Winnipeg moms expanding baby sensory program across Canada

In 2019, a pair of Winnipeg moms launched Lullaland, the Province’s first-of-its-kind baby sensory program with the goal of promoting early bonding between caregivers and their little ones. Fast forward five years, the pair are set to bring their program to families across Canada.

“We wanted to create something that was just as engaging and fun for the grown-up as it is for the baby,” explained Fran Hiebert, a co-owner of Lullaland.

Founders Hiebert and Denise Turanli’s friendship reached new heights when they became mothers just one day apart. But after attending several baby classes together they realized the previous models focused more on entertainment and less on growing minds.

“We went to these classes and it really got us talking about what would we do differently there were good aspects but there was just so much that was lacking,” said Hiebert.

In a child’s first few years, more than one million new neural connections form every second. Which is why Lullaland’s classes focus on providing an interactive, sensory-stimulating experience.

“She’s starting to do little signs at home, she’ll see a dog on the TV and will do the sign for dog and that is 100 per cent from coming to these classes,” said Brooke Pritchard, a class participant.

Pritchard and her 1-year-old daughter Payton have attended multiple different baby classes but admits she has seen a significant change in her daughter’s learning ability since starting.

“I see it at home, and she’s interacting with toys or playing with other babies she just benefits so much.”

A sentiment shared by Romie Dhaliwal, who says on top of the developmental benefits.

“If they are tracking properly at that age, and their eye-hand coordination is good and they are crawling, that naturally leads to good readers,” said Dhaliwal.

The program is a great opportunity socialize and build connections.

“I have made some really amazing friendships during COVID and even after and for them to see other babies doing the same things it’s really nice.”

What began with one studio in St. Vital, Lullaland now operates nine locations across the city and is now ready to reach more families across the country.

“We are now in the position to franchise the business so we can take it outside of Manitoba which is very exciting,” said Hiebert.