run out of womb

... learning how to be a mum from scratch

Monday 20 July 2015

Brent Cross for babies and toddlers


I thought I knew everything there was to know about Brent Cross. It was the first place I went without a grown-up; for years it was the place for our tweenage meet-ups (Claire's Accessories, then McFlurries), and for the past decade it's been the place I 'pop' to of a Saturday or after work to 'grab a few bits' (returning several hours later, loaded with bags of stuff which I generally return the following week).

I've always parked in the same place (Fenwicks/Ted Baker entrance: get outta my way), and sped-walked the same shop-route. So obviously it was the first place I took tiny man shopping (with my mum, casually hoping to bump into people to Show Him Off).. 

And then I realised there was a whole side of Brent Cross that I hadn't known about... the best loos to visit with a buggy, the speediest lifts, best feeding rooms, and changing places.. Here's the inside track, with more excellent shared wisdom from Facebook mamas.

Changing 

Don't make the easily-made mistake of heading to the main Brent Cross loos: in the ones near M&S you'll queue for ages for the single cubicle, and the whole place always seems to stink. 

The centre ones near the food hall are better - but the best option of all is to head to a shop. Mothercare, John Lewis and Fenwicks all have changing/feeding areas. Mothercare's is in the back, right corner as you enter. There are three changing stations, a sink, water machine, and three rocking chairs for feeding. 

Mothercare is best if your baby has older sibling as they have a couple of toys to play with... but it can get smelly by the end of the day.. 

John Lewis' facilities are on the top floor near A Place to Eat, and it has paper mats to lay on the changing table to put more of a barrier between your baby and icky surface. It also has a mini proper toilet which is good for potty training. The restaurant also has bottle warmers and a microwave, and a curtained-off bit for breastfeeding mums who want more privacy.

Fenwicks facilities are on the third floor, next to the ladies' loos. It's usually empty.

Eating

Leon is top-rated by mums: "they do the most baby-friendly food (low salt and sugar even baby friendly ketchup) and have a play-corner in the restaurant." "Pizza Express also does good kids' meals - and don't forget Carluccios in Fenwicks. All do activity packs too." 

Parking

There are 68 'parent and baby' spaces in Car Park 'G', located outside of John Lewis, but it's not covered so you might prefer the multi-storey car parks if it's raining.

Random

You can get your buggy cleaned at American Carwash in Brent Cross. Says one mum: "they did an amazing job, they also clean car seats for under £10 - really worth it!"

"I'm always aware that kids utilise all senses lots at different classes but not so much smell," adds another, "so I go to John Lewis or the White Company and we do some candle/infusers smelling. Baby looks confused but toddler loves it."

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2 comments


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  2. WITH TEARS OF JOY IN MY HEART, I WANT TO GIVE THANKS TO DR IGODO FOR BRINGING BACK MY LOVER AFTER 2 DAYS
    My Husband has returned home after many months. No one thought that there was hope. My friends and family urged me to move on and get a divorce. Every time I was close to giving up, I did not feel releasing me from my marriage until when my cousin introduced me to Dr. Igodo who helped her when she had problem with her lover. Dr.Igodo made the impossible possible within 48 hours after I did all that he told me to do. Here is his contact e-mail if you need help too docigodo@yahoo.com. and tel +2348169138446.
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