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Parenting Tips

Time Management Tips for Parents

Article By
Kate
Published On
31 Mar, 2025
Read Time
6 minutes

It's easy to feel overwhelmed as a parent. The constant juggling act can leave you feeling drained, guilty for not doing enough, or simply dreaming of a few moments of peace. We see you, and we understand the emotional weight that comes with trying to balance everything.  

This blog isn't about adding more pressure or suggesting unrealistic solutions. Instead, we're here to offer empathetic and realistic time management tips that acknowledge the beautiful chaos of raising babies and children.  

Our goal is to help you find small, sustainable ways to manage your time and look after yourself amidst the demands of new parenthood. 

Why are time management skills important for parents?

Time management skills aren't just helpful for parents – they're important tools for navigating the amazing, yet sometimes overwhelming, journey of raising babies, toddlers and children. 

We get it. You understandably want to put your baby’s immediate needs first, and this can leave you feeling like you’re always behind on your to-do list.  

Effective time management isn't about cramming more into your day, it's about creating a sense of control amidst the chaos. It can help you carve out those precious moments for connection with your baby, and help make sure you're not always feeling rushed or distracted during playtime or bedtime stories. 

It’s about you, too 

Good time management won't just benefit your baby. It’ll also help support your own wellbeing. It's about creating a little more breathing room in a season of life that often feels incredibly full. 

By intentionally structuring your days, you might be able to find small pockets of time for self-care – even if it's just a few minutes to breathe or enjoy a quiet (and warm) cup of tea. This isn't selfish, it's an essential step to help prevent burnout so you can be your best for yourself, and your loved ones. 

Useful resources for parents

  1. NCT: Provides resources and courses that help new parents establish routines and manage the demands of a newborn. Their website has information on early days with a baby and local events where parents can connect and share tips. 

  2. Action for Children: This UK charity supports families and children through various services. Their "Parent Talk" online advice hub offers articles on common parenting challenges, which often include managing schedules and routines. They also run local services and parenting programs that may address time management skills. 

  3. Gingerbread: This charity specifically supports single-parent families. They offer advice tips for single-parent time management to help solo parents manage household tasks and time. 

  4. Family Lives: Offers a wealth of information and support on all aspects of family life, including managing time and routines. They have a free 24-hour confidential helpline, online advice, workshops, and forums where parents can share experiences.  

  5. Maternal Mental Health Alliance: A UK-wide charity and network of over 130 member organisations that help to ensure that all women and families in the UK affected by perinatal mental health problems (those occurring during pregnancy and up to a year after birth) have access to high-quality, compassionate care and support. 

Tips for parent time management 

Let’s run through some time management tips for working parents, specifically tailored for the unique challenges and joys of raising babies and toddlers. 

Before we get started, remember that these tips are suggestions, and finding what works best for your family will be an ongoing process, it’s called a journey for a reason!  

Planning and organisation

  • The “eat the frog” method: This means tackling your most challenging and important tasks first to get them done and over with, meaning you have more free time to do things you enjoy. 
  • Plan in short bursts: Forget detailed weekly schedules. Focus on planning the next few hours or the next day. The needs of babies and toddlers can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key. 
  • Prioritise "survival mode": In these early years, just getting through the day is enough. Lower your expectations for productivity at home and work, focus on essential tasks and bonding with your baby.  
  • Establish flexible routines: Aim for loose routines around feeding, naps, and bedtime, but be prepared to adjust based on your baby’s cues and developmental stage.  
  • Use visual schedules for toddlers: For toddlers, simple picture charts for morning routines, getting ready, or tidying up can help them understand expectations and participate, freeing up some of your time. A Tommee Tippee GroClock will come in handy when your toddler is ready for a little more independence at bedtime.  
  • Prepare "grab-and-go" bags: Have nappy bags, changing essentials, and snack bags packed and ready to go for outings, even short ones. This saves frantic searching when it's time to leave the house. 

Time and tech 

  • Use naptime strategically: If you’re looking to get things done, naptime is often your golden window. Decide in advance how you'll use it – a quick work task, a household chore, or a precious moment of rest for yourself. Don't feel pressured to be productive every nap. 
  • Keep your hands free: Using a baby carrier or sling will help to keep your baby close while freeing up your hands for simple tasks around the house. Use voice assistants for setting reminders or playing music while you're busy. 
  • Online shopping is your friend: Online grocery delivery, nappy subscriptions, and online shopping for other essentials will help you avoid time-consuming trips to the shops. 
  • Short bursts of focused work: If you’re working from home, try to tackle small, focused work tasks during times when your baby or toddler is happily occupied (e.g., during independent play or when they’re being entertained by a partner). 
  • Hacks for simpler feeds: If you’re formula feeding, use a time-saving bottle prep machine like our Perfect Prep®. Feeding expressed breast milk? Build up an organised stockpile in the fridge or freezer. Sterilising your feeding equipment in batches will also help. And when weaning comes around, try to prepare several portions of purees or toddler-friendly snacks when you have a moment (a QuickCook™ baby food maker will help). 

Explore the Range

Time Saving Products for Parents

Family and home

  • Divide and conquer: If you have a partner, clearly divide responsibilities for feeds, nappy changes, bedtime routines, and household chores, and try to communicate regularly about how you’re feeling and who is doing what. 
  • Lower your standards: Accept that your house won't be perfect during this phase. Focus on safety and basic cleanliness rather than striving for magazine-worthy perfection. 
  • Involve bigger kids: If you have older children, involve them in simple tasks to help you look after your baby or toddler (e.g., fetching nappies, putting away toys). 
  • Embrace "messy play" with a plan: If you're doing messy activities, prepare the area beforehand to make cleanup quicker and easier. 
  • Say yes to help: If friends or family offer to chip in, accept it! Whether it's watching the baby for an hour or bringing over a meal, don't feel you have to do everything yourself.  

Self-care and boundaries 

  • Seize the small moments: A 5-minute shower, a hot cup of tea while your baby naps or a quick phone call with a friend can make a difference. 
  • Prioritise sleep (when possible): Sleep deprivation is a major challenge for parents of babies, toddlers and young children. Nap when the baby naps if you can or at least try to go to bed early. 
  • Be kind to yourself: There will be days that feel chaotic and unproductive. It's normal. Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate small wins. 
  • Connect with other parents: Joining local baby and toddler groups can provide valuable support, a sense of community, and opportunities to share tips and experiences. 
  • Don't compare: Every baby and toddler are different, and every family's situation is unique. Avoid comparing your progress or routine to others. The most important thing is that you and your baby are happy.  
  • Establish realistic work boundaries: If you're working, be clear with your employer about your availability and any constraints due to childcare responsibilities. 

Remember, this is a demanding phase. Be patient with yourself, celebrate every small step – they all add up – and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.  

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