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Sure, you have a stroller and heaps of gear to schlep around, and lucky for you, the cooler temps are slowly hitting the road. Your new-parent badge opens the door to a whole new world of activities, resources and friends in and around Chicago. Before your baby turns one (and that happens much faster than you think!), and in a post-social-distancing Chicago, make sure to check these off your bucket list.
photo: Edyta Grazman Photography
1. Get newborn photos.
Babies seem to change from one minute to the next. Preserve those first precious moments with a photo session. Many local photographers give you the option to get the shots done at your home or in their studio. Some faves are TK Photography, Edyta Grazman, Simply by Suzy, Rachel Beltzman, A Little Photo Studio, Alicia’s Photography and Classic Kids.
COVID-19 UPDATE: While photo sessions might not be exactly the same as before, just yet, you can still schedule family sessions to capture this moment in time as a family.
2. Stroll through museums.
The Museum of Contemporary Art offers a free stroller tour on the first Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. If natural history is more your thing, The Field Museum conducts a 45-60 minute museum highlights tour daily. If your little one is ready to get in the action, head to the Shedd Aquarium, where babies love to watch the fish float by. For more ideas on museums to explore, check out our story Chicago’s Best Museums for Curious Kids.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Many of the museums are reopened, but be sure to schedule your timeslot ahead of time and bring PPE for anyone over the age of 2.
3. Join a supportive group.
In the city, GRASP Group and The Chicago New Moms Group get you out of the house and into a circle of parents in a similar life stage, tackling the tough parenting subjects and connecting you to new friends. If you live in the northern suburbs, check out Starting Out Right at New Mother, New Baby in Northbrook.
photo: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
4. Explore an indoor green scene.
Dance with fluttering friends at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s Judy Istock Butterfly Haven and find tropical plants galore at Garfield Park Conservatory. You’ll be tricked into believing it’s a balmy summer day inside both. The bonus? Admission is free for Illinois residents on Thursdays at the Nature Museum and is always free (with a suggested donation) at Garfield Park.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Until you can visit Peggy Notebaert in person again, check out their virtual offerings!
5. Learn new lullabies.
Sing while you can, before baby is old enough to protest! Fa-la-la-la-la right into Old Town School of Music’s Lullabies class to sing sweet tunes to your 0-5-month-old baby. You can start by trying a no-strings-attached drop-in music class at the cozy boutique Monica + Andy, or check out one of the free music performances offered in the city, such as the Juicebox series at the Chicago Cultural Center and Garfield Park Conservatory.
COVID-19 UPDATE: If you’re not comfortable with in-person classes just yet, turn your home into a concert venue with the help of Mr. Dave’s Music’s virtual classes.
6. Work out!
Once you’re cleared to exercise, there are many baby-friendly classes to choose from. Join Active Moms Club’s From the Core: Postnatal Recovery to gradually increase the intensity of your workout to rebuild your strength as you mingle with other moms and babies. Cocoon Care has a variety of classes designed just for moms — get there early and catch a music class or jump in a support group. Fit4Mom classes are offered all over the city and suburbs.
COVID 19-UPDATE: Hip Circle Empowerment Center and Bubbles Academy are great resources for online classes that get the whole family moving.
photo: Chicago Bears Mamava Lactation Suite
7. Take them for their first football game.
As a charter team of the NFL, The Chicago Bears celebrated their 100th season last year! Congrats to them! They teamed up with Advocate Health Care to offer the first Mamava Lactation Suite, believing mama Bears deserve a clean, comfortable and dignified place to use a breast pump or breastfeed distraction-free — anywhere, anytime.
COVID 19 UPDATE: Read how the Chicago Bears committed more than $1.9M to Covid-19 relief and other ways they’re supporting Chicago on their Community page.
8. Join the Cubs Fan Club!
Gotta start out early turning baby into a Cubs fan and there’s no better way than the Newborn Fan Club. Sign up to receive a pinstripe “Rookie of the Year” onesie, beanie cap, birth certificate and personalized Wrigley Field marquee photo.
9. Try mommy-and-me yoga.
Stay Zen at Sweet Pea’s Studio in Lakeview or Bloom Yoga Studio in Lincoln Square. Classes start when baby is only four weeks, and there are options for tots so you can continue as your little one grows. Read about more kid-friendly yoga sports in our story Namaste, Little One: Chicago’s Top Yoga Spots for Yogis of All Ages.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Both Bloom and Sweet Pea’s are offering online classes.
photo: Daria Shevtsova via pexels.com
10. Head to a play date.
Join a Bump Club and Beyond New Moms Monthly Play Date (for babes 0-8 months). You’ll meet other awesome new moms (many of whom have formed their own spinoff playgroups). Also, check out Neighborhood Parents Network which offers many playdate options, including ones specifically for working moms and moms over 35.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Both Bump Club and NPN have online offerings found on their website.
11. Attend a breastfeeding clinic.
One of the toughest tasks to tackle when you bring baby home is breastfeeding. Head to Bubbles Academy for a drop-in breastfeeding clinic with The Lactation Partners the first and third Thursday of every month and WeOrbit the second and fourth Thursday for the support you need and the chance to meet other new moms in a no-judgment setting.
COVID-19 UPDATE: The Lactation Partners are still offering limited at-home consultations, which they may cancel at any time, and teleconferencing appointments.
12. Get a crawling coach.
One of our favorite classes for baby during the first year is the new Bubbles Academy Core Development: Pre-Crawlers. Crawlers can build upon their skills with tummy time, stretching, balancing and core strength activities.
COVID-19 UPDATE: While the crawling class is on hiatus, Bubbles is still offering virtual new parent meet-ups and classes for kids ages 0-5.
photo: Foss Swim School / Jennifer Whelan
13. Plunge into swimming lessons.
After baby is four months, get them in the pool at Goldfish Swim School or Foss Swim School for a baby-parent swim lesson. With locations in the city and ‘burbs, these are great places to warm up on a cold day. Get the lowdown on other local swim schools in our story 7 Swimming Schools That Will Float Your Boat.
COVID-19 UPDATE: You may not be ready to dive into the water, but stay connected with Goldfish Swim School via their online activities and learn how to get little ones comfortable in water using the bathtub, courtesy of Foss Swim School.
14. Take a (mall) walk!
Enjoy the new (and expecting) parent parking spot at Nordstrom in North Bridge on Michigan Avenue or the free parking at Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, and hit the mall to buy yourself something new now that baby is here!
COVID-19 UPDATE: Both malls are open at this time, but it is not guaranteed all stores are open, as that is an individual company decision.
15. Kick start early literacy development.
Check out nearby libraries to sign up for baby storytime classes. Though the format of each class is a bit different, expect some combination of singing, reading aloud and playing. Both drop-in classes and on-going series are offered by the Chicago Public Libraries.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Some Chicago Public Libraries are reopened, check their website for the status of your favorite. If you don’t feel comfortable with an in-person visit, they have a great online resource page with activities targeting kids.
photo: UrbanSitter
17. Find a good babysitter.
There’s lots to do around town with baby, but it’s nice to step away from time to time for a bit of R&R. Check out our list of babysitting services that will help you build your sitter bench.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Not much need for date-night sitters these days, but SitterCity is offering virtual sitters to help you keep the older kids entertained while you work, take care of baby or just take a much-needed breather.
16. Pretend it’s spring in Lincoln Park.
Spend a morning at the park along the lake. You can hit Green City Market indoors at Peggy Notebaert for a snack and lots of eye candy for baby. Then sing along with Mr. Singer at the Farm-in-the-Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:15 and 10 a.m.
COVID-19 UPDATE: You won’t find Mr. Singer at LPZ right now, but you can get your fix with an online class.
18. Meet new parents online.
If you can’t get out because of Covid-19 or are still recovering from childbirth, connect on Facebook! Groups like Mamatribe and Northwest Suburbs Moms have large followings where local parents connect and help one another out.
photo: TK Photography
19. Have a smashing first birthday.
Celebrate baby’s first birthday with a Smash Cake Photo Session! TK Photography offers a full-service mini-session complete with a cake, backdrop and the cleanup as you capture baby turning one.
20. Try a little bit of everything.
If the thought of signing up for all these classes is overwhelming (understandably so given your schedule — or lack thereof), sign up for Pearachute. Choose a plan and get instant drop-in access to some of Chicago’s most popular baby classes…even some fitness for moms, complete with childcare!
COVID-19 UPDATE: Pearachute is a great resource to help you locate virtual classes that are right for your family.
Lastly: Breathe. Smile. And enjoy every moment!
It’s the simplest advice, but oh so true. Save some time to soak in those baby snuggles while you can.
— Lisa Snart and Lindsay Pinchuk
Featured photo credit: sathyatripodi via Pixabay
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