Mommy & Me Classes in Santa Monica

Each class is “ongoing,” which means that it continues at the same day and time, throughout your baby’s first year. The reason for this is to create a bonded, safe and supportive feeling. The classes are offered in 8-week series and existing class members have the first option to reserve a spot in the following series.

Each class has babies born within a 2 – 3 month span and about 10-14 moms in the weekday classes and 6-9 families in the weekend classes.

Bring whatever you and your baby need to be comfortable. During class, parents are feeding, nursing, changing diapers; babies are sleeping, bouncing, burping. We sit on a carpeted floor around a big sheet and babies lie down, sleep, crawl or are held. We also have toys, boppies and big bouncy balls.

We ask, naturally, that nobody come to class when sick. However, in the case of a runny nose from teething or allergies, a residual cough or other symptoms, please contact your pediatrician to determine whether you or your baby are contagious, so you don’t miss class unnecessarily. All the sheets and toys are washed/disinfected each week. See our blog for all of our wellness and safety details.

Due to the specific ages in each class and the creation of a bonded and cohesive group feeling, trial, drop-in and makeup classes are not possible.

It’s nice, although not required, to let your class leader know. We become a bonded group and like to send you our good wishes. You also have the option of “attending by phone” for the topic portion of the class.

The class begins with open questions, so that we can use all the time as everyone gets settled. Songs and movement are next, followed by the main topic which is geared to the babies’ developmental level. For the last few minutes questions related or not to the topic are answered. Often a question turns into a future main topic.

We teach The Happy Sleeper because we believe in its middle ground, developmentally based and effective approach. However, it is never a “must do” and we will support the choices that are best for you and your family.

That’s no problem! You’re welcome to arrive at any time. It’s also good to know that after the songs and movement, amazingly, many of the babies fall asleep. Some babies nap in the car or stroller on the way to class. Most babies are able to flex their naps once a week or so.

You are encouraged to ask most questions during class, so that we all may learn together. However, if a question cannot be answered during class or in a very short email, it may be advisable to schedule a private consult. Some issues require time and attention to individual differences in order to be addressed responsibly and thoroughly. Your class leader can help you with referrals.