When new parents start looking for a baby class, one name often comes to mind: PEKiP.
The Prague Parent and Child Programme has been popular for decades. But what exactly happens in these cosy, warm classrooms?

PEKiP is about much more than singing and clapping. It is an active movement programme designed to support babies' sensory development during their first year of life, while also providing parents with a welcoming space to share their experiences. Let's explore how PEKiP works and whether it could be right for you.

💡 The essentials of PEKiP

• Active stimulation: The course leader shows parents different ways to hold their babies and introduces games tailored to each baby's stage of development.
• Everyday materials: Traditional toys are rarely used in PEKiP. Instead, simple objects such as balloons, water, feathers and cloths provide plenty of sensory stimulation.
• Bare skin: Babies are completely undressed during the sessions. Without nappies or clothing, they can experience their bodies more fully and move more freely.
• Support for parents: PEKiP isn't just about babies. Sharing experiences of sleepless nights, breastfeeding challenges and adjusting to everyday life with a baby is an important part of the programme.

Naked and free to move

One of the most noticeable features of a PEKiP class is how warm the room is. Classrooms are heated to a comfortable 27°C, with soft mats often covering the floor. There's a good reason for this: babies spend the entire session naked.

Why is this so important? Bulky nappies and thick clothing can significantly restrict a baby's movement. Without them, babies can kick their legs more freely, practise rolling over more easily and experience direct skin contact with themselves and other babies. This kind of tactile stimulation plays a valuable role in brain development.

Active stimulation rather than simply observing

Unlike the Pikler approach, which encourages parents to take a more observational role, PEKiP focuses on active participation. However, this doesn't mean babies are expected to achieve specific milestones or perform certain tasks. Trained PEKiP group leaders observe each baby's current stage of motor development and suggest suitable play activities for parents to try.

👉 For example: A baby who is just learning to lift their head while lying on their tummy might be gently rolled forwards over a large water ball to help develop their sense of balance.

Toys with a difference

PEKiP uses everyday objects to introduce babies to new sensory experiences. Activities might include splashing in warm water, gently stroking a baby's tummy with feathers, encouraging them to crawl through an empty cardboard box or exploring the rustling sounds of crinkly paper. These simple activities stimulate babies' senses without overwhelming them, helping to spark their natural curiosity.

Frequently asked questions about PEKiP

When is the best time to start PEKiP?
PEKiP courses are designed for babies from around 6 to 8 weeks old. Ideally, babies stay with the same group, usually consisting of 6 to 8 babies of a similar age, throughout their first year. The programme is often divided into several course blocks.

Do you need to attend a course, or can you try PEKiP at home?
Attending a PEKiP course is entirely optional. Your baby can develop just as well without one. However, classes offer the benefits of professional guidance, a comfortably heated room and, perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to connect with other parents. Many of the play activities can also be easily recreated at home on a play mat.

What if my baby cries or falls asleep during a class?
That's absolutely fine. There's no pressure for babies to participate in every activity. If your baby is tired, you can cuddle them or let them sleep on a mat in a quiet corner. If they're hungry, you can breastfeed or offer a bottle whenever needed. Your baby's needs always come first.