I’m all about raising a well-rounded and cultured child and in this country that shouldn’t be a problem because it seems as though babies can take a variety of classes before they are even walking. Just some of the few that I’ve seen offered are: sign language, music, dance, swim, yoga, massage, cooking, and even French!
Each class description has the same claims to develop and stimulate baby’s mind while encouraging socialization, language development and parental bonding. I’m always looking for new ways to bond, but can’t we do it in our living room and without disrupting our feeding and napping schedule?
Doesn’t all this early education make baby’s life more complicated? Is educating your baby through baby classes the right thing to do?
According to Andrea Grimaldi, M.S.Ed., a project manager for the non-profit Zero to Three National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families based in Washington, D.C., “These classes don’t make your baby any smarter, but they do have a multitude of other benefits. The best reason to enroll your infant in one of these classes? You get to spend one-on-one time with your baby, which is essential for healthy development. Your baby also gets to be in a room full of other adorable infants doing baby-like things, which they happen to get a real kick out of since they get to see themselves mirrored. And even at this young age, infants are learning social skills which are also essential to their development.”
I certainly see your eyes light up when see other people your size, but for now, we’re going to stick to Mommy & Me play group and yoga, unless you start to show some sign of wanting to learn how to speak a romance language or whip up a chocolate souffle.
The best is yet to be and class can wait a little while longer.
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I am with you on this. Babies are big business and everywhere you turn there is a class! And most often, those are never at the “right” time.
I did take Mattias to Mommy & Me swim lessons when he was 6 months and HE LOVED IT. We have a pool and Lance is practically from the sea himself, so I wanted him to be exposed to the water at an early age and the class taught me some good moves to use with a baby. He was a fish back then and still is and I'm so happy he is not afraid of the water.
I also took him to a music class when he was about 8 months (and had my mom take him a few times too so she could bond with him) and HE LOVED IT. The shakers and the songs and the movements all made him laugh. And we've been told he is one of the stars when they sing in Chapel at preschool, so he's retained his love of music. 🙂
I guess it's personal preference, and finding something that not only interests you but also baby and the socialization aspect is a plus. 🙂 Happy Friday!
When I was a new mom, I took my daughter to all the baby & mom classes. With my youngest, we went to the park… It didn't make a difference.
I agree with your decision! I think you'll know when Lucas is either ready or wants to be in a class. But for now, enjoy your one on one time with him at home!
What a beautiful blog! I found you at Type A Mommy!
I did swimming and reading time at the library with my first. There is 4 years between my boys and so because my eldest is now at Kindy I have time to do the same with my second. What we enjoy most?? Picnic in the park with my baby kicking around on the blanket and my eldest getting all his energy out running round with all of us getting lots of fresh air!!