Blog : Little Lilypad Co

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The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.

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Category: News

  1. Learning through play : Guest Post

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    Guest post.

    We all know that children learn best through play, so it makes sense to ensure that your child has access to high quality toys which will not only be fun to use, but also boost educational attainment. With the children heading back to school, to help children succeed in class, there are a range of great toys on the market, ranging from old favourites such as meccano, through to a selection of electronic gadgets which combine modern technology with the acquisition of many useful skills. Educational toys need not be just about learning facts or improving writing; they can also promote improvement in vital skills such as manual dexterity, problem solving, memorising, social skills and concentration.

    Enhance Creativity with Construction Toys

    When a child has access to materials which enable them to build, the sky is the limit in terms of the ideas they are able to turn into reality. Building blocks, meccano or making models which clip, stick or screw together are all superb vehicles for allowing your child to make and create. As well as being a very enjoyable activity, the skills involved in working out how to shape a creation are all ones which will be used at school during more formal learning activities.

    Learning through play


    Learn Physics and Maths Effortlessly

    Many children find mathematical concepts and physics information difficult to grasp when learned from a textbook, but find understanding these ideas in a practical situation far easier. Using toys such as meccano or a simple science kit, concepts such as balance, basic maths, the action of forces, properties of matter and torque can all be introduced and expanded on during play. Spending time with your child, using good, educational toys as learning tools for explaining some of the more challenging scientific information, can result in improved learning which is also great fun and very rewarding.

    When choosing a toy which combines enjoyment with learning opportunities, the main thing is to pick something which you feel your child will want to play with. The more time they spend using the toy, the greater the potential for learning to take place. Remember that children learn naturally through play, so provided they have access to a selection of robust, age-appropriate toys and plenty of parental input, they are well on the way to achieving their potential.

    Lets be honest, who doesn't love to play?

  2. Top Tips for Children in the Summer Sun

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    Lilypad Summer Swimming Infographic

  3. Do you give to charity?

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    Do you give to a charity? Whether it be cleaning out your wardrobe and giving to a charity shop or a monthly direct debit to your charity of choice, there are lots of different ways to give. I know alot of people believe charity begins at home but what if you were unable to support your family at home, wouldn't you hope that there was someone there to offer support?

    The Lilypad have supported various charities such as Save the Children and Caudwell Children but we have only been able to do so in a small way, so it is really refreshing to hear about small UK based company, Michiko and Me,  commiting their support to Action Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organisation committed to ending child hunger. Michiko and Me will provide year round support by making a generous donation on each product sold to Action Against Hunger.  Donation amounts will range from £1 to £5 per product and to celebrate the launch of the partnership, Michiko and Me will apply this donation across their entire product range.

    Michiko and Me images

    Nicky Lumb, founder of Michiko and Me says, “Our Michiko and Me designs are based on a principle of growing as the child grows. This notion of our children growing happily and healthily is a privilege that we often take for granted. Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to feed our children but this is not the case for all families around the world. Knowing you cannot feed your child is so painful, which is why Michiko and Me wanted to back a charity that supports children and families in the struggle against hunger. Action Against Hunger’s work includes saving malnourished children’s lives and improving families access to food and clean water for the future, making them the perfect charity for us to partner with.” 

    We have no affiliation with Michiko and Me, purely admiration. 

    For more information about Action against Hunger please visit http://www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk/get-involved/corporate-partnerships/our-corporate-partners/michiko-and-me/

     

  4. Is it worth going to The Baby Show?

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    There is always a great buzz around The Baby Show at the NEC, Birmingham but is it really worth going? 

    I have been a the show for the past 4 years, in support of businesses, as a pregnant mum, as a new mum and today as an "expert" on the Mumsclub stand. The one thing I noticed this year was that there were more big brands at the show, than in previous years, in particular Asda had a big presence but the whole show had an overall great feel to it.

    It is not always cheap to attend exhibitions like The Baby Show but there have been lots of offers around for reduced ticket prices, try the Mumsclub site for 40% off. Once inside the show, it is probably best to have a plan, otherwise you will quickly realise that you are missing some amazing stands and great deals.

    Despite the fact that the floor plan isnt always clear to follow, the actual aisles are extremely spacious with lots of pushchair room, even while some of us (this may have actually been me) stood in the aisles chatting. So where are the top places to visit?

    The Natal Company - The Natal Company is made up of MummyNatal, BabyNatal and DaddyNatal and they will be running classes across all three days of The Baby Show. Their ethos is to support families to have a confident, empowered and enjoyable experience into parenthood. This resonates so clearly with our own daughters birth that we highly recommend paying them a visit!

    Tommee Tippee Feeding Area - This is a great space in the one corner of the show and has a private breastfeeding area and free baby food. It also has a seated area (and let me tell you, your feet will be grateful of this after a while).

    Mimijumi UK - Now on the subject of breastfeeding, we found an amazing concept from Mimijumi UK. The bottle is unlike no other we have seen and as a mum who struggled to make the transition from breast to bottle, it is certainly a consideration for mums in the same situation. Replicating a mother’s nipple and breast, the innovative teat design is a key factor which creates a natural feeding and latching experience for a happier & healthier bottle fed baby. It may have raised a few eyebrows but if you are mum, you know you will try anything!

    Baby Changing Area – We have all been to grotty changing rooms but the Baby Show has a large area with free nappies and free wipes ..... what is not to love??            

    The Fisher-Price Crèche – The Baby Show is obviously about our beautiful little ones but we all know that sometimes it is easier (and quicker) to zoom around the stands we want to go to, without worrying about a blanket or toy falling on the floor! The Fisher Price Creche looked extremely popular today though with lots of toys and things to learn whilst playing.  All the staff are fully trained nursery staff and are CRB checked but our word of warning would be to book in advance or at least as early as possible!!

    In terms of the stores and stands available there is a great mix from pushchairs, clothes, bibs, furniture, so if you are a pregnant mum, new mum or an experienced mum, there is something for everyone. 

    Our advice, make a list of what you need and "try" and stick to it!

    Oh .... and maybe take some snacks as the queue for food was huge!!