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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you what your parenting saviours were?

77 replies

NUFAN · 20/04/2021 14:06

When your little ones were small? My 6mo has the attention span of a fish, he is interested in something for 30 seconds then he is bored of it and it is hard work!

What things were your saviours when you had young kids? What kept them happy or kept you sane?

He’s an allergy baby and I’m hoping it’s not dairy because chocolate is definitely my crux, the thing is use to get through!

What did you find was good for you or for baby? Having a tough day today!

OP posts:
TheSpanishApartment · 20/04/2021 14:55

Mine was like this. The only thing that saved us was the jumperoo.

Original poster
NUFAN · 20/04/2021 15:02

@PegPeople thank you! All babies are different. Mind isn’t content to just lay there and watch me do whatever. He’s rolling and crawling and will literally get bored of something within less than a minute - such hard work! It drives me nuts that others can’t comprehend this when they haven’t had one like it and think I’m being ridiculous! My family said this - then they met him!

Definitely going to invest in a jumperoo based on all these responses.

OP posts:
MoiraNotRuby · 20/04/2021 15:06

You are doing all the right things, I promise it gets easier. Have you sat him in front of the washing machine yet? Once they know about TV it doesn't hold the same appeal but could be worth a try.

I am sure mine had more screens than they should have done. But we have all survived to teenager years so far.

PegPeople · 20/04/2021 15:10

[quote NUFAN]@PegPeople thank you! All babies are different. Mind isn’t content to just lay there and watch me do whatever. He’s rolling and crawling and will literally get bored of something within less than a minute - such hard work! It drives me nuts that others can’t comprehend this when they haven’t had one like it and think I’m being ridiculous! My family said this - then they met him!

Definitely going to invest in a jumperoo based on all these responses.[/quote]
You're most welcome. Honestly just do what you need to, to get through to the better days that are ahead. I wouldn't wish being a parent to a high needs baby on my worst enemy.

I truly believe if you haven't experienced a child like that it must be difficult to comprehend just how difficult they can be. For context I once had a mum of twins sympathise and tell me that she wouldn't swap her 2 for mine. Grin

Liverbird77 · 20/04/2021 15:12

Getting out to as many groups as possible!

Iamblossom · 20/04/2021 15:14

Bouncy chair that I could jig with my foot while I watched the entire Box Set of ER and West Wing

AlexaStop · 20/04/2021 15:18

Teletubbies. Creepy little things seem to provide them comfort I can't give

Pottedpalm · 20/04/2021 15:27

A playpen. Both DTs in at once, they would play and even fall asleep in there. Or one in the playpen while I changed a nappy etc

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 20/04/2021 15:46

I went out as much as I could, DS was a high needs baby, song time at the library, baby sensory, swimming etc. I know all that's not on right now, but to kill time with DS now we go out to do the shopping, go and wave at trucks on the local really busy road and go to all the different parks there are in the area.

and yes, we had a jumparoo that was used lots too!!

My DS loves baths so I'd get in too and we could kill about 90 minutes in there just splashing around

FilthyforFirth · 20/04/2021 15:55

Reading this through tears. I have a 5 month old who is extremely high needs. He lasts no more than 10 minutes on his playmat, cant grasp or play with toys yet and is so unsettled. I dread every single day as it is a battle to get him to sleep or entertain him. He used to instantly drop off in the car and he has randomly decided to hate it now, so no more road trips to calm him down.

He isnt sitting up yet so I cant use a jumperoo I think. I hope it works for you. Solidarity!

workwoes123 · 20/04/2021 15:57
  • Biscuits
  • Walks with the pram
  • Meeting other people
  • Never staying in the house all day
  • TV
  • Lowering your standards

All of this. Plus baby groups. I loved them so much I became the President of our local playgroup. Then I had an excuse to get out and meet people every day of the week.

Original poster
NUFAN · 20/04/2021 15:58

@FilthyforFirth sending love. I know how you feel. I could have walked out this morning. Mine hates the car too and it’s so limiting. Some days are crazy tough! Especially when I see friends babies that just lay there and chill. I’m hoping with things reopening that it will get easier. Xx

OP posts:
workwoes123 · 20/04/2021 15:58

Oh and a variety of slings! It was the only way with DS1 the velcro baby. DS2 was easier going but I was so used to just strapping him in and heading out that it was normal.

MammaSchwifty · 20/04/2021 16:00

baby groups, toddler clubs when older. Should hopefully have some starting up again soon.

Also, lots of visiting friends for coffee or cafe meet ups. One time I simply took her to the sainsburys cafe for people watching! in fact, just going out all the time. she loved the supermarket, so I'd do little and often shops in between all the groups and coffee dates.

cptartapp · 20/04/2021 16:00

Outsourcing a good chunk of the hard times so using nursery and going back to work pt at four and five months.
Saved my sanity. Now 18 and 16. I refused to wish away the months and years.

PegPeople · 20/04/2021 16:03

@FilthyforFirth

Reading this through tears. I have a 5 month old who is extremely high needs. He lasts no more than 10 minutes on his playmat, cant grasp or play with toys yet and is so unsettled. I dread every single day as it is a battle to get him to sleep or entertain him. He used to instantly drop off in the car and he has randomly decided to hate it now, so no more road trips to calm him down.

He isnt sitting up yet so I cant use a jumperoo I think. I hope it works for you. Solidarity!

Sending nothing but sympathy. I know it's hard to read when you're in the thick of it but I promise you it won't be like that forever. One day, out of the blue you will go to bed and think to yourself you know what I actually being his mummy today. Flowers
MRex · 20/04/2021 16:03

@FilthyforFirth

Reading this through tears. I have a 5 month old who is extremely high needs. He lasts no more than 10 minutes on his playmat, cant grasp or play with toys yet and is so unsettled. I dread every single day as it is a battle to get him to sleep or entertain him. He used to instantly drop off in the car and he has randomly decided to hate it now, so no more road trips to calm him down.

He isnt sitting up yet so I cant use a jumperoo I think. I hope it works for you. Solidarity!

Unless here are additional needs inviting and neck or spine issues, he can. It has a pouch you put the baby into that's supportive.
MRex · 20/04/2021 16:04

"inviting and" = involving

Spring2021 · 20/04/2021 16:05

Long walks in the fresh air for both of us.

Having a nice warm shower everyday with a nice shower gel for me.

Meeting up with friends who had babies the same age for me and then later on for the DC.

Catching up with friends who didn’t have a baby that age for me.

Wine.

Having DC in a good bedtime routine so you get some downtime.

PegPeople · 20/04/2021 16:05

One day, out of the blue you will go to bed and think to yourself you know what I actually liked being his mummy today

BluebellsInSpring · 20/04/2021 16:06

If you're getting a Jumperoo, I'd recommend getting a second hand one! Babies aren't usually in them for long and you'll probably be able to find one that's pretty much brand new, they are easy to sell when you're done with them too.

I used to take them for a car ride, then a drive-through on the way home with sleeping baby in the back. Bliss!

Swimming is good for making them tired.

Baby groups.

Pets at Home to look at the animals/ free farms etc.

Spring2021 · 20/04/2021 16:06

DS loved a baby massage at bedtime or his tummy being rubbed.

Pandoraslastchance · 20/04/2021 16:08

The circle of neglect and the jumperoo

Jackparlabane · 20/04/2021 16:08

Dc1 - a rocking swing with 8 DD batteries. Wonderful. And a rotating musical mobile.

Dc2 didn't care about those but loved a sling (Moby) and later museums where she could have a good wriggle and crawl (upstairs at the V&A was deserted in the week and perfect!)

LGY1 · 20/04/2021 16:09

Yours sounds like my first!
Apart from being out of the house as much as possible (which you are already doing) another vote for Jumperoo!! He would go crazy in it!

First DS got a lot of use out of a ball pool, just cheap from eBay.
He liked a big mixing bowl with some dried lentils & a couple of spoons, I just hoovered them up after
He loved water play - bucket and a plastic bowl

I know what you mean about tiny attention span. He never played with toys, just wanted to be ‘doing’
Second child at 7 months will play quietly with toys by himself!! Revelation to me!! Brew