Single parent 5 month old

[Smillar2020]

I’ve recently broken up with my partner (he’s an alcoholic) I couldn’t have him staying in our home with our 5 month DS. I’m on mat leave until October. DS is a great baby. Sleeps so well, naps during the day, doesn’t demand my attention, loves being in his jumperoo / on his baby gym. I feel awful that I’m doing nothing with him. I’ve tried YouTube baby yoga and sensory but he’d rather watch cartoons (loves tv). I’m so sad for him just looking at me only all day and I just don’t know what to offer him.

Try not to be hard on yourself. Your baby loves being with you! Some TV time is fine. Are you able to put the baby in a buggy and get out for some fresh air?

At 5 months you really don't need to be doing playgroups or anything. I was alone with my first at that age (not single parent but DH worked away) and I tried going to playgroups but found it stressful so I would go out for a walk most days and stayed at home with my baby the rest of the time.

You're all he needs ❤️ don't worry about what you're doing or not doing with him at the moment. We're all struggling with how to fill each day, it's going to feel quite samey whatever we do. Just enjoy your little one however you can cuz you'll miss him when you go back to work

We go for walks in the pram twice a day (have an energetic dog that needs long walks). I just feel like I’m “dumping” him in his jumperoo or gym as I have nothing else to do with him. I feel awful. We were always out and about before lockdown, pretty much every day. Seeing friends, family, dog walks, one or two baby groups which he loved.