Great Classes for Baby in NY!

Posted Thursday, June 28, 2007 3:43 PM

There are countless amazing classes for the under  2 crowd in New York but, I am an Upper East Sider so those are my recommendations....apologies to Westside Music Together, Child's Play, and Apple Seeds : )

For a wonderful first interactive class you've got to go with "Free to be Under Three" Joe Robertson is an incredible instructor whose calm voice will mesmerize your child. All the babies seem to love it. The class covers colors, counting, dancing, and language. It is a calm and nurturing environment - no rigid class plan here. The classes are very smartly divided into small groups of similar aged babies --that's a huge plus, there is nothing worse than having mismatched age groups in your baby's class. All classes are held downstairs at All Souls Church at Lexington and 80th Street Call for more info: 212 988 1708

My other favorite class is the Polliwogs Swimming Class at the 92nd Street Y. We all know how important it is for our children to learn how to swim and how daunting those first steps into the pool can be. Nobody does it better than the Y. Yes, the pool is cold but, it is a small price to pay for a positive first swim experience. For instructors- I love Terri, she is sweet and calm and reassuring. She can handle babies who were born fish and the most frightened little ones. The requirements are: babies must be in the rubber swim pants (they sell at the Y shop) and and everyone (moms too) must wear a swim cap. The locker rooms are clean and family friendly. It's also nice to be able to stop into the cafe after your class and have a snack-- you will both have worked up an appetite. 1395 Lexington Avenue (at 92nd Street) 212 415 5500.