ideas for baby playgroup

[millifiori]

So I managed to start a baby playgroup in my very small town
We will meet for the first time next week and will have babies ranging from 4 weeks to 11 months. My dd just turned 7 month and I know there is a HUGE difference in development for this age range. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas for activities for the babes with such a large age range. I'm not sure quite what to expect but at the least it will be social time for a bunch of cooped up mamas who felt like they were all alone .

I want it to be beneficial for the babies too with some structured activities. Is that crazy? Let me know if you have any ideas especially if you already attend a group like this and thanks!

[Everrgreen]

I lived in a small town most of this year and we had a baby group with a huge age range like yours. It was a government run thing, so a little different. But it was at a house that had been converted for babies through preschool playgroups. Anyway, basically the living room was mostly open but there was a couch and a rocking chair for moms to use, as well as a play pen for sleeping babies, a swing, an exercauser. And the floor had different toys for different developmental stages around (play mat, activity gym, baskets with different smaller toys, baby-safe mirror on one wall). It was pretty relaxed, we would just chat about whatever, and the older babies would enjoy playing with different toys than they had at home. Once a month a local nurse came in to weigh babies and answer questions, and she usually did a topic (car seats, introducing solids, milestones, etc.).

As I said, this was government run/funded, so a little different then something you are going to have in your own home. But if you had some different toys to share and have a baby-proof environment so the moms don't have to worry too much, that would be all I would start with. And look into guest speakers, whether it's a car seat safety expert, a local nurse, or even someone who might want to advertise a service they offer (music program, swim lessons etc.) Even the moms themselves might have a special area of expertise that they could share (ex. breastfeeding, babywearing, or even something unrelated to parenting!)

Anyway, I hope that helps! Good luck with your group!

[Abraisme]

I don't think that babies that age really need structured activities.. I think a basket of toys and some books would be enough. My friends and I don't have any structure for our play groups. There are toys suitable for each age of kid, that seems to be enough. Mostly they all start chasing eachother and jumping off of things.

[GoldmanBaby09]

I get together with moms who have babies ranging from 2 months to 2 and half years. Everyone seems to get along just fine. My son is almost 6 months, so we don't have a ton of toys, but the older kids have lots of fun with stuffed animals and books or pretending the baby bath is a boat on the high seas Kids are really imaginative so I don't think you need to give lots of stucture for things. Our group is more for the moms to get together and have lunch and hang out, while our kids enjoy their "friends". Just have fun with it!

[MamaKickyPants]

I'd say no need for any structure, especially with that age group. APpropriate toys and baby proofing, as others have said, will be fine. Playgroup is more for moms to get out and socialize at that age, IMO

[MamaJenese]

No structure needed. I would just make sure the play space is safe. Really it is more about Mama at this stage! Put out a few toys, make some coffee and enjoy yourself!