Toddle About Milton Keynes & Bedford Jan-Mar 2023 by Toddle About Magazine

Everything Bump, Baby & Toddler Near You Covering Milton Keynes, Bedford, Buckingham, Newport Pagnell, Olney and the surrounding area FREE WIN a Spa Break for 2 worth £250 MK & Bedford WINTER EVENTS IMAGINATION Are children losing theirs?

W E L C O M E

TO THE NEW YEAR ISSUE!

The New Year is a time to look back and to look forward.

Some people make resolutions to break bad habits, create new ones or maintain existing ones. The team at Toddle About also has a resolution it intends to keep; to continue to help families love life with little ones and provide you with a wealth of local information for all things bump, baby and toddler.

We've got a brand new feature for you in 2023 as we've teamed up with local mum blogger Lisa from 'Keyne to Explore' to share some of her favourite adventures and activities to give you our top tips to try out with your little ones.

You'll also find some great winter events on page 20 and, of course, hundreds of new groups and classes to try in the Daily Activity Planner from page 27 .

So, grab your wellies and scarf and explore the great outdoors this winter!

Help Us to Help The Environment!

Please help us in our ambition to plant a forest by subscribing to the Toddle About magazine.

We are committed to planting a new tree for every magazine we send to each of our subscribers. This will offset enough carbon to cover the impact of printing 200 magazines every time ONE person subscribes.

See our trees at ecologi.com/toddleabout

Loving life with little ones,

Tim and Ruth

CO-FOUNDERS

PS. Subscription to Toddle About is just £2 every 3 months and your first issue is free! Plus, you get other VIP perks such as automatic entry to exclusive giveaways and freebies. More info at www.toddle.fun/subscribe

MEET THE TEAM

Toddle About, Unit 3, Yorks

IN THIS ISSUE

Bite Sized News 4-6

World Book Day 8-9

Join Our VIP Club 10

Toddling About MK & Bedford 11

Are Children Losing Their Imagination? 13

Kiddie Proofing Your Relationship 14 Recipe: Valentine's Biscuits 15 Toddle Models 16-17 Baby & Toddler Products 18 Winter Events 20 Craft: Animal Bookmarks 21 Special Offer Vouchers 22-23 Mother's Day Competition 23

The Walk Home: A Dad's Adventure 25-26 Daily Activity Planner 27-42 Directory 43 Call us on 01908 596050 or email: mk@toddleabout.co.uk toddleaboutmkandbeds toddleabout toddleabout_mkandbeds

Business Centre, Watling Street, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8EU. Call us on 01908 596050.

Toddle

Alec - IT Director Tim & Ruth - Managing Directors Lou - Content & Support Manager Fin - Lead Developer 9,000 copies of Toddle About are distributed every quarter all over North Bucks & Beds, including Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Bedford, Buckingham, Newport Pagnell, Olney and surrounding areas. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in Toddle About is accurate and correct, we cannot guarantee that this is so and Toddle About Limited cannot and does not accept any liability for loss, damage or problems arising from any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in content, nor from actions taken by readers based on information or opinions presented in advertisements or throughout the magazine. Images and information supplied by 3rd parties have been accepted in good faith and all liability for any legal transgression

including breach of copyright remains with the supplying parties. Farm

Jan - Mar 2023

About MK & Bedford 3 Follow us for

updates!

daily

Workout While Your Little One Plays

Fit Mummy MK have been running group exercise sessions for mums for 5 years now. The owner, Helen, realised how hard it was to fit in a workout after the birth of her first child so she used her gym to create a safe space for mums to bring their little ones with them to exercise. Sessions are led by qualified postnatal trainers, so you know you're in safe hands.

Offer: 1 extra session on any block purchase Find full info at www.fitmummybootcamp.com or contact Helen on 07723 020994. See P.21

Bringing Role Play to Nurseries

Did you know Little City can visit your local school or nursery? Little City is the perfect way to introduce little ones to role play, which is fantastic for children's development. It can build confidence, help with communication and initiate problem solving. Ideal for transition, end of term or to support the EYFS. As well as school hire, Little City runs public PAYG sessions throughout the month and they do birthday parties too!

Offer: 10% off for Toddle About readers Email Jen at jen@littlecityuk.com for more information or visit bit.ly/littlecitymk. See P.5

Parents Who Understand Themselves Parent Better

Parents need support much more than they need advice. Emily of Finding Flow Empowered Parent Coaching offers that support. She works with parents just like you who are struggling with yelling, being present and feeling stuck in survival mode. Unlike most parenting brands that focus on the child, Emily focuses on you, the parent, because she knows that's where the real changes happen. You can have 1000 parenting tools and products and still be stuck. Emily works to empower parents to be the parent they hoped they would be. Offer: 25% off 4 & 12 week Coaching Packages with Code TODDLE ABOUT1 www.findingflowparenting.coach See P.15

Join Alice in Babyland

Baby College have had the pleasure of welcoming Alice to the team! Alice would love to welcome you and your baby to their specially designed, complete developmental classes for babies and toddlers from birth to three. Classes have been carefully developed to benefit you just as much as they are fun and beneficial for your little ones. You’ll love their insights into your little one's development and you’ll find inspiring ideas for play to support your little one’s natural development in their sociable and supportive classes. www.babycollege.co.uk. See P.34

Preloved Items at Bargain Prices

Baby & Children’s market will be in Milton Keynes and Bedford with their popular nearly new sales. Stalls will be bursting with baby and children’s items, plus a small selection of local businesses. So pop along and grab yourself a bargain, or if you need to clean out those cupboards, then book a stall.

Milton Keynes: Sat 4th Feb, 3pm - 4.30pm, at Medbourne Pavilion, MK5 6LS

Bedford: Sun 26th March, 11am - 12.30pm, at John Bunyan Sports Centre, MK42 9TS www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk £1.50 entry, kids go free!

Bite SIZED NEWS

4 Jan - Mar 2023

Loving life with little ones

Toddle About The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages

New Swim School in Bedford

Pool Stars are a new family run swim school based in Wyboston, Bedford. Run by wife and husband team Laura and George Jenkins they have a combined 25 years experience as PE teachers and swim coaches. Pool Stars pride themselves on being relational, inclusive and engaging. They offer parent and baby classes, pre-school classes and lessons for school aged children. What's more they have spaces available now for all age groups.

Offer: Free trial for every swimmer. www.pool-stars.co.uk. See P.38

Moo and Brew Returns to Bedford

Moo Music Bedford is bringing back Moo & Brew classes to their Clapham venue this January. Join Farmer Carla, Maggie Moo and all her Croo for an interactive moosical, sensory play class followed by free play for the children. Enjoy the chance to catch up with other parents and carers over a cuppa. Clapham classes are held at Clapham Village Hall, are suitable from birth to five and meet every Wednesday at 11am (term time only). Offer: 50% off PAYG classes (not inc. Playhouse) www.moo-music.com/bedford. See P.37

Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) is a team of women, birthing people and their families alongside health service professionals, working together to review and develop local maternity care. Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes MVP are seeking out the voices of as many people as possible to hear about their experience of maternity services to highlight good practice and identify areas for improvement. If you have used your local maternity service in the last 2 years, they want to hear from you. Contact blmkicb.mkmvp@nhs.net or scan the QR code to take part. See P.11

Your

Needed!

Feedback is

Children's Snack Box Subscribe @AlittleBigKid St Mark's Meals (Charity Partner) Healthy & Yummy Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About MK & Bedford 5

The Benefits for Dance Start Early

Dance classes benefit children of all ages by developing social skills, flexibility, creativity, physical dexterity, coordination, skills in teamwork, and self-confidence - things that benefit your little dancer way beyond the studio. Rebecca Marie Academy of Dance run Baby Ballet classes every Wednesday, 10:15am, in Wavendon, MK. Why not start your child's dance journey today?

Offer: 10% Off Bubba Ballet - quote 'Toddle About'. www.rebeccamariemkdance.co.uk. See P.31

Protect Baby with the Right Nutrients

It's important to make sure your pregnancy supplements are giving you the nutrients you and your baby need. For example, check they contain the recommended amount of cholinethis protects against neural tube, autism and brain defects. Collagen is vital for healthy bone and joint formation. Probiotics are linked to a healthy microbiome which is important in a strong immune system. Purermama supplements are an award-winning essence capsule that include all these nutrients to help grow healthy babies. www.purermama.co.uk. See P.15

Get More Sleep Without The Need to 'Cry It Out'

Tami is a level 6 holistic sleep consultant specialising in baby and toddler sleep. Working closely with families, she aims to find the root cause of why your baby or toddler is not sleeping as well as they could be. After analysing a sleep questionnaire and sleep/feeding logs, Tami will meet you in person or over video for an in-depth consultation and put a plan in place to help, followed by daily support to achieve your sleep goals.

Offer: Quote Toddle for 10% off all sleep packages. Visit www.thebabydays.co.uk See P.21

My Baby Spa Comes to MK

work out.

suitable from walking, are action-packed with a different theme each week. They are experts in engaging both adult and child to help them have fun, feel confident and develop new skills which will help your child when they start school.

Milton Keynes

Contact miltonkeynes@littlemovers.net or visit www.littlemovers.net for more info. See P.34

My Baby Spa is an award-winning sensory experience for newborns to 12 month-old babies & 1-4 year old toddlers and is now in Milton Keynes! A full 60 minute session includes colour changing baby jacuzzi with massaging whisper jets and midwives slopes so baby is safe in the water, toddler foot spas with natural spa products for role play, guided baby bonding massage with 100% natural, vegan and organic oil, baby safe mani and a My Baby Spa mini photo shoot all for just £30! www.mybabyspa.co.uk. See P.5

Discover the Benefits of Calm, Connected and Confident Parenting

Becoming a parent is an incredible gift. Being a parent can also be incredibly challenging – exhausting, confusing and downright infuriating at times! Laura Fitch Parenting is here to help. Her unique combination of evidence-based information, practical tips and compassionate support allows you to gain insight into your child’s development, understand and manage behaviour calmly and effectively, and feel empowered to make parenting decisions confidently as you build a connected and positive relationship to last a lifetime.

Offer: Save 15% when booking a 1:1 Family Consultation Find out more at www.LauraFitchParenting.co.uk. See P.41

Bite SIZED NEWS

6 Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages Loving life with little ones

LOCKERS PARK JOIN A STAY & PLAY SESSION 10th Feb and 10th March 2023, 9.30-11am Children and their parents are welcome to join a fun lesson and play time at Little Lockers (our Pre-Prep) and meet our Reception Teacher and Headmaster. OPEN MORNING - Saturday 18th March 2023 Excellent results | Enthusiasm for life A purposefully small prep school for boys aged 4-13 | Boxmoor, Hertfordshire | admissions@lockerspark.co.uk “Once you enter the iron gates, you are transported to another world” Lockers Park Parent

MY MAGICAL BEARDED FRIEND

BY CHRIS HUSBAND

Encounter a mysterious character who gradually appears when the sun starts to go down and disappears when the sun reappears in the morning. Is he a real person or just a trick of the eye? Rhyming words and an engaging vocabulary will help even hesitant children work on their reading skills, with an amusing tone and colourful illustrations.

Cost: £9.99. Buy from Amazon

FLYING SCOTSMAN AND THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER

BY MICHAEL MORPURGO

Paying tribute to the women who kept the railways running during the Second World War, this story is warmly written and joyously illustrated and has family at its heart. Iris knows everything there is to know about Flying Scotsman. Her dad is the famous train’s driver, and every year her favourite birthday treat is a trip to see him at work. But each time Flying Scotsman pulls away, Iris wishes more than anything that she could be in the driver’s cab, just like her dad. Then again, who’s to stop her…

Cost: £12.99. Buy from Amazon

THE BOX BY KAT WALSH

BOB THE DOG GETS A JOB

BY TRACEY HAMMETT

Bob the Dog is a busy dog. She always likes to have a job. One sunny day, Bob heads to the park to look for a new job and gets one at an ice cream van. Bob starts really well, serving every single customer, until the cones run out and the ice cream machine won’t stop making ice cream! Find out what happens to Bob and how she becomes the talk of the town.

Cost: £7.99. Buy from www.graffeg.com

THE HEART OF A GIANT

BY HOLLIE HUGHES

There’s a shape up in the hills, where a giant’s said to sleep, beneath a grassy blanket, on a bed of moss and peat... Then, one day, the sleeping giant wakes – and a small boy called Tom is plunged into an unforgettable adventure. Along the way, he’ll discover what it means to be a true friend – and that even an ordinary boy can have the heart of a giant. With beautiful rhyming verse and gorgeous illustrations, this book is a real treat.

Cost: £7.99. Buy from www.bloomsbury.com

Dexter is in for a whirlwind of adventure when he realises that with a little bit of imagination, this boring old box can be just about anything at all - a pirate ship? A rocket? A stage for a puppet show? Join him on his adventures to find out and be inspired.

Cost: £5.99. Buy from Amazon

8 Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages Loving life with little ones

IF I WERE THE WORLD

BY MARK

SPERRING

If I were the world, I’d want flowers and bees. A chorus of birds singing high in the trees. If I were the world, I’d want sparkling seas. If I were the world... Would YOU look after ME?

This beautiful and uplifting book will inspire us all to join hands and help our amazing planet. With an irresistible rhyming text and stunning illustrations, it’s the perfect book to inspire children to ask questions and take action.

Cost: £7.99. Available from Amazon

THE MISSING PIECE

BY JORDAN STEPHENS

Sunny loves jigsaw puzzles – the bigger the better. One day, her Gran gives her a ONE-THOUSANDPIECE puzzle. Piece after piece, she puts together the picture, until ... DISASTER! The final piece is missing. Sunny may be small, but she is very determined – so she sets off to find it. As the day whizzes by in a whirl of new places and friends, Sunny discovers that looking for something is every bit as fun as finding it, and that perhaps the missing piece was there all along...

Cost: £12.99. Available from www.waterstones.com

I LOVE ME!

BY MARVYN HARRISON

Brimming with positivity, this is a fun and empowering first book of positive affirmations to help little ones stand tall - perfect for building confidence and self-esteem in very young children. With joyful, uplifting statements for each day of the week, it provides an enjoyable routine to help prepare young children for the wider world of nursery and school. The book also includes a bright, fold-out ending and tips for parents and carers.

Cost: £7.99. Available from Amazon

TEAPOT TROUBLE

BY MORAG HOOD

Something or someone is living inside Duck’s teapot! Who are they? What do they want? How will we get them out? Never fear, for Tiny Horse is here!

Tiny Horse has a trampoline. She has a magnificent hat. She has a stick of celery. What more could anyone need to save the day?

A laugh-out-loud story with a message about kindness, Teapot Trouble is perfect for reading aloud and is a warm and silly picture book that children (and adults) will find hilarious.

Cost: £7.99. Available from www.amazon.co.uk

MEESHA MAKES FRIENDS

BY TOM PERCIVAL

Meesha loves making things, but there’s one thing she finds difficult to make – friends. She doesn’t know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it. Then one day she discovers that she has a special talent that might just help her...

Providing an affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, and finding your place in the world, this is the perfect springboard for conversations about mental and emotional health, and managing feelings.

Cost: £6.99. Buy from www.bloomsbury.com

Enter online at www.toddle.fun/worldbookday A fabulous Children’s Book Bundle, worth over £300! Win ALL the books featured here PLUS dozens of other children’s titles in this fabulous children’s book giveaway! There are over 30 books in our amazing prize bundle, worth over £300! Closing date Thurs 2nd March 2023. WIN

Casdon has made kitchen role-play so much fun! Fill up the water bowl and watch the cutlery and crockery change colour. Water pumps from the basin back to the tap for endless play. Worth £25.

LITTLE BIG KID SUBSCRIPTION

SNACK BOX

Filled with a range of healthy yummy snacks and delivered straight to your door. Approved by nutritionists and loved by kids. Worth £21.75.

RT34 VIDEO CAMERA WALKIE TALKIES

These robot-shaped devices re-invent walkie talkies by bringing video to the experience - a very popular toy for both boys and girls to enjoy. Worth £58.

D11 MAX WHITE NOISE MACHINE

This device can easily mask noise and play comforting sleeping sounds to improve sleep anywhere, anytime. It’s a game changer to overcome sleep regression. Worth £36.

£20 CHERRY BLOOM CLOTHING VOUCHER

Cherry Bloom Clothing is your one stop shop for maternity, baby and children’s clothing plus character items, accessories and gifts. Worth £20.

START-RITE TODDLER BACKPACK

An ideal pre-school size backpack for snacks and all their essential things. Made from an easy to clean fabric, with a mesh water bottle holder and reflective safety details. Worth £25.

CREATIVE LITTLE CRAFTERS KIDS CLUB SUBSCRIPTION

3 month subscription with access to downloads and tutorials, videos and live make-a-longs, fun crafts, competitions, step-by-step art lessons. Worth £45.

OLIVER’S CUPBOARD ORGANIC BABY FOOD BUNDLE

Celebrating authentic recipes from around the globe, from sambar and tom yum to laksa and korma, introduce your children to a world of flavours Worth £24.

PERSONALISED BREASTFEEDING AND TEETHING NECKLACE

The accessory every mama needs, with a sleek design that combines textures with style. Personalise your piece to create a forever keepsake. Worth £19.99.

SUBSCRIBE TO TODDLE ABOUT MAGAZINE You can cancel any time. For full terms and conditions are online. SUBSCRIBE TODAY & GO VIP www.toddle.fun/vip AND BECOME A VIP CLUB MEMBER Magazine Delivered To Your Doorstep Exclusive Quarterly Giveaways Product Reviews & Freebies ++ All this for just £2 every quarter, cancel any time! www.toddle.fun/vip THIS QUARTER WE’RE GIVING AWAY: Sign up today - pay nothing for 3 months! SUBSCRIBE BEFORE 31STMARCH TO ENTER

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JOSEPH JOSEPH EXTEND DREAMEGG

Everything Bump, Baby & Toddler Near You Covering Milton Keynes, Bedford, Buckingham, Newport Pagnell, Olney and the surrounding area WIN aSpaBreak for 2 worth £250 MK & Bedford WINTER EVENTS IMAGINATION Are children losing theirs?

We’ve teamed up with local mum blogger Lisa, from Keyne to Explore, to share some of her favourite adventures and activities to give you our top tips to try out with your little ones. Little Rocker sessions at Climb Quest in Kingston, MK, are climbing sessions for 2- to 4-year-olds. The sessions last for an hour including prep, which gives you around 45 minutes of climbing time.

The different climbing walls are colour-labelled to show the easy, medium and harder climbs; there are different shapes and patterns to climb on, some of which look really fun! Ivy soon got the hang of it, and quickly moved on to the medium-skilled walls.

The sessions are fun and engaging for toddlers - the instructors made little games, such as one where they had to climb the walls to collect the teddies. This was a great incentive for my daughter! All in all, a great day out.

INFO: MK & Bedford

Lisa is a mum blogger and the founder of Keyne to Explore. Through her blog, she shares her adventures with her children and days out in and around Milton Keynes. Discover her world at www.keynetoexplore.com . WE ARE LISTENING E @BedfordMVP E @LutonMVP E @MaternityMK

Sessions Run: Term time on Fridays at 1pm, Saturdays at 10am, and every 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday at 10am. Climb Quest, Kingston Centre, Restaurant Row, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BA Tel: 01908 348900. www.climbquest.co.uk Maternity Voices Partnership is a team of women and birthing people, midwives, doctors, health visitors and commissioners working together to review and contribute to the development of local maternity care. We want to hear about your experience of your local maternity services so we can improve them. Please scan the QR code to complete our survey. JOIN OUR TEAM If you are interested in volunteering with us please email: blmkicb.mkmvp@nhs.net Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About MK & Bedford 11 Follow us for daily updates! Spotlight on… Little Rocker Sessions at Climb Quest

Fun is an essential ingredient at Hampstead Gate Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

“My 3-year-old twins attended Hampstead Gate Day Nursery happily each morning! All the staff members were extremely friendly and caring, doing their best to meet our needs as a family. My son was well supported with potty training and his journey improved, the garden is filled with stimulus and play materials, providing exciting learning opportunities for the children... I would highly recommend this nursery!” Parent, www.daynurseries.co.uk

Please call 01908 101070 or email

Gate Day Nursery and Preschool, 1 Eelbrook Avenue, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, MK13 8RD

CHILDREN

6 WEEKS TO

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hampstead.gate@childbase.com Hampstead

FOR

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5 YEARSOPEN

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Have Our Children Lost Their Imagination

by Kat Walsh

In an age where technology is so heavily integrated into our lives, have our children forgotten how to use their imagination?

Let me take you back - it’s 1997, it’s the end of another busy week at school, and my resident Beanie Babies are preparing for their usual Friday night disco. The posters are up and everyone is excited to let loose and unwind!

My brother’s Action Man is working security tonight, because last week’s disco ended in a bit of a tussle between the cat Beanies and dog Beanies, and you never know when someone is going to start some beef… Six-year-old me is having the time of her life.

Looking back, this was what childhood was all about for me - role play, imagination, creation. But times are changing. For better or for worse, I can’t imagine my son engaging in much of this type of play. For his generation, it’s all tablets and smart phones - children have access to this technology before they’re even able to walk. Entertainment is ported straight into their brain, and they can simply disengage and let it happen.

And while the advances in technology have made our lives infinitely easier, I do wonder whether it’s really a good thing. Should our children be able to play, explore their own imagination and entertain themselves like we did? Or am I simply struggling to come to terms with a changing world?

Perhaps, instead of worrying, we should just encourage our children to flex their imaginations every now and again, instead of fighting the inevitable. Here are some of my favourite ways to do this: Arts and crafts - a fantastic and varied way to promote creativity and imagination in ways that your kids will love. It doesn’t have to get messy (if you’re anything like me, you like to avoid that where possible) - there’s always paper and crayons!

Outside play - another great idea for showing kids that there is so much fun to be had away from a screen! There are plenty of ways for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors - nature walks, bug hunts, star gazing - it really is a great big world out there.

Books – are so good for promoting imagination and independence in children. Story books are the windows to other worlds and can take children on endless adventures, and there are plenty of practical but fun books out there to inspire you with different games to play and activities to explore.

Join The Debate!

What do you think? Do kids have less imagination these days? Should we encourage more ‘traditional’ play, or should we embrace technology and the benefits it brings?

Tell us what you think in our poll at www.toddle.fun/vote

We’ll share the results with you in our next issue!

Kat Walsh is the author of the book ‘The Box’, which is heavily themed around imaginative play. If you’d like to discover what adventures can be had with a box and some good old-fashioned imagination, buy from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3UqUQfC

Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About MK & Bedford 13 Follow us for daily updates!

KIDDIE PROOFING YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Anyone who ever uttered the words ‘let’s have a baby, it will bring us closer together’ has clearly never endured the parenting tag team during endless night feeds.

Having a baby is undoubtedly a wonderful occasion - it’s life changing in so many beautiful ways. But it’s also mind-blowingly challenging in others, and it’s important that every parent feels able to say and acknowledge the highs and the lows that being mummy and daddy often brings. To say it’s a ‘rollercoaster’ is perhaps a very clichéd phrase, but I think it’s the perfect description for what it often feels like – hurtling down the parenting tracks, unable to get off, and often looking windswept and shell-shocked to boot.

It’s fair to say that the role of being a parent takes over your life, your emotions … and your bank balance! It also has an enormous impact on your relationship.

According to some reports, 1 in 5 couples break up within the first year of having a baby, and as sad as that statistic is, I can understand why. Babies need constant attention. They rely on us adults solely for their survival, and that’s more than a little overwhelming. Our partner and our relationship often get shoved right down the pecking order of priorities.

by Anna Williamson

So if your relationship is feeling the strain, that’s OK. It’s normal. But this is the time to take stock and work out ways to ensure that you can keep some time and energy aside for each other - otherwise you run the risk of turning into glorified roommates. Now, it’s not all about sex. In fact, sex is most often the last thing on a couple’s mind in the first few months – particularly for mum who has been through the birthing process – and the ‘right time’ to get your sex life back on track will be different for every couple.

A good tip is to actually take sex off the table for a bit, and instead work on emotional and physical intimacy. This could be hugging, enjoying a little shoulder or foot rub, curling up together on the sofa, chatting, and having a no pressure kiss.

Just being intimate with your partner, letting them know how much you love them, appreciate them, and respect them can make all the difference for a mutually happy couple, particularly when you’re feeling exhausted and desperate for some adult time away from the nappy changing.

Find some time each day to be together as a couple, even it’s only 10 minutes! Make sure you make it a priority to re-connect, to share your feelings and news, to let each other know you’ve got their back. It can make all the difference to keep the ‘couple cup’ full and fulfilled.

Anna Williamson is the resident relationship expert at The Relationship Place. If you and your relationship would like some more help, support and advice, check out therelationshipplace.co.uk and try out her Couples and Kids Plan, where you can access video coaching tutorials and much more.

For a free taster video head to therelationshipplace.co.uk/couples-with-kids-free-giveaway

14 Jan - Mar 2023

Loving life with little ones

Toddle About The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line baking tray with parchment paper. 2. Mash bananas well and add in the oats, coconut and cinnamon. Stir well. 3. Use your hands or a cookie cutter to make shapes (here we pressed the mixture into the cutter and popped back out) 4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden, then allow to cool on a wire rack, 5. Decorate with chosen toppings or keep as teething biscuit. These biscuits are perfect for teething babies - soft enough to mush in their mouths but crisp enough to bite, which helps their teeth push through. They are dairy and egg free.

Cinnamon & Coconut Heart Biscuits Ingredients • 2 large bananas (riper the better) • 135g rolled oats • 8 tbsp desiccated coconut • 1 tsp cinnamon Recipe kindly provided by JJ’s Baby Led Bakes: www.toddle.fun/baby-led-bakes “Emily's coaching has had an immeasurable impact on my relationships with my kids and with myself as a mother. We experience significantly more joy together."Melina P Emily Hughes Parenting Coach 4-12 WEEK EMPOWERED PARENT COACHING PACKAGES PARENTS WHO UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES PARENT BETTER www.findingflowparenting.coach @findingflowparenting Shop at www.purermama.co.uk FOLLOW US @PURERMAMA ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK Not all prenatal and pregnancy supplements are the same! Award winning essence capsule with nutrients to grow healthy babies. CHOLINE: protects against neural tube, autism and brain defects. IRON: deficiency is linked to lower birth weight and growth issues. COLLAGEN: vital for healthy bones and joints. Great for postnatal recovery. PROBIOTICS: linked to a strong immune system for both mum and baby. Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About MK & Bedford 15 Follow us for daily updates!

Banana,

Baby and Toddler Photo Competition Winner

January - March 2019 Toddle About Northamptonshire 1

you to everyone who entered our

Models competition!

you enjoy

entries

voucher

random selection

George Eduard, 2 years Berrie-Ella, 1 year Dylan, 3 years Daisy, 1 year Edie, 1 year Alessia, 0 years Belle, 3 years, and Todd Amorei, 1 year Aurèlia , 0 years Aoife, 6 years Lilah and Brendon, 5 years Imogen, 3 years Joshua, 4 years Jacob, 5 years Emil, 3 years Layla, 2 years Finn, 0 years Florence , 5 years Fionn, 3 years Winner 16 Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages Loving life with little ones

Thank

Autumn Toddle

We hope

looking through the

as much as we have. Congratulations go to baby George who has won a £50

for his mummy to spend at B&M! Unfortunately, we're unable to print all the entries (sorry!), but here

for you to enjoy. Winner:

2 January - March 2019

About

Toddle The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages

continued...

Toddle Models Entries Arabella and Cody, 3 years Aiden, 1 year Sophia, 0 years

WIN A TODDLER & ADULT PASS TO THE LEGOLAND® WINDSOR RESORT!

HOW TO ENTER: Send us a photo of your little one enjoying some wintery fun. Outdoors or indoors, it all counts! We will print as many entries

the

to give you

keepsake.

your

Savannah, 6 years Aadhya, 6 years Lucas, 1 year Kallie, 1 year Bethany, 3 years COMPETITION T&Cs apply - all online at www.toddle.fun/toddlemodels The winners will be chosen at random.

Roux, 6 mths Ralphie, 2 years Olivia, 1 year Lily and Summer, 6 & 4 years Rosie, 2 years THE PRIZE: We have THREE Adult & Toddler Annual Passes to give away! ENTER AT: www.toddle.fun/toddlemodels With a LEGOLAND Adult and Toddler Pass you can enjoy entry into the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, on off-peak days, for your child and any parent or guardian. With access to a host of awesome LEGO® rides, live shows and attractions, there’s something for every little builder. Plus there’s discounts on retail, food and beverage and more. Find out more about the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort at www.LEGOLAND.co.uk as possible in

next Toddle About magazine

a lovely

Submit

photo by Sun 26 February 2023.

& FUNKY FAB

THE LATEST AND FUNKIEST PRODUCTS FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES

TOT’S PLAYTIME ACTIVITY BOX , FROM

£16.90

P/M

Tot’s Playtime Box makes play time easy for busy parents by providing funfilled and low prep activities in a new, themed box every month. The box is jam-packed with four easy, exciting and educational activities, keeping your preschooler entertained at home. Enjoy the themed craft, messy play, game and activity booklet with stickers. Everything you need is in the box, so all you have to do is grab your box and play! Subscriptions start from £16.90 per month, and one-off boxes can be purchased too. www.totsplaytimebox.co.uk

LITTLE

BIG KID SNACK

BOX, FROM £7.25 P/M

Little Big Kid is the UK’s first healthy subscription snack box especially for children. A carefully curated onestop-shop, considering portion size and nutritional content, all delivered directly to your door fortnightly or monthly. Developed by parents, approved by nutritionists and loved by kids, they make snacking healthy, yummy and guilt-free. www.alittlebigkid.com

READER PRODUCT REVIEW

MAX

AND IVY

‘READ AND PLAY’ BOX, £19.99

Filled with tons of learning fun, each box contains a storybook and related activity or game that provides hours of entertainment. Every story enlightens children about a different topic, from sports and science to cultures, animals, nature and more. It’s an immersive and interactive way for children to learn. www.enjoywithmaxandivy.com

INTERACTIVE WORRY PLAQUE,

MY BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES,

£22.99

This special book of nursery rhymes is personalised especially for your little one. Featuring their name on the cover, on the title page and throughout the handdrawn illustrations, the book aims to help little ones learn their name and become familiar with the 23 timeless nursery rhymes that are included. www.inthebook.com

£24.99

My 4-year-old daughter is prone to over-thinking. She tends to worry about things and, like most children her age, she has trouble dealing with her feelings. So, I was excited to review this product. The Worry Plaque is shaped like a section of a log - to activate the plaque, your child must place their hand into the hand print shape on the front. When it glows red, your child can tell their worry to the fairies. Then the hand print turns green, indicating that the fairies have heard the worry and taken it away. As my daughter used it, her little face lit up, and she told me, ‘Mummy it really works!’ For me, having spent countless nights trying to help my daughter deal with very real anxieties, this simple but effective plaque is absolutely genius.

Written by subscriber Kellie-Jayne. www.theirishfairydoorcompany.com (Review has been edited - see full review at www.toddle.fun/worry-plaque-review).

Subscribe to the magazine and become a VIP Club member and you can review products too! (Plus you get to keep the product).

Sign-up at www.toddle.fun/vip

18 Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About

FEB 4

Days Out WINTER

JURASSIC EARTH LIVE

The Grove Theatre, 12pm & 3pm

A 75 minute fun-filled, thrilling and interactive family show for dino-crazy families, this is the original and best Live Dinosaur Show. Meet intrepid explorers, fascinating professors and the bravest of rangers as they take you on a journey through Jurassic Earth, introducing their herd of the most incredible Dinosaur species to have ever lived, including the world’s largest walking T Rex.

The Grove Theatre, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP www.grovetheatre.co.uk/jurassic-earth-i3412

Cost: From £21

FEB 14 & 16

HOWE PARK WOOD OPEN MORNING

Howe Park Wood, MK, 9:30am-12:30pm

At these Open Mornings, you will gain access to the Education Centre which is free to visit and is familyfriendly for all ages. Drop-in anytime between 9:30am – 12:30pm to explore the artefacts on display such as nests, skulls and feathers that have been found across their different parks, plus naturethemed challenges and self-guided trails.

Howe Park Wood, Tattenhoe, Milton Keynes, MK4 3BG www.theparkstrust.com/events/ Cost: Free with free parking

FEB 11

CREATIVE FAMILY FUN DAY

MK Gallery, 12 - 4pm

What can you make from cardboard? Can you take on the challenge to help create something that you can wear from cardboard? Join MK Gallery for this fun family afternoon with plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy.

MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK9 3QA www.mkgallery.org/whats-on/ Cost: Free

FEB 14

VALENTINE’S KIDS’ CRAFTS

The Forest Centre, 11am & 1pm

At this themed craft session, each child will receive a Valentine-themed object to paint and decorate. You will be provided everything you need – you just need to let your imagination run amok with Valentine’s designs! Ticket includes all materials for crafting, and the decoration to take home at the end of the session.

The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Moretaine, MK43 0PR www.marstonvale.org Cost: £4.00 per child (age 3+ years). Parking charges apply.

Until FEB 26

SPECIAL EVENT LAND OF LIGHTS

Gulliver’s Land MK, Various Times

The Lands of Lights will include 12 vivid dreamworlds, featuring gigantic lanterns inspired by animals, mega monuments and wonders of the natural world. Explore one mile of amazing light installations which include over 50,000 LED lights. The experience will feature an eclectic mix of music and entertainment, plus a wide selection of street food and seasonal drink options will be available throughout the festival.

Gulliver’s Land, Livingstone Drive, MK15 0DT www.landoflights.co.uk Cost: From £9.50

MAR 8

MEET ME A TREE

The Place Theatre, 11am & 3pm

Meet Me a Tree is an interactive first opera for 0 to 2-year-olds and their carers, with music by Schumann, Delibes and Handel as well as works and music created by the company, HurlyBurly. Enjoy a multi-sensory journey through a year in the life of a tree: singing with blackbirds, marching through fallen leaves, smelling new blossom and feeling the wind on your cheeks. With beautiful singing and relaxing music this is an opportunity to unwind and have fun. The Place Theatre, Bradgate Rd, Bedford, MK40 3DE www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/meet-me-a-tree/ Cost: Adult - £8.00, Child - £12.00

Details are correct at time of printing but may change. Please check with the event host for prices, times and dates.

Trim ribbon to your preferred length for the bookmark. 10-12” works for most chapter books.

Glue the ribbon-bottom detail (apple, star, heart etc) on each side of the ribbon at the bottom of the bookmark.

The Baby Days Sleep Consultancy Get the sleep you need A gentle alternative to sleep training Specialising in babies and toddlers No cry it out or controlled crying www.thebabydays.co.uk Tami Wornham Level 6 qualified Holistic Sleep Coach

ANIMAL BOOKMARKS These felt animal

fun! Perfect

your

Day books INSTRUCTIONS: 1.

YOU WILL NEED: • Scissors • Pattern template • Hot glue gun • Craft eyes • Felt scraps • Ribbon

FELT

bookmarks take minutes to make and are so

for all

new World Book

Scan the QR code and download, print and cut out the pattern templates.

Cut out the pieces you’ll need from felt scraps.

Hot glue details (eyes/nose/teeth) to the front circle.

Hot glue ribbon and any ‘sticky out’ pieces like horns, ears, fins etc onto the back circle.

Glue the front circle onto the back circle, sandwiching the ribbon and other pieces in between.

Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About MK & Bedford 21 Follow us for daily updates!

Craft by Brandy Nelson of Gluesticks, author of ‘Sew with Me’. Discover more at gluesticksblog.com

VO U C H E R S

BABY & TODDLER CLASSES

BABY SENSORY BEDFORDSHIRE PAY AS YOU GO CLASS FOR £4 NORMALLY £8 www.babysensory.com/beds

Contact Sam on beds@babysensory.co.uk or 07538 502587 New customers only. Subject to availability.

JOEY FOOTBALL

FREE TRIAL CLASS

FOOTBALL SESSIONS IN BEDFORD FOR 18 MTHS - 7 YRS www.facebook.com/JoeyFootballFun Email joeyfootballfun@gmail.com and quote ‘Toddle About’.

LITTLE CITY MILTON KEYNES

10% OFF EACH ROLE PLAY SESSION www.bit.ly/littlecitymk Use code ‘TODDLE10’ at checkout. Only valid for Little City Milton Keynes Events. Expires: 31/3/23

Expires: 31/3/23

MINI MOZART BEDFORDSHIRE

FREE TASTER SESSION WORTH £11 www.minimozart.com

Use code LoveMusic at checkout. New customers only. Offer can only be used once.

MOO MUSIC BEDFORD

50% OFF PAYG CLASS (NORMALLY £6.50) www.moo-music.com/bedford Quote Toddle About when attending the class. New customers only. Pay on the door only. Not available at Playhouse classes. Expires 31/3/23

MY BABY SPA

10% OFF AWARD-WINNING SENSORY SPA FOR BABIES & TODDLERS www.mybabyspa.co.uk/ Quote TODDLE10 when booking. New customers only. Expires 31/3/23

PHONICS WITH ROBOT REG MILTON KEYNES

3 WEEK TRIAL FOR £15 (USUALLY £21) www.robotreg.co.uk/pages/claire

Use code Toddle when booking. New customers only. Offer can only be used once.

POOL STARS

10% OFF BLOCK BOOKINGS OF SWIMMING CLASSES www.pool-stars.co.uk Use code JAN1023 when booking. New customers only. Expires 1/4/23

TODDLER SENSE BEDFORDSHIRE PAY AS YOU GO CLASS FOR £4.25 NORMALLY £8.50 www.toddlersense.com/bedfordshire

Contact Sam on beds@toddlersense.co.uk or 07538 502587 New customers only. Subject to availability.

31/3/23

BENNIE BLOOMS 20% OFF BREASTFEEDING, TEETHING AND WEANING PRODUCTS www.bennieblooms.com Simply enter TODDLE20 at checkout. No minimum spend.

FREE TRIAL

£6 OFF

50% OFF

10% OFF

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LITTLE KICKERS (MILTON KEYNES, NEWPORT PAGNELL, AMERSHAM, BEACONSFIELD, GREAT MISSENDEN, HIGH WYCOMBE) 50% OFF FIRST MONTH MEMBERSHIP www.littlekickers.co.uk mk@littlekickers.co.uk Email to book and quote ‘Toddle About’.

FREE TRIAL

50% OFF

FREE REUSABLE NAPPY WATER

WITH EVERY

EXCLUSIVE OFFER GIFTS & PRODUCTS HEALTH & FITNESS

20% OFF FIT MUMMY MK 1 EXTRA COMPLIMENTARY SESSION WITH ANY BLOCK PURCHASE

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020994 after purchase and quote TODDLE New customers only. Only valid with first booking. FREE CLASS

BABIES (BEDS & BUCKS)

HAPPY NAPPY PURCHASED www.waterbabies.co.uk Call 01295 709221 and quote ‘Toddle About’ when you order your nappy. Expires:

www.fitmummybootcamp.com

07723

22 Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages

Loving life with little ones

Ragdolly Annas 07989 713745 | info@ragdollyannas.com www.ragdollyannas.co.uk

Rugbytots (MK) 0345 313 6712 | miltonkeynes@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk Wilderness Explorers 07882 911128 | wildernessexplorers@hotmail.com wildernessexplorersmk

Spabreaks.com is a multi-award winning spa booking platform working with more than 600 spas in the UK and Ireland, arranging spa days and breaks for up to 6,000 people a week. As Europe’s number 1 spa specialist, they were founded on the principle of making spa experiences more accessible, and to bring back the ancient purpose of spas as places of sanctuary for mind and body. The Classic Spa Break Gift Voucher for Two is a pre-packaged experience voucher offering you one night bed and breakfast, full use of

£10 OFF FINDING FLOW EMPOWERED PARENT COACHING £10 OFF LIVE ONLINE CONSCIOUS PARENTING WORKSHOPS www.findingflowparenting.coach Email emily@findingflowparenting.coach with code TODDLE ABOUT1 Offer redeemable against workshops only. Expires 24/3/23. 15% OFF

15% OFF 1:1 FAMILY

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CONSULTATION SUPPORT TAILORED TO YOUR FAMILY’S UNIQUE

www.LauraFitchParenting.co.uk Email Laura@LauraFitchParenting.co.uk and quote TODDLE. New customers only. Expires 30/4/23

Joey Football 07757 548324

joeyfootballfun@gmail.com JoeyFootballFun Little Kickers (Milton Keynes) 01494 911133

mk@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk Pool Stars info@pool-stars.co.uk www.pool-stars.co.uk

The following class providers all offer Free Trials as standard to new customers. Please quote ‘Toddle About’ when contacting them. All trials are subject to availability. Enter now at toddle.fun/spabreaks Competition closes midnight Sunday 19th March. T&C’s apply, see toddle.fun/spabreaks for details. a SpaBreaks.com gift voucher for two offering a one night B&B break with relaxing treatment at selected spa hotels, worth £250!

MOTHER’S DAY COMPETITION

the spa facilities and a 1 x 25 minute relaxing treatment per person, available to use at selected spa hotels. Allowing for the priceless gift of rest and relaxation!

THE WALK HOME

Continuing

we invited dad and author Tom Kreffer to share a story with us. It’s a story that is at once familiar and ordinary, and yet amusing, emotional and, surprisingly, full of adventure. We hope you like it…

My son, Arlo, is almost three. Today, he’s at nursery and I’m on pick-up duty (which I love). It’s a task that ranks in my top three parenting responsibilities. I snake my way through the building occupied by loud, shrieking children and always-busy, alwayson-their-feet staff. I pass walls that host artistic endeavours created by small, curious hands.

Nine times out of ten, I’ll find Arlo in the garden. He’s an outdoor kind of guy. And he’s always easy to locate among the sea of moving infants because he’s often the loudest among them.

‘Daddy!’

I still get a buzz when I hear myself referred to as ‘Daddy’, a badge of honour that I’m proud to wear each day; I still occasionally question if it’s real.

‘Hey bud, have you had a good day?’

‘Yes, I have.’

A member of staff gives me the highlights from the day. Since Arlo changed his nursery setting over a year ago, he’s had pretty much nothing but good days – a stat any parent would welcome.

We always have a set agenda to work through on our walk back home. First, we stop to pick up stones. Arlo is considerate enough to get one for each of us. Sometimes, the stones come from the pavement. Other times, they come from the front

section that’s marginally thinner than it was eight months ago.

Next, we visit a flat-development site. Most of the time, it’s shut for the day, and we can only look in through the chain-mail fence. But today we strike gold: the gate is still open. There’s a man in a hi-vis jacket, guiding a reversing flatbed truck onto the site with some expert arm-waving. Arlo and I stand to one side.

‘Can we watch the whole thing, Daddy?’ he says, with a face full of fascination.

‘You betcha.’

We’re midway through ‘watching the whole thing’ when another man arrives on the scene, instantly grabbing Arlo’s attention. ‘Daddy, that man has a hard hat. He might be the head builder.’

‘Why don’t you ask him?’

‘Excuse me, are you the head builder?’

He smiles warmly, like most tradespeople do at a toddler in awe of their profession.

‘Not likely. I don’t get paid enough to be the head builder.’

We leave the site, and Arlo locates ‘the wall’. It’s typical by most wall standards, coming up to the bottom of my ribcage. This means it’s high enough

Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About MK & Bedford 25 Follow us for daily updates!

with our celebration of all things books, to mark World Book Day on 2nd March,

to be considered adventurous if you’re under a metre tall and you choose to walk on it, which Arlo does. He used to want to hold my hand. Now he’s getting daring, mainly walking by himself, though I’m always by his side ready to spring into action should the need arise.

We meet a pillar box positioned flush against the wall Arlo’s walking on. He stops walking, turns and crouches, transitioning into the next item of our walking home agenda: opening the shop.

‘Would you like to buy anything from my shop, Daddy?’

‘Oh, I would love to. What do you have in stock today?’

‘Erm, I’ve got some apples, some pears and some books.’

‘Excellent. I’ll take the lot.’

‘OK, here you go.’

‘Thank you,’ I say, pocketing the imaginary goods. ‘How much do I owe you?’

‘Two pounds, please.’

It’s always two pounds, no matter what he sells me. Sometimes, I get an even better bargain than the one I’ve just got.

Arlo resumes the walk along the wall until he reaches the end. Then he holds on to my hands and jumps off.

Then I fly him up the street like an aeroplane.

Then I get tired and put him down.

Then he pretends to put some imaginary energy in my pocket and demands more aeroplane action. I can’t say no, no matter how hard my lungs protest.

He asks questions that I don’t know the answers to, like what type of berry is on a tree or why there is a particular shape of cloud in the sky. He makes me feel ignorant and full of wonder at the same time. Through his eyes, I’m treated to a unique view of the world that I haven’t experienced since I was his age. Not that I remember it.

‘Look, Daddy, a robot!’

He’s not wrong. It’s a small white thing on wheels, shaped like a large vacuum cleaner. These robots

remind me of my childhood and what technology was like when I was small (Walkman, anyone?). I consider what life will be like for Arlo when he’s grown up. I wonder what technological achievements his kids will find fascinating. That’s if he has any, of course.

We cross the road and turn down our street. We see a dog. ‘I love that doggy, Daddy.’

He says that about every dog we pass in the street.

We reach our door. As I’m getting my keys out, Arlo decides to conduct an enquiry about something he sees stuck on the wall. It’s a piece of chewing gum. He’s already touching it when I notice.

‘Arlo, that’s dirty.’

‘Should someone have put it in the bin?’

‘Yes, they should.’

‘Can I have a little play when we get inside?’ ‘Yea—’

‘Actually, I want a snack first. Can I have a cracker?’ ‘A cracker ple—’ ‘Please.’

‘Sure!’

‘Hooray! Thank you, Daddy.’ ‘You’re welcome, Arlo.’

I open the door, and we both walk in.

All in all, a pretty solid walk home.

26 Jan - Mar 2023

Tom Kreffer is the author of Dear Dory: Journal of a Soon-to-be First-time Dad, Dear Arlo: Adventures in Dadding, Toddler Inc., and he is the creator of the Adventures in Dadding Newsletter. He lives in Northampton with his family, whom he intends to exploit for many more story opportunities in the years to come. Find out more at tomkreffer.com

Loving life with little ones

Toddle About The icon tells

you

which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages

DActivity aily Planner

Your local 'What's On Guide' for families with bumps - 5s in MK & Bedford.

MILTON KEYNES & BUCKINGHAM

MONDAY

PARENTS & TOTS

Conniburrow Children’s Centre

1 Germander Place, Conniburrow, MK14 7DU. 01908 675575.

• Songs, Stories and Rhymes: 10:00 - 11:00. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs.

• Mini Movers: 13:30 - 14:15. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs. Cost: Free (drop in). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

Daisychain Family Centre

Abbeys Primary School, Melrose Avenue, West Bletchley, MK3 6PS. 01908 641454. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk.

• Drop in Breakfast Club: 9:30 - 10:00. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs.

• Stay and Play: 10:00 - 11:30. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs.

• Let’s Interact and Play: 13:30 - 14:30. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs.

• Storytime Cafe: 14:30 - 15:00. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs. Cost: Free (drop in). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

Hummingbird Children’s Centre

Oakgrove Parish Council Office, 27 Atlas Way, MK10 9SG. 01908 609609.

• Song and Story Time: 9:30 - 10:15. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs.

• Oakgrovebabes: 10:45 - 11:30. Ages: Pregnancy - 11/2 yrs.

Cost: Free (drop in). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

Little Owls Children’s Centre

Oxley Park Community Centre, Redgrave Drive, Oxley Park, MK4 4TA. 01908 520261.

• Little Owlets Bumps and Babies: 10:00 - 11:00. Ages: 0 - 1 yrs. Cost: £1 (drop in). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

MK Multiples

Kents Hill Community Centre, Kents Hill, MK7 6HG.

Times: 10:00 - 12:00. Ages: Pregnancy - 5 yrs. Cost: £4 (drop in). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

Moorlands Family Centre

Moorlands Family Centre, Beanhill Local Centre, Dodkin, MK6 4LP. 01908 679819. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk.

• Sensory Play: 8:30 - 17:00. Ages: 0 - 2 yrs. Cost: Free (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

Pebbles Children's Centre

Newlyn Place, Fishermead Boulevard, MK6 2LP. 01908 240556.

• Morning Meet Up: 9:00 - 10:30. Ages: Pregnancy - 5 yrs.

• Baby Explorers: 13:00 - 14:30. Ages: 0 - 1 yrs.

Cost: Free (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

P. 27-36

Rainbow Children’s Centre

Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School, Bradville, MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925.

• Tiny Rainbows: 9:30 - 10:45. Ages: Pregnancy - 1 yrs. Cost: Free (drop in). Dates: 9 Jan - 23 Jan.

Robins Children’s Centre Glovers Lane, Heelands, MK13 7QL. 01908 318758.

• Bumps and Babies: 10:00 - 11:15. Ages: Pregnancy - 1 yrs. Cost: £1 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

Sunshine Children’s Centre Dulverton Drive, Furzton, MK4 1EZ. 01908 508566.

• Stay and Play: 10:00 - 11:30. Reach area only, contributions welcome Ages: 0 - 5 yrs. Cost: Free (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

The Windmill Children's Centre

New Bradwell School, Bounty Street, New Bradwell, Mk13 0BQ. 01908 312473. www.milton-keynes.gov.uk.

• Little Windmills: 10:00 - 11:15. Ages: Pregnancy - 1 yrs. Cost: Free (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

MUSIC & SIGNING

Cha Char Chimps - MK South

The Oak Tree Centre, Wallinger Drive, Shenley Brook End. MK5 7GZ. 07736 449746. www.ccchimps.com.

• Cha Char Chimps Show: 10:00 - 11:00. Cost: £6 (booking essential). Dates: Weekly from 9 Jan.

Music Bugs Milton Keynes

Summerlin Centre Station Rd, Woburn Sands, MK17 8SG. 0844 822 1158. www.musicbugs.co.uk. Times: 10:00 - 10:35 & 11:00 - 11:35. Ages: 0 - 4 yrs. Cost: £6 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

Ragdolly Annas

Shenley Brook End Village Hall, Church End Road, Shenley Brook End, MK5 7AA. 07989 713745. www.ragdollyannas.co.uk. Times: 10:00 - 10:45. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs. Cost: £5.95 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

Ragdolly Annas

Emberton Pavilion, 31 Hulton Drive, Emberton, Olney, MK46 5BS. 07989 713745. www.ragdollyannas.co.uk. Times: 10:30 - 11:15. Ages: 0 - 5 yrs. Cost: £5.95 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

27 Follow us for daily updates!

Jan - Mar 2023 Toddle About MK & Bedford

P. 36-42

MONDAY - TUESDAY

SENSORY & DEVELOPMENT

Baby College Milton Keynes & Buckingham

Old Bath House, MK, 205 Stratford Road, Wolverton, MK12 5LY. 07976 484212. www.babycollege.co.uk.

• Junior Class: 9:30 - 10:15. Ages: 11/2 - 3 yrs.

• Toddler Class: 10:30 - 11:15. Ages: 9 mths - 11/2 yrs.

• Infant Class: 11:30 - 12:15. Ages: 0 - 9 mths Cost: £7.50 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

Baby Sensory (Milton Keynes)

Furzton Church Hall (Ridgeway Community Centre), Dulverton Drive, Furzton, MK4 1NA. 07473 944053. www.babysensory.com.

Times: 9:50 - 10:35 & 12:10 - 12:55. Ages: 5 mths - 13 mths. Times: 11:00 - 11:45 & 13:20 - 14:05. Ages: 0 - 7 mths. Cost: £8.50 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

Phonics with Robot Reg Milton Keynes

Britten Grove Community Centre, 76 Holst Crescent, Old Farm Park, MK7 8QU. 07809 459648. www.robotreg.co.uk.

• MINIS Phonics: 12:45 - 13:30. Ages: 1 - 3 yrs.

With songs, role play & dancing

• Pre-school Phonics: 13:45 - 14:30. Ages: 21/2 - 5 yrs.

Fun introduction to Phonics

Cost: £7 (booking essential). Dates: 16 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

Wilderness Explorers

Woburn Oaks, Leighton Street, Woburn, MK17 9PJ.

• Toddler and Preschool Forest School Sessions

Times: 9:30 - 10:30, 11:00 - 12:00 &13:00 - 14:30. Ages: 1 - 4 yrs. Cost: £7 - £7.50 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

DANCE & DRAMA

Little City - Milton Keynes

Newton Longville Village Hall, Paradise, Newton Longville, MK17 0AQ. 07792 735312. www.littlecityuk.com.

• Little City - Newton Longville: 9:20 - 10:30 & 10:45 - 11:55. Role Play fun for Little Ones aged 0 - 6 yrs 11 mths. Cost: £8 (booking essential). Dates: 6 Feb & 6 Mar.

Little Movers Milton Keynes

Deanshanger Community Centre, Little London, Deanshanger, MK19 6HT. 07510 282840. www.littlemovers.net.

• Baby Movers: 9:15 - 10:00. Ages: 0 - 1 yrs.

• Little Movers : 10:15 - 11:00. Ages: 1 - 5 yrs. Cost: £6 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

PHYSICAL FUN

Rugbytots (Milton Keynes & Bedford)

Lace Hill Academy, Catchpin Street, Buckingham, MK18 7RR. 0845 313 6712. www.rugbytots.co.uk.

Times: 9:10 - 9:40 & 10:35 - 11:20. Ages: 2 - 7 yrs. Cost: £7 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 6 Feb & 20 Feb - 27 Mar.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fit Mummy MK

Fit Mummy MK, 24 First Avenue, Bletchley, MK1 1DX. 07723 020994. www.fitmummybootcamp.com.

• Fit Mummy Bootcamp: 11:00 - 11:45. Group fitness for mums with babies and small children

Cost: £7.50 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

Milk Mentors

The Windmill Children’s Centre, Bounty Street, New Bradwell, MK13 0BQ. milkmentors.org.

• Milk Mentors MK Drop-In: 10:00 - 11:30.

Ages: Pregnancy - 3 yrs. Cost: Free (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 27 Mar.

SWIMMING

Water Babies Bucks & Beds

Holiday Inn Hotel, 500 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes, MK9 2HQ. 01295 709221. www.waterbabies.co.uk. Times: 10:00 - 12:00.

Ages: 0 - 5 yrs. Cost: £17 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 20 Mar.

28 Toddle About MK & Bedford Jan - Mar 2023

Water Babies Bucks & Beds

Buckingham Best Western Hotel, A421 Ring Road South, Buckingham, MK18 1RY. 01295 709221. www.waterbabies.co.uk. Times: 9:30 - 11:00. Ages: 0 - 4 yrs. Cost: £17 (booking essential). Dates: 9 Jan - 20 Mar.

PREGNANCY

The Daisy Foundation

The Studio At Stowe, Stowe Castle Business Park, Buckingham, MK18 5AB. 07581 559856. www.thedaisyfoundation.com.

• Daisy Birthing Antenatal Class: 19:30 - 21:00. Ages: Pregnancy. Cost: £78 (booking essential). Dates: 20 Feb - 27 Mar.