6 Easy Ways to Meet Mom Friends

Hey lady!

Now that you're a mom, things are changing fast.  Maybe your old friends are still hanging out at bars while you're busy changing diapers and washing bottles.   Maybe you're new to town or naturally introverted.  Whatever the case, you need other moms in your life!  Here's why:

Mom friends are there for the good and bad.  They nod sympathetically when you talk about how you've been up all night.  They understand when your hair is a mess and you're wearing the same pair of leggings for the third straight day.  And they really, really get it when you have a meltdown because your husband never closes the wipes and now the whole pack is dried up!

See what I'm saying?  We need other moms almost as much as we need a good night's sleep. Luckily, they're a lot easier to come by than you think.  Here are six ways to meet mom friends in your area today:

1. HANG OUT AT THE PARK

This is my #1 way to make friends.  Try pushing a baby in a swing for thirty minutes and not talking to the mom standing next to you... it's impossible! 

2. CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY

Most libraries offer a variety of programs for little ones.  I've been taking Luna to a Baby Bunny Story Time since she was 5 weeks old.  It's more structured than the park so arrive a few minutes early or hang around after the class for a chance to chat with the other moms.

3. TRY GYMNASTICS

Our local gymnastics center offers a FREE fun time on Fridays for all babies under 18 months!  Older babies and children can come, too, for just a few bucks per hour.  While I chat up the other moms, Luna crawls up and down the stacked mats and across the floor beams.   And since there's a time limit, I never have to awkwardly figure out how to get away from a conversation.  It's the perfect opportunity for an introvert (like me) to socialize!

Note:  Out of curiosity, I checked around to see if other gyms offer similar programs and many of them did!  So definitely contact local gyms to see what they offer!

4. HEAD TO THE COMMUNITY POOL

Who wouldn't want to make friends while getting a tan?!  Just make sure to slather on the sunscreen (or keep infants covered) and bring plenty of water.  Also, try to go before 10 AM or after 4 PM to limit sun exposure.

Some places also offer swim classes for babies as young as six months!  We enrolled Luna in swim class when she was ten months old.  Full disclosure - she hated it BUT the other five babies in her class (that were all a few months older) really enjoyed splashing around.  And the other moms were sympathetic to Lu's crying.  It actually gave us something to talk about after the lessons ended!

5. JOIN STROLLER STRIDES

My version of "working out" is a leisurely stroll through town.  But I know plenty of moms who swear by Stroller Strides!  It's a fitness program that incorporates your baby into the workouts and it's found nationwide.  One thing to know - there's a monthly fee for this program.  Around here, it runs about $60 per month.  Still, it's cheaper than a gym membership and a great way to meet other moms!

6. USE YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

As a last resort, I use my husband to make friends.  He meets a lot of guys through work and many of them are married with kids.  Yes, sometimes it feels like I'm being set up on an adult play date.  But every now and then I meet a fellow mom who turns into a genuine friend, so it's totally worth it!

What are some other ways you've made mom friends?  Let us know in the comments below!

With love,

Lace

*Banner Photo by Caroline Basquill-White*

*All outfits pictured above are sold on WhiteGoldLA.com!*

Baby Registry Do's & Don'ts

Hey mommas,

When I found out I was pregnant, I couldn't wait to create a baby registry!  Between morning sickness and weight gain, it was a fun distraction from some of the more painful aspects of pregnancy.  But I was also really naive about the process.  And looking back, there are a few Do's and Don'ts that I want to remember next time around ...

DO research products thoroughly.  Check online reviews and read product descriptions.  When my daughter was born, I couldn't wait to use our new Ergo 360 Carrier.   The only problem?  It needed an infant insert that wasn't included.  If I'd done a little more research, I could have put it on my registry instead of shelling out $20 on it later.

DO register for items with a variety of price points.  While it's important to register for the bigger items, make sure to include more affordable products as well, such as a changing pad and crib sheets.  This ensures all guests can afford a gift you're sure to love.

DON'T register for items that you're not willing to buy yourself.  Keep in mind that you'll likely need to purchase the things you don't receive at the shower.  Only register for items that are within your budget, especially if they come as part of a matching set.

DO tell guests about the registry.  Include registry information on the shower invitations.  Make sure to list the name of the store, location, website, and the name the registry can be found under.  Older guests may have a difficult time accessing online registries so consider including step-by-step instructions.

DON'T expect everyone to purchase off the registry.  Better to be prepared for some unexpected surprises and practice your "I love it!" face before the shower.  On that note, try to keep an open mind.  You might just receive the perfect gift you never even knew you wanted!

DO check the registry frequently.  Baby products often go out of stock or get discontinued.  If this is the case, you'll want to know about it sooner rather than later and make changes if needed.

DO register at more than one store.  It's great to register with small, local boutiques.  But you should also select a few items at big name stores like Target or Babies 'R Us!  Guests will appreciate the options and you'll increase the probability of receiving a gift you love.

DON'T put the same items on both registries.  It can be uncomfortable when two people purchase the same gift.  Even more important, it's a hassle to return items after the fact. 

DO think long-term.  You might not need a high chair or convertible car sear right away, but a few months down the road you'll be glad you have them!

I wish I'd had this list BEFORE my baby shower!  Hopefully it will help make things a litttttle easier for you - especially when it comes to managing expectations about gifts :)

With love and best wishes,

Lace