With the second national lockdown closing baby and toddler classes once again, it can be difficult as parents to keep our children stimulated while everyone is at home.
These classes can provide much-needed structure and variety to a baby or toddler’s day and make them feel connected to other children, while aiding their development.
Fortunately, many groups and organisations are still running virtual activities to keep our little ones entertained; there is plenty to be found for all ages, interests and price points, with a range of formats including pre-made videos and fun, interactive Zoom classes.
The Baby Club – CBeebies
The BBC have been running the Baby Club on iPlayer since 2019, and adjusted to ‘at home’ activities during the spring lockdown. Their videos are short but offer lots of different activity ideas for your little one.
Format: Online videos
Cost: Free
Website: The Baby Club – CBeebies
Whippersnappers Live
Whippersnappers has been going since 1994, and their music-focused live sessions are geared towards under 5s.
They’re very interactive and encourage kids to dress up, show off their dance moves and practice drumming on items around the house. The sessions are 30-40 mins long and run three times a week.
Format: Online interactive class
Cost: £5 per session
Website: Whippersnappers Live
Little Folk Nursery Rhymes
From her house in Lewisham, London, Cat Bateman runs fun-filled 45 minute sessions where she sings nursery rhymes on her guitar.
The sessions are interactive and Cat likes to get kids involved by singing along with props and puppets. Her sessions run twice a week.
Format: Online interactive class
Cost: £7.50 per session
Website: Little Folk Nursery Rhymes
Robot Reg Online Classes
Robot Reg phonics classes are designed to introduce babies and toddlers into the world of literacy.
Their high-energy classes are delivered with puppets and props to help babies from 3 months to 4 years develop their speaking and listening skills.
They are run through local youth centres across the country.
Format: Online interactive class
Cost: £7 per week
Website: Robot Reg Online Classes
Teddies Music Club
Set up by Claire and Zita in 1993 to get toddlers and young children into dance and music, Teddies Music Club is another organisation that’s now running online streams during lockdown.
Today, they are running weekly classes and have a variety of activities online with guest musicians. They’re fun, energetic and educational for youngsters and their parents.
Format: Online interactive class
Cost: £0.50 per week and with a 2 week free trial
Website: Teddies Music Club
They are also running live music classes in Maidenhead, Windsor, Marlow and Twyford at £10.00 for a parent and child.
Tumble Tots
One of the UK’s leading activity centres is now running daily classes on Facebook and YouTube which can easily be accessed on any smart TV. Their classes practice coordination skills.
They have been running since March so there are now more than 100 episodes for your kids to enjoy.
Format: Online streamed class/video
Cost: Free
Website: Tumble Tots
Mini Professors
For the budding scientist in your family, Mini Professors is perfect if you want to teach your toddler about the world of science at a young age.
Their regular interactive videos on Facebook and YouTube teach kids the basics of experiments and help make the subject fun for them.
Format: Online streamed class/video
Cost: Free
Website: Mini Professors
Debutots
Debutots focus on story, drama and play to develop confidence and language skills of toddlers. They have been approved by language therapists and their classes are run by trained practitioners.
There are live classes and pre-recorded sessions but both are highly entertaining and toddlers will love them.
Format: Online classes/streamed video
Cost: £20 for four sessions
Website: Debutots
Captain Fantastic Online
Something a bit more fun for your young ones. Captain Fantastic are one of the UK’s leading providers for children’s parties, but they are also running daily half-hour classes at 10am that bring that Friday feeling to your living room every day.
They’re packed full of magic, singing, dancing, games and puppets.
Format: Online streamed video
Cost: £40 for four weeks
Website: Captain Fantastic Online
Draw with Rob
Children’s author and illustrator Rob Biddulph has been running online drawing lessons for kids since March, and has been creating an amazing community for children and parents to share their art.
All of his previous lessons are available on his website and YouTube channel. Spark your child’s creativity with weekly drawing tutorials.
Format: Online streamed video
Cost: Free
Website: Draw with Rob
Other free alternatives to classes include Pinterest – which has a seemingly endless amount of fun craft activities for all ages – and Mas & Pas’ Kidspiration section.
With Christmas just around the corner, you could even work on a little project together to create handmade tree decorations and present tags for family and friends, giving a real personal touch to the festive season.
