Baby Playgroups

What is a Baby Playgroup?

A Baby Playgroup is a group of mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers who meet together each week with their babies for interaction, support and fun.

Parents and caregivers work together to provide their babies with opportunities to learn through play.

Why go to a Playgroup?

Changes happen quickly as your baby grows and develops. Recent research indicates that your baby's first three years are really important for brain development and future health and well being.

For optimum development a baby needs a stimulating environment to play and learn. Playgroups offer babies a wide variety of early learning experiences.

Playgroup gives parents and caregivers a chance to discuss ideas, problems and the joys and frustrations of parenting. Many long-term friendships begin at Playgroup.

At Playgroup your baby will:

• have fun playing
• enjoy being with other babies 
• explore a new world with new experiences
• develop a weekly routine
• play with different toys
• relate to other adults
• learn and develop new skills

At Playgroup you will:

• get out of the house
• chat with other parents
• make new friends
• share experiences
• help in the running of the Playgroup

Playgroups are as different as the people in them. Some playgroups are especially for parents and caregivers with babies. Many baby Playgroups are for first time parents. There is a Playgroup that is just right for you.

Continue the friendships made at your new parent group, stay together by forming a Baby Playgroup. Babies love Playgroup too!!

Babies busily explore and experiment with everything around them. They see, touch, taste, feel and hear to discover new information. As they discover new skills they repeat and practice them until they are mastered.

Parents help by being a playmate and providing a variety of safe and developmentally appropriate play experiences. 

The advantages of playgroups are undeniable. Playgroups give parents and caregivers a chance to meet to discuss ideas, challenges, and the joy and frustration of parenting.

Babies and young children learn through play and Playgroups offer a wide variety of experiences for them to explore.

To get started have a discussion with your parents group. Is this something that they are interested in starting?   

• Decide time and day. (Mornings will be best in the future)
• Find a venue which is comfortable for babies (Playgroup NSW can offer assistance with this).
• Every playgroup requires three contact people for any new enquiries and for the Playgroup NSW database. (The committee model of playgroup is best practice.)
• An affiliation form will need to be completed so that the playgroup details can be promoted.
• Your playgroup members will need to become Playgroup NSW members as this will cover their insurance. On line memberships is now available (You will get an automatic receipt with an order number as proof of the payment).
• It is best practice to open up a society bank account.

Other things to consider -

• A roster can be developed to cover: Refreshments (morning tea), activities,
• Fund-raising activities (to cover venue hire and the purchase of new toys and additional resources).
• Bring along some toys
• Research songs and rhymes (Google: Action Rhymes)

Remember as a parent you are your baby’s first educator!

To join an existing baby Playgroup or if you are part of a Mother's group and would like to start  your own baby Playgroup in your local area, call Playgroup NSW on 1800 171 882.

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