Balancing Diapers and Deadlines

Tips for working from home with an infant

Whether you are new to working at home while caring for your infant, or you’re a pro at typing while bouncing a baby on your knee, getting work done while also parenting can be a challenge. You can set yourself and your environment up to better balance both roles and your work and baby will benefit.


Your Work Space Area
Take a good look at where you do most of your work. Set up the area so you can manage your work and baby at the same time.

Use a portable crib, swing, bouncy chair or gates to keep your baby close. Your baby is happy, entertained, and contained and you don’t have to interrupt work every time he goes crawling off.

Have a stash of new toys near your desk, since babies tire quickly of the same toys.

Baby proof your work area as much as possible. Cover or tie back cords, lock cabinets and make sure your baby can’t reach anything that could hurt him. Not only will this keep your baby safe, but it’s no fun losing hours worth of work because your little one rebooted your computer or emptied your filing cabinet.

If baby’s room is not close to your work area, store diaper supplies close too. Having diapers and wipes close means you don’t have to spend time taking baby upstairs every time she needs a change. The more time you spend at your work area, the more work you’ll be able to accomplish.

If your baby is eating finger foods, keep some snacks close.

Managing Your Time
Plan time at your desk, but also plan breaks for both you and your baby. Meal and snack times are a great chance to get away from work and spend time with your baby. Make sure you take enough time to play and talk with your baby so she gets the attention she craves. Most babies are content to play by themselves for a while, but they also need interaction from you. Be realistic about how much time you can spend working and how much time your baby will need.

Working Around Naps
Be careful counting on naptimes to get your work done. It’s true that infants sleep a lot, but it probably doesn’t come in long stretches, especially when they are very young. Nor are nap times completely predicable. You may schedule an important conference call at naptime only to be faced with a wide-awake baby. Schedule tasks and calls that require complete quiet and focus for times when somebody else can watch your baby.

Hiring Help
A great way to increase how much you are able to focus on work is to hire a mother’s helper. Mother’s helpers care for your child in your home while you are home. You’re able to focus on work, but you’re also able to step in if your child needs you. Because you are home and able to monitor your baby’s care, you may consider helpers with less experience than somebody you would trust to watch your baby when you’re not home. High schools and colleges are often good places to start your search for a mother’s helper.

You may also want to consider finding childcare outside your home for a couple hours a day. It's easiest of all to focus on work if you can't hear your little one playing, or wailing, in the next room.