The best part about living in Santa Barbara might be getting to spend half your life half outside. But when my daughter was a newborn, the mere idea of wrestling our jillion-pound stroller out the door exhausted me — forget about actually pushing it anywhere. Step out into the world, though, and you’ll notice that Santa Barbara is full of parents pushing strollers. They’re all just as tired as you are, and like you, they’re navigating the tough learning curve of newborn care. Kvetching with them — and getting their advice — is both a pleasure and a right. So for new moms and dads ready to step out, here are some ease-back-into-it activities you can do with your tot.
PEP: The motto at PEP (Postpartum Education for Parents), a volunteer-run support system, is “There’s no one right way to parent.” You’ll hear other new parents discussing the week’s highs and lows, confessing mistakes, and getting advice from volunteers. “We’re just trying to find our way together,” said Michele Johnson, PEP’s director of postpartum outreach. “I see [parents] bonding and smiling and really opening up.” New Parent Group meetings take place from 10 a.m.-noon at Trinity Lutheran Church (909 N. La Cumbre Rd.). (PEP is not religiously affiliated.)
Putnee’s Music Classes: Putnam Lee (aka Putnee), a singer/songwriter with a background in child development, has mastered the fine art of singing to babies. With 35 years of experience behind him, he croons classics like “The More We Get Together” and “The Wheels on the Bus” to a rapt audience of little ones. Putnee engages with each and every child, incorporating names into songs — since babies begin learning their names early — and handing out stuffed animals and puppets. “What I do is musical play,” he explained. “It’s about what’s fun for them.” Classes are Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:15 and 11 a.m. and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. at Peanuts Maternity & Kids (9 E. Figueroa St.).