baby classes/activities for 5-6 month old?

[Anonymous]

Hi, am looking for ideas for classes or activities to do with my 5 month old this fall. Am considering baby sign language and musikids. If anyone has any particular recommendations or classes or ideas that would be greatly appreciated. Also interested in joining a play group in the DC area. Where do I find out more information?

[Anonymous]

My advice -- just find a playgroup. Most of the classes out there aren't really geared for 5-6 month olds, so you're paying to meet other moms. (Which may be worth it, but just recognize that's what you're paying for.) I did a music class with my son starting at 6 months, and only realized later on that it was pretty much a waste. He loved the classes once he was well over 1yo, but at 6mos he wasn't even sitting up properly much less dancing or playing with the instruments. There were other women in the class who did multiple classes - there was one 9mo old in some sort of wilderness training!! - but I'd suggest saving the money for when your child will really appreciate the exposure to other kids.

[Anonymous]

Agreed. Useless for baby. But, if you are looking to get out and meet other moms in a pro-baby environment, then you may find it worthwhile.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PPs.
I paid for classes when my son was that age but it really was just about having somewhere to go(though I must admit I had to miss half of them due to unexpected naps), and meeting people. I would try to find a group of new moms in your area, through this listserve or on Yahoo groups. Or perhaps start your own if you don't see any. Put out a post and I'm sure you'd be surprised at how many replies you may get.
Until your baby is mobile I wouldn't pay for classes in an attemp to stimulate your baby. But I did get A LOT out of baby yoga classes. You really don't have to be experienced with yoga to enjoy it, but even better if you are. It was the only class that we took at that age that I really enjoyed and left feeling was worth the money. A great way to bond with baby as well as meeting new Moms with babys in the same age range. I wish I could still go! Tranquil Space and Circle Yoga were both great.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PPs.
I paid for classes when my son was that age but it really was just about having somewhere to go(though I must admit I had to miss half of them due to unexpected naps), and meeting people. I would try to find a group of new moms in your area, through this listserve or on Yahoo groups. Or perhaps start your own if you don't see any. Put out a post and I'm sure you'd be surprised at how many replies you may get.
Until your baby is mobile I wouldn't pay for classes in an attemp to stimulate your baby. But I did get A LOT out of baby yoga classes. You really don't have to be experienced with yoga to enjoy it, but even better if you are. It was the only class that we took at that age that I really enjoyed and left feeling was worth the money. A great way to bond with baby as well as meeting new Moms with babys in the same age range. I wish I could still go! Tranquil Space and Circle Yoga were both great.

[Anonymous]

I don't live in DC but I go to a Kindermusik class with my 6 month DD and she LOVES it.. Part of it is meeting other moms, but these classes give you CDs and educational toys and educational ways of developing your child's brain. Kindermusik is national and is like a Montessori type attitude. You could google it and find one near you. They are well worth the money and gives you great ideas- my daughter lights up whenever we go or play the CD

[Anonymous]

Op, I assume you know about the infant classes at most libraries? If you live in MoCo, there are good classes at Bethesda, CC, and Little Falls libraries, among others. I found that this was all I needed at 6 months old.

There are also events at the malls that may be interesting -- eg., Mr. Knick Knack at Tysons on Fridays.

I agree with the PPs that paying for classes at this age is a waste.

Have fun . . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, I assume you know about the infant classes at most libraries? If you live in MoCo, there are good classes at Bethesda, CC, and Little Falls libraries, among others. I found that this was all I needed at 6 months old.

There are also events at the malls that may be interesting -- eg., Mr. Knick Knack at Tysons on Fridays.

I agree with the PPs that paying for classes at this age is a waste.

Have fun . . .

What is Mr. Knick Knack?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, I assume you know about the infant classes at most libraries? If you live in MoCo, there are good classes at Bethesda, CC, and Little Falls libraries, among others. I found that this was all I needed at 6 months old.

There are also events at the malls that may be interesting -- eg., Mr. Knick Knack at Tysons on Fridays.

I agree with the PPs that paying for classes at this age is a waste.

Have fun . . .

What is Mr. Knick Knack?

http://www.mrknickknack.com/weekly.html


Also, the Great Zucchini also appears free from time to time at various malls/other venues. Hey Zucchini, where can we get your schedule?

The bottom line is that you can definitely fill your whole week with fun and FREE interesting events at libraries and malls. Probably not as good as some of the organized classes, but good enough for a 6 month old!

[Anonymous]

I'll second the recommendation for Baby Yoga. I take it once a week with my 2 month old son, and I think he's too young for it. However, there are a bunch of 4-6 month old babies in the class who really do seem to enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, I assume you know about the infant classes at most libraries? If you live in MoCo, there are good classes at Bethesda, CC, and Little Falls libraries, among others. I found that this was all I needed at 6 months old.

There are also events at the malls that may be interesting -- eg., Mr. Knick Knack at Tysons on Fridays.

I agree with the PPs that paying for classes at this age is a waste.

Have fun . . .

What is Mr. Knick Knack?

http://www.mrknickknack.com/weekly.html

Thanks for posting this. MrKnickKnack seems like a good idea. And, if it's free, even better!

[Anonymous]

Wow!!!!! I am an infant /toddler PT and baby music classes or any kind or organized movement is great for the developing child. There is so much goodness to get from the classes if you go and focus in on the child. Steady beat ( internal beat is a learned skill that you can aquire in a music or movement class especially at the youngest ages.) This skill is so overlooked and vital to your childs development. So go and enjoy the benefits of a class somewhere. Maybe you might meet a friend too!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow!!!!! I am an infant /toddler PT and baby music classes or any kind or organized movement is great for the developing child. There is so much goodness to get from the classes if you go and focus in on the child. Steady beat ( internal beat is a learned skill that you can aquire in a music or movement class especially at the youngest ages.) This skill is so overlooked and vital to your childs development. So go and enjoy the benefits of a class somewhere. Maybe you might meet a friend too!!

I agree that exposing a baby to music is beneficial, but you can do that at home, without spending $$$.

[Anonymous]

OOOoo fair enough!!! PP here....I was trying to say babies who do not move yet cannot learn a steady beat by listening to music. The skill is aquired through movement. So yes you can do this at home by dancing and bouncing to rhythm, meters and songs. The skill is learned by transference from a grown who keeping a beat to the child. Doesn't matter where you learn it home or class....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow!!!!! I am an infant /toddler PT and baby music classes or any kind or organized movement is great for the developing child. There is so much goodness to get from the classes if you go and focus in on the child. Steady beat ( internal beat is a learned skill that you can aquire in a music or movement class especially at the youngest ages.) This skill is so overlooked and vital to your childs development. So go and enjoy the benefits of a class somewhere. Maybe you might meet a friend too!!

Why pay ridiculously high class fees though? You can do the same thing at home - take a spatula and beat a plastic container or the pots/pans and develop your own steady beat. Sing silly kids' songs and dance. Put pennies in a travel mug and you have a fun rattle. My 6 mo. doesn't have an appreciation for expensive classes that are simply glorified ways to do the same thing in your own home with a little imagination.