7b9e83ba4e114519ac81d8302eba7cc9

🌟 Unlocking Milestones: Melody's 5 Top Tips for Tummy Time 🌈

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 21:33:11 GMT

Unlocking Milestones: Melody's 5 Top Tips for Tummy Time

Ever felt the struggle when your little one seems to detest tummy time? Join the club! The chorus of "My baby hates tummy time!" is a symphony every parent can relate to. The truth is, those adorable protests are signs of a workout in progress for our tiny bundles of joy. But worry not, because I've got your back with five game-changing tips to transform tummy time from a mini-meltdown to a major milestone! Ready to conquer the tummy time challenge? Dive into my tried-and-true strategies below:

1. Gradual Introduction: Tummy time engages and strengthens your baby's core muscles, laying the groundwork for later postural control and stability. Holding up their head and engaging their muscles requires lots of effort and energy so it's common for infants to initially find tummy time challenging, and they may become fussy or fatigued relatively quickly! This is perfectly normal. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable. This helps build neck and upper body strength over time. Even if your baby engages in tummy time for only a few seconds to begin with, take them away and bring them back to it later in the day following a 'little and often' method. They will maintain longer bursts of tummy time as they get older and their muscles get stronger.

2. Engaging Distractions: It's all about the art of distraction! Tummy time exposes babies to different sensory experiences, such as feeling different textures beneath them, aiding in sensory development. You can place colourful toys or mirrors within your baby's reach to encourage them to lift their head and explore during tummy time. Visual stimuli can make the experience more enjoyable and distract your baby from remembering they are even on their tummy! You can use lots of things around the house that baby might find interesting like a mirror, a book or a noisy rattle. At StarBubs, we always capture our bubs' attention and curiosity through our themed equipment which is different each week! Our parents often comment on how long their bubs spend on their tummy during our classes due to the exciting equipment on offer.

3. Soft Support: Use a small, rolled-up towel or a soft pillow under your baby's chest to provide gentle support. This can make tummy time more comfortable, especially for babies who might not initially enjoy the pressure on their tummies. During our classes, we offer a soft and safe space made for tummy time by using snake shaped pillows for babies to rest their tummies on. You could even try popping some different textures over the top like soft or sparkly blankets or even some crinkly foil blankets!

4. Parental Interaction: Join your baby on the floor during tummy time, making it a bonding experience! Engage with them through eye contact, gentle talk, or singing to make the activity more enjoyable and supportive. Grab a mirror and allow them to look at the pair of you together, they will soon be showing you their gorgeous smiles .

5. Chest cuddles count: Chest cuddles can offer similar benefits as traditional tummy time on the floor. When holding your baby against your chest, they are still engaging and strengthening their neck muscles as they lift their head to look around. It provides a different form of physical interaction and can contribute to your baby's overall development, just not in the same way as dedicated tummy time on a flat surface. So enjoy those chest cuddles whilst they last .

Remember to always supervise tummy time and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's exploration and development.

For more tips and advice on explorative tummy time activities, come and join our StarGazer classes at StarBubs where innovative tummy time experiences are built in.

What makes Leo smile?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 22:43:17 GMT

What makes Leo smile?

One of our most smiley bubs is Leo. From StarGazers to StarChasers he’s always brought so much happiness to our classes.

We spoke to Leo’s parent to find out what he loves the most about Starbubs!

"I can honestly say it was the best decision I made as a new, first-time mum to sign me and Leo up for classes."

What are some of the activities or moments in our classes that seem to bring the most smiles to Leo's face?

LIGHTS! From the first week we joined StarBubs, Leo has always been mesmerised by all the different lights that Starbubs have. He really finds it magical. When he was a baby in the stargazer class, he used to love looking up at the ceiling and seeing all the lights twinkling and now he holds the rope lights. He loves them all. The parachute activity in each class has also got to be a favourite of Leo’s (and mine!). From when I started bringing Leo at 6 weeks old, to now at 18 months old, this moment in the class you can still see his eyes light up, looking at all the equipment. The smile says it all.

Could you share a particular instance where his smile during the classes stood out to you?

The new, bigger and better bubble machine. Leo’s face lit up when he saw just how many bubbles there were!

How do you think the environment and activities in our classes contribute to his joyful reactions?

Every single week is different. It’s always something new and fun for them to explore. Lights, instruments, ball pits, bouncy castle. You name it, StarBubs classes have it. Leo has so much joy and fun in each class.

What role do you think the class leaders play in creating an atmosphere that they find so enjoyable?

The class leaders are so interactive with all the children, it makes them feel so involved and part of the class. Leo just loves watching them sing and talk and it just really makes them feel part of it all. You can see the way in which the classes are led that everyone is qualified and experienced.

Are there any themes or songs in the classes that consistently bring about smiles from him?

His favourite themes are Safari, Under the Sea and On the Farm (Sorry I couldn’t pick just one.) Leo is animal-obsessed. The songs are well-known favourites, the dress-up is just the cutest and Leo loves to point out all the animals to me and tell me the sounds they make.

How do you feel as a parent when you see your baby engaging so happily with the activities and others in our classes?

"It has done wonders for confidence and social skills even at such a young age."

It’s just the BEST feeling, seeing how happy and content Leo is at the classes. It has done wonders for confidence and social skills even at such a young age. He loves to engage with the other children and as a parent, it really is a lovely thing to see.

What advice would you give to other parents who might want to attend our classes?

Please book a trial class to see what Starbubs is about. I can hone stly say it was the best decision I made as a new first-time mum to sign me and Leo up for classes. Not only was it sensory and socialisation time for him but it was also that one time in the week you knew you had something planned to meet up and engage with other parents with similar age babies.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Toes: How StarBubs Classes Sparked the Journey to Crawling

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 20:39:35 GMT

Twinkle Twinkle Little Toes: How StarBubs Classes Sparked the Journey to Crawling

In the enchanting journey of early parenthood, every milestone achieved by a baby becomes a cherished memory. From their first smile to their very first steps, each accomplishment is a testament to the nurturing environment provided by parents and caregivers. Today, we delve into the heartwarming story of Hollie and Sydney, a parent who not only witnessed but firmly believes that our StarBubs classes played a pivotal role in his journey to crawling. This inspiring account sheds light on the transformative impact of our classes, demonstrating how StarBubs can become a guiding light in the developmental pathway of our little bubs.

How did you first notice any progress or changes in Sydney's crawling ability after attending our classes?

We noticed Syd's significant progress in his crawling after attending a StarBubs session at 5 months and the following week at the next session Syd was watching the other crawlers and just shot off crawling. He didn't stop moving after that and with weekly encouragement at Starbubs Syd picked up different milestones through other children and the activities provided by Melody.

Were there any specific activities or techniques from our classes that you believe contributed to his progress?

From the tummy time in the middle with parachutes and an abundance of lights, textures and interesting sensory items to dancing Syd learnt quickly how to move by observation and encouragement. Then after he picked up the fundamental components from the muscle strengthening tummy time he was continually encouraged to chase beach balls, retrieve musical instruments and follow lights which soon got him on his feet. Again through peer interactions Syd was able to mimic movements ready for walking. All the activities were considered and well thought out for the age group.

Did you observe any other developmental benefits besides crawling that Sydney gained from participating in our classes?

Sydney learnt about rhythm and music which helped with his speech and communication skills. Each week's theme had fantastic songs and instruments for Syd and the parents to enjoy. Along with the singing Sydney learnt to put movements into songs learning vocabulary and expressions quickly. Melody also enabled us to learn different massage techniques from early stages throughout for sleeping, teething, gas and relaxation which were so helpful to learn.

What were your initial expectations when you enrolled in our classes, and how did the actual results compare?

We had no expectations as we joined due to the day suiting us, we knew nothing about Starbubs as it was very new to Taunton. We are so glad we attended that week (under the sea, a personal favourite of Syd's) at 6 weeks old as it started new friendships, we learnt so many songs and we got to meet like minded families that we are still in touch with today. We had no expectations, from session 1 we were blown away with the group and it's creativity and environment.

How did interaction with other children in the classes influence his progress?

Sydney learnt those key communication skills interacting with the other children in the group. Including sharing, patience, and social interactions cues that without the mingling he wouldn't have picked up nearly half as quickly. Syd has always been socially confident and this is a product of socialising in group with the other children and Melody.

What advice would you give to other parents who are considering enrolling their child in similar classes to aid their development?

Well I always advocate for Starbubs as I feel it does have the activities and environment I sought from a children's group. Groups like StarBubs aren't just a way to meet other parents and gain new friends, they are meticulously designed to enrich children to learn, mimic and create the fundamental skills for children at this age. These core abilities will lead our children to becoming independent and confident children which I advocate wholeheartedly.

As a trauma practitioner in my job I am a huge supporter of all the work that goes into each session at Starbubs and would recommend anyone considering trying a lesson. Thank you StarBubs!

Come and see for yourself, book a trial class today:

Www.starbubs.co.uk/book

The Magic of StarBubs

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:48:26 GMT

The Magic of StarBubs - What Keeps Our Customers Coming Back

Introducing the Phillips family - a delightful family of four with two energetic boys - Gemma, Dave, Logan, and Bodhi! The Phillips have been attending our classes since we first launched in Taunton in 2021, when Logan joined our StarChaser class on Saturday mornings. Since then, they have taken part in multiple classes, enjoyed all of our themes, and are now excited to experience it all again with their second child, Bodhi.

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with the Phillips and ask them what it is about StarBubs that keeps them coming back week after week. Here’s what they had to say:

Why StarBubs is the Place to Be?

I love how much fun we ALL have at StarBubs. The whole family walks away having had a great time. I'm sure that the toddler years will all blur into one as time moves on but we will always remember StarBubs. The pictures will last a lifetime and no doubt feature at 18th birthdays, weddings and with friends.

We love its inclusive nature where dad's and grandparents are as welcome and as comfortable as everyone else. Where my son can dress up as a princess and choose the pink bunny ears. Where they can truly be themselves whether that be running around from the second they arrive or happy sat watching the mayhem. Because StarBubs isn't just fun, it's where we met our friends, where we laughed endlessly. It's a community and it's a lifeline.

Theme Time: What's Your Favourite StarBubs Theme So Far?

Favourite theme is so hard!!! What I love about the themes is that every 6 months or so they repeat so I have pictures of my children in the same dress up at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months and 2 years. Seeing how they have grown is amazing. Logan loves the transport theme. The superhero dress up is amazing. Dave loves the festival theme for the guitars and crazy wigs. Bodhi loves the Disney theme. He makes such a cute stitch! For Gemma it's all the wildness of the circus theme! That theme is just off the hook toddler mayhem.

The Logan and Bodhi Chronicles: Lessons Learned So Far?

The boys have learnt so much. They have learnt sharing, turn taking and playing with other children. They have made many many friends. They have learnt to explore their surroundings, be confident and happy in a group. Bodhi learnt to sit up, crawl and walk whilst attending StarBubs. He graduated up through the groups with his friends. They have learnt song and actions and to run around like the wildlings they are. They have mostly learnt to be themselves which is what StarBubs encourages the most.

StarBub's tailored classes: Which Class Deserves an A+?

I have been to all ages and enjoyed them all for their own reasons. Stargazers is a lovely combination of sensory for baby and fun for mum. What makes this group special is the invitation to laugh with your baby. I find that whilst lovely many groups are so serious at this age and focused on developing babies eyes and body's which StarBubs does but also the opportunity to dress your baby up as Harry Potter is really special. As a first time mum it is so lovely to be able to loosen up and really have fun with your baby and laugh and talk with the mums who become fast friends. Makes you feel like yourself again. StarCruisers invites newly mobile babies to move as much as they want and whilst this is the beginning of you singing songs on your own as they play, it's refreshing to just allow them to explore in a safe environment with babies their age. StarChasers is just the most organised chaos. And I have to say it’s my favourite. The freedom toddlers have to be toddlers is just amazing! Watching Melody hand out more and more things to play with is just incredible and they all LOVE it. This is the absolute goldstandard of toddler groups. You have to see it to believe it.

Standing Out from the Crowd: What Makes Us Different from Other Classes You've Taken?

StarBubs has the perfect combination of guided songs and free play. There isn't any pressure for the children to sit for focused activity and are allowed to explore the room from the second they get there so is great for every child from the sitters to the wildlings. No toys are removed from the children during the class like I have experienced in other groups so they get to really explore their own interests in their own time.

The group is the MOST family inclusive group in Taunton. Every week there is a mixture of dad's, mums and grandparents and everyone feels like they belong. Dave has been the main one to take the boys and having tried many groups he's says there's a reason so many dad's come to this one. The energy is just so inclusive.

Lastly the sheer amount of dress up, inflatables, lights, cuddly toys, parachute blankets, tents and more... honestly Melody might have a serious shopping problem but we are so here for it ��

Tummy time made fun at StarBubs

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:14:58 GMT

Tummy time made fun at StarBubs

Tummy time is a crucial activity for babies to help develop their strength and motor skills. By placing our babies on their stomachs for short periods throughout the day, they strengthen muscles, learning to lift their heads and eventually crawl.

But did you know? Tummy time also aids in the development of the visual system, as babies learn to focus on and track objects while in this position.

Babies should engage in tummy time for a few minutes several times a day, gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable and develop greater strength.

Lots of parents express to us in our classes that their babies don't enjoy tummy time and can get a little fussy. This is because it takes a lot of core strength to be able to lift up their heads during tummy time and they can get tired easily which is why short bursts of tummy time at regular intervals during the day is better.

During our StarGazer class, there is always opportunity for tummy time and we use the art of distraction!

With our sensory experiences, musical instruments and extensive props, your baby won't even realise they're on their tummies through the fascination of what's in front of them!

Look at this beautiful little Bub being distracted during tummy time with his 5 little ducks!

Top 5 pieces of equipment

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 21:30:08 GMT

Top 5 pieces of equipment

1. THE BUBBLE MACHINE!

How can something so tiny be so much fun? Bubbles are a huge hit at our classes and it is quite clear that, however old you are, bubbles are AMAZING! They float, they pop and they feel funny when we touch them! But did you know that bubbles also teach your bub skills? They help strengthen our hand eye coordination as young as 3 months old when a baby is able to focus on objects! It stimulates our brains and is important eye tracking practice. More importantly, blast thousands of bubbles at a toddler and they will burn off that endless energy; promising you a peaceful afternoon!

2. CUSTOM MADE PARACHUTES!

Have you ever looked at something so amazing it blows you away? Well that's exactly what our parachutes do to your bubs. There's no point in zooming into space without experiencing what it feels like to lie under the stars. Our custom-made star parachute - with it's sparkly texture, glistening colours and pretty, dangling stars. This ensures the room goes silent as the bubs take in the amazement and magical moments of the theme. Parachute play is also a great way to introduce children to cause and effect, as they learn how different actions, such as shaking or waving the parachute!

3. INCREDIBLY CUTE OUTFITS

We never take our themes lightly - we take you on a journey. A journey that will amaze and delight you and your bubs. But to get properly into the journey we must dress up! You wouldn't go to the circus without seeing a clown. You wouldn’t go to Jurassic Park without seeing a dinosaur. You wouldn’t go underwater without seeing a school of fish. So why would our StarBubs themes be any different? We love to see the fun and laughter that ensues from dressing up our little bubs in their themed outfits, this also lets us capture amazing photos that will absolutely be shown at every family gathering from then on! From baby Nemos to T-Rex’s to Mickey Mouses filling the room with delight - it's impossible to choose a favourite! We've picked a few of the very best photos highlighting the enormous fun we have in our classes!

4. SENSORY LIGHTS

One of the joys of a baby is watching them observe the wonders of their new world. Their eyes lighting up when seeing something new, the smile on their face when they hear your voice or their reaching out to grab a new toy. That's why we always provide key sensory experiences into our classes. We turn the lights down and let them explore an array of sensory lights. We’ll have stars shooting across the ceiling with our lazer lights, bursts of colour racing across the walls from our disco lights and then a calm twinkling that the bubs can focus on close up. Our setup is sure to provide that beautiful moment between you and bub. Our lights help stimulate visual development and provide a calming and soothing environment for the end of class.

5. INSTRUMENTS

Earplugs at the ready! Who doesn't love an egg shaker or a big round drum!? Well maybe not at 7am... but at StarBubs we begin every class by getting loud with our instruments! Our themed related songs start our classes off with a bang and bubs are encouraged to make as much noise as they wish! As well as incorporating those movement songs where we swing, sway, jump and bounce to ensure the room is squealing in delight! As well as the fun element, using our instruments help develop our fine motor skills and are a brilliant way to grow our self expression. They also help improve our bubs’ cognitive abilities such as memory attention and problem solving. We love starting our classes so much with instruments!

Alfie's StarBubs Journey: From Tiny Tot to StarChaser!

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 19:43:28 GMT

Alfie's StarBubs Journey: From Tiny Tot to StarChaser!

Meet Alfie and his proud mum, Sophie, who've been shining bright at our StarBubs classes in Exeter since we launched in 2022. From his first attendance as a teeny tiny baby to now soaring in the StarChaser class, Alfie has grown and flourished with us every step of the way.

We recently caught up with Sophie to hear about their incredible journey at StarBubs. Here's what she had to share about the magic of our classes:

Discovering Delight: What You'll Love About StarBubs:

We enjoy everything about StarBubs!! We particularly like the music, interacting with others & exploring all of the props/toys.

I’ve also enjoyed making mummy friends, one of our now closest friends was made from attending StarBubs!

Top Themes: What's Your Favourite Adventure So Far?

Our favourite theme has been the newest one - the farm. Alfie loved driving around on the tractor & wearing the little flat cap which made him look like his great grandad

A World of Wonder: Uncovering the Treasures Learned at StarBubs:

Alfie has learnt how to interact with other children, he has gained so much confidence in himself, he also sat up properly for the first time at 5 months old during a session at StarBubs.

Age of Adventure: Which StarBubs Class is Your Favourite?

I have enjoyed all of the different stages of classes however I would probably say my favourite is the one we’re in now - StarChasers. I love seeing Alfie’s confidence grow each week as he has always liked the comfort of me but seeing him go off independently is amazing, him playing with other children, running around everywhere & just having the best time!

Setting the Stage: What Makes StarBubs Unique Among Other Classes?

I would say StarBubs is different because of how interactive & involved Melody is in the classes, you can tell she knows what she’s doing & genuinely enjoys every single week. You can tell there has been so much thought & effort put into each class… the music, props, fancy dress, lights - just everything!

Fun, Play, and Laughter

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 19:09:10 GMT

Fun, Play and Laughter

Did you know? Our classes are designed with three essential elements in mind: Fun, Play, and Laughter!

Fun

We believe that every moment spent with your little one should be filled with joy, playfulness, and fun. From singing songs and watching your baby's delight in new experiences, to dressing up and letting their imaginations run wild, we have designed every aspect of our classes to bring out the fun in both you and your baby. So get ready to experience the ultimate parent-baby bonding experience filled with pure joy and endless laughter!

Play

We believe that playtime is crucial for children's development. That's why we've created a world of fun for your little one to explore! With our themed equipment, whether it be a giant ball pit, colourful balls or sensory scarves, your baby will find new and exciting ways to play and have fun. Your little bub is sure to be delighted by all the playful possibilities!

Laughter is the heart of our classes - we strive to create a joyful and light-hearted environment where everyone can have a good laugh. When we see a room filled with smiling babies and happy parents, we know we are providing the best possible service. Our goal is to bring joy to everyone in the StarBubs family, and we believe that laughter is a big part of that experience.

What to expect in our classes

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:54:25 GMT

What to expect in our classes

Spotless Space: The Clean Venue Experience

At StarBubs, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our parents and little ones. That's why we carefully select our venues for our classes, ensuring they are regularly cleaned and maintained to a high standard. Our locations are modern, bright, and inviting, with baby-changing facilities and easy parking available for your convenience.

Friendly Faces, Fun Classes: Your Personal Class Leader

Each one of our classes is led by a dedicated class leader who will guide you through your session from start to finish. Our class leaders become a familiar face each week, allowing you and your little one to build a strong bond with them. As a member of the StarBubs family, you'll receive a warm welcome every time, with a smile and a chat from your class leader. Our class leaders wear a custom-made, child-friendly uniform, helping to create a welcoming and familiar environment for your StarBub!

A designated cushion for you and a comfy mat for baby!

At StarBubs, the comfort of both parents and babies is a top priority during our classes. To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience, we provide clean cushions for parents and a soft, cosy fleece mat for babies to lay/sit on as you partake in your class.

Lifelong friendships.

At StarBubs, we design our classes with your baby's development in mind. By attending our classes, you'll have the opportunity to meet other parents who are on a similar parenting journey. Your child will also have the chance to develop their early social skills by socialising with other children at a similar age. Keeping children at a similar developmental stage in the same class ensures the safety of all little ones and allows each bub to enjoy the class at their own pace.

Thank you for the music!

Music is an integral part of our classes, uplifting our mood and creating a positive atmosphere. Our class leader will play music from start to finish, and we welcome any song requests you may have!

Melodic Masterpieces!

In our classes, you'll find a whole bag of instruments for your little one to play with as we sing along to our themed songs and go on an exciting musical journey. From egg shakers, maracas, tambourines, and drums, your child is sure to have a blast making music!

Endless Equipment – endless fun!

‘Wow, there’s so much equipment here!’ ‘How do you fit it in your house!?’ These are just some of the comments we hear in our classes and that’s because we are equipment crazy at StarBubs! We believe in sending you on a complete adventure during your themed class and we don’t do that by carrying light! From puppets, inflatables, dressing up, lights, parachutes and loads more, there is not a moment in your class where your bub won’t be amazed! We have so much equipment in each theme we have to use a van to transport it all!

Fun, play and laughter!

Our classes are designed to be a combination of led and explorative play. Your class leader will guide you and your bub through activities at the start of the class. From songs to sensory experiences, you'll have the chance to spent quality time focusing on your little one, nurturing your bond and creating special memories together. In the last part of the class, your little one will be invited to explore our themed equipment including a themed parachute activity. This is also the perfect opportunity for our littlest bubs to enjoy some tummy time!