After being at home for a few weeks or months with your new bundle of joy, you may feel like it’s time to get out and about more, and bringing along baby is usually required. During your maternity or parental leave, signing up for an interactive class where both of you can join is a great way to meet other parents, have adult conversations, and engage with your baby outside of the home. Baby is never too young to experience music, storytelling or dance and we think you both will love the extra special bonding time. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite activities for parents and their babies in Ottawa to enjoy together before baby’s first birthday.
Monkey Rock Music
Get your baby rocking, bouncing and feeling the music at a Monkey Rock Music class. With locations across the City, you and baby can feel the beat together. Sign up for an entire session or join a drop-in class when you are free. We love the idea of introducing music so early on to your littlest ones.
Mommy Connections
Meet other moms, share resources (like better sleep or healthy living tips) and let baby play at one of the Mommy Connections play groups located in Orleans, The Glebe, Barrhaven and Kanata. Each week, there’s a session led by a local parenting expert or there’s a fun activity planned that moms will love.
FITMOM Ottawa
Photo credit: Sara McConnell Photography
Fitness doesn’t have to be put on the back burner when you are on maternity leave. Bring baby to a FITMOM and Baby postnatal class to get in some exercise and meet other moms in your community. You can find recommended baby carriers on the website that will keep baby close to you in class.
Little Lotus Yoga
When you are tired, sore and constantly holding a baby, stretching out your body and finding a moment for calm is essential for you and your baby. Little Lotus Yoga offers Mom and Baby yoga classes at various locations across Ottawa. You can focus on your body and mind in a welcoming environment with other moms.
Gymboree Play and Music Ottawa
In Ottawa’s East end, Gymboree Play and Music Ottawa has a variety of classes focused on play and movement. The Play and Learn class encourages baby to explore (and if you have an early crawler, this may be just what you need!) and the Baby Lab is a sensory exploration for babies under 10 months old.
Starr Gymnastics
Starr Gymnastics has gyms at three locations in Ottawa where little ones can crawl, bounce and play. We love that they offer a free (yes, we said free!) baby playgroup at each location. Visit the website for each day and time when the drop-ins are available!
Salsa Babies
You don’t need rhythm to join a Salsa Babies dance class. You get to wear baby, move to the beat, and exercise at the same time. We love the combination of dance and fitness. Classes take place in various locations across Ottawa so you can find one that is nearest you.
Babytime at the Ottawa Public Library
At your local Ottawa Public Library branch, you may find a babytime class to join. These classes are free, weekly, and involve stories and songs. Some classes, depending on location, are drop-in while others require registration. Visit the Library website to find full class details near you.
Mom and Baby on the Move
Twice weekly you can strollercise at the St. Laurent Shopping centre – no matter the weather, you’ll be able to go for a walk with baby. On Monday’s and Wednesdays, join Jules from Fitness with Jules for a meet and greet and stroll around the Mall.
Tagged under: Classes,babies,activities with babies
Category: classes
