As Caleb is starting to have more moments of wakefulness as opposed to a constant cycle of eating, burping and sleeping, the kids are starting to show more interest in him. (Yes, I know the above photo is of Caleb sleeping but it’s hard to take awake photos of him right now because I’m usually holding him if he’s not sleeping). For the first few weeks I kept him squirreled away in our bedroom away from the hubbub but lately I’ve been placing him in his little portable bassinet and letting him observe the rest of the world while I cook, do laundry, etc.. While I don’t think the older kids would intentionally hurt the baby, I don’t quite trust them enough to not unintentionally hurt Caleb, so I never leave the three of them alone for longer than it takes to throw a load of laundry in the washer, stir something on the stove, take out the trash or anything of the like. Even then, there have been times where I’ve been in the next room and overheard the kids trying to include Caleb in their play and I’ve sprinted back into the room in a state of panic. Here are some of the heart attack-inducing statements that have come out of Sam and Eddie’s mouths:
“Want to try one, Caleb? They taste really good.”
“It’s okay, I’ll hold you.”
“Baby Caleb SMASH!”
And my personal favorite:
“Okay Caleb, now remember, keep your eye on the ball…”
While nerve wracking at times, I’m so glad the kids want to include Caleb in their games, even though they can’t include him yet.
I hope I can keep him alive until that time comes.
I gave up with number five and bought this chair: https://www.amazon.com/Primo-Charli-Shower-Chair-White/dp/B01D214SLU
It keeps him at chest height (so he can see me and be out of grubby 4 yr old hands) and lets me put him down safely during any job. I can also put him at the table when he allows me to sit and eat. I’ve never once used it in the shower as intended but bought it because it is tall and keeps him reclined until his neck is good and strong.
Points to your older kids for safety, eyes on the ball is pretty good advice. Especially when you are a baby. 😉
What a great idea! I will show this to my husband…do you put newborns in this chair as well? We have such a small house that we are hesitant to purchase many baby “accessories” but this doesn’t look like it takes up too much real estate. Thanks for sending this!
I bought it when he was a few weeks old. It’s the recline that makes it safe. We just folded some receiving blankets the go under him to make it softer and it works great. When he was very little we sometimes rolled two and put them either side of his head just to support it.
Our house is also small but it comes apart nicely when you’re ready to put it away or pass it on.