By Molly Grace
Copyright euroweeklynews
New mothers in Torrevieja are calling for greater access to “mother and baby” groups, saying the lack of structured support and play sessions is leaving many families without essential community connections.
Across the UK and northern Europe, such groups are a staple of early parenthood, offering parents a chance to share advice, reduce isolation, and help young children begin to socialise. In Torrevieja, however, local mums say opportunities are limited, particularly for international families who struggle to access Spanish-language services. Hayley, a mother living in Torrevieja, explained the difference she has experienced: “Back in the UK there were so many options I was spoilt for choice. Here, however, there just doesn’t seem to be any options whatsoever.” Her comment reflects a wider frustration among parents trying to find regular, structured sessions for babies and toddlers.
Other parents have voiced similar concerns on local forums, asking if any playgroups or “mum and toddler” sessions exist. While informal meet-ups sometimes take place in parks or cafés, they lack the consistency, structure, and professional support that dedicated mother and baby groups usually provide. Parents say this can make it difficult to develop social connections or gain reliable advice on childcare and early development. Experts highlight the importance of these sessions. They not only help babies with early social and developmental skills but also provide mothers with vital peer support. Parenting during the first year can often feel isolating, particularly for expatriates without nearby family. Groups can also serve as a bridge between health services and families, offering information on feeding, sleep, and early milestones.
Health professionals and early-years specialists note that demand for mother and baby groups often exceeds supply in towns like Torrevieja, where seasonal populations and expatriate communities can make access uneven. Many existing programmes are limited in capacity, available only in Spanish, or scheduled at inconvenient times, leaving some parents unable to attend. Dr. Gabrielle Klein, a clinical psychologist at the Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, emphasises the importance of these groups: “Mother and baby groups play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of both mothers and their infants. These groups provide a supportive environment where mothers can share experiences, receive guidance, and build social connections, which are essential during the early stages of parenthood.”
Some parents have also emphasised the emotional benefits. Sharing experiences with others in the same stage of life can reduce stress, boost confidence, and provide reassurance. For mothers moving to a new country, these groups are a lifeline, allowing them to build a support network and integrate more easily into the local community. For mothers like Hayley, the need for more structured, accessible mother and baby groups is clear. These sessions provide not only play and development opportunities for children but also crucial social and emotional support for parents. As families in Torrevieja continue to seek community and guidance during the early months of parenthood, the demand for these groups remains strong, highlighting a gap in local services that many hope will be addressed in the near future.
