B_Magazine__December_2017

THE 

Bespoke 

ISSUE 

BUMPS, BIRTH & BEYOND 

New mum 

masterclass 

How to treat 

winter woes 

WIN 

GREAT PRIZES 

WORTH OVER 

£1800 

CELEBRATE! 

Personalised gifts 

for you and baby 

BESPOKE 

BUGGIES 

Customise your 

pushchair 

ou Glow! 

Sparkle with maternity metallics 

Plus 

LAUGHING 

INTO LABOUR 

Pain control tips 

bOOKS & APPS bESPOKE BABY BOUDOIRS bABYMOON; UK SPA 

HOTELS bEACH BABIES; FAMILY RESORTS bABY SLEEP; 9-12 MONTHS 

13 WINTER 2017 £4.99

Take the chill away. 

And the allergens 

And the mould 

And the bacteria 

And the pet dander 

And the smells 

This one Dyson machine does the job 

of three. The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link 

purifier won’t just warm you in winter and 

cool you in summer. At the same time, 

it will also purify the air that you breathe in 

your home. That’s because indoor pollution 

can be up to five times worse than outdoor. * 

Cold weather is coming. 

Visit dyson.co.uk/purehotcool 

or the Dyson Demo store, 

447 Oxford Street, London. 

And stay warm. 

Purifies 

An activated graphite HEPA filter 

automatically removes allergens 

and pollutants from the air. 

Heats 

Its ceramic plates heat the purified 

air as it’s projected into the room, 

with no worrying burning smells. 

Cools 

And Air Multiplier technology 

projects a strong continuous stream of 

purified air to keep you cool in summer. 

App connected ** 

Monitor and control the 

temperature and air quality in 

the room remotely, so it’s just 

right when you return home. 

* 

European Respiratory Journal, Oct 2012 ** App functionality may vary per market. WiFi and app enabled device required.

EDITOR’S LETTER 

THE 

Bespoke 

ISSUE 

Welcome 

to the ‘Bespoke’ winter issue of 

We all love to stand out and be different and it’s no different when you’re pregnant 

– you want to show off the unique style that makes you, you. And when you have 

a baby to dress, you’ll love making them tiny style icons! Look for Bespoke items 

throughout the issue, which you can order especially made for you. Bearing in 

mind the time of year, we’ve found some great festive and luxe pregnancy looks to 

wear at home, at work, at play and at special occasions (pg 18) and then we have 

dressed our babies and toddlers in great party togs (pg 49) too. Pushchairs can 

be personalised by adding accessories and different colour packs, whilst car seats 

can adapt to fit your growing child from birth to four years. We show you the 

importance of exercise in pregnancy and discuss morning sickness and its evil 

twin, Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Take a Masterclass on caring for baby’s eyes, 

nose, mouth and ears and how to cope with winter ailments. Enjoy! 

Gorgeous! 

CUSTOMISABLE NAME BRACELET 

IRENE DANILOVICH £4500 

nineinthemirror.com 

@BBabyMag facebook.com/BBabyMagazine BBabyMag 

3 

| WINTER 2017 | BBABYMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ABY’S GOLDEN HOUR 

Jabs for babies 

Your child’s amazing 

development 

CUTE CRIBS 

How to treat 

winter 

Pregnancy 

woes 

fashion 

in skin tones 



We examine 

pushchair design 


pushchair 

Why rearward car 

seats are safest 

WORTH OVER 


CONTENTS 

What’s inside 

13 WINTER 2017: THE BESPOKE ISSUE 

THE 

ISSUE 

Bespoke 

6 BULLETIN 

Latest news, stories 

and offers 

12 HOP, SKIP, AND A BUMP 

We discuss the importance 

of exercise in pregnancy and 

show you what’s safe 

18 MORNING MISERY 

How to cope with morning 

sickness and Hyperemesis 

Gravidarum 

20 MATERNITY 

METALLICS 

How to rock the latest trend 

for super-shiny accents 

26 LAUGHING INTO 

LABOUR 

Control contractions with 

gas and air 

28 EATING FOR TWO 

How to get all the nutrients 

you need during pegnancy 

from the food you love 

34 A NURSERY 

ALL OF MY OWN 

Three great designer 

nurseries to inspire you 

40 BESPOKE BUGGIES 

Use colour and accesories to 

make your pram stand out 

from the crowd 

44 BABYMOON 

UK spa breaks for you to 

indulge yourself 


New mum 

masterclass 

How to treat 

winter woes 

CELEBRATE! 



BESPOKE 

BUGGIES 


You Glow! 

pushchair 


Plus 

WIN 

GREAT PRIZES 

WORTH OVER 

£1800 

LAUGHING 

INTO LABOUR 




COVER IMAGE: HELEN MARSDEN 

Stylist: Sarah LaFarge, Hair & Make 

up: Claire Portman using Origins & 

Paul Mitchell, Model: Holly at Beautiful 

Bumps wearing: sequinned tweed 

jacket £89.99 Zara, top £39 Isabella 

Oliver, jeans £32 ASOS Maternity, 

46 TEN OF THE BEST 

Our pick of the best baby 

sleeping bags 

47 BUMPER BUNDLE 

Win gifts for you and your 

baby worth over £400 

48 TAILORED TOTS 

Dress your baby or toddler 

in designer pieces mixed 

with High Street picks 

54 CAR SEATS 

Seats that grow and change 

with your baby from birth to 

four years 

58 LITTLE TINY EYES 

How to care for your baby’s 

most important places 

13 WINTER 2017 £4.99 

63 CHECK ME OUT 

The very first tests your 

baby has to pass 

64 BEACH BABIES 

Great destinations for your 

very first holiday as a family 

70 WINTER WOES 

Learn about the illnesses 

that can strike and how to 

cope with them 

71 BOOKS AND APPS 

Amazing personalised 

books, plus apps and 

exercise routines for you 

72 WHEN TO WEAN 

How and when should you 

introduce solid food? 

74 CELEBRATE! 

Presents for baby showers, 

new Mummies and babies 

78 SLEEP TIGHT 

Jo Tantum shows you how 

to help your baby sleep 

well from nine to 12 months 

80 ALL YOU NEED 

How to choose and buy 

your baby’s layette 

82 GUARDIAN ANGEL 

How to chose a nanny 

● On the cover 


bbabymagazine.co.uk 

@BBabyMag 

facebook.com/BBabyMagazine 

BBabyMag 

THE TEAM 

B Magazine is published by 

Aveta Publishing 

19 Cecile Park 

London N8 9AX 


020 8340 2212 

info@bbabymagazine.co.uk 

Editor 

Sally J Hall 

Creative Director 

Ruth Ellis 

Advertising enquiries 

020 8340 2212 

07790 992797 

Consumer and Fashion Editor 

Sarah Lafarge 

Health Editor 

Radhika Holmstrom 

SAVE 25% WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO 

Buy four issues (RRP £4.99 +p&p) for £15 and you’ll save almost 25%, 

so visit bbabymagazine.co.uk today and never miss a copy! 


THE 

naked 

ISSUE 

Pregnancy stripped 

back to basics 

Plus 

bEST BOOKS AND APPS 

bEAR NECESSITIES – KIDS’ FASHION 

bABY HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS 

bEAUTY: ANTI-AGEING TREATS 

New mum THE 

masterclassBespoke 

ISSUE 

BABY, LOOK 

AT YOU NOW! 

10 


New mum 

masterclass NUDE EDIT 

CELEBRATE! 

WHAT’S 

UNDER THE 

HOOD? 

BESPOKE 

BUGGIES 

Do look back 

You Glow! 


Plus 

08 AUTUMN 2016 £4.99 

WIN 

GREAT PRIZES 

£1800 

LAUGHING 

INTO LABOUR 




Contributing Editor 

Liat Hughes Joshi 

AVETA PUBLISHING 2017. 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

B BABY MAGAZINE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. 

| WINTER 2017 | BBABYMAGAZINE.CO.UK 

4

custom 

ride 

with the Joolz Tailor collection 

express your style and customise your 

ride with the Joolz Tailor collection 

Be creative and create 

your unique Joolz Day² or 

Joolz Geo² Tailor, with a 

choice of fabric, chassis, 

wheel and accent colours. 

Show your style and make 

a fashion statement! 

joolz.com 

facebook.com/MyJoolz

NEWS 

ulletin 

THE LATEST NEWS, WHAT’S HOT ON THE NET AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Landrover iCandy collaboration 

ICANDY LAUNCHES NEW EXCLUSIVE PUSHCHAIR 

Land Rover and iCandy World have combined 

the best of British design and function with 

the new-for-2018 iCandy Peach All-Terrain 

Special Edition pushchair. 

The pushchair is a tribute to the Land 

Rover’s awesome ability on all terrains and 

combines style accents of the iconic car with 

the functionality and comfort of all iCandy’s 

pushchairs. The Land Rover’s grille pattern is 

mimicked on the pushchair’s hood and a oneof-a-kind 

rucksack has been designed to hold 

all you need for a day out with baby. The curved 

chassis, puncture-proof tyres and adjustable seat 

will keep your baby secure and comfortbale and 

you can add a carrycot and car seat too. 

icandyworld.com 

GET THE ROCKIT ROCKER! 

The Rockit is a portable rocker that 

fits all strollers and prams - and 

keeps on rocking so you don’t have 

to! Created to help parents on the 

go, this handy must-have accessory 

keeps babies moving to help them 

sleep a bit longer while you’re out 

or in the home. The strap fits onto 

any pushchair, bouncy chair or even travel cot and 

it will fit securely to chassis and frames of different 

sizes. Just attach the unit, press the button and 

change the speed to gently rock the baby. Rockit 

is available from nursery stores round the country 

£39.99. See a video online of the Rockit in action at 

rockitrocker.com 

Breastfeeding benefits 

RESEARCH SUGGESTS BREASTFEEDING 

MAY REDUCE ECZEMA IN CHILDREN 

A study published in the journal JAMA Paediatrics 

followed babies born in 31 hospitals in Belarus in the 

1990s. Following the children over the subsequent years, they 

discovered that children whose mothers received support 

to continue breastfeeding reported less eczema. Those 

encouraged to breastfeed exclusively for six months reported 

that just 0.3 per cent of their children had the skin condition, 

compared with 0.7 per cent of those who did not take up the 

support programme. They also found that just six per cent 

of the mothers fed their babies with just breastmilk up to the 

World Health Organisation’s recommendation of six months. 


6

NEWS 

WIN! 

TICKETS TO THE BABY 

SHOW, LONDON 

The UK’s biggest pregnancy 

and parenting event, 

The Baby Show with 

MadeForMums, is back at 

VERY MERRY BERRY: A BRITISH BRAND 

WITH SPANISH FLAIR 

Very Merry Berry, a luxury online clothes 

London ExCeL from Friday 

2nd to Sunday 4th March. 

The event offers new and 

expectant parents a huge 

and interiors brand has launched in the UK. 

choice of parenting must- 

Its signature fun and vibrant use of colour, 

combined with quality materials and classic 

designs endorses the slow fashion movement: 

beautiful clothing collection of enduring, 

timeless pieces. The brand’s philosophy: 

‘Affordable Luxury for Little People’ is for 

Side sleeping advice 

WOMEN TOLD NOT TO SLEEP ON 

THEIR BACKS IN THE THIRD 

haves. Whether you’ve just 

found out you’re expecting, 

or you’re stocking up on big 

ticket essentials, the show 

offers a wealth of expertise 

and great offers! 

parents who want great quality at a fair price, 

without compromising on ethics, practicality, 

quality or style. 

verymerryberry.co.uk 

The Midlands and North of England Stillbirth Study 

(MiNESS), says that if pregnant women slept on their side 

in the third trimester, a 3.7 per cent decrease in stillbirth 

We have five pairs of 

tickets to give away worth 

£20 each. 

thebabyshow.co.uk 

could be achieved, saving around 130 babies’ lives a year. 

Around one in 225 pregnancies in the UK end in stillbirth 

and charity Tommy’s has launched the Sleep On Side 

campaign to educate women about the risk of going to sleep 

on their backs in late pregnancy. 

Theories suggest that lying on your back puts all the weight 

of the baby and uterus on the main blood vessels that supply 

your baby; this can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the baby. 

Other possibilities include disturbed breathing during sleep, 

which is worse when a woman sleeps on her back. 

Don’t worry if you wake up at night to find you have rolled 

onto your back; we all tend to have a preferred position, so 

if you favour your side, chances are that’s how you’ll spend 

NATURALMAT RE-OPENS ITS NOTTING 

HILL BOUTIQUE 

most of the night if you started off on your side. Try a sleep 

positioner pillow like the Dreamgenii; we have a review on this 

BEHIND THE BRAND: 

When we talk to the people 

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK 

Naturalmat has expanded its Baby 

Boutique in London’s Notting Hill to 

create a showroom with the finest in 

baby sleep products including awardwinning 

handmade mattresses and 

organic bedding. 

The store also stocks brands such as 

aden + anais, Merino Kids, Best Years, 

Wooly Organic, Leander, Stokke and 

Quax. All beds come with a Naturalmat 

mattress made by hand in Devon from 

the finest natural fibres.The showroom is 

at 99 Talbot Road, London W11 2AT. 

naturalmat.com 

product on our website. 

More from the Monkey 

THE TEETHING BRAND HAS LAUNCHED 

NEW PRODUCTS TO HELP MUMMIES. 

ORGANIC COTTON MUSLINS WITH 

A SILICONE TEETHING TAB 

AND COTTON LABEL TO 

PLAY WITH ARE JOINED BY 

MUSLIN SWADDLES 

matchstickmonkey.com 

behind some of the bestknown 

– or newest – nursery 

brands, we want to know 

how they came about, 

what makes them tick and 

how their great ideas came 

about. Read our “Behind 

The Brand” interviews with 

◗ Sophie Power of Airlabs 

◗ Max Jennings of family 

app Hoop 

◗ Iza Minkiewicz of Blue 

Almonds 

◗ Sophie Worthington 

of Wild & Gorgeous 

bbabymagazine.co.uk/ 

behind-the-brand 

7 


NEWS 

Prevent Group B Strep 

NEW GUIDANCE FOR PREMATURE LABOUR 

Guidance from the Royal College of 

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 

(RCOG) says that women in early 

labour (before 37 weeks), should be 

given antibiotics to prevent Group B 

Streptococcal (GBS). 

It is the most frequent cause of severe 

NEWBIE TO THE UK 

Much-loved Swedish 

childrenswear brand, 

Newbie, has launched 

in the UK with stores in 

Richmond and Kingston. 

infection in newborns. It occurs naturally 

in the digestive system and vaginal 

tract of around a quarter of women and 

normally causes no harm but the bacteria 

can be passed onto a baby during 

labour. A small proportion of babies will 

Catering to children from birth to eight 

years, the brand offers timeless, sustainable and 

incredibly quality fashion for little ones at an 

extremely accessible price point. 

develop an infection each year and can 

become seriously ill and sadly, one in 20 

babies will die from the infection. 

The pieces are all made from organic, 

sustainable cotton or recycled materials and 

prints are developed from classic inspiration, 

such as traditional wallpapers. 

With prices from under £5-40, Newbie 

fills a gap in the UK childrenswear market 

which offers great quality design for 

affordable value. 

newbiestore.com 

FIRST AIR BAG CAR SEAT 

Maxi Cosi has revealed a gamechanger 

in infant travel safety. The 

AxissFix Air infant car seat has 

built-in air bags that work within 

0.05 seconds to protect your little 

one’s head, neck and shoulders in 

the event of an impact. 

The seat is suitable for children 

from four months to four years and 

can be used for longer rearward 

facing travel in your car of up to 

two years. This is the safest way for 

MERCI FOR THE MEMORIES 

New from personalised jewellery brand 

Merci Maman is the People Chain 

Bracelet. In Sterling silver or 18 carat 

gold plate, you can wear it plain or stack 

it with charms that reflect you and your 

growing family. Add boy or girl charms 

that can be engraved with your child’s 

name and date of birth, plus you can add 

moon or cloud charms for a truly unique 

look. Hand engraved in Merci Maman’s 

London studio, they come in a gift box, 

perfect as presents for a new Mummy. 

mercimamanboutique.com 

Hummingbirds ahoy 

NEW FROM MAMA DESIGNS IS A 

STUNNING HUMMINGBIRD MOTIF 

MUSLIN SWADDLE. IN SUPER 

SOFT, DOUBLE LAYERED 100% 

COTTON, THEY’RE GENTLE ON 

YOUR BABY AND ARE PERFECT 

FOR MANY USES. SWADDLING, 

BURPING, FEEDING, WIPING, 

COMFORTING, AS A LIGHT 

BLANKET, A PRAM COVER OR 

ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF! 

THEY COST £15 FOR ONE OR A 

TWIN PACK IS £26 

mamadesigns.co.uk 

your child to travel. The seat can 

be rotated through 360° to allow to 

turn the seat from rear to forward 

facing and you can turn it to face 

the car’s door to make getting your 

child in and out easier. It has a fivepoint 

safety harness and adjusts as 

your child grows. 

maxi-cosi.co.uk 

SEE OUR 

REVIEW 

P54 


8 


until October 2017 

£200 OFF 

£200 OFF 

Quote “bbaby” when booking 

Quote “bbaby” when booking 

any delivery package 

any delivery package 

until March 2018 

CHELSEA AND WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL 

Luxurious postnatal maternity 

suite for you and your family 

© Merino Kids 

The Kensington Wing’s exclusive Midwifery Led Team is delighted 

to be able to offer our patients a new Community Postnatal Package 

The Kensington Wing Private Maternity Unit 

020 3315 8616 

kensington@chelwest.nhs.uk – www.TheKensingtonWing.co.uk

NEWS 

SILVER CROSS CELEBRATES 

140 YEARS 

British nursery brand, Silver Cross has 

much to celebrate as it reaches its 140 

year anniversary this summer, marking 

its significant contribution to the UK 

baby care market. 

In 1877 William Wilson wheeled 

out the world’s first ‘baby carriage’ 

from his Yorkshire workshop in Leeds, 

introducing an idea that would change 

parenting forever. 

Nick Paxton, Silver Cross CEO 

says: “We have a saying here at Silver 

Cross: There is no secret to making 

the world’s finest prams. Just take 140 

years of experience and add the finest 

materials; the rest is easy.” 

silvercrossbaby.com 

THE BE YOU COLLECTION 

New styles and colours from 

BabyBjörn allow you to 

Be You. The company works to 

support parents and their products make every day easier and 

more fun. The Autumn/Winter collection has new colours on 

the award-winning Bouncer Bliss and Baby Carrier One. Reject 

the need to feel ‘perfect’ and concentrate on trusting in your 

own abilities and instincts when it comes to parenthood too. 

“We’re not using models for this campaign, we’re featuring 

real parents with their own children,” says Art Director Karin 

Hoxter, the designer behind the new Be You collection. 

babybjorn.co.uk/beyou 

PACKING IT ALL IN 

Baby concierge Babynizer packs all 

you need in its luxe hospital bags, so 

you needn’t be confused when you’re 

ready to have your baby. All you need 

plus a few treats for you are packed into 

Storksak Noa at £250, Sandy at £160, 

Elizabeth at £259.95 or Tote at £155. 

Babynizer can tailor bags according 

to the hospital you’re using and deliver 

to your home or the hospital in 

an emergency. 

What’s in the bag? 

For mum: Lip balm, face 

spray, serum, toothbrush 

and paste, bathing 

products, maternity and 

breast pads, disposable 

pants, a vanity kit, 

slippers and more. 

For baby: Clothes and a 

towel, shower gel and 

lotion, muslins, brush 

and comb set, nappies, 

wipes and nappy bags. 

babynizer.co.uk 

Childrenswear retailer launches app 

CHILDRENSALON UNVEILS ITS BRAND NEW APP 

FOR PARENTS WHO ARE SHOPPING ON THE GO 

Childrensalon has revealed the launch 

of its brand new shopping app. 

Following the launch of Apple Pay, 

Childrensalon developed it its own app 

for iOS. It offers shoppers instant access 

to over 280 of the world’s most famous 

and coveted childrenswear brands, 

right at your fingertips. You can receive 

exclusive offers for purchases and you 

will also be the first to find out about 

competitions, sales and brand launches. 

By syncing your account across all your 

devices, including your phone, desktop 

computer and tablet, you can continue 

shopping with ease wherever 

you are. 

“This comes at a time when 

every second counts. The app 

simplifies shopping by allowing 

customers access anytime to 

the latest children’s designer 

brands,” says Clinton West, 

Digital & Marketing Director. 

childrensalon.com 


10

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

OWN THE CITY 

TURN HEADS WITH THIS LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER 

THE NEW iCANDY RASPBERRY 

Forming part of the highly-anticipated 

2018 collection, this stylish pushchair 

from iCandy has been meticulously 

refined, fresh for a new generation of 

babies. The Raspberry’s mandate is 

“Own The City,” transforming city living 

for parents around the world. 

With re-designed, puncture-proof PU 

wheels and a sleek, curvaceous chassis, 

it offers a smooth ride. Add a parent or 

world-facing seat or car seat to form a 

travel system. Ingenious iCandy elevators 

limit the need for mum to bend after 

birth and increase interaction with baby. 

They also mean Raspberry can be used 

at cafés and at home as a highchair. A 

cosy, luxurious carrycot is included and 

like all iCandy carrycots, is suitable for 

overnight sleeping. Easy to fold, the 

Raspberry includes a roomy 5kgs basket. 

The Raspberry boasts gorgeous, 

honeycomb weave fabrics with a twotone 

effect. The canopy features an 

extendable hood with a mesh ventilation 

vent. Meanwhile, the pushchair chassis 

is available in two head-turning colours, 

Moonrock and Chrome. 

◗ The iCandy Raspberry will be available 

to buy from your local stockist and 

icandyworld.com from January 2018. 

DISCOVER THE iCANDY RASPBERRY AT ICANDYWORLD.COM

PREGNANCY HEALTH 

Hop, skip and a bump 

WHAT’S RECOMMENDED, AND WHAT’S OFF-LIMITS? WE TAKE YOU 

THROUGH THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PREGNANCY EXERCISE 

by Health Editor, Radhika Holmström 

Once upon a time, pregnant women 

were told to take it easy. Today, it 

can seem like the opposite; with 

reminders that you’re “pregnant, not 

ill”, women are encouraged to keep 

going as normal. 

The reality is that, especially in the 

first few weeks, even those who usually 

take a vigorous workout in 

their stride can’t manage anything more 

demanding than walking short distances. 

However, it’s great to get off the 

sofa once your energy levels start 

rising again, whether or not you’ve 

been in the habit before. Pretty well 

every health organisation stresses the 

role that exercise plays in fending off 

ailments from heart disease to high 

blood pressure; and the Royal College 

of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 

(RCOG) is no exception. As long as 

you’re not exhausted or have a condition 

that rules it out, exercise will help keep 

you in good physical shape, help with 

an active labour and put you in the best 

position to cope afterwards. These 40 

weeks put a lot of strain on your pelvic › 


12

The From Birth 

to Teen Years 

Chair 

The Nomi concept is so much more than 

just a highchair... 

It is a quality piece of designer furniture 

that can last from baby days into 

teenage years and beyond. 

For details go to: www.evomove.com/uk 

facebook.com/NomihighchairUK 

@NomiHighchair 

Design: Peter Opsvik


floor and stomach muscles, so exercise 

is one of your best bets for getting back 

into your normal clothes soon after the 

birth of your baby. 

It also helps with mental health, too. 

All the mental health organisations 

recommend incorporating a bit of 

regular, moderate activity. That is 

particularly important at a time when 

you’re prone to everything from mood 

swings to depression; hardly surprising 

when hormones are flooding your body 

and you’re realising just how much life 

is going to change – especially if this is 

your first baby. On top of that, your body 

is out of your own control, which can be 

wonderful but is also quite disconcerting, 

particularly for women who’re used to 

managing their own lives, workload and 

quite possibly companies too. Putting 

your body through its paces will help 

you hang onto a bit more sense of ‘self’; 

and if you’re doing an activity with other 

pregnant women there’s also a social 

spin-off, which may not seem so useful 

now but will almost certainly come into 

its own when you all have small babies. 

GETTING GOING 

This isn’t the time to take up a 

completely new, strenuous activity. 

THE WONDER OF WATER 

Public health nutritionist and adviser to 

the Natural Hydration Council, Dr Emma 

Derbyshire, says: “When pregnant, it is 

important to eat a balanced diet, take 

exercise regularly and drink adequate 

amounts of fluid. The amount of fluid a 

pregnant woman should drink will increase 

by 300ml per day, (one to two extra glasses 

per day). You should have a drink of water 

before exercising and aim for 150-350ml 

every 20-30 minutes during exercise.” 

Read the full feature online at 

bbabymagazine.co.uk/keep-drinkingwhile-exercising-in-pregnancy/ 

Walking and swimming are good, because they’re 

low-impact and not too heavy on the joints 

If you’re a complete novice, RCOG 

recommends beginning with 15 minutes’ 

continuous exercise three times a 

week, increasing to 30 minute sessions, 

from four times a week to daily. The 

intensity should be sufficient to induce 

an increase in your heart and breathing 

rate but you should be able to maintain a 

conversation while doing so. 

One option is a specialist antenatal 

yoga or pilates class; even if you’re a 

regular pilates or yoga-goer you should 

switch to one tailored to pregnancy, 

because pregnancy puts all kinds of 

stresses on your body (your ligaments, 

for one thing, get stretchier as the 

relaxin hormone floods your system in 

preparation for birth; so don’t push them 

too far). Classes like this are a terrific way 

to tone up, get more flexible and meet 

women whose babies are due at the 

same time. 

However, they don’t work your heart 

and lungs, so don’t forget to move as 

well. “Walking and swimming are good, 

because they’re low-impact and not 

too heavy on the joints,” says ante- and 

post-natal personal trainer Mary Huckle. 

West London-based prenatal exercise 

instructor Gill Clegg is a fan of outdoor 

lidos, though she cautions: “If you’re 

swimming breast stroke, don’t do the 

legs – just do little crawl-style kicks, as 

the ligaments in your pelvis are very 

stretchy. I used training fins to kick and it 

got my legs very strong for labour.” 

KEEPING GOING 

Even if you’re fit already, don’t push 

yourself too hard. “Keep your heart rate 

to around 140 beats per minute,” advises 

Clegg, who recently had her own baby. 

Some activities are off-limits. After three 

months, avoid contact sports where you 

might be hit (like squash and judo) and 

ones like riding, skating and skiing where 

a fall could injure you; and don’t lie flat 

on your back, because this may make 

you feel faint. While swimming is great, 

scuba diving isn’t because the baby isn’t 

protected against a potential embolism. 

That does, however, leave a wide range 

of activities you can take to a pretty high 

standard; after all, Serena Williams won 

the Australian Open when she was in her 

first trimester. › 


14

LUNGE 

Stand with feet apart. Keep upper body 

tall with abs engaged. Bend knees and 

sink to create 90 0 angles at both knees 

(front knee above ankle). Push into both 

feet to return to standing. Complete a set 

on the first leg, repeat the same amount 

of repetitions on the other leg. 

Works on glutes for better legs & bum 


our POST NATAL exercise edit 

The following exercises can be done anywhere. CARiFiT recommends 

putting baby into a supportive carrier like the Cybex Yema and repeating 

exercises in 2-4 sets of 15-20 reps with a 30 rest between each set 

SQUAT 

Stand feet wider than hips and feet 

turned out. Keep chest up and shoulder 

blades drawn down and together. Bend 

the knees, stick your bum out and squat. 

Avoid going any lower than knees parallel 

to the ground. Press heels into the ground 

to rise back up to your starting position. 

Strengthens legs and lower back 

CURTSEY LUNGE 

Start with feet apart. Engage abs and roll 

shoulders back and down. Starting with 

right leg, take a step backwards and left 

as if to create a curtsy. Don’t tip forwards 

but maintain your balance and strong 

posture. Return to the starting position 

and repeat with the opposite leg. 

Creates strong, shapely legs 

TRICEP EXTENSION 

Stand with knees slightly bent and hold 

weight straight up above your head. The 

aim is to slowly lower the hands behind 

your head whilst keeping your elbows 

pointing upwards and keeping them close 

to your ears. Then bring them straight 

back up to the starting position. 

Gets the arms strong to hold your baby 

With thanks to CARiFiT for these tips 

FURTHER 

INFORMATION 

ON PREGNANCY 

EXERCISE AND 

MORE AT 


“I think the main thing 

women worry about is 

running, but if you’re a seasoned runner, 

you should be fine,” says Clegg. “From 

my own experience, I’d say that as 

well as keeping your heart rate down a 

couple of other things are important. 

Keep hydrated, to keep baby hydrated. 

Don’t get overheated, as it indicates 

you’re pushing yourself a bit too much.” 

“Generally speaking, if you’re already 

quite fit and healthy you can more or less 

carry on with anything you did before,” 

says Huckle. “As you become heavier, 

your cardio-vascular system works 

harder but in the second trimester you 

may be pretty energetic. Women in 

my running group have gone on well 

into the second trimester and you can 

do cardio and resistance, as long as 

you’re not using heavy weights.” Do let 

teachers know you’re pregnant. 

PICKING UP LATER 

Even if you’re active up to the last 

minute, once you’ve given birth you will 

need to wait till your six-week checkup 

before you resume: if you’ve had a 

Caesarian, it’ll be longer. However, the 

work you’ve done will pay off not just in 

helping you get back into your jeans but 

in coping with the demands that a new 

baby brings. “Exercise will set you up 

for afterwards,” Clegg declares. What’s 

more, she adds, if you’re a previous 

fitness enthusiast and had to take your 

routine down a level for nine months, 

your muscles will remember how to get 

you back to pre-pregnancy levels. 

Above all, do what you can. Admittedly 

there can be times when one yearns for 

the days when the recommendations 

were to lounge about for the duration 

but the fact is that nobody’s expecting 

you to emulate pregnant Olympians – 

just to keep moving. Just remember, 

keeping active for those nine months can 

only be a very, very good thing. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK, POST NATAL EXERCISE PICS COURTESY OF CARiFiT 


16

No Will? No say. 

Making a Will is the only 

way to ensure your wishes 

will be met after you die. 

To find out more, call our 

wills and probate team 

now on 0808 175 8000 

slatergordon.co.uk 

Offices in London and 

throughout the UK 

Slater and Gordon (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 

Family | Employment | Estate Planning, Wills and Probate 

Property | Crime | Dispute Resolution | Personal Injury


READ MORE 

ABOUT MORNING 

SICKNESS AT 


pregnancy-resources 

Morning blues 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE YOURSELF 

FEEL BETTER WHEN THE DREADED MORNING 

SICKNESS STARTS? 

Many of us get some form of morning 

sickness – up to 50% are affected and 

it can put a dampener on the joy of 

being pregnant. 

Whether you have mild or moderate 

sickness – or even the severe form, 

Hyperemesis Gravidarum - there are 

steps you can take to reduce the impact 

of morning sickness and to help you to 

enjoy your pregnancy. 

DIFFERENT KINDS OF MORNING SICKNESS 

Some women feel mildly nauseous 

without being sick. Some vomit once or 

twice a day but feel OK most of the time. 

Some feel sick almost all of the day and 

others are severely ill, throwing up many 

times a day and they are not able to 

keep food or fluids down. This condition, 

Hyperemesis Gravidarum, is serious and 

needs to be treated, sometimes with a 

hospital stay and intravenous fluids. 

IN THE MORNING? 

Nausea can strike at any time, so the 

name is slightly misleading – though 

most affected women feel better towards 

the afternoon or evening. 

WHAT CAUSES IT? 

Doctors believe that changes in 

hormone levels during the first 12 weeks 

of pregnancy are to blame. It may also 

be caused by a lack of Vitamin B6, so 

you could take a 10mg supplement 

(beware of taking too much and don’t 

take extra if your multi vitamin contains 

it). Remember to take your Folic acid at 

times when you don’t feel too sick. 

WHEN? 

Most women get it from about six weeks 

of pregnancy and it is usually over by 

the 12th week. However, some women 

start to feel sick earlier and have their 

symptoms of nausea for longer. 

REMEDIES 

Doctors advise the following to help 

you feel better. 

◗ Rest – unfortunately, you will 

be more tired if you are being sick 

as well as being pregnant! 

◗ Make sure you are 

drinking plenty of water or 

other non-sugary fluids to avoid 

becoming dehydrated. 

◗ Eat little and often – small 

meals will help you retain some nutrients. 

Try eating at times of the day when you 

notice you feel better. 

◗ Start the day slowly – if the mornings 

are worst, keep some dry crackers or 

ginger biscuits by the bed and nibble 

before you get up. 

◗ If some smells or food make you 

nauseous, avoid them. 

◗ Get help – ask someone else to do the 

cooking for you. 

FACT OR FICTION? 

Some people have advice on what can 

‘cure’ morning sickness but 

in reality, everyone is 

different. However, you 

could try the following 

remedies; 

Ginger works for 

some and it doesn’t 

matter what form - fresh, 


18



powdered or capsules. Acupressure 

may help - sea sickness wrist bands 

can be used, available from most 

pharmacies. Some studies suggest that 

anti-histamines may also help, especially 

in conjunction with vitamin B6. Best to 

speak to a doctor about this. Avoid any 

anti-nausea drugs as the effects on the 

foetus are unclear. 

HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM 

Dr James Nicopoullos, 

Consultant Gynaecologist 

and Subspecialist in 

Reproductive Medicine 

& Surgery at The Lister 

Hospital, London talks 

about this condition. 

”Hyperemesis (HG) is an extreme form of 

morning sickness. In a few women it’s so 

severe that it leads to an inability to tolerate 

enough oral fluids to maintain hydration, 

which can lead to weight loss, imbalances in 

sodium and potassium, poor nutrition and 

dehydration, which can cause a rise in heart 

rate, a drop in blood pressure and dizziness. 

The reason some women suffer and others 

don’t is poorly understood. The early 

pregnancy hormone Human Chorionic 

Gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates the thyroid 

gland and levels of hCG and thyroid 

hormones seem to correlate with the severity 

of symptoms in some women. 

Serious consequences to mother and baby 

are rare. For mum, the main concern is 

nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 

deficiency can cause the rare “Wernicke’s 

Encephalopathy,” which can cause visual 

disturbance. Persistent vomiting can lead to 

low sodium levels, which can (rarely) cause 

seizures and respiratory problems. Violent 

retching can lead to a “Mallory Weiss Teat,” a 

small tear in the oesophagus, and bleeding. 

“Thankfully, HG shows no increase in risk or 

congenital birth defects to baby. It is vital that 

women seek guidance from their Doctor or 

hospital sooner rather than later. 

Just as important is the emotional support we 

offer and the reassurance that the symptoms 

will improve with time.” 

EAT WELL 

There are lots of old wives’ tales about morning 

sickness, but can you eat yourself better? Henrietta 

Norton, Head of Nutrition at Grace Belgravia and 

founder of Wild Nutrition, says: 

◗ Keep hydrated 

sickness. Try Brazil nuts, pumpkin 

Dehydration 

seeds or organic apricots. This will 

is a common 

reduce that urge 

contributor to 

to grab something 

morning sickness and 

less healthy. 

constipation. Increase your water 

intake to around 2 litres a day. Try ◗ Eat as 

warm water with fresh lemon or mint. nature 

intended 

◗ Embrace protein and healthy fats This is the most efficient way 

from grass fed meat, coconut oil, of ensuring a wide range of 

organic eggs, dairy or wild-caught antioxidants and minimizing 

fish; all are an excellent source of key processed foods and sugars. Bulk 

pregnancy nutrients such as vitamins cooking soups or using a slow 

D, E and K. Oily fish, nuts and seeds cooker is a great way to plan ahead. 

are also a rich source of the fatty 

acids DHA and EPA, critical for the ◗ Nourish your gut 

healthy brain and nervous system The powerhouse of health for you 

development of your baby in the and your baby. Approximately 70% 

first and third trimester. Vitamin B6 of your immune system is located 

has been shown to ease symptoms in the gut and it’s where nutrient 

of morning sickness by supporting absorption happens. Take a good 

the hormonal fluctuations quality probiotic, especially in the 

last trimester. Evidence shows 

that good bacteria acquired 

by the baby during the birth 

reduces the risk of atopic 

diseases such as asthma or eczema 

in childhood. 

associated with the early stages of ◗ Adding value 

pregnancy. Foods rich in Vitamin B6 Eating nutrient-rich food is the 

include fresh tuna, turkey, chicken, foundation of a healthy pregnancy. 

sweet potato, spinach and 

You may want to 

pumpkin seeds. 

supplement with a high 

quality vitamin, preferably 

◗ Be prepared 

in a Food-Grown form, that 

Keep healthy snacks about. In the 

includes iodine, vitamin D, 

early weeks this helps give you 

beta-carotene, folic acid 

energy and minimises morning 

and Vitamin B12. 

19 


FASHION 

MATERNITY 

METALLICS 

HOW TO ROCK THIS SEASON’S SHINIEST TREND 

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN, 

STYLIST: SARAH LAFARGE, HAIR & MAKE-UP: CLAIRE PORTMAN USING ORIGINS AND PAUL MITCHELL 


20

FASHION 

EDITOR’S 

PICK 

Opposite: JACKET £79.99 

Zara, TOP £39 Isabella Oliver, 

JEANS £32 ASOS Maternity, 

NECKLACE £45 Titlee 

Above: BAG £130 Tiba and 

Marl, TOP £39 Isabella Oliver, 

DUNGAREES £279 Hatch 

(Nine In The Mirror) 

daytime DAZZLE 

Combine on-trend navy and pale pink 

wardrobe staples with metallic detailing and 

statement accessories 

ROSIE PRINT TOP £69 Isabella Oliver, BATWING DRESS 

£30 Next, VOLTA VISCOSE JUMPSUIT DRESS £595 Joseph, 

(Nine In The Mirror), METAL YARN JUMPER £46 TopShop, 

THE BOYFRIEND CORD £195 Hatch (Nine In The Mirror), 

LUREX STAR SWEATER £390 Bella Freud (Harrods), LOU LOU 

ANKLE BOOTS £685 Saint Laurent (Harrods), PEPPER MINI 

POCHETTE BAG £1080 Eddie Borgo (Net a Porter), PRINTED 

SWEATSHIRT DRESS £391 Vivetta (Nine in the Mirror), DARK 

BOOTLEG JEANS £35 JoJo Maman Bébé, PHOEBE DRESS 

£65 Séraphine, SILVER METALIC TOP £26 Next, ALBION 

TOTE BAG £465 Sophie Hulme (Harrods), FLORAL PRINT 

MATERNITY AND NURSING DRESS £45 JoJo Maman Bébé, 

ODETTE CAPE £89 Séraphine, GEO SPLASH FOIL PRINT 

SCARF £16 Accessorize, ROWSLEY LEATHER LEGGINGS £349 

Isabella Oliver, SNEAKERS £70 Reebok 

21 


FASHION 

EDITOR’S 

PICK 

SHINE like a diamond 

Sparkle this party season with sequinned and embellished pieces 

Above: SCATTER EMBELLISHED MINI SWING DRESS £65 ASOS Maternity, 

LUREX SUN-RAY PLEATED GOWN £1940 Missoni (Nine In The Mirror), OLIVIA 

GOWN CHAMPAGNE SHIMMER £249 Tiffany Rose, ETHOL METALLIC RUFFLE 

DRESS £175 Reiss, Below: SILVER MATERNITY METALLIC TOP £26 Next, 

OVERSIZED SEQUIN BLAZER £584 Alice and Olivia (Harrods), METALLIC 

EMMY SKIRT £599 Stella McCartney (Harrods), KAROLINA DRESS £75 Chi Chi 

Maternity, COLD SHOULDER EMBROIDERED DRESS £65 ASOS Maternity 

DRESS £85 Séraphine, 

EARRINGS £40 Titlee 

Paris, SOCKS £10.99 

Oroblu (uktights.com), 

SHOES £25 ASOS 


22

FASHION 

BESPOKE 

BUY 

SILVER SHOES £28 Asos, 

DRESS £830 Missoni 

(Nine In The Mirror), 

METALLIC TIGHTS £15.99 

Cecilia de Rafael 

(uktights.com) 

bling on the ACCESSORIES 

Must-have metallic accents for any occasion, day or night 

Top left anti-clockwise: LOQUET £1850 Nine in the Mirror, TASSEL EARRINGS £8.50 Next, 

NYRA REEF NECKLACE £295 Monica Vinader, FAITH FOIL SCARF £22 Oliver Bonas, ORO 

ANKLE BOOTS £119 And/Or, CONSTELLATION SLINGBACKS £625 Dolce & Gabbana 

(Harrods), MAUREEN FLATS £425 Malone Souliers (Harrods), NIKE TRAINERS £84.99 

Selfridges, FALABELLA TOTE £610 Stella McCartney, NILE BRACELET BAG £1150 Chloé, 

MARMONT LEATHER LOAFERS £585 Gucci, BROADWAY BEE BAG £2250 Gucci (Harrods), 

KNOXY FLATFORM BROGUES £1109 Kurt Geiger (Selfridges), DANIELS DRIVE STAR 

MARCI BAG £405 Kate Spade, MERCER BAG £225 Michael Kors, SNEAKERS £545 

Fendi, ROMI COURTS £450 Jimmy Choo, CLIO COURTS £80 Dune, DARWELL 

BOOTS £420 Isabel Marant, STARS SCARF £45 And/Or, INFINITY NECKLACE 

£145 Dower & Hall, EARRINGS £111 J.Y. Gao, DROP PENDANT £660 

Tiffany & Co, Centre: AFRICA NECKLACE £2940 Marco Bicego 

ISHTAR STAR EARRINGS £3150 Bee Goddess (Harrods) 

EDITOR’S 

PICK 


24

nurturing your 

pregnancy journey 

one box • every month • delivered to your door 

Each month you’ll receive products, 

from relaxation, to healthy eating, 

to household, to pampering, plus 

expert advice to match your month 

of pregnancy. You can sign-up for 

any month from 12 weeks. 

special offer for readers * 

get your first gift box for only £10, simply add BMAG at the checkout 

www.project-b.com facebook.com/projectbpregnancy 

*TERMS & CONDITIONS: Introductory offer of £4.99 off first gift box can be used on all of the Project-B subscription boxes (boxes 1-7) but is not valid for the Project-B Mum and Baby Gift 

Box. You are required to receive a minimum of 2 boxes (including your promotional box) before giving Project-B notice should you wish to cancel thereafter. You agree to pay Project-B 

the full amount of £14.99 after the promotional offer has been applied. All promotions (unless specified otherwise) are for new customers only and limited to one per customer.


YOUR LABOUR DAY: 

PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS 

Laughing into labour 

HOW GAS AND AIR HELPS YOU COPE By Sally J. Hall 

When the pangs of labour come on, 

it’s good to know what your pain relief 

options are. Discuss your feelings 

about pain relief with your medical 

team and your ante-natal classes will 

also cover this, so by the time you’re 

almost due, you should have a fairly 

good idea of what you think you want. 

What’s really important is that you 

reserve the right to change your 

mind. Some women have higher pain 

thresholds than others, some seem to 

have naturally easier labours than others. 

Whatever the reasons, the outcome that 

you and your medical team want is a 

happy, healthy mother and baby at the 

end of it all. 

While you may write a birth plan that 

describes a natural birth with no pain 

relief, you may end up with gas and 

air, pethidine and an epidural. At each 

stage, you can make decisions based 

on how you feel and the expert advice 

that your Obstetrician and Midwife give 

you. They will explain why they think you 

might need to move to a different form 

of pain control and how it will help. As 

long as it’s not a real emergency, there 

will be time to consider it and make a 

decision, backed up by the wishes on 

your birth plan and with the support of 

your birth partner. 

In this feature, we examine the most 

PHOTOGRAPHY: MILESTONE CARDS 

26 



ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK, RUTH ELLIS 

common early form of pain control 

in labour, gas and air. Also known as 

Entonox, or laughing gas, this gas has 

no taste or smell and is composed of 

half oxygen, half nitrous oxide. It arrives 

at your bedside in a canister or tubes 

from a central supply (if you are having 

a home birth, your midwife will bing a 

canister) and you will be given a mouth 

piece to use. It is up to you how you use 

it, how much you take and when, so you 

can feel in control of your labour. 

WHEN DO I USE IT? 

In very early labour, especially while still 

at home, you should try to avoid pain 

relief, as you’ll need to save this for later. 

Walking around, a back rub from your 

partner, a warm bath, breathing exercises 

you learned at ante-natal classes and 

sitting on a birthing ball can all help take 

the edge off early contractions. 

Once you are in hospital or your 

midwife has arrived and the contractions 

are coming on stronger and closer 

together, it may be time to try out the 

gas and air. 

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

The combination of oxygen and nitrous 

oxide works to help you feel more 

relaxed, a little light headed. This will 

help take the edge off contractions, yet 

you’re still in control and able to feel 

what your body is doing. 

It may take a little while to get the 

hang of it. Put the mouth piece between 

your lips or teeth and take several deep, 

slow breaths. When you feel a bit light 

headed, stop. You can keep the mouth 

piece in while you breathe out, as it has a 

valve that allows your carbon dioxide to 

escape. This is good because we often 

want to cling to something – perhaps the 

head of the bed or the back of a chair 

– when a contraction is upon us, which 

leaves no hands free. 

The best time to use it is as soon as 

you feel a contraction coming on, as it 

takes around 30 seconds for the effect 

to take hold. Get your birth partner to 

help with this – and if they have been 

beside you with a stopwatch timing 

your contractions, they can be useful 

here – they can estimate when the next 

contraction is due and get the mouth 

piece ready for you to take from them. 

THE GOOD POINTS 

There are many advantages to gas and 

air as a pain relief option. You are very 

much in control of it, so it can really help 

you feel in control. It’s perhaps best used 

in conjunction with breathing exercises, 

as your attention is very much focussed 

on your breathing anyway. Don’t start 

off with some deep, effective breaths 

without the drug and then suck and gasp 

at the mouth piece – use the two things 

in complement to each other. 

TOP TIPS 

You should 

The combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide works 

to help you feel more relaxed, a little light headed 

◗ Breathe deeply and rhythmically 

◗ Breathe in and out into the mouth piece 

◗ Use it as soon as you feel a contraction 

You should not 

◗ Start to use it when 

your contraction is at its 

most painful 

◗ Use it between 

contractions 

◗ Keep using it if 

you feel sick 

The gas is not harmful to your baby 

and it will not build up in your system, 

nor will it interfere with the progress 

of your labour. You can even use it in a 

birthing pool. 

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF 

Gas and air is only a mild form of pain 

relief, so you may find that as your 

contractions get stronger, you need to 

move to something else. That’s fine and 

if it gets you through a portion of your 

labour with no side effects, that’s great. 

However, it makes some women feel 

drowsy and others feel sick – some throw 

up. If you find this is not working for you, 

talk to your midwife about moving to 

another form of pain relief. 

It can be a little hard to coordinate. 

If, each time you have a contraction, 

you want to be on all fours, or kneeling 

with your hands on the headboard of 

the bed, it can be quite tricky to juggle 

the mouth piece. That’s where your 

birth partner can truly come into his 

or her own, helping you find it or even 

holding it for you each time and helping 

you to remember how to breathe most 

effectively as contractions hit. 

Your mouth can feel very dry using it 

and so it’s useful to know to bring water 

and other drinks and perhaps some 

boiled sweets and lip salve to take away 

the feeling between contractions. 

You can find out more about the 

different forms of pain relief during 

labour on the website. Head to 


pain-relief-in-labour 

27 


NUTRITION 

Eating for two 

GETTING NUTRITION RIGHT IN PREGNANCY IS CRUCIAL SHOWS YOU 

HOW TO GET ALL YOU NEED FROM FOOD YOU LOVE by Sally J. Hall 

Pregnancy is an amazing 

time of change in your body 

and your nutritional needs 

will change not just once 

but continually and even 

after the birth, especially 

when you’re breastfeeding. 

We should, in theory, be 

able to get all we need from 

our diet but in these days of 

fast food, ready meals and 

intensive farming, it may 

not always be possible. So 

we’ve put together an easy 

checklist so you can see 

where to get those vitamins 

and minerals you need plus 

we have quick and easy 

ways to boost your intake. 

We’ve also spoken to top 

dietary experts who offer 

some specific advice on 

your pregnancy nutrition. 

So get eating the best mix 

of foods, to keep you and 

baby bouncing. 

A strengthens immune 

system, keeps skin healthy. 

Eat carrots, red, yellow and 

green fruit and veg, dairy, 

eggs and oily fish. Liver and 

pate, though good sources, 

should be avoided. 

E great for healthy eyes, the 

skin and a healthy immune 

system. Eat plant oils (olive 

oil), nuts, seeds and wheat 

germ in cereals. 

C protects cells, maintains 

connective tissue and helps 

wound healing. Eat oranges, 

red and green peppers, 

soft fruits, broccoli, brussels 

sprouts and potatoes. 

K is necessary for blood 

clotting, wound healing and 

healthy bones. Eat green 

vegetables, vegetables oils 

and cereal grains. 

D regulates calcium and 

phosphate. Mostly taken in 

from sunlight on the skin. 

Eat oily fish, eggs, cereals. 

B12, B, FOLIC ACID 

(you should take 400mcg 

daily). Eat milk, eggs, fortified 

cereals, wholegrain bread, 

and rice, a wide range of fruit 

and vegetables and pulses. 

IRON makes red blood 

cells, prevents anaemia 

Eat meat, beans, nuts, dried 

fruit, especially apricots, 

wholegrains, cereals and dark 

green leafy veg. You should 

avoid liver during pregnancy, 

however, because it can be 

too high in iron. 

OMEGA 3 found in Fish oils 

or flax oil contains a rich 

source of docosahexaenoic 

acid (DHA), which 

contributes to brain 

and eye development. 

Eat oily fish (avoid fish 

that might be mercury 

contaminated like marlin 

and swordfish). If you are 

vegetarian or vegan, you can 

obtain DHA and EPA through 

vegetable oils like linseed oil. 

CALCIUM builds bones 

and teeth, helps muscle 

contractions, especially the 

heart and helps blood to clot 

normally. Eat dairy products, 

green veg, soya beans, tofu, 

nuts, bread and fish like 

sardines and pilchards, where 

you eat the bones. 

MINERALS We need a small 

amount of minerals such 

as selenium, Magnesium, 

sodium, potassium and 

others, in the body. Eat a 

wide range of foods. › 


28

NUTRITION 

ASK THE EXPERTS 

We asked two experts 

their nutritional tips for 

pregnancy. Top fertility & 

pregnancy expert, Zita West 

runs the Zita West Clinic, 

London’s most famous 

holistic fertility clinic. Helen 

Ford is a top nutritionist 

at the Glenville Nutrition 

Clinic, run by Dr. Marilyn 

Glenville, a leading advisor 

in nutritional health. 

HOW DO I GET A HEALTHY 

PREGNANCY DIET? 

We all wonder how what we 

eat affects our unborn baby. 

Though most are aware that 

alcohol and smoking can 

harm our baby, we may not 

be so knowledgeable about 

vitamins and minerals. Zita 

West says that even before 

conception, we should be 

aware of our diet, to give our 

baby the best possible start. 

“Anyone thinking about 

conceiving should take 

three months’ ‘preparation’ 

time, the time it takes for 

the follicles to develop and 

release an egg,” she says. 

“The environment in which 

eggs develop is crucial.” 

And if you have had 

problems with mood swings 

or tiredness, good food 

choices really could make all 

the difference. 

“Diet and lifestyle changes 

can help with hormone 

balance and energy levels, 

so you’ll be in the best shape 

to cope with pregnancy,” 

West continues. “A good diet 

should include protein, which 

‘builds’ your eggs, essential 

Ensuring a good intake of dark green 

leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds will provide 

a good amount of magnesium 

fatty acids which help with 

hormone production and a 

healthy immune system, slow 

release carbohydrates for 

energy and B vitamins and 

folic acid for cells.” 

Once you know you’re 

pregnant, most of us pay 

attention to the “can and 

can’t” eat lists but should we 

target specific nutrients at 

different points of pregnancy 

to help baby develop? 

“The right nutrients, the 

right amount, at the right 

time are required for your 

baby’s organs to develop 

to their full potential,” says 

West. “This means your baby 

will rely not on what you 

have in any one day but on 

supplies of nutrients that you 

stockpile even before you 

are pregnant.” 

Helen Ford states that 

nutritional advice can help 

with pregnancy problems. 

“Common pregnancy 

symptoms include nausea, 

cystitis and cramps,” 

she says. “Following an 

alkaline diet (fresh fruit and 

vegetables, minimal animal 

protein and sugars) can help 

POP THE 

PILLS 

These supplements will help 

maximise pregnancy health 

The Zita West Clinic offers 

a range of Fertility 

and Ante Natal 

supplements. 

zitawest.com 

Marilyn Glenville 

recommends 

NHP Ante Natal 

Support, a special 

multivitamin and 

mineral. 

naturalhealthpractice.com 

these conditions. Adding a 

probiotic like NHP Advanced 

Probiotic to help support 

a healthy urinary tract and 

magnesium can also be 

very beneficial.” 

Other symptoms can be 

eased with food. “Traditional 

remedies like ginger may 

reduce nausea, which for 

some is not confined to the 

first trimester,” says Ford. 

“Balancing blood sugar is 

also key to alleviating nausea, 

which involves eating little 

and often with sufficient 

protein and avoiding refined 

carbohydrates” 

DOES STRESS AFFECT 

NUTRITION? 

So how much does the grind 

of daily life take its toll on our 

bodies? Studies show that 

stressed people have higher 

levels of cortisol, which isn’t 

good for baby. West explains: 

“Stress depletes the body 

of nutrients for hormonal 

production, vitamin B and 

zinc. Alcohol and cigarettes 

are also stressors and deplete 

the body’s nutrients.” 

EATING FOR THE THIRD 

TRIMESTER 

It seems we should also pay 

attention to how the needs 

of our babies change as they 

grow and develop. “From 

28 to 40 weeks there is rapid 

development of the baby’s 

brain, so they require DHA 

and Omega 3,” West states. 

“As it’s difficult for a women 

to manufacture Omega 3, fish 

oils are the best source. Also 

important is vitamin D. › 


30

Formulated by Vitabiotics’ nutritional experts, to support 

the nutritional requirements of babies and young children 

Contains UK Department of Health recommended 

levels of vitamin D 1 

Wellbaby multi-vitamins contain the recommended 

vitamins A, C and D 1 

Vit D Drops 

Multi-vitamin Drops 

Multi-vitamin Liquid 

2017-05-16 ADWBYCONP E 

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, 

chemists, health stores and & wellbaby.com 

† 

The UK Department of Health recommends that all babies from birth until the age of 1 should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5-10mcg of vitamin D and all infants aged from 6 months to 5 years should be given a supplement containing vitamins 

A, C and D (Unless they are drinking 500ml (or approx. 1 pint) of infant formula a day, as infant formula has vitamins added to it). Source: NHS Choices. *UK’s No1 baby supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 25 March 2017.

NUTRITION 

FIND OUT 

WHAT FOODS 

TO EAT AND WHAT 

TO AVOID AT 

bbabymagazine.co.uk /bump 

Many women are deficient 

in it.” 

Helen Ford agrees. 

“Different stages of 

pregnancy put different 

demands on the body, so 

dietary adjustments are 

key. Women with specific 

requirements like vegan, 

vegetarian or gluten free 

diets need to ensure they 

are eating enough protein, 

essential fatty acids and fibre, 

for example. Protein and fats 

are particularly important for 

the developing baby.” 

MAGNESIUM MYSTERY 

If you follow social media, 

there’s a new substance to 

avoid or embrace almost 

every week. Recently 

there has been a lot about 

magnesium. So should we 

all be concerned about our 

levels? Ford thinks we should. 

“Magnesium is important 

in pregnancy for supporting 

hormones, reducing stress 

and reducing risk of preeclampsia,” 

she says. “It 

is nicknamed ‘nature’s 

tranquiliser’ for its calming 

effect on mother and baby.” 

This seems good reason to 

be aware but there’s more. 

“It is also a muscle 

relaxant,” Ford explains, 

“so may help alleviate 

cramps, common during the 

last trimester. It aids smoother 

contractions!” 

It may be difficult to know 

if you are deficient but signs 

include muscle weakness, 

cramps and twitching. 

Ford advises: “Ensuring a 

good intake of dark green 

leafy vegetables, nuts and 

seeds will provide a good 

amount of magnesium but 

supplements would be a 

way of optimising levels. It 

is possible to check women 

have sufficient magnesium 

via a simple blood test.” 

“We would encourage 

pregnant women to come 

and see a qualified nutritionist 

to ensure they are eating a 

varied and nutritious diet,” 

says Ford. “This is particularly 

important, as there is so much 

confusing and conflicting 

advice around eating during 

pregnancy. We can also offer 

testing to see if there are any 

key deficiencies and then 

correct them through dietary 

changes and nutritional 

supplements.” 

Zita West Clinic, London 

W: zitawest.com 

T: 020 3613 2266 

Marilyn Glenville, London 

and Tunbridge Wells 

W: marilynglenville.com 

T: 01892 515905 

INSTANT BOOST 

Falling behind on your five a day? Here’s how to give your 

body – and your baby – an instant vitamin boost in minutes! 

SPICED RASPBERRIES 

This sweet and spicy juice 

is also very warming due to 

the inclusion of ginger, a 

root that has much culinary 

importance. Medicinally, 

ginger is valued for its 

unique phytochemicals and 

health-benefiting oils that 

give it antibacterial and antiinflammatory 

properties. This 

juice is also a good source of 

sulphur, chlorophyll, vitamin BUN IN THE OVEN 

E and anthocyanins – so an Ingredients: 

excellent all round skin-saver. ◗ 1 small handful spinach 

I recommend this juice when ◗ Quarter of a medium 

you feel that your skin (and (peeled) - pineapple 

your psyche) needs a bit of a ◗ 4 spears asparagus 

pick-me-up. 

◗ 1 Golden Delicious apple 

◗ 1 handful fresh peas 

Ingredients: 

◗ 1 handful of sunflower seeds 

◗ 2 large handfuls watercress ◗ Half a ripe (peeled) avocado 

◗ 16-20 red grapes 

◗ Ice cubes 

◗ 1 handful raspberries 

◗ 1cm piece of fresh ginger Instructions: 

root, peeled 

Before you turn on the juicer, 

put the apple into the juicer 

Instructions: 

chute, then pack the peas, 

Juice all the ingredients, stir spinach and asparagus in 

well and serve immediately. tight and add the pineapple 

From Juice, by Liz Earle in chunks. Juice the lot slowly 

(Kyle Books), £14.99 

to get maximum juice. Put 

the sunflower seeds into the 

blender along with the ice 

and avocado. Blend until 

really smooth. 

From juicemaster.com 

FURTHER READING 

Whether you want some tasty, vitamin-packed snacks, nutritious soups 

and smoothies, or advice on which vitamins and minerals are essential 

for pregnancy health, we have plenty to read in the Pregnancy 

Nutrition section of our website. 

Head to bbabymagazine.co.uk/category/pregnancy-nutrition/ 



32

Find the perfect cot 

to fall in love with... 

With 15 cot bed styles and colours to choose from, 

create your dream nursery for your little creation. 

Collection 

Mode 

Skandi 

Rococo 

Luxe 

Find your SnüzKot snuz.co.uk

INTERIORS 

Bespoke boudoir 

MAKE YOUR BABY’S ROOM UNIQUE WITH 

CLEVER DESIGN AND CUSTOMISED PIECES 

DRAGONS OF WALTON STREET 

This gorgeous, light-filled nursery was 

created using bespoke painted furniture, 

embellished with sweet characters. The 

company can look after all your needs 

including room design, sourcing fabric, 

window, floor and wall treatments, bespoke 

joinery, lighting and accessories. Pale 

blues add interest to the white and neutral 

pallate in a room where peaceful dreams 

are assured. The cot is hand painted with 

gorgeous Peter Rabbit characters and 

more cute Beatrix Potter accents pull the 

theme together. 

dragonsofwaltonstreet.com 


34

INTERIORS 

Bespoke cotbed 

with Winnie the 

Pooh motifs 

in gold or pink 

Top down: PRISM ROSE GOLD 

WALLPAPER £32 A ROLL Graham 

& Brown, GOLD CROWN 

CUSHION £22.50 Hibou Home 

(Nubie), BESPOKE GOLD COT 

£3900 Bambizi, REGENCY 

WARDROBE £4875 Dragons of 

Walton Street, CARACTERE LED 

LAMP ‘B’ £90 Seletti (Amara), 

AUTHENTIC MODELS PRIMARY 

FLYING SKIES MOBILE £75.99 My 

Small World (Trouva), EXCLUSIVE 

HARRODS OF LONDON 

MOHAIR TEDDY BEAR (24CM) 

£140 Harrods, RO-KI ROCKER 

£795 Oli Ella (Nubie), RODAS 

KILIM WHITE RUG £569 Gandia 

Blasco (Heals), MAP CHEST 

OF DRAWERS £995 Bryonie 

Porter (notonthehighstreet. 

com), PERSONALISED KNITTED 

BOATS CUSHION £42 Smitten 

(notonthehighstreet.com) 

THEMED 

GET THE LOOK: 

It’s all too easy to get carried 

away by a theme, the trick to a 

sophisticated yet playful room is 

to take one themed statement 

piece - a cot is a great place 

to start, and then mirror this 

with subtle accents in smaller 

furnishings such as wall art and 

cushions. Keep everything 

else light and calming. 

EDITOR’S 

PICK 

Hand knitted and 

can be personalised 

with your baby’s 

name - a unique 

gift idea 

35 


INTERIORS 

SOPHISTICATED 

NOSTALGIA 

EDITOR’S 

GET THE LOOK: 

PICK 

Invest in classic wooden 

furniture pieces that will stand 

the test of time and grow with 

your baby. Use neutrals on walls 

and floors to keep the room 

light and accent with traditional 

old-school furnishings. 

BABY COT SHOP 

This nursery is by Interior Designer Toks 

Aruoture, founder of The Baby Cot Shop, 

an upmarket furniture boutique in Chelsea, 

London. Her mission is to transform 

ordinary rooms into the extraordinary using 

inspiration from heirloom pieces or book 

characters. Toks believes children’s rooms 

should be more than a place to sleep; 

equally important is the creation of wild 

dreams. Luxurious dark wood furniture 

gives this nursery the old-world charm 

of a 1930s cruise liner, while whites and 

creams keep the look from being too dark. 

babycotshop.com 

Handcrafted 

bespoke toy box 

made from walnut, 

can be personalised 

on the front 

or top 

Top down: MINI FEATHER PENDANT SHADE £65 Vita (Nubie), COOMBA CUSHION £214 Missoni Home (Amara), 

LANCASTER CHAIR £650 Laura Ashley, STAMFORD DRESSER & BABY UNIT £229.95 Obaby (Cuckooland), RABBIT 

MONEY BOX £24 White Rabbit England, LARK TABLE LAMP £174 Oka, PERSONALISED BLOCKS £5 EACH Sophia 

Victoria Joy, DEMOISELLE WALLPAPER £61 PER ROLL Harlequin (John Lewis), TOY BOX £795 Make Me Something 

Special, SLEIGH ROYALE COT BED £899 Boori (Natural Baby Shower), TASSEL RUG £89 Bloomingville (Amara) 


36

INTERIORS 

MODERN 

NEUTRALS 

GET THE LOOK: 

EDITOR’S 

PICK 

Mix greys, creams, whites and 

browns in any combination with 

bold contemporary furniture 

pieces. This approach makes 

for an elegant interior with 

personality and won’t date easily. 

HELEN GREEN DESIGN STUDIO 

One of Britain’s leading interior design 

practices, known for its liveable yet 

luxurious interiors, Helen Green is located 

in Chelsea and is known for its talented 

designers. The team works with you to 

create elegant, stylish and comfortable 

rooms, channeling your own vision. Each 

design is individually tailored to deliver 

creative, beautiful solutions for the way you 

want to live. Grey and white shapes make 

a bold statement, while the colours of the 

crib mirror the hand painted world map on 

the wall. Just add cute animals! 

helengreendesign.com 

With three 

unique modes: as 

bedside crib, rocking 

bassinet and as a 

standalone crib 

Top down: GREY ELEPHANT MOBILE £14 JoJo Maman Bébé, OWL PERSONALISED CUSHION £24.95 

Koko Blossom (notonthehighstreet.com), KNITTED POUFFE £89 M&S, SNUZPOD £199.95 Snuz, PEAKS 

RUG FROM £1777 Paul Smith (therugcompany.com), NEUS LUXE CHEST OF DRAWERS (WITH SWARVOSKI 

ELEMENTS) £502 Lapsi, GIRAFFE LAMP £395 Johnathan Adler, BANDANA RABBITS £22 EACH Maeleg 

(Smallable), LUCA GLIDER £945 Monte Design (Huggle) 


38

Made by Hand in Devon 

10% off 

your first order 

Quote Bbaby online or 

in store (offer ends 

01.03.18) 

a natural night’s sleep 

The fi nest organic and natural fi bre mattresses made by hand in Devon, since 2001. 

From 2003, we have been selling the fi nest contemporary nursery furniture and accessories from our baby 

boutique in West London. Visit us to create the perfect natural sleeping environment for your child. 

• natural mattresses • organic bedding • contemporary furniture • gifts 

www.naturalmat.co.uk/baby 

Naturalmat Baby Boutique, 99 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AT

PUSHCHAIRS 

BESPOKE 

BUGGIES 

IF YOU FANCY A PUSHCHAIR THAT 

STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD, 

WHY NOT CHOOSE ONE THAT CAN 

BE CUSTOMISED TO SUIT YOUR TASTE 

AND LIFESTYLE? HERE’S OUR PICK 

by Shopping Editor Sarah Lafarge 

Unique 

LANDROVER 

STYLING 

Colours 

5 FABRIC 

2 CHASSIS 

OPTIONS 

FEATURES 

ICANDY FOR LAND ROVER PEACH 

ALL-TERRAIN from £680 

Extras: Car seat, carrycot, 

Arriving March 2017, it boasts innovative built-in ride 

on board, single-to-double seats & 30+ configurations 

◗ Features Land Rover’s iconic grille pattern on the hood 

and the rucksack is stored in the generous basket 

◗ It has iCandy’s trademark freestanding fold that locks 

for storage plus front swivel wheels 

◗ Air-filled tyres and curved chassis are paired with sporty 

soft-touch fabrics and stylish details 

metallic 

ACCENTS, 

MONO 

FABRICS 

FEATURES 

ICOO ACROBAT XL TRIO 

from £749.99 

Extras: Car seat, carrycot, footmuff, 

Isofix base 

With an eye-catching design and available 

in a choice of four jewel-like tones, the 

Acrobat will turn heads on the high street 

with its distinctive looks 

◗ The car seat can be fitted with the 3-point 

vehicle belt as well as with the iCoo Isofix base 

◗ Comes complete with a carrycot and car 

seat for a comprehensive from-birth package 

◗ LED lights on the wheels make pushing your 

baby around after dark much, much safer 


40

PUSHCHAIRS 

FEATURES 

QUINNY LUXE SPORT 

EDITION by Rachel Zoe 

from £399 

Extras: Carrycot, footmuff, bag, 

Pebble Plus car seat and base 

The second collaboration between 

stylist and designer Racel Zoe 

and Quinny, this is in a sports luxe 

black and white fabric with netted 

detail with champagne accents. 

◗ Use the carycot from birth, then 

the seat unit that has three recline 

positions including lie-flat in both 

frnt and parent facing positions 

◗ The chassis unfolds automatically 

at the touch of a button 

◗ Height adjustable leather covered 

handle and footrest and a UV50+ 

sun canopy 

FEATURES FEATURES 

NUNA MIXX2 from £450 

Extras: Raincover, carrycot, car seat, 

foot muff and seat liner 

If you fancy your colour palette 

muted, then the Mixx is the one for 

you, available in three beautifully 

understated shades that go perfectly 

with its sleek silver or black chassis. 

◗ Advanced suspension technology gives 

a super-smooth ride across varying terrains 

◗ Has a lie-flat seat suitable for newborns 

and an adjustable calf support with 

integrated footrest 

◗ Luxe hand-sewn leather-look handlebar 

plus a mesh peek-a-boo window 

Colours 

6 FABRIC 

3 CHASSIS 

OPTIONS 

BRITAX AFFINITY 2 from £585 

Extras: Footmuff, carrycot, mosquito net 

Sturdy and no-nonsense model that will 

glide easily over the toughest of terrain, 

yet can be customised to build your 

perfect-looking pushchair. 

◗ Forward or rear facing seat with multiposition 

recline and footrest 

◗ The Affinity 2 has a compact fold that 

can free stand for easier storage 

◗ Integrated CLICK & GO® receivers 

compatible with all Britax car seats 

FEATURES 

Colours 

3 FABRIC 

2 CHASSIS 

OPTIONS 

BUGABOO DONKEY 2 from £1445 

Extras: Cup holder, smartphone holder, buggy 

board, footmuff, seat liner, mosquito net 

Bugaboo’s latest reincarnation of the 

Donkey not only carries one child or two, 

you also have a choice of different fabric for 

different pieces - in fact there are a mindboggling 

900 combinations! 

◗ Has a roomy side basket that transforms into 

a second seat as your family grows 

◗ Large foam-filled wheels that can tackle 

tougher terrain with ease (and no punctures!) 

◗ Has adaptors to transform it into travel 

system compatible with many car seat brands 

Colours 

11 FABRIC 

2 CHASSIS 

OPTIONS 

41 


PUSHCHAIRS 

FOR FULL DETAILS 

OF THESE PUSHCHAIR 

REVIEWS VISIT 


PHIL&TEDS VOYAGER £599 

Extras: Raincover, double kit, sun cover 

Colours 

8 FABRIC 

2 CHASSIS 

OPTIONS 

FEATURES 

This sturdy pushchair is a single-to-double, so you can use it 

for one child, twins or two children of different ages. With 

all the functions you need, from a lie-flat bassinet to a travel 

system, it will take two children right up to five years old. 

◗ Four in one seat that transforms into a bassinet for newborns 

and has several recline positions for comfort 

◗ Strong chassis with four wheels for stability and puncture-proof 

tyres that will hold one or two children 

◗ Very compact fold, even with the seats on 

Colours 

4 FABRIC 

1 CHASSIS 

OPTION 

BEBECAR STYLO CLASS EL from £850 

Extras: car seat, parasol, changing bag 

UPPABABY VISTA 

from £899.99 

Extras: carrycot stand, 

changing bag, snack tray 

New for 2017, this reboot 

of the classic model has 

one-step fold and a superlarge 

shopping basket 

that’s easier to access. 

◗ Shock absorbing front 

and rear suspension for a 

smoother ride 

Colours 

3 FABRIC 

20 ACCENT 

2 CHASSIS 

OPTIONS 

FEATURES 

Available in a mind-boggling array of 21 different 

fabric choices, the Stylo Class EL combination 

includes the chassis, carrycot, a lie-flat and 

reversible pushchair seat, and a raincover that fits 

both the carrycot and seat. 

◗ You can choose between three different types of 

wheels, from traditional spoked ones to a sleeker, 

more modern version 

◗ The large, detachable wheels contain ball bearings 

to help give a smoother ride 

◗ The carrycot collapses down for easier storage and 

can also be used in your car if you buy the safety kit 

◗ New real leather zip-on 

covers to add a touch of 

luxury to your handle and 

FEATURES 

bumper bar 

◗ The included carrycot has 

built-in sunshade and is fine 

for overnight sleeping 

FEATURES 

JOOLZ GEO² TAILOR from £1119 

Extras: Raincover, footmuff, carrycot, 

changing bag 

The Tailor collection lets you customise the 

look of your pushchair, from the wheels, 

chassis and seat, down to the accent 

colours on the handle and bumper bar. 

◗ The Geo² has all-terrain capability and a 

large, practical shopping basket 

◗ Choose from twenty different accent colours 

for the handle and bumper bar 

◗ Can be transformed from a single to a 

double by adding the extra seat 

Colours 

21 FABRIC 

7 CHASSIS 

OPTIONS 

42 


Beautifully designed, 

precision engineered 

Stylo Class EL pram shown in White Sparkle 

www.bebecar.co.uk 

BebecarUK

TRAVEL 

BABYMOON 

TAKE A UK SPA HOTEL BREAK WITH YOUR 

PARTNER – BEFORE TWO BECOMES THREE! 

Scarlet Hotel 

MODERN LUXURY 

Eight miles from Newquay’s famous 

Fistral Beach is the little estuary of 

Morgan Porth. Set on the cliffs beside 

this stunning sandy beach is the Scarlet, 

a modern and quite stunning hotel with 

unrivalled views of the coast and with 

ultra-luxurious facilities. 

Rooms all have sea views, some have 

direct access to the cliff top garden 

and some have rooftop lounges and 

patio gardens; they also have huge, 

freestanding baths set in the bedroom. 

Around the hotel, there are plenty of 

places to relax, such as the library with 

its pool table, the lounge with comfy 

sofas or the bar. When you’re hungry, 

there’s an airy restaurant with enormous 

windows and great views, where you can 

have breakfast or dinner, no matter what 

dietary requirements you might have. 

Relax in the spa that specialises 

in treatments for pregnant women. 

Start with a gentle scrub, relax during a 

pregnancy massage lying on your side 

on special pregnancy pillows and then 

have a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool 

or chill in the relaxation room, perhaps 

in a swinging pod. Your therapist will 

tailor your treatments according to 

your Ayurvedic type and you will leave 

refreshed with glowing skin. 

Book it: Ultimate babymoon break 

from £694.50 per person, based on 

two people sharing a Just Right room. 

scarlethotel.co.uk 

Relax in swinging pods (left) after a spa 

treatment, swim in the sea-view pool (inset) or 

just gaze at the beach and cliffs from the comfort 

of your bedroom or the balcony. 


44

TRAVEL 

Rockliffe Hall 

GEORGIAN SPLENDOUR 

Set in the beautiful countryside of 

County Durham, Rockliffe Hall is a warm, 

red brick building that dates back to the 

1770s and was once home to landscape 

painter Thomas Surtees Raine. 

With a view of the River Tees and its 

own golf course, it’s a great place to truly 

relax and unwind and it has a dedicated 

spa where you can be pampered. 

All bedrooms are large and luxurious 

and those in the Old Hall are unique. 

There is also accommodation in the New 

Hall or several self catering rooms. 

You’re spoiled for choice with meals too, 

as you can choose from 4 AA Rosette 

FIND TRAVEL TIPS 

WHILST PREGNANT 

AND MORE HOLIDAY 

ADVICE AT 


restaurant The Orangery, 

or The Brasserie, which is 

open for lunch or brunch and 

serves seasonal and local favourites. The 

Clubhouse, with golf course views, is 

rather like an upmarket gastro pub! 

The spa is one of the largest in the 

country and has been awarded a 

‘5 Bubble’ status for its facilities by 

the Good Spa Guide. There are two 

dedicated pregnancy treatments. 

The ‘new life’ massage prepares your 

mind and body for motherhood and 

is designed to eliminate bloating. The 

‘top to toe ritual’ includes a nurturing 

maternity massage and a facial. 

Getting there: Two nights from £510 inc 

use of spa facilities (treatments extra). 

rockliffehall.com 

The Old Hall glows in the sun, tempting you 

outdoors to the gorgeous countryside (top). 

Highlights include the unique bedrooms, 

golf course (above), luxury spa facilities 

(below), and gourmet food (left). 

45 


SHOPPING 

10 

sleeping bags 

OF THE BEST 

STRIPE KIMBO £32 Little 

White Co For birth to six 

months, you can adjust 

poppers below the arms 

for a snug fit. 2.5 Tog. 

ACTION STACKS TRAVEL 

GROBAG £29.99 Gro The front 

zip allows you to put your baby 

in a pram or car seat. In 100% 

cotton and 1 or 2.5 Togs. 

DREAMPOD £31.50 

Mamas and Papas A full 

zip around the bottom 

helps with changes and 

poppers allow access. 

SNUZPOUCH £34.95 

Snuz Clever access for 

nappy changes and 100% 

cotton. 2.5 Tog makes it 

perfect for winter. 

CLEVER BAG £59 Mori 

In 0.5 or 2.5 Tog, this 

breathable bamboo and 

organic cotton bag has 

fitted neck and arm holes. 

A SLEEPING BAG IS ALL YOU NEED FOR 

PEACEFUL NIGHTS. CHOOSE YOUR TOG 

AND DESIGN. SWEET-DREAMS, BABY! 

ERGOCOCOON BABY 

FERN £35 ergoPouch A 

2-in-1 sleeping bag and 

swaddle in 1 Tog weight. 

Allows baby to move their 

legs freely. 

SAUSAGE DOG ORLA 

KIELY GROBAG £36 Gro 

In three sizes with shoulder 

poppers and side zips. 

100% cotton,1 or 2.5 Togs. 

WINNIE BAG £30 aden 

+ anais Gorgeous 

breathable muslin bag 

in 1 Tog that’s machine 

washable with front zip. 

SLEEP SNUGGLER £35 

JoJo Maman Bébé 

Combines the best of a 

bag and PJs. Twin zips for 

nappy changes in 2.5 Tog. 

WILD COTTON RABBIT 

£31 Little Green Sheep 

100% organic brushed 

cotton in 2.5 Tog. Side zip 

and underarm poppers 

help get a great fit. 

46 

| WINTER 2017 | BBABYMAGAZINE.COM

COMPETITION 

BUMPER 

ENTER ONLINE AT 


competitions 

BUNDLE! 

ONE LUCKY MUM CAN WIN ALL OF THESE 

AMAZING PRODUCTS, WORTH OVER £675 

FRED STAIRGATE 

Created by Fred, a new home-safety 

brand committed to exceeding 

current home-safety standards, the 

contemporary and striking Clear- 

View acrylic stairgate not only offers 

the highest level of protection, its 

crystal-clear appearance will blend 

seamlessly into the home. From 

£120 A stair gate is an essential item 

when your baby starts to crawl and 

then toddle. It can be used at the 

top or bottom of the stairs or even 

in the doorway of a room you don’t 

want them to get into. 

fredsafety.co.uk 

BLOOMING LOVELY JEWELLERY TALISMAN 

From the new Fine Jewellery Collection, we are giving away a gorgeous 

Mama-To-Bee Mexican Bola. A beautiful talisman to be loved during 

pregnancy and beyond, this Mama-to-Bee edition features a chiming 

sterling silver Mexican Bola with a hand-crafted 9ct gold honey bee charm. 

As a symbol of the bond between a mother and baby this traditional 

chiming Mexican Bola necklace is a lovely keepsake to remind mothers 

of an incredibly special time, to be cherished and worn for generations. 

Worth £249 blooming-lovely-jewellery.co.uk 

SMARTRIKE 

SMARTFOLD 700 

The world’s leading outdoor 

ride-on toy brand, smarTrike, is 

delighted to welcome a brand 

new, innovative trike to its evergrowing 

range – the intuitive and 

travel-friendly smarTfold700. The 

unique smarTfold folds down 

to 85% of its original size, small 

enough to fit in the boot of a car, 

making it ideal for days out and 

family adventures! Suitable from 

six months to three years, it is a 

fantastic investment for parents and 

even has a reclining, fully padded 

seat for naps on the go! £149.99 

smartfold.net 

INFANTINO 

BABY CARRIER 

Infantino, the leading baby carrier 

brand in the U.S., is thrilled to be 

giving away the brand new Upscale 

Customisable Baby Carrier. Offering 

parents four carrying positions, 

the Upscale Customisable Baby 

Carrier features soft padded straps, 

a structured head support and 

a customisable seat to provide 

maximum comfort for both 

parent and child. The Upscale 

Customisable Baby Carrier has 

fantastic longevity and is suitable to 

use from newborn (3.6kg) until baby 

reaches 18.14kg. £49.99 

Argos 

MOBA BABY BLANKET 

This knitted blanket, made from 

100% super soft cotton, is the 

perfect size to tuck your baby 

up in their crib, cot or pram. The 

modern cloud design is also 

reversible, giving you two different 

looks to choose from. In neutral 

grey, this beautiful blanket would 

make the perfect gift! Worth £32 

mobauk.com 

THREE STORY BOOKS 

Meet Maddie, the star of three 

new books. The cheeky Parson 

Terrier takes adventure in her stride; 

follow her as she explores Europe 

in beautifully illustrated stories. 

Maddie excites young minds with 

her escapades, helping a monsieur 

painting the Eiffel Tower and the 

Queen’s Corgi! £25.50 

amazon.co.uk 

GRO COMPANY 

NEWBORN BUNDLE 

A great newborn bundle from 

sleep experts the Gro Company. 

Includes award winning Ollie the 

Owl, an adorable sleep aid with 

built in CrySensor technology and 

soothing sounds to lull little ones 

to sleep, plus the Groswaddle, to 

safely swaddle and soothe your 

newborn. Thanks to its intuitive 

design, the product has earned 

the ‘Hip Healthy’ acknowledgment 

from the International Hip Dysplasia 

Institute, reassuring parents it will 

support healthy hip development. 

Worth £48.98 

gro-store.com 

47 


FASHION 

Tailored tots 

IT’S PARTY TIME FOR TINY TOTS! MIX LUXURIOUS AND BESPOKE PIECES 

WITH HIGH STREET STYLES TO TAILOR YOUR BABY’S LOOK 

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MARSDEN, 

STYLIST: SARAH LAFARGE, 

HAIR & MAKE-UP: CLAIRE PORTMAN 

PARTY PRINCES 

Tinies can look super smart and you 

can dress them in a flash by choosing 

a single tailored piece or a cute set. 

Suitable from 0 to 6 months 

VELVETEEN TUXEDO ROMPER £83 

The Tiny Universe (childrensalon.com) 

Go bespoke with... 

THE LITTLE 

SHOEMAKER 

CORD AND SHORT SET 

£69 Rachel Riley 

DUNGAREE & SHIRT SET £103 

Nanan (childrensalon.com) 

NEWBORN WAISTCOAT 

BABYGROW £100 

Armani Junior (Selfridges) 

SHIRT & DUNGAREE SET £32 

John Lewis Heirloom 

“Colours come from my background 

as an artist where I got a love of 

contrasting colours. My daughters are 

a big influence. Having little people 

around makes you want to achieve.” 

thelittleshoemaker.co.uk 

VELVET BLAZER, PIN DOT 

SHIRT & TROUSERS SET £49 

Mamas & Papas 

LIBERTY PRINT SHIRT 

& TROUSER SET £39 

Mamas & Papas 

SHIRT & TROUSERS SET £42 

Losan (childrensalon.com) 

SMART THREE PIECE 

SET £22 Next 

BRONZE BOMOK VELCRO 

WINGED CRIB SHOES, £46 

Easy Peasy (alexandalexa.com) 

NAVY & CHECK OUTFIT SET £268 

La Stupenderia (childrensalon.com) 


48

FASHION 

GOLD & CREAM STAR SCATTER CONFETTI £3.50 Pipii 

LOVES 

ELIJAH WEARS 

TUXEDO ROMPER £245 

Dolce & Gabbana 

(childrensalon.com) 

49 


FASHION 

LOVES 

NEVE WEARS 

DRESS £480 Gucci 

(exclusively at Harrods), 

TIGHTS £9 FOR THREE 

Marks & Spencer, 

SHOES FROM £55 

The Little Shoemaker 

BLUE FAIRY DRESS WITH 

PANTS £89 Rachel Riley 

ACCORDION LANTERNS (TWO PACK)I £9.99 Pipii 

SILK CHIFFON DRESS WITH 

BLOOMERS £595 Dolce & Gabbana 


MINI CHIARA BUTTERFLY CRIB 

SHOES £150 Sophia Webster 

(alexandalexa.com) 

PARTY PRINCESSES 

There are so many gorgeous and easy to 

wear pieces for girls. Look for traditional 

tailoring for that luxury look in both 

sophisticated pastels or bolds 

ZIA CRIB SHOES £48 Michael 

Kors (alexandalexa.com) 

MINI VELVET DRESS £130 

Marie Chantal 

BEASTS DRESS £170 

Burberry 

GOLD BROCADE DRESS £293 

Lanvin (childrensalon.com) 


LILY-LOU 

& OSCAR 

TOO 

A handmade collection 

of ready-to-wear and 

bespoke occasion 

wear, as individual 

and special as 

the little ones 

who wear them. 

Featured in Tatler, 

they launched a 

mini-couture service 

in November. 

lilylouoscartoo.uk 

BOW FRILL FRONT DRESS 

£73 Carrement Beau 


MINI NATURE DRESS 

£49 Patachou 

ROSEBUD SILK LONG SLEEVE 

DRESS £345 Gucci at Harrods 

LEONILLA SWAN PRINT 

DRESS, £99 Stella McCartney 


| WINTER 2016 | BBABYMAGAZINE.CO.UK 

50 

JERSEY DRESS £41 The Tiny 

Universe (childrensalon.com)

Quick relief for dry, sensitive skin 

Naturally eczema-friendly 

WINNER 

BEST INFANT SKINCARE RANGE 

Recommended 

by midwives 

Made with certified organic ingredients including Lavender, Shea butter 

& Calendula to help soothe sore skin and reduce inflammation. 

Rich in Omega-3&6 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin. 

Ideal for babies prone to nappy rash, cradle cap and eczema. 

SAVE 15% 

use code: 

BBABY18 

expires 30.4.18 

01403 740 350 

www.greenpeople.co.uk/babies

FASHION 


RALPH & MIMI 

BABY 3 PIECE SET £38 

John Lewis 

Heirloom Collection 

ISI 3 PIECE SHORTS 

SUIT £159 Malvi & Co 


4 PIECE TARTAN 

OUTFIT £86 Kidiwi 


HOUNDSTOOTH 

PLAYSUIT £52 Andy & Evan 


A full and comprehensive made-tomeasure 

service with unique designs 

delivered through in-house label 

MANOUCHEHRI. From consultation to 

design and fitting to completion, they 

want your custom-made clothing to 

create a lasting impression. 

ralphandmimi.com 

MINI GENTS & LITTLE LADIES 

Gorgeous toddler party outfits to wow your guests, suitable from 12 to 24 months 

LOVES 

ETHAN WEARS 

RUSSO CHELSEA BOOTS 

£55 Baby Walker (Harrods) 

CHECKED SHIRT £64, WOOL 

BLEND CARDIGAN £68, COTTON 

TWILL PANTS £55 Tartine et 

Chocolat (melijoe.com) 

CHAMBRAY SHIRT £16, STRIPE 

WAISTCOAT £18, CORD 

TROUSERS £18 

JoJo Maman Bébe 

PARTY CROWNS, £3.99 FOR 5 AND GOLDEN GLITTER CIRCLE PARTY GARLAND £5.99 Pipii 

JACKET £89.95 

Armani (Harrods), 

SHIRT £34 Billy Bandit 

(alexandalexa.com), 

TROUSERS £250 

(PART OF SET WITH 

JACKET) Gucci (Harrods), 

SHOES £30 Converse 


52

FASHION 

LOVES 

PHOEBE AND HEIDI WEAR 

DRESS £64 Carrement Beau (alexandalexa.com), 

DRESS £53 Patachou,TIGHTS £6 FOR TWO Marks & Spencer, 

SHOES FROM £55 The Little Shoemaker 

BABY LACE DRESS £484 

Burberry 

GOLD LACE DRESS £302 

Lesy (childrensalon.com) 

IVORY STAR DRESS £131 

Loredana (childrensalon.com) 

METALLIC GOLD FOIL STAR BUNTING £6.95 Pipii 

BABYGROW £29 AND 

BABY TRINITY TUTU £37 

Angel’s Face 

YARN WEAVE FST 

SHOES £34 Clarks 


LITTLE EGLANTINE 

Whether it’s for flowergirls or pageboys, 

christening gowns or party wear, French 

designer Stephanie Staub creates 

outfits or for any special occasion. 

littleeglantine.com 

2 PIECE SKIRT SET £118 

JERSEY AND TULLE DRESS £43 

VICTORIA DRESS £XX 

TARTAN SMOCKED DRESS 

il Gufo (childrensalon.com) 

Petit Bateau (melijoe.com) 

Carlie Grace (Shopetino) 

£28 JoJo Maman Bébe 

53 


CAR SEATS 

Customised 

CAR SEATS 

MODELS THAT MORPH 

WITH YOUR BABY 

FROM 0-4 YEARS 

by Sally J Hall 

CHEST PADS HIDE AIR BAGS 

THAT DEPLOY IN MILLISECONDS 

HAS A REMOVABLE 

INSERT TO HOLD A 

SMALLER BABY 

WASHABLE COVERS, 

EVEN ON THE 

REBOUND BAR 

FOLDABLE AND STRONG WITH 

CUP HOLDERS FOR YOUR CHILD 

FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES 

BRITAX DUALFIX I-SIZE £430 

Suitable from birth to four years, this is an 

i-Size seat that can be used for extended 

rearward facing, the safest way to travel 

◗ Safety features keep your little one protected 

such as pivot link and foot prop to direct impact 

downwards in the event of an acccident; headrest 

and harness adjust with one hand as child grows 

◗ 360 degree rotation makes it easy to turn the 

seat to face the front or rear; it also helps get 

your child in and out of the car 

◗ Rearward facing from birth to 105cm and can 

face the front from then onwards 

◗ Rebound bar for safety; it tilts to get a good fit 

and gives your child 10cm extra legroom 

MAXI-COSI AXISSFIX AIR £295 

The first infant car seat to use airbag 

technology embedded in the seat offering 

unique safety and a comfortable ride 

◗ Group 0+ and 1, fits your child from birth to 

18kg (around 4 years) and is i-Size compliant 

◗ Seat swivels 360 degrees for ease of access and 

seat reclines in both front and rear facing modes 

◗ Safety features include Isofix installation plus a 

top tether for extra security and 5 point harness 

◗ Your child can travel rearwards up to 2 years old 

◗ The harness adjusts with just one pull; harness 

hooks hold it open to get your child in easily; 

harness and the headrest adjust simultaneously 

DIONO RADIAN 5 £225 

The only seat that not only fits your child for 

an extended period with a harness but can be 

folded for easy storage when not in use 

◗ Group 0+, 1 and 2 will fit your child from birth 

up to 25kg. Can face the rear for longer and in 

forward facing position, uses the 5 point harness 

right up to 25kg 

◗ Super strong steel frame and enhanced EPP 

foam protect your child in an accident 

◗ Narrow design takes up less room in your car - 

great if you have more than one child seat 

◗ Seat can be folded when not in use, so can be 

stored at home or in the boot of the car - ideal 

for use in second cars and for grandparents 

JOIE SPIN 360 £250 

Able to spin for easy access when putting your 

child in the seat and enables rearward facing 

right up to four years 

◗ Use rearward facing from birth right up to 

four years, which is the safest way to travel; if 

preferred, your child can face the front from 9kg 

◗ Can be reclined into one of 5 positions when 

facing the front or the rear 

◗ Headrest and harness can be adjusted 

simultaneously using just one button 

◗ Isofix installation, built-in ventilation plus 

luxurious padding and fabrics for comfort › 


54

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. 

TURN EVERY TRIP INTO 

SOMETHING SPECIAL. 

NEW 

360° 

The new DUALFIX i-SIZE is the most flexible option for 

your child – from birth to 4 years (105 cm). The seat with 

360 degree rotation offers ultimate comfort for parents 

and children and can be used rearward facing as 

well as forward facing. Plus, thanks to the lateral 

rotation to the open car door, placing and harnessing 

your child is child’s play. All combined with a stylish 

and modern design and our expertise in child 

car safety – for your peace of mind on any journey. 

www.britax-roemer.com 

#BritaxRoemer

CAR SEATS 

NUNA REBL PLUS £425 

Meets i-Size regulations by allowing your child 

to travel rearward facing from birth up to four 

years, the safest way to travel 

◗ Your child can face the front from 80cm; it's 

recommended you keep them facing the rear 

◗ Very strong steel frame and rigid plastics keep 

your child safe in the event of a crash 

◗ Patented memory foam and removable infant 

head and body inserts keep your child safe from 

LOTS OF STYLISH COLOURS 

AND IMPROVED SAFETY 

SEAT AND HEADREST CAN BE 

ADJUSTED AS BABY GROWS 

SEAT RECLINES 

AND SWIVELS, AND 

HEADREST ADJUSTS 

READ MORE CAR 

SEAT REVIEWS AT 


COMPATIBLE WITH 

I-SIZE WHEN USED 

WITH THE BASE 

FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES FEATURES 

side impacts 

◗ The seat swivels 360 degrees and the seat can 

recline through seven positons 

◗ The headrest adjusts with one hand and no rethreading 

through 7 positions 

CYBEX SIRONA £375 

A super stylish seat that comes in great 

colours and will allow your child to face the 

rear from birth to four years 

◗ Good side impact protection using telescopic 

linear system and deep side wings 

◗ Forward facing position available from around 

nine months though rearward is safest 

◗ One-pull harness adjustment and the headrest 

can be adjusted through 11 positions to grow 

with your child 

◗ Seat can be reclined using just one hand and it 

has 7 possible positions for comfort 

◗ Seat-to-chassis technology directs force of an 

impact into the car's chassis to protect your child 

MAXI-COSI 2WAYPEARL £225 

Used from 6 months to 4 years, this seat is 

i-Size compliant when used with the Isofix 

base and can face the rear for four years 

◗ Can be used forward facing from 15 months but 

safest facing the rear 

◗ The seat can recline through 4 positions in both 

front and rear facing modes 

◗ Has an innovative stay open harness to hep you 

get your child in and out and the headrest and 

harness adjust together as your child grows 

◗ Changes from rearward to forward facing 

position at the touch of a button 

HAUCK GUARDFIX £229.99 

A sturdy Group 1 seat that can be used from 

around 9 to 18 kg - that's up to around four 

years, with good side imapct protection 

◗ Fits in your car using Isofix and has an easy 

snap system to reveal the Isofix connectors 

◗ Headrest can be adjusted as your child grows 

through 6 positions, plus the seat shell had three 

different adjustments 

◗ Large internal size of the seat means that your 

child will be comfortable for longer and will have 

more leg room 

◗ High quality covers can be machine washed 

56 


COMPETITIONS 

WIN! A newborn baby changing gift bundle bag 

SWEET COLLECTION BY HIPPYCHICK 

TO GIVE AWAY WORTH OVER £130 

WIN! An i-size car seat 

BRITAX RÖMER’S TRIFIX2 I-SIZE CAR 

SEAT TO GIVE AWAY WORTH £250 

Bringing home a new baby is an occasion you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 

Treasure those moments with gifts from Hippychic, hand-picked for newborns. 

Abeille Cellular blankets come in gorgeous hues to complement your 

nursery. These stylish blankets are soft and delicate against baby’s skin and 

the cellular construction helps to regulate body temperature. We are giving 

away three blankets in the colour of your choice (subject to availability). Also 

on offer is a collection of Nattou nursery toys; an enchanting mobile, a silky 

doudou and a soft, velvety cuddly which will be your baby’s beloved toy. 

◗ The prize is worth £132.85 

We’ve teamed up with Britax Römer, the leaders in car seat safety, to 

give one lucky reader the chance to win a TRIFIX2 i-SIZE car seat! 

Conforming to i-Size regulations, the TRIFIX2 i-SIZE is suitable for children 

from 76 cm to 105 cm tall (15 months up to approx. four years) and features 

ISOFIX and Top Tether anchorage points to ensure a strong and stable fit. 

Providing safety and comfort, additional product features include SICT Inside 

technology and advanced ergonomics of good seating positions so little ones 

are travelling comfortably. 

To find out more visit britax.co.uk/car-seats/trifix2-i-size/ Good Luck! 

◗ We are giving away one TRIFIX2 i-SIZE worth £250 

in the colour of your choice (subject to availability) 

hippychick.com 

britax.co.uk

BABY HEALTH 

Little tiny 

EYES,EARS 

AND MOUTHS 

OUR USEFUL GUIDE SHOWS YOU 

WHAT’S NORMAL, HOW TO KEEP THEM 

CLEAN AND WHEN TO SEEK HELP 

by Radhika Holmstrom 

It’s quite daunting having a tiny baby to care for. 

All those tiny fingers and toes. When it comes to the 

eyes, ears, mouth and nose, there can be all sorts of 

problems from oral thrush to snuffles. shows you 

how to care for your baby’s important little places. › 


58

Your baby’s 

umbilical cord 

could save the 

life of someone 

in your family 

Your baby’s umbilical 

cord is a valuable 

source of stem cells 

which can be collected 

and stored. These 

cells may be used as a 

crucial part of treating 

or curing an illness. 

Pregnancy and starting 

a family are full of special 

moments that you don’t 

want to miss. 

You only have one 

chance to store your 

baby’s cord blood 

What are stem cells? 

Stem cells are biological cells found in the body. They have the 

remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types 

such as blood, bone, tissue and organ cells. At Smart Cells we 

store stem cells found in the umbilical cord blood and tissue. 

What are stem cells used for? 

A cord blood stem cell transplant can be used to replace 

diseased cells with healthy new cells.Stem cells are used 

to treat more than 80 diseases including Thalassemia, 

Leukaemia and Metabolic Disorders. 

Why store stem cells? 

Over 30,000 cord blood transplants have taken place around 

the world and have been used in treatments. Smart Cells 

have released 19 cord blood stem cell units for clinical use, 

more samples than any other private cord blood company 

in the UK. Your baby’s stem cells can also potentially match 

and treat their siblings or parents if required. 

There have been more than 700,000 cord blood collections around the world 

50,000 

hematopoietic stem cells 

transplants are undertaken per year 

400-500 

of these transplants are in Europe 

Contact us: 01895 424430 uk@smartcells.com • smartcells.com

BABY HEALTH 

down additional infections 

on top of the conjunctivitis.” 

It’s extremely contagious, so 

keep them away from other 

babies and children till it 

clears up. 

TIME TO GET CHECKED 

Infections aside, if you have 

concerns about your child’s 

vision – if she still seems 

unable to focus or look at 

you, or is still squinting after 

three months or so – do 

talk to your doctor and if 

necessary ask for a referral to 

an ophthalmologist. 

It takes them a while 

to identify and recognise 

objects in pastel colours but 

from early on they should 

be able to recognise black 

and white contrasts. “If yours 

isn’t reaching for a black toy 

against a white background 

- say, on a sheet – that’s 

definitely something to get 

checked,” says Reddy. 

Eyes 

Newborn babies can see but much or very clearly. After 

the first couple of weeks, eye muscles are strong enough 

to focus and they can follow things up to 20 cm away. 

Under the NHS, all babies have their eyes checked at birth 

and then at about six weeks: just check to see that your 

own postnatal care or paediatrician is providing this too. 

CARE AND ATTENTION 

The best way to keep a new 

baby’s eyes clean is with 

cotton wool – even if you’re 

using a flannel or wipes for 

the rest of them. Use a fresh 

piece for each eye, dampen 

it in cooled, boiled water and 

wipe the eye gently from the 

nose out. You don’t need to 

do anything else – ithas its 

own cleansing mechanisms 

(including tears!). 

DAY-TO-DAY PROBLEMS 

Many newborns have a slight 

squint for the first couple of 

months, so don’t worry about 

this at the beginning. They 

may also have some crusty 

eye discharge and this is 

completely normal. 

In very new babies, this 

may be the result of a 

blocked nasolateral duct 

rather than infection and 

these usually clear up on their 

own by baby’s first birthday. 

On the other hand, it may be 

a sign of conjunctivitis, which 

small children are very prone 

to, which produces red, itchy 

eyes and a sticky discharge 

(as you’ll find out if you 

inadvertently pick it up too). 

“The main way to tell 

is if the white of the eye 

has turned red,” explains 

paediatric ophthalmologist 

Ashwin Reddy 

(childrenseyesinlondon. 

com). “If it hasn’t, it’s a 

blocked duct and doesn’t 

need treatment. If it is red, 

it’s conjunctivitis and if it has 

gone on for more than a 

few days, antibiotic drops 

may help, particularly to cut 

Ears 

Babies’ hearing develops before birth but inner ear 

cells are not fully formed at birth, nor is the part of the 

brain that processes signals. All babies should have the 

Newborn Hearing Screening Programme. 


cotton wool instead, using 

Never poke anything inside a new piece each time. 

your baby’s ear – not even if 

you can see a huge lump of DAY-TO-DAY PROBLEMS 

wax just inside the ear canal. Babies are prone to ear 

Clean around it with damp infections, especially if › 


60

COMPETITIONS 

WIN! A pregnancy pillow 

THREE DREAMGENII PILLOWS TO GIVE 

AWAY WORTH £29.99 EACH 

WIN! Joolz pram accessories 

FOOTMUFF AND BLANKET FOR JOOLZ 

DAY 2 AND GEO 2 PRAMS WORTH £135 

The dreamgenii® Pregnancy Pillow has a unique patented design that 

is just as good for supporting your body during pregnancy as it is for 

feeding your baby. The dual function means that you only need to purchase 

one pillow to help you through a comfortable, safe pregnancy. It can also 

be used as a feeding pillow once baby arrives. The dreamgenii® Pregnancy 

Support and Feeding Pillow has been enjoyed by many women around the 

world and is recommended by UK Midwives. 

◗ We have three Dreamgenii pregnancy pillows to win worth £29.99 each 

Keep your baby warm and cosy with a luxurious footmuff and blanket 

The underside of this footmuff has been finished with an anti-mud layer, 

keeping the muff nice and clean and your child nice and warm. Suitable for 

both the Joolz Day² and the Joolz Geo². It costs £85. 

The Essentials Blanket also complements the Joolz Day² and Geo²: wrap your 

baby lovingly in your arms in this super soft blanket right from the start. £50 

◗ We have one footmuff and one blanket to give away 

dreamgenii.com 

my-joolz.co.uk 

WIN! A pair of kids wellies 

HALE HASBRO WELLINGTON BOOTS 

TO GIVE AWAY WORTH £60 

WIN! Baby food bundles 

FOUR BUNDLES OF PICCOLO WEANING 

POUCHES TO GIVE AWAY WORTH £60 

The Hale Hasbro wellies come in fun, bright colours and fun-filled prints 

with a wrap-around sole that gives great stability for kids that are fast on 

their feet. Choose from either the vibrant design of The Transformers or My 

Little Pony. Your little ones can sport their favourite characters while splashing 

carefree in all the puddles! 

◗ We have one pair to give away of your choice (subject to availability) 

for one lucky reader worth £60. 

muckbootcompany.co.uk 

At Piccolo, we want to take the stress out of Christmas so you can get 

back to watching It’s A Wonderful Life, eating far too many Quality Street 

and organising some sherry for Santa. We’re giving four readers a week’s 

worth of Piccolo pouches each so they don’t have to worry about getting food 

ready for their little ones and can relax knowing they have a cupboard full of 

delicious and nutritious organic pouches for when it’s meal or snack time this 

festive period. 

◗ We have four bundles of Piccolo pouches to last for 

one week for each lucky winner of this competition. 

mylittlepiccolo.com

BABY HEALTH 

LEARN MORE 

ABOUT CARING 

FOR YOUR BABY 

ONLINE AT 


they’ve had a cold. It can be 

hard to identify, because they 

don’t always rub an infected 

ear. If they are old enough 

for paracetamol, this can 

help with pain. If it continues, 

see the doctor. If the doctor 

suspects it’s a viral infection, 

antibiotics won’t treat it. 

TIME TO GET CHECKED 

“If your baby gets repeated 

ear infections, get referred 

to a paediatric audiology 

specialist,” advises Dr Bernie 

Borgstein, Consultant and in 

Paediatric Audiovestibular 

Medicine with Imperial 

College Healthcare Trust. 

Repeated infections can lead 

to ‘glue ear’, when sticky 

fluid builds up in the middle 

ear. Again, this usually clears 

up on its own but may need 

treatment with hearing aids 

or grommets (a little tube 

inserted in the ear). 

If you think there’s a 

hearing issue, get advice. 

“In very young babies, 

learning to smile at six 

weeks is linked to hearing 

development, because it’s 

part of communication, just 

as cooing and gurgling are,” 

says Borgstein. “When babies 

get older, they start cooing 

back when you speak, and 

then babbling.” If you spot 

that one of more of these 

milestones isn’t happening 

– particularly if the child has 

also had repeated infections, 

and/or there is hearing loss in 

the family – do go and talk to 

the specialists. 

Mouth 

At the beginning, your baby’s mouth – indeed, her whole 

face – is formed for sucking, with a small jaw, fat pads in 

the cheek and a tongue reflex that pushes. But over the 

course of the next six months the jaw changes shape so 

that she can fit food into her mouth, move her tongue 

around and chew properly. 


sweet, including fruit juice. In 

To start with, use a cloth fact, remember that all fruit 

wrapped round your 

juices are very high in sugar, 

forefinger and wipe round so don’t introduce juices at 

very gently inside, massaging all, if possible. 

the gums to clean them. 

Once your baby has their DAY-TO-DAY PROBLEMS 

first tooth, do this twice a The mouth problem that 

day, using a tiny smear of pretty well every baby (and 

baby fluoride toothpaste. parent!) endures is teething. 

Don’t consider it optional just There’s simply no way round 

because these are milk teeth! this one: gels and teething 

As more teeth appear, rings may help – the only 

move on to a baby 

consolation is that far from 

toothbrush, though make being a sign of something 

this a manual one. “Babies more serious, this is entirely 

often won’t tolerate electric natural and, yes, it will pass. 

toothbrushes,” explains 

paediatric dentist Dr Malcolm TIME TO GET CHECKED 

Levinkind (drlevinkind.com) With tiny babies, the thing to 

who adds: “Don’t use a watch out for is oral thrush: a 

dummy unless it’s for your white coating on the tongue 

own sanity.” If you do cave that does not rub off, which is 

in, never dip it into anything caused by a fungal infection. 

If you’re breastfeeding your 

baby can pass it on to you, 

giving you a lot of pain and 

cracked nipples (and if you 

develop it in your breasts you 

can pass it on to your baby). 

The doctor can prescribe an 

antifungal medication. 

Up to a tenth of babies 

have tongue-tie – the 

frenulum, which attaches 

the tongue to the mouth, is 

too tight to let them attach 

properly to the breast. 

“Babies should be checked 

at birth for tongue-tie and 

also for upper lip tie,” says 

Levinkind. Even if everything 

seems fine at this stage, if 

you have feeding problems 

later on ask your doctor or 

lactation consultant if this 

is the reason, because it 

can easily be corrected with 

a very quick and virtually 

painless procedure. 

When your baby¹s little 

tiny teeth do come through, 

occasionally one of them 

doesn’t come through 

properly, leaving a blueish 

fluid-filled sac or a little raised 

area. If so, do consult 

a paediatric dentist. “If you’ve 

got any concerns then or 

later, make sure you get them 

checked out straightaway,” 

Levinkind advises. 

HELP AND SUPPORT 

Dental care for pregnant women 

and babies 

dentalhealth.org 

Advice on baby coughs and colds 

nhs.uk and search for ‘pregnancy 

and baby coughs colds.’ 

PHOTGORAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK 

62 


NEWBORN HEALTH 

Check me out! 

FORGET GCSES, A LEVELS AND DEGREES, YOUR BABY WILL BE EXPECTED 

TO TAKE HER VERY FIRST TEST A COUPLE OF MINUTES AFTER BIRTH 


THE FIRST FEW MINUTES 

The first test, the Apgar, is taken at one 

and five minutes after birth. Designed 

by doctor Virginia Apgar in 1952, it’s 

an easy way for doctors to assess your 

baby’s health. It looks at Appearance, 

Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration 

and your baby can score a maximum of 

ten points. For example, appearance 

looks at skin colour to rule out circulation 

problems. The scores don’t usually mean 

long-term problems and by five minutes, 

most babies get a score of nine. 

ONE HOUR 

Once you have had a cuddle with your 

newborn, your midwife will weigh her, 

measure her head circumference and 

check her temperature. This will be 

recorded in her child health record, 

which you’ll take to all future check-ups. 

WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THE BIRTH 

The next thing is a complete checkup, 

performed by a Paediatrician or a 

midwife with specialist training. 

◗ Head. A squashed and misshapen 

head is common in a newborn; the 

bones haven’t fused, allowing it to 

squeeze through the birth canal. If baby 

was born using forceps, there may be 

bruises but they will soon clear up. 

◗ Eyes. Your doctor will shine a light 

to check for a red reflex and may also 

perform a simple hearing test. 

◗ Reflex. The doctor pops his finger into 

baby’s mouth to check the suckling reflex 

is strong and to rule out cleft palate or 

tongue-tie. Both of these can interfere 

with breastfeeding. 

◗ Heart. This is checked with a 

stethoscope. Some difficulties are 

common in the early days and soon right 

themselves without treatment. 

◗ Lungs. They are checked to make sure 

they are clear of fluid and there’s good 

air flow into both lungs. 

◗ Genitals. They are examined for 

abnormalities. Your baby was exposed to 

your hormones in the womb, so genitals 

may be swollen and dark and baby may 

have swollen breasts - even if it’s a boy! 

A girl may have a little discharge from 

the vagina for a few weeks. Boys are 

checked for undescended testicals and 

that the penis is properly formed. The 

anus is also checked. 

◗ Skin. They look for birthmarks and 

blemishes; some of these don’t appear 

immediately and disappear later. 

◗ Fingers and toes. These are counted 

and webbing checked. Palms should 

have two creases– a single one can be 

associated with Down’s Syndrome. Feet 

are checked for talipes or club foot. 

◗ Spine. Assessed for straightness and to 

rule out spinabifida, when the spinal cord 

is not properly formed. A deep dimple 

at the spine’s base may mean problems 

such as incontinence and weakness. 

◗ Hips. They are moved gently to check 

that joints are working well. If they are 

‘clicky’ or not well formed, treatment 

may be necessary. 

◗ Reflexes. The doctor will assess 

rooting, grasping and sucking and 

the Moro or ‘startling’ reflex. 

FIRST BLOOD TEST 

Five to eight days after the birth, 

your midwife will take a tiny amount of 

blood from a heel prick. This checks 

◗ Phenylketonuria (PKU), 

an enzyme deficiency. 

◗ A problem with the lungs and digestive 

system called Cystic fibrosis. 

◗ A condition called MCADD which 

affects conversion of fat to energy (rare). 

◗ The blood disorder, sickle cell disease. 

◗ A deficiency in thyroid production. 

◗ Rare metabolic disorder Homocystinuria. 

◗ The conditions Maple syrup urine 

disease, isovaleric acidaemia and 

glutaric aciduria type 1, problems 

where the body can’t process proteins. 

All the physical checks are repeated at 

various stages later on but if you have 

any questions or concerns, talk to your 

midwife or doctor. 

63 


TRAVEL 

BEACH BABIES 

GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST HOLIDAY 

AS A BRAND NEW FAMILY 

MARTINHAL, PORTUGAL 

has visited all four of Martinhal’s 

Iberian destinations to see what makes 

these relaxing, baby-friendly locations 

truly special. 

As soon as you step off the plane at 

Lisbon airport, Martinhal’s concierge 

meets you and drives you straight to 

the location of your choice, whether it’s 

Cascais, a beach location just outside 

Lisbon, Chiado in the city itself, Sagres 

or Quinta, both on the Algarve coast. 

Car seats are provided for the 

children 

Cascais has a sense of 

exclusivity - it’s serene and 

positioned off the coastal 

route to Lisbon. On check in, 

children are given an 

CASCAIS 

CHIADO 

age-appropriate gift 

accomodation is in bright, 

spacious family rooms, suites or a SAGRES 

private house. Huge bath tubs, 

complementary toiletries and room 

service come as standard. 

Martinhal’s newest city hotel, Chiado, is 

in the heart of Lisbon. Comprised of 22 

luxury suites with fully equipped kitchens, 

Sagres 

The golden sands of Sagres beach (above), the 

gorgeous interiors at Chiado (top right), an 

apartment at Quintas (right, middle) let the kids 

go crazy in the outdoor play area (above). 

PORTUGAL 

QUINTA 

you have everything you need right at 

your finger tips with complete freedom 

to explore the city. 

The Sagres location, in an area of 

outstanding natural beauty, is best for 

those who want to do little besides water 

sports and relaxation; it is set on an 

idyllic beach with plenty for both adults 

and kids to do without even needing to 

step outside the beautiful grounds. 

Martinhal Quinta is located in Quinta 

do Lago in the Algarve which boasts 

outstanding golf courses, Michelin 

starred restaurants, activities on the 

peaceful lake and much more! 

Every Martinhal resort has a Kids’ Club 

suitable for babies to teenagers with 

daily planned activities from 9am to 6pm. 

Mummies can relax in the Spa, and there 

is plenty to do for adults and kids alike. 

Each location has more than one 

choice for eating, with everything 

from light lunches to creative modern 

Portuguese cuisine and contemporary 

dishes. All delicious and all serving 

individual children’s menus without a 

chicken nugget in sight! 

There’s a saying amongst staff at 

Martinhal; ‘parents can have their 

capuccino with the foam still on it!’ and 

with tiny ones entertained 24/7, it’s true. 

Book it: Baby’s First Holiday package 

from £1377. 

martinhal.com 


64

TRAVEL 

Chiado 

Quintas 

Cascais 

Relax in a luxury suite (top); Elsie and 

Daddy have fun in the M-Bar’s car (left); 

right in the heart of the city (above). 

Chiado 

Eat at a beach side restaurant (top). 

The apartments at Apulia (left), the pool 

and resort at night time (above). 

ROBINSON CLUB APULIA, ITALY 

This resort loves children of all ages 

and has been completely designed 

with their and your comfort in mind. 

There’s a full programme of events such 

as water sports, fitness activities and 

outings to places of interest nearby. 

Take the kids with you, or leave them in 

the care of the dedicated staff while you 

take some time out at the spa with its 

Finnish sauna or by the pool. Little ones 

will be nurtured, fed and entertained, 

whether they’re putting on a show for 

you or having a calming bedtime story. 

The resort is set in a beautiful pine 

forest that encloses the buildings and 

leads you down to the sandy beach 

and the surrounding gardens blossom 

with bougainvillea and palm trees. 

There are tennis courts, a gym, archery 

lessons and more. Finally, relax and dine 

indoors or on the terrace to round off 

your day. 

Book it: Seven nights all inclusive for 

couple plus child from £2403. 

robinson.com 

65 


TRAVEL 

VALLE DELL’ERICA, SARDINIA 

Relax with your brand new family amid 

the stunning scenery and crystal seas 

of Sardinia's north coast 

Sardinia has its very own culture, cuisine 

and character and boasts miles of 

pristine beaches, great restaurants, 

pretty towns and ancient ruins. On the 

northern coast are the eight resorts of 

the Delphina Hotels group, including the 

hotel and Thalasso spa of Valle D’Erica. 

Perfect for families with young children, it 

is set in acres of Mediterranean gardens 

and fringed by pale sandy beaches 

where you can paddle and swim. 

The resort is ten minutes from the town 

of Santa Teresa Gallura, a well-known 

tourist destination and faces the Straits 

of Bonifacio, plus the archipelagos of 

La Maddalena and Corsica. Inside the 

resort, rooms are peaceful and spacious 

and adorned with locally produced art. 

Facilities for children are unrivalled. 

Your room can be made into a perfect 

child-friendly haven with a cot and other 

equipment on request. There are also 

plenty of things for kids to do if you want 

some valuable ‘me time’ - perhaps to 

visit the Thalasso to take one of their spa 

treatments or relax in one of the four 

Thalasso therapy sea water pools, each 

heated to a different temperature. 

Ericaland is the bespoke area for 

babies and toddlers with a soft area, nap 

room and a nursery open 24 hours a day 

(complete with high chairs, pushchairs, 

sterilisers, baby monitors and changing 

tables). There is a mini football field, 

baby hockey, volleyball and plenty of 

safe green spaces. 

Older kids can take part in swimming, 

canoeing and water polo. A pool with 

games just for kids is close to another › 

A rooftop suite with private pool (top), interior 

of a sea view room (middle) and the golden 

bay and azure seas (bottom) 


66

together 

xl seat 

capacity 

adaptors 

included 

xl basket 

quantum 

The new Quantum stroller. 

Everything you need 

from day 1 to 4 years 

uk.diono.com

TRAVEL 

you can relax in and also 

golf, free for kids up to 14 

years. Before bed, there are 

evening activities and shows for children 

to help them wind down. 

You can eat at one of several 

restaurants; Nautilus, where breakfast 

and dinner buffets are served, offers 

fantastic views across the sea to La 

Maddalena. Les Bouches offers a la carte 

dining and Zinia offers barefoot dining 

on the beach. There’s even a pizzeria for 

the kids and a swim-up bar at one of the 

pools for the grown-ups. 

Fact file: Flight 2.5 hours to Olbia from 

Gatwick, 55 kilometres from the resort; 

transfers from £93. Go between May and 

October, though avoid August, as that’s 

when Italians take their holidays and 

beach space is at a premium. 

Book it: Seven nights for a couple plus 

baby in a Superior Erica seaview room 

with terrace and baby cot from £1906 

half board. Junior Suites and Suites also 

available from £2136 

hotelvalledellerica.com 

Read the full review online at 

bbabymagazine.co.uk/category/ 

holidays-with-baby 

Ericaland looks after your children for as much 

or as little of your stay as you prefer (above). 

A view of the Thalasso pools (top) 

SEE MORE 

GREAT HOLIDAY 

DESTINATIONS AT 


FLYING WITH BABY 

When you're a new parent, taking the first trip with baby may seem daunting. 

gives you great 

advice on successful flying trips with baby and how to have a happy child with you on a flight, 

even quite a long one, so that you can enjoy flying to your holiday destination or to visit family 

overseas without the stress. 

PREPARATION IS KEY 

Work out what equipment will be at your 

destination, so you know what not to pack. Great 

products to help you travel with your baby 

◗ A lightweight, small, fold-up pushchair that 

you can take up to the plane’s door. Remove all 

bags, baby gear etc. from it before travelling! 

◗ A baby carrier. 

◗ A changing bag that doubles as cabin 

baggage. Check the permitted dimensions. 

◗ Travel sterilising equipment. The easiest for 

packing light. Find out if they are available at 

your destination, so you could pack fewer. 

◗ Toys, books and electronic devices. A soft toy 

to hold on the plane or a mobile in the car seats 

is great, or a baby book. As they grow and need 

more stimulation, an electronic toy can be great 

or a tablet with headphones. 

Don’t forget teething toys and bibs – plus a few 

handy muslins too. 

SNACKS ON THE GO 

Keep little tummies happy with regular feeds. If 

you’re still breastfeeding, this can be done 

wherever you are. If your baby is starting 

to eat ‘real’ food or is well on with their 

weaning, pack some snacks in small boxes 

and offer them when your baby seems 

hungry. Check restrictions to the amount of liquid 

you can take through security. 

WAYS TO COMFORT YOUR BABY 

Hold them. Take a carrier with you, to enjoy 

the benefits of baby wearing. On a plane, you 

will have your baby on your lap for take-off and 

landing (the plane’s stewards will provide a belt); 

for the rest of the time, have them on your lap or 

ask about a bassinette. Make sure your child is 

swallowing to equalise the pressure in the middle 

ear. This is easy if you can breastfeed, though 

tricky with the seat belt on. Offer a drink of water 

or if they are old enough, a sweet to suck. In 

the car, let them come out of the seat often to 

stretch, have a feed and a cuddle. 

WHAT TO WEAR 

We all start thinking about what to wear on a 

flight and it should be no different for your baby. 

Dress them in light layers that you can add and 

remove to keep them comfortable. Planes can 

get very cold with air conditioning, so make sure 

you have an extra layer packed and easy to 

access, or a blanket. Take layers off quickly 

if the weather is hot at your destination and 

keep checking your baby is cool enough in 

the car seat when driving, too. 



68

BABY HEALTH 

Winter woes 

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR COUGHS AND COLDS. SALLY J. HALL INVESTIGATES 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BABY’S ILL AND WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR 

NEW MUM 

MASTERCLASS 

When you have a newborn, 

you feel like you want to 

wrap them up in cotton 

wool and protect them as 

long as possible. But sooner 

or later – and in Winter 

months usually sooner – 

your little one will get a 

seasonal ailment. 

THE COMMON COLD 

We still don’t know exactly 

why we’re prone to this 

seemingly trivial illness – 

although with over 200 cold 

viruses, it’s no wonder your 

baby can get up to eight 

colds in his first year alone. 

For a baby, having a cold 

feels a lot worse than for 

us. They are prone to get 

mucus in the nose, which can 

seriously affect breastfeeding 

as a baby can’t breathe and 

feed with a blocked nose. The 

result can be a very unhappy 

tot. Ease the symptoms by 

gently wiping mucus from the 

nostrils, dampening tissues 

with sterile saline to avoid 

soreness and if needed use 

a nasal aspirator. Make sure 

your baby gets lots of fluids 

and consider a humidifier 

as this may help. At night, 

a simple old fashioned 

remedy like a vapour rub 

works well, or drip Eucalyptus 

essential oil on a tissue and 

leave it near the head of the 

cot – never inside it. If your 

baby seems to have a slight 

fever, an infant paracetamol 

or ibuprofen solution can 

be given according to the 

instruction, once your baby is 

over two months. Never use 

a cough and cold remedy, as 

these are for children over six. 

CAN I AVOID MY BABY 

GETTING COLDS? 

Breastfeeding reduces the 

risk of infections. Keep your 

baby away from others with 

colds and always use good 

hygiene when hand washing. 

If you or your partner smokes, 

give up now and never smoke 

near your baby. 

IS IT ‘FLU? 

This may be the case if your 

baby has a temperature of 

over 38 degrees Centigrade, 

is more tired than usual, 

lethargic, has a dry cough, 

loss of appetite and seems 

generally unwell. Use the 

above advice for relief of 

symptoms and call the doctor 

if you are worried. 

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK 

MEDICAL HELP? 

Always go to the doctor with 

a child that seems unwell if 

they are under three months. 

If symptoms continue for 

more than five days, he has a 

temperature, green or brown 

mucus, is rubbing the ears 

(a sign of ear infection) or 

has a persistent cough, seek 

medical advice. 

WHOOPING COUGH 

This bacterial infection 

comes with a distinctive – 

and scary – cough, when 

your baby seems to gasp 

for air between coughs. This 

is quite distressing and you 

should seek medical help 

immediately for treatment 

with antibiotics, as it can 

quickly lead to other 

complications like kidney 

failure and pneumonia. 

Pregnant women are offered 

a vaccine against this in the 

third trimester, so make sure 

you ask your medical team. 

CROUP 

Caused by a virus, this 

manifests itself with a barklike 

cough and commonly 

affects children between six 

months and three years. It 

needs swift treatment with 

steroids and symptoms may 

be eased with paracetamol or 

ibuprofen suitable for babies 

and with steam inhalation. 

COUGHS 

All of the above may come 

with a persistent cough 

making it hard for your baby 

to sleep. Make sure he takes 

naps at other times and keep 

up fluid levels (extra feeds 

and make sure you drink 

plenty). Steam may help, as 

will an infant paracetamol or 

ibuprofen solution. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELIZABETH WEBSTER 


70

BOOKS & APPS 

Because we’re appy 

’S PICK OF THE LATEST BESPOKE PARENTING BOOKS, DVDS AND APPS 

EDITOR’S 

MY BOOK OF 

PICK 

NURSERY RHYMES 

from £19.95, My Given Name 

What makes this book different from 

other traditional nursery rhyme books 

is a selection of personalised poems 

which use the name of your child. 

They still have the old favourites like 

Goosey Goosey Gander and Jack 

& Jill but it has that added personal 

touch. Popular as a Christmas, 

birthday, Christening or Naming 

Day gift, you can add a personalised 

message at the start of the book, 

making it a treasured keepsake. 

WHATSINIT 

Free 

Food choices can be 

difficult when you’re 

pregnant but this 

helps you avoid ‘bad’ 

foods with colour 

indicators. Learn 

what’s in your food 

and what benefits you 

can gain from each 

food type. The app 

‘learns’ what you like 

or have problems with 

and helps you choose 

your food wisely. 

FROM A TO Z 

From £17.50, It’s Your Story 

Make learning the alphabet 

fun with this book starring 

your child on every page! 

Each letter has a picture and a 

simple sentence to help your 

child learn the letter’s sound 

and uses, making it suitable 

for pre-schoolers. Include a 

personalised message at the 

front of the book too. 

THE VERY HUNGRY 

CATERPILLAR 

£29.95, The Letteroom 

The perfect gift for a new 

baby, this personalised book 

of our favourite story of the 

famished insect includes your 

child’s name throughout the 

book. It tells the story of how 

your child will grow while the 

caterpillar does and shows 

how much he or she is loved. 

THE PREGNANCY PROJECT £35.95, Tracy Anderson 

With Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna as fans of her workouts, Tracy knows a thing or two about 

BOOK SUBSCRIPTION 

From £4.99, Bookabees 

A book club that sends one to 

five personally chosen books 

a month to your child; they 

also include fun things like 

stickers, paper aeroplanes, 

bookmarks and ‘do not 

disturb’ signs to keep things 

fun. They carefully decide 

what your child will like based 

on past choices. 

fitness. This series of DVDs has a bespoke disc for each month of your pregnancy. It’s all low impact 

and keep legs, arms and bottoms toned. There are also videos of others who have found it useful. 

SCULPT MY 

PREGNANCY 

Free 

Helps you choose 

specific exercises 

to tackle the aches 

and pains that 

pregnancy may cause 

as ligaments relax. As 

each of us is different, 

you can choose which 

moves will help you 

tone and tighten 

muscles to cope with 

your shift of balance. 

BABY 2 BODY 

Free 

Packed with lots of 

options for you to 

personalise to your 

own circumstances, 

this contains tips, 

features, recipes, 

podcasts and more 

to help you get the 

best out of pregnancy. 

Combining lots of 

information in one 

place, it prevents 

you having to search 

for details of your 

pregnancy. 

71 


NUTRITION 

When to wean 

IS YOUR BABY READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? 

by Sally J Hall 

SEE MORE ADVICE 

ON WEANING 

ONLINE AT 


category/weaning/ 

It’s a milestone we look 

forward to – and one that 

comes around only too 

quickly! Almost before you 

know it, your baby will be six 

months old and ready to start 

on the amazing array of foods 

we have at our disposal. How 

and when should you start ? 

WHY WAIT SIX MONTHS? 

Some parents are concerned 

that their babies might be 

‘ready’ for baby purée or 

baby cereal from around four 

months. They might think that 

because their baby is larger 

than others of the same age, 

or because they are not yet 

sleeping through the night, 

it’s a sign to move onto baby 

foods. Chewing the fists and 

waking more often are not 

necessarily signs that they 

are hungry but may be due 

to growth spurts, needing to 

be comforted, especially if 

they have an illness, or if their 

routine is upset. Of course, 

they may also be teething. 

There is very good evidence 

that you should wait until your 

baby is six months before you 

start to offer purées (a World 

Health Organisation and NHS 

guideline). They include: 

◗ Their digestive system is 

only really mature enough to 

cope with food from this date 

◗ They will be able to sit up in 

a good position to be able to 

swallow and digest their food 

Allow your baby to pick up 

and play with food to get used 

to tastes and textures 

◗ They have the muscle 

control to swallow – before 

this point the tongue pushes 

objects out of the mouth 

◗ It is less likely that your baby 

will pick up an infection 

◗ Your baby’s immune system 

is more mature, so he is less 

likely to have a reaction. 

PROCEED WITH CAUTION 

Foods that may cause 

reactions should be 

introduced – carefully – after 

six months (you should be 

especially careful if your 

family has a history of 

allergies or if your baby has 

asthma or eczema). They 

include eggs, gluten, cows’ 

milk, wheat, nuts, peanuts 

(and foods containing them), 

seeds, fish and shellfish. 

These should be introduced 

singly in small amounts and if 

you notice a reaction, speak 

to your doctor. 

MORE MILK PLEASE 

Babies do not move from 

breastfeeding straight onto 

three meals a day. They 

continue to get the majority 

of their nutritional needs from 

breastmilk and can start with 

one small meal a day and 

work up to more as they get 

used to new flavours. Feel 

free to carry on breastfeeding 

for as long as is right for you 

– remember that the world 

average is nearer six years 

than six months! 

TOP TIPS: 

◗ Offer baby food at a time 

that suits you best 

◗ New foods may need to be 

offered seven times before 

your baby will accept it 

◗ Offer a good baby vitamin 

such as WellBaby under fives, 

containing Vits A, C and D. 

◗ Allow your baby to pick up 

and play with food. 

◗ Whether you choose spoon 

fed or baby-led weaning, it’s 

up to you. 

◗ Cow’s milk can be added 

to your baby’s food from six 

months and given as a drink 

from one year. 

SIGNS THAT YOUR BABY IS 

READY TO WEAN 

◗ They can sit up well and 

hold their head steady 

◗ They are able to focus on 

objects, pick them up and 

coordinate hand and mouth 

◗ They can swallow well – if 

your baby is not ready, the 

food will end up around his 

mouth! 

NEVER leave your baby 

alone with food because of 

the risk of choking. 


72 


BESPOKE GIFTS 

MUM-TO-BE & DAD 

Celebrate! 

SEE MORE 

GREAT PRODUCTS 

ONLINE AT 


Utterly charming 

RETURN TO TIFFANY HEART TAG 

CHARM BRACELET £139 Tiffany & Co 

WHETHER IT’S FOR A SHOWER, A NEW BABY OR 

A NEW MUMMY, WE HAVE THE PERFECT GIFT 

‘TALES OF THE BUMP’ PREGNANCY 

JOURNAL £27 Martha Brook London 

Match your pram 

PLUM DELIGHT CHANGING BAG 

£169 Bébécar 

PERSONALISED MINI LOVE LETTER 

NECKLACE IN ROSE GOLD £52 

Maria Allen Boutique 

Giving gifts is traditional on the birth of a 

new baby and friends and family will be 

sure to want to give you and your child 

something unique and special to help 

you celebrate your happy news. You 

may decide to buy something that your 

new baby will be able to keep always, to 

remind them just how very special they 

are to you. So whether you’re looking 

for something for a baby shower gift, a 

gift for a new Mummy or for the festive 

season, we have some suggestions for 

things that you will treasure for years to 

come. Oh, and we’ve even got some 

suggestions for Christenings and naming 

ceremonies - and for new Daddies, too! 

BESPOKE PREGNANCY SKINCARE 

GIFT SET £36 Vital Touch Natalia 


74

BESPOKE GIFTS 

THE 

Bespoke 

ISSUE 

PERSONALISED PHOTO FRAME 

£25 Mijmoj Design (NOTHS) 

PERSONALISED PHOTO 

CHOCOLATE BOX £30 Lily O’Brien’s 

‘MUM TO BE’ SET WITH PERSONAL 

CARD £29.95 Letterbox Gifts 

BABY’S FIRST KEEPSAKE IMPRINT 

TIN £15 Mamas & Papas 

MONOGRAMMED WALLET 

FROM £305 Burberry 

MEN’S STORY BRACELET £59 

Morgan & French (NOTHS) 

DYSON SUPERSONIC 

HAIR DRYER £299.99 Dyson 

BABY MEMORY ALBUM BOOK 

FROM £55 BeGolden 

EDITOR’S 

PICK 

Get it engraved 

JOY XL CHANGING BAG WITH 

TAG FROM £295 Kerikit 

HANDMADE BESPOKE OCTAVO 

WATCH £1590 Justin Richardson 

PERSONALISED DUCHESS NECKLACE 

£99 Merci Maman 

ELSA PERETTI TRAVEL FRAME 

£190 Tiffany & Co 

CHARMS TO PERSONALISE A 

LOCKET £110 EACH 

Loquet (nineinthemirror.com) 

DADDY BEAR, MUMMY BEAR & 

BABY BEAR SPOON SET £26 

The Cutlery Commission 

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK 

BISCUIT TIN £39.50 (CAN BE 

PERSONALISED) Biscuiteers 

NEW BABY PERSONALISED 

CHAMPAGNE AND GIFT BOX £47.99 

Intervino (NOTHS) 

75 


THE 

Bespoke 

ISSUE 

BABY & TODDLER 

BESPOKE GIFTS 

PERSONALISED ROCKING MAMMOTH 

£129.90 Simply Colors (NOTHS) 

NAME A STAR GIFT £20 

Gift Republic (John Lewis) 

KIDS PERSONALISED LIBERTY 

BRACELET £39 Merci Maman 

HANDMADE PERSONALISED 

TOY BARROW £90 johnosmo.com 

Baby clothes!keepsake 

BESPOKE BABY CLOTHES MONKEY 

£45 LoveKeepCreate 

PERSONALISED TRIPP TRAPP 

HIGHCHAIR £169-189 Stokke 

PERSONALISED STORY BOOK 

£18.99 Papier 

PERSONALISED BABY ONESIE 

£30 My 1st Years 

PETER RABBIT BIRTH DETAILS PRINT 

FROM £15 Created by Magic 

LETTER MONEY BOX £23.32 (PLUS 

£7 SHIPPING) PromiDesign (Etsy) 

BESPOKE TRAIN COTBED £POA 

(Harrods) 

BESPOKE ZEBRA ROCKING HORSE 

FROM £3,960 Dragons of Walton 

EDITOR’S 

PICK 

ICONIC LONDON BUS WITH 

PERSONALISED NAME £100 

Dragons of Walton Street 

PERSONALISED COPPER 

CHRISTENING SHOES £22.50 

Born Bespoke (NOTHS) 

Choose your own fabrics 

CUSTOMISABLE CARRICK BED 

FROM £750 Naturalmat 

PERSONALISED WOODEN 

ALPHABET PLAY CUBES GIFT 

BOX £72 Myla & Oscar 

Don’t forget! 

VINTAGE PRAM WRAPPING PAPER £6.95 

(5 SHEETS) dotcomgiftshop.com 


76

mercimamanboutique.com 

in LONDON

BABY SLEEP 

Sleepy time tot 

FUN AND GAMES WITH SLEEP AT NINE TO 12 MONTHS 

with our sleep expert Jo Tantum 

Now your baby is 

getting a little 

older, they will be getting 

more mobile, so you will 

need eyes in the back of 

your head to keep up with 

them! Fortunately, they have 

now moved through the 

separation anxiety stage, 

which makes life a little easier 

and which is less guiltinducing 

when you go out! 

Physically, they 

will be able to sit 

up and are starting to crawl. 

They might be pulling 

themselves up and ‘cruising’ 

around the furniture. This can 

lead to unsettled nights, as 

they start turning around in 

their cots and trying to stand 

up. Lower the mattress base if 

you haven’t already. 

For safety at this stage, 

make sure you put them in a 

sleeping bag for nights and 

naps rather than a blanket 

that can twisted around them. 

You may also find 

they start messing 

about in the cot when being 

put down for a nap. Watch 

for tiredness signals so you 

can settle them more easily. 

Babies have a 15-minute 

window of opportunity from 

“I’m tired” to “I’m over-tired.” 

After this, they will struggle to 

fall asleep and need a sleep 

prop like rocking or feeding 

to help them drop off. Having 

a dark room, wave sounds 

and a comforter can help 

them understand it’s nap 

time. Reading a story with a 

calm, quiet voice will also 

help them start to feel sleepy; 

then say goodnight to the 

book’s characters. Babies love 

anything repetitive, so you 

will be reading the same story 

over and over again! 

Between nine to 

12 months, babies 

will still have two naps a 

day; this will continue until 

they reach 15-17 months 

old. At nine months, babies 

need a nap of three hours for 

every two and a half hours of 

wake time and as they move 

towards one year old it will 

increase to every three hours. 

Always try to have one nap a 

day in the cot, so that they 

sleep better at night. If they 

are always napping on the 

move, it can affect their 

nights. I know this can be 

tricky if they are going to 

activities or are at Nursery, so 

try and work around this as 

much as possible. 

If your little one is at 

Nursery, speak to their key 

worker about naps. You can 

usually take in a sleeping 

bag and often a sleep aid 

like Ewan the Dream Sheep 

or myhummy to help them 

drown out the sound of the 

other children. 

At around one year, your 

baby will have a small 

developmental leap caused 

by being more physically 

mobile. They will be trying 

out their new-found skills of 

pulling themselves up and 

standing! 

You may find at this stage 

that they struggle to settle 

down to sleep and are 

moving all around the cot. 

As long as your baby 

isn’t crying or upset, then 

leave them to try to get 

comfortable by themselves. 

If they are standing, let 

them work out how to lay 

down again - otherwise you 

may find that you have taught 

them that you will come in 

and help them and they will 

turn this into a game! 

Remember though that this 

is a short phase and it will 

pass quickly - that is, if you 

don’t start instilling a new 

habit of helping them to lay 

down again! 

Jo Tantum offers Skype and Facetime calls, phone calls and email support, all with personalised 

routine and action plan with exclusive soothing videos. jotantum.com 

OUR PICK OF THE BEST 

SLEEP BUYS 

OLLIE THE OWL £34.99 Gro 

A bedtime friend that soothes with 

light, sounds and womb noises 

NATURALSTART MATTRESS £199 

Harrison Spinks 100% natural with 

pocket spring technology that adapts 

to your baby’s sleeping position. 

MOBA £99 Moba UK 

With strong integrated handles 

and anti-mocrobial, hypo-allergenic 

materials, it can be washed. 

QUILTED SPRING MAT £240 

Naturalmat Pocket sprung mattress 

with naturally breathable and 

self-ventilating organic materials. 

DREAMI £134.95 Shnuggle 

The hypoallergenic, breathable 

basket can be used on the stand, 

static or rocking to keep baby close. 

ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK 


78

SAVE ALMOST 

25% 

WHEN YOU 

SUBSCRIBE 

THE 

Bespoke 

ISSUE 


New mum 

masterclass 

How to treat 

winter woes 

CELEBRATE! 



BESPOKE 

BUGGIES 


pushchair 

DON’T MISS YOUR COPY! 

SUBSCRIBE TO 

Each issue costs £4.99 (+p&p) but if you buy four 

issues for £15, you’ll save almost 25%, so visit the 

website today to order your subscription. It also 

makes a perfect gift for a friend. 

KEEP UP TO DATE AND GET ONLINE 


You Glow! 


Plus 

WIN 

GREAT PRIZES 

WORTH OVER 

£1800 

LAUGHING 

INTO LABOUR 





@BBabyMag BBabyMag facebook.com/BBabyMagazine

NEW BABY KIT 

WHAT WILL YOU NEED FOR YOUR 

baby’s layette? 

Dress baby in simple items 

when they’re tiny and 

you’re getting used to 

dressing such a tiny, 

wriggly person. 

Buy more as 

you become an 

expert. There are 

some gorgeous 

clothes, so look for 

outfits to add to little 

one’s wardrobe. 

BASIC ITEMS 

◗ Nappies disposable or 

washable, with liners. 

◗ 4-6 vests or bodysuits 

Ones that do up with poppers 

under the nappy are great. 

Look for envelope neck for 

tiny babies. Get some short, 

some long sleeve. 

◗ 4-6 babygrows or 

sleepsuits Those with 

poppers down the front make 

changes easier. 

◗ 4-6 pairs of socks or tights. 

◗ 2 pairs of scratch mits. 

◗ A shawl. 

◗ Couple of soft cotton hats. 

Our advice: Don’t buy too 

many of the newborn or 0-3 

months size clothes and keep 

all new items in their packets 

with the receipts handy. 

Then, if your baby is larger or 

smaller than expected, you 

can change them. Ask for 

gift receipts from friends who 

want to buy you clothes. 

FOR NIGHT TIME 

◗ 1-2 sleepsuits or pyjamas. 

Make sure they have easy 

access for nappy changes 

SEE NURSERY 

DÉCOR INSPIRATION 

AT 


HERE’S OUR CHECKLIST OF THE 

ESSENTIALS YOU’LL NEED 

THE MUST-HAVE ITEMS YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT 

Here is our definitive list of what you need for your new baby 

◗ Car seat – You must have a car 

seat be able to take your baby 

home from the hospital 

◗ Nappies- disposable or 

washable 

◗ A nappy stacker or storage area 

for nappies 

◗ Nappy sacks or a nappy 

disposal system. Look for 

recyclable plastic 

◗ Cotton Wool for the very early 

days and baby wipes for later 

◗ Nappy cream to prevent rashes 

and soreness 

◗ 4-6 vests or bodysuits – those 

with poppers under the nappy 

are great and also look for 

envelope opening necks which 

are easier to use on a newborn 

◗ 4-6 babygrows or sleepsuits 

◗ 4-6 socks 

◗ 2 scratch mits 

◗ 2 soft hats 

◗ 1 shawl 

◗ Small rounded end scissors or 

baby nail clippers 

◗ A soft brush or comb 

◗ Wash mits or flannels 

◗ Baby towels or hooded towels 

◗ Muslins 

◗ Baby toiletries – shampoo, 

body wash, lotion 

during the night, or 

◗ 2 Baby Sleeping Bags 

much easier to use than 

sheets and blankets. All your 

baby needs under this is a 

nappy and a long sleeve 

t-shirt or vest. 

DAY CLOTHES 

◗ 3-6 pairs of trousers, 

joggers, jeans or tights look 

for elasticated waists and feet 

attached to the legs so socks 

don’t get lost. 

◗ 3-6 tops in cotton, jersey or 

other soft fabrics. 

◗ 2-4 sets of rompers or tops 

and trousers or dungarees. 

◗ 2-3 jumpers or cardigans 

for cool days. 

◗ 2-3 warm socks or 

bootees. Don’t put hardsoled 

shoes on a small baby’s 

feet as their bones are not 

fully developed. 

◗ 6-8 bibs. Elasticated neck 

styles and bandanas are best. 

OUTDOORS 

◗ A warm coat or all-in-one 

snowsuit if it’s winter and a 

light coat or hooded top for 

warmer months. 

◗ 1-2 hats suitable for the 

season. Never allow your 

baby to sleep in his cot at 

night in a hat. 

◗ Pram blanket or cosytoes 

to put on or take off 

depending on the weather. 

◗ 1-2 gloves – look for ones 

that attach to sleeves as they 

get lost easily! 

◗ 1-2 warm bootees or 

soft shoes. 

PHOTGORAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK 


80

COMPETITIONS 

WIN! A baby changing bag 

ONE JU-JU-BE B.F.F. CHANGING BAG TO 

GIVE AWAY WORTH £124 

WIN! Chic childrenswear 

JACADI GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £100 

Ju-Ju-Be, the American changing bag brand, is offering one 

Magazine reader the chance to win a B.F.F. changing bag in The Knight 

Stars print! The versatile bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or a backpack 

and comes with lots of cool features, including crumb drains, Teflon® and 

Agion® treated fabrics and insulated pockets. Check out the range online. 

◗ One reader will win the B.F.F. Changing Bag 

worth £124 

Jacadi, France’s oldest childrenswear brand, has opened a new branch in 

Battersea! To celebrate, the brand is offering one lucky Magazine reader 

the chance to win a £100 voucher to spend on their gorgeous Parisianinspired 

clothing collection for children aged 0 – 14 years. Check out the full 

collection at jacadi.co.uk 

◗ One winner will receive a £100 voucher to spend on the 

Jacadi collection 

europe.ju-ju-be.com 

jacadi.com 

WIN! A luxury layette set 

BLUE ALMONDS & KISSY KISSY LAYETTE 

GIFT SET TO GIVE AWAY WORTH £89 

WIN! Maternity sportswear 

ONE PAIR OF KALILAWEAR EXERCISE 

PANTS TO GIVE AWAY WORTH £79 

Blue Almonds, the luxury baby and nursery boutique, is celebrating its 

10th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the brand has joined forces 

with the American baby brand Kissy Kissy and created a limited edition Blue 

Almonds x Kissy Kissy layette collection for babies aged 0-6 months. 

Magazine are offering one reader the chance to win a full set, which includes 

a baby grow, a bib, blanket and hat, in a choice of either blue, pink or grey. 

Check out the Blue Almonds and Kissy Kissy collection at: bluealmonds.co.uk 

◗ The winner will receive a baby gift set in their choice of 

colour worth £89 

Innovative new maternity brand Kalilawear combines Italian design with 

British style to launch their versatile active-wear. The range is created to 

encourage women to stay active. Kalilawear is especially designed for fit and 

comfort during pregnancy. Thoughtful features ensure peace of mind for both 

mum and baby. Carefully located baby-safe pockets in both jacket and pants 

keep mobile devices away from baby. Expandable panels enable the jacket to 

grow with your bump, and zip down post-pregnancy. A supportive over-thebump 

band ensures the pants nurture your changing shape. With 5% of profits 

donated to maternal health initiatives, Kalilawear helps mums support mums. 

◗ One mum will receive the pants worth £79 

bluealmonds.co.uk 

kalila.co.uk

CHILDCARE 

Guardian angel 

CHOOSING A NANNY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT JOBS YOU DO 

AS A PARENT. HERE’S HOW TO GET IT JUST RIGHT 

If you’re a first time parent, 

you may not have employed 

staff before. Now that you 

need a Nanny, how do you 

go about finding the perfect 

person to care for your 

baby and fit into your family 

life? shows you how to 

get it right first time. 

Finding the best Nanny is 

tricky but we have great 

inside information about 

hiring a Nanny - from the 

horse’s mouth! We spoke with 

an agency highly experienced 

in placing staff with families. 

Firstly, think about your 

home life – especially if it’s 

not a conventional nine-to 

-five sort of family. If you 

work from home, you may be 

popping in and out, which 

can cause issues for you and 

your Nanny; if you have long, 

erratic hours she may be left 

making decisions. It’s worth 

talking this through before 

you start interviewing. 

Paola Diana, Founder 

and CEO of Nanny & Butler 

(nannybutler.com) agrees: “It’s 

important to understand how 

the family runs the household 

in order to choose candidates 

that fit. If a consultant asks 

you lots of questions about 

your family, routines and 

household, it shows they are 

interested in your needs” 

Based on their understanding 

of these factors, the 

consultant should be able to 

advise on the kind of person 

who’d be best for your role. 

“Do be open to their advice,” 

says Paola, “as we often find 

that what a family thinks they 

need may be entirely different 

to the reality.” 

If you are someone who 

values privacy, has a need 

for confidential staff, is in the 

public eye, or has specific 

needs such as a bilingual 

nanny, it is worth speaking 

to an international search 

consultancy for help. 

Bear in mind that hiring 

staff should make your life 

easier, not lead to more 

problems. It’s important that 

you feel guided through the 

FOR MORE FEATURES 

ON CHOOSING 

CHILDCARE VISIT 


process, whether you are 

hiring your first nanny or your 

eighth! A good agency will 

offer assistance through the 

whole search; both during 

the interview stages, as well 

as on-going support after 

placements have been made. 

Nanny roles vary but can 

often include: 

◗ Nursery duties (feeding, 

bathing, dressing, keeping 

rooms tidy) 

◗ Organising stimulating, 

age-appropriate activities 

◗ The child’s laundry 

◗ School or nursery runs 

Putting together a ‘to do’ 

list can help make it clear 

what the role will involve 

and ensure that everyone’s 

expectations are managed. 

If you find a Nanny who 

seems like a perfect match, 

don’t delay – the good ones 

are snapped up. Once your 

Nanny has started working 

with you, catch up every week 

to see how things are going. 

This is a great time to praise 

what they’re doing well and 

suggest what you’d like done 

differently. Get them to be 

open too, as they may have 

some great suggestions. 

And top interview 

questions? Paola suggests 

you ask them to describe 

their best and worst jobs and 

what they liked or disliked. 

“Some people may find 

the second question more 

difficult,” she explains, “but 

the manner in which they 

respond can give great 

insights as to their loyalty to 

previous employers.” 

Finally, go with your 

instinct. It’s a very personal 

thing to have someone in 

your home, living with your 

family. You should feel natural 

with that person. 

Read our feature from issue 

one, The Most Amazing 

Nanny, for more hints and 

tips on choosing childcare. 



82

WWW.NINEINTHEMIRROR.COM 

WWW.NINEINTHEMIRROR.COM 

3.1 PHILLIP LIM • ALEXANDER WANG • LANVIN • MARNI • VALENTINO • AND MANY MORE 

3.1 PHILLIP LIM • ALEXANDER WANG • LANVIN • MARNI • VALENTINO • AND MANY MORE

B_Magazine__December_2017

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?