We’re Having A Baby Shower!

Sheree Murphy talks kids treats
Mum-of-three Sheree Murphy is no stranger to the celebrity world of dieting and looking good. In this interview Sheree talks about kids treats - are they are good thing? When it comes to feeding her own children the actress turned presenter admitted that she worried about the food she gave them. Sheree admits that when it [...]

Mum-of-three Sheree Murphy is no stranger to the celebrity world of dieting and looking good. In this interview Sheree talks about kids treats - are they are good thing? When it comes to feeding her own children the actress turned presenter admitted that she worried about the food she gave them.

Sheree admits that when it comes to buying healthy snacks she finds herself walking the supermarket aisles for alternative kids treats like biscuits.

Latest research suggests that Mums are losing their way in a world of complicated snacks and Sheree, who is married to footballer Harry Kewell told us that she has the same problem.

Sheree, Mum to TJ, Ruby and Matilda told us that she regularly does battle with her son - who doesn’t like fruit.

If her struggles sound familiar then why not have a listen her interview listed below.

What’s On’ in Bristol
Bristol is a city in south west England. It’s England’s sixth most populous city and it has an enchanting history and is steeped in maritime heritage. A lot of money has been ploughed into the region in recent years and the city has been transformed with new shopping areas including a Harvey Nichols. There’s plenty for tourists [...]

Bristol is a city in south west England. It’s England’s sixth most populous city and it has an enchanting history and is steeped in maritime heritage.

A lot of money has been ploughed into the region in recent years and the city has been transformed with new shopping areas including a Harvey Nichols.

There’s plenty for tourists to do and Kate Conway, mum of Izzy, 9, Daisy, 4, and Connie 8 months told us what she does with her family in the area.

So, Tell us about Bristol.

There’s an awful lot going on in Bristol. There are lots of parks. There aren’t many cycle routes through the city so we do a lot of walking.

It’s a really friendly place and very kids friendly.

There are loads of big retailers and then they are re-developing the centre of Bristol.

It sounds like a nice place to bring up children?

It’s really well linked. There’s a lot to do in Bristol. There’s a river that runs around it. They’ve done the old railway tracks and they’ve got old industrial warehouses. They’ve got two huge cranes and the cranes are talking to each other - the kids love it. They’ve done some really quirky things.

There are so many places close by too.

You can head out to the Forest of Dean, that’s a great event. Between Bristol and Bath there’s an old railway line that’s been converted so you can cycle. I do a lot of walking and within 10 minutes there’s a city farm.

Have you visited Bristol Zoo?

I’m quite a fan and I’m actually a member. It’s really good value being a member of Bristol Zoo. Quite often I go on a rainy day because a lot of the exhibit areas are undercover.

Sleep routines for you and baby
Sleep deprivation is one of the most difficult parts of parenthood. For many, it is something they never get used to. Eight hour sleeping patterns no longer exist - for the first few months especially. In this interview we spoke to Sasha Miller, Editor at BabyCentre.co.uk Sasha said “Of all the topics in our baby section, SLEEP is [...]

Sleep deprivation is one of the most difficult parts of parenthood. For many, it is something they never get used to.

Eight hour sleeping patterns no longer exist - for the first few months especially.

In this interview we spoke to Sasha Miller, Editor at BabyCentre.co.uk

Sasha said “Of all the topics in our baby section, SLEEP is the one that gets the most traffic. I think everybody needs a bit of help with baby sleep”.

She also added: “problems start from the beginning because your expectations are to high, in the early days they have to wake up and feed. In the early weeks you have to be prepared to do that.”

To hear some great advice on getting your baby into a good sleep routine, just click on the podcast listed below. Many frequently asked questions about sleep problems are answered within this interview.

Contraception options
Research shows that a quarter of women in the UK are not on the right contraception to suit their lifestyle. A new study commissioned by contraceptive experts Bayer Schering Pharma has found that 47% of women admit that they’ve been unhappy with a contraceptive pill. However less than half have thought to find an alternative. So, [...]

Research shows that a quarter of women in the UK are not on the right contraception to suit their lifestyle. A new study commissioned by contraceptive experts Bayer Schering Pharma has found that 47% of women admit that they’ve been unhappy with a contraceptive pill. However less than half have thought to find an alternative.

So, we asked Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE why women were putting up with contraceptives that weren’t working for them. In this interview she explains all about the pill, coils like the mirena and hormonal injections. To listen to what she had to say and find out what could work for you listen to the Rosemary’s podcast listed below.

However, for more details about family planning why not visit the family planning website at fpa.org.uk

Pregnancy diet and nutrition
In this interview we spoke to food and health writer Christine Bailey about a pregnancy nutrition diet. The mum of twins explained that latest research revealed 29% of new mothers admit they hadn’t changed their diet when they discovered they were pregnant. 5% even admitted to not including calcium in their diet. Plus, find out why [...]

In this interview we spoke to food and health writer Christine Bailey about a pregnancy nutrition diet. The mum of twins explained that latest research revealed 29% of new mothers admit they hadn’t changed their diet when they discovered they were pregnant.

5% even admitted to not including calcium in their diet. Plus, find out why yogurt is such a great easy meal and why it can help with morning sickness.
Christine also told us that many women get varied advice from friends, relatives and health professionals too.

To hear Christine’s interview just listen to the podcast listed below.

These days, it’s not enough to give your baby shower guests good company, hospitality, and food. The most memorable showers include party favors to memorialize the occasion.

Cost Doesn’t Matter

Baby shower favors don’t need to be expensive or extravagant. Simple party favors can be just as special as more costly favors; it really is the thought that counts.

Custom Cookie Baby Shower Favors

Custom baby shower cookies make great baby shower favors. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut rolled cookie dough in “baby” shapes – rocking horses, ducks, teddy bears, baby carriages, onesies, and babies.

Another great custom cookie baby shower favor is a personalized fortune cookie. Guests get ordinary looking fortune cookies, but the messages inside are geared toward a baby shower theme. “We Are So Blessed” is one example of a personalized fortune cookie message.

Custom Candle Baby Shower Favors

Another popular baby shower favor is a personalized tealight candle. Purchase o …

Importance of strong pelvic floor muscles
1 in 5 women don’t know what their pelvic muscles are for and 23% don’t know where they are. The pelvic floor is a large hammock of muscles stretching from side to side across the floor of the pelvis in both men and women. It is an important muscle for women of all ages and can [...]

1 in 5 women don’t know what their pelvic muscles are for and 23% don’t know where they are.

The pelvic floor is a large hammock of muscles stretching from side to side across the floor of the pelvis in both men and women. It is an important muscle for women of all ages and can help women during the birth process and afterwards.

In this interview we spoke to Kari Bo who is a world expert in exercise science and physiotherapy.

She said “the pelvic floor supports inner organs and if the muscle is weak it can cause bladder weakness. You may even get injuries to the pelvic floor following a vaginal birth.”

In this podcast below, Kari Bo discusses some of the exercises you can do at home to strengthen these muscles before and after birth. For more information about Kari Bo click on her website corewellness.co.uk

Nanette Newman offers Grandparenting tips!
Most children and adults cherish their grandparents. However, many Mums and Dads accuse the older generation of spoiling the Grand Kids! Surely not? Star of stage and screen Nanette Newman from films like International Velvet, The Stepford Wives and many others has five grandchildren - and she admits to spoiling them all! In this interview Nanette [...]

Most children and adults cherish their grandparents. However, many Mums and Dads accuse the older generation of spoiling the Grand Kids! Surely not?

Star of stage and screen Nanette Newman from films like International Velvet, The Stepford Wives and many others has five grandchildren - and she admits to spoiling them all! In this interview Nanette tells us all about why she’s loving being a grandparent - so much so she’s written a forward for a new book aimed at grandparents called “The Really Useful Grandparents Book”

Nanette said, “I used to think that my Grandparents were mindblowingly old. At the time they must’ve been around 50 or something and I used to think that they were older than God. My Grandmother used to sit by the fire with a cup of tea and knit and make tea cosies and I think the most she ever did with me was occasionally play I-Spy.”

“Today Grandparents I know seem to stay younger longer and become part of their grandchildrens lives.”

Nanette also talks about what being a Granny means to her, plus she has lots of ideas to entertain them too. For such an iconic star from the silver screen Nanette was a delight to interview and was up for some great story telling too which is reflected in this interview. Enjoy!

What’s On in Manchester
Manchester is a large industrial city in the north west of England. The city has been transformed in recent years, primarily due to the bombing by the IRA in 1996. The Printworks and The Triangle have become popular entertainment and shopping areas and The Arndale Centre is the UK’s largest shopping mall. On the outskirts of the [...]

Manchester is a large industrial city in the north west of England. The city has been transformed in recent years, primarily due to the bombing by the IRA in 1996.

The Printworks and The Triangle have become popular entertainment and shopping areas and The Arndale Centre is the UK’s largest shopping mall.

On the outskirts of the city there is also the large Trafford Centre - it looks like a Taj Mahal type structure but it is home to stores including Selfridges.

There is an integrated transport system and trams have been introduced in the city as well, ideal for nipping around the city with the family.

The city is also home to Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs.

Mum-of-two Jo Maxwell lives in Didsbury, Manchester and within this interview she agreed to give us a guided tour of her city. Jo also runs babiesinthecity.co.uk a pocket guide book all about what to do with the family in and around Manchester.

The best baby shower cakes have a personal connection to the new baby and the mother-to-be.

In the past few decades, baby showers have become more common, as families become smaller and as each child receives more individual attention.

Inedible Cakes

Inedible baby shower cakes are made of non-food items that are cleverly assembled to resemble a cake. These cakes are a gift to the mother-to-be and are often made of practical materials that can be used later look after for the baby.

Diaper Baby Shower Cakes

The diaper cake is popular among the inedible baby shower cakes. Roll diapers and place them on end until they completely cover a circle shape on a base. Then roll more diapers to form a second layer, covering a smaller circular area. Decorate the “cake” by tying the layers with ribbon and tying teething rings, rattles, pacifiers, and other baby supplies onto the ribbon.

Edible Cakes

Edible cakes are often made from traditional cake recipes, but they come in ba …

Nanette Newman offers Grandparenting tips!
Most children and adults cherish their grandparents. However, many Mums and Dads accuse the older generation of spoiling the Grand Kids! Surely not? Star of stage and screen Nanette Newman from films like International Velvet, The Stepford Wives and many others has five grandchildren - and she admits to spoiling them all! In this interview Nanette [...]

Most children and adults cherish their grandparents. However, many Mums and Dads accuse the older generation of spoiling the Grand Kids! Surely not?

Star of stage and screen Nanette Newman from films like International Velvet, The Stepford Wives and many others has five grandchildren - and she admits to spoiling them all! In this interview Nanette tells us all about why she’s loving being a grandparent - so much so she’s written a forward for a new book aimed at grandparents called “The Really Useful Grandparents Book”

Nanette said, “I used to think that my Grandparents were mindblowingly old. At the time they must’ve been around 50 or something and I used to think that they were older than God. My Grandmother used to sit by the fire with a cup of tea and knit and make tea cosies and I think the most she ever did with me was occasionally play I-Spy.”

“Today Grandparents I know seem to stay younger longer and become part of their grandchildrens lives.”

Nanette also talks about what being a Granny means to her, plus she has lots of ideas to entertain them too. For such an iconic star from the silver screen Nanette was a delight to interview and was up for some great story telling too which is reflected in this interview. Enjoy!

Best open cups for babies
In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of babies open cups. In this test the Doidy seemed to do the best but a conclusive amount of products we’re highly commended and we’re judged on amongst other things design, packaging, [...]

In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of babies open cups. In this test the Doidy seemed to do the best but a conclusive amount of products we’re highly commended and we’re judged on amongst other things design, packaging, ease of use and price. The main overall winner though for the best of the best award was the doidy better known as the “Doidy Cup”.

She also tells us about other products tested and how they rated including the two handed “China Cup” and “Steady Cup”. To hear the full interview and find out what products to look out for why not listen to her interview listed below.

Alternatively, check out the full results at Sharon’s website tipslimited.com

Pregnancy diet and nutrition
In this interview we spoke to food and health writer Christine Bailey about a pregnancy nutrition diet. The mum of twins explained that latest research revealed 29% of new mothers admit they hadn’t changed their diet when they discovered they were pregnant. 5% even admitted to not including calcium in their diet. Plus, find out why [...]

In this interview we spoke to food and health writer Christine Bailey about a pregnancy nutrition diet. The mum of twins explained that latest research revealed 29% of new mothers admit they hadn’t changed their diet when they discovered they were pregnant.

5% even admitted to not including calcium in their diet. Plus, find out why yogurt is such a great easy meal and why it can help with morning sickness.
Christine also told us that many women get varied advice from friends, relatives and health professionals too.

To hear Christine’s interview just listen to the podcast listed below.

Contraception options
Research shows that a quarter of women in the UK are not on the right contraception to suit their lifestyle. A new study commissioned by contraceptive experts Bayer Schering Pharma has found that 47% of women admit that they’ve been unhappy with a contraceptive pill. However less than half have thought to find an alternative. So, [...]

Research shows that a quarter of women in the UK are not on the right contraception to suit their lifestyle. A new study commissioned by contraceptive experts Bayer Schering Pharma has found that 47% of women admit that they’ve been unhappy with a contraceptive pill. However less than half have thought to find an alternative.

So, we asked Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE why women were putting up with contraceptives that weren’t working for them. In this interview she explains all about the pill, coils like the mirena and hormonal injections. To listen to what she had to say and find out what could work for you listen to the Rosemary’s podcast listed below.

However, for more details about family planning why not visit the family planning website at fpa.org.uk

What’s On’ in Bristol
Bristol is a city in south west England. It’s England’s sixth most populous city and it has an enchanting history and is steeped in maritime heritage. A lot of money has been ploughed into the region in recent years and the city has been transformed with new shopping areas including a Harvey Nichols. There’s plenty for tourists [...]

Bristol is a city in south west England. It’s England’s sixth most populous city and it has an enchanting history and is steeped in maritime heritage.

A lot of money has been ploughed into the region in recent years and the city has been transformed with new shopping areas including a Harvey Nichols.

There’s plenty for tourists to do and Kate Conway, mum of Izzy, 9, Daisy, 4, and Connie 8 months told us what she does with her family in the area.

So, Tell us about Bristol.

There’s an awful lot going on in Bristol. There are lots of parks. There aren’t many cycle routes through the city so we do a lot of walking.

It’s a really friendly place and very kids friendly.

There are loads of big retailers and then they are re-developing the centre of Bristol.

It sounds like a nice place to bring up children?

It’s really well linked. There’s a lot to do in Bristol. There’s a river that runs around it. They’ve done the old railway tracks and they’ve got old industrial warehouses. They’ve got two huge cranes and the cranes are talking to each other - the kids love it. They’ve done some really quirky things.

There are so many places close by too.

You can head out to the Forest of Dean, that’s a great event. Between Bristol and Bath there’s an old railway line that’s been converted so you can cycle. I do a lot of walking and within 10 minutes there’s a city farm.

Have you visited Bristol Zoo?

I’m quite a fan and I’m actually a member. It’s really good value being a member of Bristol Zoo. Quite often I go on a rainy day because a lot of the exhibit areas are undercover.

Opening your home to give a baby shower for a friend or family member is a generous way to reinforce your special relationship with the mother-to-be.

The only drawback of hosting a baby shower is that, as the hostess, you have to decide on ideas for the shower invitations, decorations, refreshments, and games. Here are some tips you can use to come up with great ideas for a baby shower.

Recycled Baby Shower Memories

Some of the most successful baby shower ideas are ideas you recycle from memory.
If you’ve gone to a lot of baby showers, think back on as many of them as you can recall. Which one was your favorite? What did you like about it? Which one was the least favorite, and what was wrong with it?

If you’re a mom, think about the baby showers that were given for you when you were pregnant. Can you remember what the cake looked like? What games you played? Ask an older relative what shower ideas were popular when she had her children. Among all these memories, there a …

Fatherhood with Patrick Houser
In this interview we spoke to Patrick Houser the author of Fathers to be about the role of fatherhood and where the new dad fits into his new family. He tackles the subject of dads feeling left out when a child joins the family, how fatherhood should be embraced as much as motherhood and how new [...]

In this interview we spoke to Patrick Houser the author of Fathers to be about the role of fatherhood and where the new dad fits into his new family.

He tackles the subject of dads feeling left out when a child joins the family, how fatherhood should be embraced as much as motherhood and how new dad’s play a major role in the future of their new born.

As well as offering some top tips from his book fathers to be, Patrick also talks about how he helps dads in his classes and the help that’s available for new fathers.

If you wish to purchase Patrick’s book CLICK HERE, alternatively listen to Patrick’s interview listed below.

Real mum talks real nappies
We all know using reusable nappies is good for the environment but in this interview we spoke to REAL MUM Tasha Harply about the benefits of using reusable nappies or as there most commonly known real nappies. If you’re a parent contemplating whether to use reusable nappies then Tasha has some great tips about researching for [...]

We all know using reusable nappies is good for the environment but in this interview we spoke to REAL MUM Tasha Harply about the benefits of using reusable nappies or as there most commonly known real nappies.

If you’re a parent contemplating whether to use reusable nappies then Tasha has some great tips about researching for the best nappies, changing nappies, how much to pay for reusable nappies - the benefits of using real nappies and possible local council funding available for your investments.

If you have anymore questions about using reusable nappies then why not view or join Tasha’s forum which is now dedicated to reusable nappies clothnappyaddicts.co.uk

Alternatively, listen to Tasha’s interview listed below.

Childcare voucher scheme
At a time when many families are struggling financially the childcare voucher scheme may offer some much needed financial support to your monthly outgoings of rising childcare costs. More parents than ever are working which means their children are spending more time in nurseries or with childminders. The Goverment has introduced a childcare voucher scheme but [...]

At a time when many families are struggling financially the childcare voucher scheme may offer some much needed financial support to your monthly outgoings of rising childcare costs. More parents than ever are working which means their children are spending more time in nurseries or with childminders.

The Goverment has introduced a childcare voucher scheme but many people have been left confused by the system. Currently, in (2008) families can save up to £2,391 a year by using childcare vouchers, while employers save up to £373 a year per scheme member.

Alison Chalmers, Company Director at Kiddi Vouchers explains how the system works for parents and their employers. In this interview she cuts through the red tape and answers all your questions. Plus, she has advice on how to get started too.To find out more about how you can get set up for the childcare voucher scheme why not visit her website at kiddivouchers.com

No Cry Solutions with Elizabeth Pantley
Parenting can be extremely hard and it was no exception for American mother Elizabeth Pantley. Elizabeth has now written a wealth of books and has advice in this interview about No-Cry Solutions for Sleeping, Potty Training and Tantrums - to name but a few. After her fourth child was born, Elizabeth’s priorities changed and she realised what [...]

Parenting can be extremely hard and it was no exception for American mother Elizabeth Pantley. Elizabeth has now written a wealth of books and has advice in this interview about No-Cry Solutions for Sleeping, Potty Training and Tantrums - to name but a few.

After her fourth child was born, Elizabeth’s priorities changed and she realised what an important job parenting is.

She said “It started me on a mission to help other parents do their best job as well.”

Elizabeth explains why ALL children need bedtime routines and why some parents just don’t help themselves, harsh words maybe but Elizabeth believes we all need routines. To hear more listen to the podcast listed below.

Pregnancy, what to expect
Many women cannot wait to get pregnant whilst for others it comes as quite a shock! Whatever your feelings on the topic - you are not alone. Some women sail through the nine months but for others there is morning sickness to deal with, endless tiredness and the problem of continuing to act as normal in [...]

Many women cannot wait to get pregnant whilst for others it comes as quite a shock! Whatever your feelings on the topic - you are not alone.

Some women sail through the nine months but for others there is morning sickness to deal with, endless tiredness and the problem of continuing to act as normal in the workplace!

In this interview we spoke to Sasha Miller, Editor at BabyCentre.co.uk. She said “Pregnancy is the key focus of attention on BabyCentre”.

She also added: “The key things people want to know about are how to deal with morning sickness, what things are safe to eat or to do and other symptoms like tiredness and swollen ankles.”

“Until you’ve had morning sickness it’s very difficult to realise how awful it can make you feel and morning sickness isn’t a good term for it….some women have it right through the day.”

To listen to the full interview with Sasha about what to expect during pregnancy and the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy just listen to the podcast below.

Suzanne Shaw talks Cotton Wool Kids
Today’s children have become a nation of “cotton wool kids”. This is according to latest research that they may have designer clothes, computer games, iPods and mobile phones, but they are being denied the freedom to play outside on their own that previous generations all took for granted. Former Hear’Say singer Suzanne Shaw has a son. She [...]

Today’s children have become a nation of “cotton wool kids”.

This is according to latest research that they may have designer clothes, computer games, iPods and mobile phones, but they are being denied the freedom to play outside on their own that previous generations all took for granted.

Former Hear’Say singer Suzanne Shaw has a son. She told us she agreed with the findings.

The research by Vtech provides a stark contrast between the freedom and space parents grew up with and the shrinking world of childhood today. Despite 81% of parents saying they were allowed to go and play outside alone or with friends in their local park or playground under the age of 11, they would not allow their own children to do the same for fear of their children’s safety.

In this interview listed below Suzanne Shaw discusses her safety fears. She is joined by Psychologist Anjula Mutanda.

Best maternity and nursing bras
In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of nursing and maternity bras and tops. In this test the “Anna Cecilia original nursing bra” and the “Carriwell seamless maternity bra” seemed to be the most rated and won best of the best. Other products were highly [...]

In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of nursing and maternity bras and tops.

In this test the “Anna Cecilia original nursing bra” and the “Carriwell seamless maternity bra” seemed to be the most rated and won best of the best.

Other products were highly commended and the bras we’re judged on amongst other things design, fit, support, ease of use and price.

A more detailed review of all the products tested are listed at Sharon’s Trotter’s website. To hear the full interview and find out what products to look out for why not listen to her interview listed below.

Alternatively, check out the full results at Sharon’s website tipslimited.com

Best skin products for babies
In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of babies new born skin care items.  The final results showed that a conclusive amount of products we’re highly commended and we’re judged on amongst other things design, packaging, fragrance, ease of use [...]

In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of babies new born skin care items. 

The final results showed that a conclusive amount of products we’re highly commended and we’re judged on amongst other things design, packaging, fragrance, ease of use and price. The main overall winner for the best of the best award was a product by Weleda called “New baby calendula cream bath”.

She also tells us about other products tested and how they rated including products by “Little Me”, Halo’s N Horns” and “Bepanthen”.  To hear the full interview and find out what products to look out for why not listen to her interview listed below.

Alternatively, check out the full results at Sharon’s website tipslimited.com 

The gifts that the family receives during the new baby shower are usually listed down for the family to be able to send baby shower thank you cards afterwards. Some people who can not attend the shower send gifts and they are also included in the list of those who are sent baby shower thank you cards.

Wording For Baby Shower Thank You Cards

Baby shower thank you cards are simply used to express thanks for the gifts the family has received and for the presence of those who attended the baby shower. Some baby shower thank you cards need to be filled in by the parents with a personal note while others have generic expressions of thanks already written on them. Most of these baby shower thank you cards are coordinated with the baby shower invitations that you gave out earlier. They can actually be purchased together with your invitations.

For those baby shower thank you cards without anything written on them, you can write down your own heartfelt thanks. It is best to state tha …

Contraception options
Research shows that a quarter of women in the UK are not on the right contraception to suit their lifestyle. A new study commissioned by contraceptive experts Bayer Schering Pharma has found that 47% of women admit that they’ve been unhappy with a contraceptive pill. However less than half have thought to find an alternative. So, [...]

Research shows that a quarter of women in the UK are not on the right contraception to suit their lifestyle. A new study commissioned by contraceptive experts Bayer Schering Pharma has found that 47% of women admit that they’ve been unhappy with a contraceptive pill. However less than half have thought to find an alternative.

So, we asked Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE why women were putting up with contraceptives that weren’t working for them. In this interview she explains all about the pill, coils like the mirena and hormonal injections. To listen to what she had to say and find out what could work for you listen to the Rosemary’s podcast listed below.

However, for more details about family planning why not visit the family planning website at fpa.org.uk

Nanette Newman offers Grandparenting tips!
Most children and adults cherish their grandparents. However, many Mums and Dads accuse the older generation of spoiling the Grand Kids! Surely not? Star of stage and screen Nanette Newman from films like International Velvet, The Stepford Wives and many others has five grandchildren - and she admits to spoiling them all! In this interview Nanette [...]

Most children and adults cherish their grandparents. However, many Mums and Dads accuse the older generation of spoiling the Grand Kids! Surely not?

Star of stage and screen Nanette Newman from films like International Velvet, The Stepford Wives and many others has five grandchildren - and she admits to spoiling them all! In this interview Nanette tells us all about why she’s loving being a grandparent - so much so she’s written a forward for a new book aimed at grandparents called “The Really Useful Grandparents Book”

Nanette said, “I used to think that my Grandparents were mindblowingly old. At the time they must’ve been around 50 or something and I used to think that they were older than God. My Grandmother used to sit by the fire with a cup of tea and knit and make tea cosies and I think the most she ever did with me was occasionally play I-Spy.”

“Today Grandparents I know seem to stay younger longer and become part of their grandchildrens lives.”

Nanette also talks about what being a Granny means to her, plus she has lots of ideas to entertain them too. For such an iconic star from the silver screen Nanette was a delight to interview and was up for some great story telling too which is reflected in this interview. Enjoy!

Family fitness with Sally Gunnell
In this interview we spoke to Sally Gunnel the former British Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles about family fitness. Sally popped in to our studios to discuss the importance of family fitness and how to motivate our kids to have fun outdoors. She also talks about how activity can improve our children’s attention in the classroom [...]

In this interview we spoke to Sally Gunnel the former British Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles about family fitness.

Sally popped in to our studios to discuss the importance of family fitness and how to motivate our kids to have fun outdoors.

She also talks about how activity can improve our children’s attention in the classroom and the importance of just having one hour a day playing outdoors, be it going for a walk - going to the park or playing with friends in the garden.

To hear the full interview and get some top tips from Sally just listen to the podcast listed below.

Pregnancy, what to expect
Many women cannot wait to get pregnant whilst for others it comes as quite a shock! Whatever your feelings on the topic - you are not alone. Some women sail through the nine months but for others there is morning sickness to deal with, endless tiredness and the problem of continuing to act as normal in [...]

Many women cannot wait to get pregnant whilst for others it comes as quite a shock! Whatever your feelings on the topic - you are not alone.

Some women sail through the nine months but for others there is morning sickness to deal with, endless tiredness and the problem of continuing to act as normal in the workplace!

In this interview we spoke to Sasha Miller, Editor at BabyCentre.co.uk. She said “Pregnancy is the key focus of attention on BabyCentre”.

She also added: “The key things people want to know about are how to deal with morning sickness, what things are safe to eat or to do and other symptoms like tiredness and swollen ankles.”

“Until you’ve had morning sickness it’s very difficult to realise how awful it can make you feel and morning sickness isn’t a good term for it….some women have it right through the day.”

To listen to the full interview with Sasha about what to expect during pregnancy and the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy just listen to the podcast below.

Best skin products for babies
In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of babies new born skin care items.  The final results showed that a conclusive amount of products we’re highly commended and we’re judged on amongst other things design, packaging, fragrance, ease of use [...]

In this interview we spoke to Independent midwife Sharon Trotter who has a team of over 400 mums who product tested a variety of babies new born skin care items. 

The final results showed that a conclusive amount of products we’re highly commended and we’re judged on amongst other things design, packaging, fragrance, ease of use and price. The main overall winner for the best of the best award was a product by Weleda called “New baby calendula cream bath”.

She also tells us about other products tested and how they rated including products by “Little Me”, Halo’s N Horns” and “Bepanthen”.  To hear the full interview and find out what products to look out for why not listen to her interview listed below.

Alternatively, check out the full results at Sharon’s website tipslimited.com 

Sheree Murphy talks kids treats
Mum-of-three Sheree Murphy is no stranger to the celebrity world of dieting and looking good. In this interview Sheree talks about kids treats - are they are good thing? When it comes to feeding her own children the actress turned presenter admitted that she worried about the food she gave them. Sheree admits that when it [...]

Mum-of-three Sheree Murphy is no stranger to the celebrity world of dieting and looking good. In this interview Sheree talks about kids treats - are they are good thing? When it comes to feeding her own children the actress turned presenter admitted that she worried about the food she gave them.

Sheree admits that when it comes to buying healthy snacks she finds herself walking the supermarket aisles for alternative kids treats like biscuits.

Latest research suggests that Mums are losing their way in a world of complicated snacks and Sheree, who is married to footballer Harry Kewell told us that she has the same problem.

Sheree, Mum to TJ, Ruby and Matilda told us that she regularly does battle with her son - who doesn’t like fruit.

If her struggles sound familiar then why not have a listen her interview listed below.

Suzanne Shaw talks Cotton Wool Kids
Today’s children have become a nation of “cotton wool kids”. This is according to latest research that they may have designer clothes, computer games, iPods and mobile phones, but they are being denied the freedom to play outside on their own that previous generations all took for granted. Former Hear’Say singer Suzanne Shaw has a son. She [...]

Today’s children have become a nation of “cotton wool kids”.

This is according to latest research that they may have designer clothes, computer games, iPods and mobile phones, but they are being denied the freedom to play outside on their own that previous generations all took for granted.

Former Hear’Say singer Suzanne Shaw has a son. She told us she agreed with the findings.

The research by Vtech provides a stark contrast between the freedom and space parents grew up with and the shrinking world of childhood today. Despite 81% of parents saying they were allowed to go and play outside alone or with friends in their local park or playground under the age of 11, they would not allow their own children to do the same for fear of their children’s safety.

In this interview listed below Suzanne Shaw discusses her safety fears. She is joined by Psychologist Anjula Mutanda.

Don’t worry; you don’t have to draw your own graphics. You can find plenty of baby shower graphics to use from other sources.

What Is The Baby Shower Theme

The baby shower graphics you choose will depend on the baby shower theme. Does the mother-to-be know the sex of her baby? If she does, you can focus on a pink color scheme and baby girl shower graphics if the baby is a girl, or a blue color scheme and baby boy shower graphics if it’s a boy. Choose purple or yellow pastel colors if you don’t know the sex of the baby yet.

Another way to choose a baby shower theme for graphics is to find out how baby’s new nursery is being decorated. Many first-time parents choose a theme for baby’s room. Some popular themes are Noah’s Ark, baby animals, nature (sky, clouds, trees, etc.), storybook characters, baby toys, multiple births, the circus – your imagination is the limit. Once you choose a theme, you can look online for baby shower graphics to use for your party decorations.

If y …