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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to be bored because my 5 month old sleeps all day?

14 replies

MrsJamin · 05/06/2008 13:03

I know everyone probably wants to hit me but my DS sleeps on average 5 hours a day (plus 11-12 at night) - I just get reaaaaally bored but don't want to do the housework. This is my first child and I want to spend more time with him before I have to go back to work! I miss him loads and often I just keep getting him up from a deep sleep just so we can go out and do something interesting. He's started not sleeping so well when we're out (e.g. out shopping) so I'm just ending up on Facebook and mumsnet all day. AIBU?
[ducks from the my-baby-won't-sleep-in-the-day types]

OP posts:

HonoriaGlossop · 05/06/2008 13:06

PrettyCandles · 05/06/2008 13:07

It's tough that you feel you are missing out on your LO, but naps are so unbelievably important. You are laying down the foundation of good sleep for him. If the child needs the sleep, you must let him have it. An over-tired child will not sleep as well during the night. You don't want that - particularly not if you have to get up to go to work the next day!

I completely understand about not wanting to do housework . How about a hobby? I would kill (well, sort of) to be able to sit down and get on with something in the knowledge that I can be sure of a couple of hours to concentrate and I won't be interrupted.

cyanarasamba · 05/06/2008 13:07

This too shall pass. Enjoy it while it lasts!

lulumama · 05/06/2008 13:07

stick him in a sling or the pram and go for a walk , have a coffee, read a book, get out there ! try clothes on, meet friends. do not get housebound, tis a slippery slope!

eenybeeny · 05/06/2008 13:10

sorry do i have permission to hate you?

seriously. enjoy it! read a good book! I know you want to enjoy your child but count yourself lucky that he is learning such good sleep habits early on! What age will he be when you go back to work and are you working full or part time? I only ask because you may still have loads of time with him when he gets a bit older and spends more time awake.

My DS slept in a sling a lot but I dont necessarily agree that you should stick him in a sling all the time and go out. I mean - this is just a stage. He isnt going to be sleeping all day when he is 9 months. I just dont think you are in any danger of it being long term.

eenybeeny · 05/06/2008 13:12

lulu I just think not all babies will sleep while out and about. mine never did so I was pretty much stuck home while he slept. And sleep is so important at this age.

OP can you invite people round to yours?

lulumama · 05/06/2008 13:14

fair enough, but even going out with him for half an hour for fresh air for both of them is important too..

she said she was bored...

Original poster

MrsJamin · 05/06/2008 13:16

EB: Not really planning to go back before 12 months, so hopefully his sleeping patterns will have changed by then. Also yes I should invite people over, but it's weird when they're holding their baby, makes me miss DS!

I should take up a hobby... perhaps I'll pop into hobbycraft tomorrow... Or do the gardening... or hoovering

I just didn't expect maternity leave to be like this!! Also when he is up, it means I can go to the shops etc, so he's in his buggy, but then we'll get back, have a feed and he's asleep again. I'm sure I'll think of lots of things I could have done once he's awake more.

OP posts:

HonoriaGlossop · 05/06/2008 13:26

I think it's about getting into a routine - definitely agree to use the time to do something constructive, hobby type stuff...I think once you get started you will find it easier as you'll just be able to pick up where you left off when he sleeps. Why not think of an idea for a little run from home business, making cards or something - many mums would kill for the time to do something like that

Good luck

eenybeeny · 05/06/2008 22:12

I do feel for you as I know that you (and I would in your situation) miss your new baby. (5 months is still very new!!!) I guess I just think you probably shouldnt wake him up. Babies need such a lot of sleep they do all their growing while they are asleep so just think at how clever his little brain is getting!! And really soon enough he will change. Perhaps even in as little time as a couple of weeks.

Sorry I know that isnt of much help!

3madboys · 05/06/2008 22:22

ha ha this is your first baby?

my ds4 is like this, he sleeps LOADS and i find it a bit boring but then i have three others to keep me entertained.. none of them ever slept properly during the day at all, well not unless i held them, so to have a baby that has proper naps is amazing to me, i have to keep pinching myself

i would maybe get in a routine where you go out in the mornings or something and then make sure you are at home in the afternoons so he can have a good nap then?

and yes find a hobby, watch re runs of ER or something? pamper yourself have a nice bath, paint your toes etc, but do try to enjoy it as it is just a phase soon enough he will be crawling around and you wont be able to keep your eyes off him for a second

emma1977 · 05/06/2008 22:28

Fancy a swap for my 5 month old who doesn't sleep all day, feeds every 2 hours, needs constant entertainment and is prone to meltdowns?

Thought not.

I dream of having time to do housework and hobbies again.

GordontheGopher · 08/06/2008 06:05

Why don't you look after my ds as well? He'll keep you entertained.

Naetha · 08/06/2008 07:37

You can have mine too - I look forwards to finishing a book any time soon!

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