Sneak in some self care

Megan Raynor

mother of twins

Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

@megsraynor is a Mum of twins, creative brain and fitness fiend based in sunny Mount Maunganui, New Zealand and part of our Mountain Buggy community.

As new mums (and dads!) we are reminded all the time “you have to look after yourself to be able to look after your children” but that’s often easier said than done.

Mix learning to care for your child/ren with a few hundred hours of sleep deprivation, a lingering to-do list, the non-stop needs of a little one and the uncomfortable tingles of ‘mum guilt’ and you’ll find a parent whose self care practices are at the bottom of that (very long) list. The great news? It doesn’t have to be that way!

Self care is one of those things that can be found in the pockets of the every day. And even better for us new mamas, it can be combined with looking after our little ones so that we don’t have to wait until we find the time, or even harder try and make the time.

Here are some ways that we can integrate our children into our self care practices and start looking after ourselves as well as them.

1. Get moving, together.

For me my favourite form of self care has always been getting outdoors and into the fresh air. Whether that’s a walk or a decent run, moving outdoors is the best way for me to relax and unwind. Thanks to my Mountain Buggy duet luxury, I can give myself this me time, while taking my little twins along for the ride. They sleep while I run and relax - it’s a win win.

As they get bigger I plan to keep this an integral part of our routine, they will just evolve from pushchair, to the unirider, to bikes or on foot.

2. Keep up your rituals.

During the week it’s often the little rituals that keep you going. Whether that’s a longstanding Friday coffee date, or a beach stroll with the dogs, integrating the little ones into these rituals can help you keep them going. A baby carrier can be a handy way to take your baby out with you, without any fuss of getting in and out of a stroller. Even better it keeps your hands free for that well deserved coffee, while your baby gets to enjoy the closeness of being snuggled up with you. Talk about the greatest combination - snuggles and cafe treats!

3. Make new ones.ces with them and see them grow. Why not create new rituals that they can be part of too? For instance if you’re missing sitting down with a book and a cuppa, you could turn that into a new shared ritual where they have their own version of a cuppa and a book, allowing you to enjoy yours.

4. Drink when they drink.

Every time you give your little one a drink, give yourself a big drink of water. It’s the most basic form of self care but really does make a huge difference to how you feel.

5. Remember to take holidays.

For so many new parents the idea of travelling with a child sounds intimidating. But if you’re an avid traveller and look forward to a holiday every year it seems such a shame to give that up. Keep it up even with a family by using the power of google, friends and the luggage rider. Google and ask friends about best places to travel with a baby - you’d be surprised how many destinations have nannies and help on hand for when you want to have a holiday within your holiday. Or why not travel with a group who also have children? Then everyone can have a chance to relax.

You can also take this idea of remembering to holiday into your home. Take a holiday from chores and to-do lists next time you have a solo moment, rather than immediately rushing into doing. They can wait. You are more important.

With that all said I’m about to pop my babies into duet luxury and go for a beachside run. Self care here I come!