From Newborns to New Moms: Bay & Bee By the Ages

Bay & Bee has transitioned from a community play space to Montessori & Waldorf-inspired online retail, complete with a wide array of toys and goodies for littles. Shop online now at baynbee.com! Thank you to Bay & Bee for sponsoring this post.

Children can be rather particular tiny humans, and what interests them one day can completely change the next. Whether your mini-me prefers balls over blocks or trains over toy trucks, child-led play (giving children a choice and following their lead in regards to activities and method of play) from a young age can foster independence, communication skills, problem solving, imagination, empathy and fine/gross motor skills.

Inspired by these Montessori and Waldorf principles of child-led play, Bay & Bee is a local, eco-friendly play space designed to meet the needs, interests, abilities and development of children aged birth to 5 years old. Bonus: Parents, grandparents and caregivers alike can achieve the connection they crave in a calm, inviting environment. From the womb to kindergarten, Bay & Bee has much to offer you and your family:

During the Infant Sensory class, babies are encouraged to use their five senses to explore the world around them.

Newborns & Infants

No little one is too young to reap the benefits of interactive play at Bay & Bee. While babies develop their senses and observe the world around them through a variety of sights, sounds and smells, crawlers and early walkers can further explore through touch and socialization on the softly colored play space’s soft, antimicrobial cork floor. The Infant Sensory class supports baby’s development through music, songs, textures and tummy time, while encouraging honest, judgement-free conversation amongst new moms. Mommy & Me Yoga incorporates baby into poses while strengthening your core in a relaxing, stress-free environment. Newborns, infants and parents alike can also enjoy music sessions, story time, bubbles and more.

Suggested Classes: Infant Sensory, Mommy & Me Yoga, Circle Time & Sign Language, Mumda Moms Fitness Club, Music, Story Time, Bubble Time.

“I’m a stay-at-home mom to my 10-month-old, and we absolutely love being able to get out of the house and have such a neat place to play, socialize and learn. The play space is open and clean with lots of great toys and the calendar is packed with activities.” –Maranda L.

Little ones will learn the art of socialization through playing with others their own age.

Toddlers

Through child-led play, toddlers will enjoy participating in creative play with giant blocks, a 36-foot train table, endless educationally stimulating toys and an array of dress-up costumes. Circle Time & Sign Language engages with music and stories while focusing on learning letters, numbers and developing fine motor skills through basic sign language. Fun Spanish incorporates varying concepts between letters, numbers, shapes and colors, while Sensory Art lets children explore textures, shapes and colors with easy objects, activities and materials. Toddlers will also enjoy other instructor-led classes including Creative Dance, Sway & Play Yoga, Little Gardener’s Workshop, Story Time and Bubble Time.

Suggested Classes: Circle Time & Sign Language, Sensory Art, Arts & Crafts, Fun Spanish, Music, Creative Dance, Sway & Play Yoga, Little Gardener’s Workshop, Story Time, Bubble Time.

“The best place for kids to play indoors, ton of toys, slides and plenty space. My 15-month-old daughter loves to play here; I can actually just sit and she goes around alone — that’s priceless.” –Katarina M.

Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about plants, birds and insects through the Little Gardener’s Workshop.

Preschoolers

By sharing a play space with younger children, preschoolers will learn and develop leadership skills, as well as enhance their communication and emotional development. The same toys they enjoyed as toddlers will bolster their imagination as they nurture their creative spirit. The Little Gardener’s Workshop offers lessons on nature, plants, birds, bees, seeds, leaves and more, while incorporating a hands-on activity. Creative Dance explores various movements, rhythm and following directions through Stop & Go freeze dance. Preschool-aged children will also have fun participating in Arts & Crafts, Music Mondays, Story Time and more.

Suggested Classes: Little Gardener’s Workshop, Creative Dance, Sway & Play Yoga, Little Artists Workshop, Arts & Crafts, Music, Fun Spanish, Story Time.

“Bay & Bee was a life saver in those early years. My son loved being there, and I met some of my best mommy friends there. It’s such a warm, loving environment, and it’s like no other play space that I’ve been to.” –Stacy S.

Bay & Bee’s relaxed environment lends itself to easy conversation with other parents who understand your journey.

Parents

A home away from home (where you don’t have to pick up the toys), Bay & Bee serves as a calm, serene environment for you and an exciting, imaginative space for your child. A treasured community of stay-at-home moms or dads, working parents, military families, grandparents, caregivers, children with special needs and more, the open space lends itself to easy conversation with other parents and staff who understand that you may lack a good night’s sleep, run on double espresso or simply need a trip to the bathroom alone. With special sessions for new moms, expectant parents and intermittent workshops on baby wearing and potty training, Bay & Bee prides itself on serving as an inclusive parenting community where differing parenting choices deserve respect.

Bay & Bee offers two convenient locations in Jacksonville and Bartram Springs and has several membership options to suit your family’s budget and schedule, as well as an on-location shop for eco-friendly and sustainable products for babies and children. Your first visit to Bay & Bee is free.

Bay & Bee also houses an extensive shop full of environmentally friendly products for parents, babies and children.

Bay & Bee Offer for JMB Readers

Bay & Bee would like to offer JMB readers a $25 store credit with any membership sign-up! Must mention Jax Moms Blog in order to receive store credit. Valid for first-time members only.

Tina Smithers Peckham
Originally from Kansas City, Tina relocated to Jacksonville, FL with her dear husband, feisty cat and sweet-natured corgi mix in 2016. After eight years working various gigs in New York City from magazine publishing to digital marketing, Tina joined the world of freelance, writing and reporting for a variety of publications and websites including MTV News, ET Online, Glamour, Us Weekly and more. Tina has also assisted with social media, editorial and content strategy for brands and personalities such as Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks, Beauty Brands, truTV and WE tv. When she’s not plugging away on her laptop, she can be found exploring the Jacksonville beaches, reading a good book or enjoying a local coffee shop with her cherub-cheeked little boys, Archer and Austin.

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