Working From Home With an Infant: 10 Tips for Success

Written by Richard O'Connor
Last updated October 16, 2024

We discuss 10 top tips for success when working from home with an infant. If you’re a new parent, these tips could be a lifesaver.

Working from home with an infant can be both a blessing and a challenge. Yes, it comes with flexibility and the joy of being close to your baby. At this early stage of their lives, we all know just how priceless that can be. But it’s not without its own set of struggles. How do you manage a video call while calming a crying baby? Or meet deadlines in between feeding and nappy changes?

Don’t fret! With years of experience under our belts, we’ve pooled all our resources to come up with a list of top tips for working from home with a baby.

Your life as a new parent working from home is about to get a whole lot easier.

10 Tips for Success When Working from Home with An Infant

Check out our 10 tips for remote working with a baby so you can make the most of life as a parent.

1. Establish a Routine, But Stay Flexible

Creating a routine that incorporates your baby’s naps, feeding times, and work tasks can make the day feel more manageable. However, infants are unpredictable, so flexibility is key. Try to get the most critical tasks done during nap times and stay adaptable for when things don’t go to plan.

2. Create a Designated Workspace

Setting up a designated workspace, no matter how small, will help you switch into work mode. Try to keep this space separate from your baby’s play area so that you can maintain focus during work hours. It also helps signal to other household members that when you’re in this space, you’re working.

3. Utilise Naps Wisely

Make the most of your baby’s nap times by tackling high-priority tasks or engaging in meetings that require your full attention. Don’t be afraid to block these times off on your calendar to avoid any interruptions.

👉 Bonus reading: Jobs for Stay-At-Home Mums

4. Use a Baby Carrier

A baby carrier can be a lifesaver, allowing you to keep your infant close while leaving your hands free to get work done. Whether it’s a few emails or a quick task, you’ll find a carrier can help keep your little one settled and you productive.

5. Incorporate Playtime Breaks

Instead of trying to power through your workday, schedule breaks to play with your baby. These short breaks not only allow you to recharge but also ensure your baby gets the attention they need. A little playtime can also tire them out for the next nap!

6. Communicate With Your Employer

Open and honest communication with your employer is crucial. Many workplaces are more understanding of parents’ needs, especially post-pandemic. Share your schedule with your manager and let them know when you’re most available and when you might be juggling baby duties.

7. Invest in Noise-Cancelling Headphones

First and foremost, it’s essential to clarify that noise-cancelling headphones should only be used when your partner or someone else is available to watch your baby. Safety comes first!

With that said, noise-cancelling headphones can be a fantastic investment for parents working from home. They’re particularly useful for tuning out background distractions, allowing you to focus more effectively on your tasks.

8. Accept Help When You Can

Don’t be afraid to lean on your support network. Whether it’s a partner, a family member, or a neighbour, a helping hand can give you the focus time you need to get through your work. Even if someone can help for just an hour, it can make a big difference.

9. Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are plenty of tools that can help streamline your work-from-home experience, from baby monitors that sync with your phone to productivity apps that help you manage your to-do list. Even a smart speaker can keep you on track with voice-activated reminders.

10. Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, the most important tip is to cut yourself some slack. Working from home with an infant is hard work! Some days will be smooth sailing, while others will be full of surprises. It’s important to remind yourself that you’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.

Conclusion: Working from Home as a New Parent

Working from home with an infant is no easy feat. But with some careful planning and the right strategies in place, you and your newborn get to spend precious time together from day one. By following our top tips, you’ll find that it’s possible to manage both work and baby duties. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect day—embrace the chaos and celebrate the small wins whenever you get them!

For more insights on balancing work and family life, check out our Parenthood Support Hub on Refreshing a Career.

Looking for jobs that allow you to work from home? Our work-from-home jobs board is packed with the latest opportunities for new parents.

Are you an employer?

We offer a range of services for employers of new parents and parents returning to work. Our team of experts at Refreshing a Career can help you invest in your people while continuing to grow your business.

Here’s what we offer:

  • Advice and support – Our website is packed with guides for employers, including advice on attracting career changers, building a diverse work environment, and more. Find the latest industry insights on our blog
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For more information, email us at info@refreshingacareer.com or give us a call at 0345 872 4501. We’d be more than happy to offer guidance on advertising career change jobs with us.

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Last Updated: Friday October 4 2024
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