As my son turns 10, I’ve found myself endlessly thinking back to those early days when he was so tiny and I was absolutely at sea trying to navigate a new world I quickly realised I was utterly unprepared for.
Cake (preferably with lashings of strong coffee) is always key to a great baby or toddler group and Bethan of Little Devon, makes a cracking cup cake!
Let’s be honest, for all its wonder and joy, being a new parent can be an incredibly lonely experience. It was only thanks to some wonderful groups and clubs, and the other new parents I met when I was at them, that got me through that first turbulent year.
This blog post is one I’ve been meaning to write for a while but I’ve been galvanised into action by a couple of recent conversations with mums at newborn shoots I’ve done.
This list is far from exhaustive but I hope it might help a few other new parents to get some focus to their week and meet some likeminded people. Some of the groups hold happy memories from my days a decade ago, some I’ve had the privilege of working with professionally and others are newer and just sound fab. If you’ve got other recommendations, feel free to post them in the comments.
The Baby Room, Paris Street, Exeter
I still vividly remember plucking up the courage to walk into the room for my first experience of Nappacinos when my son was no more than a week old and I barely knew whether it was day or night. I was so nervous but from the moment I stepped into the old Scout Hut (as it was then), I was made to feel so welcome and sometimes it felt like a second home.
These days, it’s rare I speak to new parents who don’t know about ‘The Baby Room’, as it’s become known, and it’s only right that it’s gone from strength to strength. Not only does it have a great new home in Exeter city centre but it offers a huge array of groups, meet ups & resources. Whether you want to get some advice on breastfeeding, hire a sling, or just meet other new parents, it’s there for you.
There’s something on every day, including Saturdays, but not only that, its website offers an encyclopaedic timetable of other groups that run in and around Exeter throughout the week.
I really can’t recommend this place highly enough (& regularly sing it’s praises on newborn shoots!)
Sing & Sign
Sadly, this wasn’t around 10 years ago, but I can personally recommend Natalie who runs Exeter Sing & Sign - she’s fab!. During shoots, I’ve seen the benefits first hand and, even with really little ones, I’ve been stunned by how parents can communicate with their kids via the signs they’ve learned at the group. What’s even better is that she runs classes at The Baby Room among other venues in the are.
Little Devon
My annual meet up with Bethan from Little Devon has become one of my favourite points in the year. Our Flowers, Picnics and Pictures annual collaboration is always so much fun and a really original way for parents to meet up in a stunning location.
I think Bethan’s hit on an amazing formula for a pre-school meet up that’s a bit different. Throughout the year, she arranges events in gorgeous places that allow mums and dads to chat while the kids can explore. The Flower Picking & Vintage Tea at Amelia’s Flower Farm in Combeinteignhead sounds like a truly wonderful way to spend a day and this event runs at various times throughout the summer. At other times of year there are Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Pumpkin events as well.
Keep an eye on Little Devon’s Events Page or Instagram for upcoming events. Oh an Bethan also makes the best fairy cakes!!
Bounce and Rhythm
Another one that makes me a bit nostalgic! Bounce and Rhythm at Exeter Library is a free-to-join class that runs twice a week and is great for slightly older ones. It runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays (twice each day) and you can just rock up so there’s no need to commit in advance (with all the stress that that can bring with babies). What’s more the Library Cafe is a great place to have a coffee and a chat afterwards.
It also runs at Exmouth, Teignmouth, Pinhoe and Barnstaple libraries among others for those who might not want to go into Exeter. Check out Libraries Unlimited for. a full list of what’s on and where guide.
Mud-Ventures at Greendale
Another one that’s new since my day, but this looks fab and right up my street. Outdoor play for pre-schoolers, whatever the weather. Book in advance and dress for the occasion. And if it’s cold and wet, then you get to warm up in the cafe afterwards. What’s not to like?! (Are you beginning to spot the coffee and/or cake theme?!)
Family Garden Exeter CIC
This is a fantastic space that provides both groups and drop-in options for pre-schoolers with a range of options for different age groups. There’s play space with a host of different wooden toys. They also offer venue space for parties and other events, and there’s a cafe so always a big plus in my book!
Sometimes getting out and about when you have a newborn seems like such a mammoth task, but I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll meet like-minded new parents, some of which might be passing acquaintances but others might become friends for life. I’ve still got very good friends from those early, sleep-deprived days.
If you love other groups that I’ve not mentioned, please share in the comments.