Baby groups

I don’t really want to do baby groups, I’ve got lots of sensory bits at home and have lots of friends with babies, taking her out and about too a fair bit. Near me there is a children’s centre with a sensory room you can hire out for free so I take her to that sometimes 😊 don’t feel bad, there’s lots of things you can do for free or only a small fee x

You could try Rhyme Time at your local library? It’s free and they are great fun ☺️

It won’t impact your babies development at all, i love spending time at home with my baby not rushing off to groups… and i won’t feel like i’ve wasted mat leave at all, atm i count getting smiles and cuddles from my baby as a successful mat leave day, and if that’s all i do for the whole year i’ll be happy 🥰🥰🥰 i have nothing against baby groups btw for those that enjoy them that’s great

Lots of community centres and church halls do baby and toddler groups, these are usually free or just a couple of pounds.

At 12 weeks your baby won’t be getting much out of them anyway. If you decide you want to do something then save your money until your baby is over 6 months. But as others said look at the library and also local children’s centres or even churches for free or subsidised groups. I’m in London so I know we’re spoilt with lots of things but I bet you could find one or two a week to take your LO to and that would be more than enough. Honestly don’t feel bad - at the moment all your baby needs is you.

Personal opinion- baby sensory groups are for mums to show off on Instagram they’ve taken baby out and put them in a stupid outfit. We didn’t have things like this as babies, let alone the amount of toys babies now have. Don’t feel bad at all! You’re interaction and own play will be helping baby out loads x

@Sophie completely agree that mums interaction and own play will help baby and that classes aren’t necessary, but personally I have found them to be great for my own mental health and for making friends. Not everything is for Instagram, and although I’m sure there may be people who go them for reasons like this, 99% of mums at the classes I go to seem to do it purely for their child’s enjoyment and couldn’t care less about ‘showing off’

@Keeley that’s why I said personal opinion. Not everyone will agree, you don’t have to take babies to sensory groups to be doing your best, just getting out of the house in general as a mum is doing your best. it’s so hard let alone putting the added pressure of thinking you have to go to classes too. Financial and personal pressure. I’ve done a few groups and hated them. I am lucky I have plenty of mum friends with babies around my own child’s age. I’m referring to the fancy dress outfits that babies are put into at classes. It wasn’t a gripe at others, that’s why no one was singled out. The person who posted felt bad for not going. @Emily that’s great if they help your mental health and making friends. I’m all for that. That’s why we have this app too. my own opinion when I see mums parading their 4 week old who is fast asleep around as they are in a financial position to do so making others feel down they cannot. It’s hard enough being a parent without add pressure.

Thanks ladies, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one! I should of also added that I want to go to one or 2 to a) get me (& baby) out the house more and b) to meet some mum friend as I don’t have any close by And being on my own a lot can make me spiral!! I’ll try and find some free/cheap ones close by but I’ve had no luck when looking before!

@Sophie agree that any pressure is tricky as a parent, however we can’t all go around worried to do something just in case it upsets someone that can’t afford to do the same. I think your point stands that you absolutely don’t have to go to any classes to be doing the best for your baby, but shouldn’t generalise that all parents only do it to show off :)

Not sure if your HV can help but mine referred me to a baby massage group and through their referral, I got onto the class for free. Was really chuffed. I just mentioned through casual chat with them how expensive alot of classes are! I didn't even know they could do that so worth the ask! Also if you have a local community centre or town hall etc - they tend to do some kind of mum baby groups that can be quite casual to drop into and meet other parents whilst baby can play/interact with other babies. I think just being around other babies they get alot from. They are usually free or just a couple of £s for costs of tea and coffee etc. Xx

Just also wanted to say.. whether you choose to do groups or not, it is nothing to feel bad about. I don't think any mum should judge another/mum shame - i think we get enough of that elsewhere. we don't need to contribute to more out there do we.. :-) let's not put so much pressure on ourselves. Im sure all babies are happy and healthy either way X