Kris from ParentingWitKris.com is back with us for another article packed with information. Kris is a part of The Essential Creative community and shares valuable insight on all things parenting. This month, she’s here to talk with us about starting a new business while becoming new parents! Be sure to visit her blog after reading, as you’ll find many helpful resources on parenting and educating your kids in this new world.
Sometimes, life can be complicated with many new adventures hitting you at once. If you are starting a new business while introducing a newborn child to the home, then you know too well that this is the case. If you are in this situation then juggling will be necessary. You need to care for your baby but also make money to support the family. Here at The Essential Creative, we know how stressful it can be in the first few months, so we have tips that can help you care for your baby while you get your business off of the ground.
Prep Before The Baby
As soon as your new baby comes home from the hospital, you are going to have your hands full, so it is a good idea to get as much done for your business ahead of time as possible. You’ll want to start by laying down the essential groundwork, and a good idea is to create a limited liability corporation (LLC). Doing so will provide tax benefits, less paperwork and give you more options for running your business.
This may also be a good time to set up your office, suggests Mother.ly, and make space for your baby to play or rest while you work. Setting up the crib or a playpen will be ideal and make sure you have plenty of soothing music on tap for when the little one gets crabby.
You’ll also want to be as comfortable as possible for those long days juggling your infant and work, so invest in clothes that will fit the bill once the baby is home. If you’re a new mom, purchase quality and versatile clothing that you can wear all day, such jumpsuits and loose-fitting tees. Look into purchasing a comfortable dress with soft, stretchable fabric and a nursing panel, which is ideal for nursing and pumping at or away from home.
Finding Assistance
While you will want to spend plenty of time with your new baby, sometimes the demands of your new business will absorb most of your attention. This may be the time to find a good babysitter to watch your baby during these busy times. You can ask other parents for referrals or use an app like Sittercity or Care.com to find qualified sitters in your area.
If you plan to put your baby down for a nap during the busiest parts of your day, then you will want to invest in a good baby monitor so you can keep an eye on your sleeping angel. Check out best-of lists to see the most highly rated options. These days, baby monitors are very advanced. Look for those that offer larger screens and built-in night lights.
There are many apps that can provide the assistance that you need during this challenging time. If you find that your baby gets extra cranky during important calls, an app like The Wonder Weeks will give you an explanation as to why along with helpful tips to solve the issue. Another app, Glow Baby, helps you keep track of the baby’s sleep schedule so you know you can have silence during big projects.
Also look into apps for your new business, too, software that will help streamline operations. Adobe has a ton of tools that maximize efficiency when completing tasks like document management. For instance, when there’s a need for storing and reviewing PDF files, being able to merge multiple files into one is a big bonus. The merge PDF tool combines several documents or images into one easy-to-read file, making storage on your hard drive or in the cloud a snap, and you’re also better able to share documents with others.
Helpful Routines
When you first bring home your baby, the Center for Surrogate Parenting notes that it may be a good idea to put business to the side for even a few weeks while you care for your child. You are probably anxious to get your company off of the ground, but if you do so at the risk of having an unhealthy baby, you’re not helping anyone.
Once you have things under control, you will need to have a routine in place so nothing is left to the wayside. Think about small changes you can make. For instance, if you are the parent who prepares meals for the household, you could purchase a crockpot or find recipes for meals that take less prep time so you have more time for work. You can also switch off with the other parent and have a set schedule for when each of you works and the other takes care of the baby.
Caring for a newborn and starting a new business won’t be the easiest thing you have ever done, but with proper planning, you can make it work.
About Kris
Kris Louis is a mom to two rambunctious boys. Her oldest is 10 and her youngest is 7. A former advertising copywriter, she recently created ParentingWithKris.com, where she puts her skills to work writing about the trials and tribulations of parenting. Kris, her husband, and her two boys live in Durham, NC.
Read More From Kris
