Don't miss...
	New Year
	Winter
	MLK Day
	Australia Day
	Chinese New Year
	Groundhog Day
	Valentine's Day

We hope you enjoy these new AV Baby pages at Activity Village! We have much more planned and coming soon...

Dislaimer
AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

Parent And Baby Groups

Every new mom feels overwhelmed at times. Sleepless nights, a crying baby, endless diapers, problems with feeding – it’s not surprising that moms need a little support at times. The great thing about Parent and Baby groups is that everyone is in the same boat. It is amazing how reassuring it can be when you find out that something you have been struggling with for weeks is just as much of a problem for other moms too. They might even have some helpful tips…

Where can I find out about groups?

The first place to look is the notice board at your doctor’s surgery, health center, or community center. Parent and Baby groups, also called Mom and Toddler groups or Mother and Child groups, often advertise the dates and locations of their meetings here. Ask around your neighborhood – if you could go along with a friend or neighbor it will be a little less daunting.

Churches often run Parent and Baby groups, and these aren’t for church members only. Even if you aren’t religious, you and your baby can still go along to meet other mums. Another resource to try (in the UK) is the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), who run courses and groups both pre and post-natal. Also take a look at the Salvation Army, schools and nurseries.

What happens at a Parent and Baby group?

Each Parent and Baby group will be different, so try a few to find one which suits you and your baby best, and where you feel comfortable. Most Mom and Baby groups are fairly informal, with coffee or refreshments for those who want them, a box of toys for older babies, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere for parents to chat and share stories. Others have a more structured approach, with a story or guided-play for older infants, followed by a talk or demonstration for the parents.

There will always be space for you to park your pram or buggy, so don’t worry about this. Parent and Baby groups usually provide ample changing stations with mats and paper towels, and are breast-feeding friendly. If you are self-conscious about feeding, opt for one of the mom only groups.

What kind of people will I meet there?

Hopefully people like you! Moms and dads who are looking for a little company from like-minded people, maybe some advice, or just a chance to share experiences and stories. Many lifelong friendships are formed at Parent and Baby groups. Expect to get along with some of the people you meet, and not have much in common with others. If you find someone you’d like to meet up with again consider yourself lucky. It isn’t a good idea to go to a Parent and Baby group with the sole objective of making close friends – it will just be a bonus if you do!

What if my baby cries the whole time?

This is a common concern, but once you’ve attended a few groups you will see that it is a completely unnecessary one. All babies cry – and you will probably find that the other babies seem to cry just as much, if not more, than yours! Nobody minds. Parent and Baby groups are an excellent way of becoming desensitized to the sound of your baby crying. Once you’ve been in a room with fifteen babies all screaming at once, your own baby’s cry will seem less stressful!

More Things To Do With Your Baby

You might also be interested in:

Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

Back to AV Baby home

A Small Publishing Website    Contact Us    Sudoku for Kids   Privacy Policy

These pages are property of Activity Village and are for personal and classroom use only