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Parenting

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Original poster

Did you join any baby clubs / classes?

15 replies

trebleclef101 · 19/01/2016 16:50

Whilst walking my dog yesterday I got talking to the mother of a 4 month old, and she mentioned that she goes to baby yoga, baby massage and baby swimming classes.

I don't do anything of this sort with my 5mo dd, and we spend a lot of our days at home.

Now I'm wondering if I should be doing more, and whether my daughter is missing out on social development because we don't belong to any groups or classes.

I'd love to know everyone's thoughts on baby classes, are they worth it?

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CatThiefKeith · 19/01/2016 16:52

Not til she was a bit older - I think we started bounce and rhyme at about 10 months, and a toddler group just after that.

randomsabreuse · 19/01/2016 17:00

I go to a couple of surestart groups, an NCT group and plan to start swimming and a music group soon purely because my 5mo naps better if we do something out of the house and I don't like being a frazzled mess with a non sleeping child. The groups are probably more for me than for her.

If you're happy and she's happy do what works for you!

Personally I prefer not to be sat at home under a half asleep baby looking at my undone housework but that's because it bothers me but I'm disorganised so it isn't done. Too busy running the washing machine to do much else!

Ragwort · 19/01/2016 17:04

I think it is quite good to get out of the house for some of the day - whatever stage of life you are at - I went to baby groups more for my benefit - in fact I helped set one up even before my baby arrived . I took my DS swimming as soon as he was old enough (6 months?) and also at the leisure centre we went to there was a creche so I could leave him and do some exercising on my own.

But everyone's different - it won't suit everyone, are you happy staying at home? Are you planning on returning to work soon, will your DD be in a nursery/with a child minder?

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ijustwannadance · 19/01/2016 17:07

I didn't go to any. My DD turned out just fine. I couldn't be arsed with the smalltalk and 'babies' conversation.

Original poster

trebleclef101 · 19/01/2016 17:29

randomsabreuse My dd naps fine most days whether we're at home or out and about. Also I know what you mean about the washing machine!

ragwort We do get out every day at least to walk the dog, normally to the beach down the road from where we live, but it is still just me and baby.

I'm due back at work in about 2 months, and she will be going into nursery, but I have recently been considering taking more time off if I can, or quitting and becoming a proper SAHM. But that's a whole other topic!!

I suppose my concern is that she is missing out on the social aspect of classes / clubs, but have no idea if that matters at 5 months?

My other problem is that I'm an introvert, so large groups of new people really isn't my thing! I prefer to meet up with one or two mums for coffee or a lunch, but there aren't classes for that

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Parker231 · 19/01/2016 17:34

Didnt go to any classes or groups - didn't want yo spend time talking about babies with a group of strangers. Had DT's - went back to work full time when they were 6 months - they went to nursery which they both loved so had plenty of socialization.

SweetAdeline · 19/01/2016 17:40

They don't need socialisation until much older. But I still think it's a good idea to go to baby groups (if you are planning on being a SAHP) because IME it's the easiest time to meet other mums with babies the same age. Once you've made some contacts you can arrange to see them outside the groups and stop going. Leave it too late and it's harder to break into existing friendship groups.

bittapitta · 19/01/2016 17:43

Those groups are for mums benefit, not babies. They say kids only play together after age 2.5y anyway! Don't worry, stick with what works for you.

minipie · 19/01/2016 17:53

I went to loads because I was going stir crazy, didn't know many people locally and the weather was awful.

It wasn't for the baby (she did enjoy them but doubt it had much effect developmentally at all) it was for me

TheSconeOfStone · 19/01/2016 19:15

I went to loads of groups because my baby was really hard work. Naps were a constant battle. She seemed happier with stuff to look at and the company did me good.

Didn't bother with DC2 much. I'd made my friends already so enjoyed the time when DC1 was at nursery cuddling, feeding and watching TV.

Do whatever suits you as baby will be fine either way.

ODog · 19/01/2016 20:48

I did the lot. DS cried or fed through most of them but I needed to talk to other mums and have a set time to be out of the house. He started enjoying playgroups and swimming when he was on the move and we still go to playgroups and swimming lessons. He never got round to enjoying the more structured classes like baby sensory and baby yoga and I gave up when he was old enough to enjoy church/village hall playgroups as I enjoyed those more too.

AnnaMarlowe · 19/01/2016 20:52

Classes are really for you at that age not the baby.

I did 3 classes per week, I have twins and although it was incredibly difficult to make it to anything on time I always felt better and 'lighter' for having made the effort to go and speak to other people.

It's optional though.

Original poster

trebleclef101 · 20/01/2016 16:25

Thanks all, you have set my mind at rest regarding development.

SweetAdeline I may do just that, go for long enough to meet some people then arrange something outside the group if I can. Just need to take the initial plunge!

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Julieb85 · 20/01/2016 17:10

I loved baby classes and took DS from a few weeks old. Being honest though he was too young to benefit, but it was great for me. I had company, it gave me a drive to get organised and out the door and I ended up really enjoying them all. Book bugs was our absolute favourite and swimming classes were a hit when he got older. The rest he could prob have done without...but they filled my day.

Zinni · 20/01/2016 19:30

My son is 4-months and we started lots of classes recently. I think it's good for him to watch and interact with other babies and to see me interact with other mums. I'm an introvert too but I hate being lonely and the mums often go for coffee after class. I've made some good friends this way and look forward to catching up. The same mums tend to go to same classes so we often gather for a walk/meal out at weekends too.

We go to baby swimming, music class, signing class, storytime at library (free one) and buggy-fit. I also plan to start baby yoga and sensory when these finish.

I've got loads of ideas from classes, they've helped me bond with baby and I'm better at playing with him now. Also the instructors are full of advice and suggestions. He seems to love the classes and I think it's good stimulation for him as well as getting him used to busy, noisy places!

I had mild PND before starting classes, now my week is a lot more fun and I have a reason to leave the house every day.

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