I am not always quite as put together and organised as I may look in that photo above. I’m carrying an inappropriate clutch bag stuffed with a MAM bottle, and barely anything in the base below. I’m in a nice clean dress and my hair is freshly washed.
This is a very rare moment, in which I had a new pram delivered and wanted to take it for a test run around the block. I’d done nothing much that day and Olivia had napped well, so I jumped in the shower, washed and dried my hair, put a clean dress on and went for a stroll while the weather was lovely.
Cut to today, where my sweater is baby sick stained, I’m trying to jump on my laptop and do some ‘work from home’ while looking after Olivia, I didn’t pack enough wipes with me on my last trip out and I don’t think Olivia had the longest nap she could have this morning either.
So, back to organising your day as a new mum, or a mum in general. I get a lot of comments on Instagram from mums who think that because I manage to do bits of work while having a 7 month old, and post a few pics where I might look put together, I have great organisation. Where as I do have to be ‘on it’ if I’m to juggle Mum life while keeping my businesses afloat, I haven’t nailed the art of organising my mum and baby life to a superb level, I can tell you that. But, there are a great deal of things, tips, tricks and items that have helped me not to totally lose my head. I mean, there’s still not a machine that’s invented babies sleeping through from 3 months old (if you’re a Mum of a great sleeper, kindly exit this page…. just kidding. I’m just openly jealous!)….
Don’t be too strict with routines
Babies who have a long nap at a set time in the morning will make your life a little easier…. but then your baby will grow and change incredibly quickly! While it’s a good idea to stick to the recommended naps that your little one should be having for their age, don’t beat yourself up if they struggle to make it routine.
Routines mean you may miss out on doing things in the day that are good for both you and baby. Play dates, baby groups, sunny walks… it’s best to try to go with the flow as your baby moves from one phase to another. Don’t force a strict routine on either of you if it’s tough to do.
Use items that will give you peace of mind
The main thing to be aware of when becoming a busy mum is your mental health. If you’re constantly stressing and can’t ever rest or settle, you’re going to go in a downwards slope. Although of course, only you can get through the day with your baby, there are products, services and items out there that can make your life easier.
A good quality baby monitor is a great start, so that if your little one naps in one room from the early days, you can keep an eye on them if you still have tasks to do in another room. Most babies sleep in their cribs or cots, so a baby monitor is essential for setting up to keep a close eye on them at all times, while you can be downstairs relaxing or cooking in the kitchen. Take a look at the Best monitors on the market to ensure you are getting a good’en!
There are also lots of safe and secure baby bouncers or rocker chairs that allow your baby to be entertaining themselves while you can be hands-free. The same can be said for slings or carriers, which I never quite used with Olivia, but I have friends who swear by them.
Other things to bear in mind include getting a cleaner – it’s money well spent, when you’re too bleary eyed and zombie-like to want to clean the house.
Ask for help when you need it
People aren’t mind-readers, and they might not offer help as they assume you’re fine. Even if they think you are a little sleep deprived or struggling, they might be cautious about offering help in case it comes across in a rude way. With this in mind, never be afraid to ask for help. It could be anything as small as asking someone to grab you a coffee on their way to meeting you (as you haven’t had a hot drink all day). Or, it could be if you really need an extra pair of hands one day.
Don’t feel like you’re putting anyone out. If they knew you were struggling but didn’t speak up, they would feel worse.
Enjoy support from other mums
When you become a Mum, you’ll realise you love nothing more than speaking to other Mums who are in exactly the same boat. It can be via a mum’s group online, where you can all share invaluable support from people who are going through exactly the same thing you are. Or there are loads of Facebook groups that get created for mums due on the same month. Alternatively, there are apps like Peanut these days which lets you connect with Mum’s in your local area. I for one have made some great friends through Peanut! There are also baby groups and classes back up and running now that the pandemic restrictions are easing.
Be prepared for occasional melt-downs
This means meltdowns from both of you, not just the baby! You’ll find some days you just can’t keep on top of it all and you’ll feel emotional. Remember to try and think positively when these feelings arise, and keep in mind that meltdowns and occasional wobbles are totally normal. When you feel like thigs are too much, take a step back and don’t feel guilty about your thoughts. Ask your partner to step in if you need a few moments, or take some time out to just simply enjoy being with your baby.
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