ongratulations – your beautiful, healthy baby is here. Gone are the nine months of preparing for, and anticipating, the arrival of your child. Yet, now that baby is here, you’ve only just begun the learning process on how to take care of and have fun with your infant. We’ll get you in the know on the myriad of classes that will help you adjust to new parenthood.

To find any of these classes in your area, visit The Cradle’s Local Resources.

BREASTFEEDING
MOMMY & ME
DADDY & ME
BABY MASSAGE
MOMMY & ME YOGA / MOVE & GROOVE
STROLLER STRIDES
MUSIC
BABY SIGN LANGUAGE
SLEEP
HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK
DUNSTAN BABY LANGUAGE

BREASTFEEDING
For an initial tutorial, lactation consultants are available at maternity wards. If you request to see one after delivery, they’ll help to check your hold, your baby’s latch, and teach you how to listen for the sound of your baby’s swallow. They’ll likely recommend that you bring your baby to your breast in the early postpartum hours so the two can get acquainted.

After you leave the hospital or birthing center, new moms can choose to have one-on-one consultations with private lactation advisors. Or, if you just need to get out of the house and visit with other new moms, check out local breastfeeding support groups. These groups allow mothers to breastfeed openly and to have their questions and concerns addressed by qualified lactation leaders. 

MOMMY & ME
These groups are where new moms and their babies gather together once a week to discuss top parenting topics, such as sleep, feeding, marriage, teething and development. Led by trained guides, women share stories, lend support and observe their babies playing with each other.

It’s likely you’ll sing silly songs, but you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to sing “Itsy Bitsy Spider” when you’ve just found out how to get your baby to sleep through the night!

Classes start as early as age three weeks, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible (some popular classes fill up so fast, they require moms-to-be to enroll when they’re pregnant). If you plan to go back to work, check out Saturday classes that are available just for working moms.

DADDY & ME
Similar to Mommy & Me classes, Daddy & Me groups are a chance for fathers to get educated advice on topics they’re interested in, as well as a chance to meet other dads. Child development specialists usually lead these classes.

BABY MASSAGE
Using skin-to-skin contact, like baby massage, can stimulate and soothe your infant. Many of the movements can even help their digestive tract or aid with constipation.  Incorporating it into a bedtime routine is a relaxing way to encourage your little one to sleep.

MOMMY & ME YOGA / MOVE & GROOVE
Get your body back into shape while bonding with your baby through Mommy & Me yoga. Many yoga studios offer postnatal yoga where it’s acceptable for newborns to accompany mom to class. Or check out classes that are specifically geared to incorporating yoga moves with your child.

Move & Groove is an aerobic workout offered at most YMCAs. Babies relax in a Bjorn, or other type of sling carrier, while mom gets in her exercise.

STROLLER STRIDES
Stroller Strides is a specific program that offers nationwide classes, giving moms an all-over body workout. Incorporating power walking with their stroller and basic toning techniques, it gives women the opportunity to socialize with other women while sweating it out.

MUSIC
Exposing your baby to music at an early age can be beneficial as it teaches them about instruments, rhythm and movement. Plus, it’s just another great excuse to get out of the house and do an activity with your child.

There are a variety of local music classes geared specifically to the younger set such as Music Together, Kindermusik, and Gymboree.

BABY SIGN LANGUAGE
Babies are able to pick up sign language before they are capable of actually speaking. Teaching your baby to sign simple words, such as “milk” or “more,” can eliminate communication frustrations for you both. Nationwide classes are offered at places such as Gymboree or other parent-enrichment centers.

SLEEP
Yes, it’s true: Sleep really is elusive for new parents. A course geared toward teaching you to get a little extra shut-eye is truly worth it if you find yourself struggling with a crying baby night after night. These classes cover information such as establishing a nap and bedtime schedule. Often this topic is addressed in Mommy & Me groups, but you can also get one-on-one advice from sleep specialists who are trained in teaching new parents how to do safe and effective sleep work with their baby.

Can’t get out of the house? Pop in these DVDs:

HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK
Got a baby who never seems to stop crying? Help soothe a newborn with the five S’s – a theory developed by Harvey Karp, M.D. Dr. Karp offers tricks, tips and advice on how to calm your newborn through swaddling, swinging, shushing, and more (and you don’t even need to leave the house).

DUNSTAN BABY LANGUAGE
Watch this DVD and get a greater understanding about what your child is trying to communicate.  This system can help you interpret your baby’s cries and sounds, allowing you to meet his or her needs quicker.

So, whether you decide to take a class to learn more about babies and parenthood, or you just want to get out of the house and meet other people, one thing is for sure: You'll be spending quality time with your baby. And that's what really matters.

For related products and services, visit The Cradle Reference Guide.