So you just got to Guelph. You want to go out with your baby, but where do you go?
Let's start with the Early Years Centre.
You can easily fill in lots of time just by attending free programs offered by the Early Years Centre. Here is a link to their program page: http://www.guelphchc.ca/developmental-health/program-guide
There are registered programs and drop in programs.
- Infant Afternoons - drop-in program.
- If your baby is less than 8 months old, try Infant Afternoons. At the time of writing, Infant afternoons is offered at the Stone Road Mall location on Tuesdays at 2 - 4pm
- Get there early as the program does fill up. Once it fills up, moms get turned away despite the fact that some moms might leave part way through the program
- What to expect - there are a few mats laid out with baby toys on them. The moms and babies gather around these mats and let their babies play while having some friendly conversation and adult interaction
And how about the Guelph Public Library
The Guelph Public Library offers programs designed for children ages 0-2, as well as other age groups. One particular program that is popular for young babies is Bouncing Babies
- Bouncing Babies - drop-in program
- Complete with bubbles, stories, songs, and a parachute, your baby is sure to love all that is going around him
- in the events calendar section, select the filters for your child's age to see what programs are offered. Make sure to change the dates so that you can see more than what is offered for the one day https://www.guelphpl.ca/foundation/pages/calendar/
Breastfeeding Cafe
Have some tea or coffee, and meet other moms who are breastfeeding. Even if you are an expecting first time mom, feel free to drop in. They don't discriminate - as stated in their "Who We Serve" statement:
WHO WE SERVE
WE Breastfeed is a free program open to all new and expecting parents in Guelph, and anyone interested in breastfeeding, regardless of gender identity, age, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic situation.
You can also connect with them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WEBreastfeed/
