Mornings with a baby are never predictable, but there’s one thing I’ve come to count on: my little one’s internal alarm clock ⏰. Whether I’m ready or not, it’s 5:30 AM and the day begins—whether I like it or not! Over time, I’ve learned to embrace this early wake-up call and turn it into a productive, peaceful part of my routine. Here’s how I manage to get things done before 6 AM, and why it works.
The Power of the Early Start 💪
Waking up before the world is fully awake might seem like a daunting task, but there’s something magical about those quiet early hours ✨. With no distractions, no emails to check, and no phone notifications pinging every few seconds, I can focus and knock out tasks that are often pushed aside during the busier parts of the day.
It’s not about having endless free time before the baby wakes up (if only! 😅). It’s about maximizing the few moments of peace that do exist before the morning whirlwind begins.
Task #1: Cleaning (Yes, Before 6 AM) 🧹
The first thing I tackle is cleaning—nothing fancy, just tidying up the areas that got a little messy the day before. Wiping down counters, putting away dishes, and making sure things are neat gives me a sense of control over my environment 🏠. It also helps set the tone for the rest of the day. There’s something about a clean space that makes everything feel more manageable, even when the chaos of parenthood kicks in.
Task #2: Coffee, My Lifeline ☕
Let’s be honest: coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a survival tool 🔋. After a night of baby wake-ups (or sometimes no sleep at all 😴), I need that first cup of coffee to feel like a functioning human. The quiet moment of brewing it, the steam rising from the cup—it’s almost like a ritual 🙌. For those first few minutes, it’s just me, my coffee, and the calm before the storm 🌤️. It’s my reminder to take a deep breath and start the day with intention.
Task #3: Laundry (The Never-Ending Cycle 🌀)
Laundry is a constant in any household, especially with a baby 🧺. But early mornings are the perfect time to start a load or two. It’s a low-effort task that I can set and forget while I move on to other things. By the time the baby is up and needing my attention, I’ve got one less thing to worry about.
Baby in the High Chair = Mini-Productivity Break 👶🍽️
Of course, I can’t get everything done without a little help. Enter the high chair 🪑. After the baby’s first snack of the day, I pop them into their high chair with some finger foods or a small breakfast 🥑🍓, and that’s when I make a break for it. For a brief window of time, I can unload the dishwasher, fold a few towels, or sip that much-needed coffee while the baby is content and entertained 👏. It’s a win-win.
Why It Works for Me 💡
Does it always go smoothly? Of course not. Some days, the baby might decide it’s time to wake up even earlier 🛏️, or decide that the high chair snacks just aren’t cutting it 🍪. But overall, this early routine helps me feel more in control of my day and makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something before the world starts demanding my attention.
As a parent, finding moments of peace and productivity can feel like a balancing act ⚖️, but embracing those early mornings has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s a way to reset, check things off my to-do list, and prepare for the busy day ahead—all before 6 AM ⏳.
