Baby gym classes are getting more and more popular because they offer a place where parents and kids can play and exercise together. In addition, they help your child to learn how to interact with other children. Mothers too get an opportunity to hook up with other moms. One name that comes immediately to mind is Gymboree, the name of a franchise of children’s exercise centers for kids from infancy up to age six or seven. In 1976, Joan Barnes of San Francisco created the Gymboree Play and Music when she failed to find a safe place for new parents and kids to play and exercise together. Gymboree has now spread to new locations across the United States, Canada and throughout the world.
The classes for parents and babies together can be started once you are 6 weeks postpartum, or even earlier if your doctor agrees. In case, you’ve had a Cesarean delivery, you will have to wait eight weeks. Even if you did not exercise during pregnancy, you can still exercise afterward as it is never too late to start regular, consistent exercise. Gym classes help you remove the last few pounds of the extra weight you had gained during pregnancy. And working out with your baby in a gym is perhaps the best way of losing weight after pregnancy. In that case, you no longer suffer the guilt of leaving your baby with a caregiver or in a daycare. In a baby gym, you get to exercise with your child under the supervision of competent instructors. You will have fun with your baby, and set a life-long example of showing your child how much fun exercising can be.
Exercises for a baby are gentle, and they are never put in an inappropriate position. In some yoga classes, a mom gets the option of incorporating her baby into the poses. Or the baby can lie on the mat next to his or her mom or stay in their car seat. In aquatic classes, while you are busy doing muscle toning and strengthening exercises; you can gently push the flotation device with your baby in the water. The baby can also sit in a stroller while his or her mother is busy exercising. However, music is also arranged to make sure the baby has fun.
You ca feed your baby during a class if it is necessary. It is better if you arrive a little early so that you get enough time to get settled and make sure your baby is full and won’t protest when you exercise. You need not feel embarrassed if your baby starts crying during class. Just stop exercising and comfort your baby. You’ll get enough time to catch up. If you are sure that all of your baby’s needs have been looked after, you can continue exercising while your baby cries. It is only natural that your baby’s mood will not be the same each and everyday. So it is better if mothers try a particular class at least two times, especially if the baby makes a lot of fuss during her first class.
If you do not wish to exercise, there are classes available at gyms, such as Gymboree, that are offered exclusively for your baby. These classes are designed specifically to assist your baby in developing his or her motor and social skills.
