Best Baby and Toddler Outings Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

Joining a support group gives you direct and actionable support during one of the hardest transitions of your life. It also helps you add to the extended community you’re creating for your child.

If you live in a metropolitan area, you should have plenty to choose from. Local groups include PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) and Listening Mothers, plus numerous Meetups focused on different interests and attributes. Families of Color Seattle (abbreviated FOCS and pronounced "folks") offers parent affinity groups for families of color and other groups.

Don't have the budget? Many of these programs offer scholarships or reduced rates for low-income parents. If you have friends with same-age babies, you can form your own group for free. The advantages of the formal programs, such as PEPS, are that you meet new people, get access to parent educators and facilitators, and join the wider community of other people who have gone through the program.

There are also many neighborhood-based online parent communities; ask a neighbor if there's one near you. You can buy/sell things to local parents through these lists, as well as get good advice, tips and recommendations on anything from parenting issues to pediatric dentists.

If you need help with breastfeeding, support groups and lactation consultants are readily available through hospitals (try Swedish Hospital, Overlake Hospital, Kaiser Permanente or your local hospital), La Leche League, maternity stores or recommendations from your pediatrician.