Out and about with our tot.

Planning California with a 3-year-old, teen, 70 something and in between... PT. 1

2012-01-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven’t been around for a wee while, so much to do with so little time...

We are now into the plans for our trip to California in May. Mild panic has set in as we haven’t booked any accommodation, hired our car, or planned where we are going when we get there - but we are going - all 7 of us! Ages 3, 18, 22, 40, 46, 62 and 73 J

So I will blog as I did for our New Zealand trip with my findings and resources along the way...

Twitter is great... I follow Matt @Landlopers who has been able to put me in touch with other Tweeters who may be able to help with our plans as they have first-hand experience of California. These are not child-friendly advisors but know the areas! Here are their websites:

http://landlopers.com/

http://spencer-spellman.com/

http://vagabond3.com

Tas, this ones for you! x

Our basic plan is to fly into San Fransico and out from Los Angeles our loves between us are, in no particular order; wine, extreme typography, music, history, sun, beaches, adventure, food, films, water, trains, Disney and Robert Pattinson – the latter meeting is a must for my daughter, I think she may be the only one slightly disappointed! L but she can dream (she is the 22 year old)

So now you know what we are looking for in a holiday, I will let you know how many of the list we get to tick on our family adventure...

Today I am working on a basic itinerary – will post it when done, any help and advice along the way greatly received...

Braving the January sales with toddler in tow – Westfield Stratford toddlercar

2012-01-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have to confess to not really being a very patient shopper. I generally don’t like trawling around the shops even when I have money to spend and am an ‘in, choose and out’ kinda girl. I know what I like and what suits me so shopping is usually a quick trip unless I am with my husband. He is the opposite extreme – he browses, tries on, contemplates, leaves the shop, browses some more, tries on more, contemplates more – you get the picture!

So when he said ‘shall we go to the new Westfield in Stratford between Christmas and New Year - and my 21 year old daughter (who usually babysits my toddler when i have to shop with hubby) said she can come too – my heart really sunk! Not only was I going with an indecisive hubby, shopaholic daughter but had to take our 2 year old too on one of the busiest shopping days of the year!

I really shouldn’t have worried, the whole experience was much better than expected. We arrived early to beat the crowds at 9.30 and, thanks to the fantastic cars to hire for toddlers, were able to shop for 3 hours (with a coffee break in between). This has never been heard of before in our household and we didn’t even have to use the soft play area to placate Freddie. We all came back with some bargain sale items and Freddie got an Olympics double decker red bus for being an absolute star!!

Kiddy Cars are available on the lower ground floor and cost £5 to hire, well worth every penny in my book! Children must be over 12 months and no taller than 104cm. The flags also help if you split up for a while as they stick out in the crowds. You do need to arrive early to secure one as they seem to be quite popular as when we returned ours at 1.30 they were all out...

Westfield Stratford has lots of services for families with babies, toddlers and children under 5 including:

Parent rooms throughout the complex offering changing facilties, play areas, child size toilets and sinks, private areas for feeding and microwave. There are also tv’s for older children. Playworld – areas for play, wristbands for children with child safety hotline and kids club – visit their website for more details

http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/kids/kids-services

Stone painting - probably the perfect craft activity for our tot!

2011-12-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

Freddie loves arts and crafts but like most 2 year olds has a very short attention span so the activity today of making festive stones for his teachers was perfect for him. The mixture of going out and searching, washing, painting and sprinkling meant it ticked many boxes for a great days activity. And he managed to do everything himself which was a first!

In the morning we went out stone hunting, Freddie picked them all himself and they varied in size, shape and colour.

We got home, had a snack and then set about washing them in Fairy Liquid and dried them off with an old towel. He especially liked the sound they made when they clanked together!

Next we glazed them with a mixture of PVA glue and water and left them to dry. This meant Freddie could get back to his train set followed by lunch!

After his afternoon nap the stones were ready to paint. He specifically didn't want the undersides of the stones painted which thankfully meant not too much mess :)

By the time the last one was painted the first one was ready for a sealing of glue and so it went on until all the stones had a glupey seal, he then sprinkled glitter and stars and again we left them to dry while we had dinner and played a few games.

Once dried he chose which ones to give to his teachers (the others are for special family and friends) and I helped him wrap them in tissue paper.

We had a great day today and he really was proud of his art...

The Snowman - Peacock Theatre - A must for families wanting to share a little bit of warmth this Christmas!

2011-12-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

We set off early for our outing to The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre in Holborn with fingers crossed that Freddie wouldn’t have a meltdown due to the lack of sleep we had all had the night before. Another story for another time...

We needn’t have worried as his favourite thing ever – Trains! – set him off in high spirits, the train was on time too which helped!

We arrived at the theatre and after purchasing a flashing snowman made our way to our fantastic seats in the 3^rd row of the stalls , but I would think most seats would be good as the Peacock Theatre is quite intimate as far as London theatres go.

The show opens with a wonderful curtain of snow and the young boy, James, waking in his bed – the story that follows is both magical and festive and, much to the surprise of my hubby, had every child and adult in the house transfixed for an hr and 50 minutes, from toddlers to grannies and grandpas.

The music, costumes, stage and choreography is perfect and what you would expect from a production linked to Sadler's Wells and offered clever distractions throughout the show for any toddlers or youngsters who might have been bored.

Many fantastic characters join James and The Snowman on their adventure to the North Pole including dancing foxes, badgers, rabbits, more snowmen, Jack Frost and of course Father Christmas.

Freddie hasn't stopped asking to see ‘the boy’ again even though we keep telling him the show is called ‘The Snow Man’ which just shows how powerful a production can be when the only non costumed character sticks in a 2 year olds head!

A must for families wanting to share a little bit of warmth at Christmas we loved it!

For more details and tickets visit the Salder's Wells website

The Enchanted Christmas House – Freddie's 1st Santa visit didn't quite go to plan!

2011-11-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Enchanted Christmas House is located in the London Art House in Islington. This magical wonderland offers children from 18months to 9 years + a festive treat to remember.

Our visit was booked for 10.30 and Freddie was very excited to be meeting Father Christmas to ask him for a “choo choo twain and tea pot” but when he actually came face to face with the man in red it was a different story...

Once you arrive you are taken through to the Garden of Winter Wonder, an area full of Christmas trees and fairy lights with various areas for imaginative play including; a puppet theatre, a mini bouncy castle, the seaside, karaoke, drums and an area with lots of role play toys such as a dolls house, cooker, .....

Freddie could have spent hours here! Video here: Snow not included!

The show begins on a small stage and offers a theatrical experience from here on with a host of Christmassy characters from Mrs Christmas, Father Christmas and his elves to Aladdin and a rubber duck! These characters and more appear from time to time throughout the rest of the journey.

The first room we were taken to was the Elves Workshop where Freddie made a Christmas tree and other festive decorations, at one point a large white rabbit entered the room and Freddie was for the first time ever not scared of a person in a furry suit! He enjoyed the renditions of Sleeping Bunnies especially when the giant bunny went to sleep right next to him!

Soon we were off to the Gingerbread kitchen, a wonderfully decorated room with enormous sweets and candies adorning the ceilings and walls. Freddie just had to decorate two gingerbread men with coloured icing, balls and sweets and half way through this was summoned to Santa...

We shot down the stairs with Mrs Claus and as we arrived Freddie stopped in his tracks, Santa sat in a wonderful grotto surrounded by lots of presents and snow but Freddie froze. All of his words had disappeared and he wouldn’t go within 4 feet of Father Christmas! Father Christmas took it all in his stride and chatted away and gave an early pressie to Freddie. His first meeting with Santa was a memorable one even if it didn’t go according to plan!

Back to the Gingerbread Kitchen for a few more songs and fun and then we ventured off to Aladdin’s Cave singing a “walking, running, hopping, stopping” song along the way. Freddie began to loosen up and sing and hop along too... However, in Aladdin’s cave he spied the Duplo and that was it! He did join in the treasure hunt briefly but the theatrical experience had left the building for him as his second favourite toy was on offer! Every other child in the room joined in the fun as Aladdin summoned up a variety of characters by rubbing his lamp...

So to the finale and a mini stage show featuring all the characters from the day along with some new characters with songs, dancing and lots of audience participation which our little chap thoroughly enjoyed along with every other child!

After 2 1/2 hours of fun everyone was offered some food which included meatballs, pasta, houmos, carrot sticks, pitta bread, very yummy cakes, chocolate and satsumas with a variety of drinks including water, juices, tea, coffee and a mulled wine which was actually rather good!

The venue is ideal for an enchanted festive treat with each room wonderfully decorated. The staff were very friendly and attentive and the acting was good too.

We had a great time but now for the crunch, a ticket will set you back £49 per person with a family of four ticket costing £159 (a saving of £37) and under 18 months go free. Is it worth it? There are certainly a lot of hands needed to make the event work so I can see where the cost goes and £49 for the little ones is definitely worth its ticket price – the question is whether the price tag is justified for the adults, probably not and so I would suggest to get more for your money go take a couple of kids along with one adult rather than a couple of adults to a child.

Since writing this the Enchanted House people are offering half price tickets to adults of for 3rd and 4th December...

Cost aside the whole experience was fantastic for children and every child in the place had a wonderful time. Freddie fell asleep on the way home clinging to his present from Father Christmas the whole way...

For more details and dates visit The Enchanted ChristmasHouse website.

Santa's Grottos in Hertfordshire

2011-11-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Father Christmas is busy popping up at various locations throughout Hertfordshire from shopping centres to family parks, here is a list of a few we thought you might enjoy... if you want to see our list for London click here London Santa Grottos

Paradise Wildlife Park – FREE to season ticket holders

Broxbourne

Every weekend from 26th November and then daily from Monday 19th December.

11.30am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

£4 per child to receive a present from Santa in his Grotto!

Website: http://www.pwpark.com/index.html

Willows Farm Village

St Albans

Santa's Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun

23rd November - 24th December 2011
10am - 5.30pm - last entry 4pm (Closes 4pm Christmas Eve - last entry 2.30pm)

Website : http://www.willowsfarmvillage.com/explorewillows/currentevent.html

Van Hague - FREE

Great Amwell

Santa’s Grotto

Every weekend from Saturday 19th November to 11th December
Every day from Wednesday 14th December to Saturday 24th December
9am to 6pm Monday - Saturday, 10am -5pm Sunday

Van Hague are also doing a special tea with Santa see website for more details

Website; https://www.vanhage.co.uk/events

Hitchin Garden Centre

Father Christmas at a Winter Wonderland

£7 per child includes a FREE magical journey through a 'Winter Wonderland', a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto, a gift and an 'I've seen Father Christmas' badge.

A charge of £1.50 will be made for each adult accompanying a child to visit Father Christmas.

Website: http://www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/christmas/father-christmas-grotto

Harpenden

Santa’s Grotto with the Christmas Carnival on Sunday Nov 27^th

Website: http://www.harpendia.com/Xmas_Carnival.html

Notcuts Garden Centre

St Albans

Santa’g Grotto and book to have tea with the man himself

Through to Christmas eve.

Website: http://www.notcutts.co.uk/Information/Garden-Centres/St-Albans/C

Harlequin Shopping Centre

Watford

Santa will be taking up residence inside the workings of his snow ride ‘The Super Duper Looper’ and will be receiving guests from Friday 11th November. All visitors will have the opportunity to experience a ride on Santa’s 3D roller coaster, and little visitors can meet the man himself and get a lovely wrapped gift

Website http://www.theharlequin.uk.com/Whats-on/Events/Santas-Grotto

Santa’s Grottos in other Shopping centres

The Galleria - Hatfield

Westgate Shopping Centre – Stevenage

And a little further afield...

Stotfold Watermill

Bedford

Christmas at Stotfold Mill 26th & 27th November 2011

10:30am - 5:00pm. Visit Santa in his grotto. Mince pies and mulled wine in the Tea Room. Gifts for sale. Free entry.

Website: http://www.stotfoldmill.com/events.php?pg=index.php

Mead Open Farm

Bedford

Santa Land

Santa and his elves will be in residence from 26^th November through to 23^rd December

Website: http://www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland- A Toddlers View

2011-11-22T00:46:00.000-08:00

We headed off to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland for the opening night on Friday with our 2 ½ year old. It was an all-round toddler Winner!

The Park is filled with wonder and excitement, whatever you are looking for, from shows, to rides, to eateries ,bars, shops and market stalls it really does spark a bit of Christmas spirit. It is open 10m -10pm through to January 3^rd, except for Christmas day.

We parked in the park itself and headed off in the dark for a stroll along the Serpentine. In the distance the sky was illuminated by the park’s Giant Observation Wheel which reminded me of a large snow flake. As soon as Freddie clapped eyes on it he was on a mission in the right direction for once! As we got nearer, his mouth opened wider at this enormous wheel. Like most toddlers he has a thing for wheels and this was the biggest and brightest he had ever seen.

On entering the park from this end you are greeted, much to his delight, with a huge static stream train and an old fashion organ. The giant talking tree received a different reaction as he is a little scary in the dark!

The whole park is very well laid out although I am not sure how it would fair when too busy. To give Freddie a little more freedom we attached his backpack and lead which was a god send as we didn’t need to worry about hands – which are not fashionable in toddler world for Freddie at the moment.

The must visit ride for him was “Santa’s Flying Sleigh”- his first ever roller coaster experience was a memory to behold and his dad and big brother enjoyed it too. Second on the list was Santa’s Workshop, an even smaller roller coaster which Freddie went on by himself and lots of traditional roundabouts where the London bus was a firm favourite.

By the giant wheel you will find Santa Land, a wonderland for children; it is surrounded by the Santa Express, a miniature railway line with the only access being via a bridge or over the railway’s crossroads. In this area there are lots of activities for young children, an inflatable snow man bouncy castle, mini carousels and fairground rides, hook a Santa game, Elves workshop and Father Christmas himself who is free to visit between 10am and 6pm.

If you are looking for a little getaway, head to the fantastic Speigel tent which offered a relaxing atmosphere, food, drinks and highchairs and had a live jazz band when we were there – this is a great brief escape from the busy lights and music outside.

There is plenty to do for families with pre-school children, but away from a toddlers view for a minute, it will cost a fair bit. If your toddler is happy to soak up the Christmas atmosphere with you and maybe go on one or two rides then it’s an all-round toddler winner! However if you have a little one who wants to do everything he sees be prepared to dent your wallet. In Santa Land (an area specifically for the younger audience) Hook a Santa costs £3 a go! Ok you win a prize every-time but if you have more than one child it is pretty expensive.

Taking the cost aside the experience is a festive pleasurable one and we managed to lose over 3 hrs here. Our toddler had three expressions throughout the whole time, mouth open, squealing with delight and grinning from ear to ear.

More details can be found on their website – if you want to avoid the queues you can pre –book the circus, giant wheel and ice skating.

Most of Winter Wonderland is level for buggies with only gentle inclines. There are baby changing facilities at various disabled toilets around the site.

Visit Tot Friendly for more family days out suitable for babies and toddlers

Where to visit Santa in London 2011

2011-11-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

Father Christmas has set up his grotto in some wonderful places throughout London with a couple of special places just outside!

Whether you are looking to visit for santa while shopping,or a special festive experience, London has it covered. Here is a list of some of our favourite santa grottos in London this year - with a few added extras...

Kew Gardens

Father Christmas will be in his twinkling woodland grotto in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Once in the gardens a visit to Santa is free.

10^th – 23^rd December

http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/christmas/christmas-activities/index.htm

WWT London Wetland Centre

Winter Wonderland Weekend takes place 3^rd – 4^th December. Not only is Father Christmas ready to meet and greet in his grotto you can see some gorgeuous working husky dogs and children 8 years and under can experience a real sleigh ride!

Christmas wouldn't be the same without a visit to meet Father Christmas. Visit him in his twinkling woodland grotto in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/arundel/things-to-see-and-do/events-calendar/2011/12/03/winter-wonderland-weekend/

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

In it’s 5^th year the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers fun for all ages with rides and activities for all the family. Entry to the park is free as well as a visit to Santa in his grotto. Take a little money for rides and shopping!

From 18^th November

http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

Santa’s Secret Village

Tucked away amongst the shops and cafe’s of Gabriel’s Wharf next to the river on the South Bank in London you will find Santa’s Secret Village. Shows last 30 minutes and start on December 10^th through to December 23^rd.

http://www.santas-secret-village.co.uk/

Westfield London and Westfield Stratford

This Christmas is truly going to be special at Westfield London. Westfield's free Grotto is the UK's first to have a 5D film and each child's name and picture will feature in the film, as Elbow the Elf saves Christmas.

From 19^th November – 24^th December

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Westfield-London-Santas-Grotto-tickets/artist/1653264

Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands

Traditional Victorian Christmas Grotto in Sailortown.

From 10^th December to 23^rd December

http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/London-Wall/Whats-on/Events/eventDetails.htm?eventID=3225

ZSL London Zoo

Santa will be in his Reindeer lodge complete with magical grotto with elves on hand to take pictures and capture the moment.

26^th – 27^th November

3^rd – 4^th December

10^th – 11^th December

17^th – 24^th December

http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/

Canary Wharf

Santa’s Grotto – a spectacular sleigh pulled by two giant reindeer and filled with glittering presents arrives on Saturday 3^rd December with Santa in residence every weekend and the final week before Christmas

£1 donation in aid of Richard House Children’s Hospice

http://www.canarywharf.com/visitus/Arts--Events1/Events/Santas-Grotto/

Greenwich Christmas Market Grotto

Father Christmas can be found at the Greenwhich Christmas Market from 30^th November

http://www.shopgreenwich.co.uk/

The Enchanted Christmas House

The enchanted Christmas House in Islington offers a magical experience with lots of festive activities and a meeting with the elves as well as Santa himself.

http://www.christmas.enchantedhouse.net/images/stories/dec11.jpg

Lapland UK

Not just a meeting with Father Christmas but a whole Christmas experience in this award winning Christmas family.

http://www.laplanduk.co.uk

Selfridges

Embark on a snowy journey to see Santa, along the way you will be able to interact with the 3D wish fairy, play with snow balls, discover hidden items within the walls and play with the interactive floor.

19^th November until Christmas Eve

http://style.selfridges.com/whats-on/santa%E2%80%99s-winter-wonderland-selfridges-london

Hamleys

Join Santa and his elves for a yummy meal, heaps of fun and if you’ve been good all year a small gift to take home

Throughout December

http://www.hamleys.com/HAMLEYS_BREAKFAST_WITH_SANTA_%7C_Hamleys_Toys/HAMLEYS_BREAKFAST_WITH_SANTA,default,pg.html

John Lewis Competition

2011-11-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

John Lewis is one of our favourite shops, good quality and good prices too... We are lucky to have a John Lewis store just 15 minutes away and it is our first port of call for all our baby and toddler items. Freddie sleeps in a John Lewis toddler bed and I am in the process of making some curtains for his bedroom from their wonderful fabrics range, oh and he sleeps in the ‘walk in the park’ bed cover set. Their new 'Little Home' range is lovely...

So when they launched their new competition I was very excited at the thought of maybe winning something and saving a few pounds! Every day for 12 days you can watch a new video of some little darlings describing a gift and if you guess it correctly go into a draw to win it. At the end of the 12 days there is a final draw for an Ipad2 so worth a go...

Even if only to enjoy the videos as some of them are quite cute especially the outtakes ;)

Visit their website for details: John Lewis

If you are thinking of using John Lewis or Waitrose here are some key dates and a little info:
Free standard deliver over £30
order by 7pm for free next day delivery to John Lewis and over 80 Waitrose shops.
21st December last order 3pm
Clearance sale starts 6pm Christmas Eve - if you have time!!
and a facility we will be using - send gifts abroad, they deliver many of their products to over 30 countries - cut off date for Christmas is expected to be the 12th December...

Hertford Remembers...

2011-11-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

Today we went to our local memorial in Hertford on what was an unusually warm and sunny November morning to thank and remember those men and woman who both past and present are heroically dedicated to fighting our cause.

Embarrassingly I didn’t know that our memorial was also celebrating its 90^th birthday, I wonder how many people have gathered over the years, a mission to find some footage me thinks...

Freddie enjoyed the brass band and guard’s procession but didn’t quite manage to keep silent for the whole two minutes. Unfortunately we heard bins being emptied in the distance and so he repeatedly questioned ‘whatsss that mummy, whatshh that mummy?’

Freddie’s eyeline view not much fun until...

He was lifted onto Daddy's shoulders

Back to the day in hand, we wholeheartedly thank every service man and woman who has fought and does fight for a happy life for us, our children and generations to come...

Toddler Sniffles or a Full Moon...?

2011-11-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Last night saw both hubby and I struggle to get to sleep and once we were there we both had frantic vivid dreams and were restless all night. Freddie struggled too, after going to bed at 7.30 the first call was at 10pm, ‘mommy’s bed’, was the cry, daddy dear sorted and lulled him back off to sleep only to have to go through the whole procedure again at midnight. By 3am we gave in and let the little rascal sleep with us.

He was as restless as us, kicking and jumping in his sleep. I often dozed off only to find a foot in my face where he had made a 360 degree turn somehow without us knowing! At 6.45 he was raring to go.

The night was VERY strange, which made me look at the moon cycle – although it has never been scientifically proven I am convinced that a full moon ignites something in our brains which makes us restless – however it doesn’t affect my older 2 children aged 18 and 21 who slept like logs!

Freddie trotted off to his little 3 hr stint at pre-school with a few dark rings under his eyes followed by me with bags the size of golf balls!

12 O’clock pick up and he and I still looked like rubbish, but now he has a cold and a croaky voice. A bowl of soup, yogurt and cup of milk later and he was fading fast, with sniffles and a little temperature to boot – so Calpol and Vicks vapour rub to the rescue, a little of David Attenborough’s “Frozen Planet” – he loves the penguin scene – and now he is fast asleep...

Last night was a full moon so who knows what caused the night of restlessness moon or onset of a cold... next full moon due 10^th December next cold due ?

Miss Spider's Tea Party app for Iphone and Ipad (ideal toddler - pre-school app)

2011-11-09T03:25:00.000-08:00

Miss Spider’s Tea Party App for toddlers and pre-school children

based on bestselling Miss Spider children's books by David Kirk.

This wonderful story is brought to life with classy animations and vibrant colours. The app offers a world of choice for tots. Features include; ‘read’ mode with the option of narration with clever animation on every page activated by your tot; in ‘watch’ mode the story really comes to life in the form of a children’s film; ‘memory match game’ is a copy of the old fashioned pairs card game; ‘puzzle mode’ involves different puzzles which once completed become an animation; and last but not least ‘paint mode’ offers finger painting with no mess!

Review:
Firstly I would like to re-iterate that I am not a fan of excessive television watching or computer game playing but accept that in moderation they have their place...

We purchased this app before Freddie turned 2 as a prop for our trip to New Zealand. He loved it! The graphics are first class and there are lots of activities for all tastes. His favourite activities have continually changed at first it was the story followed by the puzzles and now he enjoys the match game - he still enjoys it now 7 months on so for us it was a good buy, we give it a 4/5 Tot Friendly thumbs up !

http://www.callaway.com/apps-miss_spiders_tea_party.html

Quinny Yezz & Moodd - Sneak previews of our findings at The Baby Show for Trade (October 2011)

2011-10-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

As we are looking for innovative products for a new tots holiday shop (coming soon...) we visited the Baby Show for Trade and found a couple of gems we wanted to share with you!

Quinny Yezz

Due to be launched sometime around spring 2012 is the fantastic (well we think it is fantastic!) Quinny Yezz. A compact ultra-lightweight folding pushchair with style... Designed using the latest technology and lightest materials it weighs a mere 5kg. It is made using glass fibre material combined with fabric used for parachutes and is strong and durable. The design is pretty funky too with many colours to choose from. It folds and unfolds using only one step and when folded has a handy shoulder strap so it can be carried on your shoulder leaving both hands free. It also lightly glides freely thanks to its skate wheels...

We think this buggy is the future for city travelling and great for hopping in and out of trains and busses but also perfect for travelling abroad. Suitable from 6 months – Mummy wants one of these!!!

Quinny Moodd Travel System

If you are looking for a travel system the new Quinny Moodd is both stylish and practical - suitable from birth. It folds at the push of a button and automatically unfolds in seconds. No more foot, click, hand pull etc... The Quinny Moodd offers 3 recline positions including lie-flat, in both forward or rear facing. The memory buttons on the black or white frame allow the seat to be removed using just one hand. This base can also be combined with the Maxi-Cosi infant car seat or Quinny Foldable Carry Cot. Plenty of wonderful colour options available too.

Keep your eyes open for the launch of the Qunny Moodd and Quinny Yezz at www.quinny.com

Bekonskot Model Railway and Village

2011-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we visited Bekonscot Model Village & Railway in Buckinghamshire and had a fantastic day.

We arrived kitted out for a full days adventure with picnic lunches to feed an army, but when we saw the modest entrance we thought we had made a mistake and that we would probably only last half an hour! four hours later we were still there just finishing a train ride. To be honest most families would probably get round in an hour but Freddie decided to pitch him-self at the first railway bridge and it took us over half an hour to coax him to the second!

Bekonscot is great fun for all but especially for little ones with 1.5 acres of miniature buildings, towns, railways, castles, and more to discover. They also have a playground next to the picnic areas, a miniature ride on railway and remote control boats.

The miniature village and models comprise of six little towns stuck in a 1930’s time warp. Each village has its own character and the tiny railway connects them all very cleverly with stations for the trains to stop and pick up passengers.

The highlight of the day for our 2+ year olds was definitely the Model Railway which has almost 10 scale miles of track (450 meters in real life) .

The paths can be a little narrow for passing especially with buggies.

If you have a morning or afternoon free it is worth a visit...

http://www.bekonscot.co.uk/

Visit our website for more toddler friendly days out

Science Museum, London

2011-08-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Science Museum, South Kensington

How fortunate we are to have so many free museums in our country, and good ones at that!

Last week our motley crew headed off for the day to the Science Museum in London. Our group of 2 dads, 2 mums, a 4 week-old baby and 2 two-year olds really put the exhibitions and facilities to the test!

We set off for the train just after rush hour which would have been enough for our toddlers who, like many boys, think trains are the bees knees! An hour and a half later we arrived at the Science Museum.

Upon entering we were greeted with a fantastic display of space objects including rockets, satellites and probes. A few oohs, ahhs and wows later (especially from the dads) we headed for the basement where 'The Garden' is located. Not to be mistaken with an outdoor area, The Garden is a hand’s on exploratory area for children.

As soon as we entered The Garden our boys immersed themselves in sensory overload for an hour plus. They were fully engrossed with lights, buttons, wobbly tables, a construction area, climbing frames and water tables!

Freddie's favourite was the water zone where after nearly half an hour of pumping pumps, floating boats and generally making a splash we had to move him on. The whole basement area caters well for families with children of all ages and offers a great place to park yourselves and enjoy lunch. Although there are teas, coffees and munchies on offer there are plenty of areas to enjoy a homemade lunch too which is great for the wallet.

After lunch we watched a show with bubbles (not the chimp but the blowy up ones) Freddie's first science class. Even though he didn't quite catch on that blowing them up with gasses lighter and heavier than air made an impact on whether they floated or sank he did enjoy it.

There is plenty to do for all ages with good facilities with tots in tow - we only touched the surface with our visit but it still gets a big Tot Friendly thumbs up from us...

Visit their website for times and events: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

In The Night Garden Live

2011-08-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

There are very few things in life that reward a parent more than seeing their child squeal with delight - 'In The Night Garden Live' hits the spot continuously...

We headed to Twickenham for the show which is an hr and a half journey for us. With two 2 year-olds we thought a showing at 3.15 would be perfect giving them their afternoon nap on the way. As most parents know kids always have their own ideas and sleep was the last thing on their mind. So we arrived at the show dome with the fear of a meltdown during the performance due to tiredness. But we needn't have worried, from the moment they saw the Pinky Ponk flying high they were in kiddie heaven!

When the first character came on stage (which in our show was Igglepiggle) our two chaps went onto another level of excitement (which soppily made me all emotional with the oh too often watery eyes, but that's another story...) From here on we went on a journey into the night garden with Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka, The Tombliboos, the teeny tiny Pontipines, the Ninky Nonk, the Pinky Ponk, the Hahoos and the Tittifers.

The show is very cleverly put together using a mixture of puppets, life costumes and projections which kept every child I could see absolutely captivated. During our performance Igglepiggle lost his blanket which kept popping up from time to time allowing for great audience participation and the relief on Freddie's face when Igglepiggle and blanket were reunited was priceless!

The In The Night Garden dome itself is a great venue idea with an intimate feel meaning that wherever you sit you are never far away from the characters. Within the dome there is a place to leave buggies, have coffee, toilets and baby changing facilities and at the end of the show if you are feeling affluent plenty of merchandise to buy too...

Freddie &; Finley after show!

There were children as young as a few months to five years plus so a real treat for In The Night Garden fans of all ages and you can even meet the characters.

Igglepiggle and friends are currently touring the UK and if your little one/s are In The Night Garden fans it really is not to be missed!

For details on venues and dates visit the website directly here:

http://www.nightgardenlive.com/ - In The Night Garden

Toddler Book Review - Caps For Sale

2011-05-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Title: Caps for Sale

Author: Esphyr Slobodkina

Freddie received this book for his second birthday. This very strange story is simple and a little absurd! First published in 1940 it has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and I am ashamed to say I had never read it before.

The story is of a peddler who walks around selling his caps, which are all balanced on his head. One day, unable to sell a cap he wanders out of town and rests by a tree where he falls asleep only to wake up without his caps on his head! He searches behind, in front and to the side of the tree and then above he sees that the tree is full of cap wearing monkeys!

He then attempts to get the caps back. I won’t spoil it by telling you if he does or not...

A great, if not slightly strange, little book I wish I had read it when I was younger! Buy it!

A snip from Amazon buy it here... Caps for Sale (Reading Rainbow Books)

THOUSANDS OF TODDLERS STEP OUT FOR BARNARDO’S – Is your toddler getting involved?!

2011-05-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Thousands of mums, dads and tots across the country are gearing up to take part in Barnardo’s Big Toddle 2011, the UK’s number one, national fundraising event for under-fives that last year saw more than half a million Toddlers taking part.

This years launch event held in Battersea Park Children’s Zoo saw hundreds of toddlers stepping out to complete a sponsored walk for the UK’s largest children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Actress and celebrity mum Natalie Cassidy kick started the event with baby daughter Eliza.

“We have had such fun today at the launch of Barnardo’s Big Toddle! It’s been incredible to see so many toddlers put their best foot forward to raise money for less fortunate children – those who Barnardo’s works with.
“I have to say the sight of hundreds of toddlers dressed in safari gear was just unforgettable! I had to explain to Eliza that the animals in the zoo were real – she thought they were all children in fancy dress!”

Singer of R&B band Damage Jade Jones is hoping to attend his local Toddle with three-year-old son Beau, sometime during the summer months. Jade says:

“As a dad myself, I know kids love the whole Toddle experience – getting sponsored by family and friends, doing the walk in fancy dress, getting a medal at the end... It’s a brilliant event and a great way to teach youngsters that there are other children out there who need our help.”

Barnardo's Big Toddle events take place throughout the summer months, and funds collected will support vital services provided by the UK’s largest children’s charity. These include projects for children with physical and learning disabilities, autism and behavioural problems.

This years theme is ‘safari’ so there is really something for everyone!

If you would like to get involved why not:

Hold a toddle at your local nursery, playgroup, pre-school

Join in one of Barnardo’s organised events taking part this summer throughout the UK

Host your own Toddle and maybe a party! With friends at the park or back garden

For more information either email me or visit the Barnardo’s website here.

If you are holding an event we would love to hear from you, we can add it to our Tot Friendly Calendar too.

Barnardo’s works with more than 100,000 children, young people and their families in 415 specialised projects in communities across the UK.

We believe in the potential in every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. Wewill support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.

Images: Matilda Egere Cooper

Lost and Found - DVD review

2011-05-11T01:08:00.000-07:00

I am neither ‘anti’ nor ‘pro’ television and accept it is part of our modern day culture, everything in moderation, as they say! My older children have been brought up on a good mixture of toys, books, outdoors, socialising and tv/DVDs as is my youngest Freddie who is now 2.

The latest addition to our collection is Lost And Found on DVD. When we watched it for the first time, the whole family, including Freddie, were transfixed.

Based on the best-selling children’s book by Oliver Jeffers, it is beautifully animated and tells the story of a boy who finds a penguin on his doorstep who he believes is lost and so decides to help him find his way home all the way to the South Pole. The story is narrated by Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent and the music is both moving and exhilarating. The running time is just under 25 mins. If you haven't had the pleasure of watching this then you are missing out. Whatever age you are!
'Nothing Short of Stunning' says The Times - I have to agree...

Lee Valley Boat Centre

2011-05-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

What a great morning we had at the Lee Valley Boat Centre. Apparently in a week you can cruise into London on one of their narrow boats however today we stuck with an hour and hired an electric ‘pleasure craft’.

After a couple of minutes instruction we were off, gently floating up the river. It wasn’t long before Freddie took the wheel and began steering the boat, right hand down we continued in tight circles for quite a few minutes... once we had prized his little fingers we were off again, nosing at the houses on the river bank and feeding any ducks brave enough to venture close to our boat. Not the cheapest morning out but worth the visit on occasions. For an hour we paid £17 and our boat would have taken 4 adults. All children are given life jackets to wear.

There are lots of different boats to hire, pedalos, passenger boats, day boats, 4, 5 and 7 seater electric boats, rowing boats and chalets. So whatever age your little ones are there is a boat to suit!

If you live in London it’s an easy train ride from Liverpool Street to Broxbourne station and the Boat Centre is just a few minutes walk.

Website http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk/en/content/cms/leisure/water_sports___activ/boat_centre/boat_centre.aspx

First 10 days in New Zealand with our toddler

2011-03-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog but here is a brief outline of our first few days. I have to say that Freddie has taken the whole trip so far in his stride and it has been much easier than anticipated. Full details of accommodation to follow soon...

You can see images of our trip on our Facebook page here

Day 1
Auckland

View from balcony

We arrived surprisingly upbeat following our 35 +hour journey (you can read up on it here). Hungry we headed out to an Italian restaurant for a quick bite to eat, at first Freddie was very well behaved but just as the food arrived turned into a terror tot! Unable to keep him entertained we took eating shifts with one walking along the quay with chap while the other ate.

We all went to bed at the same time but Freddie and I were fully awake by 2 am and both ate, and played for a couple of hours before crashing again while watching TV together. (the view also helped to pass some time, Fredie loved the boats and cars...)

Day 2

Freddie and I are fortunate to have Freddie’s older brother Kieran (my oldest son) on hand to help throughout our trip down under while Pierre (daddy and hubby) works long days buying wine! We took a day trip to Waiheke island, wasn’t a bad day out and Freddie enjoyed the boat journeys – again all went to sleep at the same time and Freddie woke at 2am we were so tired we succumbed to a little Calpol to help the sleep pattern kick in and we were asleep again by 3.

Day 3
Blenheim
Flew to Blenheim, was a very bad flight due to strong winds and had to land fast and hard, Freddie’s ears caused him lots of pain (was the first time he has had trouble with them). Our accommodation in Blenheim was on a vineyard and was wonderful. We stayed here for 3 nights. Freddie’s appetite by this time had gone and so we were having a struggle at every meal time. Over the next 3 days we were surprised he was already sleeping through the night, albeit mainly in our bed!

A good day out was Picton, we took a great walk along the Queen Charlotte Track at the Marlborough sounds, (there is also a shorter circular route at ???? if the Charlotte is a little too long). Picton is the gateway to the north Island, there are regular ferries to Wellington through the sounds, or you can explore the sounds by boat checking out the wildlife including dolphins. For a break from walking and water there is a nice little play area, children’s sail boat pond and railway for kiddies of all ages.

Day 7
Kaikoura

Today we took the couple of hours drive to Kaikoura. Not an awful lot to do here for toddlers, there is a nice peninsular walk and our chap delighted in the seal colony (coming face to face with one in a bush!). There are lots of opportunities to get close to whales, dolphins and Albatross but unfortunately under 3s not allowed). Daddy stayed shore-bound and baby-sat while we enjoyed the sea life. (Kaikoura should be pronounced Kye koda – meaning to eat Krayfish – one of their delicacies (I have always pronounced it Kye koura but this apparently means ‘eat feathers!’). I think the sleeping pattern is well and truly back to normal now.

Day 8
Lake Tekapo
Began our drive to Central Otago. (we were due to fly but changed our plans as I panicked about Freddie’s ears – will be checking them out once we arrive). We drove past Christchurch and to Lake Tekapo (took about 4 hrs). A good pit stop is Geraldine where there is a nice stream to walk along and park to let off a little tot steam. Spent the night at Lake Tekapo.

Day 9
Bendigo (central otago)
Finished our drive to Central Otago (3 1/3 hrs) – good pit stop was a town called Twizel – lovely park to play in located right in front of cafes and restaurants – again a good area to let off more steam...

Day 10
Wanaka
Searched for suitable accommodation in Wanaka – my favourite place in the world! – found the perfect place...also watched Tottenham get through the next round of the Champions League – by holding off AC Milan – result! Had a lovely lunch in Wanaka. The whole lakeside is very tot friendly and houses a perfect play ground with the best dinosaur slide in the world (probably!). We also visited the doctors today to check on Freddie’s ears. As expected both are red and in need of some antibiotic treatment to aid the flight we have to make to Adelaide on Sunday (now Thursday).

Writing this I am now up to date – tomorrow we are off to Queenstown and hoping to persuade Kieran to do a skydive or bungee jump...

Next instalment soon...

Also have details of flight and some info on where we went wrong and right to follow.

Tomorrow is the day - New Zealand with our toddler!

2011-02-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, tomorrow we begin our journey to the other side of the world. Due to the earthquake in Christchurch our itinerary has changed slightly. We now fly into Auckland and spend the first two nights there, then go to Blenheim as before, popping to Kaikoura just before our flight to Queenstown. All will become clear as we update the blog.

Door to door travel time (with no delays) should be about 35 hours. We are kitted out with toddler distractions and so if it all goes belly up and the little chap doesn’t sleep a wink we should be covered!

Our story so far with Singapore Airlines and babies, toddlers...

There have been a few complications trying to reserve seats. Bulkheads are reserved for under twos but note - if you book your toddler a seat and they are under two those that haven’t booked a seat will get priority.

Make sure you check in on-line to reserve your seats, it has definitely relaxed me knowing I have the seats I feel comfortable with. Meals on offer on Singapore are: baby, post weaning, child and adult – we have opted for post weaning – will let you know if the choice is the right one!

I am hoping to get the chance to update in Singapore airport (they also have an outdoor swimming pool!) if not the next update will be from Auckland on Wednesday.

My emotions are a mixture of excitement and nerves – I hope we all sleep well tonight...

Out n About Nipper Sport

2011-02-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

We walk A LOT and our pushchair just didn’t quite make the grade when it came to uneven terrain. We often walk through the woods with a friend who has a 3 wheeler jogger, which seems to effortlessly glide through the mud and over bumps and logs so we decided to purchase similar.

After much research we decided on the Out ‘n’ About Nipper Sport. It has 16 inch wheels, a fixed basket underneath, hand break, foot breaks, fully reclining seat, and comes with rain cover and padded seat pad. The back wheels have suspension and our chap, who is very big for his age, at 20 months looks so comfortable. It folds easily and all 3 wheels are quick release which means it can be folded even smaller. It is very light and we have also purchased a carry bag for travelling, especially for our up and coming flights.

We have tested it now for a week and it is nothing short of brilliant! The only downside could be the tyres, which have inner tubes, we have bought some gel which supposedly automatically block any punctures, fingers crossed...

Now looking forward to every type of terrain our travels Down Under have to offer!

We bought ours from Kiddicare.co.uk, ordered in the afternoon and received the following morning, perfect service and a good price £199

New Zealand and Australia with our Toddler part 2

2011-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

3 weeks to go yesterday! Very excited and just a little anxious...

Flights and accommodation are now booked. Singapore airlines got our booking this time, for a number of reasons:

Only two flights to take (12 hrs and 9 hrs 45) as opposed to Emirates three flights. Furthermore Singapore Airport has a great reputation (having been voted Airport of the Year 2010). We are hoping that our 6 hour stop there will have plenty to tire Freddie including a swimming pool. Our departure time from Heathrow is good too, opted for 6.30pm departure and so dinner, play, sleep should theoretically happen (fingers crossed).

I am slowly putting together a great bag of essentials for the trip, details to follow but in the meantime here is out basic itinerary with accommodation.

We have set ourselves 5 bases in total for the duration of our stay and our travel and accommodation itinerary goes:

Day 1:

Arrive in Christchurch at 10.30am take the two and half hr drive to Kaikoura and stay for 2 nights. We found a small selection of accommodation on offer and opted for a house (which by all accounts isn’t perfectly child-friendly as the stairs look a little un-friendly for tots but we figured these could be blocked off and the house looks great!).

Kaikoura Holiday Home - Website
Staying two nights, 2nd & 3rd March

Day 3:

Leave Kaikoura on a two and a half hr drive to Blenheim where we will be spending 3 nights in total at The Dog Point Bell Tower - Website

Day 7

Fly from Blenheim to Queenstown (we are lucky to be staying in friends accommodation here and may take a night to Milford Sounds TBC) we stay here a total of 5 nights at

Day 12

Fly to Auckland where we are spending two nights at the Quay West Auckland -Website

Day 14

Fly to Adelaide and spend our final 4 nights here before heading back to the UK.

Staying at Henley Palms near Henley Beach - Website

Will update you on our findings of activities for the plane journey next...

For a good selection of child-friendly holiday properties visit Holiday Tots

Toddler lunch at the Hertford Methodist Church, Ware Road, Hertford

2011-02-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

Had a lovely lunch today with Freddie’s little friend April in the Hertford Methodist Church.

Recently refurbished it is clean and fairly spacious (although Kate, Freddie, April and I were almost 50% of the head count, the rest was mainly staff, and so it could feel a little more cramped with more customers).

Covent Garden soup and bread, jacket potatoes, homemade cakes and coffee are on offer as well as a baby frappuccino (or whatever they are called – will get back to you on that one!). Don't forget a little packed lunch if your tot won't entertain the menu... There are a couple of highchairs and a selection of toddler toys and books to keep the tots amused oooh and baby changing facilities too. The staff were very friendly and there was a real community feel.

All in all nice little place to park yourselves for a snack or just a coffee (just be aware if the sun is shining it could get a little warm as the whole frontage is glass and I didn’t notice any air conditioning – Freddie was a little red when we left – removable layers might be the answer). Would be good if they offered sandwiches as well...

We gave it a ‘toddler friendly’ thumbs up.

My First Brio Train Set

2011-01-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

This toddler train set has been the most played with Christmas present this year. It has been out of the box every day since it was opened and Freddie, who is just under 20 months, has even learnt how to assemble the track himself. There is just enough wooden track to allow for a few variations, three wagons and an engine. The design is pure genius for toddlers, with small ramps that lead to the floor. The barn is colourful and made of soft fabric, it’s a great tunnel for tiny hands.

Our toddler loves it and a huge plus is that it is comparable with Brio's larger train sets, so the fun should continue for a few years to come.

This gets a whopping 5 out of 5 in our household!

Ideas of things to do in January with your tots

2011-01-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

I have compiled a short list of activities I think would generate some interest from our little chap in January. From museum visits, to days out in the wetlands there is something for everyone! For more information visit the 'January Picks' guide here' All of the activities are suitable for families with pre-school children (babies and under 5s! including a special cinema screening for families with children under 1 year old. As always all are in Hertfordshire and London.

If you have any ideas you would like to share just drop me an email... :)

Happy New Year!

Hertford Museum Discovery Bags for under 5s

2011-01-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Hertford Museum is looking for local families to trial their new discovery bags for under 5s. If you are interested in attending the next free session at the museum please contact Eleanor Payne on 01992 582686. Free trial session takes place on 27th January and includes refreshments - booking is essential!

We enjoyed the snow did you?

2010-12-31T05:24:00.000-08:00

Cinderella at The Hertford Theatre

2010-12-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

Full of usual panto humour, sing a longs, and 'it's-behind-you!' moments, Cinderella at the Hertford Theatre is a delight. We went to the Sunday matinee performance with our toddler who, usually quite shy when it comes to getting involved in public, took great pleasure in clapping after every song and jigging his little hips along at any possible moment.

The Hertford Theatre, previously Hertford Castle, has just been transformed following a refurbishment and looks very fitting. The main theatre is a lovely size to enjoy a show or film screening, and the studio more suitable for smaller activities. It was also nice to see that local cafe/coffee house Serendipity have rights to the refreshments and not a chain. All in all a thumbs up for the first professional pantomime and it's newly refurbished surroundings.

Next year’s program of events for Jan - April is already out so be sure to book early for your chosen show or activity as I am sure they will sell out fast...

As always you can also find a great selection of shows for tots on in London and Hertfordshire in the Tot Friendly children's theatre section along with all those at Hertford.

Preparing for New Zealand and Australia with a toddler part 1

2010-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

"What are you up to Freddie?"

“Just checking out what's on offer for tots in New Zealand mummy...”

If only it was that simple!

We are off to New Zealand and Australia for 3 weeks next March (12 weeks and counting!). Some have said we’re mad travelling all that way with a toddler (Freddie will be 23 months). I do, oh so slightly, tend to agree but have decided to make it an adventure starting now!

So our journey begins...

Booking flights
This was a tough one... P (hubby) was adamant we should go where possible on the new Boeing A380 with Emirates but this would mean taking 3 different flights and a few hours more flying time (Heathrow-Dubai-Melbourne-Christchurch, total 26 hours flying time) vs my idea of the plane not being too important as I don't think there’s much between the big boys... Singapore Airlines is more direct with only two flights (Heathrow-Singapore-Christchurch, total flying time 24 hours) booked Singapore...

Singapore Airlines - flying with toddlers
Ok so Freddie is going to be under 2 years old when we travel which means we do not have to book a seat for him. Here are the pros and cons on deciding whether to book your toddler a seat...
Pros

Not having them on your lap for 24+ hours leaving you your own space, especially when they are asleep.
They have their own space and can enjoy their own programs and games on their own tv
Less chance of them kicking the chair in front (assuming you can't get balk head seats!)

Cons

Expensive!
Balk head seats: these are given out in priority order and families with tots travelling on their laps get priority.
You can't have a basonette (cot)

After weighing it all up we decided to book Freddie his own seat and fingers crossed there will be enough balk head seats to go round!

Accommodation search
New Zealand
We are due to arrive at 10.30am in Christchurch and after much thought have decided to take the 2 1/2 hour drive to Kaikoura so that we can spend two nights in one place and have a full day without travelling.

Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a small but stunning town by the coast with magnificent and dramatic views (I will be saying that a lot!). The small collection of accommodation I can find in and around Kaikoura seems to cater for all types of tastes and budgets.

The best website I have found is: http://www.kaikoura.co.nz/main/accommodation/

I wanted somewhere that we could relax and Freddie could let off steam and thoughtthis one would be perfect, with farm animals to feed, grounds to run around in it seemed to be heaven for toddlers, was about to book when P found these reviews onTrip Advisor! The park has fantastic reviews but not the accommodation. Phew... Back to the drawing board will let you know shortly...

Christmas Shopping with 'Tots in Tow'

2010-11-29T06:11:00.000-08:00

If you're like me you have very little tot free time and so most of my shopping expeditions include our young chap. At 19 months Freddie is enjoying more and more time out of his pushchair but that means less actual shopping and more a chasing Freddie! Here are a few tips on how I survive our outings...

I vary our trips to the supermarket and so he doesn't yet associate them as a boring chore... We are fortunate enough to live just a four minute walk from our major supermarket (15 mins) when Freddie walks! Depending on time and size of shop needed we sometimes walk with pushchair, without (then he gets to fill the basket himself) or for the large shop we have to use the car (which means he can go in a trolley!) he always helps with the selection of goodies and loves popping them in the trolley himself.

If I need to shop for clothes, pressies etc I make sure we take the dog for a nice long walk or have a good play in the park before hand which then buys me a couple of hours, so long as he has a couple of books, nibbles and drink to hand. Sling or pushchair works :)

Many of the shopping centres and shops themselves have special events and things to keep the little ones amused especially at this time of year.

Oxford Street
If I am honest, as Christmas approaches I would give Oxford Street etc a bit if a wide birth, unless you have the urge to take your little ones to Hamleys, Harrods or Selfridges, as the crowds can be pretty daunting when you are only a few feet tall! If visiting the best time would be midweek...

Westfield Shopping Centre

Westfield Shopping Centre in west London has a soft play area for under 5s to let off steam which is located next to Debenhams. There is also a great kids club where you will benefit from a variety of exclusive shop discounts and free kids meals throughout the shopping centre. There are family rooms, lots of car parking spaces and kiddy cars to keep the litlies entertained. Santa will be in his grotto and the award winning santa's ice kingdom is a must!

Canary Wharf Shops & Restaurants
Lots of free activitites for children throughout the shopping malls at weekends in December including art & craft workshops and festive face painting. And make sure you don’t forget to pay a visit to Santa and his helpers in his dazzling festive grotto.

The Riverside Hemel Hempstead

The Riverside shopping centre often have family events to break up the monotony of shopping for the kids. This Christmas they have some very special visitors, real penguins on Saturday 11th December.

Some of the garden centres are a good choice for a little festive fun... Our nearest is

Van Hage - Gt Amwell

Fantastic range of decorations, kitchen bits, clothes, books, toys, pet accessories, pots and of course plants! Father Christmas and ice rink add to the festivities and the resident animals in the petting area, including giant rabbits, goats, chickens, meerkats always delight our little chap, although the resident Turkey is always greeted with a worrying look, poor thing is not too attractive! Oh and almost forgot if that is not enough there is always the miniature railway to ride after a bite to eat at the child-friendly cafe.

and last but not least if you are looking for a Christmas market why not head down to Cologne Christmas market on the South Bank where you will also find Santas Secret Village or the fantastic Winter Wonderland in Hyde park with its selection of rides, lights and again Father Christmas and his friendly elves to keep the tots amused - oh and of course a market...

Basically make sure where ever you are going your tots are relaxed, not hungry, you are prepared with favourite treats and your destination has something to offer the little ones. Also a good idea to keep an eye on their moods, once the boredom level sets in, just as well to go home and start again another day!

Hertford Christmas Gala 2010

2010-11-29T05:53:00.000-08:00

We visited the Hertford Christmas Gala last night and as we approached Fore Street it was nice to feel a little buzz coming from the town. Unfortunately there were very few market stalls with the 'token flashing light gadget stalls' almost over shadowing but those that were there were worth visiting. The big boys M&S were offering mulled wine and mince pies and local businesses included Foxholes Farm, a stall selling children's wooden toys and a nice little silver jewellery stall Jemima's Jewels run by a Hertford mum. You can find her on Bishops Stortford market on Saturday's or soon to be on line at http://www.jemimasjewels.com/.

The kids really enjoyed the festivities and games taking place on the stage and this years Hertford theatre panto characters introduced themselves to the crowds, much to little Freddie's terror, he really doesn't seem to like people dressed in wild outfits!

Hertford went without a Christmas gala in 2009 due to the credit crunch as local shops and groups did not have the funds needed, 2010 at least was heading in the right direction, fingers crossed that 2011 will be even bigger and better!

And the first prize for Toy of the Year 2010 goes to...

2010-11-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

The good old fashioned box!

When the heavens opened in August I was a little stuck for ideas to do with young Freddie. Usually we are out and about in all weathers but if you can remember there was a day when it was particularly bad and the little chap was particularly energetic!

I remembered the box I had saved from one of Freddie's birthday presents flat packed in the shed for such a day. It is now November and the said box is still going strong, a little ugly (not very artistic I know) but daily play den to Freddie and our dog Millie (peeking out of the window) as well as puppet theatre, car track and garage.

Winner of the best free toy award so far this year and the cheapest!

It would be great to hear your ‘toy of the year’ stories. Free box to the best one!

Festive Season 2010 Pantomime Guide

2010-11-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

I have set up a new page for the 2010 Festive season. Just click on the tab above or here for a list of this year’s pantomimes in Hertfordshire and London. Father Christmas and Tot Friendly ice rinks coming very soon!

The Bug and The Butterfly

2010-10-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

A charming little production about an insect falling in love with a butterfly for toddlers.

This was little Freddie’s first ever theatre production and he was transfixed for the whole time. At just 30 minutes it had been especially adapted for toddlers from 18 months and it worked! The production fuses dance, music with English and Spanish text. The kids seemed to enjoy it but it perhaps lacked some of the cheesier elements of a children’s production. In a sense it was quite grown-up in style (so appealed to us parents too), being quite arty and clever in its delivery.

It was also our first visit to the Arts Depot and the small theatre this production was performed in is a perfect size for little people with only a few rows of seats. There is a little cafe and soft play area keeping the little ones entertained before the theatre doors open! The Arts Depot have regular productions for under 5s as do other theatres around the UK. If you want to visit a show take a look at what's on in the theatre section on Tot Friendly and remember we add new shows on a regular basis. Panto list coming soon!

From Pinky and Perky to Postman Pat - Hertford Museum

2010-10-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Children’s TV Characters 1950-1990

This charming little exhibition at the recently restored Hertford Museum is packed full of memorabilia. Adults will love it because of the warm memories the items bring back to mind (the 1970s were my childhood- Bagpuss & Mr Benn). Children & Toddlers will enjoy it too with plenty of “real-life” characters from Basil Brush to Paddington Bear and the Wombles (the exhibits also includes the largest Pokemon collection newly listed in the Guinness Book of Records).

It’s a small exhibition, so perfect to soak up half an hour one rainy day on from now until Saturday 8th January - visit the website for details

What to do on a wet and cold Sunday with a toddler?

2010-09-27T03:48:00.000-07:00

Museum of London Docklands and Baby Loves Disco!

Yesterday we were pleased to have planned a good day out which didn’t depend on what the weather decided to throw at us! We filled the slow cooker with beef, vegetables, herbs spices etc plugged it in and off we went...

Freddie hiding in Sailortown

Our first stop was Museum of London Docklands (it took about 40 mins to get there from Hertford just enough time for Freddie to have his little toddler nap). The museum itself is free but it did cost £5 to park. We began our journey in the Mudlarks section, a great little set up for children. Freddie is only 17 months and so didn’t really understand what was on offer but had fun all the same.

There is a soft play area for toddlers under a meter tall and there are lots of hands-on activities for older children. To reduce overcrowding entry is via ticket only (sessions are about 40 mins) and are collected (for free) at the front desk as you enter the museum. Once your session is over, you are free to grab another ticket (space permitting) or as we did, enjoy the rest of the museum. There are some great things to see and Freddie enjoyed all three floors (and behaved!).

We all particularly enjoyed Sailortown, a life size reconstruction of streets around Wapping from the 1840s 50s. Stepping through the doors you are transported back 150 years to the dark, winding streets. ‘The gallery attempts to recreate the contemporary description of the area: “both foul and picturesque” – the area was a maze of streets, lanes and alleys catering to the men ashore from vessels from all over the world.’ MOLD

There are baby changing facilities (although the one on the main floor was locked, apparently due to the nappy bin being too full!). The whole museum is fully accessible and we had a lovely snack in the museum restaurant which has highchairs for little ones. There is a children’s menu on offer @ £4.95 a pop but this is free with an adult paying guest ordering from the main menu.

Following lunch we headed for a totally different vibe to Baby Loves Disco. Usually £9 for all walking humans we were lucky enough to get a complimentary family pass.

The music was a great selection of 70s and 80s disco, which I defy anyone not to tap their toes too! Freddie enjoyed it watch him here - sorry side ways on! There was, as you would expect, a DJ and dance floor with good acoustics and a few bubbles thrown in. A nice touch was the chill out area with soft lighting and plenty of toys, books, cushions etc to keep babies, toddlers and beyond amused, as well as free drink and food for the kids. The whole event lasts for 3 hours and so makes the £9 per head not sound too bad...

An ideal place to go with a group of friends where you can let off some steam on the dance floor with your little ones, or sit on the periphery and catch up while the children tire themselves out...

Go Freddie! First club and you managed to get on the guest list!!!!

Tired out by the days excitement Freddie had a little cat nap on the way home and we were greeted with the smell of our dinner as we walked into the house, whoever said rain stops play!?

Messy play for toddlers using a salad spinner!

2010-09-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is ingenious! Freddie and I went to our first ever Messy Play session this week, in Brickendon Herts. What great fun, although he didn’t seem to understand why some of the other little people didn’t like water splashed in their faces! There were lots of messy things to do, obvious ones modelling clay, water, colouring etc. There were two not so obvious activities: a strange mixture of what can only be described as cornflakes, cocoa flakes and baked beans mmm... but my favourite by far was the ingenious re invention of the basic salad spinner! Cover a paper plate with your favourite colour paint, pop it in the spinner, cover and spin... this was the result!

And a very very happy Freddie kept going back to do more! Now proudly centre stage on our conservatory wall with enough to send to Granny and Grand pop and Great Nan!

Messy play is a great way for your toddler to make a mess somewhere else - visit the Tot Friendly calendar for activites near you.

Much Hadham Fete and Dog Show

2010-08-31T04:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we visited the annual fete and dog show in Much Hadham. Expecting a small village fete we were taken aback at the size of the event. As well as the usual fete offerings, stalls, eateries and ringside entertainment there were fun fair rides for all ages. Teacups for the toddlers, and bumper cars and large swing carousel for the larger kids! There were lots of things on offer, with an inflatable play area for 3-7 year olds and swings, slides and climbing frames. It was another great family day out full of families like ours with toddlers, larger kids and dogs! Will definitely visit next year...

Duxford Museum - great for young children!

2010-08-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

My little chap can’t contain his excitement when he sees an aeroplane flying high in the sky, with an excited pointed finger he grunts and squeals and is in toddler heaven. What better place to visit then I thought, than Duxford Museum on America Day. It didn’t disappoint obviously with planes galore and to feed his boyish addictions there were cars too – he also loves wheels and makes ridiculous brrrrr brrr sounds even when he sees a wheelbarrow at the allotment! There was a delebelela (dog in toddler talk) display and birdman showed off his skills with his owls and hawks – so all in all my 15 month little chap had fun. If you haven’t paid Duxford a visit it’s a must to put on your list of things to do, even if only to marvel at the grounded planes and tanks and enjoy the vast space – great toddler and kiddie energy buster!

If you want to visit on display day check out their website for details of what’s coming up or keep visiting the Tot Friendly calendar.

West Wittering Beach - West Sussex - perfect for toddlers!

2010-08-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last week we decided to take a last minute break in the UK and leave Hertfordshire and London behind! We were fortunate to know a couple who had just renovated their lovely barn in West Sussex and were happy to rent it out to us at short notice. Located in West Sussex we were unsure what we were heading for as neither of us (hubby or I) had ever been here for a holiday. We were pleasantly surprised; the beach at West Wittering was absolutely amazing! Perfect bucket and spade sand with a safe sloping beach front ideal for toddlers and small children. Little Freddie’s first visit to the seaside in the UK was a great experience, he delighted at the waves and dug furiously with his spade, although at 15 months he didn’t really understand the sand castle business! West Wittering beach is large and sandy and so doesn’t feel ridiculously busy, dogs are allowed on certain areas and it is also a Blue Flag beach. A lovely seaside town called Bosham is also worth a visit, and at high has some of its road covered by the sea.

Willows Farm Village

2010-08-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

Willows Farm Village - Hertfordshire
This may go down as the discovery of the year for us. We’ve lived in Hertfordshire for years and can't believe we’ve only just come across this fabulous farming complex which ticks all the boxes for an ideal family day-out. In fact it is much more than just a farm. Animals yes but also play areas (swings, trampolines, bouncy castles, huge slides, go-carts), kids shows for all ages, tractor rides and an intelligently designed maize set in the corn fields. The whole centre is sympathetically designed within the natural environment of Willow Farm and there are plenty of kid orientated shops as well as a farm shop and restaurant.
Freddie loved the pigs!

Royston Kite Festival 2010

2010-08-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

What a good old British day out at Royston Kite festival we had. £1.00 entry (all to charity) to see some spectacular kiting displays. Most memorable was the one man handling of three separate kites flown to match music- we were mesmerised by the elegant formations. We’ll certainly go back next year but make sure we take a picnic and spend the whole day as there is plenty of other stuff to see- fire engines, market stalls, carousels, hot air balloons........

A new BBC documentary

2010-07-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

The BBC have asked for our help to recruit suitable families for its new documentary. If you are interested see details below:

ARE YOU ON A JOINT NET INCOME OF £40K (after tax)?

BBC Television is making a major new documentary series about life and money. As part of the research we would like to speak to large families, of three children or more who are living on £40K.

How do you manage your money?

Does money ever cause arguments in your household?
Are you a spender or a saver?

Whatever your feelings about money are we would like to hear from you for an informal phone chat, in confidence, about your spending habits and relationship with money.

If you think the series sounds interesting and you’d like to find out more, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Please call Tara on 0207 557 2358
or email tara.okelly@bbc.co.uk

Hertford to Ware pushchair friendly river walk

2010-05-23T03:11:00.000-07:00

Early this morning before I began Freddie duty I headed out on my bike. I cycled from Hertford to Ware and back along the river (not a long distance ride I know but I had little time!). Lots of new families with their babies; rabbits, ducks, geese swans and other birds enjoyed the sunshine. The rivers and narrow boats looked extra special in the early morning light shame I didn’t have a camera... The blue sky reflecting on the water and the abundance of wildlife was fantastic I only wish Freddie had been there to see it!
If you want to take a walk and feed the ducks etc the whole path along the river is pushchair friendly and Hartham park has a great play area to finish a satisfying walk.

For a variety of Pushchair friendly walks visit Walks with buggies

Packing Freddie's Bag

2010-03-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Ok we're getting ready for a 4 day trip to Spain/southern France and the list is endless... we'll be on the road for much of it so Freddie's bag has to consist of: clothes - vests, t's, trousers, a million pairs of socks (always losing them!), jumpers, coat, sweatshirt, bibs, pj's... then there's the 'food on the go', good old Ella pouches some cheese and finger food. He's also cutting a few teeth so Calpol, teething gel then there are the bottles, milk and that's before we get onto the toys, books, pushchair, car sunshades, blanket, monitor ('cos he likes his stars to get to sleep!) and his cuddle chums for bedtime phew and... nappies, wipes, baby bath, shampoo - you get the picture!

I'll be back soon with updates of our trip, looking forward to visiting Barcelona, the Costa Brava and Dorada coastline and the south of France - now just need to locate my passport!

Virgin Airlines with Babies and toddlers

2010-02-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

We are looking to book a holiday to California (and maybe find a few holiday properties along the way!) and so I thought I would update you on Virgin Airways policy and young babies.

For Freddie (who will be 16 months at the time of travel in September) there is a charge of £94. This is not for a seat for him but for him to be seated on my lap. If you prefer your little one to have their own seat they offer infant care chairs, (a child safety seat specifically designed for airline use) pioneered by Virgin Atlantic for children aged six months up to around three years.

Skycots

New born babies can travel after day 7.

‘The skycot (bassinet), is available to all new born babies up to approximately 12 months of age (depending on weight and height). After take-off, the cabin crew will install the skycot for you. Infants under 12 months of age, less than 9kg in weight and less than 76cm in height will fit in all skycots. Other skycots, allowing for babies up to 11kg in weight, are available on selected aircraft types but cannot be guaranteed and are subject to change up to the day of departure.Some types of skycots can be used during turbulence, but most will require you to remove your child if the seatbelt signs are illuminated during flight. ‘

Luggage allowance

You are allowed one item free of charge i.e. collapsible pushchair, carry basket or car seat. Babies also get their own luggage allowance which equals one piece maximum 23 kilos.

Complimentary nappies, bottles and baby foods are readily available in every class but do check before travel that they have what you want!

Older kids

‘The airline offers special children's meals - plain food designed especially to appeal to children, including a main meal, Dairylea dunkers, a gingerbread man biscuit, a selection of fruit, Haribo sweets and a yoghurt Frube stick. Passengers can book these when booking their flights to ensure a meal is a reserved for them on the day of departure.’

Barcelona with a toddler - booking with Easyjet

2010-01-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Freddie and I are off to Barcelona in March, in search of child friendly properties in the Costa Dorada area, and I have just finished booking our flights. This time we are flying with Easyjet. For those of you flying for the first time with youngster’s, children under 2 have to sit on an accompanying adults lap and babies under 14 days are not allowed to fly. Flight time: just over 2 hours from Stansted.

Why do we pay for a child if sitting on our lap?The cost of our flights weren’t bad but I have to question the price charged for Freddie to sit on my lap! £12.50 each way, my return flight was only £19.87! The official response on this charge was: ‘Each passengers (and luggage item, by the way) weight affects fuel consumption, hence the fees’

Luggage allowanceAs we will be looking for child friendly properties we cannot travel light which means very large suitcases… for which we were charged £16 each.
Official response when I asked about baby items on flights:
‘You can carry up to two mobility items for children free of charge (a pushchair, a buggy, a car seat, or a travel cot), provided that the child is travelling as well. They are treated separately from your baggage allowance. Yet, please remember that infants do not have any baggage allowance.’

And below are details directly from Easyjet's website regarding pushchairs, car seats and baby milk being taken to the gate:

Can I take a pushchair with me?

Yes, easyJet allows you to take your pushchairs, buggies, travel cots right up to the aircraft steps and/or door, where they will be taken by cabin crew and stored in the hold. This is free of charge.
We do not deliver buggies at aircraft side on arrival. They will normally be delivered with baggage on the baggage carousel.

Can I take a car seat with me?

Yes, you can take a car seat onboard providing these conditions are met:
· The car seat must have a rigid metal or plastic frame;
· It cannot be wider than 42cm;
· It must include lap, shoulder and crotch straps.
Booster seats are not accepted, they must be checked in.
Car seats are accepted for any child between the age of six months and 3 years for whom a full fare seat has been purchased.

Can I take baby milk or food onboard?

Yes, you are able to take baby milk onboard; you will be required to taste the milk while passing through security. Liquids must be held in bottles containing less than 100ml. As baby bottles are generally smaller than that you should not encounter problems at security but you are advised to check the size of the container.

We are more than happy to supply hot water onboard to heat food and milk.

And the other add ons...

You can obviously add all the extras:
· Speedy boarding @ £15.50 (however unless you really want a special seat it’s not worth paying for as you are allowed onto the flight before all other travellers if you have small children.
· The other option is travel insurance; I would never travel without it, especially with young children. Easyjet offered it @ £9.75 but as we travel quite a bit we will be renewing our yearly policy (currently with Norwich Union – but we are going to shop around and I will post our findings).

Baby Sensory Classes in Ware

2010-01-08T06:46:00.001-08:00

Freddie and I have been going to Hanna's Baby Sensory classes in Ware for a couple of months now and he adores them! The whole hour flies by and Freddie has a wonderfully long nap in the afternoon... Enough time to put a dent in my long list of to do jobs!

Each session starts with the familiar 'say hello' song that all the babies adore followed by a few interactive games with stimulating items. This week among other things, each baby had a helium filled balloon (all perfectly controled!) attached to their wrist by a hair band and bell, and to the music bounced the balloon around. Freddie enjoyed this so much that he held onto his balloon throughout the next stage, free time, where there are lots of fun toys for you and your baby to play with and explore while socialising with other mums and tots.

Freddie and Louis decided to have a snack in the pool!

Finally the classes end as they begin with another interactive session of balloons, bubbles, balls and lights. Some manage to last the distance while others begin to doze during the final 'say goodbye' song...

We attend the class in Ware run by Hannah, but if you visit the Baby Sensory website there are other classes all over the UK.

If you are looking for a good hour’s entertainment for your little one that is not only fun but also very stimulating then this is for you. Hannah is happy for everyone to have a free trial, not surprising as I am sure everyone returns!

Today, not all of us were hampered by the snow, thankfully I wasn’t the only one who turned up – thanks for the push guys!!!