How to Keep a Baby Occupied Working From Home
As 2012, roughly 64 percent of mothers with young children under the age of 6 were part of the American labor force, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between the costs of daycare, which BabyCenter notes is a yearly average over $11,600, and not wanting to spend time away from your baby, choosing to work from home may seem like a simple solution. That said, keeping your curious or crying baby occupied while you are trying to concentrate on your work isn't always easy. You can however combine the two and do both your mommy and professional duties.
Things You'll Need
- Infant toys
- Play yard or floor gym
- Towel, blanket or scarf
- Baby swing
Instructions
Schedule your work day at home. Create clear times for working, feeding and playing. Stick to the schedule to make life more predictable for you and your baby. Create a play-time area near your work desk or in your home office. Move the play-yard into your work room, stock the space next to your desk with soft blocks or other toys or set up your baby's floor gym within arm's reach. Attend to your fussy or crying baby as needed, taking brief work breaks -- if possible -- and swapping out toys periodically to keep her attention on something other than you. Stimulate your baby's senses. Give your child differently textured items to manipulate, for example, a soft, cuddly towel or a silky scarf. Ask an older sibling to occupy the baby. Ask him to play, read or sing to the baby. Strap your baby into her infant swing to calm her or keep her busy.
