Homesteading with A Baby: Valuable Tips for Busy Moms

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Homesteading with a baby can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, especially as Mother’s Day approaches. New moms are likely doing everything in their power to navigate the demands of caring for a little one while also tending to a homestead. It can be a lot to handle, but with some careful planning and a few tricks up their sleeves, homesteading with a baby is definitely possible, even on this special day.

In this blog post, we’ll share some tips for doing homesteading work with a baby in tow. From planning ahead to prioritizing self-care, we’ll cover a range of strategies for making homesteading tasks easier while keeping your baby happy and healthy, and provide ideas for creating a meaningful Mother’s Day celebration that incorporates the joys of homesteading.

So, whether you’re new to homesteading or simply looking for ways to make it work with a little one in the mix, read on for some helpful tips and insights on homesteading with a baby.

 

 

Plan ahead

For homesteading moms, everything takes a back seat when it comes to their babies. But that doesn’t mean you have to ignore all your other responsibilities. One key to successful homesteading with children is to plan ahead.

Create a schedule or routine that takes the baby’s needs into account, and try to plan homesteading tasks around their nap and feeding times. New moms will eventually learn about their baby’s sleeping habits, feeding times, and instances when they need a change of scenery. Use that knowledge to plan for any homesteading tasks that can be done in their presence and those that require extra attention and longer chunks of time. By doing so, you can minimize disruptions and maximize productivity.

For example, consider preparing meals and snacks ahead of time to avoid needing to cook during the baby’s fussiest times. Parents can also stock up on non-perishable food items and plan menus in advance to further streamline the cooking process.

A planner will help you remember when you’re baby usually takes a nap or needs to feed. You can also use it to stay on top of chores and other homesteading tasks, while also setting aside time for self-care. With a bit of pre-planning and organization, you can get the most out of your day and enjoy quality time with your little one too!

 

Stock up on baby supplies

While many homesteading moms prefer handmade and natural baby products, you may need items that are mainly available from stores. Take diapers, for example. Although cloth diapers are the better option, there will be times when disposable ones prove to be an unavoidable necessity.

Aside from disposable diapers, you should also stock up on formula, wipes, lotions, and other baby products so you have them on hand when the need arises. You’ll also need baby gear such as a baby wrap or carrier, car seat, and stroller, among others. Having these items ready in your home will make it much easier to care for your little one while still getting things done around the homestead.

They’ll particularly come in handy during emergencies, especially if you have to evacuate your home. Making sure you have enough baby supplies on hand can save you a lot of stress and hassle in the long run.

 

Stock up on homesteading supplies

As a homesteader, you may be able to grow, produce, forage, or hunt for much of your own food, but you may still need to purchase certain items from stores. It’s a nightmare to run out of something you need and has to go on a quick grocery run just to get it. Now imagine having a baby. Wouldn’t it be more difficult for you to go out and leave your precious little one?

The same goes for other items or supplies you need for the homestead. If you need more Mason jars for your food preserves, for example, it wouldn’t be easy to go out to get them with a baby in tow. There’s the option of buying what you need online but it will take days or even weeks before your order arrives. It’s great if the local store can make same-day deliveries but you still have to call and accept your orders, which can be hard if you’re baby is crying or needs feeding.

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Reduce tasks

When a new member joins the family, it’s inevitable that some tasks will take a back seat. Scaling down on homesteading tasks after having a baby is necessary to ensure that you are not overwhelmed and can still manage your daily chores while caring for your child. Otherwise, you could end up with unfinished jobs, or worse, you can get too exhausted from all the tasks that you can no longer focus on caring for your baby.

 

Let go of some tasks

Consider letting go of non-essential homesteading tasks that may take up too much time or energy. For example, you may want to postpone building that new chicken coop until a later date. If your current coop is still serviceable, then you can probably just do some repairs to make sure it lasts until you finally have the time to build a new one.

 

Prioritize

Aside from scaling down on your homesteading tasks, you can also prioritize which ones need to be done first. Identify the most important tasks that need to be done on your homestead and prioritize them. Focus on those tasks that are essential to the well-being of your family and your homestead.

 

Delegate

It takes a village to raise a baby, and the same goes for homesteading. As much of a supermom as you are, it’s fine to ask for help. If possible, delegate some of your homesteading tasks to family members or friends who are willing to help. Delegating tasks can help lighten the load and give you more time with your little one.

Make sure there’s someone around who can assist with your homesteading tasks if needed. If you have older kids, assign them simple chores like weeding in the garden or setting up birdhouses. You can also ask for help from friends or neighbors with babysitting responsibilities and other homesteading tasks.

 

Hire a professional

Homesteaders do sometimes hire professionals for certain tasks and it’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially if you have a newborn baby. While homesteading often involves a DIY approach, there may be certain tasks that require too much time and effort that you simply can’t afford as a new parent.

Also, some tasks on the homestead require specialized knowledge or equipment that you may not have. Of course, for homesteaders, it’s best to learn the necessary skills and invest in the necessary tools or equipment but that may have to take a backseat with a new baby in tow.

If you need help with a particular chore, like installing an irrigation system, digging a well, or repairing electrical systems, consider hiring someone who knows what they’re doing. This way, you can make sure that your homestead tasks are done properly and efficiently while you focus on taking care of your baby.

 

 

Get help from non-human friends

Some day, we’ll probably have robot butlers and maids like the Jetsons, but for now, we have our non-human homesteading friends to help us out. We’re talking about electrical appliances and gadgets that’ll make it easier for moms to homestead with a baby. While the ultimate goal of homesteading is to function as naturally and sustainably as possible, it’s still necessary to make use of the technologies that are available.

If you’re homesteading with a baby, these gadgets can be a lot of help. For instance, you can use a baby monitor to check up on your child while you’re busy with another task. You can also use a portable washing machine to quickly wash cloth diapers and baby clothes. There are also non-electric washing machines that make doing laundry easier and faster compared to handwashing.

You can also rely on some electric tools and machines that can help you work around the homestead faster and more efficiently. Kitchen equipment like blenders and food processors will be useful in making baby food and preparing meals for everyone else. A dehydrator will make drying and preserving food a lot easier. Power tools like drills and saws will come in handy for minor projects. These gadgets can simplify things and save you time so they’re necessary for homesteading moms with a lot on their plate.

 

Be flexible

Homesteading is something to be taken seriously if you want to succeed in being self-sufficient. But that doesn’t mean you should focus it more than your new baby. It’s important to learn how to be flexible.

Even if you have planned everything beforehand, you should know that your baby does not care about your plans. Babies don’t always sleep or stay in one place. They will cry whenever they are hungry or needs a change and there’s no particular time for it.

While it’s possible to have a semblance of a schedule by observing your child’s behavior, you still have to be flexible enough to cater to these needs. So whatever homesteading tasks you have planned, make sure your baby always comes first.

 

Utilize Time Blocks

Juggling a homestead and a newborn can be overwhelming, so it’s important to work efficiently. Time blocking is a time management technique that involves scheduling your day into specific time blocks for different tasks or activities. Each time block is dedicated to a particular task or activity, and you work on that task exclusively during that period of time.

Simply divide your day into flexible chunks and assign each block to a specific activity. This should improve your productivity compared to allocating exact hours for each task. As an example, you can reserve a few morning hours for work (if you’re a work-from-home mom) and dedicate a few hours in the afternoon to household chores and other tasks.

It’s also essential to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks that can be accomplished in 15-minute intervals or less. By doing so, you can make the most of the small pockets of free time you have throughout the day. This approach can help you cross off items on your to-do list and feel more productive, even if you have limited time.

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Practice babywearing

Babywearing is the practice of carrying a baby or young child in a carrier or sling. This can be done using various types of carriers such as wraps, ring slings, and structured carriers. The benefits of babywearing include increased bonding between parent and child, convenience, and the ability to be hands-free while still tending to the needs of the baby.

For a homesteading mom with a new baby, babywearing can be particularly helpful as it allows you to keep your baby close while performing various tasks around the homestead. Some tasks that can be done while babywearing include gardening, tending to animals, and doing household chores.

Babywearing can also be helpful during outdoor activities such as hiking or foraging, as it allows for the caregiver to have their hands free while still keeping the baby close and secure. In addition, babywearing can be helpful for calming a fussy baby and promoting better sleep, which can be particularly useful for homesteading moms who may have busy schedules and limited opportunities for rest.

 

Involve your baby

Involving your baby in homesteading tasks can be a great way to bond with your little one while also teaching them important skills and introducing them to the joys of nature and farm life. Choose tasks that are safe and age-appropriate for your baby to help with. For infants, all you can do is carry them as you go on with your daily chores. Once they get older, you can involve them more.

There are plenty of homesteading tasks that you can get your child involved in and possibly help out. Gardening is a good excuse to bring your baby outside and get some sun. You can talk to them about the different plants you’re growing, show them how to water and care for them, and even let them play in the dirt a little bit.

If you have animals on your homestead, you can involve your baby in their care by bringing them along while you feed, water, and tend to the animals. Foraging for wild edibles can be a fun and educational activity to do with your baby. You can bring them along while you search for berries, nuts, or other wild foods, and talk to them about the different plants you find.

You can also let your child watch while you cook and preserve food. Show them how to mix ingredients, taste different foods, and work with kitchen tools. Just make sure your baby is under close supervision, of course!

Remember, when involving your baby in homesteading tasks, it’s important to prioritize their safety and comfort. Make sure they’re always supervised and appropriately dressed for the task at hand.

Also, if you don’t feel comfortable involving your baby in homesteading tasks, you can always ask for help from family and friends. This will not only reduce stress but also give your baby a chance to play and interact with other people.

 

Take breaks

As a homesteading mom, taking breaks is important for your physical and mental well-being. Taking care of a young child is difficult enough, especially for mothers. Now imagine how hard it is for moms who also need to watch over the homestead.

It’s important to take breaks to avoid burnout and fatigue when homesteading with a baby. To make this possible, you need to schedule breaks into your day just as you would schedule any other task. This can include short breaks throughout the day, as well as longer breaks for rest or leisure activities.

You will need to enlist some help. Ask family members, friends, or neighbors to watch your child or children for a few hours. Use this precious time for self-care activities that help you recharge and relax, such as reading a book, enjoying a new hobby like knitting or painting, taking a bath, practicing yoga or meditation, taking a nap, or sipping a hot cup of coffee. While it’s a good opportunity to get some job done, try not to think about your homesteading tasks during these breaks.

Even if you don’t have anyone to look after your child, you can still enjoy some relaxing moments. When you do get some free time from your other tasks, consider taking a walk with your baby outdoors. The fresh air and outdoor scenery can help you both destress and clear your mind.

Consider setting up a comfortable outdoor play area where you can let your child play by themselves while you take some time off. Prop yourself on a comfy chair nearby and catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to finish, do some exercises, or just simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Just make sure you keep an eye on your baby all the time.

 

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Remember, homesteading is a way of life that requires hard work and dedication, but it is important to find a balance between homesteading tasks and caring for your child. However, homesteading with a baby is not as hard as some may think these days. With the right strategies and support system in place, you can still manage to keep up with most of your homesteading tasks while providing the care and attention that your baby needs. So don’t be afraid to try something new, and enjoy motherhood as you discover the joys of homesteading with your little one. And don’t forget to check out Gentleman Pirate Club for more valuable homesteading tips.

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Gentleman Pirate Club aims to share valuable knowledge and tips on how you can prepare and survive emergencies and other dire situations. We think of different scenarios and show you the many ways you can survive them. We also believe in self-sufficiency as a way to prepare for whatever lies ahead. As our ship sails in these waters, we look for valuable treasures. When we spot one, we tell you where it is.

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