Worried that DS isn't meeting other babies/people

[newmum234]

My DS has just turned six months. He was born in lockdown and we now live in a tier 2 area, so opportunities to meet other babies/people have been severely limited.

I've tried a few classes like baby sensory but haven't got on with them because everyone has to maintain social distance and wear a mask - it doesn't exactly make it easy to interact. I know there's classes happening on Zoom but I don't really see the point of DS seeing other babies via a screen tbh.

I never joined any antenatal groups, which I kind of regret (though I assume these can't really socialise anyway now).

Could this lack of socialisation be affecting him and is there anything I can do?

Nope, at that age all your baby needs is you - do not worry about it at all! Those classes are mainly for the mums, you can do baby sensory and what not at home x

Oh, and I have a 7 month old born end of Feb so pretty much a week before lockdown, we haven’t done any groups or classes and I won’t be until things are a bit calmer.

He gets plenty of stimulation from us and I take him out for a long walk every day, to the park and beach!

Thanks @doireallyneedaname. I don't take DS out every day, though he goes out 5/7 days usually. Would a daily walk be better?

Whatever works for you! I walk every day for my own sanity

My DS was bron at the end of January and I went to a few baby classes before lockdown but not done nothing since, I also only go for a walk 5/7 days so not every day but my DS seems to be doing really well and my health visitor said so just the other day. As long as you play and try keep them stimulated then they only really need you as their friend

Do you have family members you can see?

Don't worry about him socialising with other babies though, that won't become an issue until he's 2 or 3.

I do a monkey music class. Adults wear masks and babies do not. I think it is beneficial to my little one to see other babies, even though they have to keep a distance. She can see them smile at her or watch as they crawl/walk etc. She is 10 months so starting to crawl. I think this is better then not going to class at all. It also helps to take walks in the park where baby can see other people. My dd likes to watch people play sports for a little bit. She has two older siblings and we have a dog. So at least she is getting stimulation from different people. Also, sometimes other children come up to the stroller to say hello to her. I think it’s fine temporarily not being so social, but how long is to long? I don’t know. And we don’t know how long this will go on.

DD is 9 months, and I really do think she benefits from interaction.

She will also be going to nursery in December and it would be a massive shock for her to start there with no experience of other babies, or of interacting with adults other than us.

We're in London and lots of baby classes are happening, with varying levels of social distancing and mask wearing.

I see the risk of DD missing out ok socialisation as higher than the Covid risk, so I'm delighted for her to crawl over other babies and learn from new grownups.

Just enjoy your time together. There is really no advantage to being around other children until they are about 2. Just do whatever works.

I think many babies enjoy being around other babies from about 6 months onwards. I used to find mine enjoyed classes where she could see other, larger ones crawling and toddling. BUT I don’t think they really gain much in terms of social interaction from other children until they are much older, they learn far more from you that from other tots.

I don’t think there’s any use to the baby doing zoom classes. If you enjoy them, fine, but I really can’t see it’s of benefit to baby.

If you’re worried, have another crack at baby sensory or similar classes. But if you’re not enjoying them, I doubt it’ll make any difference at all to your little one for the next 6 months or so.