Sub-navigation

• « Previous
• Back to features list »

Maintaining successful friendships after having a baby

The presence of a baby can sometimes alter the nature of your friendships. You’ll be less able to make spontaneous decisions to go and join friends at the cinema or on trips out. Having people come round uninvited may not be as welcome as it used to be, as you’ll be so busy. Any spare time you do have you may prefer to spend together with your partner, or just relaxing at home rather than going out on the town.

So it may be necessary to gently lay down some new ground rules, and to ask friends and relatives to call before coming round, just to check what you’ve got planned.

Single friends may be particularly affected by the presence of a new baby in your life, as you may find you have less and less in common. If you’re relationship together was based on nights out at the pub, you may find that without these regular meetings you drift apart. You may also find you want to spend more time with other couples with children, as it’s easier to fit in with each other’s schedules and plans.

However, it’s important not to make too many choices about friendships based on whether the friend is single or in a couple. Don’t let go of an old friendship because the early months with your new baby are a bit awkward. You’ll find that most of your friends will be completely understanding, and that as your baby gets older it’s easier to have nights out or to invite them easily to your home.