What are your achievements from last year?
Write down 5 goals you can achieve in 2022.
We’ve added a planner for goals and reflections – from financial, relationships to work/life balance. I think all parents and carers deserve a ‘well done’ after getting through a pandemic with children!!
Wow what a year! This year we re-started Baby Cornwall, during a lockdown when the need for finding outside play areas and places to walk were super important!
We had our first Baby Cornwall Partners support us and showcase their amazing range of businesses all based in Cornwall – from baby photography, post natal fitness classes, baby first aid training, bespoke play groups and more… (check out our listings page for all our partners)
Here’s a look back at our favourite posts below:
Culture in Cornwall for kids: Cornwall is known for its gorgeous coastline and delicious foods, but there’s also plenty of opportunity to educate and inspire the kids too. Here are some great days out, offering something a little different, around Cornwall…
Baby Classes: It can be daunting joining a baby class as a new parent, we’ve put together a few of our favourite baby classes in Cornwall.
Coastal walks with treat stops: Something for the parents who love a baby carrier walk! Our top picks for family-friendly coastal walks with yummy treat stops.
St Ives Beaches: Family-friendly beaches in and around St Ives, perfect for making memories
Kids Sports in Cornwall: Gymnastics, climbing, skateboarding..there are plenty of options for children within Cornwall to try something new, here’s a few of my favourites
After school clubs: Showcasing the less obvious clubs from languages, coding to surf schools.
Don’t forget to check out our social media pages for all our future tips, classes and activities across Cornwall:
Thank you to all our followers for a fab 2021 – wishing you all the best in 2022! xx
We’re well and truly geared up for Christmas now – but if you need a little peace for 5mins (don’t we all) print out and let your little ones try our Christmas worksheets.
This month Harriet from Lavender Barn Baby Massage answers our 10 Questions:
Tell us abit about yourself…..
Hi I’m Harri and I run Lavender Barn Baby Massage from the beautiful woodland valley of Lamorna.
The five week course I teach is compiled by the International Association of Infant Massage, the oldest and most trusted massage school in the U.K. They have a presence in over 75 countries worldwide and many studies looking into benefits of massage are based on using the IAIM strokes, so I’m really proud to be part of such a fantastic organisation which puts parents at the forefront of all they do.
Parents learning with me would learn a full body massage and some gentle movements over five weeks, at babies pace, with the aim of improving sleep patterns, reducing wind/colic and most importantly creating strong bonds of attachment between parent and baby. We also have plenty of time for chat and discussion during sessions so parents can share ideas and meet some people who know exactly what they are going through as a new parent.
I’m going to be taking a short break in the new year to have a baby. It will be fantastic to be able to have a refresher on being a new parent again that I can put to good use in my classes.
How do you manage a work/life balance?
I’m very fortunate to be able to do a job I really love. I’d actually love to teach more classes.
I think for anyone it’s hard to dedicate time to actual fun life things instead of doing home/garden jobs that also need doing around paid work. Luckily I have a gorgeous 3 year old who is my ‘fun mentor’ and makes sure I get out to the beach, woods or park at least once a day to play with her!
What do you like to do when you have time away from your children?
So much! I’m passionate about gardening so spend as much time as I can with my plants, be that flowers or veg. I also wrote, illustrated and self published a book called ‘The Cornish Mythellonium’ and am currently writing my first novel. I really enjoy having dates with my partner whether that’s yoga in the front room, creating art for our house, or playing in the sea. We are still renovating our barn so no children is a great time to get some DIY out the way! I also really enjoy being able to go for walks at a normal brisk pace without having to collect a selection of rocks, sticks and leaves on the way
What do you like about the community in Cornwall?
I like the diversity of people Cornwall attracts, from the wonderful artists and musicians who live here to those who have had really exciting lives and come to settle down you never know who you are going to meet!
Describe parenting in three words
Light and Dark
Best parenting advice you’ve ever received?
None!
Where is your happy place?
Anywhere new. I love to see new things and travel so I have no fixed happy place.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out as a parent or carer?
Every child is so different and as there is no fixed manual we are all making it up right?
What have you learnt about yourself since becoming a parent?
I need vastly more sleep than I thought I did. You hear about sleep deprivation pre parenthood and think how it can’t be that bad – ha! I’m sure most people are better parents before they have children though….
What are your goals for next year?
To finish and get my novel published, set up another new business, extend my rose garden, have a baby and get fit again, hopefully with lots of fun on the beach in between.
Thank you Harriet!
Check out Harriet’s website: https://lavender-barn-iaim-baby-massage.square.site/home or get in touch with her via IG https://www.instagram.com/lavenderbabymassagecornwall/
This month Nicola from Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall answers our 10 Questions
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a mum to 2 grown up children; Daniel is 24 and Eleanor is 18. I live with my husband and our beagle. I have been cabin crew for over 21 years flying around the world. I started teaching for Daisy just over 3 years ago and bought my franchise for Central Cornwall earlier
this year. I love getting to meet new and expecting parents, grandparents and their gorgeous babies at my classes and knowing I am giving them confidence and knowledge that they can deal with a first aid situation should it occur.
How do you manage a work/life balance?
My son no longer lives at home and my daughter has recently left home for university so things are very different now. I am slowly adjusting to an empty house. When they were growing up it was very much a constant juggle especially when I was flying. I think the biggest thing for me then was being organised so that everyone was at the right activity and
place at the right time!! Looking back I wish I had been more relaxed about things that I didn’t need to stress over such as having a clean house!
What do you like about the community in Cornwall?
I like the fact that the community is close knit. In smaller villages everyone looks out for each other. I am gradually meeting people on my classes who have been recommended by friends and family and I love that word of mouth goes a long way still.
What are your favourite activities to do with your children?
My daughter and I are huge musical theatre fans (she has gone to study Musical Theatre at university) so visiting the theatre is one of the main activities we like to do together. My family are lucky that with the job that I do they have been able to travel with me to various places and I love being able to share that with them. When we are altogether just spending time as a family watching a film or playing monopoly is just as precious as going out for dinner.
Describe parenting in three words.
Challenging, Rewarding, Wonderful
Best parenting advice you’ve ever received?
Every child is different. Don’t compare yours to anyone else’s.
What advice would you give to other parents starting a business?
Go for it! I have loved every moment of setting up Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall. It is hard work and time consuming but totally worth it. Set aside time to allocate on your business so it doesn’t take over family life. Work out how to make life easier for you whether its having a food shop delivered, sharing school runs, getting a cleaner etc. And don’t be afraid to say no to something if it impacts on your family time.
Where is your happy place?
Cornwall 🙂
Is there a book/movie/podcast you’d recommend to other parents?
When my children were little I always used to read them the book ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ which is just a wonderful book. More recently I love the book ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse’ by Charlie Mackesy. It’s a beautiful book about friendship, kindness and
hope.
What have you learnt about yourself since becoming a parent?
Becoming a parent has made me realise I would do anything to make sure my children are happy and healthy. Make the most of the time you have with them whilst they are little because time has passed so quickly and now they are adults! As both children have got older just appreciating the time I spend with them is precious especially as neither of them are at home any more.
Thank you to Nicola for answering our questions.
If you’d like to take part in our 10 Questions series then contact us on IG/Facebook or hello@babycornwall.co.uk
This week Michelle from Curious Creatures Photography answers our 10 Questions.
How long have you lived in Cornwall?
13 years
Tell us abit about yourself.
I am South African born and raised, and was passing through the UK with the aim of making my way to NZ which I fell in love with whilst travelling. But then I landed a summer job in St Mawes, and never left! I met my partner at the hotel we worked at (he was the chef) and we now live in Tregony on the Roseland with two children.
How do you manage a work/life balance?
Barely! But now that the youngest goes to preschool 3 days a week I have time to focus on the business. Before that it was evenings and weekends.
What do you like to do when you have time away from your children?
Browse my favourite shops and galleries in my own time – it’s heavenly! Or just sit and read a book. I’m a bit of a self-development book junkie at the moment!
What do you like about the community in Cornwall?
I like how settled people seem here – it’s lovely seeing the same faces with their growing children and families at baby groups, schools etc and feeling like everyone is connected somehow.
Describe parenting in three words.
Challenging, sacrifice, love
Best parenting advice you’ve ever received?
Allow them to learn to think for themselves. Mistakes are to be celebrated!
Where is your happy place?
Anywhere in or near nature
Is there a book/movie/podcast you’d recommend to other parents?
Parent’s Tao Te Ching by William Martin (book)
What have you learnt about yourself since becoming a parent?
That I have a LOT to learn!!
Thank you to Michelle for answering our questions. If you’d like to take part in our 10 Questions series then contact us on IG/Facebook or hello@babycornwall.co.uk
2nd Floor, The Old Granary, Blewett’s Wharf, Malpas Road, Truro, TR1 1QH
w: curiouscreaturesphotography.co.uk
t: 0788 0867149
We are so pleased to have collaborated with Nicola Pearce from Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall to provide some top tips for keeping your baby and child safe in the sun this summer.
SUNCREAM
Suncream is generally not recommended for babies under 6 months- just keep them in the shade and well hydrated!
For children look for SPF30 or higher and UVA 5* rating. Reapply every couple of hours and after swimming and towel drying. Don’t forget areas such as face, ears, feet and back of hands.
Top tip- the most expensive brands don’t always offer the most protection!
PLAYING OUTSIDE
Encourage your child to play in the shade- for example under trees – especially between 11- 3 when the sun is at its strongest (protection is still needed) , or take time out of the sun at these times.
Cover your child in loose cotton clothes such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves. Get your child to wear a floppy hat that shades their face, ears and neck.
Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the CE mark (check the label).
Keep hydrated, have lots of water available and offer homemade ice lollies and fruit high in water content.
Do NOT offer ice to young children as they could choke!
If you have artificial grass do check the temperature before your little one goes outside. Temperatures can reach as high as 62.3’c on a hot day! Same applies to floor tiles. This just highlights the dangers of surfaces in direct sunlight.
WATER
A child can drown in as little as 2cm of water, supervise at all time and empty paddling pools and buckets of water when not using.
The water sat inside a hose on a very hot day can reach temperatures of 140’. Always spray your hose for a few seconds and check the water before shooting at your child or pet. Have you ever thought about the colour of your child’s swimsuit and the difference it could make in an emergency? If a child was to slip beneath the surface of the water wearing a swimsuit a similar colour to the pool they are less likely to be seen. If you dress your child in bright colours they are more likely to be spotted!
OUT & ABOUT
Throwing a cover over the buggy when out and about with your baby might seem an obvious way to keep them cool and protected from the sun on a hot summers day. Covering your baby’s pram with a blanket on a hot day will significantly increase the temperature inside the pram, possibly to levels that could cause your baby to overheat. Babies and young children are more vulnerable to the heat than older children and adults. That’s because they sweat less, their ability to regulate their body temperature is less efficient and they can’t tell us when they are feeling too hot! This puts them at increased risk of heat related illness, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you are out and about make sure your pram is covered with an inbuilt sun shade or a light ventilated attachable one. Dress baby in lightweight loose fitting clothing. Give your baby more fluids than usual to keep hydrated. Avoid peak hours and stick to the shade as much as possible. Check on little ones often, feeling their skin to ensure they are cool.
BEE & WASP STINGS
What action should you take if you or your child accidentally does get stung by a bee or wasp?
• Remove the sting if it’s still in the skin
• Wash the affected area with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel of cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes
• Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling • Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection
• Avoid traditional home made remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they’re unlikely to help
The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days so it’s worth asking your pharmacist about medicines that can help.
Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• A swollen face, mouth or throat
• Feeling sick or being sick
• A fast heart rate
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of consciousness
Emergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.
More about Nicola at Daisy First Aid : I run Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall. Daisy First Aid is an award winning paediatric company. We offer fun and fear-free first aid courses deigned specifically for parents and child carers. In our two hour class, which takes place in the attendees own home or local venue (and currently online), the world of emergency first aid unfolds, as parents, grandparents and care givers interact and learn the skills they need to save a life and to treat the most common accidents and emergencies. Babies and breastfeeding are very welcome. Please email nicola.pearce@daisyfirstaid.com
Follow Nicola on social media:
Facebook- Daisy First Aid Central Cornwall Instagram- @daisyfirstaidcornwall
It can be daunting joining a baby class as a new parent, we get it.
But once you’ve walked in and seen how transfixed your little one becomes, totally amazed by all that is around them, you can’t help but look forward to it each week.
We’ve put together a few of our favourite baby classes in Cornwall – Let us know if you’ve been and loved it too!
Hartbeeps
Lots of options for you at Hartbeeps!
With classes held all around Cornwall, check out their website to find your nearest one: https://www.hartbeeps.com/
Costs: From as little as £6 per session
Toddler Sense
From 13 months to 5 years, this one’s for toddlers!
With their fabulous play area, it’s not only a great place to play, but the equipment encourages a wide range of skills from social (making new friends) to physical (climbing, rolling, bouncing), emotional (it’s so much fun!), creative (building a house), intellectual (working out how to get over obstacles), and heaps more!
And we all know how important physical activity is in helping your child to sleep!…
Here’s the website for more information: https://www.toddlersense.com/classes
Baby Sensory
Calling all Mums and Dads in Redruth, Hayle, Falmouth, Crantock, Truro!
These multi-award winning sessions provide ideas for play, exercise, massage and communication techniques, taught in simple practical ways that can easily be repeated at home.
“Each session is different, and each session is a colourful, wonderful sensory adventure, using amazing equipment designed to stimulate and feed curiosity.”
Lots of singing, signing, musical instruments, puppet shows, light shows and bubbles to excite baby’s (and adult’s) senses!
Ages: 0-13 months
Price: £7.80 per session
Website: https://www.babysensory.com/mid-cornwall/booking-information
Sing and Sign
Are you a new parent in Bodmin, Liskeard, St Austell, Wadebridge, or Saltash?
This class is special.
Did you know that research has shown that a baby who has been signed to will have double the vocabulary at 14 months than that of a little one with no signing experience? Wow.
“If you have ever struggled to understand what your baby needs, if you can’t see what is on their mind or if the sound of your crying baby leaves you feeling frustrated and yearning to know what you can do to help, then I may be the person who can help you learn new skills that could greatly reduce tension for both you and your baby and help you to connect in a loving, purposeful way.”
View their website here: https://www.singandsign.co.uk/classes/classes-near-you/bodmin,-liskeard,-st-austell,-wadebridge,-saltash
Kernow Hydro
What a great idea – Parents in Redruth you’re the lucky ones!
These classes are a mix of Aqua Sensory, Water Safety, Baby Massage, Post Natal Exercise and Song to encourage children to learn basic water safety, swimming skills and to foster a love of the water.
All lessons are planned and structured incorporating best practices from EYFS and ILSP.
These sessions are fun and relaxed but still structured with learning outcomes – Sounds great to us!
From 0-4 years.
Book a session here: https://kernowhydro.co.uk/
Father’s, notoriously hard to buy for aren’t they!?
Well it’s not all about presents!
If you’re struggling to come up with an idea for Father’s Day this Sunday, why not try one of these instead?
Whether you’re wanting to treat an Uncle, Grandfather, father, brother or anyone in the life of your little ones, we’re sure these activities will be gratefully received and treasured forever.
Who doesn’t love a picnic!?
Get the kids in the kitchen, making the VIM (Very Important Man) in their life their favourite treats!
Sausage rolls, sandwiches, cheese straws, pasties, cake, scones, chocolate covered strawberries? Ask the kids what they think Daddy likes and get the apron on!
The kids will love designing their invitation too: choosing a place (park, beach, lake), picking an activity (football, batt & ball, frisbee) and handwriting on their own design.
We’d love to see what they come up with!
Grab a bucket, pick up a crabbing line, pack some snacks and write an invitation for your chosen male figure to join your little one in teaching them to crab.
Not an every day activity and a special memory made – Who wouldn’t love that?
Book a photography session for your chosen person. You have to check out these gorgeous photos from Curious Creatures Photography. They’re simply beautiful.
We see plenty of newborn baby photoshoots, but these are special. The lighting, the mood, the scenery is stunning, and the whole experience is wonderful.
Or why not get a bundle of photos and give one to each of the VIM (Very Important Men) in your little one’s life?
What a great gift!
Check out their website here: https://www.curiouscreaturesphotography.co.uk/
Your fridge, walls and notebooks might be full of your little one’s masterpieces, but is theirs?
Why not get messy with the kids and create some lovely pieces of art to gift their Father figures?
Brightening up their office, van, man cave, laptop, tool bag?
The kids will love it, and it’ll make him smile every time he sees it.
Heard of the Golowan Festival?
Why not treat someone to a sunny day out this Father’s Day?
This Cornish festival brings back to life many of the traditions and practices recorded in Penzance during midsummer, adapting them to a safe and enjoyable festival for locals and visitors!
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, there are limits on what they can put on this year, but there’s still plenty to enjoy!
*‘Serpent Trail’ through Morrab Gardens
*The Acorn Theatre are housing a Golowan Fundraising music celebration on Tuesday evening (22nd)
*On Mazey Eve the harbour will erupt in a fabulous Golowan Firework Display
*There’s a colourful pop-up exhibition to celebrate Golowan’s 30th anniversary in the Argos store too
Take a look at their website for more information: https://www.golowanfestival.org/
We’d love to see your activities and pictures for Father’s Day #babycornwall on IG or Facebook
Family-friendly Beaches in Cornwall… Where do we start!
We’ve put together a list of 5 fantastic beaches in and around St Ives, perfect for making memories for life
*Gwithian & Godrevy Beaches
*Carbis Bay
*Porthmeor Beach
*Bamaluz
*Porthkidney Beach
So, which one will you head for first?
First up, is Gwithian and Godrevy beaches, separate in their own right but forming one golden stretch of beach.
With so much sand comes lots of space for sandcastles, ball games and picnics. You’ll find it never gets too crowded, even in peak Summer!
Low tide also brings about rock pooling opportunities, and who doesn’t love splashing about in rock pools!
Gwithian itself has what’s known as the ‘Sheep Dip’; a large pool with a sandy bottom, perfect for little ones, while the bigger kids like to jump off the rocks.
A large car park, toilet facilities, a cafe, and a small beach shop are all available.
There’s even the chance to spot some Godrevy Seals!
Gwithian: Lifeguarded Easter School Holidays, April weekends, then daily from 1st May to 26th September 2021, 10am-6pm.
Godrevy: Lifeguarded daily from 15th May to 26th September 2021, 10am-6pm.
Next, we have Carbis Bay!
A Blue Flag Beach with soft sand, perfect for little ones to play on.
A particularly good beach for younger kids, it’s sheltered on both sides by rocky headlands allowing the water to be safe for paddling and swimming. Calm conditions like these are spot-on for kayaking and paddle boarding –
Why not hire one for a twist to your beach day? Carbis Bay Ocean Sports Centre run a kids club during summer months.
Lifeguarded daily from 10th July to 5th September 2021, 10am-6pm.
Here comes Porthmeor Beach!
Not far from Tate St Ives, it’s got the big 3 for a family-friendly beach day: beginner’s surf, long stretches of sand with rock pools and a great cafe.
It’s one of only 5 Cornish beaches to be granted Blue Flag Award status: tiptop for water quality, safety, education, and environmental management.
It even offers surf lessons within its own surf school.
Lifeguarded daily from 2nd April to 31st October 2021, 10am-6pm.
Bamaluz – heard of it?
Probably not, it’s a secret beach that disappears at high tide so one to research before arriving.
Not lifeguarded, so unsafe for swimming, the reason we’ve chosen this beach is because of its rock pooling.
A low tide-only activity, if your kids are more excited by discovering rock pools than getting in the sea, then this could be the highlight of their summer.
Bamaluz doesn’t offer its own facilities but fear not, Porthgwidden is nearby.
Not wanting to be right in the thick of it?
St Ives can get overwhelmingly busy in the peak summer months, we get it!
How about heading towards the Hayle estuary, just 2 miles from St Ives town?
Portkidney Beach!
A vast expanse of sand, at low-tide it reaches almost a mile out to sea!
Kids love sand dunes, don’t they? Well, this beach has plenty!
Lifeguarded from 10th July to 5th September 2021, 10am-6pm, dog-friendly all year, and only a short walk to Carbis Bay along the South West Coastal Path.
Porthkidney Sands is the car park to look for!
*Disclaimer: This is an ‘optional clothing beach’
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