Only child (toddler) - tips to encourage friendships

[ColdShouldersWarmTummy]

DD is 15 months and is (and will remain) an only child. She doesn't have any cousins of a similar age either. To complicate matters further her dad is disabled (has chronic fatigue and is pretty much housebound) and I'm a bit socially awkward tbh

What should I be doing (now and in the future) to ensure that she makes friends and doesn't grow up lonely?

My daughter is 4 and currently an only child (would love another but nature seems to be deciding otherwise!) and also only has cousins who are much older and live far away. She has become incredibly sociable and seemingly really good at making friends in the past year or so. Possibly because of nursery (she goes 3 times a week) but also we’ve had a regular play date with the same child every week for the past two years. She’s been able to slowly build a strong friendship with another child her age and has seen me build a friendship with her mother. I know it’s not necessarily easy if you feel socially awkward (I often do too) but it’s definitely worth it I think. Go to lots of baby groups and playgroups etc. and you will hopefully find other mums to get together with. I’m my experience we’re all desperate for playdate to help entertain our kids! 😊

Thank you! Yeah, I would really love her to have a regular play date friend.. I have a couple of mum friends but so far they either work full time of have different days off to me. I need to hunt for more friends I think!