Date Night Ideas for Parents

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Life changes when your family expands. This is especially true when you have newborns or young children, who require your care and attention 24/7. As you and your spouse place all your energy on your little ones, more often than not, your relationship as a couple gets put on the backburner. Even as you get immersed in the world of parenting, it is also imperative that you carve out time to reconnect as partners. This is where allocating dedicated date nights can come in handy. 

Admittedly, a date night when you have young children in your life may look different from when there were just the two of you – when you could dress up, stay out as late as you want and paint the town red together. However, the time spent together sans children can be an essential kindle in refuelling the spark that made you fall in love with each other. In fact, date nights can be seen as a great investment in your relationship. It is often thought that couples who designate regular date nights tend to have tighter bonds, better communication and fewer conflicts.

Planning Your Date Night 

When planning your date night, you’ll need to figure out a couple of thing, such as:

  • When will it take place?
  • Will you need to find a sitter?
  • Do you have to prepare anything in advance? (either for your children or for your date)
  • What kind of activities will you and your partner actually enjoy?

Knowing these things will help you plan your date in advance. However, in the event that something does come up, such as your child getting sick, or even one of you getting sick, make sure you have a backup, just in case.

Fun at Home

If budget or lack of childcare does not allow you to indulge in a night out in town, date night at home can also be a fun way to purposefully reconnect with your partner. A bonus is that you won’t face the stress of navigating traffic or being too far away from your little ones! 

Here are some ideas of what you can do at home:  

Plan a game night

Pick up a variety of games (some strategic, some funny, romantic, etc.) and bust out the games after the kids go to bed or during nap time! This is a really fun way to spark up some friendly competition and even conversation with one another!

Look at old photos together

Looking at childhood photos from before you knew each other or old photos of the two of you together will spark some interesting conversations and bring back fond memories.

Have a movie night

This is a classic and a great way to relax after the little ones go to bed. Make some popcorn (or whatever snack is your favourite), get cosy and start the movie.

If you’re an early bird, you could even start your morning by getting up before the kids to enjoy some coffee together while watching a movie. There’s nothing like a little snuggle time and  movie to start your day!

Cook up a romantic meal

There’s a reason why the saying “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach” is so popular. A great way to say “I love you” is with a romantic, home-made meal! Surprise your partner with a special meal. You could add in extra touches like strewing rose petals, putting on some nice perfume and dressing in their favourite outfit, and really turn it into a romantic affair.

Make cocktails or have a wine, cheese or chocolate tasting night

Have a cocktail night: try to recreate your favourites or experiment until you come up with a signature cocktail you can call your own. Or have some wine and cheese or chocolate. Wine goes great with cheese and chocolate, so you know you can’t go too wrong with either of these pairings.

Give each other massages

Being parents can be tough. A great way to add in some romance is by giving one another a massage! Not only does it feel nice to feel your partner’s touch, but it probably feels so relaxing to get a massage after a long day. Find a video on YouTube and try some new massage techniques, or go freestyle! 

Take a bath together

This one will really kick up the romance a notch, but hey, that’s what you’re here for, right?

Be sure to pour a glass of wine or your favourite drink, add in some calm scented bubbles, and enjoy your warm bath with your partner!

Get outside and watch the sunset together

Depending on what time your kids go to bed, you might be able to catch a gorgeous sunset with your partner! There’s always something special and mesmerising about snuggling up with your partner and watching the sun go down together.

Experience a Personal Touch at Danai Cresenvale

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Are you a new mum searching for a confinement centre that can cater to the needs of you and your baby? As a new mother, it is crucial to have access to quality care to ensure a smooth transition to motherhood. At Danai Cresenvale Postnatal Haven Confinement Centre, we provide top-notch postnatal care for mothers and newborns in a comfortable and luxurious setting.

We offer private rooms to make your confinement stay as pleasant as possible. You can opt to have your baby room with you or in the nursery while being taken care of by our trained medical team, as well as having your spouse stay with you. This can help you to not only feel more at home, but also be able to bond with your new baby together. 

We even provide personalised assistance when it comes to feeding your baby. As a breastfeeding-friendly facility, we can help you to establish a proper rhythm and routine to ensure that you are comfortable and not stressed during feeding time. This also includes making it easy for you to pump your breastmilk, which will then be stored within our breastmilk refrigerator. At times when you’re too tired, we will help you feed your baby with the stored breastmilk. 

Our confinement centre offers various other services like personal daily meals prepared by our in-house chef. Our healthy meals are prepared fresh daily with carefully planned menus to accommodate your preferences. We also have vegetarian meals to cater for vegetarian mummies. All recipes are by the centre’s very own dietitian, thus ensuring that all mummies get the nutrients they need for them to heal properly during their confinement period.

Being a new parent can be both exciting and stressful for a new mother. How you respond in an emergency is critical. Ideally, you should be able to react quickly and effectively in any emergency and avoid placing your child’s life in danger. That is why at Danai Cresenvale, we hold CPR classes for new mummies. Our trained medical staff will guide and show all new mummies the correct way to perform CPR on infants,  and importantly, what to do and not to do during emergencies. With this training, a new mother can gain the skills they need to save their infant if the need arises.

Not forgetting, we also offer personalised postnatal massages that can be arranged to suit your schedule. We can arrange for professional masseurs to be at Cresenvale at a time of your convenience to administer a relaxing and invigorating confinement massage to facilitate your body’s healing and recovery. Our professional and experienced team is specially trained to provide personalised care and support throughout your stay with us. We prioritise the health and wellbeing of both mother and baby, adhering to strict safety protocols and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment to ensure comfort and peace of mind. Contact us to find out more.

Have You Heard About Parent-and-Child Dates?

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Parents are always looking for ways to spend quality time with their children. One way to do so is via parent-and-child dates. A family with more than one young child, especially, may find it harder to have one-on-one time with each child. However, taking the time regularly to really connect with each child will go a long way in tending to their heart. Caring for their carnal needs and health is important but so is caring for their spiritual and mental health. Taking each child on special dates is one way to purposefully stay in tune with all of your child’s needs. If you’re looking for some fun one-on-one date ideas, look no further! 

  1. Have a picnic in your backyard or at a nearby park
  2. Go on a nature walk together and see who can find the most interesting rocks, leaves or flowers
  3. Head to the bookstore and pick out a few books to read together. Make it extra fun by reading in silly voices or acting out the story
  4. Go to the zoo and name all the animals 
  5. Build a fort out of blankets and pillows and have a movie marathon inside it
  6. Do a parent-child cooking class together
  7. Go for a ice-cream or milkshake
  8. Have a water gun battle
  9. Give each other manicures or pedicures
  10. Go on a bike ride together 

Be sure to put away your phone, turn off the TV and really focus on your child during your date. No matter what you choose to do, the important thing is that you are spending quality time with your child and showing them that they are important to you.

Benefits of ‘Dating’ Your Children

While every parent-child relationship is different, most children generally crave attention and quality time with their parents. In today’s world, it can be hard to find the time to truly connect with our children. We are often pulled in many different directions and our children can easily get lost in the shuffle. Here are the benefits of going on dates with your kids:

Improved Communication

Children need individual attention. It gives them time and space to communicate away from other distractions (and siblings) and it lets them know you care about their contributions to the family.

Better Behaviour

Having a tough time with your child’s behaviour? It often comes down to them wanting to be seen and needing attention. When you’re one-on-one with your kids, it’s so much easier to acknowledge their positive attributes personally. 

Happier Parents

Going on dates with your children also helps you, the parents. This is an opportunity for you to feel more connected with each child and each other, as well. 

Make it Happen!

It’s not an easy thing to carve out time for dates with your children, but you should seize the opportunities when you can, or it might soon be too late. Children grow up so fast. Here are a few thoughts on how you can make it work.

Alternating dates with each parent

Each parent can take one child on a date at a different time. For example, mummy can take one child on a date in the morning while daddy takes another in the afternoon. Switch next month!

Finding a sitter so both parents can go

It’s not always realistic but if both you and your partner have a chance to take one child out together, that’s even better. They will absolutely love spending time with just mummy and daddy.

Let the child pick the activities

You’d be surprised at how happy they can be with a simple outing.

Have suggestions ready if they can’t decide

No one wants choosing a fun activity to turn into a stressful experience. If your children have a tough time making decisions, offer a couple of suggestions and let them choose. This keeps them involved in the process while limiting their anxiety over making a decision. 

Start planning now and make your dates special, memorable and fun!

Must-make Memories for New Parents

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There are innumerable beautiful moments and memories to be formed when new mums and dads embark on the exciting road of parenting. From the first grin to the first tooth and other milestones, these memories will be treasured for a lifetime. It therefore only makes sense that these are commemorated in a special way.  

Here are some must-do activities for new parents to enjoy and celebrate:

Baby’s First Photo Shoot

Arrange a professional photo shoot to capture your newborn’s charming innocence. These timeless photographs will serve as a lovely memory, reminding you of those early days and the immense joy your child brought into your lives. 

Making Hand and Footprint Art

Use imaginative art projects to preserve your baby’s small handprints and footprints. Create one-of-a-kind prints on paper or canvas with non-toxic, baby-safe paint that can be framed and exhibited in your home. It’s a wonderful method to document their development and preserve those minute details that seem to change so quickly.

Baby’s First Outing 

Go on a family outing for the first time, whether it’s to the park, to see loved ones or to a special destination. Capture your baby’s grins, laughter and wide-eyed awe as you introduce him or her to the world.

Milestones

Record and celebrate your baby’s developmental milestones, beginning with the first time they roll over, sit up, crawl and take their first steps. Capture these accomplishments in images or films to create a visual record of their growth and development. These priceless memories will make you smile as you reflect on how far they’ve come.

Bedtime Rituals and Storytime

Creating nighttime routines and sharing storytime with your child is an unforgettable bonding experience. Create a nice environment, snuggle up together and read their favourite stories aloud. These calm moments of connection will be treasured by both you and your child.

Baby’s First Celebrations

Enjoy your baby’s firsts with excitement and delight. From their first New Year to their first birthday party, these unique celebrations provide an opportunity to make unforgettable memories and develop traditions that will last a lifetime for your child.

Time for You
Finally, as a parent, don’t forget to generate memories for yourself. Make time for self-care as well as engaging in hobbies and planning times for rest and renewal. Remember that your happiness is crucial for providing a caring and nurturing atmosphere for your child.

In the midst of the frenzy that is parenthood, it is critical to pause and consciously create these must-make moments. Accept the excitement, hardships and love that come with being a new parent, and cherish the moments that will mould your family’s story for generations to come.

Top Tips for Managing Fussy Eaters

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It’s natural to worry whether your young child is getting enough food if they refuse to eat sometimes.

However, it’s perfectly normal for toddlers to refuse to eat or even taste new foods. Do not worry about what your child eats in a day or if they do not eat everything at mealtimes. It’s more helpful to think about what they eat over a week.

If your child is active, gains weight and seems well, then they’re getting enough to eat. As long as your child eats some food from the four main food groups (fruits and vegetables; potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates; dairy or dairy alternatives; and beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins) you do not have to worry. 

Gradually introduce other foods and keep going back to the foods your child did not like before. Children’s tastes change. One day they’ll hate something, but a month later they may love it. Keep offering a variety of foods – it may take lots of attempts before your child accepts some foods.

Tips for parents of young fussy eaters:

  • Give your child the same food as the rest of the family, but remember not to add salt to their food.
  • Try to eat with them as often as you can. The best way for your child to learn to eat and enjoy new foods is to copy you.
  • Give small portions and praise your child for eating, even if they only eat a little. If your child rejects the food, do not force them to eat it. Just take the food away without saying anything.
  • Try to stay calm, even if it’s very frustrating. Try offering the food again another time. Do not wait until your child is too hungry or tired to eat. 
  • Your child may be a slow eater, so be patient.
  • Do not give your child too many snacks between meals. Two healthy snacks a day is plenty.
  • Do not use food as a reward. Your child may start to think of sweets as nice and vegetables as nasty. Instead, you could reward them with a trip to the park or promise to play a game with them.
  • Make mealtimes enjoyable and not just about eating. Sit down and chat about other things. 

The transition from milk to solids is a big change for your child. Not only are they swapping the comfort of the breast or bottle for textured solids, but they are also entering a new world of high chairs, bibs, spoons and messes.Some will take more easily to the process, gobbling up new tastes, but there are no prizes for the child (or their mum) who eats the most at a certain age.

Many mums of older children who are now excellent eaters will tell you how tricky weaning was for them. Some toddlers will be more fussy than others. But also remember that your baby is learning to chew, swallow and deal with different tastes, which are big new skills to develop.

Screen-Free Toddler Activities while Mum is Busy

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As mums, we often find that there are times where we need to get things done, but our toddlers or little ones may want to be held or demand one-to-one attention. While screens are a typical go-to to distract children so you can check off a chore or two, research has shown that this can actually hinder their development.

The good news is that you do not have to depend on screens. Children are naturally curious and will latch on to an activity in the right conditions. This is where, as a parent, you can help this happen.

Start by choosing ideas that target your child’s personal interests, gather the supplies they need, then let them be. Your child will need chunks of time and permission to make a mess. Look for ways to control chaos without limiting creativity, like painting on the patio. Then don’t disturb them – not even with a “Good job!” comment. Children learn best through trial and error.

However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to get involved. Your role is to help get things started, then sit back and watch the magic begin! Here are some screen-free ideas to help keep your little one busy while you get your own work done.

1. SENSORY BINS
Sensory bins are easy to put together with large bins, coloured rice, kinetic sand, scoops and toys. They will keep your toddler entertained for ages and you can easily switch out the toys periodically or prepare different themed bins ready to go.

2. NO OR LITTLE MESS ARTPut your toddler in a high chair with something they can safely make art with, such as non-toxic finger paints or toddler-friendly crayons, along with some paper, and just let them go wild!

3. PLAY-DOH
It doesn’t get much easier than pulling out a few tubs of Play-Doh and plopping them onto the table for an easy toddler activity! You can also whip up your own dough easily so your child will have abundant access to knead and sculpt as they please.

4. COLOURING PAGES
This is a classic activity for a reason. Just have a handful of colouring books and/or printouts at arm’s reach for a quick grab-and-go activity.

5. ALONE TIME PRACTICE
This is a big one. Kids don’t come into the world being able to play on their own; it’s a learned skill that most kids have a hard time with. Start with a five-minute timer and explain to your child that they get to start learning a new skill. Up the timer as they are able to play on their own until they can self-entertain for at least 30 minutes.

Not only are these activities screen-free, but they are also great in helping with the development of your child’s motor skills, imagination and more.

However, please remember that the activities are not meant to be a replacement for parental supervision. Always make sure that someone has an eye on your child at all times.

Bonding with Baby to Boost Their Brain Development

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Early childhood is a time of tremendous brain development. The young developing brain literally changes shape and size in response to everything encountered in the early years. New environments, life experiences, caretakers and relationships can all affect the way complex brain circuits are wired. This network of synaptic connections will ultimately determine brain function and the development of behaviour. Even if those early “conversations” with your newborn may seem a little one-sided at first, you’re building your baby’s brain by recognising, acknowledging and responding to their cues. 

This rapid brain growth is key to physiological and behavioural functions and capacities, including physical abilities, early language skills, learning and memory, and emotional development. The period between birth to the age of two – often called the first 1,000 days – is particularly crucial.

Substantial brain growth occurs in utero, and at birth babies’ brains are just over a quarter the size of the adult brain. By the first year, the brain has already more than doubled in volume, and it reaches 80% of adult size by the age of two!

Prenatal

Before birth, certainly by the second trimester, many parts of your baby’s hearing system are functional. There is evidence that sound recognition and learning occur in utero. For example, newborns tend to prefer their mother’s voice to a stranger’s, their mother’s native language to another language, and even a story that had been read along during gestation compared to a new story. So do take the time to talk, read and even sing to your baby during this time. 

Neonatal

After birth, repeated skin-to-skin contact stimulates many physiological changes in both mother and newborn that help establish bonding immediately and in the longer term. Skin-to-skin care promotes the release of maternal oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in social interaction and bonding by countering stress responses and promoting growth.

Infancy (0-2 years)

Consistent affectionate touch from a parent has established benefits for the infant including regulating stress responses and immune function and promoting psychosocial development and secure attachment. For young infants, simple games such as copycat, peekaboo and naming objects can help them to focus attention, use working memory, build language connections, develop self-control and build trust in the adult.

Early Childhood (2-5 years)

Spending meaningful time with a young child in a way that involves their growing interest helps promote bonding. A good example is shared book reading. This experience can be enhanced if the parent and child review the book content together with questions, answers and comments. As children are read to, they begin to strengthen their language skills. For example, if they repeatedly hear a word pronounced, their brains will register that pronunciation.

Although each child develops at their own cognitive rate, the best way to ensure your child’s brain power is off to a good start is by meeting their needs and giving them endless amounts of love. Your love alone has the power to fuel your child’s early learning and brain development! However, take heed that developmental milestones are something to be aware of, but not obsessed over. Don’t forget that every child learns at their own rate!

10 Useful Gift Ideas For Pregnant Women

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You’re about to bring new life into the world. It’s a meaningful, beautiful time in your life. Before this gift of life enters your life, however, how about gifting something useful – or two – to yourself as well? After all, a mama’s wellbeing is just as important as her baby’s, and you deserve gifts that aren’t just for your baby alone.

So whether you’re a first time mom-to-be, or have been through this wondrous journey before, your pregnancy journey will no doubt be a comfier one with any of these gift ideas listed below. Here are 10 gift ideas that you expectant moms out there will find practical before – and after – your little bundle of joy arrives.

Disclaimer: Make sure to purchase only from trusted, verified, and pregnancy-safe brands.

Body Lotion

Now, before we go on, stretch marks are perfectly fine and normal, but if you’d rather not have the look, then go for this moisturising, pregnancy-safe product. Besides, it improves skin elasticity too. 

Bath Salts

Bath salts, specifically, dead sea salts; they’re known to provide relief for nausea, aches, pains, stresses, and more. Great even if you’re not pregnant.

Pregnancy Journal

Journaling has several proven benefits such as reducing stress, keeping track of your emotions, and improving memory among other things; why not have one specially for your pregnancy journey as well? From baby’s first ultrasound pics to their first pair of tiny, adorable shoes, keep all your baby’s precious firsts here.

Stay organised and jot down all your important prenatal appointment dates in one place. With this, you can reflect and remember special moments and feelings throughout your pregnancy with this.

Super Soft House Slippers

Swollen feet are a very common pregnancy ailment. A pair of super comfy slippers that feels like marshmallows below your feet especially at the end of a long day is bliss. 

Go for materials like fleece, suede, and shearling, although be mindful as these materials can also cause your feet to perspire with long wear. For extra security, get ones with gripped bottoms to guarantee no slips.

Pregnancy Pillow

A quality, ergonomic one can help alleviate the pains and aches that often come with a changing body during pregnancy.

Go for one with a multi-use option that offers triple support – hips, back, and baby bump.

A Clip & Pump Hands-free Nursing Bra

A clip & pump hands-free nursing bra is convenient for so many reasons and saves time by providing moms extra time to do other things and multitask worry-free and with ease. 

Maternity Belt

Maternity belts stabilise one’s body by supporting some of the belly’s weight and potentially alleviating pressure off one’s back as well.

Maternity belts provide gentle support around the tummy area.

Maternity Undergarments

Maternity undergarments are sensible, practical, comfortable and necessary, one can’t go wrong with this gift.

Keep yourself comfy and cozy throughout your pregnancy with the softest set of pyjamas/ maternity wear.

Prenatal Vitamins

It can often be a challenge to nourish your body with all the nutrition it needs.

As your body continues to undergo changes, prenatal vitamins help ensure you get sufficient nutrients that are essential for baby’s healthy growth too.

Hospital Bag Goodies

Be it travel-sized toiletries, comfy slippers for swollen feet, fuzzy socks, snacks etc.

Better to be overprepared rather than underprepared.

Ultimate Pieces of Advice for New Mums

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Every first-time parent and young mother wonders what giving birth is like and what it will be like looking after a baby 24 hours a day. 

You’ll wonder whether you will be able to cope, dread the scary possibility of baby blues, and whether you can be the kind of parent you want to be. 

When your precious newborn arrives, you will begin wondering what to do!

First things first, do not panic as we have put together the ultimate pieces of advice for new mums!

Ignore the negatives

Being a young mother can be truly wonderful. You may hear people saying older mothers are a better parent but that is not true. 

There are many young mothers who were absolutely committed to breastfeeding, having as natural a birth as possible, and accepting the responsibility that parenthood brings.

Each baby is different

It’s important for new mothers to know that each baby has their own unique traits, temperament, and personality. 

Your first baby can be easy but the second may be fussy and that’s no reflection on you as a parent.

Some babies can be more needy or cry a lot than others but it is not your fault or the fault of your parenting style.

Develop your bond

Developing a strong bond with your baby is so crucial.This applies to both the mother and father.

The bond you develop as you get to know each other in the first few days, weeks and months will affect your child’s psychological and emotional health throughout his life.

Here are 3 main ways of creating a strong bond:

  1. Skin-to-skin contact

When your baby is born, he/she will normally be put on your timmy so that you are skin to skin. 

If you’re breastfeeding you will generally have more skin to skin contact just through the act of feeding.

2. Eye contact

Feeding time whether you’re breast or bottle feeding, is a great time to share some quality eye contact and strengthen the bond between you and your newborn.

3. Respond to your baby’s needs

It is also vital to respond to your baby’s needs and don’t forget their emotional needs for comfort and closeness are as important as their physical needs

Plan ahead

There are many things you will need to do when caring for a newborn. Hence, planning for mealtimes, bath time trips out, and bedtime will definitely make life a lot simpler.

For instance, before you bathe your baby, you can make sure you have everything you will need afterward, such as a clean towel, clean clothes, diapers and bottom cream.

In addition, when you’re taking your baby for a stroll, you can take some of these things: spare clothes, nappies, wipes, toys, bottom cream, a spare top for yourself, breast pads, and an extra blanket.

Look after yourself

The truth is, it will be hard to find time for yourself with a new baby to look after. But, taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of your baby. 

Here are some tips you can take to care for yourself. 

  1. Set aside half an hour to do something you enjoy every day. 

2. Treat yourself to new things.

3. Talk to someone and have a cry if you need to when you have a bad day

4. Get as much sleep as you can !

5. Eat a healthy diet.

The Takeaway

You need to expect that there will be times when it feels hard to handle everything and that some things may not go your way but remember this, You Are Strong. 

Confinement centres are a great place for new mothers as they provide lodgings, healthy meals for moms and babies, laundry services and 24-hour support staff, including nurses, midwives to care for you and your baby.

6 Effective Ways to heal pregnancy stretch marks

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Stretch marks are reddish-purple marks on your body that are caused by the stretching of the skin.

While skin is typically stretchable, stretching it beyond its limit causes marks to appear. 

This happens especially during pregnancy, and the stretch marks may take some time to fade.

If you’re worried about stretch marks, fret not. There are several ways to treat them.

Creams with retinol


How retinol works are that it tries to stimulate collagen production when applied. Retinol can be found in creams prescribed by a dermatologist. However, these creams must be used only after the stretch marks show up and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Laser Therapy


Laser therapy is a method that is effective but incredibly pricey. It heats the skin to break down the skin tissues and enhance new cell production. It also boosts collagen growth.

Microdermabrasion


Microdermabrasion exfoliates your skin by using tiny crystals to take off the top layer of your skin. This helps to diminish new, reddish stretch marks with minimal damage.

Moisturising


Moisturising the stretch mark areas are able to help reduce stretch marks. Since stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin, it is important to keep it moisturised so that it would remain elastic.

Chemical peels


If you feel that physical exfoliants are unsuitable for you, why not try a chemical peel instead? It’s glycolic acid in a cream and it works the same way as any other exfoliant does. The difference between a chemical peel and a physical exfoliant is that with chemical peels you don’t feel the rubbing like you would with physical exfoliants. 

Massages


A massage helps break up the scar tissue that causes stretch marks and increase blood flow. Using oil helps to reduce the friction when you massage and keeps the skin elastic and supple.

These are some of the ways to help heal stretch marks. If you’re expecting soon, why not check out Danai Cresenvale for your confinement? Our packages come with massages to help mothers get back into shape and feel great about themselves. Contact us for an appointment now!