How I Started Freelancing with a Newborn and Made $500 Every Month (and How You Can Too!)
Becoming a new mom is life-changing and exhausting.
But for me, it also marked the beginning of an unexpected journey into freelancing. Before my baby was born, I had no idea what freelancing even meant.
Yet, within months of navigating diaper changes and sleepless nights, I managed to earn $500 every month consistently.
If you’re a mom trying to make money from home while caring for your newborn, this post is for you.
Why Freelancing with a Newborn Is Possible?
Before my pregnancy, I was working full-time. But as my pregnancy progressed, commuting became challenging, and I decided to leave my job.
While I was thrilled to welcome my baby, I still wanted to earn something and contribute financially. However, I wasn’t sure if I could balance earning with caring for her.
When my baby arrived, I discovered that newborns have simpler routines—lots of naps and feeding times (Not for long though).
These small windows of opportunity allowed me to dip my toes into freelancing.
My journey began during those quiet moments like when she napped or even during feeding sessions.
These precious hours became the foundation of my freelancing career. So let me tell you it’s possible to start small and grow steadily, even with a newborn by your side.
Step 1: Start Simple
When I first began, I didn’t have any prior experience.
I started with content writing—an easy entry point that required nothing but my phone or laptop.
Over time, I expanded into virtual assistance and designing Canva templates. The key is to start with something manageable and grow as you become more confident.
Beginner-Friendly Tip: Writing is great for moms who have minimal resources (even a mobile phone works!), while design work can be calming if you love creating visuals.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platforms
I found my first client on Upwork. That project turned into a recurring gig continuing till date, giving me consistent income and confidence.
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great for beginners, but don’t overlook Facebook job groups or freelance boards.
Step 3: Embrace Flexibility
While setting a fixed work schedule is ideal, it wasn’t realistic for me.
I worked around my baby’s nap and feeding times, and while that meant my hours were unpredictable, it worked for my situation.
Reality Check: Long nights were often part of my routine, but they did take a toll on my health. If possible, aim for better time management as you grow.
Step 4: Invest in Yourself Gradually
When I started freelancing, I didn’t spend a single penny.
I waited until I was earning consistently to invest in courses and tools that sharpened my skills. This allowed me to scale without feeling financial pressure.
Pro Tip: Focus on learning while you earn. Free resources on YouTube or blogs are perfect for beginners.
Step 5: Start Small, Think Big
In the early days, I chose smaller, chunkable projects that fit into my unpredictable schedule. This approach made freelancing less overwhelming and manageable even during some of the sleepless nights with unpredictable new born days.
Over time, I moved on to more complex and diverse projects, but the smaller ones were my stepping stone.
Step 6: Build a Simple Portfolio
A portfolio was non-negotiable for me. Even a basic one showcasing a few writing samples helped me land clients.
Start with a Google Drive folder or a simple website—no need for fancy designs when you’re just starting.
Lessons from Growth Milestones
Balancing freelancing with a growing baby wasn’t always easy. As my baby became more mobile, my exhaustion grew, and managing work became harder.
But by prioritizing long-term projects and delegating tasks when possible, I managed to stay afloat.
Why $500 Was Just the Beginning?
Interestingly, my initial goal wasn’t to earn $500—it was simply to earn something. When I hit that number, it was a delightful surprise, and I began setting higher targets.
Freelancing allowed me to earn at my own pace without compromising on my baby’s care.
Your First Steps
If you’re a mom wondering where to begin, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Start with writing – it’s flexible and beginner-friendly.
- Build a portfolio with a few simple samples.
- Join freelancing platforms like Upwork and explore Facebook job boards.
- Work during nap times or whenever you can carve out small chunks of time.
- Invest in skills or tools only after you start earning consistently.
Freelancing with a newborn isn’t easy, but it’s 100% doable.
If I could figure it out with no prior experience, so can you. The secret is to start small, stay flexible, and remember that every small win matters.
Are you ready to take the first step? Let’s make your freelancing journey a reality!
