Where Should I Put My 15 Month Old When I'm Getting Ready for Work?

Hi B.,

I do the same when I get ready in the morning. My daughter is 13 months and hates to be confined in the pack & play. Plus, I agree with you, she will learn to walk quicker if she can actually move around. :) I've baby-proofed our bedroom and keep a few toys in there. The bath is attached and there is no door. I can usually see her the whole time and if she slips of in a corner I can't see from my bathroom, I go over to her and move her toys to where I can keep and eye on her. Sometimes she hangs out with me in the bathroom (also baby proofed) and we brush our teeth together. I bought her a cheap makeup brushs and she uses the blush brush on her face (no makeup.) I keep the lowest drawer unlocked for her and it has her makeup brush, her comb and few toys. She'll "get ready" with me. I don't know of a better way to do it.

BTW- My husband freaks about little things like that too. I love him, but I don't think he'd last a day as a SAHM. I think it is easier for them to have unrealistic expectations because they aren't experiencing these things. Having to get ready & take care of the child, clean the house & take care of the child, blah, blah, blah. ;)

While I agress with your husband that little can get hurt quickly, I have let my baby roam around while in the shower. As long as the room is baby proof and you give her some stimulating toys to keep her occupied, I'm sure she will be just fine. I would even bet you have one of your 20 "mommy eyes" on her while you are showering. Another thing that dads tend to forget is that EVERYTHING changes for us moms once we have a baby. We no longer take a nice long hot shower, but it is reduced to a very quick rinse and jump out kinda thing.

If you do feel uncomfortable about it to, then by all means toss her in the pack n play for a couple of minutes. It won't stop her from walking anytime sooner, and will give you some piece of mind. Your instinct should tell you.

well first off does she have her own room? if she does put a babygate up make sure its completely child proofed and you can leave her in there to play while you get ready or if she sleeps in your room you need to be sure its completely childproofed if you must have her in there... theres also a large babygate that that you can get from target for $150 hexagon shaped and quite a bit larger than the pack in play its safe and not too closed in you just put it togeather and turn the tv on for her give her some toys and shell be fine you also can put a baby monitor in the room so you can hear her...my son is 9 monthes and i always either put him in his room and sometimes give him free roam of the house, i have baby gates blockinbg every room and everythings child proofed so all he has access to is the hallway,his room and the living room.i keep everything out of his reach and plugs in every socket and everthing that gets plugged in is behind furniture so he cant get to them.. your problem is nothing good childproofing wont fix:)

I agree totally with your husband (sorry) It is very dangerous for a small child to be alone (out of view) for any amount of time. she may not be moving much now but one day she will surprise you and you don't want that to be when you are taking a shower ect. I have been lucky and my son is always a sleep when I have had to get ready for anything. but if she is awake stick her in a play pen with safe toys by you so you can peak in at her often. remember kids and babies are smart curious creatures and will get in to anything they can get little hands on...good luck