Help me prepare for return to work

[lizzywig]

I go back 3 weeks today, full time . Luckily DH works in a nursery and I work just around the corner so we will all get to travel in together/go home together.

I need to make my life as simple as possible when I go back so that I can spend as much time as I can with (8mo) DD. So what do I need to think about before going back to work?

I'm currently buying all of DD's things for nursery, bag, coat, sun cream etc. I'm also putting together a sensible housework rota which will include things like food shopping on lunch break once a week (massive supermarket right by our works). I'm not cooking in advance as I don't have much freezer space but that's about it. I've also bought myself this which should help to keep me organised, I like to be organised!!

So I need some words of wisdom from those full time working mums really!!

Online food shopping makes an enormous difference and will mean you still have a lunch break.

Watching with interest. I am going back in 4 weeks time.
Am planning to book opticians (dd has glasses ) and dentist visit before joining. Also, need my cervical swab thingy done and trip to dentist.

Clearing out clutter is big on my list too.

Shopping lists - someone said they have a printed out complete list - am stealing that idea. Then I don't forget anything and can just cross out what I don't need.
Online shopping - big yes!

Any apps anyone uses successfully on their android phones? Would be handy to co-ordinate calenders with dh.

OP, I have a 4 year old DD and went back to work 6 months after having her. Now I also have 7 mo DS and going back to work in 2 months. Two things made a big difference for me going back the first time. One was online shopping which others have already mentioned. I use Ocado which is v reliable and it saves all your previous lists and 'favourites', so the more you use it the quicker it becomes to quickly nip on and do a shop.
The other thing was getting a cleaner in once a week. She comes for 3 hours, 2 of which she spends giving the house a quick blitz, and the remaining hour on ironing. If you can afford it, I think it's a big help to at least know that basic housework is done when you don't have time. Like you I didn't want to spend my weekends cleaning when I could be spending time with my family.
We also usually allow ourselves the treat on a Friday of take-out for dinner - everyone is so tired by the end of the week.
Otherwise I think as you say it's a matter of lists and organisation. Good luck!