For parents and parents-to-be, find classes in the following categories: baby and family care, baby prep, infant/child CPR, infant massage, fitness, moms’ support groups, museums and tours, prenatal yoga, preschool prep and sign language. Many of these activities are aimed at moms, but some are for dads and other caregivers too.
I intend that this list be comprehensive and up to date. Email me at cory@capitolhillkid.com with suggestions.
Baby Prep, Baby and Family Care
Be Here Now Yoga: Be Ready Now
“The focus of this practice is to prepare the body and mind for labor, birth, and motherhood. This is done through breathing techniques, strengthening and restorative asana, occasional chanting, and meditation. The slow and strengthening physical practice is specially suited for a changing body and growing baby. Many mamas have found the postural practice to help ease common discomforts such as aches and pain in the back, hips, and neck/shoulders. All three trimesters and all levels are welcome! As with any exercise program, please consult your physician/midwife before attending.”
- Expecting moms
- Sundays, 12:45 p.m. | 406 8th Street SE | Registration required
- https://beherenowyogadc.com/
Breathing Space: Wellness and Parenting Education for Growing Families
Offerings include Preparing for Baby, Prenatal Yoga, Baby Yoga and Play, Infant Massage, Baby Sign Language, Lactation Support and private classes.
- Expecting parents and parents of new babies
- Classes and workshops held throughout the year | Several Hill locations | Registration required
- https://breathingspacedc.com/prenatal-postnatal-yoga-wellness/family-wellness/
East Side Yoga: Prenatal/Postnatal
Offerings include Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal Toga and Becoming the Best Birth Partner
- Expecting parents and parents of new babies
- See schedule | 518 10th St NE | Registration required
- https://www.eastsideyogadc.com/blank
Infant/Child CPR
Infant and Child CPR Class at Hill Center
“It takes two hours of your time to learn the skills that could save your child’s life. During this class you will be taught by a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse. You will learn Infant and Child CPR, AED and what to do if your child or infant is choking. The class applies to infants up to age 12. These are skills everyone caring for an infant or child should have to ensure their safety. This is the perfect class for parents, nannies, babysitters, or family members who might be caring for your child.”
- Open to all
- Sessions held throughout the year | Hill Center | Registration required
- https://www.hillcenterdc.org/events/
Fitness
Fit4Mom DC: Various Classes
“FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading prenatal and postnatal fitness program, providing fitness classes and a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy, through postpartum and beyond, our fitness and wellness programs help make moms strong in body, mind, and spirit.”
Classes include: Stroller Strides, Fit4Baby, Stroller Barre, Body Back Boost and Body Back Transformation.
- Expecting moms, postpartum moms, all moms
- See schedule | Various locations | Registration required
- https://dc.fit4mom.com/
Moms’ Support Groups
Fit4Mom: “Our Village” Playgroup
“Enjoy fun, playful activities with your child while building a tight community of like-minded moms to share advice, tips, and most importantly, laughter.”
- Babies, toddlers and preschoolers
- Various dates | Various locations | Registration required
- https://dc.fit4mom.com/classes/our-village-moms-club
MotherNation: Mama Match and MotherNation Circles
“MotherNation aims to unlock the individual and collective strength of mothers through empathy, exercise and empowerment. We bring together mamas and providers who want to help us so we can sweat, learn and focus on our well-being together. We are currently beta testing our Mama Match, MotherNation Circles and Fitness For You offerings in the DC metro area.”
- Expecting moms and new moms
- Various dates | Various locations | Sign up
- https://www.mothernation.co/
PACE: Support Groups for 1st and 2nd Time Moms
“P.A.C.E. offers support groups for new mothers as well as for the second time around moms. Groups are led by professional mental health educators trained in the fields of infant development, parenting skills, family relationships and group dynamics.”
- 1st and 2nd time moms of babies ages 2 weeks-5 months*
- Sessions scheduled throughout the year | Hill Center and other D.C. locations | Registration required
- https://www.pacemoms.org/
- *It’s a good idea to sign up while you’re expecting so you can be matched with a group and be ready to meet after baby comes.
Museums and Tours
U.S. Botanic Garden Snugglers Tour
“Do you have a tiny treasure in a snuggly? Looking for ways to get out of the house and learn? Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden each Thursday for a 45-minute guided tour of the Conservatory.”
- Caregivers of babies ages 0-1 year
- Thursdays, 10 a.m. | Conservatory Classroom | Free, pre-registration required
- https://learn.usbg.gov/calendar
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center: Bring Your Own Baby (BYOB)
“BYOB is a program for adult audiences looking for a rich learning experience and an opportunity to meet other caretakers. Ease into the morning with some light conversation and a walk to a nearby museum. While aimed at adults, the rich environment will benefit baby too.”
- Caregivers of babies ages 0-1 year
- Twice monthly Tuesdays, 10 a.m. | Begins at National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Avenue lobby; concludes at museum listed in course description | Registration required, $15
- https://seecstories.com/community-programs/byob-bring-your-own-baby/
Preschool Prep
Elemeno: Preschool Prep
“Nervous about preschool? Want to give your child a leg up for their next big step? Anxious about those first ‘drop offs’? Our 6-week Preschool Prep series is focused on helping you and your child prepare for success in a group-based educational environment – whether it’s Pre-K, Montessori, or any group care program.”
- Parents and children ages 20 months-3 years
- 6-week program offered in sessions throughout the year | 709 8th St SE | Registration required
- https://elemeno.club/classes-program
Elemeno: Navigating the DC Lottery for Pre-K
- Parents of 2-3 year olds
- Seminars offered during lottery season | 709 8th St SE | Registration required
- https://elemeno.club/classes-program