If you’ve spent some time caring for a newborn or young baby by yourself at home, you’ll know that days can sometimes disappear in a blur.
Caring for a baby is hard work and downright exhausting at times and sometimes the routine can get you down.
But there’s also something very liberating about hanging out one-on-one with your bub – after all, they don’t judge your scruffy tracksuit bottoms or mind you singing while you do the chores.
Here are seven things we’ve gotten up to with our little ones at home.
1. Trying to take a cute selfie with the baby
You’re dying to show off your gorgeous bundle of joy but every time you whip out your phone, they begin crying, get sick or need a change.
When you do finally get one where they look cute, you’re left wondering “who is that tired looking woman with my baby?!” Delete and try again!
2. Endless singing
Whether you have a beautiful voice or can’t hit a single note, your baby doesn’t care at all. They want lullabies and you must provide them.
Plus the fact that no-one else is home gives you ample opportunity to belt out your favourite cheesy hits while doing the washing up.
3. Seeking "safe spots" around the house
When you’re caring for your baby by yourself, it’s hard to leave them even for a minute to grab a cup of coffee.
You find yourself considering all the hidden dangers of your house that you never saw before and end up taking all the cushions off the sofa to make a nest on the floor for your baby.
4. Having one-sided conversations
We all get lonely without company and giving your little one a running commentary of what you are up to is one way of feeling less alone.
Although, it’s never totally one-sided as babies love to hear their mum’s voices and are always trying babble back to us.
Even if their only input is “goo goo gah”, you know they agree. That phrase covers a lot really…
5. Watching guilty pleasure TV shows while they nap
You’re always extolling the virtues of books to your older kids and try to minimise screen time while they’re at home.
But when they’re at school and your baby is asleep for once, it’s the perfect time to squeeze in half an hour of your favourite reality show or trashy daytime TV.
Just don’t get too comfortable because they WILL be awake again soon.
6. Eating over their heads
Chances are you’ll have eaten several snacks with your baby in one arm or sitting on your lap.
They're always trying to grab either our snack or our hair, so we've mastered the art of speedily eating above their heads.
It always ends the same way, crumbs on your little one’s head which you spend ages dusting off.
7. Falling asleep on the sofa
You only meant to rest your eyes for a second but next thing you know is half an hour has gone by and they're wailing for a feed.
Luckily your bub serves as an excellent alarm clock during those impromptu daytime naps.
Co-ordinating naps where possible is the best strategy.
