Do you have any of these questions?
If so, we would like to help.
· "How can my baby avoid having a flat head from sleeping on his back all the time?"
· "My baby is 6 months old and doesn't roll over well. What can I do?"
· "My baby's hands are pudgy and closed a lot. Will this program help him be able to explore toys?"
· "I have been told babies shouldn't walk before they crawl? What should we do since our baby doesn't seem to like being on his tummy?"
· "My baby tries to scoot on her back rather than her tummy. Is that ok?"
· "We put our baby in a vibrating baby seat and she is so good. She could sit there for hours. Is that normal?"
· "What about jumpers and swings? Are they ok to use?"

Baby Development Program -
For babies 6 weeks to 1 year
WellTowne, the new wellness oriented company of Peter and Linda Towne, is proud to announce a Baby Development Program which will show parents safe play activities necessary for successful academic learning.

The program will encourage:

· Development-Specific Play to help eye/hand coordination
· Positioning to promote head and trunk control
· Interactive play for cause and effect learning
· Total body baby fitness to provide a good foundation for the large and small muscle skills required in preschool and elementary school.

Why is a baby exercise program needed?
In 1992 the worldwide "Back to Sleep" program started, advocating that babies sleep on their backs to avoid the possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Many parents now question when and how to play with their babies on the belly. Muscles of the back and neck that in previous years would have been strong from lifting the head while sleeping on the tummy will not be developed naturally if parents do not make the effort to schedule tummy time during the day.
Recent evidence indicates:
Kindergarten and early childhood teachers are finding that babies who go through the full sequence of rolling, belly crawl, creeping on all fours, and then walking have less handwriting problems and are more focused in school.
In fact, these movement sequences are the building blocks
for ALL LEARNING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING.

Parents are totally involved in the program with their child:
Parents will learn...
· Stimulating play in different baby positions: on the belly, on the back, and in sitting.
· Why play the WellTowne way is important. You will understand what your baby is thinking and seeing in all of the above positions.
· Why play builds smart brains and quick bodies.
· Many safe fun toy ideas. Each family will be asked to bring 3 favorite toys to ensure that the baby will feel comfortable in the group.

Program (Ages Approximate):
One session a month for three months:
Registration: Call to schedule your class time according to your baby's age -
Group I
Goal: Rolling easily
Thursdays: 9:30 to 10:30 and 11:00 to 12:00
Group II
Goal: Begin sitting, belly squirming
Thursdays: 12:30 to 1:30 and 2:00 to 3:00
Group III
Goal: Sit well, belly crawl, creep, and stand, etc.
Wednesdays: 9:30 to 10:30 and 6:45 to 7:45

Time will be available at the end of every session for your questions. All babies are eligible.
Registrations will be limited to allow adequate time for each family. Maximum families per session will be six. Both parents are welcome to attend with their baby.

Instructor Judy Jennings, MA Special Education
Judy has worked with children for 20 years in schools, private homes and special programs. She is knowledgeable in abnormal development, normal development, hyperactivity, tactile defensiveness, and school readiness skills.
Judy developed the sensorimotor mini-gym program for Fairfield City Kindergarten classes in 1985. She has lectured to school groups and preschool parents throughout Butler and Hamilton Counties on several topics: Kindergarten readiness skills, how development-specific activities enhance learning, and how to normalize tactile defensiveness.
As a complement to the Public Health Agency's "Back to Sleep" program, Judy has encouraged safe play. She teaches play activities to enhance the use of back and neck muscles - the muscles neglected by sleeping on the back.
This is a program for well babies. However, if limitations are evident preventing normal development, Judy will refer parents to local professional services for early medical intervention.
After many years working with 5 year olds, it is apparent that preventing school problems starts in infancy.
We hope you will join our fun adventure to help your baby become all he or she is meant to be.

References:
Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head by Carla Hannaford, Ph.D
Stopping HyperActivity: A New Solution Brain Gym Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D. and Gail E. Dennison