Bobbaz

I am looking to put in an offer on a 1 bed flat that I'm hoping to let out. I'm just weighing up the options as to to letting it privately or use a lettings agency. If anyone has any helpful advice as to which way to go it would be appreciated.

Don't give in to pressure to this that or the other. If it works for you then go with it I say. I used dummies for my 2 and quite frankly if they're happy then so am I. I did start weaning off it though from 1 yr (if you can around teething!) Personally I think it's only really a problem when you still see 3-4 yr olds stick with them, which can surely only be a means of keeping your kids from talking as opposed to soothing them.

I'm not recommendaing a brand in particular as it depends what you're after. But personally I ended up getting a second one because the height didn't adjust on the 1st which meant I couldn't push it under my table and took up loads of space, it was also a material fabric...not ideal! Someone mentioned headbanging which is pretty common so I'd also avoid a wooden one for that reason and go for something softer and wipe-clean with an adjustable height and reclining seat for when they might nod off while you're faffing in the kitchen. I don't think you need to overboard though at the end of the day, certainly wouldn't spend hundreds!

Does anyone know what various places charge for venue hire (or min numbers/spend) at all? I've got a christening/1st Birthday party coming up and it seems to be too early in the day for anyone to answer the phone (and I can't find the number for the mag?) Thanks.

I also used the keen group, no problem at all... well except for the massively painful contractions! 02076931000.

Depends what out there! I've not come across anything so I thought specifying kung-fu might be somwhat limiting.

I'd love to take my son who is in Reception year to an after school class, especially with the dark, cold nights the park is less and less appealing. Does anyone know of any locally at all?

Peckham Pulse is good. Have a look online for their timetable for Jelly Babies.

I just walked near the top of Goose Green and there's a burst pipe leaking lots of water into the road at the top of Keston Rd, not sure if it might be that causing the problem?

I just can't understand why with todays technology the PO haven't come up with a machine that you pop your parcel on, select type of delivery and pay? Bonkers if you ask me. You can print off and pay for postage online but if it's recorded your still need to get them to stamp the proof of postage...largely pointless.

As always I've left it too late to book a ticket (that works around school time) for the lovely big grotto's in central London but can anyone suggest a good grotto anywhere else in the SE area? Maybe at a local farm or shopping centre?

If you've got a boy, Jazz's Barbers on LL are good, ?9 during the week.

Personally I only buy Huggies, more expensive but they're the only brand with the elasticated bit going all the way round the back which prevent any messy leaks into clothes. If you like pampers though the own brand one seem pretty similar so I'd go down that route.

Most of the hairdressers on Lordship lane do them and are very good and usually give good boys and girls a lollie. Normally around ?9. (except for Willis B which quoted ?26!!!!)

All the above advice is great. 1 thing I would mention though if you are new to travelling with a buggy is to check if any prams are coming off the luggage carousel, if not keep your eyes peeled for an out-sixed baggage area as this is normally where you'll find your pram! I spent ages waiting at the carousel the 1st time this happened to me.

Dells auto's, just off Lordship lane always did a great job on my old Peugot 206. I've always found to be very reasonable, honest and reliable.

I hired one from Kings for the borth of my 1st child and wish I hadn't as it was a bit rubbish, the pads came off and ended up giving me electric shocks - just what you need - more pain during labour! Anyway for the birth of my 2nd child I went out and bought one, I'm glad I did as the early stages of labour weren't overly painful but it was nice to have a bit of non-drug pain relief, then my baby decided to come all of a sudden which didn't leave me any time for extra pain relief and all I had was my TENS machine, trust me the boost button was well used! I'm happy to sell mine if you want it, ?15, you just need to buy fresh sticky pads for it which I think you can get for ?6 from Lloyds chemist on Northcross Rd.

I think someone in the wanted section had lost a silver watch?

185 bus

I forget the name of it sorry but I used a nice mum-to-be cream and oil from Sainsbury's, their own range (might even be called mum to be?). I think it's lavender and vanilla but it's very mildly scented (and nice), wasn't very expensive at all. I totally know what you mean about the cocoa butter ones, way too sweet for me too.

I stuck my sons black-out blind to the frame using those cheap and cheerful sticky velcro rectangles. You can buy them in any stationers and worked really well.

Having recently given birth I'm looking to treat myself and book my Summer Holiday and wondered if anyone can recommend somewhere family friendly? I'm after somewhere in Europe (2-4 hours flight time), with a kids club for a 3 year old and also suitable for a 4/5month baby (a room with a small kitchen/kitchenette would be fab). Ideally a high 4 or 5 star type hotel/accomodation in a small resort but with good restaurants in walking distance would be perfect. Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks for your responses I will keep persevering. At least know I know it's possible at his age. I've tried the rewards method, a good talking to, the bathroom is right next to his bedroom and the landing light is always kept on so he's got no issues on that front. He seems happy enough to agree to going to the bathroom but my biggest problem seems to be that he's such a sound sleeper he doesn't wake up when he needs to go or when he's wet, just gets up in the morning, pops on a new pair of PJ trousers and climbs into my bed! Looks like I've got lots more washing ahead of me in the meantime!

I'm sure I'll get a barage of counter-replies to this but controlled crying really worked for me. Start with a few minutes and work your way up. I genuinely think this is harder for the parents than the baby! Myself and several friends have used this method and if you stick to it have generally found results within 1-2 weeks. Good luck!

It's a tough one as having a baby does cost but there's always ways round things and your lifestyle will change dramatically anyway once the baby arrives. Your number 1 cost without a shadow of doubt are childcare costs, the things you need to factor in are do you have support from your family/friends or are you going to have to pay for a childminder/nursery/nanny? It is possible for you to return to work relatively quickly after the birth maybe on a part-time basis to add a little to your income? Childcare costs will vary dramatically dependent upon the option you go for a Nanny is wonderful but they aren't cheap and you'd have to earn over ?30k I would say to justify this option but childminders/nurseries can cost much less. The forum is fab for buying 2nd hand (or sometimes free) baby items and certainly your lifestyle changing meant for us we saved a fortune in going-out partying costs! I didn't find that 1st year overly expensive in all honesty, it's when you get into school fees, clubs, big presents that the costs start mounting up. The 1st year tends to be your initial lay out for nursery/pram etc and nappies - not too painful. Anyway good luck with starting your new family!