17 month old and social interaction

[ReginaPhalange89]

Looking for some advice ! Sorry if it's long

I have a 17 month old DD. We live quite far from family & friends so if I'm being honest she doesn't see an awful lot of people. When she was a bit younger she would cry when we went to visit or had visitors (assuming because they were unfamiliar) . She's been ok recently though, and is used to most family members now.

Before summer I took her to Bookbug at the local library, and another baby class (which she's too old for now). Both were off over the summer .

Last week I took her along to try a new class. It was very loud and busy , and she cried and cried so I left with her after 10 minutes. I thought it was the noise as she doesn't seem to like loud music or busy places.

Tried another class today and she started crying when we got there before the class even started 🙈 I tried to distract her hoping once the class started she'd be ok, but she wasn't. I had snacks and some of her own toys. It was a much smaller class and not as loud so I'm assuming actually she's just going back to the way she was with being around people!

Any ideas what I can do to stop this? I do take her to soft play regularly and she's fine there, I'm going to try bookbug again when it starts back but I'm worried she's going to do it again there since it's been a few months! 🙈

[xamyrose]

It might be something in the class she doesn’t like? Some babies don’t like the shakers for example? Or are you pretty convinced it’s the environment ?

[RiceButt]

What about a local playgroup?

[ReginaPhalange89]

@xamyrose it was before the class even started today so there wasn't anything really that could have put her off (I don't think) . It was only the lady that ran the class and one other mum/baby when we arrived and she started crying 🙈

[selly24]

Just persevere. It’s normal fir a young child to react to the unfamiliar.Select age appropriate classes. Monkey music Sing and sign seem to be popular. Try a local playgroup with a variety of activities or surstart children’s centre. Just being out and about in shops buses cafes - let her see you chatting to others. Simple outings to farm, library, park where you can meet others.
Are there one or 2 other children and carers you could invite for a play at your home ??

[xamyrose]

I think for the time being try and take her to a stay and play kind of thing, I know the one near me they just have loads of toys out and then at the end they do a snack and sing song... could also try a swimming lesson? My DD is very sensitive but she loves baby signing so maybe eventually do that?