Toddle About Milton Keynes April - June 2012 by Toddle About Magazine

Loving life with little ones

April-June 2012

milton Keynes

YouR LoCAL Bump, BABY & ToddLER mAgAzinE

* Groups & Classes * Special Offers * Fun Articles

* Great Days Out * Competitions * Business Directory

Subscribe for FREE online at www.toddleabout.co.uk Covering Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Buckingham, Newport Pagnell , Olney and surrounds

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Hello

welcome

to the very first issue of Toddle About in Milton Keynes!

Our solution was to make the Toddle About magazine and within these pages you will find many of the things that we - and most new parents have wanted to know about since becoming mums and dads. We have interesting articles, fun competitions, discount vouchers and news announcements, but we really made it for the Daily Activity Planner. The Daily Activity Planner (pages 20-25) contains day-by-day listings of the different groups and classes that are running for bumps, babies and toddlers in Milton Keynes. This issue has over 150 groups for you to discover, but we know we have only scratched the surface of what Milton Keynes has to offer - so we would like to invite you to join us in our quest to save new parents from dying of boredom! If you run or attend a group or class that we haven’t listed, please get involved by emailing the details to us at info@toddleabout.co.uk. We hope you enjoy this first issue! Loving life with little ones,

Tim, Ruth & Eloise Contact us on 0845 643 2483 or info@toddleabout.co.uk

Contents What’s New?

Activity Ideas

Shop About Business Review

9-10 11

Baby Brain

All About... Music

Special Offers

14-15

Competitions!

14-15

Controversy Corner

Fitness Tips

Mums Making It

Daily Activity Planner Toddle About Directory

20-25 26

All this and more is available online at www.toddleabout.co.uk Scan this QR code with your phone to go stright there:

PS. Do you like this magazine? Then good news! You can subscribe to Toddle About for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe and we’ll post a copy to your door every quarter. Get your little one on the front cover of Toddle About! Courtesy of PixiFoto, the family portait specialists, you can win some fab prizes AND we will put your child on our front cover! See the Toddle Models competition details on page 14!

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?

8,000 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, PO Box 1010, Bugbrooke, NN7 3WD

Family picture courtesy of PixiFoto

The concept for this magazine came about when our first baby made her appearance and we discovered just how hard it can be to find out about the things that are going on for little ones in the local area. Sure, the information was out there somewhere, but babies don’t leave much time for research and we felt, well, a little bit lost.

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What’s

New

Key to each area:

Milton Keynes

New and wonderful stuff for bumps, babies & toddlers in the Milton Keynes area Buckingham

Little Angels Yoga for Toddlers in Olney (crawling to 2.5 year olds) LittleAngels Yoga classes from LittleTouch continue where baby massage and yoga finish. They continue the bonding process between parent and child, incorporating elements of yoga, massage, music and movement. Yoga is beneficial for childhood health and can also help to improve challenging behaviours. It strengthens core stability and aids flexibility and coordination. These classes aim to boost confidence, self-esteem and emotional intelligence. And of course, they are lots of fun! Bookings being taken now. Tel: 07901 882552 www.little-touch.co.uk P.21

Free Taster Sessions With Music Bugs PreSchool Classes Music Bugs, who provide award winning pre-school music and singing classes, are offering a free 40 minute taster session for their classes to Toddle About readers. Fantastically fun classes with a wide variety of props and activities, sessions are currently running in Newport Pagnell (Portfields Community Centre), Greens Norton (Community Centre) and Woburn Sands (Memorial Hall). Taster sessions must be pre-booked. Contact Michelle Dixon on 0844 8221158 or email michelle@musicbugs.co.uk for venue details and to book your free session. P.21

Towcester Bump, Baby & Toddler Show

Towcester Leisure Centre: Sun 8th July, 10am-4pm Find local experts and services to enha nce your pregnancy and support you and your baby. Browse and shop for products you won’t find on the high street and take advantage of special show-only offers. www.bumpbabyandtoddlers.co.u k P.24

The

Newport Pagnell/Olney

Stony Stratford

New Musical Monkeys Classes

your typical Musical Monkeys classes are less like new classes Two ! party a like more and class c musi at The 1am 10-1 sday Thur y are starting up ever tford MK11 Stra y Ston Rd, rage Vica Hall, t Scou at The Old 1BN AND 1-2pm every Thursday Stratford 205 re, Cent ity mun Com se Hou Bath music, for g alon Pop 5R. 2 Rd, Wolverton, MK1 ers stick les, bubb ets, pupp and parachute plus delicious cakes, hot drinks and squash. Highly recommended and well worth a visit. www.musical-monkeys. com or 07917 683330 P.23

Reading Made Fun!

Reading Eggs and Eggspress are online teaching resources for 3-13 year olds where learning to read is a fun and enjoyable experience for all involved. Both programs support each child’s learning by offering individual lessons that allow children to progress at their own rate. Developed by a highly experienced team of teachers, the lessons contain interactive animations and lots of rewards to keep children returning again and again. Sign up today with code UKE23TDL for your FREE 5 week trial at www.readingeggs.co.uk P.7

Nutribaby Workshops

Sheila Sheppard is a Nutritional Therapist who is passionate about helping parents understand what healthy eating really means for mums, babies, weaning and beyond. Through her Nutribaby workshops, she encourages and helps women to become healthy mums with healthy babies, nourishing the next generation. Her informal workshops and individual consultations are packed with sound, practical nutrition guidance, based on current research and nourishing traditions. Find out more at www.nutribaby.co.uk P.12

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New Yoga Inspired Classes in Stony Stratford & MK

Tatty and Baby Bumpkin classes use yoga positions within a story format. Sessions are great fun and very multisensory, involving music and props as well as yoga and stretching. Each session is fun and motivating, encouraging the children to engage in active stories. Through specifically written songs and moves, they learn new ways to stretch and learn. Classes run at: Whitespace Yoga Studio, Stony Stratford: Mondays: 11.30am for babies Wednesdays: 10.30am for babies Wednesdays: 11.30am for active babies Also classes at: Oxley Park Community Centre, Milton Keynes: Thursday:10.00am for Toddlers Thursday: 11.00 am for babies Contact Reanne on 0844 6804981/07580 131842 www.miltonkeynes. tattybumpkin.com P.21

Party Bags For Kids Tailor-made, pre-filled party bags and sweetie cones. Party Bags For Kids make truly personalised – and affordable – party bags. The bags are decorated beautifully with ribbons and tissue paper, with lots of tasty and fun goodies inside … but what really sets them apart are the unique, handmade name tags. Each tag is individually made for the children that are coming to your party. No matter how obscure the theme, your tags can be tailored accordingly – from Ben 10 to Tinkerbell or Pirates and Princesses, the tags are crafted just for you. And if that wasn’t enough, some of the bags have handmade bracelets, all with tibetan silver or enamelled charms. Prices start at £1.50 per bag. To order, call Party Bags For Kids on 07799 434 226 or email crofty75@aol.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/124789270949566. P.8

Learn to Swim

With The Little Turtle Swim Company We absolutely love swimming at the Little Turtle Swim Company, and we also love to have lots of fun.

By helping you and your child share enjoyment and excitement in the pool, we build their confidence and create a solid foundation for their development in the water. This makes the process of learning to swim light-hearted and effective, so progression to independent swimming can emerge in a natural and relaxed environment. You will be able to play together, bond together and relax together – all while learning a vital life skill. Our lessons are tailor-made to your child and the group they swim with – these bespoke lessons make Little Turtle sessions special & unique...just like your child. See advert for booking details.

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Fun activity ideas

for little ones

Activity ideas

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

By Cheryl Johnston at Akeley Wood School and Nursery.

Whilst commuting home last week, I smiled as I noticed a mum walking with her daughter along the pathway. Her little girl stopped to look and marvel at the early buds starting to form on the daffodils and the crocuses bursting through the cold earth. Her mum patiently sat beside her as she took her time to inspect each and every one in turn. I thought about happy they both must feel, being able to enjoy this special moment. How often in life we rush by and forget to stop, and smell the roses. We forget the importance of taking time out to appreciate and enjoy the natural elements that surround us. At Akeley Wood Junior School, we regularly make time with our children to do just that. We are lucky enough to have stunning natural woodlands surrounding our school and we make sure we take advantage of them! We recently enjoyed an activity where we used a story book to help the children enjoy their natural environment in an imaginative and playful way. For more info on their nursery call 01908 555803 or email: joanne.crosse@akeleywoodschool.co.uk

Mini Woodland For you to do this at home you will need: • • • • •

A large blanket or use of a large play house A Teddy bear Cones Crates A variety of objects of your choice

Our children started by reading the story “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”. Afterwards, they went for a walk within the school grounds, taking with them the large blanket for the children to make a cave. This gave the children the opportunity to problem solve, working together and sharing ideas and solutions for making the cave. The children then chose where to place the teddy bear within the cave. The teacher began to re-enact the story, encouraging the children to join in. They moved through the woodlands pretending to walk through long grass (swishy-swashy), they splashed in muddy puddles (splish splosh), and they wrapped up warm as if they were walking through a snow storm (hoo woo). They followed the story all the way through to the end, where the children reached the cave and found the bear. To make this activity more interactive and physical we placed cones and crates in the children’s path for them to move or climb over. Afterwards, we collected mud, grass and sticks and then proceeded to make our own ‘mini woodland’. We then added characters for the children to retell the story in their own words. It was lots of fun and I heartily recommend trying something similar at home.

Areas of learning covered: • • • •

The

Creative Development knowledge and Understanding of the World Language, Literacy and Communication skills Physical Development

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Give your child a head start at school! The online reading program for children 7-13

5 Years 3-4 Years

First Steps The playroom section is designed especially for 3 and 4 year olds. Completing the activities with your child is a great shared activity that will help develop positive attitudes towards reading and learning.

Ready for School Your child can build on the reading skills they have been introduced to at school. The team behind Reading Eggs has been creating successful reading materials for schools for the last 12 years, and this experience has resulted in the best online reading program.

6-7

Years Fun Practice Makes Perfect Your child can take a placement test to ensure they are working at a level that matches their ability. The program is excellent for older children who need more practice to increase their reading speed and comprehension. Reading Eggs also develops key skills in spelling, vocabulary and grammar.

Continuing the Years Reading Journey Packed full of hundreds of great online activities and games, Reading Eggspress is a great way for your child to continue developing their reading skills.

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Make your party bags fantastically unique with: o Party bag fillers and toys for under 3s upwards from as little as 7p o Themed prefilled party bags delivered ready to hand out o An option to build your own party bag from our wide range of items Start building your own party bags now at www.zoobilee.co.uk

www.zoobilee.co.uk sales@zoobilee.co.uk

Party bags for kids

We specialise in unique pre-filled party bags. Lovely white handled gift bags with ribbons, tissue paper and our handmade personalised keepsake gift tags. We also make pre-filled pinatas stuffed with sweets and toys, pass the parcels, and can supply tableware and decorations. Many themes and characters to choose from even the most obscure. Prices start at £1.50 per bag.

Call: 07799 434 226

email: crofty75@aol.com

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

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Shop

About

The newest, coolest, and most fun products that you’ll just love.

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

Fabulous Party Bag Fillers & Pre-filled Party Bags - Zoobilee

Price: From £2.49

Zoobilee have a wide range of party bag fillers and pre-filled party bags with themes such as pirate, fairy princess, football, girls will be girls, as well as a handy tool on their website that lets you create your own bags, choosing what you want to include! All their bags are 100% ethical cotton, environmentally friendly and importantly, reusable. They can be used as a pump bag, pencil bag, toy bag...anything! The bag shown contains the art and craft essentials - 10 felt tips, 10 pencil crayons and a brilliant mini colouring book for £2.49. View our full range of fillers and prefilled themed bags at www.zoobilee.co.uk.

Cot Snoozeshade

Price: £69.99

The new SnoozeShade for Cots and Travel Cots.

This cot shade is compact, practical and easy to use. It is great for staying away from home; whether you are in a hotel, a friend’s spare room or camping! It helps to reduce the light during daytime naps. In the summer when the evenings and mornings are lighter, it helps to settle little ones to sleep and keep them asleep until a sensible time! www.toddleoff.co.uk

Weleda Mother & Baby

Price: £6.95

Weleda is an organic bio dynamic range of baby products that achieves outstanding results using calendula chamomile to soothe irritated and delicate skin - it’s fantastic for soothing your little one’s bottom. With fifty years’ of experience creating baby products, the Weleda mother and baby range is the UK’s leading natural brand. This multi award winning range is suitable for the most delicate and sensitive of skins. Available to purchase at Boutique Organica, an apothecary style organic boutique in Stony Stratford which offers a wide range of luxury spa treatments and a retail experience including the full Weleda range. Boutique Organica, 4 Odells Yard, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1FA. Tel: 01908 569259 www.boutiqueorganica.org.uk

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The Gro Clock for Children

Price: £29.99

Get some more sleep with this ingenious clock which tells your child when they can come and wake you, before they are able tell the time. During the night, the star is out (and can double up as a night light if you choose). At a time you choose, the sun rises so your child knows it’s time to get up - perfect for a child who has decided that 5am is wakey wakey time. www.gro.co.uk

Bundle Bean

Price: £29.99

The Rokka & FIshing Boat

Price: £250

BundleBean is a fleece-lined waterproof cover that fits snugly on to all buggies, bike seats, rear facing car seats and front style baby carriers.

The Rokka and Cornish Fishing Boat is a transforming pretend play toy for children aged one to five years old. It can be a table with two seats, a bridge, tunnel and see-saw, all in a few simple steps.

It also opens out flat for use as a travel picnic rug or play mat making it the ultimate onestop-shop solution for busy parents on the go! BundleBean fits all ages and rolls up in to a neat bundle meaning it is always with you when the weather catches you out. www.toddleoff.co.uk

The

The Rokka comes with accessories to turn it into a Cornish Fishing Boat with colourful cushions, a mast and sail. Row ashore using four giant wooden spoon paddles that come with the Rokka and Fishing Boat pack. The Rokka toy and accessories are made from quality natural birch plywood and cotton textiles. Its sturdy construction makes it a robust and safe toy for children to practice climbing, jumping and balancing. Accessories for a theatre and kitchen are also available. The Rokka and all accessories is available online at www.kinderroom.co.uk

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Local Business Reviews So what are they really like? Bump, baby and toddler businesses reviewed

The Salt Cave - Miracle Healing? If you or your child ever suffer from asthma, eczema, coughs or even colds then this review is for you. In Sept 2011, The Salt Cave opened in Old Stratford and it could be exactly the remedy you’ve been looking for. Why Salt? The healing properties of salt have been acknowledged for centuries and it is widely known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The antiseptic quality is the reason that doctors use salt solution (i.e. saline solution) for cleaning wounds and abrasions. The anti-inflammatory properties make salt fantastic for inflamed skin conditions such as Eczema, and also for inflammations under the skin such as asthma and coughs (inflammation in the lungs) or Sinusitis and blocked noses (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the nose). How It Works Well, for starters, you don’t eat it! The Salt Cave creates an environment suffused with salt – the walls, floor and ceiling are covered with over two tonnes of salt, and the air is injected with micro particles of salt as well. When you sit in The Salt Cave, the salt

particles are inhaled deeply into the lungs and settle on exposed skin thereby treating respiratory and skin conditions. All you need do is stay in the cave for an hour. You can wear your usual clothes, though skin needs to be exposed to be healed. Salt Therapy is non-intrusive and has no known side effects so it can be used safely for children as young as 6 months as well as pregnant women. I tried out a treatment in The Salt Cave to see if it had any effect on my lingering symptoms of childhood asthma and I have to say I really think it works. My breathing felt easier after the session and I felt invigorated and full of energy. More regular sessions will be required for a lasting effect, though 20 sessions will apparently last for up to a year. As well as an adult room, The Salt Cave in Old Stratford has a dedicated room for children containing toys, games, a television and a cot for babies. Written by Tim Freed First session is free, then get £10 off treatments with your Toddle About voucher. You only pay for the children – one parent/guardian joins them in the cave for free. www.saltcave.co.uk 01908 888 480

The Salt Cave...a breath of fresh air! aSThma, eCzema, Cough , ear infeCTion, SinuSiTiS, bronChiTiS Salt is an ancient remedy and well known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effect. our treatment rooms are covered in salt and a dry sodium aerosol is released into the salt rooms. Salt therapy is suitable for everyone, including babies, children and pregnant women. Benefits of salt therapy include: breathe easier, alleviate sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath, improve ability to cope with triggers that provoke respiratory illness. Unit A, Old stratford Local Centre, falcon Drive, Old stratford, Milton Keynes, MK19 6fG

free first visit - call now to book - 01908 888480 - www.saltcave.co.uk 11 Subscribe for FREE to Toddle About at www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe

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Pregnancy: Feeding Baby Brain We know that a baby is nourished in the womb not only by what its mother eats during pregnancy, but also by her body. Less well known is that your baby will take nutrients from your brain if it needs to, which might well be the cause of ‘Baby Brain’ . This is just one example of how important it is for you to meet your baby’s nutritional needs as well as your own, throughout pregnancy and beyond. Three weeks after conception, your baby’s brain begins to form, and continues to develop rapidly throughout your pregnancy. The brain is 60% fat and the two most important components are DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid from fish) and ARA (arachidonic acid, from meat, eggs and dairy). These fats are transferred across the placenta and are also present in human milk; they are accumulated in the brain and retina during foetal and infant development. In late pregnancy, the mother should eat foods rich

in DHA: the placenta takes DHA from her blood and concentrates it in the baby’s circulation; the baby’s DHA level is now double his mother’s. If she has low blood levels of DHA, some is also taken from the richest store - her own brain. This may account for the slight shrinkage of women’s brain cells and the poor concentration experienced during late pregnancy. The baby continues to need DHA in his milk up to around 4 months. Research shows that deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy and beyond is linked to post-natal depression, and to behavioural, learning and visual difficulties in children. Oily fish is recommended 2-3 times per week, and if you can’t manage this then you should seek professional recommendation of a fish oil supplement with good levels of DHA; vegetarian DHA supplements are available, and are made from algae. By Sheila Sheppard DipNT, mBANT, CNHC, owner of NutriBaby. Sheila runs nutrition workshops and 1-2-1 advice sessions in Milton Keynes for mums who want to be healthy and have healthy babies. Visit www.nutribaby.co.uk for more info.

Optimise your baby’s health with professional nutrition advice sheila@nutribaby.co.uk • 07799 132999

www.nutribaby.co.uk

Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Craniosacral Therapy For lower backpain, headaches, and pregnancy-related issues as well as craniosacral therapy for babies or children with developmental problems. Special MoTher And BABy CheCk-up only £35 for approx.45 mins. Discount for babies only £30. For more information call 01908 690544 or 07986 131314. Warren Bank House, Warren Bank, Simpson, Milton Keynes, MK6 3AQ www.caldecottelakechiropracticandacupunctureclinic.co.uk

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All About...

Music for Children

Why listening to music and singing songs provide a top to toe aid for child development.

Michelle Dixon, who runs sensory Music Bugs classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers in the Milton Keynes area, provides some pointers on encouraging musicality at home and explains why listening to music and singing songs with your child provides a top to toe aid to child development. Engaging in musical experiences in the home encourages many important developmental skills for your child. Much more than just a ‘musical experience’, your child will learn and develop a range of important skills that will help to equip them for school and beyond. Singing is a great aid to language development – children love to sing and the sillier the song, the better (one of our all-time favourite songs at Music Bugs is called I’m being eaten by a Boa Constrictor’). It’s a fantastic way to boost early language skills and encourages important elements of language development such as auditory discrimination (the ability to detect similarities and differences when listening to sounds). Singing and making music is such a natural and enjoyable activity for children, so try to set aside some time in the day to play some music or to sing some nursery rhymes together. Don’t be shy about joining in too – you may not be overly keen on the sound of your own voice but your child will get a lot of pleasure and encouragement from hearing you sing. A great range of CDs guaranteed to get the whole family singing can be found at www.musicbugstoyshop. co.uk It all adds up – According to Professor Gordon Shaw at the University of California, “Music helps children to learn maths. When children learn rhythm, they are learning ratios, fractions and proportions”. So try to include lots of counting songs such as ‘1,2 Buckle My Shoe’, ‘Five Current Buns’ or ‘Ten

Green Bottles’. Singing counting songs with your child helps them to relate to their own personal experiences and to recognise numbers, patterns and sequences within their immediate environment. To encourage rhythmic awareness and co-ordination, try clapping or tapping out the beat of your favourite song on the radio. On the move – babies and toddlers use movement and sensory exploration to link up with their immediate environment and are biologically driven to use their bodies to develop their physical skills. You will often notice that when a piece of music is played (on the radio for example), that your baby or toddler won’t be able to help themselves from swaying, nodding or bouncing in time to the beat. Allow plenty of time (and a safe environment) for your child to respond in this way and watch them as they take delight in their new found movements. Finger play rhymes, knee bouncers, balancing and clapping games should also be encouraged. Music Bugs provide play based and interactive music and singing classes throughout the UK for children aged newborn to 4 years. Music Bugs classes are great fun, with lots of fantastic activities and props to engage your child and keep them entertained. Expect traditional nursery rhymes, silly songs, action songs, knee bouncers and finger play rhymes as well as puppets, hobby horses, bubbles, pom poms, parachutes, teddies, chiffon carves, rhythm sticks and lots of lovely tactile percussion instruments. Contact Michelle Dixon at Music Bugs Milton Keynes on 0844 822 1158 or email michelle@ musicbugs.co.uk to book a free taster session Birthday parties are also available and Michelle runs sessions for Nurseries and Sure Starts Centres. See advert on p.21

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Special Offers 10% OFF any purchase Excluding sale items & special offers. Specialist nursery retailer.

Search and check for up to date special offers at any time at www.toddleabout. co.uk/offers Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Craniosacral Therapy

MoTher And BABy CheCk-up £35

Coddimoor Farm, Whaddon, Milton Keynes, MK17 0LR

Discount for babies only £30. Expires: 30/06/12. Call 01908 690544 or 07986 131314.

www.bumpstartbabyshop.co.uk 0800 594 3052

www.caldecottelakechiropracticandacupunctureclinic.co.uk

Warren Bank House, Warren Bank, Simpson, Milton Keynes, MK6 3AQ

£20 OFF Children’s Disco Parties Expires: 30th June 2012 Quote: Toddle About

with

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

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Party bags for kids: 10% off your order we specialise in unique pre-filled party bags Quote ‘toddleabout’ when placing your order. Expires: 30/06/12. Terms & Conditions apply.

Call: 07799 434 226

Baby Photo Competition Babies never fail to make people smile and with this photo competition, we want to see how big those smiles can get!

email: crofty75@aol.com

Loving life with little ones

April-June 2012

milton Keynes

To enter, simply email your favourite picture of your little one to toddlemodelsmk@toddleabout.co.uk by Sunday 13th May with your child’s name, age, your phone number and where you’re from. All entries will be published in the next edition of Toddle About to give you a lovely keepsake whether you win or not! Thanks to PixiFoto, the baby, child and family portrait specialists, we have Sponsored by: 3 amazing prizes to give away (see box below). The 1st place winner will also get their child on the front cover of the next edition of Toddle About! The winners will be chosen by YOU, via a public vote on our Facebook 0870 241 5000 www.pixifoto.co.uk page. We look forward to seeing your pics! YouR LoCAL Bump,

BABY & ToddLER

* Groups & Classes * Special Offers * Fun Articles Subscribe for FREE

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* Great Days Out * Competitions * Business Directo ry

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Enter the Toddle Models Competition & Win Your Child on our Front Cover!

Plus 3 fantastic prizes. 1st Prize, your child on the cover plus a PixiFoto ‘Family & Friends’ portrait collection, worth £205, 2nd & 3rd Prize, PixiFoto ‘VIP Card’ entitles you to 3 free shoots and 14 12x10 portrait, plus discount. Email your entries to toddlemodelsmk@toddleabout.co.uk

** SPECIAL OFFERS * SPECIAL OFFERS * SPECIAL OFFERS **

Special Offers

£10 OFF any treatment at Boutique Organica.

Min Spend £20. Expires: 30/06/12. Quote ‘Toddle About’.

4 Odells Yard, Stony Stratford, MK11 1FA.

01908 569259 www.boutiqueorganica.org.uk

£10 OFF THERAPY TREATMENT (including package prices) Expires: 31/05/2012. Voucher is one per person per purchase and not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Unit A, Old Stratford Local Centre, Falcon Drive, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK19 6FG

www.saltcave.co.uk

01908 888480

Bump, Baby & Toddler Show £1 OFF a DOOR ticket

sponsored by

Sunday 8th July 2012 : 10am until 4pm

at towcester centre for Leisure, towcester, NN12 6UW

Terms: Full price ticket £2.50 each. Max 2 tickets per voucher. No Cash alternative

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Discount on the design and set-up of a business page on Facebook for your business. Expires: 30/06/12. 0845 122 9288 www.mysocialintelligence.com

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The Toddle About magazine is completely free so that as many parents as possible can benefit from it. We even offer free subscription so you need never miss an issue - ever! And you could now win a Silver Cross Doodle High Chair, worth £100 just for subscribing! Every new subscriber between 1st April and 31st May 2012 will be entered into a prize draw to win this wonderful prize, donated by the Bumpstart Baby Shop in Whaddon, MK. Go online to www.toddleabout.co.uk/subscribe and enter your details. We will then post you a copy of Toddle About every three months, each time a new issue is published and you will automatically be entered into the prize draw. We will announce the winner on our Facebook page at www.facebook.co.uk/toddleaboutmagazine. Keep an eye out to see if you win!

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The Breast or Bottle Debate

The WHO, UNICEF and other national and international health agencies recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, but in the UK we have very low rates of breastfeeding (4th lowest in Europe). Many mothers choose to bottle feed, however many want to breastfeed but encounter problems that cause them to stop - 90% of mothers who gave up breastfeeding in the first six weeks would have liked to continue for longer. How you choose to feed your baby is no-one’s decision but your own, yet it seems that whatever you decide there will always be someone ready to judge you for your decision. Mothers who breastfeed often feel self-conscious breastfeeding around others, whilst many bottle feeding mothers feel they are being judged for not breastfeeding! There is much research which has proven that breastfeeding has many health benefits to both baby and mother, yet there are also many practical advantages to bottle feeding. Everyone has an opinion on this topic so we decided to explore the arguments. We hope you find it interesting!

For Breastfeeding

For Bottle Feeding

Mother and baby bonding

Dads can enjoy feeding baby too

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way for mothers to bond with their baby, as it’s such a close and relaxing time. It is also nature’s way of making sure mum stays near to her baby and that they spend plenty of time in close contact.

It’s free

Breast milk doesn’t cost anything and for mothers who aren’t planning on expressing there’s no need to buy bottles or sterilising equipment either.

It’s easy

Admittedly many people encounter problems in the early days, just like when you’re learning anything new, but once you know what you’re doing it’s much easier than having to wash and sterilise bottles, make up formula, and warm up bottles. Likewise, when baby wakes up at night you can just feed them immediately without having to make up the milk or warm it up.

Easier to get out and about

Breast milk is always on hand wherever you go and always comes out at the perfect temperature. No need to take bottles and formula with you, or to worry about where to warm up milk. In the UK it is legal to feed your baby wherever you like and with a little practise it can be done very discreetly.

Lower risk of orthodontic problems

Breastfeeding contributes to proper jaw alignment because of the different pressures exerted on the jawbones during sucking. Breastfed infants also have fewer cavities because of the nature of the milk and the rinsing action that occurs when feeding.

The

Bottle feeding parents can share the feeding duties, meaning that Dad can spend quality time feeding and bonding with baby too. It also means that Dad can share the night feeds, allowing mum some much needed sleep, giving mum more energy to take care of baby in the day time.

What Is Formula?

Formula is generally made from cow’s milk which is modified. The protein and mineral content are reduced and the carbohydrate content is increased, usually by adding sugar. Milk fat is removed and substituted with vegetable, animal or mineral fats. Vitamins and trace elements are then added.

More freedom

Mothers who bottle feed aren’t tied to their babies like breastfeeding mothers, meaning they can go out and and have a well-earned break, letting Dad, or someone else, care for baby for a while.

You know how much milk your baby has had

You know exactly how much milk your baby has drunk when you’re bottle feeding, and it can be reassuring to know for sure that baby is getting enough milk. This is especially useful if there are worries that baby is not gaining enough weight.

Baby can last longer between feeds

Formula is harder for babies to digest than breast milk, meaning formula fed babies can usually go longer between feeds. This means less time spent feeding in the day and baby may sleep through the night sooner.

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For Breast...

For Bottle...

Helps mum relax

No need to feel self conscious in public places

Breastfeeding ensures that mum regularly sits down and has a rest. It also releases hormones that make mum feel relaxed, which lower stress levels and makes it easier to fall back asleep after night feeds.

Helps mum lose weight

Breastfeeding naturally uses up to 500 calories a day, so helps mum get her figure back after pregnancy

Health benefits for the mother

Mothers who breastfeed have been shown to have a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis later in life.

Protects baby against illnesses

Breast milk is a living product containing antibodies, living cells, enzymes and hormones which boost baby’s immune system. Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from ear infections, respiratory illness, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. They also have a lower risk of childhood leukaemia, SIDS, diabetes, obesity and allergies later in life.

Changes as baby grows

The composition of breast milk changes with time so has the exact combination of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and sugars needed for the baby at various stages of his growth.

Better for speech development

Many studies have found that children who were breastfed need speech therapy less often than those who were bottle-fed. Nursing takes 60 times more effort for baby than drinking from a bottle, which encourages facial formation and muscle strength which helps with later speech development.

Higher IQ

Studies have found that children who were breastfed score higher in IQ tests than children who were formula fed, even when mothers’ education and economic backgrounds were taken into account. It is thought this is because breast milk contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) -long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that appear to support brain development. Breastfeeding Myths: There are a LOT of myths surrounding breastfeeding. Scan in this QR code using your smart phone to find out the most common ones - useful if you want to breastfeed!

Did You Know? The majority of breastfeeding problems are caused by the baby not latching on properly. (Sore nipples, baby rejecting the breast, insufficient milk). If you want to breastfeed but are experiencing problems, it is important to seek help as soon as

Con

tro Cor versy ner

Many mothers feel self-conscious breastfeeding in public places, and try to find a private place to feed their baby. Mothers who bottle feed don’t have to worry about this.

Takes less time

In the early days, bottle feeding a baby is usually quicker than breastfeeding.

Bottle Feeding support

Bottle feeding mums can feel like they are part of an ‘underground culture’ - there is little information and no support groups out there for them.

You can bond with baby whilst bottle feeding

You can have just as good a bond with your baby if you bottle feed, as you can still sit and cuddle them whilst feeding and you can bond with your baby through being a good mother.

Good if breastfeeding feels weird

It is not uncommon for new mums to feel uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding. Their breasts have fulfilled a very different purpose until the birth of their baby and breastfeeding can actually feel like an unnatural thing to do.

Formula contains everything a baby needs

Scientists and medical experts have spent years developing high-quality formula milks that will provide your baby with the nutrition she needs. Although there are health benefits to breastfeeding, it doesn’t mean your child is doomed if you choose to bottle feed. Millions of adults were formula fed themselves and have turned out just fine!

No mastitis or cracked nipples

Bottle feeding carries no risk of sore or cracked nipples, or mastitis - though bottle feeding mums can experience pain from the pressure build up due to unreleased milk.

Bottle Feeding Information: There is minimal information available on how to bottle feed, such as sterlising and making a bottle of formula. Scan this QR Code to find out how to do it properly.

possible. Many children’s centres offer breastfeeding support, or you can ask your Health Visitor for advice. Helpline numbers: NCT Breastfeeding Line: 0300 330 0771 La Leche League: 0845 1202918 Babyways (Northants): 07828 169 427

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Getting Fit

made fun

Co-Active Exercise is the new buzz word that describes exercise that you can do together with your child.

Everyone knows the benefit of taking regular exercise - you feel better, look better and when you get down to it, you live longer! Exercising with your children can actually start at birth and it is rewarding both in terms of fitness and in the increased bond you will share. Here are a few Co-Active Exercise activities: Tummy Time: Babies need to spend time on their tummies. It makes them stronger and develops core muscles needed for crawling. Rolling around with you on the floor can be fun – you can do a few core or pelvic floor exercises at the same time. (exercise suggestions at www.pelvic-floor-exercises.org) Swimming: This is such a rewarding and fun activity and can be done from birth (newborns and babies under 3 months need warm pools over 32o). Being completely ‘free’ and unrestricted in the water allows young babies to exercise muscles that would not yet

be used otherwise. For older babies, it helps develop co-ordination, balance and motor skills needed for standing, jumping and skipping. Organised swimming classes like Water Babies and The Little Turtle Swim Co. teach you ways to swim with baby. Mother and Baby Yoga: Relax and stretch with your baby! Mother and baby yoga is great for both mum and baby and teaches some great yoga moves like ‘Baby Flying’. See p.21 for baby yoga providers. Cycling: Get on your bike with baby on a seat at the back from 6 months. Balance bikes are a great way to get them ‘cycling’ with you before they have mastered the pedals. When they are fast enough on a bike themselves, you can run and they can cycle. Walking and Running: Pre-walking babies can be in a pushchair whilst you work up a sweat. As they grow up, let them walk – just a short way at first, building to longer walks as they grow up. Look up your local ‘buggy fit’ classes like www.phys-ogue. co.uk or health visitor walks. Written by Jo Wilson at Little Splashers who runs baby and toddler swimming classes across Warwickshire. See www.littlesplashers.co.uk . See pages 3 & 25 for local baby swimming providers

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Are you looking for a flexible, professional business that you can operate around your family? Do you have a passion for social media? Are you self-motivated? Then call us today to find out how we will: Help you set-up your business Provide you with expert training Support you all the way For more information Call us on 0845 122 9288 or for a Prospectus Mysocialintelligence.com/ business-opportunity

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Mums

Making it

Lessons in Business

The Fortune is in the Follow Up! Lynne James started working for herself in 1996. Today she has the 7th most successful business within Forever Living Products in the UK, earning a six figure income, whilst working part time and flexibly around “There are no traffic jams along the extra mile” Roger Staubach her twin sons. ‘There is nothing special about me’, she says and in fact, over the past 15 years she has helped many other people to realise their own success. Here, she shares some of her secrets of success that she usually reserves for her team. One of the keys to developing a successful business is to always follow up. What does that mean? Well, it can mean many things; when giving out promotional

information on your business or service, if you can, take contact details from the person or organisation who is showing interest. Call them within a week of them having that information asking them if you can help with any queries that they may have. When you supply a customer with a product or a service, ensure that you maintain a high level of customer service by calling your customer within a week or two to ask them if they are happy with what you have provided. Maintain good relationships with your customers by contacting them to keep them informed of new products or aspects of your service, and promote special ‘thank you’ offers to your customers periodically for their valued custom. Customers will remain loyal when they feel that they are receiving exemplary customer service. Written by Lynne James To find out more about the unique career opportunities that Forever Living Products offers and how you could work with Lynne James, call 01295 722525. See Business Mums advert, P. 20

Working Out Social Media Why Facebook’s new timeline is great Most mumpreneurs use social media such as Facebook to attract and connect with customers. Shelley Pearson, from Social Intelligence, is an expert on social media and works with companies to help them make the most of these amazing 21st century tools. By now you will have experienced Facebook’s new Timeline format and will have your views on it. We are very excited about this change, mainly because it gives businesses (in particular) even more brand property than ever before. Facebook’s main driving developmental goal has always been to encourage engaging content to retain your audience’s attention (and thereby keeping users logging in – 50% of Facebook’s 845+million users log in everyday).

What is Timeline? It is a much more visually impressive expression of your brand and your business’ milestones and content. You now have a larger space for branding and attracting “likers”. It literally lays your content out in a Timeline (yes – like we learnt at school), and gives you the option to backtrack business milestones.

What are the Benefits of Timeline? • You can highlight and spotlight content like never before • You can now personally message your page “likers” • Visitors to your page can see which of their friends are engaging with your page ( = better connectivity)

Does it Change Anything for You (Really)?

No, it doesn’t from a content perspective – but you will need to have your images redesigned, because you will no longer have a side banner or “landing tabs”. You will also need a bit of time to get used to how the format is laid out and play with the new admin panel. There are a lot of customisable elements now which are also a treat! By Shelley Pearson Check out the Social Intelligence blog for any other updates you may want more information on: www.mysocialintelligence.com/blog. You can see our Timeline designed page on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/social.intelligence

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Daily Activity Planner

Daily Activity Planner: Milton Keynes Area Your local ‘What’s on Guide’ in your area for bumps - 5s and parents This Daily Activity Planner aims to be a one stop shop for you to find any and all the groups and classes that are running in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. We have made a start in this issue, which we hope you will find useful, but we want to make this section as comprehensive as is humanly possible. So... if you attend or run a group or class that isn’t listed here, please email us at info@toddleabout.co.uk with as much information as possible. All free or not-for-profit groups will be listed here for FREE!

Monday Bletchley Health Advisory Drop In: 09:00-10:00TH H/V help with breastfeeding and more

Family Stay & Play: 09:30-11:30TH

Stories, songs and friends. 50p donation at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

Tinies Tumbletime: 10:00-10:45T Soft play Bumps & Babes: 10:45-12:00T

at Art Room Children’s Centre, Bala Way MK2 3HJ. 01908 375977; For bump - 0s. Drop in.

Stay & Play

13:30-15:00T at Art Room Children’s Centre at Water Hall School, Fern Grove MK2 3QD. 01908 375977; For 0 - 5s. Stories & songs.

Pre-school Swimming Lessons

14:00-14:30T at Leon Leisure Centre, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 01908 624788 / 01908 624725; For 0 - 5s, £3.10 per class (book by term). Parent & child swimming lessons

Bradville

Inbetweenies: 09:30-11:00T For 1 - 2s to explore & play Baby Rainbows: 13:00-14:30T For 0-1s. Meet others & get support at Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925. Broughton Stay & Play

09:30-11:00T at Hummingbird Children’s Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 609609; For 0 - 5s (book). Small donation, limited spaces

Buckingham Water Babies

09:15-10:45T at Buckingham Best Western Hotel, A421 Ring Road MK18 1RY. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Musical Minis

10:00-11:45T at Well Street Centre, Well Street MK18 1EN. Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book). Free trial offer voucher in centre pages

Buckingham Breastfeeding Support

13:30-15:00TH at Embleton Dining Room, Buckingham Community Hospital MK18 1NU. 01280 712975; For bump - 1s.

Central Milton Keynes Water Babies

11:00-12:30T at Holiday Inn, 500 Saxon Gate West MK9 2HQ. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Conniburrow Family Play: 10:00-11:30T For 0 - 5s Bumps and Babes: 13:00-14:30T bump - 0s at Conniburrow Children’s Centre, 1 Germander Place MK14 7DU. 01908 67557. ONLY for families in the immediate area

Fishermead Young Baby Drop In: 13:00-14:15T Bumps & Under 1s: 13:00-14:30T

Baby weighing with the H/V at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; (drop in).

Trinity Parent & Tots Group

13:30-15:00T at Pebbles CC at Trinity Centre, next to Co-op MK6 2LA. 01908 240556; For 0 4s, £1 (drop in). New toddler group!

Heelands Little Turtle Swim Company

09:30-15:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, (please book). Learn to swim with baby & child, 2mths - 5yrs

Kents Hill Water Babies

14:00-16:00T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Newport Pagnell Tickford Stay & Play: 10:30-11:30TH

Newport Pagnell families only (please book)

Tickford Butterflies: 13:30-14:45T

Additional needs groups - run once a month Childminders Group: 13:3014:45T Runs once a month at Tickford Meadow Children’s Centre, Thames Drive MK16 9DS. 01908 217135; For 0 - 5s.

Little Touch Baby Massage

13:30-14:00TH at Green Park Community Centre, Green Park Drive MK16 0NH. Laura: 07901 882552; For 0s, £9 per session (5-week course). Next course 23rd April - 28th May

Oldbrook Stay & Play with Lindy Lou

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

Stantonbury Messy Play

10:00-11:00TH at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre, Wood End First School MK14 6BB. 01908 317863; For 0 - 5s (drop in).

Stony Stratford Little Cherubs Playgroup

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

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 per class (please book). Yoga-inspired sessions: babies 6wks-crawling

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

T = Term Time H = Holidays

10:00-11:45T at Summerlin Centre, Station Rd MK17 8SG. 0844 822 1158; For 0 - 4s, (please book). Fun music sessions for 6 mths - 4 yrs

Tuesday

Tuesday Buckingham Water Babies

09:30-12:00T at Buckingham Best Western Hotel, A421 Ring Road MK18 1RY. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Castlethorpe Woodlands Mini Strikers

Bletchley Healthy Start: 09:30-11:30T

Weekly cooking activities Toy Library: 11:30-12:30T Small membership charge applies at Art Room Children’s Centre, Bala Way MK2 3HJ. 01908 375977; For 0 - 5s.

Mini Strikers

11:30-12:15T at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123; For 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation). Fun, games & sporty activities

Ducklings Swimming Classes

12:30-14:30T at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264 ; For 0 - 5s, £4.35 per class (book by term). 30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

Pre-school Swimming Lessons

15:30-16:00T at Leon Leisure Centre, Fern Grove MK2 3HQ. 01908 624788 / 01908 624725; For 0 - 5s, £3.10 per class (book by term). Parent & child swimming lessons

Broughton Broughtonites Young Parents’ Group

13:00-14:45T at Hummingbird Children’s Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 609609; For 0 - 5s, (drop in). Open to all in MK - no age limit

Giffard Park Mini Strikers at Giffard Park

10:00-10:45TH at Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Ave MK14 5PY. 01908 317863; For 1 - 5s. For families in Squirrels CC reach area only

Grange Farm Seedlings Stay & Play

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

10:00-11:30T at Seedlings Children’s Centre, Singleton Drive MK8 0PZ. 07940 005847 / 01908 503736; For 0 - 5s, (please book). Priority given to families in reach area

Central Milton Keynes Baby Rhyme Time: 10:00-10:30TH

Haversham Woodlands Toddler Time

For 0 - 1s, FREE (drop in).

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

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

09:30-11:00T at Haversham Social & Community Centre, The Crescent MK19 7AN. 01234 241837; For 0 - 5s, £1 (donation). A lively session!

Start The Art Toddler Sessions

Heelands Little Turtle Swim Company

Downs Barn Family Play at Downs Barn School

Kents Hill Water Babies

Fishermead Stay & Play with Lindy Lou’s Music

Kingston Breastfeeding Support Group

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

10:00-11:30T with Conniburrow CC at Downs Barn School, Downs Barn Blvd MK14 7NA. 01908 67557; For 0 - 5s, . ONLY for families in the immediate area

09:00-11:00T at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; For 0 5s, (please book). £1 donation welcome

09:30-15:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, (please book). Learn to swim with baby & child, 2mths - 5yrs

15:30-17:30T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

10:00-11:45TH at Bridges Children’s Centre, 13 Winchester Circle MK10 0BA. 01908 586472; For 0 - 2s, (drop in). Any breastfeeding parent is welcome

Yoga inspired classes/parties to aid creativity and development in your baby and child from 6 weeks to 9 years

www.miltonkeynes.tattybumpkin.com classes@miltonkeynes.tattybumpkin.com 0845 6804981• 07580131842 In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 21

Daily Activity Planner

Woburn Sands Music Bugs

Daily Activity Planner

Tuesday - Wednesday Kingston Library Story & Rhyme Time

Stories, Songs and Rhymes

Broughton

14:15-14:45TH at Kingston Library, 11 09:30-10:15T at The Saplings Children’s Messy Tots Winchester Circle MK10 0BA. 01908 282720; Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 09:30-11:00T at Hummingbird Children?s your Proof for aPProval For 0 - 4s, FREE (drop in). 01908 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation). Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 Publication(s): MK Flyers.378123; Approval must For be received by 12th December 2012 Please email stuart@mkflyers.co.uk with your comments/approval. If we dosongs not hear from you before this date, we will assume all is ok to print609609; For 0 - 5s, (please book). ONLY for mkflyers Stories, music, & dancing Lavendon families in the immediate area Woodlands Mini Strikers 10:00-11:00T at Lavendon School, High Street MK46 4HA. 01234 241837; For 1 - 5s, £1 (donation). Physical fun for walkers+

Middleton Cygnets Toddler Group

13:30-15:15TH at Milton Keynes Village Hall, Willen Road MK10 9AF. 07733 397 844; For 0 - 4s, £1.50 per child.

Newport Pagnell Gym and Soft Play with MK Springers

14:00-14:45T at Tickford Park Primary School Hall, Avon Close MK16 9DH. 01908 217135; For 0 - 4s, (donation). Newport Pagnell families only

Simpson Musical Minis

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

Stantonbury Baby Clinic with H/V: 09:30-

11:30TH For 0 - 1s. 2nd & 4th week of the month Toddler Time: 13:45-14:30T For 0-5s Families in Squirrels CC reach area only

Reading Squirrels & Mobile Library: 11:30-12:30TH

Cleaning the way you want it cleaned

Central Milton Keynes Baby Clinic

10:00-11:30TH at CMK Health Centre, Bradwell Common Blvd MK13 8DY. 01908 67557; For 0s, (drop in). Weekly clinic

Family Stay & Play at Centrecom

All our cleaners are Experienced Reliable, Insured and Fully Vetted 3regular cleans 3Spring cleans 3Tenancy cleans 3New build cleans 3oven cleaning 3Carpet cleaning

10:30-12:00T with Conniburrow CC at Centrecom Meeting Place, North Row MK9 3BJ. 01908 67557; For 0 - 5s. ONLY for families in the immediate area

Conniburrow Young Parents Group

12:00-14:30T at Conniburrow Children’s Centre, 1 Germander Place MK14 7DU. 01908 67557; For 0 - 5s. For parents under 20 years

Fishermead Penwith Stay & Play

09:00-10:15T at Pebbles CC at Penwith School, MK6 2LB. 01908 240556; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

Family Health Drop-In

13:00-14:00T at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; For 0 - 5s, (drop in). Get advice from the Health Visitor

Mucky Pups

For a free quotation please call 01908 465657 http://miltonkeynes.domestique.co.uk

13:45-14:45T at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; For 0 - 3s, (please book). Bring a towel & change of clothes

Furzton South Furzton Mums and Tots

12:00-15:00T at Furzton Community Fortnightly: read & borrow booksCopyright: Please note that the file above has been produced for exclusive use in MK Flyers publication(s) and cannot be reproduced without prior consent from MK Flyers. Centre, 1 Blackmore Gate MK4 1DS. Ducklings Swimming Classes 01908 502877; For 0 - 5s, £1.50 per child. at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre, Wood End First 09:30-11:30T at Bletchley Leisure Centre, School MK14 6BB. 01908 317863; (drop in). Giffard Park Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264 ; For

Stony Stratford Little Fishes

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

0 - 5s, £4.35 per class (book by term). 30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

Little Seedlings Group

Woburn Sands Woburn Sands Parent & Toddler Group

10:30-12:00T at The Saplings Children’s Centre, Knowles Nursery School MK2 2HB. 01908 378123; For 0s, £0.50 (donation). Weaning advice, baby massage & more

Wolverton Musical Monkeys

13:00-14:45T at Art Room Children’s Centre, Bala Way MK2 3HJ. 01908 375977; For 0 - 5s, . Painting, gluing, gloop & more

09:45-11:30T at Memorial Hall, High Street MK17 8RL. 01908 378123; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

10:00-11:00TH at The Old Bath House, 205 Stratford Rd MK12 5RL. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £4 per family (drop in). Entertainment show & cake.Find us on FACEBOOK

Wednesday Bletchley Tumble Time

09:00-10:30T at Art Room Children’s Centre, Bala Way MK2 3HJ. 01908 375977; For 0 - 5s, . Have fun in the soft play room

St Andrews Stay & Play

09:15-11:30T at St Andrews Baptist Church, St Andrews Rd MK3 5DR. 01908 378123; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

Messy Play

Bradville Stay & Play

13:00-14:30T at Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925; For 0 - 5s. Play & meet other families

Giffard Park Parent & Toddler Group 10:00-11:30T at Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Ave MK14 5PY. 01908 317863; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

Hanslope Woodlands Stay & Play

09:00-11:30T at Woodlands Sure Start Children Centre, Long Street Road MK19 7BL. 01234 241837; For 0 - 5s, £1 per family (donation). Songs, dance & fun

Heelands Little Turtle Swim Company

09:30-15:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, (please book). Learn to swim with baby & child, 2mths - 5yrs

Bradwell Chatterbox Baby & Toddler Group

Kents Hill Water Babies

Brooklands Musical Monkeys

Loughton Loughton Parent & Toddlers

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

10:00-11:00TH at Brooklands Farm Primary School , 152 Fen Street MK10 7EU MK10 . 07917 683330 ; For 0 - 5s, £4 per family (drop in). Entertainment show & cake.Find us on FACEBOOK

15:30-17:00T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

09:30-11:30TH at The Memorial Hall, Bradwell Common MK5 8AJ. Kelly: 07825 165307; For 0 - 5s, £1.70 per family (drop in). Small & very friendly group. In hols: 10am-12

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

T = Term Time H = Holidays

13:30-14:45TH at Tickford Meadow Children’s Centre, Thames Drive MK16 9DS. 01908 217135; For bump - 0s, (drop in). Songs, rhymes & weaning ideas

Green Park Music with Toddler Time 13:45-14:30T at Green Park Community Centre, Green Park Drive MK16 0PX. 01908 217135; For 0 - 4s, (drop in). Music & movement for Newport Pagnell families

Newton Longville Musical Monkeys

10:00-11:00TH at Longueville Hall, Whaddon Road MK17 0AT . 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £4 per family (drop in). Entertainment show & cake. Find us on FACEBOOK

Shenley Brook End Musical Monkeys

Thursday

Music Bugs

Bletchley St. Thomas Aquinas Stay & Play

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 & healthy snack

Ducklings Swimming Classes

10:00-12:30T at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264 ; For 0 - 5s, £4.35 per class (book by term). 30-min swim lessons for 6 mths+

Musical Monkeys -

Entertainment & refreshments

Classes held all over Milton Keynes, Tuesdays - Fridays It’s a party every week! www.musical-monkeys.com Tel: 07917 683330 e: ness@musical-monkeys.com Music, parachute, bubbles, stickers, drinks & cakes!

10:00-11:00TH at Shenley Brook End Village Hall, Church End Road MK5 7AA. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £4 per family (drop in). Entertainment show & cake. Find us on FACEBOOK

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

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

Olney Library Story & Rhyme Time

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

Oxley Park Baby / Tatty Bumpkin Classes

10:00-11:45TH at Oxley Park Community Centre, Redgrave Drive MK4 4TA. Reanne: 0845 6804981; For 0 - 4s, £5 per class (please book). Yoga-inspired sessions for babies & children

Springfield Shepherdswell Stay & Play

09:00-10:15T at Pebbles CC at Shepherdswell School, Billingwell Place MK6 3NP. 01908 240556; For 0 - 5s, (drop in). 1 donation welcome

Stantonbury Health Visitor Drop In:

Stantonbury Bumps & Babies

13:00-15:00TH For 0 - 2s. 1st week of the month

10:00-11:30TH at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre, Wood End First School MK14 6BB. 01908 317863; For bump - 0s, (drop in).

Outdoors Stay & Play:

Stony Stratford Musical Minis

13:00-15:00TH For 0 - 5s, (drop in). at Squirrel’s Children’s Centre, Wood End First School MK14 6BB. 01908 317863;

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

Stony Stratford Baby Bumpkin

Musical Monkeys

10:30-12:15TH at Whitespace Yoga and Wellbeing Studio, 5 St Pauls Court High Street MK11 1LJ. 0845 6804981 / 07580131842; For 0 - 1s, £5 per class (please book). Yogainspired sessions: babies 6wks-crawling

Bletchley Library Story & Rhyme Time

10:00-11:00TH at The Scout Hut, Vicarage Rd MK11 1BN. 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £4 per family (drop in). Entertainment show & cake.Find us on FACEBOOK

Multicultural Mums’ Stay and Play

Baby Bumpkin

Thornton Thornton College Nursery Baby Group

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

Fishermead Mighty Explorers - Stay and Play

Stony Stratford Story & Rhyme Time

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

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, £2.50 (drop in). Crafts, refreshments, fun and friendship

Winslow Musical Minis

09:45-11:15T at Winslow Public Hall, Elmsfield Gate . Amanda: 01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book). Free trial offer voucher in centre pages

Wolverton Wolverton Library Story & Rhyme Time

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

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

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

13:00-15:00T at Pebbles Children’s Centre, Newlyn Place MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; For 0 - 5s, (please book). Explore diff. play experiences. £1 donation

Water Babies

Hanslope Bumps & Babies: 10:00-11:30T

For bumps to 18 mths old. 50p donation. Creative Messy Play: 13:30-15:00T 0 - 5s, £1 (donation). Cooking & messy play at Woodlands Sure Start Children Centre, Long Street Road MK19 7BL. 01234 241837;

Heelands Little Turtle Swim Company

14:30-17:00T at Watling Way Centre, Galley Hill MK11 1PA. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Westcroft Westcroft Baby Rhyme Time

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

Woburn Sands Woburn Sands Library Story & Rhyme Time

09:30-15:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, (please book). Learn to swim with baby & child, 2mths - 5yrs

Newport Pagnell Parent Craft Antenatal Classes

11:15-12:00TH at Whitespace Yoga and Wellbeing Studio, 5 St Pauls Court High Street MK11 1LJ. 0845 6804981 / 07580131842; For 0 - 1s, £5 per class (please book). Yogainspired sessions: babies 6wks-crawling

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

09:30-11:30TH at Tickford Meadow Children’s Centre, Thames Drive MK16 9DS. 01908 217135; For bump, . With the midwives

In the Water

Singing & Signing

Physical Fun

Arts & Crafts

For Pregnancy 23

Daily Activity Planner

Newport Pagnell Tickford New Parents Group

Wednesday - Thursday

Daily Activity Planner

Thursday - Friday Wolverton Musical Monkeys

13:00-14:00TH at The Old Bath House, 205 Stratford Rd MK12 5RL . 07917 683330; For 0 - 5s, £4 per family (drop in). Entertainment show & cake.Find us on FACEBOOK

Friday Bletchley Stay and Play: 09:00-11:15T

H/V drop in from 10-11am. Mini Strikers: 11:15-12:00T Co-ordination games/imaginative movement at Art Room Children’s Centre, Bala Way MK2 3HJ. 01908 375977; For 0 - 5s, £0.50 (donation).

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, £4 per family (drop in). Entertainment show & cake. Find us on FACEBOOK

Ducklings Swimming Classes

12:30-14:30T at Bletchley Leisure Centre, Princes Way MK2 2HQ. 01908 364264 ; For 0 - 5s, £4.35 per class (book by 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 0 - 5s, £3.10 per class (book by term). Parent & child swimming lessons

Bradville Stay & Play

11:00-T at Rainbow Children’s Centre, Pepper Hill School MK13 7BQ. 01908 227925; For 0 5s. Play with your child & meet other families

Broughton Happy Friday

10:00-11:30T at Hummingbird Children’s Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 609609; For 0 - 5s, (please book). ONLY for families in the immediate area

Little Stars Childminders Group

12:15-14:45T at Hummingbird Children?s Centre, Shackerstone Close MK10 9LS. 01908 609609; For 0 - 5s, (drop in). For childminders & nannies in MK

Conniburrow Messy Play

10:15-11:45T at Conniburrow Children’s Centre, 1 Germander Place MK14 7DU. 01908 67557; For 0 - 5s, . ONLY for families in the immediate area

Fishermead The Willows Jump & Jive

09:00-10:15T at Pebbles CC at The Willows School, MK6 2LP. 01908 240556; For 1 - 5s, (drop in). Story & singing for 18 mths+

Furzton Musical Minis

09:30-10:30T at Furzton, . Amanda:01908 259914; For 0 - 5s, £4.25 per session (please book). Free trial offer voucher in centre pages

Great Linford Great Linford Stay & Play

09:00-10:00T at Great Linford Primary School, St Leger Drive MK14 5BL. 01908 317863; For 0 - 5s, (drop in).

Greenleys Toy Library & ‘Stay & Play’ Fridays

10:00-14:00T at Greenleys Community Centre, 2 Ardwell Lane MK12 6AW. 01908 263700; For 0 - 5s, £2 (drop in). Stay & Play till 12pm, Toy Library till 2pm.

Heelands Little Turtle Swim Company

09:30-15:00T at Novotel Hotel, Heelands MK13 7RA. Zara: 01908 543384; For 0 - 5s, (please book). Learn to swim with baby & child, 2mths - 5yrs

Kents Hill Water Babies

14:00-16:00T at Hilton Hotel, Timbold Drive MK7 6HL. 01295 709221; For 0 - 4s, £13 per class (book by 10-week term). Fun, action packed, progressive swim classes

Loughton Loughton Parent & Toddlers

09:30-11:30TH at The Memorial Hall, Bradwell Common MK5 8AJ. Kelly: 07825 165307; For 0 - 5s, £1.70 per family (drop in). Small & very friendly group. In hols: 10am-12

Monkston Story Time

09:30-10:30T at Bridges CC at Monkston Primary school, Wadhurst Lane MK10 9LA. 01908 586472; For 0 - 5s, (drop in). All families welcome

Newport Pagnell Sherington Toddler Group

09:30 - 11:30TH at Village Hall, Church Road, MK16 9PB. Lauren: 07429 634685. For 0 - 5s, £2 + 50p per child (drop in). Entertainment for toddlers with cuppa & chat!

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