When I first brought my son home from the hospital I knew I had to get out of the house and meet other new moms. It’s difficult making that first leap, exploring with a newborn baby in tow. One of those first nights at home being unable to sleep because I knew the little one would be awake to nurse at any minute, I googled “things to do in New Orleans with a baby” and it directed me to the Macaroni Kid website where I learned about such things as free Wednesdays at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and Snuggles and Struggles at the Parenting Center.
Venturing out of the house with a newborn was the best thing I could have done for myself and my baby. I got to meet other new moms who were dealing with the same emotions and life changes as myself as well as with their own set of struggles that we could confide and support each other about. I have put together a top 5 list of things to do in New Orleans with a baby. If you are a new parent, I highly recommend trying some of these out for your own sanity and happiness. Try to smile at the other new parents and make friends. Planning at least one thing to do a day with your baby makes life a lot easier with a newborn.
1. If there is just one thing all new parents should leave the house for it is Snuggles and Struggles at the Parenting Center. It was a true lifesaver for me! This is a free class for parents with 0-6 month old babies that meets every Tuesday. I met several great ladies through this group and we still remain friends. Snuggles and Struggles will definitely give you the resources to make lasting relationships with people that are going through the same life changes that come with having a growing baby.
2. Explore what Audubon has to offer. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will be a sanctuary from summer heat. I would leisurely walk through the aquarium while my baby watched the stingrays swim above us in the plexiglass tunnel aquarium at the entrance. The zoo is wonderful during nice weather and across the street from Audubon Park’s 1.82 mile paved track. Wherever you go within the Audubon attractions you will find other new parents looking to make friends and talk about babies.
3. Go see a movie with your baby! I met one of my best mom friends at the Broad Theatre’s “BYOB bring your own baby” movie. Every Thursday at 11:00 AM the Broad theatre invites parents with young infants to come enjoy a movie. The theatre shows blockbusters as well as artsy movies, but it doesn’t matter, because it’s a dark air conditioned theatre to go relax. They turn down the volume and make sure parent and baby are comfortable. I was able to breastfeed during the movie and keep my son in his car seat while he slept through most of the film.
4. Take baby to yoga. Several yoga studios around New Orleans offer postnatal yoga where you can bring your baby and lay them on the floor in front of you or the instructor will hold them if need be. Wild Lotus’s uptown location offers ‘mama and baby’ yoga for infants to crawling. The class is very laid back and it’s a wonderful opportunity to stretch out that post baby body.
5. Visit The New Orleans Museum of Art - it's free admission for Louisiana residents on Wednesdays. I enjoyed taking my baby in the stroller to get out of the heat and relax in a calming environment while feeling cultured looking at the beautiful art. Thanks to the Macaroni Kid website for leading me to this as being one of my first adventures out of the house post baby. Plus, the museum offers a story time ideal for ages 2 - 7 and once your baby turns 1, you can check out the Baby Arts Play program. Click here for more information.
Along with these five recommendations, any new parent playdate is a great place to make new friends with babies. Zuka Baby in Metairie offers parents and babies many events like Mommas Milk and Cookies, Babywearing 101and more. Check out We Play, a free indoor play space for children 0-3.
What I’ve learned along my quest to make new mom friends is that most of the other moms I approach were also looking to make new friends but were too shy to reach out. We’re all in this together as new parents and it helps to have some company along the way. Need more new parent resources in the Greater New Orleans area? Click here.
If you'd like to receive information about kid and family friendly events happening around town every week, sign up for Macaroni Kid New Orleans' e-newsletter that goes out every Thursday.
