How Do I Know If I’m Doing Enough for My Baby?
Short answer? You’ll probably always wonder. Welcome to motherhood — population: guilt.
From the moment you bring that tiny bundle home, the “am I doing enough?” soundtrack kicks in on repeat. Should I be reading more? Playing more? Doing more tummy time? (Meanwhile, you’re congratulating yourself for managing to brush your teeth before 2pm.)
Here’s the truth no one tells you loud enough: you will always feel like you could do more for your kids. But that doesn’t mean you’re not already doing enough.
🍼 1. Your baby thinks you’re amazing
Your baby isn’t keeping score. They don’t care if you’re singing nursery rhymes off-key, still in pyjamas, or giving them a spoon to play with because you can’t face another round of “sensory exploration.” To them, you are the main event.
Every cuddle, every silly face, every chat while you unload the dishwasher — that’s love and learning in action. It’s the stuff that wires their brain and builds security. You are your baby’s world. (Even if you occasionally wish for a bit of your world back.)
💕 2. Mum guilt is forever — but balance is brave
Let’s be real: the guilt doesn’t go away. One day you’ll feel guilty for going back to work. The next, for wanting to. Then for enjoying it. Then for not. You see the pattern, right?
But here’s the twist — maintaining your own identity isn’t selfish. It’s healthy. Having your own interests, friendships, career or creative outlet isn’t something to apologise for; it’s role modelling. You’re teaching your child that mums are whole, complicated, brilliant humans who deserve joy and rest too.
That’s the kind of lesson they don’t get from flashcards.
🌈 3. You can’t pour from an empty cup (no matter how many snacks you’ve packed)
Your baby needs you to be okay. Not perfect — just okay. You can’t give from a place of exhaustion, overwhelm, and cold coffee. Taking time for yourself is looking after your children, because you come back calmer, lighter, and more yourself.
So read that book, go for that walk, come to a baby class that fills both of your cups. (We’re biased, but Adventure Babies is perfect for that — magical for babies, and a breath of air for mums.)
🌟 4. You’re doing enough — really
Here’s your new, improved baby development checklist:
✅ Smile at your baby — emotional growth
✅ Talk to your baby — language development
✅ Let them explore and play — sensory learning
✅ Look after yourself — lifelong role modelling
If you love your baby and you’re trying your best — even on the messy, tired days — then yes, you are absolutely doing enough.
Because your baby doesn’t need a perfect mum. Just you — the gloriously imperfect, fiercely loving, still-learning version you are right now.
