Cooped up with your newborn and sick of the sight of your own four walls? Looking for something to do but not sure where to begin? Here are 10 fun activities for babies and moms — from movies to museums — all guaranteed to help you feel like yourself again.
1. Mommy and Me Go to the Movies
One of my favourite activities is going to the movies with my son. The movies? Yes. With an infant? Oh yeah!
I thought my movie-going days were over after having a newborn. I wasn’t expecting to go back to the cinema unless I found a babysitter, or until he was old enough to ask for the latest animated release. To my surprise, several theatres near me run baby-friendly screenings.
Mid-morning, once a week, my local cinema turns the lights up a little so it’s not pitch black, and turns the sound down for tiny ears. There’s stroller parking outside the theatre and a changing table inside, so you don’t miss a moment if your little one needs a change.
Babies cry and toddlers squeal, but no one seems to mind — that’s the whole point. If you’ve got cabin fever and need to get out with baby, it’s well worth checking whether your local cinema offers something similar.
2. Mommy and Me Do Yoga
Many yoga studios offer pre- and post-natal classes. Prenatal yoga is a lovely way to meet other moms-to-be and prepare for birth, while postnatal classes are designed to welcome your little one along with you. Check with a studio near you for details — it’s also a great way to meet other new moms going through the same stage of life.
3. Mommy and Me Go to the Museum
Do you love art or enjoy visiting museums? Many art museums offer free or reduced admission, plus programmes for little ones.
Where I live, our local art museum offers free memberships for children alongside one accompanying adult, with activities like story time in the galleries. Your infant might not be ready for classes yet, but art is wonderful visual stimulation for both of you.
Have a picnic on the grass afterwards and invite along some of your yoga-class friends — it’s the perfect way to turn a museum trip into a proper outing.
4. Mommy and Me Go Reading
Maybe the museum isn’t your thing, but books are. Public libraries run story time for children of all ages, and many offer reading clubs for older kids too. Take a stroll or a short drive to your local library and see what free activities are on offer.
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5. Mommy and Baby Swim
Want to give your little one a head start in the water while getting in some bonding time? Consider a mommy-and-me swim class. Some start as young as a few weeks old, others have a minimum age requirement of several months. Do a little research on what’s available in your area, and get swimming!
6. Mommy and Me Visit the Park
A good old-fashioned trip to the park never gets old. My local park has swings big enough for adults, and on a lazy day I’ll sit in one with my baby. We both get to relax and people-watch while getting some fresh air.
7. Mommy and Me Have a Playdate
Maybe you’ve made friends through a yoga class, a parents’ Facebook group, swim class, or even standing in line at the shops. Take turns hosting playdates at each other’s homes or at the park — it’s a great way for both of you to get out and be sociable.
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8. Mommy and Me Go to the Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ markets are great for more than fresh produce. Your infant may be too little to do much themselves, but the fresh air, colours and smells as you wander from stall to stall are worth the trip. The smell of flowers, fresh coffee, homemade treats — it’s all wonderful sensory stimulation for your baby, and a lovely outing for you too.
9. Mommy and Me Take to the Road
On days with no errands to run, nowhere particular to be, and no real desire to do much of anything, I like to go for a drive.
Let’s face it — you’re exhausted, and baby needs some entertainment beyond another round of cartoons or picture books. I’ll put on a baby-friendly playlist and just drive. With any luck, baby will nap and you’ll get a little “alone” time behind the wheel.
On these days, I like to swing through a drive-thru for a coffee, or run the car through a car wash if it needs one. I’ve also sat in parking lots while my little one slept — so always keep something to read in the car, just in case!
10. Mommy and Me Stay Home
Maybe today you don’t feel like going anywhere at all. Maybe you’re after activities to do around the house instead. That’s more than okay — here’s how I break up a day at home.
Your infant is probably still napping every couple of hours, so plan around nap times as best you can:
- In the morning, we sit together and watch a favourite children’s show — he’s mesmerised by the colours, sounds and songs (and yes, I know all the words, but don’t tell anyone).
- Then it’s activity mat time: tummy time, gentle stretches, and a bit of music with his little xylophone.
- In the late afternoon, I like to sit outside with him and describe everything we see.
- If I’ve the energy to cook or clean, I narrate it step by step as I go.
- Bath time is part of his nightly routine, followed by a few books he “chooses” — which mostly means books he happens to grab or look at.
Find what works for you and your baby, and you’ll never run out of things to do.
You might also like: 10 Positive Parenting Tips Every New Parent Should Know
Over to You
What fun activities do you enjoy with your baby? Let us know in the comments below.
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