6 months old hates playgroups

[FTM1993]

I go to playgroups about 3 times a week, just local stay and plays where there's generally a mat on the floor and some toys scattered about. My 6 month old will play at home provided he is fed/changed/not tired but at these groups he is always so fussy! He won't lie on the mat for more than 5 mins even if I am giving him my full attention or showing him different toys. Have even tried taking his own toys with me in case that is the issue. If I assist him to sit or stand he is the same, just very fussy. I end up bobbing him round the room to calm him down and leaving early which defeats the point of me going because really it is for me to chat to other adults. Will it get easier once he starts mobilising more? Has anyone else had the same? He's starting to get a reputation for being a grumpy baby and he really isn't like this at home :( Should I keep going ? Starting to feel a bit defeated with it.

Leave it a few months, or bring him and sit him in his buggy chewing a toy while you chat and socialise. It's nice to meet up with other mums and good for your spirits.

At six months, all he really wants is you, and while he may recognise his own toys, he's not ready for "playing" as such.

I've never met a baby who liked lying on a play mat, tummy time, etc.

Try to recognise and resist the trap of comparing your baby with other babies. Babies are not in competition with each other. Nobody is going to come away with a prize for being Top Baby (or Top Mother).

Try not to imagine your baby is getting a bad reputation. He's doing his absolute best at all times. Comparison is the thief of joy, as they say. Enjoy and cherish the baby you have each day.

Expectations of a different quality of engagement with the playgroup environment than what you're seeing need to be thrown out. He's not letting you down. He's not deficient in any way. He has no idea what the playgroup is for or what you're hoping to see. Accept him as his own lovable little self who at the moment isn't having any of it.

Agree with above, at 6 months old, all your baby wants is you! I had one who only wanted me and their home comforts at that age, perfectly natural. Complete social butterfly now! Of course keep going to the playgroups for your own benefit/social aspect/mental wellbeing, thats great if it works for you. But don't be concerned, he's still only tiny & you are his world! Enjoy it while it lasts :)

I didn't start taking DD to stay and plays and the like until she was confidently sitting up (I can't remember when that was exactly). She started to enjoy them once she was mobile. By 10 months she was walking around with a little pot belly having the best time of her life. Don't feel under pressure to go to the groups. Time at home, quiet floor play, bonding with you, lots of cuddles and stories is even more valuable in my opinion. Stay and play definitely becomes more important when they start asserting their independence, taking a interest in toys and other children etc.

Playgroups are noisy and confusing! Lying on a mat in a busy place while your attention is elsewhere is too much for him. All babies are different. I had one completely placid put-her-down-anywhere baby and her younger sister was a cling on! Both are autistic (now 8 and 10) and completely chalk and cheese! The cling on ended up loving noisy busy environments and the calm podgy potato can't cope in busy environments anymore!

Would he be happier if he just sat on your lap? It doesn't really matter if he wants to play or lie on the mat at that age, and you should keep going if the main aim is for you to socialise and meet people.

I don’t have any advice unfortunately but wanted to say I am currently experiencing the exact same with my 6mo so I completely feel your pain ☹️ I feel like it started from around 4 months when he became more aware, he still becomes so overwhelmed. It gets me down as I want him to enjoy these experiences but don’t want to put him in situations where he becomes distressed. I hope it’s just a phase! How is your LO with groups now? Did you see any change as he got older?

I would say the best time for these groups was from about a year old, when they can get around and really curious. Then you'll be running around after him desperate for a sit down!

I think the best age for playgroups is 1.5 - 3.5. They're mobile, curious and can communicate a bit. Save it for then.

Carry on going if you enjoy them and like the adult company. They're not just for the children!

I'd take him in a sling or in his buggy or just hold him on your lap (he maybe wants to be facing in at first). He doesn't need to play yet.

It's probably just that you've pushed him a bit too far (putting him on the mat etc). Start as new, keeping him with you and letting him engage when he wants to. Before you know it he'll be fighting to get down and explore.

My DD was the same - hated all groups and classes at that age! I think it's just too overwhelming for some kids especially when they can't move independently. DD started to enjoy them more from around 9-10 months.