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

[motherofakoalaboy]

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 know I'm gutted DD really is probably too old now (almost walking).

Our art galllery does a session where you put the babies on the floor with loads of toys etc and you can paint/charcoal/oil pastel. I LOVE it. Wish it was weekly.

Sounds good. You should definitely set one up

Used to live in Bristol and someone set up a Facebook group called 'Bristol hiker mums' or something like that.

Anyone was encouraged to organise a walk or outing, state how many people could join (if you were organising it you kinda acted as a guide so you needed to be confident with whatever size group could show up), when and where to meet etc. They had all sorts on there, from city centre tours to hikes into the Brecon beacons. However from that it also became about more than just hiking, going to craft cafes, galleries, daytime raves etc (very Bristol!)

I've moved from the city now and don't really feel I have enough local knowledge to set up something like that in my new location, but I think about it a lot and if it could possibly be something I could start as it was such a fabulous resource. The think I loved most about it was that it wasn't just a handful of admins organising stuff, anyone was welcome to take the initiative.

It was a spin off group from 'bristol hiker girls' who ended up doing all sorts including foreign trips or walks including overnight stays. Was really great!

I actually have been thinking about setting up a crafts class where parents make personalised things for their kids.

i think it would have to be for quite young children that could be in a corner of the room, that weren’t on the move or it could get a bit dangerous with scissors etc

interested in anyone’s thoughts on whether it would appeal!

Love this!

We never went to any baby classes.
DS was born during Lockdown 2020.
Glad I got away with it, if I’m honest!

I like the idea of mum-interest ones!

I began volunteering for a national mother and baby walking group a few months into my maternity leave and absolutely loved it. I got so much out of it in comparison to the sensory classes and it was free! Currently pregnant and get wait to start organising walks again.
Definitely make sure there are some activities for you this time.

I went to buggy bootcamp and post natal yoga and baby swimming. Met my best mum friends at baby swimming. I did nothing that required singing. But I did go to baby cinema a few times.

I assume the issue is mainly numbers. For a mother and baby group your market is all the mothers who have just had a baby, whether gym group, a music group or an art group it doesn't matter. Mothers aren't bringing their babies because thee baby is super into art. If you do a group driven by the interests of the mother you need mothers who have just had a baby and have an interest in whatever. That's going to cut your market significantly. It should work for things that aren't too specialist (Like the baby cinemas - I loved those. The rest were a bit of drag that I went to just to give structure to my day without having to think too hard!) but might be harder for something fewer women will actually want to do.

I think the book group sounds very feasible, though.

Wishing you all the best for the new baby, OP, and hope it's a massive success if you do end up starting a club of some sort.

I went to a book group when I had a baby at the baby didnt come along there are lots of book groups around and other interest groups i dont see the point of a baby/mother book or sewing or art group as what is the point of the baby being there

I took the baby groups as there for parents to meet up

You see I disagree that can’t groups can’t be for the baby. I did baby signing and then actually went on to run some sessions when I had my second. The classes were great for both mum and baby. We learned the signs in class and got to practice them. Then we stayed for the cuppa and chat with other mums whilst babies laid on the mats and the crawlers began to explore. My baby was able to communicate with me by sign at 6 months for the basics. I made some great friends. We did other groups together such as sure start sessions as well. It was brilliant for Kyle mental health as well. When I had my second baby I struggled as toddlers weren’t always welcome at some of the baby classes so o didn’t go to as many and ended up dragging the baby to toddler stay and play type classes. She went to pre school as well but found the baby specific classes clashed with when she wasn’t in pre school.

I didn’t can’t the cinema - I think there were some baby friendly type classes available but to be honest I can watch films at home. The baby walking and exercise classes weren’t a think when mine were small but o might have added them into my week if they were available, but to be honest I was too knackered. I took myself off for alot of walks though.

I guess baby classes aren’t for everyone. I do think that getting them sat in circles singing and sharing story time did help with their attention skills when they started school. As a teacher I’ve seen alot of young reception kids who really can’t sit in a circle and sing/listen/take turns and those are the skills being developed early on many of the baby and toddler classes.