Baby's First Class

My son Jack was only 3 weeks old when we took our first mommy-and-me class. Clearly it was more for me than for him. The sessions were basically group therapy for first-time moms, and we discussed everything from breastfeeding challenges to sleep deprivation to surviving the hormonal roller-coaster ride of new motherhood. Despite the fact that Jack slept through most of it, I wouldn't have traded it for the world. And experts agree: "You can feel really isolated when you're a new mom, so finding a class where you can get feedback from other moms -- on colic, diaper rash, going back to work -- is a real gift," says Sally Tannen, director of the 92nd Street Y Parenting Center, in New York City.

But with options ranging from music and art to swimming, finding the right class can seem daunting. At this stage, don't worry about enrichment or creating a learning experience. Your main concern should be about making your first foray into the organized momma/child world a positive one -- for yourself. Use our guide to help you make an educated decision.

Your baby's sleep schedule may still be a work in progress, but that doesn't mean you can't structure some parts of your day in a way that works for you. If you're a get-up-and-go kind of gal (or at least aspire to be), by all means go for the 9 a.m. Strollercise workout. But be realistic: For some, getting a baby out the door first thing isn't a recipe for fun, fat burning, or bonding.

A rhythm-and-rhyme class was the perfect option for Megan Park, of Potomac Falls, Virginia, and her son Cade. The key was in the logistics. "The class was 45 minutes long, and Cade was fresh from his nap. It was short enough for him not to get bored or have a breakdown -- but long enough for the kids to do fun, engaging activities," says Park.