Time Blocking Secrets That Help Me Fit Life Around A Baby

Balancing motherhood and life is no small feat. Although balancing being a mum and anything is hard.  Some days it feels like my little one needs me every single minute, and carving out time to do anything feels impossible. That’s where time blocking has become my secret weapon.

Instead of trying to multitask (which usually ends with half-finished tasks), I block out realistic chunks of time for different tasks. Here’s how I make it work, even with a baby in tow.

What is time blocking?

Time blocking is simply dividing your day into chunks of time and assigning each one a specific task. Instead of a never-ending to-do list, you give yourself a focused plan.

Babies are unpredictable so things don’t always go to plan, but I generally know I’ll get a few little pockets of time across the day when she’s napping or when Luke’s home from work. But having a flexible structure helps me feel less overwhelmed.

My time-blocking secrets as a new mum

Nap time = Get shit done time

Nap times are gold. I treat them as sacred, high-focus blocks. Instead of using that time for endless scrolling, I pick one priority task per nap time. So one nap time might be some household tasks like putting the washing on and emptying the dishwasher. Another nap time might be planning some blog posts.

I use a to do list app to map this out, but it’s worth having a ‘nap time task list’ ready so you don’t waste 15 minutes deciding what to do.

Early mornings and evenings are Bonus blocks

Currently Scarlett doesn’t wake up at the same time everyday so I can’t plan to wake up before her. But if I do I know I can reply to some emails, have a tidy up in the house etc.

In the evenings once she’s settled me and Luke have as our time, but it’s also perfect for other things which may need doing.

Batch similar tasks together

Switching between different tasks is draining. Instead, I block one nap time for cleaning/ tiding, another for work tasks, another for organising etc. Batching tasks helps me stay focused and get more done.

Use micro-blocks for quick wins

Not every block has to be long. I use 10–15 minute windows while she’s in her baby swing, or feeding to do tiny tasks- replying to emails on my phone, updating payments etc. These micro-blocks add up!

Build in buffer blocks

Babies don’t always stick to the plan, and that’s okay. I add buffer blocks (flexible time) in my day so I don’t feel behind if things don’t go as scheduled. And if there’s anything super time critical that has to be done that’s allocated for when Luke’s home and I’m 100% sure it will get done.

Tools that help me stick to time-blocking

I use the todoist app for all of my lists, planning and life admin. I allocate times for jobs, and I can make anything that’s need it be reoccurring. I have separate tags and lists for money related things, blogging, home, etc.

For me it’s the only thing that’s really worked long term to stay organised, and I couldn’t be without it. If you want to find out more about how a simple to do list app has boosted my productivity click here.

You could use a Google Calendar and colour-code tasks. Other applications like Trello and Notion can help you stay on top of things as well.

Fitting life around a baby

Doing everything you need to with a baby can be tough. And time blocking isn’t about squeezing in more—it’s about being intentional with the little windows of time you do have. Time blocking has helped me stay organised, productive, and (mostly) sane.

It’s not perfect, and some days the schedule goes out the window, but having a plan means I can still move forward while soaking up these precious days of motherhood.

Do you use time blocking too? Or do you prefer to go with the flow?