7 helpful tips on how to work from home with a baby.
Anyone who has tried to work from home with a baby or toddler knows it can be a challenge. Babies need constant supervision and often don’t sleep through the night yet. As a result, working parents often feel sleep-deprived and struggle to get their work done. For that reason, we gathered 7 helpful tips on how to balance your time between your baby and your work when working from home. So, let’s get straight to it.
#1 - Adjust your schedule to suit the baby’s needs.
In most instances, babies will guide you and indicate when they want to eat, sleep, or require additional attention. As a result, align your routine with your baby's cues and adjust your schedule accordingly. Depending on your type of work, it can be advantageous to have your work software, tools, or apps accessible on various devices. This will enable you to participate in meetings even when you're on the move, taking your baby for a walk in the stroller.
#2 - Take advantage of your baby’s naps.
While babies continue to take multiple naps throughout the day, these moments provide an excellent opportunity to accomplish work without constant interruptions. Utilize these periods for essential meetings and tasks that demand heightened concentration. Reserve less demanding tasks for when your baby is awake. Enhance your baby's engagement with thought-provoking toys or books, ensuring to rotate them to sustain their interest over time.
#3 - Set expectations and manage your time.
Establish realistic expectations at work. If you have to stick to specific working hours, know that you can only get a certain amount of things done. Don't be too hard on yourself if you can't complete everything, and be prepared to occasionally reschedule or cancel a few meetings. Your time has likely never been more valuable than it is now. Consequently, it's essential to use your time wisely and learn to decline unmanageable or excessive requests. Focus on tasks you need to do or want to do.
#4 - Use a baby carrier.
Slings are not only a great way to help your baby fall asleep but also to keep your hands free so you can work on your laptop. Your baby will benefit from being close to you and will enjoy the extra cuddles while you can concentrate on getting things done. It's a wonderful way to bond with your little one. When choosing a sling or carrier, make sure to select one that is comfortable and safe for both you and your baby.
#5 - Include your partner.
If your partner is at home with you, it may be helpful to involve them in taking care of the baby. Create shift patterns and consider each other's individual strengths and weaknesses. If one parent is better at diaper changes and the other excels at bedtime routines, it might make sense to divide the tasks accordingly. This way, you can either accomplish some work when you're not on baby duty or even take a break to recharge your batteries.
#6 - Seek support outside your home.
In case you're a single parent or your partner doesn't have the capacity to support you, reach out to family and friends. Start with those who live nearby and ask for their assistance. You won't realize how much support you can access if you don't ask. Additionally, if finances are not an issue, you could consider hiring a nanny or a babysitter for a few hours each day. Having someone at home who can care for your child enables you to work productively while being available when needed. Moreover, you can develop a better understanding of the caregiver, which will make it easier for you to entrust them with your baby's care when you plan to go out for the evening or return to the office.
#7 - Take care of yourself.
All parents know that taking care of a baby can be overwhelming, especially while working. Therefore, it's important to set aside time for yourself because your own health and well-being are crucial not only for your productivity and creativity at work but also for your personal life. To reduce stress, make sure to engage in regular activities such as exercises, taking walks, or enjoying a long bath. Furthermore, try to squeeze in the occasional nap alongside your baby to restore your energy and provide your brain with a brief rest. If you haven't already begun practicing mindfulness, now is a good time to give it a try. Balancing both aspects might appear challenging, but it's achievable with a touch of creativity and adjustment. Experiment with these tips to find what suits you best, or let us know if you already have a system that works effectively for you. 😊