Today marks the first day of Meningitis Week so I would like to take the opportunity to promote it as part of my #40for40.  Below is a very informative write up by the lovely Kerry from Daisy First Aid so please read and share your knowledge with others.

Meningitis, the very word sends a shiver down every parent’s spine!  It’s important to make sure we all recognise the symptoms of this heart-breaking illness.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which is caused by bacterial or viral infections.  Bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency.  Early treatment is vital.

The main symptom people associate with meningitis is the rash which we all fearfully look out for whenever our child is unwell.  This rash is characterised by bleeding or bruising under the skin, it could be little pinpricks, spots or blotches, anywhere on the body.  It could look red, blue, purple or brown and won’t fade or change colour under pressure.  This rash however, can be a late sign and doesn’t always occur, please don’t wait for a rash to develop before you get help!

So other than the rash, which symptoms should we be looking out for?  A recent study showed that 50% of children with meningitis were initially sent home by their GP as some of the signs of meningitis like fever, vomiting, severe headache and being very sleepy can unfortunately be mistaken for other common, less serious infections.   A child with bacterial meningitis, however, will often deteriorate rapidly!

It is vital to seek help again if the child gets worse.  One thing I always stress to parents and carers attending my class is that a medical assessment is only valid for the symptoms presenting at that moment in time, as soon as anything changes, anything gets worse or there are any new symptoms, then a new assessment is required.

Be persistent!  Trust your instincts!  Never be afraid to speak up and seek a second opinion!

The stiff neck and dislike of bright lights symptoms can often be rare and are less common in babies and toddlers.  They may have limb, joint and muscle pain, they are likely to be irritable when picked up, may refuse to feed, may have a high-pitched or moaning cry.  Other symptoms could include, pale or mottled skin, cold hands and feet, shivering, breathing fast or becoming breathless, confusion, becoming delirious or fitting.  Babies could become limp and floppy, too sleepy to wake up and the soft spot on their head may become tense or bulge.

The symptoms can appear in any order!  Not everyone gets all of these symptoms!  Do not wait for all the signs and symptoms to appear, time is critical!  Seek urgent medical advice early if you suspect meningitis is developing.  If medical advice is not available go straight to the nearest emergency department.  If the rash is present, call 999 for emergency help.



If you would like to attend one of Kerry’s classes then I can highly recommend her.  More info on upcoming classes can be found on the Daisy First Aid Website and Facebook page.

For more on Meningitis and the Awareness Week please visit the Meningitis Research Foundation Website.

#13of40

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Every parent loves to visit a cafe where the children can play safely whilst they enjoy a cuppa and Cupcakes Play Café in Weymouth ticks all the right boxes.

We knew the play café had not long opened and had heard good things so we visited during the summer holidays and weren’t disappointed.

There’s plenty of seating and a lovely little gated indoor play area which is perfect for toddlers.  My boy was straight in playing with the train set whilst our little miss enjoyed making tea in the kitchen.  Luckily there was a free table right by the play area so after we said a quick hello myself and a friend made ourselves comfortable and took a look at the menu to see what we would have for lunch. 



Food options included sandwiches, toasties, paninis and salads but we opted for jacket potatoes with my friend having a generous dollop of homemade coleslaw on the side.  For children they have mini tapas, sandwiches, tiny toasties, toast and beans, a little lunchbox or ½ a jacket potato.  They also serve fab fresh milkshakes as well as other hot and cold drinks.

Lauren the owner has a passion for making cake which is clear to see when you walk up to the counter.  Every day sees new and exciting bakes and if my slice of lemon cake was anything to go by then I’m sure you’ll be pleased too.



It didn’t take long for the kids to notice there was outdoor seating and play area too so after we ate our food we watched them happily running in and out of the play house.



Before I knew it we’d been in there for ages and needed to leave as we’d promised a stroll down the beach before having to get back home.

I can thoroughly recommend a trip to Cupcakes Play Café.  The staff are lovely, the place is clean, the food is fresh and delicious and above all the kids were happy!  So next time you are in the area, please pop on in and enjoy this hidden gem in the heart of Weymouth.

Good to know…..

The play café is perfectly situated next to a public car park and can be easily reached by both bus and train. 

For location and details on private/party hire please visit the Website.  For deliciously inviting pictures of cake and upcoming events which include cupcake decorating workshops and a princess pyjama party please see the Facebook page.   
     
If you are planning to stop for lunch then there’s plenty on the menu but please also check out the specials board which is up on the wall.

The staff are very helpful so let them know if you need baby milk or baby food warming.

Baby change facilities are available.

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