10 ways to make cafe outings fun for mum
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| Photo: own source |
The simple moments in life are often the
most enjoyable. Going to a cafe is
one such enjoyable moment for me. The cafe atmosphere
with a big pot of a fragrant black tea, or a freshly brewed coffee (this shouldn't be bitter by the way), or a tasty smoothie combination does good things to the mind.
A cafe outing is cosy and always a little bit special; it's the perfect moment to catch up with a friend, or unwind with reading material that you’ve been looking forward to, or even to get some work done. But you now have a baby, so what will happen to your coffee dates? Luckily nothing.
If anything your baby adds variety to your cafe outings. You can easily take your baby and on-the-go toddlers to a cafe, and enjoy it yourself - the enjoyment is key here, it needs to stay fun.
Pick the right place. Think child-friendly cafes that are fun for mum, there are plenty of options.
Look out for:
If you are unsure of where to go, explore new cafes during your me-time.
Rotate your hangouts and keep an eye out for new openings. I'm always amazed at how many cafes are opening in town (I guess this does go hand-in-hand with old favourites closing).
For some global inspiration, check out these links of must-try cafes around the world! There are lots of good tips for when you are on a family holiday as well.
Great, you've picked your spot and got there. You've ordered and you've gotten yourself and your baby cosy.
As a bonus you've thought of some simple entertainment options. For little babies this is straightforward, because they are likely to be sleeping, so you can just take your time. Otherwise they are easily entertained by sitting on your lap and looking around, or you may just need to feed your baby. Take them for a look around the cafe or outside if they are fussy and not easily soothed.
If you have toddlers and older children you can entertain them with a special treat and simple activities. There are lots of card games designed specifically for young kids, even my two-year-old is happy to collect cards, or you can read a couple of short books. Plus reserve some small toys that you only use when you're out.
Enjoy your cafe moment. I often just go with my little family to spend a special moment together.
Try out new cafes the next few times. And for those spots that are just too small, or feel tricky with children, keep them for a coffee date at the weekend when you need a moment of me-time.
I'd love to know what type of cafes you've taken your baby to.
A cafe outing is cosy and always a little bit special; it's the perfect moment to catch up with a friend, or unwind with reading material that you’ve been looking forward to, or even to get some work done. But you now have a baby, so what will happen to your coffee dates? Luckily nothing.
If anything your baby adds variety to your cafe outings. You can easily take your baby and on-the-go toddlers to a cafe, and enjoy it yourself - the enjoyment is key here, it needs to stay fun.
Pick the right place. Think child-friendly cafes that are fun for mum, there are plenty of options.
Look out for:
- cafes whose owners have children themselves
- cafes with an outside area
- park cafes
- museum cafes - they often have a generous inside space
- cafes that have games and books that you can borrow
- a cafe with an informal atmosphere
- a cafe you already know! The barista of your favourite spot would be delighted to see you and your baby
- department-store cafes - sometimes less cosy but always child friendly and the drinks selection is usually pretty good
- cat cafes - these are becoming a big thing in Europe where you can go and hang out with cats. Babies and little children are fascinated by them!
- baby cafes - I've put this last on the list as this is an obvious one. Some are really nice with a beautiful interior for mums to enjoy the outing too
If you are unsure of where to go, explore new cafes during your me-time.
Rotate your hangouts and keep an eye out for new openings. I'm always amazed at how many cafes are opening in town (I guess this does go hand-in-hand with old favourites closing).
For some global inspiration, check out these links of must-try cafes around the world! There are lots of good tips for when you are on a family holiday as well.
- Loads of awesome cafes in Europe
- Independent cafes in the US
- Go-to cafes in New Zealand
- Informal cafes in Australia
- Some hidden cafes in India
Great, you've picked your spot and got there. You've ordered and you've gotten yourself and your baby cosy.
As a bonus you've thought of some simple entertainment options. For little babies this is straightforward, because they are likely to be sleeping, so you can just take your time. Otherwise they are easily entertained by sitting on your lap and looking around, or you may just need to feed your baby. Take them for a look around the cafe or outside if they are fussy and not easily soothed.
If you have toddlers and older children you can entertain them with a special treat and simple activities. There are lots of card games designed specifically for young kids, even my two-year-old is happy to collect cards, or you can read a couple of short books. Plus reserve some small toys that you only use when you're out.
Enjoy your cafe moment. I often just go with my little family to spend a special moment together.
Try out new cafes the next few times. And for those spots that are just too small, or feel tricky with children, keep them for a coffee date at the weekend when you need a moment of me-time.
I'd love to know what type of cafes you've taken your baby to.
