melbourne groover

That sounds fab, will look into it also!

They are great for getting creases out of already pressed garments but not sure you could do a shirt from the washing machine. Think a combination steamer and iron would be better?

I took my 6 year old daughter on a day out to the V and A recently. They have this fab back pack system which you borrow and they have activities to do in different areas. We then went and ogled the jewels (this was satisfying for both of us) and had then bought a postcard making set in the shop for sending postcards about said day out to Grandparents. Perfect day on a number of levels for her, she still talks about it, and I loved it too!

There is an upholsterers on Melbourne Grove.

Fab, thanks for that. Have ordered them!

Not sure if there is a need for gender specific books on this or not? Any top tips on which book to buy? He does seem to respond to a books (on previous issues/development) so thought a good one might help my reluctant trainer! Thanks in advance, Amy

My favourite has been the mountain buggy swift - properly narrow enough to easily get through doorways, onto buses etc, super easy to push/fold up, adjustable handle (literally just push the buttons on the side and adjust the handles - good for when a toddler fancies pushing the buggy also...). It does have a bumper bar that I haven't ever used. The rain cover is great also as it has zips at the front so you can have the front open - this is a Mountain buggy thing. Is a nice simple beastie though, not much to go wrong on it. I am about to sell mine if you want to have a look, it is only 18 months old - I am looking for ?150 . I have been through a few prams but this has been the most London friendly 3 wheeler I have had. Will be v sad to see it go. But even if you don't want to buy mine, feel free to have a look! Amy

I am with the others, a maclaren as you will buy one anyway.... But if you walk a reasonable ammount then something with air filled tyres... I had a Phil and Teds but did not get on with it, then an ABC with a topseat (great for two - but quite enormous) and finally a Mountain buggy swift. The swift has been great, comfy to push, small enough to easily fit through any door, decent basket and simple to fold! It also goes flat so great from any age. Good luck, seems like a momentous decision but bear in mind that hardly anyone manages to get it spot on right from the start. As your needs change so does what suits! Personally, if I did it again I would buy a really good Maclaren (XT or XLR) and a second hand 3 wheeler...

It sounds like you are doing all the right things! To my horror (due to lots of travelling and distruption) my daughter went through a phase of only eating (revolting) jarred porridge when she was not much younger than yours - in the days before all the much nicer squeezy packets... She is now a happy, healthy 6 yr old who eats really well. Hang in there - it does get better....

Not child related but reminds me of a factory visit in Romania where I noticed a woman cleaning fish in the toilet....hmmm needless to say I skipped lunch...

I had my daughter in an Amby hammock virtually from birth. She would not be put down for the first few weeks (obviously not ideal) but within a week of having the hammock was sleeping in good chunks. She was in it until about 7 months, was brilliant for travelling and she had a beautiful rounded head! I would highly recommend them, seemed like a lot to pay but you can resell or get second hand.

Oops posted too fast, but was also going to say, the wow toys cars/trucks/ambulance were great at that age also.

I have a fisher price little people Racin' ramp toy garage that my son has stopped playing with but he loved it at your little boys age? PM if interested, but would like ?7 (it has the two cars and people also).

Another vote for Hisar - they are brilliant with kids. But have always thought Si Mangia would be good also.

I did this with my first child, for the Tavistock. The lady who did the observation was lovely and we have remained in contact. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it!

Another vote for Shot by the Sheriff - He took a lovely shot of my son as a baby. Really sweet (not often you say that about passport shots...) They are in the mews behind Partridges on Northcross. http://www.shotbythesheriff.co.uk/ Give them a ring for an appt.

I think Just Williams do them also...

I think the key is big containers you can put all the plastic toys away in so when they are in bed it doesn't look like you are hanging out in a playgroup!

Those WOW toys are great as well, especially things like the ambulance. No small bits for babies, very robust and still popular!

Am not sure if they are open on a Monday?

There is one in New Cross that is really quick if you go early. Search under NHS walk in clinics New Cross, sorry can't remember the name.

There was a really good thread on this a while back, worth maybe having a look. My advice would also be to try and get to a dermatologist. My son had eczema that started small and was getting out of hand but once we saw a dermatologist it cleared up almost immeadiately. Her advice was get there sooner rather than later as it is much easier to deal with earlier. My experience is the GP was very unwilling to prescribe anything effective, this may not be your experience though. Good luck!

Under 2's are free (the lady at the ticket booth said yesterday)

Some of the VW sharans have built in car seats which we have used before - proper 5 point harness etc. Worth asking maybe?

Cars, lots of cars.... Boats, dinosaurs, a ball. Sainsbury's have stuff discounted at the moment so more bang for your buck so to speak.