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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to find baby sensory groups excruciating

57 replies

User88181992 · 06/06/2025 21:15

I’m not sure if it’s just me or whether most other mums feel the same way and are just hiding it well. I come away from most sessions feeling totally deflated. It’s not so much baby groups as a whole, as I’ve found the library baby rhyme time much more natural. There’s something about baby sensory…possibly how structured it is and the scheduled in moments to chat among ourselves? Waving a multitude of different coloured rattles at a blank face?
I signed up for a whole term to alleviate guilt about not doing enough on mat leave, and I thought my baby would serve as a good prop if I am totally honest. Instead it feels like the first day at school every week :(
Does anyone else find these sessions painful? Did anyone manage to make..Mum Friends?

OP posts:
starmoonsun · 06/06/2025 21:42

I loved baby sensory and made most of my local mum friends there. But it depends totally on the leader and the group at the time. Also we had a break in the middle of the session where the baby's had free play with toys etc so got a chance to actually chat with other mums most classes you don't actually get a chance to chat to other people.
Went with my second it was a different leader and the sessions were not as good and the other adults just didn't seem as friendly. Or maybe I was giving a different vibe as wasn't desperate for adult friendship this time as already had a strong group of friends to socialize with.
I think you need to decide if your going for your baby or your own sanity to get out the house and hope to meet people. If the later you need to try lots of groups and might prefer a playgroup type set up. If the first and you enjoy it then just keep going.
Also my first loved most sessions, seemed to enjoy being with other babies and really joined in when old enough (able to dance, shake/bang an instrument etc) My second really didn't seem bothered by them and didn't really join in even when old enough.

OxfordInkling · 06/06/2025 21:35

I quite enjoyed it and DD1 liked going. But it was more a social outing for me than her.

Didn't bother with DD2, but that was because I fancied something different to fill the time.

Stripyzebrabra · 06/06/2025 21:29

Different groups work for Different people. My favourite baby group was a church group which was very structured and full of songs about Jesus and God followed by 'free play'. I'm not religious at all. Baby sensory isn't obligatory, do the term and.then leave.

babasaclover · 06/06/2025 21:26

Yeah they’re a pile of wank. Just don’t go 🤷‍♀️

Moancup · 06/06/2025 21:26

I expected to hate them after reading all the sneering on here, but I really enjoyed it. DS was about seven months when we started and I do think they need to be a bit older. I liked the structure and energy.

whynotmereally · 06/06/2025 21:23

My preference was aways the playgroup. Load of toys on the middle, chairs round the edge and free tea/coffee for parents. Very relaxed , kids do some exploring/independent play and parents relax/let off steam.

I’ve always found the children centre/nhs/baby Einstein style groups very forced and not overly enjoyable.

SupposesRoses · 06/06/2025 21:20

I find the concept insane. As if every moment of their young lives isn’t a sensory experience. So I didn’t go. I found plenty of people to chat to at coffee morning type things but it never translated in into real friendships and I rarely met anyone with whom I had anything in common. However we’ve both made loads of good friends among the nursery and then school parents. It’s not your last chance.