For early-rising babies, parents are told to simply make the room darker, or push the morning nap back. But as Joel Defries has discovered, it doesn’t always work. Here are his ideas for surviving 5am starts…
morning
Mornings
“I have natural afro hair (not chemically relaxed) so there are days when it can take ages to get right. If I’m having a good hair day or I’ve got my hair in braids, then I can be ready in 20 minutes.” Janine Hardy – mum-of-two and Family Merch founder – on mornings…
Mornings
“I spend 20 minutes getting ready in the morning; no more, no less. And I plan what I’m wearing the night before.” Charlotte Denn, the founder of kids’ clothing label What Mother Made, on mornings with her husband and their three children…
Family
Helen and Oliver Jackson were unhappy in their office jobs so after the birth of their daughter, they both opted for a career change. Helen re-trained as a florist and launched Petal and Pot, Oliver as a carpenter – he runs Work the Plank. Here’s their story…
Mornings
He recently left London for a calmer life by the sea in Margate. We talk to TV presenter Ayo Akinwolere about breakfast preferences, how the French do mornings, music to listen to first thing and the dream weekend…
Mornings
“I have a big bookcase full of sparkly yarn. There are mannequins dotted around the house with my jewellery pieces on them, and I have a rail with all my sparkly items on.” Knitwear designer Sheree Robinson on mornings and her knitting business…
Mornings
“I’ve always loved the mornings. My mum’s the same – when I go to visit her in Ireland, it’s not unusual to find us chatting over a cuppa in the kitchen at 4am.” Freelance journalist Alix O’Neill talks mornings, and expecting her first baby…
Mornings
On becoming a parent, mornings can lose their charm – with 7.30am considered a lie-in and tea in bed a recipe for disaster. Anya Hayes, author of The Supermum Myth, shares what a morning routine with young children actually looks like…
Mornings
“A king-size bed is a must, it’s top of the shopping list for the new house. Sleep is really important, good curtains to block out light – and big windows to let in the morning light.” Ian Harkin, co-founder of Lottie Dolls, talks mornings with his wife and their 10-month-old son…
Sleep
The time you go to bed, whether you hit the booze or drink water and your last waking thought will all have an impact how you feel first thing in the morning. The editor, Annie Ridout, is trying to perfect her night-time routine. With young kids, it’s a work-in-progress…