Studying with a Baby or Toddler

Studying for professional exams while caring for a baby or toddler is one of the most challenging learning environments there is. Anyone who’s doing it will know that it’s not just about having less time, (although that’s definitely part of it) it’s studying while sleep deprived, and being interrupted, but also trying to keep everything else ticking along at the same time. In this article, we’ll look at some realistic ways to make studying more manageable when life with a baby or toddler doesn’t leave much room for a perfect revision routine.

This article is correct as at 23 June 2026.

Why studying feels different when you have young children

Since having my little boy, my own approach to studying has had to change, and from watching my husband study for his CII Diploma last year, and the conversations I have with candidates every day, I know this isn’t unique.

What often happens is that people get frustrated when revision doesn’t go to plan. But the problem is usually that most revision advice just doesn’t account for parenting.

Long study sessions are rarely realistic when you have a baby or toddler. Even on evenings where time technically exists, you’ve got other things to do like the supermarket shop or tidying up the kitchen, not to mention you’re flat out tired and deep concentration feels impossible. As a result, many parents default to passive revision (reading notes or watching videos) because it feels manageable at the end of a long day.

Passive revision can feel productive, but may not be enough

The issue is that this is often the least effective use of very limited energy. It can feel like you’re “doing something”, but it doesn’t always translate into confidence or exam readiness.

Trying to carry on as if nothing has changed, or taking inspiration from someone without the same commitments, usually just adds pressure. What worked before may not work now so it’s time to make some adjustments.

Use short, focused study sessions

Parents who succeed tend to use low-pressure, high-impact study methods. Short, frequent study sessions work far better than long revision marathons. Sometimes that really does mean 10–15 minutes at a time to revisit a calculation you’re unsure about, or work through a small set of questions.

Focusing on familiarity rather than mastery early on is also important. You don’t need to perfect everything straight away. Revisiting exam-critical topics repeatedly is far more effective than trying to cover the entire syllabus in one go.

Make it easy to get started

Anything that lowers the barrier to beginning a study session makes a difference. Having clear priorities and a structured revision plan helps because the last thing you want is to spend the first ten minutes of your available timeslot deciding what to study. A simple plan that tells you exactly where to start just makes it easier to get straight into it and make best use of the time you do have.

Build flexibility into your revision plan

It is unrealistic to expect perfect study weeks every week. You need to assume some sessions won’t happen, some will be interrupted, and some days will be written off entirely because you’re running on 3 nights of 3 hours sleep. This is why you need to build flexibility into your revision plans because this removes guilt and helps maintain momentum.

On those really hard days, something really is better than nothing. On days where revision feels impossible, even a short review of your notes or revisiting one tricky area keeps your commitment to yourself intact.

Progress may look different now

It’s a shift in mindset, but recognise that progress doesn’t need to be visible every day. Revisiting material repeatedly (even if briefly) builds your knowledge and confidence gradually. Over time, this compounds. Whereas previously you might have expected to get to exam ready in six weeks, this might look like ten to twelve now, and that’s ok. Because parenting is hard, and you’re already doing as much as you can.

So lower your expectations, be realistic, be kind to yourself, and find a system that works for you in the slivers of your day you’ve got time to revise. You can do it and we are right here with you.