If you're busy figuring out life with a new baby, chances are, Valentine's Day isn't top-of-mind. Seriously, you might not have even realized how quickly it's creeping up on us. But acknowledging your partner on the romantic — albeit commercialized — holiday can be really special, especially if romance has taken the backburner in recent months.
The thing is, you probably don't have the mental or physical energy — or perhaps even the ability — to put too much thought into planning for an amorous occasion. Valentine's Day is likely going to look a lot different this year, and in reality, for many years going forward. But that doesn't mean you can't still make sure your partner feels loved, appreciated, and well… sexy. Here are some fun, easy Valentine's Day ideas for new parents.
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Prepare a Favorite Meal
What is your partner's absolute favorite meal? You know, the one they haven't had the time to enjoy since before baby was born? That's the one. Either set aside some time to make a special meal, or find a restaurant you can order it from for your Valentine's Day celebration.
Get Fancy
To that end, serve that favorite meal after the baby is in bed for the night, when you typically have at least a couple of hours of peace and quiet. And set the scene! Bring out the good wine and those pretty long-stemmed wine glasses, light some candles, and maybe even get freshly showered and dressed up. A little bit of extra effort can go a long way.
Make Something Together
Pick a project that you and your love would be interested in, and take some time to work on it together this Valentine's Day. Whether it's painting, baking bread, reupholstering furniture, or working on a puzzle, creating something together is a great way to bond. You'll have to work as a team and be in very close proximity to each other for a decent amount of time, both of which can help rekindle the flame.
Create an At-Home Spa
Doing at-home spa treatments together is a simple at-home date night idea for Valentine's Day that doesn't take a lot of effort and will make you both feel awesome. It can be as simple as doing your skincare routines together. The trick is to increase touch by doing the steps on each other. Wash and exfoliate each other's faces, apply each other's masks and lotions, and just enjoy pampering each other.
Go for a Hike
Even if it's outside of your comfort zone, doing something like going for a hike together can be a welcome change of pace. If it happens to be cool outside on Valentine's Day, you can bundle up, get some fresh air and vitamin D, and spend a couple of hours reviving or even challenging your bodies together. The increased blood flow from the movement will increase mood-boosting hormones and perhaps get you feeling a bit more in tune with your body. Plus, you can actually take the baby with you, because they'll likely fall asleep in the carrier. It's a great time for real conversation.
Ask What You Can Do
Sometimes all it takes to make your partner feel seen and cared for is a single question. Start by asking him or her what you can do to lighten their load, even if it's just something you can do that day. What task could they use a break from? If they won't tell you, think of whatever task they enjoy the least and take over for the day.
