How do you make life with a baby easier?

[mumkc]

Me again!

Well, with only 29 weeks to go :laughing: I would love tips from Mums and Dads about things you do to make life with a baby/child easier.

Here's my tips:

Give up on housecleaning! Seriously we have decided we can afford a cleaner so I am going to start looking for one. (Any recommendations???)
Use the computer to do EVERYTHING! I have a laptop at home so I do everything online - from banking to grocery shopping.
Any other tips out there?

[Mummy_Johnno]

Decide on what you are going to achieve each day! Then you must get that done and anything else is a bonus!

I also used to worry about cleaning and housework etc ..... but now i am not so stressed about it. I get stuff done when i can and in my own time. DS life isn't any worse off because there is a pile of washing waiting to be done! infact, i would much rather spend that time playing or going for a walk with him.

I also internet bank but groceries i dont.

Will be watching this thread for any tips .... hehe

[Lastcenturymum]

Just go with the flow and follow your bubs 'rythm'. Dont try and keep up with other 'supermums' whose kids sleep 12 hours at night and 4 hours during the day and never seem to get dirty!

I think comparing yourself and your child is probably one of the things that can get you down easily.

And if you can afford a house cleaner, GO FOR IT!! Good idea.

[Nan]

Don't read too many books.....you'll end up with conflicting advice.

Have a routine, but don't stress if you have days where it falls in a heap......flexibility is mandatory!!

If you live with your partner, have some time out with them as often as you can......good for you & your child. It doesn't have to be anything huge. Last night DH & I sat for about an hour with a glass of red and some nice cheese......then DS woke up!! :rolleyes: Still, I enjoyed it a lot.

[Mummy_Johnno]

Nan - it is funny you saying DS not DD ... i had to reread it and then think ''oh yeah she has just had that DS'' :laughing:

[Kari_Adel]

Nan - it is funny you saying DS not DD ... i had to reread it and then think ''oh yeah she has just had that DS'' :laughing:

:iagree:


Tips? You never know what kind of bundle you're getting... A baby that loves structure and routine, or one that HATES it with a passion?? My tip.. don't plan ANYTHING until you know what you're in for... :laughing: and never be afraid to reach out and ask for help and/or support during those other times... :hugs:

[nic151]

plastic plates and cups (apologies to the environment) when you havnt done or dont want to do dishes

[floggadog]

start cooking & freezing meals.
Buy bulk nappies, wipes, breast pads, oil heater to keep bubs room warm (if it's an issue).
For yourself - Double up on shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toilet paper, washing powder, tinned food, cleaning products, dry foods, etc etc.
Sleep at least once in the day when bub sleeps.
Go out side every day (this reminds your body when it's day & when it's night)
Prepare evening meals in the morning as bub will probably, definently be whingy, clingy, unconsolable right about tea time.
Buy a dishwasher, if you don't have one.
Suss out parenting rooms before you have bub & need to use them. You need to have a plan of attack for when bub wants to be feed right at that very minute.
If shopping & bub crack the sh!ts, dump the trolley at the 'smoke counter'(or whatever it's called) & go & deal with bub. Shopping can wait.
Shower bub right from the beggining. Don't buy heaps of baby soaps & moisturisers & oils . If you wash bub with plain water the skin will retain it's natural oil.& bub doesn't need washing daily . A wash with a warm flannel will be fine.
Where ever you feed (preferably a rocker recliner cheap or expensive, covered in a nice big blanket) set up a table with a clock, spew cloth (oh buy/make heaps of these) 'Baby Love' by Robin Barker (baby encyclopedia), water, telephone, reading material, even a thermometer.
Get a used baby rocker chair thingy for the bathroom so you can have bub in the shower room with you to either keep an eye on them or have ready so you can shower & shower them too with somewhere safe to put them whilst washing yourself.
Keep visitors to a set time in hospital & at home cause unless they're useful they will wear you out as much as bub.
Play quiet radio (I play classic FM) in bubs room during the day but not at night when bub is sleeping.
Routine is up to you & bub. Personally I let mine be set by my babies & they were forever changing. The only oner i had for my own sanity was not to feed any closer than 2 hourly.
I could go on & on but I'll stop here (unless I think of more).

Lastly if bub will not stop crying & you find yourself getting angry & frustrated ( it DOES happen, we are all human) put bub in the cot (bub will be safe even if screaming) & go outside. Call a friend, your Mum or Dad or partner or whoever. When you've calmed down take a deep breath & go back in :)

Hope I've helped someone .