You know your life will change when you become a parent for the first time. Along with the love and joy comes a lot of new responsibilities and demands. By starting to manage your time more effectively when you are a new parent the sky is the limit. Because if you can find extra time with a baby or two wanting your attention, then you can find when you add work into the mix.
It’s easy to wind up feeling overwhelmed unless you can design a system that works for you.
Start by taking a look at these suggestions that have helped other new parents manage their time when they were in your shoes.
Maximizing Your Time:
1. Assess your routine. Figure out how you’re currently spending your time. How many hours do you spend watching TV or browsing online? Are there some tasks you can remove from your to-do list? Check out this post for more on how to streamline your schedule
2. Set priorities. Focus on your most important responsibilities. Your family’s health and happiness matter more than keeping up with the laundry. That being said, it is easy to throw in a load of laundry. And I mean 1, not do laundry all day. But 1 load is possible with a baby on your hip, or just put the baby down to play in a laundry basket next to you.
3. Plan ahead. If possible, start strategizing even before your baby is born. Research your options for things like diaper service and daycare.
4. Budget extra time. Expect that many activities will take longer than they used to. If you’re running errands with your baby, you’ll need to bring along extra supplies, and you may need to stop for bathroom and feeding breaks. Also, expect your bundle of joy to do a diaper blowout just as you are going out the door.
5. Coordinate your tasks. When you start to manage and think of your time as a parent, It will help you stay on track. Just deal with your essential errands first, in case you run out of time. And go errand clustering, which means: schedule errands that are close together around the same time so you don’t drive all over town and tire out yourself and the baby.
6. Ask for help. Let others know how they can support you. Your family and friends may be happy to babysit or take over some chores. Contact local companies to hire a baby nurse or a house cleaner.
7. Use technology. Online shopping and time-saving apps can help you cut down on your workload. Ask other new and experienced parents about their favorite discoveries. Personally, I love online shopping, especially when my 3rd was a baby. It was so smooth (and sometimes cheaper), especially for pacifiers and bottles as my latest 2 were picky about both when they were babies.
Dealing with Common Obstacles:
1. Catch up on sleep. Sleep deprivation is one of the toughest challenges when you have a new baby, but you need your rest to function well. Most babies can sleep through the night starting at about 3 months, especially if you develop soothing bedtime rituals. Until then, you and your partner might be able to alternate taking charge some nights so you each get some rest. Naps help too.
2. Eat a balanced diet. Sound nutrition will also make you more productive. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Cook food in batches for quick meals, and keep your pantry stocked with your favorite staples.
3. Exercise regularly. How can you squeeze in a workout? Maybe you can do yoga for a few minutes at a time instead of your usual full session. Or maybe you can find a quiet half hour at the start or end of your day. Or check if your local health club has mom + baby classes. You get the exercise to heal and you can bring the baby. A win-win in my book.
4. Evaluate the source. Being picky about who you go to for advice can save you time and frustration. Focus on those you can trust like your pediatrician or government and university websites.
5. Clear away clutter. Onesies, stuffed animals, and other baby gear are so cute that you may be tempted to go overboard. However, too many items create more work, so stick to having just what you really need.
6. Reduce stress. It’s difficult to use your time well when you’re tired or tense. Find relaxation practices that work for you, such as meditation or listening to music. Call a friend or join a parent support group.
In the end:
Having your first child is a major milestone in your life. Knowing how to manage your time as a new parent, will help you to remain balanced and navigate the transition. That way, you can take care of your own needs and ensure that your baby feels safe and loved.
For more tips on how to balance your life with a baby, check out these links: