relax with

your baby

Bonding with your baby is magical and there are many ways in which you can get out and about to explore new activities together
After the first few months of looking after your newborn, you may well be looking forward to spending more time out and about and even be ready to try new experiences together. It's also a great way for you or your partner to meet other new parents and enjoy some relaxing time out from your home environment.
swim together
Babies have a natural affinity with water and you may have already enjoyed a trip to your local swimming pool at an earlier stage in their development.
If not, check with your local swimming baths as most swimming pools offer special parent & baby classes. These formalised sessions usually take place over a few weeks and will help you and your little one get used to swimming together. It's a good idea to join such a group: you'll be reassured about pool safety, learn about your baby's basic water skills and find out what other types of activities to enjoy in the water.
mother & baby yoga
Yoga may have been a hobby you enjoyed before the birth of your baby and during your pregnancy. Its benefits for adults, in terms of relaxation and physical and spiritual wellbeing, are well established. It's widely believed that your baby can also benefit from yoga and mother and baby yoga classes are increasing in popularity.
Advocates of baby yoga believe it's a great bonding experience, offering your little one a rich level of engagement moving in harmony with you. And it's certainly true that gentle physical stimulation, being touched and being held is beneficial for babies.
In addition to movement and holding, sessions focus on voice and deep relaxation techniques. It may not be for everyone, but many new mothers and fathers find it a highly rewarding exercise. As with adult yoga classes, always ensure you are joining a group with a fully-qualified instructor who has experience in the mother and baby field.
Ask your friends, talk to other mums or
go online to gurgle.com to chat to others
and find out about their experiences of
activities with their baby.
Fitness fans or new mums who are keen to get their shape back may be tempted by pushchair exercises. More physical on your part,
pushchair exercises
involves a work-out session in a group with other mums or dads while pushing or exercising around your pram. Your tot, meanwhile, enjoys being with you in the local park or nods off as you rumble along.

The benefits of regular group exercise for you are multifold: you'll feel better physically and mentally, feel stimulated and enjoy time out. Most importantly, you'll have fun and meet new friends.

It's important to join a group with a qualified pushchair exercise instructor and to be confident that your body is ready for such exercise. Always consult your health visitor or GP if you've any concerns.
baby music groups
Many new mums and dads enjoy taking part in local baby music groups. Apart from being lively, fun sessions for you, the activities are designed to help your baby develop confidence, coordination and creativity – you can never be too young to be creative! It also helps your little one get used to being with other babies and parents.
With singing, dancing and music-making, these classes help to break down barriers and once you've overcome any shyness, you'll be singing along with the others and making new friends.

To find out about any of the above activities, contact your local leisure centre. You may also find details at your
GPs surgery or on noticeboards in local cafes that are popular with new mums.