Advice! First baby and toddler group tomorrow

[oldmamascan]

Hello! I'm planning to go to my first baby and toddler group in a local village hall tomorrow with my 10 week old. This may seem like a silly question but...do people normally take young babies in their pram or just take in car seat and then carry? Also.. would it be ok /seem odd to take own portable chair (bouncy one) from home or is that overkill? Just thought it would be nice as he likes to sit in that and look around.

I know it sounds silly and I'm probably massively overthinking it but any advice from experienced attendees with young babies welcome!

It’s a long time since mine were babies, but I used to walk to the hall so took the pram. I think there was an area we left the pram and then carried the babies in and had them on our laps. Still friends with the mums all these years later, even though don’t live in the same area.

Hope it goes well for you.

Depends what kind of toddler group it is. In the ones round here in the church halls that are cheap at a couple of pounds a family I wouldn’t take a bouncer as they are really free for alls with toddlers bombing round everywhere (my toddler included when we go so no judgement). At the actual baby groups I go to when my toddler’s at nursery you probably could but no one does. They are more aimed at baby age so lots of babies whilst the other kind are more aimed at toddlers so only really baby’s with older siblings.

Nothing you ask is silly! I run a baby and toddler group, we get all sorts of people, mums, dads, grandparents, newborns, toddlers. Take your baby in whatever’s easiest for you. I use a carrier as I rarely use my buggy, but we have indoor space for buggies. You could use whatever your baby is comfiest sleeping in, if he nods off you can have a drink and get to know people.

Not weird to take his special chair but as you won’t know people yet and older kids may be interested in him you might be comfier with him on your lap.

Is there anything else bothering you? Ask away. I hope you both have a wonderful time 😊

I used to walk so had a pram which would be left near the entrance of the room. Maybe leave the chair at home for the first week and get a gauge for what happens. Depending on the type of group, you’ll likely be doing something with them and there wouldn’t be a need as they’ll be in your arms, or on a mat with sensory items. Take all the moments in, enjoy, the best times.

There is normally a place to leave prams so you can bring your baby in a car seat or in your arms. Many groups have soft mats so you can bring a blanket and lay your baby on that.

Other advice:

Speak to as many people as you can. Especially other women on their own. Complimenting their baby is a good opener!

Be honest about how you are when people ask you, it can mean so much to hear you’re not the only one struggling.

Let any stealth boasts about how much their baby sleeps or how they look a wreck (if they look immaculate) roll off you like water off a duck’s back. People have their own problems.

Make friends with the tired looking woman in the stained maternity leggings. She’s probably your new best friend.

It will vary by venue, smaller halls may ask you to park prams etc in a side room and you carry your child in, others will have more space. Either pram or pushchair is fine

I usually take my baby in the car seat attached to the pram. Depending on the type of group, there may not be space for the pram so you’ll know for next time what’s easier for you!

I wouldn’t take the bouncer as there may be mats to lie your little one down on.

I know it can feel overwhelming but everyone has been in your position and we’ve all felt a bit nervous walking into the group. Go in, smile and say hello to people. After going to baby groups with my dd, I made some really amazing friends!

Ah thanks so much everyone for your very helpful and reassuring responses 🙂

I think I'll play it by ear as to how he is tomorrow and then decide on whether to go car seat or pram. Will let you all know how it goes!!

How did it go? Hope you had a great time

@LimeCookie it went really well thanks! A very welcoming bunch of people and I found it quite chilled out really (well as chilled as a room full of babies and toddlers can be!)

Baby slept through a lot of it 😂 but when he woke up he seemed to be enjoying looking around and got lots of attention from mum's and toddlers alike!

That fantastic, I’m so pleased for you.

Glad it went well.

I am glad it went well.

The biggest thing to consider is that a lot of <5 activities shut down for the school summer holidays, so swap phone numbers with a few parents if you can.