Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for couples to celebrate their love with grand gestures, romantic dinners, and quality time together. But when you’ve recently welcomed a baby into your life, things change. Sleepless nights, endless nappy changes, and adjusting to parenthood can make it feel like there’s little room for romance. However, celebrating your first Valentine’s Day with your baby doesn’t mean you have to put romance on hold—it just means you have to be creative and intentional about how you spend the day. Here are some thoughtful ways to keep the romance alive while embracing your new role as parents.
Plan a Cosy At-Home Date Night
While a night out might not be in the cards, you can still create a romantic atmosphere at home. Once the baby is asleep, transform your living room or bedroom into a cosy date-night spot. Light some candles, music, and enjoy a meal together. Whether you cook a special dinner or order from your favourite takeaway, the key is to focus on each other, even if it’s just for an hour or two.
Small Acts of Kindness
Parenthood can be overwhelming, and sometimes, words of affirmation go a long way in keeping the spark alive. Write a heartfelt note or send a message to each other expressing your appreciation, and what you love most about each other and your family. A simple “thank you” for small acts of kindness, a warm hug, or even a lingering kiss can reignite the romance in subtle yet powerful ways.
Include Your Baby in the Celebration
Your little one is now a part of your love story, so why not make them part of the celebration? Dress them in a cute Valentine’s Day outfit and take some adorable family photos. Create a simple craft together, like a footprint or handprint heart, to commemorate your first Valentine’s Day as a family.
Have a Daytime Celebration
Instead of waiting for the evening when exhaustion might take over, celebrate during the day (especially if you can take advantage of being on maternity leave). Lunch out, a walk, or even a cute morning with heart-shaped pancakes can be a lovely way to mark the occasion while spending time together.
Take Advantage of Nap Time
Use your baby’s nap time wisely. Instead of catching up on chores, dedicate that time to each other. Cuddle up on the couch, watch a short romantic movie, or simply enjoy a quiet cup of coffee together. It’s these small moments that can strengthen your connection. There’s even evidence that Valentine’s Day can lead to a “mini baby boom” nine months later!
Give Thoughtful, Low-Effort Gifts
Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be extravagant. A framed photo of your family, a personalised piece of jewellery, or a favourite treat can be just as meaningful as any expensive gift. The focus should be on thoughtfulness rather than grandeur.
Plan a Future Date Night
If a romantic outing isn’t possible on Valentine’s Day itself, plan a future date night to look forward to. Arrange for a trusted family member or babysitter to watch your little one so you and your partner can enjoy a much-needed evening out. Sometimes, the anticipation of a date can be just as exciting as the event itself.
Lower Expectations and Embrace the Moment
Your first Valentine’s Day as parents will be different, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be special. Let go of any pressure to make the day “perfect” and focus on celebrating love in whatever way feels right for your new family dynamic. Whether it’s a simple home-cooked meal or a quiet evening together, the most important thing is that you’re sharing it with the ones you love most.
Remember That Romance is an Everyday Effort
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate love, but keeping the romance alive shouldn’t be limited to one day. Small gestures of love and appreciation throughout the year—like leaving notes, planning occasional date nights, or simply checking in on each other’s feelings—can help sustain the connection in your relationship even as you navigate parenthood.