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March 2015 Moms
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Stuck in the house with newborn?

emsillickemsillick member
in March 2015 Moms
My baby is six weeks old and I am finding myself stuck at home with him more often than I would like.

My SO works in a restaurant so 5 days out if 7 he is gone from 9:30am to midnight, sometimes able to pop back for a couple of hours in the afternoon. On these days I have every intention of getting up and out with the buggy but end up still in my PJs at 3pm with a baby that I haven't been able to put down long enough to take a shower let along get organised to leave the house with him. Most days it's just easier and less stressful not to bother.

He is mix-feeding and hungry all the time. He is perfectly healthy and putting on weight so no problems there. He will only sleep during the day if he is being held which makes it impossible to get anything done.

Is this normal at this stage? I feel guilty as I know that fresh air and getting out and about is good for him (not to mention I suffer with bouts of anxiety and depression and can definitely notice the impact on my mood levels) but I have no idea how to get around it.

Anyone have any advice or similar experience? I feel like a recluse and like I am failing at mothering not being able to multi task and just get things done.
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Re: Stuck in the house with newborn?

  • myjessesgirlmyjessesgirl member
    I assume you have tried putting your LO down in a swing or bouncer? If not, my routine involves using the swing while I shower and keeping her in the bathroom with me. At least that part gets done! Aside from that, I've found that if I start my day early and wake up with my DH at 6:30-7, I tend to get a lot more done. I try to just put the necessary things behind me (breakfast, shower, pumping) or they will never get done. What about wearing your LO? I use a Moby if I'm out shopping and she does great in it; usually ends up falling asleep. But I limit the trips to a couple hours at most. Another good option, if you have the resources, is to visit another person that would not mind if you took care of the baby during your visit, like a fellow mom. That at least gets you out of the house for a bit, but doesn't put you into an awkward situation like nursing in a public place.

    I struggle with feeling down a lot (although I wouldn't label it officially as depression, but it comes close) and I've noticed for myself that unless I force myself to do things those first few times, it just won't happen. So my goal every day is to accomplish something small, whether it's getting laundry done or going grocery shopping or visiting a friend. If I can meet that goal, it helps me to feel more confident and raises my spirits. Good luck with all this and I hope you find something that works for you! And don't get discouraged if you have those occasional unproductive days. Some days can be reserved for just watching your LO sleep and examining those little hands and feet.
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  • chelseeeachelseeea member
    Not sure if this will help, but taking the kids out in their stroller never fails to make them sleep. Sometimes it's the only way to keep me sane. As for the whole showering thing, I usually leave my 2.5 year old to play quietly and bring my 4 week old in the bathroom with me in his chair. There's usually a period where he's awake, but content enough to sit there. Sometimes have to cut the shower short, but hey, sometimes half a shower is better than no shower. Lol and my DH is usually pretty understanding when the house is still a mess or I haven't accomplished much some days. It took him until the 2nd child to realize that I can't do everything though. And sometimes it's really hard to multitask when you've got an infant attached t you at all times. I find using a carrier for chores and whatnot makes it a bit easier.
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  • emsillickemsillick member
    Thank you for these comments, they really helped to raise my spirits and let me know I'm not the only one. My little one is quite inconsistent (as babies are!) in the way that he sometimes loves his bouncy chair and will sit contentedly or sleep and other times he'll just cry until I pick him up again!

    RE the carrier, I did buy one from boots but I don't like it ( it's more of a sling whereas I think I'll feel more comfortable with baby strapped to my front). Can you recommend any good ones?

    Some days are better than others. I have already got baby to sleep in his chair in the bathroom while I take a bath so this one is looking up already!
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  • chelseeeachelseeea member
    emsillick said:

    Thank you for these comments, they really helped to raise my spirits and let me know I'm not the only one. My little one is quite inconsistent (as babies are!) in the way that he sometimes loves his bouncy chair and will sit contentedly or sleep and other times he'll just cry until I pick him up again!

    RE the carrier, I did buy one from boots but I don't like it ( it's more of a sling whereas I think I'll feel more comfortable with baby strapped to my front). Can you recommend any good ones?

    Some days are better than others. I have already got baby to sleep in his chair in the bathroom while I take a bath so this one is looking up already!

    We have a baby bjorn. I really like it. I've also heard some good things about the wraps. I actually made a thread about carriers and whatnot...don't know how to link it, but there's a bunch of recommendations on there too:) glad you were able to get baby to sleep for at least a little bit!
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  • lauraly810lauraly810 member
    I also have a similar situation... My go to has been the baby carrier (beco Gemini ) my baby can be screaming and once I put her in she's out and I can get stuff done and even walk my dog. As for showering once I know she's fed and changed I put her either in a swing or her napper and try to hurry. She may fuss a little but I know that she's fine. I have also tried to get out of the house each day even for a few minutes. I hope it gets easier for you and good luck
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  • LcastoLcasto member
    Getting out and about by yourself those first few times is nerve wracking as baby never fails to start fussing the second you have things in order to walk out the door! I remember feeling this way with my first (he's now 17 months) and now it's so much harder with two! I use to strap baby to me with an ergo baby carrier and either go on a walk around the block or run to target or another store and walk around for a bit until baby is over it. He'd usually fall asleep as soon as we started really moving while strapped to me or once we got in the car. Now with two we go on lots of drives or walks.. I'm too scared to try a store with both of them without back up. Lol I totally need to get out of the house at least a few times a week though in order to not get funky or anxiety ridden. So I totally get it.. It just takes those first few tries to start getting the hang of it and before you know it, getting out and about with your little one will be super fun and manageable!
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  • LcastoLcasto member
    Oh and if you don't get a shower in, don't worry! You have a newborn.. You get a free pass!! ;)
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  • SharLovesAlexSharLovesAlex member
    emsillick said:

    Thank you for these comments, they really helped to raise my spirits and let me know I'm not the only one. My little one is quite inconsistent (as babies are!) in the way that he sometimes loves his bouncy chair and will sit contentedly or sleep and other times he'll just cry until I pick him up again!

    RE the carrier, I did buy one from boots but I don't like it ( it's more of a sling whereas I think I'll feel more comfortable with baby strapped to my front). Can you recommend any good ones?

    Some days are better than others. I have already got baby to sleep in his chair in the bathroom while I take a bath so this one is looking up already!

    I bought a boba wrap. I put my lo in it and he either sits content or falls asleep (if he's in a good mood). It's very comfortable and stretchy, and they can be wrapped in it even as they grow, and you can carry them various ways. Look into it! It takes a few tries wrapping it correctly and tightly enough, but you'll get the hang of it if you decide to try it out.
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