How to find great classes for you and your baby

Looking for a way to bond with other new moms and your baby at the same time? There are countless reasons why moms all over the country are enrolling in mommy and me classes.

Music

Experts agree that it can be very beneficial to expose your child to music as early as possible—some parents even start blasting the tunes pre-birth. So what makes a better environment for introducing your baby to his first jam session than a room full of babies and moms just like you? Kindermusik offers a variety of music classes for all ages and even offers a sign language class for hearing children. Music Together is another good choice for parents looking to expand their baby’s mind and release their inner Mozart starting at birth.

Fitness

Children’s gyms can be a great place to go if your little one is on the rambunctious side. JW Tumbles children’s gym offers “Tumble Tykes” classes in several locations around the country that parents can attend with children ranging from four months to three years in age. The Little Gym is another national children’s gym that offers parent/child gymnastics classes and an array of other fitness classes once your child is old enough to brave the gym alone. You can also contact local gymnasiums in your area to see if they have a class available.

Learning Centers

Can’t decide what type of classes you want to take with your little bundle of joy? After all, at her age your baby probably doesn’t have enough experience to know what she is and isn’t interested in. Enrolling in programs at a learning center can be a one-stop solution. Gymboree is a great national center that offers a wide variety of programs for parents and babies of all ages. Gymboree offers yoga-based fitness classes, baby sign language classes, art, music and much more. Or, if you prefer, they offer comprehensive programs on a level system according to your baby’s age to cater to their developmental stage. This program will take you and your child all the way from zero months to five years of age.

Want to find mommy and me classes unique to your locale? Check out these resources for finding fun classes in your area.

YMCA

With 2,663 locations in the United States alone, it’s no wonder this family-friendly establishment offers all kinds of classes (including swimming and fitness) for you and your tiny tot. Check out your local YMCA for details on the classes offered near you.

Local library

From story hour to baby sign language, libraries offer a lot more for kids than you may think. Stop by and pick up a schedule of activities for the month or break out the phone book and give them a call.

Local recreation department

Many city and county recreation departments offer mommy and me gymnastics, yoga and more. And even if they don’t offer them directly, they might have information for classes that are using their facilities. Give your local center a call and see if they have anything that might interest you and your baby.