Between the Commons...American Mum new to the UK Post Reply

[txmum]

Hi Ladies -
I know this post is about meeting up, and I look forward to meeting you sometime in the Spring/Summer after my little guy arrives in March! However, I do have a question/solicitation for advice from some other American mums living in London. So sorry to hijack your thread.

Do you have a pediatrician that you would recommend, or, like everything else here, must we go to our GP? I have good private insurance, so private care is an option. I've resigned myself to the quality of pre-natal care, but in two years, have yet to meet a GP I would trust with my baby's health.

Any advice appreciated!

[grigorjoy]

Hi TXmum,

I have yet to meet anyone who regularly takes their babies to a pediatrician. I gather it is not really commonplace here and only booked under their care if there is something seriously wrong with your baby's health (my husband had one when he was growing up because of a food allergy). I know the NHS has them, as of course does private, but I couldn't make any recommendations.

I go to the Thurleigh Road practice, which has been my husband's family doctor since they opened. They have an excellent reputation as being one of the best family practices in the 'Between the Commons' area. I have always found the doctors and nurses to be very helpful and would highly recommend. Not sure if they've got a waiting list though.

[andreardulany]

Hi ladies! My family and I are moving to the Southfields area in Wimbledon from Houston, Texas right after the New Year. We have a 4.5 year old daughter, 1.5 year old son and a 11 week old little girl. We have our hands full as you can imagine. Although my husband and I have done a lot of due digligence in getting ready for our move, I know I will still have tons of things to acquire when I arrive. He moved us into a home about a month ago as he left the US when our youngest was just 3 weeks. I'm an adventurous type and very flexible but to be quite frank I am very nervous about our move with 3 little one's without my family to help us and having to learn everything a new. I look forward to meeting some of you if not all of you one day. At this point, I only have one question - which stroller do I get for my 2 youngest? Obviously my little one still needs to be in a car seat but which one will be best before I can trasfer her out of it? I want a dual stroller but don't know which one is good to be walkign around with. Any advice helps!

[anootka]

Hello Andrea,
I live in Earlsfield, which is about 5 min away from Southfields, and have a 19 month old and a 9 week old. I can't even imagine how you are coping with 3. Anyhow, I have a Phil and Teds Vibe - which I love. Its especially good for the little one as there is a cacoon you put them in, so mine just sleeps in it all the time. But the best thing is my rambunctious toddler loves his buggy (stroller) Phil and Teds have a few different doubles so if this one doesn't suit there are others. Just remember everything is much narrowerer here (shop doors, streets, etc) so getting around with a double is a challenge, I had a Maclaren side by side and that was just way too big. Anyhow, good luck with the move, you are going to love Southfields it's right next to gorgeous Wimbledon Park - great for kids.
Anna

[anootka]

Hello Ladies,
We'll miss you today but hope you have fun.
I wanted to let you guys know that if anyone is looking for a cleaner or mother's help I have a lovely cleaner who works for me who is looking for extra hours. Her name is Nadia and she is my nanny's mom. Her English isn't great but her Daughter (my nanny) will come to your house and explain everything you want her to do. She works as a mother's help for another family who just had triplets, so she is very hands on.
She is extremely reasonable.
Email me if you have any questions or Contact her directly
07964476792 or email biliana.krstik@hotmail.co.uk
See you next week
Anna, Josh (21months and Dylan 2 1/2 months)

[FromNYCtoBalhamMum]

Hi - My name is Sonal and my family and I live in Balham. We moved here from NYC a couple of months ago. My daughter is 16 months old. I would love to meet some of the other American Mums. Are you planning to meet up again? Also I was wondering about classes and if anyone has found any that their child really enjoys. Hope to meet you all soon!

[DinosMom]

I think I am getting to this post late, but I am an American Mum in Wandsworth near Bellevue and the Common. We've lived here over a year but it's still difficult meeting people. My son is 3.5 and just started preschool 2 days per week. I am expecting late June with baby #2. Would love play dates for either my son or me. Common Ground is great for us or Northcote Rd or Bellevue Rd. Anyone get together yet?

Deborah

[klh249]

Yes! We've been getting together since the Fall and are meeting tomorrow at the Bandstand Cafe on Clapham Common at 11:30. Hope you'll join us!

[Sandimous]

This thread is kind of old now, but I thought I would see if you guys are still meeting? I'm an American living in NY, moving to Balham/Upper Tooting area in early August. Would be very interested in meeting other American moms. I've got an almost 4-year old girl and a 14 month old girl. We have no plans, other than unpacking, for August, so if anyone is around, would love to set up play dates.

[grigorjoy]

We used to meet up regularly but then for one reason or another it was difficult scheduling dates when everyone was free so the meetups stopped - as is inevitable, life simply got in the way. I would love to start this group up again though. I'm a Balham mum to a 19month old boy.

[mgb]

I'm an American mum in the Nightingale Triangle. My daughter is 3 1/2 months and we'd love to join your meet ups. Would be great to meet other American mums in the area.

[txmum]

Hi MGB - I have a 3 1/2 mo old little boy and would love to meet up. Sounds like the bandstand on the common would be most central. Should we set up a time and invite any other moms who would like to join us?
We have morning activites Tue - Thurs, but are free on Mondays and Fridays, and any afternoons other than Wednesday during the week.

[mgb]

Hi TXmum - sounds great. Maybe Tues afternoon? Also Wandsworth Common is a bit closer for me if that suits you? If not Clapham is ok.

[txmum]

Wandsworth is fine with me. We have weigh in at 1, but could meet you at 2:30. Should we meet at the cafe?

[lunalu]

oh this is great we can start up the group again i can't make it this tues but next week would love to join in!