If I join a gym with a crèche, how does that work?

[Chocoholism]

My baby is 5 months old, I have absolutely no idea about what a crèche actually is or does. Is there trained people there looking after the children? What age groups is it usually and is my baby too young? Just wondering really or I will have to try do exercise at home

[happyjules]

I have been a member of two different gyms with a creche. Staff should be suitably qualified and crb checked. My current club can not wait to get their hands on new babies. My youngest daughter was in there from eight weeks and she wasn't the youngest. Go have a look, ask questions to put your mind at rest, in my opinion she's not too young. If your baby was really unsettled or poorly they would come and fined you. You may also find other mums in the same position and form friendships. I certainly did. Good luck.

[YussMinister]

Pop by and have a look. Or they should answer your questions on the website. Usually you have an induction session for the creche and then pay by the hour (on top of gym membership). Have you looked at local new mum exercise groups where you can take the baby? Often local authorities fund them.

[itiswhatitiswhatitis]

Virgin gym have many crèche, they split children by age groups so have a specific baby room. They have trained staff and obviously adhere to adult:baby ratio's. I think they take babies from 3 months onwards. Best thing you can do is visit a gym with a crèche and check out the facilities.

[vulgarwretch]

I would go and talk to them. The one I belonged to them took babies from 3 months I think and I was always really happy with them. They looked after dc well and, as happyjules says, you are on site if they are really unhappy. I think they took children up to age 5 or so but most were under nursery age. The older ones did craft activities which mine enjoyed, and they got friendly with other children there.

I made a lot of mum friends through the gym because it was the only local one with childcare so a lot of families joined. It was also the only pool with decent family swim times. Definitely go and have a look.