Baby groups
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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
Incognito, contact your HV should be in your red book the number. Ask for where your local centres are that offer free groups and the timetable. Most of the groups offer free hot drinks and sometimes biscuits! They're great for social interaction. Go and have fun and be open to others!
@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 :)
@Sophie but why are you singling out sensory groups? Some women need the company of others to go out. If they want to put their baby in a fancy dress for a themed week I see no issue in it. It's quite sweet actually that they're making effort within the class. You don't have to go but it's not nice slating those who do. Infact it's really unkind. 'Mamma's stick together' in your bio is so untrue. I'm glad you have plenty of mum friends as most people don't and go to these groups for that reason. I'm not in a financial position to pay for classes but I bit the bullet to try them out and in hopes I make friends. I met a load of lovely genuine mums, no one even had their phones out. It just seems like a very judgemental comment out of spite, maybe because it isn't something you cannot afford but that is no means necessary to be spiteful to others that can afford it or attend. I didn't like groups first time round with my son but went with a open minded attitude this time round and it's opened a lot of doors.
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!
@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.
@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’
@Sophie or its to meet other mums and babies to get us out of the house and keep PPD at bay. It's nothing to do with Instagram, it's a sensory class to stimulate babies. It was around when I was a baby 25 years ago as my mum told me about the classes she took me too and baby groups. This is such a rude and disheartening comment to mums that do their best to take their babies out. Most babies wear sleepsuits or normal clothes. I'm not sure who's pissing you off on Instagram but you need to unfollow them and you need to chill. Its horrible to put others down and be so judgemental.
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
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.
Lots of community centres and church halls do baby and toddler groups, these are usually free or just a couple of pounds.
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
Children's centres which are linked to the HV are free. I only do baby sensory which is £70 for 6 weeks waaay too expensive and don't think I'll continue as physically cannot afford it 😐
You could try Rhyme Time at your local library? It’s free and they are great fun ☺️
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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
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