10 New Franchisees Join Bloom Toddler Classes
A network that is blooming – 10 new franchisees join Bloom Toddler Classes
Since our founder, Victoria Jennings, launched Bloom Baby Classes in 2017, our franchise has grown exponentially. A network of teachers whose shared goal is to see children thrive, Bloom Baby Classes has almost doubled our number of franchisees in two years – growing from 38 members in 2020 to 68 in September 2022. With goals to recruit 17 more teachers by the end of the year, and to reach over 100 franchisees by the end of the first quarter of 2023, our franchise is well on track to achieve even more success. In fact, 10 new franchisees joined just this last month in preparation to launch their own Bloom Toddler Classes.
“The classes will act as a follow-on from our baby classes
and will be especially for children aged 15 months and over, with teachers guiding little ones as they become more mobile and independent,” says Victoria. “The demand for toddler classes across the UK is growing, so it’s the perfect time to expand our franchise - we hope this new channel will lead to even higher revenue and growth within both businesses.
“We’re also looking to expand the toddler classes globally, launching the new model in Qatar next year. After visiting earlier this year, this launch is now in progress and will be live from January 2023 – the same time as the 10 UK toddler territories. Bloom Toddler Classes will be the first of its kind in Qatar, where there are currently very few opportunities for parents and new babies to socialise. We’re confident launching this sister company will help both developing toddlers and their parents, making a difference in the UK and overseas.”
Holly Stepien, the owner of multiple Bloom Baby franchise
locations including Stockport South and Bolton, co-founded Bloom Toddler Classes alongside Victoria. Having only just celebrated her first anniversary this summer, Holly is thrilled at the transformation the franchise has created in her life.
“The support I’ve received from the Bloom team since I started has been brilliant. I’ve recently been shortlisted as the Most Loved Baby Activity Leader in the What’s On 4 Kids Awards and this is a testament to how much my business has grown in just one year thanks to Bloom.
“Victoria has supported me since day one. Going into business with her to launch Bloom Toddler Classes is an incredible next step to be taking, especially just one year into my franchise journey. In utilising Bloom’s franchise model and my skills, we have created a fantastic service for toddlers and their parents - I’m very excited to share this next chapter with the UK and beyond next year.”
The first class will be launched in Northumberland by Sophie Nixon at the end of this year. After attending a Bloom Baby Class in October 2020, Sophie knew the business was where she wanted to be. Sophie first joined as a teacher at the beginning of 2021, working for an expanding franchisee. Following her franchisee training this Autumn, Sophie will launch the new sister company in time for the festive season, becoming one of the first people to launch the new toddler focused franchise.
“It’s an honour to be a part of Bloom Baby Classes – and to launch the first toddler session is such a ‘pinch me’ moment,” said Sophie. “I’ve been so inspired by Victoria and her determination to build a brand based on the wellbeing and support of new parents, helping those new to parenthood like I was two years ago. Working for the franchisee at Northumberland has been an absolute joy, and I’m so excited to launch my new business in this same community - it provides me with the opportunity to continue the development of the same little ones that I taught as babies.
“Before coming across Bloom, I was a beauty therapist and worked long hours in a department store. Part of the motivation for joining the Bloom family was to spend more time with my daughter and my husband. With the network’s support, I was able to become a teacher and now I am launching my very own franchise! Demand for the first sessions in Northumberland has already exceeded our initial projections but I know Bloom will continue to support me throughout my journey. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for Bloom Toddler Classes.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the classes and franchise opportunities that Bloom Baby Classes offer, contact us at enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960.
Spooky activities to do at home with your little one this Halloween
With the scariest season almost upon us, you might be looking to introduce your little one to the excitement of Halloween whilst still being sensitive to their development and active imagination. Whether your child loves ghouls and goblins or is still getting to grips with the idea of playing pretend, we’ve put together a spooktacular list of activities you can do with your little monster to enjoy the spooky season together.
Read some not-so-scary stories together
With Halloween taking place just as the afternoons are getting darker, now is the perfect time to settle down, get cosy and enjoy a story or two – and this doesn’t just have to be before bedtime! To make reading with your little one extra special, set up a reading nook with their favourite warm drink and explore some playful books together. A couple of our favourites include Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Happy Halloween, available here, or The Little Bat Who Loved Halloween available here.
You could also explore interactive books such as Baby Touch and Feel Halloween and Boo: Lift the flap board book. You can find these both on Amazon too - here and here. And don’t forget, all this Halloween excitement can tire you out as a parent so flick through our previous blog posts to find a book that you too can snuggle down to this season.
It’s time to get messy!
Young children are still developing their sense of realism so they might find it trickier to distinguish what is real and what isn’t. Baking ghoulishly fun bakes is a great way to incorporate the novelty of Halloween whilst clearly distinguishing make-believe and reality, feeding their growing appetite at the same time!
From spider-shaped cookies to mozzarella ghosts on homemade pizzas, Halloween is the perfect time to make a freakishly untidy mess in the kitchen! Try googling ‘easy Halloween recipes’ or head to social media platforms such as YouTube and Pinterest to find a whole host of ideas. Not an avid cook? No problem - try decorating shop-bought Halloween biscuits together instead!
A super(natural) evening to remember
Seasonal festivities are always a great excuse to get together, so why not invite some fellow parents to join in with the fun? Ask a friend and their little one around for a gentle evening of spooky activities that are fun for both you and your children. Start by setting the scene with a glow-in-the-dark living room - or should we say, ‘tomb’ - space, gathering as much glow-in-the-dark décor as possible. Day-glow stars, balloons and dedicated Halloween decorations can all set the scene for a not-so-scary evening of fun – just remember to stay away from glow sticks as these can be very harmful if burst. Try adding a light projector into the
mix to create a whole host of patterns and colours in the room. For an extra bit of Halloween fun, why not make some costumes for your little monster? With Halloween creating 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year in the UK alone, now’s the perfect time to get creative whilst still being environmentally friendly! From popular figures that are instantly recognisable such as Peppa Pig and Paddington Bear, to taking the Frankenstein approach and patching a spooky costume together from clothes already in the house. It’s easier than you might think to create a ghoulish look this Halloween.
For more top tips, or to find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at
enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960
Meet the teacher – Andrea Sanger Bloom Baby Classes, North Devon
Our incredible team behind Bloom Baby Classes know a thing or two about how to best nurture your
little one’s development. With over 60 Bloom Baby Classes owners across the UK, our community of
teachers come from a variety of different backgrounds, but all have one thing in common – they love
to help newborns bloom in whatever way feels best for them. Today, we are so excited to introduce
you to Andrea Sanger, a mum of three boys who has been working with children for almost 30 years.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello, I’m Andrea! I’m 48 and whilst I was born in London, I now live in North Devon. I have three sons who are all grown up now – they’re 15, 18 and 24 – but two of them still live at home with me.
What did you do before you joined Bloom Baby Classes?
I qualified as a nursery nurse nearly 30 years ago and since then have worked in various places in the South region including schools, nurseries, children’s hospices and other extracurricular clubs. When my kids were at playgroup, I volunteered to help out at their nurseries too! I’ve now been with Bloom Baby Classes for over two years, joining in 2020.
How did you come across Bloom Baby Classes?
Just after Christmas in 2019, I was looking for a new way to inspire and support little ones. I researched different children’s franchises and Bloom Baby Classes just stood out to me. It appealed to me that I could choose my own hours as although my boys are older now, having flexible work hours fits in really well with my life. I contacted Victoria and did my training in January 2020, launching my classes in September 2020 when it was safe to do so.
What’s the best thing about being a Bloom Baby Classes teacher?
For me, it is meeting all the families and seeing the beautiful babies! Every day is always different, even if the class is the same theme as the day before. We never have a bad class - sometimes things go wrong, such as the music not working or arriving late due to traffic, but the classes are always such a joy for everyone involved. I was also blown away with the support Bloom gave me as a new teacher. The branding, right down to the handmade, colourful props and parachutes (not forgetting Cooper the Caterpillar!) meant I knew I was investing in a business that really cared for children and their parents. I’ve had
reassurance from the start that Bloom Baby Classes is a credible business, and the incredible
encouragement the team provides is just one of the reasons I’m so proud to be a part of the Bloom community.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I have a little Shih Tzu called Toby who I love walking on the beach with my partner. I also enjoy going out for meals with friends and family and visiting my son in London when I can - now I am a part of the Bloom Baby community, I have more of an opportunity to spend time with the people who mean the most to me.
To find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960.
Bloom Baby Classes shortlisted for multiple What’s On 4 Kids Awards
A Blooming success! Bloom Baby Classes shortlisted for multiple What’s On 4 Kids Awards
Our very own Bloom Baby Classes has been announced as finalists for no fewer than four categories in the annual What’s On 4 Kids Awards – a prize that has been celebrating the most-loved children & activities in the UK for over 15 years. Just five years after launching, we are thrilled to have a glowing reputation and the chance to celebrate our collective achievements at this year’s awards.
Now in its 16th year, the What’s On 4 Kids Awards celebrate the best in the business. It is the only organisation to feature both ‘voted for’ and ‘judged’ categories – providing parents and carers with a voice to vote for businesses that have allowed their children to thrive. An increase in votes of nearly 30% this year suggests the growing presence the children’s services have, and the recognition of the incredible difference they can make to a young person’s development and mindset – something we at Bloom Baby pride ourselves on.
We have been named as a finalist in a number of categories this year, with the franchise itself being nominated for the Most Loved Baby Activity Franchisor with over 30 Leaders. Our founder Victoria Jennings has been shortlisted for an accolade acknowledging Remarkable Achievement and franchisee Lizzie McKendry has been recognised for a Most Loved Licence Territory award for her Manchester West franchise. Rachel Martin, owner of Bloom Baby Classes St Helens & Wigan, and Holly Stepien, owner of the Oldham and Rochdale classes, have been shortlisted for Most Loved Activity Leader for the North of England, in recognition of their contribution to the franchise. As a business we are also contributing to the event by sponsoring the Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity award, drawing on our belief in the importance of music and other soft skills.
“I am so proud of our flourishing network and everything we have achieved so far,” said Victoria. “I initially launched the sessions locally in 2017 and, due to the popularity of the classes, had three teachers helping me run over 36 classes a week by January 2018. Today, we have a global presence, helping little ones all over the world to have the best start in life.”
Holly Stepien, who has just celebrated her first anniversary as a franchisee said, “I’m over the moon about being shortlisted as the Most Loved Baby Activity Leader, especially as it is within the first of four regions I have acquired in the last year. The support I have received from the Bloom team since I started has been brilliant - I speak to Victoria every day and I have just gone into business with her to launch Bloom Toddler Classes! By utilising Bloom’s franchise model and my skills, I have created a thriving business for children and their parents – I’m very excited for what the future holds.”
This year, the judging panel includes Mike Dodd, Chairman of the Children’s Activities Association, and Sarah-Jayne Honeywell, an actress who has become a household name as a presenter on CBeebies. Alison Franks is also a judge - an ambassador for the Children’s Alliance, and wife of the late Steve Franks who founded the Alliance to broaden the government’s awareness of the health and wellbeing issues children face in the UK. “As an ambassador, I am campaigning to give all children a voice, finishing my late husband’s ambition on his behalf,” stated Alison. “I am both honoured and privileged to be judging the very special ‘Steve Franks Industry Champion of the Year & Award, to honour his legacy, his support and his spirit.”
The winners will be announced at a black-tie event at the Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, on 20th October – we can’t wait! If you’re interested in learning more about the classes and franchise opportunities that Bloom Baby Classes offer, contact us at enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960.
Introducing Bloom Toddler Classes
Bloom Toddler Classes
Having to say goodbye to the children that become too old for Bloom Baby Classes is never easy, which is why we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Bloom Toddler Classes. Especially for children aged between 14 months to three years, our toddler classes provide us with an opportunity to expand our business, whilst further helping our existing little ones to develop.
“Adding sessions for older children, from aged 14 months to three years, has always been a goal of mine,”
explained Victoria, our founder and director. “Initially, I felt this may come later down the line, but – just six years after launching – the desire to continue the classes beyond one year from existing parents is so high that we knew we would need to put this into action before the end of the year. From a personal perspective, being able to offer more of our time and experience to our wonderful parents is going to be very rewarding and, in terms of rates of growth for the business, this is going to have a significant impact on our market share. It’s a win-win and a very exciting time for the franchise.”
Sophie Nixon, 29, will be launching Bloom Toddler Classes - the first of its kind - in Northumberland in the new year, following taking part in her franchisee training this autumn. The married mum-of- one, who started teaching for Bloom Baby Classes in Northumberland after having her daughter, Maia, is over the moon to be joining the Bloom international franchise network. “It’s an honour to be a part of Bloom Baby Classes – and to launch the first ever toddler sessions has been such a ‘pinch me’ moment,” said Sophie. “I’ve been so inspired by Victoria and her determination to build a brand based on the wellbeing and support of new parents, like I was two years ago. As soon as I attended my first Bloom session with Maia back in 2020, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Working for the franchisee at Northumberland, Jen has been an absolute joy, and I’m so excited to launch my new business in the same community as her. She’s an incredible person who really has been my mentor - her success, determination and the way she runs her franchise has given me the courage to follow in her footsteps. I also feel extremely blessed to be able to continue the development of the same little ones that I taught as babies as they carry on their toddler journey! “Before coming across Bloom, I was a beauty therapist and worked long hours in a department store. Part of the motivation for joining the Bloom family when I did was to spend more time with my daughter and my husband, Callum. I now have the work-life balance I always craved but my own credible business too. I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”
For more information about investment opportunities with Bloom Baby or Toddler Classes, visit
Books to help you explore and understand postnatal depression for Read a Book Day
With between 10 and 20 percent of new mums 1 and 1 in 10 new dads 2 developing postnatal depression (PND) during the 12 months after having a baby*, our founder Victoria Jennings is passionate about supporting new parents with their mental health. Having suffered with PND herself following the birth of her first child Ana, she understands the isolation and low self-esteem a parent can experience during the first few months of their newborn’s life. Thanks to people like Victoria bravely sharing their stories, there is now a whole range of help out there. So, to make things a little easier this Read a Book Day, here are our top four books on postnatal depression, to help you navigate this tricky time.
Something To Live For: A True Story of Love, Hope and Postnatal Depression
In a truly honest and unfiltered memoir which was released this year, Laura Canty shares her experience with postnatal depression after the birth of her son, Arthur. Canty was diagnosed with acute PND in 2018 and spent 10 weeks in The Barberry National Centre for Mental Health with her son, overcoming the harsh reality of the illness and learning to accept, and love, her new reality.
Now an Expert by Experience volunteer for the NHS, Canty is passionate about opening the conversation around PND and helping others in similar situations to feel less alone.
You can buy this book here
www.amazon.co.uk/Something-Live-Story-Postnatal-Depression/dp/191318367X
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: The Definitive Survival and Recovery Approach (2017) This book is perfect if you are looking for a more relational, psychological understanding behind how you are feeling. Split into two parts, this book includes both the scientific and emotive sides of postpartum depression. Part one tells Sonya Watson’s emotive story of how she learnt to love her child whilst battling postnatal depression and anxiety, and part two tells of Dr Kathryn Whitehead’s insight into postpartum depression and anxiety. Whitehead is the doctor who helped Sonya to recover and feel a bond with her child. Sonya Watson is now a mum of two and a coordinator for PND Canterbury, using her experiences daily to help, educate and support other parents.
You can buy the book here
www.amazon.co.uk/Postpartum-Depression-Anxiety-Definitive-Survival/dp/1789560403
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers If reading a whole novel on how you can help yourself or your partner during this time seems a little overwhelming, try this illustrated and interactive book by Karen Kleiman instead. Separated into bite-sized advice pieces, relatable illustrations and quick activities you can do to help improve your mindset, this book is wonderful for picking up when you have a few minutes to yourself. The synopsis states that “over 90 percent of new mothers will have scary, intrusive thoughts about their baby and themselves,” and this book reassures parents that these thoughts are completely normal and don’t make you a bad parent.
Karen Kleiman is the founder of the acclaimed Postpartum Stress Center in the US and has been an international maternal mental health expert for over 32 years. She also published a new book this year titled ‘What about Us? A New Parent’s Guide to Safeguarding Your Over-Anxious, Over- Extended, Sleep-Deprived Relationship’ if you and your partner would like to navigate this tricky time together using an interactive format. You can buy her book here
Sad Dad: An Exploration of Postnatal Depression in Fathers
As mentioned above, it’s not just new mums that can suffer from postnatal depression. Rated 5/5 on Amazon, this book explores different aspects of postnatal depression for new dads, helping to open up the PND conversation to include fathers too. Supported by recent research and discussion, this book helps to understand the diagnosis and recovery journey of dads who suffer from PND. You can buy the book here
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sad-Dad-Exploration-Postnatal-Depression/dp/185343230X/
At Bloom Baby Classes our core aim is to help new parents feel less alone during the first few years of their little one’s lives. Exploring the research and the encouraging books that are out there in addition to building a support network around you with our classes will do wonders for your mindset.
To join our supportive network of new parents whilst aiding your newborn’s development, contact us at enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960.
1 Government UK, 2019, Perinatal mental health
2 Babycentre, 2022, Postnatal depression in dads
The importance of play for Playday
Playday
Whether your little one hasn’t yet celebrated their first birthday or they’re planning for their first day at nursery, it goes without saying that they’ve been raised during one of the most isolated times in recent history. Unfortunately, having grown up during the lockdowns caused by the global pandemic, or at least during the ‘new normal’ that followed, they haven’t had the same social experiences that children born pre-2020 had the benefit of.
Now more than ever, time to socialise and play with other children their age is crucial. Playday, which takes place on Wednesday 3 rd August, recognises the need to let children socialise with children their own age. The theme of this year’s global campaign is ‘all to play for – building play opportunities for all children’ and aims to highlight that play is for everyone.
Essentially – and this is something we’re real advocates for at Bloom Baby Classes - play is vital for children and young people’s physical and mental health.
But why is that? Well, in a nutshell:
Play allows children and young people to make friends, develop relationships, and have fun together.
Play enables children and young people to feel connected to their communities, leading to happier leading to greater levels of happiness for all.
Play has an important role in helping children and young people cope with stress and anxiety, deal with challenges, and make sense of what’s happening around them.
At our sessions, we encourage children from as young as just a few weeks old to spend time with other little ones – it’s time for them to bond and share in special milestones with other children the same age as them. But how can you encourage play at home, or when you’re out and about, when you’re not at your weekly Bloom Baby session?
Here are a few ideas for you.
Babies and toddlers love playing with water – in the bath, paddling pool or just using the sink or a plastic bowl. Invite friends with little ones over for a low-cost water party in the garden - use plastic bottles for pouring and squirting each other, plastic tubing, a sponge, a colander, straws, a funnel, spoons and anything else that’s unbreakable. But it goes without saying that you should never leave a young child alone in the bath or playing with water. A baby or young child can drown in less than five centimetres of water.
Start a baby book club
You can start looking at books with your baby from an early age – it will help them with their future learning. The time spent sharing books with your baby also allows you to bond with them and is good for emotional wellbeing. But reading also provides a great social activity. Meet other mums in the local cafe and read out loud to all of your children. Or perhaps check your local library for story time hours – most community libraries offer these for free, and they are suitable for children of all ages.
Singalong time
Provided you don’t feel too silly getting involved in a singalong with other local mums, gather at the park or at one of your houses and pop on some singalong nursery rhymes. For older children, lyrics can often be found online so they can follow along with their friends.
For more top tips, or to find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960.
Our founder has been nominated for a national award!
Our wonderful founder, Victoria Jennings, has reached the finals of the prestigious Best Business Women Awards.
Nominated in the Children and Families category, Victoria has been selected by a panel of industry experts, who were impressed by how she has built Bloom Baby Classes to impact the lives of families across the globe.
Since launching Bloom Baby Classes in Stockport in 2017, Victoria has gone on to franchise and has since opened classes in over 60 locations in the UK and in global destinations such as Dubai. Despite this incredible success, Victoria’s backstory demonstrates how opportunity can come from the most difficult places.
“I suffered from postnatal depression (PND) after having my first child,” said Victoria. “After my experience, I was passionate about building a baby class that supported other new parents with their postnatal mental health. At Bloom Baby Classes we make parents feel relaxed and welcomed, in a safe space where they can bond with their baby without fear of judgement. We offer sensory classes, but with a real emphasis on a baby’s unique development.”
The Best Business Women Awards were founded in 2015 by multi-award-winning entrepreneur Debbie Gilbert. Since its launch, it has become one of the UK’s most prestigious events for inspirational businesswomen. The awards cover a wide variety of industries to recognise, showcase and reward the very best of female business talent.
“I’m so proud of everything we have achieved so far. I initially launched sessions locally and the classes proved to be very popular. By January 2018, I had three teachers join me running over 36 classes a week. Through word of mouth and initial marketing activity across social media platforms, we were quickly getting enquiries from around the UK. Now we have a global presence, and I’m looking forward to opening locations in Australia and Canada soon.
It’s fantastic to be part of an event which is all about bringing businesswomen together to recognise and reward success. To celebrate the outstanding impact of female entrepreneurs through a very difficult period and share our goals for the future is very exciting. I want to thank everyone who is involved with Bloom Baby Classes for making my dream a reality.”
The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie event at the Hilton Wembley on 30th September. Good luck Victoria – we know you can do it!
If you’re interested in learning more about the classes and franchise opportunities that Bloom Baby Classes offer, contact us at enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960.
Bloom Baby Class Franchisee Training May 2022
Bloom Baby Class Franchise - the biggest franchise training weekend ever!
What a weekend we have just spent at Bloom Baby Classes HQ training our latest members of the network who will be launching their baby class franchise this summer! Each new member of our network receives over 40 hours training to help them learn how to succesfully launch a business, grow a following of real customers on social media and become experts in baby development and maternal wellbeing.
The weekend begins just after 8am when the Bloom HQ team meet at the training venue in Stockport, Cheshire to set up for the busy day ahead of them. The team consists of founder Victoria Jennings who leads the training of all new members of the franchise network, Paula Jones the best franchise support manager there is, Kellie Swanston head of branding and photography and our amazing training and development manager Louisa Poppy Murphy who encourages the high spirirts throughout the weekend and shares her knowledge and passion for the classes.
We explore each activity of our lesson plans and practice the activities sharing the knowledge and research behind each of the award winning classes, franchisees learn about the EYFS, baby development, maternal wellbeing and how to succesfully operate your franchise. Amongst those joining us this weekend Joanne Reid who launches this summer in East Lothian. Amy McHugh our first franchisee in the republic of ireland with Bloom Baby Classes County Wicklow and Dublin South as well as 11 other lovely ladies from across the UK who will be starting classes this September.
Carmen Howie new proud owner of Bloom Baby Classes Tamworth said:
“ When choosing to purchase a franchise, it can be a very daunting undertaking. For me especially, having no prior knowledge on how to run a business, this was my biggest concern.
From the get-go Bloom HQ has been there supporting me every step of the way. The training we receive has been tried and tested and the business model sets us up for success. The training we received thus far is extensive, covering so many different areas and things I haven't even thought of. I started out with limited knowledge but now I have build up a database of knowledge and the best part is, the training is still on going.
Having just returned from a two day training weekend, I am exhausted but also so content knowing I've been expertly trained. This training weekend has been one of the most fulfilling weekends of my life.
We are trained in such a way that the the essence of the brand threads through into every franchise, into every area where classes are run. The importance of parental well-being and support is paramount and the focus is as much on baby development as it is on parental well-being. It is very evident that this is a network that cares and really cares.
When joining the network you are assured that it is a very supportive network and I have experienced that time and again, and even more so during this weekend. The HQ team have a gift for choosing like minded people. All so different but all with the same care and dedication.
I am so pleased with my decision to join the Bloom networking and very excited for my future”
Also launching her franchise this Summer is our first franchisee to join us from Scotland, Ashleigh Diamond:
“We have had a number of online training sessions on the set up of the business which I have found very beneficial as I wouldn't know where to start if I was doing this alone. They have all been very informative and any questions we have had have always been welcomed and answered in full.
I am just back from our weekend in Stockport for our ‘in person’ practical training weekend and I absolutely LOVED it. I was extremely nervous before hand , but when I met the team and the group of girls I was going to be training with, I was just excited to get started. The team from head office were all very professional, welcoming and continuously reassured us throughout the weekend if we had any queries or concerns. The content was pitched at the right level and it gave us all experience of running our classes in 'a real life environment' which I think is really important. Our group bonded really well and were so supportive of one another which made a huge difference. I know I have made new friends for life and I am so excited to now be able to say I am part of this fantastic network.”
As a franchise network we pride ourselves on the level of training and support each new franchisee receives, once they launch their franchise the training doesn’t stop there either iwthlots of ongoing training offered to the network each year. To find out where new classes are launching or if you would like more information on joining our network click here.
Meet the teacher – Danelle Jones
Bloom Baby Classes Liverpool South
Our amazing community of teachers are one of the magic ingredients that make Bloom Baby Classes
special. We’re so proud of them all and so we’d like to showcase the journey they’ve been on with
us. Today, we’re delighted to introduce you to Danelle Jones – our incredible teacher and the owner
of Liverpool South.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi I’m Danelle. I am a former divorce lawyer at a top 50 national law firm in Liverpool, and I have
been a Bloom Baby Classes teacher since I launched the business last year.
How did you come across Bloom Baby Classes?
I started attending Bloom Baby Classes with my daughter when she was five weeks old. It was the
first time I had properly left my house since having Mae and I was incredibly anxious, but I really had
no need to worry. Caterpillar Club classes with our class leader, Rachel, soon became the highlight of
our week. We were welcomed with open arms and a huge smile every session. If Mae wanted to
sleep through or feed during a class in the early days, we were never made to feel unwelcome. I
quickly realised how special the time we were spending together was for our bond.
After seeing an advert during one of the online classes, I discovered that I could buy into the Bloom
franchise and launch my own business - the decision was easy. My previous career was, as you can
imagine, quite intense, and after becoming a mum I was ready to take a step back from the
corporate world and spend more one-on-one time with my little girl. I had a difficult journey to
motherhood and couldn’t bear the thought of having so little quality time with my baby when I went
back to work.
What’s the best thing about being a Bloom Baby Classes teacher?
I get a real sense of satisfaction from helping parents to relieve those feelings of anxiety that I
experienced in the early days of parenthood. Attending Bloom Baby Classes completely transformed
my mental health and to support others going through the same journey makes it all worthwhile.
What are your hobbies and interests?
It’s all about Mae now! We love going on adventures together. Pre covid we loved to travel and it’s
something that we want Mae to experience – in fact, we’ve just been to Malaga for a long weekend.
We are involved in the local scout group, and we also love to take Mae to fun places like farms and
aquariums. With Bloom Baby Classes I have the school holidays off and I have way more flexibility
than I did in my previous career. It’s brilliant!
To find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at
enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com ensuring that you include your mobile number or call us on 0800 4647960.
How to ask your partner if they're okay
Welcoming a baby in the world is an exciting and life-changing occasion but don’t underestimate
how overwhelming it can be too. By trying to block out those feelings of stress or anxiety, there’s a
risk that those emotions could lead to you or your partner developing Postnatal Depression – a
condition which affects around 1 in 10 new parents.
The most important thing you can do to take care of yourself and your loved ones’ mental health at
this time is to make sure you have honest and open conversations about how you’re feeling. Stress,
anxiety and depression can occur at any time – and it impacts new dads just as much as it does new
mums. A lot of the time, just asking if the other person is okay can go a long way, so here’s our top
tips for starting off that conversation with your better half.
Plan a day out
Once you feel comfortable to venture out with your newborn as a family, the excitement you’ll feel
at being able to introduce your new baby to the sounds and smells of the world could spark a real
sense of happiness for you both. In turn, this will break down any tension you’ve felt that comes
with the new responsibility you both feel, giving you a chance to ask how the other one is feeling
about this new chapter. Essentially, getting out from the four walls where you’ve been fighting a lack
of sleep, dirty nappies and a new routine and changing your scenery could be all you need to start
off that conversation.
Have a date night
Although you may not feel this is a priority in the weeks immediately after giving birth, it’s still just as
important that you take time out as a couple of nurture your bond. And you’ve got some pretty big
news to celebrate! So take a couple of hours out for yourselves and remember what it was you loved
to do before there were three of you. A conversation is much easier to have over a shared meal or a
fun activity.
And the conversation doesn’t need to be an intense one or a professional style therapy session.
Simply ask your partner to describe how they’re feeling in that moment in three words – compare
notes to see if you’ve been feeling the same way and how you might be able to work together to
take some pressure off the situation.
Spend one-on-one time as a family unit.
With a new bundle of joy in tow, it’s likely you’ve been welcoming an endless stream of guests to the
house since you arrived home. This can be really overwhelming as new parents – trying to adapt to a
new normal is never going to be easy if the kettle is always on!
Be selfish with your time and commit to at least four nights a week of alone time for your family. In a
quiet and relaxed setting, a casual conversation about those first few weeks of parenthood is bound
to lead to deeper thoughts about long-term emotions and feelings. A safe space will spark a deep
and emotional conversation.
For more top tips, or to find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at
enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com ensuring that you include your mobile number or call us on 0800 4647960.
1 NHS, 2018, Feeling depressed after childbirth.
Five items to put in your baby's treasure basket
Encouraging exploration
At Bloom Baby Classes, we’re great believers in letting your children explore the world around them
in as real a sense as possible.
Whilst the selection of bright and exciting newborn and toddler toys
and puzzles on offer nowadays might look appealing, it’s more likely that your little one will be
reaching for everything except when it comes to playtime. So, if they seem more interested in your
car keys or the dog’s water bowl than a motorised digger, well, that’s because their brains are
programmed to learn through touching and tasting things that you use daily.
During our sessions you’ll often find our ‘treasure baskets’ dotted around the room. These are filled
with all manner of everyday items, like wooden spoons, cups, scarves and paintbrushes – all things
that are perfectly safe for your child to interact with. Because, let’s be honest, it won’t be long
before they inevitably end up in their mouth!
The treasure basket method
The treasure basket method was actually created by child educationalist and development specialist,
Elinor Goldschmied. She believed that a baby is far more likely to benefit from exploring items made
from natural materials and that are familiar to them. The intrigue they feel will make them want to
pick up the item, bring it to their face, and see what it tastes like – so it’s really important that these
items are safe to go into a treasure basket.
Here is a list of five items that you can add to your child’s own treasure basket.
1. A wooden spoon – you can usually pick these up fairly cheaply from the supermarket or
kitchenware shop.
2. A metal whisk – and don’t be concerned about the cold feeling of the metal in your little
one’s mouth. The metallic, cold sensation of the whisk will cause a real sensory awakening
for them.
3. Emergency foil heat blanket - or, as we call them, ‘space foil’! For babies learning tummy
time, place the foil underneath them and let them explore it whilst on their tummy. Or try
cutting the foil into squares and let your baby explore the sound and touch of the foil in their
hands.
4. Bells – or anything that makes noise! A little wooden tambourine would make for a great
addition.
5. A large sheer scarf. This will really awaken baby’s senses, especially if they are able to safely
drape the fabric over themselves and see you through it!
For more top tips, or to find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at
enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 0800 4647960.
How to connect your baby with nature
As we start enjoying the lovely warmer weather, it goes without saying that you’ll be spending more time with your little one in the great outdoors.
Whether this is their first summer to explore the garden, or you’re planning your first family trip to the beach, there are so many opportunities for
your little bundle to connect with nature. At Bloom Baby Classes, we are real believers in the importance of letting your child learn and grow
through exploring their natural surroundings, so we have pulled together three top tips for how you can connect your baby with Mother Earth!
1. Take a second to listen
Fascinatingly, the parts of a baby’s brain that process sound actually start working during the last few months of pregnancy, and they can even remember what they hear in the womb after they’re born. So never underestimate the power of sound on your baby’s development. Whilst it is far more
tempting to take baby out on a day when there is not a cloud in the sky, we would definitely recommend getting out and about when the wind is slowly blowing a breeze through the grass and the trees. If it is not too chilly, take a few minutes to lay down on the grass with your little one and
just let them take in the abundance of natural sounds.
2. Encourage exploration
Take your baby on a visit to the park and collect a small selection of items for them to explore – pinecones, leaves and flowers are a great place to start. Notice how their senses come alive once they’re introduced to the new textures and smells. And for older children, set up a nature scavenger hunt for them – challenge them to collect as many items on a list as possible and tell you what they are!
3. Take a trip to the zoo
There is nothing quite like baby’s first trip to the zoo! And little ones stand to gain so much from a day spent with animals and other creepy crawlies. Pop them in their stroller and try and fit in as many animal visits as possible – especially any that play in the water, as children from as young as just a few months old love the sights and sounds of animals splashing around. The most important thing to remember about connecting your baby with nature is that every day is a learning adventure! A simple walk around the block or some tummy time in the garden counts towards their early education in connecting with Mother Earth, so get outside with your family as often as you can.
For more top tips, or to find out more about our specialist baby development sessions, contact us at
enquiries@bloombabyclasses.com or call us on 08004647960.
Bloom Baby Classes Launches in South Liverpool
Introducing danelle
It’s been a while since we introduced our network here on the Bloom Baby Classes blog. It has been quite a year with lockdown stopping and starting classes. However since last July demand for baby classes and baby groups is at its all time high. For a lot of us lockdown restrictions have made us rethink our priorities and made us think about changes we can make to give us a better work life balance.
Here we introduce you to Danelle, our newest franchisee to the Liverpool area. Danelle attended our baby classes in St Helens and Wigan and liked what we did so much she decided to take the leap and join our award winning franchise.
Here is Danelle’s lovely and heartwarming story of finally becoming a mum and why she decided to join our network.
“For over a decade I was immersed in the corporate legal world. I had always wanted to be a Lawyer and after completing an undergraduate and then post graduate degree I embarked upon the start of my legal career representing criminals in police stations at any day of the day or night. I moved into Family Law soon after and worked my way up the career ladder until I was finally employed by a Top 50 national Law Firm as a Divorce and financial remedy Lawyer.
I loved my job and got immense satisfaction from helping clients achieve their goals. I had to work hard to get to that point and it wasn’t easy. Countless late nights, never finishing for annual leave on time, taking client calls or answering emails out of hours, working late in the office and doing business development often after hours were all part of the job.
I married my Husband in 2014. We met at University in 2008 and he too is a Lawyer and National Head of Family Law at one of the top corporate law firms in the Country. Our journey to parenthood was not plain sailing and behind closed doors we became embroiled in painstaking fertility treatment. After several losses and private IVF treatment we finally became parents to our beautiful rainbow baby, Mae in July 2020.
Having run what felt like a race for life for nearly 5 years, making it through a pregnancy riddled with complications and then having our daughter spend her first 4 days in intensive care due to underdeveloped lungs, I guess you could say I was mentally exhausted.
I was really keen to take Mae to baby sensory classes after she was born. I put us down on a waiting list before she was even born for a group local to where I live but it was oversubscribed and I could not get a place. I then discovered Bloom!
We started attending Bloom St Helen’s and Wigan and I quickly realised how precious the time Mae and I would spend in class together was. We were made to feel so at home by our class leader Rachel. I was surprised after giving birth at how anxious I felt about literally everything. Even things as simple as feeding Mae during a class. Seems silly now looking back but in the fog of becoming a mother for the first time and the journey we had been on to get there it took a while to decompress after Mae’s birth and settle into motherhood. I think I was in shock that she was finally here after everything we had been through.
I quickly began wishing the week away so we could go to our next class. As the weeks went by it was clear Mae was getting so much out of the classes developmentally but what surprised me the most was just how much I got out of them too. Not only were they amazing for developing our bond but as time went by I grew so much more in confidence as a new Mum. I felt such a sense of accomplishment that I had managed to get us both to class, sometimes fed Mae during the session and had a content sleepy baby in the back of the car on the way home. The feeling of contentment the classes also gave to me was amazing!
After the New Year thoughts of returning to work started to creep into my mind.
I found a nursery for Mae and had to think about how I was going to juggle being the Mum I want to be to her and my legal career. I agreed with my employers that I would return to work working 4 days a week but something didn’t feel right and I could not honestly say that I was happy with my decision.
I then discovered that Bloom were looking for new franchisees and a penny dropped. I had never in a million years thought about deviating from my career in Law but the opportunity to be my own boss and work so much more flexibly was really attractive. I started having meetings with Bloom’s Founder Victoria to learn as much as I could about the business and how it would all work and each time I spoke with her the more certain I became that this was a real opportunity to overhaul my work life for the better and make sure I could be the mother to Mae I wanted to be.
I was relieved to learn that I did not have to have a background in childcare or education to buy into the franchise and I realised the only thing holding back was my fear of change.
I have always loved the saying “feel the fear and do it anyway” and that’s exactly what I have done. I am now so excited to be on this journey as the owner of my own business. I can not wait to start my classes and give other parents the amazing experience with their babies that I had going to my classes.”
Danelle will be running her classes across the South Liverpool area of Childwall, Bowring Park, Allerton, Aigburth and Halewood from this September for more information on her classes and to join her waitlist click the button below.
Why is Sensory Development So Important?
Babies learn through their sense of touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Research has shown that newborn babies begin to learn about the world around them from birth. Each day your growing baby will learn more about the big wide world around them through their senses. As a parent or caregiver you can support your baby through baby sensory activities by providing an enriched environment where your baby can learn how to use these newly acquired senses.
At our classes for babies our parent and baby led activities help promote their sensory development as well as other natural areas of development.
Sense of Smell
When babies are in the womb they are surrounded by amniotic fluid which has its own smell. research has shown that within hours of being born a baby will recognise the smell of their mother over other women. The sense of smell then develops as they grow.
Activities you can replicate at home
Lavendar bags in a treasure basket
Introduce your baby to the smell of citrus fruit by holding in front of them
Sense Of Taste
Babies sense of taste starts during the gestational period. A babies taste buds are very sensitive and you will notice that your growing baby will want to put everything into their mouth. The reason for this is that they are exploring it’s taste and touch. This is how they learn about the world around them, at ourBloom baby sensory classes we ensure all our equipment is clean and not shared, to allow your baby to learn in a sensory rich atmosphere.
Activities you can replicate at home
Try mixing your babys favourite yogurt with some edible finger paint so baby can explore the taste and texture whilst mark making!
Sense Of Touch
Touch helps us to bond with our babies it encourages parent-baby attachment. Touch also aids your baby’s wellbeing and cognitive development. Through touch we can teach baby how to deal with stress. At Bloom Baby Classes we incorpate baby massage into our Caterpillar Club class. Baby massage can support the development of a babys newvous system, it can also aid wind and colic and also help teething babies.
Activities you can replicate at home
Daily massage particularly at bedtime can help relax your little one and unltmately help them sleep better.
For older babies a treasure basket put together with lots of heuritistc items can keep baby occupied for hours. Items such as nail brushes, pine cones, wooden spoons, rainbow teethers and egg shakers go down well in our classes for babies!
Sense of Sight
When babies are born their site is the last sense that is as well developed as the others. This is because the womb was dark and so newborn babies can only see things close to them and their vision strengthens in the first 3 months. Babies tend to have a prererecne for high res black and white images. Babies also love exploring your face and facial expressions. Eye contact also aids bonding as well as giving baby a good focus on certain parts of your face such as your nose, hairline and mouth.
Activities you can replicate at home
Introduce baby to flash cards, speak to baby about what is on the card so they can hear your voice.
Use an object as a tracking tool, hold a rainbow ribbon teether or pom pom near baby and move from side to side. Let baby track the item following it with their eyes.
A game of peekaboo with a scarf or blanket.
Bloom Baby Classes provide a range of baby sensory activities to aid the natural development of infants from 0-14 months. For more baby play ideas head over to our Youtube channel HERE
5 Wellbeing Tips For Parents In Lockdown
2020 has been tough for everyone. For those of us with young babies, it’s generally meant missing out on the support network that is usually on offer. Unable to casually pass the baby around among family, doing without classes, cafes and the chance to meet other parents has been - and continues to be - hard. On top of all of that it’s now grey and rainy!
As well as taking care of our children, it’s important to make sure we look after ourselves. Here are Bloom's top five tips for boosting your wellbeing in lockdown part two.
Go Outdoors
Thankfully, the latest lockdown rules don’t put a limit on exercise outside, so get out and about as much as you can. Try and find green spaces to explore. If you live somewhere rural, this should be easy! If you are in a city, look for parks, woodlands and community gardens.
Spending time in nature has been found to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, so this is especially important if you find you are feeling low at the moment. With the limited daylight hours, it’s also important to take every opportunity to get vitamin D from the sun.
Fresh air and a change of scene is beneficial for your baby as well as you. You will both feel stimulated by seeing something other than your own four walls or the supermarket. As you walk with your baby in the buggy or a sling, you can point out interesting things in the environment and talk about what you can see.
Connect with other people
One of the biggest things everyone is missing out on is being able to spend time with other people. It takes a village to raise a child and takes a village to support a parent. So even though the usual baby groups may not be running and we can’t have big family get-togethers, try to connect with people as much as you can.
Some parent and baby sessions will be running face-to-face, including Bloom Baby Classes, as certain groups that support new parents are exempt from the lockdown rules. Have a look for your nearest baby class, as they are a fantastic way to meet other families.
Children under five aren’t counted in the limited number of people who are allowed to meet. This means that you can legally go for a walk with one friend and both of your babies. Combining socialising, exercise and the outdoors, this will do wonders for your physical and mental health so get texting those friends!
Many of us are a bit sick of screens by now, but video calling can be a great way to keep in contact with family and friends. It’s especially useful for building relationships between your baby and their grandparents, if they aren’t able to see each other as much as you may have planned.
Our Facebook group provides an opportunity to connect with other parents, too. Share your worries and triumphs and take part in free online baby classes and expert livestreams.
Exercise
It’s so hard to prioritise moving your body when you have a young baby. Unless you like running, it’s especially hard at the moment with gyms, leisure centres and fitness classes closed. But as we know, exercise has a whole host of benefits for your body and mind.
Have a look on YouTube and try out some gentle workout videos. There are loads that are short enough to fit in, even if your baby prefers little cat naps. You will also be able to find routines that involve your baby too, especially if you’re into yoga.
Even if you don’t feel quite ready to launch yourself into the world of fitness, try and stretch throughout the day. Your back and arms need a break from carrying around your little one!
Get cosy
The nights are drawing in and the weather’s getting colder. While it’s important to maximise your outdoor time, take advantage of the chance to get cosy. Snuggle up for a nap next to your baby, read stories in a nest of blankets and light candles (out of reach, of course) as part of the bedtime routine.
Treat yourself to a new scarf, special herbal teas or a really posh hot chocolate. Now’s the time to cook or order warming comfort food like stews, shepherd’s pie and rich, creamy pastas.
Enjoy your baby
It’s such a cliche but time really does go by so fast! Even if this period of your baby’s life is not how you imagined it, try and enjoy it. The outside world may be locked down, worrying and confusing. You still have each other.
Use ideas from Bloom classes for games and sensory activities you can do at home. You can support your baby’s development and have fun together. Don’t forget to capture some moments on camera so you can look back at photos and videos of this time.
Help is at hand
It can feel impossible to take care of yourself as well as your baby, but it’s so important for their wellbeing as well as yours.
If you find you are struggling with a low mood that a walk in the park can’t fix, please make an appointment with your GP. There are also lots of resources and advice on the Mind website.
Do reach out on our Facebook Group if you have any questions about your baby’s development or just want to chat. We’ve built a really supportive community that can make your lock down that little bit lighter.
Is Screen Time OK For My Baby?
At the moment with the country under lockdown for over half of the year, screen time has become a great way of educating and entertaining our little ones. Of course like everything balance is key. In this article Bloom Baby Classes discuss the many benefits for infants and parents for allowing some screen time and who our Bloom Wellbeing mums recommend as babies favourite channel.
With touchscreen technology now on all our devices
It’s easy for even the smallest of hands to get to grips with a tablet or smartphone. It’s important to note that too much time spent watching a screen can affect brain development too and paediatricians are concerned about this widespread access and its effects on young children. There is mixed information on whether screen time is the right or wrong thing for your child but as ambassadors for positive empowered parenting at Bloom we believe balance and parents instincts know what is right for their child.
The Benefits
There are of course many benefits for little ones getting some screen time depending upon exactly what it is they watch. Many early years providers have had to switch to online classes for babies during lockdown so watching a little bit TV from their favourite class may not be too much of a bad thing. Many online baby classes are engaging infants online and encouraging vital skills too. Since March feedback from our Bloom parents who usually attend classes has been that they are worried that their baby is missing out on vital developmental and social skills whilst unable to attend a class. Having access to support online can provide some advice on how to encourage baby’s development whilst at home.
Favourites
We recently asked our Bloomwellbeing Group what their baby’s favourite programme or Youtube channel was and we had a great response!
HEYBEAR SENSORY
HeyBear Sensory - Voted a huge hit from our Bloom babies Heybear sensory came out on top. Featuring its high contrast and interactive sensory videos for families across the UK. Characters are dancing fruits and vegetables with funky music in the background. We wanted to know more about the people behind the viral baby videos that so many of our parents had recommended so we contacted them over insta and this is what they said.
“Heybear is Wayne and Lucie, husband and wife we have two daughters and live in the West Midlands. Heybear started on the App store before its transition to Youtube, Wayne was employed at the time as a computer games artist and he wanted to create an app, we decided to make one inspired by the black and white high contrast toys we had use with our children.
We didn’t ever plan to have a Youtube channel, I suppose we thought it was for Vloggers?! We were required, by Apple to put a trailer on Youtube, we noticed the views were growing and people liked it. We decided to start making videos for Youtube. We then created (probably) the world’s happiest pineapple and have never looked back!”
Hey Bear videos are great for encouraging movement, rhythm and even to aid tummy time! The videos also build positive associations with healthy foods. They are especially beneficial to children who suffer from eye issues (CVI and lazy eye syndrome) and they regularly get fantastic feedback from parents of children with autism.
LITTLE BABY BUM
2. Little Baby Bum - Featuring bright nursery classics for babies and toddlers this was voted a second favourite for our Bloom parents. As a mum of three myself, my girls enjoyed their wide range of videos. Songs feature first words and encourage speech and language skills.
ALL BABIES CHANNEL
3. Allbabieschannel Another bright and catchy channel for infants to enjoy songs and nursery rhymes.
Discount Code Alert!
Heybear Sensory have kindly offered our Bloom parents and babies 25% off a subscription to Wayokids the online marketplace for kids videos. Featuring the likes of Baby shark, Little baby bum and Heybearsensory you can get to download your favourites for when you are on the go. A massive saving thank you HeyBear!!
Enter Code Bloombaby25 to get your discount here
How to keep the house tidy with a baby or toddler.
Are you getting frustrated by the mounting pots in the dishwasher? Toys covering your living room floor? Fear not as Bloom Baby Classes have some top tips to help you become a bit more organised.
Having a new baby at home can be a big transition for the whole family, but what if you already have a toddler at home? From sterilising jars in microwave and getting everything ready in advance; to involving your toddler or using a sling we’ve got some top advice for how you can make sure you keep your house clean and tidy! How to keep on top of your household cleaning and tidying Keeping on top of the cleaning of your home is easier than you might think. Here are a few top Bloom Baby Classes tips for ways to do so:
1. One job at a time! Whether you are potty training or have newborn feeds to juggle, trying to do too much as once will mostly mean you get nothing done. Instead, do one job at a time in between taking care of your little ones.
2. Use a timer. The best way to make sure you get each job done is to set a timer for it. Set 15 minutes to allow you to get your washing-up done, or 20 minutes to clean your bathroom. The Pomodoro Technique would be a great place to start.
3. Set up a cleaning schedule. Scheduling and keeping to a routine are a great way to keep on top of the cleaning around your home. For example, change the beds on a Sunday; vacuum the carpets on a Monday etc.
4. Make sure you have your cleaning products organised. Keeping everything organised by room including cloths, sprays and more; will ensure that you’re ready to go as soon as the day reaches nap time!
5. Get your toddler involved. You might be surprised by how much your toddler will want and be able to help with. So, why not introduce them to a feather duster or other cleaning implement? Don't forget that some household products and cleaners should be kept out of reach of children.
6. Consider investing in a sling. The reality is that sometimes you will have a clingy newborn and the best way to counteract that is to pop your newborn into a sling. This will allow you to stay handsfree and get your cleaning and tidying done. There are plenty of options available.
7. Get ready in advance. From sterilising jars in a microwave ready for weaning your toddler, to remembering to set up feeding stations around the home including snacks and more make sure you’ve got everything you need to hand for both your toddler and newborn.
8. Shorten your laundry routine by taking 20 min each day to wash at least one load. Doing one load a day is a way to break down the time spent in the laundry room in the long run. And remember to choose efficient laundry products, especially a good softener if you feel like adding a pleasant fabric perfume to your garments!
Do you have any top tips for keeping a tidy home or saving times on the daily chores? We would love to hear from you!
Bloom Baby Classes
Fun Activities To Boost Your Baby's Brain Development!
Play for babies is a major part of your infants development, even at just a few weeks old. Play helps to form brain pathways which inturn boosts brain function. For younger babies aged 0-3 months the easiest way to engage in play with your baby is through sensory play. At this age babies are still nearsighted so can only see things at a close distance their vision is still developing and now is a great time to introduce them to a world full of new things.
Watch our Bloom Babies enjoy our younger baby class.
The Sense Of Touch
Exploring touch, grab a scarf or soft piece of clothing or blankets and run it gently through baby’s hands and across her face. Let her feel the soft , silky or cuddly fabric as its glides over them. In our Bloom Baby Classes you could use a peekaboo scarf in a bright colour. Move the scarf slowly so baby can follow it with their eyes, allow them to process the fabric. Moving the object from side to side will also encourage baby to move her head from side to side a crucial part of their development.
The Sense Of Sight
Babies can see black and white images best early on in life. Use a selection of board books or toys to help stimuate their vision. We love these black and white baby board books here from Amazon when it comes to toys all three of my girls absolutely adored the Lamaze toys particularly the Firefly one here they would gaze at its colours and it really helped out when we were out and about to keep them occupied.
The Sense of Sound
Engage your baby’s sense of hearing! You can sing along to our music by downloading the album HERE or making simple clicking sounds with your mouth. Research has shown that introducing babies to music from birth them acquire early language skills. Babies will respond to your voice more than anybody’s so there is no better way to bond and engage your baby. Try and make them smile and watch your baby’s expressions as you go. Babies love to study your face so don’t feel silly making big expressions and smiles whilst they watch you. Try dancing with your baby too. Not only does this introduce baby to rhythm and tempo but it releases serotonin into the bloodstream to instantly boost your mood. At our baby classes we love to get everyone up dancing - dads too! When we dance with our babies the fluid in their ears moves from side to side. When we stop or rest these fluids travel up to the brain and boost neron development! all whilst having so much fun!
So why not give these ideas a go at home. Let us know how you get on and tell us what your baby’s favourite activity is.
Keep Your Baby Occupied For Hours With A Treasure Basket.
Heuristic play
When my children were all babies and toddlers nothing would keep them more entertained than simple household objects. They would happily play for hours with a spoon and a saucepan way above any plastic toy that we had spent a lot of money on. I introduced the treasure baskets into our Bloom Baby Classes in 2017 and they have been a hit ever since with many parents replicating their own baskets at home.
In this short blog I will explain all about the benefits of heuristic play and how valuable they can be to your little one’s development. At our Baby Classes we allow babies to explore the treasure baskets each week for 10 minutes or so. This allows parents to chat together and share stories too. Watching the babies explore the baskets is such fun as they sit enjoying the items and engaging with other babies. Sharing skills do come into play too, its often fascinating watching babies communicate with one another. See our video below with two of our Bloom babies sharing some heuristic play items - one isn’t too sure!
History of the treasure basket
The concept of the treasure basket was created by Elinor Goldschmied who was a pioneering early years professional of her time. Elinor spent many years working with Italian children in children’s homes in the second world war. Her work observed how even babies benefited from unstructured play with natural and simple household items. Elinor observed how babies, in particular, used their senses to explore these items. This type of activity is an example of sensory play where the main purpose of the activity is to engage all the senses. Babies from 6-15m would generally begin this process by touching the object and putting it to their mouth to taste and feel the object. It is usually at this point where some parents will discourage baby from putting the object in their mouth but this simple movement actually aids their development.
The Basket
The aim of the treasure basket is to have as many “non-toy” like items as possible, Ideally, they should be made of natural items such as wooden spoons, pine cones and large seashells, etc. The basket itself should be large and shallow. Goldschmied recommended a basket of 30cm diameter and 10 cm deep. In our baby classes we use Montessori baskets found here from amazon If you don’t have a basket you can always use a box or other form of basket.
The Treasure
You probably have many items at home around the house already to start a treasure basket at home. Try to avoid plastic to give your baby as much variety of textures and really get a sensory-rich experience when exploring the items. Always look for choking risks, rough surfaces etc and make sure your items are safe to be put in babies’ mouth.
At Bloom Baby Classes favorite items seem to be wooden nail brushes, large pine cones, wooden spoons and hair doughnuts! Brisly brushes work well and scented lavender bags to awaken their sense of smell. We also add a ball into our baskets as babies seem to love anything spherical. Try to aim for around 20-25 items in your basket to keep your baby entertained whilst you sit back with a cup of tea and watch them explore!
Here is my recommended list of must have items for your home treasure basket:
wooden spoons
large ball
large feather
ribbons or teether ribbon
lavender bag or orange bags
wooden rattle or shaker
hair bun doughnut
wooden forks and knives
metal spoon
pastry brushes
wooden nail brushes
sponges
honey drizzle
egg cups
small sensory bottle
*Please note these type of activities should always be closely supervised never leave a baby alone with a treasure basket.
I hope this inspires you at home to make your own basket and please share pictures of yours at home.
