snowboarder

We went to see the wind in the willows outdoor performance at brockwell park this afternoon - it was great and 2.25 yr old managed to keep interested the whole time (1hr 10 mins). Would be really good for older children though. It's on all of next week - finishes Sunday I think.

The new area looks/is fab but it has to be said that the definition of space is ODD and confusing...and apart from anything else the fence ploughing across the little water gully looks rubbish! Not keen on impromptu water play at the 1 o clock club - agh was sorting out the baby and realised 2 yr old was DRINKING it!! I really hate to sound moany and kiljoy-ish as I do think it looks fab and it's a really positive thing that so much has been invested in play areas - but something weird has happened (whether it be safety or whatever) with the partition between the private and public area. I'm not all that bothered about there being no railings around the main play bit (but I only have 1 mobile child!) - I like the idea that play areas can be easily accessed and self patrolled. Sorry.

kapaxiana you're probably long sorted/been and gone...but just as warning the lift at London Bridge tube wasn't working yesterday. I had to use the escalators - not so bad when going up but more scary on the way down. I also got a nice community traffic man to help me :-) Did escalators at Bond St too. But my baby was strapped into the pram - I think would be more wary if not.

Thanks for ideas... I've had an ergo in the past...similar to my babyhawk I suppose. Thing is I will literally just wear it at the playground/nursery run - we will get there in the phil and teds (and have to carry it in the rubbish basket) - I just can't see me wrestling 5m old onto my back at goose green whilst bigger one runs off to try and break his neck. So it's basically a carry aid rather than a proper transport solution... Sorry maybe wasn't clear...

I already have 3 slings....but none of them are doing it for me for the 'carrying 5m old around the playground chasing toddler' situations. I have a Close sling - good when he was little but he's a bit big/heavy now and I don't find it the easiest thing to whip on and off and carry round. I have a babyhawk Oh Snap - but I tried it today and he's a bit small for it still, he can't see a thing and it's pretty bulky to cart around in the bottom of the buggy. I also have a babasling - and I'm thinking maybe something like this could be good? We basically traipse round following scooting/running toddler - and carrying the baby is getting harder plus it's not that easy to rescue big one from tricky situations or put him in a swing, etc. I think I need something where baby can see what's going on rather than be clamped to my chest - was looking at some of the ring slings maybe where baby essentially sits on your hip and then tied to you - but are these faffy? Any recommendations ladies?

Umm - super cheap nippers to buy here... Could prob buy and sell on ebay after a week and not lose too much!!

Here My now big 5m old was about to get his eviction notice from my bed (he's actually in a little bednest so not actually next to me all night - but he's outgrowing it)..I thought we might all sleep a bit better as I think we wake him as we come to bed...but after seeing this I'm not so sure again!!

Pretty pregnant - on northcross by the card shop. Not alot in there atm? Jojo comforters are sweet. Good luck!

For BLW Gill Rapely is THE book - there's a cookbook too (cue laughing - recipe one - steamed vegetables...). Tbh worth reading whatever you do - as is v reassuring about not getting too stressed about what they do/don't eat. Like most people we did a mix, sometimes more one than another depending on baby's whim that day (spoonfeed me! Get that spoon away from me! sigh...) For traditional - annabel karmel or Gina Ford? Both have structured meal plans etc and annabel karmel - well - some of the food is dinner party worthy!!

Congratulations Ruth....hope you have a speedy recovery and get outta there asap!! xx

You're not supposed to wash them? I have but admittedly the pattern did start coming off. I find the towelling versions mothercare and John Lewis do much better - wash well and don't leak at all.

Uptime cannot believe you did not consult with me on the buggy issue!! I am always surprised that people are so keen on maclarens as holiday buggys for babies (rather than toddlers) as the sun shade is rubbish. We took our then 8m old to Australia for a month with the baby jogger city mini - best travel buggy ever!

Anna - here - think swimming changing rooms (but nicer!)

Wow. It's like the cot thing - I want to keep my little boy imprisoned by the baby set for as long as I can squeeze him in!! He'll be off in an instant otherwise...so at 2 and a quarter I'm still wedging him in - have to take his shoes off but its fine and there's NO escape so no need for the harness. I'm either a total pushover (probable) or he's just wild (possible) as strict rules or not he'd be slipping off 5 mins into a meal given a chance...

We have rubber floors in our kitchen and bathroom. Choose your colour and finish carefully!! I do like it though - has meant that baby dive from bumbo relatively cushioned and glasses don't always break.... You're welcome to have a look?

Or this? http://www.quicksmartbaby.com/the-original-backpack-stroller/

The quinny zapp I think folds super small. No recline though. All the umbrella fold buggies (maclaren etc) although light are long when folded. 15kg seems to be the standard weight limit in most pushchairs. I am certain I see heavier children all the time in maclarens etc.

Chantelle how did your little one react to the style of restraint on the kiddy pro? I've a feeling mine would NOT be happy...!

Rock rock rocking. The cat. A supermarket trolley (with no baby in). Thought I'd got over it but arrival of number 2 has brought it back with a vengeance. I often catch my older boy looking at me like I'm a complete freak as I rock the double buggy to get the baby to sleep...

Here. We already have pillow. How much are cot bed duvets?

I think we will have this dilemma soon - only our eldest is only 2 but already 14kg. Does anyone have any experience of the seats that adapt for the different stages - eg this one? NO good?

Am I being thick - it doesn't seem ridiculously expensive? ?30? For duvet cover/sheet/pillowcase at cot bed size? You can buy extra plan white sheet/pillowcases I think....

Sounds fab! Would echo what moos said re age group incompatibilities though - have you been to toddler world at Crystal Palace? Was surprised yesterday how brutish even our 2+ yr olds were compared to smaller ones... Coffee would be lovely - even could get the coffee van man who sometimes rocks up outside goose green playground?!?

I have a ridiculous bedtime where I have to get the 2 yr old in bed first before embarking on baby (5m) feed and snuggle session - so baby not asleep until 8ish, 2 yr old hopefully lights out by 7.15 but he bangs around for some time after that. I need to cut his lunchtime nap down...but don't have the energy. Today they both woke at 5. Why do I get the horrible non sleeping children?

Does anyone use this zip up bedding system? Any views - good? Or gimmick?