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Remember the days when heading out for a cup of coffee or going to the movies with your spouse was an impulsive plan? When all you had to pick up before heading out was your wallet and phone. And remember the days when you could just laze on couch and Netflix?
Then the baby happened. Parental instincts took over. Hours and days passed in a jiffy. And no matter how much you rushed against the clock, there was never much time to spend with each other. Parents of newborns often seem like warriors on battlefield, multitasking and fatigued. Nannies seem like far away angels you can only dream of.
And the baby keeps you on your toes, demanding more day after day. Undoubtedly, baby care is the most exhilarating experience for most parents but finding time to work on your relationship is equally important.
A few hours of bonding and relaxation, enjoying each other’s company, talking about things other than the baby will certainly do you good.
“Relaxing time off? You must be kidding me. I bathe in two shakes.” I read your mind already!
But believe me when I say – these five bonding ideas for new parents without a nanny will set things in perspective. And no, they won’t upset your little one at all.
Renew Netflix subscription and buy a baby monitor
If you can’t go to the movies, movies can come to you. Put your little dynamite to sleep and enjoy an uplifting movie, or even better, a romantic one! Some popcorn and pizza will calm you down. The baby monitor will tell you when to hit the pause button.
Go for walks:
Babies love nature. You will be amazed how your little one is mesmerized by the chirping of birds and swaying of branches. On a beautiful late afternoon, leave your baby with a babysitter, while you talk to each other and indulge in some quality conversations. A shared ice-cream cone could flavor the romantic walk. Just saying!
Go star gazing:
No, you don’t need an exotic location for this. Just a terrace mat and two pillows will do the trick. Gaze at the stars, cuddle and put your baby’s sleep hours to some good use. The baby monitor will be at guard, and a flight of steps isn’t much of a distance anyway. Let the stars witness your blissful romance.
Workout together:
When the baby is fed and active, give them some time alone in the playpen or baby gym while you work out together. Your health and relationship, both shall reap the benefits of this. A workout or Zumba video is all you need. And the post-workout feeling is going to be absolutely amazing. Take my word for it!
Ask for a dance at odd hours:
It is believed that a slow dance to soulful music releases happy chemicals in your brain. So don’t miss any opportunity to sway in each other’s arms. Let your baby witness the romance too. Happy parents make babies happy.
There are many more ideas that will help you spend quality time with each other without making the baby feel left out.
Cook a meal together and have a candle-light dinner. Call your parents over and go for a quick drive while they babysit your little charmer. Have a family bath and soak in bliss. Once you start working on your bonding, ideas will pop up in your head one after the other. And believe me, the more time you spend together, the stronger you will grow as parents. An icing on the cake? Your baby gets best of both worlds. And here, by worlds, I am referring to the two of you.
Give your relationship the time and love it deserves. And what you will get in return is bliss. Pure, unconditional bliss.
