There’s something about fall that puts me in the planning mood. September brings schedules and some modicum of stability. But when you have a newborn, schedules are out of your control, right? And while showing up every week to a class sounds compelling, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. So here are some classes that are short, sweet and catered to your not-quite-so-scheduled life.
1 The Sod Room
- 1454 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor
- sodroom.com
This South Loop play space has classes for newborns to toddlers. Try infant massage to help bond with baby, improve sleep and reduce colic. You can even learn how to respond to newborn cues, which sounds nothing short of a miracle. It also has a Baby Sign and Play class (12:15 p.m. Thursdays starting Sept. 11) and a WeeGroove circle time (4 p.m. Mondays starting Sept. 8). Bonus: There’s a weekly Milk& Cookies breastfeeding drop-in clinic with a certified lactation consultant where you can meet other moms.
2 J Baby
- juf.org/jbabychicago
A new offering from Chicago’s Jewish community plays to newbie parents looking to connect with each other. Geared toward interfaith couples, classes like JMemory Workshop help parents create their child’s first memory book ( per participant for four sessions). Plus, JBaby also has playgroups for parents and babies held in Chicago’s hottest play space spots for an hour each. Starts Sept. 17 at for six sessions.
3 Monica + Andy
- 2038 N. Halsted St.
- monicaandandy.com
Chicago’s hippest new baby boutique offers drop-in classes ( a class) for all temperaments. Try yoga (baby, todder and even adult), musical outings like Tunes with Tim and a special Little Miss Ann concert on Sept. 27. There’s even an eco-friendly art class for when your baby is ready to move on from playing with your makeup brushes.
