If you’ve been looking for a place where you can set your baby free on the floor and take a nice, deep breath, stretch and feel a little more zen—your search is finally over. Happy Baby, a serene little spot on Main Street in El Segundo, offers parents and their little ones a place to say “Ohm” together (or separately) without worrying that toddler tantrums or baby blowouts will zap the zen. Read on for the scoop on this wonderful new oasis of calm.
photo: Happy Baby
Itsy Bitsy Yoga
Your baby may not know what he’s doing, but remember that time she squatted down on the floor and clapped her hands? That was yoga! So get your pint-sized yogis on the mat and see what happens. Classes for pre-walkers and toddlers will get both mom and baby moving while introducing basic yoga concepts in a light and whimsical way — i.e., if the cat/cow poses don’t catch your babe’s attention, a few rounds of “Wheels on the Bus” or “Itsy Bitsy Spider” may help. And when it’s all over, even the teensiest of fingers can come together for a little “Namaste.”
photo: Melissa Heckscher
Ohm Options
Whether it’s a 7 a.m. parent and baby pilates class or a 7:30 p.m. prenatal yoga class, there’s no shortage of choices here. Higher energy toddlers might benefit from a Yo-Hop class, which combines yoga fundamentals with hip hop-inspired dance movements. Got a little ballerina? Try Happy Baby Ballet. Baby like music? Stretch and groove in the Joyeux Bébé Musique class. Just remember, Mama: If your kiddo is under 5, you’ll need to be in the studio with her, so get ready to stretch, dance and move with your little one!
photo: Melissa Heckscher
For moms who just want a good workout with baby-in-tow, there are classes, including a hardcore baby boot camp class and a Mama Flow class, where little ones are welcome to toddle around on the floor (or sleep alongside in a car seat) while moms sweat it out. So long, sitter stresses.
Keep an eye out; plans are in the works for even more Parent and Me classes, parent support groups, mindful parenting classes, and more.
photo: Melissa Heckscher
Drop-Off Zen
For older kids who need a little tension-taming, Happy Baby also has drop-off classes for kids from ages 5-12, including traditional yoga classes and higher-energy dance classes. Youngsters who want a little more action, for instance, will dig the “GroovyKids” class, which gets kids jumping with hip-hop-inspired dance moves.
photo: Happy Baby
The Studio
Nestled right next door to a coffee shop on El Segundo’s uber-quaint Main Street, Happy Baby is a sunny, airy studio with sparkling clean floors (baby-friendly cleaners only!) and bright blue walls that keep things feeling, well, happy. Worried parents will appreciate that there is nothing in the studio except a sofa and the necessary yoga props; meaning your baby can explore to his heart’s delight without worrying that he’s going to wander into unsafe territory. There are also no obligatory waiting room-style toys—a plus for parents who don’t want their little yogi to come home with a dose of zen-inspired germs.
There’s a comfy “nursing couch” in the back of the room for moms who need a quiet place to feed their little ones, and a well-stocked bathroom in the back is perfect for mamas-to-be who just can’t make it through another downward-facing dog without a potty break of their own.
photo: Happy Baby
Prices: $22 for a drop-in class; $100 for a 5-class pack; $190 for a 10-class pack; $340 for a 20-class pack; or $140 a month for unlimited classes. Class membership includes parent and child.
Happy Baby
353 Main St.
El Segundo
424-218-9774
Online: happybabyla.com
Where do you bring the kids for down dog and child pose? If you’re looking for another fabulous family yoga spot, we’ve also rounded up our favorite places all over town.
—Melissa Heckscher
