Special classes that enable Swansea babies to try out gymnastics have now started at a city leisure centre.
Morriston Leisure Centre is the first in Wales to launch the TotTastics sessions that look to give babies a solid foundation that will help their physical, social and emotional development.
The classes form part of the Fun 4 Babies gymnastic course aimed at boosting the co-ordination and balancing skills of babies.
Sessions are suitable for babies from eight weeks old until the walking stage and have benefits for both parents and toddlers.
The classes are led by two expert tutors with 45 years of combined experience in gymnastics.
Swansea Council is behind the sessions.
Louise Cawte, Swansea Council’s Gymnastics Co-ordinator, said: “These classes are the first of their kind in Wales and have many advantages for both parents and babies.
“They offer parents the chance to learn about their baby and the important skill of safe handling and support while fulfilling the needs babies have for physical communication by touch.
“The classes also stimulate the minds of little ones and lead to a fuller range of movement and better posture.
“Physical exercise or energetic play for babies is important for increasing strength, agility, balance, self-confidence, co-ordination, social skills and overall health and cognitive development.
“The classes also promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the potential for childhood obesity and can be especially helpful for mothers suffering from post-natal depression.”
Additional support for premature babies and those with a physical or mental disability is provided through the sessions as well as guidance for parents with a wide variety of parenting issues.
The programme is structured and tailored for parents and their babies according to any identified health needs.
Have a look at http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=17394 for more information or call Morriston Leisure Centre on 01792 797082.
