What baby and toddler classes are available in and around Renfrew?
We moved to Renfrew when I was pregnant with my first baby. He arrived a little earlier than expected so we'd only been here for one month when I became a mummy. I remember the health visitor suggesting that we attend a Bookbug class when he was only a couple of weeks old and the thought of showing up to a group full of strangers to sing songs, while my baby was asleep, filled me with dread. However, I faced my fears, firstly to get him involved with other babies but mostly to save my sanity and give us a purpose for leaving the house every day. Over the next three years I'm pretty sure we tried every group within walking distance of our house. Unfortunately not all of these classes are still running, but I thought I'd list a few of those that are and share my experiences. I have asked around and also added others which I haven't attended. I hope this is useful for those looking to join a new class with their little ones in and around Renfrew.
Classes Suitable for young babies
Bookbug Classes
Yes, I did eventually go to a Bookbug class at our local library and it's one of the only classes I still attend with my youngest (sorry second child!).
These free sessions are aimed at babies and toddlers from birth to 5 years and are a great way to meet other mums. Since Covid the classes now need to be booked online but I like this as it means you won't be turned away.
Classes last around 30 minutes and are brilliant for baby's speech and language development with the repetition of hello/goodbye song every week and different nursery rhymes. There's also a story and some activities to keep the little ones attention. Stickers are given out at the end of the session and a little loyalty card gives you a certificate after attending six classes. Both of my boys have loved these classes and we even do our own at home.
Find out more: www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug
Moo Music
I first attended a Moo Music class when they were just starting up in Renfrew, my oldest was past the age of the youngest sessions (6 weeks to 1 year) and my youngest was born during lockdown so we missed this stage too. However, I've attended a lot of the mixed moo classes (up to 5 years) with both of my boys and I can highly recommend. These classes are filled with music, dancing, props and activities from start to finish and every week has a different theme. The change of themes means that it never gets boring for us adults but there are a number of songs specific to Moo Music that are played at the class which provides some repetition for the little ones (we have all of the CD's but the songs are available on Spotify too so you can continue your fun at home!)
Find out more: www.moo-music.co.uk
Jo Jingles
Suitable for little ones from 3 months to 5 years. I attended the class at Gravity, Braehead with my youngest for a while but unfortunately due to block bookings and my shift work we only managed a couple of blocks.
This is another group focusing on music and movement for little ones. The classes were packed with dancing, singing and musical instruments which all of the children loved!
Find out more: www.jojingles.com
Baby Sensory
I was so excited when baby sensory came to Renfrew in time for my youngest being born. Unfortunately, Covid had other ideas and due to multiple lockdowns we only managed to attend a few socially distanced classes. Although we didn't get the full experience, I would recommend baby sensory for you and your baby. A similar idea to other groups, baby sensory has repetition in music, activities and instruments appropriate to baby's age and stage. I particularly liked that there was a short lull in the middle of the class, allowing babies to rest before more lights/songs/sensory activities. This also allowed the parents to have a little chat. Our group leader Ashley was amazing at settling the nerves and reservations I had about bringing my new baby to an indoor class during the pandemic and I would highly recommend.
Find out more: www.babysensory.com
Little Petals Wellness Therapies
Based in Linwood, Little Petals Wellness Therapies offers a variety of classes for mums to be through to toddlers and preschoolers.
These are run by the lovely Leisa who also does the Moo Music classes in this area.
I wish these classes had been around when my boys were little, there’s baby massage, baby yoga, postnatal classes, messy play and even a baby spa! Sounds brilliant.
Find out more: Little Petals Wellness Therapies
Earth Moon Baby
Baby massage classes based in Johnstone.
I loved taking my oldest to baby massage classes, it's a great way to bond with baby, relax, get out of the house and meet new people. I didn't have the chance to experience this particular group but having a little look on their Facebook page it looks like great fun.
Find out more: Earth Moon Baby
Buddie Beats
Not technically Renfrew but very close, I thought I'd give this little group a mention as it looks great and I've heard so many good reviews. Based in Hillington, Buddie Beats is an interactive music, movement and sign class suitable from birth to 18 months. Unfortunately due to lockdowns we were never able to try this class out but it looks like a lot of fun!
Find out more: Buddie Beats
Turtle Tots West Glasgow & Renfrewshire
Something I always wanted to try but never got round to, Turtle tots help babies and toddlers form 12 weeks to 4 years build confidence in the water, learn about water safety and the basics of swimming.
Find out more: www.turtletots.com
Parent & Toddler Groups
Renfrew YMCA
Suitable for ages 0-5 , Little Rascals is a parent and toddler group based at the YMCA (behind ALDI) in Renfrew. This is my favourite group as its clean, there's lots for the babies to do and its small enough that it doesn't overwhelm them. There are sensory, craft, role play and soft play areas. Free snacks and drinks are available (donations welcome) and the staff are very friendly.
The YMCA have a number of groups running throughout the week including a walking group for mums and their little ones so worth looking on their Facebook page for an up to date timetable.
find out more: Renfrew YMCA
Small Wonders
Suitable for preschoolers, Small Wonder Parent and Toddler Group is based in the Christian Fellowship church, Renfrew (beside ALDI) and runs on a Wednesday morning. I attended this group with my oldest, there are lots of toys for the little ones to play with and plenty of snacks. There is plenty of time to play and then they have a little singing session at the end where each child gets to choose a song. It's great fun!
Find out more: Small Wonders Parent and Toddler Group
Trinity Tots
Parent and toddler group for ages 0-3 based in Renfrew Trinity Church. The group runs on Monday mornings during term time from 10am-11am and you can have a hot cup of tea/coffee and a chat with other mums while your little one plays.
Rainbow Park Yoga
Based in the sea scout hall in Renfrew, Rainbow Park Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes for all ages including a parent and toddler class, suitable from 18 months (or walking) to 5 years which sounds like great fun! They offer both block bookings and pay as you go classes which I think is really helpful for parents who work different days each week and can't commit to a full block of classes.
I attended a few of these classes with my littlest before he started nursery and we had great fun! Gillian is so welcoming and put us both at ease straight away. It was lovely to spend some quality time together, get in some exercise and relax at the same time. If you're looking for something a little different and fun to do with your toddler I'd highly recommend.
Find out more: Rainbow Park Yoga
Gravity P&T Sessions
A little different to your average parent and toddler group. Gravity trampoline park offers parent and toddler morning (from 18 months to 5 years) for £8 (plus the cost of a pair of socks for you and your little one). I've visited this with both of my boys and we've had a great time. It's a great chance for your little one to experience the trampoline park without the risk of being trampled on by bigger kids. Theres a few different areas for them to run around and some soft toys available to play with. After the group we visited the cafe where there was a small soft play area perfect for under 5's
Find out more: www.gravity-uk.com
Inflatanation
Not quite in Renfrewshire but I had to give this a mention. If you enjoy gravity toddler mornings then inflatanation might be your thing too. Suitable for under 4’s I’ve taken both of my boys to this as toddlers and they loved it. It’s a great place to visit and at £5.99 for an hour also a great price. There’s a toddler specific area but during the Inflata tots mornings the main area is also free of bigger kids so it’s great to let your little ones burn some energy. We had a great time in the ball pit, climbing the walls, the mini adventure course and slides. I have to say, it tired me out too!
Find out more: www.inflatanation.com
Wee Explorers
Based in Barnhill Farm in Inchinnan, Wee explorers is a fun and educational group for 2-5 year olds. They set up amazing themes with different stations for you and your child to play at. I attended a jungle themed class with my little boy and he loved it. There was soo much to do including arts and crafts, small world play, imaginative play and educational toys. This was followed by a story and song to finish the class. We had a brilliant time and will definitely be back. They offer pay as you go as well as block bookings which is always helpful.
After class we spent the day at Barnhill farm which we absolutely love! You can feed animals, play in a giant soft play bus, a huge sandpit and so much more. It's a great day out.
Find out more: Wee Explorers
www.barnhillfarm.co.uk
Big Kids Little Learners
Based in Johnstone, Big Kids Little Learners is a pre-school class where 2.5 - 5 year olds get to explore literacy, numeracy and fine motor skills through a variety of fun activities. Run by the lovely Janine who has years of primary school experience, this class helps to prepare little ones for school without them realising how much they are learning!
I attended this class with my oldest and really enjoyed it. The girls who ran the classes were so kind and welcoming, the class sizes were small which me and my little one definitely prefer and we both got to spend some lovely quality time together.
Each week focuses on a new letter, teaching kids its name, sound and how to write it. You then get to move around different activities with your child and the class finishes with story time.
We had a great time attending these classes and I would definitely recommend.
Find out more: www.bkll.co.uk
Other Recommendations
Glow Bambino: www.glowbambino.co.uk
BfN Renfrewshire Breast Buddies: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk
I have tried to provide the correct and up to date information and links but it's worth checking out the pages just to confirm before attending. If you notice any errors, have any questions or recommendations that I can add to this list please get in touch!