Walking down the Southbank - will need to bf 4wk old at some point - any recommendations

[Fidgetsmum]

I'm not very confident feeding in public and hate to feel like I'm watched so want somewhere that feels 'safe'. And my boy's only little so I will definitely have to feed out and about. Argh! Maybe being too brave, but have huge cabin fever and have promised my 3yr old daughter a trip 'into London town'.

We'll be walking anywhere between London Bridge and the London Eye/Aquarium.

Thanks

[Saffron]

Wow that's bold. I was a total mess when Little Saff (now 1 yo) was 4 wks!

Last week I took Little Saff up to Tate Modern. They have a free indoor play area for pre-schoolers. However, the Tate Modern cafe wouldn't be my first choice for bfing. No comfy chairs, and no privacy. Wracking brain to recall a suitable place... Hmmm maybe one of the pubs? There are a lot of more 'touristy' pubs along the SB, so they should be ok with little'uns. And pubs often have some booth-style seating, which would give you some privacy.

When are you going? If you want some company, Little Saff and I might be able to join you. :-)

xx

[cupatea]

You could try starbucks which is a little off the beaten track, down a sidestreet opposite the entrance of the globe theatre. Or there is an 'eat' near the london eye tho it's a bit more public.

[Polly D]

Royal Festival Hall, on the sofas.

[civilservant]

definitely the Royal Festival Hall

on the sofas, or in one of the nooks and corners on other levels where you can be quite private

the place is usually full of parents and small children, especially outside concert times

i used to go there a lot when Junior Civilservant was tiny

[Yorkie]

I'd second RFH, loads of space & busy enough not to feel too noticed. Also cafebar upstairs at the BFI (benugos)is lovely and has good changing facilities. Less family oriented though, I find myself gazing wistfully at young trendy types with no committments... I'd also recommend London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. V family friendly & has a feeding room if you want total privacy.

[zeban]

There's another cafe in the BFI called The Riverfront, really family friendly. My friend said she spent the whole day there with her sister and sisters' baby. They've probably got some decent facilities.

[Belle]

think there is also a baby room at the tate modern.

Saffron - sorry, off topic, hadn't heard of the pre school play area there - is it any good? I go there all the time but usually just let little one loose in the turbine hall.

[ryedalema]

I'd go British Film Institute bar (indoor). It has lovely comfy sofas and it's quite dark (ish) so helps with the dignity side of things. Good luck - having bfed on a ferry to France in the middle of a boy scouts' jamboree I know the value of a modicum of privacy xxx

[Fidgetsmum]

That's fantastic everyone - thanks very much.

We're on our way to the RFH or BFI right now!

[Gussy]

Belle Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> think there is also a baby room at the tate

> modern.

>

> Saffron - sorry, off topic, hadn't heard of the

> pre school play area there - is it any good? I go

> there all the time but usually just let little one

> loose in the turbine hall.

I do the same and didn't realise there was a play area - where about's Saffron?

Oh and good luck with the feeding Fidgetsmum (was gonna suggest Giraffe, but you've gone by now!).

[Fidgetsmum]

Little boy fidget was such a good boy that we nipped to Giraffe and managed to get a booth so would have been private. But in fact, he didn't wake at all whilst there so we wandered out and headed for the RFH as closest. Found very comfy sofa on the main ground floor and had a successful feed. Have discovered that it's better to be in a really busy buzzy area than somewhere quiet. Little boy is not the quietest of feeders, and on the floors above, it was quiet but enough people for it to be a distraction to them.

So anyway. Big thanks for all recommendations and help. I'm knackered but feel SO much better for engaging with the real world. We'll be heading for the BFI next time for some variety.

[civilservant]

very glad that you liked the RFH - it's our favourite stop-over in town

BFI is great too, but feel I must warn you about loo and changing facilities there. These leave a lot to be desired, and always seem to be smelly and/or full of queuing people, even the disabled and baby changing facilities. If anyone needs a loo or a nappy changing on the South Bank, RFH or even the National Theatre is much to be preferred

[JasBecks]

We made a useful discovery today. If anyone is looking for a nice cafe with baby change facilities (very clean) on the Southbank nearer to London Bridge - the cafe at Southwark Cathedral (at the back) is lovely and the cakes are great too!

[Fidgetsmum]

That sounds great too. Might try that next week.