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61 Articles

Hello! Watching your child grow in independence and gain the confidence to make her own way in the world is a moment that makes your heart swell with pride, and break a little, all at the same time; you know you’ve done your job well as a parent when, suddenly, you’re needed that little bit less. It’s a feeling that resonates with our M&B family as we put together, this, our final print issue of Mother&Baby and hand over the reins (pun fully intended!) to our wonderful web team at motherandbaby.co.uk. Becoming a mum is the most mind-blowing, awe-inspiring, life-changing adventure any of us will ever have, and it’s been such a great privilege to be part of your own journeys into parenthood. From your inspiring birth stories to bossing…

Fill up! ‘There’s a wealth of evidence to suggest that eating fruit can boost your growing baby’s development,’ says nutritional therapist Hayley Pedrick on page 20. Be prepared ‘Reframing induction as a positive thing you’re doing for all the right reasons can really help remove anxiety as your due date draws nearer,’ says midwife Marie Louise on page 28. Stay strong! ‘Childproof your relationship and navigate your new roles together, to really build on your bond,’ says psychotherapist Joanna Fortune on page 88.…

Common ground Mum-guilt is something we’re all familiar with, but new research* has discovered that British parents feel more guilt than other parents across Europe, with 78 per cent of mums and dads experiencing guilt when it comes to raising their youngsters – on average almost twice a day! The most common cause in the UK is allowing children to have too much screen time, with almost half of parents feeling guilty for letting their tots idle away the hours on their tablets or in front of the TV. Elsewhere in Europe, Irish parents are most likely to feel guilty about not helping their children engage in enough hobbies, while French and Italian parents regret not arranging more play dates with other parents. M&B LOVES Meaningful jewellery Keep your baby…

Louise Pentland Where do I start?

It’s a bittersweet column this month: my last. Due to the extreme pressures of the ever-changing world right now, after this month’s issue Mother&Baby will no longer be available in its print format. But ever the optimist, I hope this is more of a pause than a halt – and, thankfully, its spirit will live on digitally at motherandbaby.co.uk. I began this column when Pearl was a tiny baby and I was finding my feet as a mum of two. Maybe you’re there, too; maybe you have more than two; maybe just the one; or perhaps you’ve just found out there’s one in the tum and you’re so freakin’ excited you’ve ran out and bought every baby mag you can get your hands on – I’ve been there, too! Before…

Louise Pentland
Where do I start?

This month we’re loving… LLAMAS

WOODEN PLAY Teach your baby basic counting and colour skills with the Little Tikes Wooden Critters Llama-Corn Number Puzzle, as he tries to match each piece to the correct slot. Made from sustainable wood, the traditional toy offers a fantasy twist for your youngster’s toy box. Suitable from 12 months. £13, thetoyshop.com In the bag Toddlers love having their very own bag, and he’ll be delighted with the Skip Hop Zoo Llama Backpack. With a roomy main compartment for all his favourite toys, and a front pouch for his snacks, the comfy padded straps can be adjusted to keep it securely on his back. £20, johnlewis.com Llama drama For storytime with a difference, the adorable book Luis Llama and his Lion Drama comes with a snuggly soft llama for your…

This month we’re loving…
LLAMAS

Letter of the month Super-mummy On the right is me, Sarah, Mummy to three-year-old Skyla, pictured here. I’m a nurse working in emergency theatres, and this is me preparing to deliver a beautiful baby by c-section at just gone midnight, alongside my amazing colleagues. I am also 12 weeks pregnant. When I get home, I have my breakfast, and Skyla talks to my bump and tells her baby brother or sister that when they are born they can share her ice pops (but not the ‘lellow’ ones)! Skyla kisses the bump and is such a good girl for her daddy and nanny while I sleep. She can’t wait to be a big sister. SARAH BROWN, ESSEX Sarah wins a Graco Evo pushchair, worth £230! Suitable from birth, and for use…

Better together WHAT A YEAR we’ve had so far! If you’re a new or expectant mum, pregnancy and motherhood may be a completely different experience to the one you’d imagined, so it’s not surprising that a recent survey* has shown that 70 per cent of mums-to-be or mamas of newborns have experienced feelings of loneliness and anxiety just lately. But while it may feel like you’re alone, you’re not! It’s never been more important for us mums to stick together, and there are lots of resources to help. Download the Mush app to meet other mums, see what your local baby groups are doing online, or arrange a garden visit with family or friends. You could even join a Facebook group for mums – we may be just a little…

Chocolate, ice cubes or chillies – whatever your pregnancy craving, the most important thing to remember when it comes to your diet now you’re pregnant is to keep things in balance. And one important element is a well-stocked fruit bowl. There’s a wealth of scientific evidence that enjoying fruit on a daily basis can help your baby’s development – from increasing her brain power to providing her with everything she needs to build a healthy body. And it will also help protect your immune system and prevent dreaded pregnancy constipation – there’s even some suggestion that it can ease labour, too. ‘As a general rule of thumb, it’s good to eat plenty of natural colours, as each represents different antioxidants within a food. And fruit is a particularly great way…

Should I try... PRENATAL YOGA?

IT’S GOOD FOR YOU BOTH Yoga is a lovely way to spend time with your unborn baby, and there are lots of benefits for you to enjoy as a result, too. Staying active helps to keep your body strong and flexible, and research has found that it can also improve sleep, as well as reducing anxiety and stress. YOU’LL MAKE MUM-MATES Making new friends as a mum-to-be can be tough, but attending a yoga class (once lockdown has lifted) is a great opportunity to widen your social circle. Yoga is a less pressured way of connecting with other women experiencing the same things that you are, and an opportunity to potentially pave the way for future play dates, too. IT CAN HELP DURING BIRTH A lot of the skills that…

Should I try...
PRENATAL YOGA?

Bringing on BABY

In an ideal world, your baby will stay safely in the warmth of your womb right up until he’s good and ready, preferably at a nice, neat, on-the-nose 40 weeks. But if we know anything about pregnancy and labour here at Mother&Baby, it’s that things don’t always go to plan. In fact, rarely so! If you’ve been offered an induction due to complications, or because your baby is overdue, chances are you’ll be feeling a little apprehensive, and asking yourself (and anyone else who will listen!) all sorts of questions. Can you still have pain relief ? Will it end in a c-section? Will labour be slower – or fast and furious? The first step in easing your anxiety is knowing that you’re not alone in needing a helping hand…

Bringing on
BABY

WHY MIGHT YOU BE OFFERED AN INDUCTION?

There are lots of reasons your doctor or midwife might offer you an induction. ‘The most common reason is being overdue,’ says Marie. ‘In the UK, we consider a normal length of pregnancy between 37 and 42 weeks. Generally, we would encourage women to have an induction at 41 weeks plus five days.’ Other reasons include your waters breaking and labour not starting, or health issues like raised blood pressure or gestational diabetes. ‘And, sometimes, if your baby is particularly big or small,’ adds Marie.…

INDUCTION MYTHS busted!

MYTH 1: YOU’LL HAVE YOUR BABY ON THE DAY YOU’RE INDUCED ‘This is one of the biggest myths around being induced, and it can cause quite a lot of disappointment!’ says Marie. ‘Women will come in at 8am and think they’ll be at home with their baby by 8pm. But it’s a lengthy process, so bring in your favourite snacks and books.’ MYTH 2: AN INDUCTION IS MORE LIKELY TO END IN A C-SECTION ‘There’s a misconception that if you have an induction you are more likely to need an emergency c-section,’ says Marie. ‘But the majority of women come in because they are overdue. That means their bodies are all ready to give birth and quite often they labour really well.’ MYTH 3: YOU ARE BED BOUND DURING INDUCED…

9 ways to have a positive induction

CREATE YOUR OWN ENDORPHINS Endorphins are another powerful hormone that can help during labour. ‘Endorphins are a natural pain relief,’ says Marie. ‘Oxytocin helps with your contractions, and endorphins work alongside them to relieve the pain. It’s like a hormone cocktail.’ A great way to boost your endorphins is by getting a massage from your birth partner. Massage and touch are really effective during labour,’ adds Marie. ‘ B R I N G H O M E COMFORTS You could be on the antenatal ward for up to 24 hours after the prostaglandins, so create a comforting environment for yourself. ‘Bring your pillow or pillowcase, and some photos. Some mums bring little affirmations on Post-It notes to really empower themselves.’ REST WHEN YOU CAN An induced labour can last a…

9 ways to have a positive induction

‘I took back control, and got the positive birth I wanted’

I was never in doubt as to what kind of birth I wanted with my third baby. My previous birth had been traumatic – I had a rare, high-risk condition called vasa praevia. At 36 weeks, a scan had revealed that fetal blood vessels were running through the membranes covering the cervix. If my waters broke, the vessels were at risk of rupturing, which would have had devastating effects. Thankfully, Milo was born healthy after an emergency c-section, and I felt like the luckiest mum alive. So this time round I was adamant that I wanted a planned c-section. The medical team couldn’t have been more supportive, and the planning for my c-section helped me feel empowered, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still a little anxious.…

‘I took back control, and got the positive birth I wanted’

THREE THINGS I’D TELL MY FRIENDS

Buy a few pairs of big, comfortable knickers! If you have a c-section, you don’t want anything pressing against your scar. The higher-waisted the better – think Bridget Jones! Don’t beat yourself up about the decision you make for your birth – whether that’s the pain relief you choose, deciding to have a VBAC, or opting for a c-section. As long as you and your baby are healthy, that’s all that matters. To help your c-section recovery, move around little and often. Even if it’s just getting up on the hour to stretch – it’ll do your body lots of good.…

Let’s rock! SOME BABIES JUST seem to be drawn to musical toys, and as your little one shakes her maraca, you may well be thinking she was born to be a musician! And you could be right – a recent study* has shown that some children as young as six months can identify the difference between major and minor notes – something that some adults can’t even do. This suggests that your little one could well be a natural-born musician, and you could be raising the next Mozart! 3 of the best… BABY CARRIERS, SLINGS OR BACK CARRIERS Sometimes you want to ditch the bulky buggy and keep your baby close to you. Here are three of our favourite carriers… 1 Enjoy cosy cuddles while having both hands free…

Mother & Baby knows best!

Do you want to know the best way to settle your baby to sleep? Are you searching for cures for morning sickness? And ideas for how to get your toddler to tuck into his dinner fuss-free? Mums have been looking for answers to these questions and more since the beginning of time – and when Mother&Baby first hit the newsstands in 1956, they knew just where to find them! Here, we’ve gathered together parenting advice from our archives, spanning the past 60 years or so. Prepare to nod in agreement… and laugh out loud, too; some things have changed… and an awful lot hasn’t! But one thing remains steadfastly true; since our very first issue, we’ve made it our mission to help M&B mums be the very best they can…

Mother & Baby knows best!

Stay safe IN THE SUN

Your summer may look a little different from the one you originally had planned, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the need to keep your little one safe in the sun, wherever you are. Your own skin requirements are very different to those of your baby because, while you might be fine with a few rounds of factor 20, there’s more to consider for your child. This is mostly down to the delicacy of her skin, as the outer layer is not as thick as your own, meaning it is less able to fight the sun’s rays and is therefore susceptible to damage. It will take 12 months for your baby’s skin to completely mature, so being aware of the steps needed to protect it this summer is hugely…

Stay safe
IN THE SUN

1ROLL WITH IT The rollerball design of the Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator makes applying your chosen sunscreen to your wriggly baby quick and easy. The rollerball controls the flow, while the surrounding sponge rubs it in. £8.99, solarbuddies.co.uk 2 COLOUR IT IN In a handy roll-on format for easy application, Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Care Coloured roll-on 50+ comes in a pink or green formula, to help your tot have a clear view of where she has applied it, and encourage her to make sure she’s ‘coloured in’ her whole arm or leg before rubbing in. Suitable from 12 months. £5.49, superdrug.com 3 SUITS YOU! Made from high-quality soft and stretchy material, the Splash About All In One offers UPF 50+ sun protection for your youngster as she plays.…

Let’s get MESSY!

Keep your child under close supervision at all times. All of these suggestions are intended for a parent and child to play with together. Toddlers learn so much from messy play. While they’re busy squishing and squelching, pouring and pushing, they’re carrying out an endless stream of experiments to find out about their world. And that’s why it keeps them so deeply occupied – give your baby some toy trucks and he’ll be busy for 10 minutes, but give him some trucks and a tray of rice to drive them through and he’ll come up with new ways to play all afternoon. It’s great for his development too: not only will all this working out how to play grow his brain, it’ll also provide him with lots of opportunities to…

Let’s get
MESSY!

More please, MUM!

It’s not until you become the parent of a so-called ‘picky eater’ that you realise that a carrot can become a weapon in a battle of wills. You want your child to eat it, but she doesn’t. And it can feel like there’s nothing you can do to persuade her otherwise. But – good news – you’re entirely wrong! By setting the foundations of healthy, balanced eating with your little one now, right at the very start of your weaning journey, you’ll be able to maximise your chances of fuss-free mealtimes and help forge a love of food for life. Here’s what to do… ENCOURAGE MORE ADVENTUROUS TASTES OK, we’ll confess, picky eating is partly genetic – some children are simply born fussier than others – and studies have shown…

More please,
MUM!

Let’s face it, this summer is one none of us will forget in a hurry! But lockdown living aside, these long, sunny days make up the one and only summer when your youngster is the very age he is right now . By the time next summer comes around in 2021, he’ll have made huge developmental leaps. He’ll do stuff differently and understand new things. His view of the world may well have changed! So grab the moment, and make this summer count. There’s no need to spend lots of money – your child will delight in the simplest of sunny pleasures. And there’s no rush, either: he’ll want to do all these toddler-tested activities again and again. The one thing you will need is a camera: take photos of…

9-15 months old

By the time your baby is nine months old – if she was full-term and is a healthy weight – she is able (theoretically!) to sleep through the night without needing any milk feeds. That means she could nod off to sleep at bedtime and snooze for a good 10.5 to 12 hours. But if your baby isn’t that dream sleeper, don’t worry! ‘Although babies of this age can manage a regular, easy sleep routine, most don’t!’ says Lucy. ‘Sleep can be disrupted in these months by babies going through a developmental milestone, such as beginning to walk, or simply because they haven’t learned how to settle and sleep all by themselves.’ The good news is there are practical steps that you can take to help with all of these…

9-15 months old

• This is a lightweight, blackout cover that fits all standard cots (mattress up to 120 x 60cm). If your baby struggles with daytime naps because her room is too light, this might be the answer. SnoozeShade for Cots, £64.99, snoozeshade.com • This low-voltage, shatterproof lava lamp can be screwed to a surface, so it’s safe for babies. The slowly moving lava blobs mesmerise youngsters, helping to soothe them off to sleep. Neo lava lamp, £79, mathmos. com • Babyproof your home for walking, so your baby can safely spend her days toddling around and her nights sleeping soundly! BabyDan Furniture Straps, £9.50 for four, amazon.co.uk…

When you’re trying to improve your baby’s sleep, it’s important to take it just one step at a time. ‘The first thing that needs to be in place is bedtime and night sleep,’ says Lucy. ‘That’s the longest chunk of sleep your youngster has, so it has the biggest effect on her.’ So, step one is to – patiently – focus on getting a regular, settled bedtime routine, using Lucy’s stay-and-support method, as described last issue, in part four of our sleep series. But, if you missed it, it’s all laid out in Lucy’s book, The Baby Sleep Solution. Step two is to deal with early rising. ‘Early rising is any morning wake-up that happens before 6am,’ says Lucy. ‘If your baby is waking up this early, you have to…

Baby’s First Milk Feed

One boob may work better More than three quarters of mums find that their right breast naturally produces more milk than their left – and this has no relation to whether you’re left- or right-handed. So, you’re not just imagining that one boob is better at this feeding business than the other! Take care of your nipples Providing instant relief and suitable for use on sensitive skin, My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm is 100 per cent naturally derived to soothe and protect sore nipples. Plus, it’s tasteless and odourless, so there’s no need to remove it before feeding your baby. £16.50, myexpertmidwife.com BE PREPARED FOR LEAKS Slim, discreet, and made from super-soft bamboo, these ultra-absorbent, washable breast pads are gentle on your skin and stay at body temperature…

Baby’s

First Milk Feed

SINK OR SWIM Gather a tub of objects and stand together with your toddler next to the paddling pool. Ask her to guess if they’ll float or sink, and then put her in charge of throwing them in to find out. If she’s right, she gets to retrieve the object and put it in her pile, but if she’s wrong, you nab it for your pile – the one with the biggest pile wins! Play it a few times and she’ll enjoy it more and more, as she starts to remember what floats and what sinks – and always wins! NET A PRIZE CATCH Freeze some paper cups filled with water overnight, then throw the ice blocks into the paddling pool. Give your tot a fishing net and she’ll delight…

Q How do I make sure my 18-month-old stays hydrated in hot weather? She doesn’t usually drink much water. ANNA MCCORMICK, DUMFRIES Many parents worry about how much their toddler should drink, and how to ensure they have enough fluid, especially when it is hot outside. The guidelines say that, aged 18 months, a child should be drinking approximately a litre of fluid a day. This is easier said than done when your toddler has suddenly become fussy and started refusing water! If you are still breastfeeding, it may well be that she is getting all the fluid she needs from your breastmilk. During hot weather, you might want to offer smaller top-up feeds in between meals, particularly if she is very active. For those who are not breastfeeding, milk…

THE BIG QUESTION

THE BIG QUESTION SONIA SHUTER is a midwife, health visitor and sleep therapist at Off2Sleep; off2sleep.co.uk PREGNANCY LESLEY GILCHRIST is a midwife and co-founder of maternity skincare brand My Expert Midwife; my expertmidwife.com SLEEPING KATE COHEN is a sleep consultant and offers one-to-one support and online courses for parents at Sleep Time Baby; sleeptimebaby.co.uk BEHAVIOUR CHRISTINA AXTON is MD of charity Multiple Milestones, helping families with twins, triplets, quads and quintuplets; multiplemilestones.co.uk EATING REBECCA STEVENS is a nutritionist, supporting women to eat healthily during pregnancy and postnatally, and providing weaning advice; nourish andnurturenutrition.com…

THE BIG QUESTION

Q I’ve been thinking about delivering the placenta naturally. What do I need to know? HANNAH MATHESON, PORTSMOUTH Delivering the placenta is known as the third stage of labour. If you choose to deliver your placenta naturally, it is important to consider how natural your labour has been, too. The more natural your labour, the better your hormones will work to help you deliver your placenta without assistance. If your uterus contracts effectively you will also be less likely to need any help to prevent bleeding after the birth. No matter where you give birth, your midwife will have drugs available to give you to help stop any bleeding, and these are usually very effective. So, you can plan to deliver your placenta naturally and, then, if your birth becomes…

Q My six-week-old is quite an unsettled sleeper, and grunts and whimpers in her sleep. Is she having nightmares? NANCY HIGARO, BIRMINGHAM Congratulations on your new arrival! Newborn sleep is quite different to established baby sleep and, at this age, your little one is just learning about sleeping in the outside world. It’s quite normal for newborns to make noises in their sleep, as they haven’t yet mastered the challenges of a regular sleep cycle (this can happen from around eight weeks onwards). The key thing to help your daughter through this phase is to set up a great environment for sleep, and try to encourage her to sleep every 60 minutes in the day, to avoid overtiredness. Introduce a nice winddown routine towards bedtime, too, to help her settle…

Q Nappy changes are a nightmare – my six-month-old screams blue murder every time! How can I stop them being such a battle? EMMA CANTER, LOWESTOFT Firstly, it is important to remember this isn’t a battle of wills! Try to see nappy changes as an opportunity for bonding, for example, you could add some baby massage into your routine. If your baby is crying, then he is clearly expressing an emotion. Baby massage may offer some much-needed reassurance and comfort. Another option is distraction. Keeping a basket of items for nappy changes only will offer your baby the opportunity to explore new things while you focus on the task at hand. By keeping these items for this time only, your baby will start to associate nappy changes with enjoyable experiences.…

Q My husband and I love salads. How can we make them appealing to our 20-month-old, so he’ll enjoy them with us? SARAH MARETT, LUTON Encouraging youngsters to eat salads can be tricky, because some of the core items, like lettuce, can be difficult for them to eat. So, try a crunchy lettuce like romaine, and serve the part near the stem, ideally shredded. The texture will help your child feel the lettuce in his mouth and help him to chew it. Ensure you include items you know your child enjoys eating, like tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn, avocado, grated carrot, roasted sweet potato or butternut squash. You can also add in other items that you enjoy eating – such as chicken or different cheeses – and see how your child responds.…

Copycat! WE KNOW THAT babies learn by watching us, but new research has found that your tot loves it when you imitate her, too! In a new study* , researchers played with six-month-old babies in four different ways. The researchers either imitated everything the babies did as a mirror, as a reverse mirror, imitated only the bodily actions of the babies while keeping an immobile face, or responded with a different action when the babies acted. The results revealed that the infants looked and smiled for longer and even tried to approach the adult more during the mirroring of their actions. ‘Imitating young infants seems to be an effective way to catch their interest and bond with them,’ says Gabriela-Alina Sauciuc, the main author of the study. ‘The mothers were…

Our far-flung family holiday

‘Settling for a “safe” holiday just wasn’t our style!’ As my new husband Richard and I sunbathed, I spotted some blonde-haired toddlers playing in the sand. “Maybe one day...” I smiled, picturing us returning as a family. It was 2012 and we were on our honeymoon in Thailand. That vision became a reality last November when we holidayed in Phuket with our two children, plus my brother-in-law’s kids, who were roughly the same age. Richard’s brother moved to Sydney a few years ago, and we were keen for the children to see their cousins – Thailand was a rough halfway point. Planning the trip, I was nervous and excited. The 14-hour flight loomed in my mind, and I collected activity books like mad! Of course, there were lots of unknowns,…

Our far-flung family holiday

Stay hydrated Up your water intake while you and your little one enjoy the warm weather Make things interesting We get it: water can be pretty boring. But, unfortunately, coffee and alcohol don’t score highly in terms of hydration! Instead, mix things up a bit and add some flavour with slices of lemon, strawberries, and even a bit of mint. Or why not try coconut water? Packed with electrolytes and rich in potassium, it’s a refreshing option – and perfect for pretending you’re in the Caribbean… Invest in a good water bottle If you’re anything like us, something new can often help to motivate you, so it’s worth finding a water bottle that you’ll actually want to use. And with so many to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.…

Childproof your RELATIONSHIP

Despite what the title of my book, 15-Minute Parenting, might indicate, we all know that parenting is a 24/7 role! Once we become parents our brains are hardwired to be on constant alert; attending to our children’s needs, worrying if they’re OK, and if we are doing enough for them, all while we try to keep homes, jobs and family life working harmoniously. So it’s little wonder that parenting can impact on our intimate partner relationships. Becoming parents is stressful, even if it’s not your first time or first child. And what happens after birth can set the trajectory for your journey through parenthood, and how you adjust within your relationship to accommodate your new roles. Children should be an important part of your family, but they should never be…

Childproof your
RELATIONSHIP

REDISCOVER PLAY!

TURN CHORES INTO GAMES Housework can be a source of real tension for many parents, especially at the end of a tiring day. So seek out ways to diffuse stress. If one of you washes the dishes while the other dries, introduce a little tongue-in-cheek role play as interviewer and interviewee. Think along the lines of ‘So tell me, Tom, how did you prepare for this role of Cinderella? Had you done much housework previously?’ READ AND SHARE Choose a favourite passage from a book you love, your favourite children’s book from your own childhood, or some poetry, and read to each other, perhaps sharing what you love so much about this particular piece or narrative. KEEP LAUGHING Challenge one another to come up with a different joke each day…

The beauty of this scheme is in its simplicity. Ice-cream shades of pistachio and mint will have you dreaming of summer all year long… Introduce white-washed furniture that calls to mind weather-worn beach huts. Get the look and update an old piece of furniture by painting with two-parts emulsion to one-part water, wiping over with a damp sponge in the direction of the wood grain, before leaving to dry. Sheer coverings at the window will diffuse the light and create a hazy, ethereal space for your little angel; add cleverly concealed blackout blinds for sound snoozing. Smart wall storage will keep the floor space free, adding to the clean, uncluttered look.…

Summer in season

Carrot, courgette & sweetcorn muffins Prep 25 minutes Cook 25–30 minutes Makes 12 muffins INGREDIENTS • 280g self-raising flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 3 eggs • 175ml milk • 65g unsalted butter, melted • 100g Parmesan cheese, grated • 150g courgette, grated • 75g carrot, peeled and grated • 4 tbsp tinned sweetcorn • 2 spring onions, sliced • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme Directions 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cupcake cases. 2 Place the flour, baking powder and eggs in a mixing bowl. Add the milk and butter, then whisk until smooth. Fold in 80g of the Parmesan cheese, along with the remaining ingredients, and mix well. 3 Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases and…

Summer in season

Ice, ice baby WE KNOW YOU DON’T NEED AN EXCUSE for sweet summer clothing for your baby, but we reckon after the last few months, we’re all in need of a little cuteness – and Boden’s spring/summer 20 baby range is certainly that. We love the ice cream and lolly collection, which includes dresses, playsets and this adorable romper. Made from 100 per cent super-soft cotton, there are popper openings for quick nappy changes, as well as adjustable cross-over straps to fit your little one as she grows. From £24, boden.co.uk 3 of the best… SWIMMING PRODUCTS Whether it’s your paddling pool or the beach (eventually!), here’s what to pack for your little splasher… 1 Reduce waste and save money with the new Happy Nappy Splash About Nappy. Made from…

SCREEN The screen on the parent unit is where you can watch footage of your baby. Check whether it’s black and white, or full-colour, and make sure the screen size is adequate. If there are touch-screen controls on the parent unit, check how responsive they are. WIFI If you choose a video monitor with wifi connectivity, make sure your wifi signal is up to the task. For optimum efficiency, the baby unit may need to be placed near your router. PHOTOS Some video monitors allow you to take photographs or record video footage of your sleeping baby. If that’s not a functionality you’ll use, don’t pay extra for it. NIGHT MODE If you want to be able to check on your baby via the monitor at night, as well as…

THIS MONTH’S TESTERS

REBECCA PRESTON 33, from Leeds, is mum to Pippa, seven months ‘I’m looking for a reliable baby monitor with clear audio and video functionality.’ LEIGH PEGGIE 30, from Surrey, is mum to Beau, eight months, and Mila, 20 months ‘I’d like a baby monitor with video features and, ideally, one that also displays room temperature.’ EMMA SHEPPARD 35, from London, is mum to Rory, 12 months ‘I’m looking for a baby monitor that’s easy to operate, with practical functions that I’m actually likely to use.’…

THIS MONTH’S TESTERS

20% OFF ADEN + ANAIS

We’re sure you’ll agree that motherhood is the greatest gift – but it doesn’t come without its challenges. That’s why aden + anais prides itself on creating versatile products that are as useful as they are beautiful. In an array of stunning and unique designs, aden + anais products are the kind you’ll want to keep forever, to remind yourself of those snuggly newborn cuddles, even when your baby is all grown up. Its signature swaddles, sleeping bags and burp cloths are made from 100 per cent cotton muslin, so they are natural, light and breathable; they’ll feel so soft against her delicate skin, and provide the perfect comfort in warm weather. Whether you use your muslin swaddle as a nursing cover, a burp cloth or to wrap your little…

20% OFF ADEN + ANAIS

ONE GRACO NEWBORN ESSENTIALS BUNDLE Suitable from birth, the brand-new Graco Transform seamlessly converts from pramette to pushchair without the need for separate parts. This also means you can fold it down without removing the seat, making it super-easy – and fuss-free. Also included is the Snug Essentials Car Seat – this lightweight infant carrier clips onto the pushchair frame and has a cosy newborn headrest for naps on the go. It also fits onto the SnugRide iSize car-seat base, to make installation easy and accurate. In addition, this fab bundle features the All Ways Soother – with 16 calming motions to comfort your baby, the seat can be removed so you can use it as a rocker anywhere in your home. And for nap times and nights away from…

IF YOU’RE AN ECO MUM… Made from recycled plastic bottles, you can wear the Babymel Georgi Eco as a backpack, shoulder bag or crossbody bag, with the adjustable, padded multi-way strap. The changing bag opens wide and zips closed for security, and you can access those all-important wipes effortlessly, too, with the easy-wipes side pocket. £69,babymel.com IF YOU LIKE TO STAND OUT… Liven up your stroller handlebars with The Bee’s Knees Dalmation Fever changing bag. The interior is well thought out, with all the dividing pockets and pouches you could possibly need for baby essentials, plus a thick, padded changing mat. £79,pinklining.com IF YOU LIKE TO COMPARTMENTALISE… You wouldn’t know the Pacapod Loreto is a changing bag from its suave leather exterior! It’s one for the orderly among us, thanks…

SUPERMARKET buys

Renovation inspiration Looking to refresh your baby’s nursery? As part of her fifth baby collection, TV star Billie Faiers has launched a homeware collection with George at Asda. The new additions include a nursery set featuring cute bunnies, in a stylish neutral colour palette. Prices from £7, asda.com SPEEDY SUPPER If you’re after quick and balanced ideas for midweek mealtimes, Annabel Karmel has got you covered with her award-winning ready-to-go meals. And now there’s a new Yummy Bolognese Pasta Bake for your youngster to try, which makes up two of his five a day and is free from artificial colours and preservatives, as well as being low in salt. Suitable from one year. £2.50, sainsburys. co.uk FRUIT FIX For a healthy and fruity snack that your toddler will love, pack…

SUPERMARKET buys

GOODBYE! FROM TEAM Mother & Baby

‘I still remember the thrill of picking up a copy of M&B when I was first pregnant. It proved a reassuring companion as we waited through those first 12 weeks, until we could share our happy news. Being able to be that ‘friend’ to a multitude of mums as part of the M&B team has been my greatest-ever privilege.’ Karen Warren, Acting Editor ‘I’ve absolutely loved being part of your journey into motherhood – it’s been a huge honour and I hope we have helped you get the most out of every day with your gorgeous bundle of love. Lots and lots of hugs.’ Sally Saunders, Editor ‘It has been a real pleasure to work on such a lovely mag with a wonderful team of women. Everybody has supported each…

GOODBYE! FROM TEAM Mother & Baby

Now I’m a mum, I KNOW…

…MY SECOND PREGNANCY HAS BEEN SO DIFFERENT ELLA MILLS IS A COOKERY AUTHOR, THE FOUNDER OF DELICIOUSLY ELLA (DELICIOUSLYELLA.COM), AND MUM TO SKYE, 11 MONTHS I can’t quite believe how disparate my pregnancies have been, especially after being so close together. With Skye, I knew I was pregnant before I even took a test. I had really oppressive nausea and exhaustion, which started on day seven, and ended on week 14. I had a couple of weeks where I literally couldn’t get out of bed – and I couldn’t even look at a vegetable. This time around I had no idea I was pregnant; I feel great and have had no nausea. It’s strange. …MY DAUGHTER LIKES TO BE IN CONTROL One of our favourite things in lockdown is that…

Now I’m a mum,
I KNOW…

…SKYE HELPS US LIVE IN THE NOW

There’s an amazing presence that babies give you. I think one of the things I’ve found doing Deliciously Ella and our podcast is that everyone I speak to – whether that’s a neuroscientist, a psychologist or a Buddhist monk – believes that the real source of happiness is to be present where you are. And kids are the most unbelievable anchor of that, because that’s always where they are. Skye doesn’t care what happened five minutes ago or what’s happening tomorrow. She keeps us so present, and so in the now.…

…SKYE HELPS US LIVE IN THE NOW

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

And that’s where this Mother&Baby Pushchair Guide comes in. Whether you want a lightweight buggy for nipping into town, a robust set of wheels for off-road adventures, or haven’t got the faintest foggy, we’ve thought of everything you need to know to help you pick your perfect pushchair. Before you buy, start by asking these five essential questions… WHY? Firstly, consider why you need this pushchair – both right now, and in the future. If you’re expecting your first child, a travel system is indispensable if you use the car lots. Otherwise, a single pushchair suitable from birth probably offers everything you need. If you’re hoping to have another baby soon, a convertible is ideal, as you can add another infant car seat, carrycot or pushchair seat if your family…

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

3 THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF…

Is the car seat included? If not, you’ll need to factor in the additional cost. And make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle before you buy – not all car seats fit all models, especially if you drive a car that’s a little older. How much does it weigh? Travel systems can be bulky – check it fits in your car boot, and that it isn’t too heavy to lift up into it! Do you need a carrycot? Some travel systems enable you to attach a carrycot to the pushchair frame for your newborn baby, but these are quickly outgrown. If the seat reclines fully, you might not need this extra bit of kit. Deal or no deal? If you’re likely to be ferrying your baby back and forth between…

So, you’re thinking about a SINGLE?

If you need a pushchair for one, and rarely use a car – or have an iSize car seat, which isn’t travel-system compatible – a single pushchair is the logical choice. It includes the chassis and seat unit from a travel system, but without the added extras of a car seat or carrycot. The key benefit of this type of pushchair is that you can change the seat position, so your baby can face you, or watch the world go by.…

So, you’re thinking about a
SINGLE?

3 THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF…

Can the seat unit face in either direction ? This adds versatility and value for money as your baby grows into an inquisitive toddler. Does it recline fully? Make sure it’s suitable from birth with a lie-flat seat for comfy naps. Is it durable ? Does it feel built to withstand years of daily use? Be sure to offset this against its weight, though – could you carry it up a flight of stairs if necessary? Deal o no deal? Opt fo a single pushchair if practicality is your middle name, and you don’t like paying over the odds fo extras you don’t need.…

So, you’re thinking about a CONVERTIBLE?

A convertible pushchair is brilliant value if you’re hoping to have another baby in the next year or two. It’s the width of a standard single pushchair, so it’s perfect for your firstborn’s needs but, if your family expands, you can add a second car seat, carrycot or pushchair seat as required. And when your eldest outgrows the pushchair stage, it’s easy to convert back to a single pushchair.…

So, you’re thinking about a
CONVERTIBLE?

3 THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF…

Can you customise the seating? Some convertibles have seemingly endless options in terms of seat positions to suit your family’s individual needs and age gaps. Check the seating is easy to adjust. Is it easy to manoeuvre ? Carrying two passengers can make for a heavy and unwieldy ride – test out the weight distribution before you buy. Is the shopping basket accessible ? Make sure you can still make use of under-seat storage with two tots on board, and that the basket is roomy enough for a day’s essentials for both! Deal o no deal? If you’re hoping fo another child son – and plan fo siblings fairly close together in age – a pushchair that’s future-prof fo your family is a sound investment.…

So, you’re thinking about a TANDEM?

If you need a pushchair for two children but don’t fancy squeezing a traditional side-by-side twin buggy through narrow shop doorways, a tandem is the answer. Named after the famous bicycle made for two, tandems are the width of a standard single pushchair, thanks to the clever positioning of seats behind one other. They’re versatile, offering lots of configurations for twins or two children of different ages. Deal o no deal? If you’re always on the go and a mum of multiples – o two children close in age – a tandem makes a fuss-free, grab-and-go choice.…

So, you’re thinking about a
TANDEM?

So, you’re thinking about a STROLLER?

A stroller is a compact single pushchair without all the bells and whistles that you’ll find on more versatile and expensive models. Strollers generally weigh more than lightweight pushchairs, so this probably isn’t the one to pick for travel use – it’s more robust and substantial than that. Think of a stroller as a great-value budget buy – the no-frills of the pushchair world. Deal or no deal? If you already have an all-singing-and-dancing pushchair but now need something really manoeuvrable for quick trips into town with your tot, a stroller is a sound buy.…

So, you’re thinking about a
STROLLER?

So, you’re thinking about a LIGHTWEIGHT?

Whether you need a light and nippy pushchair for your holiday or a spare set of wheels for occasional use when visiting grandparents, a lightweight pushchair is ideal for those times when a heavy travel system or bulky pushchair is impractical. Substantially lighter than standard pushchairs, lightweights are highly portable and very compact – some can even fit into the overhead cabin on an aeroplane. Deal o no deal? If parenthood hasn’t curbed your urge fo adventure, you’ll need the nippiest, zippiest set of wheels, so you and your baby can travel in style.…

So, you’re thinking about a
LIGHTWEIGHT?

So, you’re thinking about an ALL-TERRAIN?

This is the off-roader of the pushchair world. From seascape strolls to woodland walks, an all-terrain pushchair offers your baby a smooth ride over even the most unforgiving of ground, and reduces the likelihood of you getting a wheel wedged in the mud. Most all-terrain pushchairs are three-wheelers to make for really easy manoeuvrability, but four-wheeled options are also available. Deal o no deal? Theoutdoorsgirls’’ pushchair. From stress-busting roaroad runs to heahead-clearingrolls couinntry cou rolls ntrysidyouifventure outside come hail, rain o rshine o, shine,the t set of e wheelswheeyou.…

So, you’re thinking about an
ALL-TERRAIN?

Put it to the TEST

• STEER IT IN A CIRCLE One-handed – and in both directions! This may seem like a pointless exercise, but you’ll thank us the first time you turn a sharp corner while holding your toddler’s hand or nursing a large takeaway coffee! • FOLD IT AND UNFOLD IT And then do it again – with one hand behind your back! You’d be surprised how many pushchair manufacturers claim a one-handed fold. Don’t take their word for it; try it yourself! • CARRY IT UP SOME STAIRS Easy? Now imagine it with a baby in the buggy. Some pushchairs are seriously heavy. Try lifting it in and out of your car boot, and consider whether you could carry it up a flight of stairs unaided. Factor in that a growing toddler…

Put it to the
TEST

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