How to Meet Your Gals as a New Mum (Without It Feeling Awkward)
Nobody really talks about how lonely new motherhood can feel.
You can be surrounded by people – midwives, health visitors, family WhatsApps – and still think: But where are my people? The ones who get the sleep deprivation, the mum guilt, the sudden personality shift where you now get excited about good coffee and a dry buggy walk.
If you’ve found yourself wondering how on earth you’re meant to make new friends as a grown woman with a baby in tow, you’re not alone. And no, you don’t have to suddenly become “that mum” who thrives on forced icebreakers.
Here are some genuinely good, very normal ways to meet other mums – without it being weird.
1. Baby Classes (But Pick the Right Ones)
Not all baby classes are created equal. Some are purely about the baby (cute, but not very social). Others are basically a sneaky way to meet other mums while your baby stares at a bubble machine.
Some good UK-based options to try:
Buggy Fit
As the name suggests, this is an exercise class for mums with buggies. It’s energetic enough that you’re focused on something (so nobody feels awkward), but slow enough that you can chat before/after the session. And its pitched at all fitness levels for mums trying to rebuild post baby, so you don't need to be a real gym bunny to join in. The beauty here is that you see familiar faces week after week — and regularity is friendship gold.
Baby Sensory
A class designed around stimulating your baby’s senses with lights, sounds, textures and music. For the mums, it’s usually the best half hour ever: a warm room, soft music, and other adults to nod at. Because most sessions follow similar patterns each week, you start noticing the same people, which makes chatting feel natural. And if you're lucky, you'll find a class that offers a cuppa after too.
Hartbeeps
Imagine a creative mix of music, storytelling, interaction and silly grown-ups being encouraging. That’s Hartbeeps. It’s playful for babies and gives mums a chance to share those “did you see that?” moments.
Top tip for any of these classes: go twice. The first time is survival. The second time is when people start chatting.
2. Walking Groups (The Least Awkward Option)
Walking groups are elite-level friendship starters because you don’t have to make eye contact the whole time, silences are normal, and, let's face it, babies tend to behave better outside
Look out for:
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Local buggy walks (often advertised via Facebook or Instagram)
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Postnatal walking groups run by physios or fitness instructors
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National Trust or park café meet-ups (coffee is usually the real goal)
If you’re feeling brave, be the one who says: “Anyone fancy doing this again next week?” That sentence has started thousands of mum friendships.
3. Apps That Actually Work (Promise)
Yes, friendship apps sound intense. No, they’re not just for people who overshare immediately.
These ones are the ones our mums tell us are genuinely useful:
Peanut
Peanut is often described as “Tinder, but for mum friends” minus the flirting and with a lot of chat about sleep regressions. But don’t worry, there’s none of the pressure of dating apps. The vibe is supportive and chatty, and it’s built around shared experiences. You can match with mums of babies around the same age, join topic-based groups and start convos in a safe, slow way (no awkward first messages)
This app works especially well because it’s normalised - lots of mums use it now, so you’re not alone in trying it.
4. NCT Groups (If You Have One – Use It)
If you did NCT classes and the WhatsApp group is now mostly tumbleweed and baby photos – don’t write it off yet.
That group is full of women who live near you, have babies the same age and are probably waiting from someone else to suggest a meet up.
Send the message. Worst case, nobody replies. Best case, you find your people. And if you're pregnant and haven't done NCT yet, definitely check out your local classes.
5. Instagram (Yes, Really)
Local Instagram accounts are massively underrated for making mum friends.
Search for things like:
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“Mums of (your town)”
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“Postnatal fitness (in a specific area)”
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“Buggy walks (where you live)”
Comment on stories. Reply to posts. Show up to events. It feels strange at first, but it’s surprisingly effective, and everyone’s doing it quietly.
A Final Word (The Important Bit)
If this all feels like effort, that’s because it is.
Making friends as a new mum takes energy you don’t always have. And if you don’t click with everyone, that’s normal too. You’re not failing. You’re just human.
But when you do find your gals – the ones who make you feel like you again – it changes everything.
So go gently, say yes when you can, wear something that makes you feel good, and remember: every confident-looking mum you see has Googled “how to make mum friends” at some point too.
