The go-to place for all the tips, tricks, and tools that have worked for this business-owning, working mama.
The Working Mama
Welcome to The Working Mama, where I share simple yet effective baby gear and strategies that have made my life as a working mom more manageable and enjoyable.
Here, you'll find a handpicked selection of items and ideas that are all about making your day-to-day routine smoother, so you can spend less time stressing and more time cherishing those precious moments with your little one. Whether it's a multi-tasking baby essential or a clever parenting hack, I'm here to help you navigate this beautiful, busy journey of working motherhood.
Let's embrace this adventure together, with less hassle and more heart!
I am a new mom and full-time freelancer learning to juggle
the joys of my baby with the demands of working full-time.
Hey! I’m Ashleigh!
Everyday Must-Haves
Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine
Usefulness score: 10/10
What it is: A sound machine and nightlight all in one.
Why we love it: It’s portable to carry from bedroom bassinet to nursery for late night changing and feedings.
The downsides: Pricey, but perfect registry addition. Also hate that if you want any additional sounds/songs, they want you to purchase a subscription. It comes with quite a few, but just something that is irritating.
Additional notes: Love this so much we considered buying a second so we could have one in our bedroom and one in the nursery.
Best Nightlight + Sound Machine
BabyBjörn Toy for Bouncer
Usefulness score: 10/10
What it is: A colorful, entertaining bar with interactive shapes and funny eyes, designed to develop a baby's motor skills. It's easy to attach to and compatible with Bouncer Balance Soft and Bouncer Bliss.
Why we love it: It's adorably designed without being obnoxious or over the top, like most baby toys. It was one of the first toys that really captured my baby's attention and engagement. Watching my little one practice spinning the wooden pieces gives me a chance to do dishes, work, or make dinner. It's definitely a must-have in our household.
The downsides: Pricey, but perfect registry addition
Additional Note: The Björn Bouncer itself is also an ALL-TIME FAVORITE at our house. We have the super fancy Mamaroo and some other devices, and this is by far her favorite spot to hang out and watch us move around the kitchen, allow me to take work calls, or finish some work in peace!
Cute & Engaging Bouncer Toy
Snuggle Me Organic Baby Lounger
Usefulness score: 10/10
What it is: Lounging pad, or as my husband likes to call it, “baby dog bed,” to support and provide comfort for your little one.
Why we love it: It’s soft and clearly comfortable for your baby. This has been the perfect spot to let our girl take a nap while we are working, or doing the dishes, etc. I think our daughter likes this better than her bassinet or any other spot to sleep! Plus, it’s super cute and the perfect prop to take photos of your newborn.
The downside: Pricey. Great item for your registry, though, especially as a group gift, maybe?
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNNATTENDED IN THIS BABY LOUNGER! This is not a place for them to sleep, as stated on the product, and is not a place to keep your baby if you are tired, in case you accidentally fall asleep.
The Perfect "Place Space”
Cloud b Calming Nightlight Star Projector
Usefulness score: 9/10
What it is: A nightlight for kids that mixes fun lights, colors, and shapes. Helps little ones wind down and get to sleep, and turns off by itself too.
Why we love it: We got this as a gift, and my expectations were non-existent. I pulled this out of the box and threw some batteries in, and our baby girl was OBSESSED. Since then, it’s a must for getting her to get herself to sleep in her bassinet. We throw this on the dresser, and she's transfixed until those little eyes finally shut.
The downside: It takes up a lot of surface area, so we need to find a spot for it. Also, wish it were rechargeable, rather than take batteries.
The Best Nightlight Hands-Down
For Traveling
GUNAMUNA Unisex Waffle Print Onesie
Usefulness score: 8/10
What it is: Comfy onesies that have a u-shaped zipper for super easy diaper change.
Why we love it: It’s portable to carry from bedroom bassinet to nursery for late night changing and feedings.
The downside: Snags easy.
Ultimate Quick-Change Pajamas
Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads
Usefulness score: 10/10
What it is: Sounds hilarious, but this are the perfect changing pad for those times where you don’t want to dirty your own.
Why we love it: Airports, gas stations, major blowouts, throw one of these down and throw it out with the diaper.
The downside: Wasteful, but necessary.
Additional notes: Make sure to check the size of pad you are looking for. Ordered small dog for my large 3 month baby and regretted it ha!
Easy Diaper Change Solution
Ergobaby Embrace Baby Carrier
Usefulness score: 9/10
What it is: Soft baby carrier for newborns to 25 pounds.
Why we love it: A baby carrier that's a breeze to use, comfy, and free from complicated clips and attachments. It's incredibly compact, making it perfect for on-the-go use. You can easily and comfortably put it on by yourself, which is a lifesaver when navigating through airports or shopping at the grocery store.
The downsides: Probably not best for super long periods of time standing or hiking. No additional head support (some carriers have an extra flap for baby’s head support).
Quick & Easy Comfy Carrier
Befano Portable Bottle Warmer
Usefulness score: 7/10
What it is: Portable baby bottle warmer.
Why we love it: TO BE FAIR, we have not tried other portable warmers. BUT, I’ve heard endless complaints about friend’s portable warmers being a pain, and this one has always been easy and reliable!.
The downside: Slow-ish to heat up, but so are regular large counter ones.
Additional Note: If you do buy this, you MAY need an adapter to make it work for whatever bottle you may have. Here are the 2 adapters for the Dr.Brown’s bottles we use:
Reliable Bottler Warmer for on the Go
Additional Faves
Copper Pearl Baby Burp Cloths
Why: Feel like formula or milk doesn’t penetrate through the material, and they are big enough to cover your whole shoulder.
Burp Cloths
Love to Dream Swaddle UP
Why: I think this is a preference of the baby, but ours liked having her arms up rather than to her side. It’s also nice that she can suck on her hands once she started to do so to put herself to sleep.
Swaddles
Konssy Muslin Baby Bibs 10 Pack
Why: These have been awesome. They are super soft and absorbent, but they don’t seem to penetrate to the other side. We used them when our girl was a newborn and messy taking milk, and now to catch all the slobber throughout the day ha!
Muslin Bibs
Babyganics Foaming Pump Hand Sanitizer
Why: Not as abrasive and safer for baby hand sanitizer. This had ZERO scent and doesn’t leave your hands feeling like there is a residue. It DOES dry out your hands, but washing them or any other sanitizer does, too.