLD - Boori - Natty Cot Bed

GOLD - Little Freddie - Smoothies

SILVER - Tutti Bambini - Malmo Cot Bed with Cot Top Changer & Mattress

SILVER – Aldi - Oaty Banana Bars BRONZE- Little Freddie - Greek Style Yoghurts

BRONZE - Mokee - Mini Cot

BEST SLEEP AID GOLD - Whispbear SILVER - MAM - air night soother

BEST NURSERY ACCESSORY GOLD - Ara and Obi - Bamboo Forest print, fitted cot bed sheet SILVER - Tutti Bambini - Noah Rocking Chair

BEST SUPERMARKET GOLD - Aldi SILVER - Tesco BRONZE - Lidl

BEST HIGH CHAIR GOLD - Stokke Trip Trap SILVER - Graco Snack n’ Stow

BRONZE - Pattie & co - Rainbow Collection

BEST PLAYROOM ACCESSORIES GOLD - Munchkin Bear - Playmat SILVER - Tutti Bambini - Hexa play pen

Feeding BEST BREAST-FEEDING ACCESSORY GOLD - Natal active - Artemis Bra SILVER - Bibbilyboo - Waterproof Breast Pads SILVER - Boobbix - Breastfeeding Snacks BRONZE - HotMilk - Temptation Nursing Bra

BEST BOTTLE-FEEDING MUST HAVE

Winner of the best Highchair is the Stokke Trip Trap

GOLD - NUPEAA- Bottle Warmer SILVER - Sue & Samuel Burp Cloth BRONZE - Inoby baby bottle warmer

BEST WEANING PRODUCTS GOLD - PIPPETA - Silicone Section Suction Plate SILVER - Moobi suction plate

BEST BREAST PUMP GOLD - Fraupow - Wearable Pump SILVER - ELVIE BRONZE - MAM

Travel BEST MULTI-STAGE CAR SEAT GOLD - Cybex - Pallas G – Fix SILVER - Britax - Römer Dualfix 2

BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORY GOLD - Car Shades - Rear Passenger Door Set SILVER - Travel Bear - Tablet & Phone Holder BRONZE - Baby Uma - Buggy Clips

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AWARDS BEST GIFT FOR MUM GOLD - MUM’S THE WORD - Book SILVER - Glow In Style Mummy’s Hospital Box BRONZE - The Tiny Human Hamper Co - Mama-To-Be Hamper

BEST PREGNANCY PILLOW GOLD - Sleepimum – Pregnancy Pillow SILVER - Your Little One – Breast Feeding Maternity Nursing Pillow

BEST GIFT BOX GOLD - The Mindful Parenting Company Subscription Box Winner of the best Changing Bag is the PK.Beau, Kiki Silver

For Mum PREGNANCY MUST-HAVE ITEM

SILVER - Baby & Me gift box BRONZE - The Tiny Human Hamper co

BEST CHANGING BAG GOLD - PK.Beau - KIKI Silver

GOLD - Latched - Maternity Leggings

SILVER - PacaPod Changing Bag - Hastings

SILVER- Natal Active - Luxe Maternity Leggings

BRONZE - Baby Uma - Vegan Leather Unisex Change Bag

BRONZE - Sleepimum - Pregnancy Pillow

MUST HAVE ITEM FOR BIRTH & BEYOND GOLD - First Days Maternity - Peri Bottle SILVER - Hot Milk lingerie - Warrior Balconette BRONZE - First Days Maternity - Instant Perineal Cold Packs

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BEST BABY SHOWER GIFT GOLD - Baby and Me Gift Box - Deluxe Baby and Parent Gift Box SILVER - KURA – Organic Baby Wrap SILVER - The Tiny Human Hamper co BRONZE - Mini Mo and Mog

AWARDS BEST PREGNANCY/ MUM GIFT BOX

SUSTAINABLE BABY

GOLD - Glow in Style - Essentials Box

GOLD - TotsBots - EasyFit All-In-One Nappy Trial Kit

SILVER - The Tiny Human Hamper Co - Mama-To-Be Hamper

SILVER - Isla & Fraser - Organic Cotton Baby Blankets BRONZE - BABY BAMBA - Fairy Dust Muslin

BRONZE - Mini Mo and Mog

BEST MATERNITY SERVICE GOLD - Precious Delivery – Midwifery Consultations

REUSABLE NAPPIES GOLD - Tots Bots Bambino SILVER - Little Lamb

SILVER - Future Life Services BRONZE - The birth-ed Online Course

BEST BABY CARRIER

BEST BATHTIME PRODUCT GOLD - Cuddledry - Handsfree baby bath towel

GOLD - Amawrap - Baby Sling

SILVER - Ara and Dobi - Organic bamboo bath gift set

SILVER - Baby K Tan

BRONZE - Stars And Snuggles - Apron XL Luxury Bath Towel

Innovation MOST INNOVATIVE GOLD - Bluebell - Smart Monitor SILVER - Gummee UV - mini portable steriliser BRONZE - NUPEAA - portable bottle warmer

Baby BEST BABY NAPPIES GOLD - Mamia - Ultra-Dry Air System SILVER - Mama Bamboo - Nappies

NEWBORN NAPPIES

Winner of the best Baby Bouncer is BabyBjorn, Bliss Bouncer

BEST BABY BOUNCER

GOLD - Mamia - Premium Dry Fast Nappies

GOLD - BabyBjorn - Bliss Bouncer

SILVER - Mamia - Ultra-Dry Air System

SILVER - Mokee

BRONZE - Bambo Nature - Eco Nappies

BRONZE - Tutti Bambini Nova Rocker

NEXT STAGE NAPPIES

BEST BABY PLAYMAT

GOLD - Mamia Ultra-Dry - Air System Nappy Pants

GOLD - Munchkin and Bear - Luxe Padded Play Mat

SILVER - Mamia - Night Pants 4-7 Years

SILVER - Little Stories - Reversible Drawstring Play Mat

BEST BABY SKINCARE

BEST BABY MONITOR

GOLD - Bare Bubbles - Luxury Shampoo

GOLD - Bluebell Smart Baby Monitor

SILVER - Mee-go - Little Organics

SILVER - Owlet 2

BRONZE - Weleda Baby - Calendula Cream

BRONZE - Liip Care project-baby.co.uk

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AWARDS

BEST TEETHING PRODUCTS/TOY GOLD - Bibbilyboo - The Waterproof Bib SILVER - Weleda - Chamomile Teething Granules BRONZE - Baby Uma - Fox Teething Toy

BEST BABY WIPES

BRONZE - Twinkle Dust BRONZE - Little Squidges

BEST BABY FIRST SHOES GOLD - Start-Rite - Pre-Walker and First-Walker shoes SILVER - Clarks - My First Crawlers

GOLD - My Pura SILVER - Aqua Wipes BRONZE - Aldi - EXTRA SENSITIVE BABY WIPES BRONZE - Aldi - Biodegradable Wipe

Baby Clothing BEST HEALTH PRODUCT GOLD - Metanium - Nappy Cream

BEST BABY GIFT BOX GOLD - Baby and Me gift box SILVER - The Tiny Human Hamper Co - The Ultimate Hamper

SILVER - Aqua Wipes - Eyelid wipes BRONZE - Weleda Baby - Calendula Cream Bath

FAMILY SERVICES

BRONZE - Bundlee

GOLD - Future life Wills

BRONZE - Mini Mo and Mog

SILVER - Bundlee

BEST GIFTS FOR NEWBORN GOLD - Pattie & co - Rainbow Collection

BRONZE - Zest

BEST SMALL BRAND

SILVER - Isla and Fraser - Beautiful Blankets

GOLD - Pattie & Co

BRONZE - Ara and Obi - Organic bamboo, bath gift set

SILVER - Isla & Fraser BRONZE - The Bamboo Baby

Baby Clothing BEST MATERNITY CLOTHES GOLD - Latched SILVER - Natal Active BRONZE - Glow In Style - Essentials Box BRONZE - We Love Frugi - Bloom Maternity Collection

BEST BABY FIRST OUTFIT GOLD - Pocketbum SILVER - The Bamboo Baby BRONZE - Frugi - My First Frugi Buzzy Bee Baby Gift Set

BEST BABY CLOTHING BRAND GOLD - The Bamboo Baby SILVER - Wise Little Words Winner of the best Baby Clothing Brand is The Bamboo Baby

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ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR A

New-Born Baby With all the excitement of welcoming a baby into the world, we know Mum’s have a lot of things to remember, from nappies to babygrows and cots to pushchairs. However, there is one important environment that is often forgotten about – the car.

Throughout pregnancy, it’s important to acknowledge the car as part of the prep, so that you can be as comfortable as possible on your way home.

In fact, 62% of parents admitted they didn’t adjust their car for the big day, and a whopping 57% of you confessed they didn’t think they needed to change anything except add in a car seat. We have teamed up with expert midwife and GlowMummy founder Sharon Salvage, to reveal the best way to prepare your car for a new-born baby.

Here are five essential things we recommended considering for leaving the hospital: Car Seat: Babies will always need to be in a car seat, and they should be placed in the back of a car – ideally with a parent also in the back.

It’s important to take regular breaks where you remove your baby from the car seat (every 30 mins to a maximum of two hourly). You should shop around to find the best new-born car seat to suit your needs.

Isofix based car seats are an advantage because they lock into place without using seatbelts and will fit into most modern cars.

Clothing: Babies should be comfortably dressed to leave hospital, ensure you monitor their temperature. Although it’s instinctive, a baby may not need a blanket if they already have thick enough clothes on, but if you do want to use one, opt for cotton, cashmere, bamboo rayon, fleece or rayon materials.

Lighting and Heat: Depending on the month your baby is born, you will need to either heat up or cool down the car. Hitting the right ambience is important, 16-20 degrees celsius is the recommended temperature for a babies sleep environment. Car Shades will help keep the cabin cool on warmer days as well as having the benefit of reducing bright lights for babies delicate new-born eyes. To find Car Shades for your car, visit carshades.co.uk Sound: Babies generally love listening to white noise as this reminds them of life in the womb, so having this on in the car may be a soothing sound for them as they’ve just left the hospital. Gentle lullabies are a good idea to keep them calm throughout the journey too.

Remember the Mother - New mothers should also pack as comfortable as possible! Think about loose fitting clothes for the journey home from hospital, such as: Leggings or comfortable pants, maternity bra and a jumper.

It’s a scary feeling taking your new-born home, there are huge levels of responsibility, so we hope soon-to-be parents find our guidance useful to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible when taking your new-born home for the very first time. project-baby.co.uk

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DAYS OUT

Best

Places to visit this christmas Family DaysOut The award-winning Lapland UK site offers an immersive Christmas experience which includes tailormade, four-hour journeys through Santa’s magical arctic homeland. Personal invitations from Father Christmas are delivered to the children, requesting their help at his secret Elf Toy Factory in his Arctic wonderland. The first 90 minutes of the experience is scripted and interactive and includes the all-important trip to the toy factory to help build toys.

At the winter attraction families also visit Mother Christmas’ Kitchen to listen to stories and help decorate a fresh batch of gingerbread. Later in the adventure guests visit the Elven Village deep in the Lapland forest, where they can ice skate on a frozen pond, explore the Elf Emporium, say hello to the huskies as well as take time to refuel in Pumpernickel’s restaurant before visiting the big man himself. A day that you will never forget.

BLUEBELL RAILWAY The magical world of Santa will come to life for you and your children on board the train this Christmas, as he greets you all with seasonal cheer and a gift for your little ones. Our programme of Christmas Special trains is designed to provide a treat for all the family.

BEDGEBURY Explore the land of Santa, full of seasonsal fun for the little ones and the young at heart!

Enter through our Family Red Gate, straight into all things festive.

Don’t miss out on the chance to meet the main man himself at our free Santa’s Grotto, as well as family friendly children’s rides and an exclusive Family Chill Space if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle for some well-earned down time.

Join us at the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, twinkling reflections and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun at Bedgebury. Look forward to some together time with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and our trees drenched in jewel-like colour.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK his beautiful, outdoor, open-air ice rink offers you the chance to glide across the ice under a star-covered sky while surrounded by spectacular views of the historic Tudor palace.

Whether you’re looking for a memorable ice-skating experience or a place to catch up with your loved ones, you are assured magical memories that you will cherish for years to come.

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ADVERTISMENT

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk project-baby.co.uk

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SHOPPING

It’s beginning Best t o l o o k a lot like Gifts for Christmas Baby Christmas Gift Guide

HOPE & JOY NEW BABY HAMPER Exhausted new parents will rejoice in these delicious treats; 6 individual Mini Megs cakes (1 each of Chocolate, Almond Fruit, Cherry, Ginger, Clementine & Almond and Rich English Fruit) all in a beautiful retro tin. Plus 15 Chocolate Chip Shortbread Biscuits and a tray of rich chocolatey Brownie.

Just the thing to boost stamina during those long sleepless nights, and the new baby will love super soft Sylvain the rabbit.

STEIFF COSY BEAR ISLA & FRASER CABLE KNIT BLANKET Our exceptionally soft organic cotton is ideal for sensitive newborn skin and is knitted with a gentle stretch for wrapping and swaddling which allows movement but also keeps your baby feeling safe and secure. www.islaandfraser.com

The 2021 Steiff “Cosy Year” Bear is here! Hand-made from super-soft, chestnut-brown plush with the date 2021 embroidered on his right paw! Available at www.danburymint.co.uk

JAYNE REDMOND’S Individually hand-painted at the designer’s studio in Surrey, this Jayne Redmond bauble celebrates a quintessential Christmas icon in its depiction of a bow-adorned wreath. Hanging from an embossed gold-tone ribbon, it will instantly belong among any classic decoration set while lending a refined finish to your tree year after year. www.jayneredmond.co.uk

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SHOPPING

Best Gifts for Toddlers

Christmas Gift Guide

HEY DUGGEE TOOTHBRUSHING HANDWASHING TIMER Turns hygiene chores into so much more! The much-loved star of the CBeebies show Hey Duggee gets kids to brush their teeth or wash their hands. Just lift Duggee’s tooth brush: the timer starts and the music kicks in. www.smyths.co.uk

ROCKY STORY BOOK AND TOY SET Cheeky Monster Rocky is ready for roarsome adventures, with his soft to the touch green tongue and bat wing style ears he is always cheeky. One day, Rocky knows just how to shake up a boring car journey. With a VROOM! he soon has everyone zooming around his racing track in their very own racing car.

Who will cross the finish line first?

Available at www.mycheekymonsters.com

TONIES The Tonie box is an entry ticket to a whole new world of adventures and audio fun for little listeners. www.tonies.com

We Love

HAPE RAILWAY BUCKET

This great train set lets you build your own town! Unpack everything from the storage box then use the lid to create a cool little town for your passengers and cargo to move through! www.hape.com

project-baby.co.uk

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SHOPPING

Best Gifts for Preschool Christmas Gift Guide PAW PATROL LOOKOUT TOWER The tallest PAW Patrol tower yet—brings the pups’ Adventure City headquarters from the big screen to life. It’s jampacked with amazing features to discover, including a transforming light-up rescue ramp, command centre, vehicle lift, pup elevator, lights and sounds and so much more.

HAPE FIRE STATION Get ready for rescue adventures with the Hape Fire Station. This beautifully crafted wooden toy comes with a fire engine, helicopter, figures and accessories to bring your stories to life. Small World Play Explore 3 levels of fun, from the rooftop helipad to the garage with working doors.

Available at www.smyths.com

Available at www.smyths.com

ORBOOT EARTH

BY PLAYSHIFU Orboot Earth world globe takes your child on a journey around the Planet Earth. Scan the globe with the companion app to bring it alive and explore the world in different modes inside the app. Full of visual storytelling, music, animal facts and voice interactions, world quizzes, globe puzzles and challenges for ages 4 to 10

We Love MICKEY MOUSE MINNIE ICE CREAM SHOP

Available at www.amazon.co.uk

The set includes an ice cream shop, a car so Minnie Minnie and Daisy Duck can travel in style and 2 minifigures.

Available at www.moonpig.com

MAGNATILES Magna-Tiles are a must-have for every childhood. Vibrant and versatile, these high-quality magnetic tiles are the perfect size for little hands and learning play.

Sensory Play Magna-Tiles provide a calming tactile sensory experience for children. Sensory toys like Magna-Tiles can help build communication, motor skills and independent thinking.

Available at www.amazon.co.uk

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ADVERTISMENT

AWARD-WINNING BAMBOO MUSLINS

Receive 30% discount and a FREE Bamboo Muslin with code

PROJECTBABY30

@babybamba

@BabyBamba

@BabyBamba3

babybamba.com

admin@babybamba.com

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PREGNANCY

SLEEPYHEAD

Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep What can you do to solve your sleep problems during pregnancy? Here are some tried-andtrue suggestions: • Avoid caffeine (in all its forms, so put that chocolate bar down) after noon.

• Get your eight glasses of water (or other fluids), but taper off at night.

• Drink if you’re thirsty, but don’t down a 16-ounce water bottle right before bedtime.

• Exercise regularly - during the day or early evening. A daily workout will help you sleep better, but if it comes too close to bedtime, it could actually sabotage sleep (exercise is energising).

• Have a light snack before hitting the hay to stave off midnight hunger pangs. Include protein and a complex carb (think cheese and a whole-grain muffin), as well as some warm milk (it really works!) or decaffeinated tea. Besides the duh (avoid caffeine, again in all its forms - sorry, no chocolate with the warm milk), stay away from sugar, which will give you an energy boost when you least want one, and then leave your blood sugar levels wobbly during the night (yet another strike against chocolate).

• Take a warm bath just before bed. The soothing and relaxing effects of the bath should help you summon the sandman sooner.

• Crack a window - as long as the weather’s comfortable (which for a pregnant woman means anything from 65 degrees on down-way down). The fresh air can be soporific. If the weather’s not cooperative, keep the room comfortably (for you, not your spouse) chilled. Remember, your heat’s up, the thermostat’s should be down.

• Make love, if you’re in the mood. Or at least ask your man for a massage - both of which can relax you.

• Try some relaxation exercises - visualisation, deep breathing, meditation, or even yoga or chanting before hitting the sack. And actually, counting sheep can work the same way - the monotony of watching those little guys jump over the fence can be truly relaxing (unless you associate them with insomnia).

• Leave a night-light on in the bathroom - switching on the overhead is way too much of a wakeup call and will make it much harder to fall back asleep.

Reader Review:Although quite pricey, I would highly recommend this product. Very practical and easy to move from room to room. My daughter slept so better much once she had a sleepyhead! Very useful for a lot of things. Taking it with you if visiting friends, means baby could sleep anywhere.

Price: From £130.00 www.scandiborn.co.uk

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PREGNANCY

Your body has spent months nurturing and growing your baby. All the changes that helped to bring your baby into the world are now abruptly reversed.

Written by Dr Goldstein, Therapist and lecturer in psychology.

After Giving Birth Changes after giving birth are inevitable. Family takes on new meaning when having had your first child, and the chances are that the way you thought before having your child does not apply so well anymore; a couple of things need to be re-thought and the chances are you may have to adopt a new way of thinking.

I

ssues such as your Relationship to work, family, intimacy, responsibility need to be thought through again, processed for new meaning, and value allocated to them in turn. You will often hear that priorities change... that is because they do! How this happens, and the way you (partner, family and friends) handle the process of change is important. Transitions can be daunting, and you need support in making that shift in your mind from whatever was before to what is now: you and family. Below I have described a few things that may support you in this shifting thought process, give you an idea of ‘normal’ thoughts, and help you transition at a time when certain adaptation is required.

needs a little thought to go along with informed actions. It also takes a while for grandparents to realize that they have children who have become parents (just like them!) and are not solely their children any longer.

Ask your partner for help if you feel snowed under, and convey your intentions, these actions will come a long way.

FAMILY

Relationships change drastically once you have a baby, your position in the family takes on new meaning. Relatives have different expectations of you now, to be a good parent, to contribute to the education of your baby etc. They want to be involved in family life. This can be demanding, and

These attachment bonds that went on for so long between parent-child are renewing themselves, changing for all parties involved.

The realization of change can bring more loving connections or more distant ones, the ties are generally maintained, supportive but can also be

a little strenuous. Explain how you feel to your parents if you can, and find help with a friend when trying to manage other’s requests of you.

INTIMACY

Intimacy is an important part of your life.

Your relationship to your partner is just as important as your relationship to your baby, and if you see it that way, it will allow you to at least value your relationship when there is less time to exclusively focus on it. Intimacy is sometimes hard to maintain when a baby is so dependent and needs you 24-7... How to find time with your partner and engage in loving acts whether physical or thoughtful ones?

Of course taking care of your baby is taking care of your ‘couple’ and your growth together, but should not come at the expense of your relationship to your partner! The complicit care and love in your couple is what will remain once your child is all grown up, every step of their development children take more steps away from you, so you’ve got to keep it all in perspective... They will leave! Talk with your partner as much as you can and engage in compassion, passion and love.

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PREGNANCY

FEEDING

RESPONSIBILITY Your response-ability will now have changed, you will no longer feel responsible for yourself with a neat barrier around your actions thoughts and feelings. They will now extend to your babies actions thoughts and feelings.

The physical response-ability you first feel when you have your baby is quite a change, but also so deeply felt that your body finds the ability to carry you through, after that the mind needs to start playing its part.

Their mind-body connection is at no time so sharply felt! The way you think and feel when having a baby to care for is completely different; the way you see work, outings, friends, and so on and things you previously thought such as ‘being sooo very busy’ can now be thrown out of the window.

Life looks so different with another pair of lenses on! Family may become more important, going to the park or taking fresh air might also be on your priority list. Things change and your value of the world does too.

Make a note of these changes, small changes of the everyday, and think about the leap of faith and courage you have to muster up to brave the stormy waters.

Eating takes a different turn now. You are feeding baby as an ‘extension-of-yourself’, and therefore will be affected; less or more hungry depending on how feeding your baby affects you.

Feeding is a form of care and love, and includes the action of ‘giving’, how do you give and love yourself at this point in time, and how much are you cared for by your partner... does your partner sometimes feed you in the evenings, or make you a coffee in the mornings? Eating can be thought of as a form of ‘give and take’; you may sometimes need more care from others, and on some other days are more able to feed others and yourself.

Although there are lots of studies that show that it is the love that parents give that is of utmost importance, feeding is part of that love. Take time to eat, feed yourself the right amounts, take time to chew on food and process your day. It’s gratifying to do so.

On a positive note, it is considered a normal reaction to feel down and perhaps depressed when going through times of stress, loss, and change. If it may have been impossible to ask for help earlier in your life, now is the time to seek help and be on the receiving end! You will find empathy in places you hadn’t imagined, and as awareness grows of the difficulties starting a new family can entail, there will be different sources of help available to you. Your health visitor will be there the first few weeks, and here after if you wanted to call on the assisting team for support. Your GP is also generally quite a good source of support if feeling ill, or having concerns with regards to your baby.

Other more specialised services are available such as talk therapy, or support from another mum through a mum’s online network, or foundation that specialises in supporting women and men with postnatal depression. There are also sleep specialists available to help with training baby to sleep well through the night if this is proving to be challenging, and some good books around to support you in understanding your child’s developmental stages, and tracking your baby’s growth.

TIME

Time flies once you have a baby. Suddenly there’s no time for doing bits of work at home, cooking or enjoying a nice diner, or calling a friend. Having a baby is time consuming and the way you organised your time before, changes drastically. It takes time to get into the flow or rhythm of time again, this time incorporating childcare.

When you wake up baby has to get dressed and ready for the day – you are not alone anymore! In the early evening, baby has to get ready for bed, bath, story and so on you may have to cook something once baby is in bed, but generally speaking you will only be able to return to yourself, probably being quite tired once baby is in bed. Keep a diary with a time sheet to get an overview of your busy day, and remember; you deserve a treat too.

If you opt for postnatal therapy, you will generally get emotional, practical as well as educational support in various areas to help you through this challenging time (all of the above) - and get the added personal relationship which can be healing in and of itself. Parenthood is a paradox of happiness and - pain, loss, and change, take the time to care for yourself, and you’ll find some beautiful ways to live peacefully with the challenges ahead.

FINAL WORDS

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Rear and front-facing with flexible comfort for your growing child. Parents who want maximum safety for their child need products that meet their expectations in every way. With the CYBEX Sirona Z i-Size we have set new standards in the area of side- and front-impact protection, merging them into a car seat that outshines all that came before it.

Price: £305.00 www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk

APRAMO ALL STAGE Group 0+/I/II/III – ECE R44/04 certified car seat ISOFIX universal/semi-universalFits children from birth up to 36 kg (Approx. 12 years), 4 seats in 1360° rotation. Extended rearward facing, up to 18 kg Forward facing from 9 to 36 kg.

Price: £249.00 www.babydirect.com

CHICCO SEAT 4 FIX AIR The versatile all-in-one Seat 4 Fix Air car seat with Isofix connections from Chicco provides maximum comfort all year round. Designed for use from baby’s very first car journey until age 12, the Group 0+/1/2/3 takes little one all the way through childhood and now features clever air pockets for enhanced airflow and optimum comfort.

Price: £269.00 www.chicco.co.uk

IZI TURN B I-SIZE BeSafe iZi Turn B i-Size: This easy-access rotation seat combines a baby seat and toddler seat into one by featuring the unique BeSafe Baby Shell™ and Newborn Hugger™. The Baby-Secure Swivel™ allows for only rear facing travels for babies to reduce misuse and later on expands to full 360° flexibility for older children.

Best CARSEATS

CYBEX SIRONA Z I-SIZE PLUS

Price: £519.00 www.besafe.com

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HEALTH & FITNESS

BEST FITNESS EXERCISES

for

Postpartumn Congratulations on your new little one! We all know what it means for your sleep, but what does it mean for your postpartum fitness?

For some women, exercise is the last thing on their mind during the first month postpartum.

In fact, many obstetricians and midwives suggest waiting four to six weeks after you give birth before beginning to exercise.

1. START POSTPARTUM WORKOUTS SLOWLY Swimming is incredibly effective in working your heart and lungs without putting too much pressure on your joints.

For postnatal women, swimming or an aqua aerobics class are effective in adding muscle tone, while providing a gentle exercise that won’t strain your body too much after birth.

However, it is advisable to stay clear of

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the swimming pool until any postnatal bleeding has stopped and scarring has healed if you had a caesarean.

2. PRENATAL YOGA Many postnatal women find yoga beneficial, as it encourages relaxation in the post-birth whirlwind while helping to strengthen core muscles and prevent back pain.

Jill Simpson, founder of MINDBODY studio Ebb&Flow explains: “Postnatal yoga is a great way to get strong again in specific areas, such as your core muscles. It’s also a time to focus on you, connect with other mums whilst boosting your energy.”

There are even yoga classes you can bring your baby to.

3. POSTPARTUMN PILATES Pilates is one of the most effective pre- and postnatal exercises as it targets the muscles that generally weaken during pregnancy.

Erica Foulds, master trainer at MINDBODY studio Ten Health & Fitness explains: “As Pilates is non-impact, compared to other forms of exercise, the risk of injury is reduced, so not only is it physically beneficial and advisable, but knowing you’re exercising safely can also help to reduce anxiety and provide reassurance during classes.

“There are also mental and emotional benefits, as Pilates is a highly immersive and focused form of exercise; the focus and concentration required make a great ‘time-out’ from everyday pressures.”

HEALTH & FITNESS

3 of the Best

FITNESS ACCESSORIES

GARMIN FORERUNNER 235 This GPS running watch with smart features can track distance, pace, time, heart rate and much more.

Price: £185.00 www.millets.co.uk

FITNESS-MAD STUDIO PRO SWISS BALL & PUMP Our Studio Pro Ball is rated at a massive 500Kg and is one of the toughest balls available. Perfect for weight training, Fit Ball workouts, Yoga, Pilates or physiotherapy.

Price: £20.00 www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk

DON’T FORGET! Any mother will be very familiar with pelvic floor exercises. These exercises are incredibly important, as they help to strengthen the muscles that come into great strain in pregnancy and childbirth. “Begin by sitting, standing or laying down in a comfortable position and squeeze and lift your pelvic floor muscles (these are the ones you use when you’re trying to hold in a pee). Hold this contraction for up to ten seconds, then relax. Repeat ten times and aim to do three or four sets each day!

TEKNIFIT BOOTY BUILDER Premium Glute Activation Band - Pink Fabric Resistance Hip Band Circle with Elastic Non Slip Design.

Price: £16.99 www.teknifit.co.uk

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Meet

Zeno Where do I start with this little gem, Project Baby had the pleasure of reviewing the CYBEX Zeno the answer for every parent wanting to keep fit and healthy but finding no time for the Gym. We are lucky enough to live by the sea in Brighton so running along the promenade was a breeze.

CYBEX really has gone above and beyond for active parents when designing this unique multisports trailer! Not only can you use it as a more traditional running pushchair with the handlebar, but you can also purchase the Pull Running Kit for hands-free running and then not forgetting Cycling, there’s a cycling kit you can purchase separately that you attach to your bike to use it as a bike trailer. We know as parents it can be hard to find the time to exercise and juggle family life but ZENO just lets you bring them along for the ride.

When buying the ZENO, you can buy the chassis and seat separately to completely customise your look, or as an all-in-one package that works out slightly cheaper.

Building the Zeno for the first time does take a bit of time and patience, as the wheels need putting on (easy) and the seat fabrics and hood attaching to the chassis. But once together you won’t have to do these parts again. Phew!

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TECH SPECS Suitability – From 6 months to approx. 4 years (111 cm or 22 kg max.)

RRP – Frame £499.95, Seat Pack £239.95, One Box £719.95, Pull Running Kit £169.95, Cycling Kit £124.95.

Seat Pack Colours – Silver Pink, Bleached Sand, Medal Grey, Maliblue, and All Black Frame Colours – Black/Pink, Creme/Orange and Black/Black Weight – 12.5kg Size – L1400-1550 x W685 x H1040-1220 (mm) Folded Size – L995 x W580 x H350 (mm)

REVIEW

LETS GET TO KNOW THE ZENO It has been designed for use on flat terrain and is made with a lightweight aluminum frame much like a road bike, for a smooth ride. The whole thing weighs only 12.5kg.

There is nothing like the Zeno on the market to date, it is sleek and stylish, and multifunctional, the one thing I love about CYBEX as a brand is they don’t compromise. My Husband had a go he is a much faster runner than myself and he really could run at speed without the pushchair feeling wobbly or unstable.

The ZENO has three large 20″ air-filled tyres. As always there’s a risk of puncture with any air tyre, but as you’ll be covering paths and roads, it should be minimal and is definitely worth it for the smooth ride.

If you were wanting to use it for more general use, like everyday shopping you might find it’s quite wide for in the shop doors.

It’s great for one-handed steering when walking or push running. The handlebar is adjustable in height by lifting up the white flap and pulling up or down. Really simple. There is also a hand strap and it’s recommended that you use the stap that’s provided this is to prevent it from running away from you.

CYBEX ZENO – Cycling Kit This will be popular for lots of families especially during covid times when we are all being encouraged to cycle more as well as the ability to keep up your fitness. Of course, there’s plenty of bike trailers on the market but the ZENO really does stand out from the crowd! Remember Baby must be at least 6 months old to travel with the Cycling Kit, and also old enough to wear a helmet for every ride too.

What we think…

Well, where do I start.. I LOVE it.

Hubby without a doubt loved the pulling feature he said it was nice to just run carefree.

Personally, I loved the cycling feature for me to have all these options is a game-changer, I love that it does it all.

Now I don’t have to buy a running pram and a bike trailer the ZENO does it all.

Like all prams, there’s a foot brake near the back right wheel, and there is also a hand brake. The hand brake is super useful to control the speed when running downhill and not losing control over the pram.

The ZENO seat doesn’t have a recline it can be used from 6 months of age, however, it can’t be used for running until 9 months, this is to ensure the child has sufficient head and neck control when moving at speed.

The seat is like a little cubby hole for any child to be kept warm and dry in all weather conditions. If the weather is hot there’s a mesh vent on either side to help keep the airflow. It comes complete with its own rain cover.

The seat is nicely padded to give the ultimate comfort for your little one.

We tested the Zeno with Quincy who is three years old and 15kg there’s plenty of space and room to grow and he doesn’t feel heavy when pulling or pushing. The seat also has a 5 point harness and buckle that have padded straps to keep them secure in the seat. The maximum child weight limit of the ZENO is 22kg, 111cm, and around 4 years old.

The total load weight is 34kg.

CYBEX ZENO – The fold For something that is so multifunctional and sturdy, it still has an amazingly compact fold and it doesn’t take long at all.

To fold push both white buttons on the side of the frame until the indicator changes to red, then push them forwards to drop the main seat section down. Now remove the wheels with the button in the center, unclip and slide out your front wheel, and pop it all on top to keep it smartly together, and that’s it. This fitted perfectly into our Evoque with plenty of space to spare.

CYBEX ZENO – Pull Running Kit CYBEX has cleverly introduced something that allows you to run completely free. When pull running it means this is connected to your waist and you run hands-free.

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STYLE

& Keeping bump warm this Winter.

STYLISH PREGNANT

WINE SPOT PRINT MATERNITY SHIRT DRESS Price: £45.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

SAGE TURTLE NECK MATERNITY & NURSING JUMPER Price: £35.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

JAMIE WRAP DRESS Price: £129.00 www.bumpandmilk.com

We Love

BAMBOO LEGGINGS Price: £29.00 www.seraphine.com

NOTTING HILL BACKPACK Price: £89.00 www.london-olivia.com

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MORI BUMP TO BABY LONG SLEEVE Price: £29.00 www.babymori.com

JOULES RUTLAND BOOTS Price: £45.00 www.joules.com

MEN’S GILET WITH BABYWEARING POUCH Price: £69.00 www.seraphine.com

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STYLE

Child’s

www.thebonniemob.com

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PLAY

BONNIE MOB BAMBI

STYLE

TÖASTIE Eco padded snow suit Price: £70.00 www.childrensalon.com

TODDLER BEAR BASEBALL HAT

KIDS FOX TOP Price: £15.00 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Price: £12.00 www.gapuk.com

We Love PYJAMAS CHESTNUT PRINT

BLADE & ROSE

Price: £35.00 www.lindex.com

Highland Cow Price: £10.00 www.bladeandrose.co.uk

EXPLORER WATERPROOF ALL IN ONE SUIT Price: £55.00 www.welovefrugi.com

TIGER DENIM JACKET

BY MINI RODINI Price: £109.00 junioredition.co.uk

LIVING NATURE LARGE HIGHLAND COW

FRUGI ORGANIC POLAR BEAR WELLIES Price: £24.00 www.naturallyethical.co.uk

Price: £29.00 www.livingnatureworld.com project-baby.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health &

John Bell & Croydon www.johnbellcroyden.co.uk

Soak for bits Post partum bath soak to clean and soothe the perineum. This midwife developed bath soak is ideal for that first bath, and to use as a soak for the first few weeks after childbirth, to help aid recovery.

Price: £29.00 MY EXPERT MIDWIFE

Shamsin Eau De Parfum Luxurious and voluptuous, Atelier Flou’s Shamsin EDP evokes a gleaming desert with unseen breezes blowing across the blank canvas of land, golden specks of sand against the azure skies. Traditional Moorish architecture springs to mind, with mashrabiya screens fending off the sun’s fiery gaze, and the mysterious exotic scents of the East swirling through the streets.

Price: £220.00 100ml ATELIER FLOU

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BEAUTY

John Bell & Croyden is a pharmacy located on Wigmore Street, London. The company dates from 1798 and has been based on its current premises since 1912. We have teamed up with John Bell & Croydon to introduce you to the best luxury Mother & Baby pieces.

Visit us instore 50-54 Wigmore St, London W1U 2AU

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Little Butterfly London Face Cream Delivering exceptional dermal protection, our organiccertified face cream combines scientifically validated bio-actives, plant oils and extracts, to deeply nurture and calm.

Price: £27.00 LITTLE BUTTERFLY LONDON

No Harm Bum Balm

Babies & Toddler’s Blend Probiotics

Nappy Rash Cream For Babies. This nappy ointment is a must-have for all baby changing bags, and for packing in your hospital bag. Use it to prevent nappy rash or to soothe soreness on your baby’s delicate skin

The specific strains used in Babies & Toddler’s Blend have been specially chosen for their value to infant health and have been formulated to the viable count appropriate for infants. For Infants 0-5 years old.

Price: £12.50 MY EXPERT MIDWIFE

Price: £25.00 UDO’S CHOICE

Baby Pure Castile Liquid Soap With no added fragrance and double the olive oil, our Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is good for sensitive skin & babies too (though not tear-free!).

Dr. Bronner’s soap is concentrated, biodegradable, versatile and effective.

Price: £21.00 DR BRONNER’S

Scent Of Seas Toning Body Serum

This high-performance, organic-certified body serum assists in restoring elasticity and returns bounce to over-stretched or slack skin, whilst leaving a feeling of instant lightness.

Price: £35.00 LITTLE BUTTERFLY LONDON project-baby.co.uk

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INTERIORS

Creating Your Dream

NURSERY

OPULENCE ROCKING CHAIR A stunning update to a nursery classic, our beautiful opulence rocking chair offers a soothing place for feeding, reading andcuddling, with its cushioned seat, sparkling swarovski crystal buttons and sleep inducing rocking motion.

Price: £3,200.00 www.bambizi.co.uk

ROCKING HORSE MAMMOTH NEO This adorable and fluffy Rocking Ride-On Mammoth (called Neo!) is possibly the most gorgeous kid’s ride-on toy EVER! Price: £130.00 www.cuckooland.com

ANNE-CLAIRE PETIT MAMA TEDDY This charming series of crocheted soft-toys is designed by Anne-Claire 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.

Price: £157.00 www.madeindesign.co.uk

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INTERIORS

STEIFF LEO RIDING LION Steiff Leo Riding Lion is made from high quality woven fur in golden blond. Just look at his magnificent mane and a face full of character. Gentle hand airbrushing around his face together with big black eyes - whiskers - a long tail with a bob of hair at the end - all go to make this piece of Steiff very special indeed.

LEVO BABY ROCKER Beautiful wood and fabric baby rocker made by Charlie Crane of France. It is part of the LEVO range.

Charlie Crane makes really stylish nursery furniture.

Price: £169.00 www.nubie.co.uk

Price: £475.00 www.steiffteddybears.co.uk

We Love

OXFORD 3 PIECE NURSERY FURNITURE SET The Grand Collection Embrace elegant heritage detailing with our Oxford nursery furniture. Our most substantial collection, the striking cornice and plinth detailing and painted finish command attention while bringing a robust, traditional feel to your room.

Price: £1800.00 www.mamasandpapas.com

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DEVELOPMENT

Baby’sFirst

FOODS When to start introducing solid foods

Introducing your baby to solid foods, often called weaning on to foods, should start when your baby is around six months old. It is a really important step in your baby’s development and can be great fun to explore new flavours and textures together. To begin with, how much your baby takes is less important than getting them used to the idea of eating.

They will still be getting most of their nutrition from breastmilk or infant formula. Babies don’t need three meals a day to start with, so you can start by offering foods at a time that suits you. Gradually you’ll be able to increase the amount and variety of food your baby eats until they can eventually eat the same as the rest of the family, in smaller portions.

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DEVELOPMENT

R

esearch shows that babies need nothing but breastmilk or infant formula for the first six months of life.

This gives a baby’s digestive system time to develop so that they cope fully with solid foods. This includes solid foods made into purees and cereals mixed with milk.

Why it pays to wait until they are ready If you are breastfeeding, feeding only your milk up to around six months will give them extra protection against infection, and it will continue to protect them for as long as you carry on.

Whether your baby has breast milk or infant formula, waiting until your baby is ready for food will save a lot of time too, as they will quickly be able to feed themselves and with less mess, as they will be able to swallow properly.

Three signs your baby is ready for their first food Every baby is an individual, but there are three clear signs which, together, show your baby is ready for solid foods alongside breastmilk or infant formula. It is very rare for these signs to appear together before your baby is six months old.

1. They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady.

2. They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves.

3. They can swallow food.

Babies who are not ready will push their food back out, so they get more round their face than they do in their mouths.

Some signs that can be mistaken for a baby being ready for solid foods: • chewing fists • waking in the night when they have previously slept through • wanting extra milk feeds These are normal behaviours and not necessarily a sign of hunger, or a sign of being ready to start solid food. Starting solid foods won’t make them any more likely to sleep through the night. Extra feeds are usually enough until they’re ready for other food.

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months, you don’t need to introduce it after six months either.

GETTING STARTED • Always stay with your baby when they are eating in case they start to choke.

• Let your baby enjoy touching and holding the food.

• Allow your baby to feed them selves, using their fingers, as soon as they show an interest.

• Don’t force your baby, wait until the next time if they are not interested this time.

• If you are using a spoon, wait for your baby to open their mouth before you offer the food.

• Your baby may like to hold a spoon too.

• Start by offering just a few pieces or teaspoons of food, once a day.

• Cool hot food and test it before giving it to your baby.

• Don’t add salt, sugar or stock cubes to your baby’s food or cooking water.

TIPS ON WHAT FOODS TO GIVE YOUR BABY AS THEY GROW Feeding your baby from 0-6 months Breast milk or infant formula. ‘Follow-on’ formula is not suitable for babies under six

Introducing solid foods before six months: if after checking with your health visitor or doctor, you decide to introduce solid foods before six months, you should avoid giving your baby certain foods as they may cause food allergies or make your baby ill. These include foods that contain wheat, gluten, nuts, peanuts, peanut products, seeds, liver, eggs, fish, shellfish, cows’ milk and soft or unpasteurised cheese.

Baby food from 6 months First foods: your baby’s first foods can include mashed or soft cooked fruit and vegetables like parsnip, potato, yam, sweet potato, carrot, apple or pear, all cooled before eating. Or soft fruit like peach, melon, soft ripe banana or avocado as finger foods or mashed. Or baby rice or baby cereal mixed with your baby’s usual milk. Keep feeding them breast milk or infant formula as well but don’t give them whole cows’ milk as a drink until they are a year old.

Next foods: soft cooked meat such as chicken, mashed fish (check very carefully for any bones), pasta, noodles, toast, pieces of chapatti, lentils, rice and mashed hard boiled eggs. Also full-fat dairy products such as yoghurt, fromage frais or custard (choose products with no added sugar or less sugar). Whole cows’ milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from six months.

DEVELOPMENT

Cups: introduce a cup from around six months and offer sips of water with meals. Using an open cup or a free flow cup without a valve will help your baby learn to sip and is better for your baby’s teeth.

Read more about drinks and cups for babies and children.

Feeding your baby from 8-9 months Gradually, in this time your baby will move toward eating three meals a day. It will be a mixture of soft finger foods, mashed and chopped foods.

Your baby’s diet should consist of a variety of the following types of food: fruit and vegetables; bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and other starchy foods; meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non dairy sources of protein and milk and dairy products.

Read more about understanding food groups.

Your infant’s food from 12 months Your baby will now be eating three meals a day, chopped if required, plus breast milk or whole cows’ milk and healthier snacks like fruit, vegetable sticks, toast and rice cakes.

They can now drink whole cows’ milk. Choose full-fat dairy products because children under two need the extra fat and vitamins found in them. From two years old if they are a good eater and growing well they can have semiskimmed milk. From five years old 1% fat and skimmed milk is OK. You can give your baby: • Three to four servings a day of starchy food such as potatoes, bread and rice • Three to four servings a day of fruit and vegetables • Two servings a day of meat, fish, eggs, dhal or other pulses (beans and lentils)

WHAT MILK WHEN? For around the first six months you should feed your baby only breast milk or infant formula. Only use soya-based infant formula if your GP has advised you to. Follow-on milks are available for babies over six months but there is no need to change over to these.

Cows’ milk can be mixed with food from six months and whole cows’ milk can be given as a drink from one year.

Infant formula, follow-on formula or growingup milks are not needed once your baby is 12 months old. Goats’ and sheep’s milk are not suitable as a drink for babies under one year and rice drink is not suitable as a drink for children under the age of five.

TIPS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO EXPLORE FOODS • Healthy eating. Babies like the food they get used to so give them as many different, healthier foods as you can – this way they are more likely to keep eating them as they grow up. It is a great habit to get into and one that will hopefully make your life a little easier as they get older. Also, do not give them foods or drinks with added sugar, or salty or fatty food, as this will make them more likely to want them as they get older.

• Solid foods and milk. As your baby eats more solid food, they may want less milk at each feed, or even drop a milk feed altogether. Babies should have breast milk (or infant formula) for at least the first year, and can carry on with breast milk for as long as you both want. From 12 months cows’ milk is fine as their main drink.

Infant formula, follow-on formula or growing-up milk is not needed once your baby is 12 months old.

• Take time. Allow plenty of time for eating, especially at first. Rushing or forcing your baby could lead to problems. Go at your baby’s pace and stop when your baby shows you they have had enough.

• It’s messy. It can get messy but this is an important part of your baby’s development. You may want to cover the floor with newspaper or a protective mat to make clearing up easier.

• Show them and eat together. Babies copy their parents and other children so you can help them by showing them that you eat healthier foods. Babies enjoy watching you eat, and learn from being a part of family mealtimes. Help them join in by talking to them and giving them food when you or the rest of the family is eating. Having mealtimes around the same time every day can make it easier for your baby to know when to expect to eat.

• Finger foods. Let your baby feed themselves with their fingers. This way they can show you how much they want to eat, and it gets them familiar with different types of food. It also makes eating more enjoyable. As a guide, the best finger foods are foods that can be cut up into pieces that are big enough for your baby to hold in their fist, and stick out of the top of it. Pieces about the size of your own finger work well.

• How much? Most babies know when they are full up, so don’t make them finish a portion when they don’t want to. Smaller, more frequent meals and healthier snacks will suit them better when they are young. Don’t worry if your baby hasn’t eaten much in a meal or a day, what they eat over a week is more important.

• Homemade is best. Homemade food is made from simple ingredients with no added sugar or salt. Any unused food can be kept in the fridge or frozen.

Then all you have to do is reheat the amount you need. This also helps them get used to family foods and saves money.

• Jar or packet food. Baby food in jars or packets can be handy, but portion sizes are often too big and much of it has the same texture. This may make it harder for your baby to accept more varied textures and to move to family foods as they get older. Jars are useful when you don’t have much time or you are out with your baby.

• Sit up straight. Make sure your baby is sitting up straight so that they are able to explore foods better and are less likely to choke.

• Offer different foods. Babies like to choose for themselves and sometimes take their time getting used to different foods, so offer a small amount lots of times to let them gradually get used to new foods.

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FOOD & DRINK

Trio of Root Vegetable Purée METHOD: 1. Steam the root vegetables for about 20 minutes or until tender. Steaming is the best way to preserve nutrients but if you don’t have a steamer, put the vegetables into a saucepan and just cover with boiling water.

2. Blend the vegetables to a puree adding a little of the boiled water at the bottom of the steamer (about 75ml) or some of your baby’s usual milk to make a good consistency for your baby.

3. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over a medium heat until tender (about 20 minutes).

4. Drain the vegetables and blend to a puree using a little of the cooking liquid or you could add a little of your baby’s usual milk.

20

Preperation 5Minutes

6

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INGREDIENTS: 200g sweet potato, peeled and chopped 200g carrots , peeled and chopped 100g parsnips, peeled and chopped

FOOD & DRINK

Mediterranean Vegetable Puree

METHOD: Put all of the ingredients except the basil and cheese into a saucepan. Cover with a lid ,and bring up to the boil then simmer for 15 minutes until all the vegetables are soft. Add the basil then blend everything until smooth. Stir in the cheese until melted.

5

INGREDIENTS: 100g red onion, chopped 150g courgette, diced 100g yellow pepper, diced 175g aubergine, diced 1 clove garlic, crushed 400g tin chopped tomatoes 200 ml unsalted vegetable stock 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 30g Cheddar, grated

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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 APP FOR WEANING 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 annabelkarmel.com

FOOD & DRINK

Introducing PERFECT PREP DAY & NIGHT

H

ow can you take the stress out of night-time feeds?

Introducing Perfect Prep Day and Night.

Getting enough sleep can be a challenge for any parent. Hungry babies don’t like waiting for a feed and will make their feelings known in the only way they can. Those early morning feeds where you’re trying to keep quiet as you juggle baby and get the bottle to the perfect temperature can be a real stress test.

THE DREAMMACHINE FOR PERFECT BOTTLE PREP The new Perfect Prep Day and Night from Tommee Tippee is designed to make preparing bottles easier for parents, any time of day or night.

Not only does it deliver the perfect bottle at the perfect temperature in just two minutes flat, it’s also sleep friendly, with special features that make night time feeding a dream.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

WHY BODY TEMPERATURE? Warming baby milk to body temperature helps create a more relaxed and natural experience and it’s kinder on tiny tummies too.

KEEP LIGHTS ANDSOUND LOW With Perfect Prep Day and Night, you don’t risk waking the whole house preparing those night time bottles. Its gently glowing night light means you can see exactly what to do, even when you want to keep the lights low.

No more cold sweats over those 3am feeds as even the most bleary-eyed parent can prepare the perfect bottle. A clear, easy to use digital display tells you what to do next.

You can also turn down the volume on the beeps that signal each step of the process, so there’s no fear that you’ll wake the household as you prepare to satisfy baby’s hunger pangs.

PRACTICAL AND STYLISH Perfect Prep Day and Night comes in a choice of four different colours, perfect for the most stylish of homes. It’s compact and practical, so it won’t look out of place in your kitchen.

Perfect Prep Day and Night is specially designed to give parents peace of mind, knowing that baby's bottle will be perfect any time of day or night. It’s so easy, you could do it in your sleep… or near enough.

Perfect Prep Day and Night makes bottle prep simple. Just chose the size of your bottle, add the formula and the machine does the rest.

It dispenses the correct volume of water, using a built-in filter to remove any impurities, combined with an initial hot shot that kills any bacteria in the formula. That means you can have a body temperature bottle ready for baby in two minutes. It’s ten times faster than boiling a kettle and waiting for it to cool down.

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Boutique CUDDLEDRY

The award winning Cuddledry Handsfree Baby Bath Towel takes the stress out of baby bathtime. Its innovative design gives you both hands free to safely bath, lift and wrap your baby, keeping baby warm and you dry. It has 2 large luxurious layers, and cosy hood to keep baby completely cocooned.

No more stressful juggling act with standard towels and slippery babies!

Cuddledry towelling is made of supersoft bamboo and cotton; absorbent and antibacterial. This towel’s simple, ingenious design makes life easier with a new baby, making it a must-have for new parents and ideal gift.

PATTIE & CO

Pattie & Co., selling super soft, organic muslin swaddles, comforters and blankets in distinctive rainbow designs, was founded by Londonbased mum Cat price in November 2018.

They donate £5 from the sale of every organic muslin swaddle to Tommy’s, the baby charity because motherhood can be hard enough without having to face indescribable heartache on your journey there. www.pattieandco.com

www.cuddledry.com

DEAR BUMP

THE BAMBOO BABY

PK BEAU

The Bamboo Baby Company design and manufacture organic, eco-friendly baby blankets of exceptional quality; all made from naturally chemical-free bamboo, they are luxuriously soft, breathable and kind on delicate skin. www.thebamboobaby.com

THE PREGNANCY CALENDAR

Dearbump is somewhere you can go to find a range of products specific to pregnancy which have been tested and selected for your stage of pregnancy. Pregnancy is both exciting and worrying time, you want to give your baby the best start in life and ensure you do everything right, but it can be hard finding products which are safe for pregnancy. Each box contains 7-9 products tailored to your due date.

Boxes are sent every month.

Premium stylish and practical baby changing backpacks are what we are all about. Contemporary unisex styles, with a wealth of functions to help make parenthood a ‘walk in the park’. Made from luxurious Vegan Leather, with wipe cleanable linings and chunky metal zips, our bags are cleverly designed multifunctional statements for the fashionconscious, modern parent.

This original gifting experience counts down the final 24 days of pregnancy.

Inside the calendar there is a gift for either mum or baby. There are pregnancy and birth essentials for mama and baby bits for when their newborn arrives. The products that can be found inside the calendar range from tea and candles to milestone cards and teething rings. All products are specially selected with pregnancy in mind.

www.dearbump.com

www.pkbeau.com

www.thepregnancycalendar.co.uk

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

MABEL & FOX

We’ve taken the traditional baby changing mat & combined it with some utterly gorgeous prints, based around interior trends so that they fit seamlessly into your home. Not only do they set the tone for a nursery space & inspire themes, they make incredible photo backdrops - our customers absolutely love taking pictures of their babies on our mats!

We have designed the collection to ensure we offer a variety of size & mat styles to not only cater for different changing requirements but also to help make our product attainable for the mass. www.mabelandfox.com

LITTLE SQUIDGES

THE GILDED BIRD

Stunning Designs and High Quality Changing Mats for Your Nursery.

Made in the UK. Subscribe To Emails. Unique Designs. Shop Online. High Quality Foam.

Products: Blue Mountains Flat Mat, Blue Balloon Festival Anti Roll Wedge Mat, Green Tree Flat Mat.

GLOW IN STYLE

Personal styling service for Maternity, Motherhood & Beyond You rest assure and take care of your baby while we curate personalised outfits just for you. You can select to receive a Glow Box or Glow Online Edit as you wish.

WELCOME TO LITTLE SQUIDGES. Specialising in Handmade, Embroided & Printed Clothing for all ages.

These make beautiful gifts, no more dull clothing. www.littlesquidges.com

Boutiques ISLA AND FRASER

Beautiful Blankets , the blanket arrives charmingly presented in a satin ribbon with a gift tag that explains to the receiver all about the key features and details. A beautifully considered and thoughtful gift that will become a cherished family keepsake. www.islaandfraser.com

BABY UMA These luxurious buggy hooks attach easily to any buggy or stroller.

They provide handy extra storage for shopping bags, changing bags and more, offering practicality and the equivalent of a much needed extra pair of hands. We’ve tested these buggy hooks on all the major high street brands, and the top 10 stroller, pram and pushchair lists.

If your buggy has a handle, these clips will fit. Either on the foam handle or directly on the frame.

We are still here for you! Maybe you want to refresh your wardrobe or you want to get ready for summer vacation. You can now get one of our personalised style interventions via video chat. Write to us now to book a style meeting. www.glowinstyle.com

www.babyuma.com

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ADVERTISMENT

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Price: £45.00 www.hamleys.com

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

www.cozyglo.co.uk DENTIST

PLUM SNOWDROP INTERACTIVE KITCHEN Price: £99.99 www.direct2mum.co.uk

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