Babysitting Dilemmas: How to Get Some Time with Your Spouse Without Breaking the Bank

As every parent will tell you, welcoming a new one into the family means giving up a lot of those things. It could be something financially, or maybe it's a time consuming activity. But something it should never be is the time that you get to yourself with your significant other. Although it is obvious time will be greatly reduced with the arrival of baby, and throughout your child's early years, it is essential to make this private time a priority. There are plenty of ways to get this time, and here we go over some time and money friendly options.

At home dates are by far the easiest and most inexpensive way to relax with each other. Get the kids fed, bathed and in bed before you start. Once all is quiet in the house, throw together an easy but special meal, light some candles, turn the lights down low. If you want you can go as far to dress up a bit, it really adds to the "date". Use this time to reconnect with little talk about the kids and more talk about the two of you. After dinner, throw on a movie and cuddle on the couch, or, if it's a warm night, head outside to spend some time on a porch swing. Either way, make sure the date doesn't end with one of you doing all the dishes.

Another popular option is a babysitting trade off. Once or twice a month, offer to baby sit your friends children, and in return they can baby sit yours. This eliminates the cost of a baby sitter, which can be pricey if you plan on being out for a few hours. Make sure you do go over what an appropriate time to be home is, and whether these sittings should be limited to weeknights or valid on the weekends, as well. This free sitting time allows for a dinner and a movie date, or if you are really watching your funds, a quiet night at home. May not sound glamorous, but the needed break and alone time can make a lot of difference.

For those with the option of an overnight sitter, a great getaway may be just a few towns away. Try looking into a smaller hotel, which may cost less, because the idea is to get away, not to spend a lot of money. Ask about services and availabilities, because if there are plenty of things to keep you buys you may just spend a lazy weekend in bed with your spouse. Otherwise, check the town for a few things to keep the two of you busy, perhaps a movie theatre or a special dinner hotspot. Somewhere with outdoor activities can be a plus, just find a spot to rent equipment, such as bicycles or canoes. And be sure to check the park for walking trails, which will not require equipment costs.

Getting away from the kids can sometimes be a pain, but it is well worth the effort put forth to get away for a bit. Relaxing and rejuvenating, the kids get a nice break from you as well, and in the end it benefits the entire family. And best of all, it doesn't have to be too expensive or time consuming, meaning some special time set aside for you and your loved one doesn't have to feel like a inconvenience.