It’s something we hear all the time – build your village.
Finding your tribe in a time where we are more and more isolated is super important as a postpartum parent. For many soon-to-be or new parents it can be daunting facing life with a new baby alone. Family living across the country. New to their current city.
And so enters mom and baby groups. Really for anyone. Meeting other adults who are also new to this parenting gig. Meeting other adults who are seasoned parents. A reason to get out of the house. A place to find support. A place to find new friends who understand what phase of life you are in.
All that aside, I could go on and on about how amazing these groups are.
Here are my top 5 picks for mom and baby groups in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.
Play-a-Latte Cafe in Kitchener.
Indoor playground and cafe, Play-a-Latte is one of the newer additions to Kitchener. Geared towards children under the age of 7, they offer a great space to meet other parents. They have circle time led by an ECE, classes (like postpartum fitness, baby sign language, crafts, and more!), and events (noon years eve, meet paw patrol/peppa pig/olaf, etc.). Their coffee is AMAZING and they have lots of yummy food and snacks. Show up on your own and make some new friends!
Recharge & Play Wellness Cafe in Waterloo.
Offering wellness clinic services like Massage Therapists, Occupational Therapist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, Aesthetician, Social Workers and more! They have a large indoor playground where your children can play with an ECE while you receive treatments. You can also go and play with your kids on the playground without treatments. They also host events like family karaoke dance party, PD day camps, and seasonal parties. A great drop in place to meet new friends and fit in some self care.
KW Moms Club in Kitchener.
Their goal is to help you build your village. Offering flexible and affordable memberships and weekly meet ups, they are an amazing part of your postpartum journey. Because the membership is paid, and the meetings are weekly, it is easy to make meaningful friendships with other parents. They have a baby basics meeting for those with babies who are not walking – which has guest speakers come to talk about topics that are related to parenting. They have a toddler time meeting for those with older kids and toddlers who are walking. Each weekly meet up has a different theme (Jr. Chef, Birthday Bash, Story Time, etc). Easily one of the best places to make new friends.
Life with a Baby – Waterloo Region.
They are a network of parents navigating the rollercoaster that is raising kids. They offer many free and paid events to connect with fellow parents. Events for everyone in the family, they are run mostly with volunteers. Swim meet ups, stroller fit, fire hall tours, etc. They have many amazing meetings where you can connect with other parents.
Oh Baby Fitness – Cambridge.
Oh Baby fitness offers services prenatally and postnatal. There are many options that you can choose from – stroller fit, yoga, boot camp, etc! A great way to get fit and meet other parents at the same time!
Have any questions about parenting groups? Know of some I didn’t mention? Leave a comment or send me an email and I will definitely get back to you! I will continually add more and more community resources.
