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Family picture courtesy of PixiFoto
Hello!
And welcome to the Autumn issue of Toddle About! Well it’s been a couple of busy months for us since our last edition... not only have we managed to prepare a real bumper of an Autumn issue to see you into the festive period, but we also welcomed a new addition to our family! Baby William was born on 9th September. With Christmas coming soon, you will find some very useful discounts and offers to take advantage of in our centre pages along with plenty of ideas for gifts in The Toddle About Directory at the back of the magazine, as well as this issue’s Shop About feature on p. 10. We have once again invited local parents and experts to share their advice and you and they have writen some excellent articles and features with parenting ideas, health tips, sanity suggestions, and of course the ever-popular Controversy Corner feature, this time prepared by one of our readers, contrasting the pros and cons of traditional vs modern toys (p. 25). We also have an exclusive feature from Christophe Becquereau who practices Cranial Osteopathy and is hailed by many parents as their saviour! (p. 13) There are dozens of seriously cute entries to the Toddle Models competition to see, and you may want to enter the next competition! As well as loads of prizes from Mango Pictures, your child could also be on our front cover. Enjoy! Editor
Tim
PS. Don’t forget! You can subscribe to Toddle About completely for FREE at www.toddleabout.co.uk and we’ll post it to your door every quarter. Contact us on 0845 643 2483, or info@toddleabout.co.uk
Contents
The Power of Play When the Going Gets Tough... Shop About Cranial Osteopathy
William, 9 days
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? He’s also been working hard on our website and our online directory is now truly packed with virtually all the businesses and services you might want for your little one in Northants. You can search ALL nurseries to find the closest one to your home, as well as drama classes, swimming lessons, pottery studios, midwives, doulas, indoor play centres... you name it, they’re all there! You can also recommend listings, read reviews written by parents like you, and comment on all the articles we have ever published. And it’s all free. Check it out! www.toddleabout.co.uk
15 The Toy Debate 25 Pregnancy Pages 18 Daily Activity Planner 31 9 Baby Work Out 19 The Toddle About Directory 10 The Developing Brain 20 42 13 The Pains of Motherhood 23 Out & About 54 6 Toddle Models
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.
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Play, Learn and Relax Daventry East Sure Start Children’s Centre is for parents-to-be as well as parents and carers with children aged five and under who live in the Daventry area. We are funded by the government so all our sessions are completely free. Even the crèche is free! Our premises are in three converted ground floor flats and have been designed in partnership with families who use the service. We offer a huge variety of sessions throughout the week, and they’re not just for the children! We run parenting courses to give you useful tips on raising a family; to help you keep fit, we have healthy eating cookery classes, exercise classes and even a Health Trainer who can work with you one-on-one. Other sessions we run help with anger management, getting back to work, low moods and anxiety issues, being a young parent, breastfeeding, weaning and so much more. And of course we have all sorts of things for you to do with your children. Our Stay & Play sessions are incredibly popular, as are the Health Visitor and Midwife sessions, infant massage, music groups, yoga-inspired activity sessions (Tatty Bumpkin) and Dad Family Fun Sessions.
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The Power of Play
By Clare Page
Play is the most natural way for young children to learn and is central to their development. Whether they are at home, school, pre-school, nursery, childminders, indoors or outside - providing your child with a well-planned, stimulating and absorbing environment is a key factor in enabling them to learn through play. Over the years much has been written about how young children learn and how adults support this learning. Thinking about play and how it aids learning and development has been influenced by many psychologists, educationalists and practitioners like Rousseau, Frobel, Montesson, Steiner and Piaget to current day Malaguszzi and Attey. Tina Bruce in her “Early Childhood Education” traces this history and she has formulated 10 Common Principles of Early Years Education which underpin the Early Years Curriculum of wellplanned play activities through which a child can develop and grow. Children learn a great deal from playing by themselves but can learn more if you join in the fun and play with your child. Parents can help children extend their play by taking an interest, providing a varied environment and being sensitive to how to help things along without taking over. Let your child play with other children - developing relationships with others is of central importance to a child’s life.
Role Play
Role play is an ideal way for children to learn through play. All children love to imitate the people around them by recreating everyday life and acting out familiar roles. Role play develops talking and listening skills, which are the basis for developing reading
and writing. It allows children to experiment with new vocabulary, and as their imaginative play becomes more complex, they learn social skills by taking turns and working with other children. They make choices and decisions and they develop their curiosity. Their fine and gross motor skills improve and they broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world.
An Example
We recently set up a garden centre in the Akeley Wood 2-3 year old Nursery room. The children enjoyed a creative activity making flowers to sell; they had flower pots, garden tools, soil, seeds and measuring scoops. They dressed up in wellie boots and garden overalls and customers wore hats and handbags. It was a great success and the children loved it. Through their playing the children developed in multiple areas and enjoyed every minute of it! Language, literacy, numeracy (capacity, measure and money), general knowledge, understanding, social interaction, emotional intelligence, physical abilities... all were developed through playing and having fun!
“Just playing” is the key to the way children learn and develop. When you provide your child with the opportunity for creative play (and preferably join in!) you are engaging the most effective and natural teacher of all.
The Kitchen Role Play Role Play Area Ideas
Having an area dedicated to role play provides consistency for your children and allows them to chose when to play, which is when it is most natural and effective. A Wendy house makes a great role play area, but equally cardboard boxes can create all sorts of environments from space rockets to fairy tale castles. A blanket draped over a table or the back of your settee becomes all sorts of wonderful places! Your role play area can be transformed very easily into a host of wonderful settings by adding a few additional resources. It can be a restaurant, takeaway, post office, flower shop, picnic area, tea party, garden centre, shoe shop, hospital, doctors’ surgery, vets, travel agents - the list is endless so let your imagination go wild. Your child certainly will! Most additional resources can be easily found at home. Add some dressing-up clothes like a hat, handbag, apron or jacket; it doesn’t need to be a pre-bought outfit. Old shoe boxes are great fun when filled with shoes for the shoe shop. Empty food packages, cartons, milk bottles and fruit, with a handful of change, can all make a great shop or restaurant.
Clare Page is Head Teacher at Akeley Wood Junior School & Nursery in Wicken, near Deanshanger. For more information on their nursery and school provisions, please call 01908 571 231 or nikki.gowton@akeleywoodschool.co.uk. (See p. 8)
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Find loads of activities for your children in The Directory from page 42
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By Donna Jones
When the Going gets Tough...
B
eing a parent is without doubt one of the most rewarding things we can do in our lives, but it can also be extremely frustrating and stressful too. Children put a lot of pressure on parents individually and as a partnership, and it can feel like we have no time to ourselves.
Our children seem to know just the right buttons to press to get our stress levels soaring and I see many clients who are suffering with parental stress. Even more parents don’t even realise they are suffering.
Are you stressed? Common symptoms include: Feeling Irritable; Tiredness; Anxiety; Depression; Headaches
If you think you are getting stressed, here are some tried and tested strategies to get you back in your emotional driver’s seat: •
•
•
•
Top Tips to Relax Physically
Being able to relax your body Try to step back from the situation. Take a deep breath and physically is a skill. A lot of my clients find walk away for a moment - simply making yourself a cup of tea is an easy it hard to relax as they have way to do this and gives you valuable space for a couple of minutes. spent all day racing round after Have a ‘distraction’ box for your children. Fill it with toys, crayons, their children, going to work, colouring books, craft stuff or whatever is relevant for their age. You and doing housework. When it can pick up cheap items from supermarkets or car boot sales. Ask your is finally time to sit down, their children to pick something from the box to act as a distraction. This will body is so full of adrenaline keep them busy for five minutes and give you some time to yourself. they find it near impossible to switch off! Plan things to look forward to. You are important too so plan some treats for yourself. They don’t have to be expensive - simply having If this sounds familiar, try these some ‘me’ time to look forward to makes problems easier to deal with. tips out: Know your limits. If your expectations of yourself are always sky high 1. Do Something Physical you will inevitably spend a great deal of time being disappointed and Take an evening walk or frustrated. Instead, be realistic about what you can achieve. As parents join a dance/exercise class. we need to remind ourselves that we are doing a good job and to rec2. Read a Book ognise that good is good enough, and that no one is perfect. This is a good form of
• Get Support. Seeking support from other people can be the key to getrelaxation as it makes you ting through stressful situations. Ironically, your reaction when under sit down and creates a disstress can often be to withdraw from those who might offer the most traction from the stressful support. Talking to family and friends openly about how you are feeling events of the day. can be like opening a door - it helps you get back in control and can 3. Breathing Exercises help you to see the choices you have available to you. Try breathing in and out Most of all, your thoughts and the way in which you perceive the events slowly five or six times. This around you ultimately control your mood and stress levels. Fortunately can be amazingly effective. these are things you can control! If you are feeling stressed, that is a sign 4. Listen to Music that you need to change your focus. Think about the things that you are Simply listening to somedoing right and are grateful for - you will be amazed at how long the list is! thing relaxing - or just some Donna Jones is a qualified counsellor, providing one-to-one counselling to adults and children to help with all aspects of day-to-day life. Visit www.dj-counselling.co.uk for more information. (See p.45 for full advert)
of your favourite music - can be a lovely treat that triggers physical relaxation.
Search our Health & Wellness section in The Directory, p. 44 - 46.
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Baby & Toddler Must-Haves Personalised Butterfly Picture
Each picture is handcrafted and all butterflies are mounted with their wings slightly bent to give an unique 3D effect. (Approx. H25 x W25 x D4.5cm) Personalise with the name of your choice! £45 from Little Lily Pad Co. www.littlelilypad.co.uk
Teddykompaniet Blanket Comforter This beautifully made, soft and snuggly comforter makes the perfect gift for any baby. Teddykompaniet is a family-run Swedish business, well known in Scandinavian countries for its high quality soft toys for all ages from birth. £11.50 from Little Lily Pad Co. www.littlelilypad.co.uk
Digi-Cool Children’s Camera, Review by Helen Pegram After our enthusiastic nearly 3 year-old broke our family camera, we decided to encourage his interest in photography with a tougher (and less expensive) model. This bright, chunky camera is designed to be hard-wearing and easy for little hands to grip. It has a built-in automatic flash, 2x digital zoom, a 64MB internal memory and extra creative features. We really recommend this camera. It is easy to use and also has some lovely functions to encourage more creative play. Currently £36 (20% off ) from Early Learning Centre, 14 Peacock Place, Northampton. www.elc.co.uk.
Read full review at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles
Baby Art First Year Kit (left) and Magic Box (right) With the Baby Art First Year Kit, you can easily create a wonderful keepsake of your baby’s first year. Along with a perfect imprint of baby’s hand or foot, each month you can mount a picture of your baby until the child is one year old. £24.99. The Magic Box is an ideal gift or keepsake for baby’s first imprints. Presented in a beautiful box for an enduring print to cherish forever. This material is 100% safe for baby’s skin. No mess or fuss. Suitable for babies aged 0-12mths. £7.99. Buy from Pink & Blue Baby World, High St., Daventry. www. pinkandbluebabyworld.co.uk. 10% off with voucher in centre pages.
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All prices shown are accurate at time of going to print, but are subject to change.
Uppa Baby Vista Travel System
From an afternoon feeding the ducks in the park to retail therapy, the VISTA takes your child on the road in style. Designed to grow with your child, the VISTA is the ideal strolling solution from birth through the toddler years. The Uppa Baby Vista is a recent addition to the UK market direct from the USA. Its design allows it to take 3 children with a piggy back seat that attaches and a buggy board so it adapts to suit a growing family’s changing needs. Priced competitively at £495.00, Pink & Blue Baby World on Daventry High Street are the only suppliers in Northamptonshire. Try it out at the Towcester Baby & Child Show (see back cover) or buy in-store or online at www.pinkandbluebabyworld.co.uk.
Includes Chassis, Seat Unit, Carrycot & Raincover
EverEarth 50 Piece Building Block Set
50 assorted building blocks in various shapes and colours. They are 100% ecofriendly, use nontoxic water paints and recycled packaging. A wonderfully traditional toy that encourages creative play. £15.95 from Shirelings Toy Shop at the Heart of the Shires Shopping Village near Weedon. 10% off with offer voucher in Toddle About centre pages. www.shirelingstoys.co.uk
Red Retro Kitchen This fantastic kitchen comes with a built-in play fridge-freezer, microwave, oven, sink and hob plus taps and dials to turn. There is plenty of storage space for all your play kitchen kit. It is ideal for kitchen role play and encourages creative and social play. £150 from Early Learning Centre, 14 Peacock Place, Northampton. 15% off with the exclusive voucher in Toddle About centre pages!
Did you know... ...about Free Home Fire Safety Checks? For 12 months now, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service has been offering a fantastic free service (which many parents have never heard of ) that will help you keep your family safe. Their Home Fire Safety Checks are a free service for all residents. They visit you at home and give you tailored advice on how to prevent fires, and guidance on what to do in the event of a fire. They will also check your existing smoke
alarms, and install new ones for free if required. In the last 12 months they have carried out more than 7,000 Home Fire Safety Checks and fitted just over 26,000 smoke alarms in homes across the county. To book your safety check, contact Northants Fire & Rescue by sending a text to 07797800760, or email to safetycheck@ northantsfire.org.uk and they will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Find local Children’s Shops on p. 43 & Unique Products & Gifts on p. 53
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Cranial Osteopathy The Mystery Revealed
By Christophe Becquereau, B.Sc (Hons) Osteo. 10 years ago Christophe Becquereau was working at his Osteopathy clinic when he was approached by a colleague’s client who had a 2 week-old baby with a cone head due to a long and difficult delivery and the use of ventouse. With a gap in his schedule, he agreed to treat the baby’s head there and then with functional subtle technique. It took a couple of minutes and the swelling went away in less than 24 hours. And with that his reputation was born! Word of mouth spread and children have been coming to the clinic ever since. The common belief with Cranial Osteopathy (or Cranial Massage) is that we manipulate the bones of the skull, but the reality is far from that and, to be fair, somewhat more confusing. In fact, we do not move the bones of the skull at all - we release the tension to allow the bones to move to their designed position. Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle technique, and this has so far made it difficult to scientifically prove what it does. No medicine is 100% efficient, and this has lead to scepticism and criticism from other professions. Here are some answers to frequentlyasked questions:
Why is it needed?
During the process of pregnancy, a baby may encounter many forces and pressures to their head and bodies that can cause discomfort after birth. It could
be that their head is bigger than mum’s pelvis, the umbilical cord could be wrapped around the arm, pressing it into the side of the face, or the head could simply be engaged in an awkward position at the end of pregnancy. There are many possibilities which can cause the bones in the skull to be out of their correct positioning, causing pain or discomfort.
What do we do?
We take a picture to show you the various tensions imposed on your child’s face. This can make it easier to show parents the tension in the side of your baby’s face that is under trauma. Then we explain how the various tensions cause some or all of your baby’s symptoms. Some babies will cry during the treatment (which doesn’t hurt), whilst others will smile and
Symptoms in babies that Cranial Osteopathy may ease or cure:
Not latching on on one side; Snuffliness; Can’t lie on its back; Swallowing air giving him/her colic or making breathing difficult; Sick after food, etc).
Before
After
sleep much better immediately afterward. For some, the treatment takes just a moment, others a little longer. After a couple of treatments however, most babies feel happier and the whole family can get some rest! Of course some of our patients have medical conditions (such as congenital hip displacement, hernias, early fusing of the suture etc) which we can assess but require more treatment than we can give. In these cases we will refer the baby to a consultant.
Adults & Animals
Cranial Osteopathy is not only used on children. Many adults come and ask for it as well. We can use it to treat women during pregnancy to help with hip and back pain, SPD, headaches and migraines. It allows us to balance deeper tension in people suffering with IBS and various other conditions which seem to benefit from a treatment that adjusts all the tensions in the body. We also use these techniques very effectively on cats and dogs and horses too! Pierre Antoye and I extend our services to animals and pets 2 days a week. If you have any questions or would like to know how Cranial Osteopathy could help you or your baby’s symptoms, you can contact Christophe and his team on info@themapletreeclinic.com.
Read and comment on all our articles at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles
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Make us smile!
Sponsored by: ph o t o g r a p h y
O
nce again we have been overwhelmed with the response to the Toddle Models competition. There are so many utterly adorable entries that we have been grinning from ear to ear for the last three months waiting to share them with you! Thank you as well to the hundreds of you who voted for the winners on our website - we hope you enjoyed taking part.
This Toddle Models competition is sponsored by Fisher Creative Photography whose studio is based a stone’s throw from Towcester. Our winners both receive a free studio photo session worth £60, and our 1st prize winner will also receive a 7” x 5” framed print. Even if you are not one of our lucky winners, you can enjoy the same Fisher Creative experience yourself for just £25 by taking advantage of their offer in our centre pages!
WINNERS!
1 George Orpin, 4 ½ months
2
Melissa Harrison, 2 ½ years Sophi Ro
se, 19 m ths
Aela Leig
Adina Bivol
,2 Caelan
h, 1 ½ m ths
yrs
Connor (11m) & Aiden (2 ½ yrs )
Charlie, 3 yrs
3 yrs Emily Plummer,
Ashton L, 11 mths
Emily Sm
ith, 2 ½
yrs
Asht on S,
s t, 3 mth
Benedic
13 w eeks
Isabelle H, 3 yrs
Emma Jane, 8 wks
Emily Poyn ter, 20 mth
Etha n
,2m ths
,2 Sydney
mths
ths a, 5 ½ m
Gabriell
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Heidi, 7 m
onths
Henry, 7 weeks
Jacob, 19 mths
Isabel, 7 months
James, 1
Joshua Briggs,
7 mths
Kaya, 2 mths
18 mths
Joshua
rs
Ord. 2 y
Kayden-Leigh, 3 yrs
Kayla, 5 months Lexi Ann, 14
Jessica B, 11 weeks
Johnny, 3 yr s
Leon, 2 years
Lewis, 7 months
weeks
, 3 mths
Lila-Grace
Nicole, 3 years
Rafferty,
3 ½ yrs
Lily-Mae, 11mths
Ruben, 16 mths
Lola,
2 yea
Samuel, 18
rs
mths
Maisie,
Oliver, 3 months
Win! Your Child on Our Front Cover.
The next Toddle Models competition is set to be a real cracker! Sponsored by Mango Pictures, the winner - as voted for by you - will not only win a free mobile photo shoot with a massive 16” x 12” box frame worth £100, but one of the pictures from your photo shoot will also be used as the front cover photo for the Winter edition of Toddle About! There are also 10 runners-up prizes, of a free studio shoot with a 5” x 7” print ,to be won! To enter, simply email your favourite picture of your child to toddlemodels@toddleabout.co.uk before Sunday 15th November 2011 and make us smile - for any reason! Voting will commence the very next day. Please see Terms & Conditions at www.toddleabout.co.uk or www.mango-pictures.co.uk
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s
7 month
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ctive
aby
ompany
Classes are available in
Northampton • Towcester • Daventry NEW Classes now available in Hellidon Courses are progressive and tailored for age and ability. All ages are welcome. Classes are available as group sessions for babies & children from 8 weeks old.
Your Baby will:
• Develop love & respect for water • Gain confidence in & around water • Improve co-ordination
You will:
• Bond with your baby • Boost your water confidence • Improve your fitness
For More Information Please Contact us: 01604 826066 or denise@activebabycompany.co.uk
www.activebabycompany.co.uk Read Out & About on page 54 for some great days out this Autumn
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Pregnancy Pages
It’s ‘Hyp’ to be Hypnobirthing®!
by Gill Blayney
S
o what’s this “HypnoBirthing®” thing that everyone is talking about? Far from being “Woo woo, look into my eyes, not around the eyes...” as the name might suggest – a HypnoBirthing® course is a natural birthing method that allows you to understand what is happening to your body and to be more in control of your birth experience. Without any scary medical birthing instruments in sight, or any frightening talk about drugs recommended for pain, HypnoBirthing® focuses on the positive side of birthing. It shows you easy, helpful techniques which will reduce and possibly eliminate the need for
any pain control or medical interventions. With regular practise, which includes listening to CDs, massages, breathing and relaxation techniques, Mums-to-be can expect to remain calm, relaxed and in control of their birthing experiences. You may have heard that your body contains natural hormones called “endorphins”. These clever little hormones are often referred to as ‘happy hormones’, because they are largely responsible for the euphoric feeling one gets after exercise, sex or a rollercoaster ride - but they are also a natural painkiller released by the body. Endorphins are actually 200 times more powerful than morphine, and every birthing partner can be taught how to massage Mum-to-be to switch on the supply of these hormones. These natural suppressants can only be tapped into if the birthing body is
A Unique Perspective By Jill O’Brien
I
t’s 5 years now since Babybond® Milton Keynes first opened it’s doors to parents-to-be who were excited to get an early peek at their imminent new arrival.
Having had more than 30 years experience of scanning in the NHS, it seemed like the natural step for us to take. Since then, we have been happy to watch families grow and bring babies, once seen in Mum’s tum, back to see their siblings playing in the womb. It has been, and continues to be, a privilege and a joy to meet people at this wonderful stage in their lives and feel that we have contributed
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in some small way towards their experience. As well as the state-of-the-art 4D scans, which delight parents – and grandparents - with a DVD of your little one between 24 and 32 weeks, Babybond® provides scans for parents who have more medical concerns and wish to know about the well-being of their growing baby. We work closely with local midwives to support parents through the more difficult times.
When what you want to know is “Is my baby all right?” at whatever stage of pregnancy, we are there for you. We scan at any time from 7 weeks through to term to give you all the reassurance you need, without the stress of a clinical environment, which can be scary for some at the best of times. Our delightful, dedicated premises have been designed to put all members of the family at ease and our appointment times are arranged to suit all needs, with weekend and weekdays available. You can even book online at www.babybond.com to pick the time that is best for you. Do visit us on our stand at the Towcester Baby and Child show on 10th October for more information and meet the team who will be happy to help you. And of course take advantage of the voucher you will find in the centre pages of Toddle About.
Babybond MIlton Keynes is based in the Old Coach House in Stony Stratford. You can contact Jill and the team on 01908 260963 or bedsbuckherts.region@babybond.com. Babybond Gift Vouchers also available. (See p.51)
Need things to do? Search the Daily Activity Planner from page 31
relaxed and this is where the hypnosis part comes in. If mothers feel frightened, they tense up all their birthing muscles as their baby tries to be birthed and it is this tension that causes the pain. HypnoBirthing® Mums learn how to become deeply relaxed, which allows their baby to be birthed free of any tension or concerns. Just try this now – pull in all your pelvic floor muscles and your butt cheeks. With all that tension no wonder birthing takes longer and is more painful!
A HypnoBirthing® course contains most of the information you will need during pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenting your new bundle of joy. It includes a free relaxation CD and a book containing lots of logical, practical and relevant information on pregnancy and labour. The courses explain current birthing procedures such as how your birthing muscles work, creating a birth plan etc. So look into my eyes, not around the eyes... HypnoBirthing might just be right for you...
Gill Blayney (ABC Birthing) PDC.Hyp BSCH is a HypnoBirthing® Practitioner, Doula and a Practitioner in Clinical Hypnotherapy. She offers free, no obligation 30-minute sessions to any mum who wants to find out more. You can book one with Gill on 01604 643356 or 07801 367989 or info@abcbirthing.co.uk. Visit www.abcbirthing.co.uk. (See p. 51)
Baby Work Out
by Tamsin Brewis
W
However, working out regularly is just as important for your baby as it is for you. Not only will it make them fitter and stronger, helping them to eat and sleep better, but movement has a crucial effect on the development of their brain. In the first year of life the brain grows more rapidly than at any other. Every action a baby makes stimulates its growth, strengthening nerve fibres and making it function more efficiently. In fact, recent research has shown that some babies who fail to acquire certain simple physical movements in their first year can demonstrate later difficulties with reading, spelling and concentration*. Movements as natural as rocking your baby, throwing them gently in the air or twirling them round all provide the perfect stimulation – so rock and swing away.
The very best form of everyday exercise is actually to simply lie your baby on a soft mat on the floor. Here they will be able to move and co-ordinate their limbs just as nature intended: kicking their legs, reaching out for their feet and, over time, lifting their head and learning to roll over. This might look like simple stuff to you but it’s actually very challenging for newly developing muscles. As soon as your baby starts to crawl you should encourage this for as long as possible. Crawling is actually much more mentally demanding than walking (involving as it does the co-ordination of all four quarters of the body) and again plays a crucial role in developing the brain. So even though you might be dying to see your little one tottering into
Swimming is the only form of additional exercise your baby can do literally from birth - out of the womb and into the water! Not only does it provide a complete physical work-out, but the lack of gravity allows certain key movements that would be impossible on land. British baby swimming originally evolved out of a desire to ensure that babies are safe and confident in water. However, the exercises that form the lessons’ core also provide the perfect stimulation for your baby’s brain. Gentle rocking, kicking and reaching movements, skin to skin contact, learning to respond to commands and reaching for objects form the bedrock of the course. Plus there’s the added benefit that all are supported and enhanced by the baby being in warm water. Taking exercise with your child isn’t just about fitness – it’s also great fun and a great way of bonding – and a strong parentchild bond could possibly be the most important factor of all for a happy and healthy child.
For more information, contact Water Babies on 01295 709221 or www.waterbabies.co.uk. You can email us too on chasetheball@waterbabies.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you! (See p. 52)
Find all sorts of things to help with pregnancy and birth on pages 50 - 51 19
* Source: Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology: www.inpp.org.uk
hen you’re struggling to come to terms with the chaos that’s often created by having a new baby, probably the last thing on your mind is the fact that they need to start taking exercise.
your outstretched arms, try not to accelerate the process by letting them spend too much time pushing baby-walkers around.
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The Developing Brain Advice on giving your child the best start in life
By Tom Shea
We all know that the brain grows at an incredible pace in a child’s early years. It is during these years that the very foundation of a person’s personality, intelligence and capacity for learning is established. As a parent, grandparent and expert in child care and development, we asked Tom Shea to share with us his thoughts on how we can give our children the best possible start in life.
O
ur brains are very, very complex and we tend to think that understanding the brain should be left to the ‘experts’ because it is far too complicated a thing for mere parents to influence.
On the other hand, the way I see it is that along with the power to become parents also comes the incredible responsibility of raising them, and we have a duty to do the best by, for and with our children. So let’s be responsible and use the power we have to
1) Good Nourishment
Healthy brain development is very much influenced by diet. You are, as they say, what you eat. Feed your children fresh meals with a healthy balance of carbohydrate, protein and fat avoid fast food and pre-packed meals. Walk to the shop and leave the car at home. Spend 20 minutes in the park. Roll on the carpet with your baby. Give your children time, attention and cuddles. And leave X boxes and DVDs until they are 8... Dress them in clothes they can live in – not worry about.
make a real difference. Keeping this complex issue simple is the key. The first thing we all know and should remember is that the main development of all of our brains takes place from conception to four years of age. Get it right and the foundation is solid – get it wrong and there is no going back and repairing it later... So what is ‘right’? Put simply, positive brain development is achieved through 3 things:
2) Regular Exercise
The brain is an organ in your body, so a healthy body equals a healthy brain. So walk with your children - don’t always go in the car. Not television and computers! These are great learning tools after six years of age but not before. Read with your children (babies are as happy listening to you reading anything out loud with them – Hello, The Sun, Private Eye, anything! – provided you are reading it out loud and are sat with them cuddling on your knee or sitting next to them.
3 Mental Stimulation
The brain’s capacity for learning and intelligence is determined by the number of neural connections it makes in a child’s formative years. These connections are made when the brain is stimulated by a wide variety of things and given the opportunity to explore, investigate and problem solve.
Play music – use instruments or play it on the stereo. Sound is a great stimulant to the brain. Again, it doesn’t have to be ‘Wheels on the Bus’ – my own children grew up to Pink Floyd, Alex Harvey, Steve Harley and Joni Mitchell (show’s how old I am!)
I suppose the main message is to spend time with your children – their brains develop through the influences around them, and that is most predominantly you. Get them to explore things when they are very young and allow them to experiment – let them get outside and touch wood, eat worms, dig dirt, make soup, grow ‘stuff’ and allow them to discover. And discourage the negative things, which is something only you can do. Children learn from you and your behaviour; children become obese, in the main, because their diets are poor and/or they don’t get out enough – which are both things that they get from their parents. However with the right food and the right exercise their brains will be more grounded and have a better foundation to go forward to learning and life. Tom Shea is Director of Child First nursery in Moulton. To find out about a more natural approach to childcare, contact Tom on tom.s@childfirst.co.uk or visit www.childfirst.co.uk.
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Need things to do? Search the Daily Activity Planner from page 31
Thinking of starting a business? Find Business Opportunities on page 43
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The Pains of Motherhood And how to handle them
By Susie Burgess
As a mum of an energetic 3 year old, Susie Burgess is all too familiar with the stresses that motherhood can put on your body. As an Osteopath she also knows some tricks for helping to relieve these pains. She sees all sorts of patients, including pregnant mums and parents of toddlers with back-ache and neck pain and provides treatment and advice that allows them to keep going with their daily lives. From the moment of conception, a mother’s body is trying to cope with her new baby, and looking after a small child is a full time job with little opportunity for a rest, even if you’re in pain.
Your Aches & Pains During pregnancy, your body has to adjust to the growing baby. The muscles and joints in your lower back and pelvis can become strained because of both the baby growing and your ligaments softening in preparation for the birth. Unfortunately, once your baby is born, the combination of bending over lots and carrying your little one can strain the muscles and joints in your back and neck, especially if the muscles in these areas are weak or imbalanced.
Tips for Looking After Your Back as a Parent or Mum-to-Be •
Don’t carry a child on the same hip constantly and minimise the length of time you hold them in one position where possible.
•
When sitting, adopt good posture, use a pillow for support and avoid crossing your legs.
Seeking Professional Help
•
Most aches and pains will go after only 2-3 treatments when caught quickly, so I advise seeking help sooner rather than later as a general rule. An Osteopath can treat the injured area and advise on the things in your life and your body’s posture which will maximize your body’s speed of recovery. They give advice and exercises to help relieve your pain quickly and help prevent recurrences.
When sleeping, lie on your side with a supportive pillow. A pillow between your knees may also help.
•
If it’s painful getting in and out of the car, keep your knees together and rotate your whole body. Try a plastic bag on your seat to allow you to rotate more easily!
•
In the supermarket, use a trolley rather than juggling a basket and a child.
If you’re in any doubt about your pain you should seek help. Any good practitioner will be happy listen to you and guide you as to your best course of action.
• Take regular, gentle exercise as weak muscles may exacerbate low back pain. • •
When standing for a long time, try tucking your bottom under to reduce strain on your lower back. Stand evenly on both legs, try not to favour one. For appointments, class bookings or general enquiries call 07880 750 258 or email: info@back-at-ease.com
Find Health & Wellness products & services on pages 44 - 46
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The Toy Debate
y rs ve ro er nt rn Co Co
By Laura Wingfield
If you step into any toy shop today you are likely to be met with a plethora of choices to entertain your growing child with. From brightly flashing, moving mobiles to snuggly lullaby playing teddies, the shelves are well stocked with products vying for your attention. Sometimes it can be hard to choose what to buy for your little ones, and with Christmas looming on the horizon it won’t be long before toy companies start bringing out ‘the next big thing’ and competing for your hard earned cash. It hasn’t always been this way. Your parents, grandparents and ancestors before them would have been amused as children by far simpler toys. You probably played with them when you were growing up too: building blocks, skipping ropes, wooden train sets, spinning tops... you remember? And there are a growing number of people who believe that these more traditional toys are far better for our children than their modern counterparts. But are traditional toys really all they are cracked up to be? Is there really anything wrong with modern toys?
The Case for Modern Toys Modern Toys Can Introduce New Concepts Many modern toys come with a whole new world of language to accompany them and can introduce children to new concepts. Children frequently become passionate about a certain toy or range of toys and this filters into their day to day discussions and ideas. It is always good to support our children’s passions and often during conversations about their favourite play things we can hear their take on the world and observe the learning that is taking place. Modern Toys Teach Cause and Effect Many children’s toys come with lights and sounds which can be turned on by the push of a button, or lever. Children soon learn that if they play with a toy they can make things happen: an early learning experience of cause and effect. This teaches them that they can have an influence on their surroundings, which also ultimately boosts their self esteem. Modern Toys Promote Development of Motor Skills Many moving toys for young children encourage their owner to crawl or walk to chase after them. It is very exciting for a newly mobile baby to follow a toy across the room and we all know that it’s good for babies and children to be active. Modern toys can aid baby’s first forays into mobility by providing something to aim for and could be just the challenge needed to inspire a little one to take their first few steps. Modern Toys Encourage Independence Many modern toys are designed to be played with solo. This means that the child is amused and can play with the toy independently, allowing Mum or Dad a bit more freedom to get on with cooking the dinner or any of the million other jobs that need do-
ing in a day. This can be really useful for today’s busy families and reduce some of the pre-dinner battles that can occur at that fraught time of the day. Modern Toys are Fun Let’s face it, modern toys often look exciting and interesting. As a society we love our gadgets - our mp3 players, phones and games consoles - and many people think children are no different. Things that light up and move and make funny noises appear thrilling to little children. Whether you like the ‘lights, sounds, action!’ approach or not, these toys certainly get their attention! Modern Toys are... Modern! The world these days is a changed place, even from when we were children, and technology is developing rapidly. Why should we not take advantage of these new advances? Many people believe that introducing children to technology when they are young will prepare them for the world they are growing up in and give them a good early start helping them make the most of opportunities in later life without being left behind by their peers.
Join the debate at www.toddleabout.co.uk/articles
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The Case for Traditional Toys
Traditional Toys Stimulate the Imagination “A good toy is 10% toy and 90% child,” said Joan Almon, director of the US Alliance for Childhood and many parents agree with her. Traditional toys are simple, and simple things are often the best. They allow for open-ended play and encourage children to use their imaginations. The work is not done for them and in this way they encourage problem solving and creative play. This is a skill that will, in time, help children to become more independent and be able to entertain themselves, as well as encouraging them to be active learners and not just sit waiting for the next bit of stimulation to appear. Traditional Toys Are Flexible and Sociable A lot of traditional toys can be played just as easily in a group of children, encouraging sharing and cooperation, as they can on their own. Wooden building blocks or train sets are just as much fun to play with, either on your own or with a friend. The imaginative games created using dollies or a few wooden animals can be enjoyed in limitless ways. They are very flexible. They also encourage movement, as anyone who has seen a child building the world’s hugest tower knows! Traditional Toys are Durable and Timeless Although some traditional toys can appear expensive at first glance, they are actually far more durable than today’s plastic toys. They are less likely to break, don’t have batteries which will run out or motors or circuitry which can fail, and are generally expected to last a lifetime, or more. Many can actually be heirloom quality and will be handed down through the generations. There is something appealing about the idea of much loved blocks or wooden figures being handed down to our children’s children. Also, due to their simple nature, there are endless play possibilities with
many traditional toys and therefore you need less and you really do get your money’s worth. Traditional Toys are Safer Traditional toys are usually made out of natural materials such as wood and natural fabrics. They are far less likely to contain toxic chemicals or sharp edges which is far more common in mass produced modern toys. There are many product recalls each year over safety. Traditional Toys are often Hand Crafted and Ethical In a world where big business rules the roost, it is nice to support the smaller companies or the individuals. You can buy toys made in fairtrade projects, or in small ethically run factories. It is possible to buy unique and beautiful toys that are handmade with care and in doing so support other families like yourselves. There are Mums, Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas out there who are making truly wonderful toys (and a whole range of other things) and it feels great to be giving money direct to them rather than to a big corporation. You can find lovely handmade toys at www.etsy.com, www.folksy.com, and www.misi.co.uk. Traditional Toys are Visually Appealing Many modern toys are simply irritating! There are only so many times a parent can look at the flashy light pattern or hear the same song or noise before wanting to accidentally ‘lose’ the batteries to certain toys. Some of them end up causing frustration and are embarrassing to take with you in public or on a busy bus. Traditional toys are quieter and more pleasing to look at. Many are beautiful and you can be sure they won’t cause irritation. A growing number of people believe being surrounded by beautiful things is the best way to nurture children.
This article presents a fairly black and white argument for and against modern and traditional toys. But in reality there are many shades of grey. There is space in any home for both traditional wooden blocks and modern lego, for traditional wooden farm animals and modern playmobil. There is no need to choose between the two. However, it is good to be aware that you can buy all the traditional toys that you might want for your child. There are many independent toy shops and a whole range of choices exist online, with toys that may tickle your imagination as much as your child’s. So why not explore some different toy shops before choosing what to buy this holiday season? Happy shopping! Laura Wingfield is a mother of two and is passionate about natural parenting, good food and all things creative.
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MONDAYS
Abington
Abington /Kingsthorpe NCT 10:00 -12:00; Members houses; 50p donation Rachel: 01604 403766 or 07867 521411 For bump - 4. Everyone welcome!
Blackthorn Blackthorn Children’s Centre Childminding Group: 9:00 - 11:45 Breastfeeding Group: 13:30 - 16:00
Longmead Court, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504
Cliftonville Active Baby Company Swimming Cripps Recreation Centre, NN1 5BD 9:00 - 10:00 ; prebook 6-wk term Denise - 01604 826066 Swimming classes for 18 mths - 4yrs.
Northampton
Headlands Headlands Children’s Centre Parents & Babies Group: 10:00 - 12:00
Family Worker Drop In: 13:00 - 15:00 Bushland Road, NN3 2NS; 01604 411440; Free P&B for 0 - 15 mths. Resume in Nov. FWD at Headlands Primary till 18th Oct.
Hunsbury Buggy Fit - more than a walk in the park!
Meet at Clannell Road, East Hunsbury,NN4 0RX 10:30; £4.50; Tracy Aldous: 07920 096190 For anyone who wants to get fit with a buggy. Block discounts available. All year round.
Under 8s Water Play Session
Danes Camp Leisure Ctr, Clannell Rd, NN4 0RX 8:45 - 10:30; Tots go free; 01604 837200 Maximum of two children under 8
Collingtree Waterbabies Swimming
Camrose Sure Start, Streatfield Road, NN5 7DF 9:30 - 12:30 ; Free; 01604 585219 Breastfeeding support drop In group
Spinney Hill Time 2 Play - Messy Play
Parklands Children’s Centre, Spinney Hill Rd 9:15 - 11:00; £1; 01604 642118 1st Tuesday of mth is H/V Drop In
St James St James Parent and Toddler
St. James Com. Centre, St.James Rd, NN5 5LQ 10:00 -12:00 ; £1; Sarah - 01604 456231 Sometimes open during holidays.
The Mounts Baths, Upper Mounts 14:00 - 15:30 ; Tots are free; 01604 837400. Max of two children under 8.
Thorplands Thorplands Children’s Centre
Duston Rhythm Time
9:30 - 11:30: Midwife Drop-in 13:00 - 14:30: Cygnets Tots Group Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ; 01604 741131
Northampton Multiples
St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Harlestone Rd, NN5 6AB; Judith: 01327 844272 9:45 - 11:30; Prebook by term or 1/2-term Fun educational music classes for 0-5s.
Duston Mums & Tots
Duston Village Hall, Sycamore Rd 9:30 - 11:30; Termtime only
Duston Library Children’s Centre 10.30 - 11.00: Duston Rhymetime
14:00 - 15:30: Health & Breastfeeding & Play Pendle Road, NN5 6DT; 01604 752891 Free drop in sessions. In holidays too.
Camp Hill Community Centre, Dayrell Rd, Camp Hill, NN4 9RR £10 per month; Claire: 07587 154104
Whitehills St. Mark’s Parent & Tots Group
Kingsthorpe Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre 10:00-11:30: Messy Play
St Marks Church Hall, Greenhills Crescent, NN2 10:00 - 11:15 ; £1.50 + 20p p/c Sue - 01604 715342 Termtime only. Messy or craft activity
12:30-14:30: H’lth Visitor Drop In 13:00 - 14:30: Tiny Time St.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537 Free drop in sessions
TUESDAYS
Little Signers Club
Abington Abington Tots Group
Far Cotton GymBugs
Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre 10:00: beginners, 11:00: advanced Sue: 01604 791537; Please prebook Baby signing fun for you and little one.
St Marys Tiddlywinks Group
Springs Family Ctr, Spring Boroughs, NN1 2SN 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Robyn - 01604 630457 For 0 - 5s. All welcome.
56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, NN4 0RY 10:00: 2-3yrs; 11:00: <2s; 13:00 & 14:00: 3-4yrs Tracey: 01604 859412 Enjoy ladders, beams & climbing apparatus St Mary’s Church, Abbey Road, NN4 8EY 9:15 - 11:00 Tots group for 0 - 5s. Termtime only
Grange Park Musical Minis
The Pavilion, Foxfield Way, NN4 5BE 10:00 - 10:45; £4 (book termly) Amanda Perkins: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages
Grange Park Parent & Toddler
Grange Park Community Centre, School Lane 9:30- 11:30 & 12:45 - 14:45; £2.00 Angie - 07816 484851 Free first session, runs in holidays too.
Hardingstone Village Hall, High St, NN4 6DA 9:30 - 11:30; £2; Gwen - 01604 762954 For 0 - 4 years
In the Water
Spencer Camrose Breastfeeding Group
The Mounts Mounts Baths Water Playgroup
Esporta, 91 Windingbrook Lane, NN4 0EB Afternoon; Pre-book 10-wk course Tamsin - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Hardingstone Cheeky Monkeys
Semilong Bangladeshi Mums and Tots
Gateway Centre, Mill Rd, NN2 6AX 13:00 - 15:00 ; Free; Kulsuma - 01604 624930 Tots group for Bangladeshi families
St Gregory’s Church, 22 Park Ave N, NN3 2HS 9:00 - 11:00; £1.00; Sarah - 01604 712347 Crafts, toys, books and puzzles for 0-5s.
Northampton Centre Mini Springers Parent & Toddler
Chatterbox
East Hunsbury Hunsbury Rhymetime
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 147-155 Kettering Road, NN1 4BS 9:30 - 11:15; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only.
Hunsbury Library, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ 10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 702830
Toy Library
United Ref. Church, Abington Ave, NN1 4QA 13:30 - 15:00 A range of toys are available for 6 mths-5 years.
Vernon Terrace Children’s Ctre, NN1 5HE Mini Music 9:30 & 10:45 (babies); £1
Messy Play: 15:30 - 16:30; £1 Me & my Dad: 18:00 - 19:00; Free; 01604 633894. Drop in sessions
Waterbabies Swimming
Cripps Recereation Centre, Northampton Morning; Pre-book 10-wk course Tamsin - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Singing & Signing
Physical Fun
Blackthorn Blackthorn Children’s Centre,
13:00 - 15:00: Fledglings Play Session (book) 13:00 – 14:30: H/Visitor Clinic. Drop in Longmead Court, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504
Ecton Brook Creative Crafts
Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, NN3 5DY 9:30 – 11:00; Free; 01604 409280 Drop in arts & crafts sessions
Far Cotton Gloucester Parent and Tots Group
Gloucester Nursery, Camborne Cl, NN4 8PH 9:00 - 11:00; Rachael - 01604 762251
GymBugs
56 - 58 Rothersthorpe Crescent, NN4 0RY 10:00: 2-3yrs; 11:00, 13:00 & 14:00: 3-4yrs Tracey: 01604 859412 Enjoy ladders, beams, & climbing apparatus
Arts & Crafts
For Pregnancy
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Daily Activity Planner
Daily Activity Planner
Daily Activity Planner
Northampton Borough
Goldings Rainbows Childminding Group
Street, NN1 2BA 10:15 - 10:45; Free; 01604 4620403
Grange Park Stepping Stones
Vernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN1 5HE 10:45 - 11:30; £1 per family; 01604 633894 A mini gym session using apparatus
9:00 - 11:00; Old Barns, The Obelisk Centre
Grange Park Comm Centre, School Ln, NN4 5FZ 9:15 - 11:00, every 2nd & 4th wk Charlotte - 01604 875188 For 0 -4s, includes breakfast!
Child Health Clinic
Grange Park Comm Centre, School Ln, NN4 5FZ 9:00 - 11:00, 1st Tues every month Health Visitors - 01604 742420
Hardingstone Music Bugs
Hardingstone Village Hall, High St, NN4 6DA 9:45 - 10:25 & 10:45 - 11:25 Fiona - 0844 5781017 to book Fun music sessions: Book a taster session!
Headlands Drop In Bump & Baby Health Clinic
Headlands Children’s Centre, Bushland Rd 9:30 - 11:15; Free; 01604 411440 H/V @ Eastfield Primary till 26/10. Midwife & H/V resume at Centre from 2/11.
Come & Play!
Eastfield Primary School, St Alban’s Cl, NN3 2RJ 10:00 - 11:00; Free; 01604 411440 Play session for pre-schoolers & parents/carers
Active Tots
Spinney Hill Time 2 Play - Messy Play
Parklands Children’s Centre, Spinney Hill Rd 9:15 - 11:00 & 13:30 - 15:00; £1.00 01604 642118 1st Tuesday in month is H/V Drop In
Ecton Brook Tiny Tots
Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, NN3 5DY 13:30 – 15:00; Free; 01604 409280 Drop in stay & play session
Far Cotton Far Cotton Rhymetime
Far Cotton Library, Towcester Rd, NN4 8LG 10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 762192
Grange Park Tumble Tots
St James Rugbytots
Grange Park Comm Centre, School Ln, NN4 5FZ Gymbabes: 9:30: Toddlers; 10:30; 2-3yrs; 11:30 & 14:00; 3yrs+: 13:00 Naomi - 07779 785166 Structured Play for 6m to 5 yrs all year. Book!
St. James Rhymetime
Kairos Centre 9:30 - 10:10; Fiona Bayliss: 0844 5781017 Music session for 0-5s. Book a taster session!
Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Rd, NN5 5BG 15:00: 2-3.5yrs, 16:00: 3.5 - 5yrs Paul & Gemma: 08453 133254. Pre-book! Children develop core motor skills playing Rugby. St James Library, 138 St James Road, NN5 5LQ 10:00 - 11:00; Free - drop in; 01604 762192
The Mounts Parent & Tots
Music Bugs
Hardingstone Little Signers Club
Duke St Evangelical Church, 4 Duke St, NN1 3BA 10:15 - 11:30; Free; Moyra - 01604 635535 For 0 - 4s. Termtime only
Hardingstone Village Hall 10:00 - 11:00: Beginner’s class. Please Prebook Helen: 07827 955839 Baby Signing fun for you and little one
Thorplands Thorplands Breastfeeding Group
Headlands Healthy Walks
Family Worker Drop In
Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ 12:30 - 13:30; Free; 01604 741131 Breastfeeding support drop In group
Headlands Children’s Centre, Bushland Rd, NN3 2NS; 13:30 - 15:00; Free; 01604 411440 Resumes November. Bring along baby/toddler!
Health Visitor Drop In
Come and Play!
Thorplands Sure Start, Farm Field Ct, NN3 8AQ 14:00 - 15:30; Free; 01604 741131 Get health advice and baby weighed
Hunsbury The Abbey Centre Mums & Tots Group
Cedar Road Primary School Tues: 11:00 - 12:00; 01604 411440 1st Tues of mth, termtime. Confidential support. Cedar Road Primary School 13:30 - 14:30; 01604 411440 Play Session for preschool children + parents.
Hunsbury Buggy Fit - more than a walk in the park!
Meet at Clannell Rd, East Hunsbury, NN4 0RX 19:30; £4.50; Tracy Aldous: 07920 096190 Postnatal outdoor exercise class all year round.
Kingsley Mums & Tots
Kingsley Park Meth. Church, Milton St, NN2 7JF 13:30 - 15:00
Kingsthorpe Aqualight Swimming
Fairfields School, Trinity Avenue, NN2 6JN 15:30 - 17:30; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim sessions for 0-5s. Prebook!
Health Visitor Drop In
Wallace Road Nursery School, NN2 7EE 9:30 - 10:30; Free; 01604 713422 First Tuesday of every month
Kingsthorpe Children’s Ctre Drop Ins 9:30 - 11:30: Spectrum (Autism) 16:00 - 17:30: Double Trouble Twins St.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537 For twins and children on autistic spectrum
Northampton Centre Early Learning Centre Playtime
ELC, 14 Peacock Place, Abington St, NN1 2DP 9:30 - 11:30; Free; Sharon - 01604 626256 Drop in to play with ELC toys! Not in December.
St Giles Toddle In
St Giles Church Centre, St Giles Terr, NN1 2BN 10:00 - 12:00; 50p/family; Sue - 01604 230360 Termtime only - crafts, play and singing
Northampton Central Rhymetime
Northamptonshire Central Library, Abington
Weston Favell Music Go Round
St Peter’s Church, 76 High St, NN3 9:30: <1yr; 10:30: 1-2yr; 11:30: 2yr+ Becca: 01604 891675 Music classes, pre-book classes termly
Wootton Little Acorns Toddler Group
Wootton Trinity Church, High Street, Wootton 9:30 - 11:30; £2 /family. Just turn up! 0-5s. Refreshments provided. Runs all year.
Little Stars Group
St George the Martyr Church, Church Hill, NN4 14:00 - 15:00; Free Toddler praise service. Songs, stories & play.
WEDNESDAYS
Blackthorn Blackthorn Children’s Centre 13:30-14:00: Music Time (<12m) 14:00-15:00: Music Time (1 – 5yrs) 9:30 - 12:30: Smoking in Pregnancy Longmead Ct, NN3 8QD; 01604 413504
Cliftonville Active Baby Company Swimming
Cripps Recreation Centre, Hospital, NN1 5BD 9:00 - 11:00 & 14:00 - 15:00; Book as 6-wk term Denise - 01604 826066 30-min swim lessons for 10 weeks+. Book!
Duston Duston Storytime
Duston Library Sure Start, Pendle Rd, NN5 6DT 10:00 - 11:00, 1 per mth; Free; 01604 752891 Weds 21st April, 12th May & 9th June
The Abbey Centre, Overslade Close, NN4 0RZ. 9:30 - 11:30; £2 (1 or 2 children), 50p p/sibling Alicia: 07917 752533 Enjoy creative activities and plenty of toys!
Under 8s Water Play Session
Danes Camp Leisure Ctr, Clannell Rd, NN4 0RX 13:15 - 14:45; Tots are free; 01604 837200 Maximum of two children under 8.
Kingsthorpe Rhythm Time
St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Crescent, NN2 8EG 9:45 - 11:30; Prebook by term or 1/2-term Judith: 01327 844272 Fun educational music classes for 0-5s.
Holy Trinity Mums & Tots
Holy Trinity Church, Church Hall, Edinburgh Road; 10:00 - 11:45
Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre 13:00 - 14:45: Stay & Play Drop-in 14:30 - 16:30: Midwife Drop In
St.Davids Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537 Lodge Farm
Play Sessions
The Barn, Community Ctr, Crestwood Rd 9:30 - 11:30; Free; 01604 785969 For parents and carers with 0 - 5s.
Northampton Centre Spring Lane Baby Cafe Drop In
Spring Lane Surestart, Spring Lane, NN1 2JW. 9:30 - 11:30; 01604 620484 or 07795 110109 Free Breastfeeding support drop In group
Chatterbox
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Kettering Road, 9:30 - 11:15; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only.
Aqualight Swimming
Park Inn, Northampton 9:30 - 11:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim sessions for 0-5s. Prebook
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In the Water
Singing & Signing
Physical Fun
Arts & Crafts
For Pregnancyâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;
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Play & Learn: 9:30 - 10:30; £1 Baby Grow Group: 14:00 - 16:00; Free Breastfeeding Support: 14:00 - 16:00; Free 01604 633894 Drop in: learning session & baby weighing
Toy Library
United Reformed Church, Abington Ave, Northampton, NN1 4QA; 10:00 - 11:30 A range of toys are available for 6 mths-5 years
Sixfields Little Signers Club
Nuffield Fitness Centre, Weedon Rd, NN5 5BG 13:30 - 14:30; £45 for 6 weeks Angie Kennedy: 01604 751444 Baby signing fun for you and your little one
Spencer Camrose Breastfeeding Group
Camrose Sure Start, Streatfield Rd, NN5 7DF 9:30 - 12:30; Free; 01604 585219 Breastfeeding support drop In group
St James Stay & Play Drop-in Family Health
St James Health Clinic 14:00 - 15:15; Free; Camrose - 01604 585219 Health advice & baby weighing
Mums ‘n’ Tots
Gospel Hall, Spencer Bridge Road, NN5 7DP 9:30 - 11:00: donations; Gill: 07749 520588 Wide range of toys & singing session at end
The Mounts Mounts Baths Water Playgroup
The Mounts Baths, Upper Mounts, NN1 3DN 14:00 - 15:30; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8.
Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Rd 8:45 - 10:30; Tots are free; 01604 837200 Maximum of two children under 8 years .
Cliftonville Active Baby Company Swimming
Kingsthorpe Northampton Homebirth Group
Cripps Recreation Centre, Hospital, NN1 5BD 9:00 - 11:00; book as 6-week term Denise - 01604 826066 30 min swim sessions for 10 wks+. Book Cripps Recreation Centre, Hospital, NN1 5BD 11:00 - 12:00: pre-school; £48 for 6-wk course Judith: 01327 861015 or 07886712233 Swimming lessons for 3 - 6 year olds.
15:30-17:30: Breastfeeding Group St David’s Road, NN2 6NS; 01604 791537 Breastfeeding support drop in group
Collingtree Active Baby Company
Wallace Road Nursery, Wallace Rd, NN2 7EE 9:15 - 11:00; £1.00; 01604 713422 Messy play session.
Hilton Hotel, Collingtree 10:30 - 12:00 (6 mths+) Denise Wesson: 01604 826066 30-min swim classes. Call to book.
Stay & Play Drop-In
United Reform Church, Main Road 9:30 - 11:30, fortnightly; 01604 752891
Rectory Farm Rectory Farm Toddler Group
East Hunsbury East Hunsbury Toddlers
Weston Favell Music Go Round
Grange Park Rugbytots
Rectory Farm School, Olden Rd, NN3 5DD 9:30am:
St James Stay & Play Drop in
St James Health Clinic, St James 9:30 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 15:15; Free Camrose Centre - 01604 585219 For 0 - 5s. Free play session open to all
Lyncrest Primary Parent & Toddler
Lynscrest Ave, NN5 5PE 9:30 - 11:30; £1 per family; 01604 751336 0- 5s, inc. snack & drink. Termtime only.
The Mounts Aquanatal Fitness Class
Foxfield Pavilion, Grange Park, NN4 16:00 - 17:00: 3.5 - 5 yrs Paul & Gemma: 08453 133254 Develop motor skills whilst playing rugby!
The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN 19:15 - 20:15; £4 non-members 01604 837400 Prebooking essential
Talking Point
Emmanuel Family Tots
Tots Group
The Salvation Army, Penistone Road 10:00 - 11:30; Mrs Pitt - 01604 404891
Weston Favell Rhymetime
Weston Favell Library, Shop Centre, NN3 8JZ 10:30 - 11:00 fortnightly; Free; 01604 403100
THURSDAYS
Abington Museum Toddler Craft Session
In the Water
Vernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN1 5HE Thurs: 11:30 - 14:00; Mags: 01604 633894 Free - travel money can be reimbursed Group for under 19s parents. Free lunch inc.
Sunbeams Stay & Play
Ecton Brook Children’s Centre, NN3 5DY 01604 409280 All free drop in sessions
10 Foxglove Close, Grange Park 10:00 - 12:00; Free Charlotte-01604 875 188 or H/V-01604 742420 Bump - 8 mths. Meet other new mums!
Hardingstone Music Bugs
Hardingstone Village Hall, High Street, NN4 6DA Sessions @ 9:15, 10:15 & 11:15 Fiona - 0844 5781017 Music for 0 - 5s. Book a taster session!
Headlands Headlands Parent and Tots Group
Physical Fun
Lodge Farm Barn, Crestwood Rd, NN3 8JJ Thurs: 10:00 - 11:00; £3.70 + 70p per sibling 07985 712339; www.speaktheirlanguage.co.uk French Singing Group for Little People. All year.
Teens & Tinies Group for Younger Mums
Thorplands Children’s Centre, Farm Field Court 11:30 - 13:00; Free; 01604 741131
Drop-in Sessions
Weston Favell Tumble Tots
Headlands Children’s Centre, Bushland Road 9:30 - 11:00, fortnightly; Free; 01604 411440 Resumes 4th Nov. For 0 - 4s. Creche available.
Singing & Signing
Thorplands Les Canetons French Singing Group
Child & Parent Ctr (NSPCC), 48 Waterpump Ct 10:00 - 12:00; Free; 01604 493336 For 0 - 4s. Toys, arts & crafts, music, etc.
Headlands School, Bushland Rd, NN3 2NS 9:00 - 11:00; £1; Julie - 01604 413462 Activities for 0 - 4s. Term-time only.
Autism Concern Parent Group
Boothville & Moulton NCT Group
Various parents’ houses 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Carolyn - 01604 790496 All welcome - call for location!
Northampton Centre Young Parents Lunch Club
Duston Library Children’s Centre, Pendle Rd 9:30 - 11:30 & 13:00 - 15:00; Free 01604 752891; For 0 - 4s.
Upton Talking Point
Abington/Northampton Museum 13:00 - 15:00, twice monthly; Free Liz or Lucy - 01604 838111 Alternates between museums
Carey Baptist Church, 34 West Street, NN3 7SB 10:30 - 12:00 and 13:30 - 15:00. For 0 - 4s.
St Luke’s CEVA School, St. Crispins Dr, NN5 4BL 14:00 - 15:15 ; 01604 592008
16 Mill Pond Drive, Upton, NN5 4EW 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Marilyn: 01604 454243 Bump - 8 mths. Meet other new mums!
Time 2 Play Baby Group
Moulton Toddle Inn
Duston St Luke’s Mums & Tots
Ecton Brook Childminders Group: 9:15 – 11:15 Toddler Music: 9:30 & 10:00 Baby Clinic: 13:00 – 15:00
Emmanuel Church, Weston Favell Centre. 10:00 - 11:30; £1; Maureen - 01604 402150 Relaxed atmosphere & safe playtime
Whitehills Nursery School, Acre Lane, NN2 8DF 19:30 - 21:30, 1st Thur of mth; Free Kelly - 07716 017366 Discuss home birth options with midwives.
Kingsthorpe Children’s Centre
Jump In & Swim School
East Hunsbury Primary School 9:30 - 11:00; £1.50 per family For 0 - 4s. Term time only
St Peter’s Church, 76 High St, NN3 13:15: 1 – 2½ yrs; 14:15: 0 - 1 yr Becca: 01604 891675 Music classes, pre-book classes termly
Hunsbury Under 8s Water Play Session
Image Gym, Brackmills, Northampton, NN4 7EE 19:30 - 21:00 Claire Morrow-Goodman: 07966 288236
Thorplands Thorplands Children’s Centre 13:00 - 15:30 Stay & Play Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ 01604 741131 Free drop in sessions
Northampton Borough
Brackmills Birthing Lightly with Yoga
St. Peters, Church Hall, High Street, NN3 3JX Gymbabes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30; 2-3 yrs: 11:30; 3-5 yrs: 13:00 Naomi - 07779 785 166 Structured Play for 6m-5yrs all year. Book!
Arts & Crafts
For Pregnancy
35
Daily Activity Planner
Vernon Terrace Children’s Ctre, NN1 5HE
Daiily Activity Planner
Northampton Borough Wootton Fields Wootton Fields Rhymetime
Wootton Fields Library, Wooldale Rd, NN4 6TP 10:15 - 10:45; Free; 01604 669213 Free drop in music session. Termtime only.
FRIDAYS
Abington Abington Library Rhymetime
Lindsay Ave, NN3 2SJ 14:15 - 14:45; Free; 01604 401402 Termtime only
Music Bugs
Abington Parish Rooms, Ashburnham Road 9:10 - 9:50, 10:00 - 10:40 Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 to book Music sessions for 0-5s. Book a Trial!
Cliftonville Active Baby Company Swimming
Cripps Recreation Centre, Northampton Hospital, NN1 5BD 9:00 - 12:00; Book per 6-week term Denise - 01604 826066 30min swim classes for 10wks-4yrs. Book
Delapre Waterbabies Swimming
Marriott Hotel, Eagle Drive, NN4 7HW Morning & Afternoon; Pre-book 10-wk course Tamsin - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Duston Duston & Villages NCT Group
Various members’ houses 10:00 - 11:30; 50p; Sarah - 07743 673204 For bump - toddler. All welcome!
Earls Barton Earls Barton Rhymetime
Earls Barton Library, Broad Street, NN6 0ND 14:30 – 15:00; Free; 01604 810726 Termtime only. Drop in music session
Ecton Brook Ecton Brook Children’s Centre 9:30– 10:30: Baby Babble (<12 m): 13:45 – 14:45: Soft Play (1–2 yrs):
Ecton Brook Road, NN3 5DY. 01604 409280 Free drop in groups
Grange Park Little Signers Club
Kairos Centre, Saxon Ave, NN4 5FB 10:00: Drop in!, 11:00: Beginners (Prebook) Angie: 07816 484851 Baby signing fun for you and little one
Rugbytots
Community Centre, School Lane, NN4 5FZ 9:30 - 10:30: 2 - 3.5 ys Paul & Gemma: 08453 133254 Develop core motor skills whilst playing rugby
Hardingstone N H S Toddlers Group
Northampton High School, Newport Pagnell Rd 13:30 - 15:00: £1.50 per session; 01604 667979 For 2 - 3 yrs. Termtime only
Headlands Aqualight Swimming
Headlands pool, Northampton 9:30 - 11:30; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0-4yrs. Prebook!
Hunsbury Music Go Round
The Abbey Centre, 10 Overslade Cl, NN4 0RZ
9:30:1-2½yr; 10:30: 2-3yr; 11:30: 3+ Becca: 01604 891675 Music classes, pre-book classes termly
Kingsthorpe Kids & Co.
Kingsthorpe Baptist Church Rooms, High Street 9:30 - 11:00; 50p /adult; Dawn - 01604 846737 For 0 - 5 yrs. Termtime only
Young Parents
Kingsthorpe Children’s Ctre, St David Rd, NN2 6NS; 13:00 - 15:00; 01604 791537 Drop in group for young parents (under 19yrs)
Kingsthorpe Rhymetime
Kingsthorpe Library, Welford Road, NN2 6AG 10:30 - 11:00; Free; 01604 714021 Free drop in music session for 0-5s
Aqualight Swimming
Fairfields School, Trinity Avenue, NN2 6JN 12:00 -14:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0 - 3s. Prebook!
Moulton Moulton Rhymetime
Moulton Library, Doves Lane, NN3 2nd Friday of mth, 2:15-2:45; Free Free music sessions open to all
Northampton Centre Northampton Baby Cafe
Friends Meeting House, Wellington St, NN1 3AS 10:30 - 12:30; Free; 07780 672939 Breastfeeding support + drink & biscuit!
Chatterbox
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 147-155 Kettering Road, NN1 4BS 9:30 - 11:15am; For 0 - 5s. Termtime only
Mini Music
Vernon Terrace Children’s Centre, NN1 5HE Fri: 9:30 - 10:30, 10:45 - 11:45 (babies) £1 per family; 01604 633894 Music, Movement, song & dance
Spinney Hill
Childminders: 9:00-10:45 (2nd Fri) Time 2 Play for Baby: 14:00 - 15:30 Parklands Children’s Centre, Spinney Hill Rd 01604 642118 Free drop in sessions
St James Stay & Play Drop-In
St James Health Clinic, St James 9:30 - 11:30; Free; 01604 585219
Elim’s Angels Elim Christian Centre, Gladstone Rd, NN5 7EG 10:00 - 11:30; £1 per family Jenny - 01604 518394
The Mounts Mounts Baths Water Playgroup
The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN 14:00 - 15:30; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8 years.
Thorplands Thorplands Children’s Centre
9:00 - 10:30: Health Visitor Clinic 9:30 -11:30: Midwife Drop In 11:15 - 12:30: Male “Whole You” 13:00 - 14:30: Toddle Tots Group (fortnightly) Farm Field Court, NN3 8AQ. 01604 741131 All free drop in sessions
Weston Favell Tumble Tots
St Peter’s Church Hall, High St, NN3 3JX 9:30: Gymbabes; 10:30: Toddlers; 11:30: 2-3yrs; 13:00: 3yrs+
Naomi - 07779 785166 Structured Play from 6m to 5 yrs. Book!
Wootton Wootton Trinity Toddler Group
Wootton Trinity Church, High Street 9.30 - 11.30; £2 /family; Mandy - 01604 764605 0 - 5s. Term time only
Preston Hedgehogs
Wootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill 9:30 - 11:30; £2 /family; Nicky - 07854 441062 Play time & songs. In holidays too!
SATURDAYS
Blackthorn Dads, Uncles & Grandads Group
Blackthorn Children’s Centre, Longmead Ct. 10:00 – 12:00; 01604 413504 Drop in group just for male carers
Northampton Centre Aqualight Swimming
Barry Road School Baths. Barry Road, NN1 5JS 14:00 -18:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0 - 7yrs. Prebook.
The Mounts, Northampton Mounts Baths family swimming
The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN 14:00 - 17:00; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8 years.
Wootton Tumble Tots
Wootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill. Gymbabes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30; 2 - 3 yrs: 11:30; 3yrs - school: 12:45 Naomi - 07779 785 166 Structured play for 6m-5yrs. Book a trial.
SUNDAYS
Hunsbury Under 8s Tots Water Playgroup
Danes Camp Leisure Centre, Clannell Road 8:00 - 9:00; Tots are free; 01604 837200 Maximum of two children under 8 years.
Northampton Centre Aqualight Swimming
Barry Road School Baths. Barry Road, NN1 5JS 15:00 -17:00; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 0 - 4s. Prebook.
St James Rugbytots
Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Rd, NN5 5BG 9:00, 11:00, 13:30: 2 - 3.5yrs; 10:00, 12:00, 14:30: 3.5 - 5yrs Paul & Gemma: 08453 133254. Pre-book! Children develop motor skills playing Rugby.
The Mounts Mounts Baths Family Swimming
The Mounts Baths, NN1 3DN 8:00 - 15:45; Tots are free; 01604 837400 Maximum of two children under 8 years.
Weston Favell Lings Forum Family Swimming
Lings Forum Leisure Centre, Billing Brook Rd. 10:00 - 11:00; Tots are free; 01604 837 300 Maximum of two children under 8 years
36 Want your listed here? email info@toddleabout.co.uk Search & group Save Groups in yourJust Favourites: www.toddleabout.co.uk
MONDAYS
TUESDAYS
Bicester Sing & Sign
H/V on 2nd Tues of mth for baby weighing.
Gayton Gayton Parent & Toddlers Group
Banbury Active Baby Company
Salvation Army building, Hart Place, Bicester 9:45-10:45 (advanced), 11:00-12:00 (beginners) £66.00 per 11 wk term. Corma: 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props
Bloxham School, nr Banbury 10:00 - 12:00; £48 per 6-week term Denise: 01604 826066 30-min swimming classes. Prebooking essential
Brackley Preschool Gymnastics Club
Sing & Sign
Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way 13:45 - 14:45; Booking essential: 01280 701789 For 3 - 5 years. Termly, termtime only.
Noah’s Ark
Tiddlers Stay & Play: 10:00 - 11:30 (1-2 yrs) Special Friends Group: 13:00-14:00 (mthly) More than One!: 13:00-15:00 (mthly) Buggy & Toddler Walk: 13:30-14:30
The Village Hall, Northampton Road, NN12 8JA 14:00 - 15:30; £1.50 per family Vanessa - 01327 830823 For 0 – 5s. Termtime and Holidays too
Rugrats and Halfpints Multiple Group
Roade Roade Parent & Toddler Group
Bicester Sing & Sign
Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor Road Free drop in groups; 01280 841674 SF for children with additional needs/disabilities. More than one for multiple birth families
Buckingham Musical Minis
Salvation Army building, Hart Place, Bicester 10:15 - 11:00 (beginners) £66 per 11 wk term. Corma: 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props
Brackley Musical Minis
Farthingstone Farthingstone Mums & Tots
Roade Village Hall, Bailey Brooks Lane, NN7 2LS 10 - 12pm; £1.50 + 50p p/c over 1 Charlotte: 01604 863193
Towcester The Pre-school Music School
Towcester Methodist Church, Brackley Rd 9:30-10:00 (toddlers), 10:00-10:30 (toddlers), 10:45-11:15 (babies). £3, booked half-termly Linda Hemming: 01327 830744 Introduce your child to music in a fun way
Mighty Atoms
Towcester Centre for Leisure, Springfields, 9:30 - 11:30am; £3.20 per child 01327 322480 Indoor soft play fun for 0 – 5s
Leisure Centre, Springfield Way, NN13 6JJ 10:30-11:15; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages
Well Street Centre, Well Street, MK18 1EN 10:00 - 10:45; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages
Litchborough Litchborough Mums & Tots
Rugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Road. 13:30 - 14:30 (advanced) £66.00 per 11 wk term; Corma : 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props Rugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Rd, OX16 1QY Tues: 10:30 - 12:30; £4 per family Simone Gardener: 07921 460085 Fortnightly, meeting from 18/05/10. In hols too.
Methodist Church, High St, NN13 9:30 - 11:30 Parent & Toddler group for 0 -5s
Gayton Village Hall, Hillcrest Road, NN7 3HG 10:30 - 11:45; £1.50 + 50p p/c Kerry - 01604 832890 For 0 - 5s. Term time only.
Waterbabies Swimming
The Baby & Child Show
Farthingstone Village Hall, Maidford Rd, NN12 14:00 - 15:30; £1.50; Jenny - 01327 361720. 0 -5. Termtime only.
10:00 - 16:00, Sunday 10th October 2010
Middleton Cheney Sing & Sign
Pre-book tickets online to get discounted entry! See full advert on back cover
Middleton Cheney Childrens Centre 10:30 - 12:00 (beginners) Corma Holmes: 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props
The Towcester Racecourse
Family Stay n Play
Middleton Cheney Village Hall 10:00 - 11:30; 01327 811426; Free - drop in Activities include crafts, games & toys.
Milton Malsor Musical Minis
Milton Malsor Village Hall, Northampton, NN7 10:00 - 10:45; Amanda: 01908 259914 Fun 45-min sessions for babies to pre-schoolers.
Towcester Little Turtle Swim Company
Gateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield, NN12 9:30 – 12:00; Zara - 01908 543384 30-min swim sessions for 2 mths – 5 yrs.
Jump In & Swim School
www.thebabyandchildshow.co.uk
Bumps & Babies Group
The Pickled Pig on Watling Street, Towcester. 0844 2436299 13:30 - 15:00; Free entry, Teas & Coffees 50p Relaxed session with baby toys and soft mats.
Mighty Atoms
Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way 9:30 - 11:30; £3.20 per child 01280 701787 Drop in soft play sessions for 0 – 5s
WEDNESDAYS
Little Fishes
Baptist Church, Waynflete Close, NN13 6AE 9:15 - 10:30 or 10:45 - 12:00; Parent & Toddler Group for 0 -5s
Banbury Waterbabies Swimming
Brackley Children’s Centre 10:00-10:30: Baby Rhymetime (0-9 m) 10:30-11:30: BABS Breastfeeding Group 13:30-14:45: Crafty Play (2-5yrs) Brackley Library, Manor Road; 01280 841674 Music & BF: Free drop in sessions. Crafts: pre-book.
Bugbrooke Bugbrooke Stay & Play
The Gateway School, St John’s Rd, Tiffield Morning; Book as 10-wk course Tamsin Brewis - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, OX15 5QL Morning & Afternoon; Book as 10-wk course Tamsin Brewis - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Brackley Preschool Football Sessions
Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way 16:00 – 17:00; Booking #: 01280 701790 Termly football course for 4 yr-olds.
Grandparents Group
The Gateway School, St Johns Road, Tiffield. 13:15-15:45: preschool; 16:00-18:00: school £48 for 6-week course Judith: 01327 861015 / 07886712233 30-min swimming lessons for 3 - 6 year olds.
Bugbrooke Sports & Community Centre, Camp Close, NN7 3RW 9:30 - 11:00; Free Drop in play session inc crafts & singing.
Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor Road 13:30-15:00, 1st & 3rd wks of mth 01280 841674 Free group for grandparent carers
Breastfeeding Group
Tiny Tots Service
Outside Fun for Everyone
Bugbrooke Church 14.30pm - 15:15; Singing & story service then toy-time
Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Road, NN12 11:00 - 12:30; Free; 01327 323900 Very informal and open to all mums
Mighty Atoms
Towcester Centre for Leisure, Springfields. 14:00 – 15:00; £3.20 per child; 01327 322480 Soft play fun for 0 – 5s
In the Water
Denton Village Tots
Denton Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, Denton, Northampton, NN7 1DL 14:00 - 16:00; £1.50; Lucy: 07919 185149
Singing & Signing
Physical Fun
Brackley Children’s Centre, Brackley Library, Manor Road, Brackley, NN13 6AJ 10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01280 841674 Drop in outdoor play session
Deanshanger Deanshanger Toddler Group
Holy Trinity Church, Deanshanger 13:30 – 15:00; Free; Jennie - 01908 564725
Arts & Crafts
For Pregnancy
37
Daily Activity Planner
South Northants District
Daiily Activity Planner
South Northants District Childminder Support Group
Deanshanger Community Centre Wed: 9:30 - 11:30; £2 per childminder Rachel: 01908 261864 Support from other childminders & dev. worker.
Greens Norton Tots Own Toddler Group
St Bartholemew’s Church 14:15 - 15:15; 30p; Harriet - 07738 003418 Termtime only, inc. storytime
Harpole Aqualight Baby Yoga
Harpole 13.00: 0 to crawling, 14:00: crawling to walking Emie - 01604 83 04 05 Yoga for babies and toddlers.
Middleton Cheney Middleton Cheney Rhymetime
Middleton Cheney Library, Main Road, OX17 10:00 - 10:30, 1st Wed of the mth Free singing sessions open to all
Pattishall Pattishall Mums & Tots
THURSDAYS
Ashton Ashton Parent & Toddler Group
Ashton CE Primary School, Roade Hill, NN7 2JH 13:30 - 15:00; £1; Laura - 07825 371624
Banbury Sing & Sign
Rugrats and Halfpints, Beaumont Road. 13:30 - 14:30 (advanced) £66 per 11 wk term; Corma : 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props
Blisworth Humbugs Singing Time
Blisworth Village Hall; 14:00 - 15:00; 01327 811426 Free music programme. Drop in 4/11 - 9/12
Brackley Mighty Atoms
Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way 9:30 - 11:30; £3.20 per child. 01280 701787 Drop in soft play sessions
Sparrows Toddler Group
Pattishall Parish Hall, School Lane 13:30 – 15:00; £1.50 Termtime only - preschool also runs here.
St Peters Church, Church Rd 9:30am - 11:30
Roade Roade Storytime
Brackley Library, Manor Road, NN13 6AJ 14:15 - 14:45; Free; Cathy - 01280 703455 Free singing sessions open to all
Roade Library, High Street, NN7 16:00 - 16:30; Free For 4 - 8s. Free storytime sessions
Towcester Wednesday Tots Group
St John’s Ambulance Hall, Islington Rd, NN12 9.30 – 11:00; £1.40; Jane - 01327 352321 For 0 – 5s Inc. sing-song. Termtime only
Baby & Me Group
Upstairs Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Rd 14:00 - 15:30; Donation for tea; 01327 350182 For new babies up to 6 months
Swimming Lessons
Towcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN12 10 - 11:00am; £4.20 per lesson Prebook per term: 01327 322480 30-min swim classes for 6m-3yrs.
Waterbabies Swimming
The Gateway School, St John’s Rd, Tiffield Afternoon; Book as 10-wk course Tamsin Brewis - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Jump In & Swim School
The Gateway School, St Johns Road, Tiffield. 15:45 - 18:15: School Age; £48 for 6-weeks Judith: 01327 861015 / 07886712233 30-min swimming lessons for 3 - 6 year olds.
Humbugs Singing Time
St Johns Ambulance Hall 14:00 - 15:00: Free; 01327 811426 Free music programme. Drop in 3/11 - 8/12.
Weston Weston Tiny Tots
Weston Baptist Chapel, High Street, NN12 8PU 10:00 - 11:30; £1.50; Rosemary: 01295 760720 Term time only
Winslow Musical Minis
Winslow Public Hall, Elmsfield Gate, Bucks Wed: 9:45 - 10:30; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages
Brackley Rhymetime
New Baby & You: 10:00 - 11:30 (6-12m) Little Movers: 10:30 - 11:15 (ltd space!)
Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor Road 10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01280 841674 New Baby & You runs fortnightly. Free drop-ins.
Buckingham Sing & Sign
Flore Millenium Hall 14:00-15:00; Free; 01327 264809 Drop in play sessions
Kislingbury Kizzle Tots
Kislingbury Baptist Church, Mill Rd, NN7 4BB 9:30 - 11:30; £1 per family Heather - 07962 157669 For 0 – 4s. Termtime only.
Roade Family Stay n Play
Roade Community Centre 10:00 - 11:30; 01327 811426; Free drop in Activities include crafts, games & toys.
Silverstone Musical Monkeys
Silverstone Pavillion, Church St, NN12 8XA 10:30 - 11:30; £3.30 (£4 for family). Vanessa - 07917 683330 Drop in for music, parachute and cake!
Silverstone Tiny Tots
St Michael’s Church; 9:15am For babies & toddlers, open to all.
Silverstone Tiggers
Methodist Church Rooms 13:30 – 15:00: £1.50; Catherine: 07854 309241 Puzzles, books, toys & trampoline.
Stony Stratford Musical Minis
York House, London Road, Stony Stratford. 9:30 - 10:15; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages
Stony Stratford Storytime
Stony Stratford Library, 5-7 Church Street 14:00 - 14:30; Free; 01908 562562 Story sessions for under 5s
Tumblers Play Centre, Bridge Street, MK18 1EL 10:00 - 11:00 (beginners) £66.00 per 11 wk term; Corma: 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props
Bugbrooke Bugbrooke Parent & Tots
Sunday School, Church Lane 9:00 - 11:00; Free For 0 – 4s. Toys, painting and playdough.
Cogenhoe Humbugs Singing Time
Cogenhoe Village Hall 13:30 - 14:30; Free; 01327 811426 Free music programme. Drop in 4/11 - 9/12.
Evenley Sing & Sign
Evenley Village Hall,Broad Lane, Evenley, NN13 5SD 9:45 - 10:45 (adv), 11:00 - 12:00 (beginners) £66 per 11 wk term; Corma: 01280 704705 Baby signing with music, instruments & props
Flore Stay ‘n’ Play
38 Want your group listed here? Just email info@toddleabout.co.uk
South Northants District Towcester Methodist Church, Brackley Rd 9:30-10:00 (toddlers), 10:00-10:30 (toddlers), 10:45-11:15 (over 3s). £3, booked half-termly Linda Hemming: 01327 830744 Introduce your child to music in a fun way
Pilates for Pre & Post Natal Care
Brook health Centre, Towcester 11am - 12pm; Susie: 07880 750 258 Runs 23rd Sept - 9th Dec. 8 max per class. Led by Osteopath and experienced instructor
Towcester Toy Library
Towcester Community Centre, Islington Road 9:30 - 11:30; £1.50 per family. Sheila: 01327 860437 Toy hire from 50p. Closed till early November.
FRIDAYS
Banbury Waterbabies Swimming
Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, OX15 5QL Afternoon; Book as 10-wk course Tamsin Brewis - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Blakesley Blakesley Mums & Tots
Blakesley Village Hall, Blakesley 10:00 - 11:30; £1.50 per family For 0 – 5s. Includes drinks and biscuit
Brackley Tadpoles Toddler Group New Baby & You
Croughton Croughton Mother & Tots Group
Croughton Village Hall 10:00 – 12:00; £2; Beckie – 01869 819734 From birth - school. Term-time only.
Deanshanger Deanie Tots
Deanshanger Rhymetime
Nether Heyford Nether Heyford Little Fishes Group
Church rooms, The Green, NN7 3LE 11:00 - 13:00; £1 (free first session) Lia: 07709 020378 Snack & drink. Bring sandwiches 4 lunch.
Towcester Towcester Twins Group
Brook Health Centre, Swinneyford Rd 14:00 - 15.30 fortnightly; Free Melanie - 01327 351097 Ring for details of exact dates
Byfield Surgery, Church St. NN11 14:00 - 15:30pm; Free; Philippa - 01327 260804 Health clinic inc weighing. Appointment only.
Akeley Wood Nursery, MK19 6DA 10:00 - 11:30; Free; Nicola - 01908 571231 For 0 - 3s. Free play with lots of activities.
Catthorpe, Leicestershire Music Bugs
The Wheel Room, Manor Farm Cafe & Shop, Catthorpe, LE17 6DB 9:10 and 10:00; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 Fun music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book a Taster!
SATURDAYS
Banbury Waterbabies Swimming
Crick Crick Tots
Frank Wise School, Hornbeam Clse, OX16 9RL Morning; Book as 10-wk course Tamsin Brewis - 01295 709221 Fun, action-packed & progressive classes.
Brackley Kids & Co. for Dads & Male Carers
Crick Village Hall 10:30 - 12:00; £2/family; Cath: 01788 824344 Includes fun activities, snack and drink
Daventry Acorn Parent & Toddler Group
Brackley Children’s Centre, Manor Road 10:00 - 11:00, 3rd Sat of mth; 01280 841674 Free stay & play session for male carers & kids
Swimming Lessons
Brackley Pool, Manor Rd, NN13 6EE 9:00; £4.20 per 30 minute lesson Booking essential: 01280 704906 Termly swim lessons for 6 mths - 3 yrs
Roade Roade Rhymetime
Roade Library, High Street, NN7 10:30-11:00, 1st Sat of mth; Free Free singing sessions open to all Towcester
Little Turtle Swim Company
Gateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield, NN12 10:00 – 15:00; Zara - 01908 543384 30-minute swim sessions for 2 mths - 5 yrs
SUNDAYS
Towcester Active Baby Company Swimming
Gateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield, NN12 8:30 – 13:00; Book as 5-week term Denise - 01604 826066 30-min swim classes for 10wks–7y. Book.
Singing & Signing
United Ref. Church, Foundry Place 9.30 – 11:00; £1; Rosemary - 01327 872650 0-5s. Story time 10.30 & singing 10.45.
Daventry Breastfeeding Group
Daventry Sure Start Centre, 14 Benbow Close 13:00 - 15:00; 01327 313861: Free Breastfeeding support drop in group
Adventure World Soft Play
Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 9:30 – 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144 Indoor soft play area For up to 8 yrs;
Daventry Stay ‘n’ Play (Daventry Sure Start)
The Abbey School, Vicar Lane, NN11 4GD 10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01327 313861 Drop in play session
Harlestone Harlestone Tiny Tots
Harlestone Village Hall 10:00 - 11:30; £1.50 + 50p p/c 1yr+ Janet - 01604 843991. Please call b4 coming! For 0 – 4s. On in holidays too.
Kilsby Kilsby Playtime
Kilsby Village Hall, Rugby Road 9:45 - 11:45; £1.50 + 50p p/c Susan: 07845 751449 or 01788 823079 All carers welcome. Termtime only.
Long Buckby Yoga for Pregnancy
Long Buckby Community Centre, NN6 7WB 18:15 - 19:45; £42 for 6-week course Lizzy Giles: 07950 573719 Physical & emotional pregnancy support
Long Buckby Mums & Tots
Community Centre, 41 Station Rd, NN6 7QB 9.30 – 11:30
Rugby Music Bugs
Swimming Lessons
Towcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN12 10:00 – 11:00; £4.20 per lesson Booking essential: 01327 322480 30-min swim classes for 6m-3yrs.
In the Water
Byfield Baby Clinic
Wicken Akeley Wood Baby & Toddler
Towcester Leisure Centre, Springfields, NN12 9:00 - 10:15; £3.20 per child; 01327 322480 Soft play drop in sessions for 0 – 5s
Deanshanger Library, Little London, MK19 14:00 - 14:30, 4th Friday of mth Free singing sessions open to all
All Saints Church, High Street 14:00 – 15:00; Free; Claire - 01788 890235 For 0 – 5s. Termtime only
St John’s Ambulance Hall, Towcester 10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01327 811426 Activities include crafts, games & toys.
Towcester Mighty Atoms
Community Centre, Deanshanger 9:30- 11:30; £2 per family Rachel: 07710845865 Variety of toys and crafts/activities
Braunston Little Fishes Toddler Group
Family Stay n Play
Brackley Leisure Centre, Springfields Way, 10:30 – 12:30; £3.20 per child; 01280 701787 Drop in soft play sessions for 0-5s
Brackley Children’s Centre, Brackley Library, Manor Road, NN13 6AJ 10:00 - 11:30; Free; 01280 841674 Advice and support for babies 0 - 6 mths
MONDAYS
Little Turtle Swim Company
Gateway School, St. Johns Rd, Tiffield, NN12 9:30 – 11:30; Zara - 01908 543384 30-minute swim lessons for 2 mths - 5 yrs
Mighty Atoms
St Peters Church, end of Church Rd 10:00 - 11:30
Daventry
Towcester Rhymetime
Towcester Library, Richmond Road, 10:00 -10:30 & 10:45-11:15, 2nd and 4th Fridays of mth; Free Free singing sessions open to all
Hilmorton Paddox Methodist Church, Dunsmore Rd, CV22 5HD 14:00 – 14:40; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 Music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book Taster!
Physical Fun
Arts & Crafts
For Pregnancy
39
Daily Activity Planner
Towcester The Pre-school Music School
Daiily Activity Planner
Daventry District
Tumble Tots
Overslade Community Centre, Buchanan Rd Gymbabes: 9:30; Toddlers: 10:30; 2-3yrs: 11:30; 3yrs to school: 12:45 Naomi - 07779 785 166 Structured play for 6m-5yrs all year. Book trial!
Scaldwell Scaldwell Mums & Tots
Scaldwell Village Hall, School Lane, NN6 9LD 10:00 - 12:00; £1.50 per family Kathryn - 01604 882786 Friendly group. Termtime only.
Welton Stay n Play Drop In
Welton Village Hall 13:00 - 14:30; Free Daventry East Sure Start: 01327 313861
Woodford Halse Stay ‘n’ Play followed by Mini Minstrels
Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 13:00 - 15:00; Free; 01327 264809 Drop in stay n play session with music
TUESDAYS
Denise - 01604 826066 30-min swim classes for 8m-5yrs. Book!
Long Buckby Long Buckby Mums and Babies
Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 13:00 - 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144
Naseby Brixworth & Villages NCT Group
Daventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close 13:00 - 14:30; Free; Jenny - 01327 313861 Health Visitors: baby-weighing + advice.
Naseby Methodist Church 10:00 - 12:00; £1.50 per family Jo - 01604 881344 Non-members welcome
Newnham Fun with Music Drop In
Newnham School, NN11 3HG 14:00 - 15:00; Free; 01327 264809
Norton Stay n Play Drop in
Norton Village Hall; 9:30 - 11:00; Free Daventry East Sure Start: 01327 313861
Rugby Music Bugs
9:30 - 11:30; Boddington Village Hall, CV47
Braunston Braunston Toddler Group
Weedon Little Goslings Baby & Toddler
13:30 - 15:00; Braunston Village Hall, NN11
Daventry Tumble Tots
The Saxon Suite, Leisure Centre, Lodge Rd. 9:30: Gymbabes; 10:30: Toddlers; 11:30: 2-3yrs; 12:45: 3yrs - school Naomi - 07779 785166 Structured Play from 6m to 5 yrs all year. Book!
Middlemore Parents & Tots (NCT)
Middlemore Farm Pub, Hidcote Way, NN11 5JZ 9:45 - 11:15; £1 donation; Clare: 0844 2436102 For bump - 3 yrs. Hot drink included.
Teddy Tuesday
Holy Cross Church, Church Walk 13:30-14:45, 2nd Tues of mth; Free Claire - 01788 890235 Termtime only. Fun find teddy game!
Adventure World Soft Play
Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 13:00 - 17:30; £1.65 under 5s; 01327 871144 Soft play area for up to 8 yrs
Stay ‘n’ Play
Daventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close, 12.30 - 14.30; Free; Jenny - 01327 313861 For 0 -5s. Inc. messy play
Mums & Tums
Daventry Children’s Centre, 14 Benbow Close 9.15 - 11.15, 1st Tues of month Jenny - 01327 313861 Run by midwife for pregnant mums
Daventry Rhymetime
10:00 and 10:30, fortnightly Daventry Library, North Street; 01327 703130 Free singing & music sessions open to all
Hot Tots Soft Play Group
Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP; 01327 871144 9-11:00; £1.35 <18m; £2.85 18m+ For 6m+. Bouncy castle and soft play.
Active Baby Company Swimming
Hellidon Lakes Golf & Spa Hotel, Priors Marston Rd, NN11 6GG 14:00 – 16:00; Book as 6-wk term
Adventure World Soft Play
Baptist Church, on Market Place 10.30 – 12:00; Free; Jane - 01327 843453 For 0 - 4 years. In school holidays too!
Bilton Methodist Church, Main St, Bilton, CV22 7NB 9:30 - 10:10 & 10:30 - 11:10; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 Music sessions for 0 - 5s. Book trial!
Boddington Boddington Toddler Group
Toddler Time
Daventry Methodist Church Hall, Golding Close 10:00 – 12:00
Itsy Bitsy (Baby clinic)
Stay ‘n’ Play (Daventry Sure Start)
Southbrook Junior School 9:00 - 10:30; Free; 01327 313861 Drop in play session
Active Baby Company Swimming
Barcélo Hotel, Sedgemoor Way, NN11 0SG 9:45 - 11:45; Book as 6-week term Denise - 01604 826066 30 min swim class for 10wks-4yrs. Book!
Eydon Music with Mummy
2 Blacksmiths Lane, Eydon, NN11 3PF 10.30 - 11:00 & 14:00-14:30; £24 for 6 wk term Jill Darlow: 01327 260436 A lively approach to music for four and unders
Guilsborough Breastfeeding Drop In
Guilsborough Surgery, High Street, NN6 8QE 11:00 - 13:00; 01604 740210 Breastfeeding support drop in group
Hellidon Hellidon Baby & Toddler Group
Weedon Bec Village Hall, West St, NN7 4QU 13:30 – 15:00; £1.50 per family Sonia - 01327 349951 Toys, crafts, song time + outside play.
Afternoon, various houses. Call for location! Angela - 07973 659092.
Fun with Music
Active Baby Company Swimming
Weedon Bec School, West Street, NN7 4QU 10:30 - 11:30; Free; 01327 264809 whcc@northamptonshire.gov.uk Free music session for 0 - 5s. Drop-in.
Hellidon Lakes Hotel, Priors Marston Rd, NN11 6GG; 14:00 – 16:00; Book as 6-wk term Denise - 01604 826066 30-min swim classes for 8m-5yrs. Book!
Woodford Halse Woodford Halse Children’s Centre 10:30 - 12:30: New Babes Group 14:00 – 16:00: Toddles Group Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809; Free
Long Buckby Rhythm Time
New babes for 0 - 12 mths & Toddles 12 mths+
WEDNESDAYS
Long Buckby Community Centre, Station Road 9:45 - 11:30; £4 payable 1/2 or termly Judith: 01327 844272 Fun educational music classes for 0-5s.
Pitsford Pitsford Toddler Group
Badby Badby Mums & Tots
Pitsford Village Hall 9:30 - 11:30; £1.50 per family Lorraine - 01604 881353 Termtime only. Great selection of toys!
Barby Chatterbox Baby & Toddler Group
9:30 - 11:30; The Priors Hall, CV47
Byfield Rhyme Time
Weedon Village Hall, West Street, NN7 4PQ 9:30 - 10:15; £4; Amanda: 01908 259914 Free Trial Offer Voucher in Centre Pages
Daventry Daventry Story Time
The Chapel Rooms, Weedon 13:30 - 14:30: Beginners Class (Prebook) Angie: 07816 484851 Baby Signing fun for you and little one
9:30 - 11:30 Badby Village Hall, The Green
Barby Village Hall, Barby, Rugby, 9:30 - 11:30; £1.50; Inc drink & biscuit
Byfield School Hall, Bell Lane, NN11 6US 10:15 - 11:00; Free; 01327 264809 For 0 - 5s. Please pre-book
10:15 - 10:35 (fortnightly) Daventry Library, North Street; 01327 703130 Free story session open to all
Toddlers, Bumps & Babies (NCT)
Family Centre, The Grange, Staverton Road 9:30 - 11:30; £1; 0844 2436102 For bump – 4 yrs. Everyone welcome!
Younger Parents Group
Abbey Centre, Market Square, NN11 4BH 13:00 - 15:00; Free; Rose: 01327 313861
Priors Marston Priors Marston Toddlers
Weedon Musical Minis
Little Signers Club
Fun with Music Drop In
Weedon Bec School, West Street, NN7 4QU 10:30 - 11:30; Free; 01327 264809
West Haddon Caterpillar Club
West Haddon Village Hall, The Green, NN6 7AN 9:15 - 11:15: £1.50 per child Sarah: 01788 510760 Termtime only. Craft corner and singing
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Daventry District
Monkey Mayhem: 9:30 - 13:00 Adventure World Soft Play: 13:00 - 17:30
12:00 - 14:00; Sarah - 01604 686778 Free drink with every panini order!
Woodford Halse Surestart Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 10:00 - 11:30; Free 01327 264809 Mthy drop in for special needs children + carers
THURSDAYS
Brixworth Olive Shoots Tots Group
Brixworth Library, Spratton Road 10:00 - 11:30, £1 per family; 0-3 yrs.; Term only Margaret & John - 01604 646300
Byfield Byfield Toddler Group
Daventry Leisure Ctre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP. 01327 871144 AW: £1.65 under 5s; MM: 6-18 mths: £1.45, 18 mths+: £2.90 Soft play fun! Inflatables and frame equipment
Moulton Yoga for Pregnancy
The Old Cart Barn, NN6 9BB 18:30 - 20:00; £48 for 6-week course Lizzy Giles: 07950 573719 Physical & emotional pregnancy support
Two or More Group (Twins+)
The Acorns Centre, The Grange School, Staverton Rd, NN11 4HW 9:15 - 11:30, once a month; Free Liz: 07881911464, Jo: 01327700459 Bump-3yr. Once a month - call for details plse.
Hypno-Birthing Introduction Class
Pitsford, near Moulton, Northampton 20:00 - 20:45; free Gill Blayney - 01604 643356 Free introductory Hypno-Birthing class.
Long Buckby Long Buckby Rhymetime
Overstone Aqualight Swimming
Long Buckby Library, Station Road, NN6 7QB 14:45-15:15, 2nd & 4th Fri of mth; Free singing sessions. Termtime only.
Overstone Park, Northampton 9:45 - 11:15; Book as 11-wk term Emmaline Kitson - 01604 830405 30-min swim classes for 6m-3yrs. Book!
Byfield Village Hall, Byfield, NN11 10:00 - 11:30am
Daventry Rhythm Time
United Ref. Church, Foundry Place, NN11 4AA 9:45 - 11:30; Prebook by term or 1/2 term Judith: 01327 844272 Fun, educational music classes for 0-5s.
Bawlers and Crawlers NCT Tots
Rugby Rugby Breastfeeding Cafe
Staverton Staverton Mums & Tots
Claremont Children’s Centre, Claremont Road, Rugby, CV21 3LU 12:00 – 14:00; Rosie - 07772 280302
Weedon Breastfeeding Baby Cafe
Townsend Memorial Hall, Church St, Clifton Upon Dunsmore 9:30 - 10:10 & 10:30 - 11:10; Fiona Bayliss - 0844 5781017 Music sessions for 0-5s. Book a taster!
Staverton Village Hall, Croft Lane , NN11 6JE 10:30 - 12:00
Music Bugs
Ickle People’s Resource Centre, Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP Thurs: 10:30 - 12:00; £1.50 Clare - 07753 841527 For 0 - 2s. Small, friendly group.
The Village Hall, West Street, NN7 4PQ Thurs: 10:30 - 12:30; Free; 01327 264809 Breastfeeding support drop in group
Smoking in Pregnancy Group
Welton Village Hall 9:45 - 11:15 Baby & toddler group for 0 – 4s
Monkey Mayhem: 9:30 - 13:00 Adventure World Soft Play: 15:00-17:30
Special Needs Group: 10:00-12:00 (mthly) Adoption Support Group: 15:30-17:00 (mthly) Woodford Halse Children’s Centre Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809 10:00 - 12:00, Once a mth - call for day Free drop in session
Daventry Sure Start Centre, 14 Benbow Close. 9:30 - 12:30; Free; 01327 313861 Information for mums-to-be who smoke
Daventry Leisure Ctre, Lodge Road, NN11 4FP. 01327 871144 AW: £1.65 under 5s; MM: 6-18 mths: £1.45, 18 mths+: £2.90 Soft play fun! Inflatables and frame equipment
East Haddon East Haddon Toddler Group
The Pavilion, East Haddon Playing Fields, (turning opp. Red Lion Pub) 10:00 - 11.30; £1.50 per family Melissa - 01604 770024
Weedon Stay ‘n’ Play
Welton Welton Toddler Group
Piglets of Weedon, Bridge Street, NN7 4PN 13:30 - 15:00; Free; 01327 264809 0 - 5s. Drop in group.
Buggy Walk
Woodford Halse
FRIDAYS
Eydon Music with Mummy
United Ref. Church, Foundry Place, NN11 4AA 10:30 - 11:00; Prebook by term or half-term Judith: 01327 844272 Fun, educational music classes for 0 - 5s.
Great Brington Brington Mums & tots
The Reading Rooms, Great Brington, NN7 4JB 9:30 – 12:00; £2; Lucy – 07779 646074 For 0 – 4s. In holidays too!
Hellidon Active Baby Company Swimming
Hellidon Lakes Golf & Spa Hotel, Priors Marston Rd, NN11 6GG 14:00 – 17:00; Book as 6-wk term Denise - 01604 826066 30-min swim classes for 8m-5yrs. Book!
Kelmarsh Parent & Tots Group
Nagarjuna Centre Cafe, Kelmarsh, NN6 9LZ
In the Water
Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, NN11 Sat + Sun, 9 - 17:30; £1.65 under 5s 01327 871144 Please call to check open on weekends
Daventry Rhythm Time
Daventry Tatty & Baby Bumpkins: 12:30 - 15:00 Baby/Toddler Music: 9:30-11:30
Rhyme Time & Story Time
10:30: Rhymetime; 11:00:Storytime Daventry Library, North Street; 01327 703130 1st Sat of month
Stars Autism Support Group
Sure Start Centre, 14 Benbow Close, NN11 4JP Free; 01327 313861; Please book!
Dads Drop in Sessions
Abbey Centre, Market Square, NN11 4BH 13:30 - 15:00; Free; Rose: 01327 313861
Breastfeeding Support Group
Family Morning with H/V: 9:00 - 11:30
Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU; 01327 264809 Free drop in group
Daventry Adventure World Soft Play
Brixworth Library, Spratton Road 9.45 - 10.20; Free; Jill - 01604 882153 Free singing session. Termtime only
2 Blacksmiths Lane, Eydon, NN11 3PF 10.00 - 10:30; £24.00 for a 6 week term Jill Darlow: 01327 260436 A lively approach to music for four and unders
Woodford Halse
Woodford Halse Children’s Centre
WEEKENDS
Brixworth Brixworth Rhymetime
Everdon Everdon Parent & Toddler Group
Everdon Village Hall, NN11 13:00 - 15:00 : £1 per family Alison: 01327 361811 Building to right of church on main road.
Starting from Weedon Village Hall 9:30 - 11:00; Free; 01327 264809 Gentle exercise out in the fresh air. Drop in.
Daventry & South Northants Family Centre, Staverton Road, NN11 4EY 10:00 – 12:00, 2nd Sat of mth Mandy - 07531 235528 Free support group for carers of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Woodford Halse Dads/Grandads/Uncles Morning
United Reformed Church, Foundry Place, (next door to Dorothy Perkins) 12:00 - 14:00; 01327 313861 Breastfeeding drop in with Hlth Visitors
Woodford Halse Children’s Centre, Scrivens Hill, NN11 3SU 10:00 - 12:00; Free; Plse Book: 01327 264809 One Saturday p/month - please call for details
Hunny Bees
The Family Centre, Staverton Rd 10:00 - 12:00; Free Sally (H/V) - 01327 708819 Group for under 5s with special needs
Singing & Signing
Physical Fun
Arts & Crafts
For Pregnancy
41
Daily Activity Planner
Woodford Halse Special Needs Group
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Directory
Find It Quick 42 Baby Signing Classes 42 Beauty 42 Business Opportunities 43 Child & Baby Shops 43 Clothes & Shoes 44 Equipment & Furniture 44 Gymnastics & Physical Play 44 Health & Wellness 44 - 46 Indoor Play Centres 46 Information & Support Services 46
Arts & Crafts
Music Classes Nurseries & Childcare Photographers Parties & Entertainment Performance Arts Pregnancy & Birth Preschools Sure Start Children’s Centres Swimming Classes Sports Classes Unique Products & Gifts
46 - 47 47 - 49 49 - 50 49 49 50 - 51 51 - 52 52 52 - 53 52 53
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Arts & Crafts
Baby Signing Classes Little Signers Club
Kingsthorpe, Grange Park, Hardingstone & Weedon Tel: 07816 484851 e: angie@littlesignersclub.co.uk Website: www.littlesignersclub.co.uk Tots love our interactive classes, bringing signs to life!
Beauty The Style Lounge Hairdressers
Tel: 01604 722224 Address: The Basement, Barratt House, Kingsthorpe Rd, Northampton, NN2 6HT Contemporary, spacious, child-friendly hairdresser See full advert & special offers on page 14
42
Check the Special Offers centre pages to get great deals from many of these businesses
Talking Tots - Business Opportunity
Want to help children talk and become confident? Fun classes for 1-5 year olds and parties Tel: 07757 231711 www.talkingtots.info
Child & Baby Shops Pink & Blue Baby World
Child & Baby Shops
Address: 58 High Street, Daventry, NN1 4HU Tel: 01327 705900 Website: www.pinkandbluebabyworld.com Everything you need from maternity to toddler. See full advert on page 27
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Business Opportunities
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Clothes & Shoes
Equipment & Furniture Cushi Tush - “The perfect babysitter” Website: www.cushitush.co.uk Paediatrician-approved, award winning babyseat See full advert on page 24
Equipment & Furniture
Shanticot - The Bunkcot Company Tel: 01202 759401 Email: info@shanticot.co.uk Website: www.shanticot.co.uk Versatile Bunkcots for newborn to 6 years old. See full advert on inside front cover
Gymnastics & Physical Play
Dragonswood - Wooden Resources Tel: 07831 635802 Website: www.dragonswood.co.uk Expert designs to encourage children, made of wood. See full advert on inside back cover
Gymnastics & Physical Play
Health & Wellness The Maple Tree Clinic 1 Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, NN4 0RZ Tel: 01604 765880 E: info@themapletreeclinic.com Website: www.themapletreeclinic.com A multi-disciplinary clinic for complementary therapies
See full advert on page 12
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Health & Wellness
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Health & Wellness Back at Ease - Osteopathy & Pilates The Brook Health Centre, Towcester Tel: 07880 750258 E: info@back-at-ease.com Website: www.back-at-ease.com See full advert on page 22
Indoor Play Centres
Indoor Play Centres
Information & Support Services Families Information Service
Tel: 01604 237935 email: earlyyears@northamptonshire.gov.uk www.northamptonshire.childrensservicedirectory.org.uk Free Information and advice on childcare and family services
See full advert on page 30
Music Classes Musical Monkeys - Entertainment & refreshments
Silverstone Pavilion, Church St., Silverstone, NN12 8XA 10:30-11:30am every Thursday. Contact Vanessa Smith Tel: 07917 683330 e: nessie_king@yahoo.co.uk Music, parachute, bubbles, stickers, drinks & cakes!
Rhythm Time
Classes in Duston, Kingsthorpe, Long Buckby, Daventry on Mon, Wed, Thurs & Friday. Contact Judith Leach. Tel: 01327 844272 w: http://rhythmtime.net Fun educational music classes from babies to school-age.
46â&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A;
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The Directory
Music Classes
Music with Mummy
Jill Darlow, 2 Blacksmiths Ln, Eydon, NN11 3PF Wednesday: 10.30am & 2.00pm, Thursday: 10.00am Tel: 01327 260436 e: jill_nige@msn.com 4 mths - 4 yrs pre-school music education programme
The Pre-School Music Group (Est. 1992)
Towcester Methodist Church, Brackley Rd, NN12 6DH Separate Groups for babies, toddlers and over 3s Classes: Tues/Thurs, Tel: Linda 01327 830744 Fun, 30-min morning sessions to explore and create music.
Nurseries & Childcare
Akeley Wood School
Address: Wicken Park, Milton Keynes, MK19 6DA t: 01280 812000 | w: www.akeleywoodschool.co.uk Brand new nursery facility for children from 12 mths See full advert on page 8
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Nurseries & Childcare
48â&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A;
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Parties & Entertainment Miss Tickle Magic Children’s Entertainer
Alison Williams, 43 Oaklands, Bugbrooke, NN7 3QU Tel: 01604 831483 / 07915 699322 Website: www.missticklemagic.co.uk Children’s Parties Silly Magic, Balloons and lots of fun!
Performance Arts Stagecoach Daventry & Rugby
Enrolling now for drama and classes! tel: 01295 760056 | w: www.stagecoach.co.uk/rugby If they can walk, talk & run, they can act, sing & dance. See full advert on page 21
Photographers (more on next page)
Photographers (more on next page)
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Nurseries & Childcare
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Pregnancy & Birth
NCT Northampton
Classes: Ante-natal and Parent & Tots Groups Tel: 0844 2436230 e: nctnorthampton@yahoo.co.uk Charity providing support for new and to-be parents NEARLY NEW SALE! SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2010!
50
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Pregnancy & Birth
Preschools Towcester Scout Hall Preschool
Open: Mon - Friday, Mornings and Lunch clubs too Add: Baden Powell Crescent, Towcester, NN12 6DS 07890 525116 | contact@towcesterscouthallpreschool.co.uk Established, friendly preschool in the heart of Towcester
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Preschools
Sports Classes
The UK!s first rugby specific play programme for young children Rugbytots® is a weekly play session for children between the ages of two and seven. Separated into three age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme designed to enhance your child!s social and physical skills.
foundations which will enable them to progress with confidence. All Rugbytots® classes are fully insured and will be run by an RFU qualified lead coach who is trained in paediatric first aid and has been CRB checked.
Whether the next step for your child is mini-rugby or ballet, Rugbytots® aims to provide the
For further information please call
08453 133 254 gemma@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk
Sure Start Children’s Centres
Swimming Classes
Brackley Library Children’s Centre
Address: Manor Rd, Brackley, NN13 6AJ Tel: 01280 841674 Website: www.brackleylibrary.childrencentre.org See full advert on Page 38
Daventry East Children’s Centre
Address: 14 Benbow Close, Daventry, NN11 4JP Tel: 01280 841674 e: daventrysurestart@northants.nhs.uk See full advert on Pages 4 - 5
Swimming Classes Aqualight Babies: Swimming & Baby Yoga
Classes: All week across Northampton t: 01604 830405 e:info@aqualightbabies.co.uk Website: www.aqualightbabies.co.uk Teaching babies with respect, love and knowledge. See full advert on page 33
Little Turtle Swim Company
Classes: Towcester, Stony Stratford & Milton Keynes t: 01908 543384 e: zara@littleturtleswimcompany.co.uk Website: www.littleturtleswimcompany.co.uk Teaching babies with respect, love and knowledge. See full advert on page 7
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Check the Special Offers centre pages to get great deals from many of these businesses
Active Baby Company
Classes: Across Daventry, Towcester & Northampton t: 01604826066 e:denise@activebabycompany.co.uk Website: www.activebabycompany.co.uk Progressive & tailored baby swimming for all ages See full advert on page 17
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Swimming Classes
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Out & About
Indoor Activities for Parent & Child this Autumn
The Baby & Child Show: Sunday 10th October This Autumn,Toddle About is once again sponsoring a real shopping treat for parents in Northants. Due to popular demand, The Baby & Child Show is returning to the Towcester Racecourse once again for a day of advice, entertainment, shopping and fun! They always line up a fantastic and varied array of exhibitors for families to browse and enjoy, with demonstrations from many throughout the day. There is a café area serving home-cooked food and, of course, changing facilities are available so you really can enjoy a full day there, no matter how old
your children are. As an exciting first for the show, Pink & Blue Baby World in Daventry have teamed up with Mamas & Papas and Stokke to provide a thorough and unbiased pushchair and travel system trial and advice area. With exclusive show-only offers and all the leading brands available, you will be able to get tailored advice and ‘try before you buy’ to make sure you are making the right purchase for your family. You can beat the queue by pre-booking a private demonstration too. Contact Pink & Blue on 01327 705900. Other than that, you will find children’s entertainers, activity companies, books, games, toys and much more. It is definitely recommended for a fun day out and a great way to start your Christmas shopping! You can also pre-book your entry ticket at the discounted price of just £1 by visiting www.informexhibitions.co.uk.
Review:
Rugrats & Half Pints This Autumn, Rugrats & Half Pints in Banbury invited Toddle About to review their indoor play centre, for better or for worse, and we’re pleased to say it was for better! We took our two daughters aged 18 months and 3 years and we had a wonderful time. If you are looking for an indoor play centre with something a little bit extra, then you need look no further. Our girls loved everything Rugrats has to offer. They climbed on the frame apparatus, rolled in the ball pit, slid down the slide, jumped on the trampoline and dressed up in the ample Wendy house. But nothing quite beat the carefully designed baby sensory area for us. A generous portion of the building has been reserved for the extra little ones, away from the charging toddlers and older children. There, your under 3s can explore a soft maze and crawl through tunnels with beautiful LED lights and mirrors. There are also some lovely, interactive features that the children can enjoy, such as musical steps on the floor, a bubble tube which changes colour at the press of a button and a starlit sensory chamber with soft bass-heavy music playing through the floor to titillate the toddlers with its vibrations! It really is worth a visit, even if it’s a bit of a drive for you. (The cafe will serve you lunch for a longer stay!) Rugrats & Half Pints is on Beaumont Rd, in Banbury. See advert on p. 46)
54 Read more reviews and see more pictures at www.toddleabout.co.uk
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