Playful Connections

A six-week class series for parents and their babies, led by a pediatric occupational therapist. It comes in two parts: the first for babies six weeks to four months, the second for four to seven months.

Each part meets weekly in a small group. The series is repeated on new start dates, so registration reopens each time. Sessions currently open are listed below, with dates, location and price on each registration page.

LengthSix WeeksMeeting once a week

Part one6 Wks to 4 MoBabies from six weeks to four months

Part two4 to 7 MoFour to seven months, or pre-crawling

Group size8 PlacesKept small on purpose

What each part covers

Both parts meet weekly in an intimate, supportive setting. Each class uses brain-building movement, sensory play, and hands-on learning with simple everyday objects. Gentle movement for parents is woven through, so there is a chance to stretch and reconnect with your own body while engaging with your baby.

Part oneSix Weeks to Four Months

A space to connect with your baby, process the early parenting experience, and build confidence in reading and responding to your baby's cues. You will learn simple, developmentally supportive ways to engage with your baby while nurturing early brain and body development.

Listening Touch MassageBabywearingHandling and positioning to support physical developmentUnderstanding infant cues and regulationStrategies for creating engaging play spaces and activities at homeGentle movement for parents, woven into each class

Part twoFour to Seven Months

For babies four to seven months, or not yet crawling. An opportunity for parents and babies to connect, play, and learn alongside one another. Babies are naturally wired for social connection, and this class gives their curiosity about each other room to unfold.

Listening Touch MassageMessy and sensory playMovement and positioning to support emerging motor skillsUnderstanding infant cues and regulationIdeas for creating engaging play spaces and activities at homeGentle movement for parents, woven into each class

Open for registration

Fall 2026

These are the sessions currently open. Each part is registered for separately.

Fall 2026Part One

Babies six weeks to four months. Six weekly classes.

Fall 2026Part Two

Babies four to seven months, or not yet crawling. Six weekly classes.

If registration has closed, the series runs again on a new start date. Upcoming dates are on our event calendar.

Who teaches it

Alana Murphy

InstructorAlana Murphy, MS OTR/L, CLC

A pediatric occupational therapist with sixteen years of experience working with babies, children, and families, and a Certified Lactation Counselor.

A mother of a preemie who navigated a rocky postpartum journey herself, Alana brings both personal and professional experience to the work. Her career has been dedicated to pediatrics, with advanced specialization in early childhood development and in premature and medically complex infants. She has worked across neonatal intensive care, pediatric rehabilitation, outpatient care, home-based therapy, lactation support, parent education, and developmental enrichment.

She has advanced training in therapeutic handling, infant development, feeding, breath mechanics, infant massage, and the relationship between tethered oral tissues and whole-body movement.

Her approach

Alana's work is grounded in the idea that development happens through connection. Babies learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and connected to the people around them, so her teaching is playful and low-pressure while helping parents understand their child's cues, strengths, and emerging skills.

Her approach is holistic and family-centered. She believes supporting a child means understanding the whole family and meeting families where they are, and she works to make developmental information approachable, practical, and useful.

Across all of her work, Alana hopes to help parents feel more connected to their child, more confident in their instincts, and more supported as they navigate early parenthood.

Before you register

There is no expectation for babies, or parents, to follow a particular schedule during class.

Class sizeLimited to 8 registrants.

Bring with youOne or two receiving blankets to each class.

ArrivalPlease plan to arrive on time.

RegistrationNon-refundable and non-transferable.

Missed sessionsWe do not offer make-up sessions for this series.

PaceFlexible and responsive to the babies in the room, with time for feeding, soothing, diaper changes and rest.

Two parts, run again on new dates

Six weeks with your baby, and a room of people at the same stage.

Register for the part that matches your baby's age. Places are limited to eight. If a start date is full or the timing is wrong, the series runs again, and registration reopens with each new start date.

Part one, Fall 2026 Part two, Fall 2026 Event calendar