Whether swimming or music lessons, mommy and me classes are a great way to spend time with your little one.
If you remember back to a time before you had kids, you might recall chuckling at all the moms taking their kids to “mommy and me” classes. Who would want to get in a pool or clap along with a bunch of toddlers? But now that you’re a mom, you probably know the hidden secret: That mommy and me class is a great way to bond with your child and a phenomenal way to meet friendly moms who live nearby.
Luckily, Boston and the surrounding areas are full of wonderful mommy and me classes. Whether you want to do baby yoga, expose your little one to the arts, or get them swimming before their 1st birthday, Boston has a mom and baby class that will be perfect for you.
And remember: These classes aren’t just for the mamas — dads, babysitters, nannies, and mother’s helpers are always welcome to share in the fun, too!
Mama and Me
Address: 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-477-3432
Mama and Me is a favorite of families around Boston, particularly in Jamaica Plain. In addition to prenatal classes and new parents support, Mama and Me offers parent and child classes from birth through age 5. The classes cover everything from movement to art, so you’re sure to find one that you and your child will love. Most importantly, Mama and Me is a great place for you to meet other local moms.
Address: 20 City Square, Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: 617-413-8434
You’ve heard of mama and baby yoga, but you’ve probably never heard of mom and baby barre class. That’s about to change! Barre class is perfect for new moms, because it helps you connect with your core and strengthen the muscles that were taxed by pregnancy and childbirth. This class is perfect for babies who aren’t walking yet. You can either wear your little one in a carrier or let them watch from a seat, stroller, or blanket. That gives plenty of options to keep the little one happy while you get a great workout and reconnect with your inner ballerina.
Boston Public Library Children’s Programs
Address: 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116 (Central Library) | Click here for other locations.
Phone: 617-536-5400
When it comes to mama and me classes, the library is the original. For generations, kids and caregivers have enjoyed great programming, and the parent and child classes at the Boston Public Library are still among the best in the city. From baby lapsit and the Wiggle and Walk program for tots, to family storytime and Art Explorers for olders kids, the library has something for every parent-child duo. Best of all, the library programs are free and attending parent and child classes is a great way to support this important Boston institution.
Mom and Baby Yoga at Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio
Address: 663 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-522-4411
When you were pregnant, you probably pictured many blissed-out moments with your new addition. The reality of a new baby usually involves more crying and more bodily fluids than we could have imagined, so baby yoga is a great chance to involve that vision of zen. Bring a blanket and toys for little one. And if you’re running late, don’t worry: The yoga teachers understand babies are unpredictable and will let you into class even if you’re up to 15 minutes late. Your baby will love the relaxed atmosphere and you’ll feel rejuvenated after class, even if the yoga bliss is short-lived.
Mommy and Me Class at Healthworks
Address: 441 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116 | Click here for other locations.
Phone: 617-859-7700
So many mommy and me classes put baby’s experience first, but at Healthworks you can enjoy a fitness class that is all about you without worrying about hiring a babysitter. The class focuses mostly on strength and building muscle, but cardio is incorporated here and there to help you keep up with that little one who will soon be moving. Only non-crawling infants are allowed in this class so that the focus can remain on caregivers who are working on their fitness. This is a great class to remind yourself that meeting mom’s needs is important, too.
Urbanity Dance
Address: 1180 Washington St., Ste. 100, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-572-3727
Urbanity Dance is home to professional dancers and adults looking to strengthen their dance skills. It’s also a great place to take a dance class with your little one. Baby classes for kids up to age 3 encourage caregivers to get involved. Classes for babies start as soon as they can crawl and continue through the toddler years. We particularly love the Baby Tap and Tumble, where kids learn all about tap dance and gymnastics and can even perform on the big stage at the end of the program. (Don’t worry, parents aren’t expected to perform.)
Early Childhood Program at The Community Music Center of Boston
Address: 34 Warren Ave., Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-482-7494
The Community Music Center of Boston has been teaching children about music since 1910, so you will know that you and your child are in good hands. The Community Music Center offers two classes that are perfect for caregivers and kiddos. Little Notes uses folk songs to expose kids 5 months through 2 years old to song and sound. Music and Movement is for 3- and 4-year-olds and their caregivers, and it encourages everyone to get dancing. Once your little music lover is 4 years old, they can begin taking instrument classes at the Community Music Center, sparking a lifelong love of music.
Parent/Tot Time at Boston Athletic Club
Address: 653 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-269-4300
Getting into a pool (or into a swimsuit) may not top the list of things you feel like doing, but there’s no denying that little ones love splashing around during mommy and me swim class. At parent/tot time at Boston Athletic Club, kids ages 6 months to 3 years will learn the basics of swimming and water safety with their caregiver by their side. The main focus is on having fun and letting kids get comfortable with the water, which will make your little one ready to really learn how to swim when he or she is a bit older.
Little Lovage Club
Address: 778 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 857-201-0282
All the cool little ones in the South End know about the Little Lovage Club, where you can take a variety of classes and catch up with your mom friends. Founded by a former corporate sales lady-turned proud mama, Little Lovage Club offers parent and child classes ranging from Seekers (introducing curious babies to new toys, sounds, and experience) to Mini Munchkins, where babies can indulge in messy play and mamas can enjoy having someone else to help clean up the mess. The kids will have fun, and mom will love meeting other local parents.
Babies on Board at Xtend Barre
Address: 338 Newbury St., 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-351-6970
We’ve already established that baby barre classes are awesome for new moms. This one has the benefit of being in amazing location, right on Newbury Street in the heart of the city. Bring your little one to barre class and then spend time sipping coffee, shopping, or people-watching. Babies on Board is open to moms with infants who are at least 6 weeks old but who weigh less than 20 pounds. After class, enjoy a coffee or people watching before heading hope for a nap.
Did we list all your favorite local mommy and me classes? Let us know in the comments below!
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