Pickle

M has a selection of dolls (provided by grandparents who seem hell bent on getting her to play with girls toys rather than cars... ). She generally seems more interested in the ones that don't do anything, and I prefer them too as it leaves them free to use their imagination more. Generally as long as they have clothes she can take off, and some kind of pretend nappy she seems happy. We've turned off the sounds/sucking/weeing functionality on most of them!

I genuinely believe that the AB's deserve to win. I am feeling nervous, wish I was back in NZ for the game!

I wonder whether that seminar would be better for you to do once you've had your babies? With all baby related stuff I found there to be a huge difference between talking about things in theory, and how it actually works out once you actually have a baby to deal with. For eg. the breastfeeding workshop - all well and good in theory, but a whole different kettle of fish once you've got a screaming baby to attempt to latch on (the dolls at the workshop aren't quite as wriggly!). I don't think I'd need to come along to this (first 2 babies have both been good sleepers, but I am a routine type person so had them both in routines from very early on) - here's hoping #3 cooperates too!

Generally I steer clear of the chardonnay too, much better to down shots of the hard stuff when in pubs with your kids, makes the whole experience way less stressful as a parent ;-) Sorry JimmyMc1311, this is a topic that's been done over and over and over again. There are some pubs that don't welcome children (Clockhouse is one, I'm sure there are others - can't imagine there being many toddlers in Adventure Bar), might be best to stick to those ones if you're doing daytime drinking in the area? Probably best to blame the pubs rather than the parents - but it's sensible business planning on their part to welcome families as it means more money across the bar (and food sales too).

I didn't realise the 1 o'clock club is no longer open every day... is it permanent, or a temporary change? A big shame if it's permanent.

Hi Nbridgeman, and welcome! The market is open on Saturdays, I think the traders start setting up pretty early (8ish) and most are there all day, until around 5pm.

Nabz, I had a footmuff for my cameleon, and used it almost all year round, so it was definitely worth it. You don't need to buy a Bugaboo one though, lots of the generic ones will fit. The cameleon is quite heavy, but unless you're having to fold it constantly to carry upstairs etc you won't notice it. I just used to park mine in the hallway. Good luck! Your pram is the one piece of baby kit that you'll use the most, so it is important to get it right. P x

"I just wonder how you all seem to think the prettiest one is the most expensive one on the market?" I don't see anyone saying that on this thread? I can't help but think it's (to use some of your choice words) the sign of a frustrated, unhappy non-mother that you're even wasting your time looking, let alone commenting, on threads such as this one.

Well said ladies! I'm getting a Bee for #3. Why? Because I think they look nice. Shallow, perhaps, but I don't really care ;-) I had a Bugaboo Cameleon for my 1st baby, it was fantastic and I was gutted to have to sell it and get a double buggy when #2 came along. The Bee came out just a few weeks before I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd, and I was about to buy one, but a positive pregnancy test put those plans on hold. So I'm looking forward to getting my Bee - I have done my research, and it ticks all the boxes for us. I do still like the cameleon, but it's bulky and I need to be able to nip out and about doing the school run so small and lightweight is perfect. I've given up the fight with Zeban and her words of "wisdom" on family room posts covering topics on which she has no first hand experience. Best to ignore and move on to the posts from those with parenting experience.

That's not strictly true though Saffron - the 1 o'clock club was fenced, and still is in it's revamped format. The new play area isn't part of the 1 o'clock club. In terms of facilities for toddlers there's been no real change other than the space being utilised in a different way.

Ha ha, thanks Otta! A couple of months on we have enjoyed many trips to the un-fenced play area (now that the kids are at school we're not 1 o'clock club users), and the kids love it. The wooden posts/wobbly boards/wooden beams are, in my humble opinion, fantastic at encouraging them to play and use their imaginations. They are pirate ships, princess castles, gymnastics beams... Maybe being brought up in NZ (where most local playgrounds had a swing and if you were lucky, a slide, but lots of grass to run around and have fun on, and not a fence in sight) means I don't expect as much from a playground?

Agree with wipes. With baby #1 I took a supply of cotton wool, which was next to useless when dealing with those first nappies (and trying to then get together the required bowl of water etc. was difficult in the middle of the night). Wipes all the way! I suppose I should start thinking about packing one of these bags too, although still 12ish weeks to go so plenty of time (I hope!).

I doubt it - I think it really just means they can afford to advertise. I'm sure Admin will correct me if I'm wrong, but I would still check for other recommendations before using any of the companies who sponsor the forum.

I would be religious about what you feed him during the day - keep a food diary and see if there's any pattern in terms of what he's eaten and good/bad nights. By 1 neither of my two were waking in the night for food, whether by good luck or good management I'm not sure. Also worth taking a look at his sleep patterns during the day. Does he have a routine? I'm more from the routine school of bringing up kids, which I know isn't for everyone, but I'm a strong believer that it helps. P x

I saw the news item on this last night, and think it's a great app - however they kept showing people standing at bus stops with their smart phones out... surely this isn't sensible? Can't help but think they're easy targets for thieves :(

Hurrah! Thanks Radnrach, I'll PM you :)

Thanks all! If mine doesn't surface, or is tired from it's super-pump antics I will take up the offers!

Ha ha, thanks Fuschia - I didn't realise I'd be needing it back either (and to be honest it's no great drama if it doesn't surface, but figured it was worth a try)

Possibly the most random question ever? It's an Avent electric one, which I gave to a fellow forumite around 2.5 years ago now, and I know since then it's been passed round a number of people. The start of the trail is Saffron - Fuschia, but I'm not sure where it ended up. Do you have it? Are you finished with it? Baby #3 due in a few months time and I'm starting to get prepared, and it would come in useful if it's still out there doing the EDF rounds! It may be that it's long since given up the ghost Thanks, Pippa

I'm after some recommendations for an alarm clock for our kids - they are moving into a shared room and have specifically requested an alarm clock! We don't really need a "sleep training" type clock, as they're pretty good in that respect. What we do want is something with a night light function, an alarm, and (perhaps asking too much) both digital and analogue options. I've had a look at the Gro clock which I know comes highly recommended, but to me it seems a bit babyish and caters more towards teaching kids to stay in bed? Our children are nearly 5 and 3.5. Any suggestions? Thanks.

:)) What a good way to start a sunny Sunday!

Moos, those questions are genuinely representative of the test.

One of the little wooden blocks trolleys? Our son loved his - he played with the blocks a lot, then eventually used the trolley as a walking aide, it was still going strong a couple of years later being used as all sorts of imaginary emergency vehicles.

Such a shame for Wales, they did well to keep their heads up despite the early send off. I truly hope they get a pasting in the final - obviously by NZ :)

I use Tesco every week (used to use Ocado but don't like the fact that everything comes packaged!), and don't really have any problems with them at all. In fact I often find they substitute with more expensive things which is great - yesterday I had ordered a small pack of dishwasher tablets that were on offer (around ?3-?4ish) and they substituted a massive pack worth about ?12 - result! I'm sure both companies would be happy to refund if you give them a call.