Children, Postpartum

How to Work From Home With a Baby: A Plan for Success

Lauren Hays

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP

Tips for Working From Home With a New Baby

Working from home with a baby can feel like a never-ending balancing act. For new mothers and work-from-home parents, it’s a challenge to be productive while also being present for your little one. But with the right strategies, it is possible to succeed at both. In this guide, you’ll learn valuable tips and actionable advice to help you master how to work from home with a baby.

Balancing Work and Life as a Parent Working from Home

The first step in working from home with a baby is understanding that balance and giving yourself grace is key. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed; many parents are in the same boat. The good news is that with a little planning and flexibility, you can find a routine that works for you and your family. While this article provides tips to help make working from home with kids possible, it’s important to note that such a scenario might not be feasible for everyone. Each family’s situation is unique, and if you have a highly analytical or client-facing job, maintaining this setup might become more challenging as your baby grows and becomes more active. This doesn’t mean you’re a failure or that you can’t ‘have it all.’ Instead, it may require you to get creative in finding other ways to integrate work-life balance. Remember, adapting to your circumstances and exploring new solutions is a strength, not a setback. These tips will still come in handy for those inevitable sick-days when you cannot take your baby to daycare.

Working at Home with a Newborn: Accepting the New Normal

Transitioning to working from home with baby requires a mindset shift. Accept that your workday will look different from what it used to be. There will be interruptions and moments of chaos, but that’s okay. It’s important to be kind to yourself and recognize that you’re doing your best. For new parents who have always been top performers or high-functioning employees and students, it can be hard to release the expectation to maintain perfection in the workplace. Allow yourself to find space and grace for yourself as you learn how to manage and integrate two jobs at once.

Prioritizing Tasks

One of the most crucial aspects of balancing motherhood with work is learning to prioritize. Not all tasks are created equal. Identify the most critical work tasks that need your immediate attention and focus on completing those first or while baby takes a nap. This way, even if your day doesn’t go as planned, you’ll have taken care of the most important things. We call these our non-negotiables. It helps to identify this early on in the day so that you set clear expectations of what comes first. We limit these high priority tasks to two or three a day, whatever is manageable for you on this particular day based on deadlines, meetings, baby’s temperament today etc.

Communicating with Your Partner

If you have a partner, open communication is essential. Discuss your schedules and figure out how you can support each other week to week or day-to-day. With another parent working from home, you can possibly take turns watching the baby while the other person focuses on work. Teamwork will make the juggling act much more manageable. If you both have important conference calls at the same time can you schedule childcare or a babysitter for that day or a certain block of hours? Don’t wait until the day of and leave yourself scrambling for a plan, this can lead to resentment or frustration towards your partner or yourself. We suggest using Friday afternoon or Sunday afternoon to compare schedules for the upcoming week.

3 Tips for Working From Home With a New Baby

Establishing a Flexible Routine

Routines are beneficial for both you and your baby. While it’s essential to remain flexible, having a general schedule can help create a sense of normalcy. Try to plan your work around your baby’s naps and feeding or pumping times. Our guide, Returning to Work After Maternity Leave, includes several great tips on pumping at work! This way, you can maximize your productive hours. If your partner also works from home include them in your routine!

Take Breaks

It’s essential to carve out small micro breaks throughout your day. These brief pauses allow you to step away from your tasks, giving your mind a chance to reset and recharge. Try to take a moment, even if it’s just five minutes, to step outside and take in some fresh air and natural light. Not only does this practice prioritize your emotional and mental health, but it also enhances focus and productivity when you return to your responsibilities. These short breaks can clear mental fog and provide you with a renewed perspective, making it easier to tackle the rest of your day.

Take Advantage of Modern Technology

Technology can be a lifesaver for work-from-home parents. Use apps and tools that help you stay organized and efficient. From project management software to virtual meetings, leverage technology to streamline your work processes. Download google docs on your phone, take Zoom calls on the go by utilizing the baby carrier and multi-task, like switching out the laundry or getting some steps in outside.

Tell Your Coworkers

Open Communication

Being transparent with your coworkers about your situation can foster understanding and flexibility. Inform them that you’re working from home with a baby and there might be occasional interruptions. This can help manage expectations and prevent misunderstandings.

Set Boundaries at Work and At Home

It’s important to set boundaries with your coworkers regarding your availability. Clearly communicate your hours of work and stick to them as much as possible. This will help you maintain a work and life balance and ensure you have time for both your job and your baby.

Utilize Flexible Working Hours

If your job allows, try to negotiate flexible working hours. This can enable you to work during times when your baby is sleeping or being cared for by someone else. While this might make the day feel longer, working before baby wakes or after baby is down for the night, remember this too shall pass. Motherhood is about embracing the season you’re currently in. Flexibility can be a game-changer in managing your responsibilities more effectively.

Designate What Must Happen vs What Preferably Happens

Identify Non-Negotiables

We discussed your non-negotiables. Now you need to consider how to ensure you make time for your important work. Prioritize your work schedule when your baby is most settled, being watched by someone else, or before they wake-up for the day. Consider when your brain is the sharpest. Personally, my optimal time for productive work is before lunch. I like to knock-out my deep work first thing in the day. You know you best, mama. If you like to ease into the day maybe start out with simpler tasks that can be done while snuggling your baby. My advice is not to start with emails. Remember, an email is generally someone else’s to-do list. Accomplish your non-negotiables before you start tackling someone else’s to-do list. If you’re managing a team, delegating tasks might be at the top of your list so no one is waiting on you and they can be working while you’re focusing on baby duties.

Flexible and Optional Tasks

Next, identify tasks that are preferable but not essential. These tasks can be scheduled for times when your baby is awake but settled. Being clear about what’s essential versus optional will help you organize your day more efficiently.

Adjusting Expectations

Adjusting your expectations about what can realistically be accomplished in a day is crucial. Understand that some days will be more productive than others. Be gentle with yourself and celebrate the small victories.

Set Up Separate Spaces for Work and Baby

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Having a designated home office or workspace can help you mentally separate work from home life when its time to work. It doesn’t have to be a full-fledged office—a corner of a room will do. The key is to have a space where you can focus and be productive without the baby around.

Safe and Stimulating Baby Area

Set up a safe and stimulating area for your baby close to your workspace. This allows you to keep an eye on them while you work. Include toys, books, and other items that can keep your baby entertained and engaged. Utilize a pack-n-play or playpen if they’re mobile to ensure their safety.

Balance Between Supervision and Independence

Babies are on their own unique timeline, and adapting to their ever-changing needs can require a bit of creativity. Consider using a bouncer or a baby carrier while working. These tools can be invaluable for allowing you to manage your responsibilities while keeping your baby content. It’s important to maintain a calm and positive mindset during these moments, as your mood can influence your baby’s sense of security and happiness. Encouraging your baby to play independently can be a game-changer. Not only does it allow you to get work done, but it also supports your baby’s development by fostering their ability to entertain themselves and explore their environment. Start by setting up a safe play area with a few toys and let them engage in solo play for short intervals. As your baby becomes more comfortable, you can gradually increase the time they spend playing on their own.

Focus on Efficiency

Time Management Techniques

Effective time management is essential when working from home with a baby. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in short, focused bursts with breaks in between, can be very effective. This method helps you stay productive while allowing time for baby care.

Batch Tasks

Batch similar tasks together to save time. For example, set aside specific times for checking emails, making calls, or completing administrative tasks. This reduces the mental load of constantly switching between different types of work which can be overstimulating.

Use Productivity Tools

There are numerous productivity tools available that can help you stay organized and efficient. Tools like Trello, Asana, and Slack can help you manage projects, communicate with your team, and track your progress.

Stand Up for Yourself

Advocate for Your Needs

Don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs at work. If you need flexible hours or additional support, speak up. Your wellbeing is crucial, and most employers are willing to accommodate reasonable requests, especially during these unprecedented times.

Set Firm Boundaries

Setting firm boundaries is essential for maintaining a work-life balance. Make it clear when you are off-limits for work-related matters. This helps ensure that you have quality time to spend with your baby and take care of yourself.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby and work responsibilities. Make time for self-care activities, whether it’s a short walk, a relaxing bath, or a few minutes of meditation. A happy, healthy mama is better equipped to handle the demands of work and child care.

Find Tools to Help

Baby Monitors

Invest in a good baby monitor to keep an eye on your little one while you work. Some monitors come with video capabilities, which can provide added peace of mind. This allows you to get your work done while keeping an eye on the baby as much as possible.

Sleep Aids

Sleep aids such as white noise machines or soothing nightlights can help your baby sleep better, giving you more uninterrupted work time. Better sleep for your baby often means more focused work time for you.

Organizational Apps

Use organizational apps to keep track of both work and baby-related tasks. Apps like Wunderlist or Todoist can help you create to-do lists, set reminders, and manage your time more effectively.

Use a Baby Carrier While Working

One of the best investments I made a new mom working from home was a really good baby carrier. When you’re working from home as a new parent, it is crucial to have spaces where baby remains calm for extended periods of time. Sometimes a baby carrier is the answer and baby may settle in nicely and give you some hands free work time. Every baby is different, so try a few different carriers or check out this blog about the best carriers to give you an idea of cost and functionality.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask For Help

Leverage Your Support System

Don’t hesitate to lean on your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or professional caregivers. Accepting help does not mean you’re failing; it means you’re smartly managing your resources and learning how to accept help in a season of receiving. You’ll never forget who was there for you in these early days of managing meetings and work with a new baby and someday you’ll be able to return the favor!

Community Resources

Look into community resources that can offer support, such as local parenting groups, online mom groups, or community centers. These resources can provide valuable advice, emotional support, and even practical assistance. Join The Matrescence community to connect with other moms and access tangible tricks and tips on working from home and maintaining your mental health.

Stay Connected

Staying connected with other parents who are in the same situation can be incredibly helpful. Share experiences, tips, and encouragement. Lean into your HR and look to join ERG with other working parents. Knowing that you’re not alone can make the challenges feel more manageable.

Whether You Choose to Work at Home or Opt For Daycare, You're Doing a Great Job, Mama

Working from home with a baby is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By implementing these strategies, you can create a balance that allows you to be a productive professional and a loving parent. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and to adjust your expectations. With a bit of planning, flexibility, and support, it is possible to manage both your career and your role as a parent.

For more support returning to work, purchase our guide Returning to Work After Maternity Leave. We’re here to help you thrive both at work and at home.