Love and lullabies: 50 date night ideas for new parents

Baby on board but romance still on the agenda with these 50 date night ideas for new parents.

While it’s been many, many years since I had a newborn, I can still remember the first date my then husband and I went on when my son was a baby.

Actually – that’s kind of a lie. I can remember leaving my son in my dad’s arms, worrying how it would go with a bottle, and maybe having dinner – where all we talked about was the little boy we’d left at home.

But I don’t remember where we went or what else we did.

It was hardly the connecting experience we’d hoped for, but then you may have picked up I said then husband so that’s hardy a surprise.

And the truth is, maintaining your relationship when you have a child is a challenge even for the most in-love couples. It requires work and commitment, both of which may feel in the too-hard basket at this stage of your life.

But it also comes with many benefits that outweigh the negatives – otherwise I wouldn’t be suggesting it.

So to make it easier for you, these 50 date night ideas for new parents are easy to do, often baby approved, and will maintain your connection.

Why do date night when you’re a new parent?

Becoming a parent is a transformation. Your life is reduced to feeding, changing diapers, and catching sleep while you can.

The baby becomes the center of attention, and that’s only right – he or she is dependant on you for their very survival.

However your relationship made this baby and will provide a nuturing environment for them to grow in. Importantly, their ability to develop a healthy relationship in years to come is influenced by the experiences they have within their own families in these early years (source). Your loving relationship has more impact than you know.

Plus parenting is really hard work, and having something to look forward too, if you feel like you can manage it, can really boost you in those early days.

The reality is that parents are less happy in their marriage than non-parents (source), and there is evidence to suggest that this could be because they don’t get to spend time alone together – and when they do they experience more happiness and meaning (source).

So continuing to keep close and connected to your partner or spouse is an important goal for your baby, your relationship, and yourself.

What do you need to consider when planning a date night when you’re a new parent?

Planning a date night as a new parent requires a unique approach, taking into account not just your relationship but also the well-being of your baby.

Here are several factors to consider:

Planning the date

1. Communication: Discuss with your partner what you both want from the date night. Is it relaxation, reconnection, fun, or a combination of these? Also consider trying a strengths date, so the date experience itself is more aligned and easy that something that takes you out of your comfort zone.
2. Timing: Choose a time that aligns well with your baby’s routine, preferably during naptime or after they’ve settled for the night (if you’re both at work make sure to check out these lunch dates).
3. Duration: As new parents, you might feel more comfortable with shorter outings or at-home dates, allowing you to check on the baby if needed.
4. Location: Pick a place close to home or where you can be reached easily. This reduces the anxiety of being too far away.
5. Activities: While it’s fun to try new things, consider activities that both of you can enjoy without feeling overly exhausted, given the new-parent fatigue.
6. Budget: Parenthood brings additional expenses. Remember that meaningful dates don’t always need to be costly (you’ll find some cheap date ideas below)
7. Comfort level: Recognize that one parent might be more comfortable than the other about leaving the baby. It’s essential to acknowledge each other’s feelings. In this scenario, I’m always in favor of going with what the person who is the least comfortable wants.
8. Flexibility: Understand that plans might change last minute due to unforeseen baby-related circumstances. It’s essential to remain adaptable.
9. Childcare: Determine if you’ll need a babysitter or take baby with you. If yes, ensure it’s someone you trust. It can be a close family member, friend, or a recommended professional.

Before the date

1. Baby’s needs: Ensure all of the baby’s immediate needs are addressed before leaving – feeding, changing, and comfort measures. If leaving the baby with a sitter, provide detailed instructions, emergency contacts, and familiarize the sitter with your baby’s routine.
2. Personal preparation: New parents often feel exhausted. Take a short nap, freshen up, or do anything else that makes you feel rejuvenated before the date.

During the date

1. Stay connected: If you’re feeling anxious while out, it’s okay to check in with your babysitter or caregiver. This will help you relax and enjoy your time out.
2. Reconnecting: Remember the primary purpose of the date night – to reconnect as partners. Even if plans don’t go perfectly, focus on the quality time you’re spending together.
3. Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan. If the original plan doesn’t work out due to unforeseen reasons, having a secondary plan, like a movie night at home, can save the date.

After the date

Post-date plan: It’s possible that after a date, especially if it’s one of your first times away, you’ll need to attend to your baby immediately upon returning. Be prepared for this scenario.

By considering these aspects, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable date night that serves to strengthen your bond as a couple during this short but super intense phase of your life.

Date night ideas for new parents

At-home date nights: Creativity in comfort

The easiest dates when you’ra a new parent will be at home ones you can do when your baby goes down for the night.

Consider simple but easy ideas such as:

1. Movie night with classics or new releases
2. Board games or card games for two
3. Listening to a new album or podcast together
4. Indoor picnic with blankets and fairy lights (make something simple to eat like a charcuterie board designed for romance
5. Drawing, painting, or crafting

You might also like: At home date ideas.

Quick escapes: Short and sweet outings

Breathe in some fresh air with quick trips outdoors you can do with baby in the stroller:

1. Walk around the neighborhood after dinner
2. Grab a coffee or ice cream from a nearby cafe
3. Visit a local botanical garden or park
4. Sit by a local lake or beach for sunset
5. Explore farmer’s markets for fresh produce

Nurturing night: Bonding over baby activities

Include your baby in the fun:

1. Family photo session at home
2. Reading aloud from a novel or non fiction book
3. Cooking a new baby food recipe together
4. Gentle dance session with baby-friendly music
5. Organize and decorate the baby’s room

Rekindling old memories: Recreating the early days

Bring back the nostalgia by bring back the dates that started it all:

1. Watch the first movie you saw together
2. Cook or order the meal you had on your first date
3. Share stories from the early days of dating
4. Listen to songs from your dating era
5. Pop baby in the car and do a driving tour of places you used to visit together or live in

The learning date: Parenting classes or workshops

Grow as parents and partners by doing activities focused around taking care of your child:

1. Online baby massage or yoga classes
2. Baby CPR tutorial
3. Parenting webinars or podcasts
4. Infant nutrition workshops
5. DIY baby toy-making sessions

Fit dates: Active outings for new parents

Stay active and connected at the same time:

1. Take a family jog or brisk walk
2. Attend a local “mommy/daddy & me” exercise class
3. Yoga session at home
4. Dance lessons via online tutorials
5. Stretching exercises to relieve stress and tension

(Follow the tips in these fitness date ideas for the best experience).

Dining in: Cooking together or ordering in

Eve when you’re a new parent, basic needs still need to be met!

1. Try a new easy-to-cook recipe
2. Bake healthy snacks together
3. Theme-based dinners (Try Mexican night or Italian night)
4. Order from a new local eatery
5. Have breakfast in bed

Date night on a budget: Affordable yet meaningful ideas

Romance doesn’t have to break the bank. These date night ideas for new parents are free or low cost.

1. DIY spa night at home
2. Ask each other questions for couples
3. Do a candlelit dinner with homemade dishes
4. Make pink non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy them while sitting on the patio
5. Watch old concerts from bands you both enjoy

Utilizing technology: Virtual date nights

Harness the power of the interwebs to make your date experience easier.

1. Virtual museum tours
2. Attend an online couple’s workshop or seminar
3. Stream a live concert
4. Explore a new city or nature spot through virtual tours
5. Play online multiplayer games together

The group date: Socializing with other new parents

Doing group date ideas for new parents is another option. The pressure will be taken off you a little as you can help each other out with your wee ones, as well as share survival strategies.

1. Organize a small gathering in a local park
2. Baby playdate at home
3. Attend local community baby-friendly events
4. Exchange parenting stories over a cup of tea
5. Have a low key fun fondue night

There’s no doubt that the dynamics of your relationship change with a baby in the picture. Those changes bring much joy and they also bring challenges -not the least being maintaining the close and connected relationship you have with your spouse.

These date night ideas for new parents help create connecting moments, ensuring a loving environment for your growing family and greater happiness.

You might also like: Date ideas for married couples.