What do YOU do during DCs settling in times at childcare (free time)

[Jellybabie3]

DS (12mo) is in childcare tomorrow for settling in. He will do 5 x 3 hour slots over the next 2 weeks. Then i have him for half term before going back to work.

I have no idea what to do with myself...I've had no time in the last year minus 2 medium length baths for mum day and when ill (i usually shower when he sleeps) and a job interview .

Thick question but whats the best use of my time...

Yes it is @Jellybabie3 . Why does your husband not take him for a couple of hours at weekend? Or manage bedtime so you can go out?!!

For me that's definitely unusual! My and my partner have always alternated bedtimes for baby. I also go swimming with a friend one evening a week, i do a gym class. When partner gets home from work i may pop out to do some shopping or get hair done etc. We've had around 2 evenings out a month just me and partner, and had maybe 3 nights away since LO was born (9months). Actually we're off for dinner and a gig tonight.

Cleaning/washing/cooking - why are you doing it all?

Also, first 6 months 'playing' with baby was pretty limited, i used to put her on her playmat, then i could watch some tv, or i did some bits of sewing, whatever i wanted.

OK i guess people handle it differently. DS napped on me until he was about 7mo so i had all that time watching tv. DS has bad silent reflux so he breastfeeds little and often which has made going out difficult. I wont express by personal choice as I had a difficult birth which caused difficulty feeding - the weeks spent expressing I found myself extremely low. Its just a bad memory for me. I did try and entertain DS even pre 6 months....maybe I shouldve done the play mat whilst I watched tv but I didnt 😕 but it is what it is. DS wont settle at night for my husband so I do the night shift. He goes to work.

I don't have many friends and find being off on mat leave hasn't helped that as all my friends work in the day. Weekends are family time when daddy's home.

Anyway. I appreciate your suggestions. I have two 3 hour breaks next week so may go get measured for a bra to sort that before work and stuff and shopping.

@Jellybabie3 you have to start thinking of yourself as well. It doesn't have to be family time all weekend every weekend, your husband needs to have time on his own with baby as well.

Also, when you are back at work he needs ro start doibg some night times, as you'l both be working so that previous reason doesn't stand anymore.

Yes that sounds like a good plan for next week. But also start carving some time for yourself each week as well, you don't have to go out, but explqin to husband he is in charge of baby and you're having an hour to yourself or whatever.

I also don't have many friends who don't work, but i am quite happy in my own company so haven't found that element of maternity hard.