Are playgroup and playdates important?

I have been to a few playgroups my little one is 7 months now and I’m honestly he does like looking at other babies but I don’t think it would have affected him if he didn’t go, I do think sometimes it’s more for mums to chat and catch up, I will probably go more regularly when he’s on the move/walking, don’t feel so bad, she sounds like she’s coming along amazingly x

Honestly I think both are just as good. They both have pros and cons. But if I'm honest having been going to playgroups I think I prefer being at home just me and my little boy he can roam more freely it's less chaotic as no other kids and I'm quite lucky because even tho I am very hands on and active with him he is really good at playing by himself xx

I never took my eldest to groups because I was scared to and he was fine.
I do take my youngest and I think she does benefit.

I’m in a similar situation since we moved, there’s much less on offer. We met lots of lovely friends at playgroups where we lived before. Everyone is different and your LO might like different things to mine, but what I’m planning to do this year is take advantage of the trial sessions of a few classes and find one to go (though I’m sure it’ll mean a fair bit of travelling 😮‍💨). Our LO often prefers a day nearer to home/playtime together at home

I used to beat myself about it but, take this with a grain of salt because I can’t remember where I heard it, I heard that it’s more important around 2. The only socialization little babies need is their caretakers. We’ve been careful due to ours being a preemie and having lung disease. Going out during flu season isn’t really an option for us and our doctors agree it’s fine and not going to slow him down.

we went once or twice a week and he got fed up with the same routine/play to the point where he'd tell.me he wants home 5 minutes into the "play" he was much more interested being in the outside area exploring, looking at cars or trees :)))

playgroups were good to give me a mission for the day and go out but that was equally replaced by going to the park or supermarket...so anywhere with people and a bit of busyness really

Thank you all so much for the replies ♥️

I haven't had my baby yet and hope to take them to some things, but just wanted to say, as far as I can tell, my Mum didn't take me to anything. I must be one of the least socialised kids ever 😂 she did spend a lot of time with me herself and I think I've turned out OK (maybe others would disagree!!) So don't beat yourself up 😊

When I was a baby my mum didn’t have any play groups or anything like that around and she was living in a different place than her hometown so not many family members or friends around either but she is a very talkative and a fun person so we had a lot of fun together indoors and outdoors. I started speaking at 12 months and was talking in sentences by 17 months.
I’ve been taking my son to baby groups since he was 3 months old. He is nearly 18 months and saying barely 5 words😂 I don’t think playgroups are that important.

At the minute I’m not taking him to any as he’s only 15 weeks but when he has longer wake windows and things I will be, I live in a village though and there’s limited options. I talk to baby all the time and he’s always doing something so he is getting the stimulation he needs, if you find you are finding it difficult to keep up, I would definitely consider taking her to some, even if it’s just to release some energy x

I can not find any either and my guys loves to play with his cousins but they live 2 1/2 hours away. I am so thankful I found this thread it has great info.

Something I’ve learnt about covid, is that you don’t need to worry too much about playgroups, group play, sessions, etc. My son was born 2 weeks before the very first lockdown and spent pretty much the first 2 years of his life not being able to do anything. His stimulation outside of the house was going food shopping! He is going to be three in March and says hi to everyone, gets involved in group sessions now with hardly any reservations and is so smiley and happy and outgoing. So, I wouldn’t worry at all. Sounds like you’re doing a great job.

It’s not just for her I go to playgroups for ME lol. My sanity, and scouting out a mama or 2 there that I can befriend and meet outside of the playgroup in our own hrs