How to Find the Perfect Mom Friends as a Busy New Parent
7 minute read
Making new friends as an adult is HARD…whether you’re a new mom or not.
But many new parents struggle to find mom friends who understand just how life-altering having a baby can be. So if you’re having a hard time finding people who *get it*… know that you’re not alone.
We know how important it is to find your tribe — that’s why we want to share some of our favorite tips for finding the perfect mom friends.
You’ve got this mama (and we’ve got you!).
Making Mom Friends Can be Hard…
There are a lot of things about being a new parent that may feel harder than you originally expected. And making new mom friends can be one of them.
This is totally normal!
From learning how to be a parent, adapting to your little one’s ever-changing schedule, and simply figuring out who YOU are now that you’re a mom… You are adjusting to so much during your postpartum season (whether you’re 6 days, 6 months, or even 6 years in!).
That’s why it can feel a lot harder to do something as “simple” as making new mom friends.
But having a mom friend (or two, or three!) that’s in your corner — who will meet up for a playdate, send you an encouraging text at 3 a.m., or be a sounding board for your latest parenting struggle — can help you through the ups and downs of early motherhood.
Our 3 Favorite Tips for Meeting Other Mom Friends
If your social skills feel a little dusty after spending so much time with a newborn… Don’t fear! Here are 3 easy tips to help you meet other new mom friends with ease:
- Be open
You never know where you’ll meet your new bestie. It could be at a friend’s summer BBQ. Your weekly outing to Target. While standing in line at your favorite coffee shop. Or the birthday party for one of your kiddo’s friends.
That’s why it’s important to be open to any opportunity that presents itself. (Even if you’re running on 4 hours of sleep or you tossed your hair in a messy bun.) Say “yes” to invitations from others and make an effort to put yourself out there!
- Be yourself
It can be easy to compare yourself to the moms that seem to have it all together from day one. This can lead to feelings of insecurity, vulnerability and doubt.
Just remember, we’re all in this new parenting boat together. Whether you’ve known someone for 20 years or 20 minutes — it’s ok to put yourself out there. Tto be open and honest about what you’re going through. Without the Instagram filter, perfect caption, or funny anecdote.
By being yourself, you’ll open yourself up to deeper and more meaningful friendships that will stand the test of time.
- Be flexible
Getting together with other new mom friends may require some flexibility! If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you may have to work around other kiddos’ nap schedules.
If you work full time, you may need to find a couple babysitters (or lean on your partner!) to make it easier to meet up once your little one(s) go down for the night.
Be willing to try out different days or times during the week to find what works best for you and your family. And remember — it’s ok if plans fall through or you need to reschedule. This is all part of adapting to life with littles!
Start by Meeting Other Pregnant Moms
If you’re pregnant and already thinking about making mom friends — way to go! By connecting with other expecting moms during this special time, you’ll be able to get to know one another as you journey together through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
Your healthcare provider may offer opportunities to connect with other expecting mamas — like group prenatal sessions or online Q&A forums to answer your pregnancy questions.
But you may want to find a prenatal class that is specifically tailored to a topic that will help you prepare for a smooth pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience. (This is actually one of our favorite times to get to know other parents!)
We have seen some amazing relationships form during our Hypnobabies classes, Breastfeeding 101, and Newborn Care classes.
How to Meet Other Moms Near You
If you’re ready to meet other moms in your local area — you’re in luck! Here our 3 favorite ways to meet moms near you:
- Check Out a Local Support Group or Parenting Class
If you’re looking to meet new moms and get answers to your parenting questions, a new mom support group may be a perfect fit. Here are two of our favorite support groups for new parents:
- Do you have questions about breastfeeding? Do you want to connect with other moms about your feeding journey? Stop by the Lactation Lounge! This popular support group is held bi-weekly (Monday & Friday) and facilitated by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
- The transition to parenthood can be challenging no matter if it is your first baby or your fourth. Ask us about the Growing Together and opportunities to get the support you need.
Even if you are only able to attend a support group one time (we know how busy life gets!) — you never know when or where you may meet a meaningful new friend. At the very least you’ll walk away with answers to your questions to help make navigating life as a new parent a little bit easier.
- Attend a Local “Mommy & Me” Class
Taking your little one to a fun class is a great way to bond with your baby and get to know other moms. Here are two of our favorite classes:
- Mamaste! Looking for a postpartum yoga class? You’ll love our Baby & Me yoga — perfect for stretching and strengthening your postpartum muscles (get 4 classes for $80).
- Do you miss going out dancing with your girlfriends? Or simply enjoy moving to your favorite music? Check out Dance with Baby — a fun and engaging 5-week series held at the boutique.
Don’t forget to chat with other moms before and after class! This is a great way to foster new connections, exchange phone numbers, and set up playdates.
- Go to the Park
When the weather is beautiful outside… There’s a pretty good chance that your local park or playground will have a lot of other new parents!
So, grab your favorite stroller and get outside for some fresh air by heading to your local park! Parks are an amazing place for your little one to play with kids their age. And it’s a great opportunity to strike up a conversation with their caregiver while they play!
If you enjoy talking to the parents you meet (or your kiddos hit it off!) — be bold and ask for their phone number so you can stay in touch. They likely will live nearby making it easy to get together for playdates in the future!
But if you’re struggling to get out of the house or connect with other parents in person, that’s ok! There are lots of opportunities to meet other moms online too.
How to Meet the Best Moms Online
When you’re home 99% of the time with a new baby, scrolling through TikTok and Instagram during the endless contact naps and nursing sessions… Why not connect with other moms online?
A Facebook group is an amazing way to meet other moms online — especially if it feels too challenging to schedule meet-ups IRL. There are tons of Facebook groups for moms based on preferred parenting styles, your due month, or even your favorite baby products! You may want to check out our Facebook group, The Hive!
Try out a group or two until you find one that feels right for you. You may be surprised how quickly you make genuine connections when you share about your experience, ask a question, or simply comment on other people’s thoughts.
We especially love Facebook groups because they’re available 24/7! This is so helpful when you need encouragement and support during your 4th night-time feeding or after a particularly difficult toddler meltdown.
But if Facebook groups aren’t your thing…remember that the whole point of social media is for SOCIAL connection! Send a DM to get to know someone you admire on Instagram. Reply to a thoughtful comment on TikTok to strike up a conversation. Social media is a great way to connect with like-minded moms across the country (and even the world!).
Our Favorite App for Mom Friends
We absolutely love the Peanut app! It’s our favorite app for making mom friends because they make it so easy. Like your favorite dating app, simply swipe left or right to meet new mom friends. Once connected, you can message each other to your heart’s content!
We’ve found that apps like Peanut are great for new moms that want to make new friends quickly and are interested in virtual and in-person friendships. You can connect with women who are at a similar stage in life – from fertility, pregnancy and motherhood…all the way through menopause!
We also love that they have groups built into the platform so that you can easily find communities that share your common interests.
Final Thoughts on Making Mom Friends as a New Parent
Whether it’s attending a class, joining a Facebook group, or striking up a conversation with another mom at your favorite boutique (we hope it’s Babies in Bloom!)…
There are many ways to meet your new mom bestie.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t meet your new mom bestie right away. Be patient. Keep putting yourself out there.
Remember…you are the best parent for your little one. And to be the best parent you can be, you need support — from family, friends, and other moms who understand what you’re going through.
All the hard work you’re putting into building your community and finding your tribe will pay off in the long run!
Ready to Meet Your New Mom Bestie at Babies in Bloom?
Browse the boutique, drop in to our bi-weekly Breastfeeding Support Group, treat yourself to Baby and Me Yoga, or sign up for a class! We’d love to meet you and connect you with other mamas in the North County area. We can’t wait to see you!
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
