 | Medium: Single Sessions Usually Run $10-$40 |
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| Many parents take classes before the birth of their baby. But there are a growing number of classes intended for after the baby has arrived. These include baby massage, baby yoga, baby signs and Happiest Baby classes. Childbirth.org says massage can help with relax the baby, improving digestion and sleep. It may also relieve gas or colic. Similar benefits may be achieved in baby yoga classes. Baby signs classes, often offered at hospitals like MacDonald Women's Hospital in Ohio, teaches parents basic sign language to help stimulate early communication with their baby. Happiest Baby classes are based on a system developed by a UCLA pediatrician and child development specialist. Parents learn to calm their babies, and help them to sleep. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Baby massage classes, which average between 45 and 90-minutes, cost between $25 and $40 per session.
- Baby yoga classes cost between $11 and $20 per hour, and are available on a drop-in basis or scheduled "package" of sessions.
- Baby sign classes, typically offered in packages of three to eight 45-minute or 1-hour sessions, cost between $13 and $30 per session. Intensive classes, which are usually one-time sessions of 75-minutes to 2 hours, cost between $40 and $60.
- Happiest Baby classes, which are usually 2 to 2-1/2 hours long, cost between $25 and $100.
What should be included: | - Fees for all classes should include instruction for at least one parent and one child, as well as any course handouts.
- Baby massage class fees may also include infant massage oil.
- Baby yoga classes should also include yoga mats.
Additional costs: | - Some Happiest Baby classes charge an additional $25 to $30 for the instructional VHS or DVD plus a "soothing sounds" CD.
- Private sessions usually increases the cost of any class, usually by $10 to $20 per session. Private lessons may also incur travel fees.
Discounts: | - Several websites offer free tools for parents who want to teach their babies sign language without having to take a class. For example, SigningBaby.com has a photo dictionary of common baby signs, with written instructions on what the signs mean and how/when to use them. SignBabies.com has flash cards and books to purchase.
Shopping for postpartum classes: | - Many hospitals and medical centers, such as MacDonald's Women's Hospital in Cleveland and Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut, offer a range of post-partum classes.
- Most obstetricians should also be able to refer you to local parenting centers or community centers that offer classes for parents.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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Article updated January 2009 |
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