Let your child play with the same few friends rather than changing the group often. Have them take part in activities in the same groups so that friendships are not disrupted.
For young children, familiar surroundings encourage better social interactions. Coming face-to-face with an unknown child in an unfamiliar setting will most likely frighten an infant, especially if a well-known caregiver is not nearby. Give children time to get used to each other and the environment.
A trusted caregiver nearby may also allow the child to feel comfortable enough to initiate or respond to other children's social overtures.
Small toys can also serve as a focus for infants' social play as they can show them to each other and offer and accept them, which helps develops skills for turn-taking and reciprocity.