Speed Dating for Mums: How to Find Your Perfect Playgroup
How many times have you heard, “I made the bestest of friends at mums group or playgroup. They became my village and tribe?”
While that’s been my experience (shout out to the ladies in Mackay and my bestie!), it’s not the case for everyone. Not every mum clicks with their first mums group or playgroup. This is where the speed dating analogy comes in: just like in speed dating, if you don’t feel a connection, you move on (and the bell usually helps too!). The same goes for playgroups.
Just because the other mums have babies around the same age doesn’t mean you’ll instantly become best friends. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away and try another group.
I get it—it’s tough. You’ve dragged yourself out of the house, possibly after a sleepless night, changed a terrible nappy, repacked the nappy bag, and then, you arrive at a group that just doesn’t vibe with you. You’re allowed to feel frustrated and cry.
But the best thing you can do is try again. Find a new group, a new space, and see how that feels. Don’t feel pressured to return to a group that doesn’t serve you. Everyone’s journey is different, so don’t worry if your experience isn’t the same as someone else’s. Find what makes you happy.
Here are some places where you can find local mums groups:
⭐️ Playmatters
⭐️ Australian Breastfeeding Association
⭐️ Local primary schools and Churches
⭐️ Mainly Music
⭐️ Libraries - have great nursery rhyme and under five programs that are free
⭐️ Area health services usually have new parents programs that you can join
⭐️ Other small businesses in the community.
Sometimes it just takes a little asking—whether through friends, local parenting pages, or even a doula who can suggest activities as part of their service. Like speed dating, it might take a few tries before you find your connection.
If you’re struggling to find your tribe, know you’re not alone! And if you're local to Ipswich and Springfield, check out my blog on small businesses supporting mums in finding their village.
Mums, Babies and Community: Must try activities in Springfield & Ipswich
If you're looking for activities to do with your newborn or baby under one in the Springfield and Ipswich area, you're in luck! There are some fantastic local businesses and groups that can help. As a postpartum doula, I highly recommend the following:
⭐️ YMCA Springfield Lakes Community Centre They offer a Mums & Bubs playgroup on Monday mornings during school terms. It’s $50 per term, with the first week free. I’m also facilitating it this year, so come say hi!
⭐️ The Australian Breastfeeding Association With groups across the country, they host monthly meet-ups where you can connect with other mums, share experiences, and get breastfeeding advice (membership not required). Find your local group:
Australian Breastfeeding Association Ipswich Group
Australian Breastfeeding Association Springfield
⭐️ Mums of May This playgroup at Soul Nook Collective in Marburg offers unique and engaging play experiences for kids. While it’s perfect for toddlers, you can join with your newborn and connect with a wonderful community of mums. Babies aged 0 -8 months are free to attend too.
⭐️ Kangatraining Ipswich Grace runs an awesome exercise program where you wear your baby in a carrier while working out. There’s also a mums group you can join after the workout, or just attend the group for a great community.
⭐️ Messy Mates Play Dates Is a hands on messy play fun that supports your childs development and gives parents a chance to connect, that is run by Taryn. Dates for activities are published on their Facebook page.
⭐️ Stroller Striders Is a social gathering of new and seasoned parents which meet in Ipswich Parks weekly from 7:45am to exercise and connect.
⭐️ Everyday Mums Their New Mums Program runs in three locations, Ipswich, Springfield and Jindalee. Contact Talia to book and check out when the programs run.
⭐️ Ipswich Libraries All branches offer Baby Rhyme Time, a six-week program where you sing nursery rhymes and meet other mums. They also have First Five Forever programs that focus on reading and interacting with your baby—no registration required.
⭐️ Making Rainbows Brisbane: Baby sensory classes that are held in Ipswich and Jindalee. A great way to engage with your baby and meet other mums. If you are looking
⭐️ West Moreton Health their Fourth Trimester group is designed for babies under 12 weeks. Get in touch to book a spot. There is no fee for this program.
⭐️ Mater Fourth Trimester Essentials - is a six week program to help you navigate life with your baby. Each week a new topic is discussed with an expert presenter. The program is held at the Mater Health Hub in Springfield and there is a cost to attend.
⭐️ Last but not least is Play Matters QLD (formerly Playgroup Australia) lets you search for local playgroups. Ipswich also has a Play Matters hub offering playgroup and educational programs.
One thing to remember when trying out Mums & Bubs activities: It’s like speed dating. Sometimes you’ll click with the first group you visit, but other times it may take a few tries to find the right mix of women and activities. Keep going, trust your gut, and remember there’s a group out there for everyone—even if you have to look a little further. If you’re confused by the speed dating analogy, check out my previous blog to see how mothers’ groups and speed dating are alike!
Good luck finding the perfect group in the area!
Katie 💕
P.S. This post has been updated in June to reflect changes in the area and will continue to be updated so it is a relevant resource to new parents.