Does anyone NOT go to baby groups?

[Zubes]

I was just wandering if anyone on here doesn't take their baby to classes/with other mums.
My baby is nearly 8 months old, due to the pandemic has never been swimming yet which is one thing I will definitely be doing with her.
I'm not confident and social groups really aren't my thing, however I'm feeling guilty that I'm potentially causing her social issues in the future?
She has 4 cousins (ages, 3, 1, 8 weeks, and one on the way) which she sees frequently (not whilst in lockdown) and also frequently stays overnight with her grandparents. Am I bad for not taking her to baby groups?

I haven’t been to any baby groups. I just didn’t feel the need early on and then lockdown complicated things.

I wouldn’t worry about social interaction - she will get that from your family and friends and other activities you decide to do when you’re ready.

I've got 4 DC and one on the way. Never been to a baby group, can't think of anything worse....

Not really no, they don’t really need much other than you until they are 2ish. Then they really start to enjoy the socialisation of preschool/nursery but before that it’s more for the mums really. If you’re not keen don’t waste your money, enjoy your baby!

I went to groups every day when mine was little and covid wasn't even a thing.

Fear not it was entirely for my benefit, my baby didn't care where he was. Babies form bonds with their main caregivers and give not a hoot about other children.

Toddlers learn to play side by side each other.

It's not until preschool age that children really get the concept of playing WITH one another.

If you're happy with no groups, then your baby isn't being harmed or hindered one bit.

I have a 12 week old and won't be going to baby groups, lockdown or not. The idea fills me with horror, really not my thing. But then I do have several friends who had babies this year so spend my time with them. I don't think babies that young need 'socialising' as such.

I think that’s a shame, to be honest. I don’t know why baby groups are so bad? I have just started maternity leave and I’m really worried none will be open

I enjoyed baby groups but they are more for the parent than the child so it’s entirely up to you. Your child is not missing out.

I went to one or two and hated them. My children were both fussy and screechy, and everyone else's seemed to sit or lay on the floor doing nothing while I had to chase mine around. I never bothered after. Mine are 2 and 4 now and entirely unaffected by my lack of interest in church halls and small talk. They have 6 cousins under 8 so it was never a problem for me trying to "socialise" them. None of my friends are parents, I only have childless work friends.

I didn’t have a pandemic to blame and didn’t go. I just didn’t enjoy them.

When COVID19 allows, I take the toddler to forest play (where he plays in the dirt alone) and swimming. He’s happy with just me mostly.

I went with my eldest. It helped me have something to get out of the house for when I had PND. They were for the mums/parents more than the babies. So don't feel bad for your DC if they're not your thing. By the time DC was about six months a lot of the mums were going back to work though and not doing classes.

I didn't bother with my youngest. We were out and about doing enough fun things with my eldest.

I loved baby groups and tried everything going. I mainly liked meeting new people and going for tea and cake afterwards.
Don't think my baby was bothered where we were (and slept through many a group!)

If it's not your thing don't worry about it. It's totally more for you than the baby.

I hated baby groups, grim grim grim (for me at least)

Much rather take the baby shopping, or for lunch, or just watch Netflix with me

My children were both fussy and screechy, and everyone else's seemed to sit or lay on the floor doing nothing

This! My 7 month old baby is quite highly strung and is inevitably the one baby who will always go into meltdown mode during the class. Before going to baby groups I assumed everyone else’s baby was similar, but was amazed to see that other babies seem to just lie there on their mats smiling and gurgling away happily!

I also think baby classes have been ruined by social distancing and masks to be honest - I tried one recently and there was a list of Covid rules as long as my arm about things you had to do, like leave your shoes in a certain place, only bring so many bags, make sure you wear socks, no buggies allowed, don’t bring any refreshments in etc etc. Plus I hate having to wear a facemask while playing with my baby. It all takes the fun out of it and then some.

I went during my mat leave which was pre-Covid. As a first time mum, it was great to swap tips with other mums.

It helped my baby. She didn’t like laying on her back at 3 months but 1 session at a playgroup, she was happy to amuse herself laying flat on her back.

It was good for networking. I didn’t join NCT to get an instant group, rather I wanted friendships to develop naturally. I made a few friends and a lot of acquaintances which will come in useful when my little one starts school and at activities.

It’s difficult now but I think you should give playgroups a go. If it’s not for you, that’s fair enough but you shouldn’t pass judgment without giving it a try.

I shuddered at the thought of baby groups, but I started going to a toddler type group when DD was 2 (under pressure from my mum), loved it and met someone who’s now a very good friend

Nope I never did with my last and never will with my next. I also don’t get involved in playground mafia. I was working from him being 3 weeks old so I didn’t really have the time for nice chatty meetings with the ladies of leisure

It helped my baby. She didn’t like laying on her back at 3 months but 1 session at a playgroup, she was happy to amuse herself laying flat on her back.

@Lonoxo I have to say I’m surprised that she could achieve that from just one playgroup session. I’m feeling a bit guilty not going to groups with my baby now!

My baby has been around his older sister and cousin but due to covid has only been on the floor with another baby twice. My older DD went to 4 baby sensory classes and swimming and she didn’t take any notice of other children. I think it’s only really over 1 that it starts getting more important for them to socialise and even then at more like 14–16 months. I’ve met mums through some of the mum apps and through my DDs nursery and I find it much easier to see people one on one compared to groups which make me quite nervous

@cherrytree975 Seriously, that’s the truth. It was very young babies. All the mums laid their babies on their backs on the massive play mat in the centre. My baby hadn’t seen another baby up until that point and stared intently at the baby laying next to her. But she was very aware from an early age, all the health care workers said that.

I went to one session and absolutely loved it, then covid happened and that was that. Everyone keeps telling me that groups are for mums not for babies. I'm still concerned, though, and really wish I'd been able to continue for both of us. I'm back at work now so too late for me!

I tried (when they were open) but it was rubbish. As someone said, interacting with your baby whilst wearing a face mask is pretty pointless. She's almost six months and now we're back in lockdown in England I don't go out at all. No point even getting dressed!