AIBU?

[lucyFTM]

Am I being selfish by not wanting to go to baby groups? I had my baby in December so nothing has been running until now & social situations make me really anxious.
Are they really that beneficial for baby?

I don’t think they’re really that beneficial until they’re a bit older and are more for mums at a younger age; I didn’t bother with my first DD and my second was born just before lockdown so couldn’t. I did baby swimming with my first DD which we both enjoyed and had a couple of friends with babies we saw every so often. I took DD various places just as part of every day life.
My DS is just over a year now and I can see that he would enjoy baby groups in terms of different toys amd activities

No, I'm also a FTM and won't be going to baby groups simply because I don't want to, its not my sort of thing. As they're running at the moment with restrictions I don't think babies are able to 'interact ' with each other anyway and if you don't want or need the social side of it then why put yourself through it!

When they are tiny they don’t get much out of it. Personally I found sign and sign to be really useful and as they get older they do need to play with other children and different experiences.

I think they are more beneficial for the parent or carer in the first few months. You certainly aren’t missing out if they aren’t your sort of thing and you don’t want to go.

It would be a good idea to start going now when everyone will be feeling anxious about social situations, because you’ll need to socialise with your child sooner or later. The vast majority of people you’ll meet there will be nice, like you, and you’ll have things in common.

I only get 20 weeks maternity leave and with first child most of that was during the summer holidays when no clubs run anyway so I didn't join any

This time round with my twins I feel a need to join one....maybe it's a side effect of lockdown 🤷‍♀️

But again only off 20 weeks so won't get much use from it - really wish they'd cater for more working parents who could actually do with the interaction on holidays and weekends

But my children go to a childminder and so are with other children their age all the time so they get their socialisation that way (just me who misses out! 🤣)

We went to our first one yesterday - DD was smiling at all the other babies! I found them a real lifeline with my first in terms of getting out the house at set times, meeting new people and getting new ideas of how to play & interact with my baby. I'm really pleased they're back open!

I only go if they fit our schedule, are not too far to get to and don’t involve masses of preparation. Otherwise I find them to be more hassle then they are worth. I certainly won’t miss naps or meals for a class but other people with babies who can cope deviating from their routine may well. Your baby is certainly not missing out from lack of socialising at 4 months that is for sure. I went to baby sensory yesterday with my ~ 10 month old and it still was more for my benefit then his if I’m honest. Its just wether you would like and benefit from some mum company. Groups are good for that x

Thankyou everyone! You've put my mind at ease ☺️