Why Going to Baby and Toddler Groups Is Important for You and Your Child?
After having a baby (or if you have a toddler), days can seem like they go on forever even though the years fly past! Those long days can be very difficult for a few reasons, maybe you are on maternity leave or you’re a stay-at-home mum with a partner who is out at work all day. This can really make those days very lonely, so getting out of the house is very important. Simply getting some fresh air by going to the park or a simple walk, can make a world of difference, but there are so many more options available to break up your day.
Baby groups can be very helpful for your toddler to burn some energy and give you the chance to have a coffee and chat with other mothers. Its also a nice way to make some new mum friends which opens up opportunities to organise play dates to keep your week busy instead of staying at home all day. Sometimes it feels like we have exhausted all ideas for keeping our children entertained, especially the older they get, so having the simple option of playdates with nearby mums is a great option.
There are many positive things about going to baby groups for both you and your little one. Going to groups allows your child to socialise with other children. It can help with the development of physical, literacy, communication language, and cognitive skills, and of course, helps burn some of that energy prior to nap time.
As a mum of 2, I love to take my girls to baby and toddler groups for the socialising aspect with other mums, but the girls also just love going. The smiles on their faces while they play, dance, and sing with their friends is just the best!
With the cost of living constantly going up, it can be hard to find groups that are free or don’t cost an arm and a leg, especially once you have 2 or more children. With that in mind, we have put together a small list of some free groups, along with some reasonably priced/inexpensive groups, and mum-to-be classes.
Free Baby & Toddler Groups in Suffolk.
Thornham Parva
Tanya Barker helps with the running of a baby and toddler group at Thornam Parva village hall every Thursday from 9.30 to 12 even during holidays. All children under school age are welcome, and it’s a great opportunity for parents to mingle and enjoy a cuppa.
Ipswich
At Highfield and Bramford Lane Children’s Centre you can find free activities for children age 0-5. As well as your children having fun playing with others, mum can get some incredible support and advice on things like toilet training, weaning, breastfeeding, sleeping, and more.
Ixworth
Ixworth Library offers baby and toddler rhyme time on Fridays from 10 to 10.30 completely free. You can find other free weekly library events throughout Suffolk here.
Baby & Toddler Classes/Groups in Suffolk Costing £10 and Under per Session
Mendlesham
Mendlesham baby and toddler group is situated in the primary school hall every Thursday from 9.30 – 11.30 during term time. It costs just £1.50 per session along with free tea and coffee. You’re welcome to take your own snacks. No need to book.
Wetherden
Wetherden baby and toddler group is situated at the Wetherden Baptist Church every Thursday from 9.30-11 during term time. The first session is free and then it’s just £1 per session. No need to book.
Debenham
Debenham toddler group must be pre-booked as spaces are limited. Booking can be made via their Facebook page or by text (07775836076). The group runs Friday during term time from 9.30 to 11.30 and costs £2 per family. Activities include crafts and singing, and their most recent addition is a toy swap.
Stowmarket
Cedars Tots is situated at Cedars Park community centre and runs every Thursday during term time from 10 to 11.30. This is a free group but you can leave a donation to support the group. It is a free-play group, but they also offer some crafts and set activities such as singing nursery rhymes.
Ixworth
World of Play is situated in Ixworth and is ideal for children age 0-7. A little world for your children to explore, play, and create, with lots of messy play (so bring a spare bag of clothes). World of Play has an outdoor and indoor area full of toys and sensory play. They also serve some amazing cakes, tea and coffee. World of Play is one of my personal favourites and my little girl adores going, especially with all the role-play activities on offer. They also have a room dedicated to sensory play with lights that your little one will adore. You need to pre-book the session on their website and each session costs £10 for two hours, with babies under 6 months going free. Pre-book World of Play.
Baby & Toddler Classes Block Bookings
Born Into Rythm Dance School – Charley opened her baby and toddler group in September 2023 called Born Into Rhythm Dance School. Classes are designed to aid social, emotional and cognitive development. Week by week classes are influenced by a new theme. Classes are available in Ixworth, Stowmarket and Bacton.
In addition, the group also offers a 30 minute stay and play at the cost of £7 for 7 sessions, but for members its free. For more information and prices visit her Facebook page here.
Drama Tots – We love Drama tots! My eldest daughter did this group in Stowmarket for a year and a half and loved it. Donna does classes in Stowmarket, Diss and Thetford. She offers weekly classes, and also one-time events throughout the year. Drama Tots has weekly themes using singing, dancing, dramatic play and movement to create the most incredible time. Donna started performing arts at the age of 8 and has a beautiful voice. We are sure you will love this group! Book through her website here.
Moo Music – Another group we loved going to was Moo music. Maddy started to go from 6 months to almost 3 years old. It helped her confidence so much and she loved being there. Suzi offers many classes from baby massage to lessons with dancing, singing, the use of musical instruments, and sensory time. They can really help your child develop musical ability, speech and language development.
Classes are available in Stowmarket, Debenham and Needham Market and can be bulk booked in lessons of 6. Find out more here.
Baby Activities & Courses Held at Mamiina
Lastly, don’t forget to keep an eye on our socials for mention of baby groups held right here at Mamiina. We ran our first free taster session recently in conjunction with moo music which was well received by the attendees, who even got to make their own personalised teething necklace whilst in-store. We already have some more great ideas in the pipeline, so watch this space!
