HOW TO WIN THE MUM VOTE

Forget fish fingers and nuggets – these local cafes are doing an even better job catering to small fries

WHEN it comes to catering for kids, Gold Coast cafes are really growing up.

Local mum Belinda Meginley runs Coffee Mumma, a guide to the best childfriendly eateries, and says venues including Dune at Palm Beach Parklands, Nectar Currumbin and Café Tahbella at Oxenford are changing the game for parents. With daughter Isla, 4, in tow, she taste tests brews and babycinos for her fan base of families and organises monthly mothers’ groups.

“On the whole I think cafes have grown a great deal in terms of catering for families,” she says.

“A number of cafes offer ‘kids eat free’ days, special snack packs and even run activities in the school holidays.

“I think the great cafes understand just how valuable a group of mums meeting every week at their cafe can really be.”

But it isn’t all red snakes and rainbow sprinkles, with some cafes still failing to deliver on the basics.

“I know every mum has been here; no space for prams at the tables, no high chairs, no milkshakes for the kids – it can be a really stressful outing. I know of experiences where mums can’t manoeuvre their pram between tables and the staff have stood and watched instead of offering assistance.”

So what can local cafes do to win the mum vote?

“I love quick service – patience can be tough for little ones, so getting something quickly can certainly help make it a positive outing,” Belinda says.

“I am 100 per cent pro breastfeeding, so also look for cafes who have the same values. Cafes who are happy to warm bottles for mums are a great help. Having a fenced play area is a huge bonus for our follower, and colouring-in pages and pencils are always a hit too.”

Belinda says local eateries are moving away from deepfried chicken nuggets to offer healthier alternatives, although portion sizes could still be an issue.

“A milkshake for a three year old should be at least half the size of a standard one,” she says.

“Plenty of children now have dietary requirements around gluten, nuts and more, so options those children can still enjoy is a big advantage.”