There’s nothing as fulfilling as becoming a mom. The warmth you feel when you hold your newborn in your arms while they stare right back at you is indescribable. Don’t you just want to take these moments and frame them forever?
There’s no denying the unspeakable joy of motherhood, yet, being a mom can be a pretty overwhelming job. From the general lack of sleep, feelings of loneliness to feeling exhausted from the physical and emotional stress of caring for your little one.
Truth is, you’re not alone! There are so many new moms like you. After all, being a mother is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. The good news is – having someone in your corner makes your journey a little easier.
From one mom to another, I totally understand how you feel. You’re navigating new and unfamiliar territories with little time for yourself or to socialize. But don’t worry. I was able to navigate these new waters, and you can too.
One thing that helped me when I first became a mom was joining a mom tribe and making friends with others just like me. This could be an awkward task if you are an introvert like me. But I can tell you, the results are well worth the effort.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
10 Best Ways To Make New Friends As A New Mom
As one who’s been where you are right now, I can tell you for free how frustrating it is going through this phase alone. It’s often best to do it with like-minded people you can share your concerns and experiences with.
Meeting mom friend can be an essential source of support, comfort, and camaraderie, making your journey through parenthood more enjoyable. Here are some great tips to help you meet new friends and build lasting friendships.
1. Start With Your Neighbors
Where better to start than somewhere close? You always see your neighbors when they go to work and drive babies to daycare or go on a walk with their little one in a stroller. All you need to do is say ‘Hi’ now and then and maybe make some nice comments about their child.
You could also make yourself more visible by hanging outside your house, maybe bringing a chair out front and sitting there occasionally with your kid. Take walks around your neighborhood, go to the playground, and greet people with a warm smile.
Moms are generally drawn to each other, so you’ll be surprised how quickly you can make a friend or two.
2. Join A Fitness Group/ Mom Baby Yoga Classes
A fitness group for new moms provides a great way to connect with others like you. What’s more? You get to do that while prioritizing your health and keeping fit.
As you get into your daily routine of postpartum exercises, you can strike up great conversations that may lead to warm friendships, just what you need.
Search for fitness or yoga classes for moms with babies in year neighborhood – this could be an excellent place to meet other moms with children at similar age to yours.
3. Babywearing Classes
Are you thinking about starting babywearing? It has tons of emotional benefits for both mom and baby! And during baby wearing classes you can meet other parents who have similar interests to you.
During those classes, you will not only learn how to use a baby wrap or soft-structured carrier, but also have the opportunity to make new friends with likeminded moms. It’s a win-win!
You can start to use a baby carrier for a newborn baby, but don’t worry if you child is already 1 or 2 years old! Get a toddler carrier with higher weight limit and you’re ready to start toddler-wearing!
4. Swimming Classes For Babies & Kids
It’s best to make friends with moms who have kids at similar age to yours, because you may be sharing similar experiences, joys and concerns. Swimming classes are usually for children at the same age and development stage (for example: for infants, for toddler and for older kiddos).
It’s a perfect chance to chat with other parents and maybe even grab a coffee together.
5. Join A Mom’s Group/ Mom Tribe
There are tons of moms like you who need the best tips from other moms.
Luckily, there are several groups where mothers such as yourself come together to share experiences and provide each other with support, encouragement, and advice.
A quick Google search will help you see if there’s one near you. Check Facebook groups too.
Some of these groups or tribes, such as the knitting club, not only provide an opportunity to socialize, but they can also be incredibly rewarding.
Not only does it provide an opportunity to socialize, but knitting baby blankets and sweaters for your little one is so rewarding.
Don’t worry if you’re a newbie. I always wanted to learn to knit and finally tried it when I was pregnant with my first baby. My number one source for how to knit and knitting stitches has been Jodie Morgan from Knit Like Granny.
She even has a post about how much yarn you need for a baby blanket – this was actually something I followed when I was preparing a blankie for my baby girl DIY monthly photos.
6. Take Baby Walks
Babies are adorable and often irresistible. Get your stroller out and take your kids on frequent walks. You can go to the park or any location that is conducive for you and the baby. You can be sure that other women will shower compliments.
It is important that you keep a conversational and welcoming demeanor. Give a broad smile, and don’t be shy to say ‘hello’ first, especially if you see another mom with a baby. Ask for the name and age of their baby and make small talk. Be friendly, and you will make friends.
7. Accept Invitations
Making mom friends might be difficult if you’re an introvert, but you can always find friends at parties and get-togethers. So, I recommend accepting party invites.
Start with something close to home. A jewelry party, a skincare group gathering, a dinner party, etc., whatever it is, if you say yes to at least some of these invitations, you’ll not only leave there with a few freebies but some amazing friends, but it’s also a great opportunity to make new friends.
8. Throw A Party
If you’re too nervous to accept an invitation, you could send one. If you’re more comfortable meeting new people in your comfort zone, you can throw a mom’s day out party, or set a playdate party.
Don’t worry about where to find like minded moms. I know of a few pregnant new moms who posted to their mom’s tribes online and got a pretty good turnout. It’s a nice way to turn those online friends into genuine, real-life ones.
You can also throw a playdate party for your kid’s friends from nursery or classmates and invite their parents too!
9. Go To The Library
The library might not seem like a good place to meet other moms. But it actually is, many moms go to the library to get story books to read to their child.
Strike a conversation with them. Ask them what books they’re reading to their children. Make suggestions and accept some as well. Set a mommy snack date and see where things go from there.
10. Volunteer At A Daycare
If you work part-time or full-time, chances are you’ll take your baby to daycare. There are other mothers just like you who do the same.
Volunteering to work at such daycares during your spare time provides wonderful opportunities to interact with women who’ve come to drop off their babies. The small talk could turn into meaningful talk and blossom into friendship. Besides, you’ll be spicing up your social life as you watch your kid interacting with older kids.
11. Use Social Media
The world has digitalized, and you can meet other parents from the comfort of your home. You can find mom friends everywhere, from Facebook groups to Reddit to Parents Connect. They offer almost as much as you’d get with friends offline. You can share your beautiful stories and struggles with your kids. This will help you know you are not alone, and that’s one comforting feeling.
The beauty of social media or other online group chat is that you can decide to bring your online friends offline or keep them strictly online while reaping the benefits.
Set a playdate with women of similar ages, which might give you an excellent chance to make a new friend.
12. Join A Play Group
Playgroups usually involve fun activities and play dates for both parents and their babies.
You can meet other moms, and help sharpen your child’s social skills.
Tips For Finding Mom Friends As A New Mom
Now that you know where to find other mothers like you, how do you make a friend? I’ve faced that dilemma before, and here are some tips that worked for me. I’m sure they’ll help you too.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable
The fear of rejection can cause you to hold back from making a new mom friend. But don’t let that stop you. Realize that you need all the support you can get to be a great mommy.
You can be selective
Not everyone will ‘vibe’ with you. That’s okay. You can walk away and start again until you meet moms you have a lot in common with. It’s a lot of work, I know. But it’ll all be well worth it once you meet the right people.
Remember, age is just a number
Don’t think about the age difference. Age is just a number. If you find other mom with common interests, try and make a new connection, even if they are. younger/older than you. Remember that you can make friends as an adult, regardless of the exact age.
Consider those with babies in the same age bracket as yours.
It will be easier to connect with ladies currently experiencing the same things you are. If you have young babies, it will be probably easier to relate to other moms who have infants too.
Benefits Of Finding New Mom Friends & A Mom Tribe
Finding new mom friends or joining a mom tribe has multiple benefits1. Here are a few I can say I have enjoyed.
- Emotional support from meeting people who understand exactly what you are going through2.
- Creative mom tribes such as knitting classes produce a sense of inner peace and calm while sharpening your creative skills.
- You’ll learn to be a better mom.
- You will have a lot of fun and hence reduce stress and anxiety.
Where Can I Meet My Mom’s Friends?
You can meet your mom’s friends at places like:
- Social media
- Your new neighborhood
- The local libraries
- Gym
- Coffee shop
- Playgroups
- Local moms parties
- Churches
- Kid’s daycare/nursery/preschool/school
- Music class
- Playground
- Babywearing classes
- Yoga or fitness classes for moms and babies
How Do Full Time Moms Make Friends?
If you work full time, it may be extra challenging to follow some of the suggestions for making best friends. Don’t give up just yet.
You can make new connections at your workplace, join an online community which you can interact with at your leisure, and attend networking events – there’s a high probability of finding moms there, who just like you also work full-time.
If you find someone that you share common ground with, you can also set a playdate with them and their kids.
Even as a full time mama you can make mom friends!
How Do Stay At Home Moms Make Friends?
One of the unique challenges of being a stay-at-home mom is that you appear to have a lot of time on your hands. But the truth is, your time is fully booked. Between taking care of your baby full-time and completing house chores, you might become overwhelmed.
If you are a stay-at-home mom, joining a mom tribe might just be perfect for you, especially one with a facilitator. Search for online groups for stay-at-home moms, as well as groups that meet in your neighborhood (it can be a local moms group, a hobby group or even a support group).
New friendship can help you deal with the wave of emotions that comes with being a stay-at-home mom.
Another option is to engage in school activities – you can always meet there other moms who have kids at similar age!
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. This article contains affiliate links.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂