[From the Fall 2023 Showcase of Homes Magazine]
Written By Megin Potter | Photos by Angel Photography
In the animal kingdom, elephant mothers share the care of their young with other females in the herd. These females are called ‘allomothers’ and are much like birth and postpartum doulas, who ensure that both mother and baby feel physically and emotionally nurtured.
“This is the place for parents to find their village,” said Christine Hernandez, a certified birth doula and the owner of Allo Toga, an indoor play space for babies and toddlers that strives to support parents through classes, workshops, and events.
Welcome to the Jungle
Christine, the mother of two children, ages 6 and 3, opened Allo Saratoga in 2021 to give parents like herself a chance to reconnect with others after the isolation of the peak pandemic years.
“I designed this space so children could have that experience of playing and being around other children,” she said.
At Allo Saratoga, children socialize while they climb and tumble, crawl through a ramped tunnel, or learn to stabilize themselves and play on two wooden slides. Soft toys encourage unstructured play, and children have the chance to learn how to take turns and share dramatic play stations that change seasonally; from a coffee shop, to a flower stand, to a market selling carrots for rabbits.
Gathering the Herd
Allo is a gathering space for growing families that hosts community events (like a visit from the Easter Bunny) and parties for 10 to 12 children (their first birthday celebrations even include a complimentary smash cake!)
This Fall, Allo’s popular Toddler Playschool for 2.5- to 3-year-olds is already full (but a second class of eight children may be added). There are still spots available in the Tiny Tots Playgroup, a six-week parent and me group that includes circle time, a book, and a craft.
Pregnancy and postpartum support are available from Allo online or in-person. Childbirth education and newborn care classes, parenting support groups, and guest expert events will also be held.
Meaningful Connections
In addition to providing doula services, Christine participates in a postpartum doula collective, to ensure mothers are matched with the best doula for them.
Allo Saratoga also partners with area organizations to spread their support even further. They have teamed up with the Salvation Army, Seedling’s Baby Food, and the New York Milk Bank, among others.
They also joined with iRun Local for Sneaker Fest, held at the Saratoga Winery in August. This FREE family-friendly event benefitted the Saratoga County Children’s Committee Back-to-School Project, which provides school supplies to students.
Christine is also caring for parents in another way, as the new owner of the Broadway Grind, 493 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
Allo Saratoga, 25 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs is open every day 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Open play is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to12 p.m.
Drop-in, book a time, or buy a membership online at www.allotoga.com. For updates, follow @AlloSaratoga on Instagram.
