The FITMOM Durham Experience: What baby's learn in our classes

Baby wearing offers a wonderful opportunity for a new mom and her little one to connect.  Our MOM+Baby classes incorporates baby wearing, not only to develop strength and improved conditioning for a new mom, but for her baby too!

This week I thought I would share some great information on the wonderful benefits a baby experiences when being worn in a carrier, a wrap or being held during a MOM+Baby Class.

When a new baby is carried upright in a carrier/wrap they are able to practice compensatory moments.  Their muscular strength is enhanced and they develop better control of their fine motor skills.  As you move, walk, lunge, or squat your baby's body naturally works against gravity.  This natural response to your movement helps your baby develop the muscles necessary to hold their head up and support themselves against your body.

Another benefit of baby wearing in class is improving your baby's sense of balance.  An infants vestibular system is turned on the more he/she is carried.  As your baby experiences a variety of your movements he is able to respond instinctively to maintain his own balance.  Carrying, rocking and swaying with your baby in an upright position helps them to feel more secure in large spaces. 

Babies who are worn in a carrier are able to experience more of the world around them, but in a way that helps them feel secure.  Studies show that a baby's ability to be alert is increased by the amount of time he spends upright (Heller, 1994).  The more alert they are, the more they can learn.

Finally, when a baby is worn all of her senses are stimulated.  A baby receives tactile information when touching her mother's skin.  Her olfactory senses are stimulated when she is nursing.  Her vestibular system is stimulated by the movements her mother makes.  She is visually stimulated by the world around her and she can respond to the sounds and conversations around her.

Whether in a baby carrier, wrap or in mommy's arms your baby can also benefit from the class experience!  Join us today and experience the joy of movement with your baby.