Tots to Teens: How to build a bird nest box with your children

Plus card games, expert-led talks, and more

Build Your Own Nest Box Kit from Bird Watch Ireland.

Introduce children to the joys of spring with this Build Your Own Nest Box Kit from Bird Watch Ireland.

There has been a decline in once-common garden birds in recent years and it’s thought to be caused by a shortage of natural nesting sites. Nest boxes like this one provide a solution to that problem, and when building and installing one in your garden, it is sure to encourage kids to take an interest in the natural world around them.

The kit costs €15 and contains pre-cut wood sections, screws, nails, washers, a hanger, and instructions for how they can be easily assembled into a box. Putting it together is a great family activity as is keeping an eye on the likes of sparrows and blue tits that will hopefully set up home there in the future.

Visit birdwatchireland.ie for more details.

Cake & Elf pixie bonnet

Add bright florals to baby’s wardrobe with this pretty sunflower pixie bonnet from Cake & Elf, an organic baby and children’s clothing brand based in West Cork.

Made from soft, breathable organic cotton, this bonnet is gentle on sensitive skin and machine washable. Its double layer makes it both warm and durable, and its tie straps ensure a secure yet comfortable fit.

For babies aged up to six months, it costs €19.99 and is made to order at cake-elf.ie.

Exploring Ireland

Exploring Ireland is a family card game that blends entertainment with education. Created by mum-of-two Moya Sands, it teaches families about the cities, landmarks, food, music, traditions, mythology, and symbols of our country.

One of Sands’ aims was for her game to be played by all the family, which is why she modelled it on games like Go Fish. When playing Exploring Ireland, players need to collect all six cards in a set, and the player with the most sets at the end of the game wins. These simple rules make the game suitable for children aged four and older.

Sands also prioritises sustainability and quality. That’s why this game is packaged in an attractive linen-finish box, and the cards are printed with hand-drawn illustrations on eco-friendly paper.

Exploring Ireland costs €16.99, and it’s one of a range of products available from Sands’ business, happy-clan.com.

Toddler Music Time

Bring your little ones along to make some noise at Toddler Music Time in the City Library on Cork’s Grand Parade. Taking place from 2pm every second Saturday from February 7, this event will see early years music teacher Katie Jacques leading toddlers and their parents in an hour of music and laughter.

It’s a free event, but it’s advisable to book spaces in advance via eventbrite.ie.

Mum Talks Baby Club

Mum Talks is an events company that supports and empowers women through their experience of motherhood with in-person and online meet-ups, talks, and workshops. Every Tuesday of this month, it is hosting its Mum Talks Baby Club: free online talks by some of Ireland’s leading baby experts.

Starting today, the Baby Club will run from 10am until 11am and will offer support, information, and connection for mums-to-be and mums of babies aged up to six months.

Today’s session will feature the birth and postpartum doula Aisling Finnegan talking about what mums can do to mind both themselves and their babies in the early stages of motherhood.

On Tuesday, February 10, sleep consultant Amy Corrigan will discuss evidence-based sleep solutions for babies and toddlers.

Paediatric nurse Karen Prunty will give an introduction to baby first aid on Tuesday, February 17.

Midwife Ciara Butler will answer questions about breastfeeding on February 24.

The Mum Talks Baby Club is sponsored by Penneys, which means it is free for mums to attend. However, you need to register at mumtalks.ie to receive the link to the online sessions.