We find entertainers who are used to two to five year olds, from first birthdays at home to nursery-age parties in a hall full of small people and big buggies.
Why toddler shows are different
A three-year-old's attention runs out fast. So instead of one long show, a good toddler entertainer works in short bits. A song, a puppet, a bit of magic, some bubbles, then everyone up for a dance before anyone gets restless.
Everything is a bit gentler too. No sudden bangs, no scary costumes, plenty of colour and repetition. Little ones love knowing what's coming next, which is why the same silly joke can get a bigger laugh the third time.
Songs, bubbles and the parachute
These three do a lot of the heavy lifting at a toddler party. Action songs get everyone moving without anyone needing to understand rules. Bubbles are pure magic to a two-year-old, and a bubble machine can calm down a room that's getting a bit wild.
The parachute is the one parents often haven't seen before. The children hold the edges and lift it up and down, or sit underneath while it floats over them. It's simple, but it works with almost any number of little ones. Not every entertainer brings one, so ask us if you'd like it.
Puppets are worth a mention too. A cheeky puppet that gets things wrong lets toddlers be the clever ones, and they love telling it off.
First birthdays
Let's be honest, the birthday baby won't remember it. A first birthday party is really for the family, the older cousins and the friends from baby group, and an entertainer gives all of them something to watch while the guest of honour naps or eats the wrapping paper.
For this kind of party, a short show works best. Bubbles, a parachute, a puppet and something the older children can join in with. Let us know the age range of everyone coming, as there's often a gang of five and six year olds who need keeping busy as well.
Timing it around naps and lunch
This one matters more than people think. A party that starts at 2pm can clash with afternoon naps, and an overtired two-year-old will not be won over by a magic wand. Late morning often works better for this age.
Keep the whole thing short, too. A shorter booking with the entertainer is plenty for under-fives, with food afterwards rather than in the middle. Then everyone can go home before the meltdowns start.
Parents sitting in
With toddlers, grown-ups usually stay. That's a good thing. A child who's unsure can sit on a lap at the front and still feel part of it, and plenty of entertainers get parents joining in with the actions too, whether they like it or not.
It does help to set out chairs or cushions around the edge of the room so parents can sit close but leave the floor space clear. Buggies are best parked in a corridor or another room if you can manage it.
Nursery-age shows and groups
Nurseries, preschools and toddler groups book entertainers too, especially for end-of-term and Christmas parties. A show for a whole room of three and four year olds needs someone calm and experienced, and we'll make sure that's who we suggest.
If you run a setting and want something during the day, mention the time and how many children there'll be on the quote form. Weekday daytime bookings are often easier to get than weekend ones.