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Original poster

Why are baby groups not centred around the mother’s interests?

63 replies

motherofakoalaboy · 14/04/2026 17:54

Recently because me and DH are thinking of a second child i have started to think if I would go to baby groups this time around. I did really struggle to enjoy them with DS now almost 2 as a) he was a very highly strung fussy baby so actually enjoying the group was difficult and b) i guess i was lucky that DH was at home so i did have adult company.

I did think would I do it for baby 2 if baby 2 is easier. Now in all honesty my answer is leaning towards no. The groups that we had I was doing the sensory stuff and songs at home anyways and until 1 babies are fairly oblivious to each other etc so for the baby there is not so much of a benefit which is why most people say it is for the mothers. Which is great at the same time it’s then I would still be reluctant to go as to why is it assumed i would bond with someone just because our babies are around the same age which got me wondering why are the baby groups not more centred around the mother’s interests. Like a book and baby group, walk and baby group, art and baby group etc.

OP posts:
LughLongArm · 14/04/2026 18:15

motherofakoalaboy · 14/04/2026 17:54

Recently because me and DH are thinking of a second child i have started to think if I would go to baby groups this time around. I did really struggle to enjoy them with DS now almost 2 as a) he was a very highly strung fussy baby so actually enjoying the group was difficult and b) i guess i was lucky that DH was at home so i did have adult company.

I did think would I do it for baby 2 if baby 2 is easier. Now in all honesty my answer is leaning towards no. The groups that we had I was doing the sensory stuff and songs at home anyways and until 1 babies are fairly oblivious to each other etc so for the baby there is not so much of a benefit which is why most people say it is for the mothers. Which is great at the same time it’s then I would still be reluctant to go as to why is it assumed i would bond with someone just because our babies are around the same age which got me wondering why are the baby groups not more centred around the mother’s interests. Like a book and baby group, walk and baby group, art and baby group etc.

I don’t think anyone’s assuming you will bond with anyone, only that someone else with a small baby isn’t going to judge you for having sick on your shoulder and forgetting your own name. I remember lots of exercise classes with pushchairs and baby yoga when I had DS. I assume the reason book and baby groups aren’t common is that most new mothers’ concentration is too shot, and that an art class would be frustrating because babies are fractious and you’d keep getting interrupted the moment you picked up a brush.

GumballsAndGobstoppers · 14/04/2026 18:13

Such a great suggestion! I'd join!

Don't worry. No-one minds if your baby screams in baby cinema. It's all v relaxed.

Kingdomofsleep · 14/04/2026 18:09

motherofakoalaboy · 14/04/2026 18:06

i wished so much to go to a baby cinema with DS unfortunately with DS it would have been impossible

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Ah everyone has zero expectations honestly you should try it.

I went with dd when she was about 10 months and it was Love Actually, which I realised is hilariously sexist. At a quiet moment she let out the loudest most resounding fart and the whole screen laughed more at that than any of the supposedly funny scenes.

Baby cinema was so much fun.

soupycustard · 14/04/2026 18:07

That's such a great idea! 17 years too late for me!

Kingdomofsleep · 14/04/2026 18:07

Round here there are mother and baby pub quizzes (in the daytime) and cinema screenings. I much preferred stuff like that to the "sing and romp" type ones which just made me feel more depressed.

I used to get that thing where I slightly dissociated and the singing sounded like it was underwater. "The wheels on the bus..." awful. But I'm glad they work for other mums.

Original poster
motherofakoalaboy · 14/04/2026 18:06

TwilightAb · 14/04/2026 18:05

I loved going to the cinema to the baby friendly screenings when my ds was a baby. He had a feed and would then pretty much just sleep throughout the film. I couldn't do that with my first born though dd as I dont think she would have been able to quietly sleep throughout.

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i wished so much to go to a baby cinema with DS unfortunately with DS it would have been impossible

OP posts:
TwilightAb · 14/04/2026 18:05

Allswellthatendswelll · 14/04/2026 18:00

I went to a bring your baby exercise class and bring your baby choir and I enjoyed them far more than baby sensory! Also baby cinema.

Edited

I loved going to the cinema to the baby friendly screenings when my ds was a baby. He had a feed and would then pretty much just sleep throughout the film. I couldn't do that with my first born though dd as I dont think she would have been able to quietly sleep throughout.

mindutopia · 14/04/2026 18:03

I never went to baby sensory or any of that. I did a baby yoga class, which was yoga with babies laying on mats with toys. And my NCT group was a walk and a coffee. There are other exercise classes too.

Original poster
motherofakoalaboy · 14/04/2026 18:01

Allswellthatendswelll · 14/04/2026 18:00

I went to a bring your baby exercise class and bring your baby choir and I enjoyed them far more than baby sensory! Also baby cinema.

Edited

that’s what i do think so i just wondered why if it is for the mother these are not the norm but you have to really look around and be lucky to have a local one

OP posts:
Allswellthatendswelll · 14/04/2026 18:00

I went to a bring your baby exercise class and bring your baby choir and I enjoyed them far more than baby sensory! Also baby cinema.

Original poster
motherofakoalaboy · 14/04/2026 18:00

RainReignRein · 14/04/2026 17:59

I would have a good look around locally as those definitely exist here. There's lots of exercise ones, singing groups that you can take your baby too (rather than the singing being for the baby), there are comedy shows you can take a baby along to, cinema, I'm sure I've seen a book club. Hopefully you'll find some in your area.

there was not really any local ones but maybe there will be a few in a years time which would be nice

OP posts:
RainReignRein · 14/04/2026 17:59

I would have a good look around locally as those definitely exist here. There's lots of exercise ones, singing groups that you can take your baby too (rather than the singing being for the baby), there are comedy shows you can take a baby along to, cinema, I'm sure I've seen a book club. Hopefully you'll find some in your area.

PTSDBarbiegirl · 14/04/2026 17:56

Start one! Sounds good 👍