1. Twilight Thursdays
2. Kids Cooking Classes
3. October Events
4. October Classes
5. Babywearing
6. Sprout Soup Anniversary

Twilight Thursdays: Holiday Toy Preview

The leaves have barely begun to fall, but for those of us with children or grandchildren, our focus quickly shifts to the rapidly approaching holidays!

We at Sprout Soup are pretty excited about this holiday season as well, because it will be our first full season, having opened in late October last year. So as we’re quickly gearing up and seeking out the best quality toys, we wanted to plan something special for our customers and create a little showcase of the treasures we have found.

Twilight Thursdays will start October 1st and continue on the first Thursday in November and December. From 6:30 to 9pm we will have some great gift ideas out for you to touch and try, plus some special deals on our newest items. Light refreshments will be provided.

In October we will introduce you to Keva Planks (see the inset detail below), the US-Made Green Toys and some new products from our favorite US wood toys manufacturer, Montgomery Schoolhouse.

Kids Cooking Classes

Join Rachel of HoundsInTheKitchen.com for Cooking Classes! Children between the ages of 3 and 6 (with mom’s help) will learn how to prepare some of the foods of the season.

Thursdays in October, 11:15am
October 8 - Herbs
October 15 - Apple
October 22 - Crackers
October 29 - Squash

Each class costs $3 per child for supplies, or all four for $10.

Weekly Events

Weekly activities are open to everyone and FREE. Age ranges are suggestions.

Moms Groups
Fridays 10am-12pm
Weekly playdates are a relaxed time for moms to connect with other moms in the area and let their kids play.

Crafty Tuesday
Tuesdays 11am-12:30pm
Each week we have a new craft project, geared toward ages 2-6. Crafts take 10-20 minutes.

Story Time
Tuesdays 11am & 2pm
Join us for story time with a theme relating to the craft for the week.

October Classes

Kids Cooking Classes
Thursdays in October, 11:15am
A series of four classes introduce children to the flavors of the season with dishes they prepare!

Cloth Diapers 101
Saturday, October 17, 10am
An overview of the different types of cloth diapers, how to use and care for them. $10 per family registration required.

Combined Class
Thursday, October 29 6:30pm
Recommended for expectant parents, our Cloth Diapers 101 class plus an introduction to baby carriers. $10 per family registration required.

Monthly Events

Activities listed here are FREE & open to all.

Dad's Coffee (New day!)
First Saturday 10am - October 3
Hey dad! Let mom sleep in! Bring the kids to Sprout Soup for playtime. Coffee's on us.

Babywearing Meeting
First Wednesday 10am - October 7
A casual time to see baby carriers in action. Come with questions or to share your stash.

La Leche League Toddler & Tandem
Second Thursday 7pm - October 8
Support group for mothers nursing beyond one year and/or nursing more than one child. Contact Helen for info 740-485-2864

Columbus Attachment Parents
Second Saturday 10:30am - October 10
Fourth Thursday 6:30pm - October 22
This month: Babywearing

October Special Events

Twilight Thursday
Thursday October 1, 6:30 to 9pm
Preview our new toys for the Holidays! Plus special preview deals! Parents only, refreshments provided.
First Thursday of October, November and December.

One Year Anniversary Costume Party
Sprout Soup is one year old and we're throwing a birthday party! Bring your kids in their Halloween costumes and enjoy live music, face painting, food and games.

Download our October Calendar in PDF format - print out or keep on your computer for easy reference.

The Positive Effects of Carrying Your Baby

This is an excerpt of an article that was published on our blog. Read it in its entirety online.

Why should you carry your baby? It's no secret that babies like to be held. After nine months in a warm cozy womb, babies long for the close contact, warmth and gentle movements that they have become accustomed to. Columbia University conducted a study in 1990, which showed that mother and infant pairs who utilized soft baby carriers created a more securely attached relationship. Infant attachment plays an important role in healthy child development and has long-term effects on how the child will relate to others throughout their lives.

Baby-wearing makes brains smarter. So, not only is your child happier, but you can make them smarter as well. The first year of life is a crucial one for brain development. By holding your baby and letting him see your face and the world around you, you are helping the baby's neurons connect. And more connections make a smarter brain.

Baby-wearing makes babies happier. By carrying your baby you also drastically reduce the amount of time a baby spends crying (although even carried babies DO cry). The reason for this is that the constant movement helps to regulate the baby's world. Babies are used to motion from being in the womb. Carrying your baby helps to recreate this environment to help you baby better make the transition from womb to world.

What kind of baby carrier? With so many benefits, it is a good idea to plan to hold and carry your baby as much as possible. There are many great baby carriers available today that make this easier, and also help keep your hands free so you can tend to other children or tasks. When choosing a carrier for your baby, look for one that will hold him in the same positions you use when holding him in your arms. For many babies this is an upright or semi-upright position with their tummy against your chest.

Sprout Soup has the largest selection of carriers in Columbus and we are always available to help you try them out and determine which will fit your needs. Carrying doesn’t end with infancy! Most of our carriers will last through toddlerhood, and even beyond!

Download our event calendar in PDF format.

Thank you for your support!

Noah and Alissa DeRouchie

www.SproutSoup.com

Sprout Soup Anniversary

October marks one year in business on North High Street for Sprout Soup! We're celebrating by throwing a birthday bash, including a Halloween costume party! We've reserved some great live entertainment, plus we'll have games, face painting and other goodies. Come on out in your Halloween costume, moms and dads, too! Saturday, October 24, 5pm.

Coming in November

Back by popular demand! Gobbles and Giggles is coming November 14, 11:30am-1:30pm. Gobbles and Giggles is a celebration of Thanksgiving! We’ll make a turkey craft, have story time and of course have healthy snacks.

The Family Photo Event was a hit last year. Diana Narotski of DGNPhotography.com will take family portraits, just in time for your holiday cards. A suggested donation of $40 per sitting is recommended. All proceeds benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. November 21, 11am-3pm.