Hate the baby stages

[CoffeeChicken]

I know it's horrible, because you're supposed to love them while they're little. But I'm just so so so tired, I'm always smelly, alone, feeling like I'm going through a million groundhog days. I had to move away from friends, DH works all day, I have only one family member left and there are no mum groups near me.

My 7 year old is WAY easier. I'm also dealing with colic, and literally never ever get downtime, not even five minutes. I've always found toddlers exhausting too but at least they're able to tell you what's bothering them, even the most ridiculous demands. I love my children but I just need to belong to myself for a moment. Ds2 is 11 weeks so I'm hoping everyone's right when they say it gets easier at 12.

I preferred the baby stage but I’m definitely in the minority with that!

I'm with you OP.! DS1 is 3yo and things were going swimmingly with him from about 9 months onwards. It was easier from about 4 months, but a real joy from 9 months.

I knew I wanted 2 and not a big age gap so went and had another. He's 3 and 1/2 months and things have gotten slightly easier but having a newborn the second time around really shines a light on how difficult and tedious the newborn stage is, especially compared to my toddler who is a breeze. Back to not having my body to myself, a full night's sleep. . .a daily shower! I can't wait until DS2 can sit up by himself, sleeps better through the night and starts weaning. I feel things will be so much better then.

Hang in there OP, you're almost out of the so called 4th trimester .

I hate the baby stage. It really annoyed me when I was pregnant second time round being asked if I was excited. I thought why would I be excited about giving birth with all its trauma followed by sleepless nights and minimal money?!

Anyway my second is 18months now and I feel more like a human again now rather than a zombie.

I loved the baby age (when dd slept through). Saying that I loved DD now five..each age has good and bad...I do miss her as a baby though.

You’re so not alone. I have three kids but am really not a fan of the baby stage. It was nice in parts but mainly an endurance test that I knew was worth it to get the kids who come out the other side of it.

I didn't like the baby stage and don't really like babies. The only upside is that they stay where you put them - once they get mobile you have the dirty nappies, crying and having to chase after them. Once they became little people I came into my own - about 2 I think (out of nappies at 2 in the 80s). Hang in there and you'll find your good age!

It will get easier op!
However i think I am also in the minority as i loved it, once your past the first few weeks i found it so easy , coffees, cinema, dinners out ( all possible with portable baby). Once they start moving I found it v v v v challenging...

I look back upon the baby and toddler years as a unique time in my life that I am pleased happened but that I have no desire to repeat.

Love from 3/4 years again!! But omg 15 months plus I didn't sit....

I love newborn.

I hated age 3. With a passion.

I'm enjoying age 5, for the most part.

I won’t even let DH put his shoes on until I’m showered and dressed for the day. I feel horrible when I’m pinned to the sofa in my pjs with the baby! Everything seems a bit easier when I’m dressed and ready for the day.

Remember those people who tell you to cherish these moments because 'they're gone so fast'?

Yeah. They're gone so fast. Which means it gets better soon.

I hated the baby stage - so much so, that I only had one child. Literally couldn't face it again

It will get easier though. Mine is 7 now and it's great! So much more independent!

@NeverDropYourMooncup

Remember those people who tell you to cherish these moments because 'they're gone so fast'?

Yeah. They're gone so fast. Which means it gets better soon.

They don’t feel like they’re going fast. They feel interminable

I hate the baby stage. It's so fucking tedious. Spending time with my 3yo and 5yo is s nephew is an utter delight and I enjoy every minute of it. Can't wait for my DD to be that age.

@TurnUpTurnip I also loved the baby stage, found it easier then now my lo is a toddler! Is their any baby groups/classes you could to op? I went to baby sensory classes with my lo it’s from birth to 13 months and it was great she enjoyed it and I got to have adult conversation I think I would of cracked up a bit without it, even little things like just getting out to the park helped, also met a great friend with a lo the same age as mine from their and we regularly meet for coffee/dinner soft play x

Totally agree, the baby stage was awful, and especially hard as everyone made me feel like I should love it. I was just so so lonely, everyone was at work and having to make new "mum" friends at groups just to have someone to talk to wasn't really me.
Once I went back to work I started to feel more like me again - yes the sleep still sucked but at least I could get a break from the relentlessness of it during the day. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but babies are just hard work and made me feel like a wreck. Also the constant and dramatic increase in washing, mess when weaning and general drudgery wasn't what I imagined.
Now they are older and can have conversations, do fun stuff, create marginally less work, it is much better.

I didn't like the newborn stage at all. It was so boring and unrewarding. I really hit my stride at about 6 months+ and now DS is 2, I LOVE being a mum. I'll tantrums and potty training over the newborn stage any day.

It definitely feels like I'm just running a marathon trying to get to the end. Everyone I've met says it gets easier at 12 weeks, not in my case! I can't wait until he can sit up and toddle around.

Wouldn’t go so far as hate but found the baby stage trying, twice, nearly 9 years apart and husband working away all week.

18 months plus though, completely different story. Hang on in there