BabyGym Institute International

We have been trying to contain it, but we simply cannot any longer.

GO BOKKE, GOOOOOOOO!! 💪🏻

BabyGym is a great option once baby is 6 weeks or older 🌟🌿🌻

......................................

Kruger is a BabyGym instructor in Bloemfontein who takes pride in guiding parents through the first 1000 days of their little one’s lives. “It is my great privilege to share these special, intimate moments with many mothers and babies in Bloemfontein,” she said.

Kruger explained that the first 1000 days are the most important days of a newborn’s development.

“A healthy baby is born with approximately 100 billion neurons or brain cells. The communication between the senses, brain and muscles is what develops the networks between the neurons. The first two years offer a window of opportunity to create as many, well-developed, brain pathways as possible. After two years, the brain starts to prune, or cut back, the pathways that are no longer used to prioritise and optimise the pathways that are continuously being used.”

Well done, Instructor Anne 🤩!
BabyGym Bloemfontein with Anne

https://www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za/give-your-newborn-a-1000-day-workout-with-babygym/?fbclid=IwAR3j_t3fKffGkzpx_cUIlZVf9aMPQy7DNNimO92YlgYi6iGVfrKW-txpJLI

Give your newborn a 1000-day workout with BabyGym - Bloemfontein Courant To thrive in today’s society is a challenge in itself and we tend to forget the basics of life. Prioritising your infant’s brain development is part of the basics of life – do so by laying down the foundation your infant deserves to thrive in today’s society. This is according to Annelie Kru...

Tannie Celeste is die rede waarom die BabaGim-boekie en sy filosofie tot 'n mamma en baba program omskep is. Sy het die boek gelees en Melodie doodeenvoudig oorreed om die eerste groep dames op te lei.

Hoe gepas is hierdie splinternuwe boek, deur die uwe, net mooi dieselfde jaar wat ons die BabaGim boek se 20ste verjaarsdag vier.

Tannie Celeste van der Walt, tannie bly ons gouedraad.

Ons kan nie wag om hierdie juweeltjie onder oë te kry nie!

Every now and then we do a post on the history of BabyGym, including the impressive resume of Dr Melodie de Jager. We do this to reassure our families of the depth of BabyGym and the dedication with which we do things.

BUT, today is a hot day in Linden, 34 degrees hot to be exact, and we couldn't be bothered about sounding fancy.

Today we want to tell you that our founder can look after her 8 grandchildren (under 8!) all by herself. No nannies, no devices, no takeaways. Old school stuff.

Yes, SERIAS!

How impressive is that! 🤣😅🙃

BABYGYM PARENT TESTIMONIAL

"I attended BabyGym with Joanie with both my children. The BabyGym classes were presented beautifully - lots of information, knowledge and care. I cannot recommend BabyGym and Joanie enough!" ~ Elmarie Taljaard, George

Well done, Instructor Joanie!

Babygym George with Joanie

ENCOURAGE YOUR BABY TO CRAWL

Between seven and 12 months of age, when your baby is ready to become mobile, you may notice your little one creeping, or moving around on her stomach using her arms for support. When she starts crawling, she’ll advance from this position to raising her body using her arms and legs as she tries to propel herself forward. This is an important developmental milestone that parents are encouraged to embrace.

In her book Play Learn Grow, researcher and developmental specialist Dr Melodie de Jager says your baby will also start to moan, push and shove, which are all positive signs. She explains that this sparks the need for neural connections in the brain. “These neural connections take a while to develop, which means that your baby may continue to moan while she pushes and wriggles to develop all the muscles she needs to push herself up into an all-fours position.” Dr de Jager cautions against coming to your little one’s rescue during this period, “as this could rob her of a chance to synchronise her inner senses and muscles, and cause her to miss the crawling phase.”

Encourage your baby to crawl Research shows there are numerous benefits to exploring the world on all fours. Dr Melodie de Jager shares her insights.

🥑 💡 🧠 👇🏻

SCHOOL READINESS

School readiness is a sticky topic – especially since it involves more than one readiness: a readiness to LEARN and a readiness for SCHOOL.

Read more here: https://www.mindmoves.co.za/2018/11/30/learning-ready-school-ready/

WATCH here as Dr Melodie de Jager explains 5 skills every child should have: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrQny3Xew1Y

Become a school readiness specialist: https://elearning.mindmoves.co.za/school-readiness/

JOIN THE BABYGYM FAMILY

At BabyGym, we delight in the wonder of conception, birth and the development of little people from birth to 3 years of age.

We believe that optimal brain development is something that happens spontaneously when we make time, pay attention, and apply a few fundamental brain-building principles.

We share these principles with you in one of three ways:

🌱 Parent and baby classes that start as early as 6 weeks after birth.
🌱 Accredited classroom-style workshops for adults.
🌱 BabyGym Instructor Training for those who want to pursue a career in BabyGym.

APPLY TO TRAIN AS A BABYGYM INSTRUCTOR

🌟 Training takes place only once a year.
🌟 The next group will train online from 6 – 10 May 2024.
🌟 Local and international applicants are welcome!


See all training information here:

https://babygym.co.za/instructor-training/

WhatsApp +27823015860
[email protected]
https://babygym.co.za/

JOIN THE BABYGYM FAMILY

At BabyGym, we delight in the wonder of conception, birth and the development of little people from birth to 3 years of age.

We believe that optimal brain development is something that happens spontaneously when we make time, pay attention, and apply a few fundamental brain-building principles.

We share these principles with you in one of three ways:

Parent and baby classes that start as early as 6 weeks after birth.
Accredited classroom-style workshops for adults.
BabyGym Instructor Training for those who want to pursue a career in BabyGym.

APPLY TO TRAIN AS A BABYGYM INSTRUCTOR

Training takes place only once a year.
The next group will train online from 6 – 10 May 2024.
Local and international applicants are welcome!


See all training information here:

https://babygym.co.za/instructor-training/

WhatsApp +27823015860 | [email protected] | https://babygym.co.za/

BabyGym Institute International

The beauty of mindful parenting.
The days are long but the years are short 💛

I remember this day.

Not because anything big happened, but because of the big I felt beat in my heart.

We had walked the length of the beach and as the sunlight gave way to its golden late day hour, she asked if I’d carry her back.

And I picked her up.

Her ever longer legs dangled down against my own. Her size now much different than the baby and toddler I once held. But her head found rest in the nook beside my own. Her arms wrapped around me, and my arms wrapped around her.

I carried this growing girl who in truth could have walked on her own.

And I savored it. I took my time with it.

I knew. I could feel. A door about to close.

A door to a time I had cherished so dearly, the days when I could still hoist and carry her tired body against my own.

Because sometimes raising our children feels like that, like a long hallway of doors.

One and then another and another and on – stretching out farther than we can see.

A vast corridor of firsts and lasts and all the spaces in the middle.

The first roll overs, the first crawls and the first steps. The last time they fell asleep in our arms. Those sweetest first words when they called us their own – Mama and Dada. The last time we sang the ABC song while washing their hair in the tub. The first time we dropped them off at pre-school. The last time we filled a sippy cup. The first time they slept through the night. The last time they asked for their beloved stuffy.

Between each door exists a season, a stage, sometimes simply a fleeting moment.

But then again and again, their hand reaches forward, clutches the k**b, and opens the door welcoming in a new milestone, a new chapter… and in doing so, the door behind them gently falls closed.

It’s both a breath-taking beautiful joy, and a deep soulful ache.

We cheer and celebrate and give thanks for their growth as they step over the threshold of an open door. And we grieve the goodbyes we must make as they stand perched to a close another door.

Sometimes the lasts flutter by us, and we don’t notice until they’re gone.

But every now and then, like this precious day on the beach, we get the gift of a pause. A moment when we’re suddenly acutely aware a door is about to close. We can feel the breeze of its swing blow across our cheek. We know a goodbye is coming.

And we make sure to take it all in. This season, this stage, that has come with both its challenges and its smiles. This time in their story that we’ll never get back that has been so fully written with love.

I paused the door on this day.

I held my girl. And while I did, I made sure to notice the pitch of her voice, the wet sand beneath my feet, her weight in my arms, and the sun’s warmth on my face.

I wanted to remember.

And I do, I remember this day between doors.

(words and image You Are Loved - Emily Roussell)

NEWLY QUALIFIED

Congratulations to the following BabyGym Instructors who have now qualified to present BabyGym 1 - Newborn Brain Essentials.

Well done Instructors, you have shown immense passion and professionalism during the qualification process. We are so excited about the work you will do!

This workshop has been accredited with:
✏️ The Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Medical Association (SAMA) for 4 CPD points.
✏️ SAPIK - The council for Kinderkineticists for 6 CPD points
✏️ SACE - The South African Council for Educators for 5 CPD points.

See workshop testimonials here:
https://babygym.co.za/newborn-brain-essentials-testimonials/

Click here to learn more about BabyGym's Classes and Workshops:
https://babygym.co.za/babygym-classes

BabyGym with Elanza - Pretoria East BabyGym Heidelberg / Nigel / Alberton / Springs with Elsje BabyGym with Soretha, Nelspruit

This is why your focused attention, eye contact and facial expressions are so important, parents and educators! Every single interaction shapes a developing little brain.

M I R R O R N E U R O N S

Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that respond both when we perform an action and when we see someone else perform the same action.

https://babygym.co.za/

BABAGIM OUER-TERUGVOER

"As 'n eerste keer mamma is mens oorweldig met al die inligting wat jy op sosiale media lees/sien en is mens geneig om te twyfel in jouself en dit wat jy aan jou kind bied MAAR BabyGym en Celeste het in soveel aspekte gemoedsrus vir my en my man gebied. Ons het elke klas ten volle benut en terdeë geniet. Celeste het elke klas interessant gehou en soveel moeite gedoen om ons gemaklik te laat voel. Dankie BabyGym en Celeste vir die grondslag wat jul lê, nou is dit ons werk en verantwoordelikheid om 'n stewige fondasie neer te lê, elke dag, by die huis."

~ Daleen van Huyssteen, Bethlehem

Geluk met hierdie heerlike terugvoer Instrukteur, Celeste! Baie dankie vir jou sorg en diens.

BabyGym with Celeste

PLAY LEARN GROW (BIRTH TO 3) WORKSHOPS

Today we welcome 11 new delegates into the Play Learn Grow classroom at Laerskool Kanonkop in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

Thank you for all your arrangements Natasja!

BabyGym with Natasja, Middelburg Pienkvoet-Pret Middelburg Pienkvoet-Pret Kyalami Zoomies Akademie ROBO Kinderkinetics
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Interested to learn more about Play Learn Grow (Birth to 3) workshops?

https://babygym.co.za/babygym-classes/

T H R O W B A C K T H U R S D A Y

This is a little throwback to Nita and her arms full of certificates 🤣

Nita was announced as the top achiever in 4 different categories in 2022 - BabyGym 1, BabyGym 2, Friends of BabyGym and Play Learn Grow.

We also took the opportunity to congratulate Nita at the BabyGym Babble Conference in Johannesburg, in September.

Thank you for giving your all Nita - What an amazing service you offer to the families of Namibia!

You can reach Nita here:
https://babygym.co.za/profile/70/

"When we move, hundreds of complicated changes take place in our bodies. A 12-minute walk changes 522 metabolites in our blood - molecules that influence the beating of our heart, the breath in our lungs, the neurons in our brain."

~ Annabel Abbs

D I D Y O U K N O W ?
BabyGym offers parent and baby classes as well as workshops for adults?

At BabyGym, we delight in the wonder of conception, birth and developing little people.

We believe that optimal brain development is something that happens spontaneously when we make time, pay attention, and apply a few fundamental brain-building principles.

BabyGym refers to these principles as brain FUNdamentals.

https://babygym.co.za/babygym-classes/

TICK TOCK TICK TOCK
We are nearing our last BabyGym 2 Firm Foundations classes for 2023.

Did you know?

Mom/dad and baby are welcome to join BabyGym 2 when baby is 6 weeks and older.

The BabyGym 2 programme is ideal for the parent on maternity/paternity leave!

This programme includes a 1-hour class, once a week, for 5 consecutive weeks.

In only 5 weeks, you will learn to:

🌿 Massage your baby from top to toe, to relax your baby, bond with your baby, stimulate the sense of touch, and calm your baby’s nervous system.
🌿 Awaken your baby’s senses according to the natural sequence of sensory development: touch, (the sense of) movement and balance, smell, taste, hearing and sight.
🌿 Make tummy time fun, and strengthen your little one’s muscles so that when your baby is awake – he or she wants to move!

🎓 You will end the programme with the cutest BabyGym graduation ceremony imaginable.

BabyGym 2 equips your little one to move, explore, build strength and refine skills. BabyGym 2 is the best preparation for reaching those big motor milestones!

🍓 This is an informal and interactive programme.
🍓Parents and babies are seated on the floor throughout – it is best to dress comfortably.
🍓The classes include theoretical and practical sessions and welcomes your questions.
🍓You will receive class notes, refreshments and a certificate of completion.

Find an instructor near you:
https://babygym.co.za/instructor_list/

https://babygym.co.za/

THANK YOU MIND MOVES

On Saturday 7 October, BabyGym welcomed 20 Advanced Mind Moves Instructors into our Newborn Brain Essentials classroom, including Dr Melodie de Jager!

Aren't we lucky to have 20 professionals dedicate 4 hours on a Saturday to learn more about the newborn brain?

It was so good to spend the time with you!

Mind Moves Institute
https://www.mindmoves.co.za/welcome/

CENTURION!

Daar is nog kaartjies beskikbaar. Onthou om jou plekkie te bevestig.

Hierdie is kundiges wat in die veld werk, ons beveel hul met geruste harte aan 🌱

BabyGym Centurion with Annelien

BabaGim Centurion bied aan
GROEI - Ontwikkeling vanaf swangerskap tot skoolgereedheid.

Kom geniet 'n heerlike oggend saam met 4 kundiges.

Hierdie geleentheid is GRATIS, ja GRATIS!
Maar jy moet jou plek bespreek.

Maak so hier:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBpXIMX3YT5kTyGqcGAo3Oa82jCoTxkdOHMEzFqfd--51T0Q/viewform

Te koop is Dr Melodie de Jager se boeke asook heerlike koffie by die Jitterbean waentjie.

Het jy meer vrae?
Kontak asb direk vir Annelien 083 407 1532.
BabyGym Centurion with Annelien

"There are more synapses in the brain of a newborn child than there are stars in the galaxy. Every single newborn baby is born with the full potential of the universe – and that potential is about the quality of early experience, which predicts our sociality. We are born to know others."

~ Dr Nils Bergman

https://babygym.co.za/

NEWBORN BRAIN ESSENTIALS TESTIMONIAL

"Absolutely impressed with this evidence-based workshop. It covers all aspects of developmental and cognitive elements that parents should focus on in pregnancy and the first weeks with their newborn. Anne is passionate about the workshop content and very knowledgeable when answering questions."

~ Chantelle van der Bijl,
Medical Professional, Bloemfontein

Well done Instructor, Anne!
BabyGym Bloemfontein with Anne

Bloem MomDoc

Ensure your child’s baby, toddler and preschool years are filled with nature based real life play, and you will be equipping your future teenager with physical and emotional resilience that will last a lifetime.

👇🏻 💡 🌱

This is just one of the reasons why children should be moving and playing in big ways, for years, before they are expected to sit still and concentrate on black and white.

Dr. Carla Hannaford is an absolute treasure and wealth of knowledge ❤

1 5 Y E A R S O F B A B Y G Y M

“People with great passion, can make the impossible happen.”

Congratulations on reaching this very special milestone, Rika. On behalf of all the families that have journeyed with you - thank you for your dedication and service.

We appreciate having you as part of the team ⭐️

https://babygym.co.za/profile/6/

BabyGym Polokwane with Rika Terblanche

NEWLY QUALIFIED

Congratulations to the following BabyGym Instructors who have now qualified to present BabyGym 1 - Newborn Brain Essentials.

Well done Instructors, you have shown immense passion and professionalism during the qualification process. We are so excited about the work you will do!

This workshop has been accredited with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Medical Association (SAMA) for 4 CPD points.

It has also been accredited by SAPIK - the council for Kinderkineticists - for 4 CPD points.

See workshop testimonials here:
https://babygym.co.za/newborn-brain-essentials-testimonials/

Click here to learn more about BabyGym's Classes and Workshops:
https://babygym.co.za/babygym-classes

BabyGym with Charné Silver Lakes BabyGym with Naomi, Ladysmith and Surrounds BabyGym Bloemfontein with Anne BabyGym Potchefstroom - met Lelani BabyGym with Natalia BabyGym Port Elizabeth with Seugnet BabyGym with Tracey

1 5 Y E A R S O F B A B Y G Y M

“People with great passion, can make the impossible happen.”

Congratulations on reaching this very special milestone, Charlotte. On behalf of all the families that have journeyed with you - thank you for your dedication and service.

We appreciate having you as part of the team ⭐️

https://babygym.co.za/profile/51/

BabyGym - Charlotte Gouws

Die Babaklas –
Die Jaar wat die Brein Drievoudig Vergroot
Deur Cozette Laubser

Die eerste lewensjaar is die jaar van alle ontwikkelingsjare, dit is DIE jaar om breinontwikkeling te prioritiseer. Sjoe, jy het nie daardie een sien kom nie, het jy? Die meeste mense doen nie, want te dikwels d**k ons ​​aan die babajare as ‘n tyd van doeke ruil, voedingsskedules en slaap, of die tekort aan slaap, en ons mis die tydperk om met min moeite ‘n uitsonderlike gesonde en flinke brein en liggaam te ontwikkel.

https://babygym.co.za/2023/09/14/die-babaklas-die-jaar-wat-die-brein-drievoudig-vergroot/

: Cerebral Plasticity - The Incredible Adaptability of Our Brain

Brain plasticity is an amazing phenomenon that reveals the incredible adaptability of our brain throughout life. This term refers to the brain's ability to change its structure and function in response to experience and learning. As we explore this fascinating concept, we'll delve into the mechanisms behind brain plasticity and its impact on everyday life.

From childhood to adulthood, the human brain is constantly developing and changing. During the early years of life, brain plasticity is particularly prominent, allowing for the formation of new neural connections as children learn and adapt to their surroundings. However, cerebral plasticity is not limited to childhood; it remains a fundamental feature of the brain throughout life.

One of the key mechanisms of brain plasticity is synaptic neuroplasticity. This implies changes in the strength and efficiency of connections between neurons, called synapsis. When we learn something new or practice a skill, these synapses can strengthen, allowing for more effective neural communication. Similarly, less-used connections can be weakened or even removed in a process called synaptic pruning.

Cerebral plasticity has significant implications in recovery from brain injuries, such as a stroke or craneoencephalic trauma. Through proper rehabilitation and therapy, the brain can learn to make up for lost functions by rearranging existing neural connections or developing new communication routes.

Brain plasticity is a surprising phenomenon that highlights the remarkable adaptability of our brain throughout our life. This concept not only allows us to better understand how we learn and recover from brain injuries, but also offers new opportunities to improve our skills and quality of life.

Ultimately, brain plasticity reminds us that, although the brain is a complex organ, it is still malleable and capable of surprising changes throughout our lives.

References:

Merzenich, M. M., & Jenkins, W. M. (1993). Reorganization of cortical representations of the hand following alterations of skin inputs induced by nerve injury, skin island transfers, and experience. Journal of Hand Therapy, 6(2), 89-104.

Draganski, B., & May, A. (2008). Training-induced structural changes in the adult human brain. Behavioural Brain Research, 192(1), 137-142.

Cramer, S. C., Sur, M., Dobkin, B. H., O'Brien, C., Sanger, T. D., Trojanowski, J. Q., ... & Vinogradov, S. (2011). Harnessing neuroplasticity for clinical applications. Brain, 134(6), 1591-1609.

B A B Y G Y M B A B B L E
C O N F E R E N C E
15 - 17 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3

We welcomed our BabyGym colleagues, whom we call family, to the home of BabyGym - What a nurturing little piece of paradise!

We experienced a beautiful weekend filled with inspiration, connection, movement, learning and even IT system training, nogal!

Whether you arrived half full or half empty, this was a filled-to-the-brim kind of weekend!



BabyGym Centurion with Annelien Dr Melodie de Jager BabyGym with Sianne Roux BabyGym with Charné Silver Lakes BabyGym with Soretha, Nelspruit BabyGym with Celeste Babygym George with Joanie BabyGym with Elanza BabyGym with Tracey BabyGym Potchefstroom - met Lelani BabyGym with Marijke - Rustenburg BabyGym with Hanell Theron BabyGym Vereeniging with Jill Babagim met Rudine, Bothaville BabaGim met Leandri, Hartbeespoort

BABYGYM PARENT TESTIMONIAL

"I loved every moment! Lizette's knowledge is beyond amazing, and her willingness to truly help - she was just fantastic! Each class was welcoming, great atmosphere - It can be nerve-wracking to go out with a baby, especially when they get difficult. Not once was this the case. I really learned a lot!" ~ Jacolize Reitsma, Mossel Bay

Well done Instructor, Lizette!
BabyGym Mossel Bay with Lizette

Child-directed play is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

"All children use play therapeutically as a way of dealing with stress." ~ David Elkind

https://babygym.co.za/

"Studies show that positive touch affects stress reactivity, impulse control and empathy." ~ PROF DARCIA NARVAEZ

Congratulations to our BabyGym Instructor of the Month:
NITA COETZEE, MAY 2023

Well done Nita!

We would like to honor an additional Instructor for her hard work in May. Well done to Lyn Wade from Hilton, KZN.

“Allow your passion to become your purpose, and it will one day become your profession." - Unknown