Work From Home Mom Essentials
10 Items you need if you work from home with an infant:
Here is a list of 10 items I could NOT live without while working from home with Lilly and why. Let me know if you have any of these or if they work for you too! I have also included the links if you need them.
1) Fisher-Price Baby Playmat Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym
This thing is amazing! If you don't already have one you need to RUN and get one! Lilly loves the lights, music and mirror. It helps keep her entertained next to me while I answer a few e-mails or handle a few small things on my to-do list between naps. This bad boy has also SAVED me when it comes to the ever-dreaded tummy torture. She seems to do much better during tummy time and has even started reaching for the piano keys!
This is something a lot of people use to enhance their child's sleep. I, however, did not start using it until my maternity leave ended and it has made a huge difference in Lilly's daytime naps! This particular one is great because it is small and convenient to bring on trips as well. There are 4 different sound options and it can be as loud or as quiet as you need. I use it so she can nap in my office - the white noise (the sound option I, personally, use) is great for drowning out the sound of typing, email and instant message notifications etc.
Now this one is not just for working from home! This thing has been a Godsend since the DAY we brought Lilly home. She loves it so much and it relaxes and calms her like a charm! This is where I put her any time I need to do something she doesn't like (Cut/file her nails, suck gunk out of her nose, clean her ear piercings etc.) This is also a great option to put your baby in to get some work done. If you have an infant, I found sitting it by the window so they can look outside is a real WINNER! This is a little bit of a pricier option, but it has proven well worth the money for us.
4) Owlet Cam Video Baby Monitor
This baby monitor has been my favorite! I originally bought the HelloBaby video camera and it was great but I did not like that the monitor did not pick up motion and you could not connect it to your phone. With the Owlet I can set it to notify me for motion and room temp instead of just the audio. The Owlet is a bit more expensive due to the extra features but for us it was the better option. The HelloBaby monitor is also a great option and is a bit cheaper so I have linked that one as well! Either way - it's great to have for when your little one is napping in another room. You can set it up on your desk/table/couch (wherever you may work from) so you can answer those e-mails worry free - unless you are like me who only worries a little bit less lol!
5 & 6) Hakka Milk Collector and Momcozy Wearable Breast Pump
These two are for my breastfeeding momma's! These two items are what I use every single day. When I first came home from the hospital I was pumping after every feed to increase my supply and get my freezer stash going. I am a big believer in having a freezer stash - Sometimes I would like to relax, go get my toes done, read a little bit of my book and if that interferes with a feeding time, I can always have my husband whip up a bottle of that Mommy delight! This has saved my sanity on a few occasions so far. I am a firm believer that us momma's need to set ourselves up for success and one way I do this is making sure I have the option to relax when I need to. I deserve a break, even if I am exclusively breastfeeding, and so do you! I use the Hakka during every feeding to catch and letdown that escapes (can't waste any of that liquid gold) and I use the wearable breast pump after every morning feeding when I am the fullest. I love the wearable one because I am usually working on my morning tasks and pumping at the same time. So convenient. Of all the pumps I have tried this one has been the best BY FAR. The suction, fit, ease of use is unmatched in this category and it's not even close to the most expensive option - WIN WIN
7) Portable Workstation
A portable workstation is a MUST HAVE when working from home with a baby. I have noticed that Lilly will get bored being in the same room staring at the same things all day (go figure), so I have started moving around the house and working from different rooms instead of just my office throughout the day! She seems happier because of it, which in turn, makes my life a little easier.
8) Bottle Warmer
This one is great for all mom's breastfeeding or not! Anyone that uses a bottle to feed needs this AT YOUR DESK. This is so convenient; you can get up from working during a busy day, pop the bottle in the warmer and get a few more things done while it warms. I know most people have these already - but I never thought to have one on my desk. It's been a great addition! This one comes in different colors, I just used the pink example because it's the one I have.
9) Infantino Flip
The Infantino Flip baby carrier. I love this! Sometimes Lilly girl just wants to be held - and sometimes it's during busy times at work when I need both hands. I put her in this and am hands free to continue all of my duties and she is happy at the same time. I love this one because there are multiple ways to use it (front facing, forward facing etc.) so it's great for not only work, but getting things done around the house and using while outside of the house as well. This one is also surprisingly comfortable to wear as well!
10) Fisher-Price Like a Boss Entertainer
Here we are! The last item on the list, and I have saved my favorite for last. This activity center is not only the cutest thing I've ever seen but has proven to be one of the best things to entertain my sweet girl. She gets her own desk, laptop, tissue box, cell phone, coffee and everything else just like Mommy! A little accountant in the making!
There you have it! 10 items that I swear by while working from home with an infant. Please remember these are just my personal suggestions for anyone looking to make their time go a little smoother during those LOOONG workdays. These are the days we cherish. These are the days we will miss. Remember to soak it all in Momma's - even when things get tough.
XOXO
B
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