How to Make Time for Yourself When You Have a Baby

As much as you may love and adore your newborn baby, there’s no denying that most new moms simply want to be able to spend a little time on themselves. Being at home with a baby carries a weight of feeling like you should have a lot of time to yourself during the day, but any new mom will tell you that this isn’t a reality.

Babies are very demanding and require your attention 24/7 to feed, clothe, bathe, soothe and care for. This can leave you going to bed at night wondering where all the hours in your day have gone. Finding any time for yourself can be difficult as a new mom, so we’ve put together some top tips to help you get the ‘me time’ that you deserve.

#1. Check Out Your Local Gym

Working out can be a great way to improve your energy and feel confident about yourself after giving birth. Gentle exercise such as swimming, aqua-fit, yoga, and walking can be great for getting back into shape and improving your strength as a new mom. The best part is that many gyms also offer childcare options, allowing you to benefit from a few hours of free childcare per day included in your monthly membership price.

#2. Just Ask

When it comes to finding childcare, you may be pleasantly surprised as to how many of your friends and family members will help you out. If you’re in a partnership, don’t let your partner get away with not doing their fair share of the work.

Parenting is the responsibility of both parents, so taking turns in who looks after the baby will give you both ample chance to sneak some valuable me time in.

#3. Make Time for Date Night

After having a baby, it’s not uncommon for the relationship between yourself and your partner to suffer some strain. With a tiny human being now relying on you on a day to day basis, it can be easy to forget to make time for each other, too.

Speak to your extended family members or hire a babysitter and make time to go out for a chilled, relaxing date night where you can enjoy spending time with one another and a break from your parenting responsibilities.

When you have your date night confirmed, don’t forget to make yourself look the part too. Order yourself a new outfit, get your hair done, maybe buy some new make-up or that perfume you’ve had your eye on.

#4. Meet up with Other Moms

Mom and baby groups can be a great way to get out of the house and socialize if you’re just getting used to being a new mom. For new moms, staying at home on their own with the baby can become very lonely, so meeting up with other like-minded moms in the same boat can be a welcome break outside of the house.

Whether you’re meeting up for coffee or arranging a shopping trip, these moms can quickly become some of your best friends and valuable sources of support.

Finding time for yourself can be difficult as a new mom. If you enjoyed these ideas, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.