You’ve just laid your baby down for the night and you’re exhausted.
But it’s Valentine’s Day, and it’s been a while since you and your partner were able to connect.
Between having a baby, healing your body from birth, and trying to recognize who this new person is…it’s been a while.
Maybe your baby is fresh, and you know you want to do something but you want to keep it low-key. I’ve got ideas for you!
Or, maybe you’re finally starting to feel more like yourself and have a little more energy and excitement than usual. You don’t want to go out, but you would like to celebrate. You know your baby is going to sleep for a decent amount of time before you or your partner need to tend to them at night, so you’d like to take advantage of this first Valentine’s Day as parents. I’ve also got ideas for you!
Also, mom, if you’re reading this blog post, you can stop now.
Ideas for a Low-Key Date Night In
Maybe you’ve got a newborn baby at home, or your family is just getting over the next illness. You’re tired. But you’re also longing to spend some quality time with your partner.
Try some of our ideas below!
Share a bottle of wine and some dessert.
It’s just something a little special you can prepare during the day while you’re wearing your little one in a carrier or while they’re napping.
Prep some chocolate-covered strawberries or your partner’s favorite dessert. Open a bottle of wine from your stash and you’re good to go! As soon as your baby is down for bed, get your pajamas on, grab your wine and dessert, and plop yourselves on the couch for some quality adult time, even if it’s only for 30-45 minutes.
Challenge: Try not to talk about the baby.
Slow Dance with Your Partner
Maybe you’ve got that one song or a playlist you love to turn on when you’re feeling it.
Set up the cue and spend a few songs in your partner’s arms after the baby goes to sleep. This is the perfect option if you’re dealing with false starts at bedtime! (You know I’ve got to put some sort of sleep spin on this, right??). Dance for one song. Check on the baby. Dance for another song. Check on the baby. Repeat.
Laugh about it the next day! Hey, this is just the season you’re in.
Netflix and Chill (or Fall Asleep on the Couch After Half an Episode of Your Show)
Maybe you’re ready to try *you know what* again. Netflix. And. Chill.
Or, maybe you’re not. That’s okay! Put on your favorite show and get in some cuddles on the couch. Even if it is for just half an episode before you fall asleep.
Big(ger) Ideas for a Date Night In
Maybe you’ve recently sleep-trained your child and you know the life-changing experience it’s been, and you’re here to take full advantage of it!
You know that you can lay your baby down for bed at 7:00 p.m. and they’ll be snoozing til 7:00 a.m. the next morning.
You’ve got a whole night ahead of you, and you’re ready for it! Here are a few ideas for you.
Cook a 3-, 4-, or 5-Course Meal Together
How bold are you feeling?!
Plan a menu together, make sure you’ve got everything you need, and put that baby to bed!
Pour a glass of wine, or another festive drink for your evening, and get cookin’!
Light a few candles, put on some jazz music, and laugh together while you prepare and enjoy a meal together.
Play Your Favorite (Or a New) Board Game
We personally love a good Scrabble match!
Whatever game you play, put a fun spin on it - maybe the loser of each round has to remove an item of clothing or take a sip of their drink.
Make bets on what the loser will do for the other.
Here are a few ideas: The loser cleans the kitchen for the next week; The loser folds all the laundry that is currently clean but not folded or put away yet; The loser grants one wish of the winner.
Plan Your Next Vacation
So, normally, this falls on the mom or woman as the default parent or person of the home. Make it fun and plan your dreams together!
Seriously. Do it all.
Plan the travel dates. Book flights, trains, or boats. Make arrangements for accommodations. Put it on your calendar and make sure you’ve planned for your vacation dates.
You’ll have a wonderful trip to look forward to that you both put a lot of thought into!
Okay, that’s all I’ve got for you tonight after my glass of wine - it’s all the inspo I’ve got after parenting two toddlers all day!
If you’re concerned that none of these options will work for you because your child doesn’t sleep, we would love to help make this your reality. You can learn more about working with us here.