14 Relaxing Hobbies for Couples with a Newborn to Enjoy During Nap Time

Let’s admit it: your bundle of joy is going to keep you up for several more nights, so you might as well make something out of the time you’re awake. But there’s one tiny problem: most recent parents struggle to choose a hobby because they’re afraid to disrupt their little one. Well, worry no longer because here are some of the most relaxing couple hobbies for recent parents.

Gardening

There’s nothing more relaxing than tending to your garden and being up close to Mother Nature. Gardening is an age-old activity to pass the time and boost your mood, so it’s ideal for new parents. You can prop the baby bassinet or carrier in your garden, cover it with a net to avoid insects, and let your baby soak in the sun while you and your partner tend to the plants.

Adult Coloring

If you’re dealing with a fussy newborn, getting a couple of adult coloring books is the best way to manage stress. You and your partner can play tag with the books and alternate pages, so it feels like a team activity, even if you are too busy tending to the baby. It’s also one of the few hobbies you can quickly drop when needed and pick up from where you left off.

Crocheting

Have you ever wondered what makes crocheting one of the most popular hobbies? The calm, repetitive movements are a great stress reliever, so there’s that. Crocheting is a long-term hobby, so you can drop it any moment and pick it up right from where you left it, making it much easier for new parents. Crocheting isn’t usually a couple’s hobby, but that’s exactly why you and your partners should pick it up.

Audiobooks

If there’s one hobby you can quickly start without disrupting your baby, it’s listening to audiobooks. Audiobooks boost creativity and listening skills and encourage the love of reading. That’s not all; your baby will grow up to adore audiobooks, so you’ll foster a healthy environment. Besides, it’s a hobby you can do while lying in bed; what could be better than that?

Origami

This Japanese art is more than just shaping paper into intricate forms; origami is one of the most relaxing hobbies because you become completely engrossed in it, distracting you from external stress. It’s a great hobby for parents because you can make origami while breastfeeding or rocking your baby to sleep, especially when you have a baby sleeping on you and don’t want to disturb them.

Podcasts

Although podcasts can be noisy, we recommend plugging into a show now and then to calm down. Podcasts aren’t just a great way to kill time but are also one of the few hobbies you can pick up without having to make any dramatic changes. To keep things interesting, you and your partner can randomly select podcasts or pick up from where the other left and fill them in on the details later.

Tea Tasting

Tea contains relaxing amino acids, so it’s perfect for parents who are too stressed to sleep and don’t want to overdose on coffee. You and your partner can hold weekly or even monthly tea-tasting sessions. You can experiment with different brews, jot down and discuss the differences, and who knows, you might even find one that helps you sleep better.

Crossword Puzzles

Do you know what’s a fun hobby you can easily start with your partner? Crossword puzzles. The best thing about these puzzles is that you’ll keep your brain active, so you won’t succumb to exhaustion and get postpartum brain fog. It’s also a great way to spend time with your partner; you can alternate crossword puzzles or split them, making for fun and relaxing downtimes.

Memory Journaling

Trust us; when that baby starts getting older, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about old times. But it’s easy to forget some things when life catches up to you, which is precisely why we recommend memory journals. Buy a couple’s journal and jot down anything that makes you feel closer to your baby, no matter how big or small. These journals will not only keep your memory strong but will be really appreciated by your kids when they grow up.

Baby Book

Baby books have long been a great tradition, but they’ve been dying out due to the rise of social media. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start the trend again; get a book and paste anything that you consider a cherishing memory/charm. From your baby’s first haircut to the day they take their first steps, document anything and everything that brings you joy.

Watch a Movie

There is nothing better than watching a movie with your spouse after a tiring day. As your baby naps, put on a good film and enjoy it with your partner while munching on some snacks. It’s a great way to relax even for a short time, and also spend some quality time with each other.

Baking Together

Baking is a calming and enjoyable hobby that’s perfect for new parents to do together while the baby naps. Simple recipes like cookies, muffins, or bread don’t take much effort or time, and working as a team makes it even more fun. The warm, inviting smell of fresh baking fills your home with a cozy vibe, creating a comforting atmosphere. Plus, you get to share a delicious treat afterward, making it a great way to bond and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Puzzle Building

Putting together a jigsaw puzzle is a peaceful and fun activity you can enjoy with your partner while the baby sleeps. It’s low-energy, so it’s easy to do when you’re tired, but it’s still a nice mental challenge. Pick a puzzle with a picture or theme you both like and work on it together at your own pace. Completing the puzzle as a team gives you a shared sense of accomplishment and a relaxing way to connect.

Meditation

Of course, how could we miss meditation, the one hobby that’s known as a great stress reliever? Meditation is perfect because you don’t need to get up and go somewhere; you can easily do it from home and won’t risk straining your postpartum body. Meditation is also a great way to connect and relax with your partner, making for a more relaxing evening at home.

More For You

You can also plan a staycation with your baby when it feels right. Many resorts around the United States offer relaxing activities, such as spas, so both parents can unwind and relax.

This article was first published on RB ITALIA Blog.