Motherhood—especially in the early months with an infant—can feel all-encompassing. Days blur into nights, and even basic tasks like showering or eating a full meal can feel like a luxury. While this season of life is precious, it is also demanding, and many mothers find themselves running on empty. What’s often overlooked, though, is that taking care of yourself, even in the smallest of ways, is not selfish; it’s essential.
If you are a new mother, finding time for yourself may seem impossible, but little pauses can be woven into the rhythm of your day. These small acts of self-care help you recharge and, in turn, allow you to be more present for your baby. Here are a few gentle, practical ways to sneak in moments for yourself.
Redefine What “Me Time” Looks Like
Before motherhood, self-care might have meant an hour-long yoga class, a coffee date with friends, or an uninterrupted nap. With an infant, those options may feel out of reach for now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy meaningful moments for yourself.
Sometimes, “me time” is simply five quiet minutes sipping tea while your baby naps, listening to your favourite song during a feeding, or stepping outside to feel the sun on your face while the baby is safely in the pram. When you adjust your expectations of what counts as time for yourself, you’ll find more opportunities than you think.
Make Everyday Routines Restorative
Since infants require constant care, the best way to carve out time for yourself is often by weaving small joys into what you’re already doing. For example:
- Feeding time: Queue up a podcast, audiobook, or calming playlist you love.
- Nap time chores: Instead of rushing to do laundry or dishes during every nap, dedicate one nap a day to yourself. Even if it’s just lying down with your eyes closed, it counts.
- Bath time for baby: Let this also be a sensory reset for you: light a candle, breathe deeply, and enjoy the sound of the water as you guide your little one.
Infants thrive on routine, and you can thrive by infusing those routines with small rituals that restore you.
Accept Help (Even If It Feels Hard)
Many mothers hesitate to accept help, whether from a partner, family member, or friend, out of guilt or a desire to “do it all.” But saying yes to support is not a weakness, it’s a strength.
If someone offers to hold the baby for 20 minutes, take that moment for a shower, a quick walk, or even just sitting quietly with a cup of coffee. If a neighbour asks if they can drop off food, let them. Small acts of community care can free up valuable minutes that are just for you.
And help doesn’t always need to come in the form of an extra pair of hands. Sometimes it’s about the tools and products that lighten your mental and physical load. For example, choosing a trusted infant formula like Bobbie—an organic option thoughtfully created for babies—can give you peace of mind on feeding days when breastfeeding isn’t possible or you need a break. Knowing your baby is nourished allows you to step back, take a breath, and honour your own needs too.
Embrace Micro-Moments of Mindfulness
When long stretches of time aren’t available, micro-moments can make a difference. A few ideas:
- Breathing exercises: Three slow, deep breaths while holding your baby can reset your nervous system.
- Gratitude practice: Jot down one thing you’re grateful for each day. It can be as simple as a hot cup of coffee or the way your baby smiled.
- Body stretch: Even a two-minute stretch while your baby plays on the mat can relieve tension.
These may not feel like much in the moment, but they build resilience over time.
Protect One Small Ritual Just for You
Amid the chaos of new motherhood, having even one consistent ritual that belongs only to you can be grounding. It could be:
- A skincare routine at night, no matter how simple.
- Reading a few pages of a book before bed.
- Journaling your thoughts while your baby naps.
This ritual doesn’t have to be long or elaborate, it just needs to signal to your mind and body that you also matter in this new chapter.
Release the Pressure of Perfection
One of the biggest obstacles to finding time for yourself is the pressure to be a “perfect” mother, partner, or homemaker. It’s okay if the laundry isn’t folded, if the house is a little messy, or if you rely on ready-made meals some nights.
Giving yourself permission to let go of perfection creates space for what truly matters; your well-being and your bond with your baby. When you take a moment for yourself, you’re not neglecting your child—you’re nurturing the version of you that your child needs most: a present, healthy, and grounded mother.
Remember This Is a Season
It can feel endless when you’re in it, but the newborn and infant stage is just one season of parenthood. The sleepless nights, constant feeding, and round-the-clock care will eventually shift. Knowing that can help you release the guilt of needing breaks.
The small, intentional moments of self-care you cultivate now will serve you well beyond infancy. They become habits, reminding you that motherhood is not about self-erasure but about growing into a new identity that still honours who you are.
Finding time for yourself as the mother of an infant isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about carving out little, consistent moments that remind you of your own humanity. Whether it’s a five-minute pause, a supportive product, or one cherished ritual, these small acts accumulate into resilience.
Motherhood is a gift, but so is the reminder that you matter, too. By taking even tiny steps to care for yourself, you are not only nurturing your own well-being but also modeling for your child the importance of balance, compassion, and self-love.
