How to Do Self-Care with a Baby

Last updated on June 23rd, 2026 at 03:45 pm

Look, let’s be realistic. Sometimes you’re in desperate need of self-care, but your baby is just…there. But that doesn’t mean you just give up on self-care. It’s still an essential element of not going insane as a mom. So, let’s talk about how you can create space for self-care when your baby’s around. And I don’t just mean during nap time, which is a bit of a given.

I want to be clear about what I mean when I say self-care, too. I don’t necessarily mean the typical stressful internet version of self-care when you’re expected to take a candlelit bubble bath, and if you’re not enjoying it, you’re wasting your me time. If that’s something you love, more power to you, but if it’s not, that’s okay. When I say self-care, I really mean moving your body, nourishing yourself, and creating emotional space to take care of yourself.

Do exercise with your baby

There are a couple of options for this. The first and most obvious is a walk in the stroller. Typically (though not always), babies tend to be pretty happy in the stroller, and you might even get a nap out of them. Mostly, however, it’s for you to get your body moving. Walking is the best form of exercise, and it has the added benefit of being outside, which can also do wonders for your mood.

If you’re unable to walk, there are tons of baby-and-me exercise classes on YouTube and possibly in person, depending on where you live. It’s all about doing movement with your baby, which has the added benefit of entertaining them and giving you both some fun bonding time. Trust me, it’s easier to deal with the feeling of being touched out if you’re also moving your body and getting those endorphins pumping.

If your baby is old enough, working on teaching them how to play independently so you can do your own workout is the best option. Then, they can simply play on the mat while you do a YouTube video.

Make sure you’re eating

Easier said than done, I know. But eating is absolutely essential. I’ve got a blog all about how to make sure you’re eating, but suffice to say, the key is eating with your baby or wrapping them up.

Baby-wearing if your best friend at all times, but it’s also a great option when eating. If your baby is young enough to sleep in the carrier or just simply not try to grab your food, you’re good. Eat a sandwich while they’re wrapped up.

If they’re old enough that they’re going to wiggle in the carrier to try and get your food, that means they’re probably eating food, which means you make them food AND you food, plop them in the high chair, and eat while they’re eating. They’re going to want their bites one after another immediately. But they can wait for you to take a bite.

It’s worth noting that if you really can’t find time to eat because they’re crying, eat anyway. I know this sounds mean, but you cannot function without food. If they cry for ten minutes while you shove some pasta salad in your mouth, that’s okay. Talk to them while you eat and leave it if they’re still crying. Put on your oxygen mask first.

Incorporate them into your hobbies

You would be shocked at how calm babies can be if you’re simply wearing them or talking to them. If they’re young enough to wear, they might nap while you do a puzzle or crochet at the counter. If they’re old enough, give them a puzzle to bang on the table while you do yours.

Read your book to them since they won’t understand it anyway. Who cares?

Talk to them while you take care of your plants or garden. Tell them what you’re doing. Describe every detail.

If taking a bath is really your thing, put on some fun baby music, put them in the bouncer in the bathroom, and talk to them. It might not be the most relaxing bath you’ve ever had, but it gets you in hot water (literally).

If they’re young enough, they’ll be comfortable being worn, and if they’re old enough, they’ll be fascinated by what you’re doing and your voice. Involve them if you can by handing them something or giving them a task that they won’t do but might entertain them.

Call a friend while walking around the house

When it comes to self-care with a baby, I can’t say “baby wearing” enough. Baby wear, baby wear, baby wear. In this case, strap them to your chest and call a friend. Again, babies just love to listen to you talk. If they’re little, it will probably lull them to sleep, and if they’re older, they’ll like looking around, listening to you, and just being with you.

This way, you can get some much-needed friend time too. Talking to friends on the phone makes you feel less alone. It rejuvenates you. It can help you laugh or get through all the tough times.

Side note: if your friend says something like “call me anytime; I’m always here,” take them up on their offer. Call them. Don’t feel weird about it. Just call them. Accept when people are reaching out to you. I have an open invitation to my friends to call me at literally any time, including 3 AM when they’re up with a sick baby and losing their minds. And I mean it. Call your friends.

Self-care with a baby doesn’t have to be impossible, though it definitely might feel that way sometimes. I hope this helps a little bit and gives you some ideas for what you can do with baby. And remember, this season doesn’t last forever. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and like each day is 248 hours long, remember it doesn’t last forever. You’ve got this.