If your week is in need of a refresher for baby and you, there are plenty of opportunities in Beijing to bring some color and life into your schedule. Take advantage of the many playgroups around the city, which give moms (and dads) the chance to break the solitude that sometimes comes with caring for a newborn or toddler, and the opportunity to meet and befriend other parents. Here is an updated list of groups that also offer a safe and stimulating environment to promote the cognitive and physical development of your little one. Get out the baby-bag, pack up the formula, dust off the stroller and call a Didi – it’s time to play!
Bumps to Babes: Little Puppies, Little Roosters, and Little Monkeys
The Bumps to Babes (B2B) volunteer groups in Beijing offer a varied range of free playgroups at the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) campus and CISB Kindergarten. Catering for different age groups (named after the animal that represents the year your baby was born according to the Chinese calendar) and locations for both expecting mothers and families, there’s truly something on offer for everyone.
On Tuesdays, the Little Roosters group offers playmate time for babies born between February 2017 and January 2018. The Little Puppies group takes place every Wednesday and caters for babies born between February 2018 and January 2019. The Little Monkeys group is held every Thursday and serves parents who have babies that were born between February 2016 and January 2017. And every Friday, the B2B CISB group offers a mixed age playgroup.
To find out more information and be signed up to these and other groups on offer, please email beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com. Be sure to ask to be added to the B2B Beijing WeChat group, which provides a chance for moms and dad to find out about family-friendly deals around Beijing.
Panda Chinese Playgroup: Chinese Sing Song Time
Join in the sing-along every Monday and Thursday. Expect structured activities centered around Chinese music and play. This vibrant group caters for babies from 0-6 months, and ayis are welcome. Warm up the vocal cords, shake a tambourine and get ready for good vibes, baby laughter, and a good natter with fellow moms and dads.
RMB 80 per class. Every Monday and Thursday 10-11.30am. Apartment 401, Unit 1, Building 32, Xingfuercun, Chaoyang district.
BSB, Sanlitun/Shunyi Baby & Toddler Playgroup
The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun (BSB Sanlitun) and British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) play host to both new parents and families that have managed to get a year or two under their belt. These fun-filled playgroups incorporate free play with more structured activities for children between 0-3 years old, not to mention the chance to take a peek at the schools’ beautiful campuses.
Free. Every Wednesday (Sanlitun) and Friday (Shunyi). 9-10.30am, (Sep-Jun). The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun. (receptionsltey@bsbsanlitun.com). The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588).
Safari Time Songs for Infants and Toddlers
Fancy an exotic trip on a Safari with your little one? It’s time to shake a leg and get moving, singing, and dancing. There are classes available for both babies and toddlers and these weekend song sessions have been a major hit with parents. If you’ve got a child of 3 – 18 months old or 18 months – 4 years old, bring them to The Bookworm and enjoy songs and rhymes from around the world; great for brain development and great fun for mommies and daddies.
RMB 80. Every Saturday. The Bookworm. Safari Time Songs (Toddlers) 9.30 – 10.30am. Safari Time Songs (Babies) 10.30 – 11.30am.
Hello Future Kindergarten Songs and Stories
Join Hello Future Kindergarten for a toddler playgroup every Tuesday morning from 9.15 to 10.15am. Read, sing, dance and do crafts for the kids, with coffee for mom and dad. Kids should come with a parent – no ayi, please. The class is appropriate for children aged 6 months to 3 years.
RMB 70. Every Tuesday. Hello Future Kindergarten. 9.15-10.15am. (8430 8332)
