Absolutely Mama November 2020

Mama N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • I S S U E 4 3

The Magazine for Modern Mums

TIME FOR CHANGE Tekie Quaye on Black motherhood • BIG FEELINGS Fearne Cotton talks mental health • NATURAL ELEMENTS Inside Binky Felstead’s nursery • STAYING STRONG Nadiya Hussain’s new book

AWARDS «««

«««

WE REVEAL THE WINNERS FOR 2020

C O S Y F E E L I N G S

ISSUE 43 • NOVEMBER 2020

Get ready to hunker down at home with the snuggliest winter style

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Tripp Trapp® Designed by: Peter Opsvik

T H E C H A I R T H AT G R OW S W I T H T H E C H I L D™ TRIPP TRAPP® Bringing your Tripp Trapp® home is the start of a new story that will span generations.

Tripp Trapp® is designed for every stage of childhood and beyond. This is longevity in its purest form. Let your story begin. stokke.com | @stokkebaby

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Stokke® Sleepi™ Design: Susanne Grønlund & Claus Hviid Knudsen

T H E B E D T H AT E VO LV E S AS YO U R C H I L D G R OW S S TO K K E ® S L E E P I ™ The distinctive oval shape of Stokke® Sleepi™ gives your baby a cozy nest-like environment.

Its small footprint combined with lockable swivel wheels makes it easy to move and efficient in even the smallest of spaces. Best of all, it grows with your child expanding to accommodate their changing needs and size.

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mam a WELCOME

contents 79 N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

82 68

38

23

AGENDA Christmas Books

MAMAHOOD 36 Woman in Work

68 Mummy Makes

Staying Strong

38 Time For Change

72 Beauty Notes

ESSENTIALS 23 Advent Calendars

FASHION 46 Great Expectations

HOME & INTERIORS 82 Nursery Notes

26 Mama Awards

48 Kids Fashion Notes

84 Home Tour

32 Tot Gear

WELLNESS 64 Big Feelings

14

Th e best festive releases for bedtime reading

18

Nadiya Hussain on her new children’s book

Th e countdown to Christmas begins!

ON THE COVER: @louisemisha louisemisha.com COVER PHOTO: @AYAKHNINA AYAKHNINA.COM

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We announce the winners for 2020

Th e latest key kit to make parenting easier

We meet Liz Rawlinson, the founder of gus + beau

Tekie Quaye, founder of BornAgain, on Black motherhood

We meet Cécile Reinaud, founder of Seraphine

Th e best looks for little ones

Fearne Cotton on children’s mental health

Recipes from Rebecca Wilson’s new cookbook

November’s brand new products for mamas and minis

Beautiful decor and furniture for your little one’s space

Inside Binky Felstead’s daughter’s nursery

RESOURCES 90 Playroom Diversity

Well-represented toys and books

November 2020

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mam a WELCOME NADIYA HUSSAIN P.18

Editor’s

LETTER

KIDS FASHION NOTES P.48

INTERIORS TOUR P.84

W

ith the weather starting to turn and more time spent indoors (hello lockdown number two!), we’re focusing our attention on self care. If you’ve been worried about your little one’s mental health since returning to school, this issue is here to help.

First up, we chat to mental health advocate Fearne Cotton about how you can talk to your mini about big emotions. Read our interview with Fearne on page 64. We also talk to Nadiya Hussain about her new children’s book, which is all about finding your inner strength on page 18.

Elsewhere in this issue, we meet Tekie Quaye, founder of BornAgain. She talks about the harmful effects of history, unconscious bias and racism on Black mothers on page 38. We also get a peek inside Binky Felstead’s daughter India’s beautiful nature-inspired nursery on page 84.

And finally, we round up the best advent calendars to count down to Christmas. Enjoy!

C a rly Gl e n di n n i n g E DITOR

@carlyjglendinning carly@zest-media.com

BOOKS P.14

Part of the

Brand Partnerships Manager: NAVINDER LALL Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI

T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r M o d e r n M u m s @ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A

absolutely-mama .co.uk Editor UK: CARLY GLENDINNING Social Media Editor: JESSICA SHALTOUT Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PAWEL KUBA Senior Designer: MIKE ROBERTS Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN

Director: LEAH DAY Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT U n i T G 0 6 We n l o c k S tu d i o s , 50 -52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU

For editorial enquiries please email: carly@zest-media.com

020 7704 0588

For advertising enquiries please email: navinder@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please email: lucie@zest-media.com

Absolutely Mama supports

zest.london To read the latest issue of Absolutely Mama subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelymama

Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

November 2020

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month

Get Cosy

OEUF NYC For the cosiest knitted pieces this autumn head to Oeuf NYC. We’re in love with the adorable bloomers and cute accessories. oeufnyc.com

STYLISH E AT I N G

BABY BOOSA Made from soft silicone for comfort, Baby Boosa’s stylish bibs are designed with a deep reinforced food catcher. They are also BPA free and come in a reusable storage bag to eliminate single-use plastic. £10.95; babyboosa.com

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MAMA & ME ARKET ARKET’s autumn collection includes lots of matching mama and me pieces so you can twin with your mini.

Stock up both of your wardrobes with everything from everyday basics to dressier pieces. arket.com

Dinner Time B ÉA BA For minis growing out of plastic plates and cutlery, Béaba has introduced a glass meal set. Made from DURALEX (which is virtually unbreakable), the bowl and plate have a suction base and the glass has a supple sleeve to help little hands grip. £30; beaba.com

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ma m a LOVE S

Stack Up

M US HIE Perfect for developing motor skills, little ones will learn as they play with these stylish stacking cups.

100% BPA free and made to last. cissywears.com

S K AT E S ON

P EA One for budding skaters, we love this new bunny print from children’s interior brand Pea. Perfect for updating their space this autumn. frompea.com

KNIT WO R K

TH E NEW SOCIET Y The New Society returns for autumn with a collection that honours the traditional craftsmanship of artisans.

Expect nostalgic knits, romantic detailing and the cosiest fabrics. thenewsocietykids.com

Little Treats

MILK IT

ST YC H If you’re thinking about Christmas gifting already, look no further than Stych. Perfect for stockings, their cute gift pouches are filled with colourful and fun accessories that make a failsafe girly gift. stychaccessories.com

E LV I E Elvie has launched two new products to add to your parenting kit: the Elvie Curve, a silicone breast pump that uses natural suction for easy, hands free expression; and the Elvie Catch (pictured), two breast milk collection cups that help you to stay leak free and collect your milk. elvie.com

Good Start

Z-ORA Made with 100% natural organic ingredients, ‘Clarity’ breakfast bowl from Z-Ora is designed to nourish you from within, setting you up for the day. A nutritious mix of nuts, dried fruits, seeds and oats, it’s delicious served with coconut yoghurt. £16; z-ora.com

or’s Editick P

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Little Skaters

QUEENS HOUSE ICE RINK , GREENWICH

London’s most Instagrammable ice rink returns for another festive season.

Visitors will be able to skate in the beautiful grounds of the Royal Museum Greenwich – a UNESCO World Heritage site. rmg.co.uk

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W H AT ’ S O N Family activities for the festive season – from virtual puppet shows to Christmas lights...

W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Mr. Gobble Ongoing Little Angel Theatre

Scoop the Junk Lady and Bertie the Bottle make things out of the stuff other people throw away, and use them to tell stories. Listen to the story of Mr Gobble’s Garden on the Little Angel Theatre’s website. littleangeltheatre.com

we love

Illuminated Trail 18 November – 3 January • Kew Gardens

Returning for its eighth year, Kew’s sellout winter trail is back with old favourites and brand new light installations. Little ones will marvel at the enchanting optics as they explore Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape after dark. kew.org

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Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales Until 21 February The Unicorn Theatre

Available on the theatre’s YouTube channel, the Unicorn presents a selection of six theatrical readings from Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales. Enter a perilous world of murderous step-mothers, devious Kings and fearless children. unicorntheatre.com

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EVENTS

Staying

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL 17 – 27 December Sadler’s Wells

The Little Match Girl, directed and choreographed by award-winning Arthur Pita will return to Sadler’s Wells this Christmas. Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic story, a tale of a young girl’s hopes and dreams is told through dance, song and Frank Moon’s original atmospheric music performed live on stage. sadlerswells.com

HOME Three lockdown activities M U D DY ACAD E M Y Ongoing Online

Outerwear and swimwear brand Muddy Puddles is giving free access to their ‘Muddy Academy’, a database of over 150 outdoor learning lesson plans.

The brilliant resource focuses on ‘learning while playing’. muddypuddles.com

FANTASTIC

BEASTS

Opening 9th December The Natural History Museum

he real and wizarding worlds intertwine in ‘Introducing Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature’, which explores the magical universe of JK Rowling. Discover creatures, specimens and artefacts from the Natural History Museum’s scientific collection, with a magical twist from zoologist Newt Scamander’s world.

T

LO N DO N ’ S LIT TLE TH I N K E R S Ongoing Online

Founded by an ex-primary school teacher, London’s Little Thinkers provides expert blog posts to inspire creative play, thinking imaginatively and learning.

nhm.ac.uk

londonslittlethinkers.co.uk

Clever CAKES

From 1 November Little Angel Theatre

vailable on the Little Angel’s and Michael Rosen’s YouTube channels, the theatre has collaborated with the best-selling children’s author and poet on a puppetry adaptation of Clever Cakes. Read by Rosen, performed by Nix Wood and designed into a puppetry book by Ellie Mills.

A

VI RTUAL M U S EU M S Ongoing Online

Visit one of 500 museums ‘virtually’ with Google. Little ones will love getting lost in a tour of the MoMA or visiting the British Museum from the comfort of your own home. artsandculture.google.com

littleangeltheatre.com

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Christmas

BOOKS Our favourite new festive releases to get you in the Christmas spirit...

W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Magical Time DI S N EY STORY TI M E COLLECTION

By Igloo Books

This deluxe 15-book special edition slipcase set features some of Disney and Pixar’s most well-loved characters. The perfect addition to any child’s Disney library this Christmas, join Belle, Woody, Olaf, Simba and many more familiar faces in this magical collection of enchanting tales. £74.85;  amazon.co.uk

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‘TIS THE SEASON

PETER RABBIT CHRISTMAS IS COMING

By Beatri x Potter

Featuring 24 brand new stories and an activity to enjoy every day of Advent, this book is a lovely way to get ready for Christmas. Join Peter Rabbit and all his friends as they count down. £14.99; penguin.co.uk

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BOOKS

LET’S CELEBRATE T H AT C H R I S T M A S

By Richard Curtis and Rebecca Cobb

Christmas is the same every year isn’t it? From international fi lm phenomenon, Richard Curtis, and award winning illustrator, Rebecca Cobb, this heartwarming book tells the tale of a magical, unconventional Christmas. £12.99;  penguin.co.uk

C L A S S I C TA LE S T H E WO R L D O F W I N N I E -T H E - P O O H

By A . A . Milne and E . H. Shepard

Merry &

BRIGHT A T I M E F O R M AG I C Illustrated by Claire Fletcher

The adventures of Pooh, Christopher Robin and all their friends are brought to life in this beautiful edition containing E. H. Shepard’s original line illustrations. A lovely Christmas gift, and one to treasure for years to come. £20;  harpercollins.co.uk

A beautiful Christmas keepsake from Polar Post, in A Time for Magic, Father Christmas pens a love letter to children, reminding them that their friends at the North Pole are by their side no matter what they face. £10.99;  polarpost.co.uk

Joy to the

WORLD G R A N D PA C H R I S T M A S

By Michael Morpurgo and Jim Field

Michael Morpurgo and Jim Field’s bestselling book is available in paperback for the very fi rst time. This timely story about a grandpa’s wish for his granddaughter to live in a better world spreads a powerful message about protecting the environment. £6.99;  harpercollins.co.uk

C H R I STM A S CHEER DOGGER’S CHRISTMAS

By Shirley Hughes

Over 40 years since the muchloved children’s classic Dogger was published, comes this magical follow-up. Dogger’s Christmas is the very special story of one boy and his beloved toy – who always manages to be found. £12.99;  penguin.co.uk November 2020

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ProFold The one that makes life easier.

Available at

micralite.com Micralite Absolutely1Mama Profold Ad - JN821.indd 1 MICRALITE.indd

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agenda PARTNERSHIP

Give the gift of

READING

Fire a child’s imagination this Christmas with these beautiful books to treasure and share

W

hen renowned picture-book creator, Oliver Jeffers, became a father he made Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth for his newborn son. Now he has a daughter too and has created a rare and enduring story about a father and daughter laying the foundations for their life together. What We’ll Build: Plans for our Together Future is a hopeful, heart-warming story about a parent’s boundless love – the perfect gift for young children and their parents.

Back in March Rob Biddulph’s #DrawWithRob videos teaching families to draw became an internet phenomenon with over 3million views on YouTube! Now Rob is getting ready for Christmas with a festive art activity book, Draw With Rob at Christmas!

With everything you need to prepare for the big day from advent activities, cards,

decorations and even thank you notes, as well as Rob’s drawing guides, this brilliant book will keep the kids busy through December and beyond!

40 years ago readers first discovered the miniature world of the hedgerow and the families of mice who lived there in Jill Barklem’s Brambly Hedge stories.

Now all of her much-loved stories have been gathered in a sumptuous anniversary treasury, The Complete Brambly Hedge for a new generation to discover and explore.

Another favourite classic character is back this year with a charming new book for all the family to enjoy.

Paddington Bear offers us valuable life lessons in How to be More Paddington: A Book of Kindness – an uplifting collection of inspiring, and often hilarious, quotes from the much-loved books by Michael Bond.

Older children can go back in time this Christmas with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams! Code Name Bananas is set in 1940 with

Britain at war. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at London Zoo, where he loves one animal more than any other. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude the gorilla. This epic adventure is filled with action, laughter and secret plots – and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day…

Fans of Artemis Fowl will love the outlandish adventures of his younger brothers, Myles and Beckett. In The Fowl Twins: Deny All Charges the twins take the family jet for a spin and end up under house arrest – but nothing can contain them for long and soon they’re on the trail of some very vengeful dwarves!

Outrageous entertainment for adventurous kids… @HarperCollinsCh harpercollinschildrensbooks.co.uk November 2020

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S TAY I N G

STRONG TV chef, author and presenter Nadiya Hussain on her new children’s book Today I’m Strong I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Q Have you always loved storytelling and did you always want to write a children's book?

A Writing is one of my very first loves – it’s the way I express myself and it’s something I’ve always loved doing. When I was about seven I wrote a poem that won a national competition and that was it, I got really into reading and writing in a big way and I’ve been doing it ever since; reading, writing, lots of poetry. I express myself in writing quite a lot although I never had a diary as a child, it was always make believe and stories.

I’ve written recipe books with stories and 18

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I love writing for children, so it’s been exciting to work on my first picture book.

Q Today I’m Strong has such an important theme of developing resilience. What sparked the idea?

A Today I’m Strong is a natural follow on from my previous book My Monster and Me (although of course you can read them individually). The first one was about anxiety and this is about the next stage which is finding your inner strength. I wanted to make sure young readers are taken on a journey where they are able not only cope with their

fears, but find strength in dealing with them.

The emphasis on ‘today’ is because resilience isn’t something you practise once and then you’re done: you’re going to have good days and bad days, that’s part of the process.

Q Going back to school at the start of this academic year has been very different to previous years for many children. How do you hope Today I’m Strong will help the children that have transitioned to a new year?

A In a young child’s life being at home for six months when they are used to going

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age n d a BOOKS

I LOVE her illustrations – she really got the message of the book.

Q Why is it important to talk about your mental health?

A Books are a great way for even little children to understand and discuss mental health with their parents. It is very difficult for young children to explain their feelings when they don’t have the words for them – that’s why picture books are important, to help them develop the language. I know from experience that in order to work through tricky feelings you must acknowledge them and so by me opening up, I hope others will too.

A huge problem with having a mental health illness is the lack of communication.

If I break my finger, I go to the hospital.

If I have a cold, I go to the pharmacy.

If I’m broken inside, what do I do?

To help the healing process I wanted to be honest and speak truthfully to let people know that I am suffering too.

Q What other top books around mental health would you recommend to young people?

A The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright is a fantastic book which focuses on letting go of your fears and living in the moment.

Another lovely title around worries is Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival which follow’s Ruby who finds a worry that won’t stop growing and is a great book on tackling anxiety for children.

For older readers You Are Awesome

by Matthew Syed which is a great book to help children realise their potential and grow in confidence and resilience.

“Books are a great

tool to enable parents to navigate tricky issues with their children”

to nursery or school every day has been hugely disruptive. Books are a great tool to enable parents to navigate tricky issues with their children: I used to use books to chat about worries when my children were young. It’s important for children to know that everyone feels uncertainty and I hope that by reading Today I’m Strong they feel comfort and realise this.

Q We love the story and the illustrations.

How did you come to work with Ella Bailey?

A My publisher suggested Ella as the illustrator and I’m so glad they did,

TO DAY I ’ M S T R O N G

by Nadiya Hussain & Ella Bailey is published by Hachette Children’s Group and is out now. Hardback, £12.99. hachettechildrens.co.uk November 2020

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We provide a specialist bespoke maternity nurse service that offers personal and professional postnatal care to parents and babies

Maternity Nurse Services Maternity Mum offers consultancy services, both online and offline, for any issues regarding breastfeeding and sleep training. In addition, they also offer overseas maternity nurses, either for those who are travelling overseas or for clients who live abroad.

• Live in 24 Hour Maternity Nurse • Daily Maternity Nurse • Night Nanny (Night Maternity Nurse)

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Feeding Time ÉLHÉE

One of the most stylish baby bottles out there, the Élhée BibRond is eco-friendly and made without toxic chemicals.

The teat is also designed to be as close to breastfeeding as possible. elhee.com

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essenti a ls ADVENT

MERI MERI Nutcracker Advent Calendar, £12.50; merimeri.co.uk

PLAYIN CHOC Advent Calendar, £55; playinchoc.com

CAM CAM COPENHAGEN Christmas Calendar, £52; camcamcopenhagen.com

Advent Calendars Count down to Christmas with the best advent calendars MILLEDEUX Advent Calendar,€99; milledeux.com

NOT ON THE HIGH STREET Personalised Advent Calendar, £37; notonthehighstreet.com FERM LIVING Advent Calendar, £54.95; scandiborn.co.uk

MARIA MEKHAEL The Kindness Advent Calendar, £12.99; mariamekhaeldesign.com

November 2020

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CA M CA M COPE NH A G E N

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essentials STROLLERS

CLEVER FUNCTIONALITY The lie-flat seat unit is perfect for parents when on holiday or out and about as its simple one hand recline in both parent and world facing is convenient when your child falls asleep.

Featuring all-wheel suspension, the stroller provides a smooth ride on multiple surfaces so parents will have no problem tackling the city streets, countryside paths or uneven sidewalks with ease.

F E AT U R E S TO S U I T YO U R L I F E S T Y L E

G OING

PLACES

The perfect family companion – CYBEX’s new 360° twist stroller

C

YBEX’s brand new 360° twist stroller, the Eezy S Twist +2 is the perfect city stroller or travel companion.

The Eezy S Twist +2 can be used as a parentfacing and front-facing stroller from birth up until four years (approx. 22kg) in the forward-facing position. With just one hand, parents can easily turn the seat to position their little one out into the big world or towards them.

A CO N V E N I E N T T R AV E L SYS T E M

Compact and convenient, the seat unit can be used in the full lie-flat position from birth without the addition of

a newborn pack, ensuring baby is always comfortable on the go.

Parents can choose to use the Eezy S Twist +2 as a travel system, by simply selecting the seat unit, the COT S, COCOON S or one of CYBEX’s award-winning car seats including the CLOUD Z i-Size.

The COT S, a full-size carry cot attachment, adds a new dynamic to this compact stroller. It is perfect for those parents looking for something lightweight but still with the traditional carry cot for newborns.

The addition of being able to add an award-winning car seat such as the CLOUD Z i-Size in lie-flat mode makes this stroller super convenient for parents travelling on short journeys or using it in the city.

The Eezy S Twist +2 has a number of extra features including; • An all new bumper bar and footrest.

• An XXL sun canopy with UPF50+ protection.

• A spacious shopping basket which holds up to 5kg.

• A variety of beautiful colours to choose from to suit your lifestyle including Navy Blue, Magnolia Pink, Soho Grey, River Blue and Classic Beige.

W H E R E TO P U R C H A S E Available nationwide from independent retailers Harrods, John Lewis, Mamas & Papas and Boots. RRP £369.95. Carry Cot/Cot S – RRP £179.95.

For more information on the Eezy S Twist +2, visit

cybex-online.com/ en-gb/eezy-s-twist2 November 2020

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BBHUGME

AWA R DS 

2 02 0 

Thank you to everyone who voted in the Absolutely Mama Awards 2020!

T

he results are in!

The brands who entered the Absolutely Mama Awards 2020 really got put to the test. Not only were they subject to your vote, but they had to seek the extra approval of our rigorous judging panel. Carly Glendinning (Editor), Leah Day (Director), and Jessica Shaltout (Social Media Editor), trialled products to make sure that the winners really do reflect the very best in the world of parenting – from trusted household names, to new and pioneering start-ups. Thank you again to everyone who took part, your input is incredibly important to us and we appreciate every single vote. Read on to find out more about the winners and runners up.

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essentials MAMA

AWARDS

KIDSWEAR COLLECTIVE

Most ECO FRIENDLY/ SUSTAINABLE BRAND OR PRODUCT Winner: MORI MORI’s clothing is kind to the planet and created using methods that are fair to those who make it. They use a blend of natural fabrics that are durable with no harmful chemicals added. They also use trusted factories to make their products to ensure fair and safe working conditions. babymori.com First runner up: Bambino Mio Second runner up: Pop My Way

Best BRAND Winner:

Philly & Friends

Philly & Friends, is a children’s lifestyle brand that aims to add a drop of colour in the sea of children’s books, toys and products. They create beautifully illustrated keepsake books, wall art, and affirmation cards designed to instil confidence in our little ones. Each book sold sponsors a book into the hands of an underprivileged child. phillyandfriends.com First runner up: Mamas & Papas Second runner up: Silver Cross

Best BABY SKIN RANGE/PRODUCT Winner: Metanium Metanium has been taking care of babies’ bums since 1982.

From treatment to prevention, the range covers every stage of nappy rash – and they’re 100% vegan-friendly too! Whether it be to treat, soothe or protect, the Metanium range looks after your baby’s delicate skin all year round, relieving irritation with the Nappy Rash Ointment and helping to prevent further outbreaks with their Everyday range. metanium.co.uk First runner up: Once Upon a Foxx Second runner up: Weleda

Best CHILDREN’S SHOE BRAND Winner: Young Soles Young Soles is a luxury children’s footwear brand with a collection of lightweight shoes for both boys and girls from toddler to junior. Reinventing British heritage styles by bringing contemporary styling to children’s footwear, their shoes are designed in East London and made in Europe using the highest quality materials. youngsoles.london First runner up: Bobux Second runner up: Grass & Air

MORI

Best ETHICALLY SOURCED RETAILER

Best TRAVEL PRODUCTS OR SYSTEM

Winner:

Winner: Cybex Product: Eezy S Twist +2 The Eezy S Twist +2 from CYBEX is a brand new version of the global baby brand’s 360° twist stroller. The Eezy S Twist +2 can be used as a parent-facing and front-facing stroller from birth up until four years (approx. 22kg) in the forward-facing position.

With just one hand, parents can easily turn the seat to position their little one out into the big world or towards them. cybex-online.com First runner up: Bambino Mio, Wet Bag Second runner up: Venicci, Tinum

Kidswear Collective Kidswear Collective is an online store selling pre-loved designer kids fashion from birth to 14 years, where items are sold at up to 80% off their original retail price. The website is the brainchild of Shoshana Kazab, a veteran in the kidswear industry who wanted to find a way to create something very special which could address our urgent need to reduce waste in the fashion industry, but also make available designer pieces at affordable prices. kidswearcollective.com First runner up: Pure Bundle Second runner up: Jem + Bea

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YO U N G S O L E S

ALEX AND ALEXA

Best ONLINE COMMUNITY Winner:

Mamas & Papas

Best COT, CRIB, OR MOSES BASKET Winner: Stokke Product: Sleepi The Stokke® Sleepi™ is an evolving bed that grows with your child from 0 to approx. 3 years and with the additional Junior Extension Kit up to approx. 10 years. It expands to accommodate the changing needs – and sizes – of your growing child. Once your baby reaches the curious climbing stage, you can remove one side of the bed for easy access, and to boost feelings of freedom and independence. stokke.com First runner up: Micralite, Sleep & Go Second runner up: Micralite, Sleep & Go Lite

Mamas & Papas pride themselves on creating a diverse and inclusive community to support parents on their journey. This was demonstrated more than ever when they launched their campaign Never Underestimate the Power of Community (#NUTPOC).

It launched in March 2020 in the face of Covid-19 and has united a community of expectant and new parents. mamasandpapas.com First runner up: Just Chill Baby Sleep Second runner up: Babyopathy

‘Can’t live without’ PARENTING PRODUCT Winner: Moshi Moshi is the number 1 sleep and mindfulness app for children, designed to improve the health and happiness of families worldwide by helping kids get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer. Moshi’s constantly growing library of stories and meditations even includes exclusive stories narrated by very special guests, including Goldie Hawn, Patrick Stewart and Brian Blessed. moshisleep.com First runner up: Junior Jones, J-Protect Second runner up: Cybex, Cloud Z i-Size

Best MEALTIME/ FEEDING RANGE OR PRODUCT Winner: Piccolo Product: Organic Follow-On Milk Developed by a team of experts with over 35 years’ experience in infant nutrition, Piccolo’s Organic Follow-On Baby Milk helps support parents with feeding, and babies with growing. As well as being just the right balance nutritionally, and tailored to complement a varied weaning diet for babies aged over 6 months, it’s all done the Piccolo way; always organic, palm oil free and the packaging is fully recyclable. mylittlepiccolo.com First runner up: Little Tummy, Baby Meals Second runner up: Little Freddie, Seed Tubes

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essentials MAMA

AWARDS

STOKKE , SLEEPI

PICCOLO, ORGAN IC FOLLOW- ON M I LK

Best TOY

Best MATERNITY BRAND OR PRODUCT

Winner:

Sheni and Teni

Product: Multi Pack Puzzle Sheni and Teni was created to educate children about and celebrate African cultures.

Their mission is to help raise well-rounded, knowledgeable and considerate children, and they’ve done so through their multipack puzzle sets by providing representation. They believe it is important for kids to see themselves in the toys they play with, books they read and media they consume. sheniandteni.com First runner up: Edx Education, Rainbow Pebbles Second runner up: Hooga Playroom, Play Kitchen

PEA

Winner: bbhugme Product: Pregnancy Pillow The bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow™ is designed and developed for pregnant women by three female Norwegian chiropractors, mothers and entrepreneurs following two years of intense research and development. Used as a full body pillow during pregnancy, it provides important relief and support to the most critical areas; pelvis, lower back, belly, knees and ankles. bbhugme.com First runner up: Equi, Pregnancy Formula Second runner up: Babyopathy, Routine in the Womb Pure Essential Oil

Best CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND Winner:

Alex and Alexa

Alex and Alexa is the leading global online kids fashion retailer, offering over 400 brands across fashion, sports and accessories, as well as toys, interiors and lifestyle products, for all kids aged 0 – 16 years.

They truly focus on letting kids be kids, with fun, functional and hard wearing collections from the coolest global brands. alexandalexa.com First runner up: Mini A Ture Second runner up: Blade & Rose

SHENI AND TENI, M U LT I P A C K P U Z Z L E

Best NURSERY/ INTERIORS PRODUCT Winner: Pea With a belief in the power of imagination, Pea’s interiors products act as interactive story starters, designed to transport children into a woodland world. The brand was founded by a designer and a business brain (who happens to be a mum), once massively frustrated by the unoriginality or eye-watering expense of most children’s interiors. frompea.com First runner up: Gus + Beau Second runner up: TeddyOne

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mam ahood COLUMN

“There is a sense of relief in the knowledge that Christmas symbolises time at home, taking things slow” real mum talk...

Telling it like it is

Anna Woolf on Christmas and celebrating other family traditions during lockdown

I

love Christmas. I know what to do at Christmas. Pyjamas? Check.

Chocolate? Check. Sitting around watching bad TV and eating your bodyweight in cheese? Triple check. With the news that we are now in lockdown again until at least the beginning of December, the thought of getting the Christmas tree up is already feeling just a little too tempting. So thank goodness for traditions, making the end of the year feel a little more bearable. Starting with Halloween, we went all out with decorations, pumpkins and even our neighbours

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joined in by creating a Halloween trail for my daughters, meaning that joyful shrieks of laughter still filled the streets. We’re now ‘planning’ bonfire night, albeit with a lack of fireworks, but we’re still aiming for sparklers, hotdogs and warm cider to take the chill off (for the grown ups at least!).

Next for us it’s Chanukah; lighting the

candles, telling stories – ensuring that our daughters understand their heritage is important.

And finally, Christmas will be coming. No one quite knows what form it will take, but there is a sense of relief in the knowledge that Christmas symbolises time at home, taking things slow and engaging in small but important rituals. We love to make Christmas cards for family members, bake (and eat!) gingerbread and this year we are going to attempt a Christmas cake, the decoration of which will be done by the girls. Creating small rituals I hope will make lockdown part 2 feel a little more bearable. Small milestones that add up to a bigger sum feeling of peace (hopefully) and some sense of normal living. The tree, making and baking, sending off little mementos to family members; anything I can do to create a happy Christmas feels important. I hope that when my eldest daughter is asked about this time when she’s older, she just remembers how wonderful the small things were – the happy Christmas, time spent together. And that the frightening and worrying parts of 2020 get forgotten and left behind in the past, exactly where they should be.

Anna Woolf, Marketing Consultant and mama to Alba 5, and Luna 1 @socialmediamum annawoolf.net

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e s s ent i al s

TOT GEAR

ent parroved app

STYLISH STROLLING MICRALITE

Coinciding with the launch of their new website, Micralite has introduced their best travel system yet. Lightweight and compact, the GetGo is suitable from birth, has a one hand fold and comes with a lie-flat seat that can be reversed in one quick movement. From £499; micralite.com

TOT GEAR SAFE SLEEP

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

HALO

The BassiNest Swivel Sleeper from HALO, has a 360 degree swivel to make close sleep safer and more convenient. Perfect for night feeds and C-section mamas, the breathable mesh walls easily lower for access to your little one. £189.99; halosleep.co.uk

NICE WHEELS M A M A S & PA PA S

Back for a winter of cosy strolling, the popular Ocarro Simply Luxe is inspired

by Scandinavian minimalism. With a sleek pearlescent gunmetal chassis, the cosy flannel trims are perfect for keeping your little one warm. From £967; mamasandpapas.com

MAMA BEHIND THE SQUARES BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Move

The mama behind Absolutely Mama’s Instagram feed, Jessica Shaltout, puts the latest parenting kit through its paces @absolutelymama

W

hether you don’t want to take the pram out with you, or the baby won’t settle and you need to do some house admin, a baby carrier is a must-have for all parents.

I’ve tried a few now and each come with merits but BabyBjörn never let you down. What I really like about the Carrier Move is the detachable body section. This means that if the baby falls asleep, you can easily remove them without waking - the rest of it stays on like a waistcoat.

A flexible carrier, forward and backward facing, you do not need an insert for newborns, it is suitable from birth and adjusts for growth with a moveable head section. It does however only last to 15 months (12kgs) and does not have a hood for sun protection/nursing privacy. It also is not suitable to wear on your back. In terms of getting it on, once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. It’s very comfortable and supportive to wear and like all of BabyBjörn’s carriers, the Move has been classified as ‘hip-healthy’ by The International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Move; £119.99

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mama

COMPETITION

WIN CYBEX’S NEW EEZY S TWIST+2 STROLLER

Absolutely Mama has teamed up with CYBEX, the global baby brand renowned for its luxurious pushchairs, car seats, and baby carriers, to offer one lucky reader an EEZY S TWIST+2 STROLLER Compact and convenient, the EEZY S TWIST+2 can be used as a parent-facing and front-facing stroller from birth up until four years in the forward-facing position. With just one hand, parents can easily turn the seat to position their little one out into the big world or towards them.

For more information on the EEZY S TWIST+2, cybex-online.com/en-gb/eezy-s-twist2

Visit absolutely-mama.co.uk/win-cybex today to be in with a chance of winning

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mamahood M OT H E R H O O D A N D WO R K : LI Z R AW LI N S O N O F G U S + B E AU p . 3 6 T E K I E Q UAY E O N R AC I S M , U N CO N S C I O U S B I A S A N D B L AC K M OT H E R H O O D p . 3 8

Strong Mamas IN THIS SECTION

This month we meet two inspiring mamas. Tekie Quaye, founder of BornAgain talks to us about the negative effects of racism, history and unconscious bias on Black mothers; and Liz Rawlinson tells us about the difficult journey to motherhood that inspired the launch of gus + beau.

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woman in

WOR K Liz Rawlinson, mama and founder of premium baby playmat brand gus + beau

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

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Q Tell us about gus + beau... What made you want to launch the brand?

A gus + beau are premium baby playmats, designed to fit into your living spaces. We choose simple designs in muted colours so that they complement your interiors.

I had my son Gus in October 2017 and was on maternity leave from my role as Ecommerce Director at Anya Hindmarch when I came up with the idea for gus + beau. Gus was at the age where he wanted to be on the floor all of the time and kept rolling over and bumping his head on our wooden floor! I started looking for a foam jigsaw playmat which wasn’t a multi-coloured alphabet version. I couldn’t find one. So, I decided to design and manufacture one myself. I knew there must be other parents looking for the same thing, so I felt there was a gap

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mamah o o d

in the market. I spent a lot of time on Instagram and found that parents were looking for functional baby products which were still aesthetically pleasing.

Q How long did it take to get the business up and running?

A From concept to launch it took about 9 months – funnily enough the same amount of time it takes to grow a baby! We launched in March 2019 and it’s been a whirlwind ever since!

We started simply with a Triangle design – our grey with white triangles is still our bestseller 18 months later.

I have worked in e-commerce for 13 years, so I knew how to create a website and how to market it.

However, I had zero experience in manufacturing a product, so that has been a huge learning curve for me.

I learn something new most days.

Q Did your parenthood journey play a part in the decision to launch the business?

A My first son, Beau, was stillborn in 2016 when I was 38 weeks pregnant.

You are unable to prepare yourself for such a life changing event and at the time I didn’t think I would ever recover.

It is true that I am forever changed and

“We chose simple designs in muted colours so that they complement your interiors”

what Beau has given me is immeasurable.

He taught me so much about the world, more than I ever would have learnt without him. I was lucky enough to have Gus a year later in 2017. I always think of Beau as giving us Gus, our rainbow baby.

When I started my business, Beau was a huge inspiration so I knew I wanted him to feature in the name. It is very rewarding being able to speak his name every day and for him to forever live on in our hearts.

I had my third son, Jerry, in December 2019 – so I might need to start a diffusion line to include his name!.

Q Where do you find inspiration when you’re designing new products?

A Instagram and Pinterest are a massive source of inspiration for me – I love seeing

INTERVIEW

how people decorate their children’s rooms and playrooms. I design playmats that I would like to have in my own home and hope that others like them too!

Q How important is sustainability to the business?

A We are continuously looking for ways to improve sustainability in our business.

We use paper and cardboard wrapping wherever possible and also have 100% cotton storage bags. It is a big focus for us in 2021.

Q And finally, best and worst things about running your own business?

A The main reason I started gus + beau was to have a flexible working life around my children. I want to be able to take Gus and Jerry to and from school when the time comes – that’s very important to me. By running my own business, I am able to do that. I also have Fridays off to spend with my boys and go out on adventures together.

The most difficult part is the juggle.

Especially this year during the global pandemic. Being on maternity leave, lockdown and running a business has definitely been one of my most challenging life experiences so far! @gusandbeau_ gusandbeau.com November 2020

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mamah o o d INTERVIEW

Time for

CHANGE Tekie Quaye, mama-of-one and founder of BornTogether on the harmful effects of history, unconscious bias and racism on Black mothers...

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G Q Could you tell us a little bit about BornTogether and how your own birthing experience made you want to work with pregnant and birthing people?

A BornTogether is something that I really hadn’t expected. When I gave birth to my daughter, in that moment I too was born, as a mother. This is the sentiment behind the name BornTogether. It was definitely my own birth experience and that of motherhood that energised me to begin this platform. I had worked hard in preparing for my birth. I was so excited not only to meet my baby but also to experience birth. I came into my pregnancy from a state of depression and have to be honest and say that I didn’t start to enjoy my pregnancy until the very end. I had no idea the shift that was about to occur in my life and within myself. My birth was far from the one I had been striving towards, and while I was sorely disappointed to have missed out on my home birth, it was the way I was treated

“In that moment

I too was born, as a mother” by medical professionals that fractured the confidence I held in my body and baby, alongside the distress, lack of autonomy and feeling of safety that changed the course of my birth and left me feeling traumatised. I think that I was so very lucky that the feelings I held around my birth, the deep sadness, feelings of shame and regret weren’t able to

reach the way I was able to connect and be with my daughter. From the first moment, I have completely adored her. Becoming a mother has been the greatest journey of self-reflection, healing and forgiveness and while I will always be sad about the birth we had together, I have done a lot of work to no longer be ruled by the emotions.

All of this, and the surprising community I discovered within motherhood, have worked its way into BornTogether.

Q You’ve written a lot about the harmful role of colonisation and the way enslaved women were expected to bear children for the profit of their masters. How does this inform the way that Black mothers are perceived and treated in birth today?

A I think one of the most troubling consequences of this is actually the impact and way Black mothers and parents come to view and understand their own selves and experiences. The experience of our ancestors comes to bear on our own, whether that is because we feel the weight of history, we want to break away and define our own story or are influenced by the way we have been valued over the course of history.

That having been said, the way our society and intuitions fail to recognise the way the products of this history, the culture and its understandings, still dominate the climate of care received by Black birthing persons is so toxic. The harmful role of colonisation is still at play within our institutions.

While it may not be in the form of enslaved women giving birth to enslaved children for their masters, we see it in the continued distortion of knowledge, in the structures

of power that determine who’s knowledge is privileged, that denies the centering of other cultural experiences, traditions and laws.

Without exposing and acknowledging where the knowledge we hold as truth has come from and for what purpose that science was generated the education received by medical professionals within western intuitions will never change or challenge colonial ideology.

Race science and racial stereotypes that are accepted as fact within contemporary medicine are rooted in this colonial ideology.

In relation to Black birth, a short example would be in situations where Black birthing persons are denied pain relief because medical professionals operate on the belief that Black bodies don’t feel pain the same way as white bodies do. Black women are five times more likely to die in birth than their white counterparts here in the UK, more likely to miscarry, to deliver preterm, stillborn and babies born with low birth weights.

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They will go for longer with conditions such as endometriosis without diagnosis and treatment. A direct consequence of the belief that endometriosis was a disease confined almost exclusively to white women. We need to be researching the direct impact colonialism has on today’s management of Black bodies and birth, the influence and impact of racism and unconscious bias. To move away from placing the onus or fault in the hands of Black parents and bodies, to offer up more than simple band aid solutions such as providing continuity of care to Black birthing persons as remedy to these outcomes. It is time for us, as Black birthing persons, to have greater sovereignty, autonomy, knowledge, regard for our birthing rights and right to choice in the landscape of birth and maternal care.

Q You have also spoken about the term ‘Weathering’, coined by Dr. Arline Geronimus. How does the toxic stress that ethnic minority mothers experience through unconscious bias and racism relate to their physical and mental health and ultimately poor maternal outcomes?

A Simply put it erodes our bodies. A consequence of living a life in a sustained state of fight or flight, for Black persons and others viewed as minorities. Battling stressors that are chronic and repeated (as defined by the concept of Weathering) is that our bodies are unable to carry this, they begin to deteriorate, impacting our general health and increasing our health vulnerability. The concept of Weathering transcends ideas that have dominated the

conversation around poorer health outcomes within Black communities, that place the onus on the Black individuals for their unhealthy life choices and immutable genetic differences.

When looking at how the concept of Weathering is relevant in relation to maternal outcomes it is important also to note the way its impact is heightened for Black women and birthing persons due to the “double jeopardy” of their gender and racial discrimination. It defies socioeconomic factors and levels of education. I remember reading how Black mothers with the highest levels of education are dying at rates higher than white women with lesser education. A Black woman with an advanced degree is still more likely to lose her baby than a white woman with less than an eighth-grade education.

It is a situation akin to the perfect storm.

You have the cumulative effects of racism and bias that erodes the body, you then become pregnant which places a great stress on a body that isn’t able to function at its optimum due to its being Weathered, you have the double jeopardy factor and then you have a health care system, an institution who continue to base their understanding of the Black body on colonial markers, to ignore conditions such as Weathering, to provide a lesser care and space for sovereignty and autonomy. This is the environment and context that surrounds the space for Black birthing persons.

“Our bodies are

unable to carry this, they begin to deteriorate ” There is also the issue of stereotypes coming into play, that of the angry Black woman, so people feel less able to speak up, you have the idea of the strong Black woman which influences birthing persons and professionals to believe pain can be felt differently. If your birthing partner is a Black man it can be harder to strongly advocate for your partner without things escalating.

I know Black parents who have experienced traumatic births at the hand of health care professionals and during consecutive births hold great concern about returning into the health care system. This places the parent and their baby at risk if they don’t feel safe to access health care.

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mamah o o d INTERVIEW

from and intersect with birth and the concept of Weathering but I also want to highlight that the number of deaths, that sound very high when we talk about Black mothers being five times more likely to die, is a small percentage of birthing persons. I say this not to diminish the injustice, loss of life, family and future represented in this statistic but to help give even weight to the situation and hopefully reduce the fear and trauma that I know I felt when I first came to know of this when I was eight months pregnant.

Q The reality that BAME mother’s bodies are still treated as ‘vessels’ is deeply disturbing. What can you do to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and birth if you are not being listened to/respected/or you feel that you are being put in danger?

A The most important thing I would say is to know that you have options, without this understanding you will be limited. It isn’t possible to know all of your options but knowing you have the right to decline any treatment, to request time, to look for other sources of information opens doors.

You also have the right to request a different care provider if you feel that you are not being heard or receiving the appropriate care. If there is something that you don’t understand or hasn’t been made clear, you or ideally your birthing partner, should ask for clarification. You need to know what is happening in order to give true consent. Don’t be afraid to speak up, to escalate or seek secondary opinions!

Also you should insist that they put it in your notes if they are refusing to provide you with the care you are requesting.

It can be hard to advocate for yourself within the experience of birth, it removes

you from the part of the brain that allows for your natural hormones to assist. If you can have someone with you who can advocate for you if required this is also a measure you can take to fortify yourself. Education is also key, for yourself and also your birth partner, they can be there as part of the experience, but also to protect your space if needed.

I would also say that it is important to accept, before, during and after your birth that you will do the best for yourself and baby with the options you understand you have and the way you feel at the time. Not to feel disappointed in yourself, feel that you weren’t able to advocate hard enough for yourself in the moment. If this is the case you probably weren’t given the space to make a true choice.

Q It is clear that large scale change needs to happen and that although it is important for Black mothers to make their voices heard, the onus to implement this is not put on individuals but rather on the systems that are failing them.

Do you have any thoughts on how the world can hold the system to account?

A I think it is important to note that currently, much of the onus is being placed upon Black birthing persons. The lifestyles and supposed vulnerabilities and inherent risk of Black bodies upheld as primary contributing factors.

We need to begin dismantling and

decolonising our maternity systems.

This means exposing, acknowledging and accepting the ways our knowledge has been derived and how colonialism is everywhere. It is cultural, economic, and political, it’s educational and psychological.

We need to be looking to provide and make accessible culturally safe birthing spaces for Black mothers and parents to be.

I think that one of the biggest issues is the lack of understanding, of the factors sustaining this situation and the benefits to we would reap as a society if we are able to lift the care, experiences and outcomes for Black birthing persons and our babies. Sadly, I think it takes showing some people how they can benefit in order for change to happen.

I think that change and accountability will have to come with re-education of the care providers, where they can learn the failings of their own education and show them how it can be different, how they can be allies and advocates and hold space for Black birthing persons. It will take all of us to bring down an institution that has lasted this long, is this insidious and far reaching. It cannot be a task allocated to Black persons alone, we need all voices to lift our own, to stand behind us in support and ally ship. @born__together borntogether.co.uk November 2020

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On the Outside REIMA

Finnish brand Reima is known for their practical outerwear for active little ones. Perfect for the change in the weather, their colourful and cosy coats are made using ecofriendly and ethical materials. reima.com

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ST Y L E NOTES

The month’s best styles, collaborations and collections

we love

CLASSIC COOL K AT E S H E R I DA N

Kate Sheridan celebrates British manufacturing with designs that balance classic craft with a modern aesthetic. The east London designer’s pieces are made to last generations. katesheridan.com

GOING ECO C AT TO C AT TO

Hand-crafted by the talented Armenian artisans of Istanbul, London-based brand CATTO CATTO’s current collection of accessories uses recycled sustainable vegan leather instead of calfskin. Taking recycling to the next level, the range also makes use of beads and D rings from abandoned furniture and broken antiques. cattocatto.com

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Rainbow Bright ISABELLA OLIVER

Sustainable maternity brand Isabella Oliver has teamed up with Great Ormond Street to create a knitted rainbow sweatshirt design aptly named ‘Hope’. 50% of the net proceeds from sales will be donated to the children’s charity, supporting the hospital’s most urgent needs. isabellaoliver.com

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fash i on

Feet First

MAMA

nd Bra us Foc

N E T-A- P O R T E R

From sturdy utilitarian boots, to sparkly stilettos, Net-a-porter has all of your winter footwear needs covered. Check out their ‘Incredible Shoes’ edit for all of the best styles of the season. net-a-porter.com

LITTLE REF Eco-friendly brand Reformation launches a mini and me collection of dresses...

CR AFT WORK

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CARV

Skilfully handmade by Becky Cocker in a small studio on the North Devon/ Cornwall border, CARV’s minimalist leather goods are created using mindful, slow and sustainable practices including centuries-old hand leatherworking techniques. carvlondon.com

5 of t he b e st E C O - F RI E N DLY K N I T S COS Lyocell Sweatshirt, £30; cosstores.com

&DAUGHTER Natural Yarn Sweater, £295; net-a-porter.com

ARKET Recycled Cashmere Sweater, £150 arket.com

GANNI Recycled Fibre Cardigan, £195; net-a-porter.com

BAUKJEN Natural Fibre Jumper, £129; baukjen.com

ith a focus on mindful manufacturing, Reformation has become the place to go for eco-friendly dresses. If you’re a fan of the LA headquartered brand’s feminine designs you’ll be pleased to know that they have recently launched Little Ref, a mini and me capsule collection.

Aimed at making getting dressed in the morning simpler (using the logic that you only have to choose one outfit), designs are miniature versions of dresses from the women’s range. Reformation uses consciously chosen materials such as natural linen or deadstock, repurposed fabrics to create their pieces. They also partner with non-profit group Canopy to ensure their viscose is sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Following feedback from their customers on social media they’ve also expanded their range of sizes for women, launching a petites collection and also an extended sizes collection going up to size 26, as well as a collection designed to fit women with a full C-DD cup.

The collection for little ones includes puff sleeve dresses in comfy silhouettes – perfect for the next generation of eco-conscious girls.

thereformation.com

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Q What made you want to launch a maternity brand and how did your own motherhood journey play a part?

A I came up with the idea for Seraphine

while I was working in advertising in the city. A few of my colleagues and friends happened to fall pregnant around the same time, and they all complained about having nothing stylish to wear – especially to the office. I couldn’t believe that women were having to sacrifice their sense of style, just because they were pregnant.

I spotted a big gap in the market and decided to do something about it. My own motherhood journey had a huge impact on the direction of the brand. I fell pregnant with my first son within the first year of starting Seraphine, and while it certainly wasn’t easy to juggle a newborn and a new business, the whole experience was incredibly inspiring in terms of styles and products that mums-to-be need.

I perfected the design for our popular under the bump maternity jeans while expecting my eldest son. And in fact, I had the idea for our range of nursing shawls while breastfeeding my second!

Q What’s your proudest moment from 18 years at the helm of the brand?

A Seraphine has given me so many proud

GREAT

expectations Absolutely Mama meets Cécile Reinaud, founder of Seraphine, as the maternity brand celebrates its 18th birthday I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

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moments over the years. From dressing pregnant celebs on red carpets and royalty at official events to winning awards and opening flagship stores in fashion capitals across the globe! Though I have to say, this year I have been particularly proud of the way my team have pulled together and adapted so quickly to the strange circumstances that 2020 has brought with it. Despite all the challenges of coronavirus, we have managed to achieve some incredible things this year – top of my list was winning our second consecutive Queen’s Award – that is something I am incredibly proud of.

Q You’ve dressed many famous faces – from royalty to A-listers. Who have you been most excited to see wearing your designs?

A I am always excited to see celebrity

mums-to-be wearing Seraphine – that feeling never gets old! I always say we dress

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CÉCILE REINAUD

everyone from rock stars and Hollywood A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba and Marion Cotillard to royalty. Though for me, nothing beats seeing the Duchess of Cambridge wearing our designs!

The first time was back in 2013 when she chose our signature Knot Front Maternity Dress in fuchsia for the now iconic first official pictures with Prince George. The world’s press had been eagerly awaiting the pictures, so the media attention on the story was huge. Since then the Duchess has relied on Seraphine maternity dresses, coats and even our jeans for public appearances and royal occasions while she is pregnant, which has been a huge honour.

Q How are the collections designed and where does your inspiration come from?

A Our inspiration comes from all over –

catwalks, street styles, beautiful fabrics.

But our real secret is our design team itself – most of them are mothers, in fact in the last year alone there have been two pregnancies in the team. With so much first-hand experience of the pregnancy journey, they are absolutely brimming with ideas and innovations.

“My own motherhood journey had a huge impact on the direction of the brand”

In fact our popular range of skin-to-skin tops was a direct result of our creative and brand director’s first pregnancy.

Q For first-time mamas, what would be your advice on how to dress the bump? Are there certain key pieces you need to invest in?

A I always advise women that it’s a good

idea to invest in maternity clothes earlier rather than later. You’ll be so much more comfortable as soon as you make the switch and you’ll get more wear out of each piece, so it’s better value in the long run.

I suggest starting with the basics – things that you can mix and match with pieces from your regular wardrobe.

We created our Bump Kit for exactly this scenario: it has a little black dress, a skirt, a pair of leggings and a maternity vest, all in black and white.

I’d also say that a classic pair of maternity jeans, a set of comfortable maternity bras and a statement dress are all must-haves.

season. We are also currently exploring more sustainable packaging options – we started with our denim collection, which is now shipped in FSC certified recycled and recyclable paper packaging.

Q We’re excited to see the new ecodown coats for AW20. Is sustainability something that is important to the brand going forward?

A Absolutely! Sustainability is one of our

Q And finally, with the business going from strength to strength you must be very busy! How do you balance family life and work life?

A It certainly hasn’t always been easy

main focus points going forward. Our new eco-down coats are proving incredibly popular with customers – each one rescues 27 post-consumer plastic bottles from landfill and they are designed to fit through pregnancy, adapt for babywearing and are made to last so you can wear them through multiple pregnancies. We have also had a great reaction to our organic denim range, which we’ll be expanding for the new

– in the early days I used to feel terrible about having to split my time between family and business. But over the years I learnt that the quality of time is so much more important than the quantity. As long as I can be fully present wherever I am, at work or at home, then I feel like I am doing enough. seraphine.com November 2020

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FA S H I O N NOTES Carly Glendinning rounds up the month’s best styles, looks and launches

ECO STYLE OII

After a sell-out debut this spring, Alex and Alexa’s exclusive brand Oii returns with a followup collection. Sustainability continues to be central to the brand with eco fabrics and a circular approach to consumption.

we love

alexandalexa.com

F LOW E R P OW E R VEJA X LIBERTY LONDON

The ethical footwear brand and iconic British department store have come together to create a patchwork floral version of the V-12 trainer for kids. Colourful, fun and made from chrome free leather. veja.fr

Denim Days PIPPINS DENIM

Pippins Denim produce jeans, shorts and jackets that let kids be kids (rather than mini adults). The Sheffieldbased brand works with one of the most sustainable denim mills in the world to create their designs. pippinsdenim.com

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fa s h i on

Sweet Dreams

KIDS

nd Bra us Foc

L I T T L E YO L K E

Perfect for festive twinning, the new LiTTLE YOLKE collection is full of matching styles from the luxury sleepwear brand’s women’s range. Look out for sweet prints and unexpected colour combinations. yolke.co.uk

BABE + BABBLE

C H E C K M AT E

Pre-loved shopping for little ones...

BOBO CHOSES

L

With a healthy dose of retro cool, the new collection from Bobo Choses is full of colour-clash prints and shapes that kids can play in.

The Spanish brand is fully committed to sustainability – making sure their pieces have as little environmental impact as possible. bobochoses.com

5 o f t he b e st T O M A K E A S PL AS H GOSOAKY Raincoat, £63; smallable.com

LIEWOOD Wellies, £45.95; scandiborn.co.uk

GRASS + AIR Colour-Revealing Wellies, £20; grassandair.com

TÖASTIE Waterproof overalls, £58; toastiekids.com

LIEWOOD Raincoat, £54.95; scandiborn.co.uk

aunched during the pandemic, Babe + Babble aims to make shopping for pre-loved clothing for little ones an easy choice.

The site was founded by mama-of-one Lu Fitoussi-Findlay, who noticed that her daughter was only wearing things once or twice before she outgrew them.

With charity shops closed during lockdown, she wanted to create a solution for parents to be able to recycle their little ones’ things.

So how does it work? To be able to sell your items on the site, they need to be in pristine condition – no bobbles, stains, stretches or loose threads. Babe + Babble provides a freepost bag so you can send your items to be checked and then you will receive a value. This can be translated into cash, credit to shop online or you can choose to donate to charity.

The site has a wide selection of pieces for newborns up to 5 years and currently you’ll find items from high street favourites such as Gap, Jojo Maman Bebe and Mamas and Papas.

babeandbabble.com

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fash io n PARTNERSHIP

Naapuri Jacket

Layering Up!

Finnish outdoor brand, Reima, give us the low down on keeping our kiddies warm as the weather turns chillier

W

hen autumn rolls in and the days get colder and darker, the warm winter jackets come back out of storage. The UK weather, known for its changeability, can switch from a mild, crisp autumnal morning to a showery afternoon leaving you soaked without any warning and make getting little ones dressed in the morning a headache. Children need to be warm but not so hot they sweat and, what they do wear, needs to be quickdrying or waterproof.

Enter layering. A practice used in snowy Scandinavia to keep children warm and comfortable when temperatures fall.

The same idea can be used internationally in varying climates to keep the effects of Mother Nature at bay. It involves

wearing a number of different layers of clothing which allows pockets of hot air to become trapped between, in turn keeping children warmer. It then makes it easy for children to remove a layer if they’re too warm to avoid sweating.

B A S E L AY E R

Against the skin, you’ll be looking for a base layer or thermal set. Fabrics like Merino wool offer next-to-skin comfort, breathability and wick away moisture from skin keeping little ones warm and dry unlike cotton, which holds moisture and will ultimately make kids colder. Reima’s Kinsei Thermal Set uses a mixture of Merino wool and Tencel® (a sustainable fibre made from tree pulp) for the perfect temperature control.

M I D L AY E R

Next, a comfortable midlayer such as Reima’s Tomimiva Sweater which works to wick moisture to outer layers and is

made from recycled fibres. This layer needs to be suitable without a jacket on dry, warmer days and also be comfortable and non-restrictive. The Tomimiva features Reima’s Play Layers snap buttons, meaning it can be attached to Reima outerwear with the same function reducing the risk of lost jackets!

“Keep the effects of Mother Nature at bay” O U T E R L AY E R

The top layer will keep kids dry and protected from the rain and wind so look for something waterproof and windproof that can be used in a variety of conditions. To function best, the top or outer layer must be completely breathable so moisture can be transferred out of the jacket. Reima’s Naapuri Winter Parka Jacket is made from a waterproof, yet breathable, fabric and has a longer style to protect the back of the child. Adjustable waists and sleeve ends allow this jacket to be used as your child grows and then handed down to smaller children. reima.com November 2020

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Family

T I M E

Cosy up indoors with beautiful mama and mini style... l o u i s e m i s h a .c o m

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Images: @ayakhnina and @thevitamindproject (photography by @gemmaboothphoto)

Clothes are from a selection from Louise Misha available online.

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Ready for the next adventure!

Expert nutritional support from Wellkid®

Mult i-vit

s

Omega-3

Vitamin D

Pro-tum

Delicious vegan soft jellies that kids will love.

Multi-vits including vitamins A, C, D, as recommended by the UK Department of Health1

•

For children aged 3-7 years old. If you feel like you’re missing out, Wellkid® Peppa PigTM can be taken by older age groups too!

2020-09-23_ADWKDPPCONP_E

•

VITABIOTICS.indd 1 2020-09-23_ADWKDPPCONP_AM_E.indd 1

my™*

* With c a lc iu m contr wh fu n c tio ibutes to the n ich n of d ig o e s ti ve e rm a l nz ymes .

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, chemists, supermarkets and www.wellkid.com/peppapig

FROM UK’s

†

1 Source NHS.co.uk †Source: Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value and Unit Retail Sales 52 w/e 8 Aug 2020. To verify contact Vitabiotics Ltd, 1 Apsley Way, London, NW2 7HF. © ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd 2003.

10/11/2020 20/10/2020 11:32 13:12

wellness

F E A R N E COT TO N O N C H I LD R E N ’ S M E N TA L H E A LT H p .6 4 BA BY F R I E N D LY R EC I P E S F R O M R E B ECC A W I L S O N ’ S N E W CO O K B O O K p .6 8

Heart Healthy MINDFUL CHEF

Recipe box service Mindful Chef has teamed up with the British Heart Foundation to introduce a new range of recipes aimed at supporting your heart and circulatory health. Approved by the BHF, recipe examples include jackfruit and seaweed cakes with dill dip and cod with salsa verde and tomato millet. mindfulchef.com

November 2020

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We help families sleep better.

Just had a TEN HOUR SLEEP! The most sleep in almost 2 years

Night two and she slept all night in her own cot! I can't thank you enough!

For the first time ever I'm sitting here with my baby girl napping in her own room!

Online courses to empower parents to be their child's sleep expert - for newborn to 4 years old.

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HEALTH

MAMA CARE

ELLIE CLARKE WELLBEING X THE PRACTICE BY ANNIE CLARKE

Sisters Annie and Ellie Clarke, a yoga teacher and nutritional therapist have come together to create The Pregnancy Bundle.

Mamas-to-be will get a visual guide to help optimise nutrition and access to online yoga platform The Practice. ellieclarkewellbeing.com

mama’s

WELLNESS NOTES Eco-friendly takeaways and pregnancy guidance

ON THE GO LITTLE YEOS

Suitable for weaning babies 6 months and upwards, Yeo Valley Organic Little Yeos yogurt is now available in handy pouches for snacking on the go.

There’s two flavours: Red Berries and Apple & Pear and they are part of a specialist recycling scheme. yeovalley.co.uk

Conscious Curries DA B B A D R O P

Delivering by bicycle to east and north London, DabbaDrop’s delicious South Asian set menus change weekly and food is packed in reusable stainless steel ‘dabba’ boxes. Plastic free, waste free and emission free. dabbadrop.co.uk

SKIN BOOST D R . D AV I D J A C K

This powerful formula contains a blend of plant proteins, superfoods, super greens, peptides and antioxidants.

Working alongside your skincare routine, add it to your favourite morning smoothie to support skin repair and regeneration. £65; drdavidjack.com November 2020

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T Your Mood Journal

by Fearne Cotton is published by Puffin and is out 26th November 2020. Hardback, £12.99.

BIG

feelings Fearne Cotton on children’s mental health and her new book, Your Mood Journal

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he release of Fearne Cotton’s new children’s book ‘Your Mood Journal’ couldn’t feel more timely.

Filled with activities to help little ones process their feelings, it’s a place to jot down emotions, use colouring as therapy and is intended to be used as a tool to spark big conversations.

The sort of conversations that many parents will need to face as we head into a second national lockdown.

‘Your Mood Journal’ follows Fearne’s best-selling title ‘Happy’, the first in a series of books which talked about her own (some not so positive) experiences with happiness. Here the author, broadcaster, founder of ‘Happy Place’ and mama-of-two talks about what made her want to write a book to help children with their mental health and what the pandemic has been like for her family.

Q Tell us about your new book.

What’s it all about?

A My Mood Journal is a place for young

people to write down or draw their thoughts. Emotions are complex and can feel messy at times so I wanted this book to bring exploration, curiosity and perhaps even clarity to the table.

The more we understand emotions and perhaps what our most often felt emotions are, the better chance we have at living in a more peaceful way.

Q What inspired you to create it?

A As a mum and step mum to four kids

I’ve witnessed so many varying emotions and also ways that I’ve reacted to them.

My 7 year old Rex can often be quite intense and I’ve struggled at times to guide him through a feeling. So this book was my way of helping me and others understand emotions better so our kids can grow up confidently knowing their feelings are never wrong or weird.

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HEALTH

I created each exercise by thinking about the times when my kids have demonstrated emotions in varying ways.

The importance of looking after our children’s mental health has really been brought into focus during the pandemic. How can journaling help little ones to process the big feelings they might be experiencing at the moment?

Getting thoughts out on paper is such a wonderful way to pull focus and also to get them out of your head. Once things are written down or drawn out it’s much easier to piece the puzzle together. We can spot patterns of behaviour and examine why these feelings arise.

Q How do you approach mental health with your own children?

A We talk about emotions and none

of them being wrong. I don’t always get it right but we try to discuss feelings of fear or anger and rationalise them if they feel too big to handle.

Q What was lockdown like for you and your family?

A It was good and bad. It’s been

“Once things are written down or drawn out it’s much easier to piece the puzzle together”

uncertain at times as family members and my husband haven’t been able to work, and intense in other moments as I’ve luckily been able to keep working but have had to combine that with some semblance of homeschooling.

Q Do you have a favourite mood booster or fail-safe coping strategy for difficult days?

A Play good music, go for

walks in nature and speak to people I love and trust.

Q And finally, do you have any tips for other parents who might be worried about changes in their little one’s behaviour at the moment?

A Also try and get them to draw or

talk about it. And if you ever feel really worried seek professional help.

November 2020

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POSITIVE

BIRTH

Hypnobirthing explained: why this growing trend could help you have the labour you want...

Wo r d s J OA N N A W I L L I A M S O N

T

he word hypnobirthing is becoming more familiar, partly thanks to the celebrities and royals who have chosen to ‘hypnobirth’. But you would be forgiven for not having the faintest idea of what it is about. A way of hypnotising yourself before giving birth? Not exactly… Hypnobirthing is a serious form of birth preparation based on science. It is an antenatal course, only with a twist – and lessons for life.

Getting rid of your fears Over the years, we have all heard scary birth stories and these dripfeed down into our subconscious.

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anxieties that we find hard to shake.

Simple techniques of self-hypnosis practised during pregnancy can change the way you think about birth, getting rid of any fears you have around the birth process so that you can approach the big day with a sense of calm and confidence.

Why feeling relaxed helps Feeling relaxed, safe and calm helps your body to labour well. Your oxytocin levels will be higher, helping your contractions (known as surges) build up and work efficiently, reducing the length of your labour. You will also produce lots of endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers (they work in a similar way to morphine!), so your labour will be more comfortable.

This is the labour you want to have.

What you want to avoid is the stress hormone adrenaline, which makes you very alert and puts you in ‘fight of flight mode’. You cannot produce lots of adrenaline and oxytocin at the same time, so if you become stressed or simply stimulated by somebody asking you lots of questions your labour may slow or stall. Labour may also feel more painful and harder to manage.

Hypnobirthing training not only helps you approach birth with more confidence. It also gives you an understanding of the science behind labour, how to adapt the environment to help keep your adrenaline at bay, and a host of relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques. These help you remain relaxed in labour – and importantly help you back on track if you have a stressful wobble along the way.

Ensuring your birth is right for you and your baby Feeling in control of the birth process is an important factor in you relaxing

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“Hypnobirthing is a serious form of birth preparation based on science� and having a positive birth experience.

On a typical hypnobirthing course, you are likely to learn about the medical system, common interventions you might be offered (such as an induction of labour), and tools for helping you make an informed decision about what is best for you and your baby.

Even with the most amazing birth plan and mental and physical preparation labour can be unpredictable.

This makes it all the more important

for you to be able to feel in control, able to ask questions and use your host of relaxation techniques to remain calm.

The vital role of your birth partner Hypnobirthing works so much better if whoever will be with you in labour has accompanied you on a course. They will feel more relaxed themselves, more confident and involved in the birth room, understand how best to support you and can advocate on your behalf.

Accessing hypnobirthing There is an array of private hypnobirthing teachers across the country teaching both group and

one-to-one courses, plus some NHS trusts now provide hypnobirthing courses. You could also opt for an online course or read a hypnobirthing book, many of which come with audios.

Bear in mind that hypnobirthing works much better if both you and your birth partner have joined you in the course or read the book too.

Whichever option(s) you invest in, you will become more knowledgeable about the birth process, confident and relaxed and likely to have a much more positive birth experience.

Joanna Williamson is a hypnobirthing teacher, midwife and founder of Over the Moon Birthing.

@overthemoonbirthing.co.uk overthemoonbirthing November 2020

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MY FIRST CURRY

M

ild coconut, pea and chicken curry. Ready in just 15 minutes, this flavourful meal is a great way to introduce Indian flavours to baby.

Serves 2 Adults and 2 Littles Cook 15 minutes INGREDIENTS • 1 mug of basmati rice • 1 tbsp coconut or sunflower oil • 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, or 3 large chicken breasts, cut into 2cm (3/4in) wide strips • 1 ½ tbsp tomato purée (paste) • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 2 tsp mild curry powder • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 ½ tsp garam masala • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp mango powder (optional) • 400ml can coconut milk • 2 big handfuls of frozen peas • Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS Pour the mug of rice into a saucepan.

Fill the same mug up twice with boiling water from the kettle and add to the rice. 3 Place the saucepan over a high heat and bring it to the boil, then put the lid on, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12 minutes. Don’t take the lid off until the time is up. 4 Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the coconut oil over a medium heat, add the chicken strips and cook for 4 minutes, stirring every so often. 5 Add the tomato purée, garlic, all of the spices and a good grinding of black pepper, and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly so they don’t burn. 6 Add the coconut milk and frozen peas. 7 Half-fill the empty coconut can with cold water, swilling the liquid around to gather as much of the coconut milk into the water as possible, then add this to the curry.

8 Stir and let it all bubble away for around 8 minutes until the rice is done.

9 Add more water if you feel the sauce 1

2

W H AT M U M M Y

Makes

Three delicious recipes for little ones from Rebecca Wilson’s new cookbook What Mummy Makes...

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is becoming too thick. 10 Once the rice timer is up, turn off the heat and remove the lid. 11 Use a fork to move one section of rice away gently so you can see the bottom of the pan. If you see no water at the base of the pan and the rice looks fluff y, it’s done. 12 Place the lid back on the rice and let it rest for 2 minutes or until you’re ready to serve. 13 Fluff the rice up with a fork and serve alongside the curry.

This curry is great to serve baby as a fi nger food. Or you can blitz up a small amount along with some rice and serve as a purée for baby, or chop the chicken and mix through the rice for a more textured meal. Another tip is to mix a little rice with some of the curry sauce and roll into a ball. This helps baby pick up the rice and eat it independently.

Add some spice Don’t shy away from introducing spice to baby from the age of 6 months. Getting your little one used to a variety of flavours is important for raising a confident eater. If you like stronger heat, add a scattering of fresh chilli or dried chilli flakes to adult plates.

HULK MAC ‘N’ CHEESE

Serves 2 Adults and 2 Littles Takes 10 minutes

P

imp up your macaroni cheese with nutritious spinach – a great way to get extra veggies into your fussy eater. This can be whipped up in under 10 minutes – a speedy lunch or dinner any time. It’s my Nina’s favourite!

INGREDIENTS • 250g (9oz) dried macaroni (or any pasta shape will work) • 140g (5oz) frozen chopped spinach (about 7 blocks)

• 500ml (16fl oz) milk of your choice • 100g (3 ½ oz) grated Cheddar or 2 tbsp nutritional yeast • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or dairy free spread or coconut oil • 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) • Freshly ground black pepper

from the heat and add a good grinding of black pepper and the grated cheese.

9 Stir to melt the cheese into the sauce then set aside until the pasta is cooked.

10 Add the drained, cooked pasta to the sauce, stir and serve with an extra grating of cheese on top, if you like.

DIRECTIONS

Any leftovers will keep for a couple of days. Spoon them into an ovenproof dish, top with more cheese and bake for 15–20 minutes for a delicious pasta bake. Alternatively, if you’re thinking ahead, make extra sauce and reserve some of it before mixing with the pasta.

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months for a quick pasta sauce on days when you’re feeling rushed. Defrost in the microwave with an extra splash of milk until piping hot, before stirring through freshly cooked pasta.

Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the pasta. 2 Cook according to the packet instructions. 3 To a microwaveable jug, add the frozen spinach and milk. 4 Cook for 3 minutes until the spinach is nearly defrosted and the milk slightly warmed. 5 In a hot frying pan, melt the butter then add cornflour. 6 Stir and cook for a minute, then add the spinach milk gradually, whisking continuously. 7 Stir until the sauce is thickened. 8 Remove the pan 1

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DIRECTIONS 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C fan (220°C/425°F/Gas 7). 2 In a large bowl, mix together the fruit purée, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup. 3 Stir in the oats, seeds and crushed nuts until everything has been coated a little in the liquid. 4 Spread over the baking tray in a thin and even layer. 5 Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. 6 After 7 minutes, add the raisins and coconut, stir well using two spatulas and spread back out into an even layer. If there are any nuts that have started to colour quickly, hide them down inside the granola layer, so they don’t burn. 7 Pop the tray back in the oven for 5 minutes more. 8 Check again, stir, then pop back in the oven for 2–4 minutes, making sure the nuts aren’t burning, as they will catch easily towards the end of the cooking. 9 Allow to cool. 10 Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 2 weeks.

NOTES ABOUT NUTS

BABYFRIENDLY GRANOLA

W

hip up a batch of this lowsugar granola in just 30 minutes and it’ll store for 2 weeks ready for quick, healthy breakfasts. Pulse to a fine crumb for babies from 6 months of age or to a crunchy texture for toddlers. From the age of 3, you can serve this granola as it comes, without breaking it down.

Serves 3 Adults and 6 Littles Takes 20 minutes

Whole nuts are a choking hazard before the age of 5, which is why flaked and crushed nuts have been used in this recipe. You can use whole nuts to make this granola too, just ensure you blitz or crush with a rolling pin before serving to younger children.

To make this granola suitable for children under the age of 3, spoon half (or as much as you wish) of the granola into a food processor and blitz on full power for a couple of minutes until the nuts, oats and raisins have turned to a powder. If your child is toddler age and can handle a little more texture, just briefly pulse the granola until the nuts have broken into smaller pieces.

To serve, stir through yogurt or milk of your choice, and serve with fruit on the side. You can sprinkle the blitzed baby version over porridge or cereals for an extra hit of goodness.

INGREDIENTS • 80g (3oz) shop-bought 100% apple purée (use a baby food pouch) or mashed banana (about 1 medium banana) • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, honey should only be served to babies over 12 months) • 250g (9oz) rolled (old-fashioned) porridge oats • 4 tbsp poppy seeds • 100g (31/2oz) flaked (sliced) almonds • 40g (11/2oz) pumpkin seeds • 40g (11/2oz) sunflower seeds • 60g (2oz) walnuts, roughly crushed • 100g (31/2oz) (dark) seedless raisins • 40g (11/2oz) unsweetened flaked coconut • Large baking tray, lined with non-stick baking paper

What Mummy Makes by Rebecca Wilson is published by DK, and is out now. £14.99. dk.com November 2020

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mama’s

B E AU T Y NOTES Hair, make-up and beauty news for the month ahead

HEY MA M A

we love

SO KIND

With beautiful packaging that you won’t mind displaying on your bathroom shelf, SoKind makes safe and gentle mama and baby products. Natural ingredients are designed to soften and soothe delicate skin. sokind.com

BABY BABY BLOOM & BLOSSOM

Mama and baby favourite Bloom & Blossom have launched a cool new redesign of their packaging.

We love the Very Hungry Caterpillar range for little ones, which is dermatologist and pediatrician approved and suitable for newborns. bloomandblossom.com

Bath Time S O A K S U N D AY

Inspired by lazy weekends soaking in the tub, Soak Sunday’s products are made in the UK using 98-100% natural ingredients and packaged without plastic. We love the nourishing bath oils, botanical bath soaks and the clay mask powders. Heavenly. soaksunday.com

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wellnes s

Natural Beauty

BEAUT Y

n Salo w e Revi

THE AFRO HAIR & SKIN CO.

Inspired by beauty ritualisation as a form of self-care, London brand The Afro Hair & Skin Co. uses native, ethically sourced and crueltyfree ingredients. The Awaken Reviving Body Treatment Oil is packed full of nourishing plant extracts to visibly give you a healthy glow. theafrohairandskincompany.co.uk

I

W o r d s J E S S I C A S H A LT O U T

HANDS UP SEAMS

If a summer of constant sanitising has left your hands as dry as ours, this is for you.

Inspired by seamstresses’ pin-pricked hands, SEAMS hand-care products are brilliant for mending, moisturising and soothing. seamsbeauty.co.uk

5 o f t he b e st FO R G I F T I N G Q+A SKIN Caffeine Eye Serum Cracker, £5.50; qandaskin.com

EYM Create Diffuser, £55; eymnaturals.com

SOAPSMITH Hand & Body Lotion, £18; soapsmith.com KANKAN Baby Wash, £15; kankan.london

MULLET AT TREATWELL

f, like me, you haven’t had a haircut since before the first lockdown, then a trip to the hairdressers will be something that is well overdue.

Not only was my head starting to resemble a rainbow with all the different dye attempts, but the dead ends and knots seemed irreversible. Much like myself, my hair was totally and utterly frazzled.

At the first child-free opportunity I got, I ran over to Mullet on Upper Clapton Road in Hackney so they could attempt to salvage my hair.

Fairly new to the area, the super-cool, east London industrialstyled salon offers a wide range of treatments, from a natural Davines colour menu and deep conditioning hair repair treatments – to unisex cuts and blow drys.

The very friendly stylist put me at ease as soon as I arrived and made several suggestions for how we could redeem my hair. I went for highlights, toner, a cut and an Olaplex conditioning treatment.

Oh and a glass of wine of course!

Four hours later, I emerged from the salon, made-over and feeling fabulous – no split ends, knots or multi-coloured dye in sight.

MULLET Haircut & blow dry from £49 Book via treatwell.co.uk

KLORIS Bath Melts, £25; kloriscbd.com

November 2020

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escapes T H E B E ST FA M I LY- F R I E N D LY U K STAYC AT I O N S p .7 7 T H E P E R F EC T C I T Y G E TAWAY FO R F R A Z Z LE D PA R E N T S p .79

Festive Getaway LANDAL GWEL AN MOR

Luxury 5-star lodges with woodburners and hot tubs, all nestled in the wintery Cornish countryside, makes the multi-award winning Landal Gwel an Mor resort the perfect place to visit for a festive break this winter. Little ones will delight in meeting Santa with his real-life reindeer. From ÂŁ699 for a 4 night stay. gwelanmor.com

November 2020

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organic, fresh baby & toddler food www.bellotababy.com

next day, to your door.

littlebutterflylondon.com

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Sylvia’s Happy Childcare is homebased nursery in Queen’s Park. Our aims are to provide outstanding Early Years Education for children through creative hands-on play and learning experiences in a stimulating, safe and relaxed environment.

We want children to feel excited about learning and aim to give them a positive first experience of life.

We are open 50 weeks of the year including school holidays

Monday to Friday from 8:00am - 6:00pm To arrange an appointment to view our nursery or for more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.

www.sylviashappychildcare.london SDC.indd 1

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escapes

INSPIRATIONS

CORNISH CABINS THREE MILE BEACH Launching in spring 2021, Three Mile Beach is a collection of 15 stylish beach houses on the West Cornwall coast. With all the nostalgia of childhood seaside holidays, the selfcatering cabins offer privacy, laid-back luxury and are perfect for families. threemilebeach.co.uk

mama’s

T R AV E L NOTES

Carly Glendinning rounds up the most exciting travel kit and destinations WINTER WO N D E R L A N D

we love

SPLISH SPLASH

B E AV E R B R O O K

GA L AG O J O E

Beaverbrook has a magical programme of festive activities, including an ice skating rink in the hotel’s grounds.

Available to both hotel and local guests visiting the estate for an overnight stay, spa day or dining experience. beaverbrook.co.uk

Matching daddy and mini swim shorts from Galago Joe make a great gift. The Rhino Collection gives 5% of revenue (which translates to 10% profits) back to Helping Rhinos in Africa. galagojoe.com

3 f o r U K STAYCAT I O N S The Quiet Site

The Churchill

The Gainsborough

Eco holiday park, The Quiet Site, is set in the heart of Cumbria’s Lake District National Park. Choose from luxury glamping cabins, timber camping pods, underground Hobbit Holes and holiday cottages.

Five-star luxury hotel the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill has launched the Mini Marylebone package for families with extras including babysitting and a concierge service.

An elegant Georgian property, the new Townhouse at Gainsborough Bath Spa accommodates up to five guests with exclusive access to The Cross Bath.

thequietsite.co.uk

hyattregencylondon.com

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

U L L S WAT E R , L A K E D I S T R I C T

MARYLEBONE

B AT H S PA

THE QUIET SITE, LAKE DISTRICT

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PA R E N T & F R O N T FAC I N G CYBEX-ONLINE.COM

Doctoral Research could you help?

• Are you a first-time mother who has returned to work after having a baby?

• In the first year of your return to work?

• Are you working at a company with 50+ employees?

• Would you be interested in helping a doctoral student in her research on how you have experienced your return to work?

Fully confidential and designed to fit around your timing and availability. On-line and/or in person to suit your needs and reflecting Covid-19 social distancing. Reasonable expenses of participation fully reimbursed.

Please contact catherine.hampson@metanoia.ac.uk for more details METANOIA.indd 1

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escapes

UK GETAWAY

City Hideaway B E L G R AV I A

Anna Woolf visits The Lime Tree Hotel and The Buttery in Belgravia

The Hotel

T

he Lime Tree Hotel is a gorgeous hotel/B&B, with warm, Georgian-townhouse vibes. Set in historic Belgravia this grade II listed building has been lovingly restored. Perfect for a romantic couples getaway (or for tired parents looking for a night off!), the hotel is unable to accommodate little ones, but children aged 5+ are welcome. I had an indulgent night away from the kids, and my husband arrived in the morning with our daughters to eat at the hotel’s new familyfriendly brunch spot, The Buttery.

The Room

M

y generous double overlooked the trendy and historic London streets that the hotel is situated in. The bathroom was well stocked with organic goodies, and I was treated to a beverage of my choice upon arrival. With sumptuous yet un-fussy decor, the rooms give

ample space for relaxing, sleeping or lounging – which was much needed in my case! If you are visiting with older kids, opt for one of the triple rooms which have a queen as well as a double bed.

The Food

A

fter a restful night, my husband arrived with our daughters. We headed to The Buttery, the hotel’s in-house cafe and the perfect spot for a relaxed weekend morning with kids. Everything was cooked to order and all allergies were carefully taken care of, meaning our eldest daughter (who has a dairy intolerance) still felt like she could choose everything from

to work. With London on the Lime Tree Hotel’s doorstep, just walking around the surrounding streets and peeking into shop windows is the perfect amount of entertainment for any family.

the menu. With a range of high quality suppliers such as London roasted coffee from the Gentlemen Barristas and delicious Clarence Court Eggs, The Buttery is definitely no ordinary breakfast.

Things To Do

P

eggy Porschen is opposite the hotel and with the children in tow we couln’t resist grabbing a cake or two to take home. Within the hotel the beautiful garden offers an outside sanctuary to sip a drink and relax; the hotel also has a meeting space for anyone needing

Safety

T

he Lime Tree Hotel clearly is taking Covid-19 very seriously, with a stringent cleaning regime for rooms and social distancing amongst guests. The staff were warm and approachable and the hotel clearly prides itself on creating a friendly atmosphere. A great place to stay overnight and fall in love with London, all over again.

Rooms from £125 per night. limetreehotel.co.uk November 2020

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Inspired

by Nature £299

£249

NEW Natty Cot Bed

The Natty offers a contemporary addition to the nursery with angled feet and a unique two-tone oak-effect finish. Designed to grow with your child it has two base heights and can transform into a toddler bed with guarded sides!

@booricollections

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FREE DELIVERY to Mainland UK

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home &

T H E B E ST N E W I N T E R I O R S L AU N C H E S FO R LI T T LE O N E S p . 8 2 I N S I D E B I N K Y F E L ST E A D ’ S DAU G H T E R I N D I A’ S N U R S E RY p . 8 4

Animal Magic

THE WILD KIND LONDON

Perfect for a wildlife-themed nursery, interiors brand The Wild Kind London has lots of beautifully illustrated prints to help bring colour and fun to your little one’s space. They can even create personalised artwork featuring your mini’s name. thewildkindlondon.co.uk

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N U R S E RY NOTES Carly Glendinning’s interior picks for the month ahead

we love

HEAD E A ST A SMALL TRIANGLE

Contemporary lifestyle and fashion store Triangle in Clapton has opened a new children’s concept store on Chatsworth Road. Brands stocked include Liewood, Olli Ella, Monkind and Hackney local What Mother Made. trianglestore.co.uk

LITTLE CHEF S AW D U S T A N D RAINBOWS

The Stand Up Kitchen Helper gives budding chefs a safe space from which to reach countertops or just play in the sink. The clever design allows little ones to climb in and out themselves, encouraging independence and confidence. sawdustandrainbows.com

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Play Time TODDLEKIND

Toddlekind’s clever padded playmats are designed to be slotted together to fit any space.

Their bestselling ‘Nordic’ design is now available in ‘Nordic Clay’. toddlekind.co.uk

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h o me & interio rs

Craft Work

NURSERIE S

d Bran s u Foc

K A L I N KO

Featuring handcrafted toys, one-of-a-kind quilts and an embroidered wall hanging, Kalinko has launched their first collection for little ones. The interiors brand sells handmade homewares from Burma with purchase costs going directly to the makers. kalinko.com

HAM A playful print with a charitable cause…

F

PU PPY LOVE MAISON DEUX X TINYCOT TONS

Dutch design studio Maison Deux has teamed up with sustainable clothing brand Tinycottons to create a limited edition rug. The doggy design is made from 100% New Zealand wool and is certified with the GoodWeave label. maisondeux.com

5 o f t he b e st C RE ATI VE PL AY DJECO Introduction to Sculpture, £21; tickety-boo.co.uk

GOOBER Pocket Crayons, £27; cissywears.com

OLLI ELLA PLAYN PACK, £24.95 mollymeg.com MOON PICNIC Cross Stitch Bear, £19 acornandpip.com

POM MAKER Donut Kit, £17; sorenshouse.co.uk

ounded by illustrator and mama Jo Ham, HAM is a British design brand that captures the everyday adventures of a character called Rabbit on homewares and paper goods. The brand has launched a special limited edition print this autumn in aid of the Rainbow Trust. The handmade eight layer screen print features Rabbit creating a bold rainbow mural whilst covered head-to-toe in paint splodges. 40% of every print sale will go to direct to The Rainbow Trust, a charity which supports the families of seriously ill children.

Jo Ham says “Being a mum to a young family, I can’t begin to imagine how tough it would be if one of my children became seriously ill. Juggling care, work, medical provision, protecting normality for siblings, school and more, would be so much to deal with, not to mention processing the worry for your child.

So when I learned about Rainbow Trust, and the amazing work they do to support families going through incredibly emotionally and physically challenging times, I knew I wanted to help raise funds and awareness about this vital cause.”

A fun addition to any nursery space, we couldn’t think of a better cause to support. £85 hammade.com

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“India was involved in every step of the process”

Natural ELEMENTS Absolutely Mama takes a tour of Binky Felstead’s daughter India’s nursery…

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

Q Tell us about India’s room.

What was your decorating vision?

A I wanted to create a countrychic vibe that I love so much whilst keeping it playful and girly at the same time. Both myself and India love the outdoors and spend hours playing outside, especially now that Pedro, the dog is with us. Wellies have become our footwear of choice! With India’s room, I really wanted to bring the outdoors in, and it seemed like a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Q How did you pull it all together in terms of choosing the colours, furniture and styling the room?

A I love nature and all the colours

that it has to offer so it was easy to find inspiration there. I wanted to go for a modern vintage look for the interior with a French rustic feel and was delighted to work together with Scandiborn and Joanna from Eklektik Studio in pulling the room scheme together. Together, we narrowed down to a few neutral colour schemes that would work for us. I wanted to keep the room light and airy so warm beige colours were top of my list. We chose the beautiful Art Deco inspired Harlequin furniture by Cam Cam Copenhagen from Scandiborn which has a classic yet contemporary look and adds lots of visual interest with its intricate lattice detailing.

Q Did India have any input into the design?

A India was involved in every step of the process and had a strong opinion when it came to choosing her wallpaper. We went with the Pressed Leaves Wallpaper, which is a beautiful decorative floral print design and gorgeous play kitchen, both available at Scandiborn.

She was over the moon to see her room coming together and she is very proud of her new space.

Q Is there an element that you’re most proud of?

A Her new, grown up bed! Initially I was worried about transitioning her from a cot bed but together with Eklektik Studio and on my mum’s advice we decided to give it a try.

I have to say since having her new bed, India has not once left it. She was just ready and I am glad we took that step at the right time.

Q And does India have a favourite part of the room?

A She adores the bamboo table and chairs where she hosts numerous tea parties of which I am a frequent guest myself! We both love the room, and even when she is not here, I come in here sometimes. India likes to keep the room very neat November 2020

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h o me & interio rs INSPIRATION

“India likes to keep the room very neat and tidy”

and tidy and I should encourage her to mess it up a bit more!

Q Are there pieces that are intended to grow with India, or do you think you’ll change things around as she gets older?

A I will let her express her preferences as she grows older but hopefully she will always love the country aesthetic as much as I do so this theme should stay with us for a long time. The room has been designed in a way which makes little changes achievable. Key pieces such as the wardrobe and bed are very neutral and can later be accessorised with anything she likes if we decide to move on from the country style.

Q And finally, do you have a go-to place to look for interiors ideas and where you do you get inspiration from?

A On this particular project I have worked with Eklektik Studio and Scandiborn for the furniture, toys and accessories and they were perfect at reading my likes and preferences.

It’s always great when a designer listens to what you want and I am so happy that they achieved the exact look that I desired. Otherwise my style varies, if I find a piece that I really love, I will go for it and then match everything else around it. eklektik-studio.com scandiborn.co.uk November 2020

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resources

M A K I N G S U R E YO U R LI T T LE O N E ’ S B O O K S A N D TOYS A R E W E LL R E P R E S E N T E D p . 9 0 PA R E N T I N G A DV I C E F R O M T H E E X P E R T S p . 9 3

Feeling Happy THE POSITIVE PLANNERS

A resource to help little ones talk about big feelings after a difficult year, The Positive Doodle Diary is a mindful gratitude journal that encourages creativity and self-expression. Packed full of activities to help you explore the themes of kindness, confidence, resilience and self-care. £20; thepositiveplanners.com

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DIVERSITY in the

playroom

How to make sure your little one’s toys and books are well-represented...

Wo r d s V E S E AG H O G H OV B I A ‘ WO L U

L

et’s talk representation, but before we do, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves – are we teaching our children to love truly? One might wonder what representation has to do with love. However, if we dig deeper, we uncover one of the truths about love – we are only able to love what we understand, and can only understand what we are exposed to.

People often think talks about representation are reserved for the underrepresented. However, I believe the fight for ‘representation’ is for the betterment of us all. We all benefit from seeing a full picture of what the world looks like. When we teach and expose our children to other worlds and possibilities, they learn to make room for all.

Neuroplasticity suggests our brains take shape and form connections based on our learning experiences. Research says, as early as age two, a child starts reasoning based on race, by two and a half, begins to choose

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playmates based on racial identification and forms racial prejudice by five. We gravitate naturally towards what we know and can identify with. This is why introducing diversity to our homes, particularly the playroom, is so important. It plays a significant role in the fight for acceptance.

By ensuring our children’s toy box and bookshelf are diverse, we are teaching them to love genuinely, to understand differences and embrace diversity. Children need to see themselves and others represented in the books they read, the toys they play with and the media they consume. Positive representation helps children grow up with a secure self-image, appreciating themselves as they are and learning to respect others.

So, what books, toys and media are our kids being exposed to? How representative are they of varying cultures? Before you get started, I’ll encourage you to check your unconscious bias, the way you speak about others in front of your kids – the change begins with us. Next, declutter. We’ve all been there, bought something on a whim

and then realised it no longer aligns with our principles. Next, take stock. Go through your books, toys and favourite TV shows, categorise. On a scale of 1 to 10, how diverse are they? Once you know where you stand, these are five simple but effective ways to ensure your child’s toys are well represented.  Books are a powerful way to introduce kids to different cultures, races and experiences. Does your child’s library display a sea of colours, concepts, abilities? Do you have a mix of books with male and female lead characters?

Books with girl characters aren’t just for girls; they are for boys too. What about characters with physical challenges?  Dolls are an excellent way to teach empathy; they provide a physical representation of diversity. Brands like Rosa & Bo create dolls with varying skin tones – they have a multi-tone nesting babies set. If children can touch, care for and play with a diverse range of dolls, they will build kindness and acceptance.

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reso urces REPRE SENTATION

“The place to introduce diversity and positive representation is in the home”

It’s also a great way for children to roleplay and learn positive awareness and inclusion towards different races and individuals with physical challenges.  Board and card games are a great way to improve concentration and attention span, fine motor skills and problem-solving skills while introducing the concept of diversity.

Kids like to replay board and card games over again, improving their memory.

Games such as Super Sapien introduce different cultures and role models.  What shows do they watch? Are they as representative as possible?

How are different cultures being represented? Children form a lot of opinions from TV shows and apps. It’s crucial to ensure they are not building

stereotypes in their growing minds.  What are your childcare arrangements and how committed are they to promoting positive representation? Are they taking active steps to introduce diversity? How diverse is their staff ?

If you are unsure, speak to them about their plans and policies in place to raise a broad and diverse curriculum.

Family life plays a significant role in the thought-formation of a child. So, the place to introduce diversity and positive representation is in the home. If we are intentional about raising well-rounded, empathetic children, the toy box is one of the most effective ways to do so. Through a well-represented playroom, we teach our children to love.

Vese Aghoghovbia ‘Wolu is the founder of Philly & Friends, a children’s lifestyle brand that aims to add a drop of colour in the sea of children’s products while supporting underprivileged kids around the world. She is also the author of ‘Who Do I See in the Mirror?’

phillyandfriends.com November 2020

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Make bathtime

matter Our junior range soothes and hydrates your child’s dry and eczema-prone skin – from their very first bath onwards*. Because we know today’s little moments can become tomorrow’s treasured memories.

Find us in Boots, Asda,

Treatment

Soothing and Moisturising

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Bathing and Cleansing

Oilatum Junior Bath Additive (light liquid paraffin) and Oilatum Junior Cream are medicines for eczema and related dry skin conditions. Always read the label. *Full term babies only.

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Sainsbury’s and all good pharmacies nationwide.

Oilatum.co.uk 14:53 10/01/2020 11:42

reso ur c es ADVICE

Angela SPENCER Baby wellness expert and awardwinning author Angela Spencer is the founder of Babyopathy babyopathy.com

Q How can essential oils calm you through pregnancy?

A Babyopathy is a complete sensory programme but I do LOVE essential oils! Many women shy away from them because of scaremongering that some can be abortificant (stimulate the uterus and risk miscarriage), and yes some can but those same oils can be found in many supermarket shelf products too!

We happily use chemicals every day like hairspray that are just as detrimental to baby’s health and wellbeing (and our own), but we don’t question them.

So I developed an essential oil blend for each trimester that is safe to use AND nurtures mum and baby specifically for that trimester.

Ask the

EXPERT Q

&

A

Parenting and medical professionals, as well as leading entrepreneurs, answer some of your most pressing questions

First Trimester – Thin Blue Line, is all about creating a sleep routine from the very beginning because pregnant women NEED sleep. Our bodies are going through immense changes and sleep helps us to regulate and nurture everything.

Second Trimester – Time to Bloom, is magical and smells delicious too! It is about (hopefully for most) feeling fabulous, feeling flirty with our partners, as it’s the last months of being a couple, and also nurturing those first conscious sensory connections with baby. Take some time in a luxurious bath and bask in the beauty of the aroma and the emotions of baby movements.

Third Trimester – Backpacker, does what it says on the bottle, it helps you to prepare mentally, emotionally and physically for the journey ahead. It helps you to stay calm, find some focus in the fog of baby brain and reminds you to put your feet up to rest.

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We’re here to help when you and your family are ready to find your new home. Visit kfh.co.uk 9864_KFH_Spring Campaign_Absolutely Mama_Banner_420x28_art_v2.indd 1

Henry Fawcett Community Nursery (Leaf ) Clayton St, London SE11 5BZ 020 7582 0509

to know Mama’s guide to London’s best nurseries and preschools

Base Zero Nursery Happy Days 109A Randlesdown Rd, Gramsci Way, London, SE6 3HB 020 8461 3510 The Villa 54 Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15 5AH 0207 703 6216 Chairbears Day Nursery 9-12 Deptford Broadway, London SE84PA 020 8305 6588

SOUT H W EST N O RTH WEST

NORTH

E AST

North Bridge House Nursery School/Pre-Prep 33 Fitzjohn’s Ave, Camden Town, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266

Les Trois Oursons 4 Collins Yard, London N1 2XU 020 7099 0452

Hatching Dragon Nursery School 1 Viscount St, London EC1Y 0AA 020 7256 9365

Little Stars Nursery 58 Allen Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8RZ 020 7254 4367

Sahan Preschool Day Nursery 12 Stukeley Rd, London, E7 9QZ 020 3719 7002

The Mulberry House School 7 Minster Road, London, NW2 3SD 020 8452 7340 Living Spring Montessori St Michael’s Church Annexe, St Michael’s Road, London, NW2 6XG 020 8830 7331 Nuffy Bear Nursery Brondesbury Park Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, Sidmouth Road, London, NW2 5JY 020 3432 8708

Sylvia's Happy Childcare 119a Chevening Road, London, NW6 6DU 020 8960 2217

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Puddleducks Nurseries Puddleducks House, r/o 75 Friern Barnet Road, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266 Hackney Care For Kids 61 Evering Rd, London N16 7PR 020 7923 3471 William Patten Daycare Nursery William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0NX 020 3844 4227 Creative Explorers Day Nursery 18 Gisburn Rd, London N8 7BS 07956 809748

Oliver Thomas Nursery School 1 Mathews Ave, London, E6 6BU 020 8552 1177

The Lyceum Nursery 6 Paul Street, City of London, London, EC2A 4JH registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk lyceumschool.co.uk 020 7247 1588

SOUT H E AST Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St Stephen’s Church, College Road, Dulwich, London SE21 7HN 0208 766 0091

Eaton Square Nursery School, Belgravia 28 & 30 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9PY Eaton Square Nursery School, Knightsbridge Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BX Eaton Square Nursery School, Pimlico 32a Lupus Street, London SW1V 3DZ nursery@eatonsquareschool.com eatonsquareschool.com 020 7931 9469 The Knightsbridge Kindergarten St Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL 020 7371 2306 The Willcocks Nursery School Holy Trinity With All Saints Church, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BA 020 7584 5054

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London. Property. We get it.

07/05/2019 10:37

Melrose House 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296

Wee Ones Nursery 4 St Ann’s Cresent, London SW18 2LR 0208 870 7729

Hatching Dragons Westminster Units 3&4 Westminster Quarter, 2 Monck street, London, SW1P 2BQ 0203 912 2902

The Orchard Day Nursery 201-203 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1NL 020 3880 7373

Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757 The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111 Gwendolen House 39 Gwendolen Ave SW15 6EH 0203 441 2450 London Early Years Foundation 121 Marsham St, Westminster, London SW1P 4LX 020 7834 8679 One World Nursery 9 Knowle Cl, London SW9 0TQ 020 7924 9505 Dee’s Day Nursery (Wimbledon) 2 Mansel Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 4AA 020 8944 0284 Learning Ladders Nursery Ground Floor, Falkner Court, Francis Chichester Way, London SW11 5HX 020 7622 9300 Kiddi Caru Day Nursery 2 Piazza Buildings Empress State, London SW6 1TW 0207 386 4505 Tiggers Nursery School, Putney 87 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PA 020 8874 4668

Tiny Thinkers Childcare 192 Tudor Drive, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5QG 0203 441 2450

W EST Little Chepstow Nursery 108 Lancaster Road, W11 1QS 0207 243 0243 Rolfe’s Nursery School The Little House, 34a Oxford Gardens, London, W10 5UQ 020 8969 5805 New Studio Pre-School Kelfield Mews, Kelfield Gardens, London, W10 6LS 020 8969 5805 Denbigh Under Fives Group 5b Denbigh Road, Denbigh Road, London, W11 2SJ 020 7221 5318 Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918 St Peter’s Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617 Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125 The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004

Holland Park Nursery School Kenley Walk Hall, Kenley Walk, London W11 4BA 020 7792 0323 Jack in the Box Kelmscott Community Hall, Ashchurch Grove, White City, London W12 9BT 020 8811 8099 Stepping Stones Nursery 5 Gayford Road, London W12 9BY 020 8811 1646 Bright Sparks Montessori School 142 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NL 020 7371 4697 Vanessa Nursery 12 Cathnor Road, London W12 6JA 020 8743 8196 Little Owls Nursery 108 Lakeside Rd, London W14 0DY 020 3266 0044 The Kensington Kindergarten St Barnabas Church, 23 Addison Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LH 020 7371 4848

Iverna Gardens Montessori Nursery School Armenian Church Hall, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP 020 7937 0794 Caterpillar Montessori PO Box 105 11 London W4 5WU W4 5LG 020 8747 8531 Maggie and Rose 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296 Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Lane, Fulham Reach W6 9US 020 8748 4303 Windham Nursery School Windham Road, Richmond, Surrey, London TW9 2HP 0208 831 6060 Merchant Square Day Nursery 13 Harbet Rd, Paddington, London W2 1AJ 020 7402 2227 Busy Bees at Hammersmith 3 Bute Gardens, London W6 7DR 0208 741 9945

Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Ln, London W6 9PL 020 8748 4303

The Corner House Day Nursery 82 Lavington Rd, London W13 9LR 020 8567 2806

One World Montessori and Pre-Preparatory 69 - 71 Brook Green, London W6 7BE 020 7603 6065

Bunny Park Day Nursery & Nursery School 37 Manor Court Rd, London W7 3EJ 020 8567 6142

Little Cherubs Nursery School Our Lady Of Victories Church Hall, 16a Abingdon Road, London W8 6AF 07810 712241

Hatching Dragons Twickenham 2 The Green, Twickenham, London, TW2 5AA 0203 912 2901

Carmelite Parish Centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241

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Elvie Breast Pump

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Nuna Cudl

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ur daughter is not a fan of her pushchair, so she spends a fair amount of time in the carrier when we’re out and about. She recently turned one, and as she’s getting bigger (and heavier!) we felt we needed a carrier that we could wear on both the front and back. With wide and comfy padded straps, the Nuna CUDL is a great choice for parents who are looking for a carrier that can be used from birth into late toddlerhood. It’s easy to put on and the adjustable velcro strap and clever magnetic hooks allow you to distribute your little one’s weight easily. If you have a newborn, there’s an integrated infant booster seat and we loved all the other thoughtful details such as the organic cotton dribble bibs and sunshade hood. Another

big plus is the minimal unisex design, which means my husband doesn’t mind carrying it too. It’s slightly bulkier than some other carriers we’ve seen, but we loved how sturdy it was and found it to be comfortable when we had to carry our daughter for longer periods of time. We’d definitely recommend this carrier to other parents – whatever stage your little one is at.  £150, nunababy.com

umping can be a frankly painful, time consuming and tedious task, which usually involves sitting beside a plug socket whilst you funnel your breast milk into bottles. If this sounds like a faff that you’d rather avoid, then I’d recommend investing in the Elvie Pump. The ergonomic and lightweight design fits comfortably inside your nursing bra, and comes with three breast shield sizes to attach to your nipple. I found it very easy to set up and the best thing about it is that it’s totally hands free. It’s pretty discreet and quiet, making it easy to go about your day and get on with nappy changes, Zoom calls etc. It’s also supported by an app which allows you to log the time and duration of your pumping sessions as well as the volume of milk produced. The app also allows you to control the pump, although the Elvie does automatically switch from stimulation to expression mode when the let-down begins and then pauses when it senses the bottle is full. I found it to be more comfortable than other breast pumps and it has seven intensity settings, which is brilliant when you are suffering from sore nipples.  £249, elvie.com

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Joie Roomie Glide

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R e v i e w e d b y L E A H DAY

hen it comes to choosing a crib, there is more than just the aesthetics to consider. If, like I did, you want to keep your little one in your bedroom but are slightly limited on floor space, having a bedside crib is a perfect solution.

Whether you have had a C-section, breastfeeding or simply enjoy the peace of mind knowing your baby is sleeping

soundly next to you the Roomie Glide is a great choice. Easy to install in less than 30 minutes, there’s ample room for baby to grow and stay next to you for at least 5 months +. The side ventilation panels encourage air circulation which is crucial for a sound night’s sleep. I also loved the gliding motion – which helps your little one drift back off to sleep. Other plus points include the one button pull up and push down side panel, which keeps your baby secure whilst

giving easy access. It has a thick and plush mattress and it can be tethered to your bed or be free moving on glidable wheels if you prefer to move the crib from room to room. The height is also easily adjustable and an incline at the head is great for colic. Overall, I loved the sleek design and fabrics – which make the crib feel luxurious without being too bulky next to your bed.  £169; uk.joiebaby.com/ product/roomie-glide

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Nuna Tres

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ow many car seats have you had? We have had 5! Baby number 1 used to scream non-stop in the first one. Convinced it was the car seat, we got another one, not realising that pretty much all newborns cry in their car seat. Then we upgraded as the children grew in size. It would have been a lot more economical and eco friendly if we invested in the Nuna Tres from the start. It serves from newborn all the way up until 12 years old.

From 0-4years in the rear facing option, and then it twizzles around to forward facing, where you can hide the five-point harness behind the backrest and use the adult seatbelt. What we really liked was the built-in Isofi x, which is a lot less bulky and not having a leg means you gain back some storage space in the foot-rest. The instructions were a little tricky to understand initially but as soon as I realised that we didn’t need the first few pages we were good to go. The only downside to having this from birth is that unlike an infant carrier, it is designed to stay in the car, so if babe falls asleep whilst driving, you cannot carry them inside undisturbed. Not a problem if your child is like mine and never naps anymore!  £300, nunababy.com

Cybex Gazelle S

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f like us you’re planning to have a second baby in the near future, a little forward planning when you choose a stroller could save you having to upgrade later on.

The new CYBEX GAZELLE S is suitable from birth up until 4 years and can be changed from a mono to a sibling (or twin) pushchair by adding the CLOUD Z i-Size car seat, a second seat unit or the Gazelle Cot. Very easy to assemble, what we were most excited to try were all the different configurations (23 to be exact!). The GAZELLE S has a simple ‘plug-and-play’ system, using integrated adaptors that slide up and down the frame, so you can easily add on an extra seat or the bassinet.

We chose the stylish ‘Deep Black’ colourway. The chassis felt sturdy and the wheels and suspension made it easy to steer on different terrains.

The downside of any sibling stroller is that it won’t be as nippy as a mono, however as everything is stacked on top of each other the GAZELLE S feels less bulky than some of the other side-by-side models. Overall we’d really recommend the GAZELLE S to other parents looking for a stroller to see them through several little ones.  £549.95, cybex-online.com

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