Doula Care 70 W 93rd St, New York, NY 10025 212.749.6613 doulacare.com Notes: Owner Ruth Callahan and all ten of the other doulas who work here are certified with DONA as well as mothers themselves.
In a Family Way 124 West 79th Street New York, NY 10024 212 877.8112 inafamilyway.com
The Metropolitan Doula Group 75 Prospect Park West, #4B Brooklyn, NY 11215 212.252.2816 nydoula.com Notes: A great consumer resource for researching many different doulas.
Baby Nurses
Absolute Best Care 274 Madison Ave, Suite 503 New York, NY 10016 212.481.5705 absolutebestcare.com Notes: A very reliable service that has won several awards from magazines and websites. Provides nannies, baby nurses, babysitters, and housekeepers.
The Fox Agency 30 East 60th Street, Suite 904 New York, NY 10022 212.753.2686
Frances Stewart Agency 1220 Lexington Ave, Suite 2B New York, NY 10028 212.439.9222 francesstewartagency.com
Mommy & Me Classes :: Manhattan Baby Fingers Various locations 212.874.5978 mybabyfingers.com Notes: The concept behind Baby Fingers is truly innovative. Basically, they teach pre-verbal communication to very young children through sign language and songs. Mothers can not stop raving about how amazing it is to watch their babies learn how to associate hand signs with certain objects, emotions, and needs.
Apple Seeds 10 West 25th St. New York, NY 10010 212.792.7590 appleseedsnyc.com Notes: The cute website alone could be reason enough to visit this amazing place. Moms in the area are thanking their lucky stars that this amazing resource came along in early 2007. Similar to Kidville, this is one stop shopping with classes, a boutique, and a cafe.
A-Ha! Play & Learning Center 1624 First Avenue (between 84th & 85th) New York, NY 10028 212.517.8292 AhaLearning.com Notes: Created with experts from Harvard, Brazelton, and other leading institutions, A-Ha! features creative classes designed to stimulate, intrigue, and enhance development.
Kidville Locations on Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, and Park Slope kidville.com Notes: Because of its wide breadth of options, you will notice Kidville popping up in many different categories. This is truly a mecca for all things child. Resources include over one hundred classes, a cafe for both kids and grown-ups, a salon offering haircuts for kids and mommy manicures, a toy and clothing boutique, and...a movie theater!
Little Maestros Various locations throughout the city 212.396.3977 littlemaestros.com Notes: These extremely popular classes feature four live musicians singing everything from classical to rock. Evening classes are offered -- ideal for working parents.
Greenwich Village Center 219 Sullivan St New York, NY 10012 212.254.3074
Children's Tumbling 9 Murray St New York, NY 10007 212. 233.3418 childrentumbling.com Notes: Moms love this program where the classes combine dance, tumble, and theatre. The culmination of each semester is a show put on by the children.
SpaBebe/Maternal Fitness 108 East 16th Street, 4th floor New York, NY 10003 212.353.1947 maternalfitness.com
92nd Street Y (Parenting Center) 1395 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10128 212.415.5611 92y.org
Broadway Babies 184 East 76th Street New York, NY 10021212.472.0703 applauseny.com Notes: Lively music classes
Gym Time Rhythm and Blues 1520 York Ave. New York, NY 10028 866.496.7278 gymtime.net Notes: Great variety of classes from cooking to gymnastics to music. Check out their website to review all of their offerings.
Music Together
Multiple locations musictogethernyc.com Notes: Music Together 's classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents, regardless of their own musical ability.
Mommy & Me Classes :: Brooklyn
Kidville 808 Union Street Brooklyn, NY 11215 718.569.2150 kidville.com Notes: Because of its wide breadth of options, you will notice Kidville popping up in many different categories. This is truly a mecca for all things child. Resources include over one hundred classes, a cafe for both kids and grown-ups, a salon offering haircuts for kids and mommy manicures, a toy and clothing boutique, and...a movie theater!
Music Together Multiple locations musictogethernyc.com Notes: Music Together 's classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents, regardless of their own musical ability.
Brooklyn Play Spot 399 Atlantic AvenueLower Level Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.852.2494 brooklynplayspot.com Notes: Play Spot is unique in that it not only has a great indoor play space for children but also caters to making parents comfortable. Classes include the renowned "Music for Aardvarks" and "Ciao Ciao Bambino" which is a basic Italian class for Moms and babes!
ArtsCetera Various locations throughout Brooklyn artscetera.com Notes: ArtsCetera has been a long running institution of wonderful music and art classes for babies and toddlers.
Just Wee Twos Congregation Mount Sinai 240 Cadman Plaza West Brooklyn, NY 11201 800.404.2204 Notes: Just Wee Twos offers classes for babies aged 14 months and higher. The structure of the playgroups is meant to loosely emulate preschool, complete with snacktime.
Baby Om Various locations throughout Brooklyn babyom.com Notes: The original Mommy and me yoga class. We love the multi tasking--getting your prebaby body back while also bonding with your little one.
Juguemos a Cantar Various locations throughout Brooklyn 718.768.5846 Notes: A music class done entirely in Spanish so you and your little one can brush up on your skills!
Parks & Playgrounds :: Manhattan Bleecker Street Playground Bleecker St. (between Bank St. and 8th Ave) New York, NY 10014 Notes: Bleecker Street is the neighborhood playground everyone wishes they had. It has a wonderful sandbox, two great jungle gyms, sprinkers to run through in the summer, and best of all - it's just a few short blocks away from the famous Magnolia Bakery so you can indulge in a cupcake after your outing.
Central Park centralpark.org Notes: What would Manhattan be without Central Park? It is the quintessential oasis within a bustling city and there is no shortage of wonderful sights and activities for your children. Here are just a few...
Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter Sculptures Fifth Avenue at 75th Street Hans Christian Andersen Statue East Side of the park at 74th Street
Balto the Sled Dog Statue East Side of the park at 67th Street Belvedere Castle Midpark at 79th Street Notes: Nineteenth-century stone castle with great views and a new turtle pond nearby.
The Carousel Midpark at 64th Street
James Michael Levin Playground East 76th Street Notes: Set inside the park and enclosed by a fence, this is a wonderful toddler park with a fountain featuring scenes from classic fairy tales, a new climbing structure, sandbox, bucket swings, and plenty of open space.
Pat Hoffman Friedman Playground East 79th Street Notes: Great for babies and toddlers, this small well-shaded playground has bucket swings, a sandbox, sprinklers, and some climbing structures.
The Ancient Playground East 84th Street Notes: This playground is next to the Met's Egyptian Temple of Dendur, and although the front is designed more for older children, there is a separate toddler area in the back with bucket swings and a sandbox.
East 96th Street Playground Notes: Good sized playground with bucket swings, a climbing structure, sandbox, and sprinklers. Perfect for Carnegie Hill residents.
The Robert Bendheim Playground East 98th Street Notes: This newly renovated playground was designed with the needs of handicapped children in mind. There is a water spiral big enough for a wheelchair, modular equipment with ramps, and an elevated platform with slides and sand.
Bernard Family Playground East 106th Street Notes: This playground has climbing structures, a sandbox, sprinklers, bucket swings, and a nice sand area in front of a pond.
Heckscher Playground Central Park South and 62nd Street Notes: This playground is rather dated with its metal slides, concrete ledges and tunnels, asphalt pavement, and straightforward swings and seesaws. But children do love the gigantic rocks for climbing and open spaces for running - and bathrooms are available. The Lauder Playground Central Park West and 68th Street Notes: This playground has a play area on a shady hilltop and a toddler area across the path with primary-colored climbing structures, slides, bucket swings, and sprinklers. You can also use the bathrooms next door at Tavern on the Green Restaurant.
Diana Ross Playground Central Park West and 81st Streets Next: This adventure playground includes suspension bridges, fireman poles, a sandbox, slides, bucket swings, and wood climbing structures. You can use the bathrooms at the Delacorte Theater a few steps away. The Spector Playground Central Park West at 85th Street Notes: This playground has a separate toddler area with bucket swings, a sandbox, sprinklers, and plastic and wood climbing structures.
Safari Playground West 91st Street Notes: A whimsical playground great for toddlers with its hippo sculptures, a canoe for climbing, and sprinklers.
Rudin Family Playground West 96th Street Notes: Lots of shade, a central sprinkler area, a big sandbox, climbing structures for toddlers and older children, and plenty of bucket swings.
Parks & Playgrounds :: Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge Park 1 Main Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 brooklynbridgepark.org Notes: This is a great neighborhood park by the water however there are no swings.
Harry Chapin Park
Middagh Street perpendicular to Everitt Street
Notes: Right off of the beautiful Brooklyn promenade. This is a great park for small children because it is not too crowded and has plenty of toys.
Notes: Prospect Park is what many consider the jewel of Brooklyn. It is large and expansive and makes you feel as if you have been transported to suburbia. Attractions include a zoo, carousel, and many beautiful playgrounds.
Carroll Park
President Street between Court and Smith Streets
Notes: A diverse range of activities including swings, sprinklers, and push toys. The play area for small children is seperated from that for big kids which is great.
William Sheridan Playground
Grand Street between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue
Notes: Hip it up in Williamsburg at this funky and functional playground.
Gyms, Play Areas, Classes :: Manhattan Baby Fingers Various locations 212.874.5978 mybabyfingers.com Notes: The concept behind Baby Fingers is truly innovative: basically, it is teaching pre-verbal communication to very young children through sign language and songs. Mothers can not stop raving about how amazing it is to watch their babies learn how to associate hand signs with certain objects, emotions, and needs.
Apple Seeds 10 West 25th St. New York, NY 10010 212.792.7590 appleseedsnyc.com Notes: The cute website alone could be reason enough to visit this amazing place. Moms in the area are thanking their lucky stars that this amazing resource came along in early 2007. Similar to Kidville (see below), this is one stop shopping with classes, a boutique, and a cafe.
A-Ha! Play & Learning Center 1624 First Avenue (between 84th & 85th) New York, NY 10028 212.517.8292 AhaLearning.com Notes: Created with experts from Harvard, Brazelton, and other leading institutions, A-Ha! features creative classes designed to stimulate, intrigue, and enhance development.
Kidville Locations on Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, and Park Slope kidville.com Notes: Because of it's wide breadth of options, you will notice Kidville popping up in many different categories. This is truly a mecca for all things child. Resources include: over one hundred classes, a cafe for both kids and grown-ups, a salon offering kids' haircuts and mommy manicures, a toy and clothing boutique, and...a movie theater!
Little Maestros Various locations throughout the city 212.396.3977 littlemaestros.com Notes: These extremely popular classes feature four live musicians singing everything from classical to rock. Evening classes offered -- ideal for working parents.
Greenwich Village Center 219 Sullivan St New York, NY 10012 212.254.3074
Children's Tumbling 9 Murray St New York, NY 10007 212. 233.3418 childrentumbling.com Notes: Moms love this program where the classes combine dance, tumble, and theater. The culmination of each semester is a show put on by the children.
Gym Time Rhythm and Blues 1520 York Ave. New York, NY 10028 866.496.7278 gymtime.net Notes: Great variety of classes from cooking to gymnastics to music. Check out their website to review all of their offerings.
74th Street Magic 510 E 74th St New York, NY 10021 212.737.3070 ecns.org Notes: Art, music, cooking and gym classes. Your tot will be a fully functional adult before you know it!
Music Together Multiple locations musictogethernyc.com Notes: Notes: Music Together 's classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents, regardless of their own musical ability.
Jodi's Gym 244 E 84th St New York, NY 10028 212.772.7633 jodisgym.com Notes: Colorful, fun space
Sokol New York Gym 420 East 71st Street New York, NY 10021 212.861.8206 Notes: One mom calls Sokol the "best kept secret in Manhattan". The classes use scaled-down gymnastics equipment and consist of free play, circle time, parachute play, and bubbles. A different theme is incorporated every few weeks.
Swimming at the Asphalt Green 555 East 90th Street New York, NY 10128 212.369.8890 asphaltgreen.org Notes: A non-profit public space that has a great swimming class called "Water Babies".
Sydney's Playground 66 White St New York, NY 10013 212.431.9125 www.sydneysplayground.com Notes: 6000 square foot indoor space specifically designed for kids 5 and under. Great prices and a wonderful place for parents to socialize as well.
Gyms, Play Areas, Classes :: Brooklyn
Brooklyn Play Spot 399 Atlantic Avenue Lower Level Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.852.2494 brooklynplayspot.com Notes: Play Spot is unique in that it not only has a great indoor play space for children but also caters to making parents comfortable.
Mamalu 232 North 12th Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 718.486.6312 mamalu.us Notes: This innovative indoor play space has great features which really encourage your child's creativity such as a dress-up area, multimedia center, and giant chalkboard. In addition, there is an awesome organic cafe and a lounge with internet.
Kidville 808 Union Street Brooklyn, NY 11215 kidville.com Notes: Because of it's wide breadth of options, you will notice Kidville popping up in many different categories. This is truly a mecca for all things child. Resources include: over one hundred classes, a cafe for both kids and grown-ups, a salon offering kids' haircuts and mommy manicures, a toy and clothing boutique, and...a movie theater!
Nannies (Agencies, Resources, etc.) :: Manhattan Absolute Best Care 274 Madison Ave, Suite 503 New York, NY 10016 212.481.5705 absolutebestcare.com Notes: A very reliable service that has won several awards from magazines and websites. Provides nannies, baby nurses, babysitters, and housekeepers.
Robin Kellner Agency 2 W 45th St New York, NY 10036 212.997.4151 robinkellner.com
The Fox Agency 30 East 60th Street, Suite 904 New York, NY 10022 212.753.2686
Frances Stewart Agency 1220 Lexington Ave, Suite 2B New York, NY 10028 212.439.9222 francesstewartagency.com
Baby Sitters (Agencies, Resources, etc.) :: Manhattan Absolute Best Care274 Madison Ave, Suite 503 New York, NY 10016 212.481.5705 absolutebestcare.com Notes: A very reliable service that has won several awards from magazines and websites. Provides nannies, baby nurses, babysitters, and housekeepers.
Barnard College Babysitter Service 3009 Broadway New York, NY 10027 212.854.2035 barnardbabysitting.com Notes: This service, which uses students from this Ivy League women's college, gets rave reviews across the board. An added plus is that the rates are relatively reasonable.
Pinch Sitters 799 Broadway New York, NY 10003 212.260.6005 Notes: This service specializes in getting you a last-minute sitter.
Sitter City (Online) 818.SIT.CITY sittercity.com Notes: If you haven't yet heard about this amazing website, you are in for a treat. Voted one of the 50 Coolest Websites by Time Magazine, this service has helped countless families find great sitters. (National service.)
Day Care Centers :: Manhattan Childcare, Inc 322 8th Ave, 4th Floor New York, NY 10001 212. 929.4999 childcareinc.org Notes: New York City families love and trust this resource for child care referrals and information. The Daycare Council of New York 12 West 21st Street 3rd Floor New York, NY 10010 212.206.7818 dccnyinc.org Notes: Provides information on family providers, daycare centers, and baby sitters. All caregivers are licensed, and the organization will send you a list of referrals (based on your zip code) free of charge.
Love A Lot Preschool 99 Suffolk Street New York, NY 10002 212.529.2650 lovealotpreschool.com Notes: A preschool and daycare that has children from 2 months to 5 years old. Love A Lot has a stellar repuation and offers many different options for working parents.
Day Care Centers :: Brooklyn
The Daycare Council of New York 12 West 21st Street 3rd Floor New York, NY 10010 212.206.7818 dccnyinc.org Notes: Provides information on family providers, daycare centers, and baby sitters. All caregivers are licensed, and the organization will send you a list of referrals (based on your zip code) free of charge.
Soho Parenting Group 568 Broadway Suite 402 New York, NY 10012 212.334.3744 sohoparenting.com
Baby Bites Nyc 646.258.3907 babybitesnyc.com Notes: This group was started by Laura Deutsch, a new mother who was finding the transition somewhat tough and felt that a support group could really help. She was right! Baby Bites had its first new mothers luncheon in February 2006 and took off like wildfire. There are now luncheons and dinners for new and expectant moms in Manhattan, Long Island, Westchester, and Connecticut.
The National Association of Mothers Centers 64 Division Avenue Levittown, NY 11756 516. 520-2929 800. 645-3828 motherscenter.org Notes: A national referral service for mother support groups in your area.
Maire Clements, RN 21 West 87th Street New York, NY 10024 212.595.4797 thebreastfeedingsalon.com Notes: Maire Clements is a registered nurse and board certified lactation consultant who offers hospital, home, and phone consultations. In addition, she has a great blog with informative articles.
92nd Street Y (Parenting Center) 1395 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10128 212.415.5611 92y.org Notes: The 92nd St. Y is one of the all-time great resources in New York City. It is the community center that we all wish we could have. Their comprehensive list of classes and support groups include New Mother, New Baby, When "Mom" Is On Your Resume, Planning Your Children's Early School Years, and more.
SpaBebe/Maternal Fitness 108 East 16th Street, 4th floor New York, NY 10003 212.353.1947 maternalfitness.com
Prenatal Yoga Center 251 W. 72nd St. 2F New York, NY 10023 212.362.2985 prenatalyogacenter.com Notes: A one-stop shop! The first yoga center in New York City to focus on moms and moms-to-be, Prenatal Yoga Center has a variety of events and workshops including Childbirth Education, Infant CPR and Safety, Partner Yoga & Massage, Caring for Newborn and Breastfeeding. They also offer support groups for New Moms and Moms-To-Be, along with Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal yoga, Mommy and Me Yoga, Infant Massage, Baby Sign Language, and Music for Babies.
Support Groups/Resources :: Brooklyn
Pomme 81 Washington Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718.855.0623 pommenyc.com Notes: Pomme is the perfect combo--an amazing French children's clothing store that doubles as the space for a new mom's group on Friday afternoons. The owners of the store are moms themselves and many Brooklyn mamas consider Pomme their home away from home.
Notes: Remedy is one of the luckiest finds we Cradle reseachers have stumbled upon. This holistic wellness center is run by Stacey Brosnan, a licensed nurse and mid wife who has lectured all over the country. Services offered include nutritional/lifestyle counseling, massage, reiki, acupuncture, massage and lactation counseling.
Notes: Ellen Chuse has a vast amount of experience as a childbirth educator and currently sits on the board of directors for the Childbirth Education Association on Metropolitan New York. Services offered are group and private childbirth preperation classes, a full weekend intensive class, and pre and post natal counseling and support groups.
Ellen Krug, MSW, CSW, CCE
Choiceful Birth and Parenting 718.768.0494 Notes: Ellen Krug has been a long standing fixture in the Brooklyn parent community, offering private counseling and group classes on pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.
Notes: A nationwide company that offers unique and comprehensive full body workouts done either outside or inside. You will NEVER be bored. The best part? Baby can come with you and the stroller is incorporated into the workout...genius!
SpaBebe/Maternal Fitness108 East 16th Street, 4th floor New York, NY 10003 212.353.1947 maternalfitness.com Notes: Try the "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" class at this sanctuary for kids and moms alike!
Prenatal Yoga Center 251 W. 72nd St. 2F New York, NY 10023 212.362.2985 prenatalyogacenter.com Notes: A one stop shop! Prenatal Yoga Center was the first yoga center in New York City to focus on moms and moms-to-be. They offer Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga, Mommy and Me, Infant Massage, Baby Sign Language and Music for Babies, Moms-to-Be and New Moms Support Groups, as well as a variety of events and workshops including Childbirth Education, Infant CPR and Safety, Partner Yoga & Massage, Caring for Newborn and Breastfeeding.
Peggy Levine Fitness Bridge for Dance Studio 2726 Broadway, 3rd Floor New York, NY 212.222.3637 peggylevinefitness.com Notes: A low key non-judgemental environment. Peggy Levine's classes are exclusively for pre- and postnatal women.
Mary Barnes Yoga for Two 212.666.2237 yogafortwo.com Notes: Taught at various locations throughout the city, Mary Barnes's classes are lauded as being gentle but effective. She offers prenatal, mom and baby, and private yoga instruction.
Aqua Mom 206 E 70th St New York, NY 10021 212.744.6622 aquamom.com
92nd Street Y (Parenting Center) 1395 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10128 212.415.5611 92y.org Notes: Excellent selection of quality classes at a much more reasonable rate than a gym.
Notes: A nationwide company that offers unique and comprehensive full body workouts done either outside or inside. You will NEVER be bored. The best part? Baby can come with you and the stroller is incorporated into the workout...genius!
Bridge Pilates 147 Front Street # 225 Brooklyn, NY 11201 718.522.1506 bridgepilates.com Notes: A Cradle reader tells us she has been going to Bridge since her first trimester and has yet to find an instructor she does not like. Even better, during summertime, mat classes are taught on a rooftop!
Fitness Guru 77 Front Street, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 718.554.3560 fitnessgurunyc.com Notes: Not your average "gym", this fitness center focuses on the mind/body connection of exercise and does so with a sense of humor! There is not only a great personal training program but a plethera of amazing classes such as gyrotonic and a total body conditioning class called...Cajones.
1271 Third Ave. (at 73rd St.) New York, NY 10021 212.472.0600
447 Amsterdam Ave. (b/w 81st and 82nd St.) New York, NY 10024 212.873.3444
432 Sixth Ave (b/w 9th and 10th St.) New York, NY 10011 212.473.5555 Notes: When talking to a New York parent, EJ's is inevitably brought up as a great kid-friendly place. The vibe is chic 50's diner, the food is great, and the staff friendly to kids and adults alike.
S'Mac 345 East 12th Street New York, NY 10012 212.358.7912 smacnyc.com Notes: Featuring ELEVEN different kinds of mac n' cheese, this is an ingenious concept for kids and adults alike! They also do great takeout for those nights you just need a convenient crowd pleaser.
Bubby's Pie Co. 120 Hudson St New York, NY 10013 212.219.0666 bubbys.com Notes: A fun and friendly atmosphere with great comfort food.
Good Enough To Eat 483 Amsterdam Avenue (between 83rd and 84th Streets) New York, NY 10024 212.496.0163 goodenoughtoeat.com Notes: Room for strollers and a good children's menu.
Eli's Manhattan 1411 Third Ave New York, NY 10028 elismanhattan.com Notes: This wonderful gourmet marketplace/restaurant is owned by Zabar's so the food is delicious. Also, the space is 20,000 square feet so it is very roomy - perfect for kids.
Landmarc Restaurant 179 West Broadway New York, NY 10013 212.343.3883 landmarc-restaurant.com
Stroller Friendly Establishments :: Brooklyn
Bubby's Pie Co. 1 Main Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718.222.0666 bubbys.com Notes: A fun and friendly atmosphere with great comfort food.
Connecticut Muffin
115 Montague Street Brooklyn, NY11201718.875.3912Notes: Moms love the baby friendly staff, the delicious bagesl and muffins, and the fact that there are no stairs to carry your stroller up.
Infant/Family Photographers :: Manhattan Heather Forbes 212.679.1144 heatherforbes.com Notes: As evidenced on her website, Heather does beautiful work that really captures the spirit of her subjects.
Julie Scott Photography 914.238.4241 juliescottphoto.com Notes: Not only is Julie's work beautiful but she is also a pleasure to work with...parents rave about her.
Sarah Merians 104 5th Ave., 4th Floor New York, NY 10011212.633.0502 x 209 sarahmerians.com Notes: You might be familiar with her studio from your wedding planning days. The above address is Sarah's gallery where her work can be seen in person.
Notes: The photos from Vintage Vignettes are very true to the name. Pictures are taken with black-and-white film, and then sepia-tone or hand-colored with oil paints. The photos have a slightly Victorian sensibility and really capture wonderful expressions and moments.
Notes: Kate will take her documentary style photos at the location of your choice (home, studio. She also offers gift certificates which make great shower gifts.
