Getting things done with a baby in the house

Some mothers seem to manage to get things done and some of us really struggle to do basic household chores while holding a screaming or clingy baby.  I noticed at mothers group that while some mothers have babies who sleep for a few hours at a time giving Mum time to get the housework done others of us have babies that don’t sleep for long unless they are being held. Some people have family in town to help out and some of us live a few hours drive from family.

I was getting desperate to find some time just to do some basic housework done with a baby who insisted on being held even while she slept.

Finally in frustration at not being able to get anything done I approached some of the other mothers at Mothers group who seemed to be in the same situation as me. I suggested that we take turns to go around to each others house with our baby and play with the other mothers baby while she did what she needed to do eg cooking, housework, study, work from home or what ever –even just have a shower without a baby in the bathroom! As our babies are still young and many of us are not yet ready to leave them with other people,- having them entertained by another mother and baby is the comfort and safety of our own home works well for us.

 There are now a few of us who take turns to pair up and help each other out. Some of the other mothers who do have babies who let them get their housework etc done have even joined in to help out and get themselves out of the house while hubby is working or sleeping after a night shift.

If you are finding it hard to get things done with a baby or toddler under your feet maybe ask at playgroup or mothers group if someone else is having the same trouble. You may be able to take turns to mind each others children either in you own home or in theirs.