East Bay baby class: Tum e Time

Thanks to Liz Jobst for her guest post about Tum e Time today!

Since my birth class turned itself into a Mom’s Group after all our babies were born, I decided not to enroll in a fee-based Mom’s Group and instead spend money on some baby classes. As a kinesthetic learner I wanted expert advice on raising my first child, the kind of stuff that I have trouble learning from a library book.

What to expect

I’ll start with a few words of caution before you register for any learning class with your baby. First, these classes are not designed for friendship making. You are going to have to make an effort if you want to have a play-date with another family from the class, and while this may not pose a challenge for extroverts, introverts may simply end the course with the knowledge learned, and without a new mom BFF.  My tip: sign up with a new parent friend so you have a built-in practice partner.

Second, since most young babies are not on a nap schedule — and since no baby’s schedule includes “sit and listen” classroom time — be prepared to tend to your baby during instructional time thereby limiting your participation in the activities. That said, even when I was feeding Henry or changing his diaper, both totally acceptable activities in any class where babies are in attendance, I was able to learn, I just needed more practice time at home.

On to the fun stuff!

When Henry was just two months old we enrolled in Tum e Time with Kim Lyons at Musically Minded. As my first “baby and me” class, this was a great introduction as it covered a variety of material from infant massage, to baby yoga, to simple sign language, to tummy time, and more. The class helps you get comfortable playing with your baby, particularly in relationship to their bodies.

You are expected to engage with your baby during class. The massage is taught by practicing on your little one while Kim uses a doll to demonstrate. Most of the babies in the class were around four months of age or older, however, this is a class where you can easily learn the material early and apply it later if your baby is not yet ready for the activity.

Kim was a good instructor, one whom you could tell had years of experience working with babies and families. Tuition included a password protected online video of the signing songs for you to practice with at home which was a big help. As a bonus, partners are welcome to attend at no extra cost. Henry’s dad works during the day but managed to attend one time and enjoyed the opportunity to learn with us.

Bottom line: I recommend Tum e Time for new parents looking for a starter baby course as you will “graduate” with lots of tips and tricks for engaging with your little one. Some families even registered for this course while on maternity/paternity leave. It’s be a great excuse to get out of the house for a short period of time together while in an environment that nurtures you and your baby.

Here are some of the tips posted on the Tum e Time Facebook page.

There are two East Bay locations to take Tum e Time this fall, and the cost is $95.

In Oakland/Rockridge at Musically Minded, 5776 Broadway, Thursdays either from 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 12 noon – 1 p.m. (work around naptime folks). The next classes will be held on November 7, 14, 21 and December 5.

In North Berkeley at BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave., Ste. 122, Thursdays either from 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 12 noon – 1 p.m. (work around naptime folks). The next classes will be held on October 10, 17, 24, and 31.