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Thanks all that's v useful, you've convinced me, ebay here I come!!

Thanks Fushcia really appreciate it, with two others to look after I think it might be worth the investment! - which one did you have and would you recommend it - from my brief internet search it looks like the Fisher Price ones are pretty good.

My 6 week old baby isn't enjoying his bouncy chair as much as my other 2 children did so I was wondering about investing in a baby swing. Was wondering if anyone who has had one can tell me if they found it useful or not? And also which ones are good? There seem to be a great variance on price(as with everything I guess!) Any advice greatly appreciated!

This is a great thread! Have been reading with interest as our 3rd boy was born last week and we were struggling for names. We already have a Jack Freddie and a Billy Francis and decided finally on Rory Frankie for no.3 which has got a mixed reaction from people!

Hi - there is a nearly new pink girls shoe - clarkes, size 6F which has been dropped outside my house - I've left it on the wall in case anyone comes back to look for it but will take it in if it rains/gets dark. I'm no. 29 Crystal Palace Rd.

I go to a great pregnancy yoga class on a Sunday evening at 7pm (used to be Sunday morning at 10.30am but she's just changed it) it's in Blackwater Court off Lordship Lane but not Push Studios - called Bespoke Space I think. It's run by Salome who is really good - here is the website www.stillspaceyoga.co.uk Emma

I can thoroughly recommend Camilla Judge www.willwritingandestateplanning.com she did ours recently and was very friendly, helpful and professional. She comes to your house to discuss the will and find out what you'd like included and then comes back a week later with it drawn up for you to sign - she does evening appointments too so very convenient.

I can thoroughly recommend get Dan n Dance, I go to the adult class and the teacher Danni is excellent. Emma

My son is starting at St John's and St Clements in September - I work 3 days per week and am currently trying to sort out after school care. Just wondering if any other St John's parents who work part time are having the same problem and would possibly be interested in trying to share after school care if we work different days? (I do Mon, Tues and Thurs currently). Please do get in touch if this sounds like it might suit. Emma

Hi PRD - I can't help but can sympathise - I'm having the same problem at the moment as my son is starting school in September. I've phoned lots of childminders too but no luck, I may need to go down the nanny route too - it's really tricky isn't it. Best of luck.

We're looking for a balance bike for our soon to be two year old son - any recommendations on a good one appreciated! Thanks Emma

That's interesting civil servant - glad your little one is mostly enjoying it, that's made me feel better about it so thanks for the reply. I got in touch with Gumboots after school club and they do actually have space (which I was surprised at) so I think I'll get his place reserved anyway at this stage. Luckily St John's have a breakfast club, a bit of a pain if there isn't one I agree - makes quite a late start to the working day.

Thanks Fuschia = that's really useful. Flexible hours isn't an option for either of us unfortunately. I think a childminder might be the best option as although my parents would help out as much as they can in the holidays they live in Devon and there is only so much they can do. We have a parents evening next week so I may bring it up then too. Really appreciate your reply - thank you. Dulwich Mum - I hadn't really considered an au pair but I must admit I'm not hugely keen on the idea of someone living in the house so that puts me off that. Perhaps if i worked full time it would make more sense.

My son is starting at St John's and St Clements school in September. We thought he was starting in January but they've just told us they are only doing a single intake this year. I'm now panicking a little on how to manage the logistical nightmare of childcare around school hours as I work 3 days a week. My two sons are currently in nursery for those three days which is obviously a lot more straight forward. I just wondered if anyone who already has been through this can offer any advice on childcare solutions - there is an after school club at Gumboots but I kind of feel he might be a bit young for that? has anyone else used after school clubs for reception children? did they get on ok? I guess childminder is the other option. I did put a post on here last week in the hope another part time parent with a child starting at the same time might be interested in sharing the after school care but no luck so far. Any pearls of wisdom appreciated! Thanks Emma

Hello - yes I know exactly what it is - we heard it every night too and were very perplexed - eventually we noticed someone banging really loudly on their front door from the inside at the house opposite us (we're no.29). The person bangs a few times then the light goes off, then it comes back on again and the person bangs again. It's very strange. I've never seen anyone go in or out though. It must drive the people next door mad - it's loud enough for us and we live opposite!

I take my son to the one next to the Magnolia pub on Lordship lane, he's great, and has a special seat with a steering wheel - I still generally need to bribe him with the promise of chocolate afterwards though!