Going to a baby group for the first time can be incredibly daunting, but if you can find a baby group that you and your little both enjoy there are lots of benefits! Here at First Encounters, we have put together a helpful list of baby groups that you can attend near to our Cardiff clinic.

Baby groups allow you to socialise with other parents whilst your baby has the opportunity to learn and play alongside children of a similar age. This can help them to establish basic social skills, improve their confidence and enable them to make friends for the future. Many classes are also based around children learning a skill which can be equally, if not more beneficial for your baby’s development.

Baby Groups in the Cardiff Area:

We have put together a list of the most popular baby groups, local to Cardiff, that cover a range of different activities. There’s bound to be something that takes your fancy! Please click on the name of the baby group to find out more information.

• Turtle Tots Cardiff

Turtle Tots is a class that teaches your baby to swim whilst promoting water safety. There are lots of classes to choose from, catering for newborns, toddlers and young children.

• Parc Play

Parc Play host a range of different events throughout the year. For example, Teddy bears picnics, seasonally themed events such as Halloween, and Macmillan Coffee Mornings.

• Sunny Bears

Sunny Bears host two classes a week – Baby Bears for children up to 12 months old, and Messy Bears for children 6 months – 5 years old.

• Music with Mummy

Classes give your little one an Introduction to music from birth to 4 years old. Children and their parents sing songs and play games, from nursery rhymes to folk songs and original baby songs.

• The Creation Station

The Creation Station offers a variety of classes for children who are 0-5 years old! These messy arts and crafts lessons will ignite a creative spark in your little ones!

We hope that this inspires you to try a baby group. If you are currently pregnant – why not book one of our scans? Please don’t hesitate to contact us if there’s anything else we can help you with.

Have you thought about taking your youngster to a baby group? Perhaps you’re a little unsure how they can benefit you and your baby. First Encounters is here to help! We’ve put together a list of classes that you can attend if you live close to our Bristol clinic.

Baby groups have numerous benefits for you and your baby. Socialising your child with children of a similar age can help them to start building friendships, boosting their confidence and learning basic social skills. Meanwhile, you as parents will find yourselves interacting with other parents which can be very rewarding.

Baby Groups in the Bristol Area:

Many classes on offer focus on introducing children to a particular activity or skill, it could be the start of a lifelong passion! Click the name of the baby group to find out more information.

• Turtle Tots Bristol

Turtle Tots is a class where your baby can learn to swim that also promotes water safety. There are lots of classes to choose from, catering for newborns, toddlers and young children.

• BabyBallet Bristol

BabyBallet Bristol is a baby group that teaches ballet and tap for little boys and girls. They cater to babies, tots, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school starters. Classes run at various times throughout the week.

• Dance Mums Bristol

Dance Mums is a unique class where you and your baby can get into shape while exploring music. Classes are suitable for babies 8 weeks to 2 years old with one adult present. Some of the dance routines you can expect include; Russian Folk, Salsa and African dance.

• Mum and Baby Yoga

Mum and Baby Yoga is suitable for babies up to 12 months old. This is a great chance for mum and baby to bond and interact in a soothing environment.

We hope that these suggestions inspire you to try attending a baby group near you. If you are currently pregnant – why not book one of our scans? Please, don’t hesitate to contact us if there’s anything else we can help you with.

As demand for 4D ultrasound scans increases, we're seeing more and more new people entering the field and offering to provide baby scan experiences at competitive prices. Sadly, the quality of the service provided varies hugely from one company to the next, and it's heartbreaking when expectant parents pay for a private scan and end up with low-grade images that are barely even worth sharing.

Here at First Encounters, we strive to deliver the best possible service to our customers. We firmly believe that we're head and shoulders above most scan providers operating in the UK today - here are 10 reasons why:

1. We conform to the highest industry standards.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates healthcare and - in particular - diagnostic and screening activities in England. Even though we are based in Wales, not England, it is our policy to ensure that our scans conform to the very highest industry standards. So if you visit our ultrasound clinic in Cardiff, you will find that every part of your scan experience reflects the standards enforced by the CQC in England (since the equivalent Welsh body, Health Inspectorate Wales, does not currently regulate diagnostic and screening activities in Wales).

2. We employ licensed sonographers who are qualified and experienced.

All of our sonographers are registered with the Health Professionals Council, the regulator for health professionals throughout the UK. In order to achieve HPC-registered status, one must meet the Council's standards for training, behaviour, health/hygiene, and professional skills. Many of the 4D ultrasound scan packages currently flooding the market are NOT carried out by registered healthcare professionals, which could mean that potential complications with your pregnancy go undetected.

3. We use advanced GE Healthcare equipment with HDlive technology.

Our scans are carried out using GE Voluson E6 ultrasound machines with genuine HDlive technology. GE Healthcare are the #1 manufacturer for the baby scan sector, and their equipment is championed by legitimate scan clinics across the globe.

4. Our equipment is certified safe for purpose.

Every piece of machinery we use to carry out our customers' baby scans is inspected, tested, and certified safe for purpose. Many scan providers, sadly, do not meet this standard, using uncertified and potentially unsafe equipment that puts both mother and baby at risk.

5. We are accomplished in both diagnostic and souvenir imaging.

Our sonographers specialise in diagnostic ultrasound scanning, meaning that they are qualified to carry out your souvenir scan AND assess the health and growth of your unborn child.

6. We provide printed pregnancy reports with every scan.

Everyone who attends a scan at the First Encounters ultrasound clinic also receives a First Encounters pregnancy report. This is a detailed document containing all the information we gather during your scan, such as gestation age, estimated due date, various measurements, and the position of your baby inside the womb.

7. All of our employees are trusted, caring professionals.

We've already described the qualifications and accreditations that our sonographers hold, but just as important is the friendly, caring approach taken by everyone here at First Encounters, from our administrative staff to the sonographers themselves. We do everything we can to make each customer feel totally welcome and completely at ease when they come for their scan.

8. Our scans are carried out in a relaxed, spacious clinic environment.

As mentioned above, we're committed to ensuring that expectant parents feel relaxed and at ease in our clinics. Our clinics are comfortable and modern, with enough space to accommodate everyone who might attend. We also maintain very high standards of hygiene and safety within our clinics.

9. Children, family and friends are always welcome.

Each scanning room has space for up to 6 guests. You are more than welcome to bring anyone you wish, including friends, relatives, and even young children who are eager to say hello to the newest member of the family!

10. We offer a comprehensive and competitive range of scan packages.

Unlike many providers who simply offer a single 'one-size-fits-all' scan package, we have a range of different packages to choose from. The best package for you will depend on the type of images you wish to capture, how far along you are, and the souvenirs you want to take home after the scan. Click here to compare the available options.

Still not convinced? Take a look at our Reviews page, or look at what our customers have been saying about us on Facebook!