when to bring a baby to a playgroup?

What is the best age?

Whenever you want. I think it's a personal choice issue, but if you find a regular playmate the repetitive stimulation of the playmates voice, smell, appearance will help improve memory and teach your child about other childrens behaviour etc. (although this can be as much of a negative as a positive as kids learn from experiences). However do keep in mind that they don't really interact with each other until past 2 years old. It's normal for kids to play independantly up until this point. I would suggest a regular group activity maybe if it concerns you? I know I did a regular music lesson, or local library nursery rhyme group from 6 months old (In HK Kindermusik is an excellent choice as is Panda junction or gymboree (have been told only one I havn't experienced)) and it has helped my child recollect nursery rhymes, improved motor skills and observe other childrens behaviour. You will find that this is just my opinion though, and we all have differing opinions but most people I talk to start some sort of 'group' activity from 6 months. Hope that helps!

My daughter started at 3 weeks old and many of her friends from 1 week old. It is not only good for the children but also for the parents as parents need to meet other parents too. Many first time mums are nervous and need reassurance and guidance from others.

I agree with gwyneth. In the early months it's about keeping the mums sane rather than socialising the kids!


Pick your group carefully though as if you and the other mums have very different attitudes towards discipline, etc, it will only send mixed messages to the child. A little difference is good and teaches the child that some rules apply in some places and not in others but if you're very quiet in your handling and are with mums who yell and smack (this happened with me and was very uncomfortable) or if you insist that the child sits at the table to eat their healthy snack and the other kids are allowed to run around and jump on the sofa with cake in their hands then it might not work.


The best way to socialise kids from an early age is to involve them in everything you do and treat it naturally.

hehe, I just want to clarify...I'm NOT the yeller and smacker!!