Little Gym?

I want to enroll DD in gymnastics but most of the programs I'm finding at regular gymnastics places start at 15 months and she's only 13 months. I'm not sure how strict they are.

Does anyone take their LO's to Little Gym? If so, do you like it? I want to send her because her balance isn't great and I've heard gymnastics can help, so not sure Little Gym would be "enough" from a developmental standpoint. Any feedback would be appreciated

Re: Little Gym?

I'd recommend Gymboree.

Re: Little Gym?

I don't have recommendations - but how long has she been walking that you are concerned about her balance?

Little Gym?

I took my daughter to classes at the little gym from the time she was 8 months old until she was two- the classes are wonderful and designed for each age group- my dd did not walk until she was 16 months old but she was able to fully participate in the classes.

Re: Little Gym?

Little gym is fantastic

But if you're going concerned about gross motor skills you might want to her your munchkin evaluated. If she qualifies you'll arrange services. If she doesn't the evaluator can recommend specific activities or exercises you can work on to help her

Re: Little Gym?

13 mo!!!
My DD3 didn't stand at 13 months (forget balance).
She is fine. Started walking at 15 mo.
Do a gym for the fun of it (I preferred Gymboree).

Little Gym?

Thanks all! So full story, her feet turn out a bit and daycare suggested that we have her checked because maybe that's why she was "behind with walking." To be clear, I do not think 13 months is behind at all and her daycare means well but they're a little nutty. Anyway, we took her to an orthopedist who said she was 100% normal and her feet may always turn out but shouldn't affect walking long term.

So I think gymnastics might help with the balance but more importantly I think she'd have a lot of fun. She gets music and circle time and all that at daycare so I wanted something more focused on motor skills, as opposed to gymboree/music together type classes and I wasn't sure if little gym was, in fact, a little gym!

Little Gym?

we loved our little gym class when DS was 2... ( we live in NJ). the instructors were great and there was a lot of stuff for them to climb on, etc... AND even last spring, when he was 5, he did a class there called "Chopsticks", which was some Karate mixed in with the gym stuff so they have classes that kind of grow with the kids. The only reason he doesn't still go is bc he's in "real" school now (kindergarten), and he also does swim lessons, soccer, and boy scouts. can't run myself TOO crazy! HAHA
They let you do a free class... so try it out and see if its what you're looking for!

Re: Little Gym?

I would try a class at the Little Gym. But, I wouldn't use it as "therapy" for balance. Just sign up for fun.

My daughter in-toed and couldn't even run without tripping. She also had tight heel cords that required her to be in casts on both legs for a month. Fast forward to 9, and she is a gymnast. She definitely grew out of the in toeing. Although I'm not clear if your daughter in-toes since feet turned out could mean heels turn out.

Re: Little Gym?

I think what matters most at these things is the instructor you get and the dynamic of the class. I'd do a sample class and see how you feel about it.

If you have specific developmental concerns though, I'd bring that up to the ped.