This week we had our first Babysensory session with Clare Fletcher and we had lots of fun!
The session we went to was inside the United Reform Church Hall and I had dressed baby in layers as I was expecting the room to be cool like most church halls- however this one was lovely and warm!
The room was set out in a padded blanketed square for all the mummies, daddies and babies to line up on. There was also a separate area full of toys and a row of chairs.
Plenty of room to put your prams inside and also space to put your belongings - wear nice socks as it's a shoe free area!
Clare had also set up a changing mat for any nappy needs!
I was a bit nervous going but turned out there were a few parents and babies there that we already knew and it didn't seem clique at all! Parents of all ages and a mix of both mums and dads and babies from teeny tiny up to about a year old. I would guess there were about 25 to 30 babies in our session.
Each session is different, but I will describe how this session went to give you an idea but don't expect a session you go to to run exactly the same!
And now I'm going to completely contradict what I've just written! Every session starts with the "hello" song - has a break in the middle and ends with the "goodbye" song!
The songs all have signing too so if you are thinking about introducing your baby to some baby signing, this is a great way to get started!
Clare held a puppet show for all the babies which featured the Tellytubbies - was fun to watch all the babies get soo involved! Mine kept bouncing and grinning away and some of the older babies toddled up to the front and tried to catch the puppets - Clare explained that babies love toys like tellytubbies because of their faces, anything with big animated faces is a huge hit with babies!
My baby especially enjoyed the light show - we all had flashing rubber lights and when the main room lights were switched off - they looked amazing! most of the babies seemed to want to eat the lights though!
In the half way break - it's a good opportunity to feed your baby if needed and also to chat to other parents and meet other babies - everyone is friendly so don't be shy to say hello! It's also a good play session to introduce your baby to new toys and senses that they don't have at home - My baby particularly enjoyed the baby ball pool and the inflatable bouncy bed covered in a foil blanket (like the one you get after you run a marathon - not that I've run one!)- after seeing his face light up I would love to buy him a ball pool but I just don't think I have room in my house!
We then moved on to a music class complete with rattles and bells and a whole lot of exciting noises and sounds! We used soft chiffon squares to gently stimulate the babies when we sang "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" We also all gathered round a huge multi coloured parachute which we used to bounce balls and balloons on whilst Clare made sure everyone got to see the bubbles her bubble machine was creating! The parachute made lots of pretty colours and a lovely breeze!
The session ended with the goodbye song - another opportunity to learn some more baby signing!
Throughout the session Clare gave examples of what you can do at home to create a simillar effect - for instance, you can recreate a light show by using christmas tree/fairy lights.
A good time was had by all and we can't wait to see what next week has instore!
The sessions are very popular and run as courses and terms. You need to book your place in advance. I'm not sure if each term/location etc varies in price but for our particular time, term and location it's £63 for 10 weeks so good value for money.
Clare runs classes in Bromley, Orpington, West Wickham, Beckenham and Westerham. Click here to see Clare's timetable and contact details.
There are also sessions run by another leader in the surrounding area.
Renee Micklefield holds sessions in Eltham, Welling, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Bexley, Blackheath and Greenwich.
If you would like to read my earlier post about baby sensory, please click here.
Emma in Bromley x
Update: We attended three terms of Baby Sensory, until my little one was 11months. We loved it and I would recommend the Bromley classes to any new mum.
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