Having a baby is the most amazing thing right… you’ve both been waiting for it for however long. Those little fingers, tiny toes, that distinct moreish smell of a newborn baby…. And you go through 9 months of anticipation, holding hands at the scan as you wait to see your little bean, excitement as you first hear their heartbeat, long walks together narrowing down your top 3 names, cuddles o the sofa at night sharing the kicks…

…and then BOOM! Your little one makes their grand entrance to the world and it is incredible. It is truly truly amazing. They look a bit like you…a bit like him… they have the most gorgeous smell..far better than you could have imagined..and those baby cuddles… ahh…. (I have the best job in the world by the way 🙂 )

So there’s all this love filling your house but some parents find they actually miss the love they used to exclusively share. And that’s ok. It’s ok to want couple time. In fact, its perfectly healthy to need couple time. But wow its hard when you have this little dependent creature isn’t it. Some people are super lucky and have parents on hand to come and relieve them and give them a bit of me time, others have some well trusted babysitters who they feel confident leaving their little bundle of joy with, whilst others might not want to leave their little one just yet (and that’s ok!)

Now its hard to avoid the fact that Valentines is just around the corner and for fear of sounding like a brainwashed card shop consumer, I dont suggest we should all be splashing out and making valentines into an event. But Mums and Dads can often get so bogged down in the sleepless nights and new stresses and strains of parenthood that they often forget to focus on each other. So whether it’s on Wednesday, or week or next month, its never a bad thing to find the time to show your partner that you love them. That you appreciate them.

Some inspiration for ‘romantic things’ to do when you’ve got a baby (in no particular order!)

1. Have a swanky lunch
Book a lunch date somewhere ‘fancy’ like the Bingham (www.thebingham.co.uk) in Richmond. It’s a yummy Michelin starred restaurant which is actually surprisingly accessible with babies (who are fairly portable when young)*

2. Get a chef…
Just for a night! Hire a chef for the evening to treat you and your partner to a slap up meal with no washing up

3. Get some sleep!
Treat your sleep deprived partner to a night nanny for a night of blissful sleep

4. Send a surprise
The surprise of a flower delivery (or their favourite pie/beer wine!) never gets old. It shows thoughtfulness and love and doesn’t cost the earth.

5. Book a weekend at one of the UK’s many baby friendly hotels
They are designed to work around the needs of you and your little one, with extra touches such as creches with nanies to help give you and your partner an hour or two to refuel together.

6. Plan a movie night
Just at home with your favourite bottle of wine, some gourmet popcorn a new release and a duvet on the sofa like the good old days. Yes you may be attached to your baby for half the night but that’s not the end of the world – the main thing is you are together snuggled up enjoying something other than reading “What to Expect Week by Week”!

Hope that gives you some inspiration. Never forget to show each other you are still thinking about them. Love is the foundation for any family

*The Bingham Image credit to Timeless pictures