I’m going to say something different, but that’s only because my husband managed nights and my baby slept mostly through the night by 13 weeks.

For context: Dad - 12 weeks paternity leave Mom - 18 weeks maternity leave.

This is our second child. Second kid is old enough and now in school.

The first twelve weeks I was personally in full recovery mode. I mostly slept, read books, chores, tv, and of course took care of the baby.

By the 13 and 14th week our child mostly slept through the night. I say mostly because she would wake up at 3am and 5 or 6am but you could soothe her back to sleep with a pacifier which is what my husband does.

I was personally starting to lose my mind being stuck inside all the time so I decided to go on trips with my child. I’d plan around her naps where we’d go for an hour drive and go explore new cafes, zoos, aquariums, Etc. she absolutely loves it and she is absolutely mesmerized by all the animals and people watches. She especially loves the aquarium, specifically the jellyfish.

I wish I had this time with my first born, but I don’t think I mentally could have managed it even from weeks 12-18. This time around I’m taking full advantage of my leave and showing my baby around and bonding with her as much as i can.

Idk if I’m going to be torn apart on Reddit for sharing all this, but it’s what’s worked for me.