Are You a New Parent ?

Lots of new mums and a few new dads come to Piccolo baby sessions and it's a lovely activity to share with your baby as well as giving you an excuse to get out of the house and have a cup of tea made by someone else!

Although structured, our sessions are intentionally very relaxed and informal, so that you and your baby can 'go with the flow' and not feel under any pressure. You may need to walk around with your baby sometimes, or feed them, or rock them to keep them happy. At all our sessions there's a kitchen with plenty of hotwater for heating bottles and food. (Currently both the microwaves are out of action - sorry!). At all venues there are nappy changing facilities. Mothers can happily breastfeed during the sessions, or if they prefer some privacy there are other rooms available. It's up to you!

Babies sleep and feed when they feel like it, so don't worry if you feel your baby has 'missed' much of the session. We think they'll enjoy the sound of the singing anyway and you can sit back and pick up some of the songs, and enjoy a drink at the end. As the babies become more active, we like to think they can crawl around and explore, meeting other babies. You just need to keep an eye open for the tiny ones, and intervene when necessary.

We use some percussion instruments for part of the session, but if you prefer to bring your own, or a rattle for your baby, that's fine; please keep it for the instrument part of the session only.

We want you to enjoy Piccolo and if you'd like to bring a friend or relative with you for company that's fine; there is no extra charge. If you feel like socialising the coffee break is an opportunity to meet other parents and carers, or just sit back and let us bring you a cuppa. If we can help in any way, please just ask - even if it's to hold your baby while you nip to the loo!

You'll find beautiful parks and walks very close to St Mary's Whitley Bay and at Heaton Park near St Teresa's Church Hall in Heaton, with wildlife/animals for children to enjoy, flowers and river/lakeland, with pic-nic tables and swings/slides. Why not come prepared for a short walk afterwards? The beach is on the doorstep at St Marys' and the leisure pool too, if you like a swim!

Or if you like a bit of retail therapy the shops in Park View in Whitley Bay are individual and varied, with coffee shops and lunch spots, gifts, toys, books, clothes, music, food and magic outlets, you'll definitely find something that's right up your street! See our links page for more details.