How many mums and babies do you recommend per session?
The recommended number is between 8 and 12 mums plus babies. We are finding that fewer or more are fine too! It really depends on your setting, how much space you have and what you feel comfortable with. It is unlikely that every mum will come every week so if you are over one week it’s fine.
How old do the babies have to be?
The course is intended for pre-mobile babies and their mums (under 12 months). It is up to your setting if you are happy for older children to come along too. Many settings are allowing toddlers to come as they can reach more families in this way.
Why is it just for mums and babies?
Some settings found that the mums were only allowed to come if there were no men present. Again, it is up to your setting and very much depends on your local community. There is no reason why grandmas can’t come to.
Does baby have to come too?
We are finding that some mums are leaving babies at home. This is OK but the course is designed to encourage interaction between mum and baby, so it would be good if they both come! Try to encourage it, but don’t say they can’t come on their own. It is great that they are there at all.
How do I get mums to come?
We have designed a poster for you to advertise your course. It might be a good idea to get it up in local shops, libraries and GP surgeries. Health Visitors will also know local families who might be suitable. Every Council has a Family Information Service, or similar so it might be worth getting in touch with them to get your course on the Directory so that other professionals can get in touch and refer mums. Recruitment of mums might get easier too if you run the course more than once, so that word gets out and more people find out about it.
Do the mums have to come every week?
It would be great if the same mums came every week, but this is unlikely! Having a baby can be a bit chaotic! Each session stands alone, so it doesn’t really matter if mums miss a week or too. You could go over what they missed in their Mum’s Book if you have time.
How should I set out the room?
We’ve found that it feels best if you can do it in a crèche room or similar, where there is carpet and lots of toys and books around. Beanbags and cushions are great too. If you don’t have this, then it’s nice to make the room as informal as possible so that it isn’t intimidating. Ideally mums will be interacting with their children so they need to feel comfortable.
Why is it only a twelve week course?
We wanted to give you a complete package to deliver in your setting. It would be great if you wanted to run the course again. Some settings are planning on having a rolling programme to run the course four times a year. There will always be new mums!
Do you need any feedback?
Yes please! Please get in touch with any feedback so that we can improve the course and develop it in the future.