First Day Alone With the Baby

[kitchensqueen]

My son is ten days old, and my husband went back to work today. We couldn't afford it for him to take two weeks... this is harder than I thought it would be! I am so tired. I've changed so many diapers and fed him so many times today, and I didn't realize how much it would feel like running a marathon.

I got dinner in the crockpot, we took a nice long nap together and I read him a story this morning. After he's done nursing this time, I'm hoping to put him down for a solo nap, or at least a little quiet time, so I can eat my lunch and tidy up a bit. Thank god the house is mostly clean and in order.

This afternoon we're going to have another story and some tummy time with his toys. What else do I do to keep an infant entertained while he's awake?

This post was a bit of babbling I suppose, but I just needed to share with you guys since you all get how it is... overall we're both in good spirits, but wow! What a day so far!

[Adaline'sMama]

Do you have a sling? At that age it was so helpful to put the baby in my moby wrap and walk around to tidy up or eat or do anything that requires two hands. At ten days, I dont know what you can do to entertain him, but wearing DD always seemed to keep her pretty happy.

[dejagerw]

Maybe go for a walk or stroll outside?

[mamazee]

You don't really have to entertain a tiny baby. He just wants to be with you, so do whatever you want and keep him in arms or in a sling. He also loves hearing your voice so singing and talking to him as you do whatever you do is great. But remember that you just recently gave birth and your body is still recovering, so try not to do too much. Congrats!

[storylady]

I agree with the PP.  Newborns and young infants (less than four months) just want their primary caregiver to be near.  That's all of the "entertaining" that is necessary or appropriate.  Take care of yourself.  Rest, read or go for a short walk if you feel up to it.  My ring sling was my best friend with all of my babies.  It may be difficult, but enjoy the quiet, calm of the basic care routines while they last.  My five and three year olds need me in  completely different ways now and it is much more rowdy and loud :)  Good luck and congratulations!

[kitchensqueen]

Thanks for the suggestions and kind words everyone. My first instinct is just to keep him close while we relax and do routine stuff, but then I wondered if he'd get bored... but I guess ten day old babies won't really get bored like we do. :-) 

I do have a sling, but I'm kind of afraid to use it... I'm scared I wont tie it properly and have an accident. Is there a safe way for me to practice with it? It would be so liberating to actually use it, since it's cumbersome to have to either hold him in my arms or put him in the bouncy seat constantly, while doing things. 

[KempsMama]

Originally Posted by kitchensqueen 

Thanks for the suggestions and kind words everyone. My first instinct is just to keep him close while we relax and do routine stuff, but then I wondered if he'd get bored... but I guess ten day old babies won't really get bored like we do. :-) 

I do have a sling, but I'm kind of afraid to use it... I'm scared I wont tie it properly and have an accident. Is there a safe way for me to practice with it? It would be so liberating to actually use it, since it's cumbersome to have to either hold him in my arms or put him in the bouncy seat constantly, while doing things. 

IME, children don't start to get "bored" until closer to two.  Before then, everything is so interesting!  I talk to my babies all the time, tell them what I'm doing, talk about the weather, whatever. 

[Adaline'sMama]

Do you have a pumpkin, or a big squash of any sort? What about dried beans?

When DD was little I tied it and used two socks of dried beans to pretend it was her. I jumped up and down, bent over and over to make sure she wouldnt fall out.

There are lots of awesome Youtube videos to help you tie it.

[kitchensqueen]

I hadn't thought of looking for a video to show me how! I'll have to check it out when little man is sleeping again... he's looking like he's going to wake up soon, so off I go again! :-)

[cat13]

I just had my first solo-day with DS a few weeks ago (he's 6 weeks now). You sound like you are doing a great job! Don't forget that 10 days pp is still time for you to rest and bond with your baby.. the housework can wait! Just keep yourself hydrated and fed and love on that little baby! 

[Devaskyla]

Babies who are held  not left in devices don't need tummy time. And newborns really don't need it. :) They just need food & love, really.

[azhie]

Try to get more rest! Your body is still recovering from labor and delivery, and the better you recover the more energy you'll have for baby as he gets older. 

Also highly recommend wearing baby in a sling-- I practiced with videos on youtube, and what a lifesaver babywearing was! 

[gitanamama]

Originally Posted by mamazee 

You don't really have to entertain a tiny baby. He just wants to be with you, so do whatever you want and keep him in arms or in a sling. He also loves hearing your voice so singing and talking to him as you do whatever you do is great. But remember that you just recently gave birth and your body is still recovering, so try not to do too much. Congrats!

Just wanted to reiterate what the PP have said. Don't worry about "doing" anything with your little one. Just rock him, hold him, feed him, and soak him up! The first weeks and months go really quickly, but at the same time, it's like a marathon (as you said.) Rest, relax, and save up your strength and energy. Congratulations and enjoy!