Image of baby playing chimes

When can I start baby and toddler classes?

When can you start baby classes? Will a tiny baby enjoy them or should you wait until they are a bit older?

Whether you’ve got a newborn or a non-stop toddler to entertain, getting out and about has massive benefits for both you and your child. But with so much on offer, the world of baby and toddler classes can be a bit overwhelming for busy and sleep-deprived parents!

When should you start baby classes, what can you expect and how should you pick one?! Researching all the classes and activities on offer can seem like more trouble than it’s worth. 

We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled suggestions for each age and stage of your baby’s development in our handy guide – including what’s on for you. Find something that fits the bill, get booking, and enjoy!

What’s on for parents?

Yes, yes, we did say that this is a guide to baby classes. But being a parent doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too! There are tons of activities where you can be entertained or learn a new skill with your baby in tow, especially in the early stages.

We recommend a bit of laughter therapy from Bring Your Own Baby Comedy or catching the latest releases with Big Scream screenings. Then, when you feel ready for it, a parent and baby fitness class like Buggyfit can give you a real boost.

There’s a lot of baby friendly activities on offer – from talks for parents, to photography classes and even life drawing!

Use the ‘for parents’ filter on Happity to get personalised results near you.

Best for newborns (up to 6 months)

when can I start baby classes? mums and babies at a baby class

One of the best things about starting a baby class when your baby is little is that you can meet other parents and make new friendships. You can feel pretty lonely when you’re home alone with a tiny human all day. Finding a baby class gets you out of the house and helps you find other parents in your area. So don’t worry about starting early.

When you feel ready to start baby classes, baby massage is a perfect (and gentle) introduction. You can find loads of baby massage classes on Happity.

Once babies begin to take more notice of their surroundings, a specialist music or sensory class can help you to get maximum pleasure from those early interactions.  Happity faves include long-established Baby Sensory classes, and Hartbeeps for its fun and funky music classes.

You can also start baby swimming lessons from birth. Check out your local leisure centre’s schedule or sign up for a course with Water Babies or Aquatots.

Top Tip: We’ve hand-picked and curated a list of the best classes with a ‘younger babies’ filter on Happity. No need to worry about being trampled by toddlers!

Best for babies (from 6 months)

babies at a baby music class

From around 6 months babies are becoming mobile, starting to explore the world, and making early attempts at language. There are lots of classes that can encourage development at this stage.

Marvel at how much little ones can communicate using signs at Sing and Sign and Tiny Talk classes. If they are on the go, watch your little one try out their wobbly motor skills in a safe environment such as a Gymboree class or your local soft play centre.

Best for Toddlers

toddlers at a toddler class

Entertaining a fully-formed little person who is full of beans (and endless questions) can be exhausting. Lining up a few activities can really help to take the pressure off you for a while, with the added developmental benefits for them.

Toddlers love to move about so encourage them to burn off some of that mischievous energy at a dance class. Try BabyBalletDiddi Dance and Eos Dance for classes suitable from 18 months. An under 5s trampolining session at will help to improve balance and coordination. Or you can promote eye hand coordination at a sports class like Little Kickers or Little Rugby.

Children this age are also finding their voice, if not their volume control. Being loud is positively encouraged at music classes like Boppin’ Bunnies and Monkey Music.

Looking to develop foreign language skills? With Lingotots you can learn a new language alongside your toddler – take your pick of Mandarin, Arabic, French, German and Spanish.

For the budding adventurer, encourage your little one to enjoy the great outdoors. They can learn about nature (and get muddy in the process of course) at a forest school.

Booking ahead (or not?)

mum and baby at baby yoga class

Whatever you choose, bear in mind that some classes need to be booked as a course in advance, whereas others accept drop-ins. If you’re worried about committing yourself (and funds), ask if the provider offers a trial session so you can see what’s what and gauge your child’s interest before taking the plunge. Happity has search filters for both ‘drop-in’ availability and ‘trial offers’.

You might find you try a few things before settling on a schedule of activities that works for you and your baby, and often classes that were enjoyable at one stage can go on to clash with a change in your baby’s nap or meal times. Don’t be afraid to change it up, there’s always something new and fun around the corner at every stage!

Visit Happity now to search for baby and toddler classes and activities near you.

Found the perfect class for your baby’s age and stage? Share your tips and recommendations with our Happity community over on Facebook or Instagram. Run a great class that’s not on Happity yet? Join Happity today

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