New parents often share with us that they are searching for their community. Entering parenthood is a MASSIVE transition, and some people feel uncertain or anchorless in this new identity. Finding folks that you feel a sense of belonging with is crucial to your development as a parent. But how do you do it— how do make parent friends?

Below are our top 9 tips for making parent friends. Keep in mind that all of these ideas may require some amount of vulnerability, putting yourself out there, and trial and error. Big breaths! You can do this one step at a time.

How to Make Friends as a New Parent

1. Join local Facebook groups. The more local the better! For example, if you live in South Austin, join the South Austin Moms group. If you’re in Asheville, check out Asheville Mamas. If there’s one for your specific neighborhood or small town, awesome. Oftentimes, these groups are places where parents can crowd source for information, buy needed baby items, and potentially make lasting connections. Some groups have organized meet ups, while others may just be an informal, virtual space for connecting with other parents. (P.S. If you are a Baby Guru client or have attended our classes, join our ABG families group here!)
2. Attend support groups. Depending on where you live, the offerings will vary, but we love to refer families to a number of free or low-cost support groups. La Leche League has groups all over the country, and other many other birth professionals host groups too— from lactation consultants to postpartum doulas to therapists and so on. Find our list of Austin-based groups here— like PIP!
3. Check out your local libraries. There are often baby-specific events held at local libraries, and these are typically free. Whether it’s a story time, music class, or just hanging in the children’s section for a bit, you’re likely to run into other parents who live near you. Local bookstores may also have baby-centric events and story times!
4. Look into “baby and me” fitness classes. We’ve seen stroller walk clubs, postpartum yoga, baby and me Pilates, and more! Ask in your local Facebook groups (tip #1) or ask your doula for suggestions! Asheville folks, do you know about Babywearing Dance AVL?
5. Attend enriching classes with your baby. Music classes, swim lessons, and other play groups are for baby AND you. Oftentimes, instructors of these classes make space for parents to connect with one another. and build community.
6. Visit local parks. If you go to a local park for a picnic and, when baby is old enough, for the swings or slides, you’re bound to run in to other families. Make it a goal to check out all of the parks that are accessible to you.
7. Go to family-friendly restaurants and coffee shops. Find establishments that have playscapes or astroturf hills for littles to run around on.
8. Search for baby-specific events at museums. Many art museums and children’s museums have special, one-off events of babies and infants.
9. Keep showing up! You might try an offering and feel unsure. It may be worth trying again next week! Getting out of the house can feel difficult, so give yourself credit for showing up (even if you’re late, wearing clothes with spit up, or forgot to grab a snack on the way out the door).Just like most (all?!) parts of parenting, finding your friends in this new season of life will be a process. Take your time, give yourself credit for your efforts, and try your best to have fun along the way!

Baby Guru is Here for You

We are here to support your family and help you navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood, including the awkwardness of making new parent friends. Reach out about postpartum support in Austin or birth and postpartum support in Asheville!

* Photo credit: Tamara Govedarovic on Unsplash