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Your Guide to All Things Baby in Peoria

The baby didn't come with instructions?!? We're here to help with all the baby resources in Peoria

By Julia Briggs, Macaroni KID Peoria August 5, 2024

Do you have a baby in the house in Peoria? Or having one soon? Congratulations! We love babies here at Macaroni KID Peoria and remember how much we struggled to find resources in Peoria after bringing home baby. So we wanted to help our new Peoria parents by creating a list of baby, infant, and parenting resources in Peoria all in one place for you! If you know someone who is expecting or had a baby, please let them know about Macaroni KID Peoria and share this list of baby resources in Peoria with them!

While Macaroni KID Peoria does our best to keep up, please double-check with the Peoria business or organization to make sure event details haven't changed. 

Do you know of resources or an upcoming event in Peoria for families with babies? Email us details at juliabriggs@macaronikid.com and we will add it to this guide or to our Macaroni KID Peoria events calendar!



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Connect with other parents in Peoria!

Looking to connect with other new parents in Peoria for playdates, advice, support ... or just to get out of the house for a few hours? We feel that! Here is a list of groups in Peoria where you can meet other new families ... plus information on how to subscribe for free to Macaroni KID Peoria the BEST place in Peoria to find events for families:

Macaroni KID Peoria

Be in the know. Subscribe to Find Your Family Fun every week: https://peoria.macaronikid.com

Parent and Baby Social 

This program focuses on parents and their babies, from birth to 12 months, giving them a place to gather and enjoy casual conversation with fellow parents while their little ones play. Guest speakers from partner organizations will lead discussions and activities related to infant growth, and development. The goal of this program is to support YOU as parents, and we invite you to both join and tell us how this program and community groups can best help you! Find this event on our calendar. For more information visit https://peoriaplayhouse.org/

Moms of Beautiful Babies

Moms of Beautiful Babies is a group that meets every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Breastfeeding Resource Center in Peoria. Join the Facebook Group to get online support as well. 

Mom Collective

Mom Collective is a community where you can come as you are, be known, supported, and encouraged, as we adventure together through the little years of motherhood! Find out more by visiting: https://www.gracepres.org/moco

Mommy Moments 

Mommy Moments is a helpful, community-building program for mothers of young children. It is a weekly gathering during the school year that encourages and inspires women to grow in the areas of parenting, marriage, and life at home. https://fumcpeoria.org/mommy-moments 

Peoria Mothers of Twins 

Do you have or are expecting twins, triplets or more? Feeling slightly overwhelmed? Have questions? Connect with other mothers of multiples in your area with PMOT. Connecting with other MoMs can help give you the support, advice and friendship you need. Visit the website at http://www.peoriamothersoftwins.org/ Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoriamomsofmultiples

The MomCo (Formerly MOPS and Moms Next)

MomCo - Mom Community, formerly MOPS is a great place to meet and connect with new mom friends. Find a meetup close to you on their website: https://www.themom.co/home

Online Resources: these Facebook Groups can help you connect with other moms in Peoria 



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Best parks and trails in Peoria for strollers

Want to go for a walk but not sure which trails around Peoria have the best stroller access? Here are some of our favorite parks and trails in Peoria to take baby:

Sommer Park North
6600 North Basket Oak Drive, Edwards, IL

1.5 miles of paved walking trails. Perfect for an outing with baby! 

Timothy J. Cassidy Park
1621 West Meadowview Drive, Dunlap, IL

This park has a 0.9 mile loop trail which is paved and fairly level

George Doering Park
300 Carlson Ave, Washington, IL 61571

You'll enjoy a sunny loop at this cute park! 



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Classes for parents and babies in Peoria 

Communication Junction

Sign up for Sign Language Classes for families with infants, toddlers & preschoolers. These classes will help you connect with your child while promoting early communication and language development. https://communicationjunction.net/ (Find Sign + Sing Story Times on our calendar!) 

Zumbini 

A super fun, energetic, 45-minute music & movement experience for tiny kiddos birth - 5 w/their grownup. Sign up for a class today! https://www.zumbini.com/en/zumbini-classes-near-me

Midwest Children's Pediatric Therapy

During Open Gym times, our Sensory Gym is open to the public. This is a time for our friends to explore a sensory rich space and challenge their motor skills. https://www.midwestchildrenstherapy.com/open-gym

Peoria Area Libraries

Our libraries have so many great activities and programs for babies and toddlers. You can usually find them on our calendar or check out each library:

Peoria Public Libraries 

Peoria Heights Library

Fondulac District Library (East Peoria)

Washington District Library 

Alpha Park Library (Bartonville) 

Chillicothe Public Library 

Pekin Public Library

Dunlap Public Library



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Family resources and support services in Peoria 

Crittenton Centers 

The Crittenton Centers is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They provide no-cost, short-term emergency care, respite care, and basic need supplies for families in crisis for children from birth to 6 years of age. They also provide no- cost services to strengthen families including; parental education classes, support groups, home visits, and family advocacy for those involved with child welfare services. https://crittentoncenters.org/

Empower Life Center

They offer lots of services and classes, help, and free baby/toddler up to 5t/maternity clothing, formula, & other items! I've personally gotten baby clothes, formula, and maternity clothes from them. As well as a support system with people who really love you well! What a huge help!

https://empowerlc.org/

Dream Center Peoria 

Dream Center Peoria is a faith-based nonprofit organization located in Downtown Peoria, Illinois. The mission is to impact families living in poverty, starting with kids and youth. Our core values of Dignity, Compassion and Purpose drive us each and everyday. https://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/ https://crittentoncenters.org/