3 year old and newborn - feel like I'm drowning!

[LimonataJune]

I have a 3 year old and a 4 week old. I feel like I'm drowning at home - there doesn't seem to be any time to get anything done, I never know what to cook for meals, I can't even seem to find the time to shower every day.
Does anyone have any tips/routines to help me get a handle on things? I hate feeling this disorganised!!

I think it’s just realising this is short term and it will get easier and better!

Does your 3 year old use their free hours and go to nursery/pre school? If so unused that time with baby in sling to get some stuff done and also to chill and have a cupa with friends

www.home-start.org.uk/
Homestart helps families of children under 5 with practical support who are feeling overwhelmed.

I used to prep meals in the morning when they were more content. They were only 2 years apart with eldest with then undiagnosed autism. Housework on a weekend

Do you have a partner? I have a newborn and a 4 year old and I’ve found that if I get up, showered and dressed before he leaves for work it’s a much better start to the day. He helps the 4 year old get dressed before he goes too. Then as soon as we are all fed baby goes in her bouncy chair for 5 while I empty and reload the DW and stick a load of washing on. Then we head out for a walk.

Breakfast is cereal and fruit, lunch is something easy - beans or egg on toast, jacket potato (stick a few days worth in at once) or some soup that one of us will have made over the weekend. DH cooks dinner when he gets home although I’ll sometimes start doing the prep for him.

As long as I’ve done the basics of dishes and laundry, we are fed, and have had some fresh air and exercise I don’t expect any more of myself. If both DC are settled I’ll do the odd few minutes tidying or cleaning, but I also make sure I sit with a cuppa while feeding the baby.

It’s hard, but it’ll get easier. I’m lucky as DD1 is at school - I’ve had a shock this week when she’s been off . Drop your standards for now, both with food and the house.