If you are having a baby, you need Babygroup! Donna has been an indispensable resource on my journey as a new mother, and the friends I have met through Babygroup still talk on a daily basis. Donna provides advice and comfort in an incredibly supportive and nonjudgmental way, and offers wonderful insight no matter your child's age. This is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a new mother. I fully credit Donna's classes and in-person playgroups as one of the major reasons both my daughter and I are thriving. read more

In becoming a mother, I tried to prepare myself by reading every book on babies and parenting that I could. However, I soon found that with several topics (such as breastfeeding and sleep), there were so many different strategies that I became more conflicted/confused the more I read. Joining Donna's group at 3 months was such a godsend. In her group, I was able to have a detailed conversation about any issue I was having. I then always received a succinct strategy that was tailored to my child. And the advice just works! Most recently she outlined the steps for weaning my now 2 year old off of his pacifier, and it went as smoothly as she had promised. Donna anticipates upcoming milestones and struggles. And she will send emails with detailed information and instructional videos to explain what issues may be on the horizon and how to address them. It is also amazing to connect with the other mothers in the group. I started with a group when all of our children were around 3 months old, and now, 2 years later, our group till texts each other on our Whatsapp chat every day. It has been so therapeutic to have a safe space where I can air my struggles without judgement and where I can receive the support and validation of women facing the same obstacles. I am a huge fan of the current zoom format because I can join wherever I am regardless of what I am doing. Between the LA traffic and work, I would not have been able to join as reliably if not for this virtual platform. Donna has given me confidence as a parent. She has made me a better parent than I could have been struggling on my own. I really cannot say enough about the group. I highly recommend it for any new mother! read more

I was referred to BabyGroup from a friend who absolutely loved it and some of her best friends are the women she met in Baby Group. I decided to join BabyGroup when my daughter was a newborn and we're still in it now and my daughter is now 2! Donna Holloran is amazing. She has been an invaluable resource and guide in every step of the way in raising a baby and now a toddler. She has so much expertise and I'm so grateful to have joined her group. The class has been virtual since I joined, but many of the moms get together for playdates in person. Donna also hosts play groups in-person, which have also been amazing. I highly recommend this BabyGroup to anyone having a baby. It's a lifesaver! There's a camaraderie in that we're all in this together! read more

I have been at BBG since 2015 with 2 littles now 3 & 5yr (they were 2mo old when I started with each) ... it has been an invaluable part of my parenting life! (I think I have already written a review in the past) BUT the platform has changed to online and honestly IT IS STILL AMAZING! I'm now in a parents only group and it is a lifesaver!!! (Over zoom with a glass of wine:) It is hard not to see people, of course, BUT the QUALITY is 1000% ... Donna is the best. She is so there for all of us, and now more than ever we really need this support... so thankful for BBG continued over zoom! read more

Donna Holloran's Virtual Babygroup (206) is amazing. My friend turned me onto the group when I had my baby. Donna and her instructors are wonderful, so supportive with superior advice from infancy to toddlers. The moms in the group are going through same problems I'm always experiencing so they share tips with you. In addition to bi-weekly virtual sessions, I have a group chain with the other parents so I can get in the moment advice or mentoring from other moms. Belonging to the group is so helpful. Donna emails us information on common topics that come up in each age group. Not only that she sends lists of products she likes for bathing, age-appropriate toys, brushing teeth, food, bedding, etc. I can't say enough good things about how helpful this program has been for a new mom. We also attended in group play sessions where we were taught how infant and toddler play should happen. Such helpful developmental sessions. I give my highest recommendation for Donna Holloran's Babygroup! read more

I am eternally grateful to Donna and this group. We started on zoom during the pandemic when my daughter was just 5 weeks old and are still going strong (she just turned 2 this week). Donna has helped me navigate so many things as a first time mom -- sleep regressions and illnesses, support while working full-time, my own mommy meltdowns, and every celebratory milestone in between, she knows just what to say. The other moms have been so supportive, kind, and collaborative when it comes to any issue we're dealing with. Donna is beyond knowledgeable about every developmental stage and consistently anticipates our needs. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

Highly highly recommend. BabyGroup is singularly one of the most positively impactful groups I've joined since becoming a mother. Donna and her team are so knowledge about every stage in child development. And the community of parents coming together with children in the same stage is priceless. I joined during the panedemic and the zoom meetings made connecting and learning so easy. Plus Donna hosts in person sessions for kids and parents to meet while practicing the tools Donna is teaching. Highly highly recommend. read more

Donna has been the best investment since becoming a mom. My sister in law turned me onto virtual Babygroup and I am so grateful that she did. This has been such a supportive and educational space since my son was 8 weeks old. The early days were so important, as it was great having support from other new moms and knowing that you are not alone in the postpartum journey. Donna is so kind and knowledgable and really gives me a sense of confidence as a new mom. I love the parenting style that she is teaching, and how to approach the different stages of development. I have become so close with the other moms in our group- most of which have been there since day 1 (our toddlers are all turning two at the moment). There have been some new additions along the way and we gladly welcome the new moms as if they've been there since the beginning. I do not know how what I would do without Donna's guidance and reassurance over the past 2 years. This is the best investment we've made and I just love the parents we are becoming. Donna- I will continue to take you classes until my son goes to college ;) Thank you for all of the constant support! Jen + Meyer read more

This is an amazing resource for new parents. I knew about Babygroup through the families that I nannied for. The ideals that are imparted are useful and make the transition of being a new parent a little less crazy. Being a first time parent is def not easy and BabyGroup has been something I look forward to every week. I get to hang with New Mom's who are in the same boat as me. Our babies are about the same age and we're all coming across some of the same experiences so all the knowledge that is dropped on us from Allison helps out a ton! It's also a great place to meet new Mommy friends and not feel so alone on this new parenthood adventure. If you're thinking about joining BabyGroup I would say it's a great decision! read more

Love BABYGROUP! Donna and Allison have been so helpful in helping me figure out how to raise my son! They provide the resources, tools, and guidance that WORKS. I don't have tons of time to research myself, so love that they streamline for me. Thank you, BABYGROUP! read more

Will never Google again! So thrilled to have this amazing group to answer all my baby/toddler related questions. The classes are so informative and Donna's answers and explanations for everything are truly thought out and up to date. Can't imagine my journey of motherhood without this amazing resource. read more

Donna was excellent when we were struggling to settle our infant son. Her cool calm collected demeanor calmed my wife's frazzled nerves, and her easy-to-follow suggestions and guidance were pivotal in our all being able to get back to good sleep patterns. 10/10, do recommend. read more

Donna is a baby wizard. She has helped me through my parenting journey in so many ways. She really works with you and your child on whatever it is that's going on with you. This isn't a class where a teacher has an agenda. Instead Donna is an encyclopedia of baby/child knowledge and can help you on whatever you're going through. Every parent should join this group. read more

This was such an amazing resource for me and our baby. After moving back to LA from Chicago when my little one was about 9 months old, I was able to get a spot in babygroup. I was able to meet wonderful mothers, learn about how to deal with various difficulties that arise with infants and feel confident as I embarked on being a first time mother. So grateful to Donna and babygroup for this program! read more

One of the best things I've done for my sanity and my child. They call this Babygroup but really it's a sanity for adults who happen to now have babies. The relationships you create and Foster through this remind me of the ones I used to enjoy the most in high school and college. You build strong foundations, you learn necessary things, and you even figure out some things that you never knew were important but are critical to the future success of being a new parent. And overall you have fun and it's not just the baby who gets to have fun. I genuinely look forward to my babygroup with my best little buddy. read more

I'm a full time working mom and have been attending BabyGroup with my son since he was 10 weeks old. He's now a little over 2 and I'm planning to go to the 2nd child class when our baby comes. We both love Donna and the other families that attend. I don't know who looks forward to classes more - me or my son. I won't miss a class unless I'm traveling. It's not only my standing date with my son, but we receive such valuable advice from Donna, the founder and one of the teachers. She provides real life, applicable advice on everything from development stages, what to expect, feeding, sleeping, nutrition, travel, daylight savings time adjustments, and every topic in between. She also shares information by email which is packed with great advice so you can apply and follow along during the week. Those emails in year 1 alone are worth the class in addition to the advice you gain. Donna is a do'er. She provides relevant advice and feedback, and is attentive and proactive. The kids LOVE her. And when she talks about the children she looked after as a nanny, or the nieces and nephews she cared for, you can feel how much she cares for them. She has real advice that works and shares it like it is so you're walking away each week armed with helpful information. Donna is also hilarious and has a great sense of humor, so BabyGroup is always a positive experience. When I'm traveling, my husband attends with our son and he feels just as welcome. He's a big fan of Donna's and BabyGroup, and between the 2 of us we won't miss a class. And most importantly our son looks forward to it. He has a great time with the other children, age appropriate toys, and all of Donna's assistant caretakers who are kind and terrific too. We also appreciate that BabyGroup has a sick policy that has children with runny noses or colds staying home. We've had to stay home a few times and we are sad to miss class, but we can appreciate how Donna considers all the kids and families. And the facilities are safe and toys are clean. One of the things we have gained and value the most is the friendships with other families. I didn't expect to gain amazing friends when starting the class. In fact I was a little nervous starting out meeting new parents but Donna quickly created an environment where you feel connected to one another. My husband and I are lucky to know the families that we do and be a part of this community that came together through Donna and BabyGroup. That was an incredible bonus I didn't know would come from joining. This seems to be a theme among BabyGroup. read more

Babygroup has been an absolute lifeline as a new mom. I started when my son was 3 months old, and still continue now that he is nearly 2 years old. Attending Babygroup is like having someone guide and hold your hand through every step of parenting- sleep, nutrition, development, behavior, and self care for moms, to name a just few topics. Each week there are new and fun activities to keep the little ones engaged while the leader discusses an age appropriate topic, and then leaves plenty of time for personal questions. I have had Shelley, Donna, and Alison as instructors and they are all absolutely lovely and knowledgeable. Every parenting struggle I've brought up has been met with sage advice. Being a parent is as challenging as it is rewarding, and knowing I can count on the other moms and Babygroup leader to help me through any and all struggles each week is what gets me through it. I also absolutely love the Babygroup facilities. The activities and toys they provide are carefully curated for what's best for the child's development at their given age. The facilities are also super duper squeaky clean- they clean EVERYTHING after each session- down to wiping down every single ball in the ball pit after every class. I would wholeheartedly recommend Babygroup to any and all parents! read more

Babygroup is LIFE. We were blessed from the baby Gods above to have Donna as our leader; she's the founder. She is a child development specialist and an experienced nanny from decades ago. This isn't some mommy and me class where you pay to sing the dang wheels on the bus to your kid...you're actually LEARNING and being conditioned to be the best parent to your baby armed with tools to go forth into the journey. Been in BBG for nearly a year now since my babe was 8 weeks old. You learn so much. Donna shares what they're going through at the exact moment in their development (you're in a group where all the babies are the same age, within weeks of each other) and how we can guide them in their growth. It's so helpful to troubleshoot with the other moms and with Donna during class and other moms share what's working for them and give you ideas and support. While the instruction is FIVE STARS, what's even better is the tribe that you build. We were meant to raise our children in a village amongst other mothers and children. I've found my best friends. We do dinners together. We meet at parks. We share food ideas for the babies when we're stuck in a rut. We support one another. We help each other find nannies/babysitters. Our babies are literally friends since birth. We're family, really. And Donna is our tribe leader. Truly, we look up to her so much and for good reasons. I am beyond blessed to be a baby groupie and so is my daughter. I cannot emphasize that enough. Not to sound dramatic, but I truly do not know where I would be without it. Should you apply and be accepted into the program, act fast and claim your spot. One of the best decisions you could ever make for you and your babe. read more

Do it, period. Seriously a game changer as a new mother. Sets you up for success on every level plus you make great friends. The network and information is invaluable. My baby is 10 months and I still go every Tuesday and will continue. Would feel totally lost with out Babygroup. My baby is on a great routine, is a great sleeper, great eater and overall chill a lot due to the knowledge gained from Allison's classes. read more

Being part of BabyGroup means that you are part of a community. A community that is non- judgemental, compassionate and inspirational. Investing time with Donna's BabyGroup will be one of the most important investments you make as a parent. She sets the parents and kids up for success. Through BabyGroup, I have learned a plethora of information and techniques that are easy to apply. Donna teaches a positive and loving approach to parenting based on positivity, connection and love. I have been part of Donna's Babygroup for almost 3 years! I joined Donna's working mom's afternoon class when my daughter was 2 months old. There were about 8 of us in the group who all had kids within 3 months of each other. I was really able to build a connection with the other parents since our kids were in the same phase of life. Donna taught us how to navigate the big things such as creating a routine, adjusting sleep schedules, weaning pacifiers and introducing solids. She also taught us the little things like which cup to use while learning to drink water, the type of pillow that are good for toddlers and toys are developmentally appropriate. Donna shares her knowledge in class and also emails out information. The emails are invaluable and cover everything we talk about in class including Donna's phrases and her useful one liners. As our kids became toddlers, we moved to a larger room, Molly's Room. The parents sit on the couches while the children play with the coaches. The coaches are truly amazing. They are caring, attentive, interactive and look after the kid's safety. In the toddler class the kids get to eat the provided snack, do crafts and play with each other. The parents and Donna observe the kids and have the opportunity to learn from live events. The class always closes with Donna's famous songs which the kids adore. I joined the second time parents group when I had my son. This was led by Allison. This class was a great way to get guidance on facilitating positive sibling relationships. This class was similar structure with open questions, specific topics and songs. My family went through a catastrophic loss. Donna had stepped in as a mentor to me, my family and the Baby Group community through this crisis. She went above and beyond for me. She is the most empathetic, warmhearted person I know. I am incredibly grateful for Donna and her continued support. She has shaped me and my husband as parents and truly set us up for success with our children. read more

I've been in a group with Allison LaTona since my first born was 6 months old (4years ago), and also joined a siblings group with Allison at the lead, once my son was born. Babygroup has taught me everything I know about child development. Allison presents different ideas for how we can tackle problems we're up against with children, family, spouses, etc. It provides a safe place for us to share our challenges, our wins, and everything in between. No problem is too small or too great for Babygroup. And I have made some of my closest friends through this group. The moral support is invaluable. I recommend it to everyone I know. read more

A mentor of mine referred me to BBG when I was pregnant with my first child. Since I am originally from the east coast and a working mom with no family or support network here in LA I figured it was worth a shot and I can honestly say the reference turned out to be an incredible gift. I cannot imagine the amazing and incredibly humbling journey of parenthood without the support of the fabulous Babygroup leaders and the special friendships that I've made in various working mom groups along the way. Donna, Alison and Shelly foster a safe, caring and supportive group environment. Their knowledge and guidance is priceless. They are experts and walk you through everything in an unbiased way from breast feeding, postpartum, bonding, SLEEP, development, feeding babies solids, weaning, parenting two kids, books and toys to numerous age appropriate topics. Specifically for me, the first year with my son was particularly hard and they were my safe place that I could go and get the guidance I needed to be the mom I am today. I started in babygroup when my son was 7 weeks old and today he is 3 years and 4 months. There is a very special bond between him and the friends he made by attending babygroup weekly. Additionally, Donna helped identify that he is a sensory kid and without her I wouldn't have known how to give him the tools necessary to regulate his sensory processing. So when I became pregnant with my daughter, it was a no brainer to continue the BBG journey in a second time mom's group. BBG is an amazing community and I am so grateful for all the guidance and the incredible friendships my family of 4 has made along the way. We are lifers! read more

I credit my sanity and my toddler's good behavior to Donna and Babygroup! The best parenting decision I've made was to join Babygroup (after I thankfully took a friend's advice). We joined a group when my little girl was just a few months old. Now she's turning 3 and we still LOVE Donna's guidance and great input. We've had two of the other group leaders as well, who were also great. The parenting advice is amazing and the bonds you make with the other moms and little ones are so cherished. Its also invaluable to see how you're not alone in the baby and toddler craziness. I've done other mommy and me, parenting classes, and preschool toddler classes, and Babygroup has definitely been the most valuable! read more

I have been doing Babygroup with my son for a year and a half now - since he was about six weeks old. It has been INVALUABLE to me in many ways. The information and discussions are incredible. I have learned so much, and it isn't just generic information you could read in a book. It has made me and my husband infinitely better, more confident parents. Our teacher, Allison, is simply the greatest. She is calm and mellow, understanding and compassionate, very well informed, a great listener and teacher and just a fantastic person to guide us through our first years as parents. I have also made amazing friends in Babygroup - friends that I never would've met otherwise. I cannot thank Allison and Babygroup enough for helping me through my journey as a new mom. It's important to note - I have done other mommy and me classes, and they were far inferior to Babygroup. read more

Babygroup is wonderful and Molly Schaffer is truly a baby whisperer. You not only walk away each week feeling like a more equipped parent but are able to unload and talk through difficult moments you're going through, struggles your having and moments you're proud of. It's a completely non-judgmental environment where you build a community of mothers you can rely on. read more

Babygroup is a MUST for new moms in LA and has taught me so much about my baby and parenting. As a midwesterner I also developed great friendships with other local moms who are navigating motherhood. I look forward to every class and feel more prepared and confident in my new role as a mama. I especially appreciate Allison's research based counsel, which helps me understand the "why" (and also communicate/convince my husband!). I continued to attend throughout my son's 1st year because the discussions evolved based on his age and developmental progress. Very helpful, informative and engaging. read more

I have done Babygroup with all 3 of my kids. I've done it with my babies/toddlers, in 2nd/3rd time parent groups, and in a parenting evening group (with the parents of my very 1st Babygroup.. since no one ever wants to leave!). Babygroup has made my parenting experience significantly better than it would have otherwise been - between the friendships made and the excellent advice and ideas I've gotten. My babies/toddlers have always loved going and look forward to it too! Most importantly, Babygroup makes me a better parent! read more

LOVE Babygroup! I was in the first-time working moms group four years ago with my son and now I'm in the second-time working moms group with my daughter. I have met the most incredible women. Besides lifelong friendships, the information is invaluable. Donna is a wonderful human and she has created a truly amazing community of moms in Los Angeles. I recommend Babygroup to every friend that tells me she is pregnant :) read more

I would be lost without Donna and the rest of the BabyGroup team. I told my husband - I will continue having children if we can continue BabyGroup! This is such a well-informed, warm, completely non-judgmental group of leaders who are there to support you and your family through each ever-evolving stage of childhood. Not to mention, the friendships I have made in my groups will last me a lifetime. I feel so fortunate to have found BabyGroup! read more

I am beyond fortunate to have found this amazing community! Donna has created the most valuable resource for new mama's and I will savor the countless questions, answers, advice, endless safe sharing sessions, venting, laughter and tears within our special group. Donna, your incredible knowledge to navigate us through our baby's development is priceless. You are such a gift and have provided such comfort and reassurance, but most of all you have helped me notice the smallest wonders in each new chapter that I am certain will stay with me a lifetime. I am so in love with this little girl and the daily moments I get to witness. I am forever grateful for your ability to breakdown what is actually happening "behind the scenes" in these moments so I can marvel in their magic and appreciate them even more. read more

Babygroup has been such an incredible experience! I can't imagine becoming a parent without the guidance and support of Donna and the other moms. We've attended since my son was 8 weeks old (he's now almost 2) and I plan on going back with my next baby. Donna's approach is always empathetic, respectful and insightful. She has a gift for raising children (and mothers). Babygroup gave me the tools and resources to be the confident parent I wanted to be. The discussions prepared me in advance for upcoming challenges and gave me a place to ask for help (or vent) about existing challenges. I really believe attending Babygroup been the best thing I've done for my child. He loves it too! read more

I have been a member of Babygroup for 3 years now and I cannot say enough about Donna and her program. The class for parent and baby meets once a week and is a totally safe space to receive guidance and talk about the challenges (and celebrations!) of being a parent. The group comes along with emails filled with relevant information such as feeding schedules and studies on TV time. Now that I have a toddler, my group still meets once a week and I always have several topics to discuss. It is also incredible to be connected to different types of Moms who live in LA and we still get together regularly. Babygroup has made parenting easier and more pleasurable for my whole family and I am incredibly grateful. read more

BabyGroup is SUCH an amazing experience and opportunity to meet and learn with (and from) other new mom's. Allison LaTona is an endless fountain of knowledge, support, ideas and SOLUTIONS. Her guidance and instruction give me and my family the roadmap we need to help our little girl grow and learn. I feel educated, prepared, and like I have resources when I'm stuck. Not sure when the baby should be sleeping? Ask BabyGroup. What should she be eating now....? Ask baby group. HOW in the world do you take a baby on a plane across country? ASK BabyGroup! They say there's no user manual for new babies - THIS is as close as it gets! Thanks Allison and BabyGroup! read more

I started BBG when my son was 8 weeks old. He's now 2 years old and both he and I are still in love with BBG and our instructor Shelley. I don't know how I could have gotten through the last two years without her. I grew up with younger siblings and have 9 nieces and nephews. I actually thought I knew, generally, how to do this before my kid was born. I was reluctant to sign up for BBG because I have a very intense job and just didn't see how I could find the time to drive to Santa Monica every week. It was absolutely worth the fight to get the time off. #1) There is a lot to know about raising a baby (and toddler). There's been a great deal of research since our parents raised us. Shelley knows all of it and in the most calming, gentle, supportive way, fills you in bit by bit every week-- she is truly an expert and, for me, a living, breathing instruction manual. She's seen countless babies and toddlers over her years with BBG (and she has her own kids/grandkids). Every question I have ever asked her has been met with a thoughtful, helpful, supportive response. #2) It is really nice to know other moms who have kids the exact same age as your kid. My BBG group is on a text chain (that consists of former and current BBG moms as people do go in and out of group over time). It is SO helpful to have them all as a resource when you have a time sensitive question (like two weeks ago when my kid was screaming and refusing to go down for nap because we were away from home. I can't think straight when my kid is screaming, but all of my BBG friends can...and they wrote back quickly with great advice stemming from their own recent experiences). #3) as your kid gets older, they start loving BBG too. My two year old is obsessed with BBG. They've got a big, bright room, with lots of great toys and a really warm and helpful staff who do activities with your toddler while you sit 20 feet away talking with your group. We're currently on a BBG hiatus (we start back up again in the fall) and for the last few weeks, every single night, the last thing Jake says to me as I leave his room is "Baby Group Later?". He will not go to sleep unless I parrot back "Baby Group Later" as I close his door. That is how much he misses it. read more

My 9 month old daughter and I absolutely love babygroup with Donna. She is our firstborn child, so as a new mother, it is incredibly helpful to have babygroup as a support system. Donna's classes are not only informative, but they are also a great way for little ones to interact and learn to play safely with other babies, and for mothers to share and learn from each other's experiences. All of the babies in our class are born within two months of each other, so the children are in similar development stages and mothers experience new things with their babies along a similar frame. Donna is able to answer our questions while the little ones play. Even if we don't have specific questions to ask her, it's great to listen to the other mother's experiences and feel comforted knowing that the other children are going through the same things. The other mothers are an incredible support system and we share experiences and information with one another outside of babygroup as well. read more

Babygroup is amazing!! Being a first-time mom can be scary but through these classes, I've felt supported and gained more confidence as a parent. Donna is thoughtful, kind, patient and has more tips than I can count! read more

I can't say enough about how treasured an experience we have had at Babygroup. I'm a full-time working mom with very limited time and I have found the Babygroup to be an amazing resource for information about everything I have needed or wanted to know about how to best care for my daughter. Allison LaTona was my group leader and she is fantastic, although I also hear great things about the other leaders. Her knowledge of infant and child development was so valuable; her advice always pragmatic and sensitive. And the community of moms I built as part of the group have been a saving grace for all of my questions! My daughter loves the group too, especially now that she is a little older and can interact with all the other babies. Highly, highly recommend. read more

As a mom, being part of Babygroup has been an invaluable experience. We started in the working moms group when my now 3yo daughter was just 8 weeks old, and I'm now in a second-time working mom's group with my son. Donna's wealth of knowledge is shared in a fun, supportive environment. Her deep understanding of families and kids feels both personal and universal, and I'm constantly impressed by the way she aggregates information from diverse sources, and filters it all through her own experience. My husband has appreciated the benefits firsthand when he's attended in my absence, and we have made some really special friendships as a family. I can't say enough good things - Babygroup has been an amazing resource for us!! read more

Babygroup has been a part of my families life since my two year old was 6 weeks old. We now have our second and attending the 'second time' mom group. We attend weekly and have benefited in so many ways. It is a safe place for families to meet new friends, learn from a nurturing environment as well as have fun! The philosophy of babygroup aligns with our personal family values and I am so grateful to call myself a 'babygroup' family. read more

Babygroup was the best support system I could've asked for as a new mom! Shelley has been the absolute best resource. I've met some of my best friends, and my son has met his. I recommend Babygroup SM to any new mommy. read more