Union Jack Skibz

The Winner of the Fab Union Jack Skibz Competition is Janine M-B aka @my3_monkeys on Twitter.

Congratulations Janine & can you please let us know your contact details for us to send you your prize? xx

It’s unlikely to have escaped your notice that 2012 is the year of the Diamond Jubilee and The UK Olympics. There are Union-Jacks absolutely everywhere. I even noticed flags on wrapping paper and gift bags when I was looking to buy some yesterday for my daughter’s birthday.

Anyway, Skibz, who make fab & funky dribble bibs, have just brought out a new limited edition Union Jack Skibz! As Gok would say, the bibs are ‘bang on trend‘ and we’re fairly sure that if your little one was to be seen wearing one, then everyone would be asking where you bought it.

Skibz are as effective as they are stylish and work like a super-absorbent bib. In a nutshell, they have a unique double layer backing system that draws moisture from the skin, preventing delicate skin from chaffing.

Union Jack Skibz

They kind of look just like a scarf & are really trendy-looking. Skibz also have a new cupcake design ready for the Queen’s Jubilee so even little ones can go to street parties suitably attired.

The limited edition Skibz comes all wrapped up in a lovely gift box and if you’d like to Win a Fab Union Jack Skibz, then just follow @TheBabyWebsite on Twitter, RT and comment below saying how old your baby is and what he or she is called. Don’t forget to tell us your Twitter Name too.

In your Tweet you need to say “RT, follow @TheBabyWebsite & comment here to Win a Fab Union Jack Skibz http://www.thebabywebsite.com/blog/win-a-fab-union-jack-skibz“

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Finding ideas for vegan food at children’s parties can be difficult. A lot of parents will simply confuse vegan with vegetarian, while others may not understand how strict a child’s diet might be. However, there are lots of options for parents to try, which if successful can become a staple of children’s parties.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to be creative with food choices. People are often surprised by how much you can do with vegan food, from mixtures through to tasty sides and cakes. In this way, everything from table food to hotter meals and cakes can be easily prepared for different party sizes, while some easy tips can be followed to suit a range of children.

Basic Foods

The easiest, if not always the most creative, solution for vegan children is to use lots of fresh vegetables. Carrots, cucumbers and peas cut up or mixed into salads can be served in bulk, or mixed into sandwiches. Spreads like vegan margarine, marmite and hummus can also be added to bread. It is also worth checking though to see if a child’s diet restricts particular types of bread.

Substitution

Vegan ham, Tofurkey slices, Smart Bacon and Sheese (a hard vegan cheese) can be bought from most supermarkets and stores, and can be used to provide an alternative to meat based products. Vegan sausages, sausage rolls, fish fingers and fish pieces are also generally good ideas, although it is worth trying a few brands beforehand.

More Savoury Options

Most kinds of biscuits, from Hob Nobs through to chocolate digestives, are suitable for vegan parties, as are pretzels and different kinds of crisps. However, always check labels beforehand to make sure that they don’t use any meat byproducts. Indian food like dairy and egg free samosas and onion bhajis can be popular with older children.

Meals

If looking for something more substantial, think about mixing together potato salads, rice, pasta and couscous. For hotter meals, vegan Shepherd’s pies, and lasagna are good options, although you should avoid Quorn, as it is not suitable for vegans. Pizzas made from French bread and topped with puree, peppers and oils can be grilled, while black bean tamales and nut butter squashes, as well as fried tofu, can significantly add to a party.

Cakes and Desserts

Dairy and egg free cakes and cupcakes are essential for children’s birthday parties. These can be made using egg substitutes and other ingredients, and can be enhanced by vegan approved sprinkles. Ready made vegan cakes can also be bought, as can dairy free ice cream. Soya desserts that don’t use milk are similarly recommended, while vegan jelly sweets can be found that are free from gelatine.

Drinks

Most drinks will be fine for a vegan children’s party as long as they don’t include dairy milk. Soya milkshakes are particularly popular, as are most types of natural fruit juices.

Final Tips

Always do research before preparing vegan food for a children’s party. A parent might want to see ingredients beforehand, and don’t take a risk on something that may or may not be vegan. Similarly, check to see if vegan and other children also have an intolerance to certain types of food.

Written by Christina Appleworth of DNA Kids

If you think back to your childhood and memories that have stayed with you, I’m sure a memorable birthday party will be one.

As a child your imagination is at its best, your mind is open to creativity, new ideas and wants to have fun. An old cardboard box isn’t simply for recycling, it can be pirate ship, a fairy cottage or a superhero’s disguise station. Birthday parties should be a wonderful opportunity for children to have fun and embark on an imaginative adventure. It should be a brilliant occasion for your child and their friends to celebrate their imagination through fun games, silly dancing and story-telling. This is why the memory of a good birthday party stays in our minds forever.

Over the past ten years I have attended thousands of children parties and have seen closehand what works brilliantly, and where people often falter. I’ve learnt from my own mistakes – spy training with 9 year old boys and using a laminator to make spy passes, it was very fiddly, took ages and everyone got restless; to what works really well – 4 year olds laughing their heads off at the silly fairy who just can’t tell the difference between a cow’s moo and a duck’s quack. I do think there are a few things to bear in mind to make it as stress free as possible for you.

Planning your child’s party shouldn’t be a chore, I always think it’s best to keep it simple, 2 hours is a suitable length for most parties and includes a food break. For numbers, parents tend to organise a larger party for their child’s 4th or 5th birthday party. You’ll find this is an age when your child has a larger social circle with friends from school, nursery, classes, neighbours and relatives. As they get slightly older, children will be more vocal about who they want to invite to the party as they develop their own friendship group. Parties can easily be held at venues or at home. Just clear any valuables or large pieces of furniture out of the way. If you’re having a joint party divvy up responsibilities and jobs beforehand.

To have a stress-free time at the party (and you really can!) plan a clear structure, be clear on the invitations with your timings and structure the party around that.  Know when the guests are arriving and departing and when the entertainment starts and finishes. For 2 – 5 year old parties, I usually suggest an hour’s worth of entertainment and then a food break and then the entertainment to continue. Ask for a 5 minute signal so you know when to serve the food. I find that when children start to get upset at a party, they mostly need a juice or snack break. If you’re not having entertainment after tea, account for time before pick up. Some children will happily play and run around, whilst others may want more attention. Have a few back-up games and music to keep the atmosphere going. Assign another adult (aunt/grandparent) to take pictures and have another adult to help with loo trips. I wouldn’t recommend opening presents at the party, this is when chaos ensues. Make sure you have phone numbers of parents and know who’s collecting who at the end of the party.

If you’re inviting adults, have an idea beforehand of where you want them to hang out. For younger children they will want their parents within eyesight, some will feel confident to join in the games whilst others may want to sit on a grown up’s knee and watch. It’s a good idea to set up a clear seating area for parents, if you’ve chosen to have an entertainer encourage the adults to keep noise to minimum so as not to distract. At an older party – 4years plus – most children feel more confident to be by themselves away from the grown ups. If at home, organise entertainment in the lounge and encourage parents to hang out in the kitchen. A few nibbles is a good idea, offer some more grown up food – humous and dips, cold meats, tortilla chips, and even serve some wine or cold beers. If you’re at a venue, I would always check to see if there is an ante-room for the adults.

It needn’t cost the earth, if you want to spend money on entertainment – have the party at home or in the garden. Keep costs down by avoiding extravagant party bags, a slice of cake, some sweets in a bag and a balloon is plenty and a great take home present.

Most importantly, ask your little one what they want and include them in the planning process. Talk them through the party so they know what to expect and have a party countdown so they can build up the excitement!

Happy party planning!

by Maddy Carrick of Dreamcatcher Parties

If you follow @Dreamcatch on Twitter you can get a 10% Discount

Well that’s the twins almost a year old!

They are wild Both are crawling about the house – and think it hilarious to climb onto marble fireplace and sit like one of my mum’s ornaments. Another favourite activity for them both is to crawl under her coffee table , or under the table and sit there grinning at us, Turn your back for a minute, and either of the girls have disappeared into the kitchen, found trying to climb into the washing machine.

They fight all the time – even if the other has the same toy, they want what the other has. Mum and toddlers is great fun nowadays – one disappears in one direction, and the other heads off in the opposite direction. The only thing that guarantees to bring them back, is food.

I honestly do not remember Ella being like this. They eat all the time – often eat more between them in 1 meal, than I eat throughout most of the day And still can eat my dinner. People must think I starve my kids watching how much they eat.

Just finished reading a book called Babies in Waiting by Rosie Fiore.

I really enjoyed it and it’s one of those ‘nice’ easy-to-read books that you can just pick up and read anytime. You know the sort of thing I mean…. The rice is cooking, you’ve just hoovered the stairs and have a quick 5 minutes before dinner, so you pick your book up to read a chapter. No complicated plot to remember, easy to follow characters and a great heartwarming story to keep you wanting to find out what happens to everyone at the end.

In a nutshell, Babies in Waiting is about 3 women who get pregnant at different stages in their life and who ‘meet’ on an online forum and despite being very different people become friends. I won’t say any more and go and spoil it for you. Read it for yourself. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

So, I’m back for the last time to talk about my family’s favourite days out in London.

There’s no time like half term than to indulge your children and bring them to their Capital City for the day and you don’t have to spend a fortune (although you certainly could if you wanted) because London really does have the best selection on offer for absolutely free. Lots of places, museums in particular ask for no more than a donation that suits your pocket so it really does make it viable to travel from further afield and grasp with both hands all we have to offer families here in London! I’ve talked previously about free things, something for a modest budget and a total treat and in this instalment it’s no different but I may just have saved some of the best till last…

BEST FOR FREE

The Science Museum, South Kensington – District Line, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

We go to the ‘Science Museum’all the time and never get bored, we sometimes while away hours upon hours trawling round everything and going back to the bits we love the most and other days we just pop in to have a play in the ‘Basement’ which is set up especially for under fives. With a whole area for them to play, explore and try out experiments suitable for their age it’s a fabulous day out in itself forgetting that there are floors upon floors and displays upon displays of other things to keep the little ones (and the big ones) entertained. While you’re there check out one of the ‘Bubble’ talks which are not only fun, interactive and educational but suitable for children of all ages.

Playing with water at the ‘Science Museum’

Upstairs the ‘Launch Pad’ is also designed for little minds but slightly older ones this time. With lots of hands on experiments as well as more ‘talks’ there really is something for everyone. For the rest of your time there my favourites have to be the human body exhibition, the area where your photo can be taken and aged up down or changed in sex and I simply love the household goods from  bygone times not least because there is a ‘Baby Daisy’ vacuum cleaner donated to the Museum by my own Grandmother on view.

What else is in the vicinity?

When visiting the ‘Science Museum’ why not check out the ‘Natural History Museum’ next door. A stones throw away and with a world of entertainment for little ones it’s certainly not one to be missed and it definitely won’t be forgotten. Dinosaurs, stuffed animals, fossils… This really is for any little explorers you might have and despite it not being as hands on and interactive as The Science Museum it’s still a great day out for the children! A short walk away from both museums is the ‘Princess Diana Memorial Playground’, a playground like no other you will have ever been to.

On the warmest October day ever in the ‘Princess Diana Memorial Playground’

In Hyde Park and right next door to ‘Kensington Palace’ it’s a lovely central location from which you can start or finish your day. In summer children can splash about in the water feature but in winter it’s like an enchanted garden, a BIG one. There may be a small queue in busier times but it’s worth the wait and your offspring, no matter how old they are will NOT be disappointed! From a giant pirate ship to Tee Pee tents, tunnels and tree houses, this place has it all!

BUDGET TREAT

The National Army Museum, Kids’ Zone £2.50 per child (under 2s FREE)

Sloan Square – Circle and District Lines,

www.nam.ac.uk

Now this is one we haven’t actually been to ourselves yet but I have it on very good authority that it’s a wonderful experience! With the majority of the museum and its exhibitions being completely free of charge and only having to pay for the Kids’ Zone it’s a very inexpensive day out and I hear the children love it! It’s one we’ll be visiting in half term that’s for sure as it would appear that it’s suitable for absolutely all ages from tiny babies to adults!

Having a splashing time in the grounds of the ‘Chelsea Hospital’

At the moment there is the popular ‘War Horse’ exhibition which explores the hugely popular Michael Morpurgo novel alongside touching real-life stories of war horses and the men who depended on them. Featuring exclusive content from Michael Morpurgo, the acclaimed stage production by the National Theatre and the Spielberg-directed film, this hands-on, interactive exhibition is one for all the family and one I’m particularly looking forward to! Of course there’s so much more to this museum with an extensive program of events and activities complementing their permanent galleries and for the children not only is there the ‘Action Zone’ where older ones can get interactive bringing history to life but the aforementioned Kids’ Zone for the tiny ones. As stated this is chargeable and is hugely popular so a slot MUST be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. This new children’s play area explores aspects of army life from camping to clothing. It includes a dedicated soft-play space for babies, plus arts and crafts, dressing-up costumes, books, interactive toys and panels. Worth a visit I think don’t you?! When you leave don’t forget to pop down the road and take a walk round the ‘Chelsea Hospital’, home to the Chelsea Pensioners.

We took a fabulous walk round the grounds there in the summer, it’s free to get in and beautiful so don’t miss it! It’s quite moving to see the elderly gentlemen taking the air and enjoying their well deserved retirement.

Having a splashing time in the grounds of the ‘Chelsea Hospital’ last summer.

A SPECIAL DAY OUT

Lollibop’s Mini Disco, Ministry of Sound, Elephant and Castle – Northern and Bakerloo Lines, 12-5pm £10 pp or £15pp on the door (for ages 3 – 10 years), Booking line 0844 844 0444 or online with Ticketmaster,

 www.lollibopfewtival.co.uk

The ‘Lollibop Festival’ comes to London once a year in the summer and is the only festival entirely dedicated to little ones. Just as with an adult festival there is live music, dancing, food and attractions galore and do you know, it was one of the best days out we have ever had so when we left after our magical day knowing it would be another year before we could experience some ‘Lollibob festival’ glory again it was with a little sadness in our step.

Florence at ‘Lollibop Festival’ in the summer

Imagine our delight then, when we heard about the disco they are specially hosting for this half term! Kick off the kid’s holiday with a banging start and head down to what will undoubtedly be a brilliant day out for the whole family! DJ’s Dick and Dom will be pumping out the tunes while special appearances will be made by favourites such as Scooby Doo! Plus there’ll be loads of activities during the day such as beat boxing and hula hoop workshops, dance games, live music, story telling, bubble shows and entertainers! If it’s even a smidgen of just one hour’s worth of the normal festival it’s gonna be a sure fire winner and you’d be mad to miss it if you can help it!

So there we have the last of my top picks for half term and don’t forget all the best of the rest London has to offer from City Farms dotted all over the place with FREE entry, ‘Kids AM’ film screenings at ‘Vue Cinemas’ across the Capital (costing from just £1.50 per ticket for adults and children, www.myvue.com) and all the other wonderful and FREE museums of which there are plenty… It’s also worth looking to see if your train operator offers two for one entry on many attractions as so many do and then you can take a real treat to affordable in one easy step! Just get googling and come to your Capital City!

Ruth

Ruth Davies blogger at http://rocknrollerbaby.livejournal.com

Pretending to drive a police car in the ‘Museum of Childhood’

Well, as you may have realised from my previous post, I’m passionate about taking children out in London, showing them the sights, teaching them the history behind this beautiful City and showing them what London in 2012 has to offer!

Besides the upcoming Olympics there is a tremendous amount to be enjoyed with children in our Capital City but with the games approaching what better time is there to bring your children to London and sample the delights on offer! The summer will be truly hectic and while it will surely be fun and exciting I think February half term could be just the time to come and experience a little bit of London life. I have been writing about things to do for free, something for a small budget and a blow out treat and I hope you enjoy my selections for this, my second instalment.

BEST FOR FREE

The Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green – Central Line.

This is a great little place to stop by and feed your own nostalgia as well as being given the opportunity to show your children what you were playing with when you were their age. With so many toys from other eras it’s a treasure trove of interesting finds but it doesn’t stop there. There is always an exhibition or two which will capture your little ones attention (at the moment it’s ‘Magic Worlds’ where children can delve into the realms of fantasy, illusion and enchantment with the major new exhibition revealing how magic has been embraced for hundreds of years) and a program of events which are full to the max for half term. There are of course the regular features too like the rocking horses, a little ones play area and a sensory zone! Plenty of interactive play to wear the children out and thoroughly have a good time!

What else is in the vicinity?

After the ‘Museum of Childhood’ why not hop on the tube a couple of stops to Stratford, home of the Olympic stadium and the new ‘Westfield Shopping Centre’ which also has surprisingly great facilities and play areas for the kids as well as a brilliant viewing platform of the work in progress for the games. You could pop in for a bit of retail therapy before taking the kids to your next stop of the day. Next try out the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) which is actually a bit of a treat in itself and I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t like to sit at the front and pretend to be driver! Either alight at the next stop, Pudding Mill Lane, and take a walk along the Green Way where you will be able to view the stadium up close in all it’s amazing glory or just watch as it goes by from the window of the train and head on to West India Quay, home to the ‘London Museum of Docklands’.

Building a dam at the ‘London Museum of Docklands’

I always head here when in the area because it’s a simply fascinating museum and you can book a slot for their magical soft play area for the children to have a run around in. It’s actually a little bit more than just soft play with lots of hands on and interactive games and display, our favorite being the real river where you can build a dam; you could easily spend more than just your allotted hour which is why we go back time and time again. While you wait for your time slot neither you nor your children will be disappointed with everything else on offer and will enjoy learning about the history of the docks in the extra special way that it is provided!

A BUDGET TREAT

Thames Clippers, various routes, Adult fares from £3, children from £2 and under 5’s FREE.

Us with friends enjoying a ‘Thames Clipper’ trip

Not to be used just by commuters and passengers who have to travel this fun boat on the Thames acting like a bus service can be used to travel from destination to destination and really become an attraction of the day itself! It’s really easy to hop on and hop off and your usual tube pass can be used with a top up fee making it incredibly easy too! If for instance you want to travel from the ‘Southbank Centre’ to the ‘Tate Modern’ why not hop on a ‘Thames Clipper’ instead of the tube or bus! Enjoy a scenic trip down the Thames and let the children have an experience they will remember as they watch the famous landmarks from a different view point! I loved taking Florence on the Clipper and the friends we travelled with had just as much fun as us. If you’re looking round some of the free things in London it’s an inexpensive way to really spice up the day and give it an extra twist. Buy a day pass and use it for your entire trip or just hop on for one ride only, either way it’s something that bit more unusual than your average public transport and not something you’ll do every day! Unless you’re a commuter of course!

A SPECIAL DAY OUT

The Tower of London, Tower Hill – District, Circle Lines and DLR, ticket prices start at (individual rates) of £19.80 for adults, £10.45 for children between 5 and 16 (under 5’s are free) and £17.05 for concessions, packages are available.

Possibly not a great one for the very tiny, as steps are in abundance here but if you’re seasoned sling wearers like us then it shouldn’t prove a problem and the little ones will find just as much to enjoy here as the big ones so don’t let the steps put you off if you can cope! We love walking past the Tower as often seems to happen living in London but hadn’t been inside before and when recently we finally did we realised we had been missing out! It is steeped in history with something to capture all imaginations and stimulate an interest in the ‘Tower of London’.

My family enjoying our day out at the ‘Tower of London’

It is a brilliant day out! I’d say 3 hours is probably about the best amount of time to allocate when visiting with children as there is enough to capture their attention for that long but it is tiring due to the walking and stair climbing so too long might be a bit over the top for young ones. Visit the gory bloody tower, take a tour with a Yeoman Warder (or Beefeater as they’re more popularly known), check out the Royal Beasts exhibition and see the many beast sculptures throughout the tower. Watch live enactments of historical scenes, see carvings on the walls left by prisoners and get to visit the crown jewels and try to make the soldiers who guard them smile (impossible)! Walking round the battlements and looking out over London is a lovely experience for both old and young and I really do think that if it’s history, fun and something totally special to London that you’re after then here is the place to be!

So that was my second lot of choices for fabby days out with children in London but if nothing has caught your eye just yet, do come back and read the third and final part of this series soon.

Ruth

Ruth Davies blogger at http://rocknrollerbaby.livejournal.com