Posts in the series:
Preparing for Baby
The First Weeks
A New Routine
Helpers – Big & Small
Unexpected Circumstances
So, we’ve talked a lot so far about what YOU can do, but how about getting some help?! That’s right, homeschooling with a newborn requires help!
Let’s talk about what I call the “small helpers” first. These are divided into two categories:
Ready Made
and
Home Grown
Ready Made Helpers
Years ago, I read a blog post where the author called baby paraphernalia “baby containers.” While I do think there are parents who rely too heavily on swings and walkers and the like, most homeschooling parents I know are not neglectful, and would never put their child in a “container” in the hopes that they would not have to deal with them.
So, with that said, I want to encourage you to get the ready made help you need to homeschool with a newborn.
Here are some examples of Ready Made (or Mama Made) items that can be a huge help to your homeschooling efforts:
1. Wrap, Mei-Tai, Sling, Backpack, etc.
I started slingin’ babies when my 3rd child was born. I started out with a Maya Wrap inspired sling I made myself. The one in the photo above is my 4th baby in a homemade Mei Tai I still use (in fact, just the other day, we went fishing and I packed Creed in it!). I prefer my wraps and mei tais over the other carriers I have, but the thing that connects them all is that I MADE THEM ALL! (Take a look at my Baby Wearing category for more info and ideas!) Most baby wraps are easy to make, but even if you aren’t much for sewing your own, it is still a good idea to own one…or two…or ten!
Homeschooling benefits:
- Your hands are free to help other children.
- Most babies find the act of being carried quite soothing.
2. Snugabunny Rock ‘N Play Sleeper
This was THE BEST purchase I made this go-round! A friend of mine posted a photo of hers on Facebook and I fell in love! I decided to use the money my Grandma always gives me when a new baby arrives to buy one of these little gems, and I am so glad I did! This is where Creed sleeps. When we travel, it folds up and goes with us!
Homeschooling benefits:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Allows baby to be in the same room with you all the time.
- Baby can use it to sleep or “play” during school hours.
3. Playpen or Bassinet
There are 9 million of these to choose from! We use our playpens as beds for older babies and toddlers because they don’t take up as much room as a crib. (By the way, these are my favorite sheets for playpens! They are fantastic!) But, a playpen or bassinet set up in the main homeschooling room can be a nice safe place for baby to be during school hours.
Homeschooling benefits:
- Easy to set up and take down.
- Keeps baby safe from little hands.
4. Swing
There are some wonderful infant swings on the market right now. The ones that swing from side to side are my favorites. There are even swings that can be plugged in to save you on batteries.
My colicky baby would only sleep in my son’s arms or his swing, so we purchased a portable swing to take with us to grandparents’ houses. It was a lifesaver!
The one we own is very similar to this one.
Homeschooling benefits:
- Often soothes a very fussy baby.
- Provides a 2nd “bed” for baby that is in the main homeschooling space.
5. Bumbo
Not every baby loves the Bumbo as much as my little Creed does, but I must say the use it is getting this time around is well worth the price I paid for something baby tends to use for only a short time. I’ve shared my Bumbo with friends too so I don’t feel bad about spending the money. And yes, it’s purple. I like purple. Creed hasn’t objected.
Homeschooling Benefits:
- Lightweight and portable
- Keeps an older baby engaged with the family
- Protects baby from being stepped on (tell me I’m not the only one who deals with uncoordinated toddler feet!)
6. High Chair that leans back
A few years ago I would have told you this was a waste of money, but one thing we cherish as a family is our time spent around the table for family meals. We like baby to be a part of that, and while the Bumbo allows Creed to sit up, it leaves him on the floor. The Graco high chair we own (very similar to this one) has height adjustments and a reclining seat so Creed can sit with us for meal times. The same concept applies for any homeschooling done around the table. Baby gets to be right there in the middle of it all!
Homeschooling benefits:
- Baby is eye level with everyone
- Seat reclines to accommodate younger babies
Other items of interest might be a walker or an exersaucer; however, I’ve owned both of these and my children just do not seem to like them.
Small Home Grown Helpers
These are the helpers you have in your home who are still too little to be given huge baby care responsibilities, but who are still able to help. In my home, these are the 2-7 year old crowd (in your home, this age range might be different).
What can the little ones do?
- fetch diapers, blankets, and other needs
- “talk” to baby
- “play” with baby
They may not be able to carry baby around, but they can be super helpful and super entertaining!
What about those big helpers?
My big helpers are 8, 12, and 15.
Some people take issue with older children helping to care for younger siblings, but this isn’t about mom eating bon-bons while the teens do all the work. They are not my slaves. This is about giving my children opportunities to learn and bless others. It is my prayer they step into adulthood as prepared as they can be (because nothing really fully prepares you, does it?).
So, what can your big helpers do?
- Care for the baby while you are working with other siblings.
- Make meals (please, please, please teach your teens to cook!)
- Learn to work independently, thus cutting down on the number of people who need your direct supervision for school.
- Help teach concepts to younger children.
- Help set up fun activities for younger children.
- Be your “Teacher’s Aide” by running copies, finding books, researching, and gathering supplies.
- Keep things clean and running smoothly.
So many people complain about their teens. I love mine! And many people underestimate the abilities of younger children, but I totally consider my 8 year old a “big helper” because she is very capable and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
If you don’t have a big helper in the house quite yet, don’t hesitate to ask another homeschooling family if you can borrow one of theirs a day or two a week. However, be VERY clear about what responsibilities you need a Mommy’s Helper to help with.
By the way, if you are looking for help with teaching children to do chores, there are two fantastic ebooks on that very topic: (affiliate links included)
and
Easy Peasy Chores: Homeschool Edition
This series is part of the Summer Hopscotch. Click the link to read more great posts on a myriad of topics from other homeschooling mamas!
Posts in the series:
Preparing for Baby
The First Weeks
A New Routine
Helpers – Big & Small
Unexpected Circumstances
Jacie says
Oh the yellow sleeper. Or as its known in our house, “His yellow thing.” It has been the best baby item we’ve owned. Carbon loves his, but at 18 pounds he’s just about reached the limit and will be parting ways soon. That’ll be a fussy day :/
Amy says
Creed is over 18 and I’m still using it. I do not look forward to putting it away. 🙁
Elizabeth says
How did you strap your little one to your back? I have a wrap that I use but only have my baby in the front, which isn’t always helpful with her head under my chin. I’d love to give it a try with her on my back.
Amy says
It’s really easy with a mei tai. Tie it around your waist first with the body of the wrap behind you instead of in front of you. I usually get help to put baby in (but you can do it yourself with an older baby by leaning over really far and hoisting baby up high on your back) and then strap it on exactly like you do for a front carry only bring the straps back around to your front to tie off. Clear as mud? 😉
Suanna says
How long can they use the Snugabunny? It looks like a great alternative to a bouncy chair and would keep the little ones from being able to climb on top so easily. The amazon link didn’t give a weight limit.
Amy says
It says 18, but Creed is over 18 and I’m still using it. I just can’t part with it yet.
Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents says
I. Love. My. Bumbo. Seriously….not sure what I would do without it. 🙂
And let me tell you, this whole series is a BIG blessing to me. I’m pinning all the posts for when I need them later. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. 🙂
Amy says
You are so welcome, Stacy! I’m so glad you’ve found it useful!
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
My 5 YO carries baby around a lot, or sits with him, especially if I have to take care of one of the other littles. She also does dishes, simple cooking tasks (cutting, peeling, fetching, stirring). She’s very determined and capable, and believe me, it’s easier to find her a job than tell her no — she WANTS to help!
The boys (almost 4 and 2) can fetch diapers, pacifiers, take dirty diapers to the bin, get a blanket, talk to him or play while he’s in a bouncer. The bouncer is my favorite when he;s awake. We use a swing or carrier when he’s asleep, or sometimes if I think he’s settling in for a longer nap, I run him up to his bassinet.
It’s easier, IMO, with 4 than it was with 3! And currently he is asleep in my lap. 🙂
Amy says
I tell people that a lot…so much easier with a houseful than with just 2! And yes, my now 8 year old has been the earliest helper by far. Some kids are just hard-wired to be servant minded! 🙂
Dana says
I’m really enjoying this series because this is one of my main concerns as we consider homeschooling – how do I homeschool the older kids while having so many little ones as well? With a newborn on the way in July, a fifteen month old, and a just-turned-three year old, we wonder how much I’ll be able to take care of the little ones while teaching the older one(s) in coming years. Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips!
Amy says
One word: GRACE 🙂
May says
I think you’re absolutely right about getting the bigs to help out – they aren’t just helping you, you are helping their future selves by letting them master skills they’ll probably need as adults. Cooking, cleaning, washing, looking after babies: they’re all things we all had to learn just like anything else, and yet some people hit adulthood without ever having had the chance to try.
Cynthia says
I also love my bumbo seat, and we also had a purple one. We were at a kids sale, and my sister said, “We aren’t buying him a purple one are we?” and I answered, “we are buying a pink one if that is the color they have”. Purple was the most manly color I found in my budget. Since our little one is now 4 and a half, you have kid items I’ve never seen. I enjoyed this article
Hadley says
I just saw this post, and I was going to add to the playpen comment: We finally broke down with our 4th baby and got one of those play yard things. It’s been a life saver for our busy busy baby girl! It has our play kitchen in it and we change the toys out occasionally. I am just about to move my dining table out of our dining room and put it in what is now our playroom so that it will be in the big room where we “live” and she can be in it while we are close by.
Amy says
I keep wondering about those play yards. May have to look into that!
Rashelle says
Any advice for those adult “helpers” who try to use this time as a chance to take over your homeschool? I think the person ( a relative) means well but they have never been on board with homeschooling. I’m due in a couple of weeks and eventhough I keep expressing that I don’t need their help in that area they keep insisting. It’s beginning to bother me. I think they want assess my kids and do “real” school.
Amy says
Stay far away from that kind of “help”…you will not benefit in the end. Gently suggest something else they could do, but you may need to finally give a firm “no”.
Reggie says
I loved how you addressed the role of ‘big helpers’. I am one of those people who can balk at the idea of older children caring for younger siblings. Mainly because I have known a child or two who literally raised their 6 plus younger siblings (any wonder she STILL doesn’t want children of her own?). I am all for my children learning to care for and interact with their younger siblings, those are crucial life skills! I do take issue with Mom or Dad relying on an older sibling to raise their younger children for them though. Not that that is at all what your post encouraged, I’m just feeling rich and thought I’d share two cents worth.