Baby Sensory

Baby Sensory at Christ Church Orpington runs every Monday during term time, with slots at 9:30, 10:50, and 12:10 — useful if one time clashes with your week. Sessions are open to babies from birth through to 13 months, split into two developmental stages: birth to six months, and seven to thirteen months. If your baby is under three months, the Hello Baby programme is an additional option designed specifically for those early newborn weeks, covering observation, comfort techniques, and baby massage.

Each session follows a structure built around a baby's natural play-rest-play rhythm. You can expect a mix of music — including original songs composed by Dr Lin Day, who founded the programme after more than 40 years working in nursing, special education, and early childhood development — alongside sensory signing, tummy time, creative play, massage, and an exploratory play area. The instruments used in class have been decibel-tested so they are not too loud, and the sensory display is arranged at the distance babies actually focus at. Every session closes with womb sounds to help babies settle. There are 40 core lesson plans plus seasonal additions, so sessions vary as you come back week to week.

Classes at Christ Church Orpington are led by Jen, with Gemma also teaching alongside her. The local franchise — Baby Sensory Bromley, Orpington and Chislehurst — has been running since 2014 under regional manager Hayley Gunawarna. You are welcome to feed or cuddle your baby at any point during the session. Sessions cost between £11.00 and £12.50 and must be booked in advance — there are no drop-ins at this venue.