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Find The Best Photographer for Your Newborn | Newborn Photographer Stevenage

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Today we share an expert article from an incredibly talented newborn photographer based in Stevenage. Deana owns a fantastic newborn photography business called “Images of Life by Deana“.  Her outstanding reviews and stunning photography skills. You can have a look at Deana’s listing with us here.

Find The Best Photographer for Your Newborn Newborn Photographer Stevenage

As expectant parents we have so many questions when it comes to finding the best photographer for your newborn baby. Deana an expert in the field is here to answer our questions.

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Let me introduce myself, im Deana a specialist newborn photographer. I am a qualified master photographer and I have also been awarded a newborn safety certificate. I started my business nearly 5 years ago after having my 3 beautiful children and I have to say I have one of the best jobs ever.

Having a baby is such an exciting time and I would encourage all mum’s to be to have your newborn professionally photographed. They change so much in just a few weeks, so being able to capture your new baby is a privilege.
Having your new baby photographed is an amazing experience but may also be overwhelming.

Find The Best Photographer for Your Newborn Newborn Photographer Stevenage

How do I know which photographer to choose? What do I need to look out for when selecting a newborn photographer?

Here a a few commonly asked questions & tips to find the best photographer for you;

When is the best time to book your newborn photographer?

As soon after your 20 week scan as possible. Many newborn photographers will only photograph 3-4 newborns a week, so they can get booked up quite quickly.

But what if my baby is early or late?

Your photographer will allow for this when you book by not booking in too many due dates per month so they can accommodate you when your baby arrives.

I’m worried my baby wont settle, what will happen if my baby just cries throughout the photography shoot?

A fully trained newborn photographer will know how to settle & soothe your baby. Its our job to make sure your baby is happy and content at all times.

How do I know which photographer to choose?

Its important to understand that all photographers are different, with regards to style, training & experience. This is often reflected in price. Always check your photographer has trained in safely posing newborns, don’t be afraid to ask to see evidence of this.

Do you like the photographs on their website? Do they have great reviews? Do they offer products?

What should I be looking for?

1. What training have they undergone

2. Do they hold a newborn safety certification

3. How much experience do they have

4. Check out websites, fb, instagram is their work consistent.

5. Check out the reviews.

6. Pick up the phone and have a chat or pop along to the studio if your still not sure.

Why does a newborn photography session have to be done when baby is under 2 weeks?
Babies will still curl up nicely as they were in your tummy at this age, they will be more sleepy which gives your photographer the best chance of getting those beautiful shots. Any colic or baby acne will likely not have appeared at this early stage.

But what if I have to stay in hospital and miss that 2 week stage?
Dont worry an experienced photographer will still know how to capture beautiful images of your baby, there just may be some restrictions in terms of poses.

Will my baby be safe?
It is important that you choose an experienced trained photographer as your baby will be in the safest of hands. They will know when to do a composite image, babys head will always be supported. No risky poses will ever be done. Its important that you do your research when looking for a newborn photographer and dont be afraid to ask about newborn safety. Look out for the newborn safety certified badge on websites.

Will i need to provide props?
Your photographer will likely have a huge range of props to choose from, so you wont need to provide anything.
There are lots of photographers around to choose from, so its important to choose the right one for you as it is a once in a lifetime session. I hope the above has helped, always do your research, make sure you love what you see and don’t be afraid to arrange a time to talk or meet your photographer to go through any questions you may have

Deana Louise Hewitt AMPA Images of Life Photography

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Things to do for Families in Wakefield

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Perhaps you are visiting Wakefield for the day or maybe you live in Wakefield. but either way if you have found this blog post and you are interested in looking for things to do with your family in Wakefield you have come to the right place. First of all, we have some fantastic pregnancy – pre-school businesses listed in our Wakefield directory, you can find these local businesses by clicking here.

Our special guest today is one of our favourite bloggers Sophie from the fantastic Mama Mei blog. Sophie tells us about her favourite things to do in Wakefield as a family.

Favourite Things to do as a Family in Wakefield

Things to do for families in Wakefield 3

Wakefield in West Yorkshire is often overlooked or seen as Leeds’ poorer sister but actually there is so much to do for families across the Wakefield District (which includes Pontefract and Castleford).

 

Here are my top 5 things to do in Wakefield

West Yorkshire History Centre

West Yorkshire History Centre has a free changing exhibition and free family activities, check out their facebook page for the latest news and events.

 

The Hepworth, Wakefield

Just a short walk from the History Centre (also known as West Yorkshire Archive Service) is The Hepworth Wakefield which is free to enter (although parking is £5 for the day but it is a short walk from Wakefield Kirkgate station). The Barbara Hepworth inspired gallery has a range of free crafts on during the school holidays and on weekends.

There is also an outdoor playground and UK’s largest public garden is currently being built outside the gallery next to The Calder building. There’s also stunning views from the The Hepworth Cafe over the River Calder and The Chantry Chapel (which has free heritage open days on select dates)

Things to do for families in Wakefield

 

National Coal Mining Museum of England

The National Coal Mining Museum of England is also in the district in an area called Overton and it is steeped in history and great for an indoor and outdoor day out.

 

Angler’s Country Park, near Wakefield.

Anglers Country Park is free and there is a fabulous Room on the Broom trail.

Anglers Country Park is dominated by a lake, surrounded by grassland, woodland and a wetland area known as the ‘Pol’. At one time this was the deepest open cast coal mine in the country, reaching a depth of 250 feet.

Anglers has been awarded Green Flag status – recognising it as one of the best parks in the country. I’d also recommend trying out Hemsworth Water Park.

Pontefract Castle

Pontefract Castle is a hidden gem in West Yorkshire with outdoor ruins and an indoor visitor centre. Make sure you take time to visit the dungeons on a tour (these cost however, £3 per person at the time of writing).

 

So whether it’s exploring the outdoors at National Trust’s Nostell Priory or it’s a rainy day inside Wakefield Museum, Wakefield is not a place to be overlooked.

 

For more of what to do in Yorkshire check out Sophie’s blogs at https://yorkshirefamilies.co.uk, https://mamamei.co.uk and https://blogupnorth.co.uk

If you are looking to find some local pregnancy – preschool classes, groups of businesses, you can click here to see our Wakefield baby and toddler directory.

 

Fun Things for Families to do in Nottingham

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As you know we have our pregnancy – pre-school directory where we display local businesses that may interest you and your growing family. To find out what is classes and businesses we have on in Nottingham please click here.

We are thrilled to share a guest post from the lovely Lydia who blogs over at Eyes of a Mum. Lydia shares a list of fun things for families to do in Nottingham.

things to do for families in nottingham

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There’s no doubt about it, Nottingham is a great place for families! No matter what day of the week, time of year or weather forecast, there’s plenty to do!

Some of the best classes include letting the little ones get messy (whilst keeping the house clean!) at Splat Messy Play, having a good old boogie and sing song at Wiggle and Giggle Music and Movement Classes and learning how to communicate through the skill of British Sign Language at the baby sign classes Little Signers Club. Even better, all of these classes run all over the city so you’re never too far away from a good time!

 

Soft Play in Nottingham| Fun for Families in Nottingham

If classes aren’t your thing and you enjoy the freedom of soft play, there are a vast array of centres to choose from. From the magic of Hocus Pocus Soft Play to the wild times at Jungletastic, you’re truly spoilt for choice. If you’re also wanting a bit of adult time whilst the little one has a rest in the pram, Nottingham also has some amazing garden centres that also have soft play. East Bridgford Garden Centre (just outside of Nottingham) is huge! They have a large soft play centre for babies, toddlers and children and the most luxurious garden centre with a wide variety of food, gifts and goodies. Cherry Lane Garden Centre is also a great spot. It’s much smaller but still has an onsite soft play. They also have lovely stock (with some bargains to be had) and delicious food and drinks in their café.

Fun parks and Playgrounds| For Families in Nottingham

Nottingham also has some spectacular parks which offer fantastic children’s playgrounds. Wollaton Hall and Deer Park is simply stunning. I think the whole of Nottingham could go for a picnic here and there would still be space for a kick about! Wild deer roam free, which are an impressive sight to see. They have two on site cafés with one connected to a vast wooden playground.

Another great spot is Rushcliffe Country Park. Full of hidden gems including beautiful wildlife, Natural Heritage trials, skateboard ramps, a large playground as well as the track from the Great Central Railway running through the park where, if you’re lucky you’ll see a historic steam train pass through

 

Attractions | Families in Nottingham

If you’re looking for more of a destination attraction, then Stonebridge City Farm is definitely worth a visit! It’s a hidden piece of the country in the middle of the city. Best of all it’s free (they are a charity, so they do welcome donations). With opportunities to feed the animals on the farm, view and buy plants and produce from the gardens and veg patch, let the little ones play on the play area and enjoy some lunch in the café, it really is a great community project!

At the other end of the spectrum and on a much larger scale, is Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park. This theme park is a great day out for the whole family. With loads of indoor and outdoor rides and activities for children of all ages. It’s a great attraction whatever the weather! They also host lots of seasonal events throughout the year including  spectacular firework displays and visits from Father Christmas!

All in all Nottingham (and it’s surrounding area’s) offers a great range of activities for families with children of all ages to create memories that will last a lifetime!

You can follow Lydias blog over on Facebook

Naming Ceremonies | Lytham St Anne’s

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Greenhawk Spirit | The Magical Teething Jewellery Specialist

At MyBump2Baby we are proud to have our expert article section to help parents gain more understanding on different topics that may be of interest. Today we have the lovely Jo from “Celebrate with Jo”. Jo offers naming ceremonies in Lytham St Anne’s and the Lancashire area, you can find her listing with us by clicking here.

Lots of parents love the idea of a christening but then feel they shouldn’t have one as they are not religious. Very few parents realise that there is an alternative option.

Naming Ceremonies | Lytham St Anne's

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Growing family? Wondering how to mark the occasion? What about a naming ceremony?

You may have noticed that naming days and naming ceremonies are gaining popularity in the U.K.  But what exactly is a naming ceremony and could it be an option for your celebrations?

naming-ceremonies-lytham-st-annes

Overview of a naming ceremony

A naming ceremony is the focal point of a baby or child’s naming day. It provides the perfect opportunity to ‘officially’ celebrate a birth, adoption, change of name or the coming together of a step family. Naming ceremonies can accommodate more than one child and there are no age restrictions; in fact, it’s a lovely idea to incorporate a role for the older sibling(s) should you wish to do so. Although they’ve been around for many years, naming ceremonies are currently proving to be a particularly popular option with parents who would like to welcome a new arrival but, for whatever reason, feel that a traditional christening isn’t for them. The great thing is there are no rules; they provide the means to mark the milestone of a new arrival in a way that’s as unique as your child. They can be non-religious, semi-religious or a blend of faiths…the choice is yours!

Legalities of a naming ceremony

Just like a church christening, naming ceremonies have no legal standing. Whether you decide to have one or not is completely up to you but they provide an opportunity to mark a special event surrounded by people who mean the most. Whatever type of ceremony you’re planning, you need to register a birth in the U.K. within 42 days and complete the necessary formalities associated with an adoption or change of surname. Naming ceremonies are inclusive; they’re suitable for single parents, unmarried parents and same sex couples.

When and Where can you have a Naming Ceremony?

Weekend namings are the most popular but they can be held on any day of the week at any time of year. Typically lasting around 40 minutes, the naming ceremony itself can be held practically anywhere; premises don’t need to be licenced. When choosing a venue, you might consider your home, a hotel or community centre. How about a favourite park? Or the beach, perhaps? Just have a plan B in mind if the weather’s not kind! The ceremony is usually, but not always, conducted at the beginning of any other celebrations you’ve arranged for your child’s naming day; this could be a drinks reception, sit-down meal or something less formal. As not all parents have the time (or energy!) to arrange a naming celebration in the months following a birth, a popular choice is to combine the occasion with a first birthday party. Although naming celebrations can be arranged at short notice, it’s usual to allow at least couple of months to prepare for a perfect day.

Format, Structure and Tone of a Naming Ceremony

Naming days can be as formal or informal as you like; you set the tone in conjunction with whoever’s leading the ceremony. You could even have a theme for the day, too, such as pirates, princesses or super-heroes! Many people view naming days as a contemporary option but still like to have a more traditional approach when arranging the ceremony itself. Basically, it’s up to you. The main consideration of a ceremony is that it’s personal, meaningful and reflects your values and beliefs.

Although there’s no set structure, a typical ceremony could include some or all of the following:

1. Introduction and welcoming of guests.

2. A few words about the journey leading to the child’s arrival.

3. An overview of a child’s personality/likes/dislikes and how his/her name was decided.

4. Reading of favourite poems/prose/song lyrics.

5. Pledges/promises of love, commitment and support by the parents and any other special family or friends appointed as ‘guide parents’ or ‘supporting adults’.

6. Incorporation of symbolic gestures such as the lighting of a candle, the planting of a tree or the creation of a time capsule for the child to open on a special occasion in the future.

7. Conclusion and presentation of a certificate, which serves as lasting memento of the occasion.

 

 

Who Conducts the Ceremony?

The simple answer is, whoever you like! If you, a member of your family or a close friend is confident enough leading the ceremony then that could be an option. For most people, having a celebrant ensures things run smoothly and enables everyone else to concentrate on enjoying themselves. As well as conducting the ceremony, a celebrant or registrar should be able to advise on suitable readings, poems and pledges as well as the general format. Whoever you choose for your special day, you should ensure that sufficient time is taken ahead of the ceremony to ensure that he/she fully understands your requirements to ensure that it reflects your wishes, values and beliefs.

 

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of naming ceremonies and, however you choose to mark the occasion, I wish you a wonderful day of celebration!

Contact details for Jo at the Lancashire Naming Celebrant are;

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Tel: 07949427557

 

 

5 Fun Things for Families to do in Preston

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As you know, we are MyBump2Baby – A pregnancy – preschool directory and we love helping local families find fun things to do in Preston. If you would like to find local pregnancy – preschool groups, classes and businesses we have our local Preston family directory you can access by clicking here. You can also find a list of days out in Lancashire on our website by clicking here.

Today we are excited to share our guest post from the awesome Jennii, who also happens to be one of our favourite bloggers. Her blog is Chilling with Lucas. Jenni shares her top 5 things to do in Preston for Families.

Things for Families to do in Preston for Families;

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

Brockholes is set on the site of an old quarry which is now a 250 acre reserve with a network of trails and hides. You can also explore the woods or enjoy the lakes on site, which have all been specially designed to attract all kinds of wildlife. They have also catered for all ages with their play parks including a climbing forest, a miniature gravel quarry for scooping, digging and transporting fun, a bouncing flower, play hut, swings, balance blocks, chain path, see-saw and zip wire! Entrance is free but you do have to pay for parking. There is a visitor centre with an ice cream parlour, cafe and shop… read more here.

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston

The Harris is free to enter and a treasure trove with something for everyone whether you are interested in arts, ceramics, costume and textiles or history. The Harris also has the Harris library within it. There is a cafe, shop and free WiFi. They also have regular events and classes for families and children between 5 and 12 years.

Salmesbury Hall, Preston

Salmesbury Hall is free to visit and has an abundance of things to see. There are art exhibitions with work available to buy. They have animals to visit including pigs, bees, rabbits, hens, goats and sheep. Next to the animal area they have a play area including a miniature Salmesbury Hall replica that children can climb through the windows to the rope bridge of the Mayflower ship! There is a wooden trail with bridges, swings and fun obstacles. Various extra family and children’s activities are offered during the school holidays. If you want to stay for something to eat there is a wafflery and restaurant. Read more here…

Ribble Steam railway, Preston

Ribble Steam Railway has a 3 mile return trip along marina, swing bridge and River Ribble, giving interesting views over Preston. Surrounded by naturally relaxing landscape you can discover the wildlife and fauna that live and grow along the riverside railway. There is also a hands on museum, complete with an indoor miniature railway. There is a shop and a cafe. Throughout the year they hold special events and activities.

Ninja Adventure , Preston

Over 40 ninja warrior obstacles, a multilevelled harnessed high ropes course, 2 warped walls, a virtual reality arcade, cafe and soft play area for the little ones this is a great place for the adventurers in the family Read more here

 

If you are a MyBump2Baby app holder, remember that you qualify for our exclusive discounts section.

Is MSC’s Bellissima a Good Cruise for Families?

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As a parent, I personally am always looking for holidays and nice breaks for us to go and make memories, away from home, away from work ideally somewhere warm. Only recently, have I actually started looking for good cruises for families. The more I read about Crusies for families the more I want to go on one.

Today we have a guest post from the expert Rebecca Whitmore, a travel agent from Chester sharing her amazing experience on MSC’s Bellissima

Is MSC’s Bellissima a Good Cruise for Families?

Ideal Cruise for families – MSC’s Bellissima

Rebecca shares her experience;

Meaning beauty, in English, MSC’s Bellissima truly lives up to her name. From the giddy heights of the colour changing LED dome embedded in the ceiling, down the star-spangled stairs encased in Swarovski crystals, to the polished grand pianos, the keys just waiting to be tinkled. This ship is beauty galore and you can almost smell the money that has been ploughed into the furnishings. I was on board to explore for research purposes, but I did start to wonder if my two children – with their bubbly chatter and sticky faces – would be welcome should we take our annual family holiday on board. I decided to find out more…

Is MSC’s Bellissima a Good Cruise for Families?

First things first…let’s try out the food

I make my way to the buffet restaurant to find out what the lunchtime experience is like. I am always slightly sceptical when it comes to buffets, not knowing what to expect. Known as the ‘Marketplace Buffet’ this is a casual dining venue, open 20 hours a day. I am overwhelmed by all the choice and variety of food on offer, pasta’s, rotisserie, soup, salads, pancakes, pastries…the choice is immense! The open kitchens add a little theatre and I opt for a freshly made pizza. Being an Italian ship, believe me, these Chefs know how to cook! Buffets, in my opinion, make sense for a family, certainly at lunch time at least. Perhaps you’ve been out by the pool and don’t want to get too fancy for a waiter service meal? It’s relaxed, it’s informal, but onboard Bellissima is still a quality meal. It’s worth noting that there are poolside snack bars too, if you don’t want to leave your lounger. Evening dinner is going to be at one of the waiter service restaurants, a chance to get glammed up. Perhaps you’d opt for one of the themed dining options? tapas, steak, sushi, bistro and more– you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Time to explore the poolside

There are several pools on board including an indoor section with Jacuzzi’s. The aptly named Atmosphere pool is just that, with a great vibe and also hosts evening events such as the Sail Away party. The Horizon pool is another fantastic open-air deck space for sun-worshipers, and at nightfall this also becomes an outdoor entertainment venue. The highlight of the ship for kids is bound to make a few jaws drop. The Arizona Aquapark is one of the most intricate and exciting waterparks at sea. There’s 4 twisting slides, a Himalayan bridge and a really fun tone all around. Yes, my little Whitmore’s would certainly be right at home here!

Let’s head indoors to see what the kids club has to offer

There are 5 clubs, categorised by age. The Baby Club is a dedicated area for babies and toddlers and has been created along with the leading baby-care brand Chicco. The room is crisp and bright with modern, fun, educational toys and activities, there’s certainly hours of entertainment here for little ones. There’s opportunity for parents to stay and play, or leave baby with the trained youth team – perhaps a chance for Mum & Dad to head to the spa?

The Magic Lego room for 3-6 years is bound to impress, with hands-on brick building and a whole host of Lego fun. Junior club, Young club, and Teen club are also dedicated areas, themed to suit the relevant age groups. I’m impressed to see the Doremi Studio, this is a family activity room, specially created for grown up’s & children to join in the fun together.

Evening Entertainment

Evening entertainment is a real treat, with 6 different Broadway style shows every week. There are 2 performance times each evening, so you can work around dinner and bedtime too. If you prefer to take an evening stroll, the indoor promenade is 80 metres long with shops & bars all around. Watch out for the chocolate bar boutique! Enticing sweet delights are created in a unique open-concept kitchen. There’s 24-hour entertainment on the promenade including parades and different LED sky screen shows each night, with themes such as time travel or wizardry.

Time for Bed

After all that excitement it’s time for bed. I have chance to explore some of the cabins, and I’d like to find out if they are suitable for families. The cabin I’ve been allocated is spacious enough for 3, it’s roomy with large double bed and sofa bed. The balcony is a welcome treat, and I personally always recommend a balcony cabin. My husband and I like the chance to sit up a little while longer while the children nod off, so having a balcony for us, would be ideal. The desk space is home to ‘Zoe’, the world’s first cruise virtual assistant. Zoe is an ‘Alexa’ type feature, configured to suit your particular itinerary when you are on holiday. She can tell you which ports you are visiting, available excursions, what time the kids club is open etc…I see it as a great way to multitask when you are getting the children ready to go out for the day. The family cabins are incredible with space to sleep up to 10 people in comfort, great for those with larger numbers travelling. Interior and Ocean view cabins are available for those that don’t require a balcony and prefer to save some money, or on the other end of the scale if you’d like a little more luxury, suites and even duplex suites are suitably glamourous.

MSC advertise themselves as embodying the elegant side of the Mediterranean and they desire for all guests to have new experiences and good times, at every age.

Our Overall Experience as a Family onboard the MSC’s Bellissima

My experience has been that they embody this perfectly. If we were on land the ship feels like the equivalent to a quality 4 star hotel. You have fabulous facilities and service, but in a fun, informal way, rather than being pretentious. I could tell you so much more – about the spa, the exclusive areas of the Yacht Club, the solutions on board to lower the environmental impact of cruising, and MSC’s ambitious growth plans, watch this space as in the coming years they have even more ships joining their fleet.

Bellissima is set to sail around the classic ports in the Mediterranean before heading over to the exotic delights of Arabia. Where she will be after that is currently under wraps, but one thing I do know is that Bellissima’s true beauty shines when she is helping you create happy holiday memories with your family. Please contact me at any time to find out more about Bellissima, Beauty at Sea.

If you would like more information about any cruises or holidays contact Rebecca and she would be happy to help.

Rebecca Whitmore Travel Counsellors

01244 490 005 / 07568 056 623

Rebecca.whitmore@travelcounsellors.com

Things to do in London as a Family

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Today we have an amazing guest post from the fabulous Kirsty who blogs over at Navigating Baby. As parents,  you maybe interested in finding things to do in London as a family. We have our free local pregnancy to pre-school directory of classes and business here but if you are looking for something a little different to do in London … carry on reading to find some awesome things to do in London as a family.

Things to do as a family in London

Fun Things to do as a Family in London

We have lived in South West London for the past 10 years (I have actually been here all my life) and we love it especially now as it is great area to be in as a family.  People always think of London and see crowded spaces and loads of buildings, but our little corner of the city is a lot about being outdoors and large open spaces.

Here is my list of fab things to do in London as a Family;

Visit one of the Lidos for an open-air swim. There are fantastic outdoor pools in Brockwell Park and Tooting Common which make a perfect family day out in the summer months.  For those feeling less brave Hampton Open Air Pool is also fabulous and has the added bonus of being heated.  Be warned though you need to get to all of these early or face long queues.

Pack a picnic and head to one of the many commons. South West London is blessed with huge amounts of green space and a fair bit of woodland for tree climbing and adventure.  We spend hours in the woods building dens.

Things to do as a family in London

To name but a few there is Tooting Common, Streatham Common, Clapham Common, Wimbledon Common, Wandsworth Common, Morden Hall Park, Richmond Park and Bushey Park.  Each of these has playgrounds galore, there are also sandpits, tennis courts and often organised events such as Park Runs for kids or recently Easter Egg hunts.

Hampton Court Palace. This is one of my favourite places in South West London for a family day out and we don’t even always go into the palace.  Being in the gardens is free and a lovely place for kids to run around.  If you want to pay there are usually activities for kids organised during weekends and holidays and there is the amazing Magic Garden which is a fabulously designed play space for children.  There are towers to be climbed, water to play in, sand to dig in and hills to roll or slide down.

If you do visit don’t forget the maze –  I have been lost in there more times than I care to remember both as a child and an adult!

Visit Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the guard. You can combine this with a walk and a play in St James Park or a walk down the Mall will take you to Horseguards Parade where there are soldiers on horses.  If little legs are not yet exhausted another short walk will take you to Westminster to see Big Ben.

The Wetlands, Barnes – there are over 100 acres of wetlands and marshes here where you can see butterflies, pond life and birds a plenty. If your little people love wildlife this is a total must visit

The more I write about it the more I realise how lucky I am to live somewhere so very full of history and amazing sites, but that still has extraordinary green spaces for my children to experience.

I am Kirsty from Navigating Baby and I write about raising my 4 crackers littles.  I have two singleton boys and then after going for number 3 I was  blessed to have very lively twin girls.  My children can be found tearing around my house playing ninjas, loving one another or driving one other crazy. I can be found alternating between drinking coffee, pleading for order and writing about the chaos here.

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Top 5 Attractions in West Lancashire

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As you know MyBump2Baby has newly launched it’s very own MyBump2Baby Lancashire section of our website and app. Today we are delighted to share our guest post from the fantastic Nicola who blogs over at Mummy to Dex.

 

Top 5 Attractions in West Lancashire

Welcome to West Lancashire, an historic borough with so many family friendly attractions, you could spend months here and not get bored. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a historic building aficionado or just a lover of being outdoors, West Lancashire has got something for the whole family. It was hard to narrow it down the top 5 attractions in West Lancashire, but these 5 family days out are definitely some of the best!

Our Favourite Attractions in West Lancashire;

Rufford Old Hall| West Lancashire

Located in the historic village of Rufford, Rufford Old Hall is a 500 year old fine Tudor building which used to be home to the Heskeths up until the mid-1700s.

While Dad is exploring the fine architecture of the Grade II listed building, Mum and the kids can tackle the large grounds, including a one mile nature trail, perfect for kids who love to spy butterflies and dragonflies.

When Dad gets bored of the Hall, why not take part in one of the garden games on the lawn- chess or croquet, or explore the woods and build a den? There’s so much to do at Rufford Old Hall and it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family.

There’s an on-site tearoom offering a comprehensive children’s menu, but if you’re trying to save money, you’re more than welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy your sandwiches and snacks in the sunshine.

Free entry for National Trust members, adult ticket prices with gift aid cost £10.50 and under fives go free. Check website for opening times as these can vary depending on the day of the week and season.

Martin Mere Wetlands Centre| West Lancashire

If you have bird mad children, then Martin Mere Wetlands Centre is a must visit when you’re in the local area. Located on the West Lancashire Coastal Plains, Martin Mere, which was once England’s largest body of fresh water, has played host to over 280 species of bird on its wetlands, and every Autumn it welcomes 30,000 pink footed geese, as they make their journey from Iceland south for the winter.

There’s so much more to see and do at Martin Mere, whether you’re a bird lover or not. Kids love the outdoor play area, the boating trips across the wetlands and there’s even toddler story time on a Thursday morning for the littlest members of our family.

Top 5 attractions in Lancashire

Open all year round, seven days a week, prices for entry start from £7.

Windmill Animal Farm| West Lancashire

If you’re looking for a family attraction that will keep you busy for the full day, then look no further than Windmill Animal Farm, based just outside of Burscough.

Offering indoor soft play, a light railway, outdoor play areas, access to a huge range of farm animals, cute furry pets and a lovely cafe with coffee and cake to die for, Windmill Animal Farm keeps our energetic toddler busy for hours on end.

There’s an array of farming events throughout the year including pumpkin picking in October and the lambing season in March – two events not to be missed.

Open seven days a week, entry starts from £7.50 with discounted family tickets and half price weekday tickets available.

Mere Sands Woods| West Lancashire

Located just down the road from Rufford Old Hall, Mere Sands Woods named as such as this location was the shoreline of the now drained Martin Mere.

Within the reserve are lakes, sandy wet meadows, forest, six bird hides and several walking path routes which are accessible for both wheelchairs and prams.

As well as using the bird hides to look out for magnificent kingfishers, woodpeckers and sparrows, you can also see foxes, squirrels, deer and water voles around the reserve.

Truly a nature lovers paradise, Mere Sands Woods is like Martin Mere Wetland’s Centre cooler, younger brother. A really relaxing place to be at one with nature, and a serene location to spend a few hours with the kids, learning about insects, birds and mammals.

Top 5 attractions in Lancashire

Entry into Mere Sands Woods is free, however it costs £2 to park your car for the day.

Farmer Ted’s| West Lancashire

The ultimate family friendly farm in the North West and a must visit destination for any child. Farmer Ted’s always has so much going on for children and adults alike. Located between Formby and Ormskirk on Flatman’s Lane, there’s a world of things to do when you arrive such as meeting farm animals, go karting, exploring the adventure maze, archery, watching birds of prey and an indoor and outdoor play area.

Check out the website for seasonal activities including Easter egg hunts in March/April, pumpkin carving in October and gingerbread decorating in December.

 

Prices start from £4.75 with prices going up slightly on the weekend. Open all year around except for January and two weeks in November

Nicola who blogs over at Mummy to Dex lives in a small village in rural West Lancashire with her husband, two year old spirited toddler, Dexter and newborn baby, Felix.

 

Taking Children Abroad – Who Has Parental Responsibility for the Child?

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With summer fast approaching, there is no doubt that many parents will be making plans to take their child abroad. Despite this, parents and grandparents may not be considering the legal implications of taking their children or grandchildren on holiday, especially when there is a child arrangements order in place. This guidance may help you decide whether you need to take any extra steps before taking your child or grandchild abroad this year.

Taking Children Abroad - Who Has Parental Responsibility for the Child?

Who has parental responsibility (PR) for the child?

 “I am the child’s biological parent; do I not automatically have PR?”

In many cases, this is true. Mothers automatically have PR, as do fathers who were married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth.

“I am the father of the child but I was not married to the mother at the time the child is born”

The father can acquire PR by:

  1. Being named on the birth certificate (from 2003);
  2. Through a PR agreement with the mother; or
  3. An order of the court

Divorce does not remove PR from either parent.

If both parents have PR and there is no child arrangement order in place, neither can take the child on holiday outside the UK without the consent of the other parent (or any other party with PR).  Consent from both parents is also needed if the child is going away without a member of the family, for example, on school trips.

Taking Children Abroad - Who Has Parental Responsibility for the Child?

What do I do if the mother/ father refuses to give permission for me to take the child abroad?

If one parent unreasonably withholds consent, you are able to apply to the Family Court for permission to take the child abroad. This permission is granted in what is known as a Specific Issues Order.

“I am the grandmother of the child; my son (the father) has given me permission to take the child on holiday – is this okay?”

No. If grandparents or other family members want to take a child abroad, permission will be needed from both parents with PR and not just from one parent.

Concerns of abduction

It is not unusual, in families with international connections, for either parent to be anxious that someone may refuse to return their child to the UK. If you wish to prevent a child being removed from this country you can apply to the Family Court for a Prohibited Steps Order (PSO). A PSO prevents either parent from making specific trips with their children without express permission of the other parent.

If there is an immediate risk to the child’s welfare, an emergency order can be sought and the court can order that airports and ports be alerted to the child’s potential travel and the child can be detained at the airport or port. The court can take a number of urgent steps to prevent a child being taken out of the jurisdiction.

The repercussions of taking a child abroad without consent

Removing a child from the UK without the necessary consent, even if this is just for a summer holiday may be a criminal offence under the Child Abduction Act 1984.

 

We recommend that parents who are separated with children, approach the subject of booking holidays carefully and with proper legal advice.

Taking Children Abroad - Who Has Parental Responsibility for the Child?

 

The Family Law team at Lester Aldridge can provide you with confidential legal advice. Please contact Partner Rosemary Sharp on rosemary.sharp@la-law.com or 01202 786343 to discuss any of the above.

Do Early Experiences Make a Difference to a Baby’s Brain?

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Do Early Experiences Matter when it comes to a Babys’ Brain?

Research have shown that the first three years of your child’s life are uniquely important, because this is the most sensitive period for brain development.  The experiences your child will have during this time, will shape the architecture of his/her brain, and build the connections that will help him/her develop important life-long skills like problem-solving, communication, self-control and relationship building.

New brain connections are formed at a rate of 700 every second in response to your baby’s experiences out in the world.  These connections help your baby learn the essentials to survive and thrive within his/her family, community and culture.  It’s the quality of your baby’s relationships that has a major influence on which brain connections take place and the strength of these connections.

Do Early Experiences Make a Difference to a Babies Brain?

What does this mean in Terms of a Baby’s Brain?  Early experiences do matter.

Your baby’s brain connections, reflect the quality of care he/she receives.  These differences have impacts that can last a lifetime, because our brain connections affect the way we think, the way we learn, and the way we manage our feelings and build relationships with others, all the way into adulthood.

 

What can you do to optimise your baby’s brain development?

 

  1. Responsive care
  • Tune in to your baby’s signals, words, facial expressions and actions.
  • Respond in a way that respects your baby’s needs.
  • When you respond in a sensitive way, you are letting your child know you understand what he/she is telling you – that you respect his/her needs.
  • These loving back and forth interactions build strong, positive brain connections that help your child thrive over time.

 

  1. See your child as a partner in your interactions
  • Like a game of catch, it is all about back and forth.
  • One of you starts the interaction – the other responds.
  • Talk to your baby – and give them time to respond, through sounds, words or actions – then you answer back. It’s a dialogue.

 

There is another, perhaps surprising experience, that also nurtures healthy brain development….

 

  1. Dealing with some stress
  • That’s right! A little bit of stress goes a long way towards building a strong, healthy brain.
  • Helpful stress is brought along by the everyday challenges we face, like muscling through a difficult task or experience.
  • These challenges help us learn new skills and how to solve problems, such as figuring out a puzzle or dealing with some difficult feelings.
  • Working through this kind of stress is what helps us to get along with others and ultimately succeed in work, school and life.
  • Your child is able to tolerate stress, because you are there to support him/her and he/she has learned to depend on you.
  • So watch your child carefully to see what he/she is capable of and when he/she needs your help.
  • Giving your child a chance to struggle a little, helps him/her how to solve problems on his/her own.
  • See yourself as a coach, offering ideas or suggestions, but do not take over.
  • Step in only when it is necessary.

 

Remember, it is mastering new challenges that builds brain power and the motivation to learn.

 

So what matters the most?  YOU!!!

 

You are the most important person in your child’s life.

You know him/her best.

You love him/her most.

Do Early Experiences Make a Difference to a Babies Brain?

 

Remember…You are not just singing lullabies, stacking blocks, changing diapers, playing peek-a-boo or sharing stories.

 

You are helping your baby build a healthy brain!

 

Written by:

Natasha McLeish

Creator of www.brainybaby.site

Do Early Experiences Make a Difference to a Babies Brain?