• Oxfordshire Family Information Service
  This is a council-run site providing free information and guidance about childcare, play facilities and other services for children and young people throughout Oxfordshire. They have a lists of childminders, with links to Ofsted reports and contact details, activities for children, and so on. It has some advantages from being an official site. However some listings are quite out of date - some of the childminders are no longer practising, and you will need to ring and see if any of them have spaces currently available. In fact, some of them sound quite surprised when you ring as they haven't been offering childminding services for several years! This is a hazard of uncurated information, especially when it is supposed to be up to the providers themselves to update the details. Having said that, the list can still be a very useful starting point, and all the info is freely accessible, unlike some other sites which purport to offer a similar service.
  [email protected]
• BabyCentre
  Pregnancy, baby and toddler health information, with a very useful pregnancy smartphone app showing week-on-week foetal development, exercise and diet recommendations for mum, medical advice, a community forum and much more.
• Homebirth Reference Site
  If you've never considered the possibility of giving birth at home instead of in a hospital, this site will tell you the pros and cons. The 'pro' side is based on the idea that the optimum conditions for the least stressful birth scenario for humans, just like other mammals, doesn't involve a last-minute car journey followed by installation in a noisy, brightly-lit environment where lots of different people will be observing you. Read birth stories, research evidence, psychological/physiological theories and get practical advice here.
• Baby About Town
  A delightful and extremely practical blog describing what it's like to visit various Oxford cafes, restaurants and so on with a tiny person in tow. Do staff rush to get you a highchair? Are there changing facilities? Is there baby-friendly food? etc.
• Oxford Mommy
  Along similar lines as Baby About Town, this blog is written by a Canadian mum who rates Oxford locations for various aspects of baby-friendliness including changing facilities, how welcoming the place is and how many menu items there are that can be eaten one-handed! Nicely written, with wit and good sense.
• OxFrog News
  A bilingual blog by a French mum living in Oxford. Articles on Oxford from a parent's point of view, and on raising bilingual children.
• Keeping your house safe for children
  A really useful guide to household chemicals and hazards, and how to keep your kids away from them.

• National Childbirth Trust
  Oxford NCT offers local support for expectant and new parents. They run a bumps and babies group as well as local coffee groups, plus fantastic Nearly New Sales to get everything you need for your baby and much more. You can follow them on Facebook. NCT also offers Antenatal Classes and Postnatal Groups. For more information or to book, see the contact information on their website.
• Oxford Safer Pregnancy Alliance
  A team of doctors, scientists, researchers, midwives, nurses and support staff who are working with families to carry out research into health in the areas of reproduction, obstetrics and gynaecology. Information on current and past studies is available on their website. For more information, call 01865 221107 or email [email protected].
• Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support
  

  Evidence-based information and skilled practical help, for every stage from pregnancy to the end of breastfeeding.

  Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support Drop-Ins Provide local breastfeeding support in several weekly sessions, facilitated by IBCLCs (Lactation Consultants) and experienced breastfeeding support workers, with friendly peer support from trained volunteers. Partners/supporters and children welcome. Full timetable here.

  Antenatal Workshop Free session for pregnant women and their partners/supporters to learn about breastfeeding. Normally the first Tuesday of the month 12:30-1:30 pm at the South Oxford Family Room (was called Grandpont Children’s Centre).

  Plus 24/7 support online from the OBS facebook group.

• La Leche League Oxford
  International non-profit, non-sectarian organisation dedicated to helping women who want to breastfeed. Mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education. Monthly meetings in Oxford, Thame, West Oxfordshire and North Oxfordshire. Toddler meetings for those breastfeeding beyond a year. Free evening antenatal sessions for couples. Lending library of parenting books and Maternity Clothes Library. Telephone help from local accredited breastfeeding counsellors.
• OXPIP - Oxford Parent Infant Project
  At OXPIP we help parents and their babies build close and loving relationships from the start of life. For over fifteen years we have provided short term intensive therapeutic support to parents and babies from conception to 2 year old as well as training professionals.
  Particularly useful for mothers with post-natal depression, but all parents welcome. Services in Children's Centres are free; for others donations are requested, but no-one is turned away through lack of funds. You can be referred via a GP, health visitor etc or you can refer yourself. More info via referral line: 07904 538774 or from the website.
• Club BUMP
  A weekly meet up for mums, bumps and newborns with an experienced midwife, offering an opportunity to ask the questions you might not ask at the clinic. Club BUMP follows Zumba 4BUMP, a dance class especially for pregnant and new mums. Saturday mornings, Witney.
• Oxford Sling Meet and Sling Library
  Workshops and social meetups for 'babywearers' and those considering using sling-style baby carriers. Also sling lending facility with experts trained to help you find a sling that's comfortable for both you and baby. If you thought sling use stopped when the baby reached 6 months, think again! Meetings are very friendly and usually involve cake.

Some Private Help Services

• Birth Baby Balance
  Sarah and Charlotte are experienced birth and postnatal doulas, covering Oxford and surrounding towns and villages. Antenatal classes, including Bumps, Balls and Breathing, also available. Sarah: 07909 545484 or Charlotte: 07920 774705.
• Birth Tides
  Massage for pregnancy and labour, holistic birth preparation, maya abdominal massage, baby massage class, doula service and birth pool hire. 01865 515025
• Birthing in Strength
  As a birth and postnatal doula, Lesley seeks to support and empower individuals and families and provide sign posting to evidence based information. Serving Oxford, Abingdon, Witney, Wantage and surrounding villages. Tel: 07341 264310
• Godsib Birth Support
  Laura Jansson helps growing families welcome their babies into the world feeling confident, peaceful, honoured and supported. A recognised doula of fifteen years' experience in several countries, she lives in central Oxford and serves at births at homes, hospitals and freestanding midwifery units in the surrounding area. 07894 156111 / www.godsib.net / Email Laura
• Hypnotherapy Oxford
  Accredited Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Coach Louise Nonweiler, working from Therapy Centres in Headington & Abingdon, sees many women for pregnancy and birth relaxation. They find that hypnotherapy can be extremely effective and relaxing, as well as safe and natural.
• Mindful Mamma
  One-day mindful hypnobirthing antenatal class for couples. Monthly on Saturdays at Peace House, central Oxford. Call 01865 770434 or email for details and to book.
• Oxford Doula
  Former JR midwife offers antenatal home visits, support during labour and postnatal visit to help with any problems - first baby bath, breast feeding advice etc. Call 01865 513984 to discuss your requirements. References available. Find out about doulas in general here.
• Physically-fit
  Specialists in 1-to-1 personal fitness training for pre and post natal women. Feel confident and positive throughout your pregnancy and beyond. For a free consultation, please call Angela Lockwood on 07966 297430.
• Post Natal Personal Trainer
  Sophie Carter is a personal trainer who also runs post natal exercise classes in Woodstock. Email Sophie
• Psychotherapeutic Counsellor: Wendy Isobel McLaughlin (known as Dolly)
  Dolly specialises in humanistic, mindfulness-based counselling for children, adolescents, parents and university students. She is UKCP Registered and has a full DBS check. First session free, £55 ph thereafter. Marston. www.oxfordcounsellingservices.co.uk / 07919 004822 / email Dolly
• Rose Doula Services
  A birth and postnatal doula covering Oxford, Abingdon, Wallingford, Didcot, Wantage, and the villages in between. See website for more information, including prices and services offered, or call Kristal on 07507 649998 to discuss your needs.
• tops:health
  tops:health is a private physiotherapy clinic based in Summertown offering specialist Women's Health Physiotherapy and an in depth Mummy MOT postnatal assessment. They also offer Ante and Post natal Reformer Pilates classes. These classes are Physiotherapist led with a maximum of 6 attendees. Babies are welcome and the classes are fantastic for safely and effectively supporting you in exercising throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Visit our website, email [email protected] or call 01865 311686 for more information.
• Wellbeing From Birth
  FEDANT-approved complementary practitioner and antenatal educator in Oxford and Wallingford, with holistic therapies for all trimesters, including massage, reflexology, reiki, lymphatic drainage, birth meditation, plus Well Mother tips for a beautiful birth including positions, moves, breathwork, partner massage, shiatsu points for calming, pain relieving and naturally inducing. Continuity of care when baby born with baby massage, baby yoga, baby reflexology and postnatal massage and wellbeing advice. Call 07799411994 or email [email protected]. See http://www.holisticaholics.co.uk/ for more information.
The Hart of Mothering
Parent and baby wellness practitioner and motherhood mentor offering mum and baby groups in Bicester as well as 1 to 1 support. Metasha offers baby wellness and baby yoga courses as well as a Friday Toddler Club. Contact at: 07477 670226.
• Private Ultrasound Scans at the Beard Mill Clinic
  A variety of different ultrasound scans are available for people at different stages of pregnancy, including 3D/4D and scans for anomalies or gender determination. Other tests available include very early pregnancy tests, and screening eg for StrepB.
• Active Birth
  Ongoing series of 2 hour sessions including Yoga, birth preparation, information and discussion for women at any stage of pregnancy from 12 weeks to birth with experienced specialist Active Birth & YogaBirth teacher /trainer. Also partner sessions, 1-1 yoga, baby massage. Call 01865 554743 or email to book kay@activebirth-oxford
• Hands-On Family Health
  Hands-On Family Health offers pregnancy yoga, as well as baby yoga classes, treatments, and classes to prepare for birth (for couples). Osteopath and acupuncturist Sara Barker teaches many of the classes. These come highly recommended by Daily Info staff.
• Satya Yoga
  Satya Yoga runs pregnancy yoga classes.
• Ashtanga Yoga Oxford
  Ashtanga Yoga Oxford runs pregnancy and postnatal yoga classes.
• Pregnancy Pilates
  Pre- and post-natal Pilates classes.
• YogaBellies
  Antenatal Yoga and Baby Massage classes are held by YogaBellies weekly, by representatives across the county. Providing birth preparation and gentle exercise for pregnancy, and mum and baby yoga and relaxing baby massage classes after the baby has arrived. Every class includes a free Yogabellies bag, handout and CD. No classes in Oxfordshire, but you can find your nearest class on their website.
• Baby and Child Sleep
  Baby and child sleep is run by an experienced and skilled health professional and is for anyone who needs help with all things sleep related from birth to 18 years of age. I can be contacted on 07526 683549 / [email protected]
• Fantastic Services Oxford
  A range of local services, from cleaning and gardening to property maintenance. Hire them to take care of the chores to give you more time to spend with your new addition, or book their tradespeople to make adjustments to babyproof your home!
• Bekki O'Reilly Personal Training
  Wolvercote based PT. They're passionate about keeping new mums and mums-to-be strong, fit and healthy. Integrating restorative connections with functional movement patterns, they train clients to support their lifestyle and prepare them for the demands of motherhood. [email protected]; Instagram: bekkiboo_pt

Reusable Nappy Suppliers and Laundry Services

Have you ever really thought about nappies? If not, then do! Sure, disposables are easy (and very heavily marketed), but they are expensive - both to the parent and to the environment. A horrifying 10% of Oxfordshire's annual buried rubbish quota consists of disposable nappies, and the total cost of disposables for one child over its nappy-wearing lifespan averages over £1000. Reusable nappies give an estimated 40% carbon saving over disposables, even including the washing.

'Real', re-usable cloth nappies have come a long way since scratchy Terry towelling (they're now available in organic cotton, microfibre and a fabulously soft bamboo fabric) - and will save you 50% on one child's usage compared to standard disposables. What's more - parents have reviewed the best of them as better than disposables in many respects (leakage, softness, avoiding nappy rash). That said, avoiding leakage depends on getting a good fit, and there is no doubt washable nappies are bulkier, meaning you may have to source trousers that fit the bottom more loosely. But this is why the free trial schemes around Oxfordshire can be invaluable, letting you try out a good range of options. Here are some links to info about 'real' nappies - as well as suppliers of eco-friendly, biodegradable disposables - and nappy laundry services.

• Oxfordshire County Council's Waste & Recycling section has this page on real nappies, full of useful info and local service links.
• www.goreal.org.uk
  The real nappy information service. Find out what the fuss is all about, find real nappies near you, ask questions in the forum.
• www.thenappyshed.co.uk
  A small business selling reusable cloth nappies in Marston Oxford. They give free cloth nappy demonstrations and have trial kits for people to borrow. There is also newborn and prem baby nappy hire.
• Daizy Babies
  Daizy Babies is a small web shop which supplies bamboo reusable shaped nappies, waterproof wraps, slings and other things. Starter packs are available, as well as larger orders. For more info visit www.daizybabies.com or email [email protected].
• www.littlelambnappies.com
  Family-run business offering real nappy kits with everything you need to get started - from nappies, wraps and liners to a lidded bucket and freshening tea tree oil. Choose your size (newborn to toddler), your fabric (microfibre, cotton, bamboo, etc.) and the whole lot is delivered to your door with full instructions. If you want to try before committing to a full kit, there's a slimmed-down 4 nappy trial set with extras for an extremely reasonable £40 (in 2012).
• www.numberonefornappies.co.uk
  London and south-of-England nappy laundry service. Website hard to navigate and needs some updating but worth a go. A laundry service is still a financially competitive alternative to disposables, and less messy/time consuming than washing your own - as well as being more ecologically sound. Charges are £9.50-11.50 per week for collection and delivery of around 50 nappies. The price and the number of nappies depends on the style of nappy you go for (square or fitted, respectively). This is payable per month, by cheque or bank transfer. They recommend getting in touch with them at least a month before you want to start using the service. They can come and visit you and discuss your needs either before or after the birth, and can also let you purchase a subscription as a gift for expectant friends. Tel. 07951 687730 or 0203 051 5616 or email infonappytales [AT] yahoo.co.uk
• www.nappyfreebaby.co.uk
  There is another option: no nappies at all! Yes - really. Parents develop 'elimination communication' with their child from birth (or soon after) in order to work with the child's natural instinct not to soil itself. This obviously requires dedication - and time, a luxury not afforded to many modern parents. But if you've got it - why not try it? The financial and ecological savings here are the best they could possibly be - with the additional benefit of an extra communication channel between parent and child.
  For another take on potty training from birth, see the Born Ready website, run by the indomnitable Jenn, a lady with a PhD in Bioinformatics and an enthusiastic willingness to experiment. She explains all about why it works, how to begin, and includes many anecdotes from different parents who've found this idea useful. She also sells her patented answer to quickly removable clothing which nevertheless mops up accidents, brightly coloured Flaparaps.

Maternity Shops

When announcing that a baby's on the way, chances are there will be no shortage of friends with children rushing to bring you their loft full of parenting essentials. If that doesn't complete your equipment checklist, have a look at our Children's Things page for bargainous second-hand and nearly new items and search our Markets page for local nearly new sales and bring-and-buys. For the rest, try the following (we admit, eco-biased) sources:

• JoJo Maman Bébé
  A shop in Summertown where you can find maternity and baby clothes, well-made often wooden toys and other desirable bits.
• Beaming Baby
  Natural and organic baby products from Totnes, including: biodegradable nappies, organic cotton clothes, organic baby wipes and toiletries, biodegradable nappy sacks and even organic bedding. Delivery is next day and free if over £60, bulk buy offers are available (along with free samples) and they have a 'no quibble' returns guarantee if you're not satisfied.
• Baba Me
  From sexy maternity lingerie and sleepwear to hospital bags, real nappies, slings, baby baths and highchairs
• Baby Jogger
  Perfect for serious fitness fiends aiming to keep up their running regime after baby's arrival, the three-wheeled Baby Jogger Performance pushchair - with 21" pneumatic wheels and shock absorbers - comes recommended by Runners' World. Not so much a 'stroller' as a 'galloper'. Stockists findable via the Baby Jogger website.
• Push
  An Oxford based company selling affordable 3 in 1 travel systems for new or seasoned parents. The travel systems are very versatile and include a car seat, carry cot and child seat. The package also comes with a raincover, mosquito net, cosy toes, sleeping bag and changing bag. Email [email protected] for more information.
• Bibbles
  Individually designed and hand-made baby bandana bibs for babies made from the highest quality cotton with a super absorbent fleece lining and nickel-free, adjustable press-studs. Bibs handmade by grannies in Nottingham, order online.
  

• In the holidays, keep an eye on our Family/Kids' Events page for children's activities at Oxford's museums, galleries and beyond. There may also be useful nuggets in other of our What's On sections, so it's worth a scan, and we highlight events for all ages in our weekly guide to the best of what's going on, the Editor's Picks.
• Baby College
  Weekly parent and baby development classes. Gain an insight into your baby’s development whilst enjoying a fun and active class. Classes include music, signing and much more. Contact Bea or Donna for details on 01865 436920 or 01865 421879.
• Baby Lab (Oxford University)
  Take part in fun research on how children learn at the Oxford Centre for Developmental Science (part of Oxford Uni). This unit researches small children's cognitive development including early word learning and understanding the visual environment. It's well equipped - eye trackers etc - and brightly coloured and good for smalls. Details of current research projects are updated on the website and applications to take part are through a form on the website too. Most research is for babies aged 0 - 30 months, though a related group also need older participants. If English is not the first/only language spoken at home that's useful to the research too.
• Baby Lab (Oxford Brookes University)
  As above, but at Brookes. Run by the Brookes University Psychology Dept, this is a centre for learning about how small children learn about the world around them. They're always looking for parents and children to sign up, and it looks a friendly comfy place, not a surgical white lab full of Dr Frankensteins. Your child could help the next wave of cutting-edge research. It might even encourage them to become a scientist in their turn. Most research is for babies and toddlers aged 0-48 months, but older children might be needed for other related studies. Phone 01865 483676 or email [email protected].
• Rainbow House, by the Wesley Memorial Hall (New Inn Hall Street, tel 243216), welcomes parents with babies or small children up to the age of five, between 10.30am and 2pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during school termtime. Drop in and meet friends, buy refreshments and let children play etc. Lunch prices are very reasonable, and child sized portions are always available. Changing facilities. Breastfeeding is of course welcome.
• Birth Baby Balance parent and baby groups and classes
  Regular 6 week courses in Baby Massage - a lovely way to bond with your baby and a fun thing to do together, and Baby and Mama Relax - a gentle reintroduction to exercise, especially focussing on the pelvic floor and core muscles. Small groups, with time for a cuppa and a chat at the end. Sarah: 07909 545484. Plus weekly bumps and babies groups in Chipping Norton and Upper Rissington - support, coffee and chat for those with unborn babies or babies up to 1yr.
• Clockwork Music
  Weekly music session for babies and pre-schoolers in age-appropriate groups. 07528 146891 / [email protected]. Free trial.
• Monkey Music
  Weekly music classes for pre-schoolers (from babies to 6). Fun, stimulating educational classes available every day, in age appropriate groups, to learn and explore action/signing songs, developmental games, musical movement and percussion. Small friendly groups. First class free.
• The Owl Speech Centre
  Private speech and language therapy clinic for children aged 0 - 18 based on Park End Street, central Oxford, staffed by highly qualified, experienced NHS therapists. Assessments and therapy available either in-house or through outreach (e.g. home and school) visits throughout Oxfordshire. Therapies are not limited to speech and language issues, and include autism support, diet and nutrition, counselling and dyslexia teaching.
• Partyman World of Play
  Soft play space at Grenoble Road, Ozone Leisure Park, OX4 4XP (next to Vue Cinema and Kassam Stadium). Interactive play area with slides, structures and a safe, designated area for under threes. Cafe for adults. Often busy at weekends, with parties, but great for letting off steam and giving the kids a good workout in wet weather.
• Singin' Women Monthlies
  Singing group meeting monthly in Florence Park Community Centre, for all women - babywearers welcome. Contact Emily 07969 522368.
• Moms & Pops Choir
  For new and expectant parents/carers and their babies. Have a sing, while meeting other new parents and knowing your baby will be welcome. Taster session is free, thereafter payment is termly.
  North Oxford: Thursdays at 1.45pm at St Margaret's Institute
  West Oxford: Fridays at 1.45pm at West Oxford Community Centre
• The Story Museum
  Update: due ot MAJOR refurbishments, The Story Museum's exhibition spaces are currently closed, though the cafe is open Tue - Fri, and some events are still happening.
  Exhibitions, activities and projects designed for all ages, all based on stories and storytelling. In an atmospheric old building (a former telephone exchange), where all sorts of spaces are turned into a sort of stage setting and you never know what's round the next corner. We especially love the throne where you dress up and pick your title, and it announces you with trumpets.
• Sunflowers Toddler Group & Buttercup Music
  Toddler group for parents/carers and pre-school children. Meets Tuesday 10am-12pm (term times), with music time at 11am, at Magdalen Road Church Hall, 41a Magdalen Road, East Oxford. Buttercup Music sessions are Thursdays at 9:45am or 10:45am, at the same venue. 'Lots of great toys, refreshments, comfy sofas and friendly people'. More info: [email protected].
• Tac-au-Tac Dance Theatre
  Weekly contemporary dance classes for children from the age of 3 years. Tac-au-Tac is a French expression which implies a quick response to a stimulus. Dancers are encouraged to respond to music, stories, adventures, emotions but predominantly to their imagination. They develop a movement repertoire and learn how to structure movement phrases into choreographic works, which they perform at regular intervals with the support of a team of experienced dancers, musicians and artists. Contact Joelle: 01865 251643 or email [email protected].
• Tatty Bumpkin and Baby Bumpkin
  Fun, active, yoga-inspired movement classes for babies and children up to 7 across Oxford. Also parties. Lou Steele runs the Oxford franchise. Email [email protected] or see her facebook page.
• Water Babies
  Progressive, structured swimming courses for babies and toddlers in pools all over Oxfordshire - winner of 3 National Awards. Swimming with your baby is great for physical, mental, emotional and social development. Use the location search to find your nearest session.
• Puddle Ducks
  Swimming lessons in various warm private pools in Oxfordshire, including the De Vere hotel in Sandford on Thames, Summer Fields School in Summmertown, and many others around the county. Classes in different age groups go from 0-10, and aim to build up water confidence, especially with the very little, who learn not to worry about getting their faces wet. Lessons are structured around short activities, with songs and plenty of floating toys. Instructors are trained and helpful. Sadly there are currently no aquanatal classes in Oxfordshire.
• Yoga with Jacqueline
  Mum and Baby Yoga and Family Yoga in Didcot and Abingdon. Fun, friendly relaxed classes. £45 for 6 week course. Email [email protected] or book online
• Socatots
  Amazingly, this is football for children aged 6 months - 5 years. Of course to start with they're not playing five-a-side matches, it's more about physical development, munching cones, bouncing on balls and so on. Little by little they learn coordination, ball control and social skills, until they're ready to graduate to the next stage (Brazilian Soccer Schools). Parents actively take part with their children. The first taster session is free, but kids who sign up are encouraged to buy kit as well as pay the class fees.
  Contact the Oxford branch.
• Alliance Française d'Oxford
  French classes for toddlers, including singing, dancing and crafts. As well as weekly classes, there are occasional activities for smalls, including a Stinky Cheese workshop, seasonal activities, and fortnightly books and crafts, run in conjunction with Petit Club d'Oxford, who also run a number of sessions for 0-5 year olds, aimed at those who already speak french as part of francophone/bilingual families.