We have some exciting news that we’re so excited to share with you. Happity has won an award! And a big one at that.
We are thrilled that Happity has been selected as winner of the Marketplace of the Year award! For the 2021 Baby Independent Innovation awards!
This award means even more to us all at Team Happity after weathering the storm of the past year – with all that the Covid pandemic threw at us and our industry.
We won an award – despite tough competition
This award means so much because there were over 1,500 nominations this year coming in from all over the world for the inaugural Baby Innovation Awards. The competition was extremely fierce. And we’re over the moon to win in our category. It means such a lot. But we couldn’t have done it without all our amazing class providers who list and book their classes on Happity and the thousands of parents who use our app and website to find baby and toddler classes near them. Thank you to each and every one of you! Your support really does mean a lot.
It’s been a tough year – why we won an award means so much more
The past year and beyond has been so tough for so many. As a relatively new small business whose whole market is about baby and toddler classes the Covid restrictions and the lockdowns meant we had to pivot our whole business almost overnight.
When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020 suddenly all the baby and toddler classes we listed were not able to run. We were disappointed – but not at all ready to roll over and give up!
Yes – as parents – we were at home juggling homeschooling with work (whilst also failing to bake banana bread!) But we also worked our socks off to make sure Happity had the best chance of surviving. So that our providers businesses could survive. And so that parents could get the support they so desperately needed.
When everyone was doing Joe Wicks workouts and making the most of their one daily walk we were working working weekend and evenings to switch Happity into a listing and booking service for Zoom classes that would be a lifeline to so many parents.
Pivoting business overnight!
When the first lockdown hit we put in a lot of time and effort to let our class providers know how to switch from in person classes to Zoom classes. We did everything we could to make the transition as easy as possible. And switched over all our Happity listings to list the growing number of Zoom classes for babies and toddlers. We did all we could to let our class providers continue with their classes online. And we also knew that we were helping so many parents in lockdown by making sure they had baby classes to break up their long lockdown days.
Those early lockdown days were LONG if you were at home with an energetic baby or toddler in tow!
Happity was set up to connect parents and combat loneliness. We felt that it was needed more than ever in lockdown. Even if we all had to connect over Zoom!
The battle to get baby & toddler classes in the guidelines
Each time lockdown restrictions were listed there were very confused and vague guidelines for class providers. Baby and toddler class leaders were unsure whether they could run or not. And very confused about what they had to do to run. There were pages and pages of government guidance but nothing specific to our sector.
Sara (our Happity co-founder) soon became an expert in the government guidelines (seriously, she could write a PhD on it!) and helped so many class providers by sending out regular emails explaining the nuances of whether and how they could run.
But – it still was so frustrating that we had to wade through pages and pages to send out clear guidelines to our class providers to let them know what was what!
And so we campaigned to get baby and toddler classes included in the guidelines. It wasn’t easy and sometimes progress was painfully slow. But through petitions and campaigning and loads of conversations with government ministers we were able to get clearer guidance for classes to reopen as lockdown restrictions were lifted.
Petition campaign of the year nomination
We were delighted to receive recognition for the amount or work and energy we put in to getting baby and toddler classes included in the guidelines. Emily Tredget – our co-founder – was nominated for Petition Campaign of the Year Award as part of the annual Your UK Parliament Awards.
She didn’t win – but she was up against Marcus Rashford! So – we will take that one!
We’re just glad that we could help baby and toddler groups open up again and understand the rules they had to follow whenever lockdown restrictions lifted. To help the many small businesses in our sector survive.
The fact that Happity has won an award is the icing on the cake.
We’re so happy baby & toddler classes are back
We’re super happy that classes are back. Class providers are doing such an amazing job putting in all the extra work to make sure classes are Covid safe. So that mums and dads (and carers and grandparents) can go back to classes and that all the babies born in lockdown can mix with other babies and parents again.
What a year it’s been!
It’s been a corona coaster! The past year (or 18 months now) has hit us all hard. New parents especially. And class providers so very much. It feels like hope is finally just around the corner. And – at Happity – we are working hard to make our business grow so we can help more new parents connect through baby and toddler classes. And help more class providers open up and find new customers – to help their small businesses thrive.
Parents and providers – we ALL deserve an award!
We wish that the government could give every parent and every class provider an award for making it through the pandemic! Goodness knows we deserve it.
We’re so grateful Happity won an award as Marketplace of the Year award! For the 2021 Baby Independent Innovation awards. And we dedicate it to you all.
Thank you to all the parents who booked a Happity at Home Zoom class during the pandemic. Thank you to all the class providers who listed their classes on Happity and provided such an important lifeline in the pandemic to parents. And thank you to all those who booked face to face classes through Happity once lockdown restrictions were lifted. You maybe don’t know just how much it means. Not just to us but to all the small businesses we represent.
Did you know that six weeks into motherhood, new mums should receive a mental health check? At the end of your six-week perinatal visit, your midwife should check on you as well as the baby. Well, there’s a high chance that you are a young mother who was hastily questioned in a fluster towards the end of a visitation or simply not asked at all.
But after announcements and effort put in by the government about paying more attention to this issue why is it still not working? If you are a new mum struggling emotionally and/or mentally how can you seek out the help that you need?
The announcement of mental health checks for new mums
According toNHS UK, 1 in 10 mums suffers from PND. This figure is likely higher following the pandemic too, but this issue was being addressed in the past.
In 2018, the NHS introduced a brilliantly progressive introduction to mental health checks for new mums. The idea being that 6-weeks after you have had your baby, your midwife should take time to check on your mental and emotional well-being.
This is a super important step forward in trying to tackle PND. The sooner that PND is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated! If someone can pick up on signs of PND at 6 weeks, then support and help can be put in place quickly.
Support for partners too?
In December of 2018. NHS England announcedthat new and expectant fathers would also be offered medical health checks. Yup. Dads suffering from PND, you were noticed too!
With growing figures of 1 in 10 new or expectant dads to be having symptoms of anxiety and depression, this was yet another issue that needed addressing. And, with this, they were offering treatments such as peer support, behavioural couples therapy sessions and other family interventions.
2018 marked a period where mental health in new parents was being addressed. It appeared that the issue was being taken seriously, and with an aim to reduce the figures, things were looking a little brighter for those suffering with PND.
What’s happened to the mental health checks for new mums?
Unfortunately, mental health checks have taken a dip from how highly they were prioritised on the agenda. Warning: here comes the numbers bit!
A high percentage of new mothers(85% according to an NCT survey released April of 2021)say the focus on appointments has been mostly on their babies. (That’s up 45% from 2019!). 60% said their check has been rushed at the end of their visit. And, 25% of parents from this 2021 figure said that they were not being asked about their mental health at all. This lead to a lot of young parents feeling rejected, ignored, and placed on a back-burner, where they are potentially left!
We asked mums in our community about their experiences with the 6-week mental health check-in’s. Here are a few things they said:
‘My doctor refused to do any 6-wk check for me or my baby… I had to make appointments and ‘fight’ to be seen.’
‘Mine was cancelled at 8 weeks. They have said it will be 10 weeks.’
‘They didn’t care at all about me considering I had a difficult labour and were in hospital for a week.’
‘My little one is 1 on Sunday and I have no check up and have never seen or heard (from them)…’
‘I asked for one and was refused.’
These responses, heart-breaking they may be, are not difficult to get your head around following the pandemic. And, as a quick reminder, we cannot shift blame to our midwives right now. Over 2020 and 2021, all NHS staff has seen a colossal amount of strain and is doing their best. We have to keep that in mind when looking at this drastic incline. But, still, we can’t ignore the fact that there are mothers who have truly suffered during the pandemic.
What’s the response?
The issue has clearly become an intimidatingly big issue through the duration of Coronavirus. But, thankfully, it has not gone under the radar of the government and the NHS.
Following these results, theNHS responded by saying they would start opening “Mental health hubs” for new, expectant and bereaved mothers.
This is a long term plan, stating ‘ten sites will be up and running within months’ and ‘every area will have one by April 2024’. As well as offering ‘psychological therapies’ these hubs will provide appropriate training for maternity staff and midwives. This, in time, means parents going through a tough time will receive the mental health support they need.
So, that means we have good news in the long run! NHS has got a long term plan in place for trying to resolve this problem (We are being heard, thank you NHS!). But what about those currently suffering? We have a 3-year waiting period between here and 2024. New mums will still be suffering from their mental health. So, what should they do?
How do I ensure I get a mental health check as a new mum?
If you are in a strong enough mindset, then it would seem that the answer is to just push. These checks are important and if you think you have it in you to fight for it, then armour up and hit the battle stations! Either contact your GP or tell your midwife that you need it to be made more of a priority. And if it doesn’t happen immediately, keep pushing! Want to take it further? Maybe it’s a good time to start a petition to get the issue raised in parliament.
But, not everyone always feels capable or able to push when in that grey-cloud headspace.
We can offer a few tips on how to manage anxiety in the moment if you are severely suffering. These are a good short-term relief if you feel at the end of your tether.
If you feel like you might know someone who understands what you’re going through, it’s a good idea to reach out to them! Whether they’re parents themselves or you know they potentially suffer from their mental health. It’s very likely they will make for a good shoulder to lean on.
However, if what you’re feeling is quite severe, we have some more information on support for PND here. There are some brilliant charities that you can call (PANDAS and MumsAidjust to list a couple). They specialise in specifically helping parents suffering mentally. If you feel that you might be in danger, your best option will be to call 999 or call the Samaritans.
Regardless of how it may feel at times, there are people out there willing to listen. There are people who know how to help. Please, reach out to someone, because it can get better.
Please don’t suffer alone. Stay safe out there everyone. x
If you’re thinking about starting baby classes, you might be looking forward to having some fun with your little one, or maybe just getting out of the house!
But classes have all sorts of other benefits: from helping your baby with her development, to giving you tons of ideas for playing with her at home.
Read on for 9 of our favourites reasons to start baby classes.
1. Building Your Baby’s Social Skills
Lots of parents are keen to ensure their babies are comfortable around other adults and children from an early age.
For your baby, ‘social skills’ are less about making friends, and more about learning from the behaviour of people around them. They might start to mimic other adults and how they use different facial expressions (like smiling). Studies have shown that babies find just looking at different faces stimulating.
You might also notice your little one ‘holding hands’ with another baby, tapping each other in the face, or exchanging noises. There’s a huge amount of sensory development going on while they are in this new and exciting environment!
‘I want Jacob to be a sociable baby. And get used to a lot of different people. I will be going back to work after a year – so he’ll be going to nursery. I want him to be comfortable with other people and other kids.’
– Hayley, Happity Parent
Baby classes are also a great way to begin to introduce your little ones to different families from a wide variety of backgrounds: be those race, religion, or perhaps different family dynamics such as single or LGBTQ+ parents.
2. Spending Quality Time With Your Baby
According to recent research, up to 50% of parents lack confidence in their ability to play with their child. As parents ourselves, we don’t find this figure surprising – we all know that play and interaction are super important for our baby’s development, but that doesn’t always make it easier to find the time, energy and ideas for quality time (especially when there’s three loads of laundry piled up by the washing machine!)
Getting out to a class or group really makes time and space for play with your baby, time that is just for the two of you. Plus, you’ll learn songs, rhymes, games and movements which you can build into your daily routines at home. Your baby will love these repeated activities; and the first time they join in with the words or actions to a song is truly magical.
‘When we’re home just the two of us, it’s easy to forget to talk to Evie. I fall into the zone of doing housework, or thinking about other things. That’s why I try to get out to one activity a day, to have that quality time for her.’
– Laura, Happity Parent
3. Introducing Stories And Reading
We all know how much little ones love stories. But did you know, that when you read to your baby or toddler you are also introducing them to lots of early literacy skills like phonics?
A study has shown that babies who had lots of books read to them have a greater vocabulary and better early reading skills by age 4.
Babies love repetition and the more familiar they are with a story, the more they will begin to join in by clapping, pointing – or even with trying to mimic some of the sounds they hear. Rhyming books are also great for this as you will find that when your baby starts to talk, they may begin to ‘fill in’ the last word or sound of the sentence as they develop their skills in producing sounds.
Lots of classes have a storytime element, and libraries and bookshops often have reading sessions for little ones too, as well as Rhyme Times.
4. Developing Gross Motor Skills
As your baby starts to wriggle and move more, they will be developing their physical strength and coordination, as well as the awareness of how their body moves through physical space.
Baby massage or reflexology can help them relax and draw awareness to different areas of their body as they respond to touch, as well as helping with issues like colic and constipation. Baby yoga will help them with muscle strength, coordination and balance.
Splashing in the pool with your baby at a swim class is a great way for babies to develop gross motor skills and strength as they kick against the water.
According to the NHS, once your child is walking, they should be staying active for at least 180 minutes (3 hours) of the day! A toddler group is a great way to get your toddler run off some steam.
5. Practising Fine Motor Skills
Once your baby begins to start grabbing and holding: exploring new toys, instruments and textured objects at sensory classes, or your local stay-and-play, is a great way to let them practise their fine motor skills without filling up your house with millions of toys!
For older babies and toddlers, look out for messy play and arts and crafts, where they can practise mark-making and pre-writing skills with chunky crayons, pencils or paints.
6. Learning New Specific Skills
As well as being fun, classes can provide the setting and expertise to help you and your baby or toddler learn new skills. Swimming classes, gymnastics, languages, and baby signing are all activities where you need specialist equipment (like a swimming pool!) or expert knowledge.
As with so many aspects of raising babies and toddlers, the keys are repetition and consistency. With dedicated time in your schedule each week, you’ll be astounded at how quickly your little one progresses.
‘I started going to baby signing more for a fun activity than anything else. I had no expectation that Ollie would actually begin to use signs to communicate with me! But going along to the class every week, and then practising what we had learned at home, he picked it up really quickly. It was so lovely having that connection with him, long before he could talk.’
– Lisa, Team Happity
7. Thriving On Routine
Lots of parents find the routine and structure offered by attending a regular class or classes very helpful – especially if they are on parental leave and used to structuring their days around work. For some, that’s making sure there’s one activity planned for every day; others might be happy to have a couple of regular things on their calendar each week, while being more open and unscheduled on the other days.
Babies and toddlers also thrive on repetition, so having a shared routine can be a lovely way to experience the world together.
Try routine cards to stimulate conversations, and give your little one the joy of anticipation what you are doing that day.
8. Don’t Do It Alone
Even for the most independent among us, those first few weeks and months as a parent can be incredibly lonely. Classes are great way to meet other new mums and dads, share experiences, and start to build your support network.
There is probably no other time in your life when you’ll have so much in common with total strangers; so whether the people you meet at classes become friends for life, or just friends for this stage, you’ll never run short of things to talk about!
‘After meeting up with other friends who had babies, I realised how much it helps. Just talking to other people. Like when you’re feeding your baby at night time, just knowing that someone else is doing it at the same time.’
– Eloise, Happity parent
If you or someone you know is suffering from postnatal depression, loneliness, or other mental health issues after becoming a parent, we want to help. Our PND and Mental Wellness pages contain a number of useful resources, phone numbers, and articles.
9. Developing Your Toddler’s Social Skills
As your baby turns into a toddler, they will begin to learn a whole new set of social skills. Following simple instructions at classes, such as “now we sit in our places” or “now we put away the toys” will help them to understand group dynamics.
From the age of about 12 months, your child will really start to enjoy other children’s company. They will start to play alongside other children in class, say hello and goodbye and make friends.
From ages two to three, they might start to take turns, begin to share their toys and respect one another’s physical space (well, some of the time!)
These skills will continue to develop at ages 3 and beyond as they play together more and more.
By attending classes you may also be introducing your child to new concepts like empathy. If another child is upset, your 18-month-old toddler might start to question why that is and a three-to-four year old might try to help make them feel better.
Have a read of our article about lovely things to try for every stage.
‘The tidy-up song at our music class has been a god-send with Ollie at home. He loves to help me tidy away the toys!’
– Lisa, Team Happity
Please note the names of Happity parents have been changed to protect their privacy.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
When you find a mum friend it’s a game changer. Mum friends make the good days better and the tough days easier. Mum friends are brilliant. Here’s why!
And dad friends too! Dads – replace with ‘Dad friends’ as appropriate!
1. You share your birth story before even finding out key details
The need to talk about your birth story is real. When you meet a mum friend chances are you’ll both share your birth story – warts and all – before even finding out what their partner is called or what they do or used to do for a living!
2. They’re there when nobody else is
If you’re up in the wee small hours you can feel like the only one up. But – chances are your mum friend is up too. They’re also there in the daytime when all your other friends are at work. And they’re there when you text or message to make you feel less alone.
3. They make the boring bits of parenting more bearable
Soft play, parks, walks…they’re all better if you have your mum friend with you! Even if you never get the chance to finish a conversation because you’re constantly interrupted by your kids! The day to day of parenting is more fun when you’ve got a mum friend by your side.
4. Mum friends never judge
They see you at your best but also at your worst. On those days when you’re exhausted and can barely cope. On those days when it’s all too much and you cry. On those days when you feel like the worst mother ever. But they never judge you. They give you tea and cake and hold your baby. And – if you need them to -they’ll hold you too. And make everything that little bit better
5. They’ll cheer you on when you need it most
If you’re down they’ll pick you up. If you’re struggling they’ll go out of their way to make each day a little easier. And they’ll always make you feel like a better parent even when you’re doubting yourself.
6. You can have the most honest (no holds barred) chats
You begin your friendship sharing intimate details about birth and – as you go on – you open up and share the vulnerable sides of you. Knowing your mum friend will listen and get it. From laughing together about the things that drive you mad. To opening up and crying about the harder bits that make you sad.
7. Mum friends stick by you even when you’re grumpy or tired
Because they get it! And they know there will be plenty of days when they’re a bit snappy and worn out too.
A recent post on our Facebook page revealed that too many parents are feeling desperate and ignored because their baby has reflux but they struggle to get a diagnosis and support. It can be heartbreaking if your baby cries unconsolably. If you ask for help and feel dismissed, it is harder still.
I asked for help but was ignored
“One midwife told me I just had an ‘irritable baby’ and that I was ‘tired’. Another health visitor over the telephone told us to try her back on normal formula and plough on through.”
These are the words from one mum in a BBC report on reflux diagnosis in babies.
Another reported a paediatrician suggesting her baby was crying all the time because she was “bored”.
Becky Palmer, who graduated from Aberystwyth Law School, and was inspired by her own experiences with baby reflux to give up her job as a solicitor and start a reflux and colic support group for parents, Colic SOS, commented in the BBC report: “Some health visitors are very much on board with it and will push GPs to help, but then you hear stories of parents really having to fight to be heard.”
Mum’s battles to get a reflux diagnosis
We asked mums to share their own experiences and their replies are eye-opening.
Here are just a few of their stories:
“Silent reflux was something that I really think contributed to my PND. I barely had any sleep for months. My baby cried and screamed so much that it was exhausting.”
“I was told my babies reflux was a ‘laundry problem not a medical problem’. Every time I asked for help they asked me if I was a first time mum, which suggested they thought I was just fussing and somehow making it up. It was heart breaking seeing her in pain and so, so tiring”
“Being ignored and dismissed whenever we asked for help was such a cause of stress and anxiety. All we could do was keep on going back to the GP and insisting that my baby’s symptoms be reviewed to finally get a diagnosis and support”
The signs and symptoms of reflux in babies
How do you know if your baby might have reflux? Here are some of the signs to look out for. If you notice any and are worried, ask your GP about reflux and ask for advice and help:
Your baby might fuss over feeds or avoid feeding
They might bring up sick during or shortly after a feed
They may choke, cough or hiccup during feeds
You might notice their back arching and their head turning
Your baby might stretch out flat – this reduces pain. Instead of snuggling up to you they may stretch out flat after a feed
They might cry for long periods and be irritable during and after feeds
Their cries might sound hoarse
Your baby might be slow gaining weight
They might not be sick after feeds but you still might notice some of the symptoms above – this could be silent reflux
One of the things our post about reflux highlighted was the importance of getting a diagnosis for reflux. If your baby has any of the symptoms and signs above and if, in your gut, you just feel that something is not right then seek medical advice. And, if you feel like you are not being listened to – ask again!
How to help your baby if they have reflux
Your GP or health visitor will be able to advise you as to the best things to try to soothe your baby and help with relflux. This might include the best positions for feeding. Or giving shorter and more frequent feeds. If you find that nothing you have been advised is working then do go back to your GP for further help.
If you find yourself struggling with depression on anxiety then visit our PND page for advice and places to go to get help.
Disclaimer: We have researched and included robust sources to provide information in this article. However, we are not health or medical professionals and you should always seek medical advice if you are worried about your baby’s health.
Recent Comments