Ashleigh Pipon

What is Kangatraining?

Kangatraining is specifically designed for postnatal women – yes, it’s one of the only mum & bub programs that focusses on you (mum).

We focus on rebuilding your entire body after pregnancy and birth, classes run for one hour starting with a warm up track with babies in arms, some floorwork focusing on your core and pelvic floor muscles, and then babies go into carriers and we do some aerobics and Latin inspired workouts, squats, lunges, arm exercises, stretching and more pelvic floor exercises.

You can begin Kangatraining as early as 6 weeks postpartum if you’ve had a vaginal delivery but need to be at least 12 weeks postpartum if you’ve had a c-section – you must also have been given the all clear from your healthcare professional.

There is no age limit for babies as long as every mother participating in Kangatraining can wear their baby safely and comfortably. Older siblings are welcome to come along too.

Baby Carriers & Babywearing Safety:

If you don’t have a carrier or need a suitable one, I have a collection you can borrow from. Just let me know ahead of class, I do bring some with me to every class, but people who request them, get them first.

Babywearing safety is of utmost importance during Kangatraining. Due to the level of movement & physical activity, there are particular babywearing requirements we must adhere to, to ensure the safety of both mums & bubs.

All carriers must meet T.I.C.K.S. guidelines for safe babywearing and must support the baby’s natural sitting position (M-position – hip to knee).

• ✓ T – Tight – The carrier should be tight with your child positioned in a high and upright position. Any looseness can cause your baby to slump, restricting their breathing.
• ✓ I – In view at all times – By just tilting your head down you should be able to see your baby’s face to check that their airway is clear. Their nose and mouth should be uncovered and not blocked by the carrier, sling or your body.
• ✓ C – Close enough to Kiss – You should be able to tip your head forward to easily kiss the top of your baby’s head. If your child is on your back you should be able to tilt your head back and touch the top of their head
• ✓ K – Keep chin off chest – Your child’s chin should remain up and away from their body. They should never be in a curled position where their chin is forced onto their chest as it may restrict their breathing. Check now and check often! Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement
• ✓ S – Supported back – Your baby should be held in a supported, natural position with their tummy and chest against you. The carrier needs to follow the natural curve of Bub’s spine.

There a heap of carriers are suitable for Kanga, including Manduca, Ergobaby, Boba, Beco, Tula, Ankalia, Kinderpak & Mei Tai are a few popular ones. each carrier will be assessed individually.

Carriers such as ring slings, stretchy wraps (e.g. hug-a-bub), carriers with little head support (e.g. mothers choice, baby Bjorn), narrow based carriers (e.g. Baby Bjorn/Safe n Sound) & outward facing carriers are unfortunately not suitable for Kangatraining and cannot be worn during class

All Kangatrainers are expertly trained in the best babywearing practices so we can help you assess whether or not your carrier is suitable for a Kanga class and get a great carrier fit for you and bub.

Please try not to stress if a trainer says your carrier isnt suitable for class – we are only thinking of safety for you bub during class.