Making friends with other mums

As much as you love your baby, there comes a time where every new mum craves adult company. Developing relationships with other new mums will not only help preserve your sanity, but could also provide easy opportunities for your little ones to socialise and play together.

Here's how to go about expanding your social circle:

Start early

Strike up conversations with women in your childbirth class or the mums-to-be you often see in the waiting room. You'll be raising babies of roughly the same age, and you can experience parenting milestones together.

Hit the gym

Going to mum-and-baby classes at the gym or exercise studio is a great way to meet other new mums in the area. Get to chatting while your tot crawls around and gets extra tired for his next nap – it's a win-win for you both!

Get onto the forums

If you find that it's difficult to meet people, groups with websites like nct.org.uk and Netmums.com can help to connect you with other mums in your area. This way you can start your friendship online, and share experiences.

Be a playground regular

Aim to take your new baby to the park at least once a week. If you go around the same time on the same days, you're likely to run into some other new mums on the same schedule.

It's likely that your new mum friends' schedules are as hectic as yours, so don't worry too much if you don't get together as often. Maximise play dates by adding as many mums to your circle as possible.