lonely_mom_activities

Lonely mom? 10 things to do with your baby

Lonely mom? 10 things to do with your baby

Taste the Future
Article
Nov 10, 2020
4 mins

Even with a wealth of online parenting forums and a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a mom. Get out and about with these parent and baby activities, from play dates to baby yoga, to help you feel more connected.

  • Go for a walk

This is one of the easiest things to do with your baby as it’s free, and you can go whenever and wherever you like. Whether it’s to the park or the supermarket, you’ll feel so much better for getting some wind in your hair/adult conversation with the cashier! And if you’re lucky, baby might even sleep.

  • Search “find a playground near me”

Locate your local play park. Even if your little one is too young to play on the equipment, parks are a beacon for new families in the same boat as you. Take a picnic, people watch, and eye up any potential new mom (or dad) friends. You might even feel brave enough to say hello!

  • Find a moms’ group for you

There are so many different parent and baby groups out there—from Facebook parenting groups online to real-life stroller meet-ups and fussy baby support groups, no doubt full of other lonely moms—the trick is to find your tribe. And once you’ve found it, rather than sitting on the sidelines, why not be the first to introduce yourself to other parents? The prospect of having a two-way, adult conversation after so much baby talk can feel daunting, but you’ve all got at least one thing in common, and maybe much more. You won’t know until you ask.

  • Suggest a play date or coffee

Think you’ve met a parent that you connect with—perhaps looking equally tired and disheveled? Then make the move and ask them for a coffee or play date. It might be just what you and your fellow lonely mom friend needs. Just imagine, you’ll be able to hang out at each other’s houses, chat about the highs and low of parenting, without worrying that you haven’t got dressed or done the dishes today. They might even have some other ideas of things to do with your babies.

  • Catch a movie

Most movie theaters put on baby-friendly cinema screenings in the afternoon—much more appealing than your previously-favored 8pm shows. You can keep up with the latest release, take a nap, or have a little cry—along with baby—in the dark, and no one will bat an eyelid.

  • Try baby yoga

After being cooped up at home for what feels like an eternity, the opportunity to stretch alongside other moms, whose bodies may also not be quite the same after giving birth, is bliss. There’ll be no judgment, probably no skimpy Lycra, and certainly no headstands in baby yoga. You don’t need to feel guilty for having some “you time” either, as baby will be stimulated and soothed in the same session.

  • Go to the gym

If you’re more of a cardio queen, and miss your old workout regime, why not see if your local gym has a creche? Breaking into a sweat can do wonders for your physical and mental health, even if it’s only for half an hour. And your little one will be entertained with baby activities while you’re away.

  • Ask about library story time

Bored with reading the same baby books over and over? Find out what baby and toddler activities your local library offers—from story time to singalong sessions, your little one will be able to take part in some gentle interaction with other children while you enjoy some quiet time, and maybe even the chance to do some reading for yourself.

  • Visit an art gallery

Remember in your former life when you knew things about art, and stuff?... Yes, it might feel like your brain has turned to mush, but maybe all it needs is a little creativity and culture to reignite your imagination and sense of self. Go when your little one is small—pop them in sling and stare at art to your heart’s content. And when they’re bigger, find family-friendly galleries with interactive areas and baby activities for your little one to play and learn.

  • Spend time with family

It’s more than likely that family members—particularly grandparents—will be overjoyed if you turn up and ask them to hold the baby while you eat something/go to the toilet/close your eyes just for a second. When they ask how you are though, don’t be afraid to say if you’re having a hard time or feeling a bit blue. Parenthood is full of ups and downs, and it can really help to talk about it with loved ones who’ll give you a hug and tell you you’re doing great. Because you are. Read our checklist on signs of baby blues if you’re worried about how you’re feeling.

Related articles

View details Your baby proofing action plan
Article
A Baby boy standing in cot

Your baby proofing action plan

Protect your baby with effective baby proofing strategies. Discover essential tips to make your home safer as your little one begins to explore and grow.

6 mins to read

View details How To Help Baby Sleep Better
Article
A child enjoying a baby sleep in his father’s chest

How To Help Baby Sleep Better

Learn the importance of baby sleep for growth and development. Discover red flags in your baby's sleep patterns and ensure they get the rest they need.

5 mins to read

View details How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Article
A pregnant couple preparing for parenthood.

How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom

Discover how to emotionally prepare for parenthood, recognize red flags, and manage challenges to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood.

5 mins to read

View details How to handle toddler sleep problems
Article
A child sleeping without any toddler sleep problems.

How to handle toddler sleep problems

Learn how to address toddler sleep problems with expert tips, identify red flags, and promote healthy sleep habits for your little one's well-being.

5 mins to read

View details Understanding why babies cry
Article
A baby crying inside their crib.

Understanding why babies cry

Explore helpful techniques to calm your crying baby, from addressing basic needs to create a peaceful environment, fostering comfort and connection.

5 mins to read

View details Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Article
first_prenatal_apptmt_qs

Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment

Your very first prenatal appointment is here—exciting! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.

2 mins to read

View details Getting baby’s nursery ready
Article
getting_nursery_ready

Getting baby’s nursery ready

Preparing the baby’s nursery is a fun job to do before your bundle of joy arrives. Here’s a baby nursery list to help get them settled in at home.

2 mins to read

View details What to consider when choosing a nursery
Article
choosing_nursery

What to consider when choosing a nursery

Wondering how to pick a nursery to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a nursery, from childcare costs to location.

2 mins to read

View details How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort
Article
pregnancy_pains

How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort

As your body changes, pregnancy pains and discomfort can occur, especially in your back, legs and feet. The good news is, there are ways to ease your pregnancy aches and pains.

2 mins to read

View details How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Article
confident_parent

How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps

Becoming a new parent, and bringing your newborn home, is the most daunting experience to navigate.

4 mins to read

View details Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Article
signs_of_baby_blues

Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression

Wondering how to know if I have postnatal depression? You’ve just birthed a human, your whole has been turned upside down, and you haven’t slept for what feels like an age.

5 mins to read

View details Your checklist of antenatal testing questions
Article
antenatal_testing

Your checklist of antenatal testing questions

Baby health checks start before they’re even born. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about antenatal testing.

1 min to read

View details Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labor checklist
Article
A woman having backpain, one of the signs of labor

Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labor checklist

Learn to identify the first signs of labor and understand the stages of childbirth. Get practical recommendations for a smoother labor experience.

5 mins to read

View details C-section recovery: Things to think about
Article
c-section_recovery

C-section recovery: Things to think about

As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.

2 mins to read

View details Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Article
separation_anxiety

Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers

Clingy Baby Syndrome, otherwise known as separation anxiety in toddlers, can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.

1 min to read

View details 10 tips for a sound baby sleep routine
Article
baby_sleep_routine

10 tips for a sound baby sleep routine

Baby sleep routines can vary enormously, often causing poor parents many a sleepless night. Here are some bedtime routine tips to help your baby sleep through the night.

1 min to read

View details Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Article
toddler_tantrums

Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums

Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!

2 mins to read

View details Six easy ways to deal with judging parents
Article
judging_parents

Six easy ways to deal with judging parents

Feel like you’re the victim of mom shaming or mom judging? It’s tough being a new mom, let alone if you feel like you’re under attack from parental criticism.

3 mins to read

View details First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Article
first-time_dad

First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad

Wondering how dads can help with newborns?

6 mins to read

Join

  Join

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support

Learn about nutrition at your own pace

Nutrition

Learn about nutrition at your own pace

Expert icon

Nutrition experts

Contact our nutritionists at any time to answer your main questions about nutrition

Try our tailored practical tools

Tools

Try our tailored practical tools