Need some advice..

Xtinasanderson

Hi ladies..
So after reading other threads I've had some concerns when it comes to socializing my child. This is my first child and DH and I are so excited! I am moving to Toronto (yes I'm in the states still) and I am the first out of our friends there to be having a kid even though mostly all of us are married. It's not seeming like they are planning anytime soon so I'm a little nervous as the baby socializing. My job is flexible so I wouldn't want to do any daycare and spend the $$ if I didn't need to. I'm moving away from all my friends and family who happen to be popping babies out left and right! Any advice on things I can look for in a big city or community that will help out? I know of local YMCAs but I was an active kid and I want my child at a young young age in just as much!

Hoping you ladies could have some insight

ally3242

If you're at all religious a lot of churches do what they call "moms day out" where you can leave your kids for a few hours. Or find a MOPS group through a church as well. There are also websites where you can look for moms groups. A lot of cities have like "moms of Dallas" or something like that where there are fun activities and events for kids and parents.

SuperFudge00

Also, if you take a birth in class you may find other mothers-to-be in your situation, assuming you will move before you deliver.

marigold32

I live in a very small town, so our options are limited. My son's main socialization with other children is at church, Mom's Day Out ( which meets once a week for a few hours and is hosted by another church, so different kids), and play dates. MDO programs are great if you're able to find one that works for you. Ours is drop-in, so you only pay for the hours you use (as opposed to most daycares, which expect payment even if you miss a day), and very reasonably priced. My son loves it and would so much rather be there than running errands with me. And since you'll probably be able to find one in your own town (ours is in the next town over), you could use that time to work or even clean house.

As for things you can do together, a big city like Toronto is going to offer everything from infant swim classes, to events at the library, zoos, museums, discovery centers, etc. I need to stop because I'm making myself jealous ;-) Oh, and also look for local mom groups--you can check meetup.com, Facebook, maybe even Craigslist? It's a good way for you to make friends as well as your child!

Babykells3

We just moved from spending 8.5 years in Calgary with 2 kids. You will have no problem finding things to do, there will be so many options you won't need to look far.

Texasmomma13

We did kindermusic with dd once she was about 6 months. She loves it.

4N6s

The library! Neighborhood play dates. The park.

70point3

As for the move to new big city advice... I know Singapore has a great ex-pat community which is primarily on fb. Also there's a mums group with the 4 residential building right where I live. They have weekly play dates.

Just go out and meet people. Say hello to random stranger. You never know who or what they know.

Plus it's Canada, if you smile and be nice, I hear they'll even give you donuts!! (Love me some HIMYM)