'We take a day off from our baby every week. It makes us better parents'
A working couple have revealed why they take a day off from their baby every week, explaining it enables them to get a "guaranteed" good nights sleep and makes them "better parents".
Lauren, 31, and Ross Stevens, 34, from Edinburgh, initially came up with the idea of a child-free day when they were exploring options for childcare solutions for their 14-month-old, Sophie, so Lauren could return to work.
The new parents couldn't afford the £1,700 monthly bill for full-time nursery and don't have family in the same city.
They decided to let Ross' parents pick their granddaughter up from a half day at nursery every Monday and take them back to their home in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Sophie then spends the night with her grandparents, before they take her back to nursery for the afternoon on Tuesday, and Lauren then picks her up after the session.
The baby-free day allows the parents to catch up on any missed sleep and get on top of household chores.
But the arrangement also enables Sophie to have some quality time with her grandparents.
"Nursery is so expensive," Lauren, who works in finance, explains.
"It's treble our mortgage to have her in for five days a week. Even four days was double."
Having realised the potential expense Lauren says she asked her husband's parents if they would be interested in doing one day of childcare overnight.
"They wanted to help," she says. "And I think it has been brilliant.
"I get to do things like shopping, cleaning. Because we get that time off we get it all done."
A good night's sleep is another benefit of the arrangement.
"Sophie didn't sleep until she was 11 months old, so we're seriously sleep deprived," she adds.
"It makes us better parents.
"I can then just focus on being with her."
Lauren and Ross, a building merchant, pay for two half days of nursery a week - costing £79 - and two days with a childminder.
Ross' parents look after Sophie on Monday afternoon through to Tuesday lunch time in their home, which is an hour and a half away.
Lauren is then with Sophie on Wednesday and she goes to a childminder for the rest of the week.
Despite it working so well for the family, Lauren admits she was a little worried about the arrangement initially.
"The fact it was formal was nerve-wracking," she explains.
"And it does come with challenges. There is guilt around it."
On her day away from her daughter Lauren says she uses the time to get on top of the housework and chores, as well as trying to fit in some down time.
"I don't have to sneak around," she says. "I go for a bath.
"I'm not then stressed about cleaning the house.
"It alleviates all that.
"We don't have to squeeze everything in like we would if we were dropping her off with family for half an hour."
While the couple haven't yet used the time off to enjoy a date night, they do hope to start treating themselves to one once a month.
While the new parents say they reap the rewards of the arrangement, there are plus points for Sophie and her grandparents too.
"It's more valuable for them," Lauren says. "They have a cuddle before bed time. They are creating nice memories.
"They are absolutely loving it and wouldn't have it any other way."
Lauren says she has had some backhanded compliments from friends and online strangers about the family's childcare set-up.
"They say 'I would have loved to have that but I just can't ever be apart'.
"But I'm a person as well - I have to make sure all my cups are full.
"Otherwise you won't be a good parent."
Watch: 'Taking a day off from our baby every week makes us better parents'
Additional reporting SWNS.
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