Playdates aren't just for kids – they're for parents too! This is especially true when you have a baby or toddler, and they are not yet developmentally capable of making friends and playing with others in the way you might assume.

Playdates can start whenever you're ready. They're a chance for you to connect, share experiences, and build a support network in this otherwise demanding stage of life with littles.

Babies start with solitary play, then move to parallel play closer to toddlerhood. True cooperative play, in which they can meaningfully share a goal with peers, comes later, closer to kindergarten age for most children.

Understanding this is important so you don’t place unnecessary pressure on your baby or toddler to become “best friends” with the other child. It’s perfectly normal if you notice that two or more babies and toddlers are mainly focused on doing their own thing while sharing a play space.

Cultivating outings and new experiences is fun and engaging for your baby or toddler. They might love to study the faces of other friends, will soak up tons of language by listening to others talk, and can challenge themselves in new ways upon discovering new toys in different spaces.

Above all, there’s no right or wrong age to start a cadence of play dates. To make sure a playdate is developmentally appropriate, keep it pressure-free, schedule it during your baby’s normal wake time, and choose a comfortable setting where you all can relax and easily supervise.