47 Ways to Get Things Done With a Baby

3. Use a Baby Monitor

Age Rating: Any

If you don’t have one, get one. A baby monitor allows you to get things done around the house without worrying to death about your baby.  I use and love this Vtech Baby Monitor set. It’s basic, easy to use, and durable (my parent unit has had several bad drops, but it hasn’t shown a decrease in functionality at all).

4. Try a Portable Bassinet

Age Rating: 0 – 6 months

Try a portable bassinet at nap time if you aren’t comfortable using a baby monitor (I wasn’t at first . . . there’s just this fear that new moms have of their little one not breathing or something, and I was nervous to leave Gem alone).

I would just plop our portable bassinet down wherever I planned to work. It was comforting to her to have me nearby, and I got a lot of things done. Ours bassinet folds up, so we would also take it with instead of a crib whenever we traveled. That worked all the way up until Gem was almost 6 months old.

5. Try A Jumper or Activity Center

Age Rating: 0 – 10 months

This is a great option as your baby gets older. It occupies them while helping them in their brain and motor development. And the best part? They’re tired enough afterwards that nap time is a cinch.

At 3 months, Gem would last about 20 minutes in this Jolly Jumper, and by 5 months, she would easily last up to 40 minutes, allowing me to get some quality cleaning time in while she was occupied.

Alternatively, this Fisher Price Activity Center has great reviews on amazon.

6. Bring a Blanket or Mat and Toys

Age Rating: 0 – 12 months (With Adaptions)

While your baby is still small, one of the best temporary occupiers can be a blanket or play mat on the ground with some toys. This is perfect for helping your little one to be happy as you fold laundry, do a couple dishes, or even work on the computer.

Of course, depending on the baby, tummy time may be torture or paradise. Gem hated tummy time until she could roll over, and then she loved it. So, tailor this suggestion to your baby’s needs and wants.

This Play Mat is specifically for newborns. However, you can buy a Kit of Foam Squares to make a larger mat for older babies to play on.

This suggestion can be tailored to older babies by simply skipping the mat and just bringing interesting toys and games (like a container with a lid that they can take off and put on) for your child to explore.

7. Carry Her/Him

Age Rating: Any

For some reason the most obvious solution to for how to get things done with a baby didn’t really dawn on me at first. Then, out of desperation (or maybe that’s how all moms discover this), I realized that you can do a lot more with a baby in one arm than you might realize.

Try making a game out of it to see (safely) what you can do with a baby in your arms. I would bet it’s a lot more than you think you can do. Brush your teeth, scrub a dish, tidy up, fold laundry . . . you name it.

Carrying your little one usually keeps them happy for a while, because she or he can observe what you’re doing and be entertained. Also, it’s easy for you to talk to him or her and help with that language development.

As they get older, it is healthy to invite them to “help” you with tasks too. At 12 months, Gem likes to fold laundry (even though she doesn’t really fold it) and help family brush their teeth (she will reach out, grab your toothbrush, and scrub it for you in your mouth). This has helped her to be excited about having a toothbrush of her own.

According to the article “How to Get Your Kids to Do Chores (Without Resenting It)” by NPR, letting your baby and toddler genuinely help as you try to get things done will turn them into much more helpful children.

8. Help Him/Her to Have Hun

Age Rating: Any

This might seem to be a given, but it can take time to realize that one of the best ways for you to get things done with a baby is to make a game up for both of you. Bounce them, make funny noises, sing, tell stories, hand them safe things to chew on, etc. This is all great for their development, and it can help them stay happy longer.

Also, you will likely find that you both have fun.

9. Let Family and Friends Hold Baby

Age Rating: Any

I would bet that there are a multitude of people who would be extraordinarily excited to hold or play with your baby so that you can get things done around your home. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Obviously you can’t do this all the time, but it might be just what you need to finish up that overwhelming pile of laundry and mop up those weird yellow stains on the floor.

10. Try White Noise During Naps

Age Rating: Any

Have you ever laid your baby down for a nap and run to complete some important tasks, only to find that your baby has popped up again faster than you can say “jack-in-the-box?”

When your little one seems determined to wake up the second you attempt to get things done, try putting on some white noise or nature sounds to help them stay relaxed and asleep. Two of my favorites are this winter ambience soundtrack and this 10 hour baby white noise video.

You can also buy a white noise machine on Amazon.

11. Put Baby by a Mirror

Age Rating: Any

I got this idea from an article by Amy @ Deliberately Here, though it is found in other places on the internet.

Either way, though, mirrors are a great way to entertain little ones, and the process of figuring them out is great for their little brains too.

It seems that infants (and even toddlers) of almost any age are entertained by mirrors for different reasons depending on their stage of development, so if you’re trying to get things done with a baby, you should try this out!

A portable mirror could serve you well in your home or on drives.

12. Tend to Baby’s Needs Quickly

Age Rating: Any

You know when your baby is in their highchair or their bouncer, and they’re perfectly happy, and then the next second they’re definitely not?

I have found that it is more productive to tend to their needs quickly rather than to try to “finish up” whatever it is I’m doing. I usually get more done because both baby and I are happier and less stressed.

It can be difficult to immediately leave the task at hand, especially if you know it’s something that has to be done, but I promise that it is worth tending to you baby’s needs quickly. HelpGuide.org has a great article discussing how important this is.

Reading it made me want to be a better mom.

When you take care of your little one quickly, it helps them to know that they can trust you. This will in turn help them to grow into more productive, healthy people. You won’t spoil your little one by tending to them quickly. On the contrary, they will, in the long run, actually be less likely to be spoiled! (Again, you can look at the HelpGuide.org article up above for more information on that).

Your most important task as a momma is to take care of your little one, so when you wonder how you’re ever going to find time to do anything with a baby, do not forget that they are still your priority—and the laundry can wait.

13. Use the Highchair

Age Rating: Any

This is probably obvious, but when your baby gets old enough for the highchair, use it!!

When done right, highchair time is a blessing for you and your baby, because while you get things done, baby can practice the important skill of self-feeding. Depending on their age, you can give them cheerios, a baby cracker/chip to gum, a piece of banana to chew on, etc.

I cannot tell you how many meals I have prepared (or at least started to prepare) while Gem was in her highchair practicing her fine motor skills to pick up cheerios.

You can do dishes, move the laundry over, clean the kitchen, work on school, and much, much more!

14. Breathe

Age Rating: Any

My husband suggested this one. It’s little wonder, though, because I work with anxiety, and taking time to breathe can help to reset your brain when it’s going haywire (typically from lack of sleep).

I like to breathe in on a count that feels comfortable but that still slows down my breath. Then I breathe out for the same or a similar count (again, I vary the count depending on what feels comfortable).

For example, I might breathe in for the count of eight, and then exhale for the count of nine. While I breathe, I sometimes increase the counts as I further relax.

This simple activity (which can be done while you’re feeding baby) clears the mind and helps you to focus on you next task. It has made a big difference in my journey to get things done with a baby.

For help with how to correctly do breathing exercises to reduce stress, check out this article from Healthline.

15. Get Up Early

Age Rating: Any

Everyone knows the saying “The early bird gets the worm,” and even if you’re not interested in worms, it’s very true that rising early comes with quite a few benefits, especially when you’re trying to get things done with a baby.

According to SleepAdvisor.org, Benefits of rising early include increased concentration and productivity, besides the ability to work for a bit without a cute mini-you to distract you.

If you feel like you’re not getting anything done during the day, try getting up early and see if it helps.

Obviously, though, this rule doesn’t always apply. If you woke up six times to care for a mysteriously energy-filled baby, then you might need to sleep a little longer.

16. Get Yourself Ready Before Doing Anything Else

Age Rating: Any

Okay, so there are times to do this and times to not do this. However, after having a baby, I found that if I took care of myself a little extra up front, it helped me to get more things done.

This does not mean to neglect your baby. This simply means that you make it a priority to get yourself ready as soon as you can in the morning. Feeling ready to go early on gives you confidence and puts you in a productive mindset.

Don’t forget to always answer the needs of your little munchkin ASAP, though.

17. Give Yourself a Deadline

Age Rating: Any

With a baby, especially a new baby, it can be extremely difficult to schedule a time for random things that are on the to-do list. So rather than trying to set a specific time for something, try to set a deadline. Say, for example “I will get this done by the end of the week,” or “I will finish this before going to bed tomorrow.”

This gives you a chunk of time to work within in order to accomplish your goals, and it also helps to keep your to-do list moving without overwhelming you and baby.

18. Set a Timer

Age Rating: Any

A lot of people are more motivated and efficient at getting things done when they know that they will rest after a certain period. Setting a timer can help you to get more done in the precious time that you do have to work (setting a timer can also help you to take time to relax, as well—try using this cute timer from amazon!).

So, try saying “I will do the dishes for 15 minutes” or “I will clean this area for 25 minutes.”

19. Make a routine

Age Rating: 3+ months

Having a routine can be tricky, especially when your little one is super young (or when they get older and start to grow out of naps).

However, creating a regular schedule with yourself—even if it is just saying that Monday is laundry day, Tuesday is vacuuming day, etc.—will make all the difference in trying to get things done with a baby.

Because you are committed to the schedule, tasks get done more easily and aren’t missed as often.

20. Batch Tasks

Age Rating: Any

If you need to return something at the store, put it where you can take it with next time you go. If you are slicing veggies for lunch, maybe try slicing some for dinner too. If you are going to put one thing away in a certain area, gather other things that go in that area and put them away too.

Batching tasks can help you save precious time and energy (which is gold if you’re a mom).

Also, you might think that a lot of my suggestions in this list fall under task batching, and you would be correct. However, I do feel that each sub-idea merits its own point, and my hope is that perhaps one way of saying it here will click with you and help you get things done with a baby.

Ways to Get House Chores Done With a Baby

21. Focus on One Room First

Age Rating: Any

This is another way of breaking your cleaning up into more feasible-feeling bits. If you focus on cleaning one room before you focus on the whole house it feels a lot more achievable.

Trust me; taking things in pieces is a much better strategy than saying “My house is a mess! I’m going to clean it all today.” You’ve got to break it up to get things done with a baby!

22. Vacuum

Age Rating: Any

It probably seems weird that one of the things on your to-do list is listed in an article talking about how to get things done with a baby. However, what no one told me when I had Gem is that a lot of babies love the sound of vacuums. It reminds them of the sound of blood rushing in the womb (that sound is actually louder than a vacuum cleaner).

So, if you have no idea where to start on your to-do list, start with vacuuming or alternate vacuuming with other tasks. The vacuum will help your baby feel safer and happier.

Gem is 12 months old, and she still enjoys the sound of the vacuum.

23. Keep Cleaning Wipes Where You Need Them

Age Rating: Any

Keeping basic disinfectant/cleaning wipes in convenient places is a great way to help yourself out in the getting-things-done marathon. After you use the bathroom, wipe the sink down. When you notice how grimy the railing is, grab a wipe and run over it quickly.

Instead of letting the to-do list pile up, grab a wipe (from your convenient location) and quickly clean it up.

Even when you can’t clean something right then, having wipes nearby makes it easy to remember to do it later.

Also, these Better Life Cleaning Wipes don’t technically disinfect, but they are supposed to be great cleaning wipes (I haven’t used them myself). However, Better Life is about the only brand of plant-based cleaners that I’ve found that is fully honest about not including any harmful chemicals in their stuff, so I’d recommend them.

24. Try Doing Laundry On One Day – OR At Specific Times

Age Rating: Any

Doing laundry can be overwhelming, especially with a new baby. Try setting specific times for laundry, such as all on one, predetermined day of the week, or one load before breakfast each day.

A pre-determined laundry schedule will keep things from piling up. I personally found it helpful to assign Monday as my laundry day, since I felt refreshed after my sabbath.

I also liked just doing it all at once and getting it out of the way so that I could focus on other things for the rest of the week.

Oh, and while you’re thinking about it, check out these budget laundry baskets on Amazon.

25. Hang Clothes Instead of Folding Them (Where Possible)

Age Rating: Any

What takes the most time when you do laundry? If you’re like me, it’s the dreaded task of folding.

However, I learned from my husband and mother-in-law that the more clothes you hang, the fewer you must fold. This is critical if you’re looking for ways to save time and get things done with a baby.

 So, hang away, and if you can time it right, hang clothes up right after they come out of the dryer. If you don’t make it, though, no biggie. Try turning the dryer on again for a few minutes (if your clothes can stand it). The heat can sometimes re-work the wrinkles back out.

Also, though, be kind to yourself. Being at home with a baby can be HARD.

26. Do a Bedtime Cleaning Sweep

Age Rating: Any

What do mice and messes have in common? If you don’t get rid of them quickly, they will multiply before you can say “squeaky clean.”

That’s why it is vital for you to develop a habit of picking up before sleeping, if possible. Just do a two-minute clean sweep when baby is finally asleep and before you curl up.

Doing this (or picking another time to do it) will keep the clutter from accumulating and will make a big difference in your quest to get things done with a baby.

However, make sure you don’t start projects when tidying up. This isn’t the time to decide what shoes to get rid of. It’s a “pick up out-of-place things” moment so that any left-over messes don’t stick around and attract new messes.

Sometimes I do multiple cleaning sweeps during the day so that things stay tidy. That way when bedtime hits it really is a 2 minute thing and not a 30-minute tidy-up-10-billion-random-objects session.

27. Have a Spot Just for Miscellaneous Items

Age Rating: Any

You know that thing you have that should go somewhere but just . . . doesn’t? It’s been sitting by your bathroom sink for, I don’t know, three weeks now, and when you clean you move it but then just put it back because you don’t know where to put it?

That, my friend, is what I would define as a “Miscellaneous item,” and it needs a home too.

Giving miscellaneous items a home will help you stay on top of everything and will make it much easier to be productive with a baby.

Create a spot that is your “In-transition” point, or maybe just your “miscellaneous items” spot. That way you always have a place to put things that are homeless so that they’re not lonely (and so that they don’t clutter up your bathroom).

Now, this “miscellaneous items” spot could quickly get out of hand if used incorrectly. This spot is not for things that have a home but that you don’t want to put away. It is a designated location for items that just don’t “go with” any other spot in your house. Period.

And if your “miscellaneous items” spot starts to get too full, you probably need to de-junk.

28. Keep Cleaning Equipment Within Easy Reach

Age Rating: Any

You know that thing that you keep meaning to clean? Yeah, the thing that is so simple to clean but has been sitting so long that–quite frankly—it’s embarrassing?

Psst.

Try storing the cleaning supplies closer to it.

Yep, that’s right, put a basic cleaner by your messiest areas (I plan to try this Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner, since it seems to be one of the best and safest cleaners on the market right now) and notice the magic that happens.

When the cleaning supplies are within reach, cleaning tends to happen more easily.

29. Use Bins

Age Rating: Any

Bins are a great way to minimize clean-up and maximize tidiness.

If you find that you are struggling to keep things organized and clean around the house, investing in some sort of bins (I use these basic, collapsible ones in our closets) for specific items might help make your cleaning job simpler and easier.

30. Clean Your Sink (Or Bathroom) Before Bathing Baby

Age Rating: Any (But maybe more 0 – 6 months)

If I hadn’t done this for the first month of Gem’s life, our bathroom would never have been cleaned. I was just too tired and overwhelmed to care.

However, I made the rule that I would (at least) do a basic wipe-down of the bathroom every time before bathing Gem, and I put some cleaning supplies close by. Then voilà; the bathroom got cleaned.

31. Clean Your Shower or Bath When You Shower or Bathe

Age Rating: Any (Again, maybe more for early on, like 0 – 6 months max)

This might sound like a pain in the neck . . . but hey, if it’s a way to keep that shower from growing mold, mildew, or other exciting crusties, why not try it out?

Doing the shower was one of the most overwhelming things on my to-do list when I started to really try and get things done with a baby. Combining it with a simple task I already had to do (shower) made it less overwhelming.

I typically sprayed the shower down with cleaner (this Better Life Cleaner is a more natural but effective one–also, I swear I’m not sponsored by Better Life as I’m writing this article; I just like their stuff), scrubbed the walls down quick, and then rinsed it as I got in, but you can do this however you’d like.

32. De-Clutter

Age Rating: Any (Especially good for Pre-baby)

I’m sure you’ve never heard this suggestion before. Not.

Alright, so decluttering is talked about, like, all the time. But why?

Because usually the messes in our house have more to do with having too much stuff than they do with you being a “super messy person.” (I seriously believe this.)

If you are struggling with how to get house chores done with a baby, and your house seems like a disaster, set aside chunks of time to go through designated areas and pull out things you don’t use. (But don’t do what I did and get rid of all your jeans because you’re “never going to fit in them again.” I lived to regret that. Oh, the joys of hormones.)

Once you’ve got some things to get rid of, just put them in the car and take them by the thrift store next time you’re in town. Or, if the stuff is really junk, throw it away.

33. Have a Designated Spot for Things

Age Rating: Any

I touched a bit on this already, but I’m bringing it up again because it’s CRITICAL if you want to get anything done when you have a baby, and if you want to have a decent-looking house while parenting.

Most disorganization in a house comes from things not having a place. It’s important to give each item in your house a home. That way you always know where to put it back at.

You may need to declutter before everything in your house can have a home, and that’s alright. Just remember that when you are trying to get things done with a baby, everything is a process.

Also, if you’re wanting to create some more storage space, but you need something a little more multi-functional, check out this little shelf caddy. I think it would be perfect for organizing toys in the living room or nursery, or even for holding changing supplies, like diapers and wipes.

34. Clean Up Along the Way

Age Rating: Any

When you leave a room, take things with you from that room that need to be put away at the destination you’re heading to.

For example, if you have dirty dishes in the bedroom just take them along as you head to the kitchen for lunch (or whatever might resemble lunch . . . I know, sometimes just having three meals a day can be hard when you’re struggling to get things done with a baby. You’re not alone in your struggles, though!).

35. Try a Steam Mop

Age Rating: Any

I don’t know about you, but for the first few months, the idea of mopping sounded like learning to bull ride while hog-tied.

Intimidating, right? Not that I’ve ever tried that before.

Anyway, something that helped me out was using our Shark steam mop to do quick mops of our floor. Steam mopping, for me, makes the task a bit more like vacuuming, and that’s just simpler as you try to get things done with a baby.

36. Do the Little Things

Age Rating: Any

Have you ever noticed how not putting your clothes in the laundry basket every time (I might get this cute laundry basket at some point for extra motivation) seems to trigger an automatic mess avalanche in your bedroom? I sure have!

Whenever possible, do the little things to keep stuff in order and get things done. Put laundry in the basket, scrub your dish after eating, put away the toys after playtime. I promise it will make it ten times easier to get things done with a baby.

Also, though, don’t forget to be kind to yourself during all that. If at first you don’t succeed, be kind to yourself and try, try again!

Tips for Making Food With a Baby

37. Use a Food Processor or Blender to Chop Veggies Quickly

Age Rating: Any

This is a random tip, but it can really save time in meal-making if you need to chop lots of things like carrots and onions, and you don’t care if they look pretty. Shortcuts like this can really help you when you feel like you can’t do anything with aa baby!

After peeling, quarter onions and break the carrots in half. Then pulse the food a couple times before turning it on for a few seconds. You may need to tamp it down with a spatula once or twice and then turn it on again for a second or two.

I do this for soups a lot. Who cares if their carrots are in smaller pieces as long as mom is still sane when dinner finally gets on the table?

I’ve found that this tip works better for some in the blender and better for others in their food processer. Just try it based on what you have and figure out what works for you.

38. Try a Crock Pot

Age Rating: Any

Crock pot recipes are a good time saver since you just put the ingredients in, set the temperature (and maybe a timer), and then walk away. Not needing to monitor a pot on a stove can be a big help when you’re trying to get things done with a baby.

Also, if evening is a rough time for you or your baby, crock pot meals can be a good option for you. The preparation happens earlier in the day, leaving you free to focus on your little one as dinner approaches.

This crock pot has the best written reviews I could find on Amazon, and it is also a very affordable price for the quality.

39. Look Into Instapots

Age Rating: Any

Another alternative to a crock pot is an instapot. Instapots are especially good if you aren’t good at planning 5 to 9 hours ahead on your meals (which I’m not always great at).

Basically, instapots use high pressure and heat to cook your food super-fast, and they work for a massive variety of meals, so they can be a real time-saver.

Also, if you get a multi-purpose one, like the Ninja Foodi (this is our version of the Ninja Foodi, and we LOVE it), you can sauté, bake, pressure cook, air fry, and more, all in the same pot, which can also save on time and dishes.

40. Curbside Pick-up

Age Rating: Any

I highly doubt that they had moms of young children in mind when curbside pickup took off (we were all rather busy with the idea of COVID shutting our lives down), but BOY, is curbside pickup made for moms with newborns!

While your little one naps, throw in an order and go pick it up that afternoon. It’s a whole lot easier than going to the store juggling a baby in one arm.

41. Get an Immersion Blender

Age Rating: Any

You know those “easy” puréed soups that require 3 different containers so that you can blend it all in the bender before you add it all back into the pot on the stove? Oh, and while you transfer the steaming hot liquid (which is definitely a safety hazard) from container to container, your baby is starting to fuss because she’s hungry?

Or have you seen those baby food ideas that they say to just “Mash up” . . . but when it’s mashed your baby gags on the ever-present chunks?

Yep, this is why I love my immersion blender. If you want to make easy and quick blended soup recipes for dinner or prepare your own pureed baby food in a cinch, an immersion blender is for you.

I used mine at least 2-3 times each week during the winter when Gem started to eat solid foods. I never once regretted having it, and I often thought things along the lines of “What would I do without this!?”

Mindset Secrets for Getting Stuff Done With a Baby

42. Be Kind to Yourself

Age Rating: Any

I wanted to put this in because . . . well, we know how it feels. Every mom who’s been there knows exactly what it’s like to feel defeated and wonder “How on EARTH am I ever going to get things done with a baby?!”

So, the biggest mindset solution is to be kind to yourself. I don’t mean that you should sit back and not do anything to fix the situation, and I don’t mean that you should wither away into self-pitying tears of grief and distress at the difficulty of it all (though I know I sure had plenty of meltdowns, and that’s normal).

Want I mean is that it IS hard to get things done with a baby, so be kind to yourself as you do it. Recognize that struggling with this is something all moms face, and you’re not a failure for dealing with it.

Also recognize that you will get through this, whether it takes weeks, months, or even years in some cases. And while you’re at it, maybe try reading my article on 11 Joys of Being a Mom. That might bolster your spirits.

43. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Age Rating: Any

No, the phrase “Work smarter, not harder” is not for lazy people. The true meaning of that phrase is for efficient people. This phrase is key for how to get things done with a baby.

For example, don’t spend forever using a cleaner on your sink every time when a wipe out with a disposable cleaning rag is all that’s needed every other cleaning.

Treasure your time. Think “Is there a faster way to do this? Or am I just doing this like this out of habit or tradition?

44. Be Mindful of Your Time

Age Rating: Any

More often than not, we lose time by not moving on to the next thing fast enough. We lie in bed a little longer, we take time to watch one more YouTube video when we don’t need to, etc. Don’t get me wrong, it’s important to relax, but it’s also important to recognize when you are wasting precious time.

Practice observing yourself and noticing how you use your time. And when you catch yourself not using your time well, act then to change. This habit is a key way to get things done with a baby.

45. Figure Out the Whys

Age Rating: Any

We do a lot of things out of habit or out of a desire to “do it right.”

Sometimes our habits and our “right” ways of doing things are weighing us down. Try being mindful as you work. Ask “Why am I doing this?” and consider if you should change tactics to be more efficient.

46. Know When to Stop

Age Rating: Any

Perhaps one of the hardest things as a mom is to know when to stop. Maybe that means to stop adding to today’s to-do list, or maybe that means to just go and lie down when you have the chance.

Either way, when your desperately trying try to do things with a baby, you also need to know what you won’t do so that you and your little one can stay healthy and happy.

Have boundaries and know when to stop so that you can care for your little one (they are more important than anything else that you could do anyways).

47. Look Up to a Higher Power

Age Rating: Any

When I am tired or discouraged, and the idea of trying to get things done with a baby sounds as hard as climbing Mt. Everest—or maybe when I’m not tired, but I just know I have a lot to do—my favorite thing is to look to God.

I pray and ask for help, strength, comfort, direction, patience, compassion, better organization skills and more. I believe that anyone can talk to God, and he will answer. (You can understand that as a parent; God doesn’t ignore His kids!)

But maybe this looks a little bit different for you. Maybe it means meditating, or maybe it means reciting scripture. Or maybe you pray differently than I do.

However you worship or connect with a higher power, though, I do believe that looking up helps you to be more productive and can help figure out how to get stuff done with a baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a lot of frequently asked questions on google that relate to the general question of how to get work done with a baby. Most of them relate to different ages or stages for babies. For the sake of answering everyone’s question, I am going to list all of them here, but some of them might seem a bit repetitive.

How Do You Get Work Done With a Newborn?

This is a classic question. Trust me, lots of people have struggled with feeling like they are getting nothing done with a newborn.

Well, in my opinion, you first need to remember that your newborn is your priority. NOTHING is more important in the long-term than that sweet baby, so you always ned to choose them over other tasks. Treasure them, and meet their needs to the best of your ability. Then, AFTER you figure that out, you can add being productive with your baby to your to-do list.

So here is some practical advice (condensed from the tips above):

• Be chill. My main doctor’s friend, who examined me in the hospital before I came home, said that everything in those first two weeks is stressful, but the best thing to do is to pick 1 or 2 tasks (max) to do well. Then you have to let everything else go. Example tasks to be awesome at include changing diapers, feeding, etc.
• As you start to pick up on a sleep/eat/awake rhythm, use that rhythm to your advantage. As soon as they sleep, do a task.
• Break tasks up. Make baby step goals for each nap or awake time and stick to those (don’t add more). It’s the only way to get things done and not overwhelm yourself.
• Bring your newborn with you (awake or asleep). Maybe in a bouncer, maybe in a carrier or a swing, or maybe in the bassinet (sleeping) because they sleep better/longer when you are close to them (Gem did); but whatever way it is, bring them with and incorporate them into your daily routine. They are going to be a part of it for a long time, after all!

Good luck! Let me know in the comments below if this helped you in figuring out how to get stuff done with a baby!

How do you Get Things Done With a Clingy Baby?

This is a tricky question, because it applies to a wide range of ages in infants. However, you can’t every go wrong in bringing them with you. If you can, I would definitely invest in something like the Baby K-tan carrier or the Original Lille Carrier.

If a carrier isn’t an option, you can try things like bouncers or swings. I now that some babies who always want to be held are happy to be in a moving swing. I recommended this swing-bouncer combo up above.

Also don’t underestimate the power of including your baby in your tasks. You can talk to them and tell them about what you’re doing, and as they get older, you can even let them help. This article from NPR (I also shared this up above) discusses what a healthy practice this actually is.

Side Note: The Original Lille Carrier states that you need a separate newborn pillow to use it with a super little one. I just used a folded towel, and it seemed to work fine.

How do you Get Things Done With a Crawling Baby? | How Do You Get Things Done With a 6 Month Old | How Do You Get Things Done With a 9 Month Old?

At 6 to 9 months old, the idea of bringing your baby with still applies, but at this point it looks very different than when you were bring your newborn baby with to get work done.

Now you have to bring them in ways that are suited for their stage of development. The following are some basic suggestions.

• Use a baby gate to close off the area you are working in (make sure it’s baby proofed!) so that they can be with you and practice crawling. This works well for activities like stain-treating or folding laundry.
• Use the highchair. Your baby can eat now, so take advantage of snack time to accomplish tasks that you can’t do while they are crawling or scooting.
• Invest in a playpen. When Gem was starting to crawl and walk, she would fall a LOT, which made me nervous. I discovered that when we were in places that would be more dangerous to fall in, it worked well to let her play in her playpen/pack-n-play by me instead.

Concluding Thoughts About Getting Things Done With a Baby

Phew, that was a long list, right!? Hopefully you found some helpful information in there. Feel free to share this article with friends and family that you think might need it!

Also, this is a summary sheet of everything in the article. Feel free to pin it on Pinterest or your other social media so that you can refer back to it!

Just know that you have got this, and that the time will come when your floors will be clean again. Also, don’t forget that your little one is absolutely the most important thing you could ever do, so in your attempts to get things done with a baby, cut yourself some slack.

They are the most important thing you will ever do anyways.