Out and About with Your New Baby!

Sometimes it’s hard to get out of the house and socialize when you have a new baby. But just because you have a new addition, doesn’t mean you should become a hermit. It’s time to get out there, meet other new moms and dads, hang out and have some fun. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

Book Clubs

Does your reading list consist of Dr. Seuss or Little Bear? Maybe you want to expand your reading tastes but don’t have a lot of time to get a chapter in before the next feed time. How about a book club where you can bring your newborn? And one that provides child care?! You can try http://www.bookclubsbyjanna.com/ in Toronto.

Networking

Just want to get out there and meet new mums like yourself but don’t know where to start? The Internet can be a great place. There are loads of sites out there that connect mothers to one another and offer events, meeting places and activities for both mum and child. For great networking opportunities – try the Treehouse boards and connect with lots of other parents at http://forums.treehousetv.com/boards/index.php

Education

Need to know more about child nutrition? Where are there preschools? Does your child need speech or vision therapy? But maybe you also just need to know what to make for dinner tonight! Learning about parenting and child programs can be fun and social when you go a local Early Years Centre. For those of you in Ontario – try http://www.ontarioearlyyears.ca/oeyc/en/home.htm to find out more.

Fitness

So you are probably looking to work off the pregnancy weight but don’t have a whole lot of time right? Or maybe you’re a dad and want to do something active with your new tot? Why not bring your child along to some of the many baby and mom fitness programs that Canada has to offer? You can try Gymboree fitness programs at http://www.gymboreeclasses.com/b2c/customer/programIndex.jsp at selected Canadian locations.

Movies

You’re a new mom or dad and you want to catch the latest flick without having to worry about your baby making too much noise or the theatre surround-sound hurting your baby’s ears. Famous Players offers lots of mini-matinees, so check them out at www.famousplayers.com for times and locations or Movies for Mommies around the country at http://www.movies4mommies.com/MFM_en/Home.html.

It's time to get up and get out there! The outside world is just filled with activities for you and your munchkin!

So come on and tell us where you go to get out and about!