New Mom to area Post Reply

[NewExPatMom]

Hi there,

I've just recently moved to the area from the US and would love recommendations for places to get hair cut and colored, restaurants that are ok with a 2 year old, recommendations of how to find a trusted babysitter for Mommy Daddy time a few nights a month, places to buy really great produce and pediatrician in case of illness.

Thanks so much. I have many other questions, but I will start with this.

[Annabel (admin)]

Hi New Ex Pat Mom,

Welcome to Nappy Valley and to NappyVAlleyNet

Are you free next Wednesday? We are having a mums meet up and it would be a great place to have all of your questions answered and meet some mums!

But to answer your specific questions...

Best places to eat

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 15&t=50170

Babysitting

Try Likeminders we know them well and they're brilliant...

http://www.likeminders.co.uk

Cut and colour, it depends where you are based, where do you live?

What sort of produce?


Pediatrician

There is less of a culture of private GPs compared to US so most people would go for their local Dr however these threads may be useful...

http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 84&t=37071
or
http://www.nappyvalleynet.com/mums/view ... 46&t=56527

Hope this helps!!!

[asdfghjjkl]

Hi there! Welcome and good luck!

I've been here 6 years with 4 kids. One of the things I miss most is having a paediatrician to take my children to for annual appointments. Maybe this sounds crazy, but it was almost a magical experience for them at home, they loved it...going to a whole office environment that was designed and oriented towards their needs, with a staff that knew how to communicate with them. And I had all questions, concerns--developmental and otherwise--responded to with patience and understanding.

There are no pediatricians here in the way you are used to. Only in hospitals for specialised care. There are no annual check ups, and good luck getting the GP you are lucky enough to find on the NHS (because so many practices are 'oversubscribed' and have strict catchments) to speak to your child in a way that actually helps them explain how they are feeling or makes them feel safe.

Unless you go private. I can't tell you what you'll find in that route, perhaps others can make recommendations.

Obviously, we've been fine, I'm not a run-to-the doctor gal anyway. I'm just saying, you have to adjust your orientation now, it just isn't here.

And don't even think about getting the same kind of dental care for your little ones unless you go private. Sounds like you have a few years to figure that one out.

Best of luck!

[mollys]

for a really good and VERY inexpensive hairdresser, try Colour My Life on Lavender Hill. I've been going there since it opened, having tried out several in the area, and it really is (in my opinion) the best and by far the cheapest (£65 for a full head of highlighs, wash, cut and blowdry)

[jensterx]

Hello! Welcome to London. There's a pretty good group of Expats here to help you get settled. There's a Facebook group called American Parents in SW11 that may also be a place to find answers for the seemingly endless questions that come with settling into a new country! Glad you're here - London's fab.

[MrsSPC]

Hello and welcome!

Another US orignitaed local mUm here! As others have stated, you need to sign up to a local GP. If you advise where you live, others will be more than happy to tell you of preferred local GPs in your area. Same issue for hair cut/colour.

If you want more private advice or to meet up (I have a 2 1/2 year old son and have been living here for 6 years from Texas originally) feel free to PM me

[babyintuition]

Belle Vue Road has great hair dressers and a private healthcare provider, pop down to Northcote Road to Sally's for a hair cut for your 2 year old, followed by lunch at any of the restaurants on the road! Try Kate at Hello Mums for babysitting service - I think that's covered everything! Enjoy Nappy Valley!

[NappyValleyYankee]

I've been here for 5.5 years and in nappy valley for the last 2, with my 2 year old girl. Ditto on the pediatrician posts. I found my GP by researching this http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4
Produce: Whole Foods. There is one near Clapham Junction station, one near Fulham Broadway station and the American sized one is on High Street Kensington. I love it there. On the go, Waitrose is pretty good. I get a weekly veg box delivery from Able & Cole, which has really nice organic produce. I have an ex pat friend who prefers ordering from Riverford because it doesn't have to be weekly, you can find both online. There's a lot to get your head around, especially with little ones in tow so feel free to PM me. Good luck!