In the first five years of its life, a baby’s brain will develop more than it does for the rest of its life. Armed with that knowledge it can be hard for parents to know where to begin when it comes to their baby’s development and learning. This is where baby sensory classes in Melbourne can be important.
One of the most fundamental skills and relationships is with water. We are surrounded by water everywhere we go, whether it’s the bath or at the local pool, water safety, knowledge and familiarity is important for your baby. Thankfully there are lots of options for you and your baby to learn about water together. One of the best introductions is through a baby sensory class. Splash Time is a baby sensory class in the pool and is free at four locations in Melbourne.
Never heard of a baby sensory class or thought your little one was too young for a baby swimming class? Around Melbourne has you covered with everything you need to know.
What is a Splash Time baby sensory class?
Splash Time classes, infant sensory classes or baby sensory classes in Melbourne are specifically designed introductory classes for parents and babies, to experience and learn about the water. The class is tailored for your babies age and is appropriate for babies under the age of 16 weeks (4 months). Infant sensory classes aren’t just for babies though, they are perfect for parents as well. Baby sensory classes in Melbourne help teach parents about how to hold, interact with and take care of the baby in the pool.
Baby swim classes teach you about the dynamics of your baby’s body fat, the temperature of the water and how to keep them warm. These classes are all about fun, education and getting the whole family used to the pool. The first introduction to the class will be a fun sing-along to welcome all the little ones to the pool. What better way to start baby sensory classes in Melbourne than with a little song?
Where can I attend Splash Time baby sensory classes in Melbourne?
Splash Time is a free national program that is available in most states. If you have a little one that is ready for some fun in the water, you can book through the website at the following locations.
- Victoria sensory class locations: Altona, Melton, Essendon, Sandringham.
- New South Wales sensory class locations: Bexley, Bankston, Hurstville, Lane Cove, Mosman, Moss Lane, Port Macquarie, Wollondilly.
- Queensland sensory class locations: Gladstone, Rockhampton.
- South Australia sensory class locations: Elizabeth.
- Western Australia sensory class locations: Belmont.
What to expect
We recently attended a Splash Time class at Windy Hills (Essendon) and absolutely loved it! There were mums, dads and even grandparents in the pool teaching the baby all about sensory experiences. There were about 15 adults and a very friendly instructor, and the class involved moving our little one in and around the pool safely.
It also made us, the parents, feel very confident in the pool with our baby and we could learn the right ways to turn and hold them safely. The infant sensory class is all about helping you and your baby understand how to behave in the pool. Introducing your baby to the pool early will help them develop a healthy association with the water, and learn to trust you in the pool as well.
Starting off with fun singing, then slowly introducing more water play, these baby sensory classes in Melbourne give babies a good understanding of what it feels like to be in the water. Parents can expect to learn all about how to hold their baby in the water, different positions and when is an appropriate time to take their little one out of the water. Infant sensory classes stimulate your baby’s brain and help develop millions of brain waves during the class.
You can also expect a fairly solid nap after, as these brainwaves will almost certainly wear out your little one. For parents, it’s also a fantastic way to socialise and meet other families in the area. Everyone is there to learn and the majority of babies will be around the same age, so why not strike up a conversation while you’re there and coordinate a post-class coffee?
How to access baby sensory classes in Melbourne
Most local community pools will offer a baby sensory class as an introduction to the pool. These infant swim classes are usually a great pre-cursor to the full baby swim class routine where you’ll have a weekly appointment in the pool to learn all the basics and fundamentals of swimming. For infants under 16 weeks of age, these classes are free and are run by a qualified swim instructor and overseen by lifeguards.
To access baby sensory classes in Melbourne, jump on the Splash Time website or give your local pool a call and discuss your options. Many local pools offer these baby water sensory classes as a way of experiencing the pool with your baby so that you can make an informed choice on swimming classes later on in the year.
Baby water sensory classes are a great way to start your baby on the water education journey. These sensory classes help your baby’s brain develop in the best way possible, and also mean parents get a little education as well. You’ll learn all about your baby in the water and how to make sure they get the best possible start to their relationship with the water. Use these baby sensory classes in Melbourne as an introduction to swimming and to help you get started on a lifelong love of the pool and water.
Check out our other Kids & Home articles in the archive, and let us know what family activities you are enjoying around Melbourne! Also remember to follow us on our Around Melbourne Instagram, and the Around Melbourne Facebook page.
