Why Multi-Sensory Baby Classes Are About So Much More Than Lovely Lights and Bubbles - and how to find the best one for you in Fleet, Farnham and Yateley!
- nmflowerdew
- Oct 6
- 5 min read
Congratulations! If you’re reading this article, your little one is likely quite new. First off, from one parent to another, you are doing an amazing job — the most important job of all! If my experience and that of countless parents I’ve spoken with is anything to go by, parenting is wonderful but also the hardest thing we’ve ever tackled. Building a community from the start is crucial.
Connecting with other parents can be a game-changer in this journey. One of the best ways to do that is by exploring weekly baby groups that resonate with your needs. You’ll not only engage with others, but also gain helpful insights, share play ideas, and learn from shared experiences.
So Much Choice
When it comes to baby classes, the selection can be overwhelming. You'll probably be familiar with the names of some of the big franchises, but it’s good to explore a few options to find what truly fits you and your baby, and local independent options can be a great way to really build your community early on.
Here's a quick roundup, starting with the low-cost options:
Church baby groups – so many local churches run free groups that are really welcoming. Think coffee for the parents, tummy time or soft play for the babies – a gentle way to dip your toes into community life.
Parent support groups – a lovely way to meet others in the same boat, share tips (and the odd sleepless-night story!).
Community walks – fresh air, gentle exercise, and plenty of chances to chat as you stroll with your buggy.
Paid-for options include:
Music classes – sing, move, and play – it’s amazing how much joy (and learning!) music brings at this age, and how many play ideas you will take away.
Baby massage – soothing, bonding time that helps both of you relax.
Baby swimming classes – splash around together and help your little one feel at home in the water.
And a host of other options such as mum & baby exercise classes, baby signing and many more...
To find out what's available in your area, you can Google any of the above, but many people ask on social media - area-specific Facebook Groups are a great starting point. Local Tip: Check out Local Family Events - the most comprehensive site listing baby and toddler classes in the Fleet/ Farnham/ Yateley area and beyond, compiled by the wonderful Karen Hurley!
Finding the Best Multi-Sensory Baby Class For You
Here’s what I’ve found music classes and similar multi-sensory early years classes can offer:
Helps bonding - Classes create a dedicated space for interaction between you and your baby—without the overwhelm of all-singing, all-dancing light shows. Simple, focused activities allow you to connect with your little one in a calm, enjoyable way.
Engages multiple senses - Music classes naturally stimulate a baby’s senses in many ways at once. Your little one listens and responds to singing and instruments, moves their body through rocking, swaying, bouncing, and dancing, and explores visually through activities like scarf play, parachutes, or bubbles. This multi-sensory engagement helps babies process the world around them while keeping learning playful and fun.
Builds a sense of community- Regular classes give you the chance to meet the same parents over time, which helps you truly get to know others—much more than drop-in sessions with ever-changing faces. Look out for opportunities to socialise outside class too. For example, in our youngest baby class (Bouncing Beans), a stay & play session is included, while other classes are held near cafes and playgrounds, making it easy for parents to hang out afterwards.
Gives you ideas for home - Spending hours with a baby or toddler can feel endless! The best classes provide songs, rhymes, and movement activities you can use at home—whether to calm a grizzly little one, play creatively, or simply feel connected while doing chores. Your baby loves the sound of your voice, so even repeating a few favourite songs or chants can be comforting and fun.
Continues as your child grows - Some early years classes (such as baby massage) stop when babies start moving, but the best programs offer a clear progression—from baby to toddler to pre-schooler and beyond. I loved that the music classes I attended allowed my children to keep learning and developing, eventually leading to instrumental lessons. For my family, this progression has been invaluable: my three oldest children now play multiple instruments, and the experience of teaching across ages makes even the youngest classes richer and more engaging.
Supports cognitive development - While social connection is most important in the early years, music also has real cognitive benefits. Research shows that music supports language and early reading by strengthening phonological awareness¹, while keeping a steady beat links to better literacy and communication skills². Studies show music boosts cognitive skills and academic performance³, and programs like Feversham Primary demonstrate how whole-school music initiatives can close attainment gaps⁴. In the Early Years, initiatives such as Sound of Intent highlight how music nurtures social development, inclusion, and emotional well-being⁵.
In short: making music with babies and young children builds brains, bodies, and bonds—laying strong foundations for learning and happiness. If cognitive development is important to you, ask your class provider for more information to guide your choice.
And yes - engaging all the senses really is what it's all about!
A Few Hot Tips
When selecting a baby class, consider your baby’s personality and interests. Some babies love sensory-rich experiences, while others might respond better to music and movement.
Feel free to try out a few different classes before making a choice. Many providers offer trial sessions so you can evaluate if the class aligns with your baby’s needs.
As you embark on this exciting parenting adventure, remember that finding the right class can significantly enhance your journey. Explore the options, trust your instincts, and savour those precious moments with your little one.
By choosing a class that resonates with both you and your baby, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding experience that impacts both of your lives for years to come.
And if you're based near one of our venues in Fleet, Farnham or Yateley, come and say hello! You can book a free trial session in all of our entry-level classes from birth all the way to age 7 (age 8 for home educated kids)!
References:
Anvari, S. H., Trainor, L. J., Woodside, J., & Levy, B. A. (2002). Relations among musical skills, phonological processing, and early reading ability in preschool children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 83(2), 111–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-0965(02)00124-8
Music Education Works. (2021). The impact of music education on academic and social outcomes. https://www.musicworks.org.uk
Jaschke, A. C., Honing, H., & Scherder, E. J. A. (2018). Longitudinal analysis of music education on executive functions in primary school children. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 103.https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00103
The Guardian. (2017, October 3). How to improve the school results: not extra maths but music, loads of it. Link
Ockleford, E. (2018). Sound of Intent: Music in Early Years development. https://www.soundofintent.org
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