You’ve probably Googled “how to survive maternity leave” at least once by now—but let’s flip the script. What if we focused on the best things about maternity leave instead? Yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, you’ve cried into your toast at least twice this week. But in the middle of the emotional rollercoaster, there are some golden, life-shaping moments that are easy to miss.
Here’s your reminder (from the experts in baby bonding and brain development) that maternity leave is not just about nappy changes and trying to remember what day it is. There’s a lot to love—and here’s why.
1. Slow mornings with no commute
Remember the 7am dash, the lukewarm coffee, and the slightly sweaty train seat? That’s on pause now. One of the best things about maternity leave is waking up with your baby instead of your alarm clock (even if that clock now screams and wants milk). There’s magic in the slow mornings—when time stretches out in a haze of cuddles, babbling, and maybe a second cup of tea if you’re lucky.
No deadlines. No packed lunch. Just you and your baby discovering the world together—one sticky hand at a time.
2. Watching your baby change daily
When you’re with your baby every day, you notice everything. The new gurgle. That first attempt at rolling. The way they stare hard at a leaf like it holds the secrets of the universe. These little milestones might not make headlines, but they’re enormous in your world.
As baby development experts, we know just how fast their brains are growing—especially in that first year. That’s why this time matters. When you come to a class (like Adventure Babies), you’re not just filling time—you’re stimulating brain pathways, bonding through storytelling, and supporting your baby’s physical and emotional growth. All disguised as fun. (Clever, huh?)
3. Finding your people
The loneliness of new parenthood is real. But so is the weird and wonderful community that comes with it. Those bleary-eyed chats in baby classes or park benches with someone who just gets it? They’re priceless.
Maternity leave gives you the space to find your village—whether that’s a WhatsApp group that overshares memes or a baby class that makes you feel like yourself again. Community isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. And the people you meet in those early days? Some will stick around long after the muslins are gone.
4. Falling in love with books (again)
Let’s be honest—The Very Hungry Caterpillar isn’t exactly high literature. But reading to your baby is one of the most joyful and powerful parts of early parenthood. It builds language, attention, and connection—even if your baby mostly tries to eat the pages.
At Adventure Babies, we see it every week: babies captivated by rhythm and rhyme, and parents rediscovering their own love of stories. Whether it’s a board book at breakfast or a sensory story session with us, reading becomes your shared language.
5. The reset you didn’t know you needed
Yes, you’re more tired than you thought was humanly possible. But maternity leave also strips life back to its basics—nourish, cuddle, rest, repeat. It’s a chance to step off the treadmill, to reimagine your identity, and sometimes, to dream up whole new paths.
We’ve had parents in class who started new businesses, rediscovered old passions, or simply found peace in knowing that showing up for their baby is enough.
In the blur, don’t forget the beauty
It’s easy to wish this season away, especially when you haven’t eaten lunch sitting down in weeks. But the best things about maternity leave aren’t always obvious. They’re in the little wins, the firsts you get to witness, and the slow magic of becoming someone’s whole world.
So breathe it in. Come and join a class. Find a tribe. Read the book. Drink the coffee (even if it’s cold). This time is fleeting—but it’s also filled with joy if you know where to look.
Ready to make the most of it?
Join an Adventure Babies class near you and discover the power of sensory storytelling—for you and your little one.
