For those of you wondering what to buy a new mum when you’re sure she has all the baby grows, knitted hats, blankets and newborn gift baskets she needs…it could be a spa visit.
I can’t speak for every new mum, but it was exactly what I needed after giving birth.
It’s a no brainer, just do the math:
9 months (approx.) carrying a baby
6 months (approx.) sleeping in just one position
3 months (approx.) of limited movement
8 months (approx.) of no alcohol, French cheese and sushi
Get my point?
Booking a massage or a facial will be the last thing on the mind of a new mum – there isn’t much time left after healing, nappy changing and around the clock feeds – but a spa could be just what the doctor ordered. Question is, with most new mummys not keen to leave their babies for long, can you even spa with a new baby?
We went along to Jumeirah Carlton with not one, but TWO children under 3 to find out (you’re welcome). Here’s how to spa with a baby:
We booked a treatment with afternoon tea via www.redletterdays.co.uk (£125).
Our aim was to make the experience enjoyable, with very little time spent chasing after a toddler or placating a hungry/tired baby. After planning the route we realised that it would be simpler to drive. (I say WE, because there was absolutely no way I could do this without help. Bring a friend or family member with you or risk losing your mind). Our top tips are as follows:
Planning is ESSENTIAL:
From the journey there and back to making sure you have enough nappies, plan for every eventuality. This is supposed to be your time to relax, so don’t spoil it by panicking over the fact that you forgot to bring an extra baby grow. If you are travelling on public transport, remember the journey back may be trickier than the journey there as you will probably be exhausted if you opt for a massage.
Book a short treatment and forget about the all day access:
There is no point booking full day access when you have limited time before the kids get bored and want to leave / eat / sleep. You may think the sound of swimming, hitting the steam room and jacuzzi sound good, but it is extremely doubtful you’ll have the time or energy to do it. Focus on getting a treatment and enjoy that, everything else will be a bonus.
You NEED to bring a friend:
As I mentioned above, you will need to bring a friend. No you cannot bring your child into the treatment room, no you won’t be able to relax while they sit outside with the staff, no they won’t sleep through. Just bring.a.friend, k?
A hotel spa is best
Hotels are fully equipped to take care of families. What’s more, guests will be more likely to overlook your toddler running and shouting through the spa rooms in a hotel, after all you could be staying there. Private spa venues are often marketed as an oasis of peace and tranquillity, which means your child will not be allowed to do much at all.
Ask about your treatment and products
If you are breastfeeding and opting for a massage, make sure you know a bit about the products that are being used. Make sure they are safe and mostly chemical free. Also, shower thoroughly after your massage, particularly before you breastfeed your baby again.
Planning is ESSENTIAL:
I repeat, planning is essential. Book in advance but plan for evantualities. You may have to cancel your booking if the little ones get a cold, so look into the booking / cancellation small print.
Do you have any top tips to add?
