sanity girl

I am starting to think about potty training my 22 month old, but he is very reluctant to sit on the potty we already have at home (even dressed) I think because he finds it uncomfortable. Does anyone know of any particular makes of potty that are better for boys - he is big for his age and has very chunky thighs! Cheers

I think it depends which bike you are getting. I highly recommend Islabikes. They have info on their website about sizing. www.islabikes.co.uk

Do give the bambino mio liners a try - they are very good

I am using cloth nappies for my second child, now 22 months. I used disposables for the first 2 months and then moved on to cloth, trying quite a few different types. I found that different types worked best at different stages. My favourites overall have been pocket or all-in-one nappies rather than the traditional two parters and I particularly like the Fuzzibunz elite one size pocket nappy and bumgenious organic all-in-one one size. If you want to come and look at the differnt kinds I have you are very welcome - just PM me. I also have a few different pre-loved types I could sell on.

You can get the bambino mio liners from Ocado

JAGS sports club hire out their hall with bouncy castle and games and then separate room with table and chairs for birthday tea. All you have to do is bring the food and drink. Worked brilliantly for my 5 year old's birthday (done jointly with a school friend) - no stress and you don't have to worry about clearing up afterwards.

Sali Hughes' column in the Guardian is great for beauty recommendations. Also her facebook group is amazing https://www.facebook.com/groups/303915806295784/ My one big tip would be to do hot cloth cleansing at the end of the day using a cream cleanser and flannel. Superdrug Vitamin E hot cloth cleanser is nice and not expensive. Also if you use a BB cream that cuts out lots of steps as it combines the job of moisturiser, tinted moisturiser, SPF protection etc. I like the Boots No. 7 one.

I like the Bambino Mio liners - they are quite wide so tend to catch most of the yuk. My 21 month thankfully is finally through that "squidy" phase, but I used to have to resort to holding nappy in the loo/bucket and running shower over it to get rid of poo. So grim, you have my sympathies!

I've never found microfibre inserts very absorbent, and didn't get on well with BG V4 for my boy. I think it was because of the insert rather than the waterproof outer, because I think the BG flips and organics are great. You could try using them with a bamboo insert or booster as Pickle suggests. Also, when you wash, only use a fraction of the recommended amount of detergent. I do a 30 quick was first with no detergent to rinse the nappies, then a 60 degree wash with about a tablespoon of powder bio detergent (daz), and then sometimes an extra rinse if required. I find if you use too much detergent that can make the nappies more leaky. It's definitely worth trying out a few different types to see which works best for your baby. If you want some bamboo boosters I have a few I don't use (like new) that I'd be happy to sell on cheaply.

I reckon she'd be thrilled with a Top Shop voucher. I shopped in there from age 11 onwards. Too old for their stuff now though at 39!

Post them to give away free/for postage costs on Clothnappytree.com, I'm sure you'll find a taker. Or put them on freecycle.

The Alleyns gym class is about ?75 for a term (approx 12 weeks) for the 9.30 class, and ?150 for the 10.30 2 hour class. Plus you have to pay a fee to join the British Gymnastics association.

Go for the smocks!

There are gymnastics classes at Alleyns on a Sunday morning. The class for 3-5 year olds is from 9.30 to 10.30, 5-6/7 year olds 10.30 - 12.30

I would take the synthetic ones to the laundrette and do them in the biggest machine there (if they're not too big). What kind is the wool one?

Garnier BB cream or Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser are good for perking up your face, and definitely agree about the blusher. I also refuse to leave the house without mascara. I have a couple of smock style tops with buttons that I wore non-stop for the first few months - they looked nice with stretchy skinny jeans and were good for breastfeeding. I was planning to pass them on so you are welcome to them if you'd like them. They are White Stuff, size 14, one is a pinky/red check shirt style and the other dark blue with bright pink flower print. I also found the uniqlo jean leggings so comfy and forgiving of my belly - unfortunately I've already passed mine on. Don't spend too much on jeans - I got some lovely Seven ones which were too big for me within months!

My son shakes his head and says "no, no" if I try to sing to him. As if he is already embarrassed by me!

That is so sweet

I'd be up for a weekend park meet. Can't do evenings at the moment. I have a 5 year old girl and a 19 month old boy.

Buggie - you are welcome to come and check out my city mini but I can't lend it as we still use it every day.

I'd get the baby jogger city mini. I've used both a Maclaren Techno XLR and the baby jogger and I far far prefer the baby jogger.

Hever is lovely, would highly recommend. It has a moat, a beautiful big garden with a maze and the castle itself is quite small and nice to look around.

Thanks. I was wondering what had happened as I work in Denmark Hill and heard loads of sirens etc.

Gnocchi are brill - quickest dinner ever when cooked together with frozen veg and then serve with butter and grated cheese. Or slightly longer to cook but still quick is pasta with butter and cheese rather than gnocchi. Or omelette cut into strips and veg. My 18 month old adores the Little Dish chicken and butternut squash pies - hoovers them up. Doesn't like any of the other little dish meals though.

Yes totally! One night's unbroken sleep would be nice too.