Care for your baby and “get it done”!
The house is bursting with laundry: half-folded piles lie on the couch and toppled over piles scatter the floor. The kitchen cabinets are empty of clean dishes and the countertops are stacked to the ceiling with the dirty ones. You haven’t showered yet and are still wearing last week’s pjs. The baby is crying and having “one of those days” and though you’d love to just get out and away from it all it’s too much effort to get dressed and ready. The frustration of having piles of work displayed around you is a constant reminder of how little control you have over your life right now.
Having a new baby is hard for parents who are used to organization, control, efficiency and order. Well-intended family and friends tell you to relax, focus on the baby and enjoy this time – but it’s really difficult to change a basic part of one’s personality just because one has a new 7lb boss. Here are some tips to help ease the mental madness…
Buy, beg or borrow a baby carrier…
Slings, wraps, and snugglies are great for newborns and a high quality backpack with adequate head supports for older babies can be a lifesaver for moms. Pop your baby in it and you’ll have your hands free to get on with chores while she’s reassured and soothed by her closeness to you.
Trade babycare…
Schedule one or two mornings a week with another new mom to watch both babies at one house. That way, you’re available for your baby when she needs you, but can pay bills, do laundry or organize things hands free, all the while knowing your friend is keeping a watchful eye on your little one.
Give up a nap when baby is napping…
Don’t do this too often, because your baby’s naps may be the only time you have to rest. But once in a while, using that hour to complete a task will be just as uplifting to the spirits as catching up on some sleep because you’ll have a sense of accomplishment.
Get dad to take his turn…
Send dad out for a walk to the park, zoo, or class with baby. It’s great bonding time and you can get a few chores completed or have some chill-out time.
Hire outside help
Babysitters needn’t just be for nights out. It’s worth hiring one just for a couple of hours to care for and play with your baby while you work close by in another room. If you’re using a local teen who’s trying to get into the babysitting business to make up her allowance, you’ll be close by to advise and assist as necessary. Also consider hiring house cleaners, dry cleaners and professionals to help ease the workload.
Know it gets better…
Most babies become easier to entertain when they develop their hand to mouth coordination. Sometime around 4 to 6 months, they’re happy to hold and taste a variety of toys that will keep them amused, plus at around 6 months they’ll also be able to sit up, which will help relieve their frustration at not being able to see all the interesting things that are happening around them. Also, many babies settle into a predictable schedule of their own at this age, so you can count on nap times and playtimes to schedule your tasks.