How To Doordash With A 1 Year Old
As a parent, it can be challenging to balance work and caring for your little one. If you’re considering delivering for Doordash but worried about watching your 1 year old at the same time, it is possible with some preparation and planning.
If you’re short on time, the quick answer is that delivering for Doordash with a 1 year old is manageable, but requires getting the right baby gear to keep them safe and entertained, planning deliveries during naptimes, and sticking close to home to allow for feedings and diaper changes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about doing Doordash deliveries with your 1 year old, including:
Choosing the Right Baby Gear
When it comes to Doordashing with a 1-year-old, choosing the right baby gear is essential for a smooth and comfortable experience. Here are some key areas to consider:
Car Seat
First and foremost, ensuring your baby’s safety during car rides is crucial. Invest in a reliable and properly installed car seat that meets all safety standards. Look for features such as a five-point harness, side-impact protection, and easy installation.
Check out websites like National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for detailed information on car seat safety guidelines and recommendations.
Stroller/Carrier
Having a reliable stroller or carrier is essential for navigating through various locations while Doordashing. Consider your needs and preferences – do you prefer a lightweight stroller or a carrier that allows for hands-free mobility?
Look for features like adjustable handles, storage compartments, and a comfortable seat for your little one. Websites like Baby Gear Lab provide comprehensive reviews and comparisons of different strollers and carriers to help you make an informed decision.
Toys & Activities
Keeping your 1-year-old entertained during Doordash deliveries can be challenging. Having a variety of age-appropriate toys and activities can make a significant difference. Consider toys that are portable, interactive, and engaging.
Look for toys that stimulate your baby’s senses, such as soft books, stacking toys, or musical instruments. Websites like Parents.com offer recommendations for toys and activities that promote cognitive development and sensory exploration.
Timing Deliveries Around Naptime
One of the biggest challenges of being a Doordash driver with a 1-year-old is figuring out how to time your deliveries around your little one’s nap schedule. As any parent knows, naptime is sacred and disrupting it can have consequences for both the child and the parent’s sanity.
Here are some tips on how to navigate this delicate balance:
Plan ahead
Before starting your Doordash shift, take a look at your child’s nap schedule for the day. Identify the longest stretch of uninterrupted nap time and aim to schedule your deliveries during this period. This will minimize the chances of waking up a sleeping baby or having to rush through a delivery.
Be strategic with your acceptances
When you receive a delivery request, take a moment to consider the distance and time it will take to complete the delivery. If it aligns with your child’s naptime, go ahead and accept it. However, if the delivery will take longer and potentially disrupt naptime, it might be best to decline the request and wait for a more suitable one.
Utilize the Doordash scheduling feature
Doordash offers a scheduling feature that allows drivers to set specific times for their shifts. Take advantage of this feature by only scheduling shifts during times when your child is most likely to be napping.
This way, you can ensure that your deliveries are aligned with your little one’s sleep schedule.
Remember, flexibility is key when it comes to balancing work and parenting. While it may not always be possible to perfectly time deliveries around naptime, by planning ahead and being strategic with your acceptances, you can minimize disruptions and create a more seamless experience for both you and your child.
Staying Close to Home
When it comes to Doordashing with a 1-year-old, staying close to home is essential for a smooth and stress-free experience. By planning deliveries near your home base, you can minimize travel time and ensure that you can tend to your child’s needs promptly.
This not only allows you to be more efficient in your deliveries but also provides you with the convenience of being just a few minutes away from home if any emergencies or unexpected situations arise.
Plan deliveries near your home base
One of the key strategies for Doordashing with a 1-year-old is to plan your deliveries near your home base. By selecting delivery locations that are in close proximity to your home, you can minimize the time spent on the road.
This will not only save you time and fuel but also allow you to be readily available for any urgent needs of your child. Additionally, by staying close to home, you can quickly return if your child requires attention or if you need to take a break.
Take breaks for feedings and diaper changes
Another important aspect of Doordashing with a 1-year-old is to take regular breaks for feedings and diaper changes. Babies at this age typically have a routine for feeding and diaper changes, and it’s crucial to prioritize their needs.
When planning your deliveries, factor in sufficient time for these breaks. This will ensure that your child remains comfortable and happy throughout the delivery process. It’s also a great opportunity for you to bond with your little one and attend to their needs.
Remember, Doordashing with a 1-year-old requires careful planning and consideration. By staying close to home and taking breaks when needed, you can successfully balance your delivery responsibilities while providing the care and attention your child needs.
Extra Safety Precautions
When it comes to Doordashing with a 1-year-old, it’s important to prioritize safety. Here are some extra precautions you can take to ensure the well-being of both you and your little one:
Baby monitor/alert system
Investing in a reliable baby monitor or alert system can provide you with peace of mind while you’re out Doordashing. These devices allow you to keep an eye and ear on your baby even when you’re not in the same room.
With features like live video streaming and two-way communication, you can easily check on your little one and address any needs or concerns that may arise. Some monitors even have motion or sound sensors that can notify you if there are any sudden changes or disturbances in the baby’s environment.
Pro Tip: Look for baby monitors that have a wide range and can be accessed through your smartphone. This way, you can keep an eye on your baby even while you’re out on a delivery.
Backup care plan
Having a backup care plan in place is crucial when Doordashing with a 1-year-old. Unexpected situations can arise, such as a sudden need to take a bathroom break or an unforeseen delay in your delivery. It’s important to have someone you trust who can step in and look after your child if needed.
Consider reaching out to a family member, friend, or trusted babysitter who can be available on short notice. Make sure they are familiar with your child’s routine, have emergency contact information, and are aware of any allergies or special needs your child may have.
Pro Tip: Create a written backup care plan that includes all the necessary information about your child’s routine, emergency contacts, and any special instructions. Keep a copy in your car or on your phone for easy access.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when Doordashing with a 1-year-old. By implementing these extra safety precautions, you can ensure a smoother and more secure experience for both you and your little one.
Making the Most Money
Multi-apping
If you want to maximize your earnings while Doordashing with a 1-year-old, consider multi-apping. Multi-apping is the practice of using multiple delivery apps simultaneously to receive more orders and increase your income.
By signing up for other delivery platforms like Uber Eats or Postmates, you can accept orders from different apps at the same time. This allows you to stay busy and make money even during slower periods.
However, it’s essential to manage your time and resources efficiently while multi-apping. Make sure you have a reliable smartphone with good internet connectivity, as you’ll need to switch between different delivery apps quickly.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with the policies and requirements of each platform to avoid any conflicts or issues.
Tracking Expenses
Tracking your expenses is crucial when Doordashing with a 1-year-old to ensure you’re maximizing your profits. Keeping a record of your mileage, gas expenses, and other related costs can help you claim deductions during tax season.
Deducting these expenses can significantly reduce your taxable income and potentially increase your overall earnings.
There are various expense tracking apps available that can make this process easier. These apps allow you to enter your expenses and mileage, and some even provide reports for tax purposes. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep all your receipts and invoices organized to support your expense claims.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to deduct other business-related expenses, such as phone bills, parking fees, and any necessary equipment, when calculating your overall earnings.
For more information on tracking expenses for delivery drivers and understanding tax deductions, you can visit the IRS website.
Conclusion
Delivering for Doordash with a 1 year old comes with unique challenges, but can be managed with preparation. By getting the right baby gear, timing deliveries during naps, staying near home, taking safety precautions, and using strategies to maximize earnings, you can make some extra income while still providing great care for your little one.
