A woman in a gray medical uniform sitting on the floor, holding a baby on her lap, during a virtual meeting or class in a room with children's toys and educational materials.

Simple line drawing of two flowers, one larger and one smaller, with long stems, on a black background.

A light blue semicircular bowl on a black background.

Mom & Baby Classes: Learn How to Play With Your Baby

Not sure how to play with your baby? You’re not alone.

Most moms aren’t taught what to actually do with their baby, and it can feel overwhelming trying to figure it out on your own.

At Motivated OT Mama, our mom & baby classes are designed to help you feel confident, supported, and connected in your day-to-day motherhood.

Led by a licensed occupational therapist, Armi Grace Petersen, these groups go beyond just play, they help you understand your baby’s development while giving you simple, realistic ways to interact, bond, and support their growth.

You’ll leave knowing exactly how to:

play with your baby (without overthinking it)
support milestones like tummy time, rolling, and crawling
feel more confident in your role as a mom

Serving families in Orland Park, Burr Ridge, Lyons, and the greater Chicago area

Register for a group

Why These Classes Are Different

Most baby classes focus on activities.

These classes focus on you, the postpartum mom, and helping you feel confident in what you’re doing with your baby.

✔ Not sure what to do during tummy time?
✔ Feel like your baby gets bored or fussy?
✔ Wondering if you’re doing enough for development?

You’re in the right place.

Join a Group

Two babies playing on blankets with toys, beads, and gift bows, surrounded by mesh gift bags and a cylinder container filled with small toys and lights.

01. Playful Beginnings

Learn How to Play With Your Baby (0–12 Months)

If you’ve ever thought:

“I don’t know what to do with my baby all day…”

This class is for you.

This mom & baby playgroup in Orland Park helps you learn exactly how to support your baby’s development through simple, realistic play.

✔ Learn how to do tummy time (without the stress)
✔ Understand milestones like rolling, crawling, and early movement
✔ Get ideas for play using everyday items
✔ Connect with other moms in the Chicago suburbs

$30 Registration Fee covers 2 adults and baby.

Held at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park, IL

Upcoming Sessions:

April 18th 9:30-10:20am
June 20th 9:30-10:20am

Register for Playful Beginnings

02. Playful Toddlers

A woman in medical scrubs sitting at a table with a large colorful parachute spread out in front of her, with a baby's hand visible in the lower right corner.

Supporting Play & Behavior in Toddlers (1–3 Years)

If you’ve ever thought:

“Is this normal… or am I doing something wrong?”

This class is for you.

This toddler playgroup in Orland Park helps you understand your child’s behavior and support their development through play—so things feel less overwhelming day to day.

✔ Understand the “why” behind tantrums and big emotions
✔ Learn how to support your toddler through play
✔ Get simple strategies for transitions, attention, and engagement
✔ Build confidence in how you respond in everyday moments
✔ Connect with other moms in the Chicago suburbs

Held at Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park, IL

Upcoming Sessions:

April 18th 11:00-11:45am
June 20th 11:00-11:45am

Register for Playful toddlers

03.‍ Starting Solids

A play area set up on a foam mat with sea animals and nautical designs, featuring three baby seats with trays, a doll, a basket of toys, and soft yellow cushions, in a room with office desks and chairs.

Starting Solids: Simple, Confident First Bites (5–12 Months)

If you’ve ever thought:

“I have no idea where to start with solids…”

This class is for you.

This starting solids class in the Chicago suburbs gives you clear, simple guidance so you can feel confident feeding your baby—without going down a Google rabbit hole.

✔ Understand signs of readiness and when to start
✔ Learn safe feeding practices and positioning
✔ Explore textures, utensils, and sensory play at mealtimes
✔ Build positive, low-stress feeding routines
✔ Get expert guidance without conflicting information

$50 Registration Fee covers 2 adults and 1 baby.

Held at Le Village Co Work - Old Route 66 in Lyons, IL

Upcoming Sessions:

April 28th 10:00-11:30am

More Details

04.‍ ‍Connect & Play

Group of women and babies on a colorful play mat in a child care setting, with toys, books, and storage shelves around them.

Casual Mom & Baby Playgroup + Connection (0–12 Months)

If you’ve ever thought:

“I just want to get out of the house and be around other moms…”

This group is for you.

This low-pressure mom & baby playgroup in Lyons is a space to show up as you are, no structure, no expectations, just open play and real connection.

✔ Enjoy open play with developmentally appropriate toys
✔ Have casual, real-life conversations with other moms
✔ Observe and get ideas for how to play with your baby
✔ Ask questions in a relaxed, supportive space
✔ Optional developmental screenings + baby carrier fit checks

Expecting moms are always welcome to come, observe, and connect

$10 Registration Fee covers 2 adults and 1 child.

Held at Le Village Cowork, Old Route 66 in St. Lyons, IL

Upcoming Sessions:

TBD

Register for Connect & Play

— Groups/Events Cancellation Policy —

Due to limited space and advance planning, all group/event registrations are final sale and non-refundable. This policy supports the time, preparation, and resources required to run each group.

Thank you for understanding.

Group FAQs

What if I don’t know how to play with my baby?

1

That’s exactly why this group exists, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

I’ll guide you through simple, realistic ways to play with your baby while also helping you understand why those interactions matter for their development, so you can feel more confident and less like you’re guessing.

Is this okay if my baby cries or gets fussy?

2

Yes! This is a judgment-free space. Babies are babies.

You’re not expected to have a “perfect” baby or a calm experience the whole time. Fussiness, feeding breaks, diaper changes, it’s all welcome here.

I’ll also help you learn how to read your baby’s cues and respond in a way that supports regulation, so even those fussy moments can feel a little more manageable.

Do I need to bring toys or anything?

3

Nope, everything is provided! But most moms bring their diaper bag with the usual essentials (diapers, wipes, extra clothes, etc.)

We use developmentally appropriate toys and simple setups so you can focus on learning how to engage with your baby,without feeling like you need to go buy more things.

Is this a therapy session?

4

This is an educational and supportive group led by a licensed occupational therapist, not individual therapy.

That said, you’ll still receive expert guidance, opportunities to ask questions, and optional developmental screenings if you’d like a closer look at your baby’s development.

"Armi Grace from Motivated OT Mama, has been a breath of fresh air to be around. We joined in on her crawlers play date group and learned many tips on how to motivate on little one to crawl with the proper form. Armi Grace walked us through on the tools and methods we needed to encourage our little one to build her confidence to be mobile. We’re delighted we found a positive reassuring OT to ease our worries and lovingly answer our questions. I came in as a new mom and appreciated the environment she provided with a welcoming energy."

- A, 1st time mom
"Armi Grace made the most welcoming environment for her postpartum and play group. She provided fun toys with new ideas for the babies and then snacks and conversation for the mamas. She kept conversations flowing and made everyone feel welcome to share. She was there for the moms in more ways than one and it felt so good to be out of the house with my baby in a safe space. I can’t wait to go to more!"

- T, 2nd time mom
"If you’re reading this an wondering if you should book with Armi Grace, here is your sign to DO IT! Armi Grace not only knows her stuff when it comes to OT - and gives advice with so much care and knowledge that you truly feel safe talking to her about any issue you can think up, but she also is just an amazing human who is beyond thoughtful and caring for new moms. I’m not kidding when I say I think a session with Armi Grace can brighten any spirits because she’s just so kind, so judge free, so supportive and really does the thinking for you so you can truly take something off your plate. That’s so rare - especially as a Type A girlie - to let someone else walk you through a worry in such a safe and trusting way. Also, she prepared an easy craft for my baby, took candid photos and videos in a cute and darling way, and made sure I had a snack and water. How incredibly amazing is that?! That’s the support we all need in post partum and Armi Grace provides it ten fold."

- E, 2nd time mom
"Armi class is just great! I love the concept, moms get support while babies have play/feed/belly time. You can ask all the questions what come to your pospartum mama’s brain, share your worries or just listen to others. We shared how we take care of us-moms and I met there one beautiful soul and became friend with her, that was amazing bonus:). I recommend this class to every new mom, Armi will provide safe space, support, understanding and kindness along your journey. Armi also shares her times after births, when she experienced PPD and she has tips, how to deal with something this heavy to bear."

- A, 2nd time mom
"I wish I found Armi Grace sooner! Her services go above and beyond providing exceptional and empowering care not only to baby but MAMA too! We are just as important. Armi Grace is there every step of the way and I have felt so supported! The mommy and me baby classes not only give my son enrichment but I get to relate and feel supported with others alike. It takes a villiage and I highly recommend motivated OT mama."

-B, 1st time mom
"What an amazing experience getting support for both babe and mama! I’ve learned so much to help support my infant in growth/development while also learning new ways to support myself. Highly recommend the mom and baby groups as being able to connect with other moms as we all navigate life with a newborn/infant is so helpful. Armi Grace truly delivers incredible resources, support, and care in every aspect of her business and I highly recommend her to all."

- V, mom to 5