Discover Your Mom Squad: The Ultimate Guide to Finding New Mom Friends in Inland Empire

You know what they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” But what if you’re a new mom, and you’re not sure where to find that village? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve been in your shoes and know how crucial it is to have a support system during this incredible journey. In this post, I’ll share my best tips for finding new mom friends who totally get what you’re going through.

LOCAL MOM GROUPS

The easiest way to find new mom friends is through local mom groups! These groups are a fantastic way to meet new mom friends, even if you’re an introvert!

Now, where can you find these groups? Start with social platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), Reddit, and Instagram. These are excellent spaces to search for local or topic-based mom communities. You can use keywords like your city name + mom group, mom life, or playdate group to find relevant pages and hashtags.

Some of my favorite local communities include Framed Motherhood, my Facebook group designed specifically for local moms in Yucaipa and the Inland Empire. It is a warm, judgment-free space to share stories, ask questions, and connect with other moms who just get it. Whether you are looking for playdates, advice, or just someone to talk to after a long day, you will find it here.

You can also check out other amazing local groups such as Yucaipa Moms, Mommy Support Group, Redlands Moms, and Inland Empire Moms. Each of these groups offers a unique community where you can find recommendations, meetups, and encouragement from moms nearby.

If you are outside the area, try searching Facebook for mom groups in your own city. You can also check apps like Peanut, MomCo, or Meetup to discover groups that host both virtual and in-person events.

And don’t forget online resources! Websites like What to Expect, The Bump, and Peanut also feature thriving communities where you can chat with moms in your area.

If you are thinking about exploring these options but you are worried about stepping out of your comfort zone, no problem! Just remember, you are not alone, many new moms feel the same way.

TIP: Ease into it by engaging in online discussions first, then gradually attend in-person meetups!

When I first joined a mom group, I started by commenting on posts and joining conversations that felt familiar. Over time, I built confidence to meet in person, and now some of my closest mom friends are people I first met online!

MEET OTHER MOMS AT CHILD-FRIENDLY LOCATIONS

For this one, think about checking out the playground or storytime at the library.

But let us be honest, approaching other moms without feeling weird can be a bit of a challenge!

I want to give you a few tips that can help you strike up a conversation that feels natural and enjoyable.

First, keep it casual and friendly. Start with a compliment or a light-hearted comment about something you both can relate to, like your kids’ activities or the chaos of motherhood.

For example, you might say, “Your little one is really enjoying the swings! How old are they?” This opens up the conversation without putting too much pressure on the other person. Make sure to listen actively and ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share more about their experiences.

When I meet other moms, I usually start with something simple like, “Your toddler reminds me so much of mine at that age! Do you come to this park often?” It helps the chat flow naturally.

If you find common ground, do not be afraid to suggest exchanging contact information or planning a future playdate. You can say something like, “It was so great chatting with you! Would you like to exchange numbers and maybe get our kids together for a playdate sometime?” Or, “Do you guys usually come here around this day or time? I know our kiddos had so much fun playing together!”

Remember, many moms are also looking for new friends, so do not be too hard on yourself if you feel a little nervous. Just be yourself, show genuine interest, and let the conversation flow naturally.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONNECT WITH OTHER NEW MOMS

Social media can be a fantastic tool for connecting with other new moms outside of your current friend group.

There are so many options out there, so I pulled together my experience with the experience of my clients and friends to give you the best groups for new moms in Yucaipa, Redlands, and the Inland Empire.

Some of my favorites include:

• Framed Motherhood (Facebook Group) – My personal group for local moms who want connection, support, and real conversations.
• Peanut App – A great way to meet moms near you through shared interests.
• Redlands Area Moms (Facebook Group) – A friendly local group that shares tips, meetups, and resources.
• Inland Empire Mamas (Facebook Group) – A welcoming community for moms all around the IE.

Once you find the right mom groups or online communities that resonate with you, jump in by asking questions, sharing your own experiences, or even offering advice to moms.

When I joined a few of these groups, I started by responding to posts that spoke to me, questions about sleep training, playdate ideas, or local family-friendly spots. Before I knew it, those online interactions led to real-life friendships that made motherhood feel a lot less lonely.

One of the great things about leveraging social media for mom friendships is that, in addition to finding city-based groups, you can find groups based on your specific interests, values, or parenting style.

For example, if you are passionate about eco-friendly living, there are groups dedicated to green parenting where you can connect with like-minded moms. Or, if you are navigating the world of attachment parenting, you can find communities that share your outlook and offer support.

This targeted approach makes it even easier to find moms who share your outlook on life and parenting, you already have something in common!

CONCLUSION

Remember that building these connections takes time and effort, but it is truly worth it in the end. These connections not only provide a support system during challenging times but also enrich your life in countless ways.

Be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey. Embrace the process and stay open to new friendships, whether you find them in local mom groups, at child-friendly locations, or through social media.

Did I miss any of your favorite resources or groups? Let me know in the comments!

And if you are local to the Inland Empire, come join Framed Motherhood on Facebook, our growing community for moms who want to feel connected, supported, and inspired every step of the way.

You can also visit my website at kaitlyndawnphotography.com to learn more about the motherhood and family portrait experiences I offer, and how we can capture your story beautifully.