Working From Home With a Baby: 10 Tips for Staying Productive (and Sane)

1. Create a baby-friendly workspace.

Your workspace matters, especially when you’re sharing it with a newborn. Start by setting up a designated area where you can work comfortably while keeping an eye on your baby.

Consider using a bassinet or playpen near your desk so your baby can nap or play while you work. Keep essentials like diapers, wipes, and toys within arm’s reach to minimize disruptions.

If possible, invest in noise-canceling headphones to help you focus during meetings or deep work sessions. And don’t forget to baby-proof your workspace; little ones have a knack for finding cords, keyboards, and anything else they can grab.

2. Embrace a flexible schedule.

One of the biggest perks of remote work is the ability to set your own schedule. With a newborn, flexibility is key. Instead of trying to stick to a traditional 9-to-5 routine, work in shorter, focused bursts throughout the day.

For example, you might tackle important tasks during your baby’s naps and use quieter moments for emails or administrative work. If your job allows, consider shifting your hours to align with your baby’s sleep patterns.

Napper's tips: Communicate your schedule with your team so they know when you’re available and when you’re offline. Transparency helps set expectations and reduces stress for everyone.

3. Master the art of time blocking.

Time blocking is a powerful productivity technique that involves dividing your day into dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks. For remote-working parents, this can be a game-changer, helping you stay focused and organized while balancing work and taking care of baby.

Start by identifying your most important tasks for the day. These might include work projects, meetings, and baby-related responsibilities like feeding or nap times. Assign each task to a specific time block, ensuring you have enough flexibility to accommodate your baby’s unpredictable schedule.

For example, you might block off the morning for focused work while your baby naps, reserve midday for feeding and playtime, and use the afternoon for meetings or lighter tasks.

Napper's tips: Use a digital calendar or planner to visualize your time blocks. Color-code work tasks, baby care, and personal time to create a clear and balanced schedule.

4. Use technology to your advantage.

Technology can be a lifesaver for remote-working parents. From productivity apps to baby monitors, the right tools can help you stay on top of your work while keeping an eye on your baby.

Consider using project management tools to organize your tasks and deadlines. For baby-related tasks, apps like Napper can help you track feeding and sleep schedules, so you’re always one step ahead.

Automate wherever possible. Set up recurring grocery orders, use smart home devices to manage household tasks, and enable email filters to prioritize important messages.

Just remember to set boundaries with technology. Designate tech-free times, like during meals or bedtime, to ensure you’re fully present with your family.

5. Communicate openly with your employer.

Open communication is essential when you’re working remotely with a newborn. Be upfront with your employer about your situation and the challenges you’re facing.

Schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and explore potential accommodations. This might include adjusting your hours, reducing your workload, or setting clear boundaries around your availability.

Napper's tips: Come prepared with a plan. For example, you might propose working in shorter bursts throughout the day or shifting your hours to align with your baby’s sleep schedule.

6. Build a support system.

You don’t have to do it all alone. Building a support system can make a world of difference when you’re juggling work and a newborn.

Start by enlisting the help of your partner, family, or trusted caregivers. Even a few hours of childcare each day can give you the time and space you need to focus on work.

If outside help isn’t an option, consider teaming up with other remote-working parents. You might take turns watching each other’s babies for short periods or share tips and resources to make the juggle a little easier.

7. Take care of yourself.

It’s easy to put yourself last when you’re juggling work and a newborn, but self-care is essential for your well-being. Even small moments of “me time” can recharge your batteries and help you show up as your best self at work and at home.

Schedule time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a hobby. If finding time feels impossible, start small—even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.

Napper's tips: Communicate your need for “me time” with your partner or support system. Taking turns to care for the baby ensures you both get the breaks you need.

8. Set realistic expectations.

Remote work with a newborn is a balancing act, and it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. You’re not going to be the most productive version of yourself right now, and that’s okay.

Be honest with yourself and your employer about what you can realistically accomplish. Focus on quality over quantity and celebrate small wins along the way.

Remember, this is a temporary phase. As your baby grows and your routine evolves, you’ll find new ways to balance work and family life.

9. Embrace the chaos.

Let’s face it. Working from home with a newborn is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright chaotic. But it’s also filled with moments of joy, laughter, and connection.

Instead of fighting the chaos, embrace it. Laugh when your baby interrupts a meeting with a loud coo or a diaper blowout. Take breaks to snuggle, play, or simply marvel at the tiny human you’ve created.

These moments won’t last forever, and they’re what make this season of life so special.

10. Be kind to yourself.

Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can in an incredibly challenging situation.

Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Managed to finish a work project and make it through the day without a meltdown? That’s a win. Got through a tough day with a smile? That’s a win too.

Give yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly. Parenting is a journey, and there’s no such thing as a perfect balance. What matters is that you’re showing up, doing your best, and loving your baby along the way.

Working from home with baby

Remote work with a newborn is no walk in the park, but with the right strategies, you can find a rhythm that works for your family. By creating a baby-friendly workspace, embracing a flexible schedule, and prioritizing self-care, you can stay productive while cherishing those precious moments with your little one.

You’re not alone in this journey. Millions of parents are navigating the same challenges, and with the right support and mindset, you can thrive both at work and at home.

So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and know that you’ve got this.