How to Work from Home and Take Care of Your Baby at the Same Time

As a mommy, wife, and medical transcriptionist who works from home while her child stays with her, I have come up with some ways to keep her busy and keep my boss satisfied as well. Ideas include using flexible scheduling, working part time, having a variety of toys, talking while you work, taking breaks, and staying focused during work time.

Nurse at keyboard

I went back to work from home when my baby was 6 weeks old. The only way I was able to accomplish anything was to turn on the computer, get a tall glass of water, put a Boppy on my lap and hook her up to nurse. Infants that young really need to nurse often still, and they aren't aware enough of their surroundings to be bothered by a rapidly typing keyboard. Another wonderful thing is an Ergo to use for when they sleep, if they sleep better near mommy.

Work while baby sleeps

When she got a bit older, I started working with her to get her to take her naps on her own. We never used 'Cry it Out' as some do, but rather I would put her down on a bed (or a laundry basket was what we used the first few months) near me so she could still hear me and see me. I would either nurse her to sleep and then lay her down, or I would lay her down while she was drowsy and let her drift off that way. After always picking her up if she got upset, she learned that Momma was here for her and there was no need to cry. From months 3 on I have done most of my work while she is sleeping. I also keep her up at night until we go to bed so she is used to taking longer naps and not sleeping so long at night.

But some days there is just more work to do than naps! Those days I really try to make sure I stay focused on the task at hand and don't get distracted checking my email, answering the phone, or even meeting the UPS guy at the door! I also wake up extra early and cram in a good hour or two of work before she wakes. As a mom, some days of sleep deprivation are just going to happen.

Keep new toys around for entertainment

If I must work while she is awake, I make sure I play with her for a good 20 minutes and engage her in an activity that she can continue on her own, using toys that I don't have out all the time. At 10 months, that is usually water play in her high chair or playing with her Brio train set. Because her 'love tank' has been filled, she will usually give me a good half hour to 45 minutes to work while she plays by herself. Since she is now mobile, I set up her port-a-crib near me so she can see me while I am working and doesn't feel lonely.

Whistle while you work

Even as a transcriptionist, I can talk and interact with her while still listening to dictation and typing. I can type and talk at the same time, and if there is a pause in dictation I'll sing a little song (You Are My Sunshine is a favorite) and turn to smile at her. I do the same while I proof read my reports before I send them in.

Cut down your schedule

Can you afford to work only part time? When my baby was 6 months I no longer could work full time and I started looking for a parttime job. I found an excellent one, and was able to make more per hour but work less hours. If you can't find a job with better pay, try finding ways you can cut corners in your budget so you can live on less.

Take Breaks

I've found it is better to take breaks before you or the baby demand them. When I'm working and she is asleep, I still break every 45 to 50 minutes to keep myself alert. When she is awake, I try to be in tune with her so I can break before she gets fussy, fill her 'love tank' back up, and get back to work. Remember, a happy momma and a happy baby mean more productive work! I hope you can use these tips to your advantage!