I'm going nuts

[MyFullHouse]

I don't believe in letting babies cry whenever it's preventable.  Unfortunately, I feel like it's getting less and less preventable around here!

My 1-month-old does NOT like to be put down.  I'm lucky if he'll put up with 5 minutes on the floor with his siblings, 3 minutes in his swing, and it's a bonus if I get an additional 2 minutes with the bassinette so I can go to the bathroom, and that's only if he's already out cold. 10 minutes in 24 hours!  (Okay, so dh is *usually* around to help for an hour or two before bed).

I love holding my baby, and he's okay with being in the Moby wrap a few times a day.  It's not like I resent all the cuddling and closeness - it's just that I HAVE THINGS TO DO!  I haven't managed to figure out how to cook or do dishes with him in the Moby.  I don't have a coat large enough to wear over him to take the dogs out.  I can't wear him while leaning over the tub, bathing my 3yo.  These are basic, every day things.  I'm not even talking about scrubbing bathrooms and washing floors, which I'm more than happy to put off for another month or two. ;-)  I just need to figure out how to get through the very basics of daily life with 5 kids!

How do you figure out exactly when something's worth a few minutes of crying (and how do you cope with that)?  And are there any tips on doing dishes when you can't see over the baby on your chest?????

[cristeen]

Try putting him on your back. I know many people arent comfortable w that, but thats how women have done it for ages. It might take a mirror and some practice, and the Moby is not suitable for it, but at least you can get a few things done that way.

[katelove]

Originally Posted by MyFullHouse 

  And are there any tips on doing dishes when you can't see over the baby on your chest?????

Stand slightly side on to the sink. It's not ideal but it's doable.

[Friday13th]

With DS1 I did dishes standing at an angle.  With DS2 I started doing back carries really early.  But you'd need something other than a Moby for that.

[McGucks]

Oooh, how are you making it, woman?  I have ONE baby who hates being put down/put in anything...and I still can't figure out how to get things done!  My hat's off to you.  Do you have a buddy or family member who could help out?  Or maybe invest in a bunch of paper plates for the near future.  You have the hardest job, ever.  No advice other than hang in there.  Don't feel guilty for feeling frustrated.  It is frustrating--that's why you feel frustrated.  And having a pre-teen on top of it?  Whoa.  You are Superwoman.

[northcountrymamma]

agree with the pp's notion of using a back carry...you'd need a woven wrap...but it doesn't have to be a fancy one. The rucksac carry way up high can work nicely at this age. 

[MyFullHouse]

Any tips/links on a back carry?  I had no idea that was even possible at this age!

And thanks, caedenmomma, but I'm no Superwoman, lol.  I'm not even sure when I last showered!

[cristeen]

I have a friend who was putting her LO into a high back carry in a mai tei around 6 wks or i wouldnt have considered it. She had the same issue, an older child and needing to do stuff. You just have to be aware of their head positioning.

Oh, and i only have 1, and if i'm lucky i get a shower once a week. No idea how id manage w 5!

[skyewriter]

Have the 12yr old start doing dishes?....... I know I never would have thought it, but the new babe (4mo) has ushered in an unprecedented level of chores for the mob... my husband feels I should be focusing on the baby (who I never  put down) and that our other children are big enough  to help. I never though I could deal with it ( you know, explaining tasks, making them do them, making them do them again) but its working out really well! AND I no longer do dishes!!! (yay) And the kids are proud of the work they do (except when trying to dodge it.. yeah there is that) so all in all Dada was right!