A leading children's club and yoga instructor based in Canterbury, New Zealand. Known as “Once Upon the Mat – Baby Classes,” this club is dedicated to nurturing the minds and bodies of tomorrow's generation. Founded by Adele Quittenden, the club has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to children's mental health and well-being.
Once Upon the Mat offers a range of services that cater to babies and pre-school children. Their Baby & Pre-School Yoga & Wellbeing Sessions provide a unique opportunity for young children to engage in yoga and learn valuable relaxation techniques. These sessions aim to create a nurturing space where children can develop their physical abilities while also supporting their mental and emotional well-being.
In addition to their regular classes, Once Upon the Mat also offers yoga sessions in schools, ensuring that children can continue their yoga practise in an educational setting. They also provide lunch and after-school yoga sessions, allowing children to unwind and destress after a busy day of learning. During school holidays, the club organises special yoga camps that provide a fun and engaging experience for children.
What sets Once Upon the Mat apart is their dedication to providing top-quality classes and services. The instructors at Once Upon the Mat are highly qualified, holding certifications in Pregnancy Yoga, Mama & Baby Yoga, Postnatal Yoga, Baby Yoga, Baby Massage & Reflexology, and Children's Developmental Play & Pre-School Yoga. This level of expertise ensures that parents and children receive the best possible experience during their classes.
Once Upon the Mat offers several classes tailored to specific stages of a child's development. Their Stage One – Baby Nurture class is suitable for newborns to pre-crawlers. This class focuses on baby massage and reflexology and provides parents with strategies to calm and connect with their babies. Topics covered include teething, colic & constipation, coughs & colds, and sleep.
Participants also receive a goody bag, a bottle of Tiddly Pom cold-compressed sunflower oil, an aliments resource sheet, a digital handbook, a 'My First Baby Massage' footprint card, and a completion certificate.
For mothers looking to strengthen their bodies and bond with their babies, Once Upon the Mat offers Stage Two – Mama & Me Yoga. This class is suitable for mothers from 8 weeks postpartum to pre-walking babies. It combines postnatal yoga for the mother's physical well-being with baby yoga and massage for the baby's development. The course also includes socialising time and a 'Once Upon the Mat' Mindful Mama Handbook.
Joining Once Upon the Mat – Baby Classes offers numerous benefits for parents and children alike. Participants learn practical tools to address common ailments in babies, improve communication with their baby, and foster strong bonding and attachment. The classes also incorporate movements designed to support a child's development, both physically and mentally. Additionally, these classes provide an opportunity for parents to meet and connect with other parents, creating a support network within the community.
Testimonials from parents who have attended Once Upon the Mat classes speak to the effectiveness and value of their offerings. The Baby Nurture class, in particular, has been praised for its ability to empower and support new parents, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of early parenthood.
Overall, Once Upon the Mat – Baby Classes is a trusted and respected club that prioritises the well-being of children and their families. With their expertly designed classes and experienced instructors, they provide an enriching and nurturing environment for babies and children to thrive.