Parenting babies and toddlers provides an unmatched sense of joy, but let’s face it: Finding ways to enrich and entertain young kids on a regular basis can be exhausting — not to mention a little mind-numbing. A potential solution for those days that seem to go on forever? Mommy and Me classes, which provide both socialization for mom or dad and a host of new skills for baby or toddler.
“In addition to helping your child adjust to being with people outside their immediate family, these classes can foster independence, help kids adapt to new surroundings, teach empathy and expose toddlers to the concept of sharing,” says Susan Newman, author of “Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day.”
Wondering which Mommy and Me classes would be the best fit for you and your little one? Here are 10 fun options to consider.
10 fun Mommy and Me class ideas
1. Mommy and Me yoga
In addition to providing a gentle, nurturing way to care for your postnatal body, Mommy and Me yoga helps strengthen the physical and emotional bond between mom and baby through fun poses (think: holding your baby up on your shins while you lie flat), massages and songs. It’s also a great way to connect with other new moms.
“I had never done yoga in my life, but I signed up for a Mommy and Me yoga class after my first daughter was born,” says Amanda Rossell of Athens, New York. “I loved it so much that I was sure to do it after my next two babies, as well. It’s such a nice way to get out of the house with the baby — and I also met some of my closest friends there!”
For parents with older kids, most yoga studios also offer toddler yoga classes, where wiggly little ones can try centering themselves through fun poses, props and songs. These classes also help build body awareness and strengthen coordination.
Most Mommy and Me yoga classes are held at private studios, but community centers and YMCAs may offer them, as well. At Home Power Yoga in Cranford, New Jersey, drop-in kids’ classes are $23, but prices vary nationwide.
Best for: Ages 4 weeks – crawling for babies, ages 2-5 for toddlers
2. Mom and infant classes for swimming
Not only do water safety infant classes teach essential life skills, it’s also fun and a great way to bond with baby. Most swim schools, including the YMCA, offer Mommy and Me swim classes starting at 6 months. While it’s unlikely your little one will be doing laps by the time the session is through, it’s an ideal way to get them used to water — and it’s a great low-impact workout for mom, to boot!
Rates at the Y vary, depending on whether you’re a member or non-member, but eight-week classes are typically around $60 for members and $100+ for non-members.
Best for: Ages 6 months – 36 months; after age 3, most swim classes are child-only
3. Music classes for babies and toddlers
Like peanut butter and jelly, toddlers and tambourines just go together. In addition to the fun that Mommy and Me music classes provide for little ones, they also help the brain process new speech sounds. Babies and toddlers alike will love exploring the sounds, colors and textures of a musical Mommy and Me class, and parents will forever cherish the catchy songs they learn together — even if they’re constantly stuck in their heads.
One of the more popular national music classes, Music Together, combines instrument play with dancing and catchy original tunes. Tuition varies by location, but classes generally run 10 weeks.
Best for: Ages birth – 7 years
4. Mommy and Me art class
While babies are too young for crafts, art classes where creativity — and messes! — are welcome can be a toddler’s dream. (And yay! for not having to scrape paint off the dining room table.) Budding artists will be able to work with a variety of mediums, including paint, glue, collage and every parent’s favorite — glitter. The result is serious bonding time with your little one — and colorful masterpieces to display on the fridge.
Locations and types of classes vary, but art museums and libraries are good places to begin your search.
Best for: Ages 2-5 years
5. Storytime for mom and baby
Storytime is one of the most popular free Mommy and Me classes. Typically offered at libraries, community centers or Barnes & Noble stores, storytime is a great opportunity to cuddle up with your baby or toddler, foster their love of reading and meet other parents. Most storytimes are geared toward a specific age group, such as under 3 or ages 4-6, while others are more broad with 2-6-year-old ranges.
Best for: Ages 18 months – 6 years old
6. Gym time for Mommy and Me
Need to get your super energetic kiddo out of house so they don’t break (another) lamp? Take them to a Mommy and Me gym class! Whether you want to develop your baby’s coordination and gross motor skills or help your older child burn off some of his never-ending energy, gym classes, such as My Gym, offer a great space to move and interact with others.
“I signed my daughter up for a toddler gym class in the winter, when we needed to get out of the house,” says Ilene Palmieri, of Howell, New Jersey. “It was great for both of us! She got to run, jump and roll around, and I made a few mom friends.”
Prices at My Gym vary by location.
Best for: Ages 6 months – 4 years old
7. Stroller strides
For multitasking parents who are looking to get moving, Stroller Strides, which combines exercise, fresh air and little ones, is the perfect activity. Using a stroller (with a little one in tow!), parents get a total body workout that focuses cardio, strength training and core restoration. During the 60-minute workout, kiddos will be kept entertained with songs, activities and, of course, the great outdoors.
Depending on where you live, a monthly membership for Stroller Strides (and Stroller Barre) classes starts at $75.
Best for: Babies and toddlers who can safely stay buckled into a stroller
8. Kid-friendly cooking classes
Teach — or have somebody else teach — your child the joy of cooking by attending a Mommy and Me cooking class together. In addition to getting to work with fresh, healthy ingredients, kids will learn about the origin of their food. Your tiny chef will brush up on his motor, sensory and social skills, all while whipping up something sweet to enjoy at the end of class.
Prices vary for cooking classes depending on location. Keep in mind, some grocery stores offer one-off cooking classes (for free!), as well.
Best for: Ages 4-9 years
9. Mommy and Me outdoor adventures
Enjoy fun adventures together with classes that prioritize purposeful outdoor play. Mommy and Me outdoor and nature classes are a great way to get to know your environment, move your body and enjoy calming, connected time together.
Many outdoor classes are offered by private nature schools, like Wild Things Outdoor Learning in California, or organized locally using free resources like Tinkergarten outdoor learning curriculum. The zoo and nature conservatories are other great places to search for these types of classes near you.
Best for: Ages birth to 8+ years
10. Language classes for Mommy and Me
Children can start learning new languages as early as infancy, so why not learn together? There are a number of language immersion programs nationwide that offer classes for babies, toddlers and parents. Try Spanish with the Spanish Schoolhouse or learn French through the Language Learning Institute.
Classes typically incorporate fun games, songs, movement and other age-friendly learning tools.
Best for: Ages 12 months+
The benefits of Mommy and Me activities
Still not sold? Consider these perks of taking Mommy and Me classes.
They teach vital social skills for babies and toddlers
Your little one doesn’t need to be toddling about to enjoy these classes. In fact, signing up for a Mommy and Me class before your child’s 1st birthday can create a strong parenting and social foundation.
“You’re giving both yourself and your baby a chance to engage with the community and with each other,” says Dr. Katherine Hoops, a pediatric critical care physician at Johns Hopkins.
They promote bonding
Mommy and Me classes are the perfect setting for children to have mom or dad’s undivided focus — and what’s better than that?
“It is the attention of a child’s parent that provides enrichment, not fancy toys or electronics,” Hoops says. “Shared activities, like a music class, craft time or swimming lessons, give toddlers and older children the opportunity to learn something new, while also enjoying some protected time with mom and dazzling her with a new skill.”
They come in free or low-cost options
If you appreciate the benefits Mommy and Me classes provide but are concerned about the price tag, consider looking into free Mommy and Me classes. From storytime at the library to seasonal events at the community center, there are always classes available for little to no cost at all.
