FOR THE “LITTLIES” - SESSIONS ESPECIALLY FOR THE UNDER ONES!
Baby Massage Classes
What is it?
Baby massage is something that parents and babies can enjoy together and is fun to learn. Sessions run for 4 weeks, the first session is 20 – 30 minutes long with each session after getting a little longer until week 4 which lasts about 45 minutes.
Who is it for?
Anyone can attend with a baby between 6 weeks to 6 months old (please bring along a towel for your baby). The course teaches the basic strokes of massage and gives a little background information about Vimala McClure, who devised the programme. It helps with communication, relaxation, physical development, bonding and can help with common problems such as colic and constipation.
How do I attend?
The courses are run throughout the Children’s Centres in Derwentside, so there’ll be one coming to a Centre near you soon. If you’d like to join in then ring Julie Showler on 01207 232 048.
Bouncin’ Babes
What is it?
Bouncin Babes is a drop in group for parents of babies under 9 months. Come along to meet other parents and babies in an informal setting for a chat, advice or just to make new friends.
Who is it for?
The session is aimed at anyone with a baby under 9 months old.
How do I attend?
The Bouncin Babes groups are offered as a Drop In so you can call in at any time during the session. No appointment is required.
Early Days
What is it?
Early Days is a 12 week course for mums/dads/parents/carers with babies aged 0 - 6 months that includes 4 weeks of baby massage and promotes communication, play and emotional development.
Who is it for?
The session is aimed at anyone with a baby under 6 months old.
How do I attend?
Call your local Children’s Centre to see when and where the next course is being held and to book your place.
Parentcraft
What is it?
Parentcraft is a four week course of antenatal classes giving you the opportunity to find out more about pregnancy, labour and caring for your new baby. They show you practical techniques such as relaxation, breathing and postures for labour and birth, baby care and breastfeeding, etc.
Who is it for?
The classes are very welcoming and comprise of a group of expectant mothers (not necessarily first time mums). In addition, there is an experienced midwife who runs the class. From time to time, there may be a health visitor present as well to assist on topics like post natal depression, baby care etc. Partners are not only allowed but are welcomed to the sessions and the classes are held on an evening to make it easier for partners to attend.
How do I attend?
Contact your midwife for details.
TinyTalk (Baby Sign) Class
What is it?
The course is very relaxed and you will learn some baby signs, good communication techniques to use with your baby, meet other mams and dads or carers with children the same age as yours and generally have a fun time.
Who is it for?
The ideal age for babies to learn baby sign is between 6 and 12 months but we can be flexible. So if you ever wondered what your baby could say if only you could understand and want to encourage your baby to communicate then why not put your name down for our next course of baby sign? By having this wonderful resource at your fingertips you and your baby are able to have meaningful conversations you would have missed out on if you had waited until she was able to talk.
How do I attend?
Ring 01207 232 048 to book a place.
Weaning Course
What is it?
The weaning course is held over four weeks and gives advice on how to introduce solid food to baby’s diet. In recent years the advice about when to start babies on solid foods has changed. This is because we now know more about when babies are ready for starting solid foods and the effects of giving solid foods too early. We now know that it’s usually best to wait until six months, but all babies are different so we are also available for advice about when is best for your baby.
Who is it for?
The weaning course is suitable for any mam, dad, carer who would like more information about weaning.
How do I attend?
These sessions run regularly at Children’s Centres in Derwentside so contact your health professional or your local Children’s Centre if you’d like your details putting on the waiting list. You will then be automatically invited when your child is 4-5 months old. If you’d like any further information then please contact Louise Frost at Stanley Children’s Centre on 01207 232 048