Life as a London mummy | Riana Horner’s monthly column

Riana Horner is a London-based writer, presenter and – her most recent title, mother. With a passion for health and fitness and a flare for style, here’s everything she’s loving this month …

The Weekend Bag – KAOS

Kids don’t travel light, but the KAOS Weekend Bag makes lugging around your little one’s essentials a whole lot more manageable. Available in four stylish colours, this travel sack comes with convenient interior adjustable compartments, a pocket for your laptop, and can be carried as both a hold-all or rucksack (which is extremely handy when travelling with kids – hello hands-free!). My favourite part is the bag is made from recycled PET-bottles with vegan leather features, which makes for more sustainable holidaying. I recently took mine on an overnight stay to the countryside and can’t ever imagine travelling without it again.

The Travel Pram – CYBEX Coya

Speaking of travel and convenience, the Coya pushchair by CYBEX is another item I now won’t holiday without. The pushchair can be assembled and packed up in seconds with a single-handed click, folding compactly to cabin size. I particularly like how the stroller reclines to a flat-lay position, enabling baby to sleep comfortably during our family outings.

Not only was the pram useful for our European summer holiday this year, but I also use it during busy days out in London. Due to its lightweight and convenient integrated carry strap, the Coya makes taking the tube a whole lot more accessible with a little one.

Cybex Coya travel pram

The Nappy – Pura

I’ve never been more aware of the toxins our bodies are exposed to since having a baby. Pura nappies are free from chlorine, parabens and fragrances, using only plant-based materials and enhanced with organic cotton. We’ve not had one leak since using them and they’re cosy on baby’s bottom – it’s a win-win!

The Woollen Cardigan – WHEAT

Ethically-conscious brands are a recurring theme throughout my list this month. Scandinavian company WHEAT designs children’s clothing that brings together style and sustainability so well. This beautiful fleece cardigan has been the perfect addition to my babe’s first-ever winter wardrobe. Made from felted merino wool, it’s super soft on delicate skin and ideal for the increasingly cold weather.

The Venue – NEXUS Club London

Based in South Kensington, this is London’s latest members club for families to relax, work and dine – in style. From elegant lounge rooms, meeting spaces and a state-of-the art gym to dedicated kids play areas, this club has truly been designed for families who want everything in one place. I was lucky enough to enjoy a couple of days at the club this month where my baby and I experienced the stunning family-friendly amenities, took part in holistic wellness classes together and indulged in the nutritious food on offer. This is a must-have membership for families who value luxury and exclusivity.

Nexus Club London

The Exercise Class – Carifit

After my little one was born and my husband went back to work, finding the time to exercise was proving difficult with a baby attached to me 24/7. Carifit offers a 10-week course consisting of 30-minute group workout sessions for parents to do while babywearing. Designed by postnatal fitness experts, the classes incorporate low-impact exercises, such as lunges, squats and upper body movements with light weights, while your baby sits snug in the comfort of Carifit’s athleisure baby carrier (or whichever carry brand you prefer).

I started taking Carifit classes when my baby was four months old. The benefits were threefold – I rebuilt my strength from pregnancy and birth, it provided a beautiful bonding experience for me and my baby, and was a great opportunity to meet other mums in my area.

Riana Brown
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