Your baby may not remember this first Valentine’s Day, but that’s no reason not to go big with hearts and sweets. Read on for outfits, activities, sweets and photo ops to make this holiday memorable. You’ll looooove how cute your photos come out.
1. Choose an Outfit You'll Love
Buy a special outfit for the big day, like this heart-printed bodysuit from Primary. It's made from 100% combed cotton slub, with snaps on the shoulder seam for easy on/off. Visit Primary's Heart Shop for this and other clothing items in lovely prints and colors.
Available at primary.com, $16.
2. Share a Sweet Treat
If your baby is eating solids (or just gumming them), use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to make a sweet treat for you to share. From watermelon to toast or lasagna noodles, there are lots of foods you can cut into cute shapes. For something even more decadent, send away for Sugarwish cookies. The company offers 20+ cookie flavors, including keto-friendly, vegan and gluten-free options.
3. Count Down to the Big Day
Advent calendars aren't just for Christmas anymore! Build up excitement for Valentine's Day with Mickey Mouse and this cotton canvas and felt calendar that has pockets to hold small gifts for the 14 days leading up to the big one. Fill each pocket with a love note, treat or toy, or keep it simple and just move the Mickey ears to the correct day in the countdown. Available at Pottery Barn Kids, $49.
4. Decorate with Love
Instagram-ready! Decorate with items baby will love to play with, like these wood blocks ($45) that spell out LOVE, HUGS, KISS and XOXO.
Available at Etsy shop Timeless Notion.
5. Read Together
Books you and your child will love: My Little Lovebug ($35), a personalized book featuring your child's face and name with lots of sweet sentiments and cute animal images. Kisses, Kisses, Up & Down ($7, paperback) is an interactive read that'll have you giving your baby kisses on their nose, toes, belly, chin and more. I Love You Stinky Face ($7, paperback) is a sweet story about the unconditional love a mother has for her child.
It's never too early to read to your baby. Check out these tips for reading to a newborn.
6. Take Some Pics
Kiss your baby while wearing bright red or pink lipstick for an Instagram-winning photo. Kiley from the Under the Pear Tree blog used the app PicMonkey to add some artistic flair for this memorable photo. Pro tip: Don't use long-wearing lipstick.
7. Make Cupid Cupcakes
These red velvet cupcakes from Bakerella feature cupid arrows attached to a 6-inch lollipop stick. You'll find both the arrow printables and cupcake recipe on the Bakerella website.
8. Write Love Letters to Your Baby
Your child (and your future self) will thank you for celebrating this Valentine's Day by professing your love to your mini-sweetheart. The time capsule Letters to My Baby ($13) contains 12 fold-and-mail letters so you can continue on your tradition every Valentine's Day for years to come.
9. Create a Heartfelt Keepsake
Remember how tiny baby's hands are with a keepsake you can display for Valentine's Day or all year round. This sweet heart is from Mitts, Piggys and Paws. You send them an impression of your child's hand in PlayDoh and they'll create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
10. Swaddle Your Baby in Love
Hearts and stripes and everything nice decorate these muslin swaddles ($55 for 4) from Aden & Anais. The breathable, versatile and soft fabric surrounds your little one in comfy goodness and makes everybody who sees your baby smile. Lay them on the floor during during tummy time or cover part of the car seat on a sunny day for an afternoon snooze on the go.
—Aimee Della Bitta
featured image: Silviarita via Pixabay
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