Perfect Mommy Massage at Zen Beginnings!

What a great idea--while you get a massage by a Registered Massage Therapist--the staff at Zen Beginnings provides CHILDCARE! AMAZING! And the best part? The cost of childcare is INCLUDED in the price!

I spoke with the owner of Zen Beginnings and she explained that she sees it as an essential service to offer moms so that moms can take care of themselves. I love this philosophy! No more scheduling issues or stressing out about your little ones while you are trying to relax.

The massage therapist is very personable and talks to you before the massage to get a feel for what you want. Today I chose to have a lot of work done--so it was a pretty intense massage--I needed some serious work done to my sore nursing shoulders. You can tell her where you would like the focus or if you just want to relax, so that's nice. She also lets you set the mood--like do you want spa sounds or music with lyrics?

The massage therapist will also provide you with some things to try at home if you want it. When I was pregnant, she gave me some stretches to do and this time she explained how I should lie with a blanket wrapped under my back to help relieve some of the pressure on my shoulders.

It's hard to turn off your mommy ear and not try to hear for your little ones but they are well taken care of. For older kids there are arts and crafts activities. For all kids there are toys for all ages and books.

Let them know before you book and they will arrange the childcare professional for you.

This is a great service that I just had to rave about!

For more information:
http://www.zenbeginnings.com/

Mommy and Baby Fitness

Jenn sent me this review--thanks Jenn it's great!

Mommy and Baby Fitness
Location: Womens Fitness Clubs of Canada (Eglinton and Bayview)

I took my first Mommy and Baby Fitness class today. The verdict? Amazing!

After working out post pregnancy to dvd’s, which can be paused to tend to a fussing baby, I entered this class wondering if I’d actually get to exercise having my 5 month old daughter on a mat right beside me. The answer in a word...”ouch”! Workout I did. My tired legs and arms tonight are the proof!

The instructor, Laura, was terrific. She created a relaxing atmosphere while simultaneously encouraging you to push yourself.

The warm-up got us moms going and it incorporated the babies. They all seemed to love being included in the squats and lifts!

The middle portion is all about mom, doing cardio and strength training.

Laura ends the workout with some leg and ab work, incorporating the babies once again.

The unique piece about this class is that once the workout is complete, there is circle time for the babies! Laura went around to each of the babies incorporating their names into a song (she knew EVERY babies name by heart) and then led some more circle time songs with actions.

If you are looking for a fun way to get into shape with your baby close by, you should try this class out!

If the gym isn’t your thing, Mommy and Baby Fitness also offers other fitness options in various parks around the city (stroller fitness, mommy bootcamps, and snow shoeing to name a few). To find out more about these classes and locations check out their website.

http://mommyandbabyfitness.com/

Class Review--library baby time at the toronto public library

Jenn wrote this great review!!

Location: Mount Pleasant Library

Baby Time

Baby Time is a free program offered at the Mount Pleasant branch of the Toronto Public Libraries. It’s a six session class that runs on Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:00. For this particular class, caregivers had to register however; I’ve since learned that there are other libraries that offer this program, or a similar one, as a drop in.
The age range is from about 3 months to a year. It is an awesome class with lots of singing, rhymes, and of course stories! All the caregivers sit around a big quilt with their babies and participate in the activities. The atmosphere is very laid back and it’s not uncommon to see little ones crawling/walking around to get a closer look at the other babies or to check out a book or instrument!
Each class has a focus based on the libraries “Ready for Reading” tips which include: print motivation, phonological awareness, vocabulary, narrative skills, print awareness, and letter knowledge. The books that are read during a particular class are chosen based on these skills.
To check out Baby Time and more programs offered at a library near you check out the Toronto Public Library website http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/.

Class Review--Power Struggles Workshop at Zen Beginnings

Dates: Saturday Nov. 5 and 12th 2-4pm (2 class workshop)
location: Zen Beginnings

This is a combination review--where 4 people put in their thoughts to make a full review:

I enjoyed the first class but, while in the session, I had been hoping that there was a bit more structure. However, once I got home I kept telling my husband things we discussed and realized how helpful this workshop could be. I thought the instructor mentioned some good things, but the time went way too quickly and I felt there was not as much substance to it as I would have liked. But then...

She told us to try one or two things and really work on it during the week and come back with situations that we could discuss. This is where the workshop really hit the mark. We came back enthused with our successes from her tips the week before and expressed the challenges we were facing. She gave us tools to use and helped us work through the times when we were not being effective. Having a two part workshop is such a great idea. It gave us the chance to try out techniques and then come back and discuss and build on the knowledge.

I really enjoyed the classes and definitely got a lot out of it. My husband and I keep stopping ourselves now when we say "That's great." or "Wow!" or whatever. The instructor was very good. I'm proud of myself after the taking the class-- I only used "don't " 8 times as opposed to 20!!!!!!! So that said, I wouldn't mind taking more classes in the new year:)

Parenting workshops are a great way to get you inspired to be a better parent and can give you tools to deal with the everyday craziness. It also helps to discuss with other parents what they do that is effective.

Class Review--Kindermusik Wiggles & Giggles

where: Becoming Maternity Centre
when: Saturday 10am
instructor: Miss Michelle

This is class is for 18 months to 3.5 years old and my son is just over 2 and it's an absolutely perfect class for him and his buddies in music class. The children just love the movement and the fun songs. They all love Miss Michelle so much that at the end of the class some of them jump up and give her hugs.

The music is fun and there are actions to each song. The songs are short and there are even songs that you will recognize like Ring around the rosey, if you're happy and you know it, you are my sunshine, johnny and katie and others. The original songs are short and catchy. The cd is a double cd and so it has 51 songs/stories/sounds. I don't love the voices of the performers of the cd, but my son doesn't seem to mind at all. He loves it.

The class is fun and active and also has a lot of learning activities like listening and identifying sounds, playing instruments and movements. There is a "storytime" in the class and the book that is used is fun and interactive. There is also a quiet time for the kids which gives them time to slow down and snuggle with mom or dad.

The take home materials are fabulous (with Kindermusik they always are). For this time, you get a nice green bag, Pete and PJ storybook (about a dog and a boy at bathtime), the double cd, a musical instrument and an activity book that includes the songs and different activities to do with your child at home.

The class goes by very quickly as Miss Michelle keeps the kids moving.

Overall, this is a great class and I would recommend that you sign up as quickly as you can because it's a really great way to spend time with your toddler and a great learning opportunity for them.

class review--stroller fit at Becoming

TITLE: STROLLER FIT
LOCATION: BECOMING (EGLINTON/AVENUE)
WEBSITE: http://www.becomingmaternity.com/classes/summerstroller.html
TIME/DAY: FRIDAYS AT 11:30

There is nothing better than getting outside for a good workout so I love this class.

We head down into the beltline for our class so there is lots of shade for the little ones. The beltline provides a great environment and of course includes lots of space for our stroller moves and plenty of stairs to be used as a torture device to out-of-shape moms like me!

The instructor Marci has loads of energy and smiles through the class. She provides different ways to do the exercises depending on your fitness level. She keeps the class moving and the hour passes by quickly--and she makes sure that we always workout for the whole hour!!! She also aligns the class with your own goals--whether you are in it for weight loss, muscle toning or just to get out of the house. She makes it fun but challenges us throughout the entire class. Overall, Marci runs a great class.

I am not sure if it's the fresh air or all the movement but the babies are almost always sleeping or pretty happy.

I recommend to bring a carrier in case your little one wants out of the stroller.

I highly recommend this class--I am enjoying thoroughly and know that I am getting some great results!

Although the website states that the class has a start date, you can start anytime. You can also get a flex pass which allows you to attend different fitness classes.

The classes at Becoming are small and you really get that personal touch. It also allows you to get to know other moms while you work out!

Class Review--Mom and baby yoga at the yoga sanctuary

My friend Jen sent this to me...thanks Jen!

REVIEW OF: Mom and Baby Yoga at The Yoga Sanctuary on the Danforth

I'm a new mom and this is my first mom and baby yoga experience. They might all be like this so I'll do my best to deliver an honest review and try not to be too critical.

The studio is on the 4th floor of a non-elevator low-rise building, which is inconvenient if you tend to travel by stroller. They "allow" the participants to lock their stroller against the stairwell railing on the main floor but I've only ever seen 1-2 moms do this. The stairs are also fairly steep so you have to really be careful when you're carrying your bundle of joy up and down the stairs. You need to bring your own mat but I think you can rent one from the studio if you don't have one. The cost for the class was $100 + tax for 8 classes.

The instructor for our class is really nice and is very gentle with the babies. She often will hold your baby if your baby is fussing so that the mom can do the yoga. Because she does this, however, she isn't always able to demonstrate the moves. You should really have some yoga basics before joining this class. She has never come up to a mom to help reposition or assist during a move (which I personally like). She will incorporate some moves so that you can interact with your baby and use your baby as weight. As an added bonus, she also used to be an actress on the original Degrassi television show. I didn't watch it much when I was a kid so I don't know what character she played but my friends googled her and confirmed that she was on the show.

I joined this class originally because I had 3 other girlfriends who also signed up for it. It was reasonably priced and it was something to do to get me out of the house. My daughter was 6 weeks old when we first started. Would I sign up again? No. While the class is designed for the moms to do the yoga, there's not enough yoga for me to do it again. I just haven't gotten much out of it other than a chance for me and my 3 girlfriends to get together. Now that my daughter is older, I would rather have someone watch her for an hour while I go do a more intensive yoga class without babies.

FLEX FITNESS PACK AT BECOMING

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE FLEX FTINESS PACK AT BECOMING
You are a busy mom and Becoming Maternity Centre gets it with this Flex Pack.

Basically you can choose to attend classes when it's convenient to you and attend a variety of classes. Mom and Baby Yoga, Mommy Bootcamp, Stroller Fitness and Zumba you can attend with your baby! So great! There is also a just for Moms Yoga class at night--after your child's bedtime.

The flex pack is convenient because if your baby is having a bad day or you are exhausted, you can just attend a different class. The class sizes are small and you get personal attention and with the variety, you won't get bored. This is a fun and convenient way for moms to get back in shape post-baby.

The classes you can choose from are the following:

For moms-to-be:
Pre-Natal Yoga
Pre-Natal Fitness

For Moms:
Mom and Baby Yoga
Mommy Bootcamp
Stroller Fitness
Just for Moms Yoga
Zumba

See you there!

Class Review--Kindermusik Zoo Train

I received this review from another mom from the Kindermusik class at Becoming

I read your review on Kindermusik and I have to agree with your Mom and not you! I loved the class. I liked Music Together when my daughter was under a year but now that she is almost 2 (!!!) I think Kindermusik is a better overall class. It has music, reading, listening, activities and pretending. I have taken my daughter to the zoo and find that she recognizes the animals from the class.

We are unsure whether we are going to take the class this summer--SUMMERS ARE BUSY FOR ME-- but in the Fall we will be back for sure.

Class Review--Prenatal Yoga at Zen Beginnings

Class: Pre-natal Yoga
Location: Mount Pleasant, just south of Eglinton, Zen Beginnings
Time: Sunday 9:00 am (although it is offered at different times)
Instructor: Jennifer

I went to Zen Beginnings because I was looking for a pre-natal yoga class close to home offered at a convenient time. Being a mom already, 7pm was bed-time for my little guy so most locations were ruled out. I did a trial class and liked it and then signed up for their 6 week program. Now after doing 12 weeks of Yoga--I can say that I feel great and truly recommend the class to women who are expecting.

The instructor Jennifer is extremely caring and takes her job very seriously. She is a bit of a hippy, granted, but she is kind and has a killer body. She is a mother herself and offers not only suggestions about yoga but also about parenting and birthing. Her classes sometimes go a little longer than they should but that is because she makes sure you not only get the yoga workout you came for but then also some time to discuss prenatal/postnatal issues. She doesn't judge and makes everyone feel welcome. Recently a friend of mine from the class had her baby and I told her that she had had an epidural and all went well. Jen commented that all birth stories are miraculous and that all women are warrior goddesses during childbirth, no matter how the baby comes. She then relieved that she had an epidural for one of her children and a natural birth for the other.

The actual class is a great stretching routine and uses your muscles well. I love the class because it isn't just one of those easy-peasy classes where you sit around and breathe... you actually get your blood flowing and your heart rate does go up for part of it. My back always feel better after the class--so that to me is worth it.

Zen Beginnings offers a whole lot of different types of classes and three pre-natal classes for Yoga--one on Saturday mornings, one on Sunday mornings and one on Thursday evenings. They had to add the Saturday morning class as the Sunday one was so popular.

I highly recommend this class and look forward to my post-natal yoga class that I will be sure to sign up for!

WEBSITE: http://www.zenbeginnings.com/

Class Review--Kindermusik Zoo Train

Description: Kindermusik® Our Time is a music curriculum where toddler and parent enjoy one another through singing, movement, listening, and instrument exploration. Our Time encourages your child to uncover an engaging musical world while building confidence, self control, and communication skills. In each class you'll experience basic musical concepts like rhythm and beat development along with musical terms.

Location: Becoming Maternity Centre, Midtown Toronto
Time: Saturday 9:30am
Instructor: Miss Michelle

Review:
This session's theme was zoo train. My son loves animals and trains so this worked out well. The book that they provided was incredible for him. He wants to read it over and over and over again and he liked the animal-shaped shaker. So the materials were pretty incredible... except the CD. I actually think the lyrics to a lot of the songs would be ok but I found the CD to be very boring. My son likes it but is not as into it as he was with other CD's like the ones from Music Together.

The class is very active and we get up and move a lot--so it's great for kids who need to burn some energy!

The one activity I don't love is where we practice "sharing". The teacher gives each kid a musical instrument and then they have to pass it to the next kid. This never goes smoothly with the kids. I get that we need to teach them to pass and share but I much preferred the Music Together way where there was a big pile of instruments and the kids could all grab at them and play and experiment.

I also like storytime but wish that it would either always be the same book or never the same book. Over a 10 week class, we have had 2 books and that's it.

I also like the animal sounds and showing the kids pictures of animals. I think that it's a great learning opportunity.

The teacher clearly knows child development theory and likes kids and music. The kids do have fun even though the class doesn't have a great flow.

I can't rave about this class because I do find it a little boring at times however my son does enjoy it for the most part and that makes me happy. He smiles and laughs and it is another way to introduce music to his life. At his daycare we keep getting comments that he loves music so that makes me think that this class has had a positive impact on him.

Fit Mom and Baby Review

My new friend Heather passed along a quick review:

I wanted to mention an awesome exercise class for new Moms - maybe you could add it - I highly recommend it. It's called Fit Mom and Baby... I was given a session of classes for Christmas (here in Aurora) and it was awesome! check out the site - www.fitmomcanada.com ~ It's kind of like a bootcamp - but with a personal trainer because the classes are so small.

It kicks any post baby bod - and it's a good network for those who are off on mat leave and feeling lonely :)

For the Aurora/Newmarket people, contact Jody.

This is such a great review Heather because FitMom is available in lots of cities so even though you took in Aurora, the classes are available everywhere. I wonder how the dvd is???

Class Review-Parenting Network From Baby to Toddler: 6 to 18 Months

Workshop: Parenting Network From Baby to Toddler: 6 to 18 Months
Location: Becoming Maternity
Instructor: Joy
time: 7-9pm

I attended this class because I don't think I have all the answers and it's nice to get a different perspective when parenting. I look at it as another tool to use when parenting my child and having another tool is always a good thing.

The Good
The instructor took the time to listen to our questions and concerns and addressed each one individually--which was really helpful. She provided a tip for each issue people brought up. So for instance: your child is pulling your hair, you place them down on the ground instead of reacting with a "OUCH". Or...she provided advice like if your little one makes a fuss when you are placing them in the stroller: you follow through with your plan even though you could potentially carry them instead. The importance is to make a well-thought out decision and if you, as the parent have decided that the stroller is the place for the child in this situation, stick with it. Another question came up where a child was looking to her mom for a reaction and the instructor flat out said "I would not react". She stressed consistency and following through and placing yourself in your baby's situation to know how they feel. The instructor was very clear to do what you are comfortable with all the while providing what she would do and tools to apply it. And for parents to remain calm and to think of our long-term parenting goals.

The BAD
In the class there were a few parents who were not at the same stage and unfortunately time was spent discussing things that were not relevant to this stage.

OVERALL:
The class provides insight to what you are doing with your little one at this particular stage. It might reassure you that you are doing the right thing and it might provide you with some great tips or it might reinforce what you have already read or what you already know. Whatever the case, don't expect it to revolutionize the way you parent but do expect to take some things with you--it is afterall only two hours! I have taken a few really good ideas and concepts from the class that I intend to start using ASAP with my little one, so that in itself makes it worth it. Sometimes being told by someone instead of reading it in a book makes it easier to apply to real life. It also felt good to hear that other parents are going through the same things and dealing with the same situations.

Website:
http://parentingnetwork.ca/

http://www.becomingmaternity.com/

Class Review--Mr Bear Says Hello

Class Name: Mr Bear Says Hello
Time: 11:15
Location: Mabel's Fables
Leader: Erika (and Sally was there too)
Group: Sally and Erika's Storytelling Programs

I came to this course through two friends of mine (Jen and Meghan) who attended a class and raved about it. I wasn't busy on Thursday mornings and I love spending time with them so I signed up. I AM SO GLAD WE SIGNED UP.

Sally and Erika are two of the warmest individuals I have ever met. Their smiles are welcoming and their demeanor is calm and friendly. I have been to other types of classes where the leader is overwhelming for the little ones and so it was really nice to be in such a warm environment. I think the young ones were very receptive to the program because of the way Sally and Erika are: accepting and encouraging without being pushy at all.

Mr Bear Says Hello teaches rhymes, actions, movement and songs and they provided handouts for the class so that you can remember the rhymes when you go home. Every class also has a story-telling component and really encourages a love for reading. Sally and Erika also have two cds and dvds that you can get from the library to try out (and the cds help to remember the songs/rhymes once you go home!) I took the cd out from the library and then ended up needing my own copy so that my little guy and I could do the singing/rhyming on our own and not worry about returning it. The CD has now found a home in our play area cd player where we listen to it every day.

NOTE:
The funny thing is that Sally and Erika are so sweet that they don't even push their products on you which is nice (as they totally could during the class). They keep reminding you that you can get their products from the library.

Overall, this is a great class. Sally and Erika offer their classes at various locations around the city--so do check out their website. I would highly recommend this class to everyone.

Also, check out the review my friend posted on her blog:
http://newmomnewlife-mommyof1.blogspot.com/2010/04/mr-bear-says-hello.html

The only thing I would "improve" on this program is to have the handouts (which are photocopies) made into a book with pictures as I plan to keep the handouts forever and I wish they were bound in a book instead of just having them stapled together! This could be something they offer separately with the classes!!! (hint, hint Sally and Erika)

We look forward to taking more classes with Sally and Erika (and hopefully Mr Bear too!) and hope to see you there too!

Class Review--library storytime at the toronto public library

Every library seems to do it a little differently. Previously a mom-friend of mine posted a review on her library program (which she enjoys and still goes to) and I patiently waited for mine to start--that's right--so many people at my library wanted to attend that there was a lottery and you got placed in one session. I put my name in in August and our session started the last week of March. So here is my review:

Location: Forest Hill Library
Leader: Eve
Time: 10:15, Wednesdays
Session: Spring (6 weeks)

Handouts:
She gave an entire package the first week of class with all of the songs that we were going to do and some parent resource/info on how to read to your child and the importance of reading to your child. That was great.

Nametags:
Each child had a name tag that was shaped like a duck that they would proceed to chew on. Hint: pin it to the back of your child's shirt.

Location:
They have a great big room for these classes at the Forest Hill branch, so that was great. Stroller parking at the front entrance.

CLASS:
Every class was exactly the same, the songs/rhymes were the same each week. Repetition at this age is good. The leader is very enthusiastic, maybe too enthusiastic sometimes. But the babies would just stare at her with wide eyes--so she captivated their attention.

READING:
Every week she would "read" a few new books to the little ones. I have "read" in quotation marks as she actually just made up words or lyrics to go along with a book.
It's hard to keep infants attention when you are reading to them in a large group so usually the first book and sometimes the second book would go well...

The Waiting Game:
I thought it was really unfortunate that we could not have this free program for the whole year--or at least for longer than 6 weeks. If this location is so busy, I think that the TPL people should recommend another library in the area that might have drop-in times or a program that is not quite as busy. Or... maybe they could offer two classes per session. It's great to see kids at a library and fostering that interest when they are young is fabulous. I know there are limited resources but I truly believe that this is an area where if the interest is there, you should offer the program more often.

The leader:
She was a bit nuts but the kids were very interested in her. She did a puppet show on the last week and organized a "party". Obviously she loves what she does.

TIPS AND HINTS:
If your library is like mine and doesn't offer it right away ASK where the next closest library is that would offer a program that you can start attending right away. Apparently some programs are drop-ins, others run all year long and others do a sign up for each session separately. It's a free hour of entertainment and it gets you out to meet local moms.

Class Review--Bellies & Strollers Bootcamp

The weather is so nice so I decided to try out a Belly Bootcamp free trial class. I may have trouble typing this entry as I have now completed the class and I truly believe that I am sore everywhere.

I didn't know what to expect from the class--I mean how hard can a workout be when you have your baby with you? Well--the workout was challenging, the trainer is a mom as well so understands everything and it was really refreshing to get outside since so many mom and baby programs are indoors and have that "circle time" format.

I was worried that my son would get bored in the stroller but in fact he enjoyed the fast pace runs uphill (I tend to not do that on my own)and was actually laughing at me during the strength training portion of the class.

The workout was tough but the trainer pushed me to just the right level. She didn't force but she encouraged. She also respected our individual needs, making sure that each participant was getting a good workout and was working hard.

Some things we did:
-Lunges with the stroller down a hill
-leg extensions with the stroller
-running up a hill/down a hill
-tricep extensions on a park bench
-calf raises as we walked up a hill... ouch
-using equipment (that she brought) worked our arms
-push-ups
-ab work
-stretching

BONUS:
The trainers who teach this program are moms so they get it. The trainer also gave us hints on how to cut some calories without suffering and reminded us to have protein after our workouts. She gave us hints on what to eat for breakfast and even gave us tips on how to enjoy BBQ season without over-indulging. She was sensitive to nursing moms and the need for calories and even addressed the challenge of weaning for moms and the calories required.

Overall, it was great. Toronto's ravine parks provide the perfect setting for these bootcamps since there are hills (yes, we ran up and down them) and trails and lots of green space. At the end as I struggled to make it back to the car the trainer told me that there is a park at the bottom of the hill if I wanted to go and play with my son... ummm... no.

Tip:
If your schedule doesn't match perfectly with theirs--they will work with you if you ask before you sign up. So if you can't attend all 10 sessions, they will pro-rate or work something out for you.

They have a lot of different types of classes for Moms but I have only tried the Bellies and Strollers Bootcamp so far--so I can't say whether the others are good. But I have been impressed with them administratively and they seem to be very professional.

Link:
http://www.fitfamily.ca/bellybootcamp/bellypage2.html

Class Review--DIAPER FIT

Liam's mom sent me this... thanks so much!

NAME: DIAPER FIT
LOCATION: Lots of locations but I did it at Graydon Hall

REVIEW:
I liked this class a lot and would have continued another session but I had to go back to work. The instructor is good and it doesn't feel like exercise. The class is a good mix of "me time" and "baby time". I feel like I was (finally) doing something for myself. I didn't know about this until my son was 9 months old and I wish I had known about it earlier so I thought I should write to you about it. The only drawback is that the times are not always ideal with nap times but Liam was not always ideal with naptimes either!

Here is the website:
http://www.h2ofit.com/diaperclass.html

I was glad to receive this review from Liam's Mom and to back her up, I know someone else who is taking the class and this is what she said about it:

"I'm really liking it actually - I was skeptical at first that I would enjoy getting into a bathing suit every week, but (MY BABY) has a blast and the exercising part of it is fun, not torturous! :) The instructor is great as well."

Class Review-Little Movers at Becoming

Little Movers is the next class in the Parent and Baby series.

Class Name: Little Movers
Class Instructor: Ariana
Class Time: 11 am
Session: Winter
Location: Toronto (midtown)

This class takes the same format as the other classes that came before this one in the Parent and Baby series. We discuss the issues/challenges/joys that we faced throughout the week and get some tips from the instructor and each other then we learn about a topic (with guest speakers or a presentation/handouts ect) and Ariana would complete the class with a developmental activity/toy/book that they would enjoy.

It's a very relaxed format and really gives Moms the chance to discuss and learn.
Ariana is very knowledgeable and gave great advice throughout the session and encouraged us when we were facing challenges. The topics were very relevant to where are little ones were at developmentally so that was wonderful.

Overall, I would recommend this for Moms as it is a great way to get the support and info you need when parenting.

Class Review--Movers and Shakers at Becoming Maternity

Class Name: Movers and Shakers
Location: Becoming (Toronto location)
Time: 11-12
Day: Friday
Session: Winter

This class is fun for the little ones. Although there are some discussions and handouts about certain developmental topics it's really a class where you can bring your child and play games and interact with others. It's a chance for you to see where your child is at developmentally and learn some of the activities you can do with your child now that they are active and aware. Most of the classes make for good dinner topics with your hubby at night "You wouldn't believe what he did today at class..." "It was so funny when we did this today..."...It's fun to see just how amazed your child is over bubbles.

THE GOOD:
The leader, Allison, switches activities very quickly which is great for the infants and discusses how each activity improves a skill.

There are songs, bubbles, rhymes, books, toys, paint, musical instruments, puppets, a tunnel, tents and a parachute and really--what more could a child want? My baby would leave there tired and slept well after class so that was a good sign.

The leader Allison would talk about easy developmental toys/activities that you could do at home (without spending money) so that was great! Her ideas were simple and always helped to improve a skill.

Time of day was excellent--just after the morning nap and before the afternoon one. Perfect time for this age group.

I liked the class because as long as the babies are entertained I am happy. It is encouraged to participate with your child and ask questions if you have them. Personally, it was nice to zone out a little when Allison was doing storytime. And I just liked seeing my son's reaction to the activities--that to me was fun! I also got some great ideas for things to do during the day with him.

OVERALL:
The best classes were the ones where the discussions weren't separate from the activities. (which was the way most classes were conducted) So for instance talking about motor development as we did "the wheels on the bus" with the babies' legs. Or going through the tunnel and talking about crawling. Or sorting shapes/putting away and talking about tricks on how to do teach these effectively. Neat ideas for activities at home were great--simple things that you just say to yourself "why didn't I think of that?". Overall, I would recommend this class for babies who are starting to get active as it keeps them entertained and happy. And a happy baby has a happy mommy. I would call this class his "workout" because he would leave there so tired but happy.

Also at Becoming:
If you are looking for more of class where you can talk and get advice on your child's development then I would recommend Little Movers.

This was sent to me by "Jacob's mommy"--thanks so much!

Baby Class Review

Class Name: I’m a Mommy

Location of Class: Orange Dot http://www.orangedotinc.com/

Guest Blogger: Jacob’s Mommy

Here is my review:

I joined this class because I live in the area and it was really nice to meet other moms like me. Since then, 3 of us get together for walks and playdates so it is really nice.
We were told of the course outline and the centre tailored the course to our needs which was truly exceptional. We discussed sleep, feeding, baby exercise and massage among other things (mommy-brain clearly still happening here!)
This class sounds similar to the ones that are offered at Becoming that your site reviewed and I chose the Orange Dot due to the proximity to my home. I wish that there were more centres like Becoming and Orange Dot because it really helps new mommies connect with one another.
I would definitely recommend this class.
It may seem pricey, but overall it was worth it. Every night I would come home and tell my husband what we learned in class and showed him the developmental activity that we did together. These activities helped me connect with Jacob.

Great site and you should try to get more reviews not only about classes but also about products. I hope this review is ok!