We have all been there juggling a baby whilst trying to get the home tidy or spend some quality time with the other children or your partner. Therefore I have put together a round-up of tips and tasks that mum can do achieve in those few minutes that you get when the baby is asleep.
To begin with make sure baby goes to sleep comfy as they are more likely to stay asleep that bit longer, for this reason, I preferred to keep my three in sleepsuits when they were very little. I found sleepsuits will completely change the game for you as they are always ready to sleep and also babies just look super cute in a sleepsuit!
Firstly use this time to look after yourself, self care is hugely important when you are tired and simply getting through those early baby stages. Therefore when baby sleeps, ensure that you spend some time feeding yourself. Prepare dinner for later, a shepards pie that can be batch cooked and popped in the fridge for the evening is a perfectly nutrious and sensible way to spend baby’s nap time.
Secondly have a bath or shower and wash your hair without rushing. Just let yourself relax, use a bath bomb and just chill. A happy mummy is a good mummy.
If you need to nap then do it when baby is also in the land of nod. Get your rest when you can, I often would nap in the afternoon with the baby as you can then just keep going. Remember sleep deprivation has long been used as a form of torture and new parents soon understand why!
Once the baby is in more of routine and you are managing to get dressed, washed and don’t need to nap there are a number of tasks you can speed your way through.
I became a master at what I called how to fake clean a house in 30 mins! This could be done a couple of times a week and helps you keep on top of it all. The laundry is also a job that mounts up quickly but you can stay in control with these clever laundry hacks.
What helps me is writing lists and planning, I would start each day with a few tasks that need to be done and cross off the ones I achieve. Don’t put too much on your list or it becomes overwhelming and you run the risk of just ignoring it! I have set days for changing the bedding or cleaning the bathroom and it helps me know what I want to do.
Meal planning is a time saver and especially if you can do extra and pop some away for lunch the following day.
Having a baby is exhausting both physically and mentally but at the same time so rewarding. Don’t worry about trying to do it all, it takes a whole lot of getting used to. But completing small tasks will help you feel acomplished and in control.
