Hey mama, just gave birth? Are you still pregnant in your third trimester? You’re here because you want to know how to get things done with a newborn. Which I don’t blame you. Having a newborn baby is a lot of work and very demanding. If you’re a new mom, this will be a new learning curve for you. But I have sup[er helpful tips to get things done with a baby.
It’s not easy being a mother to a newborn baby. You may feel like a robot and feel like all you do is feed, change diapers and sleep your baby. That’s what you’re going to be doing basically the first year of your baby’s life. Now, you may be thinking, how in the world and I going to be productive with a baby?
I’m here to tell you that you can do it. You can still have a clean home, cook meals for your family and still take good care of your baby and yourself. Please do not forget about taking care of yourself mama. These are the tips that helped me be a productive mama who got things done while taking care of my baby.
My secrets to getting things done with a newborn? Keep reading!
How do you get housework done with a baby?
I will share the tips on how I got housework done with a baby below. But multi tasking helps a lot and having a baby monitor to watch and keep an eye out for your baby helps too. Having a schedule and being organized with your time can help you get a lot done while taking good care of your newborn baby.
Is it normal to not get anything done with a baby?
Yes it is normal to not get anything done with your baby on some days. In fact it’s totally okay to step back, relax and focus on other things that matters most to you at the moment. Do not feel bad if your house is a mess or if laundry still needs to get done. Some house chores can be left for the next day. Focus on yourself and celebrate the things that you did get to do that day.
8 smart ways to get things done with a newborn
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
1.Don’t get them used to your arms
An important tip that I learned from my family members is that if your baby is happy and not crying there’s no need to be carrying him/her all of the time. You can get things done if your newborn baby is not used to your arms. You can cook, plan out your day, clean the house and so much more. Your baby won’t depend on your arms to sleep, to be happy or even to play.
Here are great baby bouncer and swing options:
2. Take advantage of nap time
Getting things done with a baby takes creativity, haha! You can take advantage of nap time either by taking a nap yourself (hello self care!) or by being productive and using this time wisely. I do recommend to rest if you are really tired or you just simply want to, it’s okay to nap once in a while, so go for it! Now if you want to get things done around the house with a newborn, use nap time to your advantage. Take a shower, cook something quick, tidy up the house, read a book or enjoy your favorite t.v show.
I created THE BETTER MOM online course for moms who want to THRIVE as a mom and not just survive. Taking care of yourself, not being hard on yourself and eliminating the stress and overwhelm of being a mom. I teach you all of this in my course!
Read this next:
10 BABY SLEEPING TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOUR BABY SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT
11 ENCOURAGING WORDS FOR NEW MOMS TO KNOW IT GETS BETTER
3. Use a Baby monitor
Oh having a baby monitor is a must. I’m telling you is the best thing you can invest on as a new mom. Want to get things done with a newborn? Get a baby monitor. You can check on your baby while she/he sleeps in his crib while you’re cooking. Baby monitors are meant for you to have peace of mind knowing that you can see your newborn through that little screen. Now’s the time to be productive, to write on your planner, clean, cook, take a shower. Whatever it is that you need to do, do it!
Here a few great options for you:
4. Take your baby with you
Another way that I used to get things done around the house is to take my babies with me. I would place them on their baby bouncer which was easy to travel with and set it so they were facing me. In the kitchen floor, in front of my bathroom, in the living room. I never left my children unattended and neither should you. Babies love to hear their mommy talk or sing to them. So while you’re cooking talk to them, make them smile and you’re going to bond with them. All while you’re being productive and feeling great about it.
Read this next:
30 NEW MOM TIPS FOR THE FIRST 30 DAYS HOME WITH A NEWBORN
17 REALLY HELPFUL TIPS FOR FIRST TIME MOMS WITH A NEWBORN (SURVIVAL GUIDE)
5. Have a routine
I cannot stress this enough mama. You must have a routine for your baby because it’s how you are going to survive life with a newborn. Having a routine helps your baby know what’s to come and it helps them feel secure. Having a routine will also help your newborn baby sleep better, feed at a regular time and it also helps them be more happy. I loved having a routine because I knew when was nap time and that helped me plan accordingly.
6. Have a planner
Do you love planners? Because I secretly have an obsession with them, ha! Planning out your day is an exceptional way to be productive. You are writing down important things you want to accomplish for the day. When your baby is napping, you make it happen. It’s so simple to plan and yet so many new moms don’t do it. The day may go either fast or so slow for you. You must know how to get things done, be productive and do what you want to do. You need a plan for it. Plan your meals, plan your grocery shopping trips, write down your to do lists. It’s a must mama.
Here are some undated planners to get you started:
7. Baby tracker
When you’re a new mom of a newborn baby, you are going to want to track down your baby’s feeding times as well as how many diaper changes your baby had. It’s important to keep track of it when you first bring your baby home. This is going to help you not underfeed or overfeed your newborn. The number of diaper changes in a day can tell a lot about your baby. If you’re not changing enough diaper, then that is something to speak to your doctor about.
How is this helpful in getting things done? Well it helps you stay organized and keep track of important baby things.
8. Accept help
How to get things done with a newborn and be productive? Ask for help mama. Or accept help whichever one comes first. You deserve a break too, you are doing so much and have been through so much (hello childbirth!) that it’s okay to say ” You know what I need some time for myself”. Ask your spouse to help you with the baby while you go get a pedicure and manicure. Ask for help so you can sleep, go to the grocery store. I mean, just ask for help. It’s going to help you mentally and emotionally.
Being a new mother is not easy but it is rewarding and a blessing. You have to find smart little ways to be productive and get things done with a newborn baby. You got this mama!
I am a life coach who helps moms thrive and enjoy their motherhood lives more. By learning to be kind to themselves, prioritize themselves more and change their mindset.
Book your consultation call today if this is the support that you are craving for!
