Balancing Bottles and Buildings: Life as a New Parent and Property Manager

Bringing a newborn into the world is an incredible experience—equal parts joy, exhaustion, and awe. Add the responsibilities of being a property manager into the mix, and you’ve got a lifestyle that requires a high level of time management, flexibility, and emotional stamina.

I recently stepped into the dual roles of “new parent” and “property manager on-call,” and let me tell you: there’s no handbook for this combination. But if you’re in the same boat, or about to be, here’s what I’ve learned along the way—and how I’m learning to thrive in both roles.

1. Expect Chaos, Plan Anyway

Babies and buildings don’t follow schedules. Diaper blowouts happen right before tenant walk-throughs. That emergency plumbing leak you got the 3 a.m. call about? Probably right after you finally got the baby to sleep.

The key is planning with flexibility. I’ve started using shared calendars with color-coded blocks—feedings, inspections, bottle prep, rent collection, nap windows. Will things always go to plan? No. But having a framework keeps me grounded when things go sideways.

2. Communication is Everything

Whether it’s with your partner, tenants, vendors, or your own internal monologue—clear communication is your best friend. I’ve gotten comfortable sending quick, transparent updates:

• To tenants: “I have a newborn at home, so I may need to shift our appointment slightly—thank you for your patience.”

• To contractors: “Let me know 24 hours in advance if there are any schedule changes—I’m juggling baby care too.”

Most people are surprisingly understanding when you’re honest and professional about your situation.

3. Learn to Prioritize Ruthlessly

Newborns demand your attention. So does property management—especially when you’re dealing with urgent repairs, late payments, or prepping a unit for turnover.

I’ve learned to ask myself two questions:

• Does this absolutely need to happen today?

• What’s the worst that happens if it waits until tomorrow?

Some things (like heat going out in winter) are non-negotiable. Others (like repainting a hallway or answering a non-urgent email) can wait. Know the difference.

4. Outsource When You Can

This isn’t the time to be a hero. If you have the resources, outsource what you can—whether that’s hiring a virtual assistant to help with tenant communication or getting grocery delivery so you can spend more time with your baby.

I brought in a part-time maintenance tech to help with basic unit issues, and it was a game-changer. It freed me up for both diaper duty and keeping a closer eye on more complex management tasks.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Managed to change a diaper, feed the baby, and respond to three tenant emails before noon? Win. Got through a property showing while baby napped in a carrier? Huge win.

Some days, success looks like closing a lease deal. Other days, it’s getting both you and the baby dressed before 10 a.m. Either way—count the victories.

Final Thoughts

Life as a new parent and a property manager isn’t easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. There’s something powerful about knowing you’re taking care of people—whether it’s your child or the tenants who call your properties home.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to need help. And it’s absolutely okay to take a moment to breathe, regroup, and remember: you’re doing two of the most demanding, important jobs there are.

One feeds your soul. The other feeds your family. And you’re handling both, one bottle and boiler at a time.