classes for infants?

Anonymous
Hi-

Out of curiosity, is it worth it to spend money on classes for infants? I was researching options for my 5 month old, and it seems like there are a ton of options (music, gym, swimming, sign language, etc). She's in daycare 3 days a week, so I feel like she gets a fair amount of time socializing with other kids. Some people I've talked to have said that they felt like it would have been better to spend the money when their kids were alittle older and that as infants it was really more about the parent socializing with other parents. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Anonymous
I'd wait. We did it for DS at 7 months (My Gym) but it was to help our nanny not go stir-crazy and to get him used to being around other kids -- these aren't issues for you.
Anonymous
If you plan to join/use a pool this summer, a water babies type class might be a good idea. Other than that, I really think classes for kids are that age are more for the parents. Not that there is anything wrong with that--but if you pick a class, do it because YOU think it will be fun.
Anonymous

There is a social element of these classes but there are other benefits to parents - you are going to learn new ways to play with your baby - including new songs (if a music class) or activties that you can use at home as well. If you are going to take a class, you should be doing it for you as much as your baby - it really does have to be fun for you.
As for the baby, early exposure isn't a bad thing. You would be surprised at how early your baby will start to recognize the activities in the class - not to mention your teacher.
If you are signing your baby up for a class, I would suggest waiting until 5-6 months old - as soon as their schedule is set. You don't want to pay for a class and have them sleep or eat through it.
Anonymous
If you still like the idea of infant classes, but don't want to spend $$ why not go to the library for reading circle? I don't know where you live, but I do know on the FFx Co. library website there area ton of events. Some are too old for babies, but there is one for reading circle. That way, you could still get out of the house, socialize, listen to the librarian read, etc. w/o paying membership fees, class fees at My Gym (or where ever you were looking).

Just a thought.
HrCreuzi
Member Offline
The sign language class may be worth it though. It's a way to help you and your baby communicate before she's talking (and even beyond). I've seen a lot of success and less tears in homes where the baby can sign (even just things like hungry, diaper, hurt, etc). We're already starting to use some signs and our baby's not even 3 months! She can't sign back- but we're at least getting in the habit.
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