Moving from Seattle

[karlyann7]

Hi all! My husband will most likely be relocating to the UK from our current home in Seattle - which brings up a lot of questions that I'm hoping some mums can help shed some light on.

We want to move to Ealing (as it will be an easy train ride to Slough for my husband to work) and we've heard it is a very family friendly area.

When we move I will be seven months pregnant with baby #2 and my son will be almost two years old... here are my questions:

What area of Ealing do you suggest looking at for renting a house with a fenced garden?
What hospital do you suggest I deliver our second baby at?
Any recommendations on childcare for our son when I go into labor as we have no family/friends in the UK?
What mobile phones have the best service coverage?
What recommendations can you give on strollers for two children - I've heard Phil & Teds inline stroller is good?
What are the best parks to spend time at - since my son is obsessed with the outdoors?
Does anyone recommend some day nurseries?
Are there any good baby stores especially for buying cribs/bedding?
Does anyone use Amazon Family services with Prime for nappies, etc.?

Any other advice or suggestions would be great! My husband and I both (during separate times) lived in London while students so we understand a lot of things about living there but moving there with a child and another on the way is a very different experience.

Thank you! :)

Ok, what will your budget be?

On hospitals, Queen Charlotte's is supposed to be excellent, but I had a bad experience there. Ealing, no.

Childcare I have no idea, sorry. Could a relative come to stay?

Mobile phones, I have Voaphone, coverage OK.

On strollers, I never used a double because I have a bigger age gap. But Phil and Teds is popular.

Parks, there are loads in Ealing. We go to Pitshanger Park quite a bit, for a wilder/open area Horsenden Hill is good. There is a toddler group at Pitshanger.

There is a huge Kiddicare in Ruislip where you could get everything. They also do next day delivery online.

Thank you for your response Changebagsandgladrags!

We're thinking budget of 2000/2250 (hoping for his work to help pay for the cost of living difference).

Is Queen Charlotte's a private or public hospital? I believe we will have private healthcare coverage as well so that's an option for us. What was the bad experience? If you don't mind my asking.

Great news on the parks and Kiddicare (especially with next day online delivery!) - with a 2 year old and a newborn I'll really appreciate not having to go out shopping without a car.

Thank you again for all your information - I really appreciate it.