When baby first arrives, the rule for new moms is: “When they sleep, you sleep.”
As they get older and you both need less sleep, your rule should be: “When they sleep, you get things done!”
There’s so much to do with a baby or toddler during their waking hours – playing, feeding, changing, cuddling, singing to them, talking to them, teaching them.
But there’s much you can’t do while a little one is up and about and with you. Projects like housecleaning with dangerous cleaning supplies, crafting with scissors and sharp objects, cooking at the stove, sewing with needles, should all be done when your little one is asleep or in another room in someone else’s care.
Learn to use your infant’s nap or toddler’s nap to do projects with small objects and other things you want to keep out of your little one’s hands and mouth, as well as some much needed relaxation for yourself.
Staying organized about your baby’s naps
A baby’s best naps are in bed, with a beginning and an end. If your baby gets in the habit of taking naps in the car seat in the car, in your arms, in a swing, or wherever he happens to be when his eyes close and his head goes down, his naps will be less predictable and you’re schedule will be as unstructured as his.
Mom’s rest comes first
As soon as the baby’s asleep, sit down and relax for a few minutes. If you can’t spare the time with your eyes closed and feet up, at least work on something that involves sitting down – folding clothes, hand sewing, updating your calendar, filing papers, writing out cards – and do that first. You’ll be more rested and ready to tackle the rest of the day if you’ve been able to be still for 15 minutes.
Prioritize what you want to accomplish
Time budgeting for stay-at-home moms of babies is essential. What’s the minimum time you have? What’s the least amount of time your baby will sleep? What do you have to get done that you can’t do while the baby’s awake? Do that first. If the baby sleeps longer, take on the optional tasks.
Priority should be given to projects that are unsafe for baby or projects that take you outside or into areas of the house off limits to your baby.
Don’t spend the whole nap doing housework. A slightly messy, cluttered house is normal when you have a little one. Do enough so your house is safe and healthy for your family and forget the rest. Repeat the stay-at-home parents’ mantra: "I’ll Do it When He/She Goes to First Grade.”
If you work from home, naptime is the perfect time to get some work done.
However you spend your child’s naptimes, maximize the recharge you get from it. Put some classical music on, use relaxation techniques and think positive thoughts.
Don’t set your expectations too high
Toddlers’ naps are unpredictable. One day he may sleep for two hours longer than normal and the next day he may sleep for 10 minutes. And the day he stops napping altogether will come without warning.
Try not to set your heart on getting a list of things done during a toddlers’ naptime, or you’ll be frustrated and grouchy while your toddler wants to wake up to a happy parent.
Use a baby monitor so you’re free to roam the house or even go outside and do some gardening while your child sleeps. Keep a calm and flexible attitude about your child’s nap and you’ll be less stressed.
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