I absolutely love being able to hang out with Hailey everyday. We’re best buds and she’s a joy to be around. However, you guys and play dates keep me sane. A mom needs some adult interaction after all.
I was thinking about this the other day when it dawned on me; Hailey probably could use some interaction of her own.
Many children begin to socialize with other kids when mom goes back to work. This happens quite often around 3 months of age. Hailey is now 8.5 months old and doesn’t know many other people besides David, myself and Koda. Sure we meet up with friends, but we probably are only around other babies her age maybe once a week.
Am I stunting her social growth?
Does she need to be interacting more?
I decided I needed to be a little more proactive, so I signed us up for a trial class at Gymboree.
To be honest, I was a bit skeptical. What would Hailey get out of 45 minutes?
Turns out, quite a bit.
For 45 minutes she was enthralled watching the other babies. Some would crawl up and touch her and she thought it was hilarious.
She clapped her hands during songs and giggled like crazy when the parachute floated down on her (that was her favorite). More so than just being entertained, Gymboree surprised me with ideas to help build skills, too.
Obstacles were created (like the above “mountain”) that encouraged Hailey (my non-crawling scooter) to climb up and reach for the toys.
The circle cushion (above) served as another obstacle by having her climb over it to get to the ball she was after.
Simple things, yes, but effective.
The 45 minutes flew by. I was impressed by the class, but surprised at the price. It’s $65 a month, which entitles you to one (45 minute) class a week, plus access to open gym (which is a few designated hours a week where you can come in and play).
I could recreate the obstacles and challenges quite easily at home, but does Hailey need the socialization?
What do you think?
How does your baby socialize?
Do you belong to Gymboree or something similar?
What has your experience been like?
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
That price is awesome. I definitely agree that babies need to socialize. Aubrey doesn’t get out much, but she LOVES other babies – like seriously. Whenever we’re around my cousin’s daughter (they’re 3 weeks apart), Aubrey freaks out and all she wants to do is get close to the baby. And when I babysit, we watch youtube videos of other babies (shhhh don’t tell mom) because it makes her so happy.
Dana says
I’m not a mom, but I do babysit a LOT. The kids I babysit that go to daycare even 1 or 2 days a week talk sooner and are more understandable, have better social skills (sharing, following instructions, etc) and seem to have better large motor skills. The kids who stay at home with mom are fine too and they absolutely reach all those milestones and are truly wonderful kids, but I would definitely agree that there’s a lot of benefit to socializing children young.
If that price is a little too high can you see if there’s a mom’s group in your area? Maybe through MeetUp or a local community center? Weekly group playdates could do the same thing.
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
I think that is cheaper then the one by us, I personally think it’s quite pricey for what you get out of Gymboree. Sure it’s fun for the kids and it’s great play time for them but there are other ways I think to get the children interaction without such a high cost. Such as, library story time, Meetup groups, Discovery Place, even parks, water fountains or pools. Even child care while your working out. As for the developmental part working on her skills you can definitely Google things to do at home. I think it would be great in the winter but during the summer I just feel like there are so many other “free” things you can do. I think socializing your child is good at any age but I don’t think the actual “need” is until later where they actually start learning to share, communicate etc.
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
Love this. I have been thinking I need to join a play group and also sign CJ up for a class. He goes to daycare, but right now he’s the only one in the infant room 2 of 3 days. He loves playing with other kids and I don’t have many friends in the area w/ babies. Time to start “mom dating”? 🙂
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
Chiming in … have you checked on Meetup.com?
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
Yup – I am actually a member of a huge mom’s group w/ tons of events. For me, it’s just figuring out when/how to get to an event when I work a full time job and a part time job. 🙁
Paulina says
I’m not sure it’s something they *need* but I think babies do enjoy socializing with other babies. My 8 month old daughter spends 5 days a week in the infant room at her daycare, and she has already made a friend. The two of them play side-by-side and they wave and smile at each other. I also notice that babies in daycare tend to reach some of their milestones a bit sooner, but I don’t think that makes daycare a better, or preferred choice.
Jenny says
I have a Gymboree mbership and have for a few months now. I agree it is a little pricey but G LOVES it! I personally like it because since he is not yet standing alone or walking yet and it gives him a safe place where he can truly entertain himself without me having to hold him or watch him to be sure he’s not trying to put his face to a nasty drain 🙂
I also agree with Susan, I’m finding that in the summer it’s easier to find other things to do to entertain him and I think that being around other kids his age encourages him to do more. I am 100% planning on getting him into a child Carr setting for a few hours each week for te social interaction. Being a teacher I have seen firsthand the difference that early socialization makes in kids!
Jenny says
Jeesh….Sorry about all the typos…I was responding on my phone 🙂
Tricia O. says
We did Music Together when FOO was a baby, and I know he loved it. I looked forward to it every week because he loved it, and also because it got me out of the house. I ended up meeting several friends in my neighborhood I probably wouldn’t have known otherwise. It was a lot of fun.
With the second Wee Frat Boy, I didn’t feel the need to do the classes because he interacted so much with other kids already, and he started a Parent’s Morning Out program at 17 months, which worked well for us. It also helped that I built up the mommy/toddler social network from when FOO was a baby already, so we didn’t need those classes as much anymore. I’m so glad I did them with FOO, though. As a new mom, it helped me so much, and we both loved it.
Marci says
I think some organized interaction where they learn too is great! For momma too! Our friends also do a weekly music class. We are too little right now but it looks fun!
Lisa says
I think the price sounds amazing, and seems well worth it given how much she enjoyed it!
Danielle says
I think early interaction for babies is super important. Charlie started daycare at 5 months and I was amazed at what a difference it made in his development. He was crawling before 6 months and walking at 10. I am firmly convinced it was because he watched the children around him, learned from them, and wanted to be where they were and do what they were doing. Now that he’s a toddler and in the toddler room, I am seeing the same effects with speech. I do agree that finding a mom’s group or hitting up the same parks or spray parks during the summer will introduce you to lots of mommies. Once you see each other a couple of times, you’ll exchange numbers and plan playdates on your own. We met some moms this way and still see each other all the time. It’s also nice to have other moms with similarly aged babies to talk to so you can exchange ideas, war stories, and just generally feel better that what you and your baby are experiencing are “normal.”
Erin says
Everything I have read says that babies do not actually play “with” other babies until they are much older (closer to 2). However, I definitely think that they benefit from a change of scenery and a stimulating environment, which it sounds like the class was. I’ve been thinking about taking Emmie to a class like this, so now I really want to try it!
Caitlin says
I think the socializing is EXCELLENT and maybe I don’t have a good idea of what the price should be, but to me that sounds really fair especially for that time she can come play. Maybe you could do it for a couple of months and she’d make standard friends int eh class, then you can stop paying for it, recreate the gym play time at home, and have her meet with those new friends outside of class on your own time! Maybe you’ll make new mommy friends too 🙂 so glad to hear she got so much out of the 45min!
Liz says
Try the story time at your library for socializing for free!
Katie @ cooklaughmove says
My local library has “Getting Loud at the Library” and various story hours for a wide range of ages for free.
Also check out your local Intermmediate School District. Ours has an early-on program with a free event or so each month.
Do you go to a church? Often nursery time = socialization.
Jen says
Yesterday was our first Gymboree level 2 class and I was honestly a bit disappointed. Half the class was “alone time” to go explore the gym. I liked the level 1 classes because W got to stare at the other babies, etc! I’m going to try a different instructor before we make the decision to stick around or not because I really want W to socialize. I know we’ve talked about this, but I definitely feel like he’s missing out not being around other babies that often.
Krista says
This was actually on my mind last night! My daughter, now 4.5, was in daycare from age 10 weeks on. But my 4 month old son stays home with our nanny. (I was just not comfortable with our infant daycare when he was 10 weeks). But I’m thinking I might switch him to a daycare setting when he’s around 1, for the social interaction and such! Decisions, decisions…
I also echo those who said find a story time at your local library! The nanny takes my 4 year old each week and she LOVES it. They have different times for different age groups (at least here they do).
Kelly@Runmarun says
This is a really interesting question- it probably does help babies to interact with other little ones- Lula and I don’t get out much but when she sees other babies, she often tries to communicate with them through little grunts and sounds. That price seems wildly expensive to me but after reading your post, I am considering finding something for Lula and me to attend. I know our library offers story time (6 months and up) so I might try that out and see how she does around the other kids. Thanks for bringing this up!
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
I definitely think babies need to socialize. As you said, mom needs grownup time. Baby needs baby time. Miles gets plenty of it at daycare, and I think it has helped him be more outgoing, playful and curious. He’s also happy being out and about and on the go. It’s something I didn’t necessarily put together when he was younger but now that he’s mobile, I’ve noticed how different he plays and behaves when compared to my SAHM friend’s twins. Miles wants to greet them and they’d rather play alone. He does better at the mall than they do. He wants to “flirt” with every stranger at a restaurant where they can get fussy. It could just be that babies are different but I think Miles does better in social situations because he is around other kids on a regular basis.
Michelle says
My nephew just turned 2 and isn’t around little kids his age at all (and hasn’t been his whole life). My sister is fortunate that she only needs day care twice/week and our dad watches the little guy. However, he seems to be a late bloomer with walking, talking, etc. I often wonder if it is because he isn’t around other little kids to see what they do. I don’t have kids of my own (but I was a nanny to 4 kids while in college). I wish my sister got involved in Gymboree or other activities that promote kid socialization. I think it would be a great benefit!
Kristy Burgess says
In my opinion, Gymboree classes are great for mom and baby to get out and experience a different environment, but my doctor told me it isn’t until after 12 months (at least) that babies begin to socialize. As far as some of the other comments go about hitting milestones early…..is that really that important? There is a huge range of “normal” when it comes to milestones….and every baby goes at their own pace. You should be so proud of the time you are spending with Hailey, the healthy meals that she is eating, and the lessons that you are teaching her. In the big picture, that’s what is most important…….you inspire me everyday….especially the cooking!
Beth says
My little girl is 6 months, and has been in daycare 5 times a week, and is with babies a little older than her on the weekends at gatherings, parties, etc. She is super outgoing, smiles and talks to everyone, and is totally fixated on other kiddos. It is just the sweetest thing when I pick her up at the end of the day and she’s playing, laughing and sharing toys with another 6 month old.
I don’t know any other way, but I was so skeptical about leaving her (it was really tough!) and it turned out to be a great decision. I’d think any socializing you can do is helpful, they pick up things from other babies and really enjoy hanging out with them!
Hallie(@ChasingHallie) says
I am a stay at home/work from home Mom too and M doesn’t see many ppl but myself and her dad and a few select friends of ours who are around a lot.
I feel like part of her stranger/separation anxiety is because of this, she hasn’t socialized a lot.
We started a Kindermusik class which I really like and she enjoys. We also go to church every Sunday and leave her in the nursery so she can play and interact with other babies and people. I still feel like she could use some more play dates though. I feel like socialization is key!
Lisa @ The Splattered Apron says
This is something we gave a lot of thought to when we were deciding on childcare for Caroline. While we want her to be around other children, we decided that a daycare center wasn’t for us. We went for a nanny share so that Caroline will have the level of care that we want and have another baby for interaction. We’re lucky that we’re in a share with good friends of ours and their daughter is about the same age as C. I love seeing the two of them play together!
KaraHadley says
I’m not a mom, far from it, so I don’t know how much my opinion is worth. BUT I think it’s definitely worth it for at least a month or two. I see this as the same way you make an investment in your health — physical and mental — you should make an investment in Hailey’s. And the worst that can happen is that you go for a month or two, realize that it’s not the best use of your money, and then move on. I can’t see it being a detriment to either of you, so why not. And maybe you’ll make a few more mommy friends, too!
Maura @ My Healthy 'Ohana says
We went to Gymboree until my daughter was about 18 months, and she loved it! It was good for her to hang out with other babies, and nice for me to socialize with other moms that had babies around the same age!
I agree, it’s expensive! There are often coupons or deals where the first month is a lower price and they waive the registration fee. Also, after you are a member for a certain number of months, I want to say 6 months, then your monthly payment goes down by $10.
Lisa says
So cute! I was a nanny for a while and studied child psychology at school for a bit and I definitely think babies need time to “socialize”. Far too frequent, I think babies develop attachment disorders to their parents, which is not always a big deal, but sometimes it can create awful anxiety and panic as children get older. Which is something I personally experienced. That’s so exciting she enjoyed her time! 🙂 All the kiddos are adorable!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I definitely think it’s important. Babies pick up on so much more than we realize. I think having them around other children and babies is huge for their development.
Lee says
Here’s my naivety showing, but I thought Gymboree was a kid’s clothing store?? It’s not?
Brittany says
Lee, you’re so funny because I thought the exact same thing! When I first had Hailey I needed to buy her some clothes so I googled Gymboree and ended up at this play gym. So … I guess the clothing store and the gym share a name? Weird.
Krista says
I’ve wondered about the same name too!
Sarah says
I had that worry recently, too. (I, too, am a stay-at-home mom!) I don’t know if we have a Gymboree play group around here, but I’ve been making efforts to kind of put together my own play groups. Nolan loves it, and my worries are assuaged…for now. There’s ALWAYS something to worry about as a mama, but you’re doing a great job! Hailey looks happy and healthy :-).
Jodie says
I am actually a toddler teacher at a preschool and have been since 2005 so my opinion may be bias 😉 I really do believe the interaction and socialization is important. Children who start at preschool young are often well adapted and those who start later tend to be very shy, reserved and unable to adapt as well as the others. I think the Gymboree class sounds like a great idea. Its smart to put baby in new environments that get her out of her normal surroundings and get her exploring around others she can interact with her own size. They learn so much from each other! If one begins walking, they all want to. If one can say mommy, they all want to. Development takes place 🙂
Claire says
As a pediatrician, I think that socialization is important for babies. The development rate, I think, for babies not in daycare vs. those in daycare all depends on the daycare and/or how diligent mom is in keeping the baby active and involved with talking and playing. I know two friends who sent their child to daycare at about 2yo and both of them commented on how their language just blossomed after being in daycare. I do think that a little socialization is important (even though babies don’t often play TOGETHER…just beside each other) whether that comes from daycare, mother’s morning out, or a play group. Some of our babies who only get family socialization (none with other babies) just don’t develop as quickly though they WILL develop the skills they need!
Tina says
Absolutely! You can certainly do skill development on your own at home, but there are plenty of moms looking to have play groups. Meet-Up (meetup.com) has lots of playgroup options and most are free or a minimal drop-in fee.
My son goes to daycare part-time and gets the interaction there, but if we didn’t have that, we would be going to play groups, story time at the local library or music classes. Yesterday when we picked him up from daycare, we stood at the window for 10 minutes watching him exchange toys with one of the other kids and have “conversations” with several of the kids and teachers. It is SO MUCH FUN to see him interact with other kids. He loves it.
Eli says
I think you are doing great by having her hang out with kids her age when you see other moms. I’ve been letting my little one do play dates with friends and cousins. I won’t pay for Gymboree, it’s about 85/month by where we live and that doesn’t include open gym time. I think storytime at libraries and other playdates are fine for this age.
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's says
I LOVE Gymboree! We actually are enrolled in a music class. It is a different theme for 3 weeks then changes. For example, the past 3 were 80s and the three before that were Latin… I love it in the summer because, at least at ours, from Memorial Day to Labor Day you can take any Play & Learn class and any amount you’d like. It doesn’t apply to the art or music ones, but anyone enrolled can take the p&l ones. I was actually really reserved at first, but it has been great for B, especially since he isn’t around other kids his age really ever.