The Best Places to Have a Long WeekendRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 April 2024 The Best Places to Have a Long Weekend From bank holidays to mini-breaks, family travel experts Tiny Travelship, say these are the best places to book… The Dreamy UK Stay Watergate Bay, Cornwall Watergate Bay is the aesthetically pleasing epitome of a stylish family-friendly hotel, where your every parental need is met without any garish colours or overbearing entertainment in sight. When it comes to being parent-friendly AND baby-friendly, Watergate Bay wins all the prizes. Baby monitors are handed to parents upon check-in, which stretch to anywhere in the hotel, allowing parents to enjoy spa treatments during naps and adults-only dinners during bedtime. Decor throughout offers a chic twist on coastal cornish design, and the Kids Zone is no exception. The complimentary kids club (from 6 months – 12 years) is as far away from sticky soft play as it gets – think Scandi wooden toys that wouldn’t look out of place in a design magazine. Book Now The Most Entertaining Stay The Nest Wanderlusting over a safari, but don’t have time (or pockets) to get you there? Enter Lincolnshire’s The Nest. Whilst you may not spot the Big Five, the luxury canvas tents and wealth of (British) wildlife more than deliver on Out of Africa vibes. In a bid to ignite imaginations (with minimal creative thinking from mum or dad, because let’s face our minds are mush at this point), Tiny Travellers are treated to ‘Bush School’ hampers on arrival. Jam packed with outdoor activities (and easy to follow instructions), tots will love bird feeder making, flower pressing and bark-art rubbing, whilst parents rest and recuperate with hot tub talks and cozy campfires. Come bedtime nestle into the White Company dressed beds, or soak in the spectacular scenes from the freestanding bathtubs. This may be a back-to-nature getaway, but there’s no scrimping on creature comforts. Sundowners, seafood platters and outdoor film screenings are all on offer Book Now The One For Seriously Special Occasions Six Senses Douro Valley We might never be able to afford this one. *Maybe if we arrive 8 hours pre check in, stay for one night and then order an airport taxi at 11.59pm. But if you can afford it and want to take your little people, Six Senses promise to pamper guests of all ages. Whilst not overtly child-centric (you won’t find a Kids Club here), it is an exercise in easy elegance for parents; babysitters are available; children under 5 dine for free; cots & highchairs are provided; and (unlike a lot of luxury hotels) waterbabies are allowed in the gorgeous outdoor infinity pool. We’re not sure about you but we definitely parent A LOT better with a glass of wine in hand, and the country’s finest plonk served here does not disappoint. The much lauded spa really does live up to its reputation, meaning the only difficulty mums & dads experience here is saying goodbye to their therapist at the end of the trip. Book now The Place for Fashionable Feasting Puente Romano Just two and a half hours from the UK (followed by a 40 minute drive from the airport), a long weekend at Marbella’s Puente Romano makes a lot of sense. A world away from the Costa del Sol of Brits abroad, well-heeled families flock to Puente Romano for a robust roster of (aesthetically pleasing) activities. Boredom is a feeling never felt at the Kids Club, where endless entertainment includes beach survival skills, candle making and magic shows. With tots taken care of, adults can work up a sweat in the boujee boxing ring, spinning studio or Apple-watch-approved schedule of classes. If you prefer to get your endorphins with a little less exertion that’s totally fine too. Parents can choose to indulge in their own lunch time nap on the sublime sandy beach, or on a treatment bed in the spa. A real name to know for foodies, scattered around the picturesque plaza you’ll find gastronomic heavyweights including Nobu, COYA and Cipriani Book now A City Break That Has it All The one that nails city breaks In our opinion, bank holidays are made for city breaks, and culture vulture jaunts with kids are a lot easier when you have somewhere relaxing to return to every night. Enter Riva Lofts, a collection of seriously fashionable riverside suites in Florence. Allow us a spot of humble bragging on their behalf; the interiors are nothing short of magazine-worthy; the rooms super spacious; and, the home cooked buffet breakfasts are good enough to make a nonna weep. As if that wasn’t enough, Riva Lofts boasts an oasis-esque outdoor swimming pool – a real rarity for city hotels, and the perfect place to cool down after sightseeing Book now The Place to Celeb Spot The Grove Looking for easy to reach escapism? Fast-fix restorative resets don’t come better than The Grove – a mere 20 minute train ride from central London. Sitting pretty on 300 acres of glorious grounds, this stately staycation has all its (rubber) ducks in a row when it comes to accommodating adults in need of downtime, and their energetic offspring. Fine-tuned family facilities include Anoushka’s Kids Club (2+), miniature 4×4 woodland adventures (3+), a Musical Trail through the woods, and not to mention the seasonal pop-up Ralph’s Beach – the perfect spot for swimming, sandcastle sessions and soaking up (let’s hope for more than a sliver of) British sunshine. A home-from home haunt of A-Listers, The Grove knows a thing or two about grown up getaways as well: think insta-famous fine dining, a swanky spa and championship golf course Book now Tiny Travelship’s New Holiday Search Service… The Best Way to Find Your Next Family Holiday Giving Google Maps a serious glow up, Tiny Travelmap is a new service by Tiny Travelship, which features every single recommendation they’ve ever shared on @tinytravelship, allowing their members to explore thousands of visited and verified hotels, hotspots and hangouts around the world. Taking on Tripadvisor, discerning parents no longer have to sift through faceless reviews, as their pins link through to Instagram, and you have the ability to connect with other parents and ask questions, too! And because who doesn’t love a cheeky discount they’re also offering members parental perks each month. Find out more
Reviewed by us: Soho FarmhouseRead More Reviewed by Ally Papasodaro, TMC Wimbledon Host Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 April 2024 Reviewed by us: Soho Farmhouse Reviewed by Ally Papasodaro, TMC Wimbledon Host Pros There’s so much to do. There’s even an on-site cinema, and you can book experiences like clay pigeon shooting and horse riding. The spa houses incredible brands like Cowshed, Face Gym and Skinwork. It’s worth going just to swim in the outside heated pool and have a relaxing time cycling around the farm! There’s a great choice of restaurants, especially Pen Yen, which is Japanese, and the food is delicious. Cons You have to be a member to stay (prices start at £100 a year plus accommodation costs) It can be quite expensive You won’t want to leave What is it? Soho Farmhouse is a members’ club set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, with studio bedrooms and cabins, a pool, spa and gym and has three on-site restaurants serving delicious food. Overall Thoughts “It’s the perfect place to go for a friends’ weekend! The whole vibe is great whether you want a chilled staycation or a picante-filled one. There’s so much to do on-site, whether it’s riding bikes around the resort to one of the great restaurants or taking a dip in the inside-outside heated pool. You can also book extra activities, like horse riding or clay pigeon shooting. The spa has everything from hair to nail services, and it plays host to some incredible brands like Cowshed, Face Gym and Skinwork. And when you’re relaxing back at your room, you can order a little truck that comes to your cabin to make cocktails for you.” Any Downsides? “You have to be a member to book, which isn’t ideal if you don’t live near a Soho House and full membership doesn’t make sense to you. However, there is a membership which only costs £100 a year and enables you to stay at Soho House hotels all around the world. So, it’s not that bad if you’re likely to stay at a few in one year.” My Best Tip: “Grab some nibbles from Blake’s Kitchen, take out one of the little row boats, and have a picnic on the lake.” How to Book… Soho Farmhouse Neighbouring the Cotswolds villages of Chipping Norton and Great Tew, the House has 114 bedrooms and cabins, a Cowshed spa and gym, a Wellness Barn specialising in holistic experiences, and sunken hot tubs in the lake. Plus, there’s a selection of activities to choose from, including horse riding, clay-pigeon shooting and tennis Book a bedroom
A Big Thanks to Our Very Best FriendsRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 April 2024 No Comments on A Big Thanks to Our Very Best Friends A Big Thanks to Our Very Best Friends To our forever hype girls who we couldn’t live without. Thank You for… The Effort Thanks for driving miles to our house, not mentioning the mess or smell, always bringing cake, and washing up your own cup. The Memes Thanks for communicating with us via memes and not being pissed that we haven’t messaged you back in weeks. The Lies Thanks for saying we looked nice when we were wearing a sick-covered sack and hadn’t brushed our hair. The Empathy Thanks for not complaining that we never ask how you are when you call. The Inclusivity Thanks for always inviting us, even though we never actually come. And on the rare occasions we do – not being mad if we leave by 9pm. The Validation Thanks for letting us blabber on about our kids for the duration of dinner and then messaging to say you “had the best time!”. The Understanding Thanks for letting us be MIA. Under the dark circles and our milk-stained clothing, we’re still in there and promise we’ll be back.
What to Wear This WeekRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 April 2024 What to Wear This Week No idea what to wear when you finally make it out? We’ve got you! Cross Over Earrings Mango £17.99 Rib Knit Tube Top H&M £15.99 Strapless Bra Skims £54 501 90’s Jeans Black Levi’s £100 Asymmetric Crossbody Bag Zara £22.99 Leather Slides H&M £49.99 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
TMC Recipe of the Week: Tamarind MargaritaRead More Image and Recipe from www.wineenthusiast.com Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 April 2024 TMC Recipe of the Week: Tamarind Margarita Ingredients 2 ounces silver tequila ¾ ounce Cointreau ¾ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed ½ ounce agave nectar ½ ounce tamarind syrup Lime wedge, for garnish Tajin seasoning, for rim How to make it 1. Sprinkle Tajin seasoning on a small plate. Moisten the rim of a large rocks glass with a slice of lime, then dip the glass in the seasoning to fully coat the rim. 2. Add tequila, tamarind syrup, Cointreau, agave and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to combine, about 30 seconds. 3. Add ice to rimmed glass and pour drink into glass. Garnish with lime and enjoy. Image and Recipe from www.wineenthusiast.com
The Ultimate Guide To Gifting New Mums.Read More While gifting newborn babies can be lovely… they need very little aged 0. The people that really need (and deserve) a treat is the parents. Here are the best gifts… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 10 April 2024 The Ultimate Guide To Gifting New Mums. While gifting newborn babies can be lovely… they need very little aged 0. The people that really need (and deserve) a treat is the parents. Here are the best gifts to send new mums. And yes, a lot of them contain food! 1. Deliveroo Gift Voucher Food is one of the most appreciated gifts received by new parents. Not having to think about what to make because you have a loaded gift card that gives you an excuse to order in, can feel like a little slice of heaven – no exaggeration. Buy Now 2. Not Another Bill Baby Bundle This site combines delicious offerings like champagne and combines it with stylish baby buys. Taking the stress out of finding all the components yourself, you can customise and tailor-make each hamper to suit their style. Buy Now 3. Cóte Breakfast In Bed Breakfast in bed… YES PLEASE! For when heading out for brunch just feels like way too much effort. The baby’s head will be full of croissant crumbs and we’re ok with that. Buy Now 4. Merci Maman Personalised Jewellery Beautiful jewellery that can be personalised with names, initials and dates. A gorgeous keepsake that every mum will love. Buy Now 5. Neom Diffuser The meaning of a diffuser changes once you become a parent. While they’re still the ultimate luxury, they can also help children with a good night’s sleep. Relieving congestion they encourage healthy sleep patterns and boost your mood. It’s a win for all. Buy Now 6. Grape & Fig Medium Cheese Box One of pregnancy down sides, is that you have to stay clear of soft cheese and cured meats. So give the gift that they have longed for for 9 (read 10) hard months. All the cheese (and feel free to add on some wine!). Buy Now 7. Grind Coffee Subscription A three month subscription to coffee might be the best thing you could buy a sleep deprived household. It’ll make those early morning wake ups that bit more bearable. Buy now 8. Beverly Hills Bakery Gift Basket Great to offer guests when they unexpectedly show up. Or for inhaling during the 3am feed. Buy Now 9. Secret Spa At Home Vouchers New mums have very little time for themselves and often forget to remember to book things in. Give her the excuse she needs and treat her to an at home massage, or a blow dry. Something just for her, that she can enjoy in those first few months. Buy Now 10. Chelsea Peers Pink Modal PJs We lived in PJs for the first few months (we still do). A new pair is always welcome and these are incredibly comfortable aswell as stylish. Buy Now All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
All the Questions You Might Have About Kids TeethRead More Dr Mira Morcos is a part-time dentist, entrepreneur, mum of two toddlers, and Founder of Baby Boosa. Dr Mira hosts regular Q&A sessions tailored for parents, focused on oral hygiene… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 9 April 2024 All the Questions You Might Have About Kids Teeth Like how the hell you get toddlers to brush them… TMC Expert: Dr Mira Morcos Dr Mira Morcos is a part-time dentist, entrepreneur, mum of two toddlers, and Founder of Baby Boosa.Dr Mira hosts regular Q&A sessions tailored for parents, focused on oral hygiene and dental care for little ones and these are the questions she’s asked the most… When Should I Brush My Baby’s Teeth? “Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth makes an appearance. This milestone is typically expected at around 6 months but can be earlier or later (often between 4-12 months). Brush two times a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime.” “This helps establish a good oral hygiene routine early on, which is vital for preventing tooth decay.” We love: Mushie Silicone Finger Toothbrushes as they are soft on your baby’s mouth and make it easier for parents when they’re little. Mushie Silicone Finger Toothbrush How Much Toothpaste to Use and The Best Ones… “Use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for under 3’s (and a pea-sized amount for 3-6-year-olds) with a small head and a soft-bristled toothbrush.” “Use fluoridated toothpaste as fluoride helps to prevent cavities by strengthening the tooth enamel. It also helps in repairing the early stages of tooth decay.” “When picking a toothpaste, ensure it has at least 1000ppm fluoride, the recommended concentration that is safe and effective in helping protect children’s teeth from cavities.” We love: Green People Organic Children’s Toothpaste. Green People Organic Children’s Toothpaste How Do I Brush My Baby’s Teeth? For Babies “Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush in gentle circular motions rather than side to side, ensuring you get to all the surfaces of the teeth.” “The easiest position is to sit on the floor and place your baby on your lap with their head resting against your abdomen. This helps keep their head stable and gives you a good view of your baby’s teeth.” For Toddlers “Stand behind them and let them tilt their head slightly upwards.” “It’s all about creating a calm and positive experience to encourage good oral hygiene habits from a young age.” How Can I Stop My Baby Swallowing Toothpaste? “Teaching a baby or toddler not to swallow toothpaste can be tricky. You can start by demonstrating how you spit out toothpaste.” Then you can try making spitting a fun game, for example, during bath time. A gradual, consistent approach can help teach your child the correct toothbrushing habits. It allows them to get accustomed to the routine playfully and positively, which can lead to better cooperation and, eventually, independent brushing. When Should I Book My Baby’s First Dentist Appointment? “It is recommended that a baby’s first check-up is when their first tooth comes or before their first birthday (whichever is first). This is to help build familiarity, ensure families get the best preventative advice and a healthy start. Don’t panic if your child is over one. It is never too late to start good dental habits. Just arrange an appointment with a dentist as soon as you can.” When Should I Stop Using a Baby Bottle? “It is recommended to phase out the baby bottle at around 12 months if your baby can sit up independently. This is due to the risk of dental decay with prolonged bottle use. Milk contains natural sugars, and the frequent exposure of teeth to any sugar-containing liquids through a bottle can cause decay. Also, the prolonged sucking motion needed for bottle feeding can cause dental misalignment. Transitioning away from the baby bottle can help promote better oral health and development. Starting the shift early can ease the process.” How to Introduce a Cup to My Baby at 6 Months “Using an open cup from the age of 6 months helps encourage the development of mature swallowing patterns and helps to foster hand-eye coordination. As discussed previously, prolonged bottle use can lead to dental decay, so practising early can help ease this transition.” 1. Begin with small amounts of water to minimise spills and make the learning process less daunting. 2. Initially, you may need to help your child by holding the cup for them. Gradually encourage them to hold the cup themselves with your assistance. 3. Offer the open cup at each mealtime to reinforce the new skill. 4. Make sure the learning environment is safe and easy to clean, as spills are part of the learning process (for my fellow ‘Cleanaholics’, consider this the perfect opportunity to embrace the chaos) 5. Every child is different, and mastering the open cup may take time. Be patient and keep the experience positive, praising your baby and yourself along the way! We love: Baby Boosa’s My 1st Cups as they’re easy for babies to hold and made of soft silicone, which is gentle on their gums. Baby Boosa My 1st Cup My Toddler Refuses to Brush Their Teeth “It can be challenging when toddlers resist tooth brushing. Creating positive associations and making toothbrushing fun can improve cooperation. Here are some ideas” 1. Pretend the toothbrush is an animal, like a kangaroo hopping from tooth to tooth or a train travelling along tracks to make brushing a playful adventure. 2. Make it into a game and ask your toddler to recall the foods they had during the day, then pretend to brush away the traces of each food. 3. Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to make toothbrushing a novel experience. 4. Hold their favourite cuddly toy in one hand with a toothbrush and let it ‘brush’ their teeth. We love: Spotlight’s Kid Electric Toothbrushes. If you’re really struggling introducing a new toothbrush can help. These make toddlers feel like adults and bring the fun to brushing. Spotlight Care Kids Monster Electric Toothbrush
Reviewed by us: SymproveRead More Reviewed by: TMC Editor Lydia House Post author By The Mum Club Post date 9 April 2024 Reviewed by us: Symprove Reviewed by: TMC Editor Lydia House Pros It helps rebalance your gut The effects are noticeable It’s good for people who suffer from IBS – C and D It helps regulate bowel movements It helps repair your stomach after illness and antibiotics Cons It can be hard to remember to take it before eating and drinking each morning. It’s expensive It doesn’t taste that good What is it? Symprove is a gut supplement rooted in science and raved about by thousands. It delivers billions of bacteria to your gut in a morning shot. Arriving alive, they work to balance your microbiome and give you a good gut feeling! Symprove’s live bacteria helps stimulate the “good bacteria” you already have. Overall Thoughts… Pre-kids, I had an unstable diet lacking in fibre and a lifestyle that included a lot of boozy late nights and beige food. Probably due to this, I suffered quite frequently from IBS-C issues (constipation). In this stage of my life, I used Symprove a few times to help rebalance my gut and alleviate these issues. After having kids, I’ve experienced the reverse and suffered from IBS-D (diarrhoea), which can be tricky when you have two demanding toddlers, and you need to run to the loo quickly. The kids also love to bring home nursery bugs, resulting in me taking antibiotics on a few occasions in the last few years. Needless to say, my gut and bowel have taken a hit. However, I was a little worried that taking Symprove would worsen the issue because, in my first experience, it had a clear-out effect, and I had quite a few bowel movements. But after reading it could help with both IBS C and D and works to level and balance the gut I was excited to hopefully regain a more regular bowel habit. The Results… Unbelievably, I noticed a difference within a few days and started to see regular stools. Even after a night out, things were much more stable, and my stomach felt more capable of dealing with a margarita fuelled bashing. Many claim to see an improvement in overall health and energy, but I’d find it hard to say if this was true as our children are still tiny. Sleep (or lack thereof) is usually the most significant factor in a better get-up-and-go. Over the last few months, I’ve experienced better energy levels, but it’s also coincided with nights with no wake-ups, and I’ve also improved my diet and lifestyle. So, it’s a hard one to pinpoint. Any Downsides… During the 12-week programme, you take a 70ml shot on an empty stomach each morning before eating or drinking for 10 minutes. I’ve found it hard to remember to take it first thing and reorder my morning schedule, where I drink tea as soon as I wake up. Ten minutes feels like a long time when you’re a caffeine-dependent mum, and often, I completely forget to take it. But now I’ve found a better rhythm and try to take my shot as soon as I get downstairs, and then by the time I’ve sorted out the two children with breakfast and the kettle has boiled, usually ten minutes have passed, and I can drink my tea or coffee. It doesn’t always go according to plan, but I’m getting better at it. The only other downside is the taste but it’s not that bad and you get used to it. You can also get different flavours but i tried these before and found the original the least offensive. Where to Buy it… Symprove Water-Based Gut Supplement With Live and Active Bacteria, Original Flavour
Can’t Mum Without-Emma BrockwellRead More The juggle is real! As we’re all very aware. So what items make your mum-life that bit easier? We spoke to Pelvic Health Physiotherapist @PhysioMumUk to find out her mum… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 9 April 2024 Can’t Mum Without-Emma Brockwell The juggle is real! As we’re all very aware. So what items make your mum-life that bit easier? We spoke to Pelvic Health Physiotherapist @PhysioMumUk to find out her mum must-haves… 1. Most Useful Product For New Mums “I really like the Natal Active breastfeeding bras, they allow you to exercise and breastfeed your baby with ease.” Buy Now 2. Best Book for New Mums “I maybe slightly biased but it would have to be my book ‘Why Did No One Tell Me’ Every woman’s body changes during pregnancy and childbirth but there is so much that can be done to support these changes. Postpartum every woman should be supported to rehabilitate their body inside and out. My book talks you through how best to navigate your body during this exciting, but sometimes overwhelming time.” Buy Now 3. Best App for New Mums “Becoming a new mum is exciting and amazing but it’s also exhausting and overwhelming. It’s really common to find this time stressful. I try to encourage all of the new mums that I work with to take some time for themselves – to de-stress, rest and breathe! I think the calm app is great and can really help you do this – in bite size chunks! It can be a game changer for your physical and mental health to get calm and be mindful.” Buy Now 4. The Product That Helps You Stay Healthy “A great smoothie maker! Throw in your favourite fruits, a ton of veg and some protein – for a smoothie that will give you all the energy and nutrition you need when time is short.” Buy now 5. Best Advice for Improving Your Mental Health “For me, being active or exercising is a mental health tonic! The science shows that being physically active improves our mental health massively- even better if done with a friend.” Book a TMC Walking Club Emma’s Tips for new mums Best Tip for New Mums… “No matter how you birthed baby. And even if you don’t have pelvic floor symptoms. Having a baby means you are more likely to experience pelvic floor symptoms, now or later in life and pelvic floor exercises really can resolve symptoms of urinary incontinence but also prevent them occurring too!” Best Advice for Mums on Improving Physical Health… “Take your time! Don’t run before you can walk. Allow your body time to build up to impact by introducing low impact and strengthening work first. Doing your pelvic floor exercises as soon as you have had baby is essential and if you have any symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction see a pelvic health physiotherapist before progressing to the next stages of your exercise program.”
10 Things New Mums Shouldn’t Worry AboutRead More It’s another of those undeniable truths no one tells you until you’re pregnant: the minute those two blue lines appear you’ll start to experience a low-level anxiety that lasts for… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 April 2024 10 Things New Mums Shouldn’t Worry About It’s another of those undeniable truths no one tells you until you’re pregnant: the minute those two blue lines appear you’ll start to experience a low-level anxiety that lasts for the rest of your parenting life. Becoming a mum can feel totally overwhelming at times, and it’s easy to obsess over the smallest of details. So save some time (and a little piece of your sanity) by checking off the stuff you really don’t need to worry about… Not Knowing What The F* To Do Repeat after us: I WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO. Yep, even if the total sum of your parenting experience thus far was holding your mates’ baby while she went for a wee, or 15 minutes of hide and seek with a mildly bearable four-year-old one Christmas. How will you know when to feed them? What if they are too hot/cold? What if you’re so knackered that you don’t hear them cry in the night? Right now the fact you’ll be allowed to leave the hospital with a tiny human and no previous experience makes zero sense… but trust us when we talk about instinct. Nobody knows your baby better than you do, and you’ll be an amazing mum. Keeping Your House Clean For the first two weeks your house will feel like Euston Station; a constant stream of family and friends all wanting to meet your brand-new bundle of joy and hear you tell birth story for the seventh time that morning. Lovely yes, but also really annoying, especially when you’re knackered and learning how to breastfeed. When you finally get five minutes to yourself spend it showering, sleeping or going to the toilet in peace. Not hoovering, not washing-up, and not putting the bins out. Oh, and send your dirty clothes to your mother-in-law. Not Reading Enough Baby Books Spoiler alert: your baby can’t read, so they don’t have a clue that Gina Ford says they should be sleeping 7pm-7am by 12 weeks old. Nor did they get the memo about being ‘happy’ or ‘contented’. Throw the book in the bin. We mean it. Other People’s Opinions Everyone has one and they won’t hold back, from your well-meaning mum to the old lady in Boots who tells you she doesn’t like the name. The health visitor hates the Sleepyhead, your auntie thinks babies sleep better on their fronts, someone at Baby Sensory doesn’t do dummies; people will be desperate to share what they’d do differently. Save yourself some time and ignore all unsolicited advice. Just smile, nod, and do whatever you think is best. How You Should Feed Your Baby This is a biggie. Nothing divides opinion more than breast Vs bottle, and nothing causes more mum-guilt, heartache or emotional strain. Your baby needs feeding, and as long as you’re not taking them to McDonalds for a happy meal at two weeks old, just how you do that is your decision and yours alone. Make your choice and feel good about it. You’re doing great. Losing the Baby Weight For us, the most effective way of getting past a post-partum body wobble is always this: whenever you feel a negative thought about your bod, pick up your baby. Look at their nose, their tiny hands and feet, their beautiful long eyelashes. You made those. Your body grew them from scratch. Nothing could be more amazing so eat the cake and give yourself a break. Hitting Milestones All babies are different and while it’s good to have a rough idea of where they should be, your baby doesn’t know they should be sitting up at six months. They’ll do it when they’re good and ready, so try not to compare to other kids or waste time worrying about why they aren’t walking yet. It’ll come. Making Friends Parenting is an amazing leveller; you’ll never struggle to start a conversation again. Find your tribe, whether that’s at NCT, a TMC event or even online. Even having one other mum to text during the 3am feed is a huge help… and if you’re really stuck, there are apps that can hook you up with someone to do exactly that. Losing Who You Are Becoming a parent changes your life; drastically at first. But after a while you’ll reach a new normal and find that you’re still you. With a bit of planning, you can party again, go to the gym, or wander around the shops for two hours without a pram. Your ambition’s still there and your career too; you can still feel attractive and be a good friend. Take the time to take care of yourself and you’ll be a better parent because of it, we promise. Changing the Nappy Immediately Now there’s a blue line that doesn’t have to change everything. Completely unnecessary. Unless it’s a poo. Tags 5minuteread, newDesign, Yournaptimeknowhow
Green Juices That Nourish New MumsRead More Smoothies are a great way to stay topped up with essential nutrients. An easy way to drink a shed load of fruit and vegetables while you get on with other… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 April 2024 Green Juices That Nourish New Mums Smoothies are a great way to stay topped up with essential nutrients. An easy way to drink a shed load of fruit and vegetables while you get on with other things. Postnatal Recovery Smoothie Getting the right balance of nutrients will enable your body to heal better and foods such as blueberries, avocado, and maca (all of which are found in this recovery smoothie) all have healing properties. Ingredients: 3 tbsp probiotic yoghurt 200ml coconut water 1 banana 1 avocado (small) Blueberries (a handful or so) ½ tbsp maca powder Method: Pop everything into a blender, whizz together, and enjoy! Milk Boosting Lactation Smoothie Not having enough milk to nourish a child can be a source of fear for nursing mothers, and traditionally oats have been used to ensure there is enough to go round. This smoothie is a great tasting alternative! Ingredients: 1 banana (small) ½ Mango (diced) 1 handful of spinach 200ml Almond Milk 1 tsp spirulina powder Method: Use a blender to blend everything together. Drink. Love it! Energising Smoothie Energy is something we all need. Enjoy this lovely smoothie in the morning and it will help you get through the rest of the day. Ingredients: handful of coconut flesh Handful of Fresh Spinach One Cored Apple 1 tbsp Fresh mint 200ml coconut water Method: Use a blender to mix the coconut meat, spinach, and coconut water until smooth. The Items That Take Out The Effort Whether you keep a pre mix in your freezer or order some pre-mades, these guys make juicing even easier. Green Smoothie Mix M&S £2.75 High Speed Blender Nutribullet £70 Daily Sweet Greens 6 Pack Press London £40.50
Reviewed by us: FaceGym Signature Sculpt FacialRead More Reviewed by: Andi Venardos, Brand Partnerships Assistant Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 April 2024 Reviewed by us: FaceGym Signature Sculpt Facial Reviewed by: Andi Venardos, Brand Partnerships Assistant Pros Leaves skin feeling tighter and more sculpted Reduces puffiness Non-invasive Cons Requires a course of treatments to really see results You can’t use EMS Technology when pregnant It’s expensive What is it? A workout for your face that’s non-invasive and includes the best parts of a traditional facial with cardio movement massage, sculpting and contouring with Gua Sha and lymphatic drainage. Overall Thoughts I love this treatment and genuinely see instant results after having it done. My skin feels tighter, less tired and more sculpted. The biggest takeaway is that you need to consistently do it to see results. I’m not interested in getting Botox or enhancements (just yet), and I found this is a great way to get similar results in a natural, non-invasive way. I’ve had the treatment both with and without EMS technology (as I’m pregnant and cannot use it), and I would say the treatment is definitely more effective with EMS technology as my frown lines weren’t as noticeable and my skin felt firmer and looked more sculpted. Would you recommend it? If you can afford the upkeep of getting it done, I definitely recommend it. Even booking in every 3-6 months is worthwhile as the professional method of facial massage enables you to mirror and mimic the motion at home. You might not see the same results you get from a professional facial especially one that uses EMS, but repeated massage is extremely beneficial to blood flow and will improve your skin tenfold. How to Book… Face Gym Find out more
What to Wear This WeekRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 1 April 2024 What to Wear This Week “A comfy yet stylish outfit that’s great for c-section recovery featuring the best knickers that we’ll be wearing till they are teens!” Kourtney Knit Waistcoat Pretty Lavish £45 Oversized Bomber Jacket H&M £39.99 Dixie Sunglasses Vehla £170 Kourtney Knit Trousers Pretty Lavish £45 Microfibre Full Briefs M&S £12 Round Mini Shoulder Bag Uniqlo £24.90 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
The Best Things to Shop at Zara Kids Right NowRead More Who says babies can’t be cool? Not Zara! Scroll to shop our edit of cool Riviera blues, super soft denim, ruffled two-pieces, and more… Send them off to nursery in… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 28 March 2024 The Best Things to Shop at Zara Kids Right Now Spring is officially here and we are more than ready for it. Get your little ones’ wardrobes ready with our edit of the best bits from Zara. From ruffle-trimmed dungarees for baby girls to Cali-style surfer sweaters for little boys, these pieces will bring joy (and *fingers crossed* some sunshine) to playdates, holidays, family outings and beyond. Newborn and Baby Who says babies can’t be cool? Not Zara! Scroll to shop our edit of cool Riviera blues, super soft denim, ruffled two-pieces, and more… Striped Knit Dungarees Zara £22.99 Denim Effect Quilted Jacket Zara £25.99 Cotton Booties Zara £15.99 Apple Print Sweatshirt Zara £14.99 Embroidered Jumpsuit Zara £22.99 Denim Linen Blend Shirt Zara £16.99 Gingham Bonnet Zara £10.99 Embroidered Romper Zara £25.99 Embroidered Blouse and Briefs Co ord Zara £27.99 Floral and check Bodysuit Zara £14.99 Knit Dungarees Zara £22.99 Striped Bodysuit Zara £14.99 Floral One Piece Suit Zara £18.00 Toddlers Send them off to nursery in the garish garments Grannie gave them. And keep these bits for the weekend. Printed Plush Sweatshirt Zara £14.99 Round Resin Sunglasses Zara £11.99 Leather Jute Loafers Zara £29.99 Quilted Bomber Zara £25.99 Long Waffle Knit Dungarees Zara £22.99 Embroidered Balloon Dress Zara £25.99 Rubberised Sandals Zara £12.99 Sweatshirt with Contrast Collar Zara £16.99 Floral Print Swimsuit Zara £14.99 Lace Trim Dress Zara £29.99 Denim Dungarees Zara £22.99 Printed Sweatshirt Zara £15.99 Striped Bermuda Shorts Zara £9.99 Poplin Top with Bows Zara £15.99 Sweatshirt and Leggings Zara £22.99 Embroidered Blouse Zara £18.99 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
