Balancing the demands of a new baby with the need to continue working can feel like an impossible task. But it's not! Here are some tips on how to make it work.
If you're one of the lucky few who get to work from home, congratulations! But adding a new baby to the mix can be daunting. How will you manage? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Here are some proven tips for working from home with a baby;
1) Work When Baby Sleeps
When a baby is sleeping is prime time for working. If you have a partner who can take care of the baby during these times, even better!
This will let you not only get more done at work, but you'll also have more time for yourself outside of work. Plus, you'll be able to keep an eye on baby while working.
2) Schedule Caffeine Breaks
You may find yourself sleep-deprived and unable to get anything done without a cup of coffee or three. So make sure to schedule your caffeine breaks! Even if you only get a few moments to grab some coffee, it's better than nothing.
This way you know when to take a break and can go back to focusing on work afterward. You'll work more efficiently this way.
3) Adjust your Routine
While staying on a routine is great for babies, it's not that great for adults trying to work. You'll have to go off-book when working from home with a baby.
This means adding an extra nap time or tweaking dinner times slightly. Of course, you also might find yourself having to stay up late or waking up early to get work done. Don't worry too much about it.
4) Share the load
Throughout this process, you'll likely find yourself overwhelmed with the tasks of work and caring for a baby. Even if your partner can't help out much yet, make sure to ask friends and family members for assistance.
This way you can still get things done while also giving yourself time to recuperate from the exhaustion that comes with having a baby.
5) Keep Baby Close
Last but not least, make sure to keep the baby close when working from home. You can do this in a few different ways:
Put the baby's crib or playpen near your workstation
Have your partner take care of the baby while you work
Make sure there is a safe play area near where you're working
Either way, keeping the baby close will make sure you're not getting distracted by the baby while also allowing you to keep an eye on him or her.
6) Work across Multiple Devices
While working from home with a baby, you'll probably find yourself moving from your workstation to the play area a lot. This is good for letting the baby expend energy and give you a bit of a break, but it's not great for getting things done.
That's why we recommend working across multiple devices while waiting on the baby to get up from a nap or waiting for the baby to calm down. This way, you'll always have something to do whenever the baby fusses.