Realistically.......

[Chantal1310]

I'm Mum to a 9 week old and am interested to hear, realistically, how much other Mumsnetters are getting done....! Most days I manage putting the steriliser on, washing up, sorting washing and getting dinner in between feeding and nappy changes etc. My little boy won't sleep unless he's being held.....I often put him in the sling so I can get on. The thing I'm stressing about is housework.... I've never been a stickler for doing loads of housework, but feel that as I'm here I should be doing it but it's not happening..... trouble is, baby is a time sponge and I'm torn as I also just want to cuddle him and play with him. I've mentioned to hubby about getting a cleaner but he's the money Police and won't hear of it...maybe I should just man up and get one anyway whether he likes it or not?! Interested to hear any tips or advice from anyone on this?!!

I found I could get quite a lot done before DS started moving because he was fairly happy to lie and watch what was going on while he was awake. Bouncer chair was good when he was little then we got a jumperoo after that as well as a playpen as once he could roll he was off.

I used to do all the bottles of a nighttime so they'd be clean for the morning - think we had about 12, not all the right size but enough so I could get through the day!

Should say there were plenty of days when DH got home from work and I was still on my PJs. Not every day went to plan!

When you said you manage to sort dinner I thought "oh you're managing more Than I did at that age!"

DD wouldn't sleep anywhere apart from in a moving buggy or being held and she hated the sling so I didn't do anything unless DH was there to take over, a very intense first couple of months. I remember on week 10 she laid on the bed and watched me as I tried on all my pregnancy pregnancy clothes to see if anything fit (it didn't) and it felt like such a joy to be able to DO something!

Forget the housework it's not important. Every baby is different and at that age I think just doing all the baby stuff is definitely enough.

That should have read pre pregnancy clothes...

OP DD is now eight months and I still have days where not much gets done as naps are a bit sporadic, but it's all fine I've heard the first year is a bit chaotic. Be kind to yourself and enjoy your little one.

Sounds like you’re doing great. My aim for each day at that age was to shower and do 1 house chore. Laundry load/dishwasher/walk dog etc. (Some days nothing got done) It will get easier once baby is awake longer. My little boy is almost 6 months and he naps every 2 hours, plus he’s happy to sit in high chair/bouncer. So I have a lot more time to do things. Get a cleaner if you want but my advice is to get on the sofa, ignore the house work and enjoy the sleepy cuddles!! X