Best tips for looking after baby alone?

[daisiesdahlias]

First - I'm aware I'm lucky to have a really supportive husband who's had plenty of time off, I really admire single parents or those without much of a support system!

I have a 7 week old, my husband goes back to work tomorrow. He's super supportive and I've really been able to lean on him, plus I KNOW I am over the top with the baby like I worry about putting her down for too long even if she is happy in her bouncer! So I'm nervous about looking after her on my own while feeding myself and looking after the house etc.

Please give me your best tips - and reminders that I do not have to hold or wear the baby at all times please!

Get ready before your DH leaves.
I've always been a single mum and the getting ready for the day was always the trickiest part of the day

During the early sleep deprived days prepare as much food in advance as you can, so a weeks worth of dry ingredients for overnight oats made up which you just need to add milk to and maybe some chopped fruit the night before. You can either eat it cold or heat it up

A slow cooker is your friend, make the meal in the morning, freeze extra portions for a future date.

Get out in the morning, regardless of weather, get some fresh air for your self, take a flask and sit in the park/library to drink it even if you do nothing else. You can get stuck in the monotony of being at home very easily.

When Dd was little Sure start was still a thing and we went yo a different baby group everyday, sadly most have disappeared now but look at your library for bounce and rhyme sessions and whatever else is going on in the area. These groups are just as much for you to have some adult interaction as they are for the children so go even though your DC is tiny.

Everything single says and if finances allow, organise a cleaner, food deliveries and a milkman.

Keep a stock of medicine at home too. I'm fortunate enough to have a corner shop at the end of the road but if DD was ill having to take her to pick up Calpol because we ran out was a nightmare. Obviously you have a partner who can grab it on the way home and Deliveroo is a thing now so perhaps not as big a problem. But still, in times of bad weather I'd double check you have stocks of the essentials bread, milk, medicine, toilet roll as you won't want to drag a baby out in it if it's stormy.

They are really good tips too single.

We have a corner shop but things like a good supply of medicines, tissues (in case you get a cold), toilet rolls and things for the baby like extra nappies, Metanium, Dentinox and wipes are all useful

I actually think you are bigging this up too much. Once you have done it for a couple of weeks you will feel much happier. You will need to get used to putting baby down when happy though but I think you know that 😀

I used to make a list with timings on what to do daytime. When you sit down to feed DC make yourself something to eat and drink. Don’t worry too much about housework, just tidy as you go along and put a wash on early. I struggled even taking a bath/shower with my first DC as he only slept for 30 minutes at a time, so when he did sleep I would run around doing bits and pieces. I always made time for a walk to local shops to get fresh air as it really helps both physically and mentally. Before long you will find a routine that suits you all.

As long as you and baby are clean and fed, that’s all that really matters.
If you manage to put a wash on or prepare the evening meal, you’re doing very well.

I agree also that after a couple of weeks you'll probably wonder what you were worried about.

I'd plan to go to the library on Monday and find out what local groups are on for local Mums

In moments of peace, prepare your station - pour a pint of squash/water and make a flask of tea for yourself, make sure the changing station is ‘ready to go’ with a change of clothes and dispose of old nappies etc, also top up your buggy bag so you’re ready to head out at a moment’s notice if you fancy a walk etc. Also make a sandwich or snack as you don’t know when you will next be starving with the baby kicking off!

Oh and if you get a peaceful fifteen minutes when baby seems happy, bathe them instead of waiting for the evening (if you had one planned that night). Witching hour bath time is hideous, and by the evening you’ll be tired and not want to do it anyway.