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Parenting

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Original poster

Please Help: new baby group ideas

15 replies

MrsPhil · 08/03/2015 20:00

A friend and I would love to start a baby group, we both have young babies and want to start a group in our community that is welcoming and a happy place to be.

I know groups can be unbelievably daunting and we've all been to some with cliques that make us feel very self conscious, and have had that session when no one talks to you. So I would love to know from you what you dislike about groups already out there and what you would like to see or do at a group that would encourage you to go?

We feel that they should be fun for everyone, a way for parents to meet other parents and interact with others in the same situation. A reason to get out of the house and obviously need to be fun for babys too.

Thank you for your help, we'd love to know what you are thinking. smile

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MrsTawdry · 08/03/2015 22:40

I used to go to one where you were met at the door by someone who stayed there the whole time taking the money and then inside there were 2 or 3 other helpers who would chat to new people....run the craft activities etc.

That was nice. Groups with nobody obviously in charge were awful.

Jemimapuddlemuck · 08/03/2015 22:47

The one I used to enjoy when DD was tiny had everyone in the centre of the room (big church hall) on mats with some baby toys dotted around. One or two of the organisers were always sitting in the middle of the group and always welcomed new people and engaged everyone in conversation together. That was when I've felt most comfortable. The ones where everyone is dotted about the room in little clusters are awful. Oh and cake is good!

MrsTawdry · 08/03/2015 23:00

I like the clustery ones! I don't like sitting all in a circle the whole time and feeling as though I'm on show or that I have to sing. I like mixed age groups...so some toddlers about...and I like things to be less organasied apart from sections where you have a sing song or rhymes for ten minutes. Otherwise I want to sit at the edge, drink coffee and watch my baby/toddler crawl about with toys.

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Original poster

MrsPhil · 08/03/2015 23:59

Jamimapuddlemuck I'm with you on the cake for certain!
So mixed views on the clusters which is understandable, I can see both sides.

The one thing we were sure of was that we wanted people to feel welcome so a greeter is a must. I hear so many people say they are scared to go to groups and its a real shame because they can be very good for ongoing support.

Thank you for your input it is very helpful.

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IonaMumsnet · 09/03/2015 19:40

Hi folks. We're going to move this thread over to our Parenting board where we think it will get more responses.

squizita · 09/03/2015 19:58

2 good ones in my areas have "guests" which are great ...Eg. A local photographer who took no obligation snaps which we all bought for xmas or a breastfeeding support lady. It is quite nice to have a little extra now and again, not taking over from the group but as a bit of excitement.

ch1134 · 09/03/2015 20:25

It needs to be cheap, have some element of structure, maybe things you can't easily do at home, like painting or larger toys.
Good changing facilities, knowing who is in charge, outdoor space is good.
Also, a drop-in basis rather than paying for a term. And running in half term is good.

mewkins · 09/03/2015 20:31

The best one we go to (and have been going since dd1 who is now at school) has lots of toys, always a craft activity for older ones, decent coffee and snacks, baby area, charges 1.50 for two hours and at tge end there is a story and a few songs which everyone enjoys. It's really friendly and run by older women who are very inclusive. They will introduce you to people with similar aged children if you look a bit lost!

Original poster

MrsPhil · 10/03/2015 09:45

Thank you everyone for some great ideas.

We have a coffee date about it yesterday and have made some plans, very exciting. £2 doesn't put anyone off does it? We want to include tea and coffee.

We have decided on a morning group starting at 10am. Would anyone have any do's and dont's on a morning group? Fruit possibly for the children?

We are very excited to meet our local mums abd babies.

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squizita · 10/03/2015 10:51

Â£2 sounds reasonable.

Thesimplethings · 10/03/2015 11:04

£2 seems reasonable to me.

However the 10am start might be awkward for those with older children. Personally I wouldn't want to have to get everyone out of the house for the school run, only to have to return home and twiddle my fingers waiting for group to open...especially if you are near a primary school. Just a thought.

How long is the session for? If it's two hours you may find people leave early to collect other children from morning nursery sessions. Perhaps 9.15 start may be better?

But that's just what would suit me

moggle · 10/03/2015 13:01

An earlier start may well deter newer / first time mums though. It is really tricky to get right. I like the idea of a mixed age group but don't like it when toddlers trample over / "investigate" babies lying on the floor if the mums are chatting and don't notice - so a slight separate area with toys to interest them (or separated baby area) might be good.
Oh and don't forget some biscuits !

Figfog · 10/03/2015 13:06

My favourite group is 9.30-11.30, £1.50 and includes tea/ coffee and a pretty decent snack (almost a meal) for the children. Toast is 10p a slice extra.

They have a separate baby area and then the toddlers can run around as much as they want. There is a craft table set up and then some singing in the last 10 mins. It does have clusters of people, but they're all friendly so you just sort of move from group to group as your child moves around the room. The toys are a bit tatty and old but it doesn't seem to bother the toddlers!

I was really, really daunted by the prospect of baby groups but this one has always been really relaxed and friendly.

mewkins · 10/03/2015 13:08

Yes a 9.30 flexible start is good. Those who do the school run can go go straight to the group while those with smaller ones can get there for 10 (this is what I do!) 2 quid is fine. Parking provided even better!

Titsalinabumsquash · 10/03/2015 13:17

Our local one is so popular there is a waiting list that's very long now, they do the following.

£2 entry per family
Cake (made by different rota of volunteers) and coffee/tea
Fruit/crackers/cheese/juice or water for little ones
A supply of sippy cups (washed in the dishwasher) incase someone forgets one.
Cheap IKEA high hairs for snacks but also plenty of low tables/chairs.
Craft table to make things to take home (painting/sticking/)
Craft/messytable for stuff not to take home (play dough/cornflour play)
Big selection of big toys
Areas for babies
Dressing up/make believe corner
At the end everyone gathers for some songs with instruments and a happy birthday for birthday children with some bubbles.

It runs from 9.15-10.45 and then again from 10.45- 12.15 (early mornings are always busier)

It didn't start out so big and it is mostly church funded but it is incredibly busy and popular even with a whole host of other groups near by.

The ladies and gents make the effort to include everyone and introduce themselves and others do no one is left feeling lost, mums and dads, grandparents, childminders etc are all welcomed and they have people in to do photos, housing/debt advice, cookery demos, mobile book/toy library.

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