Making Memories And Beautiful Connections With A Baby Sensory Class

By: Hayley Dean, ellaslist

When I first became a mother, my eyes were open to a world I never really considered before. As an Aunty, I certainly loved the role I played but I didn’t appreciate the intricate ins and outs of a child’s development or that babies have such an amazing capacity for learning. Did you know, for example, that during the first year of life, a baby’s brain doubles in volume as a result of the new brain connections and learning which is occurring? Or that between birth and 3 months of age, over 2 million new connections are made in a baby’s brain every second? What our children are absorbing and learning from the moment they leave the womb is simply amazing.

Mother Teresa once said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family". No truer a word has ever been uttered in my opinion. So much information is forced upon you as a new parent that it easily becomes overwhelming, fuelling much anxiety and doubt; but the reality is, at the end of the day, it’s all about connection. And thankfully, this is where Baby Sensory Australia comes to ‘play’. Their classes are designed to empower parents with knowledge and confidence about your baby’s learning and development.

Award winning internationally, and Winners of the Australian based What’s on 4 Little Ones Award for ‘’Best National Baby and Toddler Class 0-2yrs’’ in 2014, 2016 and 2017 (finalists in 2013 and 2015), Baby Sensory classes are based on over 35 years of research into baby learning and development (running across Australia and New Zealand for over 8 years). Classes make the most of this rapid period of brain development by introducing babies to lots of different sensory stimulation to help build brain connections. Activities have been carefully designed to stimulate all of baby’s senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste, as well as aiding social and emotional development.

You can expect structured 60-minute classes; 20 minutes of guided activities, followed by 20 mins of baby-led free play in the exploratory play area, and finishing with a further 20 mins of guided activities. This structure follows your baby’s natural play-rest-play cycle and ensures they get the most out of class.

Every time a baby encounters a new sensation or experience, new connections are made and strengthened between brain cells, laying a solid basis for future development.

You can be absolutely assured that all equipment is approved, and incredibly high hygiene and safety standards are met. The passionate class leaders are dedicated to making classes fun and imaginative, offering many unique props and activities, so you’re sure to find that every week is different.

Classes really do extend beyond just the classroom, as you’ll be provided with the tools that you can use at home to play and interact with your baby in a fun way, aiding communication, nurturing and strengthening the bond between the two of you.

Baby Sensory Australia and New Zealand aim to help every baby make the most of his/her potential, whatever that may be. And they haven’t forgotten we adults either!

For mums like me, who have more than one little darling at home, it’s a precious hour to spend one on one time with your baby, in a supportive and welcoming environment, with no distractions.

They are a great place for parents to meet other parents in the same position, make new friends and form new support networks. They pride themselves on maintaining an inclusive and supportive environment, welcoming everyone of all abilities and needs, because we all know it takes a village. Grandparents, Aunties/Uncles and Dads regularly attend classes with the baby in their life. Babies with additional needs benefit immensely from the sensory stimulation. 

There is no pressure here to achieve anything more than an enjoyable connect with your baby. And frankly, as a Mum, I couldn’t think of any better environment I’d like to be in. I know my sleep deprived, forgetful mind can be at ease for a warm, wonderful 60 minutes with Baby Sensory Australia & New Zealand.

I cannot recommend this highly enough.