Ranging from the musical to the physical to the playful, there’s a baby class for every tot and their parents in West London. But with so much on offer and with such little energy (thanks to our little sleep thieves), which baby activities are truly the best?
Find baby classes near you on Loopla here:
Are baby classes good for babies?
Yes. There are many benefits of attending baby classes, and these aren’t just for your baby.
Perhaps most obviously, interacting with other babies helps your little one to develop their social skills and build confidence.
Baby classes also provide a variety of stimulating activities such as songs and dance. These help with motor and language skill development and sensory awareness.[1]
As a parent, the days can feel long and sometimes lonely with a baby. Classes allow you to look forward to something fixed during the week. Not only will your baby meet some potential little friends, but you’ll also get to have real-life adult conversations. Win-win!
What is the best age for baby classes?
There are no rules about this. You should take your baby when you and your baby feel ready. Classes tend to be defined by specific ages, so it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re happy with the ages included.
Some parents are keen to take their babies to classes with older children than theirs, while others might not mind if the class is catered for younger babies. It’s entirely up to you.
So, which are our favourite ten baby classes in West London? Read on to find our top picks.
1. The Little Gym Westfield
Location: Westfield London Shopping Centre, Unit 2117a, Ariel Way, W12 7GE
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 39 reviews on Google and 5/5 stars from 25 reviews on Facebook
Reviews from parents suggest the classes are good at encouraging crawling and walking for slightly older babies. The only downside that is suggested is the price, which only gets quoted once an enquiry is submitted.
Gymnastics and babies – perhaps not your first thought when thinking about classes! But according to the Little Gym, it is never too early for your little one to start learning.
The Little Gym uses a unique combination of movement, music, learning and laughter to encourage your little one’s development.
Classes are centred around “three dimensional” learning. This means the focus is not only on movement and motor skills development but also about brain boosting and life skills.
Baby classes at Little Gym Westfield
Tumble & Tea (4-36m) (a class included for free as part of membership). For slightly older babies (10-18m), there is also the Birds class.
Little Gym Westfield reviews: What do parents say?
How to book at Little Gym Westfield
Visit the Little Gym Westfield website to make an enquiry or for more information.
2. Tots Play Chiswick
Location: Hogarth Youth and Community Centre, Duke Road, Chiswick, W4 2JR
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 3 reviews on Google
These 40-minute classes are filled with structured playtime to encourage development in a relaxed environment.
Class activities are extremely varied:
- Baby yoga, movement and music-based postures
- Nursery rhymes and simple action songs
- Multisensory play: using a wide variety of objects such as beach balls, ribbons, rice, etc.
- Baby Sign Language
- Wind Down Time Lullaby massage
Baby classes at Tots Play
Tots Play have the Baby Development Course 0-6m and Discovery Tots 2-9m.
Tots Play reviews: What do parents say?
Many reviews focus on the teacher being warm and welcoming.
How to book a class at Tots Play
Visit the Tots Play Chiswick website to book a class or for more information.
3. Monkey Music
Locations: various across Putney, Barnes and Fulham. View full schedule
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 2 reviews on Google
Run by a music teacher, these classes are packed with percussion instruments, movement and dance activities. Classes are only 30 minutes long to avoid being too overwhelming for your little ones.
Monkey Music has been nominated for and won several awards, including Best London Kids class.
Baby classes at Monkey Music
The best class for babies is their Rock’n’Roll Music class which is from 3 months of age.
Monkey Music reviews: What do parents say?
How to book at Monkey Music
Visit the Monkey Music website to book a class or for more information.
4. Baby Sensory Fulham
Location: 41 Brook Grn, London W6 7BL
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 3 reviews on Google
A sensory-filled class with a different theme each week. This class allows for a short break in the middle to follow your baby’s play-rest-play cycle and avoid overstimulation.
Founded by Dr Lin Day, the lesson plans are based on expert knowledge and experience. Baby Sensory is specifically designed to be suitable from birth to 13 months of age (it’s, therefore, one of the only classes you can take a newborn to). From puppet shows to musical instruments to baby signing, each week will offer up something new.
Baby classes at Baby Sensory Fulham
The best class for babies is their Baby sensory class which is from birth to 13 months of age.
Baby Sensory reviews: What do parents say?
How to book at Baby Sensory Fulham
Visit the Baby Sensory Fulham website to book a class or for more information.
5. West London Babies
Location: Chiswick, W4 at Caroline’s house
Reviews: reviews can only be found on their website
Offering both massage and yoga, West London Babies with Caroline is said to have great health benefits for you and your baby.
The massage classes can be done in groups or in one-to-one private classes. They can also be tailored for specific needs, such as for parents with premature babies or for just dads and baby. Caroline provides everything you’ll need, such as oils, mats and even snacks and drinks.
In the yoga classes, you will learn moves and actions to encourage your baby’s strength and coordination. Nothing extreme like planks will be thrown at you, so fear not.
Baby classes at West London Babies
West London Babies runs two classes for babies: Baby yoga (from 3 months) and Baby massage (newborn upwards).
West London Babies reviews: What do parents say?
“I was surprised by how much Maya loved it, and that in turn helped me enjoy some quality time with her even more..” (West London Babies website)
How to book with West London Babies
Visit the West London Babies website to make an enquiry or for more information.
6. Music House for Children
Location: 306 Uxbridge Rd, W12 7LJ
Reviews: 4.4/5 stars from 18 reviews on Google and 5/5 stars from 17 reviews on Facebook
Interactive live music classes. Babies are encouraged to explore different instruments with singing and listening time.
These classes include musical story-tales, concerts and special projects.
Baby classes at Music House for Children
Music House for Children runs one class for babies: Newborn Music classes (0-12m). There are also a host of one-off events and workshops.
Music House for Children reviews: What do parents say?
“The Music House is an absolute gem.” Rachel Fairley
How to book Music House for Children
Visit the Music House for Children website to book a class or for more information.
7. Adventure Babies
Location: Natural History Museum, South Kensington
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 11 reviews on Google
A sensory storytelling class designed to boost your baby’s development and kick-start a love for books from a young age. 45 minutes per session.
Classes include:
- Sensory props
- A magical story about the natural world
- A sing-along session
- Messy play without the clean-up
Baby classes at Adventure Babies
Adventure Babies runs one class for babies: Adventure Babies (Baby – pre-crawlers), held on various dates.
Adventure Babies reviews: What do parents say?
“My son has been going to Adventure Babies baby classes for 6 months now and absolutely loves it. He gets so much fun & stimulation from the stories, sensory bags & messy play activities and it has also helped to develop his love of books…” Coleen Rooney
How to book Adventure Babies
Visit the Adventure Babies website to book tickets or for more information.
8. Hartbeeps South and South West London
Locations: Acton: Cody Studios, W3 9BY. Fulham: Spiritualist Church, SW6 5AS. Bayswater: St Matthews Church 27 St Petersburgh Place, W2 4LA
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 13 reviews on Google and 4.9/5 stars from 41 reviews on Facebook
Hartbeeps is all about the imaginative and playful. A combination of baby massage, singing, plenty of dress-up (queue hilarious and cute photos of your baby), parachutes and sensory lights.
Baby classes at Hartbeeps
Hartbeeps runs two classes for babies: Baby Beeps (suitable from 7 months) and Baby Bells (suitable from 8 weeks)
Hartbeeps reviews: What do parents say?
“There are, of course, many places that my Son Robbie loves. None of these offer the same structure and developmental benefits that come along with our weekly hour of fun at Hartbeeps.” [3]
“Hartbeeps really is like no other baby class I have ever been to. At first I really didn’t think I was going to like it. All the ‘goo-goos’, ‘gaa-gaas’ and ‘maaaa, ma ma’ sing songs grated on me just a little because they weren’t me. It seemed really dumbed down and super immature and childish. But that’s EXACTLY what a baby class should be. We are entertaining the babies here, not the adults! And I love it.” [4]
How to book Hartbeeps
Visit the Hartbeeps website to make an enquiry or for more information.
9. Little Prodigies
Location: Ethilene Holder Upper Hall, 5 Denbigh Road, W11 2SJ London
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 6 reviews on Google
Little Prodigy classes are run by professional educators with expertise in the early years. Classes explore real child and adult world experiences. Themes include exploring the wonders of light and nature.
Baby classes at Little Prodigies
Little Prodigies runs one class for babies: the Developmental classes (6-24m).
Little Prodigies reviews: What do parents say?
How to book Little Prodigies
Visit the Little Prodigies website to make an enquiry or for more information.
10. Mini Mozart Notting Hill
Location: St Mary of the Angels, Moorhouse Road, Notting Hill, W2 5DJ
Reviews: 5/5 stars of 26 reviews on Facebook
Each class is taught by professional musicians with a piano accompanist.
The class aims to take babies beyond just hearing music and encourages them to actively listen too. Touching of instruments is encouraged!
Many children leave the Mini Mozart school with an idea of what instrument they would like to play before heading to school.
Baby classes at Mini Mozart
Mini Mozart runs one class for babies: the Mini Mozart Notting Hill Babies.
Mini Mozart: What do parents say?
How to book Mini Mozart
Visit the Mini Mozart website to book a class or for more information.
Which baby classes in West London should I choose?
All these classes offer something slightly unique and different.
For those seeking sessions with more variety, then Tots Play Chiswick, the Little Gym or Little Prodigies might be your best bet. Ranging from physical movement to sensory play to baby sign language, these classes combine the best of baby classes in one class.
For those wanting more of a focused activity, then Mini Mozart, Adventure Babies or West London Babies might be more your thing. Mini Mozart provides live interaction with musical instruments.
Adventure Babies are for those who want more of a storytime focus. West London Babies is great for a more relaxing and bonding experience with your baby.
For those who are looking for a more informal and fun session, Hartbeeps is clearly one to attend.
Whichever class you decide to attend, remember you’ve done amazingly well just to leave the house.
