Life as a London mummy | Riana Horner's monthly column
Welcome to The Diary of a London Mum, my monthly column sharing life in London with a toddler in tow. I’m a journalist, presenter, and mother to a fiercely independent almost two-year-old girl. I’ve lived in West London for eight years now, currently settled in Chiswick - a leafy pocket of the capital that I fondly refer to as the most family-friendly village in London (not that I’m biased or anything).
My job takes me to a variety of events and new openings across the city, and my daughter often comes along for the ride. It’s not without its challenges; it wasn’t until I became a mother that I realised how inaccessible parts of London can be. Add to that a headstrong toddler whose favourite word is a firm “no”, tackling the stairs at non-accessible tube stations can be, let’s say, character-building. One saving grace has been my Cybex Coyo Travel Pram, which folds down to hand-luggage size in seconds. That, and my Tiba and Marl changing backpack, has made trips out in the city just a little more manageable.
Late last month, I attended a live event hosted by CBeebies Parenting at the Natural History Museum to celebrate the power of play. The event was underpinned by new research revealing just how pressured parents feel around play. A UK survey found that nearly half of parents with children aged 0–6 spend less than an hour playing with their child across the working week, which 44% struggle to find enough time to play, and 83% wish they could spend more time doing so.
These statistics don’t surprise me. The modern-day parent who is juggling a career, home life, and the ever-present invisible mental load – not to mention an attempt to carve out time for themselves (a quick gym class, perhaps) – is almost set up to feel as though they’re not doing ‘enough’ with their children. But the research did prompt a small shift in mindset for me, and taught me that small but consistent moments of intentional play all add up and can benefit our children. Since the event, I’ve been trying to build more playtime into our everyday routine - not as another task to tick off the list, but in simple ways like getting my daughter to pretend to cook alongside me while I make dinner, or a few extra minutes of imaginative play while the tea brews.
On the cultural front, I braved my first baby screening at Everyman Borough Yards to watch Wuthering Heights. There’s a beautiful sense of acceptance at these sessions –babies will cry, toddlers may wander, nappy changes are basically part of the plot, and nobody bats an eyelid. Of course, snacks were key in keeping my daughter quiet, and she was happily entertained with a few quiet toys and simply observing the other little ones. Remarkably, I managed to watch the entire movie – a small but significant victory I’m counting this month.
I also spent a wonderful day at the Victoria and Albert Museum with a friend and her four-month-old. It was a gentle reminder that London’s cultural landmarks can feel just as welcoming to babies and toddlers as they do for adults. Earlier in the month, I attended Alioli The Agency’s 2026 Showroom at The Other House in Kensington. I got to discover beautiful pieces from brands including Lorna Murray, Babe & Tess and Birinit. I also had a sneak peek at some A/W lines which I am already mentally planning my daughter’s wardrobe around. And with that, here are some of the products and experiences I have been loving this month.
The Toothbrush - Little Brushes’ Brushi Bear™ Electric toothbrush
If you’re currently in the trenches of toddler toothbrushing negotiations, allow me to introduce you to Little Brushes’ Brushi Bear™ - a double-sided sonic electric toothbrush designed specifically for children aged 0–3 years. The brush is designed by practising dentists and mothers, which, frankly, tells you everything you need to know. They’ve thought of everything to turn teeth-brushing into a multi-sensory experience, including an ergonomic bear-shaped handle, a built-in two-minute nursery rhyme and a light-up progression indicator. The brush is crafted from medical-grade silicone and BPA-free materials, and the clever double-sided head ensures effective cleaning even when your little one inevitably bites down (as mine does, with great determination).
The Jacket - Babe & Tess White Embroidered Denim Jacket
Babe & Tess is one of those brands that feels less like fashion and more like poetry. With spring quietly making an appearance, I cannot wait to get my girl into this beautiful white embroidered denim jacket. It’s playful yet refined and wonderfully versatile. Styled with leggings for park mornings, layered over a jumper on chillier days, or thrown over a little dress for lunch outings, it really is the perfect transitional piece.
The Restaurant - Home SW13
I’m always on the lookout for family-friendly spots that don’t feel like a compromise, and Home SW13 has quickly earned a spot in my weekend rotation. It has a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, genuinely warm and patient staff, and a perfectly curated wine list to reward even the most sleep-deprived parents. The Sunday Roast is exceptional. I went for the chicken - a whole small bird that I devoured entirely (with assistance from my enthusiastic not-yet-two-year-old). The kids’ menu is generous in size – a main meal, dessert and a drink for £12 – and cleverly doubles as a colouring sheet to keep little hands busy. Whether you’re after a relaxed brunch, a hearty dinner or just a spot where the whole family can unwind, Home SW13 manages to hit all the right notes.
The Knitwear - Birinit Organic Cotton Flower Embroidered Fine Knit Romper and Bonnet
There is nothing I don’t love from French brand Birinit. Founded by two mothers striving to create unique prints through artisanal processes, each piece is made locally, consciously and beautifully. I’m obsessed with this cotton knit romper designed with delicate flower embroidery, straps and bottom button fastening for easy nappy changes. Paired with a sweet little ‘béguin’ bonnet (as they call it in French), it almost feels heirloom-worthy.
The Bathtime Fun - Kidoola Bath Crayons
The bathroom has become something of a creative studio in our house thanks to Kidoola’s Baby Bath Crayons. Made from 100% non-toxic waterproof wax, the easy-grip crayons allow little ones to scribble and doodle on the tub and bathroom tiles to their heart’s content, then they simply rub off with water. Bathtime has never been so creative or mess-free!
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