Nervous First Timers: You're Welcome Exactly As You Are

Walking into a class for the first time can feel really daunting.

You might be wondering if your baby will cry, if your toddler will run off, if you’ll be the only one who doesn’t know the songs, or if everyone else will look like they’ve got it all together. Add sleep deprivation, hormones, and a strong coffee that’s already gone cold, and it’s no wonder so many parents feel nervous about that first session.

The truth is, most people walking into baby and toddler classes feel exactly the same.

Showing up is the hard part

Classes aren’t just about what your baby does or learns. They’re about you too. About getting out of the house, building confidence and finding spaces where you don’t feel judged or 'on show'.

You don’t need to arrive on time, calm, organised, or feeling your best. You also don’t need a baby who lies happily on a mat or a toddler who sits still. Real life doesn’t look like that, and neither do our classes.

What makes our classes different

At Hushabye Hands, our classes are intentionally designed to feel safe, welcoming and manageable.

You can show up running on very little sleep and feeling all over the place emotionally. Your little one can show up as a teeny newborn, a curious crawler, a full-on toddler, or anything in between.

If your child has additional needs, sensory sensitivities, hearing loss, learning differences, or simply lots and lots of energy, you are absolutely welcome here. There is no expectation to fit a mould.

Small groups, calm spaces

We keep our class sizes small on purpose.

Baby classes usually have around six families, and signing classes around eight. This helps keep the environment calm, allows space to breathe, and means nothing feels too overwhelming – for babies, children or parents.

We also have sensory resources available throughout sessions to support regulation. Some little ones need movement, others need something to hold, watch or explore, and that’s all completely ok.

Led by mums who get it

All of our class leaders are mums ourselves, with plenty of lived experience. We understand the realities of early parenthood because we’re living them too.

There’s no pressure to 'do it right' (what does that even look like anyway?!), no rush to catch up, and no judgment if you need to feed, rock, step outside for a moment, or simply sit and watch.

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines

If you’ve been thinking about coming along but feeling unsure, know that nervous first timers are not the exception - they’re the norm.

You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to come as you are 💜