FAQ
Let's answer some key questions we've received...
About PIP
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What is PIP?
The Parent-Infant Program (PIP) was founded in 1997 and has since proudly served the Hong Kong community, supporting the development of over 6000 babies. The PIP team bring their extensive experience from paediatric healthcare and education sectors to deliver this evidence based program to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of parents in Asia.
The deep knowledge, and genuine love for their work has won the hearts of many parents, making PIP a highly sought-after program for infant development.
How is PIP good for my baby's development?
PIP classes are movement based, because movement is how babies learn. Each class targets fundamental foundations, such as strength, coordination, balance, body awareness and the integration of primitive reflexes — through controlled, quality movement. That quality matters: every developmental milestone, from rolling to sitting to walking, sits on these foundations, and strong early movement sets up stable, confident movement, paving the way for more complex skills as they develop and grow.
PIP is more than just play. Our classes encompass holistic development through the concept of purposeful play: intentional, evidence-based activities that promote learning while your little one explores and has fun. And it doesn't stop at the studio door, as each week you take home a recap with activities to keep supporting your baby at home between classes.
What makes PIP different?
PIP isn't a playgroup. We're an evidence-based infant development program, designed and delivered by professionals from paediatric healthcare and education: a paediatric occupational therapist and a paediatric nurse.
Every activity is there for a reason and chosen for what it builds in your baby's development, adapted to their stage, play-based, and explained so you understand why it matters.
With small classes, weekly recaps and a community of parents alongside you, PIP is a program with purpose, not just a place to play.
About the classes
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What PIP classes are offered?
Classes are grouped by age, matched by birth month:
- 0 to 3 months,
- 4 to 5 months,
- 6 to 7 months,
- 8 to 9 months, and
- 10+ months until walking independently
Until around 10 months, every class starts with mat time, where the main flow and teaching of the class takes place, and ends with a play schema activity and infant massage. As the terms progress, we build in more and more time on the obstacles off the mat, so the challenges grow with your baby.
From about 10 months, as your little one is up and exploring, the format becomes more flexible: the room is set up with obstacles and activities, and our instructors meet your baby where they are at, demonstrating and modeling how to support your baby on each obstacle as they explore and bringing everyone back to the mat regularly for learning and group activities.
What is the format of classes?
Each class will focus on an area of your baby's development. We break down the developmental milestones for each age group and each week, work on the integration of newborn reflexes, strength, coordination, balance and proprioception to reach that milestone and set the foundation for future development to come.
The class is 75 minutes which comprises the main activities/exercises, a group activity such as sensory immersion, music, fine motor play or Montessori exploration. We finish our classes with a nurturing infant massage.
After classes, we send a recap of the activities, the focus for the week and suggestions for your little one to work on until the next class.
What is included in a full term enrolment?
Your term package includes your weekly 75-minute class in your baby's age group, the weekly recap with what we covered and suggestions to try at home, and your class WhatsApp group.
Early bird and standard packages also include make-up class(es) — one for terms of 8 weeks or under, two for terms of 9 weeks or over.
Enrolled families also get priority booking for the next term before we open to the public, and priority access to workshops and collaborations, such as guest speakers or "Mum and Bub" yoga classes.
Are you a sensory class?
No, we are not a sensory class. But each class will focus on an area of development, which often includes sensory exploration and integration, stimulating and integrating all the senses to set strong building blocks for further development.
What ages do classes run for?
From 6 weeks old until your little one is walking. Classes are grouped by age so the activities always match where your baby is at.
Classes start from 6 weeks, is that not too young?
PIP is a supportive environment where your little one can learn, grow and have fun. With professionals and other new parents to support you through the ups and downs, you'll be glad you started PIP early.
The early months matter more than any other: your baby's brain and body are laying down the movement patterns everything else builds on. Newborn reflexes are integrating, head and neck strength is developing, and each new movement unlocks more of the world. Starting at 6 weeks means we support those foundations while they're forming, gently, at your baby's own pace, never pushing milestones.
Start classes when you and your little one are ready, for some, that's 6 weeks and for others, that feels too soon. If you're worried, reach out to Saff and Kirstin.
How big are the classes?
We keep class sizes small, between 4 and 6 babies, to allow us time with each baby.
Can we drop into classes?
Our program is designed to be progressively challenging, as your little one grows, the activities provide a fun but achievable challenge. We run 4 terms per year, and the length of each term varies. The little ones and parents get to know each other, grow together and form part of the PIP community. Mid-term joins are absolutely welcome where there's space; you'll simply book the remaining weeks of the term.
My baby is behind the others in the class. Is PIP still right for them?
Every baby develops at their own pace and has strengths in different areas. And yes, we encourage their development but we aim to set foundations for future health and development and not tick off milestones.
Whilst it is hard not to compare, try and focus on what your little one enjoys and their steps to progress. If we have concerns, we may suggest checking in with your paediatrician or recommend appropriate onward referrals.
What happens upon completion of this program?
On completion of the full program (3 full terms), a reference letter for onward education will be provided!
Booking & Pricing
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How much are classes?
Classes are booked as term packages, with early bird, standard and mid-term options each term. The total depends on the length of the term, and packages are announced before bookings open. You are welcome to see an overview of our prices on our programs page.
Do you offer a referral program?
Yes! If a friend joins PIP and mentions your name, message us — we love thanking our PIP families properly. WhatsApp us and we'll share how it works.
How do I enrol?
Bookings open to current families first, then to the public. When a term opens, you can enrol through the link on our website or WhatsApp us and we'll sort everything with you.
Can I change our class day or time?
If your routine changes, message us. Where there's a free spot in another class in your baby's age group, we'll happily accommodate a move to another class.
When do terms run, and when does early bird close?
We run four terms a year, following ESF school terms.
- August to October
- October to December
- January to April
- April to June
Each term's dates, class times and early bird deadline are announced before bookings open, and the early bird window is always first, at the best price. Follow us on Instagram or Whatsapp us to be added to priority list for the moment bookings open.
Does PIP offer birthday parties?
Yes! We host birthday parties at our studio, bookable by request. Message us with your date and how many little ones you're planning for, and we'll share what's possible
TRIAL & TASTER CLASSES
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Can we try a class before committing?
Yes, two ways.
Our Taster Day classes are an hour with us: 45 minutes of a real PIP class with a first aid demo, then 15 minutes to ask questions and meet the other parents, bbs and instructors. If you join the October term within 48 hours of your taster, you still benefit from the early bird price and perks, as a thank-you for coming to try us.
You can also trial a single class mid-term: you and your baby can join a full 75-minute class in their age group for; subject to availability. From there, joining the term is available at the mid-term rate.
Please find more information at our programs!
How can I book a trial class?
For Taster Days, you may book via our home page or "Programs" page. We recommend booking early: spots are limited and grouped by age.
For mid-term tasters, please WhatsApp us with your bb's age and we'll send you the available times and a booking link.
COMING TO CLASS
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Can both parents attend?
Yes, both parents are welcome. And sometimes, grandparents and other caregivers such as helpers attend to support you as required but please only 2 adults per baby.
Parents love attending classes with their little one, whether that is planning your day to meet friends for PIP, stepping out of the office for 75 minutes with your little one or some 1:1 time with your youngest.
A core principle of our program is for parents to have bonding time with their little ones, growing and learning together.
What do we need to know/bring to classes?
- Each baby must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver, with a maximum of two adults per child.
- Please bring 2 bath sized towels to each class, no baby-sized towels please.
- Parents are required to wear socks at all times.
How do we receive updates about the classes once we join?
You'll be added to a WhatsApp group for your class, where we share updates and the weekly recap. This is a safe place for your group to share thoughts, joys, and any concerns or questions.
What if my little one cries?
Babies cry, and all little ones cry, to express their needs or sometimes in response to changes in the environment. We find that babies typically settle after the first or second class, once they are comfortable in the new environment.
Our classes are 75 minutes to allow you time to fully meet your little one’s needs while getting the most out of the activities. You are always welcome to take a moment for a mini-feed or cuddle, whenever your little one needs.
Are the babies naked?
Our newborn classes are conducted without their clothing to allow little ones freedom of movement and full sensory immersion and sensation. If you’d prefer your baby to wear their nappy, that is absolutely fine by us.
Are classes only for English speakers?
Our classes are open to all and because of the skills-based nature of our activities, they can be followed with demonstrations and instructions. Classes with Kirstin can be supplemented in Cantonese.
PRIVATE CLASSES
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Can I arrange a private 1:1 class?
Yes. A private is a regular PIP class run just for your family, tailored for your baby and where they are at developmentally. Studio 1:1s run for 45 minutes, or we can come to the comfort of your own home, by arrangement.
Sessions run in the flexible slots shown on the class schedule, or another time by request. Book a block from the start of term for continuity, or ad hoc (minimum two sessions), subject to availability. With at least 24 hours' notice, 1:1 sessions can be rearranged.
Please WhatsApp us for further information about private classes 🧡
Can I arrange a private class for a group with my friends?
Yes, we love hosting private classes! Gather 4 to 6 babies of a similar age and we'll run a group class just for you.
Private group classes run for 60 minutes. Book as a block from the start of term (6 classes for terms of 8 weeks or under, 8 classes for longer terms) and your group's first session is credited back if a full block is booked.
Prefer booking ad hoc? A minimum of two classes applies. With less than 24 hours' notice the session can't be moved, and since sessions move as a group, please gather your friends first, then pick your time.
Please WhatsApp us for further information about private classes 🧡
SICKNESS, MISSED CLASSES, WEATHER & HOLIDAYS
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Missed a class? Here's how it works.
Early bird and standard packages include one make-up class for terms of 8 weeks or under, and two for terms of 9 weeks or over.
To use a make-up, join another class in your bb's age group during the same term, where there's space. If there's no make-up spot available, we'll swap it for a pop in and play pass instead. Just message us any time before class and we'll have your make-up ready.
What if I/my little one are sick?
Please do not attend class if you or your baby are unwell.
Just message us any time before class and we'll keep your make-up ready for you (early bird and standard packages include make-ups based on term length; mid-term packages and tasters don't). Perks are always classes or passes, never refunds, which keeps things fair with our small class sizes.
Please see section 5 of our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a pop in and play pass?
A pop in and play pass is an hour of free play in our studio on a Saturday, either 1-2pm or 2-3pm. The room is set up for you and your bb to explore at your own pace, with a member of our team present.
Sessions run when booked in advance, so message us to reserve your spot.
What happens if the weather is extreme on the day of a class?
Classes will be cancelled if Typhoon Signal No. 8 is hoisted, a Black Rainstorm Warning is issued, or government restrictions are in place. We always try to reschedule weather-cancelled classes, though we can't always guarantee a spot. Where we can't, early bird and standard families can use one of their included make-up classes.
What happens if my child's regular class falls on a public holiday?
We don't run classes on public holidays.