Winter Babies, New moms: Easy Ways to Break Out of Hibernation

Having a winter baby can be difficult for new parents because you’re likely to be stuck inside more than you’d like. However, it’s important to get out of your house, socialize with others, and take care of yourself. Even with the cold weather, there are still plenty of ways for new parents to have a quick escape, both with your baby and without.

Take a Class

Mom and baby classes are the perfect way to get out of the house for a while, learn about child development, and get to meet other moms like you. There are several different places in Massachusetts that offer newborn baby and mom classes including:

Gymboree

If you aren’t entirely sure that a class is for you, Gymboree offers a free class that you can sign up for online. The Gymboree Play & Learn class, for babies ages 0-6 months, includes tummy time, flashlight play and songs, and parent discussion time. Locations throughout greater Boston.

Isis Maternity

With four locations in the metro-Boston area, there’s a variety of classes for moms and babies at Isis Maternity. From breastfeeding drop-in groups to playgroups, and baby yoga to infant massage, chances are you’ll find the right group for you.

Hit the Mall

Walking around the mall is a great way to get some exercise, get out of the house, and yes, even meet other new moms. Just pack a diaper bag, stroller and some water. Natick Collection is the largest mall in New England, so you can easily add up the mileage walking around there. If the weather cooperates you could even head to outdoor shopping locations such as Patriots Place in Foxboro or the Wrentham Outlets. Check out the weekly storytimes at CBS Scene too.

Go to the Movies

Some innovative movie theaters offer daytime baby-friendly movies. By baby-friendly, we mean there are movies for grown ups at discounted price and crying, sleeping, gurgling babies are welcome! The Capitol Theatre in Arlington features a baby-friendly movie every Monday afternoon. Select National Amusement Theatres also offer a similar monthly set up – with dimmed lighting, lower movie volume, baby-changing stations and stroller parking.

Get Outside

While you won’t be able to walk outside every day, there are still many beautiful winter days where you’ll be able to bundle up yourself and your baby, and go for a nice, long walk outside. The Trustees of Reservations offer many stroller-friendly properties throughout greater Boston including Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton

Keep Learning

On selected Friday mornings, the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown warmly welcomes new parents and their infants for a guided New Parents Gallery Talk. (Next one is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 5 at 10:15 a.m.) Strollers and front-carrying baby carriers are permitted. The Institute is an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. www.clarkart.edu.

Pamper Yourself

Small luxuries such as a massage or a manicure are a wonderful way for you to spend some time outside of your home focusing on your own well-being. There are plenty of spas and nail salons where you can get just the right treatment. One example is Destination Maternity’s Edamame Spa in Natick that offers massages, facials and body treatments for moms before, during and after pregnancy.

Stay Connected

Get on Facebook or your phone. Whatever you do, maintain friendships and adult human contact. If you’d like to join a parenting group for support and friendship, visit the Resource page at WickedLocalParents.com.

The Bright Side of Winter Babies

• You don’t have to go anywhere. Cold weather means no big plans and no missed opportunities. Unlike with summer babies, you don’t have to look out the window longingly as friends and family head to the beach. You can just cuddle up in a blanket and relish the warmness of the winter season indoors.

• Just when your pregnancy really amped up (we’re talking hot flashes, uncomfortable body aches) the weather turned cool. No sweating in 90-degree weather for you!

·        Your winter baby will be wicked smart. Extensive research conducted over a seven-year period appears to prove that babies born in the winter are more likely to grow into big, bright and successful adults than their summer counterparts. The study was led by scientists at Harvard University and monitored the development of 21,000 boys and girls worldwide.