Meet-up meccas like Soho Parenting offer strength in numbers

Photograph: Courtesy of Soho Parenting

“We have some groups where the kids have gone off to college and the moms are still getting together,” says Kiki Shaffer, director of the Parenting Center at the 14th Street Y. In the ideal support group, you’ll get tips about everything from sleeping and feeding to dealing with meltdowns. You’ll also get to bond with other moms (or dads) who are facing the same hurdles as you, whether it’s run-of-the-mill first-time parent stuff or more complex issues, such as diving into the dating pool as a single mom or advocating on behalf of a special-needs child. “Plus, you can’t underestimate the importance of having a destination,” Shaffer adds. “If you don’t have a place to go in those first few months, you might still be in your pajamas at 4:30 in the afternoon.” Here are some of the best reasons to pull on a pair of pants (yes, everyone else will still be in their maternity wear, too) and get out of the apartment.

Families First
Moms from all over BoCoCa (Boerum and Cobble Hills and Carroll Gardens, for the uninitiated) flock to this cozy Brooklyn center with a small-town vibe. “The woman who gave me the tour when I joined knew the name of every baby we passed,” says Melissa Morgenlander, a mom of twins in Brooklyn Heights. “They really make you feel like you live in a supportive community.” New moms meet on Monday afternoons to bond and discuss topics such as sleep, development and breast-feeding with a trained facilitator ($200 for eight weeks). Afterward, moms can take that pertinent discussion about nipple shields to the playroom or attend classes including GoGoBabies. “We will continue to add different moms’ groups as we see the need,” says director Beth Winson, so keep checking the website for upcoming special-needs and multiples groups. 250 Baltic St between Clinton and Court Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-237-1862, familiesfirstbrooklyn.org)