Toddle About Milton Keynes New Year 2013

Loving life with little ones

Jan-Mar 2013

FR

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Milton Keynes

e v er y t h i n g b u m p , b a b y & t o d d l er N E A R y o u

* Groups & Classes * Special Offers * Fun Articles

* Great Days Out * Competitions * Business Directory

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Covering Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Buckingham, Newport Pagnell, Olney and surrounding areas  1 Subscribe for FREE to Toddle About at www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe

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Hello

welcome

to the New Year issue of Toddle About!

Contents

It’s funny, but I think that one of the benefits of having young children is that they really help to mark the passage of time. When other things in life change so slowly, it’s refreshing - and inspiring - to watch our children who show us how so much can happen in a single year.

What’s New?

So what are you going to do this year to make it count?

Shop About

If you’re thinking about setting up your own business, then you should have a read of this issue’s Mums Making It feature on page 20 where Kirstie Reynolds from KNR Jewellery shares her tips on how to balance running a successful business with running a happy family.

Baby Yoga & Massage

10-11

Toddle Models

12-13

Leaving Baby to Cry

14-15

Special Offers

16 -17

If you’re looking to take your child to some new classes then we have more options than you can shake a stick at! Check out the Daily Activity Planner from page 22 to browse loads of possibilities. And don’t forget that many classes offer free trials so you can try before you buy - see our Special Offers section in our centre pages to make the most of those.

Whatever you do, we wish you and your family an amazing 2013 - we hope it is your best year yet!

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Winter Craft Activity

7 8-9

Baby Health Q&A

18

Mums Making It

20-21

Daily Activity Planner

22-30

Toddle About Directory

30

Loving life with little ones,

Tim, Ruth & Eloise

Sign up to receive emails from us about baby and toddler special offers and events:

Contact us on 01327 830171 or info@toddleabout.co.uk

PS. You can subscribe to Toddle About for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe and we’ll post a copy to your door as soon as it is ready every quarter. Yes, it really is free!

Cover Picture: 2 year old Paige Lea Jones Thank you to Alexander Imaging in Milton Keynes for the gorgeous front cover picture of our Toddle Models winner. www.alexanderimaging.co.uk. Win your child on our front cover! Find out how on p. 13.

This furry little fella is Charlie!

He’s hiding all over the magazine - why not see if your little one can find him while you read?

8,500 copies of Toddle About are distributed every quarter around MK, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Buckingham, Newport Pagnell, Olney and the surrounding villages.

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 neither Toddle About nor Tim Freed can 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.

Toddle About, Unit 6, Yorks Farm Business Centre, Watling Street, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8EU.

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Family picture courtesy of PixiFoto

I love the New Year. Looking ahead, I can’t help but get excited - a whole year to play with and so many things to do!

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What’s

?

What’s new for bumps, babies & toddlers in the Milton Keynes area

New

Key to each area:

Buckingham

Milton Keynes

Free Swimming Class - in a Hot Tub!

Learn some important water skills you can use at bath time at SwimKidz’ free trial in a warm hot tub! This deal is on until the end of January for all new babies and toddlers - they will teach you some holds and confidence practices you can transfer to bath times.

The SwimKidz instructor will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on baby swimming.

SwimKidz will be collecting donations for local charity Little Lives. To book onto a taster session, call 07544 555028 or e mail us; shelley@swimkidz.co.uk Full details of venues are at www.swimkidz.co.uk P.27

Let Sapphire Travel do all the work, and you can relax from the word go. Sapphire can arrange all aspec ts of your holiday, ensuring you have those essen tials organised – flights, accommodation, childcare and entertainment. For internet prices but a truly personal service (£50 off bookings made before 28/02/13*), call Humera on 01908 533250. Based in Milton Keynes.

Franchisee of Explorer Travel.

ABTA member. Peace of mind guaranteed. (*T&Cs apply) P.5

New Daisy Baby Classes Learn how to soothe and calm your baby, help increase their balance and spatial awareness, and make them feel happy, with our baby yoga and massage classes.

Learn coping techniques for colic, reflux and over-stimulation, even reclaim your tummy too during our postnatal relaxation segment!

Daisy Baby® classes use holds, baby massage, baby reflexology and baby yoga to soothe and stimulate your baby, set to specially designed music which appeals to your baby’s sensory needs.

Visit www.thelazydaisychain.co.uk to view a sample class. Contact donna@lazydaisybirthing.co.uk or 07412 580 853. P.24

Bring the family down to the Wavendon Arms (Newport Road, MK17 8LJ) on the 2nd Saturday of every month and not only can you enjoy a spot of lunch but your little one(s) can make their own pizza! Run

by Future Foodies Cooking Classes, these Pizza Making Events are held between 12noon – 5pm.

Contact The Wavendon Arms to book on 01908 584 277. Cost per child is £5.75 and includes a fruit juice. For more info on cookery classes with Future Foodies, visit www.pricelessnutrition.co.uk or call 07703 501 184. P.25 08/08/2012

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The funky new dance classes from Disco Babies have exploded onto the Milton Keynes baby and toddler scene, welcomed by loads of mums who have been looking for a break from the nursery rhyme circuit! And due to their popularity, they are launching new classes in Oxley Park and Tattenhoe, alongside the existing classes in Newport Pagnell and at Shenley Leisure Centre.

Visit www.discobabies.co.uk or call 07713 120 827 for more info. P.24 file:///C:/Users/AHartley/AppData/Local/Temp/FWTemp/000000

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Stony Stratford

Need a holiday?

Stressing even before you go? Stop!

A Fun Pub Lunch For The Kids

New Disco Babies classes in Oxley Park and Tattenhoe

Newport Pagnell/Olney

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Cushi Tush Short-listed for Award

Multi-award winning baby seat the Cushi Tush, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Mother and Baby Award Seat’. in the category of ‘Best Bouncy Chair, Rocker or in the s award ious prestig most the as Widely renowned sted sector, Cushi Tush is the only floor seat to be shortli their g winnin of hopes high has in the category and Tush second award. For more information on the Cushi P.6 .uk ush.co cushit baby seat visit www.

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Individual Holidays for Individual Families A personal service which takes care of everything.

Tailor-made holidays and weekend breaks can cost much less than buying a package.

Would you like to receive holiday ideas that are not available online?

We provide holidays and travel arrangements that large travel agencies can’t.

Tell us about your dream holiday and leave the rest to us.

SAVE

£50 off the price of your holiday when you book by 28/02/13*

Sapphire Travel

Call us on 0800 093 4972 info@sapphiretravel.co.uk http://sapphire-destinations.co.uk

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For confirmation offers valid when you plan to travel, please call our local office on 0800 093 4972. * Terms & Conditions Apply. No exchange for cash. Offer valid for holidays over £800.

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Make Your Own

Ice Sun Catcher

kindly written by staff at Akeley Wood School, Wicken, Nr Deanshanger

By Hannah Rowles, Deputy Manager at Akeley Wood Nursery

It’s that time of year again when it’s so cold that the warmth of the indoors lures us in and we don’t want to go outside for an adventure… however, here at Akeley Wood Junior School and Nursery we have other ideas. Go on, wrap up really warm, embrace the winter weather and enjoy one of our great outside activities with your children!

Why not try our Winter sun catcher? The children in our Nursery made these simple but beautiful decorations – they are fun and easy to make, and they are perfect for Winter because they need it to be really cold outside to make them!

For your Winter sun catcher you will need: • Cranberries, pine needles and sliced oranges Learning intentions • A tray (any shape, but not too big!)

• Personal, social and emotional development • A length of ribbon Helps children to feel pride in their own 1) To make the sun catcher, slice the orange and lie achievements. it in the tray, sprinkle the cranberries and pine • Communication, language and literacy needles over the tray and then fill the tray with water.

By using simple 2) Lie a ribbon in the water at the top of the tray, with statements and the two loose ends hanging over edge. (This will questions often linked be what you use to hang the sun catcher up, so to our gestures. Talk make sure you leave enough ribbon out to tie it up). about the different 3) Leave the tray outside overnight or when it’s really textures of the water, cold so that the water freezes. You can put it in the pine needles, freezer if it’s not cold enough outside and if you sliced oranges and can find space! cranberries.

4) Check the next day to see if it has frozen, tip the • Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy now frozen water out of the tray and the ice sun By counting the number of orange slices and catcher should be ready! cranberries you have placed in your sun catcher, 5) Hang it up outside on a tree branch or washing you can introduce numeracy. Discussing how you line and enjoy the lovely bright colours as the sun plan to hang it up with the ribbon is an example of shines through it. problem solving.

You could use this method to make lots of little We hope you have a fabulous time making our sun stars or shapes to hang together as part of a bigger catchers, I know we certainly did! decoration. Simply place the WIN cranberries and water in a star For more information on the junior £20 Waterstones ice cube tray, with a thin school or nursery at Akeley Wood, call Voucher - Email a picture of your ribbon or piece of string 01908 555803 or email: sun catcher to cheryl.johnston@ cord dipped inside one of joanne.cross@akeleywoodschool.co.uk akeleywoodschool.co.uk by 31/03/13 for the points.

See advert on page 31 your chance to win a £20 Waterstones voucher!

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Our pick of the latest unique & fun products for babies & toddlers

Look out for our discount vouchers in the centre pages to use on some of these products

Colour-In Table Cloth

Price: £4.50

Covered in hundreds of beautiful illustrations, it will keep your children entertained for a long time - giving you the chance to catch up with friends over dinner - or perhaps just share a few uninterrupted words with your spouse!

Size: 39” x 39” (1m2).

Order from: www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/ charlotte. Free gift for orders over £20 with voucher in our centre pages.

Price: £150

The MonkiSee collection is perfect for parents who want to give their baby a head start.

The programme exposes your baby to words through written and spoken language, in a really fun way. The DVDs have rhyming poetry and the narrations are very descriptive, allowing your baby to relate to what is being shown on the screen. Parents are often amazed at how quickly their baby learns to read when they regularly use the MonkiSee DVDs, Flash Cards & Books.

Research from the past 30 years shows that babies from an early age have the ability to learn languages with ease, whether written, foreign or sign language, as the brain is generating thousands and thousands of brain cells per second. This allows them to effortlessly learn and absorb massive amounts of information. The Monkisee programme takes advantage of this!

Buy from www.monkisee.co.uk 20% off with voucher in centre pages.

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Price: £89.99

The Bump Bag is the bean bag with a hole!

Give your children something different to colour in with this paper table cloth from Phoenix cards.

Monkisee Baby Reading Programme

Pregnancy Beanbags

It has been designed for women to relax in comfort during pregnancy, nursing and beyond. The Bump Bag offers fantastic support for the body as it will contour and cushion you in whichever position you lie or sit. The hole in the centre allows you to lie fully on your front throughout your whole pregnancy without feeling uncomfortable. The only downside with the Bump Bag is that it’s comfortable for the whole family and fun too - so you’ll probably find that you need to share it!

Buy from www.bumpbag.co.uk Phone: 0843 289 6272

Monster Costumes

Price: £55

Guu-Guu-Ga will create a unique costume for you baby or toddler.

Monster costumes are pictured here, though any costume can be created bespokely for your little one. And you can also order matching toys!

Handmade in Milton Keynes, the costumes are perfect for birthday parties, as a gift to your little one or for nursery fancy dress days.

Only high quality fabrics are used for the costumes and Guu-Guu-Ga make sure that all outfits are comfortable so your child can look fabulous and still move freely.

Costumes are made to order and they are finished and shipped within 7-10 business days.

Delivery is free for the MK area.

Buy from www.etsy.com/shop/GuuGuuGa 15% Discount with voucher in centre pages.

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Happy Swimming with Happy Nappy & BabyWrap

Treasure Hunt Game

Price from: £9.99

GOTROVO is essentially a classic treasure hunt game, but all the hard work has been done for you.

Practical essentials by Splash About that Water Babies recommend for your baby when going to for a swim!

Happy Nappy: £9.99 This very cute neoprene over-nappy fits over a disposable or reusable swim nappy to ensure that no accidents leak into the pool. The snug cuffs that fit around your baby’s legs and middle are the allimportant feature. They are well worth the potential embarrassment that they can save you!

BabyWrap: £21.99 Baby wetsuits are priceless when taking baby swimming as pools can be quite chilly (under the recommended 30oC). This 3mm neoprene wetsuit simply Velcro’s out into a flat piece so you can lay baby in the centre and wrap them back up in a few seconds.

Both of these SplashAbout products are available in variations of navy, pink and turquoise to match.

Buy from Water Babies together at the reduced price of £29.99 (exc. postage), please contact us on 01295 709221 as discounts cannot be applied over the website.

Automoblox Wooden Toy Cars A reinvention of a classic wooden toy car, Automoblox combines a modern look with classic craftsmanship - and so much more. Each car can be taken apart and children can mix-and-match pieces between cars to make their own automotive creations!

Price: £19.99

Your children can use one of the two treasure maps provided to follow an indoor and/or outdoor trail to your treasure.

Developed to grow with your child, the game supports them in physical activity, learning and imagination from ages 3 to 8. With picture and word clues for younger children through to riddles for the older players it’s sure to capture the imagination of all the family. Also ideal for Easter Egg hunts!

GOTROVO - your treasure awaits, come seek, come find, follow the clues, don’t get left behind!

For more information and to order visit: www.created4kids.co.uk. Also on Facebook.

Price: about £20 Starting with a stylish wooden body made from solid beech wood, each car in the series has its own unique VIN number, just like a real car!

Buy from www.goawayandplay.co.uk Suitable for 3 years+.

The Automoblox building system not only delights children, it fosters the development of important skills such as creative problem solving, gross and fine motor skills and visio-spatial processing.

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All about...

By Donna Lynch – Birth Educator and Instructor at The Lazy Daisy Chain ®

Baby Yoga & Massage

Baby yoga and baby massage are a great way to bond with your baby, and they can really have a positive impact on your baby by calming them and helping with sleep issues and colic as well as increasing mum’s wellbeing, and easing postnatal anxieties.

I run Daisy Baby® classes in Milton Keynes, and our classes are all about baby-led active bonding. We teach mums yoga and massage techniques within a friendly and intimate group surrounding, making them feel more empowered, more energised and ready to face the world!

Baby Yoga By using gentle movement you will help develop your baby’s vestibular system. This is what triggers the startle reflex in babies and makes them jump suddenly and cry (ever had your baby in your arms quietly asleep and you lay them down ever-so

gently but they still wake and cry?) This is the sensory system that contributes to balance and spatial awareness, and in babies, this is developing day by day. We can help to encourage your baby’s vestibular system development by lifting them gently up and down, all the time keeping eye contact with them so they are comforted and confident because they know you are with them. handmade for children

Custom costumes & clothes for kids

Teach Your Baby to Read!

Babies can start learning to read from as early as 3 months old with MonkiSee’s reading kit. It requires no effort – just lots of fun and stimulation! And children that learn to read from such a young age have a huge advantage over the rest.

The kit contains books, DVDs and Flash Cards, combining music, poetry, puppets and real-world images to expand your baby’s vocabulary and teach them to read.

20% OFF

www.monkisee.co.uk The

15% OFF use code

TODDLEABOUT15 Expires: 31/03/2013

Contact me: guu_guu_ga@yahoo.co.uk

Affordable, high quality new and nearly new clothing

s Gap clothe from £2.50

with code ACC3E0404646

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For more details visit my shop: www.etsy.com/shop/GuuGuuGa Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GuuGuuGa

Pramsuits from £5.00

Coats 0 from £4.0

Ted Baker, Clarks, Monsoon, Next. 100% no-quibble return policy.

Tel: 01788 542198 I Email: info@gracioussouls.co.uk Visit www.gracioussouls.co.uk to see our ranges.

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Baby Yoga to try at home!

Baby Massage to try at home!

A very good way to try this is by singing ‘Row, row, row your boat’, with your baby sitting on your lap facing you whilst you pull them up and down, by their hands, from flat to sitting gently (please note that this exercise is for babies who can support their heads themselves).

A technique to try at home if your baby is suffering with teething or blocked sinuses is to gently roll each toe – one at a time - between your fingers, all the way from the big toe to the little toe, and all the way back to the big toe again (repeat on other foot). You could sing to them ‘This little piggy went to market....’ whilst you keep eye contact and smile, reassuring your baby and bonding with them at the same time.

These are just a couple of techniques that Daisy Baby® classes offer, to help you actively bond with your baby, cope with ailments and help them to develop important sensory systems in the early months of their lives. Plus we have gentle techniques to help you get your tummy back too!

Baby Massage Infant massage deepens bonding with your baby, encouraging a release of Oxytocin and Endorphin hormones, which make both you and your baby feel happy. It can also help with teething and blocked sinuses, essential in the winter months when colds are doing the rounds.

Donna Lynch is a Birth Educator and Instructor at The Lazy Daisy Chain ®, based in Milton Keynes. Daisy Baby® is a registered trademark of The Lazy Daisy Chain®, offering baby bonding yoga, massage and postnatal classes, and also active movement-based antenatal classes throughout the UK. To find your nearest teacher, search for a class at www.thelazydaisychain.co.uk or call 0845 465 0925. See advert on page 24.

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Baby & Toddler Photo Competition Thank you to everyone who entered the Autumn Toddle Models competition, sponsored by Alexander Imaging in Milton Keynes!

1st

We had 39 of the cutest entries to this competition, and you can see all the entries here! However there could only be one winner (well, three really, if you include the runners up), so we had to choose ... it was lots of fun, but very difficult to do!

Congratulations this time go to 2 year-old Paige Lea Jones, followed closely by Sahil Kulkarni (2) and Zane Briggs (18 months), who will receive a free photo shoot with Alexander Imaging You can also see Paige on the front cover of this magazine!

Paige Lea Jones,

If you didn’t win, you can still enjoy a photo shoot with Alexander Imaging - call them on 07922 134 602 to book.

Visit them at www.alexanderimaging.co.uk

2 years

2nd

Competition sponsored by:

rs

Sahil Kulkarni, 2 yea

3rd

Aarushi Kalmady, 10mths

Arnav Ghosha

l, 11 m

David Day, 3 years

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Zane Briggs, 18 mt on, 4 yrs Alfie Hoseas

Cale Reign, 2 years

Diego V arela, 4

years

hs

Amelie Meale, 5 mt

hs

Chanelle Kuwa

na, 3 yrs

Diya Prakash, 1 year

Christian Maree, 23m

Evelyn Ma

e Scott,

1 yr

Danielle Ba

ss, 1 yr

s

ery, 19 mth

George Em

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Holly & Is

la Mayer,

3 days

menez, 3

Joshua Ji

yrs

Lucia Bel

fitt, 4 year s

rston, 5 m

Noah Thu

Isabella Belfitt, 2 yrs

Isabella Meale, 3 yrs

Keira Tavender, 9mths

Laila Birch, 2 years

Maya Goffin, 2 years

Max Abdul, 21 mths

Noah Slattery, 10 m

Shayaan Choudhry, 13m

Jessica Whittle,

2 yrs

2 yrs Lexi Savanna,

Megan Batchelo

r, 11 m

Skye Sayer, 15

mths

Joshua Bass, 2 yrs

Lois van Rooyen, 9 mth

s

Noah Roles, 5 mths

Sofia Varela, 2 yrs

Enter the next Toddle Models Competition and

Win a Year’s Pass to 360 Play!

The next Toddle Models competition is sponsored by 360 Play - The indoor play centre in Milton Keynes!

The 1st place winner will win an Annual Pass to 360 Play in Milton Keynes, which entitles 1 child to 12 months free play and includes one free adult per visit) - worth £110.

There will also be 2 runners up prizes each of whom will receive a family pass for a day at 360 Play (2 adults and 2 children).

The winners will be chosen by Toddle About.

Regardless of who wins, we will print as many

entries as possible in our next issue to give you a nice keepsake for when they get older.

To enter the next Toddle Models competition, please email your favourite pic of your little one (along with their name, age, your phone number and where you’re from) to toddlemodelsmk@toddleabout.co.uk by midnight on Sunday 24th February 2013 360 Play, Roebuck Way, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8HL. Tel: 01908 308360 www.360play.co.uk Opening Times: Sunday-Thursday 9.30am-5.30pm Friday and Saturday 9.30am-6pm

Subscribe for FREE to Toddle About at www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe See Competition Terms & Conditions online at www.toddleabout.co.uk

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By Dr Helen Andrews from Family Matters

Leaving Baby to Cry

It’s something that every baby does and every parent finds difficult to manage at times. What do we know about why babies cry and how best to respond?

Why do babies cry?

A baby is born defenceless and helpless into the world. They are completely dependent on the care of others for their survival. Although hormonal changes during the late stages of pregnancy prime parents to be ready to respond to their baby, the baby is also born with skills to draw them in. The principal one in young babies is crying. It is their only way of communicating distress and their need for care.

So crying is an early form of communication?

What are the consequences of colic?

Undoubtedly. A cry can signal hunger, tiredness, a full nappy, being too hot or too cold, boredom or that the baby is anxious. Over time, parents become attuned to the different cries their baby uses to tell them different things. They will also learn to tell the difference between fussing (restlessness and agitation with some associated crying) and crying that indicates more acute distress.

The good news is that there are no long term consequences for the baby. Any delay in weight gain is just that. There are no indications that a colicky baby will have later problems with sleep, allergies, excessive crying, behavioural problems or a more challenging temperament.

How much crying is normal?

Studies show that babies typically peak in their crying at around two and a half hours in every twenty four, at six weeks of age. By the time they are three months old this has reduced to an average of seventy minutes.

What about ‘colicky’ babies?

Some babies seem to have more extensive and severe periods of crying in the early evening. When it lasts for around three hours and happens most evenings, with sudden onset and no obvious cause, it is sometimes called colic. This is thought to be associated with feeding (particularly bottle feeding), cramps and wind but there are few definitive answers. One in five babies suffers with colic at five to six weeks but this reduces to only one in a hundred by three months.

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So, no need to worry then?

That depends on your view point. The emotional stress on parents of managing a screaming infant for three hours a night is significant. It can put a strain on breast feeding, the parental relationship, the parent child relationship and parental mental health generally. Desperate parents are at risk of shaking their baby and Shaken Baby Syndrome has very serious consequences for all. Therefore parents need to seek support from each other, extended family and friends, their GP and health visitor and services such as cry-sis (www.cry-sis.org.uk). The countdown till baby is three months old will be a lifeline for most.

How should you respond to a crying baby?

There are two principal approaches: pick them up as soon as possible each time versus leaving them to cry. Both camps have strong advocates but the psychological and neurodevelopmental evidence clearly supports responding to baby rather than ignoring them.

What us at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles icondo tellsyou youthink? whichTell advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages

Co The benefits of attending to a crying baby Babies cry when they need one of their basic needs to be met. This could be a physical need or an emotional one. The world is a large and unfamiliar place to a baby and they are easily overwhelmed. In addition, a baby’s brain is not fully developed at birth. One of the areas that takes several months to begin to mature is that of emotional regulation. When a baby becomes upset, for whatever reason, they simply do not have the ability to calm themselves down. This is something that develops over a long time, and through their experiences with the people who look after them.

By picking up a crying baby, by holding them close, by talking gently or singing, the parent’s calmness is passed onto them.

Indeed, it would seem that mother and baby practically share an endocrine system. Studies have found that levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) rise in a baby when they are crying. This triggers an associated rise in the mother’s levels, as she shares that distress and is moved to respond. When the mother is able to decrease her own arousal, using her own emotion regulation skills, then the baby’s levels also drop.

Crucially, babies are learning all the time.

Connections are made in the brain with every experience. Those experiences that are repeated (or are important for survival), get hardwired into their neuronal pathways. They become part of that baby’s personality and understanding of the world. Babies learn whether the world is a scary place or not, whether they can influence the world, whether they are important and valued, or not. They learn these things through their interactions with others. These lessons potentially stay with them, through their neural architecture, for a lifetime.

But surely picking up a baby all the time spoils them?

It is true that a baby that is comforted every time they are upset will come to expect it. In that way they will learn about how important and loved they are. They will feel safe and secure. They will feel less anxious and will therefore, over time, need to cry less often.

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Likewise, a baby that is left to cry for an extended period of time will eventually realise that nobody is coming and stop crying. They may well cry louder next time, to try and get comforted, but if they are not responded to again, they will learn that there is little point in crying and be less likely to cry again. They will also have learnt lessons about what they can expect from others that are likely to be with them throughout their life.

So can you never leave a baby to cry?

With a young baby (less than six or seven months) it does seem important that the carer responds relatively promptly. However, it is not always possible to respond straight away. There are other children to look after, meals to cook, loo breaks to take and sometimes a moment or two of ‘me’ time is needed. The evidence suggests this is OK. It is that final cuddle that is important. If there has to be a delay, there has to be.

Even young infants are excellent at knowing another’s intentions. If a carer goes to them in a loving way, when they can, they are comforted. No harm done.

What about with older infants?

The ability to self-soothe and regulate emotions develops slowly. It begins at around eight months but isn’t completed until early adulthood! As an infant gets older, it may not always be necessary to pick them up when they start to fuss. They are likely to be soothed with a touch, or a song, some eye contact and a few words. It can be helpful to give them a minute or two to practise self-soothing, but if they become very distressed they will still need a cuddle.

What about bedtimes?

There are a number of ways to encourage your baby or child to sleep – and a lot has been written about it. The key skill is a child learning to fall asleep by themselves.

If a young baby is happy to do this, then it is to be encouraged. However, a child under six months that is crying for comfort should be given it, as should an older child with separation anxiety. The latest evidence suggests that controlled crying techniques for establishing sleep in children over six months do no harm and this can therefore be considered within the full range of approaches that can be used.

Dr Helen Andrews is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children and young people. Through her business, Family Matters in Warwickshire, she helps parents when they can see that their child is struggling with their emotions, behaviour or development. She focuses on early intervention as the evidence is clear that it is never too early to ask for help. Family Matters supports prospective parents through the final stages of pregnancy, new parents struggling with the challenges of infancy and toddlerhood and more experienced parents too.

You can contact Helen on 01564 795337 and you can find out more at www.familymattersinwarwickshire.co.uk

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– An alternative to steroids?

As a parent you generally know when things aren’t quite right with your child. You visit the doctor frequently, but whatever they prescribe doesn’t really seem to help. Antibiotics or steroid creams are suggested for itchy skin; inhalers for possible asthma … like many parents, you worry about giving these things to your baby or toddler.

This is how it was for some of the parents who discovered Salt Therapy while researching for an alternative treatment for their children.

Salt in its natural form is essential for our health and for our bodies to function properly. Natural salt was widely used as a therapy by the Ancient Greeks they discovered that salt mines and salt caves had a therapeutic influence on the human body and skin.

At the Salt Cave in Milton Keynes, the natural healing microclimate of a salt mine has been replicated, but with a dedicated treatment room for children to play in while they breathe in the healing salty air.

Harry and Finley are two toddlers that enjoy regular visits to The Salt Cave and both their families have seen a vast improvement in their breathing. Both boys have lost the persistent cough, wheezing and rattling chest they had when they first started using salt therapy. Anna, whose first visit saw her come in with bleeding wounds from the eczema around her ears, now has completely healed ears, and the eczema has almost cleared from her entire body.

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17

Q&A Baby Health! www.

.co.uk

Toddle About have teamed up with Dr. David Cremonesini to help you with any medical concerns you may have about your baby or toddler.

And Dr. David is well positioned to help! An NHS Paediatric Consultant for over 4 years, he trained in allergy and breathing problems in Oxford; he is also the Netmums doctor and has written for the Sainsbury’s Little Ones magazine.

Nuts!

Q: I have anaphylaxis to nuts which I didn’t really discover until my teens. My allergy has worsened over

the years and now I carry an epipen. My question is when and how should I introduce my 20 month old to nuts? From Jody in Leamington Spa

A: This is a common query I get, but the reality is that less than 10% of children have a nut allergy that is

passed down from one of their parents. However, if the parent has a severe nut allergy themselves, then the thought of introducing nuts to their child can be a stressful time and I’d advise getting the child tested by a paediatrician with nut allergy expertise. You’ll need to go over both yours and your child’s medical history and decide on the next steps with the paediatrician. It’s worth bearing in mind that because your child has never eaten nuts, the test results will be more difficult to interpret. If the test comes back negative, that’s reassuring, but it doesn’t 100% rule out allergy. Furthermore, if you don’t then give your child any nuts (because they live in a nut free house), they may still go on to develop an allergy some years later. Therefore it’s really only worth testing if you are then going to introduce nuts.

Nut Allergies – In a nutshell 1 Peanut allergy is on the increase and we now think it affects 1 in 50 infants.

2 There is no evidence that avoiding peanuts during pregnancy protects your baby from developing peanut allergy. It may actually be the case that eating nuts during pregnancy might reduce the risk but further studies are needed to confirm this.

3 With babies, there is a myth that if you delay the introduction of nuts until your child is 2 years old, then that will protect them from developing a nut allergy. There is actually no evidence for this and it may even be the case that early introduction helps prevent allergies, though this has not yet been proven. I typically recommend that parents don’t delay the introduction of nuts, though of course no whole nuts for babies as there is a risk of choking.

4 The majority of allergic reactions to peanuts are mild (hives, itchy rash, oral swelling, vomiting) and should occur soon (usually within minutes) of eating or touching a peanut. In some cases they can be more severe leading to anaphylaxis – symptoms of which include difficulty in breathing, throat swelling or a drop in blood pressure.

5 If you suspect a nut allergy, you must see a GP who should organise a test (either skin prick or blood test), which should be done to confirm it.

This is a national (NICE) standard and parents should seek this or a referral to hospital.

Alternative testing has been discredited by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

6 Only 20% of children will outgrow a peanut allergy. Many children also have allergies to tree nuts like hazelnut or cashew nut. If you think your child has outgrown their allergy, you should always check with a health professional before testing the theory at home.

7 The key treatment is to avoid all foods containing peanuts. You need to check all ingredients of foods closely. www.allergyuk.org is a useful resource. It’s usually OK if someone is eating them nearby, just don’t kiss them! If the child has asthma or had a severe reaction, they will need an adrenaline pen as they are at risk of anaphylaxis.

If you have any questions of your own for Dr David, please send them to info@toddleabout.co.uk with ‘Health Question’ as the subject.

Dr David Cremonesini runs a private allergy clinic in the BMI Hospital in Milton Keynes. To arrange an appointment for you or your child, you can contact him on 01480 423154 or kidsallergy@gmail.com. See advert on opposite page.

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Specialist

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Children’s Allergies

Paediatric Private Allergy Clinic At BMI Saxon Clinic Hospital Milton Keynes Tel: 01908 232 142 Email: kidsallergy@gmail.com

Conditions treated:

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1 hour appointment.

All insurance companies accepted. Self-payers, please contact for rates.

Clinic run by Consultant Paediatrician Dr David - call or email for details

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Mums Making it

Spotlight on

Kirstie Reynolds from KNR Jewellery

If you’re planning a career change in 2013, you’ve probably considered working for yourself in some way - after all, if you’re the boss then you can organise your working hours around your children. It’s not an easy balancing act though, so we asked Kirstie Reynolds from KNR Jewellery for her tips on being a mum AND a business owner.

Kirstie Reynolds - KNR Jewellery Business: Personalised silver, fingerprint jewellery

Why did you decide to work for yourself?

It was quite natural for me as my parents had their own business. I set up in 1999 after travelling for a year post-university and ran the business part time for 8 years, alongside my day job as a teacher. When I was pregnant with our first son, Oliver (now nearly 4), my husband and I decided that the time was right for me to pursue my business dreams.

How did you choose what to do?

I followed my passions. My degree was in ceramics, during which I met someone using malleable silver, which is clay-like, but silver – I had to have a go and I got hooked! I started making jewellery collections and it was only natural to take Oliver’s impressions in silver when he arrived. When our friends saw

them, they started ordering some for themselves! I created a range of products, a friend created a website and the business grew from there.

What changed when you became a mum?

I first worked when Oliver napped and in the evenings but when my youngest was born, Harvey, I was well established locally as ‘the fingerprint lady’ and I just couldn’t let all the hard work I had put into building up my business go to waste. It was incredibly hard as I had no choice but to work every night to keep up with the orders, and this was often till late as this was when everyone else slept and I had unbroken time to work.

Party bags for kids Make your child’s party extra special Pick a theme or character and we will custom-make your party bags, with unique keepsake hand-crafted tags. We also make sweetie cones, pass the parcels, and more.

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Call: 07799 434 226 email: crofty75@aol.com

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How do you juggle being a mum and a business owner?

What have been the biggest challenges?

I won’t kid you, since having my children the lifework balance of being self-employed has been a constant juggling act and has more often than not been at the cost of time for myself. It’s getting easier now Oliver is at pre-school every morning and Harvey is at nursery three days, but I miss both my boys every day. I work while they’re in childcare, still some nights and most weekends. All balls are in the air at all times – it’s a busy life and often stressful and to be honest, the pay isn’t great when you think of all the hours I put in. But would I change it? Not for the world! I love my family and I love my work.

Getting it all done, on time, around my children. The price of silver has pushed up my costs greatly, but I’ve still managed to make it all work for my customers.

What have been the biggest highs for you?

Managing to not only maintain my business when I had my second child, but also having my best year in 15 years of business. Oh, and being rated number 1 product for ‘Bump, Baby & Beyond‘ in the UK by Vogue. That was pretty special!

What advice would you give to mums thinking about starting their own business?

Start slowly, plan well and arrange some childcare for your own sanity! It has to be one of the hardest roles, being a self-employed working mum. But you know what…it is so rewarding.

Don’t worry about being perfect, just do the best you can. In a few years my little ones will be at school full time and won’t want mummy cuddling them every two minutes – I do my best to enjoy my boys while they are young. I do my best to provide a happy home for my whole family. I do my best to deliver a fantastic personalised product at the right price, on time and with exceptional service. I simply just do the best I can.

To see Kirstie’s product range, visit www.knrjewellery.co.uk. You can order your own silver fingerprint jewellery online and then create your impression by post – simply return the impression by post and Kirstie will make your jewellery for you. Alternatively, call 01295 271051 to make an appointment or visit her at an event (list on her website). All orders are ready within 2 weeks.

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Our aim is to develop the whole child and make their day fun!

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Ofsted May 2012 – The quality of the provision is good. They provide a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment.

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Parent’s comments “The setting has a very kind, caring and relaxed atmosphere” “The children are made to feel important and included”.

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Daily Activity Planner

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Daily Activity Planner: Milton Keynes Area Your local ‘What’s on Guide’ in your area for bumps, babies & toddlers

Monday Bancroft Bancroft Parent and Toddler Group

09:45-11:30T at Bancroft Meeting Place, 29 Hadrians Drive MK13 0QB. Kelly: 07969 589 777; For 0 - 5s, £1.50 per family (drop in). 1st session free. Craft, snacks & baby area

Bletchley Health Advisory Drop In: 09:30-10:30T Family Stay & Play: 09:30-11:30T; For 0 -

5s, £0.50 (donation). Stories, songs and friends at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123

Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

11:00-12:30T at Leon Pool, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 0 - 4s, £11 per class (book by 10-week term).

Swim classes for babies/toddlers 12 wks-4 yrs

Pre-school Swimming Lessons

14:30-15:00T at Leon Leisure Centre, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 01908 624788 / 01908 624725; For 3 - 5s, £3.50 per class (book).

Bradville Inbetweenies: 09:30-11:00TH; For 1 - 2s,

FREE. For toddlers to explore & play Baby Rainbows: 13:00-14:30TH; For 0 - 1s at Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925. Drop in.

Broughton Stay & Play

Central Milton Keynes Water Babies

09:30-11:00TH at Hummingbird Children’s Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 609609; For 0 - 4s, £1 (donation). Please book on Thurs for following Monday

11:00-12:30T at Holiday Inn, 500 Saxon Gate West MK9 2HQ. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Buckingham Water Babies

Fishermead Baby Clinic

09:15-10:45T at Buckingham Best Western Hotel, A421 Ring Road MK18 1RY. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Kindercooks Cookery Classes

10:00-11:00TH at 34 Bourtonville, MK18 1AZ. 01280 812700 / 07706 990430; For 2 - 5s, £6.50 per class (please book). Children’s Cookery Classes

Musical Minis

10:00-11:45T at The Buckingham Athletic and Sports Social Club, Stratford Road MK18 1NY. Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book). 45-minute classes starting at 10 & 11am

Breastfeeding Support Group

13:30-15:00TH at Embleton Dining Room, Buckingham Community Hospital MK18 1NU. 01280 826917 or 01296 712975; For bump 1s, FREE. voluntary donation welcome

13:30-15:15TH at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; For 0s, (drop in). Baby weighing with the H/V

Fullers Slade Childminders’ Drop-In: 09:30-11:00T Young Parents Group: 12:00-14:00TH; For 0 - 5s, For parents aged 21 and under

Stay & Play: 14:30-16:00T; For 1 - 5s

at The Rowans Children’s Centre, 13A Moorfoort MK11 2BD. 01908 565852, FREE (drop in).

Furzton Breastfeeding Support Group

12:00-13:30TH at Sunshine Children’s Centre, Dulverton Drive MK4 1EZ. 01908 508566; For 0 - 2s, FREE (drop in). 1st & 3rd Mon of month

Grange Farm Seedlings Starters

13:00-14:45TH at Seedlings Children’s Centre, Singleton Drive MK8 0PZ. 07904 005847 / 01908 503736; For 0s, FREE (drop in). For birth-crawlers in Seedlings reach area

22 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Monday

T = Term Time H = Holidays

Stony Stratford Little Cherubs Playgroup

Breastfeeding Support Group

10:00-12:00TH at Kents Hill Community Centre, Frithwood Crescent MK7 6HQ. 07765 051 285; For bump - 5s, £2 per family (drop in). Membership £10 p/yr. Call before 1st visit

Water Babies

14:00-16:00T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Middleton Baby Clinic

12:30-14:30T at Bridges CC at Milton Keynes Village Practice, Griffith Gate MK10 9BQ. 01908 586472; For 0s, FREE (drop in).

Neath Hill Push & Tone

10:45-11:30TH at Meet outside Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925; For 0 - 2s, FREE (drop in).

Netherfield Café: 09:00-15:00TH Stay and Play: 13:00-15:00TH

at Hedgerows Children’s Centre, Langland Road MK6 4NP. 01908 239000; FREE (drop in).

New Bradwell Making Marks and Crafts

10:00-11:30TH at The Windmill Children’s Centre, Bounty Street MK13 0BQ. 01908 312473; For 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation).

Newport Pagnell Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes

12:00-13:00T at Green Park Community Centre, Green Park Drive MK16 0PX. Molly: 01908 411067; For 0 - 2s, £6 (book). Help your baby to communicate BEFORE speech

13:30-15:00T at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, Queens Ave MK16 8QT. 01908 611767; For 0 - 2s, FREE (drop in). Receive support and advice from Jo

09:30-11:30TH at York House Centre, London Road MK11 1JQ. ; For 0 - 5s, £2. All welcome, friendly local, parent-run group.

Oldbrook Stay & Play with Lindy Lou

Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

11:00-13:00T at Watling Way Pool, Galley Hill MK11 1PA. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 0 - 5s, £11 per class (book by 10-week term). Swim classes for babies/toddlers 12wks-10yrs

09:00-10:15T at Pebbles CC at Oldbrook School, Illingworth Place MK6 2NH. 01908 240556; For 0 - 5s, £1 (donation).

Olney Soft Play with Speech & Language

Baby Bumpkin

11:30-12:15TH at Whitespace Yoga and Wellbeing Studio, 5 St Pauls Court High Street MK11 1LJ. 0845 6804981 / 07580131842; For 0 - 1s, £5.67 per class (book by 6-week term).

Yoga-inspired sessions: babies 6wks-crawling

13:30-15:45T at Olney Youth Centre, East Street MK46 4DH. 01234 241837; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in). 7 & 21 Jan, 4 Feb, 4 & 18 Mar

Oxley Park Childminders/Home Childcare Group

09:45-11:15TH at Little Owls Children’s Centre, Oxley Park Community Centre MK4 4TA. 01908 524482; £1 (donation). Tattenhoe, Westcroft,Kingsmead,Oxley Park only

Disco Babies

14:30-15:30T at Oxley Park Community Centre, Redgrave Dr MK4 4TA. 07713 120827; For 0 - 4s, £4.75 per class (book by 6-week term). A dance class for trendy toddlers!

Simpson Pop In Paws

08:15-09:00T at Little Paws Children’s Centre, Simpson School MK6 3AZ. 01908 696312; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in). Light breakfast and fun activities

Stantonbury Stay, Play & Sing: 13:00-13:45TH Ragdolly Annas: 13:45-14:30T; For 0 - 18m

Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes

14:15-15:00T at York House Centre, MK11 1JQ. Molly: 01908 411067; For 0 - 2s, £6 per class (book by 10-week term). Help your baby to communicate BEFORE speech

Towcester Baby Bumpkin

09:30-10:45TH at Tatty Bumpkin Classes, Brook Health Centre NN12 6HD. 0845 6804981 / 07580131842; For 0 - 1s, £5 per class (book). Yoga-inspired sessions from 6 wks-cruisers

Walnut Tree Puppy Paws

09:15-10:15T at Little Paws Children’s Centre at Heronsgate School, Lichfield Down MK7 7BW. 01908 696312; For bump - 0s, FREE (drop in). For babies & crawlers.

at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre, Wood End First School MK14 6BB. 01908 317863, (drop in).

award winning baby development classes in Woburn Sands

baby Sensory classes for babies from birth to 13 months.

ENTERTAINMENT SHOW

Baby signing, massage, music and dance, bubbles, bells, light shows, puppets, pom poms, a big play area.

Interactive musical fun and other surprises for accompanied pre-school children.

Fun sociable classes that make the most of your baby’s vital first year.

Delicious cake selection and drinks included!

It’s a party every week!

www.babysensory.com

Weekly shows all over Milton Keynes.

See our website for times & locations.

taster ns sessio contact

available Sarah to book your space

E: northbucks@babysensory.co.uk

Call Sarah: 07876 643276 In the Water

Singing & Signing

Prices from £2.75 & pay as you go.

Physical Fun

Ness: 07917 683330 Vanessa: 07917 683330 www.musical-monkeys.com

www.musical-monkeys.com Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 23

Daily Activity Planner

Kents Hill MK Multiples

Daily Activity Planner

= Advertiser has special offer voucher in our centre pages

Monday - Tuesday Woburn Sands Music Bugs

10:15-12:00T at Summerlin Centre, Station Rd MK17 8SG. 0844 822 1158; For 0 - 4s, (please book). Fun music sessions for 6 mths - 4 yrs

Wolverton Monkey Business

13:30-14:45T at Foundation House, The Square MK12 5DG. 07805 212006; For 0 - 4s, £1.50 per child (drop in). FREE healthy snack and juice for the kids

Tuesday Aylesbury Kindercooks Cookery Classes

16:00-17:00TH at Elmhurst Community Centre, 36 Fairfax Crescent HP20 2ES. 01280 812700 / 07706 990430; For 2 - 5s, £6.50 per class (book). Children’s cookery classes.

Bletchley Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

11:30-13:00T at Leon Pool, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 12wks - 4yrs, £11 per class (book by 10-week term). Swim classes for babies/toddlers.

Ducklings Swimming Classes

12:30-14:30TH at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264; For 0 - 5s, £4.50 per class (book by 10-week term). 30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

Bradville Baby Clinic: 09:30-11:15TH

2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.

Toddler Time: 10:45-11:30T A fun lively music session for toddlers at Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925; FREE. Broughton

Start The Art Toddler Sessions

11:00-12:00TH at MK Gallery, 900 Midsummer Blvd MK9 3QA. 01908 676900; For 0 - 3s, FREE (drop in). Painting, drawing & mark-making for under 4s

Fullers Slade Breastfeeding Group: 11:00-12:30TH Coffee, Chat & Play: 14:00-15:30T

Baby Clinic: 09:30-10:30T Normally 1st Tues of month Young Parents’ Group: 13:00-14:45TH No upper age limit for parents at Hummingbird Children’s Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 609609. £1 (donation).

Messy Play on Tuesdays at The Rowans Children’s Centre, 13A Moorfoort MK11 2BD. 01908 565852, FREE (drop in). Reach area only.

Buckingham Water Babies

Furzton Grandparents Group

09:30-12:00T at Buckingham Best Western Hotel, A421 Ring Road MK18 1RY. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Tumble Tots

09:45-13:30T at Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow MK18 1RP. Cathy: 07711 943697; For 0 - 5s, £5.50 per session (please book). Structured physical play classes

Castlethorpe Mini Strikers Multi Sports

13:30-14:30T at Castlethorpe Village Hall, North Street MK19 7EW. 01234 241837; For 1 - 5s, £3. Physical fun for walkers+

Central Milton Keynes Baby Rhyme Time: 10:00-10:30TH; 0 - 1s.

Story & Rhyme Time: 10:45-11:15TH;

For 0 - 4s at MK Central Library, 555 Silbury Boulevard MK9 3HL. 01908 254088; FREE (drop in).

10:00-11:30TH at Sunshine Children’s Centre, Dulverton Drive MK4 1EZ. 01908 508566; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in). For family members looking after children

Giffard Park Stay, Play & Sing

11:30-13:00TH at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre at Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Ave MK14 5PY. 01908 317863; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

Grange Farm Seedlings Stay & Play

10:00-11:30TH at Seedlings Children’s Centre, Singleton Drive MK8 0PZ. 07904 005847 / 01908 503736; For 0 - 5s, (please book).

Priority given to families in reach area

Haversham Toddler Time

09:30-11:00T at Haversham Social & Community Centre, The Crescent MK19 7AN. 01234 241837; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in). A lively session!

Disco Babies is the hippest class in town!

Pre-school dance classes Disco Babies – a fun and sociable dance class for toddler’s,pre-schoolers & their parents/carers.

A class for trendy toddlers to enjoy a break from the nursery rhyme circuit. It is a dance based class to carefully selected pop and disco music. We OFF also offer bespoke parties for 0-4 year olds. 10% voucher see centre Email: enquiries@discobabies.co.uk pages

www.discobabies.co.uk 07713 120 827

Baby Massage, Baby Yoga & Postnatal Courses Learn holds, baby massage, baby reflexology and baby yoga to soothe and stimulate baby.

Fabulous Baby Signing Classes in MK

Learn massage and yoga based techniques to help with colic, flat head and reflux.

Sing and Sign is a great way to reduce frustration for parent and baby by helping to understand your baby’s needs in a fun and easy way.

Call Molly on 01908 411067 or email mollyleib@singandsign.co.uk

Use movement sequences to help you feel great post-natally and reclaim your tummy.

Understand the calming button (every baby has one) and how to switch it on with a Ssshhhhhh.

See a sample class at: www.thelazydaisychain.co.uk (Select Perinatal Classes > The Daisy Baby Story)

Email: donna@lazydaisybirthing.co.uk Phone: 07412 580853

24 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Tuesday - Wednesday

T = Term Time H = Holidays

09:00-16:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, £10 per class (book by 6-week term). Private bespoke classes for babies & children

Kents Hill Water Babies

15:30-17:45T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Kingston Breastfeeding Support Group

10:00-11:30TH at Bridges Children’s Centre, 13 Winchester Circle MK10 0BA. 01908 586472; For 0 - 2s, FREE (drop in). Health Professional present 10 - 11am

Kingston Story & Rhyme Time

14:15-14:45TH at Kingston Library, 11 Winchester Circle MK10 0BA. 01908 282720; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Lavendon Mini Strikers Multi Sports

10:00-11:00T at Lavendon School, High Street MK46 4HA. 01234 241837; For 1 - 5s, £3.

Loughton Musical Minis

13:30-15:15TH at Milton Keynes Village Hall, Willen Road MK10 9AF. 07733 397 844; For 0 4s. £1 p/adult +50p p/c over 6 mths, max £2

In the Water

Stony Stratford Little Fishes

at Hedgerows Children’s Centre, Langland Road MK6 4NP. 01908 239000; FREE (drop in).

Olney Ragdolly Annas Music & Movement

10:00 & 11:00T at Olney Youth Centre, East Street MK46 4DH. 01234 241837; For 0 - 5s, £2 per child (drop in).

Olney Library Story & Rhyme Time

14:15-14:45TH at Olney Library, High Street MK46 4EF. 01234 711474; For 0 - 4s, FREE.

Oxley Park Baby Clinic

09:30-11:00TH at Little Owls Children’s Centre, Oxley Park Community Centre MK4 4TA. 01908 524482; For 0s, FREE (drop in).

The 1st and 3rd Tues of every month

Simpson

Physical Fun

10:00-11:00TH at The Old Bath House, 205 Stratford Rd MK12 5RL. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in). 4.75 per family. Entertainment show & cake!

Wednesday Bletchley Stories, Songs and Rhymes

09:30-10:15T at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123; For 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation).

Stories, music, songs & dancing

Little Seedlings Group

13:45-14:30T at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre, Wood End First School MK14 6BB. 01908 317863; For 0 - 5s, £1 per family (drop in). For families in Squirrels CC reach area only

Singing & Signing

Wolverton Musical Monkeys

09:30-11:30TH at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264; For 0 - 5s, £4.50 per class (book by 10-week term).

30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

10:45-11:30T at Simpson Village Hall, Hammer Road MK6 3AD. Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book). Free trial offer voucher in centre pages

Stantonbury Toddler Time

09:30-11:30T at Stony Stratford Methodist Church, Silver St. MK11 1JS; For 0 - 4s, £1.50.

Ducklings Swimming Classes

Pop In Paws: 08:15-09:00T Light breakfast and fun activities Stay and Play: 09:30-11:00T at Little Paws Children’s Centre, Simpson School MK6 3AZ. 01908 696312; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in).

Musical Minis

13:45-14:30T at Loughton Manor First School, Paynes Drive MK5 8FA. Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per class (please book). Free trial offer voucher in centre pages

Middleton Cygnets Toddler Group

Netherfield Café: 09:00-15:00TH Baby Clinic: 10:00-11:30TH

10:30-12:00T at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123; For bump - 0s, £0.50 (donation). For bumps and babies up to 12 mths

Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

13:00-14:30T at Leon Pool, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 0 - 4s, £11 per class (book by 10-week term).

Swim classes for babies/toddlers 12 wks-4 yrs

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 25

Daily Activity Planner

Heelands The Little Turtle Swim Company

Daily Activity Planner

Wednesday

= Advertiser has special offer voucher in our centre pages

® ndy, giggly world fo r st r o n The be

minds... ever nd cl g b o d i es a

Yoga inspired classes/parties Fun classes to encourage movement and enhance development for babies and children 0-7 years www.tattybumpkin.com/miltonkeynes miltonkeynes@tattybumpkin.com 0845 6804981• 07580 131842

N

ew!

Party entertainment for 2-8 years: Hire • Interactive disco, with party Peppa Pig games and the latest music for your • Personalised for your child’s party perfect day • Disco lights, smoke machine & bubbles!

T: 07931 308173 E: kt_bonham@yahoo.co.uk

www.discofacecake.co.uk

Bradville

MK Springers: 09:30-10:15T For 1 - 4s, Families living in reach area only Health Visitor Drop In: 13:00-15:00TH; For 0 - 2s. Every 2nd Wednesday of month. at Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925. FREE (drop in).

Bradwell Chatterbox Baby & Toddler Group

13:15-14:45T at Bradwell Memorial Hall, Vicarage Road MK13 9AG. 01908 320850; For 0 - 5s, £1 per family. Carers, grandparents & parents all welcome

Brooklands Musical Monkeys

10:00-11:00TH at Brooklands Farm Primary School, 152 Fen Street MK10 7EU MK10.

07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in). £4.75 per family. Entertainment show & cake!

Buckingham Kindercooks Cookery Classes

15:45-16:45TH at 34 Bourtonville, MK18 1AZ. 01280 812700 / 07706 990430; For 2 - 5s, £6.50 per class (please book). Children’s Cookery Classes

Central Milton Keynes Baby Clinic

13:30-15:00TH at CMK Health Centre, Bradwell Common Blvd MK13 8DY. 01908 675575; For 0s, (drop in). Weekly clinic

Downhead Park Toddler Time

09:15-10:30T at Rainbow Children’s Centre at the Quaker Centre, 1 Oakley Gardens MK15 9BH. 01908 227925; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in). fun lively music session

Fishermead Groovy Movers

09:00-10:00T at Pebbles CC at Jubilee Wood School, Falmouth Place MK6 2LB. 01908 240556; For 18mths - 5s, (drop in).

Mucky Pups: 13:45-14:45T; For 0-3s, (book).

Family Health Drop-In: 14:00-15:15TH

at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556. Advice from the H/V

Fullers Slade

Stay & Play: 09:30-11:00TH; For 0 - 5s, FREE Includes baby and toddler songs & rhymes Rowans Workshops: 13:30-14:45T; For Tackling Tantrums & Sorting Sleep workshops at The Rowans Children’s Centre, 13A Moorfoort MK11 2BD. 01908 565852 Furzton Stay and Play: 09:30-11:00TH; For 2 - 5s, Crawlers to Toddlers: 11:30-13:00TH;

Includes a light lunch. at Sunshine Children’s Centre, Dulverton Drive MK4 1EZ. 01908 508566. Donations welcome

South Furzton Mums and Tots

12:00-15:00T at Furzton Community Centre, 1 Blackmore Gate MK4 1DS. 01908 502877; For 0 - 5s, £1.50 per child. (please book).

Hanslope Toddler Time Music & Movement

Kents Hill Water Babies

15:30-17:15T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Loughton Loughton Parent & Toddlers

09:30-11:30T at The Memorial Hall, 44 Bradwell Rd MK5 8AJ. Amy: 07946 112414; For 0 - 5s, £1.70 per family (drop in).

Monkston Park Tumble Tots

09:30-16:30T at Monkston Park Community Centre, MK10 9PH. Cathy: 07711 943697; For 0 - 5s, £5.50 per session (please book).

Structured physical play classes up to 7yrs

Netherfield Café: 09:00-12:00TH Mucky Pups: 10:00-11:00TH; For 0 - 4s

at Hedgerows Children’s Centre. 01908239000

New Bradwell The Wyvern Parent & Under Fives

10:00-11:30T at The Windmill Children’s Centre, Bounty Street MK13 0BQ. 01908 312473; For 0 - 4s, £0.50 (donation).

Newton Longville Musical Monkeys

09:15-11:30T at Woodlands Sure Start Children Centre, Long Street Road MK19 7BL. 01234 241837; For 0 - 5s, FREE per family (drop in). Songs, dance & fun.

10:00-11:00TH at Longueville Hall, Whaddon Road MK17 0AT. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in). £4.75 per family.

Entertainment show & cake!

Heelands The Little Turtle Swim Company

Oxley Park Daisy Birthing Classes

09:00-16:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, £10 per class (book by 6-week term). Private bespoke classes for babies & children

18:30-20:00TH at Little Owl’s Children’s Centre, Redgrave Drive MK4 4TA. 07412 580853; For bump, £9 per class (please book).

Natal yoga, active birthing, birth hypnosis

26 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Wednesday - Thursday

T = Term Time H = Holidays

Swimming lessons

The springboard to confidence for your child Britain’s leading preschool activity programme for children from 6 months to 7 years at a local centre near you.

Our amazing lessons are structured, progressive and lots of fun!

To find out more contact Swimkidz (North Bucks) Ltd:

Contact us for a trial lesson on 07711 943697 www.tumbletots.com/milton-keynes Shenley Brook End Musical Monkeys

10:00-11:00TH at Shenley Brook End Village Hall, Church End Road MK5 7AA. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in).

4.75 per family. Entertainment show & cake!

Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes

12:00-14:45T at Shenley Brook End Village Hall, Church End Road MK5 7AA. Molly: 01908 411067; For 0 - 2s, £6 per class (book by 10-week term). Help your baby to communicate BEFORE speech

Simpson Pop In Paws

08:15-09:00T at Little Paws Children’s Centre, Simpson School MK6 3AZ. 01908 696312; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in). Light breakfast and fun activities

Stony Stratford Baby Bumpkin

10:00-12:30TH at Whitespace Yoga and Wellbeing Studio, 5 St Pauls Court High Street MK11 1LJ. 0845 6804981 / 07580131842; For 0 - 1s, £5.67 per class (book by 6-week term).

Yoga-inspired sessions: babies 6wks-crawling

Music Bugs

10:15-12:00T at Methodist Church, Silver Street MK11 1JS. 0844 822 1158; For 0 - 5s, .

Fun music sessions for 6 mths - 4 yrs

Two Mile Ash Two Mile Ash Toddler Group

12:45-14:45T at The Annex, The High Street MK8 8LH. Holly: 07865 933306; For 0 - 5s, £1.50 (drop in). Crafts, refreshments, fun and friendship

In the Water

Teaching your baby, toddler or child how to swim and learn valuable lifesaving skills.

E: shelley@swimkidz.co.uk M: 07544 555028 t: 01908 520528 Book your free taster session

Wavendon Future Foodies Cookery Classes

Bletchley St. Thomas Aquinas Stay & Play

10:00-12:00TH at 17 Gable Thorne, Wavendon Gate MK7 7RT. Stephen: 07703501184; For 4 - 5s, £8.33 per class (book by 6-week term). Learn how to cook tasty healthy food together

09:15-10:45T at St. Thomas Aquinas School, St Mary’s Avenue MK3 5DT. 01908 378123; For 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation). Stories & songs

Tumble Tots

Winslow Musical Minis

09:45-11:30T at Winslow Public Hall, Elmsfield Gate . Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book).

45-minute classes starting at 9:45 & 10:45am

Wolverton Wolverton Story & Rhyme Time

14:15-14:45TH at Wolverton Library, Town Hall MK12 5LY. 01908 312812; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Thursday 10.30-11.30 & 16.00-17.00TH at Elmhurst Community Centre, 36 Fairfax Crescent HP20 2ES. 01280 812700 / 07706 990430; For 2 - 5s, £6.50 per class (please book). Children’s cookery classes.

19:30-21:00T at Bicester Children’s Centre, Queens Avenue OX26 2NR. Donna: 07412 580853; For bump, £9 per class (please book).

Natal yoga, active birthing, birth hypnosis

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Ducklings Swimming Classes

10:00-12:30TH at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264; For 0 - 5s, £4.50 per class (book by 10-week term).

30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

Bletchley Story & Rhyme Time

11:00-11:30TH at Bletchley Library, Westfield Road MK2 2RA. 01908 372797; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Multicultural Mums’ Stay and Play

Aylesbury Kindercooks Cookery Classes

Bicester Daisy Birthing Classes

09:45-10:30T at Coronation Hall, MK2 3AB. Cathy: 07711 943697; For 1 - 5s, £5.50 per session (please book). ONE class for walking 5 years.

13:00-14:45T at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123; For 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation).

Women’s group - all nationalities welcome

Bradville Parent and Toddler

09:00-11:00TH at Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925; For 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation). Families living in reach area only

Buckingham Water Babies

10:00-11:00T at Buckingham Best Western Hotel, A421 Ring Road MK18 1RY. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 27

Daily Activity Planner

Amazing

Daily Activity Planner

Thursday - Friday Castlethorpe Bumps & Babies

13:15-14:45T at Castlethorpe Village Hall, North Street MK19 7EW. 01234 241837; For bump - 0s, FREE (drop in). For 0-18 mths. 1st & 3rd Thurs

Fullers Slade ACE Family Learning: 09:30-11:30T Reading with your child

Socialise & Dancercise: 13:00-14:30T Coffee, Chat & Play: 15:00-16:30T; For

Reach area only. at The Rowans Children’s Centre, 13A Moorfoort MK11 2BD. 01908 565852. 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in).

Furzton Baby Clinic: 09:30-11:15TH

Meet Health Visitor and baby weighing Tiny Sunbeams Baby Group: 10:0011:30TH. For newborns to sitters. (book) at Sunshine Children’s Centre, Dulverton Dr MK4 1EZ. 01908 508566; Donations welcome

Hanslope Bumps & Babies

10:00-11:30T at Woodlands Sure Start Children Centre, Long Street Road MK19 7BL. 01234 241837; For bump - 1s, FREE per family (drop in). For 0-18 mths. 2nd & 4th Thurs

Heelands The Little Turtle Swim Company

09:00-16:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, £10 per class (book by 6-week term). Private bespoke classes for babies & children

Knowlhill Daisy Baby Yoga, Massage & Postnatal Classes

11:30-12:15T at 360 Play, MK5 8HL. 07412 580853; For 0s, (please book). Baby yoga, baby massage & bonding classes

Milton Keynes NCT Bumps and Babes Group

11:00-12:00T at Various members’ houses, .

Natalie: 07966 392 190; For 0s, . Please call for location - all welcome!

Netherfield Café: 09:00-15:00TH Healthy Lifestyles: 09:15-11:30TH

= Advertiser has special offer voucher in our centre pages Oxley Park Baby / Tatty Bumpkin Classes

11:00-11:45TH at Oxley Park Community Centre, Redgrave Drive MK4 4TA. Reanne: 0845 6804981; For 0 - 4s, £4 per class (please book). Yoga-inspired sessions for babies & children

Multiple Births Meet and Play Drop-In

13:30-15:00TH at Little Owls Children’s Centre, Oxley Park Community Centre MK4 4TA. 01908 524482; For 0 - 5s, £1 per family (donation). 1st Thurs of every month

Shenley Church End Musical Monkeys

10:00-11:00T at Shenley Church End Leisure Centre, Burchard Crescent MK5 6HF. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in). £4.75 per family. Entertainment show & cake!

Simpson Pop In Paws: 08:15-09:00T

Light breakfast and fun activities Toddler Time: 14:00-14:45T Dancing, singing & instruments at Little Paws Children’s Centre, Simpson School MK6 3AZ. 01908 696312; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Stony Stratford Musical Minis

09:30-10:15T at York House Centre, London Road MK11 1JQ. Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book). Free trial offer voucher in centre pages

Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes

09:45-11:30T at York House Centre, MK11 1JQ. Molly: 01908 411067; For 0 - 2s, £6 per class (book by 10-week term). Help your baby to communicate BEFORE speech

Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

12:30-14:00T at Watling Way Pool, Galley Hill MK11 1PA. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 0 - 5s, £11 per class (book by 10-week term). Swim classes for babies/toddlers 12wks-10yrs

Stony Stratford Story & Rhyme Time

14:00-14:30TH at Stony Stratford Library, 5-7 Church Street MK11 1BD. 01908 562562; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Water Babies

at Hedgerows Children’s Centre, Langland Road MK6 4NP. 01908 239000; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in).

14:30-17:30T at Watling Way Centre, Galley Hill MK11 1PA. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Newport Pagnell Child Health Clinic

Wavendon Future Foodies Cookery Classes

09:30-11:15T at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, Queens Ave MK16 8QT. 01908 611767; For 0 - 3s, FREE (drop in).

Music Bugs

10:15-11:00T at Portfields Community Centre, 8 Wordsworth Avenue MK16 8SB. 0844 822 1158; For 0 - 4s, (please book). Fun music sessions for 6 mths - 4 yrs

Old Stratford Tumble Tots

09:45-12:30T at Old Stratford Community Centre, MK19 6NL. Cathy: 07711 943697; For 0 - 5s, £5.50 per session (please book).

Structured physical play classes

Olney Church Mice

10:30-11:30T at St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church, Church Street MK46 4AD. 01234 712772; For 0 - 5s, FREE (donation). Friendly group with Christian theme

10:00-12:30 & 16:00-17:30TH at 17 Gable Thorne, Wavendon Gate MK7 7RT. Stephen: 07703501184; For 4 - 5s, £8.33 per class (book by 6-week term). Learn how to cook tasty healthy food together

Friday

Bletchley Saplings Young Baby Clinic

09:15-10:45T at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123; For 0s, (drop in). Baby weighing & advice with H/V

Musical Monkeys

10:00-11:00TH at St John’s Centre, Conway Crescent (off Warwick Road) MK3 6AR. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in).

4.75 per family. Entertainment show & cake!

Ducklings Swimming Classes

12:30-14:30TH at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264; For 0 - 5s, £4.50 per class (book by 10-week term). 30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

Pre-school Swimming Lessons

12:45-13:45T at Leon Leisure Centre, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 01908 624788 / 01908 624725; For 3 - 5s, £3.50 per class (book by term). Swimming lessons for pre-schoolers

Broughton Little Stars Childminders Group

12:15-14:45T at Hummingbird Children’s Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 609609; For 0 - 4s, £1 (donation). For childminders & nannies in MK

Buckingham Kindercooks Cookery Classes

10:00-11:00TH at 34 Bourtonville, MK18 1AZ. 01280 812700 / 07706 990430; For 2 - 5s, £6.50 per class (please book). Children’s Cookery Classes

Fishermead Chirpy Chatterers

09:00-10:15T at Pebbles Children’s Centre at The Willows School, Fishermead Boulevard MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; FREE (drop in).

Lending library with stories, songs & rhymes

Fullers Slade Stay & Play: 09:30-11:00TH; For 0 - 5s Health Visitors Drop-in: 11:00-11:30TH Baby Songs & Rhymes: 11:00-11:30T Bumps & Babes: 11:30-12:30TH

at The Rowans Children’s Centre, 13A Moorfoort MK11 2BD. 01908 565852; FREE (drop in).

Furzton Musical Minis

09:30-11:15T at Sunshine Children’s Centre, Dulverton Drive MK4 1EZ. 01908 508566; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book).

45-minute classes starting at 9:30 & 10:30am

Great Linford Great Linford Stay & Play

Westcroft Westcroft Library Baby Rhyme Time

09:00-10:30T at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre at Great Linford Primary School, St Leger Drive MK14 5BL. 01908 317863; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

Woburn Sands Woburn Sands Story & Rhyme Time

10:00-14:00TH at Greenleys Community Centre, 2 Ardwell Lane MK12 6AW. 01908 263700; For 0 - 5s, £2 (drop in). Themed sessions each week

14:00-14:30TH at Westcroft Library, 10 Barnsdale Drive MK4 4DD. 01908 507874; For 0 - 1s, FREE (drop in).

14:15-14:45TH at Woburn Sands Library, High Street MK17 8SD. 01908 582033; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Wolverton Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes

14:00-14:45T at The Old Bath House Centre, 205 Stratford Road MK12 5RL. Molly: 01908 411067; For 0 - 2s, £6 per class (book). Help your baby to communicate BEFORE speech

Greenleys MK Toy Library ‘Stay & Play’ Fridays

Hanslope Creative Messy Play

09:15-10:45T at Woodlands Sure Start Children Centre, Long Street Road MK19 7BL. 01234 241837; For 0 - 5s, £1 per family (donation). Crafts, messy play & snack time

28 We update these listings every issue, but recommend you call before attending - just in case.

Friday

T = Term Time H = Holidays

Daily Activity Planner

Aylesbury & Buckingham Cookery Classes Kindercooks teaches children to cook, weigh, mix and prepare all the ingredients for a variety of exciting sweet and savoury recipes. Taste new and seasonal foods.

Pre-school and after school term time classes available in Aylesbury and Buckingham. Classes from age 2+.

Holiday Classes also available – see website for dates and times.

Hands on Cookery Fun!

All ingredients & equipment provided To book or for further information 01280 812 700 / 07706 990 430

www.kindercooks.co.uk Heelands The Little Turtle Swim Company

09:00-16:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, £10 per class (book by 6-week term). Private bespoke classes for babies & children

Kents Hill Munchkins Baby & Toddler Group

09:30-11:00TH at Kents Hill Community Centre, Frithwood Crescent MK7 6HQ. Tessa: 07973500356; For 0 - 4s, £1.50 per child (drop in). Extras 50p; under 6m free; up to 8yrs in hols

Water Babies

14:00-16:00T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Tattenhoe Tattenhoe Baby & Tots

Disco Babies

10:00-11:00T at The Polenastics Studio, Interchange Business Park MK16 9PY. 07713 120827; For 0 - 4s, £4.75 per child (book by 6-week term). A dance class for trendy toddlers!

Newport Pagnell Story & Rhyme Time

14:00-14:30TH at Newport Pagnell Library, St John Street MK16 8HQ. 01908 610933; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

09:00-11:00T at Thornton College, Convent of Jesus and Mary MK17 0HJ. Samantha: 01280 812610; For 0 - 3s, FREE (drop in). For babies, toddlers & parents

Simpson Pop In Paws

09:30-11:00T at Little Paws Children’s Centre at Heronsgate School, Lichfield Down MK7 7BW. 01908 696312; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in).

Rhyme & story time plus a baby sign

Walnut Tree Stay & Play

13:30-15:15T at Shenley Leisure Centre, Burchard Crescent MK5 6HF. 07713 120827; For 0 - 4s, £4.75 per child (book by 6-week term). A dance class for trendy toddlers!

08:15-09:00T at Little Paws Children’s Centre, Simpson School MK6 3AZ. 01908 696312; For 0 - 5s, FREE (drop in). Light breakfast and fun activities

Netherfield Café: 09:00-12:00TH Stay and Play: 09:30-11:30TH

10:00-11:00TH at York House, London Road MK11 1JQ. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in). 4.75 per family.

Entertainment show & cake!

Newport Pagnell Sherington Toddler Group

12:30-14:00T at Watling Way Pool, Galley Hill MK11 1PA. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 0 - 5s, £11 per class (book by 10-week term). Swim classes for babies/toddlers 12wks-10yrs

at Hedgerows Children’s Centre, Langland Road MK6 4NP. 01908 239000; FREE (drop in).

09:30-11:30T at Village Hall, Church Road MK16 9PB. Lauren: 07429634685; For 0 - 5s, £2 per child (drop in). Entertainment for toddlers with cuppa & chat!

In the Water

Thornton Thornton College Toddler Group

Shenley Church End Disco Babies

Loughton Loughton Parent & Toddlers

09:30-11:30TH at The Memorial Hall, 44 Bradwell Rd MK5 8AJ. Amy: 07946 112414; For 0 - 5s, £1.70 per family (drop in). Please call Amy to check holiday opening.

09:30-11:30T at Tattenhoe Pavillion, Holborn Crescent MK4 3EQ. Sam: 07446233437; For 0 - 3s, £2 per family (drop in). Toys, snacktime, music and rhymes!

Stony Stratford Musical Monkeys

Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Westcroft Westcroft Library Story & Rhyme Time

14:00-14:30TH at Westcroft Library, 10 Barnsdale Drive MK4 4DD. 01908 507874; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Wicken Akeley Wood Baby & Toddler Group

10:00-11:30T at Akeley Wood Junior School, Wicken MK19 6DA. Hannah: 01908 571231; For 0 - 3s, FREE (drop in). Free play with indoor and outdoor activities

Woburn Sands Baby Sensory Classes

10:00-14:00TH at St Mary’s Catholic Church Hall, Aspley Hill MK17 8NN. Sarah: 07876 643276; For 0 - 1s, (please book). 10am: 0-13 mths; 11:15am & 1pm: 0-6 mths.

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 29

The About Directory Directory Toddle

Friday - Sunday Wolverton Friday Tots

10:00-11:30TH at The Foundation House, Aylesbury Street MK12 5HX. 0844 2436210; For 0 - 5s, £1.50 per family (drop in). Crafts.

Saturday

Oxley Park Baby / Tatty Bumpkin Classes

10:00-10:45TH at Oxley Park Community Centre, Redgrave Drive MK4 4TA. Reanne: 0845 6804981; For 0 - 4s, £4 per class (please book). Yoga-inspired sessions for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) only

Shenley Church End Infant Football Sessions

Central Milton Keynes MK Story & Rhyme Time

11:00-11:30TH at MK Central Library, 555 Silbury Boulevard MK9 3HL. 01908 254088; For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in).

Fishermead Saturday Club

10:00-12:00T at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; For 0 - 5s, (drop in). 2nd Saturday of every month

Fullers Slade Dads Zone

10:00-12:00T at The Rowans Children’s Centre, 13A Moorfoort MK11 2BD. 01908 565852; For 0 - 5s, FREE. 12th Jan, 9th Feb, 9th Mar 2013

Kents Hill Water Babies

10:30-11:00T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Olney Mini Strikers Multi Sports

09:30-11:30T at Shenley Leisure Centre, Burchard Crescent MK5 6HF. 01908 502488; For 2 - 3s, £4 per class (book by 6-week term).

Classes start at 9:30 & 10:30am

Wavendon Future Foodies Cookery Classes

10:00-12:30TH at 17 Gable Thorne, Wavendon Gate MK7 7RT. Stephen: 07703501184; For 4 - 5s, £8.33 per class (book by 6-week term).

Learn how to cook tasty healthy food together

Sunday Bletchley Ducklings Swimming Classes

Stony Stratford Musical Minis

09:00-10:30TH at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264; For 0 - 5s, £4.50 per class (book by 10-week term).

30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

16:00-17:00T at Leon Pool, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 0 - 4s, £11 per class (book by 10-week term).

Swim classes for babies/toddlers 12 wks-4 yrs

10:30-11:15T at Methodist Church Hall, Silver Street MK11 1JS. Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per child (drop in). Limited spaces, first come first served 13:30-18:00T at Watling Way Pool, Galley Hill MK11 1PA. 07544 555028 or 01908 520528; For 0 - 5s, £11 per class (book by 10-week term). Swim classes for babies/toddlers 12wks-10yrs

Tattenhoe Disco Babies

10:30-11:30T at Tattenhoe Pavilion, Holburn Crescent MK4 3EQ. 07713 120827; For 0 - 4s, £4.75 per class (book by 6-week term). A dance class for trendy toddlers!

11:30-12:30T at Olney Youth Centre, East Street MK46 4DH. 01234 241837; For 1 - 5s, £3 per child (drop in). On 2nd Sat of mth.

Swimkidz Swimming Lessons

Shenley Brook End Musical Monkeys

10:00-11:00TH at Shenley Brook End Village Hall, Church End Road MK5 7AA. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £3.75 per child (drop in).

4.75 per family. Entertainment show & cake!

Stony Stratford Water Babies

10:30-15:45T at Watling Way Centre, Galley Hill MK11 1PA. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13.50 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Toddle About directory Find what you need. Quickly.

Business Opportunities Business Mums Phoenix Trading

Gifts & Products

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Kindercooks Music Bugs Musical Minis Musical Monkeys

Guu-Guu-Ga

11 Sing & Sign 6 SwimKidz 10 Tatty Bumpkin 10 The Little Turtle

Monkisee Reading Programme

10

Baby Bee Safe Cushi Tush Baby Seat Gracious Souls

Groups & Classes Baby Sensory Daisy Baby Classes Disco Babies Future Foodies

23 24 24 25

Swim Company

Tumble Tots Water Babies

Akeley Wood School & Nursery

22 27 19

Parties & Entertainers

Health & Wellness

Milton Keynes Allergy Clinic The Salt Cave

Holidays

29 29 26 23 24 27 26

19 16

5

Sapphire Travel

Nurseries & Childcare

31

Ducklings Montessori Nurseries

21 Head Start Day Nursery 2 Thornton College Nursery 32 Discomania Jnr Party Bags for Kids Search online to see all our directory listings!

Check our centre pages for special offers - you’ll find offers from most of our advertisers 30

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www.

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Thornton College School for Girls aged 4 to 16 years and co-ed nursery for children ages 2½ to 4 Situated just off the A5 between Stony Stratford and Buckingham

Give your daughter a flying start

Thornton College School for Girls laying the foundation for life.

We will lead your daughter on an exciting adventure which will develop a life-long love of learning. In small classes, girls receive a personalised education ensuring that each and every child’s talents are discovered, nurtured and developed.

For further information and to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Claire Ballantyne on 01280 812610 or go to our website: www.thorntoncollege.com 32 number The icon tells you which advertisers have a voucher in the centre pages Charity 247358