Welcome for increase in adults allowed at mother and baby groups

CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a Scottish Government decision to increase the number of adults allowed at mother and baby groups from five to ten.

Mother and baby groups offer vital support to new parents Photo: Shutterstock

Nicola Sturgeon was pressed to ease the Covid rules by Edinburgh Western Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton at First Minister’s Questions last week and said she was already looking into whether there could be more flexibility.

The government announced yesterday that in recognition of the particular needs of babies and infants, the maximum number of adults who can attend indoor mother/baby groups and associated organised activities at any one time was being raised to ten where all children in the group are less than 12 months old.

Mr Cole-Hamilton welcomed the move, but urged Ms Sturgeon to go further. He said: “This U-turn follows a major national campaign to allow the increase as these groups were not viable under the five adult rule.

“People forget that new parents, especially mums will have spent lockdown in shielding, adrift of vital friend and family relationships. The impact of that, and continuing restrictions on contact, for perinatal mental health cannot be overstated. This is welcome news and will hopefully allow new parents an extra line of support in these difficult times.”

But he said the change should be extended to cover groups where children were over 12 months.

"While they may not have the same immediate needs as new parents, these groups are important for children’s development and provide new parents with a valuable source of support.”

Tory health spokesman Donald Cameron said: “Baby groups are hugely important for the health and wellbeing of both parents and children, so this is a very welcome u-turn after another week of mixed messages.

“But as usual with the SNP, questions remain unanswered, and in particular we need to hear more about the rationale behind the one year old limit.”

Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said the announcement was a huge victory for parent campaigners.

She said: “A change to the guidance was necessary to ensure the viability of the classes. This is a positive development, and the Scottish Government must now work with parents and providers to support toddler classes too. We need to get it right for every child.”