If you're a full-time dad, the first year taking care of your baby can be frazzling. There are feedings, diaper changes, nap times, more feedings, more diaper changes and the non-stop task of keeping your baby from crying all day.
But you still have other stuff to do. How are you going to get it done when babies demand so much attention? I've acquired a few tips and tricks for this in my own experience in Mason's first year. Note that every baby is different with different needs, so not all these tips will work for everyone.
1. Use naps to your advantage
If your baby takes naps during the day, you have the perfect opportunity to get stuff done. You can take a nap yourself (like I did), get housework done, or enjoy the free time to spend on your hobbies or other interests.
The main thing to remember about naps, is that as a baby grows and matures, his/her napping habits will also change. So be flexible, as these changes can happen suddenly.
2. Play time
This is for younger babies who are not yet mobile. In other words, this works best for babies that play a little on their back (maybe even sitting up) and that's about it. Susan and I called DS during this phase a "sack of potatoes" because they are still pretty helpless.
You can play with your baby and still do minor tasks. For example, I'd play with DS on the floor and prop my computer up on the coffee table. As I played with him I'd also write blog posts for my flagship blog Brad's Reader. Sometimes I'd only write one sentence at a time. At other times, when DS began to entertain himself a little more I'd be able to write an entire blog post rather quickly.
I'm not suggesting you completely ignore your little one during play time to get other stuff done. Far from it. Your baby should always be your first priority. But let's be realistic, there's only so much baby-talk and toy rattling you can do in a day before going insane.
Try to find simple stuff you can do while playing with your baby.
3. Meal time
Once your baby is older and is starting to eat solid foods while sitting in a highchair is a great opportunity to get stuff done.
When I'm feeding DS, I will sometimes use that as an opportunity clean up the kitchen or vacuum the area around him. My one caveat to this, however, is to always stay within view of him (so I can see him and he can see me). You never know if/when they might choke on a finger food. The only exception I make is when I have to go to the bathroom really fast.
The other stuff I do is check email, work on blogs and try to stay out of the firing range of DS's habit of throwing his food everywhere. But I also spend a good chunk of time giving him my full attention by talking to him while I shovel processed green beans into his mouth.
4. Before Baby Wakes/After Baby Goes to Bed at Night
Perhaps this is your greatest opportunity for you to do the stuff you want to do. I can count on a few hours to myself after DS goes to bed at night. These long chunks of time are a luxury to any parent. But for a full-time parent (dad or mom), having a few hours to yourself is nothing less than heaven.
The big question here is: Would you rather have your free time early in the morning, before baby wakes up? Or would you rather have it at night, after baby goes to bed? Or maybe both, if you're one of those lucky ones who don't need much sleep?
Those questions will probably be answered by your baby's sleeping habits. If baby wakes up at 5 in the morning, it might not be a good idea to be up at 3am to mow the lawn or practice your guitar.
Likewise, if your baby goes to bed late, do you really want to be up at midnight hitting the weights?
It's very much a balancing act. Because DS varies on the time he wakes up, I might get an hour of free time in the morning (but I don't count on it). He goes to bed at 7, so I know that's roughly when my "Brad time" will start.
It's a good idea to know in advance what your priorities are for these large chunks of free time. This will prevent you from sitting on the couch wondering what to do while watching reruns of the Golden Girls. Unless watching Golden Girls reruns is your priority.
5. Get a Babysitter/Have your Wife Step In
A babysitter is geared towards allowing your spouse and you to go out at night and enjoy dinner and a movie. You can also use a babysitter when you have an appointment where bringing baby along might not be a good idea (i.e. outpatient surgery). This might not be an option for everyone since a babysitter can be costly.
But try to get your spouse involved. Have her take the little one for a few hours so you can recharge your batteries. On the weekends, Susan will often take DS on errands with her, leaving me home alone.
Parting Words
I'm going to throw in my disclaimer again and say that all babies are different and have different needs. What works for my little one, might not work for yours.
The key is to be creative with your time. Use any free time you have wisely. And remember that even though your job is to take care of your baby, you also have to take care of yourself. This means eating healthy, getting regular exercise and doing activities that have nothing to do with your little boy or girl. I know that sounds harsh, and even a little selfish, but trust me, it will keep you sane.
If you have any tips for getting stuff done while taking care of your baby, let me know in the comments below (haha, that rhymes).
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