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How long does your baby spend alone?

6 replies

justhereokay · 04/04/2025 17:58

This is something I overthink massively and I don’t know what to gauge as normal. When I say alone I mean in a bouncer, in their cot/basket, on play mat ( not including sleep) and you not interacting with them

I have a 11 week old, and a 5 yo. I try and do short periods of tummy time, I EBF so we do have lots of cuddles and face to face play/singing. She naps on me a fair bit too. Currently she’s sucking her hands happy as Larry in her bouncer, she’s been in it for about 10 mins. I just feel guilty! I’d say she spends 3-4 hours a day, in no more than 15-20 min periods in her bouncer or play mat so I can clean, see to other child and relax while she’s awake. I will talk/sing to her/give her a kiss, I won’t ignore her completely. She also spends some time in her cot so I can get dressed, get stuff done etc. sometimes it’s a lot less, sometimes it’s a bit more, just depends on the day and what I need to do.

what is too long/too much? Am I over thinking it? What does your day look like with a young baby??

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
HDready · 04/04/2025 18:17

I think you are massively overthinking this, it’s so hard juggling two, I know! It’s not like you’re leaving her alone, presumably you’re nearby and she can hear what’s going on. It’s just the reality of having two. Be kind to yourself!

JoyousEagle · 04/04/2025 18:21

I think that’s totally fine. I’m assuming she isn’t crying, she’s happy in the bouncer?

Squashedbanaynay · 04/04/2025 18:33

Not much else you can do with a baby until they start moving about.

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BendingSpoons · 04/04/2025 18:37

Some downtime is good too. If she is happy, it is fine to leave her for short periods. She can probably watch you and your 5yo for some of that time too.

justhereokay · 04/04/2025 18:50

JoyousEagle · 04/04/2025 18:21

I think that’s totally fine. I’m assuming she isn’t crying, she’s happy in the bouncer?

Yeah, cooing, smiling to herself, exploring her hands. I just feel like I’m somehow “depriving” her if I leave her. And like it’s too long throughout the day. Maybe I’m just being a bit dramatic and it’s PP anxiety talking

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VivaVivaa · 04/04/2025 19:19

I would have killed for either of mine to have been content in a bouncer like that. Just enjoy it OP! It’s fine!

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