Little Yellow Classes: A Mum’s Experience
Why did you decide to try a Little class?
“First of all, I wanted to do something with him outside of the home. To get myself out of the house, to meet other people, but also to do something special, something fun with him. As soon as we could and as soon as I felt comfortable I thought it was important to get him out and about, meeting people, experiencing different things and exploring his senses. This helped him to get used to different environments and now he’s confident and happy going anywhere! It was great for my confidence too, it was an adventure for us to get out of the door the first few times! I put him in the carrier and I made it to the class, just me and him. I felt like: “woah, we can do this!” It was very rewarding.
Secondly, I really wanted to expose Ali to sensory play, and to expose him to exercise and get him moving. I work in the fitness industry and so this is really important to me! I really didn’t want him just lying on his back all day. I know the benefits of introducing exercise early on in a baby’s life and I really saw the value in that in the Little classes. It’s really good quality time for me and him which is even more special now that my maternity leave is over.”
Why did you choose to come for baby classes with Little?
“I was looking for Hong Kong baby classes when Little started being mentioned in a couple of the Whatsapp group for mums that I follow. Lots of people had good things to say about the classes so I followed Jen on Instagram. She had lots of tips to share, is really knowledgeable but also approachable and seemed really friendly.
So I decided to go along for a taster class and I got some friends to join too. The class had everything I was looking for so I went ahead and signed up to a class pass and the rest is history!”
Heather and Ali enjoying their Little class together.
What benefits have you seen since you’ve started coming to Little classes?
“The biggest thing is that it’s definitely helped with his overall demeanor. He’s such a relaxed, chilled, happy baby. That’s because we got him out and interacting with people, environments… Being in a baby class like Little has certainly helped him to be less sheltered and get social. That’s something that was so important to us as parents. We wanted him to fit in with our life to a certain extent. I want him to learn that there’s this amazing world and I want to be the one show it to him.
Another benefit, just for me as a mum is that I really boosted my confidence. It was new for me to feel comfortable holding him in new ways and practicing poses but Jen guided me through it so that I felt safe. As a result I am now more confident in interacting with him. I feel like I have loads of tricks up my sleeve and new ways to play with him“
What is the most useful thing which you have learnt in your Little classes?
“I find the breathing exercises so useful, and I use them every single day. “Bee breathing” is my favourite. it’s so simple and it really works! Ali calms right down straight away as soon as I start the buzzing sound, and stretching out my breath like that helps me to calm down too when I’m feeling stressed. That’s definitely been my favourite tip so far!
I also downloaded the baby massage sleep guide and used it after we flew home to Hong Kong after a trip to the UK. The jetlag was brutal and Jen’s sleepy massage routine helped so much. I still use those techniques when Ali is having a hard time falling asleep because I’ve found that they really work for us.”
Did anything happen in your Little classes that you weren’t expecting?
“I thought the class was just going to be yoga poses or movements so I was really pleased to see sensory play incorporated because that’s usually something you have to book separately. Ali absolutely loves the sensory play and I always pick up some ideas to try at home.
And also the baby sign language. That’s something that you can’t find that anywhere in Hong Kong. People talk about it but nobody actually teaches you how to do it. I’ve really enjoyed learning that.
Something else which I wasn’t expecting was that up to two adults can join the class with the baby. Usually you have to pay extra for an additional adult so that's really nice. When my parents visited they came to classes too. They were able to get more hands on and have some bonding time together which was so special.”
Toddler yoga builds emotionally resilient kids.
This generation of parents are hugely invested in their child’s mental health. Perhaps more so than any generation of parents before them. We are all living through a mental health epidemic.
Recognising their own struggles with anxiety and depression, many of us are looking for help. In fact, statistically we know that adults are now more likely to be in therapy than ever before. You may be among the many who are now reflecting on the experiences of childhood and considering ways in which you may have been better supported in developing strong, emotional resilience and learning ways of coping with your feelings.
These are the adults who then came into parenthood during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced us all to look more closely at mental health. Perhaps we recognise the inadequacy of mental health provisions available in our countries, or reflect upon how much easier our lives might be if we had better coping mechanisms.
Issues of mental health have come into sharp focus for a lot of us and new parents are no exception. COVID-19 parents are particularly concerned about their child’s ability to socialise, ability to cope with stressful situations, and their ability to navigate new environments without anxiety. This kind of emotional resilience is increasingly important in new parents.
So what can we do to build emotional resilience in our kids? We know that recognising and accepting our feelings in accepting non-judgemental way has a fantastic effect. Indeed, we know how well this works in adults: it’s one of the foundations of cognitive behavioural therapy and it is exactly what we need to do with our kids.
The first step is to teach young children to pay attention to their feelings: noticing and naming their emotions is a very important part of learning how to accept them. We can help our children with this by commenting on their emotions and modelling naming them in a calm way: “wow you threw your toys across the room. Looks like you’re feeling angry right now. I wonder how that feels in your body.” Eventually your child will start naming their feelings for you, perhaps coming to you and saying “I feel sad” or responding to plans for an upcoming holiday with “excited!”
Recognising the emotions are an important first step, but how can we ensure that our children are comfortable with accepting them? It is important that we model this for them: “it’s OK to be angry. I love you whether you’re angry or happy or sad”. Showing we are comfortable with all of our child’s feelings and are happy to sit with even the difficult feelings and love them regardless is our way of proving to our children that all emotions are safe.
Toddler yoga is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the world of emotions or to build on the work you’re already doing at home. Each session is based on a storybook. Together we explore the adventures of the characters in the book and how they might feel at different parts of the story. We talk about the feelings, how those feelings are experienced in the body and some coping strategies: “how does the ugly duckling feel when everyone rejects him? He feels sad! Maybe he feels hot and he wants to cry. What can you do when you feel sad? You can give yourself a cuddle, you can go for a walk, you can talk to a friend…”
We also know that mindfulness techniques are a great way to handle different kinds of emotions. There are various different mindfulness and breathing techniques that you can start to incorporate into your daily routine with your child. The first step is to make them aware of their breath. Ask them to make a noise, a loud noise with each inhale and exhale. Perhaps you can practice dragon breathing or bee breathing together. These kinds of practices help to teach your child the different parts of their breath.
We practice various breathing techniques, suitable for your child’s age range age range in toddler yoga classes. Using breath based play we teach the children to become aware of their breath and to learn how they can manipulate and control it as a tool for managing the physical responses to their emotions. A lot of emphasis is placed on how we feel before and after practising our breathing techniques. The foundations of each breathing technique are taught to the adults in the class and they’re encouraged to practice it at home.
Mantras are another great way of internalising positive messages and developing emotional resilience in children. Made famous by religious practices all over the world, chanting mantras is known to have an impact on the mental health of adults. Studies are now emerging which show how repetition of phrases can alter the make up of the brain. Mantras can be made secular and suitable for children by adapting the phrase that is repeated. Try choosing a powerful mantra that you might recite with your child every evening. Examples include: “I am safe”, “I am loved”, “I am a good friend.”
In toddler yoga classes we practise chanting mantras. Each week a recite a mantra inspired by our story and theme. For example a week, focusing on the ugly duckling might incorporate the mantra “I am beautiful inside and out” children are encouraged to find examples throughout their day which prove their mantra to be true. Using this example I might ask them to notice different things that they do that are beautiful and that help others. We repeat the mantra together on inhale and exhale breaths, internalising the message.
Developing the emotional resilience of our children is crucially important. The generation of parents currently birthing are even more invested in the child’s emotional well-being than any generation before them. By incorporating mindfulness, breathing, and yoga practices into your play at home and even by attending toddler yoga classes, you can help support your child’s emotional development through ancient traditions, now proven through scientific study.
I spoke about this topic recently on the first time mums chat podcast. Click here to listen for yourself. I’d love it if you let me know if you found this topic inspiring and what you’ve decided to incorporate at home.
Everything you need to know about baby massage
What is baby massage?
Baby massage is an ancient tradition practiced all over the world. New parents everywhere know about the power of touch, and as a result a huge number of cultures have traditions of massaging babies.
The kind of baby massage that I teach is based upon the work of Vimala McClure, who borrowed strokes and techniques from India, Thailand and Sweden to create her infant massage practice. It is her work and research which informed much of the baby massage practices now used in the West.
At a baby massage class we practice breathing techniques, learn to massage babies safely and effectively, we meditate together and socialise. Group classes are a wonderful way to make parent friends and form a supportive community which will last for years.
Why try baby massage?
There are so many benefits to baby massage – it’s a truly special practice with real, proven benefits for both you and your baby. Here are just a few of my favourites:
· Massaged babies grow more than their peers with the same amount of milk
· Excellent for infant brain development
· Introduces verbal communication
· Builds trust between parent and child
· Releases feel good hormones for both parent and child
· Helps with bonding
· Relieves the symptoms of post-partum depression and anxiety
· Strengthens and tones infant muscles
· Helps to support the development of healthy joints
· Prepares babies for their next stage of development
· Improves sleep for everyone
· (for those who choose to breastfeed) promotes milk production
· Relieves common ailments such as colic, constipation, colds and congestion
· Builds confidence in parents
· Teaches parents how to communicate with their child through their first language: touch
When is the best age to start infant massage?
Baby massage can be practiced from birth. Even tiny premature babies can be massaged – it’s actually encouraged; studies have shown the benefits of massaging premature babies.
The phrase I hear most often from parents who I talk to about infant massage is “I wish I had done that with my little one”.
Baby massage is a skill which parents can turn to repeatedly throughout their child’s life, but it’s one which can only be taught in the very early days, before the baby is able to roll.
These classes equip new parents with a comprehensive toolkit, allowing them to feel confident in helping their child through several tricky situations throughout babyhood, the toddler years and beyond.
Is there any situation where it’s not recommended to do baby massage?
Infant massage is a baby led practice. This means that we never force babies into a massage. If your child is crying, pushing you away or (if they’re older) telling you “no”, it’s important to respect their bodily autonomy and immediately stop the massage.
Also, since massage should always be enjoyable and pleasant for the baby, we don’t massage babies who aren’t comfortable.
If your child has a fever or has recently been vaccinated, it’s better not to massage them. This is because their skin can be extra sensitive; they probably won’t enjoy the massage very much.
Wait 24 hours after vaccinations before massaging, and even then, go gently on the injection site.
How often should I massage my baby?
That’s a question that depends on you and your little one, but the short answer is, as often as you both would like!
You can incorporate massage into your daily life, perhaps just after a bath, when they wake up or when they’re having tummy time. Some mums like to massage their babies head, hands or feet as they breastfeed, or when they have their baby in the carrier.
Bottom line: long as you and your baby both want to practice the massage, go ahead and enjoy it!
What’s the best time of day to massage my baby?
You can massage your baby at any time of day you like, but I recommend avoiding massaging them directly after a feed as it can cause them digestive distress.
It’s also not a good idea to massage your newborn baby too close to bedtime as they may quickly become overstimulated, making it more difficult to get them to sleep. Baby massage is a relaxing and grounding experience for you and your baby, but it’s a stimulating one too, especially for premature or newborn infants.
For safety reasons, I do not recommend massaging your baby before a bath. This is because the massage oils that you use can make your little one slippery and you won’t be able to safely hold them in the water. This is very dangerous. It is better to massage your baby after their bath.
What do you need to do baby massage?
To perform baby massage, all you need is your baby and your hands – that’s really it! You don’t need any fancy equipment and you certainly don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started. That being said, there are a couple of things to think about to make your experience even better:
Massage oil
Until your baby is around 8 weeks old, the use of massage oil is not recommended. At 8 weeks, it’s time to introduce an oil to your regular massage practice. Which oil to choose can be a difficult question.
Infant skin is extremely sensitive and certain oils have been proven to have damaging effects. That’s why it is not recommended to use olive oil, sunflower seed oil or mustard oil to massage infants, even though these are natural oils with lots of benefits, studies have shown that they can cause permanent damage to infant skin.
We also should not use mineral oils such as baby oil or body oil to massage babies; these are petroleum based products which are harmful to the sensitive skin of young children.
I recommend using sunflower oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil to massage your baby. You could also try sweet almond oil (although it’s better to try this on babies over 3 months and be vigilant for an allergic reaction).
Whatever oil you choose, it’s best to select one which is organic, cold pressed, virgin oil, and do a patch test before you use it: simply rub a little oil on the inside of your baby’s wrist and monitor it over 24 hours for signs of a rash, redness or swelling.
A waterproof mat
It’s best to practice baby massage on a naked baby. Fantastic for bonding and more relaxing for the baby, it’s far preferable to remove their diaper…however, we all know what risks come with a naked baby!
As your child relaxes into the massage, and particularly just after the digestive strokes on their tummy, you might find that a wee or a poo finds its way onto your floor!
A waterproof mat, blanket or changing pad is a good idea so that you can both relax and enjoy the special time together, without worrying about little accidents.
A baby massage course
Of course, it’s a good idea to learn how to give an effective massage to your baby. There’s a wealth of great information available on the internet, and plenty of wonderful books have been written on the subject.
Additionally, lots of parents find that they would like to have some additional input from an expert, either in a 1:1 or group class setting and luckily there are lots of wonderful instructors around.
What are the main differences between a group class and a 1:1 session?
Group classes take place in a venue outside of the home, usually in a city centre or somewhere centrally located. This means that you’ll need to get out your stroller or baby carrier, pack a diaper bag and bring your baby out to class.
Baby massage classes start from birth, and for some parents it is the first time they have left their house alone with their little one.
Coming to a baby massage class is a fantastic first step, as it’s a supportive environment where you can feel free to feed, change or otherwise take care of your baby in whatever way necessary. However, for some parents it can feel overwhelming leaving the house at such an early stage, and they may prefer an instructor to come to them for a 1:1 class at home.
Group classes have the major benefit of being a social occasion. Parents share their triumphs and struggles in the discussion periods of the class, and friendships are forged afterwards in the coffeeshop. Lots of parents come to class specifically to meet other mums and dads, and find the camaraderie to be really beneficial: I know that’s what I loved the most about baby classes.
Some parents already have a strong friendship group, and may want to set up a private class just for their friends, or for them to enjoy a special family activity with just their baby – perhaps together with their partner. For these parents, a private 1:1 class makes sense.
1:1 classes from Little HK are tailored to you and your baby, addressing whatever needs you and your baby currently have. Your instructor will contact you to ask what you’d like to work on: sleep, digestion, bonding, play, etc. They will then create a bespoke session for you to help you with your specific areas of concern.
In a group class setting, the instructor will always aim to ensure that everyone is able to benefit from the learning, however, they usually won’t be able to make significant changes to the session plan.
How much do baby massage classes cost?
The cost of baby massage classes really varies depending on your location. In Hong Kong, any group baby class tends to cost around $200-$400, depending on neighbourhood, experience of instructor and class sizes. For private, 1:1 sessions, costs are understandably higher, running at around $500-$1000, depending on various factors.
Little HK baby massage classes start at $300 for a drop in class, or $650 for a private 1:1 session. Purchasing our monthly subscription plan makes things cheaper, and can be used to attend any of our classes on a weekly basis - great for building routine.
While group classes are usually cheaper for the parents, some instructors allow multiple families to attend private sessions, which can then work out less expensive for everybody.
I’m not ready to venture out to a class yet…
You’re not alone - lots of new parents feel that way! Bringing home a new baby is a really overwhelming time and for many people it takes weeks or months to feel ready to take baby out for activities.
Why not try our online course: ForeverLittle? It’s designed to be easy to follow and enjoyable to return to time and time again. With video demonstrations showing how the massage strokes look on real babies, quick and handy visual guides and bespoke audio massage-along tracks, this accessible course is a great way to get started practicing this beneficial and ancient art with your Little. Click here to get lifetime access, with new content frequently added.
How can I get more information?
Send me an e-mail or follow me on Facebook or Instagram - I’d love to hear from you! If you’re ready to come and try baby massage for yourself, you can book a group class or an in home 1:1 session on my website.