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New Parents 101 – a guide for first-time parents in Brooklyn

First-time parent? Fear not—we’ve got you covered with all the basics for navigating new parenthood in Brooklyn. From discovering local Baby & Me classes and researching daycares to connecting with supportive communities online and in person, our guide has everything you need to build your support system. And if you’re still expecting, now’s the perfect time to squeeze in a few last date nights before baby arrives!

Find a local Baby & Me class

Our comprehensive guide to Baby & Me classes and hangs for new parents in Brooklyn offers something for every stage—from prenatal and postnatal classes for moms to story times, music sessions, tummy time, and movement classes for infants. Parents can even squeeze in a workout or enjoy a movie outing with their little ones in tow! Explore local classes available across Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, BoCoCa, Gowanus, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Sunset Park, and Bay Ridge.

Hang with fellow new parents

There are plenty of ways to meet other new parents in our neighborhoods! From stroller walks to postpartum support groups to social meet-ups for grown-ups (with or without the kids!), there’s no shortage of opportunities to build friendships with fellow Brooklyn families.

POST Meetups for New Moms | DUMBO

POST is a new wellness pop-up for new moms, with all programming located in DUMBO. Join every Tuesday at 4:30pm at Fontainhas in DUMBO for their Baby & Me meetup.

In addition to meetups, they also offer a variety of movement classes led by pre and postnatal certified instructors, and more community events to support new mothers. POST’s schedule and offerings change monthly. Check out all upcoming offerings on their Instagram!

Brooklyn Stroll Club | Various Locations

Brooklyn Stroll Club hosts meet-ups for dads with kids ages 0-4. The group was created for dads to build community, share resources, and create meaningful experiences. Events feature special classes for little ones, giveaways from top baby brands brands, and of course, chances to connect with other dads. Brooklyn Stroll Club’s community has grown quickly, and was even featured in The NY Times!

Prospect Park Stroller Walks | Prospect Park

Join fellow parents and caregivers for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways. Prospect Park Stroller Walks are held Thursdays from April–October from 10am–12pm, and depart from the Prospect Park Audubon Center.

Brooklyn Flow New Parents Support Group | Park Slope

The yoga studio Brooklyn Flow offers a 6-week support group for new parents, led by a postpartum doula. You can share challenges, ask questions, and connect with fellow new parents. Each session dives into the challenges of new parenthood, from sleep, feeding, relationships, self-identity, and more. And babies are welcome, newborn to 18 months! Group discussion often focuses around the experience of parents identifying as mothers, but all parents are welcome.

Park Slope Parents Events | Various Locations

Park Slope Parents (PSP) is a membership-based online hub for Brooklyn families, offering regular events and meet-ups like baby playdates, parent socials, and support groups. Members can join a wide range of communities—from support groups for parents of NICU babies or neurodivergent children to LGBTQ+ groups, career-focused circles, and casual social groups for moms and dads, with or without kids in tow. Events take place throughout Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Gowanus, and beyond; see their full calendar here.

Dadurdays | Gowanus

Dadurdays take place on the second Saturday of each month at Wild East Brewing Co. in Gowanus. Dadurdays was founded to give parents and kids an equally enjoyable space on the weekends. Parents can enjoy socializes with a craft beer, and kids get busy with crafts by Color Architect Kids. Dadurdays takes place every month, except for July and August.

4th Trimester Support Group at Canopy | Williamsburg

Canopy is a popular play space for babies and toddlers in Williamsburg. In addition to fee-based Open Play and Baby & Me classes, they have a free weekly postpartum support group. New parents will find emotional support, tips, and resources to navigate the first months of parenthood. Bring your newborn, or come solo!

Mamans Brooklyn | Williamsburg & Greenpoint

This parenting group based in Williamsburg and Greenpoint offers members access to an online social network of fellow new parents and monthly gatherings, from family walks to parents’ nights out to playdates, babywearing dance parties, and more! Check out their Instagram to learn more!

Find a supportive online community

There’s so many ways to connect locally with other new parents! Here’s a few tips for how to sync up with parents whose babies are the same age as yours:

  • Join your local Facebook parent group | In Brooklyn, almost every neighborhood has a parent Facebook group where families can share resources, ask questions, and offer support. These groups are great places to discover family-friendly events, get recommendations for classes, daycares, and nannies, and find advice on everything from pediatricians to baby products.
  • Find a WhatsApp group for new parents in your neighborhood | Joining a WhatsApp group with parents of babies the same age as yours can be incredibly helpful. You can ask for advice, organize meet-ups or playdates, and even find out who’s at the neighborhood playground or up for a walk. The best part? As your little ones grow, you’ll share the same milestones and challenges with other parents along the way. Just ask in your local Facebook parent group about any new parent WhatsApp groups nearby—chances are someone will be able to connect you!

Research daycares in your neighborhood

Not sure where to start in your search for a daycare? Our Preschool Guide profiles over 100 daycares and preschools in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, Fort Greene, BoCoCa, Park Slope, Gowanus, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Sunset Park, and Bay Ridge. You’ll find program details, languages, hours, age groups, costs, application deadlines and contact details for each institution, accepting children as young as 2 months old.

Calling all expectant parents: get a date night on the books!

Before the baby comes, make sure you and your partner lock in some date nights, before a night out requires a babysitter! Check out our guide to the best date night spots for parents (or parents-to-be!) in our neighborhoods.

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Updated: June 14, 2025. 

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