Babywearing dance classes — Dance Like a Mother

Dance Like a Mother - FAQ’s

Do I need a carrier/sling to take part?

You don’t need your own carrier and they can be loaned for the class for Free [ just tick the box when booking]. All our Instructors are Peer Support or Consultant level Trained and will support you in fitting the carriers safe & comfy for class. We have carriers to fit all body shapes and babies ages. All carriers are washed and/or sanitized regularly.

Have your own carrier but need help? No problem, that’s what were here for! We are always happy to help you get your carrier fitted safe and comfortably and even give you some hints and tricks to help too. We also have lots of information and tutorials on our babywearing page too, which can be found HERE. We also offer 121 sessions and workshops. This can also be found via the link. Some carriers aren’t suitable for class, so if you are unsure please take a look HERE

You won’t need to arrive early for carrier fitting and help, as we sort this during the first 10 minutes of class.

Which carriers/slings are not suitable for class?

Carriers NOT suitable for class: Narrow based carriers where your babies legs dangle straight down (Inc. Baby Bjorn, Mothercare/Mamas & Papas/Aldi own brand, Chicco, Babyway). We also ask you not to use Stretchy wraps, as they can sag and not offer enough support for class.

If you are new to class, your instructor will contact you ahead of time to check If you require a carrier. But you can find out more about carriers not suitable HERE

We ask you not to outward face during class. Our instructors can support you to inward face so you and your baby are happy. Don’t worry we get this a lot and we promise you will be fine! This is something we come across often and have a 100% success rate in babies being happy facing inward.

How old does my baby need to be / When can I attend?

We ask that all Mum’s have had their postnatal checkup and that babies are over 8 weeks old (corrected) and over 7lb in weight. If you have had a C-Section we ask you wait 10 - 12 weeks before attending. If you are active and have been give the all clear by your health care professional ahead of 12 weeks, please feel free to book and just inform us at booking stage that you had a C-Section.

The age of babies in class ranges from 8 weeks up to 2 Years…however as long as you are comfortable wearing your baby you can come at any age up to toddler.

Twins and multiples are always welcome. You can tandem wear, have one in the pushchair/car seat or book on an extra person. If both you and the instructor are comfortable to; they can wear one of your babies for you.

Can my toddler/Older child/children attend?

We have older kids join us in class and dance alongside Mum or Dad. There is no extra charge for this. We even have teddy carriers available so they can join in! Or bring an i-pad & snacks…no judgment here! We just ask that yo keep an eye on gthem and ensure they don’t become a trip hazard! In the holidays we have lots of older children attending and its a great chance to do something as a family.

Can I attend with twins/triplet’s?

YES! We have had many twin and multiple Mums and Dads attend over the years. There is NO extra charge (the booking is for you, not them) and we have a few options of how you can all take part in class. We will support you in making sure you are all feeling happy and safe and are happy to try whatever works best for you.

Our Instructors are more than happy to wear one of your babies for class. All our Instructors have carried their own babies in classes and are excellent at helping to keep your little one happy and calm throughout.
You can bring someone else for no extra charge and they can dance with you and carry one of your babies.
If they are sitting unaided you can tandem wear them. This is where you wear one on the back and one on the front. We have carriers that we can fit you in and get you all safe and comfy for class.
You can have one baby in the carrier and one in a car seat/pram.

We just ask that you get in touch with the instructor prior to booking to check its okay. You can find their email on the timetable for the class you wish to attend. When you book on there is an option to say you are bringing twins/multiples, so please just tick this.

Do I need to be fit? or able to dance?

No! Two left feet are always welcome! Our classes are active, but low impact and more about having fun, bonding with your baby and doing something for yourself. We believe in empowering women in their new found body and just enjoying getting active and having fun.

The routines are easy to follow and as all our Instructors have a Dance background, they will break everything down for you. It's just about having fun!

Are the classes safe for me & my baby?

Safety is our priority. All our Instructors are Babywearing Peer Support or Consultant Trained (Born to Carry & SlingaBaby) and have been trained by Dr Rosie Knowles. You can read Dr Rosies article about Safe Babywearing Dance here: Sling Fitness/Dance and Babywearing – Carrying Matters

We are here to guide and support you, so you and your baby feel as safe and happy as possible. During the class you will learn about safe babywearing and we are always aware of those that need adjusting or help during class.

All routines have been choreographed with the postnatal body in mind and all our instructors are trained in dance instruction, to ensure that the moves are carried out with care and awareness. The classes are designed to support women in building core strength, improving pelvic floor as well as posture and breathing.

We are and active class, but not a fitness class and believe that the mental health, support, joy and community are more important that fitting into your pre-baby jeans (but you will get a bit of a workout!).

Will my baby be happy in class?

Most babies fall asleep in class (this is not a money back guarantee!) Babies who are younger and/or are used to being worn tend to relax and fall asleep quicker. The movement, music and being held close to the Mum/Dad/Caregiver is a very relaxing and comforting experience for them (similar to being in the womb).

We sometimes find that people say "my baby hates being in the carrier" or "they will never fall asleep!". But they are often surprised what a well fitting, comfy carrier and movement can do. We ask you to relax and enjoy class and baby will follow. Most parents feedback that on days baby is ill/teething/having a leap it helps to put the carrier on and dance around at home.

If baby needs to be fed, changed etc then it's very relaxed and you can tend to your baby as you wish.

The main thing is that you stay relaxed and focus on enjoying the class. The more relaxed you are, the more they will be. Plus we are here to help you enjoy the class and feel at ease.

Prices & how to book

£8 First Class (New Attendees Only)
£9 Individual Class
5 Classes for £40 (Just select the 5 dates you want. These classes can be transferred by you 48 hours before class. Each class can only be transferred once and all classes have to be used within 12 weeks of your first booking)
FREE Funded spaces. These are for anyone on a low income or under 25 years old. To find out more & apply APPLY HERE

Waitlists: We recommend booking ahead, as spaces do book up in advance. If the class is full please press the green ‘Join Waitlist’ button. If a spaces becomes available the Instructor will contact you.

Transfers & Refunds

Classes are transferable by you (via your confirmation email) over 48 hours before class.
If you are unable to attend your class past 48 hours please contact your instructor directly (their number is on your confirmation email)
If there is a waitlist and your space is taken, your instructor may only then transfer your class for you.

We ask please not to request a transfer or refund. We have had to bring in this policy to make it fair on everyone.

If you would like to know more about this, please see here Transfer Requests

Book here: You can find locations, timetable & Booking HERE

What should me & my baby wear?

You

Comfy clothing that you would wear to be active in. For example leggings and a t-shirt/vest
Ideally trainers, or comfy pumps. Please don’t wear flip flops, sandals, ugg boots or heels as they are a trip hazard

Baby: