Can I ask about baby groups?

[paddyfoo]

Hello all, I'm new to mumsnet. Have 2 girls, 11 months and 5. I wanted to ask whether it matters that the baby doesn't go to groups and how others manage groups with 2.

She is an excellent sleeper (unlike the older one who barely slept at all) and she has naps from 10-12 and them 2-3, when we go to pick up the eldest from school. She has put herself into this routine, I am not rigid and go with the flow but this is what she does every day. However the groups are all in the morning apart from one at 2.45 which doesn't suit because of school. So she doesn't go to any and I feel bad. We play and sing at home, go shopping, to the park and for walks etc as well as to the library for baby singing.

My question is, do you think she is missing out at this age or is it ok to just take her when she is a bit bigger and drops a nap or both? I don't want to take her while she sleeps in the pram as she won't get anything out of that. The eldest went to loads because she was always bloody awake.

Thanks in advance

At 11 months? Nah, no need for groups at that age. At all. Groups are more set up for toddlers IME anyway and the babies can get trodden on marginalised.

Anyway if you go to the library for baby singing then she does have some experience of being in a group environment.

The point of baby groups is to give new mums a chance to get out of the house, far more than for the sake of the baby directly! If you don't get anything out of going, then don't.

Thanks for the reassurance , I will wait until she's older.

I don't think so especially since she has an older sister to play with just wait until she's awake. I loved the groups but only went if DS was awake would never wake him or keep up up just to go.

I agree with Amum. The only reason I go to baby groups is for a change of scene, to learn some of those annoying songs and to try out different toys. Oh, and because our flat is tiny and lacking in rolling room!