Parenting
by Jenna T. Moore
Updated: Dec. 26, 2016
Originally Published: Dec. 20, 2016
I spotted one in the cereal aisle at the grocery store last week, another at the library yesterday, and just this morning, a mom was trying to sip her coffee in peace at the local café. Suddenly, it seems like I can’t help but notice them everywhere! These busy moms are juggling it all—pushing oversized shopping carts, navigating strollers, or managing playground swings, all while attempting to keep a squirming infant from escaping their grasp. Day in and day out, they multitask without a second thought about how they’re doing it all with a tiny baby at their side.
What I really want to do is walk right up to these moms and say something unusual. (And it’s definitely not, “Wow, you have your hands full!” because I’ve learned better.) No, I want to ask, “Excuse me, but may I please hold your baby for you?”
Now let’s be honest; the response I’m hoping for probably won’t happen. More likely, I’d get a look that says, “Are you out of your mind?” followed by a hasty retreat, an eye-roll, or maybe even a call to security. If only these moms with their arms full would give me a moment to explain my motives!
It’s been ages since I’ve held a real baby. And honestly, that’s the main reason I’m eager to snuggle your little one. I’m just a friendly mom who would love to give you a much-needed break. But mostly? My empty arms and dusty ovaries are yearning to cradle a baby against my chest again. Can you believe I’m saying this? For what felt like two decades, I had a baby either in my belly, at my breast, or clinging to my hip. Back then, I often longed for someone to take my baby for a few minutes so I could do simple things like eat, shop, or even use the restroom without a tiny human attached to me.
Now I find myself wishing I could go back in time, because those sweet, pudgy little ones who would curl up against me have transformed into tall, hairy teenagers who want nothing to do with me.
You might be wondering, “Don’t you have any friends with babies?” Sadly, no. Most of us have transitioned to teenage chaos, or our friends’ little ones are now living in college dorms (gulp). Unless one of our kids decides to become a parent themselves or a surprise late-in-life pregnancy occurs, we have nothing to hold except the enormous piles of laundry our teenagers leave scattered around the house.
So we linger near you in stores, offering soft smiles as we secretly wish to lean over and inhale that incredible baby head smell. Oh, how it surpasses the scent of a 17-year-old! (Trust me on this one.)
I’d happily pitch my baby-holding services to major retailers. “Hello, Target? Forget the door greeters; I have an offer you can’t refuse! Want stressed-out moms to slow down and actually explore every aisle of your store? Hire me and my fellow middle-aged moms to hold their crying babies!” Just imagine the financial impact if a mom could try on clothes at Target without a fussing child! You wouldn’t even have to pay us—just keep the coffee coming, and I’ll rock the cranky ones to sleep. Seriously, I can handle it.
In truth, I know many moms would willingly hand over their babies to a stranger like me for a quick break while running errands. First-time moms, I’m not talking to you yet; I know your “stranger danger” radar is still on high alert. But someday, you’ll find yourself in the bread aisle longing for a moment of respite. Moms with several kids? I can feel your pain, so go ahead and pass that baby my way while you grab some bagels. I’ve got this!
This article was originally published on Dec. 20, 2016.
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In summary, the desire for a baby snuggle transcends busy grocery aisles and coffee shops, as many moms yearn for those precious moments of baby bliss that seem to vanish all too quickly. With empty arms and a longing for that sweet baby smell, it’s no wonder we find ourselves drawn to those little bundles of joy.