One of the things I’ve noticed this last year is how many new mums are feeling isolated, without the usual support networks around them. Having a new member of the family brings up so many emotions and chatting to others who are going through the same thing is so helpful.
So, it’s with great excitement that we can see baby classes in person starting up again. I asked lots of local groups to let me know what their sessions will look like.
Yoga, Pilates and Baby Massage and Mindfulness
Hannah’s Yoga
My Mum and baby yoga is on Tuesday mornings, there are 2 classes 10-11 and 11.30-12.30 at the methodist church, Higham Lane, Tonbridge. Next term is starting 8th June, 6 weeks is £45 and there are some spaces. Classes are suitable for mums and babies from 6 weeks old.
Hannah’s Yoga for Pregnancy and Mother and Baby Yoga Tonbridge
Tiger Stripes
My classes are currently running on Friday mornings at St Philips church hall in Tunbridge Wells. New term starts in June. 6 week courses in baby massage and Cubs Adventurers (sensory baby yoga) 5 week course in New Mama and Newborn. Pay as you go classes running in August then course blocks will recommence September.
Strong Like Mama
I support parents with birth and breastfeeding so that they can thrive, not just survive! All my courses include an element of the mind/body connection – because it is so powerful. Our thoughts and feelings impact on how our body operates on a physical level. They will also affect how you feel mentally and emotionally and how positively you find birth and those early weeks with your baby.
I teach a full Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Birth Preparation Course, and both antenatal and postnatal Mindful Breastfeeding Courses, all of which can be found at www.stronglikemama.co.uk
Fitness and Form – Mother and Baby Pilates
This in Tonbridge class is specifically designed to heal and strengthen the core and pelvic floor following the birth of your gorgeous baby (or babies!!) We will stretch and strengthen tight, tired muscles, improve breathing dynamics and work on techniques to aid rest and relaxation. We have created a relaxing, comfortable and safe environment to bring your baby and meet other likeminded parents.
https://www.fitnessandform.co.uk/
Yoga by Margarita
MUM AND BABY POSTNATAL YOGA COURSE – This unique course is suitable for babies FROM 8 WEEKS OLD till CRAWLING and designed to nurture and support new mums in postnatal recovery, to give them new ways to bond with their babies and to meet and connect with other news mums from the course!
You and Your Baby will learn: – Yoga poses which help to improve sleeping patterns both in duration and frequency – Movements and stretches for infants aid indigestion, constipation, and relieve gas and colic; teething massage – Yoga poses which help babies to develop their babies body – Playful yoga songs and activities (and seeing other babies) help make the whole experience fun! Including tummy time! – Soothing techniques which will help mum and their babies to calm themselves and reduce the stress – Gentle stretches for your postpartum body which will help you to promote your general health Courses and Baby yoga classes in Tunbridge Wells: Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday @11am-12:30pm and @12:30pm-1:30pm.
Summer time – outdoor at the Lower Common Park.
Autumn and winter courses at the heart of town – The Village Community Hall, TN1 1YS Courses and Baby yoga in Marden: Every Friday @10am-11am – Marden Memorial Hall
https://yogabymargarita.com/mum-and-baby-postnatal-yoga-tunbridge-wells/
Mother and Baby/Toddler groups
Teddies and Tiny Acorns
Teddies for pre-school aged children and their parents/carers: Tuesdays 9.30am – 11am during term-time at St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge.
We are currently meeting outdoors in the churchyard. We still have our singing time and a few of our larger toys suitable for outside, and people bring their own toys and books as well.
We can’t serve refreshments at the moment but we try to have an activity each week that can engage across the age range of children attending and practice fine motor skills, number and colour recognition, counting, listening and searching skills. We’ve been making the most of the space in the churchyard with lots of treasure hunts! There is no cost to attend while we are outside and people can just come and join us.
Tiny Acorns for babies under 1 year and their parents/caters: Wednesday 10.30am -12 noon at St Saviours Church, Tonbridge. A supportive and welcoming group which meets throughout the year. We still take bookings for that group so we know who to expect and how to set up the space to socially distance inside
https://www.facebook.com/TeddiesToddlerGroup
Vine Baptist Church Baby and Toddler group
This group is now opening as one, 2hour long session, between 9.30-11.30am on Wednesdays. You still need to book a ticket and wear masks in the building, but can drop in anytime between those hours. We will be providing hot drinks for adults throughout the morning and at 10.30am we will have a ‘snack time’ for the little ones. At 11am we will have some songs, a story and a prayer. AND we are open next week in half term – if you would like to bring older siblings with you please book any over 5’s a ticket through this link
www.eventbrite.com/e/baby-and-toddler-group-tickets-150748521887
St James’ Mother and Baby group
Baby Space is a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers of babies under one year old, to meet together, make new friends and support each other in this exciting but scary phase of life at St James’ Church, Tunbridge Wells.
http://bit.ly/babyspaceticket
Kemsing Acorns playgroup
Come and join us at Otford Manor’s Walled Garden to meet up with other mums from Kemsing and let the little ones burn off some energy in the great outdoors. There will be two sessions each Tuesday morning in term time 09:30-10:45 or 11:15-12:30.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kemsing-acorns-outdoor-playgroup-tickets-153027496361?fbclid=IwAR3pCCuf7U52LFCxKVaQe2IJksocz_ggFsbVsHxazGOcB8H_HbP3oMX1fFw
Montessori Playgroup
Montessori Playgroup meets on Mondays at 12-1.30pm in Ashurst. Providing engaging environment for children&parents to spend quality time together; an opportunity to learn about Montessori method and connect with other like minded people.
https://www.facebook.com/KentMontessori/
Creative Play
Messy Kids
Messy Kids is a unique creative sensory filled setting in which babies and toddlers can play and learn through hands on & interactive messy sensory play, igniting a sense of curiosity which has no limits and naturally builds confidence. Each week we create a unique messy play hub for little ones to explore. Props, music and lots of fun activities can be expected at my sessions creating a unique experience for children to do what they do best at being hands on, messy and playing till theirs hearts content.
https://www.facebook.com/MessyKidsPlay
Trainmaster
Trainmaster is a train themed events company running pop up events across Kent, including Tunbridge Wells. They fill the room with lots of train track, trains, ride on trains, train slides and more! One adult is free to attend with each child ticket and a sibling discount is applied automatically at the checkout. You can hire Trainmaster for a private party too!
https://trainmaster.co.uk/kent-ticket-booking/
The Creation Station – Baby Discover and Tiny Treasures
Give your baby a unique learning & development experience where you can share journeys of exploration and discovery together. These fun, social, educational, nurturing and safe classes support your babies development as they discover their amazing new world. Running from Badger’s Mount Memorial Hall, Sevenoaks
https://www.thecreationstation.co.uk/kids-art-classes-and-parties/
Art Explorers
Art explorers in Sevenoaks is aimed at 2-4 year olds. Each week we explore a different themes creatively with a range of techniques and materials. Younger ones can come along too but I find aged 2 is about right.
https://www.art-explorers.co.uk/
OWLS
Embracing the Forest School Ethos, we aim to provide opportunities for you and your child to play, learn, develop and have fun whilst engaging with the natural world. Sessions run on Thursdays and Saturdays in Four Elms, starting at 10am and are £8 first child/£4 siblings. Adults and children not yet walking are free.
https://www.facebook.com/owls.fourelms/
Wild Wood Kids
Wild Wood Kids offers toddler & preschool forest school sessions (with carers in attendance) in Bidborough
https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodkidsforestschool
Music and movement groups
Sing with Ellie
I have been running my own music and movement classes since March 2013. I have worked for nurseries in London, Kent and Sussex. I currently run classes for mums and their babies and toddlers in Crowborough. The music is always live in my sessions.
I play guitar and different percussion instruments. I’m passionate about bringing fun packed sessions and sharing the joy of music with little ones and their parents/carers. I write my own songs, but play traditional nursery rhymes and songs of the popular genre as well. I released my Debut album of children songs in 2019. I am a mum of 2 and I have previously worked as a nursery teacher.
https://www.facebook.com/SingWithEllie
Tattybumpkin
At Children Inspired by Yoga we have a series of programmes designed by paediatric physiotherapists to encourage movement, enhance development and provide a firm foundation for social, emotional and physical confidence, by combining specially-adapted yoga poses, storytelling, music, mindfulness and relaxation for babies from 8 weeks through to children aged 11 years:
- Baby Bumpkin, for little ones from 8 weeks to 2½ years
- Baby Bumpkin Wrigglers classes (8 weeks to sitting confidently)
- When babies are confidently sitting, they join our Baby Bumpkin Explorers class
- Our Tatty Bumpkin classes are for children over 2½ years
Classes are run in Tunbridge Wells in the Hub within the gorgeous Grosvenor and Hilbert Park on Tuesdays during term time. You can find our timetable on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tattybumpkintw
Tots with Tempo
An introductory class that helps to develop your child’s looking, listening and copying skills in Shoreham. Together you & your child will learn nursery rhymes and action songs. Using a variety of musical instruments, we explore shaking, tapping and banging to encourage co-ordination and a sense of timing. We also introduce colourful beanbags and soft balls developing into throwing, catching, counting and colour recognition as the child matures.
https://thepeoplesdancecompany.co.uk/tots-with-tempo/
Babyballet
Designed to encourage babies and young children to enjoy the benefits and joys of song and dance, babyballet has built up a fantastic reputation for providing children with the opportunity to express themselves within a fun, safe and caring environment. We have classes in the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks area for children 6 months to 5 years old.
https://babyballet.co.uk/babyballet-school/tunbridge-wells-tonbridge-sevenoaks/
Housley School of Dance
Housley School of Dance in Sevenoaks run classes for Pre-schoolers. You can choose for three different types.
- Mini-Ballerinas: Learn basic ballet with nursery rhymes and songs. Dance and twirl with scarves, wands and hoops.
- Mini-Tappers: If you love dance and making noise, tap’s for you! Learn basic tap steps and have fun.
- Mini-Hiphoppers: Be funky and ‘street’ in this Mini Pre School dance class where trainers and baseball caps are a must.
https://housley.dance/classes/
Footsteps Academy
Footsteps Academy of Dance have pre school ballet, pre school acro and mummy & me ballet classes at our brand new studio in Tunbridge Wells also mummy & me classes in Speldhurst
https://www.footsteps-dance.co.uk/disciplines
Little Bubbles
LittleBubbles is a music and movement class for all children aged 12 months upwards until they go to school. Plenty of singing, dancing, music, prop fun, make believe and bubbles! It’s a high energy, physical and fun class. Currently classes are
Wednesday 10am at The Scout Hut-Lamberts Yard, Tonbridge.
Thursday 10am & 11am Scout Hut-Lamberts Yard, Tonbridge.
Friday 9.45am & 11am Hildenborough Village Hall.
https://www.facebook.com/clairelittlebubbles/
Miles Martial Arts
We run Taekwon-do lessons for kids 3+ (and adults!) In Hildenborough and Crockham Hill. We have classes 7 days a week and offer a 2 week free trial to anyone who wants to come and give it a go. Taekwon-do is a great way to improve your physical and mental well being and really helps with people’s confidence levels. More info at www.miles-martial-arts.co.uk
Baby Explorers
Baby Explorers multi-sensory classes! A new fun-filled adventure every week with amazing sensory props, great music and a lovely place to meet friends and make precious memories with your baby. Classes for babies aged 0-12 weeks, 0-6months and 0-13months.
https://www.facebook.com/BabyExplorers/
Swim4It
Mother and baby classes on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays in Halstead village. Peaceful pool environment with only 4 in a class, lots of songs and toys
https://www.facebook.com/swim4it.ltd/
Lightning School Of Gymnastics
We run a variety of baby/toddler sessions at The GAP Centre in Riverhead (Lightning School Of Gymnastics) We also have dance movement and barre fitness sessions for mums with bumps up to babies in a sling. A great opportunity to mingle with other mummies and keep strong through your pregnancy and beyond.
Hartbeeps Tunbridge Wells
Classes in Showfields Hall on a Friday
https://www.facebook.com/HartbeepsTWells/
Sing and Sign
Sing and Sign in Sevenoaks and Bromley. Classes for babies from 6 months to 2.5 years in Sevenoaks on Thursdays
www.singandsign.com email singandsignbromley(at)gmail.com for more information
Tunny Tots
This limited course is designed to reintroduce socialisation to our children in a safe and managed way. Classes will be fast paced, fun and age appropriate.
Classes:
Cruise Control Class 1 – 10.30am Tuesdays
Class 2 – 9.30am Thursdays
Your baby should be up on their feet, with assistance if needed.
Wobbly walkers also welcome.
*Suggested age range, 9 months – 17 months MAXIMUM*
Fully Fledged Class 3 – 9.30am Tuesdays
Class 4 – 10.30am Thursdays
Your toddler should be able to walk and run unaided, and follow basic instructions.
*Suggested age range, MINIMUM 18 months – 2.5 years*
The first course will start on 30th March, and run for 6 consecutive weeks. The total cost for the 6 week course is £48, payable by bank transfer, once your place on the course has been confirmed.
To enquire about booking onto any of the classes, please email tunnyhunnies(at)gmail.com to receive more information. This course is run by Charlotte Anderson, a qualified, experienced and insured Personal Trainer, on behalf of the Tunny Hunnies.
https://www.tunnyhunnies.com
Education and Support
Puddle Ducks
Puddle Ducks baby and pre-school swimming classes are for children from birth to four years of age and families can start swimming with us at any time (subject to availability).
Our classes offer children the chance to learn the importance of water safety, including personal survival. These are invaluable skills to develop at such a young age and will instil a confidence and respect for the water that will last a lifetime.
We run local classes at pools in Tonbridge, Hildenborough, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.
https://www.puddleducks.com/westkentandeastsussex
Baby Umbrella
Baby Umbrella continues to provide free breastfeeding support every week to new parents in Otford, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.
https://www.babyumbrella.org.uk/
Daisy First Aid
No one likes to think about a child being hurt or injured but being able to act quickly and effectively in an emergency whilst waiting for medical assistance can make all the difference. Which is why local mum Nicola at Daisy First Aid Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone & Sevenoaks offers paediatric first aid classes whilst informative are also fun and fear-free so that everyone leaves feeling confident in their ability to help a baby or child if they ever needed to.
Her parent and carer classes are perfect for new and expectant parents, grandparents plus other family members, friends, antenatal groups and babysitters. They cover a variety of topics including CPR, choking, head injuries, accidental poisoning, febrile seizures and much more.
Public and private classes are available as well as an e-learning module so that you can choose when, how and who you want to learn with. Classes can be held in the comfort of your own home or garden, in venues across the area or live online.
https://www.facebook.com/daisyfirstaidtunbridgewells
Mini First Aid Kent
First Aid training for all the family.
http://midkent.minifirstaid.co.uk/
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