How many baby groups?

[5monthmama]

Hello,

I have a 5 month little boy and am.wondering how many classes are appropriate to attend with him? We do 3 different ones a week 2 with me and one with his Dad.
Not sure if this is to many? We don't really talk to anyone but he seems to enjoy looking at the other babies, I'm a first time mum and never really feel like I know what I'm doing!

We also play,read and obviously cuddle every day.

Any idea how many classes are good for babs to attend without overwhelming?

Many thanks in advance.

Baby groups aren’t for the babies. Only go if you like them.

A baby of that age is still getting used to being out of the womb, discovering his/her own hands etc — the idea that they need any ‘stimulation’ at all other than ordinary life with an attentive caregiver is purely motivated by financial gain. The ‘baby stimulation/sensory/yoga etc’ industry is a huge money-maker.

Baby groups are for the parents not for the babies. They provide a chance to meet other adults with babies and something to do out of the house.
It doesn't matter to baby if you do a class every day or don't go at all but as adults you may benefit from the social aspect.

At that age it’s just for you to socialise with other parents so it’s completely up to you what you want to do. Sometimes it’s nice to have the routine, get out of the house but equally if you can’t be bothered then don’t feel pressured to add more. I’d say that they are completely neutral for baby- you’d know if it was too much or over stimulating because they’d be obviously upset but equally they get little to nothing out of it and baby wouldn’t miss it if you didn’t go. When they’re toddlers however I think it’s good for them to have something every day so in our case a combo of PT nursery, 1 group and casual playground trips with friends.

Thanks for your response, I think he really enjoys swimming and it's helped his strength he sits really well and loves the water and 1-1 time with his Dad. The story sense and music classes I can see what you mean although he does seem to really like have a good look at the other babies, we don't have any friends with babies so it's a bit novel for him I think.

Thank you, he's definitely not getting upset he's very smiley everyone always comments how happy he seems and we don't go if he's tired, due a nap, not well etc.

My baby was the same, but you can do the same thing (look at other babies) for free at an NCT coffee thing. There were regular coffee mornings in cafés around where we lived when DS was tiny, and you didn’t need to be a member. Honestly, if I had a time machine, I’d not attend a single baby class.

When my son was the same age I did three a week, plus I’d see my friends with kids the same age at least once a week too. We did swimming lessons (from 12 weeks!), a sensory class and a sort of music and dance class. If he’s happy and you’re enjoying it, crack on.

Thank you! Aw love seeing the tinies at swimming it's a great skill to learn and lovely bonding and sensory experience in one I think.

We don't have any NCT stuff locally I've checked but we did try the free church group last week but there were only 2 toddlers and my baby it wasn't great but will perhaps try again. Thanks for your thoughts it's really helpful to get people's perspectives that have already gone through it.

I did 2: one paid and one free. Currently expecting DC2 so looking further afield for free ones that covers both age groups. And will probably do 1 paid one with just me and DC2. Only get statutory maternity pay so couldn’t do more. DC1 will continue to be at nursery 2 days a week.

When mine were that little I did not go to anything - I was too busy having fun with them!

Groups are fine if you enjoy the socialising - they are wholly unnecessary for the baby's benefit.

The costs certainly add up don't they! Ive been fortunate was able to work a load of overtime whilst pregnant to put aside for now. Hope looking further helps, we seem to have more 15 miles away but it ends up messing with his naps unfortunately.

I love toddler groups! I was an army wife and it always gave me a great opportunity to meet other mums especially when husbands are away. You can't do too many or too few, just go to ones that help give you support, new friends etc. whatever you're looking for. As baby gets older I really felt that baby sign helped and my youngest loved that. Swimmings a must, we have a soft play near us which is wonderful as they start to walk. Congratulations on your new addition.

As others have said baby groups are for the parents
except swimming - that one I’m with you that’s for the baby and they do learn, I did it with DD and by the time she was 2 she was extremely confident in water, loved diving unaided for toys and floated to the surface, even kicked to the side of the pool unaided (of course I was there keeping her at arms reach the whole time)
but I digress, taking them to a park, letting them see the world, will give them the same stimulation
and if you read/sing/cuddle them that’s all they need
of course baby classes give you ideas, provide you with props, and are a life line for a lot of parents, but it’s really not for the baby
but if you manage to do lots, you’re happy and your baby is happy, keep going for it

Do as many or as few as you want. I did 2 at that age I think (one paid one free) but by 9 months I was doing 4 (baby and toddler church group, baby gym, free baby story and song class and baby sensory) because I felt better getting out every day somewhere safe to be with a crawling baby, on 5th day I generally did something like park, library or swimming. I had a lot of fun and have some great photos.

I do have lots of fun with him! We do lots at home and out buts it's all mostly just with me, then his Dad when he's off. I suppose I wanted to give him opportunities to see other children ready for when I have to go back to work and he's with a childminder. As for socialising it's his I'm looking for not mine 🙂.

Just do whatever suits you. I found maternity leave hard and liked to have plans maybe 3 days a week.

Thank you for the reply, swimming really is great he started at 4 weeks! He's a right water baby. The other groups we have only done 6 weeks of and I've been wondering if it's worth it. Thanks again.

Yes I think I have found having some structure helpful.

He’ll settle in to the childminder’s just fine, remember she’s a pro and will know exactly what to do! He doesn’t need to go to monkey music to look at other babies whilst holding a tambourine despite the fact that he can barely hold his own head to help with that. Swimming is different, mine learned fine at 3 without the baby classes but I can definitely see the benefit of doing it regularly younger and enjoying the water because a lot of kids do get scared as toddlers. Everything else though- do it if you enjoy it, like the structure, appreciate social outlet but don’t feel like it’s a necessary for a young baby because they aren’t social until around 2.

I do one class a day with my dd (sometimes 2 now she's older), including swimming and kodaly music. It's for both of us - I enjoy going to different places and groups, and she enjoys the different activities. I do think she learns from them and gets the chance to play and interact in ways that she wouldn't at home, and she's very confident around other babies and adults.

I liked the classes where there were guided activities for parents to do with a baby. The more casual baby groups where mums just sit and chat to each other and kids roam on their own weren't my thing - I didn't like that other kids weren't closely monitored when snatching toys etc, and I was never looking for social chitchat for myself so I found it a bit awkward. But they do suit some mums I guess.

With my first I did 3 a week (simple baby groups) until COVID put a stop to them when she was 6 months old. Didn't bother when they started up again. Too many restrictions, advanced bookings, and set times for what should be a fun time.

With my second (15mo), he gets brought along to all the things his sister does. A swimming lesson (he plays while his sister is in the lesson), baby+toddler group, and a regular playdate in the park. Once his sister is in school (2024) he'll take his sister's swimming lesson place and naturally I'll still take him to the park. Just need to find a new baby group. My work days are changing this September, so I can't continue with the one I currently attend.

With my first I kept trying loads, that she generally screamed or fed or slept through. Second baby is a giant potato who can’t stay awake long enough to get out to a class and back (naps best at home). We occasionally do the free library sing thing but largely I just take him to the park or supermarket, or let him chunter to the neighbours or postman. Or just leave him rolling around the floor while I read a book.