How to Successfully Work From Home With a Baby
Working from home with a baby is a challenge many parents are blessed to have. Knowing your infant is safe in your home provides a sense of peace of mind like no other. While daycare can wait, working from home with a little one definitely won’t be a cakewalk. However, it can be much simpler if you keep these essential tips in mind.
Communicate With Your Boss
Before diving into your work-from-home routine, have a quick catch-up with your boss to confirm it’ll be okay for you to work from home with your baby. Open communication is key. Discuss any specific needs you might have related to your schedule. For instance, you might want to work between 7 AM and 3 PM instead of the usual 9 AM to 5 PM.
Alternatively, if your partner is also working from home, you could coordinate your schedules to ensure that you have extra hands available, especially during busy work hours.
Have a Designated Work Area at Home
While it may be tempting to work from the couch with your baby, we recommend creating a designated workspace, such as a desk or a home office area. Having a specific spot to work helps you maintain a sense of routine and structure. This setup also keeps your hands free until you need to tend to your baby.
If your baby is napping or playing nearby, you can focus better on your tasks without the distractions of the rest of the house. A dedicated workspace helps you mentally separate work from home life, making it easier to shift gears when necessary.
Create the Ultimate Play Area
To keep your baby entertained while you work, consider creating a safe and engaging play area nearby. Explore the latest toys designed for safe, independent play. Soft toys are a great idea. Consider skipping the noisy ones, which might become distracting during meetings.
Leverage Nap Time
If you have a baby who enjoys long naps, capitalize on this time to schedule meetings or tackle tasks that require lots of attention to detail. These quiet moments can be your golden hours for productivity. You can also use this time for yourself! Maybe popping some lunch in the microwave or preparing something simple to snack on.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Utilize technology to your advantage! Consider using voice-to-text for writing emails or drafting reports. Just be sure to proofread afterward to catch any errors! Embrace the available tools and think about those meetings that could easily be replaced with a quick email. Suggesting alternatives can improve efficiency for you and your colleagues. Remember, working smarter often leads to better productivity.
Use a Baby Carrier
Your baby may not enjoy sitting alone while they’re awake. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to attend a meeting, consider using a baby carrier. This allows your little one to feel comforted and close to you while you engage with your coworkers. Plus, your colleagues will enjoy the surprise guest appearance!
Keep all your essentials close by wearing your Dad Hoodie during the work day. Are they looking for a pacifier? Keep a few stashed away in your cozy Dad Hoodie.
Be Prepared for Rough Days
Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge that not every day will be smooth sailing when working from home with a baby. They have their off days, just like adults do! There will be moments when you need to call out from work due to your baby being unwell or particularly fussy.
This is entirely normal and is no different than calling out from an office job. Ensure that your baby stays healthy and comforted, as they are your top priority. Work is important, but your baby is your world.
