Getting sick of not being able to go to playgroups / have playdates

[FreesiaFairy]

Does anyone else feel the same? I'm a first time mum, my baby is 8.5 months old. I didn't mind the endless walks at first, but now I really starting to feel sad that no one really gets to see my baby not in his pram. It wasn't so bad in summer as we could get them out and play on blankets etc.. but now it's generally too cold so the babies are always just sleeping in their prams. I love playing with him but I would love to have a playdate with a friend / go to a playgroup so could enjoy playing with him with other people if that makes sense? Even now we're not technically allowed to sit down on blankets with them outside are we as it's not 'exercise'. And being on my own I don't have my partner here to enjoy playing with him too, I don't know I'm just feeling sorry for myself I guess. :-( I did some baby classes before lockdown which I really enjoyed, even random things like people commenting how well he's doing tummy time or stuff like that was nice and seeing how other people's babies were developing etc. Does anyone else feel this too?

No one even gets to see any of his outfits either, as he's always just in the snow suit. I don't know it just seems like such a shame. I know it's very minor compared to what other are going through with covid and the restrictions are totally valid and there for a good reason.

I have 4 and never did play groups or baby groups, I’ve never been to one, always heard they were unfriendly and cliquey. At least the weather will be getting better soon, not long now. I do feel for those that have had babies in lock down, must be tough.

Can you form a bubble with a friend with a baby similar age?

8.5 months is a super hard age without tickler groups and play dates as they want to move around and explore but a bit too young for outdoor playground!

He’s 8 months old, play dates are going to be as interesting to him as a political debate. They’re entirely for the parent at that age. If you’re bored and lonely then reach out to people, it doesn’t need to revolve around your baby.

I have made some lovely friends with babies around the same age and we meet up for walks. I also have some good non mum friends, who I have calls and zooms with.

I'm in no way saying the baby is missing out, I don't think they really need social interaction until they're older and all they want is mum or dad anyway, it's purely me feeling a bit sorry for myself and feeling frustrated / sad that no one sees him playing and I can't have company while he's playing (I do some zoom things which are fun sometimes).

I'm proud of things he's doing but no one gets to see them. Just having a friend round for a cup of tea while the babies play would be nice.

Anyway as you say @Happycat1212 the weather is getting nicer and at the end of march we are allowed picnics so that will be nice.

@OverTheRainbow88 I'm in a bubble with my parents so it's nice that they can see what he's up to and play with him at least :-)

I'm not bored, or lonely (most of the time). My post was specifically about it being a shame with lockdown and winter that when I do see anyone else our babies are just in their prams, usually asleep. We are not allowed any indoor venue socialising, or even to sit on blankets together (on the rare occasions in winter that this would be doable). I just find it sad that's all.

Just wondered if anyone else felt the same