How To Make Money While Taking Care of a Baby

Do you want to learn how to make money while taking care of a baby? Maybe you want to stay home with your baby, but your family still needs another income. Or, perhaps you are on maternity leave and want to make extra money to help with diapers, formula, medical bills, and everything else that…

Do you want to learn how to make money while taking care of a baby?

Maybe you want to stay home with your baby, but your family still needs another income. Or, perhaps you are on maternity leave and want to make extra money to help with diapers, formula, medical bills, and everything else that comes with having a baby.

You may also be looking for a flexible way to work because daycare costs are so high. Depending on where you live, childcare can easily cost $1,000 a month or much more.

I completely understand why you may be looking for ways to make money while caring for your baby.

I have worked from home for many years, and being able to set my own schedule became even more important after I became a mom. I am so thankful that my work allows me to spend a lot of time with my daughter.

But working while taking care of a baby is not always easy.

Babies do not care if you have a deadline. Some days they may take a long nap, and other days they may barely sleep at all. You may sit down to work and then immediately have to stop because your baby needs you.

Because of this, some jobs are much easier to do with a baby than others.

The best options tend to let you work whenever you have time so that you can work during naps, after bedtime, early in the morning, or when your partner or another family member is home.

Best Ways To Make Money While Taking Care of a Baby

Here are some of the best options from this list:

Best long-term business: Starting a blog
Best for earning money quickly: Selling things you already own
Best freelance businesses: Virtual assisting, bookkeeping, and proofreading
Best semi-passive income idea: Selling printables
Best option if you have baby gear: Renting it to traveling families
Best for earning a small amount from your phone: Online surveys or playing games

Below are 18 ways to make money while taking care of a baby.

1. Start a blog

Starting a blog is my favorite way to make money from home because it is exactly what I do.

I did not start my blog with plans to turn it into a business, and I definitely had no idea that it would eventually become my full-time income, but since then, I have earned over $5,000,000 from blogging.

My blog has allowed me to leave my day job, travel full-time for many years, create my own schedule, and spend more time with my daughter. I am honestly so, so grateful for my blog because of the life it has allowed me to have with my daughter.

As a blogger, you can write about nearly any topic you are interested in, such as:

Parenting
Personal finance
Travel
Food
Crafts
Home projects
Fashion
Books
Pets
Fitness
Homeschooling

Bloggers can make money through display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored partnerships, selling products, creating courses, selling services, and more.

One of the reasons blogging can work well when you have a baby is that you do not have to write an entire article at one time. You could come up with ideas while your baby plays nearby, create an outline during one nap, and write part of the article after bedtime.

You can work ahead when you have more time and slow down when your baby needs more attention.

Now, blogging is not a way to get rich overnight. It took me a while to earn money, and there is a lot to learn. But a blog can turn into a real business that earns money for many years.

You can learn more about how to begin in my free How To Start a Blog Course here.

2. Become an online bookkeeper

If you enjoy numbers and keeping things organized, bookkeeping may interest you. I have a couple of friends who stay at home with their children and run an online bookkeeping business, and they like and recommend it.

A bookkeeper helps a business manage its financial records, and this may include recording sales, tracking expenses, sending invoices, and putting together financial reports.

You do not have to be an accountant or have a finance degree to become a bookkeeper. This is a skill you can learn through online training like this free intro workshop where you will learn how to start a freelance bookkeeping business.

Many small businesses only need a bookkeeper for a few hours each month. Because of this, one bookkeeper may work with several different clients.

You may be able to complete most of your work whenever it fits your schedule, so this can be helpful if you are caring for a baby and cannot work the same hours every day.

Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs As A Beginner

This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.

3. Sell printables on Etsy

Selling printables is one of my favorite semi-passive income ideas.

A printable is a digital file that a customer buys online and prints at home. Because the item is digital, you do not have to package anything, keep inventory in your house, or make a trip to the post office.

Examples of printables you can sell include:

Budget planners
Meal planners
Grocery lists
Baby schedules
Chore charts
Baby shower games
Birthday invitations
Wedding invitations
Homeschool worksheets
Coloring pages
Cleaning checklists
Holiday planners
Wall art

You can make a printable in Canva and sell it on Etsy or through your own website.

One of the best things about this business is that you only have to create each file once. After you list it for sale, customers can buy and download it over and over again.

Of course, you will still need to create new products, answer customer questions, and work on your listings. So, it is not completely passive. But you do not have to remake every product each time someone buys it.

You can learn more at How I Made $6,161 in Just 4 Months With a New Etsy Printables Shop.

I also recommend signing up for the Earn Money Selling Printables free training. You’ll learn printable ideas, how to get started on Etsy, and how to actually sell printables.

Free Training: Earn Money Selling Printables

Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.

4. Start a print on demand business

Print-on-demand can be a flexible business to start while taking care of a baby because you do not have to make, store, or ship the products yourself.

With print-on-demand, you create a design and add it to products such as:

T-shirts
Sweatshirts
Coffee mugs
Tote bags
Phone cases
Stickers
Hats
Baby clothing
Blankets
Ornaments

When a customer places an order, a print-on-demand company makes the product and ships it directly to them. This means you do not need boxes of inventory sitting around your house, which is probably the last thing you need when you already have baby gear everywhere!

Print-on-demand can fit around your baby’s schedule because you can research ideas, create designs, and write product listings whenever you have time. You could work on one design during a nap and upload it later after bedtime.

You can sell print-on-demand products through Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, or your own website. Companies such as Printify, Printful, and Gelato can connect to your online store and take care of fulfilling each order.

I recommend signing up for the How to Make Money with Print-On-Demand free workshop. In this workshop, you’ll learn how one person made $500,000 in two years selling gifts, the best types of products to sell to maximize your earnings, and how to start this side hustle on Etsy.

Want to learn how to make money selling print-on-demand products on Etsy? Check out this free workshop and learn how Emily made $500,000 in just two years.

5. Work as a virtual assistant

A virtual assistant helps business owners with tasks that can be completed online.

This was another one of my early side hustles, and I currently have a VA – I also know many VAs who have children at home.

Virtual assistants may help with:

Answering emails
Scheduling appointments
Creating Pinterest pins
Managing social media
Formatting blog posts
Sending invoices
Organizing files
Creating spreadsheets
Researching article ideas
Managing Facebook groups

There are so many different services you can sell as a virtual assistant, and it depends on what you know how to do and what your client needs help with.

If you are not sure what service to offer, think about the tasks you have done at past jobs. You may already know how to use spreadsheets, write emails, manage a calendar, organize files, or create graphics in Canva.

Many times, the business owner you work for will tell you exactly how they want things done, so it’s a job that you can learn as you go.

If you are taking care of a baby, I recommend looking for virtual assistant work that does not require you to be online at an exact time. Work that you can complete by a deadline will probably be easier than a job where you have to reply within minutes. For example, my virtual assistant has a set list of tasks to do each week, but it does not matter when she completes them – so she can have a flexible schedule.

6. Proofread blog posts and other content

Are you the type of person who notices every spelling mistake?

Proofreaders read content and look for mistakes in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting. They may work for bloggers, book authors, business owners, students, or even court reporters.

The work is usually quiet and can usually be completed on your own schedule, which may make it easier to do while your baby is sleeping.

You do not need to be the best writer in the world to become a proofreader, but you should have a strong eye for small details. You also need to be able to stay focused because it can be easy to miss mistakes when you are rushing.

If you are interested in finding online proofreading jobs, I recommend signing up for this free 76-minute workshop all about proofreading. Here, you will learn how to start a freelance proofreading business. You can sign up for free here.

This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.

7. Manage social media for small businesses

Many business owners know they should be posting on social media, but they do not have the time to do it, and this is where a social media manager can help.

Social media managers may create posts, schedule content, reply to comments, make graphics, research ideas, and help a business reach new customers.

They manage:

Facebook pages
Instagram accounts
Pinterest accounts
TikTok accounts
LinkedIn pages
YouTube channels

You do not need to work on every platform – I recommend choosing the one you know best.

For example, if you enjoy Pinterest, you could help bloggers create pins and schedule them. If you like Instagram, you could help a local business plan its posts and short videos.

A lot of social media work can be planned ahead. You may be able to make a full week or month of content at one time and schedule it to publish automatically. My virtual assistant is also my social media manager, and she schedules almost all of my social media content days and weeks ahead.

8. Create and sell Canva templates

You may enjoy this idea if you like designing but do not want to make a physical product.

A Canva template is a design that another person can buy and edit. The customer can change the words, pictures, colors, and fonts to fit what they need.

Some Canva templates you could sell include:

Pinterest pin templates
Instagram post templates
Resumes
Business cards
Workbooks
Ebooks
Media kits
Invitations
Flyers
Price lists
Real estate marketing materials

Businesses, bloggers, teachers, parents, and many other people buy Canva templates because they want something that looks nice without having to design it themselves. I have personally bought Canva templates many times in the past, and they make running a business so much easier.

I recommend heading to How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates to learn more about this.

9. Sell items you no longer need

If you need to make money quickly, selling things you already own may be one of the easiest places to start.

You probably have items sitting around your house that you no longer use, like baby clothing, toys, furniture, electronics, kitchen items, decorations, books, or shoes.

Babies grow so quickly, and it can seem like they outgrow clothing and gear almost immediately. If you are done using those items, you may be able to sell them to another family.

Places to sell used items include:

Facebook Marketplace
eBay
Poshmark
Mercari
Local parent groups
Children’s resale stores
Garage sales

You can use nap time to take pictures, create listings, and respond to messages.

This probably will not become a long-term income unless you start flipping items, but it can be a quick way to make extra cash and clear clutter from your home at the same time.

Recommended reading: 12 Best Places To Sell Used Baby Items

10. Rent out your baby gear

Did you know that you can make money renting out baby gear?

Families who are traveling may not want to bring a crib, stroller, high chair, car seat, toys, and everything else their baby needs. Instead, they may rent those items when they arrive at their destination.

BabyQuip is a platform where you can list baby gear for rent and deliver it to families who are on a trip or vacation.

Items you may be able to rent out include:

Cribs
Strollers
High chairs
Car seats
Baby baths
Toys
Baby monitors
Beach gear

You do not need to buy a houseful of baby products immediately. You may want to start with a few popular items, such as a full-size crib and stroller, and see how much demand there is in your area.

This idea may work especially well if you live near hotels, vacation rentals, theme parks, beaches, or another popular travel destination.

You will need a place to store everything, and you will need to clean each item carefully between rentals. You should also make a plan for deliveries and pickups.

11. Answer online surveys

Online surveys are not going to make you rich, but they can be an easy way to make a little extra money with no stress.

With surveys, you may be answering questions about the places you shop, products you buy, food you eat, shows you watch, and other parts of your daily life.

In exchange, you may earn cash or free gift cards.

I have taken many surveys in the past and received $50 to $100 checks from answering easy questions.

Surveys are flexible because you can usually do them from your phone and while your baby is sleeping, feeding, or playing nearby.

I recommend signing up for several survey companies because you probably will not qualify for every survey. You may also want to create a separate email address for survey accounts so that your regular inbox does not become too crowded.

Below are the companies I recommend signing up for:

You can learn more about online surveys at Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month.

12. Participate in paid research studies

Paid research studies are another way to make money by sharing your opinion.

These tend to pay more than regular online surveys, but you may have to meet specific requirements.

For example, a company may be looking for parents of children under age 2 who have purchased a certain type of stroller. Another study may need people who use a particular bank, grocery store, or phone app.

A paid study may involve:

Answering questions online
Joining a video call
Testing a product
Sharing your screen
Joining an online focus group
Keeping a short diary

I have personally completed a User Interviews study that paid me $400 for one hour of my time. That is much higher than what you would normally earn from a regular survey.

You will not qualify for every research study, so do not be discouraged if you apply and are not chosen.

The study I did was a video call (which is one of the reasons it paid so well). If the study requires a video call, you will probably want to schedule it for a time when someone else can watch your baby.

You can click here to sign up for User Interviews.

13. Sell items on Whatnot

Whatnot is a live shopping app where people sell items through live video shows.

I think the easiest way to describe Whatnot is that it is like a mix of TikTok Live, eBay, and QVC. Sellers show products on camera, answer questions from viewers, and run quick auctions or fixed-price sales.

There are hundreds of categories on Whatnot, such as:

Trading cards
Clothing
Shoes
Toys
Collectibles
Coins
Jewelry
Beauty products
Home goods
Comics
Holiday items

One of the most interesting parts of Whatnot is that you do not need a website or an existing social media audience to start because buyers are already on the app looking for live shows and products.

You also do not have to show your face if you do not want to. You can point your phone at the products so that buyers only see the items and your hands. They will hear your voice as you explain what you are selling and answer questions.

My friends over at Marketplace SuperHeroes put together a free training called How We Made $247,840.96 in 125 Days on Whatnot. If you want to learn more about selling on Whatnot and see why so many people are excited about it, click here to register for the free training.

Recommended reading:

14. Provide childcare from your home

Watching another child can be a natural way to make money if you are already staying home with your baby.

A family in your area may only need childcare a few mornings each week. Or, another parent may need help during school breaks or while working.

You can start by asking friends, relatives, or neighbors if they know someone looking for childcare. Local parent groups may also be helpful, and you may be able to post in them stating that you are looking for a childcare job.

Before doing this, make sure your home is safe for children. I also recommend becoming CPR and first aid certified.

You should check the childcare laws where you live as well. Depending on your location and how many children you watch, you may need a license, insurance, inspection, or other approval.

15. Sell handmade items

If you enjoy crafts, you may be able to turn your hobby into an income.

Some handmade products you could sell include:

Jewelry
Candles
Soap
Crochet items
Knit blankets
Hair bows
Stickers
Baby clothing
Personalized cups
Holiday decorations
Wooden signs
Craft kits

You can sell handmade items on Etsy, through social media, at local craft fairs, or to people you know.

Before buying hundreds of dollars of supplies, I recommend making a few products and seeing if people are interested in buying them.

Also, craft supplies can add up quickly, so I recommend that you know how much it costs to make each item, including materials, packaging, selling fees, and shipping.

Recommended reading: 16 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money

16. Start a home bakery

If you enjoy baking, you may be able to sell food from your home.

You could make:

Customers may order these items for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, school events, weddings, or just because they want something good to eat.

Before selling food, you need to check your state and local cottage food laws. These rules explain what foods you can make at home, where you can sell them, how they must be labeled, and whether you need a permit.

Recommended reading: 10 Ways To Make Money Baking

How To Start a Dog Treat Business From Your Kitchen

This free workshop will teach you how to start your own dog treat bakery business.

17. Create an online course

If you have a helpful skill, you may be able to create an online course and teach it to others.

You do not need to be the top expert in the whole world. You simply need to know enough to help someone who is a few steps behind you.

Course topics may include:

Budgeting
Photography
Crafts
Fitness
Cooking
Gardening
Parenting
Social media
Meal planning
Starting a business
Learning a language

You can create video lessons, written lessons, worksheets, or a mix of all three.

Before spending months building a course, I recommend talking with people who may want to buy it and asking what they struggle with and what questions they have.

Creating a course can take a lot of time in the beginning. However, once it is finished, you may be able to sell it many times without creating the lessons again.

18. Write and sell an ebook

Writing an ebook can be a good way to make money if you enjoy writing and have something helpful to teach.

Your ebook could be about:

Saving money
Traveling with children
Meal planning
Organizing your home
Starting a side hustle
Planning a wedding
Homeschooling
Caring for a certain type of pet

Your ebook does not have to be hundreds of pages long – instead, it could simply answer a question or help the reader solve a problem.

You do not need to write the entire book in one sitting, and you may write a page during one nap and another page a few days later. Eventually, those pages will add up.

You can sell ebooks through Amazon, Etsy, or your own website.

Tips for Working While Taking Care of a Baby

Working and caring for a baby at the same time can be hard; I know this.

Here are some of my best tips.

Pick only a few important tasks each day

Your to-do list may have 20 things on it, but you probably will not finish all of them while caring for a baby. And that’s normal!

Instead, choose one or two tasks that matter most.

If your baby takes a long nap and you finish more, that is great. But if the day does not go as planned, you will still know what to work on first.

Make a list of short tasks

I LIVE by my list!

You may not have three quiet hours to work, but you may have 10 or 15 minutes.

So, I recommend you create a list of small tasks you can complete quickly, such as replying to an email, taking a product picture, creating a Pinterest pin, or outlining part of an article.

This can help you use small pockets of time without spending half of that time deciding what to do.

Do not count on every nap

Some days, your baby may nap exactly when you expect. Other days, the nap may last only a few minutes.

I recommend you try to give yourself extra time before deadlines because waiting until the final nap before a project is due can cause a lot of stress.

Ask for help when you need it

You do not have to do everything alone.

Your partner, a family member, or a babysitter may be able to watch your baby for a few hours while you complete work that needs your full attention.

Even having two or three quiet hours once a week can be very helpful.

One thing to look into is if there is a local gym or YMCA in your area where there is a kids club. You don’t have to work out in order to use these! I know moms who simply bring their kids there for an hour or two and get work done on their laptop instead! This can be a much more affordable and flexible option for finding daycare, too.

Give yourself a break

Taking care of a baby is already a full-time job.

You do not need to work during every nap or stay up late every night. You need time to sleep, eat, shower, relax, and spend time with your family, too.

It is okay if it takes longer to grow your income during this stage of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about ways to make money while taking care of a baby at home.

Can you really make money while taking care of a baby?

Yes, you can make money while taking care of a baby, but you will want to be realistic about how much time you have. Some jobs on this list may only bring in a little extra money, and others could eventually become a full-time business.

What is the easiest way to make money while caring for a baby?

Selling items you already own is usually one of the quickest and easiest ways to make extra money. You may also want to try online surveys or paid research studies. If you are looking for a long-term income, then starting a blog, selling printables, or selling a freelance service like bookkeeping may be a better choice.

How can a stay-at-home mom make $1,000 a month?

A stay-at-home mom may be able to make $1,000 a month through virtual assistant work, bookkeeping, childcare, or selling digital products. You could also combine several smaller side hustles. For example, you may earn money by selling items, answering surveys, and pet sitting.

What jobs can I do while my baby sleeps?

Some jobs you can do while your baby sleeps include freelance writing, proofreading, blogging, bookkeeping, creating printables, making Canva templates, managing social media, and listing items for sale. I recommend choosing work that can be paused in case your baby wakes up earlier than expected because this will probably happen!

Can I work from home without childcare?

Yes, it is possible to work from home without full-time childcare, especially if your work is flexible. However, working from home does not automatically mean that a job will let you care for your baby at the same time. A traditional remote job with phone calls and set hours may require childcare. But, a freelance job or online business where you choose your hours may be easier.

How can I make money from my phone while caring for a baby?

You may be able to make money from your phone by answering surveys, applying for research studies, selling items, managing social media accounts, or playing certain games. You can also use your phone to take product pictures, reply to clients, and work on your business when you have a few free minutes.

What are the best passive income ideas for new parents?

Semi-passive income ideas for new parents include selling printables, creating Canva templates, writing an ebook, creating a course, blogging, and affiliate marketing. These ideas are not completely passive, especially in the beginning, because you will need to create the product or content first. But once your work is finished, you may be able to earn money from it more than once.