Hi! I am a FTM+SAHM to a wonderful 12.5mo old. I spend the day alone with him from 9-6pm. As he gets older he’s become more engaged and v v active. I’m told I have a very active baby by my siblings and relatives who have had numerous babies! He’s always on the move and super curious and wanting to explore everything (and on very wobbly legs right now lol).
I have yet to use any childcare services, and I’m a bit nervous about it. I am thinking of getting a babysitter 2 times a week for 2-3 hours, so I can have some time where I’m not constantly thinking about baby, and baby can have engaged fun time with a professional caretaker. I would probably be home while the sitter is around. Do any of you currently have this set up? What have your FTM babysitter experiences been like? Does baby come look for you/need you anyway? I feel weird having a stranger come take care of my baby- but i feel like that could be a normal feeling that a lot of other FTMs probably deal with?
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I think it's perfectly normal to feel like that, especially if you're not getting a break from LO. Everyone needs a break. If you can't get your family in to babysit so you can have a break then it's definitely worth it.
I would just say from experience with my LO around people... ahe was fine when I removed myself from the room, however if I was there she didn't want to be with anyone - not her grandparents, not my friends etc. So if you plan to be around when a babysitter is there I would maybe make sure you are in a different room ie maybe catch up on sleep at first, especially if you are nervous about leaving LO. Or maybe do a hobby in the room - catch up on something. That way you are around to hear everything to and LO can get used to someone else. Then if you get more comfortable you could go out and run errands, pamper yourself, meet with friends etc.
Remember looking after you and your mental health is just as important as looking after baby so don't feel guilty whatever you decide!
Thank you so much! Yes, after a few times I hope I’ll be comfy enough to leave and go do things out