Bathtime stress!

I am writing this after a long absence to ask my fellow mums for advice about what they do when it comes to the dreaded hair wash?

S is completely phobic about having water on his hair and so we manage to wash it about once a month. He screams, panics, thrashes about throughout the whole process, and it's horrible for everyone. Does anyone have a failsafe method that they use?

Needless to say, it's nowhere near as easy as this image implies, but I couldn't help posting it!

Toddler ready meals

S enjoying his Little Dish Mild Chicken Korma

As much as we'd all like to cook fresh food from scratch for our babies and toddlers, sometimes time does not allow us to. Perhaps you've gone out for the morning, fully intending to come home for lunch, but then you bump into a friend and decide to go for a coffee together - and the cafe doesn't sell anything suitable for your little one to have for lunch! This is where ready prepared baby food comes in handy. We're all used to seeing the little jars lined up on supermarket shelves, but what about when your child is eating proper, chunky meals at home - a jar just isn't going to cut it. I decided to roadtest the different offerings available for a child of S's age (22 months), and I have to say, I wasn't disappointed in any. 

First up, we tried Plum's Taste Adventurers range. These meals are designed to be stored at ambient temperatures, making them perfect to pop into the changing bag for use in an emergency. They can be warmed or eaten cold, and come in their own disposable bowl - very convenient. They are aimed at babies aged 10 months or over so are a little smoother than S is now used to, but served alongside a chunk of bread with some cheese squares and fruit, they make a great, convenient meal for a hungry toddler. The range includes Mediterranean Paella and Salmon, Root Vegetable and Beef Casserole, Aubergine and Lamb Moussaka, Sweet Cape Curry with Beef and Chickpea and Chicken Tagine. One criticism of them is that they don't have a lid (which would make the bowl format even better). They also have that "baby food" aftertaste that I can't quite pin down, but S enjoyed them all, especially the Chickpea and Chicken Tagine. 

Next up was Little Dish's range of kids ready meals. These are my favourite by far as they are more like conventional ready meals, in that they are stored in the fridge and taste much more fresh than other ready prepared baby foods. In fact, my husband is always hoping S isn't having a hungry day when there's a Little Dish meal on the plate, so that he can finish it off! However, the fact that they are fridge stored does mean they are not as convenient, as you can't really carry them round in case you need them. They are however wonderful for those evenings when you've had a long day of play and you just need a quick meal at home, especially as they show on the sleeve how many portions of veg they contain. S adores the Mild Chicken Korma, although all the range went down well. The range is aimed at children aged 12 months plus and includes Beef Lasagne, Fish Pie, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Risotto, Chicken and Butternut Squash Pie, Pasta with Cheese, Peas and Broccoli Trees and Pasta Bolognaise. Little Dish also sell a cookbook, full of wonderful recipes to cook at home.

Then we tried the Organix range of Mighty Meals. These, like the Plum meals, are stored at ambient temperatures, but they are more similar to the Little Dish meals in that they are more chunky, aimed at 12 months plus. They do still have that baby food aftertaste which Little Dish have avoided, but look more like a meal than the Plum meals that are aimed at slightly younger children. S particularly enjoyed the Vegetable and Chicken Korma; the range also includes Hearty Lamb Hotpot, Tomatoey Beef Bolognese, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Pork Meatballs, Herby Salmon and Potato Bites, Beef Stew and Dumplings and Spinach Falafels.We are going away on holiday next week and plan to take a bag of these with us!

The one criticism I would have of all of these ranges is that there are very few vegetarian options - Little Dish just have their Pasta with Cheese, Peas and Broccoli Trees and Organix the Spinach Falafels, while Plum don't have any in the Taste Adventures range. I would like to see more vegetarian meals for families who choose not to eat meat, either ever or just as a break, but still want to eat a healthy, balanced meal.

Just to try something different, we have Ella's Kitchen's new range of cereals a try. S really enjoyed the Wakey Wakey Round Ones (aimed again at children aged 12 months plus), which I was a little surprised at as he is used to Cheerios and Weetabix in the mornings. I did think these may not be sweet enough for what he is used to as they have no added sugar but he wolfed them down. It's great to have a cereal like this that is aimed at toddlers as it's hard to find no added sugar cereals that they will enjoy.

So, next time you're planning a day out and you're worrying about what to feed that energetic bundle of noise and love, don't worry - reach for one of these options and you can be sure you are getting a good, healthy meal into them.

The First Cut

A few weeks back, S and I indulged our artistic sides when we took in the Family Art Club at Manchester Art Gallery. The Family Art Club generally runs one Saturday a month and is for ages 6-11, however during holiday periods it is often opened up to ages 0-11 and so we decided to make our first visit. From previous visits to the Mini Art Club (aimed at 0-5 year olds) I knew that S can be a little wary of messy play, so I was pleased to find that this session was paper-themed, to fit in with their exhibition The First Cut. The exhibition itself is amazing, showing works by artists who cut, sculpt and manipulate paper, such as Rob Ryan and Claire Brewster. The first part of the session involved a visit to the exhibition and identifying as many geometrical shapes as you could. I was a little worried about allowing S into a space with such delicate artworks but he was fairly well behaved, shouting "Circle!" and "Square!" whenever he saw one. He has recently developed a love for shapes so this session was perfectly timed! 

Andreas Kocks, In the Beginning (2007)

After looking at the artworks, we then moved back to the education space where there were tables laid out with glue, safety scissors and different shapes of paper and stickers, to allow you create your own artwork. There were also tubes attached to the wall and children were encouraged to lie their paper flat underneath then throw the shapes down the tubes and glue them where they lay.

S thoroughly enjoyed this session and it was a relief to not have to clean paint off his tiny hands at the end! His art work ended up looking a little like a Miró and I might even get it framed...

Pip-pip onk-onk!

On Monday, we took S to see In the Night Garden Live at the Trafford Centre in Manchester. I had, up until around a week before the show, been considering selling my tickets on as I really couldn't imagine my active, boisterous, yet at times very shy little boy sitting still for an hour. However I'm so glad we took him along as I could never have imagined how mesmerised he would be by the whole experience.

The show took place in a specially constructed inflatable Showdome, with buggy parking, microwaves and plenty of baby changing facilities - as soon as we arrived we knew that people were running the show who completely understood how it can be taking a child anywhere new; this was incredibly reassuring.

The ticket price included a free programme which took a little of the sting away from the ticket price - although S was a little bit young to appreciate the content, it's something we can put away for him to enjoy in the future.

We sat down in the Showdome with 20 minutes to spare before the show started, we were a little worried about this as S doesn't like sitting still but there was plenty of room for him to explore, and better still he was allowed to! Up and down the stairs, round and round the room, and lots of other friendly children to say "HIYA!" to. As soon as the opening music began however, he sat on our knees and watched intently, clapping and shouting away.

All the main characters from the TV show were present, along with some fantastic puppeteers. Perspective was played with brilliantly as Makka Pakka grew and shrunk depending on which characters he was interacting with. We attended the Pinky Ponk show where Makka Pakka washed the characters' faces; there is also a Ninky Nonk show which I believe involves Igglepiggle losing his blanket. The stories aren't going to win any Booker prizes but the children absolutely loved watching Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, the Tombliboos, the Pontipines and of course Makka Pakka getting up to all the usual tricks they see on television.

It's definitely worth a visit - we can't wait until next year!

Fridays with S

Recently (probably because S has decided to start sleeping properly so I can actually function outside of his waking hours) I have been feeling inspired to cook, bake and generally produce delicious food again. Needing somewhere to share the recipes I've been finding, I decided to resurrect my Baby Scrumptious blog; however I then realised I didn't really have the energy to maintain two blogs - so I have decided to merge it with Fridays with S. From now on my tales of Fridays spent with the boy will appear here alongside declious recipes and anything else I want to share with my friends.

So, to kickstart the blog again, here is a recipe for Salted Caramel Brownies from The Guardian magazine. Make them, they're amazing. One tip - the recipe for the salted caramel makes about three times as much as you actually need so it's an idea to have some other recipes on hand to use it up - perhaps these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, or maybe just drizzle it warm over some good quality vanilla ice cream. Yum.

Salted Caramel Brownies

For the salted caramel
90g golden caster sugar
60ml double cream
¼ tsp sea salt flakes
60g unsalted butter, cubed

For the brownies
200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces
250g unsalted butter
4 large eggs
175g caster sugar
150g light brown soft sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
120g plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp sea salt flakes
20g cocoa powder

Start with the caramel: tip the sugar into a heavy-based pan and add two tablespoons of water. Heat gently, stirring only until the sugar dissolves, then turn the heat to medium-high and let the syrup come to the boil undisturbed. Simmer briskly, swirling the pan occasionally but never stirring, until the caramel turns a rich amber. Remove from the heat, stir in the cream and salt, then the butter, and set aside to cool.

Now for the brownies. Line a 23cm x 32cm brownie tin with nonstick baking parchment. Heat the oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5. Melt the chocolate and butter over a pan of simmering water (or in the microwave), and set aside to cool.

Beat the eggs, sugars and vanilla in an electric mixer (or with a whisk) until increased in volume. Sift in the flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa, pour in the melted chocolate and butter, and beat briefly to combine. Scrape half the mixture into the tin and dot teaspoonfuls of salted caramel over the surface. Cover with the remaining brownie mix and top with more teaspoonfuls of caramel. Slide into the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until almost firm in the middle. When cool, turn out and cut into 18 bars.

What Shall We Do Today?

Last Friday, S and I had no plans at all so we decided to just head into Manchester and see what happened. The first thing to happen was that S was sick all down himself on the train, ruining his coat, all his clothes, his footmuff and the straps of his buggy. Following a quick change and a wipe down, he was back into his buggy, happy as Larry. A side note, if you're on a train and see a mum on her own trying to clean up a squirmy toddler, don't just move to the other end of the carriage, try offering some help...

Anyway. Once we arrived in Manchester, after a quick visit to Primark for a spare set of clothes to replace the spare set S was now wearing, we went to Manchester Art Gallery for a play in the Clore Interactive Gallery. We borrowed a sensory bag from the information desk which contained lots of different textured items for S to explore. True to form, he picked up a rubber ball and wandered around the gallery holding it.

After we'd been to the Gallery we headed to the Virgin Money Lounge so that S could have a sleep and I could have a coffee in peace. The staff there are very welcoming and are happy for the two of us to just come along and use their facilities - and the great thing is, everything is free if you are a Virgin Money customer!

Refreshed, the two of us went to MOSI for a run around the Experiment gallery where S played in the soft play area and had a good look around at all the flashing lights.

On the way home, he was sick again... poor S :(

Mini Art Club

On Friday S and I tried the Mini Art Club at Manchester Art Gallery. From their website:

We...head up to galleries to explore and look for things related to the topic of the session - this could be autumn leaves, contrasting colours or faces. It's then back down to studio to explore materials and get messy. There are lots of materials to choose from and we encourage everyone to use their imagination to create something special and unique to them.

I had initially thought that he wouldn't be old enough to appreciate it as he struggled to concentrate at Creation Station recently, however I needn't have worried as it was a lot less structured in that there was plenty of space to walk around and play.

The theme for this week was Loops and Lace. First, we went up to the Craft and Design gallery where we were asked to look for the lace bowls; S preferred however to just wander around exploring every corner. Unlike normal galleries this wasn't a problem as there were plenty of tactile objects that children are encouraged to interact with as well as string and lace cuttings scattered all over the floor for them to pick up and play with.

After we'd had a good look around we moved back downstairs and into the first Education space where there were rolling pins, clay, more lace cuttings and string and trays of white paint with rollers, brushes, black paper and acetate laid out on child sized benches. We were encouraged to make prints with the lace and string and also to use them to make imprints on the clay. The room was a great size for a child like S who likes to be on the move as he was able to move around and explore all the areas with no restrictions.

 

 

The second Education space had most of the lights turned out and there were overhead projectors and light boxes laid out around the outside of the room. There was also lots of silver material and string making a type of maze in the middle and hula hoops for them to play with. The children were encouraged to put the string and lace onto the projectors, creating interesting shadows on the walls.

 

 

It was a messy session but great fun, we will definitely be visiting again!

As we were meeting S's daddy when he finished work we decided to pass the time at MOSI in the afternoon, there were no specific sessions on for S to attend but we just played in the soft play area and had a look around the Experiment gallery. We love MOSI, the soft play is great and I'm looking forward to S being big enough to interact with the exhibits fully. For now though, there are plenty of flashing lights and moving objects to keep him entertained!

Treasure Baskets

On Friday 2nd March S and I tried out the Treasure Baskets session at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

I think he was probably a little old for the session as the aim of Treasure Baskets is to allow babies who can sit unsupported (but not yet crawl or walk) to explore baskets of found and natural objects, such as loofahs, brushes, torches, feathers and shiny material. S did not want to sit and touch these objects, which surprised me as he loves textures, but instead he wanted to walk around the wide open spaces of the gallery and explore all the dark corners.

   

Once he'd exhausted the exploration opportunities, he did become captivated by the torches for a few minutes, and Carol, who was running the session, also fetched him a basket of musical instruments as I explained how much he loves to make a noise!

 

There were not that many other babies there which was a shame but hopefully over time the session will become more popular as it was a lovely session for both babies and parents.

After the session, we went through to the cafe for lunch, I only had the soup and bread (from Barbakan in Chorlton so of course it was delicious!) due to money saving necessities but it was very filling - although I did need to order another portion of bread as S decided that bread dipped in soup was a much preferable meal to his jar of Organix food!

All in all I would say it's definitely worth a visit if your baby is sitting unsupported or even crawling, but if your child is as active as mine then it's still a lovely session - just expect them to want to run around!

Experitots

This week S and I went to Experitots at MOSI in Manchester. We have been before but as it's only once a month it's really nice to see how S has developed in the past month; what new toys he's attracted to, how fast he can get around and whether he's interested in the stories and songs. This time, all he wanted to do was make noise and walk around with a yellow plastic ball in each hand...Still, he had fun!

 

The Experiment! Gallery on the first floor of the main MOSI building is closed until 12pm to children over the age of 5 making it a lovely safe environment for toddlers and babies. As well as the usual soft play area and the child-focused experiments and displays, the MOSI staff cram hundreds of toys - blocks, dolls, play tents, balls, trains etc - into the space, meaning there is something different to do around every corner. For each Experitots session there is a theme - this month it was Out of This World - and for the last half hour two of MOSI's education team lead a story and song session around the theme. It's great fun!

 

The cafe at MOSI is fantastic with plenty of space and a huge number of highchairs. There is a kids section where they can pick 5 items for £3.95 (or just buy them seperately) and the adult menu is great too. I can't wait until next month to visit again!

Experitots runs one Friday a month (check the website for details of dates and theme) and is £3 for one child and an adult. It's advisable to email to book in advance as it fills up quickly.

The Creation Station

Today S and I (along with S's daddy) tried out The Creation Station in Glossop. The Creation Station is a nationwide franchise of art and craft sessions for children aged 1-11. As S is only 13 months I did wonder whether he would be ready for a class like this, but as it was the Valentines Day session I decided to show a little love and take him along.

The children are all given protective clothing, either full suits for the toddlers or plastic coats for the older children. The class then started with a welcome song and then some magic words and movement to open a box filled with the art materials that would be used that week.

Once we had the materials unpacked, everyone took a seat and began to create! We made pictures of 'lovebirds' using paints, foam rollers, paintbrushes, sequins, feathers and tissue paper. We then made clay hearts which were then coated in red glitter and hung with ribbon. The children could then take these home with them. The class ended with washing of hands, and a goodbye song.

 

Overall I thought this was a lovely activity and one I will look forward to taking S to in the future, however for now I think he may have been a little young as he mainly wanted to run around the room and explore. Having said that, he is a very active child and perhaps a child who is more willing to sit on their parents knee would get more out of the session.

You can book a class by emailing Sarah Kooper at sarahkooper@thecreationstation.co.uk. The Glossop classes are currently 10am on a Friday at the Glossop Girl Guiding Hut on Dinting Vale.

So many plans

So next week is my last week before I return to work, S's daddy is off work as well so I'm hoping we'll have lots of fun together. Today I have been researching things for us to do all next week, along with Friday treats for S and I; it turns out there's a lot to do on a Friday after all so hopefully we won't be bored!

I have been making copious notes and so far have plans to go to the family sessions at Manchester Art Gallery, MOSI , Manchester Museum and The Whitworth Art Gallery, plus the NCT's Bumps, Babies and Beyond group at Mr Clowns Fun Zone and The Creation Station.

Today however, it's time for a playdate at a friend's house :) We're looking forward to playing with some different toys!

S with his good friend A at Mr Clowns Fun Zone

The Countdown Begins...

My maternity leave finishes in just under 2 weeks, 13 months and 1 week from the day it started. I know I've been incredibly lucky to have had this time with S but can't help feeling sad about all the time I will be missing now that he'll be in nursery three days a week. I will have Fridays with him (and weekends with him and his dad) and would like to make sure I spend that day with him giving him as many new experiences as possible.

We're lucky enough to live in a great town with lots to do for children and we're a 30 minute train ride away from Manchester so I am going to spend the next few days researching all the exciting Fridays we can have together. I'll then post here to report back on all the fun we've had and hopefully you will find some inspiration too.