Ashley James On Getting Her Pink Back, And What She Wishes She’d Known First Time Round

Ashley James is a mama of two, a presenter, DJ and feminist activist, but we've been fans of her infectious energy and down-to-earth personality ever since she first graced our screens on Made in Chelsea. She shares with LittleList her tips for making those early days with a newborn a breeze.

Find out what her personal baby essentials are, how she navigates the juggle of work and family life, plus she shares inspiring anecdotes about the turns parenthood can take. So whether you're a seasoned mama pro, just starting your motherhood journey, or are simply here for her opinion on what the best baby gifts are, Ashley's insights and humour will leave you feeling excited about what's ahead.

Welcome, Ashley. You’re a few years into motherhood now, how are you finding it?

Yes, I can’t believe I’ve been a mum for nearly four years and in many ways I still feel like a new mum. I have to say, I am loving it. I mean it’s still got its challenges and early starts, but it gets so much easier and better. The term ‘matrescence’ really helped me on my own journey of identity struggles, so if you aren’t familiar with the word google it now. I read that flamingos lose their pink when they become parents because they are so exhausted and give so much of themselves to their baby, but slowly their pink returns as their babies get older. I say that I am in my ‘getting my pink back’ era and it feels great. I feel very lucky to have Alf and Ada and their personalities are really developing and I love seeing them together.

We’re passionate at LittleList about championing mothers in the workplace. How have you managed to so successfully balance not only motherhood but your brilliant work?

If I’m totally honest, I think we can only be brilliant at both if we can afford good childcare or we have family members nearby who can help. I am shocked that childcare is such a privilege in this county - we have the most expensive childcare system in the world. It’s actually enraging to know how affordable and easy it is in other countries. But I would also say that my work and career is my passion. I dreamt about being on TV from when I was a little girl and so I feel so lucky that I get to do that as my job. I also feel so lucky to have such an awesome online community and to get to share the highs and lows of life and motherhood with such an awesome audience. It’s brought opportunities that I could only have dreamed of.

But I’d be lying if I said I was doing the juggle well. I usually spend my days wishing I could split myself in two and I work nearly every night once I’ve got the kids down. Also, working mums are amazing, but to me the people who deserve the most praise are the stay at home mums. For me, being home with the kids is the hardest job I have ever done. Work feels like a day off compared to having the kids alone.

When you were pregnant with Ada, was there anything you thought you needed vs the first time round?

Yes, it’s funny because second time around I still felt like I was doing it again for the first time in many ways. Stuff that worked for Alf didn’t work for Ada and vice versa, and I forgot about a lot of the different things they play with at different ages. I’d say my most used items with Alf were a baby carrier and the BabyBjörn bouncers, whereas with Ada I’d say it was the Snuzpod bedside crib and a breast pump - I was desperate to get her on a bottle after failing with Alf.

What 5 things would you recommend to expectant parents?

It’s quite hard to just give 5 items! Ok I’m going to say for me personally I loved the following things:

1. The Snuz Pod bassinet — ⁠⁠I tried nearly every bassinet between my two kids, but what I loved the most about this one is that the side comes fully down so you don’t have to lift them over anything. I just found it really easy for successful and safe cosleeping.
2. The BabyBjörn Bouncer — And get the toy that goes on it for when they’re a little older! Honestly this bouncer gave me my hands back when I had to get things done - be it paid work or things around the house. They both loved being upright, and both loved playing with the toy once they were older.
3. The Doona — I used this so much with Ada. Alf was a lockdown baby so we never needed it but I couldn’t believe how helpful it was with Ada. Obviously it was great for getting in and out of cars - it would mean not having to wake them by transfering them into a pram when running errands. I also found it light and easy for getting around London and carrying it up and down stairs on the tubes.
4. The Rockit — No exaggeration, this machine changed my life. I used to spend half my life rocking the pushchair or Doona with my foot, and then one day I saw someone else with the Rockit. It does it for you. Absolute genius!
5. Mini First Aid Kit — Maybe a slightly more practical thing to have on my list, but I love how small and easy this is. We keep one in the car and one in the pushchair - it’s just nice for peace of mind.

How difficult was choosing a baby name, and do you have any tips for parents that don’t know what name feels right?

With Alfie, we picked straight away because Tommy loved the name and I wasn’t against it. With Ada we found it a little harder but we came across this app which is like Tinder but for baby names. You both download the app and swipe for the names you like. If you both like the same baby names it will tell you. It was loads of fun! It’s called ‘babyname’.

In terms of advice, I would just say don’t make the mistake we made and tell everyone before they’re born. We actually had a different name for Ada, and Tommy told his brother who slagged off the name and Tommy couldn’t see past it after that, so we had to find a new one.

We hope you found Ashley James baby recommendations helpful. For personalised, expert advise on shopping for a newborn, our team of Baby Brains are here to help. Book a free consultation to find out how creating a baby registry list will take the stress out of preparing for your greatest adventure yet.

Ashley's LittleList Picks