Need Volunteer Ideas That Would Include Baby

I volunteered with a group called North Austin Caregivers. It's a group that volunteers to drive older folks and those that can't drive to medical appointments or other places. I would take my baby and the older folks LOVED it! I would drive to the beauty parlor or medical offices mainly. I actually think my child was more of a toddler who would listen to my requests because there were a few situations where I had to help them get out of a car or hold an arm out to steady a walk. As my daughter got older it benefited her as well. She learned to not be afraid of the old and the ailing and loved playing with their walkers and wheelchairs. I would read to her in the waiting rooms and will never forget the day another child crawled into my lap and I could tell it was the first time the little boy had ever seen a book - broke my heart. Most of the people were isolated in their homes so seeing a happy child really made their day.
Worked for us!
A. in Austin

I do not know of any volunteer things that you can do with your son at that age...but I do remember from when I volunteered that many of them offered free babysitting for their moms during the event or whatever we were volunteering for.

Hi A.! You and I sound similar...I'm a stay-at-home mom of a 9 month old boy. I love to volunteer and, in fact, find that I'm a little lost if I don't try to volunteer weekly. I have found that I can volunteer anywhere as long as I'm "wearing" my son in his Ergo (soft-structured carrier). I can wear him on my front or back depending on what I'm required to do. For example, I volunteered for an hour this morning at an old theatre hanging up old play/musical posters. He hung out on my back while interacting with the other volunteers while I hung pictures. I also helped assemble Mother's Day gift bags with my MOMS club while he was in the Ergo. I'm considering going to the food pantry, family crisis center, or my church to help in the office with him in tow, and that will give me an better idea of how I can help more. My goal is to do something in the way of volunteering every week along with my son. He loves his carrier and even sleeps while I work sometimes. I'm hoping that one day he'll get older and say, "Oh, now I understand why we help people/animals." It'll be so much a part of him. Well, that's my hope anyways. Good luck!

Well, like someone said, you can wear your baby. Is there something like Depelchin Center or other non profit organizations that help children? They may have you file or xerox or do other things that can be done with baby.

Don't underestimate volunteering for church nurseries. They have a hard time getting consistent help and often don't mind if you aren't even a member of the church. A good nursery was my pre-requisite for a church but I found I spent so much time working in the nursery I hardly got to be in the service, so my new requirement is a church that doesn't have a nursery or at least encourages moms to keep the babes in the service with them. That way I'm not in the nursery all the time. But if you are looking for volunteer work, church nursery work is ideal!

I can't really think of anything where you could actually volunteer and devote your time and attention to while toting your baby about. The people you're helping aren't going to want to babysit in order for you to help them, at least I wouldn't think they would.

The only thing i can think of is volunteering to keep the nursery at your church.. that way you're keeping your baby and others too :)

or.. maybe find something you can do in your home where you can have him there and still do your volunteer work?

There are a lot of nursing homes out there where the people do not ever have visits. A young mother with her child would be a hit with almost everyone. It would remind them of when they had young children and were around grandchildren. This always brings smiles. Children of all ages are welcome for visits.

Some gyms have nurseries. You could work part time and get paid and/or get to work out for free. You could take your baby with you.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Your local elementary schools could always use extra help, especially low SES ones who don't get many volunteers. Ask if there are things that you could take home and cut apart and put into baggies or take home and fold to stuff into envelopes. That way you are helping out but baby is still in a comfortable environment at home.
2. Ask your local nursing homes if you could "adopt a grandparent." My family did this when I was in elementary school. My grandparents all lived in another state. The nursing home had a lady who didn't get many visitors and was still quite sound of mind. She and I would read books together, take walks, and play pool in the lobby. Small children were a welcomed sight, especially babies.
3. Check with your church or a church near your home and ask if they need help typing a newsletter, stuffing envelopes, refilling paper and pencils in the pew, or watching children in their nursery. These are things that would be much appreciated and be doable around/with the baby.

Hi A.,
I don't know of any volunteer things except visiting a nursing home. They would enjoy that. I have a 13 month old son and I work from home with a group of moms. It keeps me busy while with my son and I earn some money to help my husband out. I would love to share the details with you.

B.
Visit:
www.MoreForMyBaby.com

When my kids were younger, I would send a note to my oldest one's teacher to send volunteer assignments home in her backpack. Also, there are teacher centers that are not located in schools (since babies sometimes get fussy). I used to pick up assignments at the school and take them to these centers with my baby. Also, you could volunteer for the board of your home owners association. They often meet after work hours. Have fun!!

Hi A.,

I think it's great that you want to help out others! When my children were younger, I was a breast-feeding counselor at WIC. As long as my baby was breastfeeding, I was able to take him/her along. This was satisfying to me b/c I really like to help out others too. I have worked in pre-schools and even the MOPs (Mothers of pre-schoolers) program too. I also volunteer at church in the nursery. It depends on what you like to do. Personally, I love teaching so I love working w/the kids.

Currently, I help other moms have the opportunity to work from home and stay home w/their kids. I love it and wouldn't change it for the world! i get to encourage other moms and bring hope back into their lives. Since you love helping others so much, you may be interested in helping out other moms too and you can do it w/your baby beside you. Whatever you decide to do, I commend you for looking for ways to reach out!

Blessings,
M.
www.4MyChildrenSake.com

Volunteering at elementary schools would be great! A lot of schools let you bring your small child with. I know summer is almost here, but most run summer school programs as well and need help throughout all of it. Call one near you and ask for the parent liason or the person in charge of volunteers if you are interested. It may also give you an idea of what to expect when your child reachs schoolage. It sneaks up faster than you think.

I know schools would be glad to have you volunteer - especiallly on the PTA - many have little ones tagging along.How about at your step-daughters schools?

I am also a stay at home mom. My husband deployed to Iraq when she was 7 months old. I wanted to keep both she and I busy to make the days go by more quickly. I also wanted to teach her about the community. We become very active with the area nursing and rehabilitation homes for elderly people. It made such a difference in their lives to see this young life come in with smiles every week. We made some great friends and memories.
Meals on wheels may be something that interests you too. Wherever you look just don't forget about the elderly men and women that dont' have anyone to visit them and make them feel special anymore. Goodluck.

Nursing home visits are something that you can do with your baby...the residents would love seeing him. Go to the local pound and be a dog-walker or animal exerciser...he can ride along in a stroller. Volunteer at your local library to do a children's reading time and take him along. Just some ideas to get you started, there are lots of opportunities out there, you are terrific for wanting to be out there helping! Good luck!

i don't know if you are a chuch going person or not, but if you attend a church that has a daycare or preschool they would probably love a volunteer. even if you are not a member, you might look for a church near your home that has a daycare, preschool, or school. they might be thrilled to put your son in the program for free on days that you volunteer. you could help with art day, do a music class, help during outside recess, or even help in the office with paperwork or computer needs, depending on your skills and abilities. i did this when my youngest was 3, it worked out great for us. i did a simple music class for each preschool class every Tues. he got to attend class for free on Tues, when i was teaching, then got an extra day for free instead of paying me. i also got a discount if i wanted to sign him up for the rest of the week. good luck.

Find a nursing home to visit. I have worked in nursing homes for years and learned early on that I can bring my kids on my days off, as I became very attached to many of the residents...even the old cranky ladies would melt like butter when they saw my kids, or any kids for that matter.
The last nursing home i worked in also has a full time day care on site and they incorporate day care activities and elder care activities. You could not imagine the happiness it brings the elderly folks just to be in the same room as kids or babies, and even better both my kids have no fear of old people, or death as they were exposed to it from the very beginning. But not with immediate family, so it was slightly detached emotionally for them and easier for me to explain when a family member dies. Now when we see an elderly or handicapped person in public we have no awkward or embarrassing moments or questions. My kids just see normal people and behaviours. It was the best thing we have done together. Best of luck, and your on the right track, it is never to early to teach your kids the importance of public service.

Dear A.
After 7 months of age, a baby usually suffers from separation complex - which is why if one is going to return to working full time (say) one is advised to do it before that time.
Now that your baby is 9 mths old, he will want to be near you almost all day long...so you need to find something that will include you.
You know that there are a great amount of lonely mums who have no friends, who stay at home, cooking, cleaning, taking care of babies and feeling "out of it" as if life is passing them by.
You would do a great service to the community by starting a Moms & Tots group where mothers can meet (and bring their babies along) for a cup of tea and snacks and chat about all sorts of things and making new friends.
The idea is that each mother takes it in turn and you elect elder children who are not yet at school to act as leaders to keep that extra eye on the babies as they play.
It works a treat.

A., if you have a nearby American Red Cross Office, they need volunteers to answer local disaster calls such as fires and send other listed volunteers out to respond...they usually furnish a pager...they also use volunteers to take emergency messages for the military. You might check with the nearest office, but be sure and let them know you need to work from home.

I know the zoo uses volunteers to help with the visitors. You might ask if you can tote baby along. Your baby would like it as well. It's worth a phone call.