We are due with our first child in February 2012 and live in Küsnacht. And I was wondering if there are any other mothers/would be mothers interested in starting a Mothers Group for babies born around the same time and living in/around the same area?

Obviously we can then decide ourselves frequency of meetings, where to meet and what to do, however would suggest once a week for now, late afternoon/early evenings and for a coffee or bite to eat. And maybe more frequently and during the day once/twice a week after the babies are born..

My husband and I will be having one at the end of March 2012 - so this would be perfect for us! I have heard countless times that getting involved with other mothers of small children can be so helpful for your sanity. Keep me posted, please, and congratulations!!

hi,
you might want to join
http://www.meetup.com/Moms-of-Baden-and-Zurich/
there are a number of mums-to-be and then many other mums with young babies and small children who can offer help and advice plus just great to get out and talk to other grown-ups. Everyone is friendly. i would recommend.

Really too bad that dads are not invited.

We go to the Apple Tree in Erlenbach. They have a wonderful playroom and are starting a Baby Cafe this month on Mondays and Fridays. They also have playgroups & classes for kids. The philosophy of the Apple Tree is all inclusive and includes, dads, nannies, grandparents & more. All carers of small children are welcome. Meet ups take place during the week & on Saturday mornings too. If you google the name Apple Tree plus Erlenbach, you will find their website. 15 minutes from Zurich along the lake.

Gymboree in Zumikon has classes suitable for all carers too. Not just Mums.
Here is another Meet up group for Moms - http://www.meetup.com/Zurichmoms/
Also Apple Tree has one too - free membership
http://www.meetup.com/apple-tree-ch/

Good luck everyone finding worthwhile activities and play dates for your kids. PM me if you need the link or have specific questions.

Hi, I did not start this group http://www.meetup.com/Moms-of-Baden-and-Zurich/ but I am sure all carers are invited. (not such a friendly title perhaps). So if there are any fathers, grandparents, nannys, aupairs etc who want to join with the little ones - just join up. I know you will be more than welcome.
Its a friendly group although things have been quiet over the last month or so.

Hi!

I am going to move to Erlenbach in March. Checked out the Apple Tree website. Are you still going there? Is it english speaking kids only?

People are very welcome to arrange a parent / carer & child gathering on the Forum's own calendar. Many efforts to initiate regular get togethers have been made over the years but strangely they almost immediately die out.

I feel if a parent / carer were to determine a time and place then others would be glad for the leadership.

Events only occur - and people only meet, including little people, who also need a social life - if somebody steps up and arranges. Why not find a local toddler group at a community centre? The infrastructure is already there - crawl mats, toys, things to climb on for the lil' uns - and a cafe and tables for the adults.

It'll only happen if someone leads from the front.

The mums and tots groups tend to be English speaking with various nationalities attending.

The drop off groups are bilingual and I would say at least 50% of the children speak high or Swiss German as mother tongue, 40% are English mother tongue and in the group to assist with integration into Swiss life. The remaining children are themselves bilingual either ENG/DEU or one of those with another. There are also a couple of Swedish and Spanish mother tongue children.

Trials are free and you have the opportunity to try more than once, if you're still not sure for some reason. Most of the groups are full right now but you can put yourself on a waiting list anytime, free of charge.

thank you!