My daughter, Hannah, and I started going to our local Gymboree when she was three months old. Having just moved to a new city, I thought it would be a great way to meet other moms. The first three months in Level 1 Play & Learn class turned out to be one of the best things I could have done. Not only did I make friends with other moms, Hannah became very social and attentive. She learned to listen to her teacher and follow along as we sang songs. She practised her tummy time and gained great head and neck control as a result, too. Doing tummy time with her buddies made it a lot more fun for her and by the end of the 45 minute class, she was pooped! She would take a long nap after each class!
Once Hannah learned to sit up, we moved up to Level 2 Play & Learn. Now, the real fun has begun! Not only does Hannah get her exercise, but I do as well. Going to Gymboree saves me going to my own gym that day because we do quite a bit of cardio and lifting throughout the 45 minute class. Below I’ve outlined a few of the moves and games we do each class, so you can see what I mean!
- Airplane Rides:
Photo courtesy of babble.com
Place baby on your shins while holding your baby either by their waist, armpits, or hands depending on their stability. Then, gently move your legs up and down and side to side while keeping your abdominal muscles tight. This is an ab workout for you and baby at the same time!
- Freeze Dance:
Photo courtesy of LAparent.com
This is a great activity for mom, baby, and older siblings. We dance around to music and freeze when the music pauses. It may seem silly dancing around on your own, but when you have a class full of other moms, dads, nannies, and babies there with you, it’s a lot more fun!
- Baby Soccer Time:
Photo courtesy of FloridaToday.com
Baby Soccer Time has got to be one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. Parents hold their baby by the armpits and swing baby back and forth to kick the beach balls. It’s a nice arm workout and the babies love learning to kick!
To finish off the class, everyone scoops up their baby and forms a “Gymbo-Train”. We march around the circle and say good-bye with three big “Hip-hip hoorays!” and lift our babies up high to the center of the circle all together. To find out where your local Gymboree is, simply click here!
Hannah sure is one happy baby after a day at Gymboree with Mommy!
We love to hear from you! What is your favorite activity with your little one?
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And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our HT #BreastfeedingWorld
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Originally from New Jersey, but moved to Australia when I was 25. While in Australia, I met my husband and we’ve been married two years now. In April 2015, we had our first child, Hannah. Since having Hannah, I have taken a break from working in real estate and moved to Atlanta, Georgia with our little family. I am learning daily about being a mom and enjoying every minute of bonding with my daughter. I’m excited to share my experiences with other moms who are interested in learning about breastfeeding and other fun mommy stuff!
