I didn't take my son until he was one as I didn't really know what playgroups did and I could never seem to get there.  However we have been ever since and my daughter from about one week old!  We love it and we have heaps of babies.  Can I just add too that it is very helpful for mum as well as for baby?

I have been taking Damian to playgroup since he was bout 4 weeks... He has benefitted greatly in developing acceptable social skills and how to stand up for himself against a few of the rougher kids (yes sometimes lil kids can be rough) but he loves going there everyweek he even met his best friend there.... I dont think he would have friends if it wasnt for playgroup.

From 6 weeks we have been doing playgroup which was more for me to socialize at that age but from about 4 months they benifit. Also a pram walking group and mothers group organised through my local community health nurse and swimming lessons so if you have something like that it would be good too. We actually go to 2 different playgroups.

Playgroup is set up so that you can take your baby from birth if you like.  It isn't just for the kiddies, but also for the parents and carers too.  Even grandparents and other family members are encouraged to go along and have some fun.

The benefits of taking your son now are that he will be more socially aware, and more accepting of having strange people around.

Hi, we started our wee man in swimming lessons and play group when he was 6mths old... Our nurse advised us to wait until he had, had that extra immunisation.  When we went play group, there were plenty of mums there with their babies though, and they all seemed to be fine, and the mums got a lot of enjoyment out of it.

I started going to playgroup when my son was 1 week old, it was a great way to get out of the house, mingle with other parents and swap  ideas.

My son was about 6 months when i first went. But i only went a couple of times and never went back. He is now 10 1/2 months and we started at a new one this week and he enjoyed this one alot more! So did i actually.

I find that it is more for the mothers than the children. The one i go to now has craft and stuff for the older kids, but it is more the parents to get out and have a break.

Playgroups are a great way for mums to get out of the house and mingle with people in the same situation. I think 4 months is a great age for your child to attend. You may even make some friends yourself.

I was told from 6 weeks to 4 (kindy age)

I don't know about play group, I doubt he would be too young, he just wouldn't be able to join in as much but he will still get the stimulation etc...

Do you belong to a mother's group???  this way your child can still interact with other children of the same age.  As they get older you can organize activities or do your own thing with the kids.  You can talk to the other mothers and have coffee at the same time.  Just aske your health nuse about one.

Good luck, I hope someone can give you more info.