When do you shower?

4maddison · May 2010

Lately, I feel like I suck at being a mom. It's so hard to balance everything going on in my life, and I know this gross but some days I don't even get a chance to shower until it's so late at night I just pass out. Help! Am I the only still trying to figure out how to balance everything? Am I only one who sometimes goes 2-3 days without a shower? Please tell me I'm not alone. Edit: the reason why is tv sometimes works for her, but once she starts crying lately, she has been making herself hyperventilate with 30 seconds or so. I'm afraid to just let her CIO while I try to hurry and finish

AFWife1229 · May 2010

Every morning after LO eats, I sit her in her bouncy seat and turn on nick jr. I can see her from the shower, so this works good for us.

lenaerickson · May 2010

Definitely not alone. When I was at home with DD, I would not shower for 2 or 3 days. Not by choice, obviously, but I preferred sleeping over showering. If I had an opportunity to sleep, I was taking it. Now I plop DD in front of SpongeBob (gasp!) and take my shower before i go to work. DH heads out at least 30 min before I get up so he can't help.

kcisthebombdotcom · May 2010

Every morning.

Do you have something to distract LO with so you can take care of yourself? My trick is if DS isn't napping while I'm wanting to take a shower, I carry his bassinet or bouncy seat in the bathroom, plop him in front of the mirror since we have a full length mirror behind the bathroom door, and he's entertained by his reflection. You can also try a jumped for the doorway so he's entertained and you can keep an eye on him, an exersaucer, etc.

Jen1231 · May 2010

Mason wakes up around the same time every morning, so I get a shower while he is sleeping. If he gets up while I am in the shower he usually plays in his crib or lays there and talks to himself. So, when I am done showering I change and feed him. After that I usually sit him in his bouncer while I blow dry my hair. Or, my biggest life saver. Two words. Baby Einstein. Oh my god. He loves these movies! It's how I get the kitchen cleaned up or vacuum.

amber&patrick · May 2010

You're not alone. Embarrassed

Sometimes I shower during the day while I'm home with DS (I'm still on maternity leave). I usually put him in our room on his activity mat, where I can watch him from the shower. But he gets antsy when he's alone and will usually start to cry. I've also tried putting him in the bathroom with me in his bouncy seat, but that only entertained him a few times. So my choices are either to shower very quickly while DS cries and then screams, or wait for DH to get home. If I wait for DH to be home, it usually means I don't get a shower until we've had dinner, DS is down for the night, and I've pumped. So I sometimes get too tired and just go to bed instead. I want to work on that and try for a daily shower.

avbliss · May 2010

I try to get one in every other day, but yes there are times when i go 3 days with out a shower. Usually i try to take one at the beginning of LOs morning nap. I just bring the monitor in the bathroom with me so i know to hurry up if she wakes.

Mrs.Keith2B · May 2010

I take my showers at night when DH is giving DS his evening bottle.

blublusher · May 2010

you are not alone!

There are times that i definately would choose sleep over a shower. Nothing bad will happen if i forget to shower for a day but if i'm drowsy and can't pay attention while i'm driving b/c i needed more sleep then thats no good. Sleep trumps shower!

mrs.n22 · May 2010

This is in no way meant to be mean, but I really don't understand when people say they don't have time to shower. I make time every morning before LO gets up. If that means getting up a little earlier that's what I do.

If you don't want to take a shower, fine, I understand. But I don't understand it when people say they can't find time.

Mereou12 · May 2010

Every morning. It's part of our routine: DS wakes up, eats, we snuggle a little in bed, and then he hangs in his bouncer while I shower and get dressed. He's perfectly content in there for 15-20 minutes.

JLG95 · May 2010

I shower every day at 6 AM right after the first feeding. If my baby hasn't fallen asleep from nursing, I can usually just lay him down in the crib with the battery-powered mobile to entertain him. It runs for 12 minutes. Smile

Jenice32 · May 2010

lenaerickson:
Definitely not alone. When I was at home with DD, I would not shower for 2 or 3 days. Not by choice, obviously, but I preferred sleeping over showering.

This was me. I showered every other day, at night when he was sleeping. I wasn't funky so that was all I needed. Now that I'm back at work, I try to shower daily, but sometimes that doesn't happen. I still prefer sleep over a shower.

Torani · May 2010

KC_13:

Every morning.

Do you have something to distract LO with so you can take care of yourself? My trick is if DS isn't napping while I'm wanting to take a shower, I carry his bassinet or bouncy seat in the bathroom, plop him in front of the mirror since we have a full length mirror behind the bathroom door, and he's entertained by his reflection. You can also try a jumped for the doorway so he's entertained and you can keep an eye on him, an exersaucer, etc.

I do this too. I have him so if he turns his head one way, he sees his reflection (he even reaches out to it and it's so cute!) and the other way, he can see me. He only gets to sit in that bouncy during my shower, so he's not bored with it. We do the same thing getting ready for his bath time at night, but in the walker. I often give him a certain toy that he only gets to play with while I'm in the bathroom, so it's like a treat for him because it's not a toy he sees all the time and he gets excited.

stephanielynn33 · May 2010

Mereou12:
Every morning. It's part of our routine: DS wakes up, eats, we snuggle a little in bed, and then he hangs in his bouncer while I shower and get dressed. He's perfectly content in there for 15-20 minutes.

We're almost the same. We wake up, eat, play, and then nap. After the 1st nap, I shower, and Mina is in her bouncy seat in the bathroom with me. She loves it, and she never fusses. She just talks to me Big Smile

Vuja_de · May 2010

every morning at 4:45am after DS eats his first "breakfast". I nurse him then put him back to bed he usually sleeps until 5:30-6:00 that gives me time to shower, dress, make up his bottles and his daycare bag and get his clothes ready before he wakes up.

ssmith325 · May 2010

Please nobody take this the wrong way because I was the SAME way with my first DD.....I couldn't get ANYTHING done! My world revolved around the baby, and pretty much nothing else got accomplished.

Looking back now.....as I have my second baby, I am like "What was I doing?? What did I have to do that took up every second of my time? How did I not have time to shower, clean up, make dinner?"

I had NO idea how easy I had it with only one baby!

Boy, oh, boy things sure change when you have another kid let me tell you!!!!

Leap08 · May 2010

I shower every morning. I put my daughter in her bouncy seat with a toy in the bathroom while I shower and get ready. I talk to her and sing to her and she's perfectly content.

amber&patrick · May 2010

Torani:
KC_13:

. . .

I do this too. I have him so if he turns his head one way, he sees his reflection (he even reaches out to it and it's so cute!) and the other way, he can see me. He only gets to sit in that bouncy during my shower, so he's not bored with it. We do the same thing getting ready for his bath time at night, but in the walker. I often give him a certain toy that he only gets to play with while I'm in the bathroom, so it's like a treat for him because it's not a toy he sees all the time and he gets excited.

This is really smart. I'm going to have to try this.

CharlaineS · May 2010

MadMan usually wakes up around 7:30, so I change him feed him and then he's back asleep until 10:30-11, so I take my showers then.

4maddison · May 2010

mrs.n22:
This is in no way meant to be mean, but I really don't understand when people say they don't have time to shower. I make time every morning before LO gets up. If that means getting up a little earlier that's what I do.

If you don't want to take a shower, fine, I understand. But I don't understand it when people say they can't find time.

I don't understand why people start off sentences like "this is in no way meant to be mean...", but then proceed to say something mean anyways. but no flames chika because "this is in no way meant to be mean"

4maddison · May 2010

ssmith325:
Please nobody take this the wrong way because I was the SAME way with my first DD.....I couldn't get ANYTHING done! My world revolved around the baby, and pretty much nothing else got accomplished.

Looking back now.....as I have my second baby, I am like "What was I doing?? What did I have to do that took up every second of my time? How did I not have time to shower, clean up, make dinner?"

I had NO idea how easy I had it with only one baby!

Boy, oh, boy things sure change when you have another kid let me tell you!!!!

um I'm a full time college student with an internship and have a full time job, and I have to commute a total of 4+ hours a day.

Mrs.Kass-Bass · May 2010

Not alone. I barely rinse if I shower while DH is at work and LO is sleeping because I am just so sure he is going to wake up as soon as I step in the shower. I take a long shower at night after LO goes to sleep or DH is home to watch him.

Nicole731 · May 2010

mrs.n22:

This is in no way meant to be mean, but I really don't understand when people say they don't have time to shower. I make time every morning before LO gets up. If that means getting up a little earlier that's what I do.

Exactly this. I have two kids, work full time, take online classes, keep my house clean and laundry done, AND workout several times a week. When I am home with the kids it's all me because hubby works odd hours. I'm sure you can find 5 min to shower.

bananasmomma · May 2010

I shower at night, before I go to bed. I don't use a blow dryer on my hair because it gets too damaged, so I just let it dry overnight. Then I wake up and use hot curlers to give it some body.

MrsChowBella · May 2010

You're not alone! It took me a few weeks to figure out the best time for me to shower and take care of myself. Now that DD is STTN, I tend to take my showers at night. I live in FL and it's humid and hot most days, so I like feeling fresh and clean when I go to bed at night :-)

If I need to take one in the morning, I will coordinate with DH so that he watches her for a few minutes, or I will put her in the bouncy and bring her into the hallway so I can watch her from the shower stall...

poison489 · May 2010

I pull LO swing into the bathroom with me and shower. It may only be a quick shower, but it helps me feel not as dirty.

sarah2958 · May 2010

I put LO in the shower with me. Sometimes that's the only thing I can do. My FI can't hold him for 10 mins while I shower..so annoying!! Last night I took a shower at 1:30 AM. Oye.

catycombs · May 2010

JLG95:
I shower every day at 6 AM right after the first feeding. If my baby hasn't fallen asleep from nursing, I can usually just lay him down in the crib with the battery-powered mobile to entertain him. It runs for 12 minutes.

This is what I do. But, it does not always go as planned.

Ruggerkitty · May 2010

LOL at the self-proclaimed "super moms" who make dinner, workout, go to school, look hot all the time and have sex every day with their husbands. haha! That's awesome. I'm a SAHM and I rarely find time to shower. Sorry if I'm just not as great of a person as you...

I personally would rather have a slower lifestyle. I enjoy life when it's quiet and mellow, and I don't want my baby to cry and not be able to get to him. I've figured out a few hairstyles that work with dirty hair. I manage to shower every other day and it just makes it that much more special

msnehz · May 2010

When I was home for 4 months during my leave, I take LO with me to the bathroom. She's either in her bouncer or in her FP Sleep and Play Rocker. Now that I'm back to work, I shower at night since I get up at 4am for work.

chef'swife · May 2010

DD takes a shower with me almost every morning. I only soap her up every other day or so, but she loves the water so this works for us. I found that my hidden talent is washing my hair with only one hand:)

kelbel527 · May 2010

Good for all the moms who always have time to shower. But if you're not as perfect as them (like me!) don't beat yourself up about it. I also had a very hard time finding time to shower when I was home w/ DS. He slept in his swing and I wouldn't leave him alone (shower was upstairs, swing downstairs). Sometimes I would go a day or two without showering. I tried to take one every day when DH got home from work. But it didn't always happen.

Bubbalini · May 2010

Ruggerkitty:

LOL at the self-proclaimed "super moms" who make dinner, workout, go to school, look hot all the time and have sex every day with their husbands. haha! That's awesome. I'm a SAHM and I rarely find time to shower. Sorry if I'm just not as great of a person as you...

I personally would rather have a slower lifestyle. I enjoy life when it's quiet and mellow, and I don't want my baby to cry and not be able to get to him. I've figured out a few hairstyles that work with dirty hair. I manage to shower every other day and it just makes it that much more special

I don't think anyone claimed to be a better mom just because they find time to shower, so your whole first paragraph is a ridiculous overreaction.

And no one said anything about letting their baby cry while they got to shower. When I was on maternity leave I would wait until DD was happy in her bouncy chair and I would bring it into the bathroom with me. She had fun playing for a few minutes and I got to shower. If I didn't get this chance then I would wait for DH to come home from work or I would miss 1 day. I never had to go 2 days without showering.

Now that I am back at work (yes, I am back full-time, I go to school part-time and I commute 4 hours a day, so I am busy but this is being mentioned only to portray my busy schedule, not to compare my mothering abilities), DH watches her while I get ready in the morning. It takes us a lot longer to get ready then it did before but we at least get to shower and feel OK when we leave the house.

Mrs.KaityJane · May 2010

I try to shower every other day. I would rather spend the time eithe sleeping or snuggling M. It is hard to find the time some days.

ssmith325 · May 2010

4maddison:
ssmith325:

Please nobody take this the wrong way because I was the SAME way with my first DD.....I couldn't get ANYTHING done! My world revolved around the baby, and pretty much nothing else got accomplished.

Looking back now.....as I have my second baby, I am like "What was I doing?? What did I have to do that took up every second of my time? How did I not have time to shower, clean up, make dinner?"

I had NO idea how easy I had it with only one baby!

Boy, oh, boy things sure change when you have another kid let me tell you!!!!

um I'm a full time college student with an internship and have a full time job, and I have to commute a total of 4+ hours a day.

Well, then you are obviously busy with things other than baby.....

Kingston54 · May 2010

My LO is pretty cooperative with me getting a shower. I put him in the bouncy chair with a toy and put it right in front of the shower. I usually get a shower in the morning when I get up and then after dinner time again. Makes me feel better to get one.

Those are like 5 min or less showers - when DH is home I'll take a "good" shower and shave my legs, etc.

mrs_sherod · May 2010

I take a bath with LO every night.

madalynnsmommy09 · May 2010

Although I am no longer at home, when I was home on leave I would always shower before DH left for the day, it was the ONLY way I could make sure it got done and feel good for the day.

celiabwatson · May 2010

Yea, I barely shower at all.... I take a bath with my son a couple times a week. Sometimes after the bath I'll put him on the floor on a towel and quick shower myself. I really only shower on the weekend when DH is home. I go back to work next week though so we'll see what happens then. Our baby is napping better now, but we co-sleep so I can't shower before he wakes up or after he goes to bed because he's still learning how to sleep without me. Naps happen in the swing, moses basket, crib, PnP or bassinet and if they look like a good solid nap I may try a shower, but more often I clean or do laundry. When he's not sleeping in our bed anymore I'll probably go back to morning showers. I do naturally wake up before he does, but when I get out of bed he wakes up as well. While on leave I've just been reading in bed until he wakes up or bringing him into the living room with me and putting him back to sleep.