10 Smart Ways to Get More Done While Your Baby is Awake

As a work-from-home mom, you’ve probably heard a million times that “nap time is your golden hour.” But let’s be real—sometimes nap time lasts 20 minutes, or worse, doesn’t happen at all. The good news? You don’t have to wait until your baby is asleep to be productive! With a little creativity and the right strategies, you can still get more done while your baby is awake while your little one is awake and engaged. Here are 10 smart ways to make the most of that time.

1. Keep Your Baby Close While You Work

If your baby enjoys being near you, make it work to your advantage. I used to roll my baby’s crib (it has wheels) into the bedroom while I folded laundry. I’d put on some soft music, and it became more than just a chore—it was a special moment. I got things done with a baby nearby, and my baby felt comforted by my presence. Whether it’s folding clothes, organizing drawers, or even answering emails, having your baby close by can make simple tasks more manageable and enjoyable.

Another great way to keep your baby near while you work is setting up a portable play yard or activity mat in the same room. This way, they have a safe space to explore while still being able to see you, reducing the chances of fussiness. The key is to make them feel included in your routine rather than separate from it.

2. Use a Baby Carrier

Some days, your baby just wants to be held, and that’s okay! A baby carrier can be a game-changer, giving your baby the closeness they need while freeing up your hands. You can do light household chores like wiping counters, unloading the dishwasher, or even prepping food. If you work on a computer, you might even be able to answer emails or do research while standing with your baby snugly wrapped against you. Bonus: it’s a great way to get more done while your baby is awake while keeping them calm and helping them nap on the go.

If your baby is in the mood to observe rather than sleep, try positioning them so they can watch what you’re doing. Babies love seeing daily activities like cooking, tidying, or even typing—it’s all fascinating to them! Engaging them with your voice as you work can make them feel even more involved.

3. Rotate Independent Play Stations (Fishing Toy Works Wonders!)

Babies thrive on novelty, so setting up different play areas around your home can keep them engaged while you check things off your to-do list. One of my absolute favorite baby toys is the fishing toy I mentioned in a previous post—it keeps little hands busy and their attention focused long enough for me to get more done while your baby is awake in tow. I’ll link to my post about it so you can see why it’s been such a lifesaver!

Other great play station ideas include:

• A basket of board books for flipping pages
• A soft play gym with dangling toys
• A sensory bin with safe objects to explore (fabric scraps, textured balls, etc.)
• A small mirror for baby to look at themselves (babies love this!)

Rotating these stations throughout the day keeps your baby’s interest fresh, making it easier for you to get more done while your baby is awake nearby.

4. Work in Short, Focused Bursts (Hello, Pomodoro Technique!)

If you’re constantly being interrupted, long work sessions aren’t realistic. Instead, try the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a short break. When you have a baby, you might need to shorten it to 10-15 minutes, but the principle still works! Tackling tasks in short, focused sprints makes productivity feel more achievable, even if your day is unpredictable. I’ll link to my post about this technique so you can dive deeper into how it works!

A great tip is to plan your Pomodoro breaks around baby’s needs. Use break time to do a quick diaper change, cuddle session, or feed, so you stay aligned with their rhythm while also staying productive. This way, you’re not constantly stopping mid-task but rather integrating breaks intentionally to get more done while your baby is awake effectively.

5. Make Mealtime Productive (My Favorite Setup!)

Mealtime is the perfect window to multitask. While your baby is in the high chair enjoying a meal, you can use that time to get more done while your baby is awake nearby. I usually set my laptop on the counter and reply to emails or listen to a podcast while keeping an eye on my baby. Sometimes, I even plan out my to-do list for the next day. I’ll add a picture of my setup so you can see how I make this time work for me!

6. Use Music to Set the Mood

White noise is great for sleep, but during playtime, I prefer soft instrumental music or nature sounds. It creates a peaceful atmosphere and helps both me and my baby stay relaxed. Whether it’s classical music, lullabies, or even jazz, a little background music can set the tone for a productive and enjoyable time together.

You can even use music strategically—play more upbeat tunes when you want to energize the moment or soft melodies when you need a calmer environment. This small shift can influence your baby’s mood and your workflow, making it easier to get more done while your baby is awake.

7. Use a Special Toy for Focus Time

Babies love novelty, so designate a special toy or activity that only comes out when you need focused time. This keeps it exciting and helps hold their attention longer. It could be a musical toy, a light-up activity board, or even a simple sensory basket with different textures to explore. Having a ‘work time’ toy can make all the difference when you need to get more done while your baby is awake.

8. Batch Simple Tasks

Not all tasks require deep focus, so save the easier ones for when your baby is awake. Folding laundry, prepping ingredients for dinner, or even tidying up a room can all be done while your baby is playing nearby. Having a mental list of “baby-friendly” tasks makes it easier to switch gears when you don’t have long stretches of uninterrupted time.

9. Work Outside if You Have a Safe Space

If you have a safe outdoor area, take advantage of it! I loved working on our deck—I’d set up a small table, bring my laptop, and soak up the fresh air while my baby relaxed in his swing, watching the cars pass by. It felt so refreshing and productive at the same time. If you have a backyard, balcony, or patio, this can be a great way to get more done while your baby is awake while enjoying a change of scenery.

10. Adjust Your Mindset

Productivity as a mom looks different than it did before kids, and that’s okay. Instead of stressing over the interruptions, embrace the flow of your day. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Some days will be smoother than others, but in the long run, every little step forward adds up. Your baby won’t be little forever, so make peace with the unpredictability and celebrate the wins—big and small!

At the end of the day, being productive as a mom isn’t about doing it all perfectly—it’s about making the most of the time you have. Try these strategies, experiment to see what works best for you, and remember: done is better than perfect!