classes for babies

Classes for babies in Singapore

As a new mum, especially a first-time one, it can be really daunting to venture out alone with just you and your little one. But, at the same time, you know that getting out and about is good for you — and your baby.

There are many activities that you can do to help you overcome this uncomfortable feeling. It’s surprising how much difference a short trip to the mall or quick walk in the park can make to your day.

Another option is to take a baby class. However, you may have heard mixed reports about such classes and the ‘effects’ they may have on your baby.

Many people have debated over the pros and cons of these classes — some feel that too much stimulation or a busy schedule of classes can be overwhelming for a baby.

However, spending time with your little one is the most important thing. As long as you are enjoying what you’re doing and having fun, your baby is bound to be happy and content!

Want to give one a try? Check out our ultimate list of classes for babies in Singapore — there are 20 to choose from!

1. Mucky Pups

As the name suggests, Mucky Pups holds creative art classes, with mucky activities like painting, sticking, and blowing bubbles galore!

Each weekly 45-minute session is run by a trained artist and ex-preschool teacher.

Your tots can pick up social skills through interaction with other babies, while getting a headstart in expressing themselves artistically.

Age of babies accepted: 1-3yrs

Price: Free trial class, $25 per session

Location: Various locations across Singapore

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Mucky Pups here.

2. Chengzhu

Chengzhu Mandarin Centre's PlayNest programme provides a warm, friendly environment for your tots to build their foundations in Mandarin.

At Chengzhu, language learning occurs through hands-on activities like rhythm enjoyment, puppetry, and art and craft. This holistic approach to learning enables your baby to cultivate a deep love for Mandarin as well as Chinese culture.

Age of babies accepted: 6-18mths

Price: $1147 for 22 lessons

Location: Rochester Mall

Tel no: 6737 5348

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Chengzhu Mandarin Centre here.

Image courtesy of Chengzhu Mandarin Centre

3. Heguru

Using award-winning techniques imported from Japan, Heguru is a right brain development enrichment school that aims to nurture sharp, confident children.

Their Infant & Toddler Class enhances your tot's brainpower in a wide range of aspects, from literacy and number concepts to attention span and moral values. Early development in these critical skills will give your child a good headstart as he or she goes on to preschool and primary school.

Age of babies accepted: 6mths-4yrs

Prices: One-time registration fee of $100, $520 for a term of 7 weekday classes, $560 for a term of 7 weekend lessons

Locations: One KM Mall, Sengkang, Waterway Point Mall, Our Tampines Hub

Tel no: 6346 4646 (One KM), 6686 6566 (Sengkang), 6385 1588 (Waterway Point), 6384 1110 (Tampines)

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Heguru here.

Image courtesy of Heguru Singapore website

4. Busy Tables

Busy Tables runs weekday playgroups with a play-based approach - strictly no whiteboards or tablets!

Their curriculum is designed to nurture positive learning habits such as self-motivation, and soft skills like leadership.

Age of babies accepted: 1-2yrs, 3-6yrs

Price: $35 per playgroup session

Location: Rochester Mall

Tel no: 8420 0200

Parent-accompanied?: No

Find out more about Busy Tables here.

Image courtesy of Busy Tables website

5. Aqua Bambinos

This swim school provides swimming lessons for you and your baby from 6 months to 36 months of age.

The water temperature of its indoor pool is kept at a cosy 30 degrees, so you and your little one will both be at ease while you splash and play.

Qualified teachers focus on water safety tips and helping you and your baby to get used to being in the water together — using songs and toys to make it fun!

Age of babies accepted: 6-36 mths

Price: $35 for 1st trial lesson, $28 for subsequent lessons

Locations: Bishan Swimming Complex, Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex, Indoor Pool@Serangoon Gardens

Telephone no: (65) 6487 3225

Parent-accompanied? Yes

Find out more about Aqua Bambinos here.

Image courtesy of Dreamstime stock photos

6. My Gym

My Gym has devised a series of age-appropriate sessions for your little one, including gym classes for babies from 8 months old up.

Using soft play equipment and toys, as well as music, babies are encouraged to move and interact socially with one another.

At 8 months old, babies can play at balancing, hanging, kicking a ball and building blocks to work on physical and coordination skills.

Age of babies accepted: 3-7mths, 7-11mths, 12-18mths, 19mths-3yrs. MyGym also offers programmes for children between 3-10yrs.

Price: $55 for a trial class

Locations: Ang Mo Kio, Buona Vista, City Square, Jurong East, Marine Parade, Suntec City, Tampines

Email: [email protected]

Parent-accompanied? Yes, up till age 3

Find out more about My Gym here.

Image courtesy of My Gym Facebook page

7. Mother and Child

These workshops are held at local Mother & Child centres in Singapore and are for babies from 0 to 6 months old.

Here, you can attend a weekly 1-hour class, for a period of 3 weeks. Qualified infant massage instructors will guide you in the techniques and tricks of baby massage.

Baby massage is considered a great way for parents to bond and begin to communicate with their babies. It is also a good way to relieve any pain or discomfort your baby might be experiencing if they are particularly ‘gassy.’

Complimentary massage oil is provided and parents are encouraged to continue with the techniques they have learned at home.

Age of babies accepted: 0-6mths

Price: $150 per 3-session course

Location: Tanglin Mall

Tel no: 6836 0063

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Baby Massage Singapore here.

Image courtesy of Dreamstime stock photos

8. AquaDucks

AquaDucks is another place for water play — it provides swimming lessons for you and your baby from 6 months old up.

Teachers focus on helping baby to feel safe and comfortable in the water by using games and singing songs. When your baby gets more confident, they will adapt the programme to cover submersion and first survival skills as well.

Aqua Ducks has been around for 25 years and has various locations across Singapore.

Age of babies accepted: 6-48mths

Prices: $372 for weekday classes and $396 for weekend classes from Jan-June. $379.50 for weekday classes and $401.50 for weekend classes from Jun-Dec.

Locations: Turf City, Dempsey, Newton, Nexus, Orchid Country Club, Hollandse Country Club, Swiss Club, Singapore Island Country Club

Tel no: 6463 5554

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about AquaDucks here.

Image courtesy of Dreamstime stock photos

9. Musical Monkeys

The high-energy and fun sessions here use music, instruments and singing to actively engage your baby.

Specifically aimed at kids under 5, you can expect to sing and dance along with your baby. Each week focuses on a different instrument and there’s fun with bubbles too — a real hit with the little ones!

The sessions are informal, fun and a great way to make new friends. The songs are well-known nursery rhymes or traditional songs, and props are used to emphasise the music.

Age of babies accepted: 0-5yrs

Prices: $28 for trial session, $130 for 5-session package

Locations: Tanglin Park, River Bay, Keppel Gate, Sentosa Cove, PoMo, Marymount Terrace

Tel no: 9008 0417

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Musical Monkeys here.

Image courtesy of Musical Monkeys Facebook page

10. CentreStage School of the Arts

This performing arts school runs sessions for small babies from 6 months to 18 months old.

It uses creative play to stimulate your baby — meaning active babies won’t be able to get enough of this fun-filled programme!

There is singing and music, and the chance for you to really let go and enjoy a new experience with your baby.

Age of babies accepted: 6-18mths

Prices: $50 registration fee, $200 per class

Locations: Marine Parade Road, Portsdown Road

Tel no: 6732 7211 (Portsdown), 6449 6211 (Marine Parade)

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about CentreStage here.

Image courtesy of Dreamstime stock photos

11. Gymboree

Gymboree’s Play & Learn session allows babies to explore the senses through play, songs and flashlight play. There is also plenty of tummy time.

Classes start from the newborn stage and continue up to 5 years old. Classes are structured but it is preferred that the child take the lead in his or her own learning and development.

Gymboree operates out of Tanglin Mall and Harbourfront Centre.

Age of babies accepted: 0-36mths

Price: $32 for 1st trial lesson

Location: Tanglin Mall

Tel no: 6735 5290

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Gymboree here.

Image courtesy of Gymboree Facebook page

12. Baby Genius

IGenius runs a session just for babies aged 6 months to 36 months old. It believes in nurturing a baby’s potential brain-power early on.

Mixing education with play, it aims to make learning a fun experience. It uses music, story-telling, sounds and movement activities to improve learning ability.

It also concentrates on right brain training techniques to ensure both sides of the brain are working in sync from a young age.

Age of babies accepted: 6-36mths

Location: Dhoby Ghaut

Tel no: 9054 4393

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Baby Genius here.

Image courtesy of Dreamstime stock photos

13. Waterfun Aquatics

This swim school focuses on play as a way to teach your little one to swim. It has a specialised swim programme for babies from 6 to 36 months old.

Qualified teachers are certified by the Swimming Teacher’s Association (UK) and have experience working with parents and their babies.

Lessons are structured but fun, taking a "learn through games and play" approach to teaching. Babies can improve their coordination skills and muscle strength through the activities.

Classes are kept small so more attention can be given to each baby.

Age of babies accepted: 6-36mths

Prices: $110 per 4 lessons in a class size of 4-6, $180 per 4 lessons in a class size of 2

Location: Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild, Dover Road

Tel no: 6872 4258

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Waterfun Aquatics here.

Image courtesy of Dreamstime stock photos

14. Julia Gabriel Language Enrichment

Julia Gabriel has more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She runs a wide range of development classes for children and teens, such as Oral Communication and Speech and Drama.

Her signature Playnest programme provides interactive sessions in which tots can hone their sensory abilities and motor skills.

Learning takes place in a creative and holistic way, through motor play, discovery activities, and even learning to enjoy healthy organic food.

Age of babies accepted: 6-18mths, 18mths-3yrs

Prices: $920 for Terms 1 and 3, $1012 for Terms 2 and 4

Locations: Tampines, Orchard

Tel no: 6444 6735 (Tampines), 6733 4322 (Orchard)

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Julia Gabriel Language Enrichment classes here.

Image courtesy of Julia Gabriel

15. Little Mandarins Mums & Tots

Little Mandarin’s Mums & Tots will help to teach your tots the basics of Mandarin.

Using music and drama activities, the class is a fun way to introduce a new language to your tot at a vital stage in their development.

Kids are able to move and play as they go and parents are encouraged to join in too!

Age of babies accepted: 18-33mths

Location: Loewen Road

Tel no: 6473 8377

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Little Mandarins Mums & Tots here.

Image courtesy of Dreamstime stock photos

16. Wee Care

Wee Care runs a parent-infant playgroup in a style which encourages babies to learn about themselves and the world around them.

Parents should be prepared to get involved in the sessions, which include music, structured learning stations, soft-play and multi-sensory learning.

There is also a chance to play outdoors and explore nature.

Age of babies accepted: 4-12mths, 13-24mths

Price (4-12mths): $39.50 for one-time trial, $395 per 10-week term, $474 per 12-week term

Price(13-24mths): $580 per 10-week term, $696 per 12-week term

Location: Tanglin

Tel no: 6836 1450

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Wee Care here.

Image courtesy of Wee Care Facebook page

17. Kindermusik with Love

The Kindermusik Village programme is specially designed for babies from newborn to 18 months old.

Babies can benefit from learning through music in a friendly and fun environment. It’s also a great way to seal the bonds with your newborn in a relaxing environment.

Parents and babies are encouraged to move, sing and explore objects such as instruments in the sessions.

Age of babies accepted: 0-18mths

Price: $308 per 8-week term, $20 for 1st trial class

Locations: Rochester Mall, Katong V Mall, United Square Shopping Mall

Tel no: 6684 8064 (Rochester), 6440 8667 (Katong V), 6250 2675 (United Square)

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Kindermusik with Love here.

Image courtesy of Kindermusik Facenook page

18. The Blue House Atelier

The Blue House Atelier offers fun programmes for babies from 6 months to 36 months old.

It has a large ‘discovery’ play area for little ones and runs a schedule of activities including messy play, drama, music and Mandarin.

Babies are encouraged to move and play during these sessions. The play space is often divided up into sections, which focus on different levels of sensory play and discovery.

Age of babies accepted: 6-36mths

Prices: $40 per class, $450 per 12-class package

Locations: Turf City, UE Square

Tel no: 6462 6547 (Turf City), 6235 2126 (UE Square)

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about The Blue House Atelier here.

Image courtesy of Infant & Toddler Atelier Facebook page

19. Mini Maestros

These music classes hope to not only introduce babies to music but to build a lasting curiosity for it.

In addition to the singing, dancing and playing of percussion instruments (with your help of course!), the teachers make use lots of fun props to make the sessions even more exciting.

Mini Maestros encourages you to take a 3-week trial or demonstration class to see if it is the one for you!

Age of babies accepted: 6-15mths

Locations: Marine Parade, PoMo

Tel no: 9430 6563

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Mini Maestros here.

Image courtesy of Mini Maestros Facebook page

20. Music Factory

Music Factory runs a series of music classes for babies and toddlers.

The sessions are taught by a team of music specialists and are structured in a way that helps babies to express themselves with the help of music, dancing with Mum and Dad, and lots of tickles!

Age of babies accepted: 6-15mths

Locations: Marine Parade, PoMo

Tel no: 9430 6563 (Marine Parade), 9430 6563 (PoMo)

Parent-accompanied?: Yes

Find out more about Music Factory here.

Image courtesy of Music Factory website