Are you looking for more fun activities to do with your baby outside the home, connect with other parents, or work on a developmental skill with bubs?
This is where baby groups can really come in handy! There are all sorts of things you can do, ranging from chilled coffee catch-ups to classes with more specific themes.
Luckily, we’ve compiled the best baby groups near you. So keep reading to discover parent meetups, baby yoga, baby signing, baby gym, and more near you!
Baby groups are good for:
- Sensory stimulation
- Baby development
- Socialisation
- Parent-baby bonding
Mum and baby classes
There are a wide variety of mum and baby classes, depending on what you’re interested in or hope to learn. Of course, dads and other caregivers are more than welcome to join in the fun too!
Some of the most popular classes include:
- Baby massage
- Music
- Baby signing
- Sensory activities
Keep reading to discover more about each of them, so you can choose which is best for you and your little one!
Find baby groups near you: Search baby groups
Baby music classes near you
Baby music classes are all about exposing your baby to the joy of music, rhythm, and movement. You can expect lots of singing, exploring simple instruments, and listening to simple melodies or rhymes. There’s nothing like seeing bubs groove to their favourite tunes!
Is music good for 1-year-olds?
Studies have shown that music is great for babies, as it can help with their language skills, emotional development, and mathematical abilities.
Music can activate various parts of your baby’s brain, helping them recognise patterns and predict rhythms – both of which are necessary when picking up or learning a new language. (1, 2)
What’s more, music is just good fun no matter your age. Babies are naturally drawn to the rhythm and melodies of songs. So don’t be surprised to see your little one giggle with joy at new sounds.
What music is good for baby development?
While there are many articles promoting classical music or baby songs as the most beneficial for baby development, almost any kind of music can do babies a world of good!
Playing with your baby whilst music is playing is also a good way to bond with bubs. So feel free to put on your favourite tunes for you and bubs to enjoy together. (3)
When should I start teaching my baby music?
You can start exposing your baby to music anytime in their first year. Just like in baby music classes, you can also expose your little one to a variety of different tunes at home with a mixture of old favourites, like nursery rhymes, dance rhythms, and classical music. (4)
Baby music classes in London
Some of our favourite music classes in London include those run by Hartbeeps and Mini Mozart. Their lessons are fun and relaxed, as they use puppets, bubbles, and a variety of tools to bring music to life.
Baby sensory classes near you
In baby sensory classes, you will find your little one exposed to lots of different experiences to stimulate their vision, hearing, touch, smell, and motor skills.
What happens in a baby sensory class?
Depending on the individual class, it might be structured or free-flowing. But you’ll generally find lots of materials that let your baby explore a wide variety of sensory activities. From light shows to playful props (like rattles, scarves, or water play), watch your bub’s eyes light up as they experience new sensations!
Are sensory classes good for babies?
Sensory classes and activities can have an incredibly positive effect on a baby’s development. Experts suggest that it can help to build key brain networks that form the foundation of more complex cognitive and motor skills.
Sensory play can also help your child develop key social skills, such as communicating with others and adapting to how other children play. (5)
When should babies start sensory classes?
It depends on the class provider, but many start sensory classes from birth.
Baby sensory classes in London
We’re loving the sensory classes in London from Baby College, which also incorporate singing and music.
Baby gym classes near you
Get your little ones moving and hitting their motor skills milestones in baby gym classes!
Baby gym centres are equipped with age-appropriate equipment (like large foam props and mats) that will allow bubs to explore different movements (like crawling, pushing and pulling) in a safe, fun environment.
There will usually be some structured time where your little one will be encouraged to try a new movement, along with some free exploration time to let them discover movements at their own pace.
Why are baby gym classes good?
Baby gym classes are good because they get your baby moving in ways that develop balance, coordination, and body awareness.
When should babies start exercising?
It’s important to incorporate movement into your baby’s daily activity — even from birth. You can start off by letting your baby stretch out to grasp things and progressively move on to short periods of tummy time.
Baby gym classes in London
We love the baby gym classes from The Little Gym. These classes are fun and relaxed, with lots of music and dance, and they can help children develop their motor coordination (they cater to little ones from 4 months old to 12 months).
If you decide to progress on to their toddler classes, your little one can learn gymnastic flips and twists.
Baby signing classes near you
Babies may not be able to speak, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t communicate through baby sign language! Learn all about the best baby signing classes here.
What is baby signing good for?
Baby signing is good for developing a system of gestures between parent and child to make early communication easier. (6)
Baby signing classes in London
Some of our favourite baby signing classes in London include the ones provided by Sing and Sign Putney and The Signing Company St Albans.
You will learn how to encourage bubs to use gestures to signal that they’d like “more milk”, “a nappy change”, or “a nap”.
This will help take the guesswork out of what your baby really needs at different moments throughout the day.
Mum and baby yoga classes near you
In our best mum and baby yoga classes, you’ll be doing postnatal yoga moves with your baby by your side. Many of the movements will keep your baby engaged and make it fun for them too!
So, you’ll be building core strength and flexibility while bonding with bubs at the same time.
Baby yoga classes in London
Busylizzy’s mum and baby yoga classes in London are great for mums who want lessons specifically designed for the postnatal period.
Find baby groups near you: Search baby groups
Baby massage classes near you
In these best baby massage classes near you, you’ll learn various rubbing techniques for little ones. It’s a great way to help your baby relax while building attachment through touch.
Baby massage classes in London
Learn how to give your little one a soothing massage from these baby massage classes in London from Tots Play and Family Massage and Yoga.
Parent meetup groups near you
Unlike classes, parent meetup groups are usually a lot more casual. You’ll get to meet other parents with children of similar ages so that you can find new friends, let your kids play with one another, gain support, and form meaningful connections.
What is the purpose of a parent group?
The purpose of parent groups can vary widely. Some are purely social, where you might meet other parents over a casual coffee and chat. Others might also have more specific weekly activities, like art or sensory activities for the kids.
Baby groups in London near you
Some of the most popular baby groups and classes in London include baby music classes from Hartbeeps and baby gym classes from The Little Gym.
FAQs: Baby Groups in London
Are baby classes worth it?
Baby classes can definitely be worth it — especially if you’re looking to help your baby along with a development milestone (like flipping over) or looking to improve your own skills (like baby massage). They’re also a great place to socialise and meet other parents who have the same interests.
How can I stimulate my baby’s brain?
Stimulating your baby’s brain can be done through very simple activities, like talking to them, reading stories, and music. Simple object play with rattles, scarves, or even just your own hands also promotes sensory development. (7)
What age do babies learn most?
Most learning actually occurs during the first five years of a child’s life and not just during the baby phase (one year and under). This includes learning about relationships, communication skills, motor skills, and exploring the world around them. In fact, children develop more brain connections in the first five years compared to any other period in their lives. (8)
What classes are best for babies?
The best class for you and your baby depends on what you’d like to learn or what your little one enjoys. Currently, baby music, massage, yoga, gym and signing classes are very popular.
What age is best for baby classes?
Which age is best for baby classes depends on the type of class you’re interested in. Baby massage classes may start earlier (one month old). But lessons like baby music and gym might be more suitable for little ones that are four months old and older.
References
- “How music helps baby brain development”, Mercy
- “Exposing your baby to music can really produce a genius”, News24
- ”Is Listening to the TV Helpful or Harmful for a Baby?”, Parents
- “What’s the right age to begin music lessons?” PBS
- “What is sensory play? The benefits for your child and sensory play ideas”, Cleveland Clinic
- “Baby sign language: A helpful communication tool”, Michigan State University
- “Play ideas for encouraging newborn cognitive development”, raisingchildren.net.au
- “Child development: The first 5 years”, raisingchildren.net.au
