Baby Steps Level 1 (6 weeks-6 months old)
This 6-week hour-long weekly class is for little ones that are pre-mobile.
Join our Pediatric Occupational Therapist as you learn age-and-developmentally-appropriate activities to do together with your little one. Make some new parent friends, and learn how to interact with your little one as they are on the move!
Enjoy some bonding time with your little one and and learn movement patterns such as rolling over and sitting up, tummy time, tips on sleeping, emotional regulation and build social skills.
Weekly topics:
Week 1: Overview of infant development and intro to the class
Here we talk about the progression of fine motor, floor play, sitting and mobility skill
Week 2: Infant Sleep
Some sleep facts and solutions. Honouring every baby.
Week 3: Sensory & Spaces
Sensory activities and how the environment plays a role in development
Week 4: Play for you and baby
Other things you can do, the balancing act, recommended toys
Week 5: Mealtime with baby
Schedules, positioning, ways to enhance feeding in first year
Week 6: Co-Regulation
Attachment, attunement, temperament (basically self-care, stress management)
Each class we will cover a topic that relates and connects to development— motor, cognitive, social, sensory. More often than not, we are bombarded with information and pressure to do it all. Walk away with more confidence, calm and connection. This class and group discussions will help simplify your approach with your baby giving you more time, less worry and permission to have fun while baby plays on the floor.
You will have some time to interact with other parents as well as have some time to practice skills such as tummy time and crawling (depending on where your child is at).
What other parents are saying about Baby Steps:
“The best part about the program was that I was given both opportunities to learn how to stimulate and play with my baby, and also the freedom to step back and let her explore the world on her own without guilt.” —Mom of two
FAQ:
Can I get this covered under insurance if I live in another province?
It would appear that you may be able to, but you should check with your insurance just to be sure.
Can I claim this under my child’s name?
Yes, absolutely. Just remember though that your insurance will only pay for those classes that you attend; not for those that you don’t.
I’m worried about screentime – should my child be doing classes online?
This is a class for mamas to learn while their baby plays on the floor nearby (or in their lap). It’s not likely that the screen will be interesting enough for them to focus on it for any amount of time.
How does my insurance handle this?
We provide you with an occupational therapy receipt at the end of the series, which may allow this class to be covered by your insurance! This receipt is itemized and breaks the class fee into 6; please note that if you have insurance coverage, your insurance will only cover you for those weeks that you are present in class.
Cost: $195 (No HST)
Cancellation Policy
Classes and workshops are non-refundable. Cancellations made more than 2 weeks prior to the start of the class/workshop will be credited in full to your account. Cancellations made less than 2 weeks or after class has started will not be credited.
Changes such as switching into another class or workshop may be made without penalty if the change is requested 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the workshop.
In the event that a class or workshop is cancelled, registered students are eligible for a refund or may select an alternative and equally priced class or workshop option.
On occasion, teachers may be substituted at short notice; in such cases the cancellation policy still applies. There’s no exception to this policy. We thank you for your understanding.
Refunds will not be given for failure to attend a pay-what-you-can class or workshop.
Class / Workshop Facilitators
Lynne NewmanPediatric Occupational Therapist and Baby Steps InstructorLynne helps families find their way through the mess and beauty of life, one on one, in groups and on retreats in Toronto and online. She inspires them to develop new habits, skills and perspectives that make parenting— and life— more meaningful.
She combines her background as a holistic occupational therapist and doula with her experience as a highly sensitive mother, meeting every family where they are at, so that they can feel more calm, confident and connected.
While Lynne doesn’t practice as an Occupational Therapist with us at West End Mamas, she does teach our very popular mom-and-baby class, “Baby Steps”.
Class / Workshop Facilitators
- Karen DonPediatric Occupational Therapist
Karen is an occupational therapist with a passion for working with babies and children to achieve their full potential in development. She uses a holistic approach to work collaboratively with families.
At West End Mamas, she leads the Baby Steps group and Starting Solids Workshop and provides in-office Pediatric Occupational Therapy services. She leads her group classes by providing knowledge about baby development and providing support to parents to manage the real challenges that come with parenthood.
When providing one-on-one pediatric therapy she works gently and collaboratively with families to help babies achieve their developmental skills no matter the diagnosis or challenges.
Karen holds her license with the College of Occupational Therapy of Ontario (COTO), and is a graduate of the Master of Science Occupational Therapy program at Queen’s University. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). When she is not at West End Mamas she is working with babies and children at Humber River Hospital.
Class/Workshop Details
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