7 Mommy & Me Classes for Babies and Toddlers

If you are a new mom, your schedule is probably already packed to the brim with too much on your plate to handle. So, do you really still need that baby class or would you feel guilty about not exposing your child to such experiences while your friends are? It may not be compulsory but there are many good reasons to join a “Mommy and Me” class with your baby. Besides reintroducing some sanity into your life again by going out, getting some fresh air and hanging out with other mothers, these classes are carefully calibrated to stimulate baby’s learning and development. Seize this prime learning period to attend one or more of the following parent-accompanied programmes that make learning and growing fun together.

1.       Music and Movement

Music education in early childhood is one of the programmes that can have major positive impacts on all areas of development. Participating in vocal play and exploring percussion instruments introduces children to early musical concepts such as rhythm, dynamics and beat. Pair that with dancing, musically based activities and expressive movements, it nurtures the whole child. Lessons are not only fun but also designed to enhance children’s creativity and imagination, speech development, confidence, and communication, physical and social skills. It is a worthwhile pursuit to give your time to make happy memories together with your little one in class.  

2.       Messy Play / Sensory Stimulation

Image: Baby Sensory Sri Petaling

It is a world of wonder out there for babies. Everything they touch, see, hear, smell or taste is a unique and magical experience. Based on the same structure, messy play and sensory stimulation classes are where play and learning go hand in hand with imagination and adventure. Opportunities are given for them to discover and explore the play area. A wide range of equipment and materials will be specifically selected to stimulate their senses and introduce them to new colours, shapes, textures, and simple sign language, images and words. These exploratory play sessions allow for the further acquisition of skills such as sharing and taking turns. It is a great way for your baby to maximise the benefits of messy play without having to deal with the post-play clean up.

Learning Centre: Baby Sensory

Location: Sri Petaling, Sri Hartamas, Kota Kemuning 

Programme: Baby Sensory

Age: Newborns – 14 months

3.       Swimming

Introducing your baby to the swimming pool can do wonders for their development. Progressive lessons are structured to boost their water confidence, and more importantly, align with key developmental milestones. Submerging them into water helps them explore their balance and become more coordinated as they learn to stand on their feet; cross-lateral movements helps with their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Not to mention, baby swimming also helps with their eating and sleeping patterns. 

4.       Mandarin

Image: Bright Star Chinese Education

During the period of astonishing growth, babies have an impressive capacity to imitate sounds and are perfectly primed for learning new languages. Placing babies in a playgroup programme that is created to expose them to the unique tonality and phonetics of Mandarin helps them gain familiarity and develop an interest in early language learning. Just like music and movement classes, Mandarin playgroups also engage little ones through music, multi-sensorial activities and purposeful play.   

5.       Yoga

Image: Prana Yoga KL

Restorative yoga classes are a great way for new moms to focus on postnatal recovery and bond with their babies. Deep breathing and flowing from one pose to the next helps regain strength and muscle tone, as well as balance and relaxation. You will get to enjoy the many benefits of practicing Yoga, while nurturing friendships with shared experiences from other moms.   

6.       Gym

Image: The Little Gym

Aimed at bringing out baby’s innate adventurous spirit, a wide range of physical development activities and movement patterns are set up to help them improve control and coordination. Babies and toddlers will get to topple, tumble and have lots of fun in class, and learn through play and exploration. These mini gym classes do not solely focus on building physical strength, they also enhance cognitive, listening and social skills.

7.       S.T.E.A.M.

Image: Gymboree 

Simple, early S.T.E.A.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics – concepts are introduced in a toddler environment. They may seem too young to understand these learning concepts, but lessons usually incorporate a broad range of themed playful exploration and multisensory opportunities for them to discover and experience, and establish a strong foundation of S.T.E.A.M. knowledge. The benefits are endless as they see, hear, taste, touch and smell.