Undiscovered

Sing and Sign is great and 9 month is a perfect starting age in my opinion. Signing is really useful and leads to a lot less frustration early on in talking, and the music is great too. There are lots of classes and its a really well run set up.

Thanks for all the comments - it's really interesting to see others perspectives. For now I am going to live in denial and deal with it in January. God knows what I am going to do. All I know is that us working mums (actually all mums, apologies) always cope and make it work somehow, some way!

OM - agree entirely. Yep, depressing though it is its true. Core hours 7am-6pm, and lucky if we get that. Always been the case but it kills him being a weekend Dad (but he loves his job too). Fortunately my boss is extremely understanding (I laid out my situation when I was offered the job). However, honestly I do think I need some element of flexibilty to enable me to do my job better. Srisky we must be in the minority on this it seems (I don't know anyone personally other than sms who have sole nursery responsibility). Agree 8-6 is long enough at nursery (they are tired enough after that). I am struggling to have it all it seems....

Thanks for all the responses. I think I am going to struggle from the sounds of it :0(. Definitely want both kids in nursery rather than a nanny for no 2, and not wanting to move nursery as its amazing and v near my house (seconds walk). Never wanted a live in au pair (despite me thinking thats the best fit for our circumstances). I think I am going to have to get a cleaner/housekeeper to "run the house" then just leave on time and work in the evenings. Hubby changing hours isn't an option (he's the only member of his team with a working wife). Honestly, I just need my mummy :0). Thanks all! Now back to enjoying mat leave x

Thanks for all the responses. I think I am going to struggle from the sounds of it :0(. Definitely want both kids in nursery rather than a nanny for no 2, and not wanting to move nursery as its amazing and v near my house (seconds walk). I think I am going to have to get a cleaner/housekeeper to "run the house" then just leave on time and work in the evenings. Hubby changing hours isn't an option (he's the only member of his team with a working wife). Honestly, I just need my mummy :0). Thanks all! Now back to enjoying mat leave x

Yep that's definately one option. I thought about combining to increase the hours, so it's more appealing, but then I know you have a much smaller pool of people to pick from who are willing to manage the house as well as childcare. So a number of people may be a good way to go, thank you. God I wish my mum lived closer :0(

Debated which section to put this in, as not an imminent thing and no recommendations needed, I am just wondering what others do. I am on mat leave with no 2 until Jan when I will return 4 days to my job. In between babies I got a new job internally which puts me in charge of a team and is rather stressful (but I love it). I quickly got pregnant so it was only a temporary concern before I went off again. No 1 is in nursery as will be no 2 from January. This I do not want to change as no 1 loves nursery and has absolutely thrived there, but its 8-6 and so it means I am 9-5 in the city (hubby is great at weekends but average days are 14 hours so is not there during the week). My family are 200 miles away - sniff. So... My ideal scenario went I return to work is for the two girls to attend nursery, and I get someone to help me both around the house and with childcare. But it won't be that much childcare (at least initially) eg picking up from nursery 2 nights a week and putting to bed. Before they did this I would love them to come and clean/wash/iron and maybe do some cooking. Can't imagine it will be more than 12 hours a week, but it could well be variable (eg on bad weeks I may need him/her every night. Does this person exist?? Am I kidding myself? What should I expect to pay? Any other helpful advise? Thanks EDF :0)

Hi I did call and they said the learner pool is at 30C, but the reason I asked on the forum is I've been to a number of 30C pools and they range from boiling to ice cold, so thought it best to ask people who've been recently for their opinion, that's all. Thanks

Can anyone advise how warm the Lerner pool at FHP is at the moment. Usually go to Peckham and don't expect it to be that warm, but my 21 month old usually just wears a happy nappy. Will that be a bit punchy at FHP? Thanks!

Natalie Doula on here didn't "doula" for me but I know her through doing baby massage and she is lovely. have a search on here - loads of recommendations for her.

Another Dan recoommendation. He treated me in the final weeks last time I came on due day (can't credit him fully but it can't have hurt!) and have my first appointment tonight at 36 weeks to start the same process. Also saw Francine for massage and Reflexology who is just lovely too. Good luck!

Fenugreek tea worked wonders for my supply, effects were almost instant. Just get some seeds from Healthmatters. Didn't expect much but honestly really worked. Once it got it going again (I was ill) stopped drinking and it kept going. Good luck!

Sorry I missed you all on Saturday - not sure about others but I am struggling to find 10 minutes with this pregnancy compared to no 1. Would definately be up for meeting up next time if I can make it. Unfortnuately I am pushing mat leave til a few days before D day (and now living in regret!) Hope everyone is keeping well xxx

So to update.... Potty training going great... Combo of nappies, training pants and knickers are going well, and we are hoping to start at nursery in the new year too (could be fun!). Our new issue.... The poor little mite is starting to wake for wees too. We give her milk about an hour before bedtime and ensure she has a big wee before bed (it's part of the routine now) but increasingly she is waking around 10-11pm and signing for the toilet. It's then v stressful to get her back down again as she doesn't settle as easily at this time as at 7pm (she is grizzling herself to sleep as we speak). Any experience, suggestions, help! Should I wake her before she wakes herself and take her to the loo?? God knows! Thanks in advance :0) x

Hi all, Taking my girl in the new year to Jags on a Saturday (think the first one is in 2 weeks time). Can't wait. Just wondering if there's anything I need to take, or is it simply a case of turning up and just seeing what happens? Thanks v much :0)

Any parents with tips for 5 yo girls - Christmas present proving tough this year - thanks!!

I'd highly recommend Sterimar - switched to it 2 years ago when first pregnant, and not looked back. Safe for pregnant women, bfers and babies. Have found it just as effective. Good luck!

Hia, Just wanted to say hi! Im due early March with no 2 and my little one will be 20 months - there seems to be quite a few people in the same boat in this club? Would definately be up for meeting up! UD x

Thanks all that's really helpful - think we will continue with nappies and buy some for Xmas. I am pregnant so have another ?40 from Southwark, but have enough newborn stuff so I may use them to get a few trainer pants - Bright Bots look fabulous. Thanks again!! X

Hi, I have a 17 month old who is doing really well with potty training (all baby led - please no judgements or comments on the age - it's happening without us pushing her I promise!). It's only been no 2s she's been fussed for but now it's definately for wee wees too (to the extent we are currently on holiday and she must be the only 1 year old who insists on getting out of a swimming pool to pee!!) She is in real nappies but we just have birth to potty popper ones, and ideally would like pull ups as it's a real hassle to put them back on etc etc. Any recommendations for type of nappy others have found helpful as I would really like to "keep it real". Also, how many would you think I'd need? I don't expect the process to be quick given her age, I don't want to ignore her either! Thank you in advance for any help

Hi, Thats intesting to know HS. We have a 16 month old who has just had a growth spurt and we are now popping out of the top of our Cybex Aton 0+. We were hoping to get a rear facing next stage, but it won't fit in our ford focus (or it would, but I driver wouldn't!!). We were going to go for the Kiddy seat and have seen two types of reviews - either (1) brilliant, brillant - best by far - much better than 5 points and (2) the same as your post! Think we are probably going to go ahead with the Kiddy and see what happens on a few test drives (the 16 month old is a strong wriggler though so am worried). MID - we went to Peppermint on Northcote Road and they were really helpful. There's also somewhere in Petts Wood I think, but I haven't been. x

Little Rugby - love it!!!! Will investigate - thank you xx

Hia, Are there lots of girls that go to Baby Booters? My daughter is approaching 18 months (quickly - boo!) and is getting more and more boistress by the day. And is obsessed with footballs. Think she is still a bit young but its a great thin to keep in mind! Thanks!

Did you have her weighed on different scales that usual for the check up? Not sure where you go, I know the ones at DMC weight lighter than the ones at the Townley Road clinic (as had a similar experience). If I were you i would get her weighed on the same scales as you did 2 weeks ago, to compare apples and apples, before worrying too much. Give the health visitors a call or just pop in , when I had the same thing they were lovely.

I would avoid velcro for a 19 month old if I were you. My one velco nappy is now completely redundant after the ease of removal was discovered. Would agree on Bungenius though, but I really would go for poppers! My favourite for my 15 month old is the organic ones. http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/194bumgenius_organic_elementals.asp?item=Bumgenius%20Organic%20Single I use Ultra Liners, have tried others but these have been the best for me. I have some fleece ones and poo does tend to just plop off them, but cannot guarantee that :). For slimness some people like flips, but these for me are confined to bedtime with the lovely organic insert rather than the stay dry, as I didnt think the slim stay dries cut it, but others swear by them and they work out really cheap!! http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/SearchResults.asp