KEEPING BUSY

BIG NIGHT IN Having a baby changes the dynamic of your relationship, but it’s important that even after you’ve become a family of three (or four, or five...) you give your relationship the undivided attention it deserves. Can’t get a babysitter? We’ve put our thinking caps on to come up with date-night ideas so good, you won’t even need to leave the house...

THE OLD-SCHOOL MOVIE

Once baby has bedded down for the evening, it’s time to get marvellously simple: pop in a DVD, warm up some popcorn, snuggle under the duvet and pray that you don’t fall asleep during the opening credits. If committing to a two-hour film seems a bit optimistic, pick an episode from your favourite box set instead.

THE PRIVATE DINNER

Bring the magic of a restaurant to your very own dining room, without the need to stray from the baby monitor. Make it extra-special and hire a private chef for the evening (most of whom also take care of the shopping and washing-up – bonus), or settle down in front of the TV with an indoor picnic.

THE DIY SPA DAY

Dim the lights and turn your bedroom or bathroom into a blissful sanctuary with lightly scented candles, soft background music, herbal teas and face packs aplenty. You might even get a massage out of him. If that fails, mobile spa companies, such as Urban, o er couples’ treatments in the comfort of your own home.

THE AFTERNOON DELIGHT

As new parents, your sex life naturally takes a notable hit. It can be easy to direct all your love and attention towards your new baby, but taking some time to be close with your partner (physically and emotionally) is vital.

Exercise for two Dig out those trainers, locate your yoga pants and prepare to sweat… but don’t forget to bring baby, too

TIME TO SHOP: CUPS & BOTTLES

Elhee baby bottle From £29, kidly.co.uk Premium PPSU bottle £20.90, minbie.co.uk Dr Brown Anti-Colic Blue bottle (pack of two) £16, baby-centrals.co.uk

Sitting pretty

Choosing a highchair for your baby might primarily be about safety and comfort, but that doesn’t mean having to compromise on style

Until now, exercise has probably been at the end of a very long to-do list. But now that your little one is in more of a routine and you’re (hopefully) getting a few more winks at night, life should start to feel like it’s getting back to normal. It’s important to accept that working out postpartum takes time: a marathon, not a sprint, as they say, but there are also plenty of classes specifically designed for this stage. Exercise doesn’t have to mean being away from your baby, either – it’s actually the perfect bonding activity, whether you’re using baby as a weight, running with her in a buggy, or having her by your side as you perfect your plank.

“Classes are more a ordable than a personal trainer, and many are designed so you can bring baby with you,” says Pip Black, founder of Mumhood and fitness studio Frame. “It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and meet other like-minded mothers, as well as know that you’re working out in the presence of an expert who can ensure that you’re performing the exercises correctly.

“Keep exercises low impact in the first six months,” she adds. “You can still break a sweat – it’s more about reducing the pressure on your pelvic floor. Think little and often – 15 minutes a day, four times a week, will be more beneficial than a 60-minute blowout once a week.”

First Choice glass baby bottle From £5.79, nuk.co.uk

Lansinoh baby bottles (pack of two) £10.99, amazon.co.uk

ICANDY MICHAIR £260, icandyworld.com

MIMA MOON HIGHCHAIR £424, harrods.com

STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP £178, stokke.com

LEANDER HIGHCHAIR £210.95, scandiborn.co.uk