Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age can my baby participate in babywearing dance classes?
- What should I bring to babywearing dance classes?
- How can I carry my baby safely during the class?
- Do I need experience in dance to participate in babywearing dance classes?
- How does it work for parents with twins?
- Is it possible to do a trial class?
- Is it possible to make-up a missed class?
At what age can my baby participate in Babywearing Dance classes?
Regarding a specific age limit of the baby, there is none. We do recommend that your baby be at least 6-8 weeks old, and has started being able to support its own head and neck. By the time a baby is able to do this, a mother has typically recovered enough to begin exercising. However, before you register, make sure to consult with your doctor or midwife. They will advise you more precisely when it is best for you to resume physical activity. The mother must be able to carry her baby for the whole duration of the class, at least 45-60 minutes. Most babies in the class are 12 months or younger, but it is not unusual to find older babies as well. If your child is one year old and you are not sure whether this class is suitable for you, I invite you to contact me for a free trial.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO BABYWEARING DANCE CLASSES?
For Babywearing Latin Dance classes: wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Because Babywearing Latin Dance is a great workout, we recommend that you bring a water bottle and a change of clothes for your baby - as you will sweat! You can do the class barefoot, in no-slip socks, or indoor sneakers.
For Babywearing Ballet classes: wear comfortable clothing such as leggings or tights and leotard. You can do the class barefoot, in no-slip socks, or ballet slippers.
For Babywearing Street Dance classes: wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Bring a water bottle and a change of clothes for your baby - as you will sweat! The class is done with indoor sneakers.
For Babywearing Afro-Dance classes: wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Bring a water bottle and a change of clothes for your baby, you will sweat! The class is done barefeet.
For ALL Babywearing Dance classes: make sure you bring to class your own baby carrier to wear during the workout. There are many types commercially available, so use the one that you find the most comfortable.
Don't know which baby carrier to bring or use for the class? Watch this little video made with Britt, owner of Milkface nursingwear and a BCIA board member, explaining how to find the best baby carrier for exercising and dancing with your baby.
For Babywearing Ballet classes: wear comfortable clothing such as leggings or tights and leotard. You can do the class barefoot, in no-slip socks, or ballet slippers.
For Babywearing Street Dance classes: wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Bring a water bottle and a change of clothes for your baby - as you will sweat! The class is done with indoor sneakers.
For Babywearing Afro-Dance classes: wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Bring a water bottle and a change of clothes for your baby, you will sweat! The class is done barefeet.
For ALL Babywearing Dance classes: make sure you bring to class your own baby carrier to wear during the workout. There are many types commercially available, so use the one that you find the most comfortable.
Don't know which baby carrier to bring or use for the class? Watch this little video made with Britt, owner of Milkface nursingwear and a BCIA board member, explaining how to find the best baby carrier for exercising and dancing with your baby.
HOW CAN I CARRY MY BABY SAFELY DURING THE CLASS?There are many advantages and benefits for both mother and child in carrying your baby on your body, or ‘babywearing’, so we congratulate you for doing this! However, there are some basic safety rules you should be aware of.
First, please read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions prior to using your choice of baby carrier. Be sure to examine it to make sure that the carrier is in good condition each time you use it. Second, it is important to properly position the baby in the baby carrier. The baby should be “Visible and Kissable” – this means making sure that the baby's face is not pressed into the fabric of the carrier or sling, or into the caregiver’s body. Check that the baby’s head is above the sling and that their face is always visible to ensure that they can breathe properly. If using a sling, the baby should be positioned in such a way that their chin is not pressed into their chest. For more information please visit the Health Canada website and Baby Carrier Industry Alliance website. |
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE IN DANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN BABYWEARING DANCE CLASSES?
You do not need any prior dancing experience. Babywearing Dance classes are designed to be suitable for all levels. Some moms are in great shape and others need to go more slowly. This is quite normal. The instructor will make sure to give different movement options in her class to meet the different needs of the participants. If you are not certain if the class will be suitable for you, I invite you to contact me for a free trial.
HOW DOES IT WORK FOR PARENTS WITH TWINS?
A mother with twins pays the same price as a mom with a single child. She can invite to the class her spouse, a relative or a friend to dance with the second baby. The instructor, if not already carrying a baby, could also dance with the second baby. If these options are not possible, the mother with twins can dance in turn with her babies; while one of them rests on a blanket, in the car seat or the stroller, the other can dance with mom in the baby carrier.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO A TRIAL CLASS?
Of course! Esther América Dance offers a free trial class for all of those mothers who are not sure whether this type of exercise is suitable for them. Check the course schedule and contact me afterwards to let me know where and when you would like to do your free trial class.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE-UP A MISSED CLASS?
Yes it is possible to make-up a class missed by going to another location where Babywearing Dance classes are offered. Please check the class schedule and contact me to let me know where and when you would like to do your make-up class. However, if you choose to not take a make-up class for one you may have missed, no refund will be made or credit given for any missed classes.