There’s nothing quite like welcoming a new baby into your life. Everything changes, everything is new, and it’s all exciting and overwhelming all at once. Most people understand that bringing a new baby home means you’ll probably be getting less sleep for a while, but it also introduces a whole new set of responsibilities – day and night.
Even as you change diapers with joy, feed with happiness, and wake up in the middle of the night ready to care for your little one, finding time to take care of other tasks can seem somewhat daunting.
However, with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to maintain productivity while nurturing your newborn. With a few practical tips and strategies in place, you can stay on top of your other responsibilities so you don’t feel overwhelmed by too many changes at once. Let’s look at a few of those tips that you can start putting into practice right away.
Babies and kids thrive on having a daily routine and schedule. Putting one in place can also help you have more control over how your day goes. While things won’t always line up down to the minute, your basic schedule should include when your baby eats, naps, and plays. Use the in-between time to prioritize other things that need to get done.
A structured but flexible schedule should go with the flow of your life while still meeting your baby’s needs. Spend about a week with a schedule in place to determine whether it works for you or if you need to make changes. After a few tweaks, you’re likely to find something that fits your life and gives you time to be productive.
You can also utilize technology to streamline your day as much as possible. Smart tech is becoming more prominent in homes across the country, and you can use it to your advantage while caring for your little one. Consider installing home automation systems to make your life a bit easier. Things like smart thermostats will keep your home at the optimal temperature without you having to worry about changing it. Smart security systems will keep you safe and offer peace of mind. Installing smart devices will increase your home’s efficiency, provide better safety, and make it easy to have more control over your surroundings so you can focus on other things.
Sometimes, it might feel like you have to have your baby attached to you every second they’re awake. While you should absolutely hold and cuddle your little one, it’s also important that they learn how to entertain themselves. A playpen, baby bouncer, or activity gym can keep your baby safe in a contained play area while still giving them something interesting to do. One of our personal favorites is the Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers Airplane Adventure 2-in-1 Activity Jumper, which lets pilot the plane to a multi-sensory adventure with more than 20 melodies, sounds, lights, and an adjustable seat that rotates 360 degrees, so they can always be a part of what’s going on. When they’re entertained and you know they’re secure, you can tackle some household chores or even a bit of work if your job allows you to work from home.
For those times when you do need to keep your baby with you, consider wearing a carrier. There isn’t a shortage to choose from, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the options. When considering a carrier, narrow it down by asking yourself the following:
Carriers can be a great way to keep your baby close while keeping your hands free, so do your research to determine your needs, and land on something that you think will be most comfortable for both of you.
As the old saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You might have every intention of being productive at home, but you’re just too exhausted or busy with your baby that you aren’t getting as much done as you would like.
Take a deep breath and give yourself some grace. Self-care should be a top priority for every parent. If you aren’t taking care of yourself properly, you’re not going to be able to care for your baby, or anything else, the way you should.
Talk to your partner about sharing both physical and mental responsibilities. It’s okay to delegate certain things you think they should handle, but make sure you’re both playing to your strengths so you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed. Set up a system that works for you and don’t worry about making things too complicated.
When you’re by yourself, prioritize small moments of self-care. Eat a healthy snack, go for a walk with your baby in a stroller, or take a quick nap while your baby is sleeping during the day. Even pampering yourself with a nightly skincare routine can help you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. Don’t be afraid to “splurge” on some things, like natural green tea skincare products that can help to reduce puffy eyes and slow the clock on aging. You deserve to look and feel your best.
Self-care might seem like it would be counterproductive if you’re trying to get things done. But, it will give you a necessary boost of energy and can actually increase productivity.
Of course, taking care of your baby takes precedence over any other chore or task on your to-do list. But, don’t let yourself get too overwhelmed. Keep these tips in mind as you navigate your new life with a baby, and it won’t take long to find a routine that works for you.
Charlie Fletcher
Author