Not to go to baby groups with my 4 month old?

[MD1803]

How do people feel about baby groups. My main point is about the benefit to the baby, or the lack of by not going? My baby is just under 4 months old and we haven’t been anywhere, yet.
What age so people feel we really should go. Again, thinking about benefits for the baby, not the parent.

I hated them but my little boy loved them. He was an only child so got plenty out of them. He's now a very confident 5year old and I think the early socialisation helped

Baby groups are for the caregiver not the baby. It is great to get to know other mums who are going through the same stuff as you and when they are slightly older, it means they can play and give you some respite from having to entertain them on your own.

They were a lifeline for me and I thought during lockdown how difficult it must have been for new mums or mums of newborns.

But you have to try a few different ones to see which one you click more with

I didn't go mutch before 6 months with either of mine, the few times I did early on DS just lay on the mat while I tried to prevent toddlers from running over him.

From 6-18 months they seem to enjoy playing with different toys, but could probably have just as much fun at home if you have good toy rotation. I don't think they actually miss anything by not going until after 18 months, when they start interacting with the other kids.

@Sprogonthetyne the baby groups myself and my DP went to were segregated by age so there were no toddlers there.

The ones local to us where split into either 0-2 or 0-5 but the bigger under 2's where actually the worst, as they were big enough cause harm if they stood on newborn, but too little to understand the need to be careful.

When they're small it's for the parents. I found it easier to make friends when my children were tiny babies at groups as it's more of a talking point than having a toddler.

I didn't do any classes like baby sensory, swimming or tumble tots but really enjoyed local baby and toddler groups as it was lovely to meet local mums. I am still good friends with some of them 8 years on (and I our children go to school together) and know many more to say hello to or have a chat with at the park or on the school run.

We don't have any local family so making the links with people in the area was a godsend and makes it less of a worry if we need any help with anything or just a general listening ear.

Thanks for all the views. We do go out for walks / sit in the park and look around every day (my DH during the week as I’m working and me during the weekends) and also read books, play and try to be interactive. Just haven’t done any baby groups so I wondered how useful people felt they were from babies’ perspective.

I only ever went to went to one. I am a total introvert the whole socialising with strangers thing is just not for me 😅

Entirely for the parent's benefit.
Some people make new friends at baby groups but there is nothing in it for the baby unless it makes you a happier mum.

Groups are for the parents. There will be different reasons - making friends, something to do, a reason to get out the house and have a routine... which is fine.

Children play with other kids from age 3 but it's good for them to practice rules like taking turns and sharing when they are younger. (Say 12 months +) Children may enjoy the novelty of a new place and may be interested in observing others.

I'm not sure there are any proven benefits. It might be good for baby to see other people exist (there are humans beyond Mum & Dad!) But babies won't form a relationship with others that young really. It's more for you. It can give you a bit of structure to your day and nice to meet others in same situation but if you don't want to you don't have to. Plenty of people don't bother and manage just fine

I liked them, I felt our small house was very limited for both of us to spend all day in the same room with the same toys, it made me feel better that his day was more varied and I had provided good stimulation so I was way more relaxed at home, plus it forced me to get dressed and get fresh air and I'm certain stopped a slide into PNd. I only did baby massage at that age and then a baby sensory class about 5 months. He seemed to enjoy them. I started a mum and baby exercise class at 6 months to lose the baby weight and get healthy.
I'd say from 8 months he enjoyed them himself a lot more

I have been doing a couple with my baby (6m) and she does love it to be honest. She likes seeing other people/babies and playing with all the different toys that we don't have at home. Plus it keeps her occupied for an hour with minimal effort from me - I know you can do all the baby sensory things at home but it's a bit of a faff setting things up yourself! Thankful I can just turn up and leave without any tidying!!

My baby is also 5 months and I still have not been to baby groups, i think that its a little pointless as he does not play or anything, but then i feel bad as he does not interact with other babies, should i go?

I loved baby groups but only baby massage felt beneficial at that age (the others were a good chance for a chat with other mums though!).

From around 6 months my lo seemed to enjoy seeing other babies, especially if dancing was involved.

Mine is 3 months and the only group we've been to so far is mum and baby yoga, which is obviously more for me than him. I'm going to take him to a baby music group from September as he does seem to stop and listen when I play music or sing, and he'll be that bit older then. His big brother wasn't bothered by music but is a very physical ball of energy and he liked gymboree from when he was about 9 months. I don't think they really "socialise" with other babies until much older - say 12-15 months? - so not really worth the £7 a session or whatever for that.

Agree they are good for meeting new mum friends, but whether you need them depends on what support you already have.

I love a baby group!

I have met some lovely mums and made some friends, were actually at a birthday party tomorrow.

Started when DD was 3 months, she's now 13 months. We do church one twice a week and an exercise one once a week. I found it really helps give my week structure and helpa lift my mood ( i have depression)

DD is a little social butterfly she loves getting out and about.

I would definitely recommend doing at least one a week and see how you go?