10 ways to stay productive with a newborn

Being productive with kids is tough for any mom. Add a baby to the mix and it seems even more impossible. These 10 ways to be productive with a newborn are sure to help you get things done so you can spend time enjoying the things that matter most.

If you are reading this, chances are you’re sitting down for the first time today while your new baby sleeps. You probably have several piles of laundry scattered around. You aren’t sure if they are clean or dirty.

Dishes are piled high in the sink and takeout containers are overflowing in the garbage can. You may even be trying to remember if you brushed your teeth this morning (forget about taking a shower!)

Let’s Bust the Myths

You also have probably scrolled through social media at some point today noticing the posts from other mamas with newborns. Their pictures show them in clean houses with fresh makeup and a cute outfit. They seem to have it all together and to be thriving. And they make you feel inferior and question how they have their s*** together when you are barely treading water.

Well, my friends, for starters, don’t believe everything you see on social media. A snapshot of someone’s day is usually not an accurate portrayal of their real life. There’s always a mess on the other side of the camera, and they may be struggling behind the smile.

There are, however, a few things you can do to start regaining a sense of normalcy after having a baby. Today I’m sharing some of my best tips to stay productive when you’re at home with a newborn.

Stay Productive with a Newborn

Tip #1: Set Realistic Goals

First and foremost, before attempting to get anything done you need to remember things will be different than they were just a few weeks ago. Be realistic about how productive you can actually be with a newborn.

Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by setting your standards too high. Rember that things will eventually get back to normal and that this is just the season of life you are in. Embrace it and enjoy it.

Tip #2: Keep a running To-Do List and Planner

When life gets busy, my head is constantly spinning with things I need to get done. This sometimes makes it hard to focus and live in the moment.

The best way to combat this is to keep a to-do list. Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper (or in the notes section of your phone) ensures you won’t forget things. It clears up mental space for things that really matter.

I also can’t live without my planner. You know this if you follow me on Instagram. This is where I keep everything- from schedules and appointments to due dates and reminders. I put my running to-do list inside my planner so everything I need to stay organized is in one spot.

Here are some of my favorite planner products:

When you have a free moment in the day, check your list and pick something you can easily check off. If it is a bigger task, consider breaking it down into smaller more manageable chunks. It may take longer to get done, but remember small progress is better than no progress.

Tip #3: Take Advantage of Nap Time

If you are a mom, you know that nap time is sacred time. Even more so when you have a newborn at home. If you are able to, you should do your best to nap when your baby does (because we both know you aren’t sleeping much at night.)

What I try to do when the baby goes down for a nap is to pick ONE thing from my to-do list and get it done. The rest of the time is for me. If I’m feeling really good or energetic, I might do a few more small tasks, but I always reserve part of nap time for relaxing to help avoid mommy burnout.

I personally love using a baby monitor with a camera so I can have peace of mind while my baby sleeps. I can get things checked off of my to-do list while knowing my baby is sleeping soundly in his crib.

Looking for the perfect gifts for older siblings with a baby is born? You’re in the right place!

The birth of a new baby is an exciting time for the whole family, but it is also a big change for older siblings. I’ve been through this a few times and know firsthand what a huge adjustment it is when little ones suddenly become big brothers or sisters.

There are so many emotions that big siblings t. First, they may feel a responsibility to help take care of the baby and be a good role model. They may also be confused about the big changes taking place. And if they were previously an only child it’s probably the first time they have to share the attention.

You won’t know how your own kids will react to the new baby until they are in the situation, and their moods may even change as often as you change your newborn’s diapers….trust me on this one!

With a little thought and effort though, you can let your older child know that they are still an important part of the family – even with a new baby in tow.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.

Why Should You Give Gifts to Older Siblings?

Being a big brother or sister is a big job. They have to help take care of the baby, teach them things, and set a good example. It can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.

Giving gifts to older siblings when a baby is born can be a thoughtful way to show them that they are still special and loved, even though there is a new baby in the family. It can also be a fun way to help them feel included in the excitement of a new arrival.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just something to show that you are thinking about them during this tough transition.

How to Make Older Siblings Feel Important and Avoid Jealousy

Being a big brother or sister is a tough gig. One day you’re the center of attention, and the next you’ve got a squalling bundle of joy hogging all the limelight. It’s enough to make any sibling feel a little jealous. The key to avoiding jealousy is to make sure that older siblings feel important and loved. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Buy them a special gift when the baby is born. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive – even a simple book or toy will do. Just something to let them know that they’re still special to you.
• Take some time out for one-on-one time with them every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. This will help them feel loved and important.
• Encourage them to help out with the baby, whether it’s changing diapers or just giving hugs and kisses. Not only will this make them feel needed, but it will also give them a chance to bond with their new sibling.

With a little thoughtfulness, you can make sure that your older child feels loved and important – without inviting jealousy into the mix.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27

Gifts for Big Brother When Baby is Born

---

Gifts for Big Sister When Baby is Born

Being a big sister is a big job! But it comes with some great perks, like getting to help name the baby, being the first one to hold her, and, of course, receiving some awesome big sister gifts. When it’s time to welcome the new arrival, make sure the big sister feels loved and included with a few thoughtful presents.

“I Hereby Crown You Big Sister” gift set: this precious set will have any big sister feeling like a princess and ready to take on her new role.

This Big Sister doll and book bundle will allow her to be like mom and dad. She can cuddle and rock the baby as she reads about just how special being a big sister is.

Big Sisters are the Best book: this is the perfect book for any toddler transitioning into a big sister. It will help teach her the many ways she can help and what an important role she has.

This ultimate big sister gift set includes everything from a cape and crown to a diary, photo cards, and a cute water bottle. She’ll be ready to take on her new title with these cute items.

A big sister shirt or beaded bracelet is the perfect option for the little fashionista who wants to show off her new status with style.

Gifts to Entertain Older Siblings

As much as parents wish we could give all of our kids our full attention 24/7, that isn’t always possible. Newborns often require a little more of our time. That is why having a few things on hand to help entertain your older kids when you need a little solo time with the baby is so important.

I know I personally love having options that my kids can play with independently and that won’t make a huge mess! Here are a few great gift options to help entertain older siblings when mom or dad is tending to the new baby:

A camera: Encourage big siblings to document this special time in the family’s life by giving him his own camera. He can take pictures of the baby, mom, dad, and even himself!

Legos or a puzzle are the perfect gifts for older siblings when baby is born. These toys can help to keep kids occupied for hours on end. They will love building things and it’s a great way for them to use both fine motor and problem-solving skills.

A little bit of screen time never hurt anyone and it’s the perfect way for parents to get some one-on-one time with the new baby while keeping their older child occupied. Pre-load a tablet with age-appropriate games, apps, and shows, and use it as a reward when they are a great big brother or sister.

A doll house or a castle is the perfect option for big siblings who love to use their imagination with pretend play.

These Melissa and Doug activity pads are great to entertain older siblings. They are educational and best of all, mess-free!

Gifts that Allow Older Siblings to Help

A doll diaper bag: Just like Mommy or Daddy, big siblings need to be prepared when they’re out and about with their baby. A doll diaper bag lets them pack everything they need, from diapers and wipes to bottles and pacifiers.

This set of doll furniture is the perfect way for a big sis to feel just like mom and dad. They can swing, feed and put their own baby to sleep just like their new brother or sister.

In order to be productive with a newborn moms often rely on baby carriers to get things done. Let big brothers or sisters do the same with their own baby doll carrier. They will get a kick out of being just like you holding the baby.

Baby Alive is the best doll for the siblings who want the chance to actually feed food to the baby….and change a reel messy diaper!

Another fun baby doll option is this baby doctor set that comes with all the medical necessities to help them care for their new baby.

Let them keep track of their little sibling’s first year in their very own baby book. Baby’s First Year According to Me is the perfect option for any big sibling who wants to document all the firsts of the newest addition to the family.

If there’s one thing we know about having a newborn it’s that no one sleeps much. This coffee set will allow big siblings to stay “caffeinated” right alongside mom and dad.

Gifts to Make Older Siblings feel Unique and Special

One of the most special gifts for older siblings when baby is born is a framed picture of them with their new best friend. Let them put it next to their bed as a constant reminder of the special bond they now have with the new baby.

Making a big sibling feel BIG is a great way to help ease the transition with a new baby. This growth chart with pictures is the perfect way to show them just what a big boy or girl they really are.

With all the new excitement of a new baby, older siblings might feel the need for a little alone time to decompress. An oversized chair with their name is the perfect option to allow them to relax in their own room. Add in a book like You Were First for them to read and remember just how special they are to you.

Even though this time is a huge adjustment for kids, it can also be one of the best times in their life. There is nothing greater than watching the bond my kids share and seeing how much they love each other. It makes all the temper tantrums and bouts of jealousy worth it.

Small gifts don’t hurt either!

Do you have any ideas for gifts for older siblings with baby is born? Leave them in the comments below.

This post was all about gifts for older siblings when baby is born.

For even more mom life content and lots more head on over to my Instagram!

Thanks so much for reading!

Tip #4: Wear Your Baby

Another efficient way to be prodoductive with a newborn is baby wearing. While this is not the most convenient method, sometimes it is necessary.

There are times that no amount of soothing will calm your baby enough to be put down. There are also times when there isn’t enough time to get the baby settled. And there are also times I just want to snuggle my baby because this time passes all too fast.

For situations like these, I have several slings and swaddles that I love. Here are a few of my favorites:

Tip #5: Accept and Ask for Help

As women, we are naturally inclined to want to do it all and handle everything on our own. However, if there is ever a time to reach out for help it is now. Whether you get someone to sit with the baby for a few hours so you can run errands, use a delivery or subscription service, or completely outsource a chore like cleaning, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you haven’t jumped on the Walmart grocery pickup or delivery bandwagon you are missing out. This has made my life so much easier. I can either have my husband pick up the groceries on his way home, or I can get them delivered.

Other great services that you might want to consider trying are meal delivery kits such as Hello Fresh and Butcher Box which can help you get a meal on the table.

Amazon Prime is also a must have for moms. You can set hundreds of items to auto-renew and/or ship before you run out. This is especially great for diapers, wipes, and household cleaning supplies.

Tip # 6: Establish Good Routines

I am a huge proponent of routines. I thrive off of them.

If you are not a routine person, I highly suggest you giving it a shot. They don’t need to be elaborate or extremely detailed. In fact, those types of routines may not work at this time in your life when so much of your schedule is controlled by your baby.

Establishing a few routines will make life so much easier. For example, my husband always runs the dishwasher and night and we unload it first thing in the morning. Throughout the day, I can easily put dirty dishes and bottles directly into the dishwasher instead of letting them pile up in the sink.

Another easy routine is laundry (as if laundry is ever easy!) I try to do one load every day to stay on top of it. I set the washer at night to delay start for early in the morning. When I wake up, I can then easily transfer clothes to the dryer or hanging rack.

If I’m lucky I fold and put away the clothes from the day before. Even if that doesn’t happen, I at least know I have clean clothes.

Creating small routines and learning how to clean your house faster will keep chores from becoming too overwhelming. It may not make life perfect, but it will help you stay on top of things enough to get by. 

Tip #7: Use the three-minute Rule

Another way to be productive with a newborn is to practice the three-minute rule. If you see something that needs to be done that will take less than 3 minutes, do it!

Shoes lying on the floor? One dish that needs to be rinsed and put in the dishwasher? Trash that needs to go out? All of these tasks are tiny and take only minutes to complete. Do them as soon as you can. This prevents chores from building up and becoming too overwhelming.

Tip #8: Get your Baby on a Schedule

Getting your baby on a schedule is not only good for your baby’s personal development, but it also allows you to create some type of structure for your own day.

This will look different for every mom and every baby depending on your parenting style. I personally have used the eat-wake-sleep method from Babywise with all of my kids and highly recommend it.

Once you have a general idea of when your baby will be eating, playing, and napping, you can schedule your tasks around their schedule.

Make phone calls when they are sleeping. Do simple chores like folding clothes when they are playing at an arm’s reach. Run your errands first thing in the morning after they eat and before nap time.

As a mom, you will quickly learn when your baby needs you most and when you can let them play independently and get some tasks done.

Tip #9: Allow for Independent Play

While it is super tempting to hold and cuddle your baby the entire day, it’s also important to teach them to self-soothe and play independently in small increments of time.

Always make sure your baby is in a safe spot where you can easily monitor them. Some of my favorite newborn essentials are the Pello, the Baby Bjorn Bouncer, and the Mamaroo.

Tip #10: Move Your Body

One of the biggest complaints from new moms is not having the time or ability to work out. This personally isn’t super high on my priority list right after having a baby, but when I’m ready to get back into a workout routine there are a few options.

First, many gyms offer childcare. You can take your baby with you and know they are safe while you are getting some time to yourself.

Next, there are so many classes these days geared to mommy-and-me workouts. This is a great option if you want to keep your baby with you while you work off that baby weight.

Finally, if you don’t want to spend the extra money on gym memberships or classes, a simple YouTube search will bring up hundreds of free postpartum workouts that you can do at home, with or without your baby.

Hopefully, these tips for being productive with a newborn will help you regain a sense of normalcy. While the goal is to get as much done as possible, not every day will be perfect. Remember that doing something is better than nothing.

Give yourself grace and enjoy every second with your sweet baby. The days pass too fast and babies don’t keep. Your little one won’t be little forever, but I promise you, the laundry will always be there.

Thanks so much for reading!