Parenting classes in NYC for expecting parents and parents of young children

Expecting parents can begin their journey with this resource center and continue to utilize the resources and classes once the child is born. Group childbirth courses covering the labor process, plus basic baby care instruction and how to calm any stress leading up to the due date. They also offer New Dad Boot Camps. The CPR classes are a must for any family. Plus, the courses are convenient: TriBeCa Pediatrics had a growth spurt, and now has more than 25 locations in NYC. Various locations (tribecapediatrics.com). Prices vary. 

Because the Parent Collective isn't affiliated with a hospital or medical center it claims it can provide classes and workshops that will give you an unbiased understanding of the ins and outs of childbirth. The four-session Prenatal Class is available throughout New York City, as well as in Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The 14th St Y in the East Village is a go-to resource for adults in all stages of parenting. Courses of varying frequency prep moms and dads before their bundle of joy arrives via prenatal yoga classes, baby care workshops, marriage counseling and CPR certification. Afterward, they're invited to bring the little one along to new parents "stroll-ins." 344 E 14th St, East Village (212-780-0800, 14thstreety.org). Prices vary.

The iconic institution, which was founded in 1874, hosts all manner of classes for families getting ready to welcome a little peanut. Get the lowdown on what to expect, practice breathing and relaxation in a childbirth prep class, and learn how to feed, bathe and comfort the baby in "Caring for a Newborn." Brush up on CPR and safety basics for babies and toddlers in an American Academy of Pediatrics program, and establish a bond from the get-go through breastfeeding workshops. Veteran dads from NYC Dads Group even volunteer their time to help first-timers in Boot Camp for Dads. 1395 Lexington Ave, Upper East Side (92y.org). Prices vary.

Stork and Cradle is a supportive organization that specializes in prenatal education and lactation consultation. The prenatal classes include everything from Baby Care 101 to the basics of breastfeeding. They believe that childbirth is a social rite of passage, and that expectant mothers can tap into their inner stores of strength and intuition. It's a soulful approach to giving birth. 40 Exchange Pl, (storkandcradle.com). Prices vary.

The instructors at City Births are warm and caring, and will help expectant parents navigate the unfamiliar waters of bringnig a baby into the this world. There are courses on childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, infant CPR and safety, as well as a bootcamp for dads-to-be. City Births also offers doula services. Classes take place at six locations across Manhattan. Various locations (citybirths.com). Prices vary.

Birth Day Presence offers a comprehensive series of classes with a distinctively savvy NYC tone at various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can learn about newborn care, breastfeeding, safety and baby CPR. There's an intro to doulas, and a how-to for breast pumps. You could choose your classes a-la-carte, to select a multi-class series that covers a range of topics. Private instruction is available as well. Various locations (birthdaypresence.com). Prices vary.

Birth Matters classes meet in the Astoria home of Lisa Greaves Taylor, a Texas transplant and a DONA-certified doula. She offers comprehensive group classes that cover prep for labor and birth, postpartum wellness, breastfeeding and newborn care, as well as private lessons. She also offers online courses that will fit into anyone's busy schedule. 20-30 43rd St, Astoria, Queens (birthmattersnyc.com). Prices vary. 

NYU Langone Health offers a free Ready, Set, Baby! information session to all families planning to give birth at the hospital. (Note that the course is offered in Spanish, Chinese and Arabic at the Brooklyn location of NYU Langone Health.) But the hospital offers other classes to the general public for a fee, including the popular Boot Camp for New Dads, a doula workshop that lets you know what to expect and a comprehensive set of childbirth classes held in Japanese. Various locations (nyulangone.org). Prices vary. 

Founded by social work and public health pioneer Lillian Wald, this Lower East Side center provides families with valuable resources for social service, arts and health care programs. The Parent Center offers free workshops that give expectant parents are given the tools they need to help their children thrive in the Sunny Starts Series, which preps them for motherhood and developmental needs over a six-week program. 281 E Broadway, Two Bridges (henrystreet.org). Free.

Baby Zone NYC's Childbirth Prep 101 is a four-hour course held in its Grammercy Park location that covers true labor vs false labor, pharmacological vs non-pharmacological pain relief and what to expect during the recovery period. Busy schedule? A condensed 2 1/2 hour version of the course is available. There's also the helpful Bringing Home Babies course, which lays out everything you need to know about those crazy first days when you find yourself suddenly living with the neediest, loudest roommate in the world. 110 East 23rd St, Grammercy Park (babyzonenyc.com). Prices vary.