5 Genius Ways to Get Your Free Time Back (Yes, It's Possible!)

Alright, let's be real for a second. Remember when you thought having a baby meant you'd still have time to, I don't know, take a shower? Finish your coffee while it's hot? Watch an entire episode of anything without pausing 47 times?

Yeah, me neither.

But here's the thing – after two kids and living in Jacksonville where the summer sun doesn't quit, I've figured out a few tricks. And the biggest game-changer? Teaching your baby to feed themselves earlier than you'd think possible.

1. Start the Self-Feeding Journey ASAP

I know what you're thinking: "My 6-month-old can barely sit up, how are they going to hold a bottle?" Trust me, I had the same thought. But babies are surprisingly capable when you give them the right tools.

The key is finding bottles they can actually grip. Those traditional smooth bottles? Forget about it. They'll slip right through those pudgy little fingers faster than a mullet jumping in the Gulf.

But get them a bottle with a good grip design – like those dumbbell-shaped ones – and suddenly you've got a baby who can hold their own bottle during feeding time. Which means you can sit down. Maybe even eat something yourself. Wild concept, right?

2. Create a Safe "Independent Zone"

Here in Florida, we're blessed with good weather pretty much year-round (humidity aside). Set up a safe play area outside or in a designated room where your baby can practice independent play while you're nearby but not helicoptering.

I set up a shaded spot in our backyard with a playmat, some toys, and their favorite sippy cup. My little one would happily play for 20-30 minutes while I actually got to read a book. A whole chapter. It was magical.

**Pro tip:** Make sure everything is baby-proofed within an inch of its life. The peace of mind is worth the effort.

3. Embrace the Mess (But Make It Manageable)

Self-feeding is messy. Like, really messy. Especially here in Florida where everything's already sticky from the humidity. But you know what's messier? Spending every waking moment spoon-feeding a baby who could be learning to do it themselves.

My strategy:

- Get a huge splash mat (seriously, bigger than you think you need)

- Keep wet wipes within arm's reach at all times

- Accept that bathtime will be a daily event

- Remember that the mess is temporary, but the independence is forever

4. Use Smart Feeding Products

Not all baby products are created equal, and trust me, I've wasted enough money on Amazon to know. But some things are genuinely worth it:

Self-Feeding Bottles

Those dumbbell-shaped bottles I mentioned? Total game-changer. My daughter went from needing me to hold the bottle every single feeding to doing it herself in about a week. That's like... hours of free time I got back.

Suction Bowls

For when they start solids. These things stick to the highchair tray like barnacles on a dock. Your floor will thank you.

Long-Sleeved Bibs

Floridian parents know: everything gets sticky. These save you from changing outfits 800 times a day.

5. Build a Support System

Here's something nobody tells you: you don't have to do this alone. And I don't mean hiring a nanny (though hey, if that's an option, go for it).

I'm talking about:

- Trading babysitting time with other parents

- Joining local parent groups (shoutout to all my St. Pete parent meetup folks!)

- Asking family for help without guilt

- Using those precious independent feeding times to actually rest

The Reality Check

Look, I'm not going to pretend that teaching your baby independence is always easy. Some days they'll nail it, and you'll feel like Supermom or Superdad. Other days they'll throw the bottle across the room and scream like you've committed a war crime.

That's parenthood, baby.

But here in Florida, where life moves fast and the sun sets beautiful every single evening, you deserve to actually see those sunsets. You deserve to drink your coffee on the porch while it's still hot. You deserve five minutes where your only job is to breathe.

The Bottom Line

Getting your free time back isn't about being a bad parent or neglecting your baby. It's about teaching them skills they need anyway, just a little bit earlier. And using smart products (like those grippy bottles) that actually work.

Your baby wants to be independent. They're hardwired for it. Sometimes all they need is the opportunity – and the right tools to make it happen.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go enjoy my coffee while it's still hot. Because my little one is happily feeding themselves, and I've earned this moment.

Cheers from the Sunshine State! ☀️