Premie Playgroup is one of the ways Featherweight Club supports the transition from hospital to home and beyond for families whose baby has been in a Special Care Nursery.   The service has been operating since early 2005 and during that time we have helped many families from across Melbourne adjust to life at home with their special baby.

Did you know we sometimes have guest speakers at Premie Playgroup?  Let us know the topics you're interested in and keep an eye on our News & Events page for details about upcoming guest speakers.

Why Premie Playgroup?

• Our members have all had experiences of babies in the Special Care Nursery.  
• Playgroup provides an opportunity for children to play with others in a fun and secure environment.  
• Parents get the chance to meet and share parenting ideas with other parents who have also had a premature or sick baby.

Where is Premie Playgroup?

Premie Playgroup @ Boroondara The Craig Centre 7 Samarinda Avenue ASHBURTON (Melway Ref:  60 E10) Just 5 minutes from the Monash Freeway!

Premie Playgroup @ Banyule Bellfield Maternal & Child Health Centre Corner Banksia Street and Oriel Road BELLFIELD (Melway Ref:  31 E4)

Note that plenty of easily accessible parking is available at both venues.

We are pram friendly!

When is Premie Playgroup?

Premie Playgroup @ Boroondara 10.00 am - 12 noon 2nd Tuesday of every month All year round

Premie Playgroup @ Banyule 10 am - 12 noon 1st Wednesday of every month All year round (except January)

Please view the Featherweight Club Calendar to confirm when your nearest Premie Playgroup is meeting next.

Click here to download a Premie Playgroup Date Saver to print and keep in a handy place.

Who can come to Playgroup?

Any family whose baby has been admitted to a Special Care Nursery due to illness or prematurity is welcome to attend our monthly meetings.  It doesn't matter which hospital it was, we'd love to meet you!

Children range in age from new-born infants to pre-schoolers (and sometimes older siblings during school holiday meetings).

We encourage RSVP's, especially when there is a Guest Speaker, so we know how many chairs we'll need!    

Please note that if you or your children are ill it is best to rest at home instead of coming to Playgroup.   There's always a next time.   As you would be aware, a simple cold can be devastating for many premies and young babies who have recently been discharged from Special Care.   We try to make Playgroup a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

What to bring?

• A snack and a drink for your child
• A plate to share, if you can manage it.  If you can't, don't worry, there's usually a packet of something yummy to enjoy with your cuppa!
• No money - entry is free!  

Please note that Premie Playgroup does has a nut-free policy.   We are sensitive to the special conditions and allergies of some children.

Who can I contact?

For further information or details about anything to do with Premie Playgroup, please contact Merran.

Special care for families with special babies.