How to Work From Home With a Baby

For parents of young kids, especially those with a baby at home who are looking for ways to save money on childcare and still keep their jobs while also caring about them (and themselves), working from the comfort of one’s own living room can be quite beneficial. 

Working from home may be challenging for parents of small kids, especially those with a newborn at home. While juggling childcare and working, attempting to focus when you hear your baby waking from naps in the next room crying is not simple.

Here are some tips to help make the transition easier for both you and your little one.

Preparing to Work From Home with a Baby

Create a designated work space

An important aspect of working from home is creating a dedicated workspace for yourself. This can be anywhere in your home, as long as it’s separate from your baby’s play area.

If you have a spare room, set up a desk and chair in there. If you don’t have an extra room, create a space at the kitchen table or set up a laptop on the coffee table.

Make sure your work space is comfortable. You will be spending a lot of time there, so it should be somewhere that you enjoy being. Consider getting a standing desk. Add some personal touches, like photos or plants, to make it feel like your own.

Now that you have a space to work, you need to baby-proof it. If your little one is crawling or walking, put up a baby barrier (ie, gate) to keep them out of your work area. If they are still small enough to fit in a playpen, put them in there with some toys to keep them occupied.

Establish a daily routine

You may need to get creative when it comes to finding time to work. Make time for yourself and your baby that includes dedicated work time when working from home. Consistent time management will help both you and your baby feel more settled during the day. Try to keep to a similar schedule each day so that your baby knows what to expect.

Utilize child care services or family and friends

You also need to think about how you will manage your time. If you have deadlines to meet, you may need to get someone to watch your baby for a few hours so that you can focus on work. Utilize child care services or family and friends when possible to give yourself some extra time for conference calls and your work schedule.

Working from home with a fussy baby can be challenging, but it is possible. With some planning and preparation, you can create a space that works for both you and your little one.

Dad and baby watching laptop

Take advantage of quiet time

When working with a toddler, it can be difficult to find the time to focus on a single task. However, it has been proven that working in short bursts can actually help to improve concentration. When we have a limited amount of time to complete a task, we are more likely to focus all of our attention on that task and avoid distractions.

Nap times equals valuable time when WFH. If possible, aim to work during your baby’s morning nap or after they have gone to bed for the night. Work on your phone calls and tasks needing undivided attention during this uninterrupted time. That way you can enjoy quality time with your little one during their waking hours.

The nap’s “time pressure” can help us to make better use of our time and achieve improved results. Additionally, working in short bursts can help to prevent mental fatigue, making it easier to maintain focus over an extended period of time. So next time you need to get some work done, try planning a work session during your toddler’s nap time and see how much you can accomplish.

Utilize online resources

Utilize online resources, like Google Hangouts or Zoom, to stay connected with colleagues and clients . These platforms can be used for video conferencing, virtual meetings, and even group chat. Additionally, there are a number of online project management tools, like Asana or Trello, that can help you to stay organized and on task.

By utilizing these online resources, you can stay connected with the outside world while still being present with your little one. Additionally, these tools can help to make working from home with a toddler more manageable and less stressful.

Accept that things may not always go according to plan

When working from home with kids, things may not go as planned. You must be prepared to adapt when necessary .

Working from home with a children can be challenging. Be patient and understand that there will be moments when your child is crying or needs your attention. Keep lots of toys and activities available for your little one to help keep them occupied.

Be sure to take breaks throughout the day to spend time with your child. Playing, reading, and talking are all great ways to bond with your baby.

Finally, take advantage of online resources and support groups that can offer advice and tips on balancing work and family life. With a bit of planning and organisation, you can be a successfully work at home mom.

Woman with baby typing on laptop at home

Parenting Tips for WFH with a Baby

How do you balance work and home life when you’re working from home with a baby? 

It can be difficult to balance work and home life when you’re working from home with a baby. You may feel like you’re constantly juggling everything, and that there’s never enough time in the day. Here are a few tips to help you manage your time and keep your sanity:

1. Set realistic expectations for yourself

When you’re working from home with a baby, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. You’re not going to be able to work the same hours that you did before you had a baby, and that’s okay. Accept that your productivity is going to be lower than it was before, and don’t try to do too much.

2. Create a schedule and stick to it

One of the best ways to manage your time when you’re working from home with a baby is to create a schedule and stick to it. Decide what hours you’re going to work, and then make sure you stick to that schedule. This will help you stay focused and get more done.

3. Get help from family and friends

If you’re finding it difficult to balance work and home life, don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. They can watch your baby while you work, or help with things around the house. Having someone to lend a helping hand can make a big difference.

4. Take breaks when you need them

Working from home with a baby can be stressful, so make sure you take breaks when you need them. Step away from your work to spend some time with your baby, or take a few minutes to yourself to relax. Taking some time for yourself will help you stay refreshed.

What are some of the biggest challenges that come with WFH with a baby?

  1. establishing and maintaining a regular routine
  2. finding childcare or backup care options
  3. juggling work and childcare responsibilities
  4. managing distractions and staying focused
  5. minimizing disruptions to your workflow
  6. dealing with guilt or feeling like you’re not doing enough
  7. staying connected to your co-workers and boss
  8. taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally

What are some tips for staying productive when you’re working from home with a baby? 

It can be difficult to stay productive when you’re working from home with a baby. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Get organized before you start your work day. Make sure you have everything you need within reach so you’re not wasting time getting up and down throughout the day.

2. Set realistic goals for what you can accomplish each day. It’s important to be realistic and give yourself grace, especially on days when your baby is particularly fussy.

3. Take breaks as needed. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or frustrated, take a few minutes to step away from your work and regroup. It’s okay to take a little longer.

Woman working on laptop sitting on bed with baby

Are there benefits to WFH with a baby?

There are plenty of benefits to working from home with a baby. For one, you get to spend more time with your little one and can create a more flexible schedule that works for both of you. Additionally, WFH can save you money on childcare costs and help you bond with your baby.

What are some tips for juggling work and childcare when you have to WFH?

It can be tough to try and get work done when you have a baby at home. Here are some tips to help you manage:

1. Set up a dedicated workspace: Having a specific place for work will help you stay focused and organized. If possible, try to set up your workspace away from where your baby sleeps so you can avoid distractions.

2. Create a daily routine: Having a consistent daily routine will help both you and your baby know what to expect. Try to set aside some time each day to focus on work while your baby is napping or occupied with a toy.

3. Take breaks when needed: Don’t try to push yourself too hard. If you need to take a break to care for your baby, that’s okay! Just make sure to get back to work when you can.

4. Ask for help when needed: Don’t be afraid to ask your partner or other family members for help with childcare while you’re working. Having someone else pitch in will free up some time for you to focus on your work.

5. Be flexible: Things will inevitably come up when you’re trying to WFH with a baby. Try to be as flexible as possible and go with the flow. Remember that your top priority is taking care of your little one.

What are some of your favorite tips for working from home with a toddler?

Pam Wiselogel
Pam Wiselogel

Hi, I'm Pam! A corporate girl turned entrepreneur who has been working from home for over 20 years and loving it. From a corporate IT Director to an online business owner, I found success while working remotely (sometimes in my PJs). I've been able to find balance in life and career and love to share what I've learned with others. With my master's degree in software engineering and a career in technology, my drive is to help others learn how to bypass the hurdles and technology challenges to gain the confidence to build the dream business they've always wanted to reach financial freedom. My work has been quoted on Forbes, Bloomberg, European Business Review, Hive, and Business Partner Magazine to name a few. Click my little head above to read all of my posts!

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