When did you take you kids to playgroup?

[Alexo]

My baby is 9 months and I was wondering if this would be a good time for me to take her to playgroup. When did you take yours? She is pretty mobile (crawling) and definitely interested in other kids.
What actually happens at a playgroup? There is one round the corner from me and its 10 til l1.30 - now do I have to go for the whole time as she sometimes sleeps till about 10. I feel a bit nervous about going as I would be going on my own.
Thanks

I use a local toddler group. We have newborns there. Most of the children are under 3, with the older ones at pre school. Ours has a variety of toys from baby gyms, arts and crafts, bikes, slides, all sorts really (but yours may be different). Our sessions have people coming and going throughout the morning and some babies sleep through the whole thing, while their Mum/dad/carer has a quiet cuppa. When I first went I felt really strange, but my DD loved it, so I carried on going.

I think you mean a Toddler Group.
Playgroup to me means somewhere for 3 to 5 year olds where you leave the child for up to 2.5 hours.

I've taken babies to toddler groups from when they are really little. It can be very hard going at first as you don't know anyone but after a few weeks you will with luck be chatting happily to some of the other parents/carers at the group.
What actually happens varies from group to group, some are more structured than others. Typically it is held in a big hall, with one area set aside for non-mobile babies. There are toys to play with, sometimes a slide. You need to keep an eye on your child at all times, as there will be things there for all age groups so do not expect it to be babyproof.

I don't know where you are but I'd contact your nearest SureStart centre. My SureStart has special babygroup called kickers and crawlers for babies who can't walk yet. It would be absolutely ideal for you as there are no running toddlers around and all the equipment and toys they have are suitable for babies.
With toddlers groups well you should try a few and see which one you like best. Most will have a corner designated for babies but it differs from group to group. It's always a bit scary to go on your own but why not try to find another mum in your local area in similar situation and go together. You can search here or use 'meet a mum' section on www.netmums.com . Good luck.