Homeschooling days can get pretty busy. If you have a newborn in the mix, the whole homeschooling idea gets even more challenging. Newborns want to eat and sleep, and you better be ready to be at their beck and call!
When Riley was born, all I wanted to do was hold her and chill on the couch. However, Duke needed attention too and was always asking to do preschool. We read A LOT of books on the couch during that time. Through that time, I found several ideas to homeschool with a newborn around. Here are a couple helpful tips that I found that will help you homeschool with a newborn.
How to Homeschool with a Newborn
Create a schedule around the newborn’s schedule
The amazing thing about homeschooling is that it is flexible. This means that you can accommodate your newborn baby’s schedule in so many ways. You can have your older children get up early and learn one subject or two before the baby is up. While the baby eats, you can multitask by reading to your older kids, practice spelling, or memorize math facts.
Let the baby be the lesson
It can be difficult trying to establish a quiet environment at home for schooling while the baby is around. However, instead of looking at the newborn as a distraction, you can let the baby be a lesson. By having the newborn baby present, your older kids get to learn how to take care of a baby. This could be a great practical life skill that isn’t taught in most public schools! Besides, who can resist a sweet baby?
Be prepared with supplies
It is important to have easy access to homeschool supplies and other necessities for your newborn. This will prevent you from running around this house whenever you need something. For example, you can keep a basket of diapers and wipes in your homeschool room or keep library books near your favorite feeding spot. I had a bin next to my recliner that held a stack of books that we read over and over and over.
Postpone Field Trips
It can get wild trying to wrangle kids with a newborn baby. While you are establishing a new routine, you can postpone field trips. This is a season to stay home! To supplement your kid’s learning, you can use some manageable outdoor learning activities. When Riley was born, we went on lots of nature walks to look for “treasure”. Walking helps recover from childbirth too, which is a great added bonus!
Let the older kids help
Build a buddy system into your routine and have the older kids take care of the baby. They can entertain the baby or fetch needed supplies. I showed Duke where the burp cloths and diapers were so that he could grab things for me quickly. Little helpers are great at bringing things to the baby!
Get extra help
Sometimes things can get a little out of hand. Your spouse can help by taking over some of the lessons. You can also hire a nanny to help ease the transition. You may need to find a short-term tutor to help if you are concerned about older children falling behind while you are homeschooling with a newborn.
Take advantage of naptime
While the baby is asleep you can teach the older kids. This is a perfect time for subjects that require more concentration. Just keep things quiet to prevent waking the baby!
Use a baby carrier
If you have a fussy baby, a sling or wrap can be very handy! You can use it to nurse the baby to sleep while working on other projects with the older kids. When you homeschool with a newborn, it may also be handy to keep a small rocker or bouncer in your homeschool room. I kept a Rock and Play next to the table when was working with Duke.
Take a break
There is NO SHAME in taking a break from homeschooling when you have a newborn. Having a baby is a huge change to the family dynamic. The beauty of homeschooling is that it can fit your lifestyle. You can take a break until the baby is a couple of months old and make up the lessons at a later time.
Homeschooling with a newborn can be challenging, but it can work. If it gets too hard, just take a break! Make your homeschool fit your family.
