Choosing the Mommy and Me Program for You By Kim Balint of Mind, Body and Baby The booming baby market is spurring rapid growth in Mommy and Me and Baby and Me classes being offered everywhere, from fitness studios and schools to churches and storefronts. Walk carefully through this new maze, however, as selecting such a program for you and your child should be taken as seriously as choosing a school or physician. Besides, selecting the right program for you and your baby will help enhance your overall experience. Before starting the search, think about your personal priorities, including what you expect to gain for yourself and your child, what activities are you comfortable doing, what times fit your schedule and how far do you want to drive? Playgroups that bring parents and child together provide wonderful opportunities for the children to interact and for the parents to share ideas and experiences. They also offer a slice of uninterrupted time for mom and baby to play and learn together. Unlike play or academic settings for older children, these classes should not be competitive. Every child develops differently and should not be pressured or put up to comparison. For babies aged birth to three years old, a key period for brain development, these activities open the door to positive growth and lots of fun. As you begin your review of programs for you and your child, here are a few questions to ask: What activities does the class include? Most Baby and Me classes are designed to be simple, centered around music, singing and movement. Activities and old familiar childhood lyrics are repeated many times to emphasize learning. Is the location and time convenient? If your drive is too long or cuts into your child's nap, the experience most likely will be unpleasant and defeat the purpose of the class. Do they offer times to accommodate working Moms and Dads? Is the facility clean and strict about its sick policy? Ask how often all of the toys, mats and carpets are cleaned, and make sure a safe, non-toxic agent is used. They also should have a practice of putting aside and cleaning all toys that are put in the mouth. Ball pits are particular havens for germs and should be cleaned frequently. Do the toys and equipment seem safe and age appropriate? What is the class size? Depending on the size of the room, a group limited to 12 or 15 makes a more intimate and less chaotic class. What are the age breakdowns? Ages slits should be in five to six-month increments. For example, birth to six months, six to 12 months and 18 to 24 months are the most common classes. Developmental level may be a factor as well as age. A 10 month old who is walking may be happier in the older class of other walkers. Make sure the facility you choose is sensitive to these type of decisions and will help you make them. What are the make-up and guest policies? Can a relative or nanny participate if you can't? If you are unable to attend, can classes be made-up? Most programs allow one free test class or a chance to observe before you sign-up. While observing, watch to see if mothers are chatting together or interacting with their babies? Does the teacher have control of the room? When find the class for you and your baby, remember to resist the temptation to compare your child's progress with others. Have fun, enjoy your child and cherish this valuable bonding and learning time. Also see: • Making the most of Mommy and Me classes • The art of making time for yourself • Finding work and family balance • Family Channel Kim Balint is a certified pre/postnatal fitness instructor, certified childbirth educator and international board certified lactation consultant and the owner of Mind, Body & Baby.. Mind, Body & Baby is a parenting education and fitness studio in Fort Lauderdale, Fla offering a variety of classes for expectant and new parents and children, ages birth to five years. For more information visit www.mindbodyandbaby.com or call (954) 564-1577.