Winter Wellbeing & Gentle Development

Winter can feel like a lot.

The days are darker, routines feel more fragile, and it can seem like as soon as you find your feet, another cough, cold or sleepless night comes along and knocks everything sideways again. Last week was definitely one of those weeks in our house!

We celebrated Lexi’s birthday (which makes me feel happy and emotional all at once), and I also marked three years of breastfeeding for the second time. Something I never could have imagined during those early, exhausting days.

But alongside that, we’ve been juggling children’s illnesses and doing our best to carry on as normal… which in winter often feels easier said than done!

And that’s exactly why winter wellbeing and gentle development matter so much.

Winter is a slower season

Winter isn’t a time for packing the diary or trying to do more. It’s a season that naturally asks us to slow down, rest more and focus on comfort and connection.

Babies and toddlers often feel this too. You might notice more clinginess, disrupted sleep, lower energy or bigger emotions. None of that means anything is wrong. It’s a normal response to change, tiredness and sensory overload.

Gentle development still counts

Development doesn’t stop just because it’s winter or because you’re spending more time at home.

But simple things like:

✨Familiar songs and signs

✨Gentle movement and touch

✨Repeated routines

✨Quiet, shared moments

all support learning, communication and emotional wellbeing. In fact, repetition and familiarity are often more powerful than novelty, especially during those colder months.

Wellbeing for parents matters too

Winter wellbeing isn’t just about babies and toddlers. Parents need care and support too.

Showing up tired, hormonal or emotional is not a failure. It’s real life. Some weeks are about celebration and milestones, others are just surviving through the day.

Both are valid.

A calm anchor in busy weeks

This is why calm, predictable spaces can feel so valuable at this time of year. Familiar routines, small groups and environments where there’s no pressure can make a real difference.

So if you’re feeling tired or like you’re doing the bare minimum right now, please know that gentle care, connection and consistency still count. Probably more than ever 💜