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The Best Mommy & Me (Baby) Classes In New York

August 24, 2010 2:12 PM

A toddler, supported by her mother, lies on the surface of the water during a swimming class for babies. (photo credit: Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

Moms are constantly looking for new and special ways to bond with their infants. Here are some of the top class picks for moms to enjoy with their little ones.

Musica Para Mi

www.musicaparami.com
Multiple locations (Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan)
(718) 643-6660

We live in multicultural melting pot so why not attend a Mommy and Me class that celebrates this diversity? Musica Para Mi is New York City’s first music-in-Spanish program, where children share the joy of music, dance and the Spanish language with their families or caregivers. Weekly 45-minute classes are filled with singing, dancing, playing percussion and more, in a playful, supportive, total immersion environment.

The 14th Street Y

www.14streety.org
344 East 14th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 780-0800

Being a new mom means juggling all sorts of new responsibilities, but you don’t always have to plan ahead to enjoy a mommy and me class. The 14th Street Y in downtown Manhattan boasts an array of drop-in classes for new moms and their babies. Choose from mommy/baby yoga, infant massage and a social interaction class to name a few. You will meet other new moms, find a supportive atmosphere and bond with your baby all at the same time. Check out their site for specific class information.

Music Together

www.musictogether.com
Multiple Locations (All 5 boroughs)

Though this established long running program promotes its mixed age music classes they also have a dedicated baby class just for the littlest musicians. Babies and caregivers love the interaction, the many instruments and the wonderful teachers that make up a Music Together class. There is a CD to accompany each class – and those songs will become a part of your home music collection – they work wonders on a fussy baby!

Take Me to The Water

www.takemetothewater.com
Multiple locations (Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens)
(888) 794-6692

Just because you’re raising a city kid doesn’t mean life is going to be all concrete and jungle gyms. Get your baby used to the water and set the, on a path of strong swimming skills and water safety. Take Me To Water has mommy (or daddy) and me classes starting at 6 months old. Caregivers must be in the water with the child. This class not only gets babies floating, kicking and breathing but teaches parents how to properly handle their baby in the water and reinforce those skills at home.

Rebecca Levey is a blogger with Beccarama.