Classes with 3 month old

[snazzytoes]

Sorry in advance for long post! I'm getting myself in a bit of a state about taking my 3 month old daughter to classes etc. so looking for some advice/reassurance/interested to know different opinions on it.

I'm quite an introverted person and don't mind my own company - am happy just pottering about at home, watching telly etc. So haven't really gone to many classes with my daughter, except for a couple of sessions at the library and a baby massage course. I do realise it's good to get out and would go a bit stir crazy at home all the time, but even then I've just been out for a walk or to the shops on my own which I really don't mind.

I've met some lovely mums locally through NCT and go for coffee with them occasionally but they're taking their babies to loads of classes and I do feel there is a bit of competition/over achievers showing off (I realise that sounds a bit mean 🙊). I just don't know if my little one would get much out of things at this stage, as she still sleeps a lot! Plus I guess I have a bit of social anxiety about going to these things where I don't know anyone. But it's making me feel like a bit of a failure. Is my daughter missing out on important developmental/socialising opportunities?

I should add that I've recently lost my mum to cancer, when my daughter was 6 weeks old, so obviously emotions are pretty raw and I'm not always feeling cheerful enough to sing nursery rhymes with a room full of strangers!

I do want to get out to some classes eventually I think I just need to motivate myself to do so...

Really don't worry, classes are more for the mums than babies at that stage!

Might you like swimming lessons? Greater focus on an activity rather than forced friendships and endless Wind the bloody Bobbin Up?

Meant to also say, sorry for your loss 💐

I didn't take DD to anything other than a baby group once a week and DH took her to Water Babies once a week too at that age. I really struggled and that was without bereavement - I had a lot of support from my family in the early months, I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't start taking her out regularly til she was 4 months ish and not to many playgroups til she was about 5 months. Tbh she didn't get loads of out things til she hit about 8/9 months really and I went back to work when she was 9 months!

Classes at that age are more about parent than baby, the exception probably being baby massage. Think ahead to joining one at 6 months, there may be waiting lists and by then it is good to get out of the house more. What do you enjoy and would like to share - music, swimming, buggyfit , mummy and baby yoga etc. Some may offer a free session or drop in payg.

I only did baby massage for the cheep coffee and chat after and water babies ( not worth it under 6 months tbh)
I too lost my mum so can relate to being in different place than other mums and v jealous of grandma talk
These groups do fuck all for the baby’s under a year old but are for you to make friends
I found s lot if support from these lovely ladies and they can be lifetime friends

Mummy and me cinema was my fav.
Good for you if you don’t fancy social interaction

Before 6 months (and possibly even slightly older than that) classes are really for parents to socialise rather than for the baby’s benefit. Do whatever you want to do and don’t feel guilty if you can’t face Rhyme Time. I personally preferred activity based stuff- Gymboree was great once she got a bit older.
Sorry about your Mum