5 Wellbeing Tips For Parents In Lockdown

2020 has been tough for everyone. For those of us with young babies, it’s generally meant missing out on the support network that is usually on offer. Unable to casually pass the baby around among family, doing without classes, cafes and the chance to meet other parents has been - and continues to be - hard. On top of all of that it’s now grey and rainy!

 As well as taking care of our children, it’s important to make sure we look after ourselves. Here are Bloom's top five tips for boosting your wellbeing in lockdown part two.

Go Outdoors

Thankfully, the latest lockdown rules don’t put a limit on exercise outside, so get out and about as much as you can. Try and find green spaces to explore. If you live somewhere rural, this should be easy! If you are in a city, look for parks, woodlands and community gardens.

Spending time in nature has been found to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, so this is especially important if you find you are feeling low at the moment. With the limited daylight hours, it’s also important to take every opportunity to get vitamin D from the sun.

Fresh air and a change of scene is beneficial for your baby as well as you. You will both feel stimulated by seeing something other than your own four walls or the supermarket. As you walk with your baby in the buggy or a sling, you can point out interesting things in the environment and talk about what you can see. 

Connect with other people

One of the biggest things everyone is missing out on is being able to spend time with other people. It takes a village to raise a child and takes a village to support a parent. So even though the usual baby groups may not be running and we can’t have big family get-togethers, try to connect with people as much as you can.

Some parent and baby sessions will be running face-to-face, including Bloom Baby Classes, as certain groups that support new parents are exempt from the lockdown rules. Have a look for your nearest baby class, as they are a fantastic way to meet other families.

Children under five aren’t counted in the limited number of people who are allowed to meet. This means that you can legally go for a walk with one friend and both of your babies. Combining socialising, exercise and the outdoors, this will do wonders for your physical and mental health so get texting those friends!

Many of us are a bit sick of screens by now, but video calling can be a great way to keep in contact with family and friends. It’s especially useful for building relationships between your baby and their grandparents, if they aren’t able to see each other as much as you may have planned.

 Our Facebook group provides an opportunity to connect with other parents, too. Share your worries and triumphs and take part in free online baby classes and expert livestreams.

Exercise

It’s so hard to prioritise moving your body when you have a young baby. Unless you like running, it’s especially hard at the moment with gyms, leisure centres and fitness classes closed. But as we know, exercise has a whole host of benefits for your body and mind.

Have a look on YouTube and try out some gentle workout videos. There are loads that are short enough to fit in, even if your baby prefers little cat naps. You will also be able to find routines that involve your baby too, especially if you’re into yoga.

Even if you don’t feel quite ready to launch yourself into the world of fitness, try and stretch throughout the day. Your back and arms need a break from carrying around your little one!

Get cosy

The nights are drawing in and the weather’s getting colder. While it’s important to maximise your outdoor time, take advantage of the chance to get cosy. Snuggle up for a nap next to your baby, read stories in a nest of blankets and light candles (out of reach, of course) as part of the bedtime routine.

Treat yourself to a new scarf, special herbal teas or a really posh hot chocolate. Now’s the time to cook or order warming comfort food like stews, shepherd’s pie and rich, creamy pastas.

Enjoy your baby

It’s such a cliche but time really does go by so fast! Even if this period of your baby’s life is not how you imagined it, try and enjoy it. The outside world may be locked down, worrying and confusing. You still have each other.

Use ideas from Bloom classes for games and sensory activities you can do at home. You can support your baby’s development and have fun together. Don’t forget to capture some moments on camera so you can look back at photos and videos of this time. 

Help is at hand

It can feel impossible to take care of yourself as well as your baby, but it’s so important for their wellbeing as well as yours.

If you find you are struggling with a low mood that a walk in the park can’t fix, please make an appointment with your GP. There are also lots of resources and advice on the Mind website.

Do reach out on our Facebook Group if you have any questions about your baby’s development or just want to chat. We’ve built a really supportive community that can make your lock down that little bit lighter.