When you’ve just brought home a brand-new baby, you’re immersed in feeding, diapering, and trying to get whatever sleep possible. Your body is also healing from delivery, and your emotions are likely all over the place. The newborn phase is both blissful and challenging, and it’s easy to put your relationship with your partner on the back burner—especially during the pandemic when family and friends may be unable to support you in person.

Even so, it’s more important than ever for you and your partner to support each other. You’re a team in parenthood and quarantine, and a healthy relationship is good for both of you, as well as for your baby. As often as possible, try to carve out time for each other in your new routine.  

Even if your baby wakes every few hours, take advantage of the time after they go to sleep at night. Or if it works better for you and your baby’s schedule, create a special date during the morning or afternoon—it’s all about setting aside intentional time for you and your partner to spend together.

Below are some quarantine-friendly ideas to reconnect and spice up your relationship!

1. Have a special dinner in.

Have your favorite meal delivered or make a nice dinner (it could even be warming up a frozen meal someone has brought you). Clear the table, set out your nicest dishes, and light some candles. Keep your baby monitor close by so you’ll know if your little one needs you, but put down your phones and focus on each other and your meal. Leave the dishes in the sink and enjoy your night together.

2. Bring the movies to you.

Watch a movie at home, whether you rent one through Redbox or find something on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. Make popcorn, grab a drink, and snuggle up on the couch. If your emotions are all over the place these days, opt for a comedy instead of a drama. Treat your living room like a movie theater: dim the lights, find a comfy blanket, and sit tight for the whole show—try not to get distracted by laundry or things that need to get done.

3. Bring out your creative side.

Do you enjoy art projects? Create a painting studio in your home. Purchase inexpensive canvases and art supplies, put on your favorite music, grab a snack (check out these ideas for healthy breastfeeding snacks), and let your creativity flow. The simple act of creating something together will release tension and lift your tired spirits! If your baby happens to wake up during your date, don’t let it derail your project. Tend to your little one’s needs and then get back to where you left off.

4. Create a home spa.

Since a spa day is likely a long way off, try to recreate a relaxing atmosphere at home. Put on calming music and try DIY spa recipes, or purchase massage oils and take turns giving each other massages. Soak your feet while you sip tea and enjoy your quiet time together.

5. Host a virtual game night (or day).

Miss having friends over? Want to spice up your Zoom hangouts? Invite friends to a virtual game night while your baby is napping or sleeping. Even if he or she wakes once or twice while you’re playing, your friends won’t mind. (You can even do a virtual escape room!) Or you can have a game night for just the two of you. Pick a two-person game you both enjoy, order pizza, and have fun!

6. Enjoy the great outdoors.

If weather permits, try getting outside as a couple—it’s safe, fun, and rejuvenating. If you live near water, spend a couple of hours at the beach or try kayaking or canoeing. Go for a hike or take a scenic bike ride. If you do take on something active, just be sure that your body has healed after delivery and you’ve been cleared by your doctor.

Date night will be worth it.

Before date night, spend a bit of time trying to feel like yourself again—take a shower, get out of baby-fluid-covered clothes, and practice a little self-care. Change into something nice or stay in comfy clothes—or better yet, a combination of the two, like the Betsy Maternity & Nursing Nightgown, which doubles as a super-cute dress. Spending even five minutes on yourself will make a huge difference.

When you have a new baby, it may not be easy to make the time to continue dating your partner, but it will be worth it! You might find yourself distracted and experiencing a wide range of emotions, and that’s okay. You’re going through a lot of changes during an incredibly challenging time for the entire world, but communicating with each other and being open about what you’re feeling will help you navigate these transitions in a healthy way. Take turns planning, and keep it simple. The point is to be together without other things getting in the way. Take time to appreciate and remember what you love about each other. This adventure will be your best one yet!

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