RenF

Probably the best thing to do is google for local nurseries in your area, then make appointments to go along for a visit to get a feel for the place. Some do have waiting lists, but things change all the time and if you only want part time it might be different. Lots of childminders advertise on here, as well as sites like netmums so again perhaps meet a few and see what you think. There's load of advise out there about child care, but really you will make a decision based on your gut feeling about what's right for your child. You may go into it thinking nursery would be best, then meet a childminder you love or vice versa. I think having a look about first is the best thing to do. Hope that helps!

Good to hear- thanks.

There seemed to be some fun stuff going on at the Horniman this weekend- hat/mask making which might suit your 3 year old, and our 10 month old loves the aquarium downstairs...

Hi all, Think there was a thread elsewhere on the foodbank in Peckham, but just wanted to make people aware that they take baby food as well as other more general groceries. I had some (obviously unused and sealed) baby food that was given to me that I wasn't going to use, so I took it down there today. They were really grateful, and in fact the two women in there picking up food boxes had babies with them so I'm glad I took it down. Link to their website: http://www.pecan.org.uk/our-projects/foodbank

Thanks for the replies all- a few bits to think about for sure, and interesting to hear that she's not the only one who has done or is doing the short/randomn nap thing. I've always been a bit nervous of waking her up from naps, although I know some people find it a really effective way to get a good routine going. I think with nursery starting in three weeks, I might see how that impacts on her and take it from there. Edited to add: Oh, and sods law- she's been asleep for an hour this morning so far, so looks like another change is on its way. Funny thing. :)

Thanks Snowboarder, good to know she isn't the only randomn napper!

Hi snowboarder, thanks, I've done that a couple of times and occasionally manage to get a slightly better routine going, but eventually she just seems to end up exhausted, and I feel like I'm forcing her to do something unnatural. Yes, leaving her when she first stirs does sometimes result in a bit more sleep so maybe I will persevere with that. It's quite strange and I don't really know anyone with babies the same age who nap like she does! I worry a bit about nursery because I just can't see her getting through the day without a complete melt down as I think they'll struggle to let her sleep so often. I'm kind if hoping they might know some magic to help her nap more efficiently!

Yes, sometimes she struggles (ie if teething, as she is now), but 9 times out of 10 she settles after a cuddle.

Thanks Bumpkin- I know the 12 hours at night is brilliant and I'm sure lots of people will think I'm being overly picky... But, it's not that I want her to nap for my sake, more her own. She just seems so tired throughout the day, she struggles to sleep in her Pram unless it's constantly moving and often by the time we've got to an activity or group for her, she's ready to sleep which is a bit frustrating, so we spend a lot of time at home.

I wonder if anyone can help me? Or even reassure me! My daughter is 10 mths old. Day time naps have always been a bit of a mystery to me. Currently she is having three half hour naps per day. But she frequently changes her napping routine, seemingly regardless of what I do! Quite recently she was having two at least hour long naps per day, occasionally having two hours in the afternoon. When she was very wee she would sleep for three hours in the morning and then not the rest of the day! I try not to let her get overtired, and put her down for naps when she is tired, we have a nap time routine, and I've spent days and weeks at home trying all sorts of things to establish better naps (ie this mythical long afternoon nap I hear others speak of!) I genuinely wouldn't be bothered if she didn't nap at all, but she basically struggles to stay awake for more than two hours at a time, and then only has these tiny naps, which really make going anywhere or doing anything quite difficult. She sleeps pretty much 12 hours at night so nothing to complain about there. So- can anyone relate/explain or advise? Or, should I just leave well alone and hope starting nursery at the end of the month sorts it?! Thanks...

Hello, Does anyone have any info about the opening times for the club? Found this post but don't know if any updates? Much appreciated...

Cross posted with you redmare. Sounds like you're on the right track! Keep it up...

Mostly... what Saffron said. And just to add, I experienced this too. In fact I think its really, really common. But you always feel like its just you, and you must be doing something terribly wrong. You're not, you're doing great. Best advice I can give, is try not to get too stressed. For a start this won't help your supply. Find someone whose advice you trust eg NCT breast feeding counsellor, lactation consultant (PM me if you would like a name), la leche league etc. Internet forums are great for support, but I did find that I spent hours desperately trying to find the answers and going round in circles with all the different advice. The same actually goes for health professionals. Almost everyone one I saw told me something different which is why I say find someone you trust and stick with them! Also... trust yourself- you say that your baby is well, content, sleeping ok etc. All good and you should be led by her. For my part, I finally ended up taking domperidone which helped my supply, and I did end up supplementing with formula, but my baby's weight issues were more pronounced than what you describe. Don't beat yourself up if this is a route you decide to take (formula ain't poison after all), but don't feel that it IS a route you have to take, although you may feel some pressure to do so. Hopefully this is just a glitch and your baby will continue to thrive, as it sounds like she's been doing. All the best.

Thank you for this... Shared with a few friends with whom I regularly bemoan the state of my post baby figure (and they theirs). A nice reminder to not let things like that get in the way of making memories with your child. And I too suffer with a husband who never takes pictures. It feels weird and a bit posey to always ask him to take pictures of me, but I'm going to do it a bit more now!

One of the children's centres? I don't know if they take donations but might be worth checking out?

Susie Orbach is quite interesting on this topic, I saw her talk a few years ago about body image and specifically young women. I think her book 'Bodies' might be worth a read. For my own two pence I think that mothers in particular have a huge impact on how a girl sees bodies, and then their own body. As a woman whose own mum had an eating disorder I know this hugely shaped my perception- even though I was not aware of my mum's issue until I was older. I have a daughter now myself and although she's only 9 months old I know that I will have to be careful how I refer to myself in front of her- even off hand comments about jeans not fitting as well, or not "eating that because it's naughty" and so on- they all get stored away for future reference... I'm not saying that mothers "cause" these issues in their daughters - but I think as mothers we need to be aware and careful.

Try church street hotel in Camberwell. http://www.churchstreethotel.com/ My mum stayed there for a few days last year. Fairly reasonably priced and great breakfast apparently. Only downside is Church Street pretty busy and could be a bit noisy...

Hi, Just in case this is someone's much loved rabbit. I found a grey rabbit next to the pedestrian crossing (Barry Road side). Placed him on the railing as you enter the common. We just seem to shed toys from our pram at the moment, so hope someone sees this and can go and pick it up! Ren

Definitely interested in bundles of clothes, and I would think any high street charity shop would take the clothes off you gladly as well. I don't know if there's a women's refuge in the area but they always are really pleased to get donations of clothes for children who come into the shelter with their mums, often without anything at all.

Lost somewhere between Peckham Rye Common and Lordship Lane (via Barry Road and New Cross Road). Our little girl dropped a brightly coloured soft toucan toy with a plastic ring attached from her pram. She loves it, so please let me know if you find it! Thanks

The river cottage one is nice