Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby cries during class?
All classes at Blissful Bears are delivered in a supportive, friendly & relaxed environment. Blissful Bears takes pride in being a fully child led experience. It is perfectly normal for your little one to become unsettled from time to time. Crying is just a way to communicate with us. Your baby’s needs must come first, so please follow their lead & stay responsive to their cues. It is fine to feed your little one, change their nappy, enjoy a cuddle with them or let them take a nap etc during class.
Can I take part in classes if I am pregnant?
It is fine to complete our Baby Massage & Sensory classes whilst pregnant. For Baby Yoga & Sensory or Sensory & Song classes, if it is a new activity, then you should not take part during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.
What do I need to bring with me to class?
You will need the usual things that you’d have in your changing bag. Plus:
For Massage & Baby Yoga:
you will need a towel & a blanket for your baby. Babies (especially newborns) have a very sensitive sense of smell & will find great comfort from a towel or blanket that smells like home. All other equipment for the class, such as mats & fun props is provided. Baby Massage also includes a bottle of massage grade, organic, cold pressed, sunflower oil within the course price.
Sensory & Song:
All equipment for the class is provided.
What should I wear to class?
For You:
Comfortable clothing is recommended that is easy to move around in & layers that can be easily removed or added.
For Babies:
Comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. In massage class baby's clothing is removed down to their nappy. In baby yoga, it is best for baby to wear just their vest & nappy to prevent them getting too hot.
For Toddlers:
Comfortable clothing is recommended that is easy to move around in & layers that can be easily removed or added.
Who can come along with baby to class?
Blissful Bears welcomes all parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, carers, foster parents, adoptive parents, friends, nannies…basically anyone who cares for your little one can benefit from our classes. Please message to advise if an extra adult will be attending.
How long should I wait to attend class following my baby’s immunisations?
Massage:
To ensure that your baby receives the full benefit of their immunisations, it is advised that they do not receive a massage for at least 24 hours afterwards (up to 48 hours depending on baby). Massage stimulates the body’s lymphatic systems & research suggests this can prematurely flush out immunisations before the body has fully built up a resistance, making them less effective.
Baby Yoga:
It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before your baby practises yoga. Thereafter, if your baby is well & does not have a temperature, then it is fine to attend class. Just please make sure that you avoid touching the area where they have been injected as it can feel quite sore.
Sensory & Song:
It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before your baby or toddler practices Sensory & Song. Thereafter, if your baby or toddler is well & does not have a temperature, then it is fine to attend class. Just please make sure that you avoid touching the area where they have been injected as it can feel quite sore.
What age should I start Blissful Bears Sensory & Massage?
If your baby was born healthy & remains in good health, then Blissful Bears Sensory & Massage is suitable from birth. The upper age limit is advertised as “to crawling” as once baby becomes more active you may find it difficult to massage them during class. The need for positive touch & massage does not diminish just because baby becomes more physically independent though. Massage continues to have positives benefits for babies & children of all ages. 😊
Which oil should I use to massage my baby?
A bottle is included within the Blissful Bears Sensory & Massage course cost. Blissful Bears recommends that massage grade, cold pressed, organic, sunflower oil is used for baby massage. The bottle of oil supplied in class should contain enough oil to last the length of the course & practice at home. If you would like to purchase a refill or new bottle, please contact Blissful Bears.
Who massages my baby in class?
Blissful Bears instructor will teach you the baby massage strokes & sequences using a demonstration doll. You will copy the massage strokes & sequences on your baby during class. Handouts are provided at the end of class detailing the massage strokes & sequences to practice at home. The moves are fun & easy to learn, so it is perfect for you to introduce it into your baby’s daily routine.
How long should I massage my baby for?
Blissful Bears recommend that you massage your baby for as long as they are enjoying it & relaxed. You know your baby better than anyone else so stop when you feel he/she has had enough. It is better to massage a happy baby for one minute than to try & carry on with the massage when baby has had enough. Blissful Bears Sensory & Massage is the perfect time to learn about your baby’s cues & encourages positive interactions, play & communication.
What age should I start Blissful Bears Sensory & Baby Yoga?
As long as your baby received the all clear at their 6 week check & remains in good health, then Blissful Bears Baby Yoga & Sensory is suitable from 8 weeks to crawling, as once babies reach that milestone it can become uncomfortable to lift them for the duration of the yoga part of class.
What age should I start Blissful Bears Sensory & Song?
As long as your baby/toddler is in good health, then Blissful Bears Sensory & Song is aimed at those aged 6 months to 24 months. Please note that this is a rough guideline only.
