How do you do it?

minerva_windsong

I know you said your parents don't live nearby, but would they (or other relatives) be able to come for a weekend, take the baby out for the day and leave you to do some cleaning and then put your feet up? I know my parents would love to spend a serious amount of time with my nephews like that and it would give you a chance to get on top of things a bit and have a break.

Also could you possibly rope in your OH? I know he's playing with the baby whilst you make dinner, but surely there are other small things he could help with like washing up or putting a load of washing on (and buy an airer to combat the weather problem), or helping out on the weekend. Just because you're the one at home all day doesn't mean you should be doing all the domestic stuff. Or you could even get in a cleaner, even for one morning a week just to help with some of the more difficult jobs until you feel like it's a bit more under control.

And for getting rid of the makeup, you need Lush Ultrabland - melts off even the most stubborn makeup brilliantly, you just smear it all over your face and then use a damp cotton pad or muslin cloth rinsed in hot water to take the make-up off.

belfastgirl23

You know you can get a cleaning firm to do a big one off clean if you don't want to make the commitment to have one every week. I've done this a couple of times in the past and it's been well worthwhile. It might also help to give you heart in doing a bit of decluttering.

You could also consider using a launderette for service washes if you have one locally - if I was under serious time pressure it would be one of the first things I'd do...

And do you really need a superking duvet? A double is much easier to change

mildred1978

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

You know you can get a cleaning firm to do a big one off clean if you don't want to make the commitment to have one every week. I've done this a couple of times in the past and it's been well worthwhile. It might also help to give you heart in doing a bit of decluttering.

Thanks. My parents had a cleaner when I was growing up. It was drummed into me that they can't clean when there's mess!

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

You could also consider using a launderette for service washes if you have one locally - if I was under serious time pressure it would be one of the first things I'd do...

There isn't, and I bought a fancy washer before the baby was born so that I could do duvets etc here. It's fine in summer as things dry in no time, it's just that the last month has been really wet here. I can cope with clothes and baby things because they go on airers and rads indoors, but the bedding is just too big for that.

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

And do you really need a superking duvet? A double is much easier to change

On a superking bed? I think so!! :rotfl::rotfl:

mildred1978

minerva_windsong wrote: »

I know you said your parents don't live nearby, but would they (or other relatives) be able to come for a weekend, take the baby out for the day and leave you to do some cleaning and then put your feet up? I know my parents would love to spend a serious amount of time with my nephews like that and it would give you a chance to get on top of things a bit and have a break.

My parents live 3,500 miles away, so they can't just pop over for a weekend. They come back for a week when work allows, which is great because I do get more done, but it's only every 3 or 4 months unfortunately.

OH's parents live about 300 miles away and have been here to see the baby once for the day. I'd rather leave him with next door's dog than with them!

minerva_windsong wrote: »

Also could you possibly rope in your OH? I know he's playing with the baby whilst you make dinner, but surely there are other small things he could help with like washing up or putting a load of washing on (and buy an airer to combat the weather problem), or helping out on the weekend. Just because you're the one at home all day doesn't mean you should be doing all the domestic stuff.

My OH works away Monday to Friday. Friday night he's knackered and weekends are family time.

minerva_windsong wrote: »

And for getting rid of the makeup, you need Lush Ultrabland - melts off even the most stubborn makeup brilliantly, you just smear it all over your face and then use a damp cotton pad or muslin cloth rinsed in hot water to take the make-up off.

Thanks. I'll try it.

mildred1978

LittleMissMPB wrote: »

Also wanted to add that it may be worth getting baby in their own room. I let my daughter sleep with me and at 15months old she still needed to be cuddled to sleep. Not good. I then had enough, and jut put her to bed on her own. It was a long long week, she cried for 5 hours on the first night, but well worth it in the long run. She now climbs into bed herself, gives me a kiss, I leave the room and she sleeps. No fuss, no crying.

Oh, we don't cuddle! He likes to sleep alone, on the other side of the bed :rotfl::rotfl:

mildred1978

Bambywamby wrote: »

Can you get your eye lashes tinted and just use mascara for special occasions? It may save you some time on the make-up front.

Last time i had it done I had a really bad reaction, but I could look into that.

Bambywamby wrote: »

I remember when my son was small, I was so knackered sometimes I fell asleep in my day clothes...on top of the quilt! I didn't even make it into the bed. So I wouldn't worry too much about that - but remember woollen cardigans and jumpers can go bally really quickly if you sleep in them - so try and strip those off at least.

I take off the outer layer and my bra and get into bed in my leggings and vest.

Bambywamby wrote: »

Always try and fit in having a quick shower and if possible a hair wash - they can really brighten you up if you're feeling grotty and over tired.

I shower and wash my hair every morning before the baby wakes up.

Bambywamby wrote: »

The two lots of bedding is a fantastic idea - I always seem to sleep better in fresh, clean bedding.

I agree. I've ordered some from Debenhams this evening

Bambywamby wrote: »

And let's be honest, you're a new mum - dust can wait...your baby won't. Enjoy motherhood and don't beat yourself up if the house looks a bit of a tip. It gets easier as they get older...promise. x x

Thank you.

mildred1978

Danili wrote: »

I have a 5 year old and a 11 week old. My OH works 5 days a week, leaving home at 7am and not returning until 8pm.

I would definitely recommend that you get up earlier than you are at the moment, maybe at 7am? This would give you an hour of undisturbed housework a day and your getting dressed time. I get up between 5.30-6.00am, clear up as I go, do washing every day, clean bathroom/kitchen every day and hoover/mop kitchen floor every other day. I then dust, iron, change the beds and do more 'involved' jobs for a couple of hours at the weekend, at a time that doesn't interfere with our family time, usually before everyone else is up. For me, although I sacrifice a bit more sleeping time this routine means that I have plenty of leisure time in the day which I use to go out, shopping and meet friends.

I'll try it tomorrow, but I am a nightmare if I don't get enough sleep. Ideally I need 12 hours, but I'm making do with 8 at the moment!