Activities

Playgroup

Website:  www.playgroupaustralia.com.au

Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grand parents, caregivers, children and babies meet together in a relaxed environment.

Playgroups are set up and run by parents and caregivers, with children choosing from a range of activities set up to meet their varying needs. Activities at playgroup are either free or low cost, and may include:

• Music and singing
• Imaginative play
• Outdoor and free play
• Art and craft activities
• Outings.

What other parents say:

Recommended by:          8 YES

Group does: chat, play, interaction with other mums, socialise, weekly meet in a community hall, meet and offer social setting for mum and bub.

Positives: shared experiences, new toys for baby, meet others, social life, network for mums, good for socialising toddlers

Negatives: mothers who compare, competitive

Age: from birth

Mothers Group

Join through your maternal health nurse in the weeks after baby is born. Originally meet at the office of the health nurse then at each other’s houses or another mutually agreed spot eg parks, coffee shops etc.

What other parents say:

Recommended by:          8 YES

1 for some people

1 not sure yet

Group does:  Support/social, Everything, General Play/talking, learn about baby care, discuss babies etc, meets weekly at each other’s homes, meets up for friendship, talks

Positives:   Good if supportive. Great friends for mum and baby.  Social interaction.  Excellent resource. We became friends. Networking and knowing there is someone going though the same as you. Friendships.  A great resource of other mums with children the same age as yours.  It makes sure you get out of the house at least once a week and socialise which is very important when you are home so much.

Negatives:  Can be competitive.  Competitive, Opinions.

Age:  About 4 weeks plus

Gymbaroo

Website: www.gymbaroo.com.au

‘Learn lots of insights about early childhood development, and have lots of fun with this structured program that lays solid foundations for school years.’

What other parents say:

Recommended by:          2 YES

1 MAYBE yes early on

3 NO

Group does:  Activity, baby gym, early development, activity and play

Positives:   Gets you out and baby loves it. Baby learns new skills, music and dance. Obstacle course and activities.  Great for your child’s development. Meet other parents.

Negatives:  Instructor, same programme for all ages. Time of sessions. Babies expected to stay on the mat when they want to play on the equipment. Sessions times hard to work around naps for young babies.

Age:  from 6 weeks old

Recommended by:  6 YES

Group does:  Water awareness, baby gets used to the water, swimming lessons.

Positives:   Comfort with the water. Water awareness. Bonding with baby and some social time. Fun and good water familiarisation.

Negatives: 

Age:  6 months on