Baby and toddler groups

[ColdShouldersWarmTummy]

Wondering what other groups are currently doing, and whether anyone has a link to the official guidelines?

We go to two singalong type groups, one (privately run) has all adults in masks (children can still run around if they like). The other (at the local library) has no masks required. Both are in fairly small spaces with not much ventilation and 10-20 adults all singing.

I'm not very happy about the library group and am considering contacting my local councillor, but it would be good to hear what's happening in other places before I go off on one at him

Thanks

How tedious. If you don't like the rules don't go. Or wear a mask even if others aren't. I guarantee your local councillor has better things to be doing than policing a sing song for you.

Current guidelines are no need for masks or children social distancing and just “risk assess”
I run a toddler group and we have slightly limited numbers and keep the windows open but that’s it.
I also go to a music class that is masks when walking around the building but off when sitting in the circle and singing/children running around as normal.

No masks are not required so not sure why you'd 'go off at him'? If you don't like it then don't go surely.

If you’re worried about covid it is very silly to go to a singing group in a library though! Take some personal responsibility.
Masks won’t make a difference there.

Couldn’t you just not attend the library group, rather than trying to get it shut down for everyone?

I go to a toddler group which is running completely as normal- no masks or distancing or limits on numbers. It’s really nice. There are plenty of groups with lots of covid rules around if that’s what you prefer. People seem happy to take the risk - they all have grubby toddlers running round licking things anyway.

I don’t like masks around toddlers. They can’t communicate properly with people in masks. There’s a reason nurseries and primary schools don’t tend to use them. it also makes it much less sociable for mums - these groups can be a really important source of support and my experience is that once you impose masks and a load of covid rules people don’t talk to each other as much.

Having had a newborn in lockdown one and there being almost nothing on offer, I think it’s miserable to try to take this away from people.

Why not do an outdoor sports type group? That’s what I do with my toddler right now.

I go to one in which no one wears a mask or distances. It is great, for the babies, toddlers, and adults really. It is really busy, has been since reopening in September. No one ending up ill as a result. As others have said, if you aren't comfortable, avoid it.

@RobinPenguins

Couldn’t you just not attend the library group, rather than trying to get it shut down for everyone?

Presumably she wants them to wear masks, not stop the group.

Realistically, a lot of people won't go if they have to wear a mask, though. I'm not at all anti-mask but a toddler group wearing one is miserable and a bit pointless so I'd rather not bother.

There are no masks needed at any of the baby groups I attend. I think if I was worried enough to want adults in masks, I’d give it a miss.

The babies and toddlers won’t be in masks even if adults are (and they put everything in their mouths anyway).

Presumably she wants them to wear masks, not stop the group.

If she’s going to “go off on one” at a local councillor the likely result would be it stopping.

I think also most of these things are volunteer run. Many took months to restart even after officially allowed as volunteers weren’t sure about the rules or how to do a risk assessment etc. If they have people complaining and the council getting involved many will just give up altogether. They are a really important resource which the government cares very little about in the scheme of things because they aren’t important economically.

So glad that my local privately run group is continuing as is without mandating masks. Of course masks are optional for those that want to wear them. So very sad for our toddlers that don’t know a world without the pandemic and so glad for every single calls we’ve been able to attend.

No I'm not trying to get it shut down

I will be giving it a miss until more is known about the current variant, which is a shame for my daughter as she already misses out on a lot because of her father's very poor health. Also a shame for other parents and toddlers in similar situations.

Why don’t you start up you own group? It’s really easy and every appreciates your effort.

Please don’t attend if you don’t feel comfortable but don’t complain and ruin it for others.

We attend a group with no masks and it’s a blessed relief.

Why don't you wear your mask and leave others be???

Or dont go if you are that paranoid.

But realistically it’s high risk anyway because of all the children. Adults in masks isn’t going to stop that. I couldn’t guarantee at any point in time that my toddler doesn’t have covid because he mixes with so many children at nursery and picks up lots of bugs. When I go to these groups I’m well aware that other children might have covid or other illnesses. And obviously they don’t social distance or wear a mask. So masks make it miserable for everyone but don’t make it “safe”.

@Remmy123 do you understand how masks work?

I think it's wise you stop attending things that make you feel uncomfortable OP. Please don't try and ruin them for the rest of us. I have absolutely no wish to sit in a mask whilst talking and singing to my baby, I want her to see my facial expressions and watch my mouth as I form sounds.
So many children are going to have speech and communication problems because of mask wearing.

@ColdShouldersWarmTummy

No I'm not trying to get it shut down

I will be giving it a miss until more is known about the current variant, which is a shame for my daughter as she already misses out on a lot because of her father's very poor health. Also a shame for other parents and toddlers in similar situations.

If there's a demand for a masked toddlers' group, why not see if one could be set up in parallel? Instead of demanding that everyone else change to fit in with your preferences?

I run a playgroup and we have no masks or social distancing or limits on numbers (although it tends not to be crowded anyway). When people arrive I let them know that they are welcome to wear a mask if they like. Not one person ever has.

You take children to playgroups to socialise with others. A big part of this is them seeing adults faces so I massively disagree with them being worn in such situations.

Please don't complain about the library group. Just don't go if you don't like it.

@ColdShouldersWarmTummy yeah I do know how they work.

I do feel that by kicking off at the local council is out of order so if I were you, just don't go.

And, when you pre-book any activity/ go to the pub with mates.. etc call ahead and make sure everyone is wearing a mask.

I'm not very happy about the library group and am considering contacting my local councillor

Why can’t you just give that one a miss if you feel uncomfortable there? No masks required at any of DD’s classes and I’m really glad about that from a communication/interaction/socialisation perspective. Plus singing in a mask is rather on the pointless side as far as I’m concerned. No one I know wants to wear masks around their small children at a baby/toddler class.

@RobinPenguins

Couldn’t you just not attend the library group, rather than trying to get it shut down for everyone?

Ha, agree!