goldilocks

both my kids' first pair of shoes were size 4.5. I don't think they need shoes at all until they can walk quite confidently - didn't buy them for mine until they could walk across the room and change direction (ie it was likely they'd be walking outside). They both had clarks doodles for their first pair rather than specific cruiser shoes and were fine. In fact 4 weeks after getting her first pair of shoes my daughter switches between sandals, crocs, leather slippers and wellies with apparently no issues in any of them! If you don't have any joy with clarks, I'd recommend Biff in Dulwich village as they have a bigger range with different brands so some may be more suitable.

I don't have an answer to self settling - both my kids have been terrible at this (or I'm very bad at teaching it) but I used to just put my youngest in a wrap sling and carry on with whatever I was doing wtih the toddler. That way she slept as much as she needed (which at that age was loads). Wrap slings are lovely and snuggly and comfy for you to wear (as long as you don't wear too much else in this heat!)

We're with them, have generally found them to be great with the kids

Not sure what the comment 'Goodrich and Heber seem better than Goose Green' are based on really. Ofsted? Personal experience? Historically it was the case, it doesn't seem to be any more. I wouldn't discount the area around the station based on hearsay

Really its about time these rules were updated. Ie surely children should either travel free in London or they should pay fares. I know its all down to which routes are operated by TFL but it seems punative that if you don't live somewhere with a tube station you have to pay, whereas you could travel further by tube (eg from Wimbledon) but it would be free.

Thank you - thats really helpful. I started learning on an upright - but after about 10 years it 'died' which is when my mother chose a digital piano - a technics one - can't remember why my mother chose this over a clavinova at the time but suspect it was because the colour coorindated with the living room furniture!! It did have weighted and touch sensitive keys, but there was just something about it that I never liked - so not sure if I'd have the same issues again. Playing with headphones when the kids are asleep seems to be a definite advantage - as is being able to make them wear them to practice if its exam pieces, although the flip side is not being able to hear them practice! On the other hand - an upright piano would probably look quite nice...

I'm thinking about buying a piano for our house. I used to play but haven't played in almost 20 years. The kids are 1 and 3 and I'd like them to have the option of playing so thought getting a piano earlier would be nice. My parents bought me a digital piano which I always hated, it just never felt the same so I'm thinking of a standard upright piano. Not sure if the lack of headphones is something I'll hugely regret... Does anyone have any advice on pianos with kids and where to buy? Thanks

Thanks - it was tues I was trying to go to and no one had got in touch

And if so, did you attend a class this week?

Thanks - I was thinking about the sat morning class so hopefully that might be a bit more of a mix

I've never been and was wondering if it would be suitable for both my kids who are 2 years 9 months and 9 months, or whether the 2 yr old is too big for it these days? Thanks

I'd avoid pacapod, my zips broke too and I didn't overfil it. Seems like a common problem and customer services don't want to know! Disappointing given the high cost

If so, have you been for the shoot yet? Any comments?

Our Bosch one was great - now have a Siemens one also good. Would recommend one with a separate cutlery drawer as think they're safer with kids plus give more space. Worth checking that the trays can be reconfigured - ie plate holders that can lie flat too as they're more useful. No idea what the ikea one is like comparatively but would check out which reviews

You can however continue to claim it and then pay the tax on it. There was some discussion about this maintaining NI conts if you're not working. I'm not 100% sure what the latest position on this is but worth looking into

I'd go video monitor rather than just audio. We have an audio monitor which was fine for the first year or so, but as he's got older and cries whilst seemingly still asleep it would have made that phase easier - ie we wouldn't disturb him if we knew he wasn't actually awake. Also when they wake up, if you're trying to see if they will settle themselves again it would be nice to be able to see they weren't climbing out of the cot!

Hi everyone, I'm expecting no 2 at the beginning of March, just before my son's 2nd birthday. Would love to meet up with others as not doing NCT this time around and slightly nervous about not having the 'ready made' friends that NCT provides with the same age babies!

We've used First Protection - can't recommend them enough - they were the one area we uncharacteristically did no shopping around for in our house refurb and were the bit we were the most pleased with! They did a great job, on time, were really friendly and great to deal with.

Thanks for all the responses, will check them out

I'd like to go away before the end of the year and was wondering whether anyone had any recommendations for where might be good with a 20m old toddler in November? Many thanks

Baby goldilocks was v similar. He would drink water quite happily from a tommee tippee sippy cup but not milk so i figured he was just confused by me changing the contents. We started off with a nuby beaker from Sainsburys with a soft spout that he would drink a little milk from, but then also switched to the NUK beakers with soft free flow spouts (he's now 18 months and still can't do any beaker with a valve). It took a long time for him to drink a whole feed from a bottle - for a long time he'd have a couple of ounces and make up for it in the evenings (and overnight) but he's fine with his beaker now.

Theres a zoo (farm really) at Crystal Palace. Haven't been as it was closed when we tried - but its open in the afternoons (except Wed). Think the proper opening times are on the web. Easy parking plus can be combined with a trip to see the dinasaurs.

For pear, leave the skin on or its too slippery for them to hold at that age. I was initially a bit worried about the skin but my 6 mo just spat it out once he'd eaten the pear off it. BLW is messy, but good fun. I'm the opposite from you - was v keen on BLW but my son went through a phase of being more keen on being spoon fed. Now we do a mixture with mostly self feeding, but spoon feeding for yoghurt or other messy stuff.

Thanks everyone - will check them out

Would be grateful for recommendations as to which soft play is best for under 1s. My son has just started crawling but can't yet pull himself to standing. I'm fed up of putting things back on shelves and walking round behind him to check he doesn't hurt himself with stuff so thought that soft play would be a nice change. I know there are a few locally so would be interested in any recommendations. Thanks