When I became a new dad, I quickly realized that a sleeping baby is basically gold. Those rare, quiet moments when the house is finally still? Absolute magic. Of course, it’s tempting to just flop on the couch and scroll through my phone, but I found that making the most of nap time actually helps me feel more on top of things.
So, if you’re staring at your peacefully snoozing baby and wondering what you should do next, I’ve got you covered. Here are ten genuinely productive things dads can do while the little one is napping.
There’s nothing better than sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee without having to reheat it three times.
Only parents really get how rare that is! During naptime, I treat myself to a fresh brew; sometimes I even go all out with my favourite loose-leaf tea or grind up some good coffee beans.
I’ll grab a couple of biscuits, put my feet up, and just enjoy the peace. It’s a tiny luxury, but it makes me feel like a real person again.
To make this little ritual even better, consider investing in a good travel mug. That way, if your baby wakes up early, you can still enjoy your drink warm, plus, it’s perfect for those days when you have to dash out the door with your caffeine in hand.
Okay, laundry isn’t exactly fun, but trust me, it feels amazing to get it done while your baby naps.
I break it up so it’s not overwhelming, maybe I’ll sort and start a load during one nap, then fold and put everything away the next time. It’s way less stressful than trying to do it all at once.
To make it a bit more enjoyable, I usually throw on a podcast or an audiobook. It’s a great way to catch up on the news or escape into a story while still being productive.
There’s something so satisfying about seeing all those clean, folded clothes and knowing you got it done while the house was quiet.
Exercise might be the last thing you want to do when you’re running on fumes, but even a little bit of movement can boost your mood and energy.
I’m not saying you need to go all out, just a quick 15-minute yoga stretch or a set of bodyweight exercises can make a big difference. There are tons of fitness apps and YouTube channels out there with routines made for busy parents, so you don’t need fancy equipment or a lot of space.
Just pick something quiet, you don’t want to wake the baby! Remember, any movement counts.
One of the best ways I’ve found to make evenings less hectic is to use naptime for a little meal prep. I’ll chop veggies, marinate some meat, or even throw together a casserole that just needs to be baked later. It’s a huge help when things get crazy in the evening.
(And if you need some inspiration, check out my meal ideas!)
If you want to get ahead, try batch cooking, make a big pot of soup or stew, and portion it out for the week. Trust me, your future self will be so grateful when dinner’s already halfway done.
Keeping up with friends can be tough when you’re knee-deep in nappies and bottles.
We dads aren’t always the best at staying in touch. I’ve started using naptime to check in with my mates; a quick call or video chat can really lift your spirits.
If your baby’s a light sleeper, just fire off a few texts or emails. Even a short “hey, how’s it going?” helps you feel connected to the outside world. Just don’t forget to keep your phone on silent!
It’s wild how fast baby stuff takes over the house. I like to use naptime to tackle little decluttering projects, maybe sort through outgrown clothes one day, or organise the changing table the next.
Pick one small area at a time so it doesn’t get overwhelming. You’re not aiming for a spotless house, just a bit more order. Trust me, a tidy space makes everything feel a little less chaotic and helps clear your mind, too.
Who says naptime can’t be a chance to level up? I love using these quiet stretches to pick up a new skill or dive into something I’ve always been curious about.
There are so many online courses, tutorials, and quick educational videos out there that you can learn just about anything, from a new language to DIY tricks for your next home project.
Naptime is perfect for personal growth, and with so many apps delivering lessons in bite-sized pieces, you can make progress without needing hours.
Let’s be real, life admin doesn’t stop just because you’ve got a baby in the house. Bills need paying, appointments need booking, and there’s always some paperwork lurking around.
I keep a running list of little admin tasks, so when the house is finally quiet, I can knock out a few things without getting overwhelmed.
It’s not glamorous, but it feels good to get ahead. And if you’ve got work to catch up on, naptime is the perfect window to send a few emails or tie up loose ends without any interruptions.
Don’t forget about yourself during naptime. Taking a few minutes for mindfulness can make a huge difference when you’re in the thick of parenting chaos.
You don’t have to dive into full-on meditation; even just sitting quietly, focusing on your breath, or jotting down a couple of things you’re grateful for can help you reset and recharge.
Mindfulness is all about being present, and it does help you handle the ups and downs of dad life with a bit more patience.
And if you’re running on empty, grabbing a quick nap yourself totally counts as productive!
If you want more ideas on how to bring mindfulness into your day, check out my other article on mindfulness for dads.
Naptime is golden for new dads; use it to recharge, catch up on chores, connect with friends, or even learn something new. A little planning goes a long way in making those quiet moments count.
Honestly, those baby naps are like little lifelines for parents. Whether you use the time to sip a hot coffee, fold some laundry, or just sit in silence, it all adds up to feeling a bit more in control.
Don’t stress about being super productive every single time; sometimes the best thing you can do is just breathe and enjoy the quiet. Whatever you choose, remember you’re doing a great job, and every little win counts!
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