Being a parent comes with plenty of stresses: first, the sleepless infancy years, then, the short-lived but exhausting cardio on speed toddler era. But if you think you can breathe a sigh of relief by the time they're four, think again: the pressure of getting your child into a good primary school (against the odds of increasingly miniscule catchment areas) and all the usual worries that accompany the school years are draining.
If you're new to London, these habitual parent related anxieties are multiplied threefold.
Freaking out yet? Don't! There are copious resources out there to help you take the stress about being new in London, so you can focus on the things that matter. Here are our top picks:
1. Find optimum childcare via Koru Kids
Looking to start work, or just need a couple of days a week to yourself? Childcare in London is a minefield in its own right and the costs can be downright depressing. Enter Koru Kids, recently launched by the brilliant Rachel Carrell. It's an Airbnb style platform that facilitates the process of nanny-sharing by matching local families with similarly aged children (and working hours) with relevant nannies. The result is a win-win for all: extra childcare places and slashed costs for parents feeling the strain.
2. Plan your weekend activities with Kidsorted
Meeting other parents and finding creative ways to occupy the kiddos is harder than one might think - especially in an overwhelming city like London. The founders of Kidsorted understood this pain. Launched in 2014, Kidsorted is a marketplace that lists countless activities that are guaranteed to keep your calendars brimming with fun-filled family outings.
3. Hire your child equipment through Rentuu
Ever found yourself in the position of really, really needing to use something, but not being able to justify actually buying it? If you've just moved to London, you'll probably find yourself needing something on a temporary basis. Luckily, Rentuu.com caters just to that need - think of it like a sort of Amazon for the rental market. Best of all, everything you hire is supplied from businesses (as opposed to renting from other consumers) - which means the quality is always top-notch. So the next time you find yourself looking to hire a stroller, hire a travel cot or perhaps hire a baby car seat, you know where to go.
4. Have an online appointment with a specialist through Pushdoctor
Healthcare systems vary so widely from country to country, it's no surprise that if you're new to the capital you're probably totally lost. You should always register with a local GP as soon as you've moved to a permanent address, but if you find yourself in need of an urgent consultation and just can't hack the waiting times - if you have a kid, the clock ticking is particularly scary - then Pushdoctor is your go-to saviour. Pushdoctor lets you book a consultation with a registered doctor online (for a price), which can be hugely helpful at times when an expert opinion is urgent.
5. Find your stroller-friendly route on the tube via GoBaby
Pushchairs and public transport can be a recipe for disaster. GoBaby helps parents navigate the scary, lift-scarce world of the tube underground by offering baby-friendly (aka - no 150 steps' worth of stairs) routes. Getting around with your family has never been easier!
