Can’t you just picture those first few months of new parenthood – constant feedings, diaper changes, and a serious lack of sleep? Add working from home into that mix, and it gets even trickier! I’ve been there myself, juggling conference calls with a fussy baby. That’s why I want to share some of my tried-and-true strategies for keeping your baby happy and entertained while you get work done. From clever toy ideas to setting up a safe play space, we’ll cover it all in this post.
Table of Contents
Strategies for the Littlest Ones
Babies thrive on simple pleasures and exploring their world. Here are some ideas to keep them busy so you can focus:
- Babywearing: Many babies love the closeness of a sling or wrap. It keeps them content while freeing up your hands.
- Sensory Exploration: Offer safe household objects with different textures to explore. Think wooden spoons, unbreakable bowls, or soft washcloths. A quick look around your kitchen will spark tons of ideas!
- Social Butterflies: Schedule playdates with other babies for interaction and stimulation. A change of scenery works wonders, plus you may get some adult conversation in!
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Tips for Older Babies & Toddlers
As babies get older, their attention spans grow a bit longer. Here are a few ways to keep them engaged:
- Bouncers & Swings: These provide a safe spot for your baby to play and move, giving you a window of hands-free time.
- Baby Gyms: Those colorful toys dangling above aren’t just cute – they help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Busy Boards: DIY or store-bought, busy boards are full of gadgets for little fingers to explore, fostering curiosity and concentration.
- Baby Sign Language: This can be a great way to reduce frustration, as babies can communicate basic needs (like “more” or “milk”) before they have a full vocabulary.
Read more: 5 Early Signs of Autism in Babies
Creating a Safe Play Space
A designated play space is a game-changer! Here’s how to make one:
- Choose Your Spot: Pick an area you can supervise while working.
- Baby-Proofing Basics: Cover outlets, secure furniture, and remove choking hazards.
- Comfort & Fun: Add a soft rug or mat, some engaging toys, and maybe even a small tent or tunnel for extra excitement.
Important Reminders
- Supervise, Supervise, Supervise: Even the most baby-proofed space requires adult supervision.
- Change It Up: Rotate toys regularly to fight boredom. This keeps things exciting for your baby and reduces the need to constantly buy new toys!
- Embrace Independent Play: It’s a valuable skill for kids of all ages, and a work-from-home parent’s best friend! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies start developing independent play skills between 9 and 12 months of age.
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Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Working from home with a baby brings unique challenges, but with some creativity and planning, you can find ways to keep them entertained and get your work done too. Don’t be afraid to try different strategies, embrace the occasional mess, and remember, those cuddles in between tasks make it all worthwhile!
Resources
- Zero to Three: – This organization offers resources and information on a wide range of early childhood development topics.
- The Bump: – Find practical tips and articles specifically tailored to parents navigating work and childcare.
- Aha! Parenting: – This website by Dr. Laura Markham focuses on peaceful, respectful parenting with helpful insights on independent play.
FAQ’s About How to Keep Your Baby Busy When You Are Working
How can I keep my baby entertained while working? Try babywearing, offering simple household objects to explore, and scheduling playdates with other babies. What are some safe ways for a baby to play independently? Bouncers, swings, and baby gyms are great options for independent play with supervision. Consider setting up a designated baby-proofed play space. What toys help babies develop important skills? Look for toys that stimulate the senses, like textured objects, or ones that encourage motor skills, like stacking blocks or busy boards. Can I teach my baby sign language while working from home? Yes! Baby sign language can help reduce frustration by allowing your baby to communicate basic needs before they can speak. Where can I find more tips for working from home with a baby? Check out resources like Zero to Three, The Bump, and Aha! Parenting for articles, activities, and expert advice on balancing work and babies.
This post was originally published on 12/28/2020. It was updated on 02/26/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
