R11

It's me who posts for the Refugee Council group and I've PM'd you - the bottles would be great if they're not yet filled with pasta and peas or catching slugs! Thanks for thinking of it, Yak. Always worth contacting me if people have baby equipment to get rid of and would like it to go to a good cause. Sarah

In terms of language courses, ELT in Clapham specialises in part-time courses for au pairs. It's a small school but very friendly and is largely attended by young, European au pairs who all end up making friends and hanging out together. I worked there before I left to have my son and would also recommended it from an academic point of view. Hope that's helpful.

Hi ClareC, I've just tried to PM you to arrange collection from you but the message bounced back because your inbox is full. Is Friday morning 9/9.30 any good? Let me know. Many thanks Sarah

Hello ratty and charlottekb, I would be very happy to take these clothes for the Refugee Council where I volunteer at a mums, bumps and babies group. There are quite a few families with growing baby boys who are in need. We would give them directly to them and certainly make no money from them. I can come and collect them from you but possibly not until next week as I already have a car load of collections I have done this week. Please pm if you would like more information or to organise this. Thanks, Sarah

Officially, I also think yes. A friend of mine recently got baptised in order to become a godparent. However, some vicars will make exceptions or are just not thorough enough to check. I am not baptised but am a godparent twice over although I got slightly special treatment in one case as my dad is a vicar and, rightly or wrongly, that was deemed to be enough!

I have just recommended a beautician on another thread here. She is excellent.

For all beautician stuff I use a fabulous woman called Anna. She lives fairly locally and will come to your house - I'm not sure if she has people to her house too. I've had waxing, pedicures and manicures with her and she does everything to the highest standard. She is also extremely reasonable (?15 for a full pedicure with foot massage and all), flexible with timings, considerate of your needs with babies and children and is generally really lovely. It doesn't make it quite the same relaxing, pampering experience but it is possible to breastfeed and have a pedicure at the same time!! I have no personal connection to her or any gain to make but can't recommend her highly enough. She works independently so you can just call her directly on 07905 509125. Sarah

Recently back from our first holiday with 8 mth old. I had bought a basic swim nappy from Mothercare, some disposable Huggies swim nappies and a UV suit. It wasn't roasting and the pool was unheated and quite chilly so I went for the UV suit every day and found it really good. Not too much of a faff to get on and off, meant only putting suncream on the exposed bits rather than all over and I also thought it kept him a bit warmer for longer (although I have no proof of this). As for the nappies, I did use the disposables quite a lot as they were good although I'm usually a cloth nappy user. I hadn't managed to get a good swim nappy in time before I went and the little Mothercare didn't seem very secure. Didn't have any accidents in either and the disposables dried out in the sun in between swims so sometimes got a couple of uses. Swimming in general was a big hit - have fun!

A good tip for sweet potato is just to bake it in the oven. No need to wash, peel, chop, steam etc. etc. Just put it straight in for 45 mins/1 hr and when it's done the skin comes off by itself and the flesh is so soft you just mush it up with a fork. I never bothered with sieving even in very early stages of weaning (just becuase I'm a bit lazy!). I did use a stick blender too for other things but it wasn't a very good one, always left things a bit lumpy and has since broken! Now we're a bit further on I haven't replaced it so am just using a masher or fork and my baby is already used to lumps and doing well with the finger food/BLW stuff too.

I also agree with the last two posts. I was clueless about all the antenatal services and initially, like you, was anxious that I didn't hear from the midwives until I was 13 weeks other than having my scan booked. I then had my first appointment cancelled as my midwife had a birth but, as the others said, you later appreciate their need to prioritise. From my first appointment with my midwife, who I had direct contact with, the service I received was absolutely fantastic throughout and particularly for the birth. My baby is now 8 months and I am so thankful that I was with DMC and the Lanes.

Hi marscapone and bli, Sarah here. I'm helping out with Bea and can come and collect both bouncy chairs. I'll pm you both to try and sort out a time. Happy to collect any other donations offered too.

I too would recommend Dulwich Medical Centre with the Lanes midwives attached. Have just had first baby 3 weeks ago with them and received the most fantastic care, very similar to that you described at your Lambeth practice. We saw one midwife throughout the whole pregnancy, had excellent care for the birth which we chose to do in hospital but had the option to stay at home with them for a home birth had we wanted, and great follow up visits too. It made the whole thing a really positive experience. I haven't used the GPs much but when I have, I got an appointment on the same day, didn't wait long and got the advice and care I was after from a very nice Dr.

Thanks everyone - that's really helpful.

Expecting first baby in a couple of weeks and wanting to get a material sling for baby carrying out and about from birth and beyond - the type you can tie up in about 6 different positions depending on the size and age of your baby and your preference. I've had a strong recommedation for a Didymos but now seen a lot of other brands, some of which are quite a lot cheaper: Hug-a-bub, Calin Bleu, Earth mums, etc. However they appear to be mostly only available online and not in baby shops so you can't look and touch and try before you buy (although that's a little tricky when you have a large bump and no baby yet!). Does anyone have any advice or experience they could offer or know any shops that do stock these kind of slings to have a look at. Also, if anyone has a second hand one they want to sell. I'm not looking for the structured Baby bjorn type - just a material one. Thanks

still looking - it's not easy!

Morning, Can anyone recommend any small Villas (2 people) / small Boutique hotels / guest houses in Sicily? Looking for somewhere nice and relaxing. Thanks