By Tim Freed
If you are thinking about starting a baby or toddler class business in the UK, one of the very first questions that usually pops into your head is this:
How much is this actually going to cost me?
It is a sensible question. And it is one that a lot of people struggle to get a straight answer to. So in this article, I want to give you a clear, honest breakdown of the real startup costs for baby and toddler classes in the UK, so you can plan confidently and avoid any nasty surprises.
Typical startup costs for baby and toddler class businesses
Most new class providers spend somewhere between £300 and £3,000 to get started. Where you fall within that range depends on your niche, your equipment needs and how polished you want things to be when you launch.
Here is a breakdown of the main costs to help you plan effectively.
1. Venue hire costs (£10 - £30 per hour)
Venue hire is usually the biggest ongoing expense. Typical locations include:
- Community halls
- Church halls
- Village halls
- Dance studios
- Sports centres
Most class providers pay between £10 and £30 per hour.
A simple, warm, clean space is completely fine when you are starting out. Parents care far more about the experience you create than the décor of the room.
Tip: Ask about block-booking discounts. Many venues offer them but rarely advertise them.
2. Insurance costs (£70 - £200 per year)
Insurance is simple and usually inexpensive. For most baby and toddler classes, you will need:
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance (depending on your class type)
You can expect to pay around £70 - £200 per year.
3. Equipment and materials (£50 - £2,000)
Your equipment costs will vary depending on the type of classes you run.
Examples include:
Baby sensory or toddler sensory
- Lights, scarves, textured items, toys, tuff trays, bubble machines
Baby massage or baby yoga
- Mats, towels, cushions, oils
Baby music or movement
- Speakers, mats, instruments, props
If you keep it simple, you can start with £50 - £200 of equipment. If you want a more premium or themed setup, you might spend £1,000 or more.
But here is something important to remember:
Your customers are not buying your props. They are buying you.Start small and upgrade when you are ready.
4. Training or certification (£100 - £2,500)
Some classes require qualifications, while others do not.
Popular training includes:
- Baby massage
- Baby yoga
- Sensory programmes
- Music and movement
- Paediatric first aid (highly recommended)
You can spend a little or a lot. Confidence matters more than certificates.
5. Marketing costs (£0 - £500+)
Marketing is essential for filling your classes.
You may need:
- A simple website or landing page
- Flyers or posters
- Social media ads
- Local directory listings
- A booking page
You can start for free, or spend £100 - £500+ if you want a stronger launch.
Your marketing does not need to be fancy. It just needs to show up where your ideal parents already spend their time.
If you want to promote your classes more easily and take bookings online, you can use something like the Book That In online booking system which helps you handle bookings, payments and communication in one place.
6. The hidden cost no one warns you about: admin time
This is the cost that surprises almost everyone.
From the outside, running baby classes looks like this:
Arrive, teach, smile, go home.
In reality, it also includes:
- Managing bookings
- Handling cancellations and reschedules
- Chasing payments
- Responding to messages
- Managing waiting lists
- Sorting refunds
- Updating registers
- Filling last minute spaces
- Organising term-time changes
- Creating and posting social media content
From the conversations we have with class providers every week, many tell us they spend between 5 and 10 hours on admin alone, even if they are only running a couple of classes a week. And that is before they have even delivered a single session.
This is usually the part that drains people. Not the teaching. The admin.
If you want to automate your bookings, payments and admin from the very beginning, you can do that with the Book That In online booking system which reduces this workload dramatically and gives you more time to enjoy running your classes.
7. Optional branding and design (£0 - £1,000+)
Branding helps, but it is not essential when you are starting out.
You can use Canva to create a simple, clean look and keep everything consistent. If you want professional branding later, you can invest anywhere from £150 - £1,000.
But please do not let branding delay your launch. You can refine your look as you grow.
So what is the total cost to start a baby or toddler class business?
Here is a simple summary:
Low budget startup: £300 - £800Comfortable launch: £800 - £1,500Premium launch: £1,500 - £3,000+
This makes baby and toddler classes one of the most accessible businesses to start, especially compared to most other industries.
The biggest cost you should try to avoid
The most expensive part of running a baby class business is not the venue or equipment. It is the time you lose trying to manage everything manually.
If you want to automate your bookings and admin so you have more time and headspace, it is worth looking at Book That In or going straight to sign up when you are ready.
Final thoughts
Starting a baby or toddler class business is incredibly rewarding. You get to create memorable experiences, build a community and make a real difference to families.
And now you know exactly what it costs to get started.
If this article helps you take the next step, then I am delighted. You deserve to build something special, and I hope this gives you the clarity to begin with confidence.
Till next time,Tim
FAQ Section
How much does it cost to start a baby class business in the UK?
Most people spend between £300 and £3,000 depending on equipment, venue hire, insurance and marketing.
Do I need qualifications to run baby or toddler classes?
Some classes require training, such as baby massage or baby yoga, while others do not. Confidence and safety matter most.
What equipment do I need to run baby classes?
Common items include mats, musical instruments, sensory props and a speaker. You can start small and upgrade as you grow.
How much time does it take to run baby classes each week?
Many class providers tell us they spend 5 to 10 hours a week on admin alone, even if they only run a couple of classes.
How can I reduce admin time when running baby classes?
Using an online booking system like Book That In helps automate bookings, payments, cancellations and communication, saving hours each week.