Feeling the mum guilt of not interacting with my baby as much in the day- I’m currently on maternity leave, and feel really guilty for feeling like I’m constantly doing something round the house and not playing as much.

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im the same although i’ve noticed shes happiest when busy with me doing this that and the other going here there and everywhere 😂tbe days where we do just chill and play etc she gets well bored and moans a lot lol

I’m the opposite, I feel like I can’t get anything done because he needs attention. What do you do to be able to leave her happily? My little boy is rolling back to front, gets stuck and then screams so I can no longer just leave him to do the washing up or laundry.

@Kate yess I’ve also noticed this! When we have nothing to do, she gets so fussy and bored after 2 minutes! Looks like she just likes watching me hoover 😂

@Rachel she mainly sits in her bouncer, and bounces herself a lot! Or on the play Matt. But now she is rolling more, she gets frustrated so maybe it’s about to change for me and I won’t have that time anymore. Or she is the in carrier with me forward facing, and seems settled that way if I’m doing things round the house (although that’s getting heavy)

I also felt the same a couple of weeks back and I felt so guilty as well! So now as my little one is in more of a routine with napping I’ve made a conscious effort to set out our day including even just 20 mins of play time! She’s on 3 naps a day now, so try and make her first wake window a get ready and play, house bits while she’s in her first nap, outside wake window for her second as she loves being out, then sit down and have a hot cup of tea and some me time during her second nap, and then just see where the afternoon takes us! It was super hard to start with as I was sat playing but my mind was on everything I needed to do, but once I made it a routine and realised I could still get the things done I needed too, its definitely helped!

This is definitely relatable. Don't feel too bad though as I think that watching their parents complete tasks can actually be stimulating for babies. Here's what I try to do with my baby's two hour wake windows to try and find balance: 30mins feed, nappy change 30mins of attentive play with me on the mat with her or having a dance party or something 30mins of her playing independently / watching me do some kind of housework 30mins wind down before nap Obviously it's only approximate and usually goes out the window especially if we are going out somewhere that day but I find it a useful guide to try and stick to.

Thank you that’s super helpful! I’m going to try putting abit of a routine in for half the day anyway, xx