Mothers of young children, who a few years ago may have been looking for Mr. Right in a bar, now are seeking Mrs. Right and her kids in between the swings and the slides at the local playground.

Women also are going online to find moms who match their personality and interests, much like singles use an online dating service.

"You scope 'em out," says Magalie Belanger, 31, about prospective mommy-friends in Helena, Mont. "You see how they deal with their children, and with yours."

It's like dating, but the dates are with other moms and their children. While the kids play, hopefully without tantrums or biting, the moms are free to talk about the things they have in common, from the lofty subjects of religion and politics to the more practical topics of teething and diaper rash. read more