Baby sensory classes - Is there proof they help baby development. Feeling guilty my lo doesn't go.

[Music1]

I'm feeling really guilty about not giving my little one the chance to do baby sensory sessions. My little one is always busy.... wanting too look around at everything rather than play when he's around other babies and at home he tends to get bored even though we have a play mat, bouncer, books and a few other toys etc. I find I'm rotating the activities but it's almost like he wants something else. I was wondering.... would baby sensory classes make a real difference to a babies development etc. A couple of my friends take their little ones and they say it's fantastic but the cost is expensive to book a whole bunch of sessions. Do they make a difference or can a baby still learn at home and by going out etc?

[kt_11]

How old is baby?

Try not to feel guilty about not going to classes if you don’t feel you want to/can’t afford to go. They can be great to give you ideas of things to do with your baby and also to help you get out and meet new people, however they’re not essential for baby’s development. I never did sensory, although the music class we do had a sensory element when he was little.

If he seems interested in looking around, take him around with you and show him things around the house or wherever you are. Tell him what things are and let him feel objects when appropriate. Doesn’t matter if they’re not toys - different shapes, textures etc are great for sensory play. You can get sensory balls really cheap - my little boy loved the ones that light up, bubbles are great for little ones too.

Have a look at soft play areas near you. Some of them have quiet sensory areas for young babies. There’s one near me that has a darker room with lights to watch, lava lamps and fish tanks which my boy loved. x

[Music1 in reply to kt_11]

Thanks you've got really good ideas. I find I run out of energy or ideas. He's 4+ months and if I put him on his play mat I can almost hear him thinking "not this again" and he starts crying. This is even if I add new toys, move things round etc. I'd only have him on there for maybe 15-20 mins whilst I try and get a bite to eat or wash up etc. Will try bubbles and maybe I should take him to the Children's centre more but he's not old enough for a lot of activities. I'm neither creative enough or have the time to be making loads of different things I see on pinterest. Lava lamps and fish tanks what a brilliant idea thanks

[mrs_m_shizzle_dizzle]

Foil blanket first aid one they like and different textures, colours, lights, rattles. Hoop is a great app and you can go to things as a one off and it shows free activities in your area x

[kt_11 in reply to mrs_m_shizzle_dizzle]

Ha don’t know how I forgot to mention the foil blanket! My baby was introduced to this at his music class at about 17 weeks and loved it. He’s now 18 months and still can’t get enough of it! 😂

[mrs_m_shizzle_dizzle]

Mine LG is the same she is 7 months! Also an empty bottle with dried pasta! Singing, music, things they can stack and hit down. X

[Music1 in reply to mrs_m_shizzle_dizzle]

Thank you. Maybe I'll try find a sensible clear plastic bottle or 2 Toys can be sooo expensive and when they're a 5 minute wonder x

[Hidden]

On amazon have a look at some wooden musical instruments. My LG loved egg shaped shakers, a rattle thing with bells on. If you really search through you can find them for a couple of pounds and on eBay too. I’ve put some links below of what I bought. We used these at baby groups and she loved them and still has them x

amazon.co.uk/Vi-yo-Wooden-P...

amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07883...

amazon.co.uk/Leisial-Handbe...

[Music1 in reply to Hidden]

Ordered a few bits. Thank you x

[Tugsgirl]

I take my almost 18 week old and although she’s likes to look at the lights they have in the sensory room, she isn’t that bothered about touching things. She’s always intently watching the other babies though, she seems to find other people fascinating (or she’s just plain nosey) 😂 xx

[Music1 in reply to Tugsgirl]

My little one's the same. I take him places and he just wants me to support his back so he's sitting upright so he can watch everybody. If I consider putting him on his back, tummy or giving him a toy. They are probably the same age lol. Also, I find he doesn't sleep anywhere even if he's almost 'burnt out'. He will scream the place down and wait till he's either in his car seat or at home in his bed. People look at me like 'the poor little one is starving' but he's not. Will try lights then this christmas. We haven't got space or the money for a tree but I'll take him out more. Was wondering if he was nosey as well. He likes it when we look out the window ... and people watch.

[Tugsgirl in reply to Music1]

My daughter doesn’t sleep well during the day either, just 20 minute naps here and there with a very rare decent (1-2hr) nap very occasionally. It’s like she thinks she going to miss out on something. Thankfully she sleeps between 4-6 hours solid at night. She will sleep in the car or her pram but only when both are moving xx

[Music1 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Sounds like they could be twins lol. The Healthworker used to tell me to nap when lo did, but how can you nap when you're driving or pushing the pram lol. It's like he thinks he's going to miss out on something as well. He will simply watch others play at any play group thing we go to. Have you found anything that will keep your little one busy for maybe 20+ minutes. I did find him watching 'Amsterdam' on tv.... totally fascinated.

[Tugsgirl in reply to Music1]

Ps we only have a small one bedroom bungalow (me, disabled hubby and baby - we’re working on moving to a two bedroom bungalow) but we have a 3ft Christmas tree. It only cost £5. Charity shops are also great for decorations xx

[Music1 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Yeah, I should make more of an effort regarding Christmas. We're only 1 bedroom as well. I never have. I took him to see Santa and have taken him round the Christmas lights etc. I will defo have a tree next year but we don't know if we're at home or with family. They always have a tree at my oh house. I'll take a look in charity shops. I should try and get some in Jan I guess. It's just space is so tight. Little one comes with such big things lol. Thanks Tugsgirl. Sounds like you're doing wonderful things for your little one..

[Tugsgirl in reply to Music1]

We have concerns just as you do, just slightly different ones, but all we can do is try our best. I read that if you’re worried about whether or not you’re doing it right then you’re doing it right xx

[Tugsgirl in reply to Music1]

Ps yea, our daughter has taken over! It’s a very tight squeeze for Hubby in his wheelchair but we make it work xx

[Lisaworthy1981]

We don’t do baby sensory but we go to rhythm time! My little one loves it and me too, but they things they do can easily be done at home!! Like said above the foil blanket is a big winner!! Or just put on some music and have a sing and a dance! My little one loves music and singing! Xxx

[Music1 in reply to Lisaworthy1981]

My little one used to love the foil blanket. He would lay on the mat scrunch it and love the sound. He goes off things really quickly though, and then if it's not NEW I can almost hear him thinking 'you're trying to fob me off. Not that thing again'. It's hard work. I do loads of singing and music, watching Thomas if we can for 7-10 minutes. Every activity is short and snappy as he gets bored. I wonder if he'll have a learning issue actually now I think about it. He seems smart but his concentration doesn't last. Thanks, will try some rhythm things.

[Kempton]

Don't feel guilty! It's Christmas time.... perfect opportunity to recreate some sensory activities. You've got lights everywhere, jingle bells, singing, scrunching up wrapping paper, walks in the cold and rain. There are so many ways of doing sensory activities, you don't need to pay loads to give your baby a load of stimulation and learning opportunities!

My LO only did a few paid for groups and classes when he was young (I started doing more when he was over 1 and I found it a bit easier to be out and about) and nursery staff tell me how much he's thriving and what a clever little boy he is. I see it myself. He amazes me every day!

Don't beat yourself up. You're probably doing a great job of being a mum.

[Music1 in reply to Kempton]

When you say 'I started doing more when he was over 1' do you mean more sensory classes or your own thing? Maybe he's thriving and a clever little boy because you did all those sensory things with him. I sometimes wonder if I'm not doing enough as he loses interest so quick with things. I really should go for more walks but living in a high flat without a lift and taking the pram and everything up and down the stairs is hard work. If I take the pram down first and leave it to get him, I worry about the pram being stolen. If I take him down with the pram I'm exhausted. It's lovely being out but then when he crashes out and falls asleep I'm still left walking in the rain, whilst he's cuddled up with a fleece blanket, layers and a waterproof cover lol. It's just hard work when he doesn't want to nap during the day and can't sit up by himself just yet. Did you bottle feed or BF?

[kt_11 in reply to Music1]

This sounds a bit familiar to me so just wanted to give you some reassurance that you’re doing the best you can so don’t put yourself down for not doing enough.

It’s exhausting when you have a little one who won’t sleep. This time last year I was going out with the pram or in the car up to 4 times a day in all weather to get LO to nap and it’s hard work. Now he naps in his cot but I remember those times well, when it took him over an hour to fall asleep and I then had to keep walking to keep him asleep 😂. I don’t live in a flat so didn’t have the issue with the pram but have you tried a sling??

[Kempton in reply to Music1]

I meant that I started going to a few groups when he was 1. Your little one will benefit from all sorts of experiences, however young!

[Music1 in reply to Kempton]

Ah ok. Thanks for that. I tried to take him out yesterday for a walk. May have been too cold but I thought he was all wrapped up. He had an absolute meltdown after 5 minutes. It had prob taken 10 mins to get the pram bits out and assemble it all in the rain etc. He had the rain cover over the pram by the way, including his pram coat and fleece. I panic when I'm breastfeeding as I couldn't do that there in the cold park so rushed back home. A disaster of a plan Friday 13th lol. Thought we could drop some flowers off to my mum in the cemetery, walk round the park and see the trees etc, and then pop in a charity shop to see if they had anything for him. Didn't quite go to plan. Maybe it will be easier when he's younger. He hasn't had a meltdown like that in a long time.

[Scarlett13]

Hey, you could try making treasure baskets with what you’ve already got? So get a basket or bowl or box and turn every few days or weeks, change thud items inside for him to explore...so you could do only metal objects one week such as cutlery, kitchen utensils, Tin foil, scourers...let him touch, feel, taste - cold, shiny, smooth, hard sensory experiences. Then you could do wooden and natural stuff like wooden spoons, leaves, twigs, fir cones, sponges, stones, shells...

Also do you have a children’s centre nearby? They should do free activities. You should talk to your health visiting service, they can signpost you to things, they could even set you up with Homestart if that would help you - a trained volunteer would visit you for an hour or two a week and help you like a friend with whatever you need - such as gettin you and the baby and the buggy out and about, helping you with play ideas, etc etc. You can access homestart through your children’s centre too. Also try messy play with every day items - so stick your baby in the bath or a big bowl with stuff like dry cornflakes, or rice crispies....or cooked spaghetti mixed with food due to make different colours! I think you sound like a great mum doing the best you can with your limited resources. Xxx

[Lovefood1984]

I’d echo everyone else, we did baby sensory, was it necessary, no, for me it was a chance to get out of the house and I did meet a now good friend there 😊 At over £6 for an hour it is expensive and I appreciate not everyone has that sort of money, I’m sure with some creative thinking you can stimulate your little one at home and I’m not sure how much extra they ‘learn’ from being there as they don’t interact with each other at that age so please don’t feel bad. Some ideas:

- stream some nursery rhymes and sing together whilst baby learns to hold bells or something noisy (you can get craft bells really cheap and I put some in a 500ml pop bottle for my little one to shake and she still loves them at 13m)

- pop bottles filled with any manor of objects, coloured paper, hundreds and thousands, sand, glitter, pine cones, think of noisy things and coloured things

- as said above foil blankets

- Christmas bead chains (supervised, babies love these)

- chiffon scarf (for doing peek a boo or games where you run it down their body)

- disco light bulb in a lamp (these can be got quite cheap)

- small plastic mirror (eBay probably the best and very cheap)

- different herbal tea bags to smell (probably best picked up places if you go anywhere they let you pick a bag to make your own tea rather than buying a full box as you’d want one of each flavour to smell)

I love the food play idea as well, nursery’s tend to do that sort of stuff too. If you want some good slop to play with make a thick cornflour paste, it goes solid when they smack it and runny through their fingers.

I’m sure Pinterest or google will have lots of great cheap ideas as well. They don’t need stimulating all day as it gets a bit much for them, the woman that runs the baby sensory class says 20mins at a time is enough (the class is 20mins play, 20mins for parents to chat whilst baby unwinds with regular toys and then a further 20mins with a quiet song at the end, most babies sleep after 😂 x

[Music1 in reply to Lovefood1984]

Awww, thank you for the ideas. It's my fault for saying I was interested on FB. Now I get all these cool photos popup and it does look really quite cool. The 20mins thing is interesting as well. Just shows how long their attention span can be if you get it right.

Thanks... I feel a bit better. We do have some very good friends down the Children's Centre but they also do the sensory things and swimming and all sorts as well. I could probably afford the odd day experience thing, but not a whole session. I thought they provided 1hr activities non stop. I could never do that or I'd burn out myself. Thank for giving me an idea of what it's like. Sounds like I need to do that at home if little one would sleep lol. Much appreciated x

[Noobs]

Hey, I don’t know where you live but in Scotland, they have free bookbug classes for babies that are on twice a week in my area. It’s singing and a story at the end and my lb really enjoys it. My lb hardly slept too during the day and it felt like Groundhog Day doing the same activities but he’s now nearly 8 months and is doing great. A jumperoo at 6 months is great and keeps him amused for a while. You’re doing great, try not to stress.xx

[Hidden]

If you’re short on money it’s always worth a look in charity shops or sign up to freecycle; people are always getting rid of toys etc that they don’t try to sell because they won’t get much money for but they don’t want to see go to waste. Also, I signed up to the library for my little one recently, it’s free, somewhere to go in the day time, free books and my local one has a rhyme time and story time session each week, maybe you’re has something similar

[AJBee]

You're very sweet to worry (after all it's what us new mums to best) but in my opinion you are totally not stunting his learning or anything and you mustn't think you're not doing enough. It sounds like you're doing plenty!! Love is more important that sensory classes. I found the classes we went to just to be germ factories and he ended up with a cold every other week and shouted through half the class anyway as they always seemed to clash with nap times! I went to the cheapy shops in town and got a few bits that looked or felt interesting but we're safe to go in his mouth (where they'd invariably end up) a wash puff thing, ice cube tray, nail brush, handbag mirror, cat toy (a ball with a bell in it 😂) a funny microfiber duster, just various bits that are in his sensory box. Hes only offered one at a time (and always supervised) sometimes he's in the mood for it, sometimes he bores very quickly. We've added to it as we go along, shiny wrapping paper, the plastic pot the cheery tomatoes came in (one of his faves!!!) Freezer bags with raw pasta in them. We've even played with cooked spaghetti. Just about anything.

What I will add is when he was younger I was convinced he would never play with toys as he didn't seem to have any interest but I think he was just too young. It wasn't til he was around 6 months he really took an interest.

Don't worry about these things you think you should be doing. Sensory classes are a pretty new thing and generations of intelligent well brought up people have existed for hundreds and hundreds of years without them! You're doing brill xx

[Music1 in reply to AJBee]

Thanks, that's what I've been worried about... stunting his learning. The others at the Children's Centre are rolling over back and forth, sitting up and some are trying to walk and all within a few week of his age. My little one just sits and watches, doesn't want to do anything and doesn't sleep. I just worried they all pretty much go to these classes and every week people say how smart they are etc. I did wonder if it made a difference as we never had them growing up. Thanks for your reassurance. It's difficult trying to think of lots of things to do during the day. I have bought a couple of wooden egg shakers, bells from Amazon that someone recommended above. He has some toys but doesn't play with them. I really appreciate the suggstions. I just felt quite sad that all the other parents (most of) are going and saying how fab it is, and my little one just sits and I feel bad that he's missing out and I may be delaying his progress or learning etc. Thank you x

[AJBee in reply to Music1]

Oh lovely, honestly do not worry. He's so young still. Bear in mind other parents like to show off! They aren't always 100% accurate/honest in their brags I find 😉 they're certainly not going to be sharing all the bad stuff!

It took my son ages to do anything other than lay there (and cry!) and like you I panicked it was my fault and posted for help. But honestly I think we expect too much from them too young. They don't know to play with toys when we plonk them down with them. They'll do all this when they're good and ready. We should never underestimate how much they are learning when they just sitting and watching.

My boy is 9 months next week. Can roll to get himself out of trouble, but never does it through choice, seems to have no interest in crawling (generally yells when he's on his front!) but I know he'll get there. He's got so much to learn after all. He's happy and fed and loved and I know that's enough to nurture him. He's still not slept through (hardly close!) so don't worry about the sleep either.

Facebook marketplace is great for cheap toys if you're on FB. I have bought all his bits from there. Then you can re sell when they out grow them!

These classes are super overrated. An hour a week of scrunchy foil and twinkling lights isn't going to get that child into Oxford university. Please don't worry about them, nor comparing your baby to others. Like adults, they are all SO different. Xx

[Music1 in reply to AJBee]

Thank you. It's hard not to compare when you're all sat there on the mats for an hour or so watching all the kids and listening. 9 months aw I bet you've noticed some changes. I feel guilty if I put him in front of the tv for 10 mins while I get changed Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. Really, really appreciate your thoughts Xx

[Music1]

Reply to all. Thank you sooooooo much for your suggestions and kind words. I took lo out to see the lights the other day and round a friends house as she has loads of christmas decs out and loves this time of year. I ordered a few bits on Amazon that Hydromermaid suggested. I've also got another foil blanket, wrapping paper, and odd bits and pieces for some treasure boxes. I just felt bad that maybe I was delaying his progress by not doing all these classes and extra things. A friend gave us a baby carrier so I'll go out with that more. I just don't want lo to miss out, but it's hard to find so much money to book a bunch of sessions. If it was the odd class here and there I wouldn't mind, but I worry that if I save up he'll be much older and his brain won't absorb as much he's too old by then (if that makes sense). We do singing, reading and dancing, Thank you everyone.. Was just having a low evening when I got home and started thinking 'gosh everyone elses lo are sitting up, crawling, rolling over, trying to talk, walk etc and my lo just takes it all in and likes to observe. I shouldn't compare but it's hard when they are always discussing what they've done and why don't we sign up every week etc. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas. Thank you all x

[Seb9]

Hi just to reassure you a babies attention span is only a few minutes long, even a two year old baby is only expected to have an attention span of around 6 minutes, so your little one is totally normal if he loses concentration in things quickly especially when he's seen them before. It's no indication if his he's going to learn when he's older.

My little girl is 4 months too and exactly the same, we do go to a sensory group and some of the disinterested photos I have of her are hilarious.

I like going though mainly as I like to get ideas of what to do with her, she's my first and I didn't have a clue what sort of s things she'd find interesting.

All the babies in my class are at different stages and you see how different each baby is even if they're not that different in age so don't compare them. You can find out what milestones they're likely to do at there age but they won't hit them all at the same time so I tend not to worry as long as she is hitting some of them.

One thing that they do in the class is a little time out halfway through the session so they don't get over stimulated. That was a light bulb moment for me. I was trying to to so much with my baby, singing, reading, play mat, tummy time, toys, rattles etc. she was getting a bit overwhelmed. Now I try and do a bit of activity followed by a bit of quiet time and her naps and sleeping at night are so much better.

[Music1 in reply to Seb9]

Thanks so much. He is my first so I don't want him to miss out either and I don't have any ideas really how to keep him entertained. A whole day is a long time especially when dad usually gets back after he's asleep. I've been doing things non stop on the go for maybe 1 and 1/2 - 2hrs Reading, singing, watching something on netflix, playmat, bouncer, carry, zebra etc. I just found I was exhausted and going round in circles and never had any time for myself. I have ordered a few little bells and shakers on Amazon and bought a few reading books from charity shops, I've got some bubbles and am slowly getting things together with peoples ideas, but I like your idea of taking breaks inbetween that's brilliant. Although we do go to the Childrens centre its toys out and an opportunity to speak with others but I never really knew how long he should play or learn for etc. I've been counting and singing and bless him he's only 4+ months and prob just cries when he wants food or a nap rather than me hunting around for something new to look at or do. Thanks for sharing your experience of the classes. I bet they are amazing. I do feel guilty especially this time of year and as our babies are very similar in age at the groups it's hard not to compare when you're keeping a watchful eye over their babies whilst they get something or we're sat together etc. Hope you have a lovely Christmas, thank you once again. Will be taking more breaks so I don't burn out either. I didn't really know how long they can concentrate for. x