Mother and Baby Groups/Creches [Geneva]

Viryar · 25 March 2007 19:09

Thinking of moving to the Geneva area, most likely to the outskirts of the city in a village, and am just looking for any info on whether we can expect to find any mother and baby groups/creches in these villages. The sort of places we are considering are Veyrier and Puplinge, and also along the southern lake shore.

My concern is that with a five month old baby, I would be left in an isolated

position if there were none and I had to travel into Geneva centre all the time for some child care. Or is this what people generally do, ie. go into Geneva for childcare/creches and some adult contact/sanity?

Thank you for your assistance.

Dido

Eepeze · 25 March 2007 22:02

I'm moving to the outskirts of Bern and I am interested in finding a mother and toddler group. My daughter is 15 months old and benefits greatly from lots of contact with other toddlers, and I would love to take her once or twice a week to a group. Are they expensive / inexpensive / free / nearby etc? I don't mind if they are English or German speaking groups (I think she will pick up German without any problems being only 15 months). Plus I can make some new friends too hopefully! I would love any information! Thanks

Nouboro · 26 March 2007 08:34

Hi, in most communes in Switzerland they have parent and child (Mutterberatung) centers. In very small areas they may link a few villages. If you ask at the commune (gemiende) where you'll be living they will give you a full list of all the activities available. Another possibility is joining an expat site for contact with other mothers.

Most "Mutterberatung" centers hold coffee mornings for mother and child and they also have something called "MuKi" these are a gentle exercise class for mother and child. Check out the local English or bilingual playgroups/ preschools, many of them have coffee afternoons/mornings for a nominal fee.

I don't know if either of you have a good command of the language but if you do join something local (i know it can be a bit daunting for some) your child gets an early introduction to the language and you'll hopefully make some local friends.

I wish you both a good move and good luck in your new communities.

barkt · 10 April 2007 21:27

Hello everyone-

There was some discussion on Expat-Moms-in-Switzerland about playgroups in Geneva and this is what was posted...

"I go to the Gymboree in Bern with my 1 year old daughter. I know they have one also in Geneva, next to the airport. Check the site out; www.gymboree.ch "

"there's a group who meet every Thursday at 10h30 and tomorrow they're meeting at Baby's Lounge in Old Town."

There is a group of moms on that list who meet once a month on a Saturday with their kids.

And this below is from our files section on Expat-Moms (it is kind of old so I am going to post now to the group to ask for updated info)...

Kiddie Club Playgroup

66 route de Chene

Educational bilingual playgroup for children 8 months to 3 1⁄2 years

http://www.kiddieclub.ch/courses_intro.htm

Kiddie Club Reading Group

English reading & writing courses

From 4 years to grade 9

http://www.kiddieclub.ch/courses_lang.htm

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You can try the Halte Garderie La Madeleine

16 place de la Madeleine, old town (022 310 1537)

They take children from 18 months to 4 yrs old

You don't have to enroll, you can leave your child at any time provided

there is space -if I remember correctly, up to 20 children-from experience,

it is always busier in the morning than in the afternoon. Your child can

stay a maximum of 3 hrs in a row, 3 times a week. They charge by the hour, CHF 5.- (that's how much they used to charge last summer, I have not been there since)

It is very convenient when you have some shopping to do downtown and don't want to drag your little one along.

Another play group is 'La Bulle d'air', chemin du Pommier in Grand Saconnex

Musical playgroup from 18 months

1 hr per week Wambui has been going there for over a year now and she loves it

The American International Women's club has weekly meeting for Mums &

children called 'Baby talk' & 'Kids are welcome' for the older ones. It is

a nice way to meet other mums and make friends.

The club's number is 022 736 0120

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Playgroup Programme

Crossroads, Ferney-Voltaire, France

http://www.playgroupprogramme.org

"The group is suitable for 18 months - 8 years as they also have a

reading programme.They play "rough & tumble" ;O), sing, make

crafts,have snack and story time. There is also a childrens library

where you can take out great books in English."

"Playgroup Programme is an association of International parents

which organizes structured, English-language playgroups".

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Its between Nyon and Geneva.The village is called Chavannes-des-Bogis.

Nearest bigger agglomerations are Coppet CH or Divonne-les-Bains in

France. The "garderie"is called Candy Club and takes children from 2 1/2 to 6 years.

In addition to the "garderie" there is also a great outdoor playarea

for children at the Manor restaurant. Its where all the international

mums meet up!!! So if you are new to the area you can easily meet

others there. Manor has free "sirop" for kids, changing tables, Tripp

Trapp chairs(;O) and great food....

http://www.manor.ch/fr/storeweb/inde...il&storeID=322

barkt · 10 April 2007 21:30

The information below is from the files of the Expat-Moms-in-Switzerland group. I've just posted it to them asking for updates and addtions as it is kind of old. HTH:-)

Tiny Tots

Meets twice a month on Tuesday at 14:00

Location varies

Lisa Flynn 031 351 0644

English Speaking Playgroup

Everyday 9:00-11:30

For 3-5 year olds

Tuesday & Thursday afternoons for reading & writing classes

Kelly 031/332 92 92

www.homepage.swissonline.ch/esp

English speaking Mums groups at St Ursula's every wednesday

morning 9.30 - 11.30, loads of Mums and kids