How Much Does It Cost to Set Up Baby Classes?
Jul 30, 2024
Deciding to set up your own baby classes is a big decision, I get it, because I've done it. But if it's your dream, it's on your vision board, ask yourself what's really stopping you?
- Is it money?
- Can you afford to get started?
- Do you even know how much it will cost?
- Will it be hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of pounds?
If you’ve been endlessly scrolling, Googling, or filling out franchise enquiry forms trying to get a straight answer, this blog’s for you.
If you’re wondering whether you can actually make money once you’ve started, you might want to read Can You Really Make Money Running Baby Classes next, it breaks down the profit potential and what it really takes to build a sustainable business.There are three main routes into this industry each with very different financial commitments
- Invest in Training 🙋♀️
- Invest in a Franchise/Licence
- Do it 100% alone
Let's start with how much money do you have to invest?
It will be a financial investment regardless of whether you do it 100% alone, invest in training or a franchise, it is impossible to do it for zero pounds btw.
So let's look in more detail at your options
1. Invest in Training.
This is still quite new in this industry and I'll be honest, there is very little available if you don't want to run early years music education classes which is exactly why I wrote The Baby Class Blueprint.
This Level 3 Diploma course is designed for women who want to run beautiful, multi sensory baby development classes without franchise or licence restrictions.
- No ongoing fees or royalty charges
- Flexible payment plans over 12 months.
- Includes a beautiful Black & White Sensory Parachute , a 1:1 call with Elizabeth and ongoing 25% discount in the Sensory Parachute shop
You'll still need to budget for
- Starter kit (props, mats, demo doll, instruments)
- Public Liability Insurance (available via Westminster Insurance)
- PPL/PRS Music Licence
- Branding and marketing materials
Estimated extra - around £600 on top of training investment
If you’d like to understand how your class planning can actually support real child development, my post on What ‘Brain Development’ Actually Means in Baby Classes is a great next read.
2. Invest in a Franchise/Licence
A quick Google search shows just how wide the range is, from around £1500 to £14000 with the majority around £7k.
Franchises typically come with
- Starter Kit
- Training
- Lesson Plans
- Branding
- Music
- Insurance
but also
- Management or royalty fees (fixed monthly cost or % of turnover)
- Marketing Fees
- Multi year contracts (usually 5 years)
- Clauses requiring a minimum number of classes per week
Read the small print carefully. Some will still charge you a monthly cost even if you stop running classes completely
3. Do it 100% alone
This will always look like the cheapest option but it's never free.
Even if you dream of running the most stripped back classes in the world you'll still need to pay for
- Public Liability Insurance (£130 + per year)
- ICO registration (£52 per year)
- DBS check (£40)
- Demo doll (£65)
- Mats and basic kit
Estimated minimum : around £500 and that doesn't include your time
If you’d like to see the developmental side of baby classes in action, you might enjoy Bubbles: Developmental and Wellbeing Benefits in Baby Classes it's all about how small, sensory details make a big impact.
The Truth?
There is an entry route into this amazing industry for everyone, just do your homework and choose the one that fits your life, budget and personality
If you’d like a quick, no-nonsense way to map out your potential costs before you dive in, try my free Baby Class Income Calculator. It’ll show you exactly where your break-even sits and how quickly you could reach profit.
If you want to build your baby class business with confidence and avoid costly mistakes, that’s exactly what I help women do inside The Baby Class Blueprint — my accredited online training for baby class teachers.
