Dating was never easy, but having a baby at home and trying to navigate co-parenting and feeding times doesn’t make it any easier. Still, this doesn’t mean you should wait for your bundle of joy to turn 18.
Meeting new people who may turn into romantic interests can be fun. If nothing else, it’s a nice break from parenting (provided the baby is safe at home). It may not be as easy as “Hey, I’ll see you tonight after work!” but with a bit of planning and support, you can make it work.
If you’re new to this, here are a few steps to make sure things go smoothly.
Update Your Dating Profile (Be Honest)
This is something you can do while the baby is sleeping or during a walk. You no longer have the time to browse through all sorts of profiles, so be blunt about what you can offer and what you expect.
Start with the fact that you’re a new parent who is caring for a baby. Give a short description of the situation with the other parent, and be upfront with the fact that your time is limited. You may not get as many hits as before, but it will help you connect with people who are genuinely open to dating a parent.
Give interested people a glimpse into your life. Tell them about your parenting responsibilities, but don’t forget to talk about your interests and hobbies. Babies are fun and all, but no date will want to spend more than 10 minutes admiring photos and videos of your little ones.
Finally, state your intentions clearly. Are you looking for a long-term relationship or just casual companionship? Do you want a few fun outings, or are you ready to pursue something more stable?
Talk It Out with the Co-Parent
Going on dates while still seeing your ex, with whom you have a child, can be awkward, but you have the right to rebuild your life. So, don’t ask for permission; just inform them and be aware of their reaction.
If you’re lucky enough to find someone reliable and want the baby to meet them, talk with your parenting partner first. It’s their right to know who enters the baby’s life. But until this happens, it’s best to treat co-parenting and dating as two separate entities.
Make sure to discuss your parenting styles and expectations with any new partner early on. Make it clear that you are the parent and that discipline is your responsibility. The right person will understand and respect that your child’s well-being is your top priority.
Find the Right Support System
Ideally, you would have a parent, a sibling, or a person you trust watch the baby while you’re out. If this isn’t a good option, look into babysitting options. It may be more expensive, but it’s a way to get a few hours per week for yourself.
When you’re a new single parent, these small breaks matter for morale and peace of mind. Speaking of peace of mind, make sure the sitter has everything they need, including emergency contacts, allergy info, and breastmilk or formula.
If you go with formula, consider a version like Kendamil Infant organic formula. It’s made with whole milk fats, certified organic ingredients, and free from palm oil or added sugars, which makes it closer in composition to breast milk and gentler on your baby’s digestion.
These steps may look like they have nothing to do with the date itself, but when you know the baby is safe and well taken care of, you can relax and enjoy yourself. So, work hard to build your support system first, and enjoy dating a bit later.
Protect Your Energy
You’re a new parent, you’ve been through a separation, and you’re trying to find your footing. Now isn’t the time to jump headfirst into dating. Start small. Focus on getting to know people online and only meet the ones that show true promise.
Also, don’t feel guilty about wanting adult connection and romance — having a child doesn’t mean you stop deserving companionship. Be kind to yourself and embrace this new and chaotic way of life.
Wrap Up
Your baby’s needs will always take first place in your life, but your well-being matters too. A fulfilled, happy parent often has more emotional energy to give. So, enjoy being a parent, but don’t give up on meeting someone to share that experience with.
