These informal groups are for parents and babies/toddlers to attend together, usually at a community centre, church, or parish hall.
Some groups have a small charge to attend, and this sometimes includes a small snack. Attending baby and toddler groups can offer many benefits for both parents, carers and babies and young children.
What are the benefits for babies and young children?
- This early exposure to social situations can help babies and young children develop social skills, learn to share, take turns, and make new friends.
- Baby and toddler groups include activities that promote children’s development through play.
- Attending these groups can help establish a routine. Regularly scheduled group sessions can provide structure to the week.
- For toddlers approaching preschool age, attending these groups can help them get used to being in a group setting, following instructions from someone other than their parents, and interacting with a diverse range of people.
What are the benefits for parents and carers?
- These groups offer a chance for parents and carers to connect, share experiences, and exchange advice. Looking after a baby or toddler can sometimes feel isolating, so having a supportive community can help reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of belonging.
- They can provide ideas for activities, songs and rhymes to try at home!
- Through these groups friendships can be formed that provide a support network as children grow and develop together.
Where can I find details of these groups?
The Jersey Child Care Trust provides a list of parent, baby and toddler groups in Jersey.
The Jersey Association of Child Carers host their own toddler groups. :
Jersey Sport run Move More Toddler Play sessions, which are suitable for crawling babies up to children aged 3 years.
Jersey Library have weekly story and rhyme sessions for babies and young children.
Happy Heroes run an inclusive playgroup, currently held twice a month for children up to the age of 10 with additional needs, their siblings and parents/carers.
