As a first-time parent, baby groups and clubs can be a great way to meet other new mums and dads, exchange advice and help with social and emotional development in babies too.
Whilst the majority of baby group attendees across the UK are mothers, due to women having more time off of work on maternity leave, dads are often welcomed with open arms to join in on the fun too.
That's why one mum was been left upset after her husband was told not to return to a baby music group he'd taken his son to alone.
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The mum took parenting site Mumsnet to explain the situation, telling users that whilst not solely for mums, other female attendees reported they were "uncomfortable" with having "a penis in the group environment."
The mum posted a copy of the email she had received from the music baby group leader which said: "I hope you’re well and your return to work went smoothly.
"Just to let you know, a few of the mums messaged me after Monday’s session to express discomfort at having a penis in the group environment. They expressed they felt uncomfortable breastfeeding with him in the room and we want the group to always be a safe and inclusive space for breastfeeding mummies.
"I am a small business so think it’s best that he doesn’t attend again. Sorry for the inconvenience, I’ll refund any sessions you have pre-paid."
The mum said she had originally been taking her son to the group herself but after returning to work, her husband took over instead.
"I returned to work two weeks ago, my husband is now a full-time stay at home dad to our eight-month-old son and he’s loving it. He’s a brilliant father and this will be the set up until our son starts school," she said.
"I attended a baby music group with my son since he was two months old, and he really enjoys it (as much as a little baby enjoys anything!).
"Nowhere in the literature of the group does it refer to mums, everything is ‘baby and parent’ so I assumed my husband attending the group instead of me would be fine.
"I told the group leader three weeks ago that my husband would be bringing our son from now on and she was totally fine about it."
According to the mum-of-one, there are only three baby groups in her town, and the other two are specifically for mums so this was the only one which her husband could take their son along to.
She also said she’s been left “absolutely livid” by the email because of the way it reduced her husband to just his genitals.
Fellow Mumsnet users were equally outraged by the email – and some even called for action to be taken for “discrimination”.
The mum later returned to the post to offer an update after speaking to the group leader.
She wrote: “Her [the group leader's] original outrage at my husband’s presence had nothing to do with breastfeeding! She was annoyed because they all go for coffee after and she felt awkward not inviting my husband but didn’t want him there.
“I got an email from the group leader saying she had been told the complaint wasn’t genuine and doesn’t represent the feelings of the majority of the group.
“My husband will be going back.”
Mum-of-one Rhiannon Soulsby, who runs weekly musical baby group Hello World in Benton and North Shields described the situation as "disgraceful" and said that baby groups should be supportive spaces for all parents and caregivers.
"Whilst baby groups are typically 95% female, I actively encourage dads to sign up and take part in Hello World classes," she said. "Single dads, stay-at-home dads and gay dads exist and have just as much right to be there as any mum does.
"Babies won't remember these early classes, but parents will make lifelong memories and special moments there - and dads should not have to be excluded from that experience.
Rhiannon said that she has one dad who regularly attends her classes alone this term, and dads who come along with their partners too.
She also said that grandparents are welcome bring their grandchildren along too.
"I've always been careful with the terminology I use when advertising or promoting my business, and I try to make it clear that we welcome everyone, whatever their sex or gender.
"I also think that it isn't fair that a baby will have to miss out on something he enjoys and which is beneficial to his development, just because it's his dad taking him and not his mum.
"Even though in this situation, it turned out to be a false complaint, the damage has been done and my heart breaks for the father, who was just trying to do something for his baby."
