We manage about an hour in the morning and 90 minutes in the evening, and we strive to be totally present during that time (no phones, etc.). On slow workdays, I try to pick him up a bit early for some extra time. He typically sleeps 12 hours from 6:30 to 6:30, and he’s at daycare from 7:45 to 5:15, give or take.
We also get lots of quality time on weekends, especially when he comes home with new daycare germs (like RSV, flu, or a double ear infection all within the last month 
).
The only way I found time was by lowering my work hours. Sometimes I log in after the baby’s bedtime to catch up.
I take every opportunity to nap with my baby, just to feel like I’m spending more time with her. My mom looks after her during the day, so they bond while my husband and I have around two hours together after work. It’s tough. I’m a teacher and I’m not giving it my all anymore because I rush home, but this time with her matters so much while she’s little.
I work a second shift, so I get every morning with my baby. He usually is asleep when I get home. I’ll be honest: I only manage 4 to 6 hours of sleep on work nights since I stay up late for ‘me time’ (his bedtime is 8-9, and I might last until 2 am or later).
I used to spend quality time, but now my schedule hits hard with college. This semester, I get home at 4 pm, giving me about 4 hours to spend with my child.
My baby is 7 months old. I manage about 30 minutes in the morning and 1.5 hours before bed. It’s less when my commute stretches. I hate this setup. We basically spend weekends together, and we don’t hire a sitter as we just want to enjoy our time with him. It’s frustrating and feels unfair. I just hate it.
My baby wakes and sleeps the same as yours. Since it works for us now, I’m not eager to change it. It’s tough, and I want to be around more, but it’s just not possible at the moment.
Just want to share that I feel it’s not enough time, and I cry about it almost daily 
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I work full-time as a nurse, around 3-4 shifts of 12.5 hours each week, only seeing my baby for about an hour in the evenings. My days off are full of time with her. I see those workdays as precious moments for her to bond with her dad, but it’s so hard feeling away from her for too long. Dinner is often whatever my husband can throw together in a crockpot or takeout.
Things get easier as they grow older. I also found a new job with earlier hours that allow me to spend more time with my daughter while managing everything. On office days, I won’t see her until I pick her up, but when working from home, I get to change her and help her get ready, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. I work 6 am to 2:30 pm. When I commute, I usually arrive home at 3:15, clean up, and prepare dinner until 4. Afterward, I can pick her up, and we have the evening to play and eat together. Even though it’s only about 3-4 hours, it’s better than nothing. On WFH days, I gain an extra hour with her. I make weekends all about her with my full dedication.
I pick him up from daycare at 4, and bedtime is at 7, which really limits our time together. I also try to make the mornings lively, even if it’s just 30 minutes—singing and chatting while dressing him, tickling, and lots of cuddles.
I get where you’re coming from. I put every effort into the moments I have. Along with my 7-month-old, I have four stepkids. I do my best to balance it all, but when I’m stretched thin, I rely on the older siblings to help out so I can recharge.
My advice? Be kind to yourself—let love and kindness flow naturally from you. My little one is often in a bouncer, but now that he’s crawling, they spend less time in there. Still, I remind myself to BE IN THE MOMENT during those times, forget about the mess, and cherish what matters most: my baby feels loved. They’ve known me all those months they were inside me. Practice self-compassion. Be present as much as you can, and just know this life isn’t perfect, but it is beautiful. Sending love to you and all the parents out there. 
I know this is tough. Do you ever babywear? When you’re home and have to get things done while your baby is awake, wearing them could be helpful. You can even wear your baby during some of their nighttime sleep for those extra snuggles. Or, cuddle with your baby on the couch for part of their sleep. Like others have said, unfortunately, there may not be a lot of time to spend with your baby if you’re working.
My workplace just announced a return to full-time in-office work (currently 3 days a week), and I’m so upset.
I adjusted my baby’s schedule so she sleeps until 12 pm instead of waking at 6 am. She has two naps, including one around 8 pm, letting me shower and prepare dinner before she wakes up, which allows for more time together. I know some may disagree, but this routine works for us. I breastfeed, and I take breaks to feed her during my lunch hour. Since she sleeps most of the time I’m working, it fits perfectly.
You’re getting off late. Have you considered finding another job? I switched to a lower-paying position years ago just to get off at 3:30, so I could be home in time for my kids.
Vesper said:
You’re getting off late. Have you considered finding another job? I switched to a lower-paying position years ago just to get off at 3:30, so I could be home in time for my kids.
I don’t think the OP is off late. They likely finish work at a typical time. Finishing at 5, picking up the little one at 5:30, and getting home around 6 means the baby would be asleep by 7 for 12 hours. That’s only an hour of wake time together.
OP, I completely feel you. I ensure to spend weekends with my little one and do some activities that keep him up a little later. I noticed he often delays his bedtime to get more time with us. I try to stay off my phone as much as possible when I’m around him, knowing I might miss out on the things I need to do. It’s tough to get chores done, but I always find myself behind on other things 
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@Paris
You mentioned above that you’re asleep at 8, so I assumed you were getting off between 6 to 7.
Vesper said:
@Paris
You mentioned above that you’re asleep at 8, so I assumed you were getting off between 6 to 7.
I thought you were suggesting moving the bedtime up to 7, meaning only an hour to have together.
Vesper said:
You’re getting off late. Have you considered finding another job? I switched to a lower-paying position years ago just to get off at 3:30, so I could be home in time for my kids.
I don’t understand why you’re getting downvotes. I work as a server in the evenings, and while we’d have more pay with a better job, striking out at this hour allows me a whole morning with my baby. If you can financially handle a pay cut, looking for a different job is always an option.