What can you expect from your first baby music class? We’re joined by Tori Ranner, owner of Rhythm Time York, and mum to two boys. She’s here to give her insights on what it’s like to attend your first baby music class, and why you should even come in the first place.

Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler?
There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.    

Walking into your first baby class can feel like a daunting experience. On the one hand, you may be excited. Your baby is finally here after all those months of waiting and you’re ready for a new social scene of friends and playdates. On the other hand, you didn’t anticipate how sleep-deprived you would be, how long it would take you to get out of the house, and how few clean clothes you have to wear now your washing pile is enormous!

However, have no fear. You have just walked into the best place, where someone else is going to take the lead for the next half hour or so. You just need to bring yourself and your baby to enjoy the ride.

What Is A Baby Music Class?

1. Babies Respond More To Sound Than Vision

You may be thinking that expecting a baby to clasp a violin, strike up a jig and be the next Mozart is a bit far-fetched (well it is!). But in fact, music is one of the most accessible activities for babies. Babies’ sense of hearing develops in the womb so they are already developing familiarity with their mother’s voice before they are born. Consequently, their response to sound is more developed from birth than their vision. 

2. You Can Practise These Songs and Rhythms At Home Too

Baby music classes stimulate your baby’s innate attention to sound, encouraging you to bond through songs and rhymes. We often introduce skills and activities that you can replicate at home too. At Rhythm Time, our musical instrument section is at the core of our classes. Your baby can connect with a whole range of sounds. From the high-pitched triangle to the beat of the big bass drum. 

3. There Are Loads Of Sensory Elements To Baby Music Classes

Many music classes will also include sensory elements. This means that scarves, colourful blankets, ribbons and other funky tactile items are likely to play a big part. Whether it’s using these pieces to respond to the music (think shaking the scarves fast when the music is quick, and allowing them to waft gently when the music is slow), or using them to develop your baby’s sense of touch and vision through eye-tracking, these activities help to bring light-hearted fun to the classes!

What To Bring To A Baby Music Class (And What To Keep In Mind)

1. Your Baby!

The main thing to remember to bring to class is your baby! Class leaders spend a long time ensuring the environment and equipment in the sessions are age-appropriate. So you should feel confident that your presence will be enough to ensure you’ll have a great class.

2. Essentials Like Nappies And Feeding Equipment

As with any baby outing, bringing along your stack of nappies and any feeding necessities is a must. In my classes, I ensure that parents feel comfortable responding to their baby’s cues, regardless of whatever else is happening. If your baby needs feeding, they don’t have to wait. One of the benefits of music classes is that babies can still hear the sound, even when they are feeding.

3. A Blanket For Your Baby

You may also want to bring along your baby’s favourite blanket to lay them on. Not only can it make some gorgeously cute photos to have your baby’s blanket as the backdrop for their maraca-shaking fun, but the familiar smell of their blanket can also help soothe them in what is an unfamiliar environment at first.

4. Water – In Case You Want To Sing Too

Lastly, you may be surprised to find how much you personally enjoy the class. Singing as a group has been proven to develop both physical and mental health. Although a baby music class does not explicitly require you to sing, I am always blown away by how many parents love the singing aspect for its mood boost. So you may need to bring a bottle of water with you (singing can be thirsty work!). It’s also likely that your group will go for a drink after class to the nearby café too.

What I’ve Learnt As A Rhythm Time Parent And A Rhythm Time Leader

1. Parental Leave Can Be Tough But Fun

Parental leave can be one of the most joyful, difficult, blissful, stressful, conflict of emotions times that you ever experience. Some days are great, some days are not so great. And sometimes you can get to the end of the day not knowing whether it was one or the other.

2. Baby Classes Help Bring Structure To A Parent’s Week

As a Rhythm Time parent, I still love the structure that classes bring to my week. Knowing that a specific morning of the week has a pre-assigned activity which does not require me to prepare (or tidy up!) is crucial to enjoying time with my son. It means that after a difficult day, I know that I have something to look forward to on the next.

3. Baby Classes Help You Spend Valuable Time With Your Baby

As a Rhythm Time leader, I’ve brought this knowledge into my classes and I know how valuable that dedicated time is for you and your baby. You want to see someone who is friendly, ready to listen to you, easily able to guide you and your little one through the activities all while bringing joy, because yesterday was perhaps not like this.

4. Baby Music Classes Are A Safe Space To Meet Other Parents

I know that for some of you, meeting other parents in a similar situation is a highlight, whilst for others just enjoying the class with your baby is the priority. However you choose to enjoy the classes, just know that you are in a safe space to simply be you, as a parent, with your baby.

How To Find Out More About Baby Music Classes

All class providers will have a social media channel. Looking at photos or reels is a good way to get an idea of what kind of vibe they create. I am always available via WhatsApp or DMs and I welcome people to ask me any questions in advance if they are unsure about anything to do with the classes. Sometimes you might just want to know if there is appropriate parking nearby, or if there is a café close. All questions are relevant and you shouldn’t hesitate to ask the class providers at Rhythm Time – they’ll be glad to help!

Thanks To Victoria Ranner – Rhythm Time York

Victoria Ranner is mum to two boys (5 and 3). She runs Rhythm Time music and sensory classes for Babies, Toddlers and Pre-schoolers all around York. To find out more, follow her Instagram and Facebook or visit the Rhythm Time website to find your local Rhythm Time class. Book your class through Happity here.

Find a baby music class on Happity today!

If You Found This Post Useful, You May Also Like:

5 Things To Expect At Your First Baby Massage Class

Connecting Three Generations Through Music – This Is Family

Heading To A Baby Or Toddler Class In A Care Home? Here’s What To Expect