Tots Play Neath

☀️ Classes Going Ahead as Planned ☀️

We're looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow for our !Animals & Nature Week with a special minibeasts focus! 🐞🐛🦋

Although classes are held indoors, we'll be doing what we can to keep the room comfortable, including keeping the windows open for ventilation.

💦 Water play will be available throughout the session to help little ones keep cool while they explore our minibeast-themed activities, so you may wish to bring:
• A change of clothes
• A towel
• An extra drink or two
• Cool, lightweight clothing

Little ones are also very welcome to enjoy the session in just their nappies if that's what they're most comfortable in.

Every child is different and reacts differently to warmer weather, so please do whatever you feel is best for your Tot to help them stay happy and comfortable during the session and we understand entirely if you choose to stay home!

If your older children are unexpectedly at home due to school closures and need to attend with you, please let me know beforehand so I can ensure safe ratios are maintained across the session. As always, please be mindful of our smaller children during class, particularly during Bubble Time, when excitement levels tend to be at their highest! 🫧😊

We'll be exploring, splashing, and discovering all things creepy-crawly with plenty of sensory fun along the way.

See you soon for some nature-filled fun! 🐞🌿💦☀️💙

Did you know that when we cuddle for 20 seconds or more, the feel-good hormone oxytocin is released. This creates a stronger bond and connection between the huggers - plus oxytocin has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce stress too!We never need an excuse to cuddle our little ones do we? Grab them and give them a big hug, after all a 20 second cuddle a day really can keep the stress away! 🥰

Is your baby on the move?

Wondering how best to play with them as they head towards toddlerhood?

At this age your little one will be curious about the world around them, and fascinated with just about everything they come across. They will be using all their senses, and their new movement skills to explore and learn - and the best way to support this learning and development is through play.

Repetition is an important part of learning and you might find they want to play their favourite game or listen to their favourite song over and over again. While they’re able to play a little by themselves they prefer playing with parents or other adults - so you will remain their favourite playmate for a while to come.

Some great activities for children around this age include:

- movement games, singing, dancing, action rhymes
- push along toys, push and pull toys, posting boxes,
- all kinds of sensory play
- exploring natural materials, like pine cones or shells
- splashing in puddles, water play, messy play

Play is the best way to help children learn and there are so many ways to bring it into your day.

Need some more inspiration? Join us at Tots Play, where you’ll find lots of play ideas perfect for older babies and toddlers, for you to enjoy together.

Each one is carefully researched and chosen to help boost your Tot’s development, and simple enough to do together at home through the week too - so the fun and learning doesn’t need to stop when you leave class!

Head to http://www.totsplay.co.uk to book your class today, and come and join in the fun! xx

Unfortunately we are going to have to cancel tomorrow mornings session at Tots Play Neath. If you attend on a Thursday please check your emails for more information.

Please feel free to attend Fridays session at 10.35-11.15 if you are able to.

Thank you for your understanding.

Lois x

Why Repetition Matters for Your Little One's Learning

If you’ve been to a Tots Play class, you’ll know we love a good routine. You might spot some familiar songs, activities, and equipment popping up each week. That’s no coincidence – it’s all part of the plan. Repetition is one of the most powerful ways babies and toddlers learn.

While it might feel like we’re simply doing the same thing again, for your baby, each repeat is a whole new learning experience. Their brain is working hard to make sense of the world, and seeing and doing things more than once helps build understanding, memory, and confidence.

Repetition also creates a sense of calm. Young children are surrounded by new sights, sounds, and sensations every day. Familiar routines help them feel safe and secure, which makes it easier for them to focus, join in, and enjoy what’s happening.

When your baby recognises a song, remembers what to do with a piece of equipment, or joins in with a favourite activity, they feel a real sense of achievement. This builds self-esteem, encourages independence, and lays the groundwork for even more learning.

So next time your Tot wants to sing the same song or play the same game for the hundredth time, smile and know that they’re learning, growing, and thriving – exactly as they should.

So next time your Tot wants to sing the same song or play the same game for the hundredth time, smile, be proud of their determination to master the skill they are learning about and confident they are developing just as they should!

And if you’re looking for a class where the benefits of both repetition and new experiences are built in to the programme, then we’d love to welcome you along to Tots Play.

What does your little one like to do over and over again?

Celebrating all the amazing dads, grandads, uncles, stepdads and father figures this week at our sessions 💙

Join us for songs, yoga, signing, music and lots of ball-themed sensory play, with a special keepsake craft and photo opportunity to make memories together!

🏀⚽️🏈🏐⚾️⛳️🥎

A little Friday shuffle! 💤💛

Following some nap time requests and a few rumbly tummies, we've adjusted our Friday class times to better suit our little Action Tots.

Thanks for your understanding – we can't wait to see you all for some Friday fun! ⭐

🌞 The Summer Series Passport is here! 🌞

This summer, little ones can collect their Summer Series Passport as they journey through all four of our themed special sessions:

🎪 TotsFest
🏖️ Seashell Safari
🧸 The Great Teddy Bear's Picnic
🌼 Secret Sensory Garden

At each session, children will receive a themed sticker to add to their passport — a little keepsake to celebrate every adventure they take part in.

✨ And here’s the exciting part… ✨
Collect all four stickers and receive a discount off September subscription sessions as a thank you for completing the full Summer Series!

It’s a fun way to track your child’s summer experiences, build excitement across the holidays, and create a lovely little memory book to take home at the end.

Spaces are limited for each session — book early to collect your passport and start your summer adventure!