In The Know: Cool Things For Parents & Kids

Beyond Tot

Beyond Tot is an online shop that sells a curated selection of previous seasons clothes and accessories for babies and children in a range of designs and styles, from eco chic to heritage. Started by fashion entrepreneurs Yana Eiseler and Anita Emmett, the pair hand-pick comfortable, stylish and sustainable brands, looking carefully at production and materials. The store features great finds from the likes of Sproet and Sprout, Bonheur and Mini Rodini – perfect for parents after a designer bargain.

Visit BeyondTot.com
 

Pottery Barn Kids at John Lewis

Pottery Barn Kids has launched at John Lewis & Partners. A covetable new collection of furniture, gifts and more, the range includes hooded towels shaped like lions, unicorns and rabbits; luxury nursing chairs; rocking lambs and elephants; and a selection of beautiful bedding and blankets. Safe to say, we want everything.

Visit JohnLewis.com

A Helpful Guide To A Happy Baby

From practical advice for the first few days to gentle reassurance for the sleepless nights and upheaval of the first few months, this book aims to help you enjoy your baby and give you all the information you need, just when you need it – think step-by-step photographic instructions on bathing and swaddling; easy-to-follow routines you can adapt to your lifestyle; practical tips to problem-solve common issues; and holistic solutions for the whole family.

Visit Amazon.co.uk

A Mother Place

A Mother Place is an online community giving free advice and antenatal classes to anyone, anywhere on their parenthood journey. A website dedicated to bringing every woman the most honest, reliable and up-to-date antenatal and postnatal tips, they offer a variety of online courses on everything from travelling and working while pregnant to baby first aid. Their social media channels alone provide loads of support and expert tips. Mothers-to-be, get yourselves signed up.

Visit AMotherPlace.com
 

Independent Schools Show

The Independent Schools Show in Battersea Park is the ultimate place for parents to meet the biggest names in British education. Leading schools and the most-respected headteachers will gather on 10th and 11th November for the UK’s biggest open day. Over in the London Parents’ Forum and Sunday Times Education Theatre, hear from the sector’s brightest thinkers, discussing the trends and choices that will affect your child’s future. Talks include how to play the senior school admissions system; which school to choose: co-ed or single sex?; and why do parents-in-the-know choose boarding school?

Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW8 4NW; 10th & 11th November

Visit SchoolsShow.co.uk
 

Kidsorted

Time is precious when you’ve got kids. Thankfully, Kidsorted is on a mission to give you more of it. Billed as ‘the little black book for your family’, the team’s vision is to become the world’s largest technology platform for kids’ activities and services. The site brings you the best of what your neighbourhood has to offer, including activities, camps, events and services. Activities are available to search by your child’s age range (or yours, if you’re after parent meet-ups), so you’ll only see what works for you and your little one. Bring on the Triyoga.

Visit Kidsorted.com

Peppa Pig’s Adventure

Following a successful UK tour, Peppa Pig and her friends are back in the West End this Christmas in their latest live show Peppa Pig’s Adventure. Join Peppa at the Theatre Royal Haymarket as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. The show features music from BAFTA award-winning composer Mani Svavarsson – perfect for singalongs.

18 Suffolk Street, Covent Garden, SW1Y 4HT; 8th December-6th January

Visit PeppaPigLive.com
 

Playbrush

Playbrush is an interactive electric toothbrush that connects via Bluetooth to game apps, so children can play fun games with their toothbrush and learn the importance of dental hygiene. The toothbrush syncs to an app which makes brushing teeth fun, as children use their own brushing movements to paint masterpieces, make music or defeat monsters – which, in turn, encourages them to brush all around their mouth, increasing surface coverage. Studies show that kids who use Playbrush brush their teeth for twice as long as traditional toothbrushes and are more likely to brush twice per day. We’re sold.

Visit Order.Playbrush.com
 

Zara Maternity

Hooray: Zara has launched a maternity collection. 'The Maternity Mood' is filled with all the staples a pregnant woman might need, from specially designed knitted dresses to jeans and overalls. The edit also includes a variety of main collection pieces: their oversized silhouettes mean that they’re also bump-friendly. “Shopping for maternity clothes doesn't need to be hard. From workwear essentials, to comfortable stretch pieces, to the latest trend hits, our new online collection of maternity wear has options to offer for all women,” states the new portal on the website. We’re a big fan of the check trench coat.

Visit Zara.com

Zinc Flight

A practical piece of luggage and a safe scooter, Zinc Flight is a two-in-one essential for children – and their parents. Working to the mantra that travel is something that should be treasured as a child – whether it’s a trip round the world or a trip to the shop – the team has created a suitcase that doubles up as a scooter. Decorated as an animal and available in two sizes (ages 2-4 and 5-8), the scooters provide a cabin-sized option for all your little one’s travel essentials. We’re rather taken with Sid the Octopus.

Visit ZincFlyte.com

Kidipix

KidPix mixes two of kids’ favourite things: dressing up and receiving parcels through the post. Launched this summer, KidPix combines the luxury of personal styling with the convenience of subscription-based home shopping. Following a style quiz – which takes in age, sex, budget and colour preferences – you’ll receive a phone call with a stylist. Next, your child will receive their box filled with six-eight boutique brand items, from mittens and dungarees through to dresses and blankets. The best bit? You’ll only be charged for the items you want to keep.

Visit Kidipix.uk