What do you picture when you hear ‘mummy and me classes?’ In Australia, the 'mummy and me' experience is just gaining momentum. Your first experience may be a playgroup, which is often free play and craft, with the only ‘group’ type activity being mat time.

Mummy and me is a planned, structured activity based entirely on learning, bonding and building community. So rather than waving to other mothers as you move from the playdough to the swing, you take part in activities as a group.

Your little one is a big sponge, and play, social interaction, and exposure to other babies assists their cognitive development. Mothers often feel isolated, especially first-time mothers. Having a reason to leave the house, the housework, and the daily grind behind to socialise with others having the same experience can be a lifeline. Setting aside time to enjoy and bond with your baby can refresh and re-energise a tired mum. When mums feel supported and happy, babies thrive too. 

What Are the Actual Benefits for Your Baby?

Structured, well-planned infant sensory classes offer a range of benefits that support your child's development — improving brain function, physical learning and setting the foundation for a healthy childhood. Babies who attend mummy and me baby development classes gain benefits such as:

Sensory Stimulation 

Learning different textures through touch, sight and hearing.

Bonding 

Activities with a parent strengthen the bond, creating an environment where focus is just on each other.

Language Skills 

Interaction with a parent and other babies encourages verbal interaction and expression of emotions.

Physical Development 

Often, these classes involve movement that develops spatial awareness and both gross and fine motor skills.

Social Skills 

Interacting with other babies often encourages verbalisation, empathy and sharing.

Build Confidence 

Babies that are socialised early learn how to bond with others and create confidence in social environments.

Friendships 

Often, baby mummy and me classes continue during toddlerhood and beyond, giving both the mother and baby a chance to make friends and bond with others.

Community Environment 

Babies that are exposed to community early in life, learn that working together can achieve goals.

If you are on the fence about joining a mummy and me class but are hesitant because you are unsure what your baby will get out of it, the answer is clear. Exposing babies to structured, social, and sensory classes early on builds a strong foundation for a confident and happy child, often leading to long-term friendships and support for both the child and their mother.