What can you expect at your first baby sensory class? We’re joined by Tracey O’Connor-Corrie of Sunshine Sensory to learn what to expect when we go to a baby sensory class for the very first time.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
What Is Baby Sensory?
Baby sensory sessions provide your little one with the stimulation to develop all their senses through play and natural interactions. Generally, these classes run from birth to thirteen months. However, with a greater understanding of the importance of sensory opportunities as children grow into toddlers, there are many classes now for older children.
What Does A Typical Session Look Like?
Every class you attend will be slightly different, and it is about finding the right fit for you.
At a baby sensory class, you will typically be greeted by the class teacher and explained what will happen in the session. Generally, you will sing a hello song welcoming all the babies to class. Next will be the activities and songs where your baby will have chance to explore lots of resources. Then it will be time for the goodbye song and before you realise it, you’ll be packing up and planning your next visit.
What Makes A Sunshine Sensory Class Unique?
At Sunshine Sensory we read through a story and explore natural and heuristic resources to represent the different parts of the story alongside lots of fun different types of music.
Sunshine Sensory classes are about having fun in a relaxed environment. The resources are open-ended so every child’s personal development target can be met each session. The class sizes are small to enable parents to chat as a group and develop comradery with each other. At the end of the day we are all parents and know the battles that we can all face. It’s about sticking together, supporting each other however we can and trying to provide reassurance and support. A Sunshine Sensory class isn’t just about joining a class. It’s about joining the whole community.
What Are The Benefits of Baby Sensory Classes?
1. Helping Your Baby Develop
Baby sensory classes are so important for the development of your baby. They provide a huge range of stimulus to support your baby’s development from an early age. Everyone feels ready to start at different ages. I did classes with my daughter since she was five days old.
2. Meeting Other Parents
My five-day-old daughter mainly slept to begin with but I got to meet other parents which in those early days can be a lifesaver. Just being able to talk about how your baby is feeding, sleeping or just acting in general is nice to be able to share with someone else who is going through it too.
3. Spending Dedicated Time With Your Baby
Baby sensory classes are also lovely to spend some quality time with your baby. So often it’s easy to get caught up in running the house and possibly working as well. So trying to set that time aside at home is sometimes hard. By coming to a class you commit to spending the next 30-45 minutes with just your child. You can’t write that article for work, do the washing up or take the dogs for a walk. You can enjoy this time with your baby guilt-free.
Here Are Some Of My Favourite Stories From Running Baby Sensory Classes:
1. The Shoe-Stealer
My classes go up to five years and in one particular class I had a parent at the end of the session say she couldn’t find her shoes. We looked everywhere until we realised that one of the other children in class had put the shoes onto the bottom of someone else’s pushchair, and they had walked home with them.
Luckily, we were able to find her some spare shoes and another customer saw the parent with the pushchair on her way home and told her what had happened. She came straight back but was rather embarrassed. We did all laugh about it the following week though and the parent ALWAYS checks her pushchair now.
2. The Persevering Parent
The parent who persevered!
I have been running my sessions for over five years now and I have never met a parent with so much determination as one of my most recent. She began class when her daughter was three weeks old. Baby cried basically the whole time. But mam remained so calm (she was also a first time mum) and just chatted to everyone and comforted baby at the same time. This continued for the whole six week term.
Mam signed back up the following term and gradually baby began to settle. Now she is the most smiley and happy baby. She definitely has her own opinions and I can’t wait for her personality to really come out because she is going to be a sassy one! The moral is that even if it’s hard work, stay calm and persevere. It sometimes takes time for your baby to learn they are safe in a new environment with new people. It’s worth persevering because once they settle, they will come to love the sessions, develop so much and gain so much confidence from the classes.
What If I Don’t Get On At A Baby Sensory Class?
Please don’t be put off if you don’t like the first class you visit. Just go and try another one. Also remember what appeals to your friends doesn’t mean you will or won’t like it. Try it out for yourself first and form your own opinion.
Sometimes people don’t like the songs or the setup in general. I once went to a class and didn’t really find the woman very welcoming so I didn’t go back. I did try another class where the woman was so friendly, and we ended up staying there for four years.
Thanks To Tracey – Sunshine Sensory
Sunshine Sensory is Tracey’s own company that she set up after leaving her job as an Early Years Teacher due to the demands of being a Special Needs parent. Her sensory classes aim to engage children’s creativity, curiosity and imagination from birth to five years.
She has recently launched a digital version of Sunshine Sensory for parents to be able to access their own sensory story sessions in the comfort of their own home, or for when they are simply struggling to get out.
My Baby Sensory Classes: Sunshine Sensory
Tracy is the founder of the company Sunshine Sensory and has spent over 20 years working with EYFS and SEN children / adults. The company focuses on providing fully inclusive sensory development opportunities for all children. She provides classes, 1:1 support and online services.
Parent of two children Tracy likes to spend her spare time walking, reading and spending time with her family.
Talking about IVF with loved ones who may not understand it can feel like an intimidating subject at times. As you begin your IVF journey, you’ll soon find friends and family asking you questions. These conversations can be exciting but quickly become overwhelming.
We’re joined by Rosie Buckley who is here to share her personal top tips. She’s written this article with the hopes that it will help you prepare for how you want to carry out certain conversations.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
Setting Personal Boundaries
IVF is your own personal journey and you don’t have to share everything if you don’t want to. You may set communication boundaries like only discussing things when you reach milestones or have news. This could be deciding to keep your IVF journey private until you’re officially pregnant. Many people receiving IVF also set emotional boundaries like declining invites to baby showers or parties. If something feels too emotionally difficult, that’s okay! Give a brief explanation, and people should understand; you don’t have to go into detail.
Setting boundaries also means you don’t have to answer every question you’re asked. If a friend or family member asks you something you don’t feel comfortable answering, you don’t have to. Coming up with some prepared answers to give can help you feel safe. “I’d rather not talk about that at this stage in my journey”, or “I don’t want to give details.” Discuss boundaries with your partner so you can decide together what you’re both comfortable with.
Choosing The Right Time And Place
IVF is an emotional rollercoaster. Some days you can feel more anxious than others. Because of this, talking about IVF may seem emotional when your stress levels are heightened. Some people choose to put a limit on how long they talk about their fertility journey for each day. If you’re not up for a conversation about IVF, politely turn it down.
You may also discuss different things with different people. For example, if you have a friend that you’re open with, you might be comfortable talking about procedures in detail. With older relatives, discussing anything too sexual can feel awkward. Instead, you can choose to be more vague with some people. Something like “we’re getting treatment to help us have a baby” gets straight to the point and doesn’t reveal too much.
Educating Others – Talking About IVF
As you embark on your journey, you’ll start to understand IVF well. However, some family members and friends will be confused as to what it is. Educating them means they’ll be more prepared with how to give you support. You don’t have to go into detail, but explaining in simple terms will help them.
Tell them that IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation and is a fertility treatment. Explaining a bit more about the process will be useful too. Simply saying that “a woman’s egg is fertilised in a lab and then placed in the womb to grow into a baby” will give them a straightforward definition. Also explaining any emotional strains will help them understand any challenges you’re facing. Knowing your situation means they can be more empathetic and understanding. If you’re not sure how to explain, you could give them links to useful online resources to look at.
Building Supportive Relationships
Another way to get support is by going to classes to make new connections. Other expectant parents will be understanding of your journey and can be super supportive. It can be useful to have someone around you who can relate to your situation. They may have already been through a procedure you’re worried about and can give you advice. Or maybe they’re experiencing similar emotions and want to talk to you about it.
Handling Other People’s Reactions
As you talk about your IVF journey, you may be met with varied responses. Most of these will come from a place of support and excitement. Unfortunately, some responses can be discomforting and some even judgemental. Some people see IVF as a taboo topic because they aren’t educated enough on the subject. Telling them statistics or providing them with information can help to change their mind. Sometimes you can’t change someone’s opinion which can be frustrating. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t keep trying because it will eventually become draining.
Sharing With New Friends
You can share as little or as much as you want with new friends. You may fear judgment, but friends can be a great support. Let them know how they can be there for you. This might be to send regular texts checking in or that you’d like to meet up more often if possible. Make them aware of any boundaries you have as well. Remember to share only what you feel comfortable talking about.
Don’t forget that you’re doing amazing! Hopefully this article has given you some great pointers on how to share and will help you to get started with talking about your IVF journey.
Thanks To Our Guest Expert – Rosie Buckley
Rosie Buckley is a freelance writer with a passion for writing and a love for exploring diverse topics. I enjoy diving into subjects close to my heart and bringing them to life through engaging well-researched content. Check out Rosie’s Instagram here!
How do you get through Christmas and help your child with their emotional regulation? Helen Guntrip of Talk & Move joins us to explain five steps you can take to help support you and your children regulate your emotions this festive season.
Looking for festive fun to feel the Christmas Spirit with your baby or toddler? It’s never to early to book a Christmas class on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
Why Can Christmas Feel Stressful With Children?
Christmas can be a special but busy time for families. We all have different sensory personalities, and this includes our babies and children. While some people thrive on the extra social interaction that comes with the festive season, others feel their social battery draining as they have to mix with more people than usual. Although it can be lovely to see family and friends and go to lots of Christmas events, it can also put increased stress on both your and your little ones’ nervous systems.
So here are five tips to support your family’s emotional regulation at Christmas time:
1. Reduce Stimulation This Festive Season
Babies and young children understand and experience the world through their senses. This means that they can get easily overwhelmed, especially in noisy and unfamiliar environments. So, how do you help them find calm?
Arrange to have a quiet space (in your home or someone else’s) where you can take your baby or child away to have a sensory break from the people, noise, lights and smells. We know that dimmed lights, closeness and quiet increase oxytocin and can be emotionally regulating for everyone. A distraction-free comfortable space to feed your baby can also be beneficial. Having a favourite book or familiar soft toy with you can encourage your child to have some ‘down time’ by enjoying a calm activity and reconnecting with you.
2. It’s Ok To Say No When People Want To Hold Your Baby Or Hug Your Children At Christmas Time (And All Year Round)
Some babies don’t mind lots of social interaction. In which case, enjoy having some time with your hands free! Other babies prefer to be held by someone familiar, especially if they are in an unfamiliar environment. When lots of different people hold your baby it can be unsettling for them. Why? This is because they have to get used to each person’s different touch, smell and voice. You are their safe space and one of the people who they feel most comfortable with.
You may worry that people will be offended if you don’t want to pass your baby around. Practice a script that you can use, e.g. ‘Thank you for offering. I’m going to hold her for now.’
There can be a pressure on young children to speak to, hug or kiss family and friends. Even at a young age, children are able to consent to physical affection. It is important to respect their choice and teach them that it is always ok to say no. You can practice a non-verbal alternative with your child such as a smile, wave or a thumbs-up if children don’t want to speak. Giving children the space to process their environment and the people around them can ultimately lead to more verbal interaction than if you force them to speak.
3. Get Some Fresh Air
Getting out of the house and into the fresh air can be great for you and your children. Take a sling or pram with you so that you can get out for a walk. Even just a short walk around the block can help you to feel calmer. Babywearing can be a good option inside too as babies can be comforted being close to you.
Toddlers often have lots of excess energy, especially with all the excitement of Christmas. Incorporating daily movement such as running, walking, scooting can be a great way for young children to regulate heightened emotions. If you can’t get out of your home try putting on some music and dancing with your little ones.
4. Don’t Be Afraid Of Your Baby Crying Or Your Child Having A Meltdown
All babies cry and all children have tantrums. People can have mixed reactions to hearing a baby or child crying, often linked to their childhood or experience as a parent. If your baby cries, try to remember and remind others that it’s their only way of communicating. When toddlers struggle with their emotional regulation at Christmas and are crying, they are unable to process what you are saying or respond to you with words. Crying children are not a reflection of your ability to parent. Remember, it’s the simple things that are always with you that are calming and regulating: your voice; singing and using a soothing tone, your touch; cuddles and massage, movement; gentle repetitive motions such as rocking and walking.
5. Drop The Need For Perfection
In order to help your children with their emotional regulation at Christmas time, you must first look after yourself. Try to reduce the pressure on yourself to be the perfect parent, perfect host and have perfect children, as there is no such thing! The reality is that your routines are likely to go out of the window, which can make both you and your children feel less settled. The festive period can be confusing for children as the usual structure of childcare, nap times and mealtimes changes.
Time is an abstract concept that is difficult for children to understand so we need to make it visual for them. Try making a visual timetable and draw simple pictures to show them what they will be doing, e.g.
1. Get dressed
2. Get in the car
3. Drive to Grandma’s house
4. Eat lunch
Your children may have an advent calendar but often the only thing they think about is the chocolate. As it gets closer to Christmas Day some children will benefit from a ‘how many sleeps until Christmas’ countdown chart to tick off each day. You can get free downloads of Christmas visual timetables and Christmas Countdown charts by visiting Talk & Move on Instagram.
What If It’s My Child’s First Christmas?
If it’s your first Christmas with a baby, or maybe as a parent of two or more children, have realistic expectations that it may feel different this year. If you do decide to take it easy, have a quiet Christmas and reduce the number of people you see, that’s ok. Protecting your own and your children’s nervous systems at this busy time makes it a calmer, more enjoyable time for everyone.
Thanks To Helen Guntrip – Talk & Move
Helen is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Baby and Preschool Yoga teacher. She founded the Talk & Move Programme to develop children’s speech, language and emotional regulation skills through movement. She provides classes and training courses for parents and educators. You can find Helen on Instagram: Talk & Move
KIDLY is the go-to online store for style and quality for 0-5s. They don’t swamp you with choice: you’ll find their much-loved own-brand KIDLY Label alongside a helpful edit of the world’s best kids’ brands in easy-to-navigate collections.
They appreciate every pound their customers spend, so they go big on value, longevity and hand-me-down-ability – and because they also care about the planet, they make sustainable choices whenever they can, championing responsible brands and ethical practices.
Why do we love them?
KIDLY understands modern families – they’re parents themselves – so they go out of their way to make shopping for kids more joyful, avoiding gimmicky toys, throwaway fashion, delivery hassles, and service-by-chatbot. Instead, they deliver great value, quality products, dependable delivery, plus amazing customer service from people who genuinely care.
Shop with KIDLY for less stress & more joy: enjoy £5 off orders over £50. Book a Happity class in December to receive your exclusive KIDLY discount today.
Get £5 off any order over £50 at KIDLY when you book a class on Happity
To receive your voucher, all you need to do is book a class on Happity… And that’s it!
You don’t need to do anything else. As long as you have made the booking through the Happity website, then you’ll automatically receive your voucher with your booking confirmation.
If you are a class provider who takes bookings through Happity: Remember to shout out about this on Instagram and Facebook! And be sure to tag us @happityapp and we’ll give it a like!
Terms & Conditions
Our monthly ‘Brand Love’ partnership is for any customers making a paid booking through Happity in the stated month.
Our monthly ‘Brand Love’ partnership is for any customers making a paid booking through Happity in the stated month.
The monthly voucher code (“Voucher Code”) is open to residents of the United Kingdom who are 16 years of age or older at the time of entry.
By purchasing a class on Happity in the relevant month, consumers will be eligible to receive a Voucher Code. Entrants will be automatically sent the Voucher Code.
Everyone who books a class between 12th November and 6th December will be sent a Voucher Code. Please note that if you have a class during November/December but you booked it in a prior month, you won’t be sent the Voucher Code.
The promotion period begins on the 12th November and will close at 22:00 on the December 6th, 2024.
The Voucher Code is awarded ‘as is’ with no warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied, other than for the product manufacturer’s standard manufacturers warranty. No substitution or transfer is permitted, the voucher is non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative or alternative of any kind to the voucher.
We will not pass on your personal details to any other organisation without your permission
If the promotion is refused to an individual – any decision we make is final and binding in all matters and no further correspondence will be entered into.
Only one code can be applied per order. Codes cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and are not available for staff of KIDLY
Codes are territory/store specific, cannot be exchanged for cash and are non-transferable.
Codes cannot be applied towards delivery charges.
As the promoter of the Voucher Code, Happity reserves the right to substitute the voucher with another voucher of similar value in the event the original voucher offered is not available.
Happity reserves the right at any time and from time to time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the voucher with or without prior notice due to reasons outside of its control (including, without limitation, in the case of anticipated, suspected or actual fraud).
By retrieving the Voucher Code you consent to our processing of your information for the purposes of the discount.
By accepting this Voucher Code you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions and acknowledge and agree that Happity shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant resulting from entering this promotion.
The Voucher Code is organised and promoted by Happity Ltd whose registered office is at 85 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 7LT
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
What happens in language class for your baby or toddler? We’re joined by Anna Neville, founder of Kidslingo, who’s here to explain the benefits of babies and toddlers learning a second language, as well as what to expect at your very first language class.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
What Is A Baby Or Toddler Language Class?
A Kidslingo baby/toddler class is a fun and interactive environment where young children are introduced to a new language through songs, games, movement, stories, and sensory play. Designed to spark curiosity and foster early language skills, these classes make learning a natural, joyful experience for little ones.
By offering a culturally enriching experience, Kidslingo classes open up a whole new world of learning for babies and toddlers. These early language skills can inspire a lifelong love for communication and learning across cultures.
Why Start Learning Another Language So Young?
Many people are surprised to hear about language classes for babies and toddlers, but young children’s brains are incredibly receptive to new sounds and patterns, even before they begin to speak. Studies show that early exposure to a second language helps babies recognise and structure sounds, laying a solid foundation for later language skills.
How Do Babies and Toddlers Learn a New Language?
At this age, children absorb sounds and mimic words with impressive accuracy. They naturally excel at picking up the nuances of new languages through repetition and play. Many Kidslingo teachers incorporate Makaton (a form of sign language) to further reinforce language learning, which is particularly helpful for babies who communicate primarily through gestures and sounds.
What Does a Typical Session Look Like?
Each session centres around an age-appropriate theme, such as farm animals, jungle adventures, mini beasts or superheroes. Classes are packed with fun, interactive language activities!
1. Warm-Up: Bonjour/Hola!
We kick off every session with our welcoming Bonjour/Hola song, introduced by the friendly Kidslingo bear. This familiar start helps everyone feel settled and ready to dive in. After warming up, we move on to a name exercise to get each child engaged.
2. Music And Movement
We sing, dance, clap, and play with instruments to make language learning active and fun.
3. Games And Activities
Simple, interactive games reinforce vocabulary and help embed new words in a playful way.
4. Sensory Play
We use different textures and materials, creating a tactile experience to support language learning.
5. Storytelling
Captivating stories are shared in both English and the target language, making language learning come to life.
Throughout each activity, we encourage plenty of repetition, positive reinforcement, and lots of smiles.
6. Wrap-Up
Au revoir/Adiós! We close the session with a goodbye song, often paired with parachute play and bubble-popping, which is always a hit with children and parents alike.
How Are Language Classes Different For Slightly Older Toddlers?
For older toddlers, we also provide activity or craft sheets to help consolidate their learning and develop fine motor skills.
Laminated song sheets are available to help support the learning – but there’s no pressure for anyone to sing if they don’t want to. Grown-ups and little ones like can simply listen and absorb the experience.
Why Are Movement and Actions Powerful In Language Learning?
Combining words with actions has been shown to improve language retention significantly. In our classes, physical movement and visual cues help children understand and remember new words more easily. This multi-sensory approach not only supports language development but also keeps little learners engaged and excited to participate.
What Are the Benefits of Baby and Toddler Language Classes?
1. Language Learning Together
Language classes offer a wonderful, shared experience for both children and their grown-ups. By learning through music, play, and interaction, everyone enjoys the opportunity to discover a new language together.
“It’s always so rewarding to see parent and carer reactions when their child says “Bonjour” or sings Brille Brille (our French Twinkle Twinkle song) for the very first time.”
– Debbie, Teacher At Kidslingo Bow & Hackney London
2. Cultural Awareness
These classes also introduce young children to different cultures, languages, and perspectives, helping to build early cultural awareness.
“A memorable moment was when I taught the class an old song from my country (Peru) . Later, the mum shared a lovely anecdote with me . She told me how their daughter had spontaneously sung this very song in a coffee shop. The waiter, deeply touched by the familiar melody, approached the family and shared that he hadn’t heard the song in years, and it reminded him of his mother. I felt incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to share a piece of my heritage with my young students.”
– Paola, Teacher At Kidslingo Kingston Upon Thames
3. Social And Emotional Growth
Language acquisition is a gradual process, so families who join us often continue over the long term, giving their little ones the chance to fully develop skills at their own pace. This consistent learning environment fosters social and emotional growth, encouraging interaction and social skills among peers.
4. Community Spirit
Kidslingo classes also build a strong community spirit, bringing together those who share a passion for languages and cultural exposure. It’s heartwarming to see families come together and support each other on this shared learning journey. They often build bonds with others who are committed to introducing language learning at an early age.
“It’s so lovely when the child hasn’t said anything in Spanish for a number of weeks and then they start saying words. You can immediately see how proud the parents are! The children love to show me how high they can count in Spanish and love to help their younger siblings.”
– Becky, Teacher At Kidslingo Fareham & Gosport
What Should I Keep in Mind During A Language Learning Class?
Our classes are all about enjoyment and taking things at your own pace. There’s no pressure to speak in front of the group. The focus is on having a relaxed and enjoyable experience in whatever way feels comfortable. No prior language knowledge is needed, for children or grown-ups alike.
We know that learning a new language can feel daunting, so we keep the pace slow and the activities light-hearted. With a familiar structure and lots of repetition, everyone quickly picks up the flow of each class and gains confidence in the songs and routines we enjoy weekly.
Where Do Kidslingo Hold Their Language Learning Classes?
Our classes are usually held in local church halls or community centres, chosen for their convenient buggy access, baby-changing facilities, and, in some cases, an on-site café. This welcoming environment gives families a chance to socialise with each other after the class.
What Should I Bring To My First Language Learning Class?
If there’s a chance of messy activities, we’ll let you know in advance so you can bring a change of clothes or have sleeves and trousers ready to roll up. An apron for little ones is also a great option to keep them clean and comfortable during more hands-on activities.
Most importantly, come prepared to have fun and enjoy quality time with your little one as you explore language together!
With Thanks To Anna Neville – Kidslingo
Anna Neville founded Kidslingo 11 years ago to help teach French and Spanish to very young children. She won the 2024 Woman Who 2024 Solopreneur Award for her leadership and transforming Kidslingo into a hugely successful franchise.
Also a big thank you to the Kidslingo franchisees who contributed to this post: Debbie Bradshaw, Paola Vallejos, Stephany Portillo, Laura Smart & Becky Burningham
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