Practical Tips for Managing a New Baby and a New Business

Starting a business while managing a new baby can be both exhilarating and stress-inducing. This is especially so if you try to do everything on your own. Fortunately, with a bit of preplanning and a commitment to outsourcing non-essential business tasks,  you can juggle your bouncing baby and business with grace. Silly Phillie shares some tips to get you on the right track.

Define Your Operational Structure

Successfully launching your business starts with a detailed plan in place. Therefore,  you’ll want to ensure you have the basics in place, including business licenses, business bank account, marketing materials, and necessary office equipment. If you’re leasing space or hiring vendors or employees, ensure those are all lined up before your business launch. ideally, before the baby’s arrival too!

Establish Reasonable Expectations

Even the most organized individuals will find it occasionally trying to run a business while managing a new baby. Make sure to set reasonable expectations. Build pockets of “free” time every day to manage the unexpected.  Importantly, make sure  to set deadlines you’re confident you can meet. Also enlist the help of others in the household to pitch in with everyday tasks. Flexibility and adaptability will definitely work in your favor.

Hire Staff as Needed

If you’re planning to utilize staffers, it is best to recruit, hire and train them prior to your business launch and your baby’s arrival if possible. Having staff in place and functioning will allow you more time to attend to the needs of your newborn.  Moreover, make sure they are well-versed in their job functions and schedule regular check-ins to ensure all is running smoothly.  Also consider the benefit of hiring freelancers, especially for specialized projects or roles that don’t require a regular employee. For example, Photoshop services, graphic design, copywriting, and marketing are tasks that can be handled by freelancers

Maintain a Schedule

Babies and businesses don’t always run on the schedules we establish for them. Having a plan albeit one that has to be tweaked on occasion is better than having no plan at all.

According to Meaningful Life Center, by managing your time and calendar and being realistic about your time availability, you can sketch out a schedule around regular daily home and business activities. For instance, you might have a standing client meeting once a week. Or you can work from home on certain days and go into the office on others. Keep others in the loop about your schedule to keep things running smoothly.

Arrange for Childcare

All new working parents, whether they work from home or from an office, need to have reliable childcare accessible when they need it. Look for a licensed, vetted childcare facility close to your home or office, or consider hiring a professional nanny or on-call babysitting service that can send trained staffers to you when necessary. It’s also wise to outfit your office space with baby necessities for when you must multi-task. Start with a portable crib, clothes, blankets, bottles, diapers, and other staples. Finally, grandparents can be an invaluable resource to help with managing your new baby if they’re willing and able to do so.

Use Tech Resources

Electronics can help you blend business care and baby care in incredibly helpful ways. For example, you can use phone apps to set calendar reminders and set feeding schedules, or run white noise sounds to help your baby sleep. Using a video baby monitor can help ensure you always have eyes on your baby no matter where you are. Other niceties include bottle warmers and self-rocking bassinets. Today’s Parent has a checklist of the top baby essentials that can make the lives of new parents easier.

Take Time for Self-Care

Even when you have your hands full with running your business and caring for your newborn, it’s still important to make time for yourself. It’s not selfish — it’s healthy and it will rejuvenate you and make you more productive and present, both at work and at home. Look for a nearby gym that offers free childcare and sign up for a yoga class; get a jogging stroller and get outside for some fresh air; or create alone time where you put your baby in the care of a trusted individual and take a luxurious bath, enjoy a nap, or just sit in silence and meditate.

Having a baby and starting a business are two big and exciting life events! When you do them together, timing, patience, and preparation are key elements for maintaining your sanity and ensuring your company and your child grow and flourish.

Looking for unique gifts for a baby or toddler?  Don’t forget to visit www.sillyphillie.com.

This article was written by  Jenna Sherman, a guest free-lance writer from parent-leaders.com.