…to ask what you’d prioritize during mat leave, if you had your time again?

83 replies

ChilliGarlicMango · 20/01/2026 19:51

I have a gorgeous nearly 8 week old baby, and am really enjoying maternity leave so far. I go back to work in September, and am thinking about the months ahead and wondering if there’s anything I’ll regret not doing now once I’m back at work.

I’m a primary school teacher, and already mat leave is feeling a lot more enjoyable, slower paced and relaxing than being at work. I’d like to continue to make the most of my time off. Some things I’ve done so far:

baby sensory classes
baby cinema
meeting friends for lunch/ walks
going for pram walks and stopping at coffee shops

My baby is currently sleeping fairly well at night, so I’m generally ok energy-wise during the days. My partner is a teacher too, so we’ll have the summer off together.

Does anyone have any suggestions for things they really enjoyed doing during mat leave, and are glad they prioritized? Both day to day things, or maybe any longer trips you took with your partner and baby? (Thinking ahead to the summer).

Thanks so much! I’m aware of how special this time is, and would love to hear ideas from people who have been in this position before.

OP posts:

Mintearo7 · 20/01/2026 20:03

One of my best memories is late summer afternoons/early evenings in the park, usually with some other mum friends. I didn’t realise that when I had a second child that this time slot would be taken up with the school/nursery run for the eldest! So I’m glad I made the most of it on my first maternity leave.

ThatCraftySquid · 20/01/2026 20:03

Travelling!

I was nowhere near well enough at 8 weeks, but add a few months, and I was too anxious about travelling. I didn't do enough. I should have just gone away for 6 months.

Babies are completely portable, and travelling is the best way to take you out of the house and make the most of your time together.

My personal preference is going into airBnB flats (or houses) as soon as you have children - hotel rooms are too crowded and you miss the freedom of doing whatever you want at the time you want.

CeeCeeDeeBee · 20/01/2026 20:01

I loved sing and sign classes, and found they really helped with communication.

I also wish I’d spent more time snuggling instead of going to baby music classes 😂

teaandtoastwouldbenice · 20/01/2026 20:01

Those are all lovely things, swimming and picnics when the sun shines are fun too.
But also allow time for naps and cuddles, just being together.

mynameiscalypso · 20/01/2026 20:00

I wish I’d travelled more and spent more time going to museums/art galleries when DS was a baby. Unfortunately, my maternity leave was disrupted somewhat by the pandemic!

EndlessTreadmill · 20/01/2026 19:57

I thinj more interaction with baby itself. Wg taking a bath together ib middle of day. Or just doing skin to skin in the day. I know my youngest loved the baths together but i was always too busy and focused on getting us out of the house to go somewhere.

Peonies12 · 20/01/2026 19:55

I was going to say those things! Take advantage thst you can have a holiday outside the school hols. And I hope you can take this as kind advice - things will change baby-wise. My own experience (and those around me) was that things often got trickier sleep wise from 4 months. So don’t feel bad if you don’t feel up to doing lots, if you just need to nap when baby naps etc.

AnneLovesGilbert · 20/01/2026 19:55

Probably the opposite of what you’re thinking but lying next to them while they slept watching how quickly they grow and change and counting their chubby toes and smelling their heads. It’s gone in a flash!

I loved having newborns, there’s absolutely nothing like it, so I’m really happy you’re enjoying it so much 🥹

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