I’ll admit it – the only homesteading I’ve ever done has been with my children by my side and a baby in my belly or on my body.
I gave birth to my 4th child, a beautiful healthy girl, in May of 2023. We had been stewarding the land for only 8 months by the time I gave birth! So my first introduction to homesteading on our own land was when I was pregnant. Luckily it turned out to be an easy pregnancy, and even luckier for me that it wasn’t my first rodeo!
Nonetheless, homestead chores are much more physically and emotionally draining when done while pregnant or with a baby. I felt that I achieved many more goals on the ranch when I was pregnant because I could do a project for 4 hours without interruption. Whereas with a baby you have to stop often to feed or change them, and sometimes they do not want to be put down.
My older kids are 10, 8, and 4 years old, so they can help alongside me easily or can go off and play. This isn’t to say the older kids don’t distract me (insert “Mom, I’m hungry”), but it’s much easier to complete homestead chores with big kids.
As I navigate my second year of homesteading with my children, I keep thinking – back in the old days how did women work on the homestead with so many children to serve?
Although I would like to think our family doesn’t have “so many” children (there are only 4), I would like to think we have a good thing going with our chore routine. I will divide these guidelines up into 3 separate guides so that you can decide what works best for your family!
1: Utilize a Functional Baby Carrier
This advice is geared more towards mama homesteaders with little babies. The first postpartum months are ideally restful, and a mother will be catered to. But eventually, life goes on and the homestead chores pile up. What’s a mama to do? Babywear of course!
Babywearing has been around for as long as early humans have been in existence. According to Vittoria Allen of ergobaby.com, babywearing dates back thousands of years, and was prevalent in indigenous communities worldwide.
Babies are biologically attuned to the presence of their mothers. This means that they feel emotionally and physically safe with their mother. In our modern-day world, it is not probable that a mother is holding her baby 24/7, but it is likely that her baby is on or with her most of the day.
With the hands-free ability that is achieved by wearing our babies in carriers two important things happen. 1) our baby feels content and can have their needs met immediately and 2) we can cook, clean, eat, take care of other children, and tend to the homestead. That’s pretty damn amazing!

There are an astonishing amount of baby carriers out there, so make sure you research which one will fit your body type, and baby and match your lifestyle. For instance, there are carriers that face your baby in or out, on your back or in the front, and soft carriers for your newborn. You can even wrap your baby in a rebozo (traditional scarf used in Mexico) and put them on your body.
2: Let Your Baby Get Dirty
Once your baby is a little older and sitting up unassisted, it will be a good time to introduce them to the garden or grass. At this age, babies learn about life through putting things in their mouths constantly! So be prepared for your baby to have their own little dirt-tasting party. As long as your dirt is not treated with pesticides or chemicals they should be safe.
In this scenario you will be able to work, your baby will be able to play and you both will get your daily dose of Vitamin C!

3: Utilize the Help of Your Older Children
Lastly, I have a suggestion that is geared more towards families with multiple children. Whether your children are in a traditional school or they homeschool/unschool it is imperative that they help out around the homestead. This is not only beneficial for your sanity, but it benefits the children so they can learn life skills and perseverance.
Homestead chores on our ranch include: watering the gardens, pulling the weeds, washing their clothes (by hand), burning the trash, tending to the fire, washing the dishes, cleaning their room, walking the dogs, raking, harvesting, planting, and helping cook. Another way my older children help out is by taking care of the baby and by playing with the toddler.

Homestead tasks can seem like a burden, but they are actually a blessing. They give my children routine and consistency, they help me get a workout, and they make the homestead functional!
4 Responses
Totally relate with the children and being a mom who still has to get it all done. Youโre such an inspiration for my family, weโve been working on buying land to start our homestead journey. In the meantime we implement what we can where we are. I canโt imagine all the work you do that you donโt show as well, laundry, cooking, prepping, folding, alongside ALL the homestead workโฆ wow. Super moms indeed. Iโm so happy to make your acquaintance! Thanks ๐ ๐ฑ
Hi Vesi,
I’m so happy to hear we inspire you guys on your homestead dreams! We are still figuring it out too, but I’m happy to give tips and ideas along the way. Especially when it comes to homesteading with kids because, as you mentioned, its a whole nother beast! I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance too <3 ~ Rori from OBH
And as a neighbor, I can add that Rori and Alejandro’s kids seem happy, smart, well loved, and we’ll balanced.
Hi Leslie,
awww shucks, this means the world to us.
~Rori from OBH