Do Baby Classes REALLY help with Development?

if you prefer video format, here is the video on the effect of classes on baby development

Have you seen photos on social media of people with their children at, quite frankly, crazy looking classes where babies, and adults alike, are dressed in mad looking outfits? Maybe there’s flashing lights? A disco ball? Any other props that look like they belong at a rave or festival?

Then you have probably seen them attending a baby class, also known as sensory classes, baby development classes, music classes; or any other different names with the same aim…So what on earth are these classes for, who are these classes aimed at? Most importantly, should you think about doing them or are they nothing more than an expensive sing along!?

Let’s start with WHAT are sensory style baby classes?

Aimed at parents/carers and their babies (newborn up to around 3 years old) these are typically classes where a teacher will guide you, the parent or carer, in how to interact with your baby, carefully designed to stimulate baby’s 8 senses (that’s right, current theory says we have 8 senses not just 5). Very often, though not always, there will be a large portion of the class singing songs, using props like instruments or puppets and visual aids such as coloured scarves. Often the classes will involve other activities such as aspects of baby massage, sign language, tummy time to name but a few.

But why do these classes exist, is the big question many new parents who have recently discovered them might ask.

WHY is sensory stimulation important?

Health professionals and parents often talk about milestones; baby rolling over, baby bringing their hand to their mouth, baby crawling or walking, but did you know how important and crucially linked our senses are to the development of our fine and gross motor skills as well as language? 
Our brains receive information from our different senses from conception onwards. This helps us build a picture, and make sense of, both our bodies and the world around It's typically an unconscious process and the more positive sensory exposure we have, the better our bodily systems work together. This leaves us feeling safe and secure to further explore, grow and learn. 

How the vestibular system is connected to language development is a great example of what I mean..

The Vestibular System and Language

So firstly, what is the vestibular system for those of you that haven’t come across this term?

This is the one of the three newer senses on the block in addition to the 5 senses most people know. The vestibular system is located in our inner ear and contributes to balance and our sense of orientation and knowing where our bodies are in space. It's the system informing our brain about our movement and positioning in relation to gravity. For example, how does our brain compute and make sense of the world when we hang upside down!?

The more input our brain receives in the early years from our vestibular system, the more neural pathways that are formed in the brain so that, as we grow, we can do things such as: fix our eyes as we move, react in order to retain balance in certain situations. Think about a cartwheel and all the things our brain/bodies have to do to make sure we return to a standing position! So what’s that got to do with language I hear you say? Well FASCINATINGLY, an underdeveloped vestibular system can be linked to language delays.

Because it is linked to movement, the vestibular system plays a crucial part in motor development and motor planning, which includes (you’ve guessed it!)- the tongue, lips and jaws which are all needed for speech production. Children with apraxia of speech (my own daughter in fact), oral motor challenges, or articulation problems, are examples of children who may have challenges with their vestibular system that impact their postural control, muscle tone, motor coordination, or motor planning. In addition, the vestibular system is our orienting system (tells us which way is up) and when it dysfunctions we can feel unsafe. This can impact our awareness of sounds, coping mechanisms for loud sounds, and our ability to receive and process auditory information.

But this is just one example of many of how our baby’s sensory systems are connected to their overall development. The essential take away is this; the more sensory exposure or babies have, the more they can make sense of the world around them, feel secure and go on to grow and develop.

How do these classes stimulate baby’s senses?

Well firstly it is worth saying- everything, whether you are in a class or not, can be a source for stimulating baby's senses. You are stimulating their sense of touch every time you hug, kiss or stroke them. You are stimulating their hearing every time you talk to them, or talk to your friend in front of them. They smell your body wash, they smell the dinner cooking, they smell the dog! You think you are just rocking baby to sleep? Well you are engaging their vestibular system! The point being you absolutely do not need a class to stimulate sensory development. But, a carefully planned class can of course often further exposure and guidance, as well as being fun for you and them!

What are some of the other benefits of attending baby classes?

1) You don’t have to think! Do you sometimes sit at home and are just not sure what you should be doing with baby? Well this is just a lovely hour where you don’t have to think about it- that’s what the class leader is for!
2) Bonding: Spending this focused quality time with baby is great for bonding and puts you more in tune with their wants and needs.
3) Socialsing: They are a great way to meet other parents/carers, get some adult conversation, share a worry or a laugh.

What are Wriggle and Roll Baby classes?

Wriggle and roll baby classes incoroporate all of the things I have talked about above; sensory exposure, singing, bonding, activities but with one key difference…I have designed them so that you can follow along from the comfort of your own home!

Why do a baby class at home?

In person classes can be great fun, and I’ve done many over the years. But for some, due to where they live, or cost, or just how hard it can be to get to a certain place at a certain time, it’s just not an option. It also doesn't have to be either or, you can go to in person classes but do additional ones at home at a time that suits you.

I gave birth to my second daughter right in the heart of the covid pandemic. At the time Spain, where we live, was on a strict lockdown that didn’t allow us to go outside for any reason other than food shopping. I wanted to make sure my daughter had all the sensory exposure and fun my oldest had and set to doing it at home. Whilst I had an idea of sensory activities from the classes I had taken with my oldest I was shocked at the lack of resources for anything new to follow along with online. There was lots of videos designed for my baby to sit and watch alone but that’s not what I wanted.

I wanted to entertain my baby, help in her development alongside her, to bond with her.

Whilst we may not be on lockdown anymore, and hopefully never again it got me thinking about all the people around the world who may not be able to attend an in person class. In addition my courses do include parenting forums and live classes for that support and company as well.

If you want to see what it's all about, check it out the online courses here.