I can’t stress enough how important self-care is for new moms. We need to take care of ourselves in order to take care of our family

Plus, taking care of tiny humans is just plain exhausting! Us moms deserve some time to ourselves to relax and rejuvenate. 

But, self-pampering often takes a back burner, as we’re so busy with changing diapers, breastfeeding, laundry, work, and all the other little things that come along with motherhood. Plus, we may just not have the budget to splurge on fancy things all the time. So, how can we pamper ourselves with little time and money to spare? 

In this post, we’ll cover 11 simple ways that you can treat yourself as a new mom. 

**Just so you know, Tales of a Messy Mom may collect a share of sales from purchases made through the affiliate links on this page. See the full disclosure here.

11 Simple Ways to Treat Yo-Self as a New Mom

Go ahead and pamper yourself mama! You deserve it! Here’s 11 self-care ideas for new moms: 

1.) Do NOTHING!

I think one of the best things we can do to recuperate as moms, is to do NOTHING. That’s right, just sit there and do absolutely nothing.

We’re so incredibly busy as moms. We’re either in the trenches of dirty diapers and what feels like constant nursing, or we’re busy shuffling to the grocery store and various kids activities. Take some time to completely disconnect and recollect your thoughts. Your mind and body will thank you. 

2.) Take a Nap

Now, if you’re a new mom, I’m sure you’re lacking in some serious sleep. And, if not, I’m super jealous. 

Getting a good amount of sleep is so important for our mental and physical health, but it can be hard to get during those early years of parenthood. Have your hubby take the kids out for an hour or two, so you can catch some Zzzzs. 

3.) Go for a Walk Outside

A little bit of fresh air and exercise always makes me feel better. Plus, the vitamin D from the sun helps improve your mood, immune system, and overall health

Grab your dog and running shoes and explore a new trail or simply just take a lap around the block. Take the time to appreciate the sound of the chirping birds and the breeze blowing on your face. It’s quite soothing when you’ve been cooped up all day with little ones. 

4.) Have an At-Home Spa Day

You don’t need to spend tons of money at the spa to treat yourself. You can pamper yourself right at home! 

Style your nails with an at-home mani-pedi or rejuvenate your skin with a facial mask. You may even be able to con your husband into giving you a nice massage. 

As a mom, I’m always looking for safer products for my family, as many cosmetics are loaded with toxic ingredients that are linked with potential health risks, such as hormone disruption, infertility, and even cancer. 

I’m so grateful to have found Beautycounter, as their formulas are toxin-free and their products get great ratings on the EWG (Environmental Working Group). I’m really loving their Cleansing Balm and No. 3 Facial Mask so far. Such amazing products for pampering yourself. 

5.) Enjoy a Cup of HOT Coffee by Yourself

Let’s be real, getting to drink a full cup of HOT coffee is just pretty much impossible when you’re a new mom. So, when you have a little bit of free time, take this time to indulge. Grab your favorite mug and head out to enjoy a cup on the porch.

And, it doesn’t necessarily have to coffee. It can be any any beverage or sweet that hits your fancy. I know there’s got to be something you’ve been hiding from your snack-thieving toddler. 😉 

6.) Have Brunch with a Friend

Not only is breakfast food just totally delicious, but talking with a friend can also be very therapeutic. Call up one of your new mom friends or maybe even an old friend that you haven’t seen much since having kids and schedule a brunch date. 

Checkout a new diner in town and enjoy some adult conversation. Embrace not having to do any cooking, dishes, or feeding someone else. Maybe even get a mimosa or two. 

7.) Take a Nice, Long Bubble Bath

Put your kids to bed a little early one night, and draw yourself a nice, hot bath. Throw in some soothing bubbles and turn on your favorite tunes. Relax from head to toe. 

Your bath will help relieve any tension or stress and make your skin all silky-smooth. Bubble baths truly have some magical, pampering powers. 

8.) Dive into a Good Book

If you’re a book worm, then go ahead and treat yo-self by heading to the library or your local bookstore to pick out a new novel. Find a quiet park or have the hubby take the kids out so you can get some quality reading time in

If you’re not a big reader, then maybe listen to a new podcast or audiobook, or watch one of your favorite Netflix series. 

9.) Stroll Through Your Favorite Store

You guys, I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something about shopping alone when you’re a mom. It’s like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 

Nurse your baby and then head out to your favorite store right after. Take a stroll through Target, grab a cup of Joe at Starbucks, and take your time browsing.

You don’t even need to buy anything. Just enjoy not having to change a blowout in the public bathroom, or deal with the stress of strangers trying to touch your baby, or carry a screaming toddler out of the store. 

10.) Get Dolled up

You could also splurge a bit, and buy yourself something nice when you’re out shopping. Pick up a new blouse or fancy dress and get all dolled up when you get home.

Take the time to do your hair, actually put makeup on for once, or maybe even shave your legs. The little things go such a long way when you’re a mom.

Getting all dressed up will help boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your new mom-bod. It may even help spice things up in the bedroom. 😉 

11.) Hire Someone to Clean Your Home

This might be my favorite one, because full disclosure: I hate cleaning. I love that we can afford for me to be a stay-at-home mom, but man, it gets exhausting cleaning up after every single meal, doing endless amounts of laundry, and folding clothes that just gets ripped apart by the toddlers right away. 

With all the daily picking-up that I do, it’s nearly impossible to actually get some deep cleaning done. And, man, does a clean house sure feel nice

So, if you have the spare cash, just hire someone out. Get the carpet shampooed. Let them take care of the vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the toilet. You just sit back and enjoy the cleanliness for a bit.   

You Deserve It Mama!

As moms, we don’t usually have a ton of time or money to spend on pampering ourselves, but we work so hard and put so much into caring for our little ones. We deserve to treat ourselves every once in a while. 

With these 11 simple ideas, you’ll be able to take some time to yourself, relax, and recuperate. You’ll be able to take care of your mind and body, so you can be the best mom possible for your family

What About You?

How do you prefer to treat yo-self as a new mom? Share your favorite self-care ideas in the comments below and be sure to share this post with all your new mom friends. 

2 Comments

  1. Asia on July 1, 2019 at 1:03 am

    So so true that taking care can also mean doing. I didn’t get everything checked off my to do list for the weekend but took naps when my kids slept and now I feel super rejuvenated ?

    • Nicolle on July 1, 2019 at 12:57 pm

      Yes! Being rejuvenated will help you get more done throughout the week and make you a happier, calmer mom. So glad you were able to sneak a nap in. I was horrible about taking time for myself with my first baby, but 3 months in with baby #2 I realized how important it truly was and have been making it a priority ever since.

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