As I sit here typing with one hand while bouncing my second baby on my knee, I’m reminded of how challenging, yet rewarding, working from home with a little one can be.
With my firstborn, I felt completely lost. How was I supposed to meet deadlines, attend meetings, and care for a tiny human all at once?
But over time, I’ve discovered some sanity-saving strategies that have made these responsibilities manageable and enjoyable. Through trial and error, I have identified what works best for me and my children.
So, in this article, I will share some tips to help you manage the complexities of working from home with a baby. Let’s jump right in!
1. Tag team with your partner

One of the most effective strategies for managing work and baby care is to team up with your partner.
Take into account creating a tag-team schedule where you take turns watching the baby and focusing on work.
This approach can be a game-changer, allowing each of you to have dedicated, uninterrupted work time.
For example, you might divide your day into two-hour shifts. While one parent is on “baby duty,” the other can dive deep into their work tasks.
This method not only ensures your baby gets constant attention but also allows you to maximize your productivity during your work blocks.
Communication is key here. Sit down with your partner and map out a schedule that works for both of your work commitments. Be flexible and willing to adjust as needed.
2. Consider hiring childcare
While the idea of working from home often comes with the hope of avoiding childcare costs, the reality is that sometimes extra help is necessary.
Don’t feel guilty about considering part-time childcare options.
It’s not a reflection of your parenting abilities; it’s a smart move to maintain your professional commitments while ensuring your baby receives quality care.
There are various childcare options to explore:
- Part-time nanny: Having someone come to your home for a few hours each day can provide much-needed relief and allow you to focus on important work tasks.
- Shared nanny: Team up with another family to split the cost of a nanny. This can be more budget-friendly while still providing personalized care.
- Family members: If you have willing family members nearby, they might be happy to help out for a few hours each week.
- Daycare: Even if it’s just for a couple of days a week, daycare can give you dedicated work time and provide socialization for your baby.
Keep in mind that the cost of childcare is often offset by your increased productivity and reduced stress levels. It’s an investment in both your career and your well-being.
3. Experiment with child carriers
Baby carriers can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to work from home with an infant. They allow you to keep your baby close while freeing up your hands for typing, phone calls, or other work tasks.
Additionally, many babies find the close contact soothing, which can lead to longer periods of contentment (and more work time for you!).
There are several types of carriers to consider:
- Wrap carriers: These are versatile and can be adjusted to fit babies of different sizes.
- Structured carriers: Brands like Ergobaby and Baby Tula offer supportive options that distribute weight evenly.
- Ring slings: These are quick to put on and take off, which can be handy for frequent transitions.
Don’t be discouraged if the first carrier you try doesn’t work out.
Each baby (and parent) has different preferences, so it might take some experimentation to find the perfect fit.
Many areas have babywearing groups where you can try different styles before investing in one.
Pro Tip: Practice using your carrier around the house before attempting to work while wearing your baby.
This will help you get comfortable with the process and figure out which positions work best for you and your child.
4. Adjust your schedule to your baby’s needs
When I gave birth to my firstborn, I quickly realized that my pre-baby work schedule was going to need a major overhaul. I have found myself adapting to a new rhythm dictated by my little one’s needs.
Adopting a flexible approach is a must. Your baby’s schedule will change frequently, especially in the first year.
You need to be prepared to adjust your work hours accordingly. You might find that you’re most productive during early morning hours while your baby is still asleep, or perhaps late evenings work better for you.
Tracking my baby’s natural patterns of sleep and wakefulness worked for me.
After a week or two, I could see when she was most likely to take longer naps or have longer periods of contentment while awake. I then structured my work day around these patterns.
For instance, I scheduled important calls or meetings during her usual long morning nap.
I saved tasks that required less focus, like responding to emails or light administrative work, for times when she was awake but happily playing.
Other alternatives would be to find a night time job or weekend job and work when someone’s already taking care of your baby.
Check out our list of best part time night or evening jobs as well as our list of high paying weekend jobs for more options!
5. Take naps when your baby naps

Sleep when the baby sleeps. While it might seem impossible to ignore the mountain of work waiting for you, taking short naps can actually boost your productivity and help you stay sane during this challenging period.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about this advice at first. How could I possibly nap when there was so much to do?
But when I decided to give it a try, to my surprise, even a 20-minute power nap left me feeling refreshed and more focused.
Here’s how to make the most of nap time:
- Set an alarm: Limit your nap to 20-30 minutes to avoid feeling groggy.
- Create a restful environment: Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light.
- Use white noise: This can help you fall asleep faster and drown out any household noises.
- Prioritize: If you can’t nap during every one of your baby’s naps, try to get at least one short nap during the day.
Taking care of yourself is crucial when you’re balancing work and a baby. A well-rested parent is a more productive employee and a more patient caregiver.
6. Take breaks throughout the day
Working non-stop while caring for a baby will certainly result in burnout. Regular breaks aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential for your well-being and productivity.
Even short 15-minute pauses can work wonders for your mental state.
During these breaks, step away from your workspace and focus on something entirely different.
You can have a quick stretching session, a brief meditation, or simply enjoy a cup of tea while gazing out the window.
The goal is to disconnect from work mode, even if just for a few minutes. You shouldn’t feel guilty about these pauses.
Based on research, regular breaks can actually increase your overall productivity.
A study by the Draugiem Group found that the most productive employees worked for about 52 minutes, then took a 17-minute break.
While your schedule might not allow for such long breaks, the principle remains the same: regular rest periods can help you work more efficiently.
If the nature of your work won’t allow you to take breaks, check out our list of 21 low stress jobs that pay well and decide whether shifting to a new career is an option.
7. Work across multiple devices
Once you have a child, you’ll realize the importance of being able to work from anywhere in the house.
Sometimes, I’d be in the middle of an important task when my daughter needed attention.
The solution is setting up a system that allows me to seamlessly transition between devices. This flexibility became my secret weapon for maintaining productivity while meeting my baby’s needs.
To get started, ensure that your work-related apps and documents are accessible across your devices.
Cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox are invaluable for this. They allow you to access your files from any device, anytime.
Next, you need to familiarize yourself with the mobile versions of your most-used work applications.
Many programs, like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, offer comprehensive mobile apps that are capable of managing most tasks.
Your smartphone can be a powerful work tool when you’re stuck in the rocking chair during a long nap time! I’ve drafted entire reports using voice-to-text while my daughter snoozed on my chest.
You can also invest in a good tablet. It’s more portable than a laptop but offers a larger screen than a phone.
I found my iPad with a keyboard case to be the perfect middle ground for many tasks.
Be flexible and grab those productive moments when they arise, no matter where you are in the house.
8. Create dedicated spaces for work and play
Creating separate spaces for work and play serves two purposes.
Apart from helping you mentally shift between work mode and parent mode, it also provides a safe, stimulating environment for your baby while you’re working nearby.
For your work area, choose a spot that’s as distraction-free as possible. A spare room would be great. Even a corner of your living room will definitely work!
You just need to make it feel like a distinct “office” space. You can add some plants, a family photo, or a small desk lamp to make it feel more official.
Moreover, your baby’s play area should be within your line of sight, but not so close that every coo or cry pulls you out of work mode. You can stock it with age-appropriate toys that encourage independent play.
Pro Tip: I use a room divider to create a mini-office in our living room. On one side was my desk, and on the other, a cozy play area for my daughter.
This allowed me to keep an eye on her while still maintaining some separation between work and baby time.
9. Inform colleagues about your baby
Transparency is imperative when you’re working from home with a baby.
Don’t try to hide the fact that you’re working from home with an infant. Most colleagues will be understanding and even supportive if you’re upfront about your situation.
You should consider sending a brief email to your team or mentioning it in your next meeting.
You might say something like, “Just a heads up, I’m currently working from home with my 3-month-old. I’ll do my best to minimize disruptions, but there might be occasional background noise during calls.“
This openness can prevent awkward situations, like your baby crying during an important video call.
It also allows your colleagues to be more understanding if you need to reschedule a meeting or take a few minutes to attend to your little one.
You’re not alone in this situation as many have faced similar challenges. A 2020 survey by Flexjobs found that 40% of working parents had to change their employment situation due to childcare needs.
Seeking support and communicating openly will surely make a big difference. Your colleagues may be more understanding than you expect!
10. Get noise-canceling headphones
A good pair of noise-canceling headphones isn’t just for blocking out your baby’s cries (though they can help with that too).
They’re about creating a focused work environment amidst the intricacies of home life.
When shopping for noise-canceling headphones, look for comfort as well as sound quality. Some popular options include the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
These headphones can be particularly useful during conference calls or video meetings.
They’ll help you hear your colleagues clearly, even if there’s background noise in your home.
You should opt for models that also have built-in microphones. These can filter out ambient sounds, so your team won’t hear every gurgle and coo from your little one.
While noise-canceling headphones are great for focus, you should always ensure that you can still hear your baby if they need you.
11. Set up soundproofing
While noise-canceling headphones are great for you, sometimes you need to minimize the sound that escapes your home office.
This is especially important if you’re on video calls a lot or if your baby tends to be quite noisy.
You don’t need to go all out and build a professional recording studio. Simple, affordable solutions can make a considerable effect.
You should start by identifying the noisiest areas of your workspace. Is sound echoing off bare walls? Are thin doors letting in every cry and coo?
Once you’ve pinpointed problem areas, consider these soundproofing tactics:
- Hang heavy curtains or drapes on windows and walls. They absorb sound and reduce echo.
- Place a draft stopper at the base of your office door to block sound from traveling.
- Use acoustic panels on walls. These can be store-bought or DIY versions made with foam and fabric.
- Add soft furnishings like rugs, pillows, or upholstered furniture to absorb sound.
You should aim to reduce echo and minimize the amount of noise that travels between rooms, not to make your room completely soundproof.
12. Connect with other parents at work
Don’t underestimate the power of connecting with other parents in your workplace. They can be an invaluable source of support, advice, and understanding.
You can start by reaching out to your HR department or checking your company’s internal communication channels. Many organizations have parent support groups or forums.
If yours doesn’t, consider starting one! It could be as simple as a Slack channel or a monthly virtual coffee chat.
These connections can provide practical tips specific to your work environment.
Maybe a colleague has figured out how to schedule meetings around typical nap times, or has advice on explaining your situation to clients.
Furthermore, these relationships can offer emotional support. It’s reassuring to know you’re not alone in your struggles and triumphs.
13. Block calendar time for pumping
For nursing moms, pumping is non-negotiable. Essentially, you must block off dedicated time in your work calendar for this task.
You should aim to schedule pumping sessions every 2-3 hours, depending on your baby’s feeding needs.
Don’t shy away from marking these times clearly in your shared work calendar. A simple “Unavailable” or “Do Not Disturb” label works well.
This transparency helps prevent colleagues from scheduling meetings during your pumping times.
Pumping is crucial for providing milk for your little one, maintaining your milk supply, and preventing discomfort. Skipping sessions can lead to engorgement or even mastitis, which could impact your work performance.
To make pumping sessions more productive, consider multitasking.
You might catch up on emails, join a conference call (on mute), or even brainstorm ideas for your next project. Just ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed to maintain good milk flow.
14. Keep baby happily occupied
A content baby contributes to your productivity. It is vital to have a variety of engaging activities on hand to keep your little one entertained while you work.
For younger babies, consider a baby gym or play mat with dangling toys.
These provide visual and tactile stimulation that can keep infants occupied for surprisingly long periods. The Fisher-Price Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym is a popular choice that grows with your baby.
As your child grows, rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.
Soft blocks, board books, and musical toys are great for encouraging independent play. The Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy is a favorite among many parents for its versatility.
Also, take into account the power of everyday objects! A set of plastic cups for stacking or a container filled with socks can provide endless fascination for curious babies.
15. Prepare bottles and snacks in advance
Hungry babies wait for no one, least of all your important work calls. That’s why preparing bottles and snacks in advance should be included in your to-do list!
Start your day by prepping all the bottles your baby might need. If you’re formula feeding, you can pre-measure the powder in bottles and have water ready to mix when needed.
Meanwhile, for breastmilk, thaw and portion out what you’ll need for the day.
For older babies starting on solids, consider batch cooking and freezing baby food in small portions. This way, you can quickly grab and heat a meal without interrupting your workflow.
You should also consider keeping a stash of healthy snacks within easy reach of your workspace.
Things like pre-cut fruits, yogurt pouches, or baby puffs can be helpful during those times when you can’t step away from work but your little one needs a quick nibble.
16. Discuss flexible hours with your boss
Having an open conversation with your supervisor about flexible working hours can make a significant impact when you’re balancing work and baby care.
As a matter of fact, many companies are becoming more accommodating to the needs of working parents, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Start by outlining a proposed schedule that works for you and your baby.
Perhaps you’re most productive early in the morning or late at night when your little one is asleep. Maybe you need longer breaks during the day for feeding and nap times.
Be prepared to discuss how this flexible arrangement will benefit not just you, but also your team and the company.
Emphasize your commitment to maintaining high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
Note: Flexibility doesn’t necessarily mean working fewer hours. It’s about finding a schedule that allows you to be your most productive self while caring for your baby.
17. Teach your child to play creatively alone

Fostering independent play is a valuable skill that benefits both you and your child. It allows you to focus on work while promoting your baby’s creativity and problem-solving abilities.
You can start small, with just a few minutes of independent play, and gradually increase the duration as your child becomes more comfortable.
You should always stay within sight, offering encouraging smiles and words to reassure your little one.
Creating a safe, stimulating play area filled with open-ended toys that encourage imagination is also a must.
Blocks, stacking cups, and simple puzzles are great options. You should rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.
Independent play is a skill that develops over time. You must be patient and consistent in your approach. Soon, you’ll find your little one happily entertaining themselves for longer periods.
18. Buy new learning toys for each stage
As a work-from-home mom, you should also purchase the right toys for each developmental stage.
It’s not about having the most toys but about having the right ones that will keep your baby engaged and learning.
When my daughter was around 4 months old, I invested in a jumparoo. The experience was transformative!
She loved the freedom of movement and I could work for solid chunks of time while she happily bounced and played.
As she grew, I introduced new toys that matched her developing skills. Around 6 months, I bought her a sit-to-stand walker. It kept her entertained and supported her desire to be mobile.
By 9 months, simple shape sorters and stacking toys became my daughter’s favorites.
Now, at 18 months, her play kitchen is the main attraction. It keeps her occupied for long stretches, allowing me to tackle more complex work tasks.
Be reminded that every child is different. Pay attention to what interests your little one and choose toys that support their current developmental stage.
19. Use silent meetings and phone calls wisely
Silent portions of meetings or phone calls can be golden opportunities for multitasking.
These moments, when you’re listening but not required to actively participate, can be used to care for your baby or handle household tasks.
During these times, you might:
- Feed your baby or give them a bottle.
- Change a diaper.
- Put your little one down for a nap.
- Quickly tidy up your workspace.
But you still have to stay engaged with the call while attending to these tasks.
Be ready to jump back into the conversation at any moment. If you need to step away briefly, use the chat function to let your colleagues know you’ll be right back.
Multitasking during calls should be done judiciously. For meetings where you’re expected to contribute significantly or present information, it’s best to arrange dedicated, interruption-free time.
20. Cut out household chores during the week
Managing work, a baby, and household chores can quickly become overwhelming. Try to cut back on household tasks during the workweek. Focus on the essentials and leave the rest for the weekend.
One way to achieve this is by ordering groceries online for pickup or delivery.
Services like Walmart Pickup and Delivery can save you precious time and energy.
They offer a free service where you can order groceries online and pick them up at your convenience, with everyone staying in the car.
For other household items, you should try setting up regular deliveries from Amazon or Target.
This approach eliminates the need for frequent shopping trips and ensures you always have essential items on hand.
When it comes to cleaning, you must aim for maintenance rather than deep cleaning during the week.
A quick wipe of surfaces and a speedy vacuum can keep things tidy enough until you have more time for thorough cleaning on the weekend.
A slightly messy house is a small price to pay for better work-life balance and more time with your baby.
21. Complete personal and home tasks during family time
I must admit, I struggled to find time for personal tasks and household chores when I had my child. I felt guilty about not spending every free moment with my family.
However, I soon realized that integrating these tasks into our family time could be both efficient and fun.
Now, I often take on household chores while my daughter eats her meals. I keep my makeup and hair supplies in the downstairs bathroom, allowing me to get ready while supervising her breakfast.
Laundry folding has become a family activity. My daughter loves to help sort socks, and it’s become a fun way to teach her about colors and pairs.
What used to be a dreaded chore is now an opportunity for learning and bonding. Even conversations with my partner have become more productive.
We often catch up while tidying up the kitchen or bedroom together. It’s multitasking at its finest – maintaining our relationship while keeping our home in order.
Even while completing tasks, you have to be present and engaged. Talk to your baby about what you’re doing, sing songs while you work, or turn chores into games.
This technique not only gets things done but also provides valuable learning experiences for your little one.
22. Use the mute button on your phone
The mute button is your strategic asset for professional calls when working from home with a baby.
It allows you to participate in meetings without worrying about unexpected baby noises disrupting the conversation.
Get into the habit of staying on mute when you’re not speaking. This practice gives you the freedom to soothe your baby, sing a quick lullaby, or even change a diaper without your colleagues knowing about it.
Most smartphones and video conferencing platforms have easily accessible mute functions.
Familiarize yourself with these controls so you can quickly mute and unmute as needed.
Some wireless earbuds, like Apple AirPods, even have touch controls for muting, making it even easier to manage.
However, you must stay engaged in the conversation. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re on mute, so make sure you’re following along!
23. Get the baby on a nap schedule

Another great method to improve your work-from-home productivity is by establishing a consistent nap schedule for your baby.
While it may take some time and patience, the payoff is well worth the effort.
You can start by observing your baby’s natural sleep patterns.
Look for signs of tiredness like rubbing eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy. Use these cues to create a rough schedule, aiming for naps at similar times each day.
For many babies, a good rule of thumb is to have a nap about 2-3 hours after they wake up. However, every baby is different, so be flexible and adjust as needed.
With a predictable nap schedule, you can plan your work day more effectively. You can efficiently schedule important calls or focused work during nap times, knowing you’ll have a block of uninterrupted time.
24. Save two-handed tasks for naps
When your baby is awake, you’ll often find yourself working one-handed while holding or soothing your little one.
That’s the primary reason why you should strategically plan your tasks based on whether you’ll have one or two hands free.
Reserve two-handed tasks for nap times or when you have childcare help. These might include:
- Writing lengthy emails or reports
- Data entry or spreadsheet work
- Design tasks that require precision
- Video editing or other technical work
For times when you’re likely to have a baby in your arms, focus on tasks that can be done one-handed:
- Reading and responding to quick emails
- Participating in conference calls (with a good headset)
- Reviewing documents
- Brainstorming and note-taking (using voice-to-text if needed)
By aligning your tasks with your baby’s schedule, you’ll be able to maximize your productivity during both awake and nap times.
25. Learn to work in 5-minute increments
Working from home with a baby often means saying goodbye to long, uninterrupted work sessions. Instead, you should embrace the art of working in short bursts.
Learning to be productive in 5-minute increments can be an advantage for work-from-home parents.
You should begin by breaking down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
What can you realistically accomplish in 5 minutes? Maybe it’s responding to an email, reviewing a short document, or outlining your next project.
Then, you should keep a running list of these bite-sized tasks. When you find yourself with a few free minutes – perhaps while your baby is happily playing in their bouncer – you can quickly work on one of these items.
To make this strategy work, you need to be able to quickly switch gears. Practice jumping in and out of work mode efficiently.
It might feel disjointed at first, but with time, you’ll likely find that you can accomplish quite a bit in these short bursts.
26. Invest in time-saving baby gear
The right baby gear can be your trusted friend when you’re trying to balance work and childcare. While it might seem like an extra expense, think of it as an investment in your productivity and peace of mind.
A good baby carrier or wrap, like the Ergobaby Carrier or Moby Wrap, can be very supportive.
These allow you to keep your baby close and content while freeing up your hands for work tasks.
Many parents find they can type, take calls, or even attend video meetings while wearing their baby.
For younger babies, consider a bouncer or swing. The Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing, for example, can keep your baby entertained and soothed, giving you precious minutes of hands-free time.
As your baby grows, a play yard or playpen becomes essential. It provides a safe space for your little one to play independently while you work nearby. The Graco Pack ‘n Play is a popular and versatile option.
Also, don’t forget about feeding gear.
A good bottle warmer can save you trips to the kitchen, while a hands-free pumping bra is a must for nursing moms who need to multitask during pumping sessions.
27. Establish a backup support plan with your partner
You should also maintain a solid backup plan with your partner when working from home with a baby. Sit down together and discuss how you can support each other during challenging times.
Consider creating a tag-team schedule where you take turns being the primary caregiver.
This approach allows each of you to have dedicated, uninterrupted work time.
For instance, you might handle baby duties in the morning while your partner works, then switch roles in the afternoon.
Ensure to plan for unexpected situations. What if your baby is sick and extra fussy? Or if one of you has an important meeting that can’t be rescheduled?
Having a pre-agreed plan for these scenarios can reduce stress and ensure smooth sailing even on tough days.
Both of you have to be prepared to adjust your plans as your baby grows and your work demands change.
28. Be patient with yourself and others
Patience is a virtue, especially when you’re managing work and a baby.
You’re doing two full-time jobs simultaneously, so don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back!
Cut yourself some slack if you don’t accomplish everything on your to-do list. Some days, just keeping your baby happy and meeting your most crucial work deadlines is a win.
Extend this patience to your colleagues as well. They may not fully understand the challenges you’re facing.
You should take some time to explain your situation to your co-workers.
Taking care of your little one also requires patience. Babies have their own rhythms and needs that don’t always harmonize with our work schedules.
29. Use time blocking to schedule your day
Time blocking is a technique that involves dividing your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to specific tasks or activities. It can help you adjust to the realities of being a work-from-home parent.
Kick off by identifying your baby’s natural patterns. When do they usually nap? When are they most content playing independently?
Use these periods for your most important or concentration-intensive work tasks.
Next, you should block out time for your work responsibilities. Be realistic – you probably won’t have long, uninterrupted stretches. Instead, aim for shorter blocks of 30-60 minutes.
Don’t forget to schedule in baby care time. Feeding, diaper changes, and playtime should all have their designated blocks.
This helps ensure you’re meeting both your work and parenting responsibilities.
Include breaks for yourself too! Even a 10-minute block to grab a coffee or do some stretches can help you recharge and stay focused.
While it’s important to stick to your schedule as much as possible, be prepared to face some small or significant adjustments.
30. Keep everything within reach
Balancing work and baby care schedules can be tough but here’s another simple yet effective strategy to manage both: keep everything you need within arm’s reach.
You should thoughtfully set up your workspace. Have your computer, notepad, pens, and any other work essentials easily accessible.
Consider using a rolling cart to keep supplies mobile if you need to move your workspace around.
For baby care, create a well-stocked station near your work area. Include diapers, wipes, a changing pad, spare clothes, and feeding supplies.
This way, you can quickly attend to your baby’s needs without completely stepping away from work.
Also, you should cater to your own needs. Keep a water bottle, healthy snacks, and any medications you might need close by.
Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your baby and your work.
31. Learn to type with one hand

Mastering the art of one-handed typing is also essential for work-from-home parents.
There will be countless times when you’re holding your baby with one arm while trying to respond to an urgent email with the other.
First, familiarize yourself with your keyboard layout. Practice typing common words and phrases using just one hand.
It might feel awkward at first, but with time and patience, you’ll be surprised at how efficient you can become.
You should also look for a compact keyboard that’s easier to navigate with one hand.
Some parents even swear by mini Bluetooth keyboards that can be operated with one thumb while holding the baby.
Voice-to-text software is also one of the most recommended tools for work-from-home parents.
Most smartphones and computers have built-in dictation features that can help you compose messages hands-free.
By learning to type with one hand, you’ll be able to handle quick, essential tasks while your baby needs you. With practice, you’ll find your rhythm and boost your work performance.
32. Outsource what you can
Since you’re a work-from-home parent, you should accept the fact that you can’t do it all. Outsourcing some tasks can free up valuable time and energy, allowing you to focus on what’s most important.
Think about hiring a house cleaner, even if it’s just once a month for a deep clean. The time and stress this saves can be well worth the expense.
If it’s not in your budget to hire help regularly, consider focusing on the most time-consuming or least enjoyable tasks.
Virtual assistants are also everywhere! There are many affordable options for hiring someone to handle administrative tasks or even personal errands.
Websites like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with skilled freelancers for various tasks.
Note: Outsourcing isn’t about luxury – it’s about making strategic choices to maintain your sanity and productivity while working from home with a baby.
33. Build your day around the worst-case scenario

Building your day around a “worst-case scenario” can help you stay productive even when things don’t go as planned.
Identify what your worst day might look like. Perhaps it’s a day when your baby refuses to nap, is extra fussy, or isn’t feeling well. Then, structure your work day with this scenario in mind.
Prioritize your most critical tasks for times when your baby is typically at their best, even on bad days.
This might be early morning or right after a feeding when they’re content and likely to play independently for a bit.
You should also prepare a list of quick, easy tasks that you can handle during unexpected free moments.
These could be responding to non-urgent emails, updating your to-do list, or brainstorming ideas for future projects.
Likewise, you have to be equipped with backup entertainment for your baby. Have a special toy or book that only comes out on tough days. This novelty might buy you a few extra minutes of work time.
By planning for the worst, you’ll be able to utilize good days and be better equipped to handle the challenging ones.
Final Thoughts
Working from home with a baby is not an easy job. There will be days when everything goes smoothly, and others when you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water.
That’s okay — it’s all part of the journey.
You’re not just working two jobs; you’re laying the foundation for a lifestyle that allows you to be present for your child’s early years while maintaining your professional identity.
It’s a delicate balance, but with patience, flexibility, and a bit of creativity, it’s entirely possible to thrive in both roles.
As you implement these strategies, don’t forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. And on the tough days, be kind to yourself. You’re doing something extraordinary.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this list! If you have any comments, suggestions, or additional tips that have worked for you, please leave them below.