Create a Stay-at-Home Mom Schedule that Actually Works for You and Your Baby

Truth: being a stay-at-home mom is hard.

You live out so many more titles than just “mom.” You’re a full-time chef, teacher, nurse, housekeeper, travel agent, and chauffeur. And that’s just scratching the surface. A recent study suggested stay-at-home moms should be making a $162,581 salary.

Why? You’re worth it.

Every mama’s situation is unique, but most find themselves trying to juggle two primary areas: taking care of the house and taking care of the baby. Additionally, you must try to find time to just be you. Is that even possible with all you do? It needs to be.

To help, we’ve put together the TLC system for creating your schedule as a stay-at-home mom. Rather than striving for perfection in everything, the goal is to make the most out of your time across three essential areas: TEND to your home, LEVEL out with some “mama time,” and CARE for your little one(s).

TEND To Your Home

These tasks consist of what most people would consider traditional homemaking tasks:

• Laundry  
• Cooking/Meal Preparation  
• Cleaning  
• Decluttering  
• Dishes  
• Decorating  

Although tending to these tasks helps with functionality and visual appeal, fight the urge to check everything off your to-do list. Prioritize 1-3 tasks that are necessary, or valuable to you, to accomplish each day. In this area, give yourself permission to be flexible and creative! If you want to surprise your spouse to commemorate a promotion or birthday, save scrubbing the floors for another day and break out some balloons and homemade cookies (let’s be honest, store-bought treats work just as great too).

Emily Ley offers plenty of great resources including books, planners, podcasts, blogs, free downloads, and more if you’re in need of practical tools to help you organize your day-to-day responsibilities.

LEVEL Out With Some “Mama Time”

Self-care is extremely important as a mom. While it’s natural to shift the focus from yourself to your children (as you should, mama bear), it can become harmful if you’re neglecting personal care altogether. A lack of self-care can trigger burnout, anxiety, postpartum depression, and even serious health concerns in the long-term.

Help prevent this by scheduling time–even just a few minutes–for rest, exercise, or your favorite hobbies. Whether it’s a 20-minute ride on your Peloton or a 2-minute prayer session, carve out “mama time” for you to replenish. It may take time for you to make self-care a habit, so it’s okay to start small. Streaks is a great app if you’re looking for something to hold you accountable.

CARE For Your Little One(s)

Depending on the age of your little one(s), Caring is probably the bucket where most of your time will be spent: breastfeeding or bottle feeding, changing diapers and clothes (a lot), soothing your baby, and playing with your baby...on repeat! It’s no surprise that there are countless blogs written about combatting boredom as a stay-at-home mom. Living in the mundane seasons can be tough but try to find joy in the ordinary.

Schedules can be helpful for establishing consistent patterns in your baby’s daily life, like with sleep patterns or transitioning to a standard three meals. However, it’s okay to spice up your days with new activities–for both of you. Remember, the goal is not perfection; the goal is to make the most out of your time with your baby. Approach Caring for your little one with just that–care. Mama, you have great oversight of what you and baby need, so don’t be afraid to sway from your schedule sometimes.

Sprinkling “TLC” (Tend, Level, and Care) into your daily routine will help you prioritize homemaking, motherhood, and self-care. Your days won’t be perfect, but you’ll end everyday feeling more accomplished, rejuvenated, and intentional.

Check out a sample Stay-at-Home Mom schedule below that follows the TLC method. Remember, this is all about creating a schedule that works for you and your little(s). Sample schedules are a great template, but customization is key. Craft a routine that’s designed around you and your baby’s needs.

Sample Schedule

5:30 AM – LEVEL: Wake up and get ready for the day.
6:00 AM – TEND: Start a load of laundry and the dishwasher.
6:15 AM – LEVEL: Coffee (or tea), pray, and journal.
6:45 AM – CARE: Baby wakes up. Feed and change time.
7:15 AM – CARE: Read a book to baby.
7: 30 AM – TEND: Boppy pillow/tummy time for baby, while mom switches the laundry and unloads the dishwasher.
8:00 AM – CARE: Play sensory toys with baby.
8:45 AM – CARE: Introduce a new solid food.
9:45 AM – CARE: Feed and change time; put baby down for a morning nap.
10:30 AM – TEND: Put the laundry away.
11:30 AM – LEVEL: Rest. Read a book or take a power nap.
12:30 PM – CARE: Baby wakes up. Feed and change time.
1:30 PM – LEVEL/CARE: Go for a walk with baby.
2:30 PM – CARE: Change and snack time. Put baby down for afternoon nap.
3:30 PM – TEND: Prep dinner and wipe down the kitchen counters and tables.
5:30 PM – CARE: Change and feed baby.
6:00 PM – CARE: Playtime with baby.
6:30 PM – TEND: Cook dinner when husband gets home.
7:00 PM – CARE: Family dinner, give baby solid foods.
8: 00 PM – CARE: Baby’s bedtime routine: bath, story, feeding, and snuggles.
8:45 PM – LEVEL: Shower or relaxing bubble bath.
9: 15 PM – LEVEL: Chat and spend time with husband.
9:45 PM – LEVEL: Go to sleep.