to ask when the new baby phase is over?

[Newmummytobe79]

I posted yesterday about worrying about not being very good with other peoples kids etc as I have a baby and worried about not being maternal etc

I received lots of nice comments - and I feel normal-ish again! :) the general opinion was I was knackered. And they were right!

Many asked how old baby is - 5 months.

So what I'm asking is, when is the new baby phase over?

I have friends with tiny babies who I wouldnt dream of asking to visit me - I would always go to them. Wouldnt expect them to commit to nights out/shopping days etc until they decide they are ready.

Some days I feel on top of the world and back to my organised self. Others I dream of finding the time to wash my hair and just as tired as I was at the begining.

I know some mums are back at work when their babies are 5 months - and credit to them as I don't know how they do it! But I wonder when the 'oh she has a newborn' leeway stops from friends and family?

I don't know, but everyone is different. I found it very easy to return to work and be out and about with a tiny, portable baby, but much less so with a strong willed strong armed three year old! I think the best thing is to take it from the mum, she herself can indicate how easy/ hard her child(ren) are at any particular point. In an ideal world we would all be open to our friends about difficulties, andaccept and support each other. it doesn't always happen though! My DS didn't even have a single tentrum until he was 6, that was the point at which it was hardest to get out and about, and I ws most afraid of losing control of him, he was running away etc. I remeber having to physically restrain him on a campsite near a cliff top - it was a nightmare! I also remember not feeling able to be open to the friends I was with at the time, about why I couldn't come back out of the tent once I had put him into his sleeping bag. Mums ned leeway at all diffeent stages, for many different reasons.

There isn't a cut off point, having children is difficult for different people at different times. Some people breeze through the newborn phase then find toddlers really hard etc.
If you are ever struggling just tell the people close to you and they'll cut you some slack.

Don't know, OP, but I'm definitely not out of that stage yet. DS is 17 weeks/4 months (not sure when you change from weeks to months) and I find it very very hard to get dressed never mind get out the door and DO something. I'm hoping vainly that I might find the toddler stage easier. I am not very good with babies- that much I can say. Didn't see your other thread btw so good luck!