Introducing Babygym

A new program from Kingborough Gymsports aims to provide a valuable opportunity for mothers of newborns to build connections in a post COVID environment. Babygym is a movement sensory program for babies from 6 weeks of age.  

“During the Covid 19 shutdown we saw a need in the community to develop the Babygym program as a way of providing connection for mothers of newborn babies, not only with their child but with other mothers in the community. During the shutdown period many of the normal programs out there for mothers of newborn’s have either not been running or have operated in a limited capacity.” Manager of Kingborough Gymsports Bond Larkin .

The first Babygym class was held at Kingborough Gymsports on Tuesday 22nd July. 5 babies, mums and dads attended to a fun filled sensory session where a range of activities were explored. Instructor and developer of the program, Jo Penny, has years of experience in both Early Childhood Education, Child Care Centres and Kindergym, as well as being a mum to 4 children (including a set of twins) and a nana to her grandchildren. 

The role that parents/caregivers/grandparents play in assisting a baby’s development in their first year of life is one of the most important that they will undertake. Early movement activities in a caring and supportive environment have been found to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, awareness of babies body relative to their environment, control of their movements and balance and brain development; setting the foundation for infants to begin to develop fundamental movement skills and assisting the vital brain growth children experience in their early years.  

In the Babygym program babies will get the opportunity to develop and experience a range of fundamental movement skills, music and rhythm, baby massage and sensory experiences using apparatus. New classes are beginning at Kingborough Gymsports in Term 3, for babies from 6 weeks to walking. Babygym classes will run 4 times a week at 9.30 and 10.30 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for 40-minute sessions.