Little babies (pre-six months) are too small and vulnerable to do much more than eat and sleep but suddenly around seven months a corner is turned and the outside world becomes a thing of interest. What I love about Baby Sensory is that it takes place through the first year of your babies life so although that first term is more about propping them up so they do not fall over while looking at a light show, by term two you really notice your baby and all the other babies in the group, developing into social little beings. I have almost finished Term 2 and last week the babies had their own party with balloons and presents and a puppet show. Watching all those absorbed little faces it is hard to believe that this time last year they were just tiny developing beings, months away from emerging into the world.
Now each one is a distinct little character chaperoned each week to the baby sensory class by sleep deprived parents who relish the thought of sitting quietly for an hour while somebody else entertains their baby for a change! The bonus is that it may even help our little ones develop better all round. A winning formulation which could only be bettered if Angela was able to offer us coffee half way through.
The new permanent premises for Baby Sensory is a purpose built barn near the Applegarth cafe in Greyshott, Surrey. Bright and cheerful and warm with changing facilities and lots of comfy seating for before and after the class. Also easy parking outside which is very handy with many of the babies having to be lugged in while asleep from the journey in their exceptionally heavy car seats.
The class is a highlight of the week for me and such a great way to get out and about in that first year with a new baby while mixing with other babies of the same age and learning about crucial first year developments all at the same time. Baby sensory teach Angela is a delight and her South African accent is so mesmerising that we are all lulled into a sense of relaxation by the end of a session. Her assistant Janet is also a ray of sunshine and both are always quick to offer helpful advice on early days issues or just laugh along with you which lifts the spirits every time.