There are few moms out there who aren’t stressed out nearly every minute of their waking day. And even babies can use some “om.” So we went on a quest throughout Chicago to find the perfect mom and baby yoga class to satisfy our calming needs-and those of a 2 ½-year-old girl. Read on to choose the class that suits your stress level and parenting style. Because schedules change, we recommend calling ahead.
Bloom
Details 4663 N. Rockwell, (773) 463-9642, bloomyogastudio.com
Class sampled Parent& Tot yoga, Fridays at 10:15 a.m.
Class description Crawlers up to age 2 are welcome at the class, which is aimed at teaching mommies yoga while the babies hang out and play with provided toys. It’s an extremely basic yoga class just for mommies, but some babies took the initiative and tried a downward dog.
Best for parents with good-natured babies The class is 60 minutes, and aside from toys, the children entertain themselves.
Fitness level for moms Not too hard. If you can master a downward dog, you can survive the class.
Fitness level for babies No fitness for babies.
Om level You’ll have to keep an eye on your child the entire time, but the great stretches at the end provided a tiny relief from parenting.
Cost $16 per class, $70 for five classes or $235 for 20 classes plus $1 mat rental.
Self Centered Yoga
Details 2201 W. Belmont Ave., (773) 388-8010, selfcenteredyoga.com
Class sampled Toddler yoga, Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Class description Exploration of yoga poses for toddlers, plus crafts to go along with the yoga move of the day.
Best for 3-4-year-olds The class is taught in a really fun, accessible way for children, who will learn downward dog via the “donkey pose” and other moves through fun animals. They’ll also do songs about the moves, plus a craft.
Fitness level for moms None. You can do the moves along with your child, but they’re not difficult at all.
Fitness level for babies They’re doing yoga moves, but it’s more play-based than strenuous.
Om level It’s a fun class for moms and babies, with a 30-second rest time at the end of class. But it won’t calm either of you down if you’re stressed.
Cost $75 for a six-week session.
Soulistic Studio& Spa
Details 805 N. Milwaukee Ave., (312) 226-7685, soulisticstudiospa.com
Class sampled Mommy& Me Yoga/Pilates, see website for times.
Class description For moms and babies age newborn-3. It’s a pretty typical mix of yoga and Pilates for mommies. Babies can roam around the room and watch-or take part if they feel the urge.
Best for infants There were no toys provided for the children, but the infants were happy to lie on their mother’s lap while mom attempted to work out.
Fitness level for moms Medium, not too straining because you take many breaks to entertain your child. But if you didn’t have a baby with you, it would be as straining as a traditional yoga class.
Fitness level for babies None.
Om level The sun-filled room was very calming, but babies screaming is never a great “Om” factor.
Cost $20 drop-in and five classes for $90.
Danielle Braff is a freelance writer and mom living in Chicago.
There are few moms out there who aren’t stressed out nearly every minute of their waking day. And even babies can use some “om.” So we went on a quest throughout Chicago to find the perfect mom and baby yoga class to satisfy our calming needs-and those of a 2 ½-year-old girl. Read on to choose the class that suits your stress level and parenting style. Because schedules change, we recommend calling ahead.
Bloom
Details 4663 N. Rockwell, (773) 463-9642, bloomyogastudio.com
Class sampled Parent& Tot yoga, Fridays at 10:15 a.m.
Class description Crawlers up to age 2 are welcome at the class, which is aimed at teaching mommies yoga while the babies hang out and play with provided toys. It’s an extremely basic yoga class just for mommies, but some babies took the initiative and tried a downward dog.
Best for parents with good-natured babies The class is 60 minutes, and aside from toys, the children entertain themselves.
Fitness level for moms Not too hard. If you can master a downward dog, you can survive the class.
Fitness level for babies No fitness for babies.
Om level You’ll have to keep an eye on your child the entire time, but the great stretches at the end provided a tiny relief from parenting.
Cost $16 per class, $70 for five classes or $235 for 20 classes plus $1 mat rental.
Self Centered Yoga
Details 2201 W. Belmont Ave., (773) 388-8010, selfcenteredyoga.com
Class sampled Toddler yoga, Fridays at 9:30 a.m.
Class description Exploration of yoga poses for toddlers, plus crafts to go along with the yoga move of the day.
Best for 3-4-year-olds The class is taught in a really fun, accessible way for children, who will learn downward dog via the “donkey pose” and other moves through fun animals. They’ll also do songs about the moves, plus a craft.
Fitness level for moms None. You can do the moves along with your child, but they’re not difficult at all.
Fitness level for babies They’re doing yoga moves, but it’s more play-based than strenuous.
Om level It’s a fun class for moms and babies, with a 30-second rest time at the end of class. But it won’t calm either of you down if you’re stressed.
Cost $75 for a six-week session.
Soulistic Studio& Spa
Details 805 N. Milwaukee Ave., (312) 226-7685, soulisticstudiospa.com
Class sampled Mommy& Me Yoga/Pilates, see website for times.
Class description For moms and babies age newborn-3. It’s a pretty typical mix of yoga and Pilates for mommies. Babies can roam around the room and watch-or take part if they feel the urge.
Best for infants There were no toys provided for the children, but the infants were happy to lie on their mother’s lap while mom attempted to work out.
Fitness level for moms Medium, not too straining because you take many breaks to entertain your child. But if you didn’t have a baby with you, it would be as straining as a traditional yoga class.
Fitness level for babies None.
Om level The sun-filled room was very calming, but babies screaming is never a great “Om” factor.
Cost $20 drop-in and five classes for $90.
Daystar
Details 1550 S. State St., (312) 674-0001, daystarcenter.org
Class sampled Mommy and Me yoga, Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Class description Newborns and up are welcome. The children choose from a huge assortment of toys to play with while the mommies take a yoga class. It’s taught in a barebones room-no mirrors, no fancy equipment-but the teachers are excellent and the classes tend to be tiny, with just two or three moms per class.
Best for mommies with calm children It’s a very relaxed class, but your child will need to entertain himself while you do your yoga practice.
Fitness level for moms Straining. The teacher wants you to get a good workout, but if you need a break, no one will bat an eye.
Fitness level for babies No fitness for babies.
Om level If your baby is well behaved, you may be able to relax. But you’ll have to block out the other screaming babies surrounding you.
Cost $10 per drop-in class or $8 per class if you pay for the full 12-week session and register ahead of time.
