How to Take Care of a Baby Alone

New moms, are you scared to be home alone with your newborn during the day? Learn sanity-savings tips on how to take care of a baby alone.

I dreaded the day my husband was scheduled to return to work. Until then, he and I had been caring for our baby, tag-teaming with putting him to sleep in the crib or bassinet and getting him fed.

With my husband returning to work, I was scared of taking care of a baby alone with no one else to share the responsibilities. I imagined failed nap attempts and things not getting done. Not being able to carry the car seat, diaper bag, and other items on an errand. And what would I do if I couldn’t get him to stop crying?

As if caring for a newborn baby with someone else didn’t already come with its own exhaustion—now I would be doing so on my own.

How to take care of a baby alone

Let’s just say that those first few days and weeks of caring for my baby alone were a challenge.

I doubted myself many times and felt incompetent about simple tasks like unfolding the stroller. And I even lost my temper when he wouldn’t nap, then felt so guilty right after.

But I then began to rely on several strategies that made the situation more doable. My confidence grew, and I felt more capable of caring for him on my own. I learned how to put things in perspective and eased the burden and guilt I was placing on myself.

By the time it was my turn to go back to work, I felt different, as if I could handle almost anything parenthood would throw at me.

A few years later, I was in the same circumstances again, but this time with twins. As chaotic as managing two babies and a three-year-old was, I implemented the same strategies that helped with my first.

These were the tips I used those early months of taking care of a baby alone (or two!). Hopefully you’ll find the article useful! As one parent said:

“Hi Nina, Thanks for this wonderful hopeful blog. It is very useful for expecting moms like me. That is how I came across your blog and it feels positive to realize that it is doable and I am actually amazed you were able to do it not just with one baby but also with the twins. I am going to definitely plan ahead as much as I can and will remember that there and good days and messy days and it’s a part of parenthood. :)” -Suma

1. Prepare ahead of time

The last thing you need is to tend to things you could’ve planned ahead of time, especially when the baby is crying and needs your attention.

Instead, prepare ahead of time. Plan meals and snacks for yourself so you can grab something to eat when the time comes. (Tip: Stick to food you can eat with one hand in case you need to carry the baby in the other.)

Stock the diaper bag with necessities so you can leave the house quickly. Unfold the stroller and place it by the door. Get the diaper, wipes, pajamas, and towel ready to go for bath. Have your nursing pillow and breastfeeding tracker on standby for the next feeding.

The more you plan, the more time you can spend focusing on the baby. As you keep doing this, you won’t plan too much as you become more comfortable and accustomed to your new situation. In the meantime, thinking ahead can save you a ton of time and headache.

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2. Make use of helpful baby items

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I couldn’t believe I had actually considered not having a swing. It quickly became my second set of arms, especially since my baby slept well in it. I also relied on the Moby wrap baby carrier, pacifiers, the stroller, and white noise to help him sleep.

I didn’t want to rely on too many sleep aids since I planned to wean him off of them at some point. But better to use them now for months’ worth of sanity in exchange for a few days’ worth of weaning.

After all, you’re taking care of a baby alone without anyone to pass him off to if you need a break. These baby items and gear are there to help you as much as possible during this challenging period.

3. Plan daily outings

Make a list of simple errands or activities you’d like to do with your baby. Take a stroll around the park or drive to the nearby farmers market. Head to the library or visit a friend. Start with easy things to do until you get the hang of toting her around.

I added these “events” to my calendar, sticking to one activity per day so I’d have something different to do. Getting out also made me feel accomplished as I challenged myself with new activities.

Learn how to run errands with kids (and not go crazy!).

4. Balance the needs of all your children

Taking care of a baby alone can also be challenging for the seasoned mom. Even if you’ve already done this before, you now have the task of juggling your older child’s needs with that of your baby. Balance both your baby and your older kids with these tips:

Offer new items and activities that will keep your older child quietly occupied.
Involve her with household tasks like cooking, cleaning and helping with the baby.
Spend special time with her while the baby naps.

When you start feeling anxious, remind yourself you’ve done this before. You know that the sleep deprivation won’t last, and you’ve learned a few tips from the first time around.

Get tips on how to balance the needs of your toddler and newborn.

5. Let expectations go

This is the season you’re in. As tempting as it is to wish for life to go back to normal, remember that this is the time for messy homes and endless to-do lists.

Sure, take out the trash and cook a meal when you have time, but realize you can’t do many of the activities you used to before you had a baby. Give yourself a pass with a messy house (unless of course cleaning and decorating is your zen!).

This does take practice, especially if you’ve always found it hard to accept “good enough.” If so, focus on one thing that’s most important to you. Maybe that’s getting ready in the morning, or making sure your kitchen is organized. For everything else, let it go.

6. Remember that this is hard

Change is difficult, from getting a new home, changing jobs, and yes, taking care of a baby alone. Anytime I go through major changes, I remind myself that the first few weeks can be the most difficult ones.

Think about the last time you moved homes. You had to get used to the new bedrooms or set up your utilities. How about when you started your last job? You had no idea how the company ran their process yet you still had to keep up and learn on the go.

The same applies with caring for your baby by yourself. You’ll struggle with the fatigue of this new change, but in time you’ll find your groove and settle right in.

Conclusion

If there’s any job that’s a “learn on the go” type, parenting is it. But you’ll surprise yourself by how much stronger you’ll feel and challenge yourself to try things that seem out of your range. You’ll find your rhythm and daily routine, doing things you once thought impossible.

I didn’t know if I could handle my baby’s cries, and what I would do if he wouldn’t stop crying. I had no idea how I’d burp my twins at the same time by myself—I had always handed one off to my husband.

But when placed in situations where you have no choice, you find a way to do it. You learn how to burp two babies and handle a fussy baby, even when it seems like he’ll never stop crying. You’ll get it done.

Sure, you’ll struggle with a crying baby while grocery shopping or wish you never have to deal with another nap ever again. But you’ll manage and, more importantly, feel proud about how you survived these first few weeks all on your own.

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