Activities for your baby and toddler: Gym and massage

Tumble Tots/Gym Classes

Great for ages: 6mths +

Tumble Tots and other gym classes are great for active kids who can't sit still.

What are the advantages?

• These sessions help instill a love of exercise.
• Classes are great fun and help develop your child's co-ordination, balance and agility.
• He'll be in a group with others of the same age, while babies who aren't yet walking have their own class.
• Once your child is 3 years old, he can attend a session without you having to join in, which will help build his confidence and independence in readiness for school.

Find out more:

Tumble Tots run sessions nationwide. To find a group in your area, log on to www.tumbletots.com or call 0121 585 7003.

Baby massage

Great for ages: newborn +

Provided your doctor says it's OK, you can begin baby massage classes as soon as you've recovered from the birth. Once your baby begins moving around, it gets more difficult. Classes take place in a warm room, as your baby benefits most from skin contact and he'll need to be naked. This usually means taking off his nappy, so beware, you may get a bit wet!

What are the advantages?

• It can reduce stress and colic
• The contact can aid bonding between mum and child
• The gentle movements encourage sleep and ease chestiness.

Find out more:

Ask your health visitor or log on to www.blissfulbaby.co.uk or call 020 7639 2397. Classes start from around £25 for five sessions.