Importance of social interaction with other babies?

[element2012]

As much as I try to get playdates in with other babies with some consistency, it just doesn't happen all that frequently.  My DD is home with me and DH all day, as we both work from home.  I always take her with me and wear her on errands, so she gets interaction in that way.  Am I totally messing up by not prioritizing playdates?

[Kindermama]

Not at all! Children will learn from anyone of any age. In fact, I think it's silly to plan playdates for babies! They don't "play" with each other until 2 1/2 -4 years old. Your baby will learn far more from being worn while you work around the house and go for walks out of the house. 

I really think baby playdates are really for the mamas who are there! ;)

[philomom]

Children under two engage in "parallel play" ... meaning they play alongside each other but not with each other. The infant playdate is a chance to bond with other primary caregivers and support each other on your new parenting journey.

[montessorimama1]

I take Zach on playdates... So I can be with other adults!  :)  They are not interesting to him at all; he'll smile at the other baby for two seconds and then become engrossed in slobbering the nearest toy.  Social interaction doesn't become really essential until the pre-school years.  When I used to teach, I would see the 2.5 yr olds coming in at the beginning of the year completely oblivious to the other children; they were in their own little bubble.  Then they turned 3 and all of a sudden the other children became fascinating.  Young children shouldn't be expected to share or have advanced social skills, and these are two unnecessary pressures that arise during some playdates.  So, while playdates aren't a bad thing, they're not crucial and you shouldn't feel bad if your babe is hanging out with you.  You and your hubby are her favorite people right now, so enjoy that!

[skycheattraffic]

I totally agree with pps. Being out with you is plenty stimulating, she can see other babies and kids as you pass by. I started going to early years centers in infancy but it was definitely for me more than it was for DD. In fact she would interact with the other parents and ignore the other babies lol. Now at 17 months, babies, toddlers, and kids are getting more interesting and she is starting to seek them out at the park, store, etc. I think as long as your LO sees strangers from time to time when you're running errands, she gets all the interaction she needs.

[Peony]

Playdates for babies are for the parents not the babies! So no, not essential unless the parent wants social time. 

[MichelleZB]

I've always heard that playdates are for the parents, not the babies, and that children under two didn't play together. I believed it until I had a baby. My 8-month-old is very social and just loves other children! He'll crawl around after other babies and babble at them. He's actually happier when other kids are in the room.

However, he also likes adult interaction. I don't think you need to prioritize playdates, just take them when they come up.

[rtjunker]

It's easy to see that my 8 month old DD enjoys other children. We don't do regular playdates, but a friend of mine has a 10 month old DS. DD is delighted to play near him. At the park last week, they crawled around together investigating the world. My DD kept holding onto his shirt to keep him near. I don't think formal playdates are needed, but I do like DD to get a chance to interact with people of all ages.

[chel]

Totally agree with pp.
with my first I did lots of baby centered stuff (library story time, music classes, group play dates ). All my friends had kids close in age to mine.
With my youngest, she gets so much interaction with her big sis and friends (preteen girls just go crazy for babies) that I haven't had the need. My toddler doesn't need friends, she needs interaction with others. My friends now mostly have kids, but a much wider range

[Heather Lyn]

I try to do one or two playdates a week, because my son seems to really love being around other babies and kids and it gives me an opportunity to start teaching him about sharing.  He gets bored and fussy just hanging out with me all day.  But when playdates don't work out, I don't worry about it, and I don't prioritize it.  They're just for fun.

[MrsGregory]

My Little One started Story Hour a few months ago and it was pretty obvious that she was the least outgoing, most shy-feeling and frightened baby there... she's always been serious and not terribly a fan of humansthatarenotMama.  So I prioritized playdates for her after that so she could practice, and I'm proud to say that at almost a year old she only takes 2-4 dates to settle into an environment or group and start to have a good time.  For example, we went to a new park today for the 3rd time with some friends, and she finally crawled about a foot or two away from me in the sandbox and had herself a good time with a toy for a few minutes.  The first visits she hung and clung and just couldn't really relax. 

I don't mind that she often feels shy, I don't push her away or force anything on her,  I just don't want her to have a huge shock when the time comes for preschool so we go out and practice.  So for us, playdates are important.  But I think it's very individual.  If your child is happy chatting up the fishmonger at the grocery, don't worry so much about it!