Hello Baby: A Haven for Little Ones and Their Parents  November 17, 2024

Hello Baby: A Haven for Little Ones and Their Parents 

On a sunny fall day, in our enchanting fairy garden, we had the pleasure of chatting with Lisa Fielding of Chicago’s WBBM Newsradio. Not far from the fair garden at the corner of 61st and St Lawrence, lies a vibrant and joyful space known as Hello Baby. This free play area is dedicated to children under three and their parents, offering a safe and engaging environment for learning and growth. 

Founded in 2017, Hello Baby was created to address the lack of safe play spaces in the community. Board President Jennifer Mosley explains that the center is not a daycare but a community hub where toddlers and their parents can bond and learn together. Activities include tummy time, reading sessions, and sing-alongs, all designed to support early childhood development. 

Board Vice President Dr. Patricia Jones Blessman, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes the importance of these activities for brain development in children aged zero to three. Over the past seven years, Hello Baby has welcomed over 30,000 play visits and is now set to expand with a second location in Avalon Park next year. 

The nonprofit aims to raise $6 million to open five new locations in the next five years, targeting underserved communities. Mosley and Dr. Blessman hope to spark a national movement to create play spaces in “play deserts” across the country. 

Hello Baby is more than just a play area; it’s a place where joy and laughter abound, providing a crucial resource for families who need it most. 

Listen below to hear the full interview.