Bumpkin

Quite frankly I think much less of Nick Clegg now for his comments. Not because he didn't agree with Gina Ford's routines which everyone is entitled to do; but that he was "in tears from trying to force his child to conform"! For goodness sake, why couldn't he just read a range of parenting books and take the advice that made sense to him and work it round his child rather than just blind follow something to the letter. I think I would have gone mad if I'd followed her routines to the letter and certainly didn't remotely try to do that, but there are some very sound tips and timings that helped a lot. Doesn't say much for him in my opinion if he can't use his brain to use advice in the way he thinks is best.

I'm also a Gina fan in a 'lite' way - didn't start looking at her routines properly for the first couple of months, but found baby B so much easier to manage if he had enough sleep and fed at regular times. I have had a couple of comments on how lucky I am he goes to bed at a reasonable time and naps well but it didn't happen by accident - took a fair bit of (loving) effort with minimal stress to him thanks to Gina and he is now very flexible and will nap in car / buggy if need be. It's dull and hard work sticking to a routine at times, but I think it's important that babies eat well and sleep enough for their own development / growth / happiness. Don't like talking about his sleeping though - sure to jinx things!! Also aware that not all babies eat / sleep the same, but Gina definitely helped me.

Dr Gupta's on Crystal Palace Road are not offering it to all babies / children. Only those with underlying health problems. Didn't push for the reason on this, but interesting how different surgeries in exactly the same area take different stances.

Hi Claire I haven't flown long haul, but just got back from Lanzarote last night with a v nearly 2 year old. The flight out (both evening flights) was not much fun as he was on our lap and didn't want to be and didn't sleep very well. Flight back much better as we got moved to have spare seat so he sat in the middle of us on his own seat and once he finally fell asleep he stayed quite happily there. Could have been due to us all being more relaxed on way back though. Flew with baby B at 4 months and 1 year and he slept better on both of those as easily fell asleep in my lap and much lighter. Think there are pros and cons to any age - v early on easy as only have milk to worry about and they sleep in the buggy anywhere so you can go out for evenings. However later on they start to enjoy it more so you get different perspecitive. Personally I'd avoid the early weaning stages as unless you're very chilled, easy to get a bit stressed about what to feed them. Enjoy!

Baby B was fantastically loud grunter until around 12 weeks when his insides seemed to sort themselves out - think it's a wind type thing, but even after 3/4 hr winding at 4am, couldn't get it all out. We put him in his own room at 9 weeks and all slept far better.

Thanks Siduhe - I've filled out the form, will see what happens.

Dear Mr Barber I thought I should let you know that my partner was hit in the face by a large branch as he walked on the pavement from the Goose Green roundabout down Grove Vale this morning. It hit him quite hard and just missed his eye - obviously due to the very strong winds, but think the trees need a trim in case anyone gets hurt (said branch is still attached to tree, did not fall off). It was one of the trees on the corner of the park nearest to the petrol station on Grove Vale.

I tried these once and also found they got sweaty and smelly and went straight back to the disposable ones. Shame as would rather use these for eco friendly reasons.

Just found out from our Nanny that adults are now no longer allowed upstairs at soft play due to Health and Safety reasons! Thus he can't let the little ones go upstairs any more as it's not really safe for two 20 month olds to roam up there on their own. Does anyone know anything about this? Seems ridiculous and surely less safe for the kids.

Face wipes in case you can't be bothered to wash your face. Comfy baggy, elasticated trousers. Big pants... Dressing gown - I was in a week and it was quite cold in my room in Kings (although partner could bring this later if need be). Phone charger - if you do have to stay, you can use mobiles on the maternity wards.

Oh my goodness, this brings shudders to me as I remember my whole life at times being consumed by homework / revision / music practice etc. Even after well over 10 years out at work, I still have the odd moments of relief that when I go home, work is over and I can relax and enjoy the evening. Poor kids, hope they get some decent time to get out and socialise with others or just plain enjoy themselves!

We were given some with amusing words on (can't remember now) which were quite useful at night for a few weeks when baby B was majorly into gouging himself in his sleep. Didn't use them for long though as he tended to chew them and they just got soggy. Also, they grow out of the scratching phase relatively quickly. Can't say ours were anything special and they stayed on fine. I'd get a cheap pair and see how they go.

We had baby in with us for first 9 weeks as NCT said it might die if you didn't.. Great for me as easy to feed and Mr B was a star at helping with endless winding at 4am. However, he did get absolutely exhausted after several weeks of this and full time job. My dad came down at 9 weeks and advised putting in own room as we'd all sleep better (70's parents put kids in their own room from birth apparently). He was quite right - all 3 of us slept way better and baby B showed no signs of distress at all at not being in with us.

I'm also in your situation, but as Mr B pointed out, a fairly large part of it was from me turning into bit of control freak at the beginning after baby B born and wanting to take charge. Don't want to turn into nagging partner, but find myself sounding horribly like my mum at times... Got a cleaner though even though can barely afford it - so worth it!

Have you seen the video of The Durell Family and the other acts in the What's On section? http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?6,207297,208660#msg-208660 Its a bit shaky but looks fun!

My understanding is that M&S have halted all new property developments this year while they work on getting normal sales back on track, so this is prob wistful thinking...

What depressing responses! I'm with you Zak - ridiculous queues at almost all times of the day and loads of empty windows. I've got a small baby and have walked away several times because I can't face him waking up and screaming in endless queue. We're far too passive these days; however 2m people marched against the Iraq war and look where that got us. Mr Bumpkin is convinced that the only thing the government takes any notice of is violence and I don't think that's really going to work with post office queues...

Anyone know what was going on in Worlingham road last night - Mr B wandered home late and the whole road was cordoned off with Police saying there was 'an incident with 2 males'...

Get yourselves down here forumites! Mr B & I had a fantastic meal here last night - took advantage of the deal and was very reasonably priced. Had the most amazing asparagus ever tasted - about 4 times thicker than your average measly stalk and chilli sauce went beautifully with it to my slight surprise. Steaks from William Rose were very tasty with a great sauce, only slight complaint was the crumble was bit too hot - otherwise one of best meals had out in ages. Only one other couple in the restaurant though so needs a bit more support... Lovely surroundings though & great service - hope this one stays.

Hi Andrea We've got first baby due in couple of months and would be very interested - finally getting round to buying baby things having just moved into the area. If this is still on offer, please let me know and I can pop round whenever is convenient. Thanks