Gifts

Saint Nicholas is back in town! And of course, he will stop by again this year at Milk Bar in Mol. Between 3 November and December 5 all children from 0 to 6 years old can come and put their shoe out in our store. A small moment full of magic, wonder, and joy — exactly what Saint Nicholas loves. ✨   How does it work? Come by with your child in the store. Our Shoe Corner will be ready from November 3, 2025 — with a touch of Saint Nicholas magic. Put the shoe down together. Maybe a boot or a shoe that is too small and no longer used — it’s all about the moment! We stick a label with your child’s name and age under the shoe. Saint Nicholas visits during the night of December 5 to 6 and fills all the shoes with a small surprise. From December 6 you can come pick up the shoe again (until December 20). Exciting! 🎁 Why putting out your shoe at Milk Bar is so much fun At Milk Bar, we want to create memories that last. Putting out your shoe is such a small but special ritual that children remember years later. The excitement, the lights, Saint Nicholas visiting… it’s pure magic! Practical info 📍 Where: Milk Bar: Edmond van Hoofstraat 6, 2400 Mol 🗓️ When: Putting out your shoe: from 3 November through December 5 Picking up your shoe: from December 6 through December 20 👶 For whom: children from 0 to 6 years old

Sensory toys – also called sensory toys – are becoming increasingly popular among parents, grandparents, and caregivers. But what exactly is sensory toy, why is it so important for babies and toddlers, and which toys are suitable for which age? In this blog, you will discover everything you need to know. What are sensory toys? Sensory toys are toys that stimulate children's senses. Think of touch, hearing, sight, smell, and taste. By experimenting playfully with materials, textures, colors, and sounds, children gradually discover the world around them. Examples of sensory toys include: Teething toys with different textures Rattles and musical instruments Sand and water toys Activity cubes Kinetic sand Play rice   The benefits of sensory toys Sensory toys are more than just fun to play with. They have numerous benefits for your child's development: Motor skillsBy grabbing, pushing, kneading, or squeezing, children practice their fine and gross motor skills. Language developmentChildren learn new words by naming what they feel, hear, or see. Concentration & focusSensory toys help children concentrate and process stimuli better. Creativity & problem-solving thinkingThrough free play, children are challenged to try new things and find solutions on their own. Calm & relaxationFor children who get overstimulated quickly, sensory toys can also have a calming effect. From what age are sensory toys suitable? Sensory toys exist for different ages: Babies (0-12 months): soft cuddly toys, teething rings, rattles, play mats. Toddlers (1-3 years): shape sorters, kinetic sand. Preschoolers (3-6 years): clay, kinetic sand, play rice. This way, sensory toys grow with your child and continue to offer new stimuli. Tips for choosing sensory toys Choose safe materials suitable for your child's age. Go for different textures: soft, smooth, rough, flexible. Ensure variety in stimuli: not just touch, but also hearing, sight, and smell. Consider your child's interests – not every child likes the same things. Frequently asked questions about sensory toys Are sensory toys suitable for every age?Yes, but the type of toy varies by developmental stage. Babies benefit from soft materials, while toddlers and preschoolers need more challenge. Do sensory toys help children with sensory sensitivity?Absolutely. They can provide calm and focus, provided the toys are chosen carefully. Conclusion Sensory toys are indispensable for the development of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. They stimulate motor skills, language, concentration, and creativity, and help children discover their senses through play. At Milk Bar, you will find a wide selection of sustainable, stylish, and educational sensory toys that perfectly meet your child's needs. You can find them here on our website and in our store.

A well-equipped, safe play area gives you peace of mind as a parent. You don’t have to constantly watch every little movement of your baby, allowing you to relax more during household chores, work, or a short break. It reduces stress and increases confidence in your child’s independent exploration. Moreover, a well-designed play zone for babies promotes development and encourages independence. But how do you set up such a space properly and safely? Below you’ll find a practical checklist with five key points to turn any room into a safe and stimulating baby play area. 1. Provide a soft, safe surface The foundation of every safe play area is a comfortable surface. A quality play mat for babies or baby mat protects your child from cold floors and cushions small falls. Especially on wooden or tiled floors, a soft surface is essential for your baby’s comfort and safety. There are different types of play mats. Foam puzzle mats, for example, are ideal for creating a larger play space and offer extra cushioning for falls or rolling. Make sure they are made from safe materials – always choose BPA-free and phthalate-free foam mats without harmful substances. A great example of a well-thought-out play mat is the Bloom play mat. This mat has raised edges that literally keep your baby within the safe zone. The raised sides prevent your child from rolling off the mat, especially in the first months when movement control is still limited. Once your child grows and needs more freedom of movement, you can easily fold the edges down. This way, the mat grows with your child and remains usable as a soft surface during toddler years. Note: never leave your baby alone on a play mat. Always keep an eye on him/her. Finally, ensure the mat has enough grip and does not slip during play. This prevents your baby from slipping when starting to crawl or learning to sit up. 2. Keep the play area tidy and calm A safe play zone is not the same as a cluttered corner full of toys. On the contrary: less is often more. By offering only a few toys at a time, you prevent overstimulation and create calm. Moreover, your baby can better focus on what is there. As the baby/child gets older, you can choose multifunctional toys such as climbing frames and climbing harnesses that can be converted into indoor slides. Multifunctional toys invite children to active and creative play. The sturdy design supports safe climbing, scrambling, and sliding, and stimulates both motor development and self-confidence. Rotate toys regularly to maintain your child’s interest. This not only stimulates learning but also prevents the space from feeling chaotic. A tidy play corner is more pleasant for both your baby and you. 3. Avoid small or loose parts The golden rule: anything that fits in the mouth must be safe. Babies explore the world with their hands and mouth. So make sure toys do not contain small parts that can come loose, be swallowed, or pose a choking hazard. See also our blog on 'Why do children put everything in their mouth'. Regularly check for wear, loose seams, or broken parts. Battery-operated toys must always have a secured battery compartment that can only be opened with a screwdriver. Preferably choose babyproof toys specially designed for children under 1 year and equipped with clear safety labels. 4. Check the surroundings around the play area The play mat itself may be safe, but the immediate environment is just as important. Make sure there are no cords, electrical cables, or sharp furniture edges within reach. Avoid power outlets or cover them with safety plugs. Place the play mat in a spot where you can always keep an eye on your baby, such as the living room. Avoid drafty corners or direct sunlight where your baby could overheat or get too cold. Also ensure that pets cannot easily access the play area, especially when your baby is just starting to roll and is still vulnerable. 5. Set up the play zone with clear boundaries By creating a recognizable space – for example with a play mat, a baby gym, or a soft blanket – your baby quickly learns: “this is my place to play.” This not only provides structure but also helps your child feel safe and secure. You can create variety by providing different zones: one for lying on the tummy, one for reaching for toys, or one for calming down with a cuddly toy. By alternating, you keep it interesting but within a defined framework.