[*lilmiss*]

Not sure if this is the right category for this topic...

A couple of days ago, I took almost 8 mth old DS along to his first Gymbaroo class, which was suggested by our CHN to help DS with his development (long story - has a 'global delay', can't lift head while on tummy, can't roll, seeing physio and chiro etc etc). It seemed ok, but not sure if i should sign up and keep going, it's kind of expensive.

HAs anyone had any 'success' with Gymbaroo helping their bubs to improve in areas where they were a bit delayed? If it is something that will probably help my DS, then obviously money is no problem, I'll make it work. I'm just after other people's gymbaroo experiences before i sign up and pay up...

thanks ladies

[melaine]

What did the physio suggest? I'd personally save my money and use the time to do an extra session at home of physio...

[*lilmiss*]

the physio just gave us exercises to be done at every nappy change and different exercises for tummy time etc. We do these - a lot. I guess i was hoping the gymbaroo would provide a bit of variety for DS, which it did, but just didn't seem worth the money...

[MummyElks]

My daughter was developing a flat spot at the back of her head and we attended the CHC which the nurse suggested that we buy a Bumbo and take her to Gymbaroo. She also attended the development clinic in West Perth and was given the all clear by the Physio. So we did buy her a Bumbo (she fit iin it for about a week) and took her to Gymbaroo...she did like it but some of the activities I thought were a bit strange and wondered how it would help her development. Most of the activities that we were doing you could quite easily do at home without paying the money, and it is an expensive class to go to. We went for a term and stopped after that.



For piece of mind, my 10 month old daughter couldnt roll both ways with ease until around 9 months, now you cant stop her!

[heffalumpsnwoozl...]

Did you tell your Gymbaroo teacher about your child's specific issues? We had a wonderful teacher at our first Gymbaroo, she went home and wrote us up a whole plan for DD, exercises to try with her, etc. She spent a very long time as a commando crawler and I watched other babies her age up on their hands and knees and then walking while she was still dragging around on her belly. MCHN sent us to a physio, who found no obvious physical reasons, so for us I feel like Gymbaroo was a success - but, it was of course quite possible she was just ready to start getting up on her hands and knees and I've attributed it to a helpful Gymbaroo instructor.

We've had a few different instructors and been to a couple of different centres, and there is quite a huge difference between them. I think some are better value for money than others, based largely on the attentiveness of the instructor.

[MummaDiva]

I attended when my kids were still in the non-mobile stage. Both were mobile very early. I don't know whether Gymbaroo aided their "development" per se, but I did get a lot of fun things to "take home" and try, as well as getting a really good sense of the things that my babies could do. DD2 also loved the interaction with the other kids (DD1, not so much ..).
I agree that it really depends on the instructor, and whether they have a "helper" also that knows what they are doing. It also depends on whether you are comfortable in approaching them to ask questions.

[Trinitylou2]

I'm no physio and don't have experience in this area - but do you have a Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) near you? Our local PCYC does Tiny Tots classes for about $8 a class and they are quite similar in my opinion. Might be worth looking into?

[jrmama]

I took my DD1 to Gymbaroo when she was around 6 months old and felt it was a total waste of money. Hence I have never taken any of my other children there. It was nice to get out and socialise for a short time with my friends but I don't think it helped my daughters development one bit. If your lucky enough to get a fantastic instructor like PP then it may be worth doing Gymbaroo. I think a physiotherapist (which you are already seeing) is the way to go. The only improvement I saw with my DD was with the physio. Best of luck with your son

[*lilmiss*]

thanks for the responses, much appreciated. I haven't signed up and don't think I will. Well, I'll talk to DS's physio next week and see if they have any views on it.

Trinitylou2 - yes we do have a PCYC, i had no idea they do things like that, I will check it out!

[Carnival kid]

Well i sit on the other side of the fence to most other posters.

We have attended gymaboo since DD was 5 months old she is now 18 months old and we LOVE it. She did not have any type of delay but i do believe it has helped in her development. I would miss out on other activities before giving up gymbaroo

We have a fantastic instructor and helper and a great centre. I have found that either you LOVE gymbaroo or HATE it... there does not seem to be any middle ground