How To Get Things Done With a Baby At Home
Life with a new baby can feel pretty hectic; getting anything done throughout the day can be challenging! Between taking care of your little one and feeling exhausted, you may wonder how to get things done with a baby.
The great news is that there are many ways to help you get things done with a baby in tow. While it can take some time to figure out the specific routine that works for you, it can be accomplished!
In this article, you’ll find out how to get things like cleaning, cooking, and exercising (plus many more) done while still caring for your child. These tips and tricks will help you feel less overwhelmed. Plus, they will help you accomplish the tasks that need to be done.
Let’s get started!
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How To Get Things Done With a Baby: Cleaning
Keeping a clean home is one of the top things new parents struggle to keep up with. Here are the top tips for cleaning with a baby:
Lower Your Cleaning Standards
If you are having a hard time keeping your home as clean as you used to, it’s beneficial to lower your cleaning standards.
For example, when trying to keep your home clean with a baby, you can probably get away with dusting less than you used to. Or maybe instead of doing laundry daily, cut it back to once or twice a week. (Check out this laundry schedule for more ideas!)
Lowering your standards can help take some things off your plate. Also, it can help you feel more in control of what you need to do. And when you feel like you have your day under control, you’ll feel lighter and less stressed.
Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
When lowering your cleaning standards, it’s also crucial to simplify your cleaning schedule. Take a look at your daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks. See what you can cut back on to make your days easier!
Also, if you don’t already have a cleaning routine, implementing one is essential. Not only will you not forget what needs to be accomplished. But, you can visually see the tasks and arrange them into your day in an easy-to-accomplish way.
Wear Your Baby
Wearing your baby is a terrific way to get some cleaning done while they’re awake. Baby-wearing is especially great if your baby is happier while in your arms.
The best tasks to finish while baby-wearing is doing the dishes, sweeping or vacuuming, and folding laundry. Essentially, cleaning projects you can complete while standing will be the best ones to do while baby-wearing.
When my son was a baby, I used this sling when he was smaller and this back-or-front carrier as he grew. They both worked well while keeping my son comfortable and happy.
Put Baby Gear To Good Use
If your baby is at the appropriate age to use a jumper, a bouncy chair, or other fun baby gear, use them! It’s a win-win when you can find ways to entertain your baby for a little bit while you get some things finished.
When my son was around 6 months old, we got him this jumper, and he absolutely loved it. We typically limited his time in the jumper to fifteen minutes at a time.
While he was jumping away and having fun for fifteen minutes, it gave me just enough time to clean up the kitchen and do the dishes. Soon, this became our daily routine until he outgrew the jumper!
How To Get Things Done With a Baby: Cooking
Cooking while simultaneously taking care of a baby can be tricky. You have to ensure they’re safe and entertained while also providing you don’t burn any meals! Here are the top tips for cooking while taking care of a baby:
High Chair Fun
A high chair doesn’t have to be used strictly for eating; it can also be a safe place for your baby to sit and play!
Once my son was sitting upright on his own, I would bring his high chair into the kitchen and strap him in while I cooked dinner. Typically, he would be happy and entertained while playing with his favorite teether or a high chair toy like this one.
We enjoyed this option because he was still safe and near me but didn’t need my direct attention. He could play with his toys, and I could still easily see and talk to him.
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Use a Backpack Carrier
As I mentioned above, using a baby carrier is a great way to get things done with a baby. But, if you want to use a baby carrier while cooking, you will want to avoid using a front-facing baby carrier.
Using a baby carrier that cradles your baby in front of you is dangerous while cooking. You don’t want them (especially their dangling legs and feet!) too close to the stove or oven!
Using a backpack carrier is much safer. You won’t have to worry about your baby being too close to the stove.
We used this one often with our son, and it was comfortable for both my husband and me. Plus, our son was comfortable, too. As our son got heavier, this carrier worked well at evenly distributing his weight, so our backs didn’t ache.
Make Music with Pots and Spoons
If your child is at the age where they are sitting up well on their own, and they are getting interested in exploring everything around them, let them explore your pots and pans cupboard!
If you’re not keen on your child exploring your cupboard on their own, grab a few pots and a wooden or plastic spoon. Show your baby how to hit the pot with the spoon, and let them have at it!
This simple activity lets your baby experience cause and effect while practicing hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and musical creativity! Not to mention, babies always love playing with things that aren’t technically toys, so I’m sure they’ll be thrilled with this activity.
Bring Out The Baby Gear
Similar to using a high chair to entertain your baby while you cook, baby gear like jumpers, swings, or bouncy chairs is also a fantastic option.
When my son was small enough to use a bouncy chair like this one, he would sit and bounce in the kitchen while I made breakfast every morning. It always worked out well!
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How To Get Things Done With a Baby: Exercise
After you’ve recovered from having your baby, you might feel like you’ll never have a chance to exercise again, whether you want to or not! But, like many other things on this list, there is always a way to work it into your day.
Here are the best tips for exercising with a baby:
Choose At-Home Workouts
While going out to the gym might sound nice, it does take up extra time in your day. You have to factor in travel and ensure your gym has a daycare.
Finding at-home workouts you enjoy can be an easier, more possible way to get your exercise in.
To start at-home workouts, you can find DVDs, YouTube videos, or even simple routines on Pinterest in almost any workout style you like!
You’ll also love: Simple Tips For Postpartum Weight Loss
Use a Stroller
When my son was a baby, taking him out for a walk or jog in his stroller was my favorite way to get exercise. It was an easy workout, and we both got the benefit of getting some fresh air!
If you think this sounds like an excellent option, know that having a jogging stroller will make things easier for you. We had this stroller, and it was so easy to push. Plus, I liked that it had plenty of space for some diapering essentials and a water bottle/snacks.
Another terrific thing about taking your baby out on walks/jogs is that they will take a nap most of the time. If you find your baby doesn’t typically take naps in the stroller, it can be a good idea to bring some car seat toys with you for entertainment.
How To Get Things Done With a Baby: Showering
It’s no secret that new moms sometimes struggle to find time to do things. Simple tasks like showers and getting ready for the day can be hard. Here are some tips for showering while taking care of your baby:
Grab the Baby Gear (Again!)
By now, you’ve probably guessed that using activity gear is an excellent way to keep your baby entertained. But, if your bathroom is small, it might be tricky to use this option.
While my son was still little, I would bring his bouncy chair into the bathroom (and put it on the floor, not the counter!). I would also leave the bathroom door open so it didn’t get too hot or steamy for him. This usually worked well because the shower and exhaust fan sounds helped soothe him.
Use a Playard
Once my son outgrew his bouncy chair, I started wheeling his Pack ‘N Play to the bathroom door when I needed to shower. With his Pack ‘N Play close to the door, I could still hear and see him while I got ready for the day!
If you choose this option, I’ve found it’s beneficial to have certain toys that you bring out specifically for this time of the day. Doing so will make your baby more interested in these unique toys. And, the toys will likely hold your baby’s attention for longer.
You’ll also love: The Best Toys For Babies 0 to 6-Months-Old
How To Get Things Done With a Baby: Errands
Getting things done inside the house is a big hurdle to get used to. But, leaving the house with your baby to run errands can seem like a whole other ball game. Here are the best tips for running errands with a baby:
Shop Online
One way to make running errands with your baby easier is to stay home. Just kidding!…well kind of.
Shopping online, whether for household essentials or even clothes, can take some stress out of your day.
There is no need to pack your diaper bag or worry about shopping as fast as you can. You can order what you need online, and either have it shipped to you or choose the pick-up option that most stores offer.
Have Groceries Delivered
While on the subject of shopping online, don’t forget that you can shop for groceries online, too!
Many big chain stores offer same-day delivery. But, if the stores near you don’t, you can often choose a delivery service like InstaCart to deliver your food to you.
It’s also good to know that if your favorite grocery store doesn’t have any delivery service, they most likely have pick-up options. While you still have to leave the house with your baby to pick up the groceries, you won’t have to get out of the car, and it will also save you time!
Bring Snacks (Or a Bottle)
If your baby is at the age where they have started solids, bringing simple snacks with you while you run errands can be beneficial. Or, if your baby hasn’t started solids yet, bringing a bottle is a great idea, too.
When bringing snacks with you when you leave the house, you’ll want easy-to-eat snacks that don’t make a huge mess. Things like pouches, dry cereal, or even teething biscuits are terrific!
Don’t Plan Too Many Stops
Another tip when trying to get things done outside of the home with your baby is to ensure you don’t over-plan your outings.
If you over-plan your day out, you risk your baby getting overtired or cranky. The more stops you have to make, and the longer you and your baby are out of the house, the more likely you’ll have some problems!
When planning your day, think of how long your baby has until their next feeding or nap. That will help you think of how much time you have and how many things you can get done out of the house.
Also, check out this article on crucial tips for shopping with a baby!
Go Out At Slow Times
One of the biggest things that helped me while running errands with a baby (or toddler!) is to go out at typically slow times of the day.
When you avoid peak hours at stores or even the post office, it won’t be as busy, and you can get your errands done faster.
To avoid peak hours, you’ll want to go out before 11 am and after 2 pm. Between 11 am-2 pm is usually the busiest time because people are out on their lunch breaks trying to get their errands done as well.
General Tips For Getting Things Done With a Baby
Now that we’ve gone through the specific tasks, like cleaning and exercising, I wanted to share some general tips for getting things done with a baby. These tips work for almost all of the scenarios above and many other situations you can think of.
Use Naptime
There’s no question that you’ve heard the suggestion, ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’. But what if that’s not your cup of tea?
Sleeping when the baby sleeps is a good idea when you have a newborn. At that time, you’re simply trying to stay awake through the frequent feedings to fall asleep after your baby does. But, once you’ve managed to adjust to this new semi-sleep-deprived time in your life, nap time is a great time to get things done.
Once my son got past the newborn phase and his sleeping habits became more routine, I always found it hard to take a nap when he did. I always wanted to get something done around the house. Or, have some much-needed self-care time to work on my hobbies.
Whether you get chores accomplished or do something for yourself, naptime provides you with time where you don’t have to keep an eye on your baby. You can turn on your baby monitor and know they are safe and resting!
Keep a To-Do List
Another tip I have found helpful since becoming a stay-at-home mom is to keep a to-do list. If you’re like me, you might forget what you literally just thought of doing five minutes ago.
Writing down the tasks that need to be done and keeping them all in one place helps you stay organized. Plus, you won’t waste time trying to think of what you are going to do!
Another benefit of keeping a to-do list is that it makes it a little easier to ask for help. For example, if you keep your to-do list somewhere open, like on the fridge, you can show the list to your partner and ask them to help you out.
Take Care Of Tasks When Baby is Happy
Getting things done is much easier with a happy, well-rested baby than with a tired or fussy baby.
When you time the things you have to do around when your baby is happy after a nap, they might have an easier time entertaining themself for a little bit.
Take Care Of Tasks After Baby Is Fed
One of the most crucial tips for running errands or doing housework with a baby, especially newborns to 3-month-olds, is to ensure they are fed before you get started.
Once you know how frequently your baby needs to be fed, you can see how long you have to get your tasks done without having to feed your baby in the middle of what you’re doing.
Ask For Help!
Asking for help is another essential tip when learning how to get things done with a baby. If you are struggling to finish something you’d like to get done, ask your partner to help with some more things.
Or, if you have a friend or family member who can help you with your tasks or watch your baby, that’s a great option, too.
Have Older Children Help Out
If you have older children, teach them how to do some easy chores in your home. And, don’t think toddlers are too young to help out, too. There are many chores that toddlers can help with!
Letting your kids help with chores gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. Plus, it teaches them crucial life skills that they need to have!
I hope you have renewed energy after learning to get things done with a baby! Once you implement these tips, you’ll find that accomplishing household tasks can be reasonably straightforward. You’ve got this, mama!
Before you go, check out these related articles:
- Everything You Need To Baby Proof Your Home
- Easy and Fun Activities For 3-Month-Olds
- The Best Tips For Stay-At-Home Moms
- How To Declutter Toys (the Easy Way!)
- How To Be a Fun Mom: 32 Easy Ways
What was your favorite tip for getting things done with a baby? I would love to know in the comments below!
