Thought I'd consult the good people of Mumsnet on this one.
Can some experienced parents please share your best time-saving tips for a SAHM with a 12 month old?
He has two quite long naps each day, meals take quite a long time, and it's always a bit of a mission changing nappies (around 3/4 changes a day) as he wants to be on the move and constantly crawls or toddles off and won't be held still!
I guess I just thought that by this age there would be more "free" time either for playing or to get out and about etc. Finding it impossible to even contemplate taking him out somewhere interesting, and now that places are starting to open up again I'd really like to start to introduce him to everything that's out there, without having to leave as soon as we get anywhere 😂 (Afternoon naps are normally in his buggy so the most he gets is a bit of a walk somewhere before it's time for him to lay back and sleep, doesn't give much time by the time we've finished cleaning up after lunch etc) And just generally want him to have more playtime at home as well.
I already feel like I've cut out unnecessary stuff wherever I can (have got pretty speedy at cleanups after meals & already minimise housework tasks and do food prep while he sleeps) so struggling to see where I can magically acquire any more free time with him during the day, other than waking him up earlier from his naps!! (Which I sometimes have to do anyway so that next nap/bedtime don't become too late!)
Guess I'm just after some ideas really for speeding up routines/meals/nappy changes, any shortcuts you might have found useful etc.... Or am barking up the wrong tree and does it just gradually get easier?