What age range is each group suitable for?

10:00 - 11:30 Crawlers: newborn up to pre-walking (12-15 months)

11:45 - 1:15 Cuddlers: newborn up to pre-crawling (6-8 months)

Cuddlers is a dedicated low key, safe space for you to start getting out with your new baby, and to feel comfortable putting very tiny babies down (if they'll let you!) to enjoy a conversation and a hot drink.

Crawlers has toys and equipment to keep mobile babies occupied as they start to want to explore and play, but are maybe not yet ready for the world of toddlers. 

You are very welcome at Crawlers before your baby turns 6 months if the earlier time suits you better.

You don't have to stop coming to Cuddlers the minute your baby starts to crawl, or stop coming to Crawlers as soon as they are up on two feet, but you will know when time has come to move on, as you start to really notice how much they have grown compared to littlest members. Time flies and it's always bittersweet to wave you and your not-so-tiny-anymore baby on your way, but we can point you in the direction of other local toddler groups. 

Do I need to book?

No, we are an informal drop-in group. You can arrive and leave at any time during the session - we know getting out of the house with a tiny human can be unpredictable! 

Please sign in on arrival each time.

On your first visit, please let a volunteer on the front desk know. They will give you a registration form to complete and help you settle in.

There is limited capacity for some of our workshops, which can be booked via Eventbrite. 

Is there a charge to attend? 

No, but optional donations are much appreciated (suggested £2 per session). 

If you have change (and hands free to access it!) you can pop this in the collection tin at sessions or pay by card reader. You can also make a donation anytime online via PayPal here.

Where are the sessions?

Great Western Park Southern Community Centre, Sorrel Crescent, Didcot, OX11 6HQ. 

Is there parking on site?

There is plenty of parking on site and the room is easy to access on the ground floor. 

We ask that you leave pushchairs in the lobby area if possible due to limited space in the hall, but it's fine to bring them in if little ones are sleeping or for accessibility reasons.

Where are the nearest bus stops?

The X32 bus stops a 5 minute walk away at Ramsons Crescent every half an hour (timetable here).

The X34/35 bus stops a 8 minute walk away at ASDA (timetable here)

Are refreshments provided?

Yes. We provide tea/coffee/herbal teas in lidded cups and homemade cake or biscuits. 

Decaffeinated and dairy/gluten free options are available - please do ask if you would like these if you would like them.

Do you run in the school holidays?

Yes, we try to run every week except bank holidays, but this is subject to availability of volunteers so please do check ahead on our Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Can I bring my partner/mum/friend? 

Yes, they are very welcome to come too. We welcome all parents and carers.

Can I bring my older children along too?

If you need feeding support that's fine, however we are not really set up to keep them entertained on a regular basis, so you may want to bring something with you to occupy them. 

Can I attend before my baby has been born? 

Yes. We also hold a monthly evening session especially for expectant parents - Bump Club.

I'm feeling anxious about attending for the first time, what can I expect?

A warm welcome! Our friendly volunteer team are all mums who have been there. We completely understand how daunting it can be getting out with your baby and meeting new people. There will be someone on the welcome desk to greet you on arrival and help you settle in. We will introduce you to other new attendees or those with a similar aged babies. It can take a few sessions to get to know people, but please be reassured that you are not alone. Feel free to get in touch in advance if you have any questions. 

I feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in front of other people, is there a private space available?

There is separate room we can use if you would like some privacy to breastfeed, or would prefer a quieter space for feeding support.

We know that breastfeeding out and about can take some getting used to, especially in the early days when you and your little one are getting the hang of it. Practicing in a safe space around other mothers can help build your confidence, and we are here to offer support and encouragement if you need it. 

Can I get feeding support if I'm not exclusively breastfeeding?

Absolutely! We are here to support all breast/chest/bottle/formula feeding journeys. We believe that we all have the right to good quality information and to be supported to meet our personal feeding goals, whatever that looks like for your family - your body, your baby, you choice. 

You can talk to us about anything at all that is on your mind non-feeding related too - if it's something we are not trained to cover we will always tell you and signpost you somewhere else better placed to help. And of course, sometimes all we need is a good moan/cry and some reassurance that we are doing just fine! 

How can I support the group?

Make a donation towards our running costs.

Join our volunteer team - more info on getting involved here.

Give us some feedback - Your suggestions are always welcome for improvements we could make, or additional support or activities we could provide - this is your group! We are also very grateful for any positive feedback about how the group has helped you, as this is incredibly helpful when we are applying for funding. Send us a message or grab a volunteer for a chat on a Monday morning.

Spread the word - let other families know about us and the support we can provide. 

Engage on Facebook or Instagram - Like and share our posts to help keep us in the algorithms' good books and visible to you and others.