When I found out I would have my baby in the winter, I immediately started to google things to do with a newborn in winter in Chicago in hopes I would keep myself from going insane with cabin fever. I am now a brand new mama to baby Emerson Rose who is 4 months old! What a wild ride my transition to mama-hood has been. When she was first born and I was on maternity leave from One Strange Bird, I was dying to find stuff to do with her to get out of the house. Everything I found for baby and mommy was for ages 3 month and up. I understood why, but I was craving community with other mamas and a fun activity to do with baby. When the baby is that little, it's hard to find stuff to do because they aren't ready to "play" yet. I have put together this list of my five favorite things to do with baby in Chicago. Of course, I had to include our Mom and Baby classes at One Strange Bird! I started holding these to meet other new moms and to add to the mix of programming in the city. I hope you have fun!
Mr. Dave at Sprout on Division
Mr. Dave has a cult following of babies on Division St. Mamas come early to class and register in advance! Mr. Dave preforms his lively set almost daily. He sings and plays guitar while the chaos of babies of all ages reign supreme. He adds a unique and stylish flair to timeless classics like "Wheels on the Bus" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider". Afterward, meet other moms and browse Sprout's awesome selection of organic baby goods. Sign up on-line in advance.
Mom and Baby Music Class at Bucktown Music
Okay, I know it's another music class, but because baby's motor skills aren't up to par for playdates during your maternity leave doesn't mean they aren't listening! Bucktown Music is an awesome mom owned business in the Wicker Park neighborhood. The 0-1 baby music classes teach you different songs and movements that help baby's development. I loved learning things in class and then doing them at home. Emerson loves music. :) Click here for their latest schedule
Mom and Baby Yoga at Bloom
I love yoga, so of course I had to try out Mom and Baby Yoga. Bloom is an amazing kid and family friendly studio. It has a great, welcoming vibe and moms are encouraged to breastfeed, bottle feed, change diapers, and interact with baby throughout the class. It is not the most quiet zen of yoga classes, so don't come expecting calm bliss. It is more about learning to get moving in your new post-natal body and connecting with other new moms. It is super fun to see all the other cute babies. The teachers at Bloom encourage you to stick around after class and take your time. I've meet some cool ladies in class! Click here for their latest schedule
Book Browsing at Barnes and Noble on Webster
This store saved me on a day when I thought I might go insane. Ladies, pack up your little ones in their strollers and take advantage of the calm and fun kids section at Barnes and Noble. Fuel up first in the cafe to combat your mommy sleep deprivation while you make hormonally driven purchases of every sweet baby book in sight. I wasn't feeling particularly social the day I went, but I am sure you could strike up a conversation with the other moms. The elevator is at the back of the store on the first floor. They have wide aisles and sweets in the bakery. Thank me later.
Mom and Baby Art at One Strange Bird
After feeling like there was a lack of activities for the 0-3 babes and mamas on maternity leave, I wanted to create something cool at One Strange Bird. Emerson and I "co-teach" art classes once a month during the week (and soon on weekends in the summer!) Each month is a different project. From mandala painting, to onesie making, crafty mamas can connect in our welcoming art studio. The classes are designed for new and expecting moms to have an open and non-judgmental space to create. BYOBABY! Click here for upcoming Mom and Baby Art Classes