The babies at Parents Centre music and movement sessions were sick and tired of being overshadowed by older children, so their parents have done exactly what they wanted, and created a class especially for them.

Now they can listen to their own choice of music - something gentle - none of this noisy action song nonsense.

They can poke and prod and pull each other's hair to their heart's content every Friday during school term from 10.15am until 10.45am - a reasonable hour, because as a young baby, it's often hard to get organised and out of the house in a hurry.

Retired president of the Parent Centre Timaru, Kim Sugrue, said there was too much of a difference between the activities that pre-school children enjoyed and those babies needed.

"We do a lot of floor time, and gentle action songs with body crossing for brain development, and bubbles for eye-tracking. Parents can keep doing the activities at home too," Mrs Sugrue said.

The Under Oneders class is also aimed at introducing first-time parents to a social setting that is subdued and less daunting than the sessions for older children. They will also meet other parents with children the same age and gain support from them.

Co-ordinator Chelsea McAuley said it was also a good opportunity for parents to spend some one-on-one time with their babies, particularly if they had older children.

The classes are run by music teacher Dale McKay, who according to Mrs McAuley has "a wealth of songs and knowledge".

There are 50 Parents Centres nationwide. They are all not-for-profit groups which rely on fundraising and small charges for activities to fund their programmes. The cost of the sessions is $2 for members and $4 for non-members. Interested parents can phone Chelsea McAuley on 686 3653.

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