How I Keep Reading Even Though I Have A Baby
Before becoming a mum, I could spend entire afternoons curled up with a book. In 2023 I read 138 books and in 2024 I read 141 books. So reading is a huge part of my life. But fast forward to this summer when Scarlett arrived and I quickly realised regular long, quiet reading sessions were a thing of the past. Especially on the days when naps just don’t happen (or last very long), squeezing in reading time can feel impossible.
But reading is something that makes me me—it relaxes me, and gives me a much-needed break from the endless cycle of nappies, bottles, and baby play. So I’ve found creative ways to keep reading, even when my baby won’t nap.
Here’s how I make it work.
Switching to an e-reader has helped me keep reading
I’ve been one of those people who wouldn’t make the switch to digital. The feeling of physically holding a book is the best feeling, but I couldn’t have read as much without an e-reader.
Being able to just put it down at any point when she starts crying or wakes up is insanely useful. And to be able to do it one handed while I’m feeling her is a god send. Plus I can still read in bed after she’s fallen asleep as I don’t need to turn on the light. I even bought a stand and remote to make it even more handy (although I don’t find I need that as much).
Audiobooks are my best friend
Audiobooks are great when you need hands-free reading. I used them quite a lot when I was feeding during the night, or when I’m out and about with the pram. Plus now we’re going out to more classes they’re great for in the car. We do have an Audible subscription but I’ve used Libby and Borrow Box a lot for library books.
I tend to choose either non-fiction or lighter books on audio so I don’t lose track if I get interrupted. But currently I’m working my way through the Dungeon Crawler Carl series on audio which I’m loving.
Short reading sprints has helped me keep reading
Gone are the days of marathon reading sessions. Now, I’ll happily read just 5–10 pages while she’s in her baby swing, or when she’s in her cot about to fall asleep. It might not feel like much, but those little bursts add up to finishing books quicker than I expected.
At the start when she was feeding very regularly I set up the e-reader on the stand and would read a few pages during every feed.
Bedtime routine reading
Even if the baby doesn’t nap well during the day, bedtime is usually more predictable for us (fingers crossed this stays!) Once she’s asleep me and Luke have our evening to eat dinner/ watch a show, but then I always go up and read for a bit. I resist the temptation to scroll social media (most of the time) and instead open my e-reader. Even if I only read a chapter, it feels like a win.
How I keep reading even though I have a baby
Motherhood has completely changed the way I read, but it hasn’t taken away the joy of it. By being flexible, using audiobooks, and making the most of short bursts of time, I’ve managed to keep reading a regular part of my life—even on the no-nap days.
It’s not about quantity anymore—it’s about quality and the calm it brings me.
Fellow mums, how do you fit in reading with little ones around?
14 responses to “How I Keep Reading Even Though I Have A Baby”
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All About Me
Rhian Westbury
Travels and Destinations
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An e-reader is a game-changer. I love the feel of a physical book, but it’s much harder to stay consistent when you have to carry one around.
It is fantastic that you made time for yourself! I listen to audio books from time to time, which has been fantastic.
Switching to an e-reader for me made a huge difference, too. I’ve noticed an increase in my reading since I got one! They’re pretty great.
I love my kindle, it is who I read most of my books. What I need to get used to is the audiobooks. I tried audiobooks before but was unable to focus a lot on the content. I need to try them again.
I am kind of the same, I can’t concentrate on them when I’m doing stuff around the house, but when I’m driving seems to work best for me x
I would love to try and e-reader, but I do love an old-style paperback book! But I can see why switching to an e-reader is much more beneficial to you now you have a baby.
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Oh wow, that is no mean feat!! It’s hard to do anything when you have a baby. It sounds like an e-reader is handy to have. I haven’t tried using anything like that before. Might look to get one next birthday. I used to read lots too, it all changes when you have children x
It is so wonderful to read how much you love reading and have still managed to do it with your new baby onboard. I have always not been keen on e-reading but have been tempted to get an e-reader as well so I can still read whilst I am travelling and not carry so many books.
I am glad I put it off until it was needed, but it’s really changed the game for me x
Thanks for these tips! I pretty much gave up on reading when my kids were born. It is frustrating, and I have tried to keep up with it here and there, but it is still not the same. It is good to have some ideas to help!
Wow, 140 books is amazing to finish in a year! I’m an avid reader myself and completley understand the struggle when things get busy. I’m glad you are still able to find some me/reading time!
Using an e-reader for one-handed reading is such a smart move! These short bursts of five minutes really add up while a baby naps. Even though I am not a mommy yet, I read books online/pdf these days. Please recommend me some nice audiobooks from romance and horror genre. I’d love to check them out!
They do all add up! I don’t read much horror but do love Grady Hendrix and T Kingfisher (although not all of hers are horror). Romance I’d 100% recommend anything from Ashley Poston esp Dead Romantics and the seven year slip x
It is so good that you found ways to keep your hobby despite having a new little one! I have been very much enjoying audio books as well.