Today Date Triggered Content

We’ve been sharing ideas for DIY baby and toddler groups, to use while your usual ones are closed for the summer. This week it's all about getting moving. From an obstacle course at home to games at the park, we’ve got ideas to keep you both moving this summer. 

Often you don’t need to have a set time for moving, just make sure your child has enough space to wriggle, walk, run and jump safely.  

Your ‘Discover more’ section has a range of articles linked to the skills your child is developing now – so you can always find the information you need. You’ve told us sometimes you’d like to understand what's coming next so we’re going to be sharing themed articles all in one place. 

This time we’ve put together all our articles about sleep, from newborn night waking, through dropping naps, to nightmares and sweet dreams.  

If you have more than one child, it’s not unusual to be asked, “How do they get on?” Research published at the beginning of July this year suggests that the answer for most families will be, “It varies!” 

According to figures published in May 2023, in the United Kingdom 56% of families had two or more children.^[1] Which means most children will have at least one sibling, and if you’re wondering what you need to do to help your children get along with each other you aren’t alone.  

We’ve been sharing ideas for DIY baby and toddler groups, to use while your usual ones are closed for the summer. This week it's all about stories and rhymes. From singing old favourites to making a game out of reading together we have pulled together ideas that can be adapted for your child’s interests and skills. 

Before you start, decide where you will do your story time group and make sure the space is comfortable and fairly quiet.  

A blanket under the dining table, a sheet over the washing line, or simply a box big enough to sit inside becomes magical when you make this your den. Just having their morning snack in it might be something your child remembers for years – we've got some ideas to get you started.  

Younger and older children playing together 

If you have both younger and older children, having their own separate den or cosy corner might be best.  

If your usual groups are taking their summer break, or you’re taking some annual leave, you might have a bit more time to play. Your activity page is a great place to start, check it for ideas which will be linked to the skills your child is working on now. If you’re looking for inspiration for a rainy day indoors – play dough and sensory games could be just the thing.  

Play dough is great for building strength in hands and fingers, and for older children can be a fantastic way to get creative.

We love a kitchen disco, and we think dancing and enjoying music can be part of everyday life – but if you fancy a bit of time focusing on tunes we’ve got some ideas for you.  

Keeping your child’s skills journey up-to-date makes sure the information and ideas you get are just right for your child – so, we’ve got some tips to help. 

When you look at webpages with lists of milestones or see a book that tells you what your child will be doing each month, it can seem like these are the same for every child. We know this simply isn’t the case.

Child development is complex and linked to individual characteristics as well as experiences and your app will help you understand, support and celebrate your child’s unique development. 

One day you suddenly find yourself standing at the gates of the childcare you’ve chosen so carefully, on their first day, clutching their little bag and wondering where the time went. We talked about this on our podcast , because we know how hard it is! 

The transition to a childminder, nursery, school or any other childcare arrangement is a big milestone for parent and child alike. The good news is, there are things you can do to prepare yourself and your child as you begin this next chapter together.  

It’s all too easy to find yourself drawn in to feeling you need more expensive or elaborate toys, or even simple ones, especially when you’re feeling a bit lost for something to do. But the best memories and most important skills are often built from the everyday things we do.  

This summer we're celebrating all the ways that play is brilliant for development, mental health and social connections – for children but also for parents. And we want to make sure it's all as free, or cheap, as possible so your family can focus on the fun to be had, without barriers to get there.