Spring is here, and we’ve packed out this issue with fresh ideas to make the most of the season. From fun Easter days out to creative crafts with Baker Ross, we've got plenty lined up to keep you busy.
We’re also diving into the joys of gardening with kids this Spring, as well as sharing expert tips on making real connections as a mum from expert Zoe Duce. Plus, if you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, you won’t want to miss the amazing support and advice we’ve got for you from infant feeding practitioner Lydia Emmanuel-Desir.
I hope you find plenty of inspiration in this issue - here’s to a wonderful spring and Easter break full of fresh begginings.
I would also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the amazing local businesses, schools and councils that have supported Puddle so far. Your support means the world.
Sarah Measom Editor
Editorial Team & Contributors
Jack Neale - Creative Director
Front Cover: Lumi Studio
Faye Bradshaw - Copy Editor
Zoe Duce - Movethru
Lydia Emmanuel-Desir - Nurture with Lydia
Dan Bolton - Guest writer
Easter fun & Springtime adventures
Spring has finally sprung, and Easter is just around the corner! We've curated a lovely list of family-friendly outings and activities across Essex, perfect for making the most of this season. From exploring historic landmarks to hopping on charming train rides, there's something for all to create cherished memories this Easter and beyond.
Adventures at Historic Hedingham Castle
When? 6-21st April
Where? Castle Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3DJ
Hedingham Castle offers an incredible, unique mix of fun and history for the whole family, not to be missed!
Egg hunting at the Castle
This Easter, take part in the Enchanted Egg Hunt, where kids can search for 15 magical hidden eggs around the castle grounds. Once they've all been found, there’s a treat waiting for little adventurers.
Woodland Fairy Trail
For a bit of whimsy, explore the Woodland Fairy Trail - take a walk through the trees to discover the homes of ten cheeky fairies.
Puppets and Birds of Prey
On 6th April, catch the Sand Dragon Puppet Show and join a workshop to create your own puppet. The Birds of Prey Static Displays on 8th-9th April also offer the chance to meet some impressive birds and learn all about their amazing skills!
Knights, archery, nature and more!
Head to the annual Knights of Middle England Joust on 20th-21st April, with lots of jousting, archery, and even a medieval camp for the kids to explore. You can also enjoy a relaxing Spring Bulb Walk through the castle grounds, admiring the beautiful flowers in bloom and soak up the fresh spring air.
Use code PUDDLE10 for 10% off Joust tickets on 20-21st April!
For more information and tickets visit: hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Easter adventures
Embark on magical journey at Audley End
Miniature Railway
When? 5-21st April
Where? Audley End, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JB
This Easter, families can step into a world of springtime magic at Audley End Miniature Railway. From 5th to 21st April, jump on board on the Easter train as the friendly Farmer welcomes you to the enchanting woodlands, where you can spot adorable Easter scenes scattered throughout the trees! Every little passenger will also be given a delightful springtime souvenir to take home as a reminder of their magical journey.
Eggs-traordinary Mystery!
Embark on a thrilling mystery-solving adventure featuring Shearlock Holmes, the world’s greatest sheep detective. He has teamed up with the Easter Bunny and the lovable farmyard animals to uncover the mystery of the missing eggs!
Little green thumbs
After cracking the case, head back to the Woodland Station where Little Bo Peep will guide the way to the Fulfen Forest. Here, you can participate in an activity that is both educational and fun - planting carrot seeds to take home and nurture into fully-grown, delicious carrots! It’s a perfect springtime experience that will engage and encourage kids to appreciate nature’s wonders.
Visit the fairies
Continue the magic along the Fairy and Elf Walk, where little ones can discover how these woodland creatures have decorated their homes for Easter. The sights of twinkling fairy lights and whimsical fairy houses will transport families into a world of fantasy.
Fun with Fox!
Head to the Stage Show for an entertaining session with the bold and cheeky Fox. Watch as he brings a mix of storytelling and interactive games that will keep everyone laughing and engaged throughout the day.
And after all the excitement, let the kids blow off some steam at the adventure play area in the picnic field. To refuel, make sure to head over to The Woodland Café for a tempting selection of food and drink.
For more information and tickets, visit: audley-end-railway.co.uk
Use code PUDDLE20 for 20% off online Easter tickets!
Easter adventures
Eggstravaganza and fun weekend at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
When? 5-21st April
Where? Brentwood, CM15 9BZ
Whether your children are animalobsessed or you're just after some Easter fun, Hopefield is the perfect place to celebrate the season. This much-loved animal sanctuary blends the excitement of Easter with magical hands-on encounters, giving families a chance to enjoy festive activities while learning about the incredible rescued animals that call Hopefield home.
Get creative together
With an egg hunt, adorable animals to meet, creative workshops, and plenty of fun-filled games, its a fantastic Easter day out.
Ready, set, hunt!
It wouldn’t be Easter without a good old egg hunt! Hopefield’s Easter Egg Hunt is brilliant for all ages, with plenty of colourful eggs hidden around the sanctuary grounds. Kids (and adults!) can explore, spot the eggs, and pick up some sweet prizes along the way. Keep an eye out - you might even see a real bunny hopping past while you’re on the hunt!
Cuddle, feed & learn
One of the highlights of any visit is meeting the sanctuary’s furry residents. From friendly goats to fluffy rabbits and everything in between, there are so many animals to meet and feed. It’s also a chance to hear the stories behind these rescued animals and learn about the important work Hopefield does to give them a second chance.
If they enjoy getting stuck into some crafts, you’re in luck. Hopefield’s Easter-themed workshops are a great way to get creative, with everything from decorating Easter baskets to painting and making keepsakes to take home.
It’s a lovely, calm way to spend some quality time together during your visit.
Face painting & games
No Easter event is complete without a splash of colour and a bit of silliness! The face painting station is always popular – kids can transform into their favourite animal or let their imaginations run wild. Plus, there are classic games like egg-and-spoon races and outdoor challenges to keep everyone entertained.
For more information and tickets, visit: hopefield.org.uk
Make this Easter the bounciest ever at AirHop’s Easter Fest
When? 18-21 April, 9-10am Where? AirHop Chelmsford & Colchester
AirHop is celebrating Easter with an exciting, fun-filled Easter Fest, perfect for families looking to add some bounce to their morning! The event will take place during the Toddler Takeover session (9–10am) all Easter weekend, just for kids aged 1-6 years.
Meet & Greet with the AirHop Easter Bunny
Families will have the chance to meet the AirHop Easter Bunny, the fluffiest VIP of the season! You can enjoy a special photo opportunity with the friendly bunny, complete with cuddles and a small Easter
surprise. Guests are encouraged to snap photos and tag AirHop on social media for a chance to be featured.
Free hot chocolate for every child!
To add a little extra sweetness to the Easter fun, every child attending AirHop’s Easter Fest will receive a FREE hot chocolate. A much needed treat to enjoy after plenty of bouncing, crafting, and egg hunting!
Arts & crafts time
The Easter fun continues with arts and crafts activities where they can let their creativity soar!
For more information and tickets head over to: airhop.co.uk/essex
Easter fun at Colchester Zoological Society
When? 5th-21st April
Where? Stanway, Colchester, CO3 0SL
Colchester Zoological Society’s Easter event has plenty packed in – from parties and crafts to animal encounters and egg hunts – making it a great day out for the whole family.
Parties & parades!
The Wild Vibe Crew are back so be sure to join in and sing along at their daily parties and parades!
Animal encounters & springtime vibes
Spring is in the air, and the animals are out to play. Say hi to favourites like elephants and giraffes and maybe spot a new arrival or two! It’s a brilliant chance for little ones to learn more about wildlife and the zoo’s incredible conservation work.
Crafts, trails & more to explore
Between exploring, stop by the craft workshops where kids can get creative in making Easter-themed crafts. They can search high and low for hidden Easter eggs around the Zoo for a chance to win a prize!
For all the details and tickets, head to: colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
Easter adventures
What's on at Essex Libraries
Hop into the Easter spirit with a variety of fun-filled events at Essex Libraries this Spring! Here’s some of what's coming up for families at your local libraries.
Mr McGregor's Garden
Join us for a magical adventure in Mr. McGregor's Garden at South Woodham Ferrers Library on Tuesday, April 15th, 10:30am to 12:00pm. Bring your little ones to plant seeds of imagination and create garden-themed crafts for our displays! No need to book, just hop on by!
Easter Crafts and Activities
We've got so many craft and activity days happening in our libraries this Easter Holidays!
Make and create Easter everything, from cards, to your own egg, a basket, or bunnies! Enjoy colouring and crafting, as well as Easter trails and themed games!
Easter Bunny’s Showcase
Popular magician Magic Dave returns to the Chelmsford area for three events for 3-11 year olds this Easter! Get ready for Easter-themed crafts, colouring and a story time, as well as a magic show! Take part at Chelmsford, Danbury or North Melbourne Libraries, on Wednesday 16 April; tickets are £6 per child.
School readiness events
Essex Library Service is here to help your child prepare for school! Supported by Essex Year of Numbers, TLC, ACL Essex, and the Child and Family Wellbeing Service, you can borrow a Starting School bag at participating libraries.
If your child is starting school in September, don’t miss the Big School Meet Up sessions. These fun, relaxed events let you meet other families, enjoy a storytime, and get helpful tips for the transition.
To see what's on at your local library, visit: library-events.essex.gov.uk
Cardboard tube chickens
Cluck into some crafty fun with these cardboard tube chickens! Perfect for little ones and a great way to recycle. With a few snips, and some creative touches, you’ll have a whole coop of fun chicken friends!
Cardboard tube
Coloured A4 Card
Self-adhesive Wiggle Eyes
Natural Feathers
Glue stick, stapler
Download the cutout template, or draw and cut out the nose, wings and tail feather shapes from card.
Staple the top opening of a cardboard tube. Alternatively, you can use glue.
For the chicken’s tail feathers, curl the ends by wrapping the strips of card around a pencil.
Stick the features onto the cardboard tube.
To finish, stick the wiggle eyes onto the face and the natural feathers onto the wings.
Crafty corner
Juice carton bird feeder
This fun and easy craft project is perfect for introducing children to nature! They'll love watching native birds visit the garden for a snack. You can get as creative as you like with the designturn it into a cosy little house, or keep it simple. Just fill it with seeds from your local garden centre and enjoy the birdwatching!
Thoroughly washed out juice container
Jute string (or thick string)
Scissors
Paints and a tray
Bird seeds
Acrylic varnish
Stick or twig (optional)
1. Thoroughly wash out your container and make sure it’s completely dry before starting.
2. Cut a hole with scissors (or a craft knife for parents) to cut a hole about 2 inches in diameter in the front of the carton. This will be where the birds access the seeds.
3. Get creative and paint the carton however you like. Add a second coat for more vibrancy. Once your design is complete, seal it with a coat of varnish to help it withstand rain.
4. Punch two small holes in the top of the carton. Thread a piece of string through both holes and tie, leaving enough length to hang your feeder. Trim excess string. Push a twig or stick through the front to create a little perch.
5. Pour birdseed into the carton, and you're ready to hang it up in your garden!
Win a Baker Ross
VE Day craft & party pack worth £260 for your school or nursery!
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 6th May 2025, Baker Ross is giving you the chance to host a memorable VE Day party for your school, nursery or playgroup with an incredible bundle worth £260! Whether you’re planning a classroom celebration or a big school picnic, this prize will help bring everyone together.
Simply download and colour in the printable below provided by Baker Ross, then send us a photo of your finished artwork. We will also select 20 entries, along with the winner to feature in our next issue. Good luck, and happy colouring!
The prize
The winning school, nursery or playgroup will receive a VE Day Party Kit worth £260, including:
• Union Jack tableware to decorate your party in patriotic style
• VE Day craft kits to colour in and get creative with
• A range of themed decorations to ensure your celebration is a hit!
How to enter
1. Download the VE Day printable on the opposite page from the Baker Ross website.
2. Print and colour it in with your choice of colours and materials.
3. Take a photo of your coloured printable.
4. Email your photo entry to competitions@puddlemagazine.co.uk, before midnight on 28th April 2025.
T&C's apply. Competition closes at 11:59PM GMT on 28th April 2025. For full competition T&c's visit puddlemagazine.co.uk/ ve-day-baker-ross
Little green fingers
Making gardening fun & easy for kids
Words by Dan Bolton
Dad of 2, expert at growing plants... And occasionally the chaos in his own garden.
It doesn't take much to spark a child's imagination, and for me, it all started with my granddad. As a young boy, he introduced me to the magic of growing vegetables. I remember helping him create little holes for the leeks, carefully placing them in, and then, after what felt like an eternity, finally digging them up. The excitement of harvesting our own food was something special. And, let’s be honest - I was always the one gobbling up the last of the freshly grown veg at dinner!
One of my favourite memories was rushing to the far end of the garden to pick climbing beans for the evening meal. Or happily tossing kitchen scraps onto the compost
heap, knowing that I was playing a part in something much bigger. Those small, everyday tasks fuelled my curiosity and planted the seed for my lifelong love of gardening.
Fast forward to today, and it’s my turn to share that passion with my three-year-old daughter, Isla. She’s already helping with watering the plants (and sometimes my shoes too!) and is starting to get the hang of weeding - though I’ll admit there’s a little gasp when she gets a bit too eager with thinning the seedlings! When Isla was born, we planted a crab apple tree in her honour, and now she’s watching the blossoms with wonder, fascinated by the bees that visit.
Getting them interested in gardening
There’s no secret trick to getting children into gardening - just get them involved! If you make it fun and interactive, their interest will naturally grow, just like the plants they’re helping you care for.
Kids love being part of the action, from watering the plants to picking the veggies and even chopping them (with a bit of help from you). Toddlers can easily join in with their own mini tools - digging, stirring, and having fun alongside you.
As they get older, give them their very own space to grow things. I remember when my parents let me have my own little garden patch. It wasn’t big, but it was mine to look after, and I was over the moon! I grew spinach and radishes, and despite my constant fiddling, despite all odds, they thrived. By the time I was ten, I was in charge of an entire vegetable garden!
Naturally, you’ll want to guide them in the beginning. Start with easy-to-grow plants like radishes, spinach, salad leaves, spring onions, beans (especially climbing beans), beetroot, courgettes, and potatoes. Many seed companies offer kid-friendly options, so these are a great place to start.
Simple ways to get started
In addition to their own little garden plots, why not try some creative gardening projects?
One that’s always a hit is growing potatoes in containers - children love the excitement of digging around in the soil to find the hidden tubers. Strawberries are another winner. You can plant them almost anywhere, but for a bit of fun, why not get creative and use old, discarded items as containers? Imagine strawberries growing from a pair of old boots, spilling out of a chest of drawers, or even nestled in re purposed car tyres turned into quirky raised beds. Most supermarkets sell inexpensive packets of seeds complete with simple sowing instructions. But really, if you're afraid of "not doing it right" or saying to yourself "they won't grow" you'd be surprised to find that plants are very resilient and will usually produce something. Don't be scared - just give it a go. Who knows, you might just get a little bit addicted.
It just about growing food either, although that's a huge bonus - it’s about giving kids a sense of ownership, responsibility, and a deep connection with nature. It’s a perfect way to spend quality time together, explore the outdoors, and watch little hands at work.
What’s on
Play in the Park Chelmsford • 4th - 14th April
Chelmsford • 9:00am • FREE • Play, create and take part in fun sports, games and craft activities, plus extra activities on select days! • chelmsford.gov.uk
Brentwood Connected Easter Bunny Trail • 7th - 21st April
Brentwood, Shenfield, Ingatestone • FREE • Explore all three high streets during the school holidays and win prizes! • brentwoodconnected.co.uk/easter
Easter at Hedingham Castle • 6th - 21st April
Halstead • 11:00am-4:00pm • Adults £11, Children £10, under 4's FREE, family discounts • Enjoy a basketful of egg-citing activities! • hedinghamcastle.co.uk
St Clare Easter Party • 12th April
Hastingwood • 10:00am-3:00pm • £10 per person, under 1's free • Bunny trail, arts & crafts, face painting, bakes, raffle & more! • stclarehospice.org.uk 12 APRIL
15
Airhop Easter Fest • 18th - 21st April
Chelmsford, Colchester • 9:00am-10:00am • £11 for 1 adult and 1 child • Bouncing, crafts, Easter bunny meet & free hot chocolate! • airhop.co.uk/essex
Explore Learning Colchester Handwriting Zoo Workshop • 15th April
Brentwood • 10:00am-12:00pm • £32.50 • relax, connect, and meet fellow Mamas in a welcoming, judgment-free space • themamasocialco.co.uk
Essex Wildlife Trust Ingrebourne Easter Craft • 21st April
Hornchurch • Various times • £7.75 per person (over 5's only) • Celebrate Easter in style by joining us to create one of our Seasonal crafts • essexwt.org.uk
Details are accurate at the time of publishing. Please verify event information with organisers directly. Puddle Magazine is not responsible for any changes, cancellations, or inaccuracies.
Woodland Easter egg hunt • 10th April
Woodford Green• 10:00am-1:00pm • Adults FREE, £10 per child • Egg hunt in the decorated grounds, crafts, and meet the Easter Bunny! • havenhouse.org.uk
Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale on Ice at Riverside • 16th - 20th April
Chelmsford • various times • From £15.80, under 2's on laps FREE chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Story and Rhyme Time at Human Kind Cafe - Dear Zoo • 25th April
Billericay • 9:30am -10:00am • FREE • Perfect for kids and parents looking for a creative and engaging way to start the morning • humankindcafe.co.uk
Mini Monster SpringTime FunTime • 18th April
Dunmow • Various times from 9:30am-2:00pm • £13.50 per child • Lots of Easter fun, treats & more. Includes 2-hour soft play! • minimonsterclasses.co.uk
Big Kid Circus at Braintree Village • 16th - 21st April
Braintree • Various times • Action, mind-blowing performances, and laugh-outloud moments for the whole family to enjoy • bigkidcircus.co.uk
Essex Wildlife Trust: Creativity by the Sea • 8th April
Walton-on-the-naze • 1:30pm-3:00pm • £7.73 per child • Relaxed beach craft session using found shells, fossils, and other treasures.• essexwt.org.uk
Relaxed SEND Family Swim Sessions at Fusion Leisure Witham • Every Sunday
Witham • 12:15pm-1:15pm • Children £4.27, one parent/carer free, additional adults £5.67 • Perfect for families with SEND children • sendsensation.co.uk
The Green Barn Farm - Easter at the Farm • 5th - 19th April
Benfleet • 09:00am-5:00pm • £12.50 per child, adults £5.50, under 1's free • Animal handling and feeding, egg hunts • greenbarnfarmshop.com/events
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescuean immersive family adventure
Attention Minecraft fans – a new adventure is coming to London! From 4th April 2025, the whole family can step into the world of Minecraft like never before with the Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue at Corner Corner in Canada Water. This exciting, interactive journey invites players of all ages to rescue villagers from a zombie attack! Armed with a glowing Orb of Interaction, you’ll explore Minecraft’s famous biomes, solve puzzles, and gather ingredients to save the day. Whether you’re a seasoned Minecraft player or new to the game, there’s fun to be had for everyone. The experience runs until 4th June 2025, so be sure to grab your tickets soon! Prices start at £20 for children, making it the perfect family outing for Minecraft fans young and old.
Discover ancient Egypt at Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition
This Spring, take your family on a fascinating journey back to ancient Egypt with Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, opening on 28th March 2025 at Immerse LDN in London. This exciting and educational experience brings Egypt’s rich history to life with 360-degree projections, virtual reality adventures, and even a hologram showing how the famous Pharaoh was mummified! Discover incredible ancient artefacts and explore the treasures of King Tut’s tomb together. It’s a perfect blend of education and fun for all ages. The exhibition runs until 29th June 2025, offering families a unique chance to dive into the wonders of ancient Egypt. Tickets are available starting at £20 for adults – don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Little Legs Festival to return to Braintree this Summer
Little Legs, the preschool kids’ festival in the Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens is back this summer, on the 18th - 20th June. 9:30am to 3pm each day. Running for over a decade, Little Legs is a firm favourite with young families, offering a fantastic selection of activities for babies, infants and young children, including inflatables, rides, performers, a petting zoo and much more. This year the festival is organised by Festoon Events, who also run Festival in the Gardens. We have many more activities booked for this year so it should be the best Little Legs ever!
Visit www.littlelegsfestival.com for tickets and more information.
Allergy Awareness Week: Protecting your child's health
Allergy Awareness Week highlights the importance of managing allergies in children. With common allergens like food, pollen, and pet dander, parents are encouraged to recognise symptoms, keep emergency medication available, and work with schools to ensure safety. For helpful resources and advice, visit allergyuk. org. Stay informed and keep your child safe from allergies all year round.
Play in the Park Chelmsford returns this Easter holidays
Chelmsford’s popular Play in the Park is back between 8th-17th April, offering children plenty of free outdoor fun this spring. The event invites kids aged 3-11 to enjoy a range of exciting activities in parks across the city. From sports and games to arts and crafts, there’s something for all to enjoy. Booking in advance is required. Visit: chelmsford.gov.uk for more details and booking.
Book your place on the Essex Early Years Conference 2025 at New Hall
School
Join Essex Early Years for this year's conference, 'The Power of Play: Exploring the Role of Adults and the Environment in Your Curriculum.' Enjoy workshops, networking and stalls. Let's create dynamic learning experiences that nurture children's development through play. To book your place please visit: educationessex.essex.gov.uk
Finding your people
Finding your people Making real connections as a mum
Whether you’re on maternity leave and your pre-natal group is boring the life out of you, or your kids are starting school and you feel like you’ve missed the boat on making friends as a mum, I’m here to tell you: it’s not too late. In fact, making real connections can make this whole motherhood malarkey infinitely more enjoyable. More importantly, I’ll show you how to actually do it.
Zoe Duce
Connection Expert MoveThru
Connect with Zoe on Instagram @ movethru_ or visit her website: movethru.co.uk
Zoe is a connection expert helping mums rebuild their friendships, romantic relationships, and social lives after having children. She understands the loneliness and disconnect that can accompany motherhood and offers practical tools to revive meaningful relationships. Through personalised 1-on-1 sessions and her community, Rekindle Your Relationships, Zoe teaches mums to overcome common barriers and reconnect with loved ones, making motherhood a whole lot more enjoyable.
Before we get into it, who am I to be giving you advice? Fair question. I’m Zoe – mum to a three-year-old tornado of a boy, former Projects Director, and, in the last few years, Connection Expert for mums who need practical, immediate solutions to stop their relationships from drifting apart. Basically, I took everything I learned in 14 years of project management for companies like Amazon and applied it to something far more important than advertising: helping mums reconnect with their partners, friends, and, most importantly, themselves.
So, now that’s out of the way, let’s dig into the problem a bit more. Because I know it’s not for lack of trying that you’re not excited about any of the so-called friends you’ve made in the last year. Or that you’ve given up because, well, let’s be blunt—the mums at that toddler class were just not your people.
You know play dates would be so much more fun with a parent you actually enjoy spending time with. Maybe you just crave a night out now and again—with an actual, fully functioning adult who isn’t your husband, so you can talk about literally anything other than the children.
Oh, and by the way, you’re not alone in feeling this way. I’ve received hundreds of messages over the last two years from mums in your exact position. It’s to be expected. Your original friends have dispersed across the country (or beyond), everyone’s busy with work, kids, or looking after elderly parents. Your thriving, fun, full social life seemed to disappear overnight. And yeah, you know you’re partly to blame—you said no to plans one too many times because you were exhausted, your kid was sick again, and the last time you got a full night’s sleep, skinny
jeans were still in fashion. But jeez, here we are a year or two later and you never seem to be invited to anything.
What you really want is local pals. Someone you can text on a whim when the sun comes out and you realise you should be walking along with a coffee instead of hanging washing, again. Someone with good chat, because god, you’re so bored of hearing about sleep schedules, food preferences, and developmental milestones. I’m sure all the kids are fine—does anyone ever talk about anything else these days?
If you’re vigorously nodding along, here’s how we’re going to fix this. Because I want you to start connecting and enjoying friendships again this summer—and, honestly, I’m weirdly obsessed with getting you there. I know how much more you’re going to enjoy motherhood (and life) as a result. So, here’s the plan…
1. Be extra observant: Who might be your vibe? Start paying attention to the clues… How they talk to their kids – Give me a mum who can add a little playful wit to toddler talk—that’s a special kind of connection, and I know we’d get on. For you, it might be something else. How they present themselves – I know this sounds shallow, and trust me, I usually look like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards. But I love spotting those little hints of who they are outside of being a mum. A pop of leopard print? I know she's a vibe.
2. See if they want to meet up Play dates are the easiest route, but if you’re feeling bold, skip straight to step 4. If not, set up a casual meet-up on an inset day, bank holiday, or another time when
childcare options are limited. Use the kids as an excuse, then, when you get a moment together…
3. Show a bit of vulnerability
Not the “I’m about to leave my partner” kind of vulnerability (too soon, let’s not scare them off), but something real—an admission of guilt, a struggle with mum-life, a little resentment about how things have changed. Something that signals: I’m more than just a mum, and I’m open to building a proper friendship. Consider it an invitation.
4. Plan some adult-only time
If the play date goes well (for you and them), it’s time to level up. The easiest way? Tie it into something you already do using the “with or without you” approach to keep it casual: "On Tuesdays, I usually grab a quick coffee after drop-off. Want to join?" or "I always walk around the park before pick-up. Fancy coming along?"
This is where you get to find out who you both are apart from being mums. Talk about hobbies, passions, your job (or what it was before kids took over). If you feel like you’ve lost touch with all that? No worries—talk about what life used to be like pre-kids. Invite her to do the same. You never know, reconnecting with your old interests might be easier with a new friend to share them with
Friendships don’t happen by accident
If you’re waiting for someone else to make the first move, you might be waiting forever. Be the one to suggest meeting up. If it feels awkward, remind yourself that most mums feel the same way—they want deeper connections too but might not know how to initiate them. Trust me, my DM’s are proof.
And of course, you don’t just have to make friends with other mums. But at this stage of life, it’s easiest if new friends are local. Let’s be honest, you already have plenty of mates who live elsewhere. It’s friends you can actually see and meet up with easily that you’re missing. If you’re looking beyond the mum crowd, find friends in places that align with your passions—a running club, a coworking space, a local litter pick. The same principles apply: show a bit of vulnerability up front, and you’ll fast-track to the good stuff within a friendship.
The key to creating deep, lasting friendships from scratch? Vulnerability and showing your true self. Because, yes, there is so much more to you than just being a mum. Even if you forgot it for a moment there, building new friendships can be an excellent way of remembering!
If you’d like to learn more about me or my work, or just want to share how you got on with the advice above, follow along on Instagram @movethru_ or check out movethru.co.uk.
Breastfeeding
How to make extended breastfeeding work for you
Breastfeeding beyond infancy—often called extended breastfeeding—can be a wonderful and practical experience for both mother and child. But as your little one grows, you may face new challenges, from judgemental comments to juggling work and nursing. The good news? With the right approach, extended breastfeeding can be smooth, enjoyable, and empowering.
Natural term weaning
There’s no universal timeline for weaning - every child is different. Some children continue breastfeeding well into their toddler years, while others naturally reduce feeds on their own. If you decide to wean, do so gradually to avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of mastitis. Slowly decrease the amount of milk removed each day to help your body adjust. If your child is under 12 months when weaning, they will need formula as a substitute. After 12 months, they can
Lydia Emmanuel-Desir
Infant Feeding Practitioner
Nurture With Lydia
switch to cow’s milk or unsweetened plant alternatives (avoid rice milk due to arsenic levels)
Handling judgement
A common challenge of extended breastfeeding is dealing with unsolicited opinions. You may hear comments like, “Isn’t your child too old for that?” or “You’re doing it for yourself now.” The reality is, there’s no upper age limit for breastfeeding—it’s a personal choice between you and your child.
Connect with Lydia on Instagram @nurturewithlydia and visit her website: nurturewithlydia.com
Lydia is an Infant Feeding Practitioner and mother of one, offering compassionate support to families navigating breastfeeding and bottle feeding, from pregnancy to post-partum. Through her platform, Nurture with Lydia, she provides virtual consultations, home visits, and educational webinars, empowering parents with knowledge and confidence throughout their feeding experiences. Lydia also creates free, valuable content on Instagram, offering practical tips, advice, and resources to support parents every step of the way.
To feel empowered when feeding an older baby/child:
• Arm yourself with the facts—breast milk continues to provide nutrition and immune support beyond infancy.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or like-minded online communities.
• Have a simple response ready for unwanted comments - "This works for us!" is often enough.
• Practice your response in advance to feel more confident.
Breastfeeding on-the-go
Feeding a toddler in public can feel different from nursing a newborn - older children can be more vocal and demanding!
Tips for stress-free public breastfeeding
• Wear easy-access clothing, such as layered tops or a nursing hoodie.
• Choose a familiar, comfortable spot where your child is less likely to be distracted.
• If you prefer privacy, a shawl or cardigan can help.
• Set boundaries around your little one's access to your breasts - distraction can be a helpful tool
• Remember: You have every right to feed your child whenever you want to.
Returning to work while breastfeeding
Going back to work doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Many mums continue nursing their toddlers around their work schedule.
Tips for returning to work and breastfeeding:
• Prioritise feeds before and after work.
• Plan ahead—discuss your pumping needs with your employer before returning.
• Clearly communicate your need for regular, private pumping breaks.
• Consider flexible working options or being near your child to breastfeed.
• Know your rights—while there is no specific law on pumping breaks, employers must provide reasonable accommodations, including more frequent rest breaks and suitable facilities.
Preparation and confidence will help pumping and feeding fit into your work routine in a way that supports both you and your baby. Trust Your Journey Extended breastfeeding is about doing what feels right for you and your child.
Whether you nurse for days, weeks, months or years, the most important thing is that it works for your family. Ignore the naysayers, trust your instincts, and enjoy this special connection for as long as it suits you both.
Tried and loved
Organic chocolate and toy
Play in Choc Organic Chocolate + Surprise
Toy boxes are a delightful treat made with little tummies in mind! Made with organic, dairy-free ingredients, the smooth, award winning chocolate is delicious, and the surprise toy inside adds extra fun. Plus, the eco-friendly toy makes it a thoughtful and planet-friendly choice.
Tesco, £1.50
Fruit & veg pot stakes
These vibrant stakes feature playful fruit and veg characters, adding personality and cheer to your vegetable beds and pots. Perfect for getting kids involved in gardening, they’ll love creating their very own veggie patch while watching their plants grow. A great way to spark interest in nature, and a fun addition to any garden.
weThings love
Elephant plush mirror toy
This cute elephant mirror toy is perfect from birth, capturing the attention of babies and toddlers as they discover their reflection. The quality is exceptional, offering a soft, cuddly feel while being surprisingly durable. Plus, it comes at an affordable price, making it a wonderful gift idea. Warm, inviting, and perfect for little ones, it's sure to become a favourite!
Morrisons, £6
Home Bargains, £1.99 each.
Easter bunny basket
This charming little basket is perfect for keeping all your Easter eggs in one place during the hunt. Not only is it practical, but it also adds a delightful touch to your home’s Easter decor. Available in adorable pink and green, it’s the perfect size for little hands to carry. Crafted from water hyacinth grass, it’s both eco-friendly and durable.
B&M Stores, £7
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