Quality gym childcare: mom and baby can both benefit from a good kids club - For Moms Only

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, Oct-Nov, 2002 by Heidi Dvorak

When Sally Vila brings her 9-month-old son to (7 the Spectrum Club in Valencia, California, he's just as excited to have an hour to himself as is his mom. While Sam is exploring the playroom's new toys and letting the staff fawn over him, Sally is whipping her postnatal body back into shape.

"My gym's childcare restricts babies younger than 6 months, so I took a class called You and Me Baby, which allows new moms to take aerobics alongside their newborns," she says. "But when Sam became eligible for the kids center, I decided to take the next step."

For most new moms, that step can be a difficult one. Leaving your infant in a stranger s care can create anxiety for mother and child. But as Vila can attest, it turned out to be beneficial for both.

"At first, separating from Sam for an hour wasn't easy" admits Vila. "His first playroom visit went well, but on the second he cried, so I was summoned. However, on the third, he discovered that this was a social hour. Since there's a one-to-four staff-to-child ratio, someone is always playing with him. He thrives on the interaction, so I feel fortunate."

For other moms, locating a satisfactory childcare setting can prove to be as difficult as losing those last 20 pounds. Each state mandates individual guidelines, and the regulations are only as effective as the gym owners who enforce them. It's a parent's responsibility to inspect the center, demand to see certification and ask questions. Be realistic, though; if you continually feel that no center is good enough, maybe your expectations are too high. Remember that your baby will inevitably be exposed to typical experiences--germs from others, bumps and life's basic lumps.

Happy Kids, Happy Members

Gold's Gym franchise owner and international group fitness director Lori Lowell advises parents to aggressively question child-center staffers on how they might handle unexpected situations. "Gym owners espouse different philosophies that will dictate policies for operating hours, staffing, costs, locating parents, diaper changing, sick children and modes of play," explains Lowell, whose Woodridge, Virginia, franchise caters to its family-oriented members. "We believe that happy kids make happy members."

Lowell beefs up her staff during weekends and vacations to handle the onslaught of mini members. She schedules calendar events such as puppet shows, exercise classes, dodge ball and crafts. The childproof, well-stocked play area has a two-way mirror that allows parents to peek in on their children without being seen. "Parents should see happy kids," Lowell points out. "We make it our business to know who our kids are and what interests them."

It's also important to observe how staff members interact with their young charges, says Catherine Pruessen, founder and CEO of Child Care Online in Ontario, Canada. "Look for enthusiastic employees who love children and know how to interact with them," Pruessen suggests. "Is eye contact made with the children? Does the caregiver talk in a pleasant voice? Children often go through a brief separation phase when their parents exit. Does the caregiver soothe a crying child with ease?"

Pay attention to the environment as well, advises Pruessen. "is it set up for children of all ages? Are toys and play areas appropriate to each age group? Does the place look clean and safe? Are infants entertained or simply left in their seats? Child-staff ratios should be clearly posted, The more children present, the less attention your child is likely to receive."

Once you've selected a gym's babysitting facility, you still have a responsibility to be available to your child. "You can't leave the gym and go to the market," notes Lowell. "A parent should never leave the gym to run errands, but it has happened. And know your child's limitations. Don't force a child to stay longer than his or her temperament allows."

Vila goes a step further to make sure her son is a happy camper. "Sam is well fed, well rested and happy before I bring him," she remarks. "Kids have bad days just like adults. I'd never drop him off if he were cranky or sick. An hour apart from me is his max right now, so that's when I return. Any longer and he'd be stressed."

Sacrificing your workouts or settling for living-room exercises may seem to be the only alternatives when you have very young children at home. But moms and kids need to go out into the world and explore. With the right gym offering responsible childcare, both of you can take steps to enjoy your outings.

RELATED ARTICLE: BE PREPARED

A well-prepared list of questions is a must when selecting a health club's childcare facility says. Child Care Online's Catherine Pruessen Fitness centers are legally required to be licenses, although each state maintains separate requirements for drop-in care. Check the center's policies regarding.

Child-staff ratios

Toileting

Furnishings and equipment

Security measures regarding child pick-up and drop off

Physical health of attending children

Hours of operation