I was hot, tired, and homesick. Usually in these situations, I would rather cover my head under the sheets, but that option just does not exist when a mother. I had to find something to do for my super energetic toddler and me. I already connected with a family forum online when I was still in London to see what was going on in Beijing. When my husband, our daughter (3 years old), and I arrived in China, we were overwhelmed. Looking for a playgroup for our daughter felt like looking for a pin in a haystack. So I sent a message to the online family forum and found the Bumps2Babes group that runs playgroups in Beijing. It was summer, so not much was going on, but we could still go the Monday playgroup at MyGym at The Place in the Central Business District area.

So on a very hot morning after moving into our apartment, my daughter and I took our first bus ride in Beijing. Taking a cute blond toddler on the bus in China is an experience in itself, but the buses are clean, very cheap, and they announce the names of the bus stops in English. It was pretty easy. We arrived at the playgroup, and  My daughter was happy to interact with other kids again, and not being touched and followed around by curious Chinese kids and parents. I was happy to find like-minded moms who are all here in Beijing trying to create a home away from home. It was so nice to talk about how to solve problems, where to get expat products, and how to make life easier here in Beijing. I believe that having a group of mothers who can meet together is so important. For mothers all over the world, finding your mommy tribe may be your saving grace.

Bumps2Babes was founded in 2013 by an expat mother and her friends. She was pregnant with her third, and knew how important it is to have a strong English-speaking support system. Bumps2Babes have playgroups run by volunteer moms all around Beijing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Gemma, one of the co-founders of Bumps2Babes. Her second son is the same age as my daughter, and they love  spending  time together at the playgroups.

With my daughter at a playgroup.

I asked Gemma, “How does it feel that Bumps2Babes has grown to such a big group?”  She responded “It’s wonderful that we have such a community in Beijing now. When my eldest was born in 2009 there was nothing like this here, and it felt really lonely. Bumps2Babes started with a handful of moms, and in three and a half years, it has exploded. It feels great that simply connecting so many people can make a difference on some level to everyone.”

Bumps2Babes has a strong and ever growing group of volunteer moms that help create Bumps2Babes. From simple roles such as adding people to the ever growing WeChat group, to the more time consuming organization of playgroups. Being an active member on the WeChat group is a big help for Gemma, and the newsletter she creates is especially useful for newbies. As a mother myself, I find it amazing that Gemma juggles family life with the organization of Bumps2Babes. Gemma explained “I do it for my son. I want him to have a fun place to go regularly and make strong and lasting friendships. I want him to see his mom happy and relaxed having a chat over coffee with friends, yet still being very involved in his activities. Bumps2Babes playgroups are the highlight of our week. I just happened to add several hundred other people into the mix!”

Bumps2Babes has a massive parents WeChat group where lots of parents share experiences and ask questions. It’s an easy way to finding answers and things to do for families.

If you would like to join a playgroup (groups cater for pregnant mamas, babes and kids born after January 2013), please send an email to Gemma: beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com

Please note that Bumps2Babes playgroups are for English speaking foreign moms and those from mixed Chinese/ foreign relationships.

Pauline van Hasselt has just started working for beijingkids. Born in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, she moved with her husband and her 3 year-old daughter to Beijing in June of this year. Prior she lived in the Netherlands, Belgium, Paraguay, Texas, and London, studying and working as a chef. Pauline enjoys biking around Beijing, finding markets and new restaurants, reading crime and fantasy books in bed, and most importantly, turning her house into a home for her family.

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat.

Free

Hyde Academy Open House, Oct 18
For adults. Hyde Academy hosts an Open House for prospective parents to learn more about the school and tour the new facilities. Registration required. Free. 9-10.30am. Hyde Academy (8046 7085)

Adjusting to Life in Beijing, Oct 19
Adults. This joint discussion by International Newcomers Network (INN), Raffles Medical, and United Family Healthcare (BJU) will cover a range of topics from the stages of cultural adjustment, transportation options, top resources of information about Beijing on websites to magazines, to air quality concerns, and what to do in an emergency. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588)

YCIS Beijing: Open Day Meet the Co-Principals, Oct 19
Adults. This Open Day will be an opportunity to meet the YCIS Beijing’s Western and Chinese Co-Principals, who will speak in particular about their bilingual educational environment and unique co-teaching model. Free. 9.30am-11am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (8583 3731)

MSB Parent Study Group: “Literacy and Language Development”, Oct 19
For adults. The second series of yearlong talks focuses on the many ways in which parents can support their children’s literacy and language development. Acting Interim Principal Sharon Keenan will lead this talk. Registration required. Free. 8.30-10.30am. International Montessori School of Beijing (aislingobrien@msb.edu.cn)

DCB Early Years Open Day, Oct 19
For adults. Prospective parents have the chance to observe how children ages 1-7 learn in an international child-centered environment at DCB’s Riviera Main Campus. Listen to a presentation by Head of Early Years, David Mumford on the school’s UK curriculum followed by a Q&A session then a tour of the school. Registration required. Refreshments included. 9-10.45am. Dulwich College Beijing (6454 9068, Flora.Zhang@dulwich-beijing.cn)

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB, Shunyi, Oct 20
Adults. The International Newcomers Network Coffee Mornings is a great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-times in the Shunyi area. Free. 10am-Noon. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588).

Harrow Beijing Autumn Fair, Oct 22
All ages. Harrow Beijing’s Autumn Fair brings quintessential British flair such as Bric-a-Brac (vendors selling their wares), delicious fair food, entertaining games and activities, and live performances to the community. This event is organized by Friends of Harrow. Free. 10-am-3pm. Harrow International School Beijing (6444 8900)

INN Fall Bazaar, Oct 22
All ages. Lots of stands will be selling everything from jewellery to fashion to arts and crafts, plus plenty of games and activities for kids. Free. 11am-7pm. Topwin Centre Street Market, Next to the new Intercontinental Hotel, Sanlitun Nan Lu (www.innbeijing.com).

Roundabout Book Fair at DCB, Oct 22, 24 and 25
All ages. Grab your own stellar book deals (as low as RMB 1) and support a charitable cause. Free. 10am-3pm. Dulwich College Beijing (6454 9000)

Active Parenting Workshops: Primary School, Oct 24
Adults. Parents of Primary School-aged students are invited to attend Active Parenting Workshops every Monday from October 24 through November 28 at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Active Parenting delivers quality education programs for parents, children and teachers to schools, hospitals, social services organizations, churches and the corporate market. Active Parenting Publishers is recognized as an innovator in the educational market and is committed to its mission of developing human potential through its programs. Free. 10am-Noon. Yew Chung International School of Beijing  (8583 3731)

Unique

Hutong Pumpkin Cupcakes Making Class, Oct 23
Ages 5+. Chef Anete will be with you as you prepare your very own cupcakes from scratch, complete with spice-infused buttercream, while also have some fun of having halloween style decoration. RMB 350. 2.30-5pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

“The Hound of The Baskervilles” Case with Sherlock Holmes, Oct 21-22
Children must be 1.2m of height to be admitted. Join Chapterhouse and Sherlock Holmes for a memorable night with your best investigative abilities as you unravel this mystery filled with confusion, suspense, and tension. See here for more information about the Chapterhouse Theater Company in Britain. RMB 120-380. 7:30pm. Beijing 9th Theater, 17 West Xizoahuang Jintai, Chaoyang Cultural Center, Chaoyang District. 朝外小庄金台里17号(ponypiao@damai.cn or buy tickets here)

Magic World Winter Sports Expo, Oct 19 – 22
All ages. This expo is a one-stop shop for gear and everything else related to winter sports in China. The expo is supported by the Beijing Olympic City Development Association (BODA) and IDG, and will take place annually at least until the Winter Olympics in 2022. Open to the public 21 and 22. Price TBA. 9am-4pm. China National Convention Center (Register Here)

Ongoing

BSB Baby and Toddler Group, Fridays
Ages 0-18mnths. Meet other moms of small children at this playgroup with plenty of age-appropriate toys, seasonal crafts, singing, actions, and more. Open to foreign passport holders only, the mother or father needs to attend, not the ayi. Drinks and snacks provided. Register by email. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588, play@britishschool.org.cn)

Bumps2Babes Playgroups
Ages 3 and under. This thriving parent community is geared toward parents with kids born after January 2013. It has free playgroups meeting throughout the city. We suggest parents new to the city get involved and hang out with a playgroup in your region. English speakers only. Don’t forget to ask to receive the newsletter and be added to the official Bumps2Babes WeChat group. Free. Time and location vary (beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com)

Best of Next Week

OASIS Childbirth Workshop: Starting Solids, Oct 28
Adults. Leora Martins M&C Nutrition Workshops aim to make the unfathomable, fathomable, the impossible, possible. Nutrition is a friend not an enemy and Leora will show how to make healthy living simple. Registration required. RMB 50. 10-11am. Oasis International Hospital (Ashley.Gaul@oasishealth.cn)

Halloween Party with beijingkids and JingKids, Oct 29-30
Ages 3+. Our party is special because it allows kids to have the full experience of Halloween, including all the fun of trick-or-treating in a totally safe, adult-supervised, indoor environment. We’ll be hosting crafts and games, character bedazzled trick-or-treating, pumpkins, the haunted house, and more. Check out last year’s spookiness and fun here. Limited to 200 children per session. RMB 250 per child, RMB 150 per adult. Sessions both days at 9.30am and 2pm. Buy tickets on Yoopay – which accepts everything from WeChat Wallet to foreign credit cards – here. Private sessions available. Canadian International School of Beijing (5934 6708, events@truerun.com)

Professional Women – Developing an Executive Presence, Oct 27
Adults. In this one-day session, AmCham China will look at some fascinating research, engage in dynamic discussion and, most importantly, teach practical tools on how to develop executive presence as professional women. This is an open course for professional women committed to their own growth. We welcome professionals from all industries and backgrounds. The program will be delivered in English. Coffee, lunch and light refreshments will be provided during breaks. RMB 2,000 (members), RMB 2,500 (non-members). 8.45am-5pm. AmCham China Conference Center (Register here)

Daystar Academy Open House, Oct 26
For adults. Daystar opens its doors for prospective parents to tour their brand new facilities as well as quiz the faculty on the school. Registration required. Free. 9-11.30 am. Daystar Academy (5603 9446, admissions@daystarchina.cn)

Spartan Race: Beijing Sprint, Oct 30
For adults. Need to test your human abilities? Well, the first ever Reebok Spartan Sprint taking place in Beijing features a 6km course with more than 20 Signature Spartan Obstacles, great for beginners and seasoned athletes. There are two sessions for the Open Individual and Open Group, 9.30am and 12.30pm. The Elite Individual is only 9am (men) and 9.15am (women). The early bird price ends on October 16. Registration required. RMB 489 (Elite Individual), RMB 459 (Open Individual), RMB 369 (Open Group). 9am-4pm. Location TBA (400 623 5058, spartanracechina@secaworld.com)

Photos: en.damai.cn, Uni You, and courtesy of Harrow International School Beijing

Going through the process of pregnancy, delivery, and early motherhood is challenging for any woman however, the feeling is amplified when you’re far away from “home.” Often times, we new moms may feel scared and alone if we are unfamiliar with the city. The good news is that there is an incredible organization with a variety of support groups available in Beijing called Bumps2Babes. Beijing Bumps2Babes started just over two years ago as a support group for pregnant moms and those with non-mobile babies. The small group of western moms needed an excuse to get out of the house with their babies on a regular basis, meet other moms with children of similar ages, learn from, and support each other. As their babies have grown, and as group members have steadily increased (there are currently over 200 members), there are now several subgroups in the CBD area.

The groups offer a free and easy way to meet other moms as well as to make friends for both mom and baby. Many moms express what a life saver the groups are and how great it is to realize you aren’t the only foreigner with a baby in China. (Crazy, but it’s how we all feel sometimes, right?)

I have been to a few Bumps2Babes gatherings myself and am active in the WeChat group. It has been an invaluable resource on a number of occasions. The morning before we left to the UK recently, Kai was inconsolable between teething and diaper rash, and I was totally freaked out about the long flight ahead with a screaming baby. I messaged the group and received almost a dozen helpful tips. Honestly, this is a lovely group of women.

Each group is organized by a volunteer mom who can decide on location and content. Some groups like to meet up and simply chat over coffee, others prefer to organize topics, speakers, etc. Groups are created on a need basis: usually as the babies grows (2-year-old toddlers can no longer meet in coffee shops, for example, as they need a safe space to explore and be creative), or if a mom would like a coffee morning in her area, etc. Here’s a rundown of current support groups:

Bumps2Babes (B2B): A support group for pregnant moms or those with a baby not yet fully mobile. Meets Friday mornings in Sanlitun.
Babes2Cruisers (B2C): A group for more mobile babies (up to about 18 months old. Meets Friday mornings in Sanlitun.
B2B Toddler Playgroup: A group for the fully mobile 15-30 month age group. This is a full on playgroup with songs, stories, messy play, and anything fun and creative our moms come up with. Meets every Wednesday morning at Beijing City International School’s Early Childhood Center in Shuangjing.
B2B @ weekends: For working moms and dads or those that prefer to meet other families at weekends. Dates and locations vary.
Mondays @ MyGym: For all ages (currently newborns up to about 30 months). Use of the gym facilities and chat over coffee at the MyGym CBD location. RMB 60 per family.
Coffee Mornings: There are regular coffee mornings happening in moms’ homes around the CBD area.

The groups are primarily for English speaking expat moms but dads are welcome to some of the groups.

All groups run independently of each other, however there is a weekly newsletter so anyone interested can attend or contact the relevant group organizers. There are occasionally group offers posted on the newsletters such as mommy makeovers, group buy discounts, etc. Newsletters also advertise any mom/baby related ventures that members are involved with.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Gemma at beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com

Theresa Pauline is a yoga teacher, social entrepreneur, momma, wife, and beijingkids contributor. You can find out more about her at www.taozitreeyoga.com. 

Photos: Courtesy of Bumps2Babes

After the initial euphoria of expecting there are millions questions that suddenly pop into mind; where can we give birth? What types of birthing options are available? Where can we get the babies accessories? These questions and others are covered in the 2014 Health Guide under the Pregnancy and Maternity section.

The support group, Bumps2Babes for expectant moms and moms (dads) with infants and toddlers started last year with only one meeting per week and now has three meetings per week. The group had taken summer hiatus and is back on with scheduled Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays meetings. The group is an English support network that is free to attend. Read on to find out what is featured in the three meetings. 

The three meetings have cater to different groups:

Monday – Coffee Morning (non-mobile, mobile babies and young toddlers)
This group is a chance for moms to connect with other moms (dads) over a coffee or tea. The babies and toddlers have playmates to connect with.

Wednesday – Bumps2Babes & Beyond (mobile babies and young toddlers)
This meeting’s objective is to facilitate mobile and young toddlers (below 18months) to get to know other little ones. In the past, art, music, dancing, play and baking have been activities that the group has undertaken. This is also a chance for moms (dads) to learn some tips from other moms and share their experiences.

Friday – Bumps2Babes (non-mobile babies)
This meeting is opened to expecting moms and those who have recently given birth to meet up with other moms in similar situations. The aim of this meeting is to create a learning environment on topics focused on the baby such as first-aid training, breastfeeding, weaning, withdrawals when its time to go back to work, and much more. This is also to support moms (dads) adjust to the new role.

The times are communicated via the email newsletter and the meetings held at the SOHO Shangdu (beside The Place, just west of Central Park). To sign up please email beijingbumps2babes@gmail.com.

Photos: GreenColander, Peasap, Action Baby Carriers (Flickr)

A new pregnancy support group called Bumps2Babes has started up this week for all expectant moms, new moms, and moms of babies. The goal is to exchange information in an informal setting.

The free meetings will take place every Friday morning from 10am to 11.30am at SOHO Shangdu (beside The Place, just west of Central Park). Every week, there will be a new discussion or speaker.

Because Bumps2Babes is intended as a support group for moms, only non-mobile babies are allowed.

For parents who live in Wangjing and Lido, there’s also the pregnancy/breastfeeding support group that takes place on the second Friday of each month at Beijing United Family Hospital.

For World Breastfeeding Week, round up your new mom friends and attend the beijingkids-sponsored Big Latch On on Saturday, August 3 at BJU.

Photo by lululemonathletica (Flickr)