Free time frequently becomes a thing of the past when you have a small child. From feeding to burping, changing their diaper, and assisting them in falling asleep for a nap, newborns require a lot of care. Being needed constantly can be exhausting, but as a new parent, there are strategies to carve yourself some spare time. Here are some suggestions for increasing your free time and “me time” after having a baby.
1. Use a Baby Carrier Designed for Easy Outings
When you’re a new mom, it can feel like you constantly have your hands full – literally. Babies need you almost 24/7, so it seems impossible to get anything else done or even leave the house. The multifunctional Momcozy Move2Fit 2-In-1 Hip Seat Baby Carrier is designed to give new moms some of their freedom back! It features six carrying positions with spacious storage for the on-the-go convenience. Whether you’re going out for a walk with the dog, taking a hike with your partner, watching your older kid’s soccer game, or getting brunch with friends, you can keep your baby close while going hands-free with the Move2Fit 2-In-1 Hip Seat Baby Carrier.
It works from newborn to 36 months, so it grows with your little one and allows parents to have their hands back. (For babies under 5 months, it’s recommended to use the waist seat in the cradle position to better support your baby’s weight and ensure comfort.) Designed for ultimate comfort and support, this ergonomic carrier ensures optimal weight distribution for both parents and active babies, featuring easy adjustments and a simplified design for stress-free wearing.
2. Set Up a Bouncer/Swing
Babies love to be held, but sometimes they need to be put down for a few minutes so parents can have their hands free. That’s when a bouncer/swing comes into play – it provides a safe and comfortable space for baby to lounge while parents get a second to themselves. The Stokke® Yoga™ Baby Bouncer & Swing is a fantastic two-in-one option, because it offers both soothing and stimulating movements. With three recline positions, the Stokke Yoga can grow with your little one from newborn to 20 pounds.
The one-of-a-kind bouncer/swing mimics the feel of being held, so babies love it. Because it’s easily movable, you can bring it into the bathroom to give you a chance to shower, place it on the kitchen floor so you can cook, or keep it in the living room while you relax on the couch. Just make sure someone is monitoring the baby at all times. (NOTE: bouncers and swings should only be used for playing or lounging, not sleeping.)
3. Use a Baby Bottle Washer and Sterilizer
One thing you don’t realize until you’re a parent is how many baby bottles you can go through in a day. Add in pump parts and pacifiers, and you could spend hours each day just doing dishes. Take away the stress and time commitment of washing bottles with a dedicated baby bottle washer. The Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer and Sterilizer automatically washes, sterilizes, and dries bottles, pump parts, pacifiers, sippy cups, and more. With 26 spray jets and nine cleaning modes, you can feel confident that your baby’s bottles will always be in great condition. So put down the dish soap, set aside the bottle brush, and let the device do the work for you!
4. Get a Great Stroller
When it comes to getting some “me time” as a new mom, a good stroller can make all the difference. If you put on some headphones and listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook, a lengthy stroll can help you feel like yourself again. Because the Colugo Compact Stroller is so small, you can easily transport it in your car or home. Although a neonatal kit is available for purchase, this model is designed for infants six months and over. Additionally, it is available in several adorable color variants.
5. Find Trusted Babysitters
Trusting someone else to watch your baby can take some time, but it can be so helpful to find someone who can watch your little one so you can get some alone time. Grandparents and aunts/uncles are a wonderful option if you have family nearby, but you can also ask friends and other loved ones for help. If you’re nervous about leaving your baby with someone else, consider doing a trial where you’re still at home but in another room. (That way you’re still there if they need you, but you can get a feel for how things might be without you).
