"Baby Time" Isn't Just a Luxury—It's My Lifeline
Today, I’m diving deep today with something close to my heart—and sanity. Ever heard of “Baby Time”? No?
It’s not what you think. I'm not talking about those precious moments with your little ones (though they are adorable). I’m talking about something just as essential—time dedicated purely to you, for you. The real you. The one that sometimes gets lost beneath layers of mom, wife, career woman, and whatever other hats you wear.
Years ago, it hit me one balmy Tuesday evening, squeezed between a parent-teacher conference and a late-night client call. I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror and wondered, "When did I last do something just for me?" The question stung more than I expected.
Before kids I would take an entire weekend day just to myself to do anything. I wasn’t lazy about it. I ran all the errands, checked off all the to-do lists, and most often did meal prep for the week. It was awesome! But in today’s life it doesn’t happen quite the same way.
Let me tell you my lowest point and how I changed it. And how you can too.
The Breaking Point
I’ll admit, things had to reach a boiling point before I realized how parched I was for personal space and time. My days were jam-packed from 6 AM to midnight—diapers, meetings, meals, workouts—all scripted like a well-oiled machine. Efficiency was my prized possession, but at what cost?
That night, I cried the entire drive home. Not because anything tragic had happened, but because nothing had happened—for me, that is. I was so busy taking care of everyone else’s needs that I neglected my own. That boss who notoriously was late for meetings that threw off my “getting work done” part of the day, sleep regressions (IYKYK), and styling my husband for a big opportunity on-camera. It was great that I could do all of this for all the people in my life, but I needed to get back to center. And that’s when I instituted "Baby Time"—daily sessions where the only agenda was whatever I needed or wanted at that moment.
What “Baby Time” Looks Like
To outsiders, my “Baby Time” might look indulgent or whimsical. One day, it’s a solo walk through the neighborhood. Another, it’s sketching splotchy watercolors that'll never see the light of Instagram. Sometimes, it’s just me, a glass of wine, and the back porch at sunset. It’s not the activity that matters; it’s the permission to just be.
My clients have instituted “Baby Time” and they’ve done some pretty stellar things:
Josie doesn’t drink her coffee cold anymore (go Josie, go!) she enjoys her cup first, no matter what chaos is happening in the morning.
Brooke sets a timer outside of her bedroom for 15 minutes (just 15!) every day and no one can bother her. She does whatever she wants during that time and no one in her family asks any questions.
April deleted her work email from her phone. She chose to run her life vs. having it run her. She also set boundaries with her team, letting them know they can call her if there is an emergency, if not, it can wait until morning.
Zoe committed to working out 3 days a week. First at home via apps, but now she’s a gym girl! She’s been doing this for 2 years!!
This isn’t about selfishness; it’s about self-preservation. If I’m not or my clients aren’t getting a planned break, how can we expect to care effectively for my family or meet the demands of work? It took stripping down to my core to understand that I am allowed to take up space and time without an agenda or justification. There is no explaning to do to anyone - other than telling them this is happening and here’s what I need from you.
Why You Desperately Need “Baby Time”
You, my hot mom, are more than the sum of your obligations. If you’re scoffing at this, saying, “I don’t have time for a break,” then you’re exactly who needs it most. “Baby Time” isn’t a retreat from reality or your family or your job—it’s a reset button. It’s the pause that empowers you to handle the chaos of everyday life without losing yourself in it or to it.
And let’s debunk this right now: Taking time for yourself does not mean you love your family any less. On the contrary, it means you love them enough to bring them the best version of you—recharged, centered, and whole. There is a reason why flight attendants say, “Put your oxygen mask on first.” Let this be your reminder for you to take care of you first.
Call to Action: Reclaim Your Time
So here’s my challenge to you: This week, carve out at least three 20-minute blocks for “Baby Time.” Hide if you must (!!), set boundaries if needed, and do something that lights you up inside. Notice the difference in how you feel, interact, and live.
Let’s stop glorifying the grind and the hustle and start celebrating the reset in slow moments. Because when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to take on the world—and isn’t that what being a hot mom is all about?
Keep it fresh, keep it fierce,
Shannon Pfeffer
P.S. If you want to dive deeper into what you could do for “Baby Time,” reach out. I’d love to brainstorm ideas with you.