Home How to keep house with a 2 month old baby??

[sunkist]

My son is 2 months old already, boy how time flies!

But I still feel like I can''t do as much to keep the house clean and cook meals as I''d like to. Is this just one of the things I have to accept as a new mom?? I mean my house isn''t bad. It''s clean, just not as clean as I''d like

What''s really bugging me though is not having time to cook meals. I''m not a whiz cook as it is, but now it seems like Wesley''s cranky time is always at dinner time and I have to hold him, give him attention and can''t get time in the kitchen. Is there something other moms do to get the meals made? I just dont know if I''m expecting too much of myself at this point or if I''m not trying hard enough.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

ha-ha, I can;t stay on top of it with no kids

but seriously, what my mom did (and what I used to do when I was a full-time live-in nanny is start dinner during his afternoon nap, use a crock pot when possible, and plan the menu at the beginning of the week (maybe when your husband can take Wesley for a little bit) so that you know exactly what you need/want to get done and don;t have to waste any time thinking about what you wnat to cook.

But really, 2 months is still pretty early, don''t be too hard on yourself if you are eating a bunch sandwiches and take-out still. You just gave brith to a tiny human being who is majorly demanding and needs a ton of attention!!!

 

[iluvcarats]

Have you tried using a sling? That might help. I had the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder and it was a life saver for me.

 

[E B]

Have you tried "wearing" Wes in some sort of a carrier/wrap/sling? H loved being worn when he was really little (not so much now, at 7 months) and it freed my hands to do light chores around the house. Otherwise, I just work QUICKLY while Dad holds him and keep things picked up so that I never have any huge messes to clean up.

ETA: Oops! iluvcarats beat me to it.

 

[sunkist]

ILUV, Ebree, great suggestion. He''s not super fond of our moby wrap, but he will last a little while. I could try it at least to make dinner. I''m concerned about getting chicken juice on him or having him next to the stove though.

Bella- Thats a good idea to just start what I can for dinner in the morning. Wes is pretty unpredictable in his naps. I never know how long thell last, or he keeps waking up. But i guess if i start in the morning i should have something ready by evening!

 

[D&T]

I used a sling for the first four months to help with house chores, but it only gets worst when they get to the crawling age, and then walking stage. Then its harder to keep track of them

Don''t worry too much, you''re still trying to get in the swing of things.

 

[steph72276]

Aww, I can't believe he's 2 months already, wow! Anyway, I wouldn't be too hard on yourself....the first few months are just about trying to survive! I would also try to do the crock pot thing a lot. You can also prep as much as you can while he naps...slice/dice veggies, etc. Also, you can try to make more elaborate meals on the weekends when your DH is home and then eat leftovers a few nights. Or you can make more than 1 portion at a time on the weekend and freeze for later. And the cleaning, just do what you can do here and there while he naps. You all will get into a routine before you know it!

 

[iluvcarats]

Date: 1/17/2010 8:43:02 PM
Author: D&T
I used a sling for the first four months to help with house chores, but it only gets worst when they get to the crawling age, and then walking stage. Then its harder to keep track of them

Don''t worry too much, you''re still trying to get in the swing of things.

Then you move on to the backpack

I agree. Cut yourself some slack. The laundry will always be there, but your baby is only little once. It goes quickly. Enjoy every minute. And there''s always take out!

 

[jewelz617]

I wore my daughter in a sling every time I needed to get anything done. She just slept in there happy as a clam!

 

[Maisie]

I would try and prepare meals earlier in the day while the baby naps. I used to put James in his baby rocker in front of the washing
machine when I was busy. He loved the noise it made. It seemed to soothe him. I don''t think you have your machines in the kitchen in the states though?

I wouldn''t put too much pressure on yourself though. If you can''t get jobs done it''s not the end of the world. Just enjoy your precious baby for now.

 

[Shoopy]

I can tell you that for me, the first 10-11 weeks were all about survival. FI was in charge of all meals and this was non-negotiable. I did laundry once a week. We used disposable plates/cups to cut down on washing dishes. We made sure to keep on top of the living room and that was it.

I've learned to just spend my time enjoying DD and not worry so much about home maintenance. We've gotten back to a great routine that allows for unexpected guests without me going sh!t, hide everything but I don't sweat it. Babies grow too fast

 

[Shoopy]

Oh the only thing I would LOVE to figure out is how to make my living room stop looking like fisher price threw up all over it

 

[makemepretty]

I used a front carrier at first, then a bouncy seat(even though the baby wasn''t big enough to bounce, it''s just a softer more upright seat with seat belt). I had a bassinet in my living room also. I would stay up late and clean after getting the baby down, then realized the mess wasn''t going anywhere and I needed sleep more than anything to keep my sanity. It''ll get slightly easier when the baby is big enough to be in an exersaucer or walker. Then they''re happy as long as you talk and sing and keep them entertained while you clean.

Find fast simple recipes, or use the crock pot. I remember being so exhausted when my kids were little but it gets easier, hang in there. My sisters solution after having a baby....she hired a house cleaning service to come monthly. I couldn''t afford that luxury but managed just fine doing a bit here and there whenever I could.

 

[vespergirl]

1. Hire a maid. Even if they only come once every 2-4 weeks, you can still delegate some of those tasks that you hate to do.

2. Crock Pot. You can make a big batch of something on Sunday, and eat it throughout the week (my husband loves my veal stew). Also, if you pick up a rotisserie chicken at the supermarket, they are so versatile - you can eat it as is, or use it for lots of dishes - soup, fajitas, salads, etc.

 

[mrssalvo]

I agree with the sling idea if your son like''s it. I never did slings but my friends that did LOVED them. Also, preparing meals ahead of time can help. Crock-pot dinners are great too. I used to try to make a lot of meals while my son is napping and then all I have to do it pop it in the oven or reheat it closer to dinner time.

 

[D&T]

Date: 1/17/2010 9:00:08 PM
Author: iluvcarats

Date: 1/17/2010 8:43:02 PM
Author: D&T
I used a sling for the first four months to help with house chores, but it only gets worst when they get to the crawling age, and then walking stage. Then its harder to keep track of them

Don''t worry too much, you''re still trying to get in the swing of things.

Then you move on to the backpack

I agree. Cut yourself some slack. The laundry will always be there, but your baby is only little once. It goes quickly. Enjoy every minute. And there''s always take out!

oooh Yes, currently been putting my 14 month old in our hiking backpack while vacuuming

...lol she has a blast in it

 

[Kaleigh]

I tried to do most of the prep stuff while DD was sleeping. She also loved her bouncy seat. I had help with my second, thank goodness. But with DD I was on my own, and tried to do the best I could. Don''t beat yourself up... The first few months are the hardest Sunkist. Gosh hard to believe he''s 2 months already. Time sure does fly by. If I lived near you, I''d help you in a nano second. Do you have any family near by??

 

[iluvcarats]

Date: 1/17/2010 10:12:21 PM
Author: D&T

Date: 1/17/2010 9:00:08 PM

Author: iluvcarats

Date: 1/17/2010 8:43:02 PM

Author: D&T

I used a sling for the first four months to help with house chores, but it only gets worst when they get to the crawling age, and then walking stage. Then its harder to keep track of them

Don''t worry too much, you''re still trying to get in the swing of things.

Then you move on to the backpack

I agree. Cut yourself some slack. The laundry will always be there, but your baby is only little once. It goes quickly. Enjoy every minute. And there''s always take out!

oooh Yes, currently been putting my 14 month old in our hiking backpack while vacuuming

...lol she has a blast in it

My son loved it too. I think he enjoyed the bird''s eye view. I always had crumbs in my hair though LOL

 

[Mara]

lol fiery that is my biggest fear...our house turning into a disney set. i am not really a fan of most children''s toys and care items with their crazy bright patterns on things, etc. our house is pretty well coordinated from a color and decor perspective..i guess i will say good bye to that! haha. and forget baby proofing, i don''t even want to think about when he starts moving around...i have a lot of breakables, glass tables, etc.

sunkist, re keeping house, we already have maids that come every 2 weeks to do the big stuff, thank god. i might up this to once a week when we are both going to be home but we''ll see. in terms of meals, i figure we''ll do mostly take out and the frozen meals. but i agree with everyone else that your routine will prob just come over time. 2 months is still early! i hope our kid likes a sling but we''ll see.

 

[gailrmv]

Sunkist I really feel for you. I felt the same exact way when A was so young. He didn't nap much and it was hard for me to get anything done, and it drove me nuts being home all day and looking at clutter. Here are some things that helped me:

- simplify cooking. Rotisserie chicken with easy veggie sides. Things I can heat from Trader Joes. Making big batches of things at once and having leftovers for a few days or freezing them. We are not big on takeout, but we order pizza once in a while.

- hired a cleaning person to come every 2 weeks or so. They do the big stuff and DH and I do a massive declutter the night before. It is a splurge but WORTH IT.

- put him in the sling, as others have said. Then, the exersaucer starting around 4 months - he would entertain himself for a little while there so I could get dinner going.

- learn from my mistake and don't burn up your best pot because you forgot it was on because you were exhausted Seriously, I'm lucky I didn't start a kitchen fire.

- Revisit the division of labor with your DH, if you feel like you should. I didn't speak up enough about what I needed/wanted, because I felt like I should be able to do it all. Some nights when DH walked in the door I asked him to have some time playing with A so I got a break from baby care and got to cook dinner solo. That helped!

I spent a lot of time cleaning and a lot of time being upset by my messy house and I kind of do still (at 10 months), but the time with your baby does go so fast - just enjoy. You can clean when he's in preschool



Mara I was really concerned about my house looking like toys r us exploded, but it really doesn't. I was very lucky to borrow the big stuff from friends, and when A outgrew it, those things went BACK! We don't have a ton of toys. I don't think he cares that much about having a ton. He has some of course, and they all live in baskets, and when we get done playing everything goes back in. (I do a quick clean up when he goes down for a nap, for example). We did have to move a lot of things to babyproof, and it's an ongoing process, but it's not terrible. Also, there are a lot of old fashioned toys that appeal to my senses a lot more than the bright plastic ones. My pet peeve is the loud music that comes out of a lot of toys - we try to keep those to a minimum! So don't worry. Your house probably won't look as perfectly coordinated as it does now, but it doesn't have to be chaos either.

 

[packrat]

JD had to help w/cooking and cleaning. Well, at the time, he was doing the cooking anyway, but he had to do more of the cleaning. I used to put the kids in the bouncy seat or the swing while I did stuff. We''re not real elaborate w/our meals to begin with, but there were plenty of nights when JD was at work that I''d just open a package of Lipton chicken rice and call it good.

They''re little for such a short time, and I bet most mommies would love to roll back the clock to spend more time laying and snuggling with them rather than messing w/the laundry or picking up the toys.

Speaking of toys, we just had some baskets in the living room and I''d make a few turns thru the room throughout the day to toss the toys into the baskets and again, called it good!

 

[sunkist]

Thank you so much everyone! I needed everyone''s pep talks. Your comments really make me feel better. I really don''t want to miss his tiny baby days. He already seems to be big to me already. I guess I''ll just have to keep reminding myself everyday that cleaning can wait. And cooking?? well, pizza does sound good. haha! And, TDM, rotisserie chicken and vegies, good idea. I did my picking up the house here before I went to bed. Now his 1:30am feeding is over I''ve never minded getting up with him at night. It''s the sweetest thing to hold your sleeping child in your arms

love it!

Again, thanks soooo much everyone!

 

[Pandora II]

1) Don''t worry... no-one died of an untidy house and take-away exists for a reason.

2) Slings - front when they''re little, back when they are bigger.

3) Cleaning Lady - wonderful, wonderful thing!

Fiery - Fisher Price threw up in my house too

 

[steph72276]

Date: 1/17/2010 9:39:33 PM
Author: vespergirl
1. Hire a maid. Even if they only come once every 2-4 weeks, you can still delegate some of those tasks that you hate to do.


2. Crock Pot. You can make a big batch of something on Sunday, and eat it throughout the week (my husband loves my veal stew). Also, if you pick up a rotisserie chicken at the supermarket, they are so versatile - you can eat it as is, or use it for lots of dishes - soup, fajitas, salads, etc.

Good idea about the rotisserie chickens...we do this almost every week and make all kinds of dishes out of it. It cost us almost the same already cooked as it would to cook it ourselves and is so easy to have hubby pick it up on his way home!

 

[Sha]

I''m going through the same thing - Dalila is almost 2 months as well. I like the house tidy, but it''s mean a real challenge keeping it that way of late. I still feel a bit guilty even though I tell myself it''s expected with a new baby and all...

Are you home on maternity leave or back at work? I''m on leave at the moment - One thing that worked for me was breaking up my "to-do''s" into litle ''projects'' for a particular day. Example - Monday - washing. Tuesday - clean/tidy living room and nursery Tuesday - clean bedroom, dust and sweep entire house. Wednesday - organize computer files. Thursday - run errands in town. Friday - finish gardening.

It was helpful for me to break my tasks up into little achievable things, rather than trying to do too much each day, and failing miserably.

It made me feel good that I was getting things done, even if it was at a slower pace than normal.

It helps if you''re on maternity leave and have some time to work with. But you can still break up your tasks if you''re working - although you''ll have a much more limited time within which to get them done.

I try to do most things when she''s sleeping as well, but I also use a carrier when she''s up and wants to be picked up, and I need to get things done around the house. A bouncy seat could be helpful too.

I only cook once every other day or so - usually light, simple meals. Thankfully, DH cooks as well so he can pick up that slack when necessary.

 

[taovandel]

I find that Evan is more content to play by himself on his mat in the morning when he first wakes up...so I normally change his diaper and put him down on his mat and I clean while he is playing...I can normally clean for about an hour before he is ready for his bottle....He'll be three months on the 31st.

I also try and cook when he is napping.....


this is all going to hell next week when I return to work though....

 

[MustangGal]

Our agreement is that DH watches the baby while I cook, then I take him while DH cleans up the dishes. It''s been working for 11 months now!

 

[Mandarine]

If I can do it, you can do it!!!

Here are my tips:

1) Lower your expectations!. It won''t ever be as it used to be...but if everyone is fed, the house is somewhat clean and everyone has had a bath at some point in the last couple of days....call it a success!

2) If you can afford it, get someone to help you with cleaning. Even if you can only afford a few hours it is SO worth it. Have them clean the most annoying stuff (bathrooms, kitchen, floors, etc.)

3) Start cooking early in the day...or at least planning!. Some things are fast to make, but if you know that''s what you''re making then once you get to the kitchen it should be faster.

4) Move his bed time earlier!!!!!. I spent the first month with someone always crying during dinner time. It was so frustrating. FInally I got the point the little fellas were trying to make: they were ready for bed!.

5) I would ear him for other things that don''t involve cooking. I think it would be tough to cook wearing a baby, but that''s just me!. I wear them while I sweep, do laundry, etc.

6) If you haven''t already, give away some of your old responsibilities to your DH. I wish I would take this advice more...but I did give away all dog related activities. I have enough making sure all the humans in this house are fed and clean!. I do still cuddle with my doggie and do sometimes take him for walks, but for the most part DH is in charge.

7) When you do cook, cook for the masses!. I have DH eat the same thing like 3 nights in a row...he doesn''t really care. All I have to do on leftover night is make a salad!

That''s all I can think of for now

 

[Mara]

crockpot is a great idea too. you can even get a rotisserie chicken and just toss it into your cp with water and let it broth and meat fall and off the bone if you don''t want to peel it all yourself. we plan to do a lot of CP when baby comes.

and i swear our maids are lifesavers. hehe.

 

[Jas12]

I remember those early days. Fussy time always seemed to correspond with dinner!
But hate the say it, i think it''s even worse once they hit the toddler stage b/c they demand attention and get into trouble.
So i actually came on here to look for advice too! My house is suffering lately!

The one thing that works for me is prep at night. If i can get the veggies chopped, meat thawing, ingredients out etc. that i need the next day it a) forces me to follow thru and actually make the meal the next day b) i just have to cook it and there is little cleaning to be done.

Now, if only i would take my own advice