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How To Make Money On Maternity Leave

Worried about being broke on maternity leave? The last thing you need to worry about is money when you are looking after a newborn which is why it’s important to know how to make money on maternity leave. 

Maybe you just need to make some extra income or maybe you fancy starting a side hustle, whatever your needs are, there are many things to do on maternity leave to make money. 

As a Canadian, I was lucky enough to enjoy two year long maternity leaves, partly funded by the government. However, money was still tight. 

Many women need to making a bit of money on the side because bills still need to be paid plus you now have new expenses such as diapers, formula and other baby items. Plus you want to be able to for a stroller walk to Starbucks every now and again. 

Below you will find some amazing side hustle ideas that will help you to make money while on maternity leave. The great thing is that you can make money while still enjoying time with your new baby, who knows, you may even discover a new money making hobby!

how to make money on maternity leave

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How To Make Money On Maternity Leave

1.Start A Blog

I have to include this first because this is the side hustle that I started on my second maternity leave. Now to be fair, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme but if you are looking to create some supplemental income while on maternity leave, blogging is awesome. 

I now make a full-time income from my blog and was able to quit my full-time job. Interested in getting started?

Read:  How To Start A Blog That Makes Money

2. Make Money With Surveys 

There are a lot of different online survey sites where you can make money for gift cards and even PayPal cash. My favorite site is Swagbucks. (Get a $5 bonus when you sign up through this link.)

3. Mystery Shop

Mystery shopping is not only fun, it is a great way to make some extra cash while on maternity leave. You can take your baby with you when you do your shop visits so you get an outing while getting paid! 

4. Teach Online 

If you have a baby that is on a schedule, consider online teaching. Online teaching often takes place really early in the morning so it is perfect if your baby naps in the mornings or wakes up a bit later. 

How To Teach English Online (Who’s hiring now!)

5. Open An Etsy Store

If you would like to start a side hustle that you can continue after your maternity leave is done, an Etsy store is a great option. The easiest way to get started is by selling printables. 

Learn how to get started with Etsy:

How To Start An Etsy Store Successfully

How To Start Your Own Etsy Printables Business

10 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money

6. Sell Beauty Products

I’m not talking about an MLM here. I mean starting a Soap Making Business From Home  or making beauty products and selling them on Facebook groups or at craft fairs. There is a huge market for this around the holidays and also as teacher gifts. 

7. Sell Your Used Clothes

As soon as your baby outgrows something, consider selling it for cash to buy clothing in a bigger size. Also analyze everything you have and see if you really need all the things you got at your baby shower and as gifts.

There might be some hidden cash there.  Here are some places to sell used baby clothes for cash.

8. Sell On Amazon FBA

Private sellers on Amazon can make really good money from the comfort of home. This is a great opportunity to start your own small business with little cash down. Read more about Amazon FBA (this post is about selling on Amazon Canada but the principles and free resources apply to Amazon Worldwide. 

9. Sell Your Photos 

If you are a budding “momtographer,” you could start your own photo business from your home and make money with Christmas mini sessions and special family photos. 

If landscapes and animals are more your thing, you can sell your photos online for cash. Here are the 15 Best Stock Photo Sites To Sell Images. 

10. Become A Virtual Assistant

Everything is online now and there are tons of opportunities for virtual assistants to help with social media marketing, freelance writing and other online tasks. One easy way to get started is as a Pinterest Virtual Assistant.

Pinterest VAs help brands and bloggers to promote on Pinterest by create images and pinning relevant content to their accounts. 

11. Sell Crafts Online

If you are crafty, why not make and sell crafts on a site like Etsy? You could make money crocheting or choose some great things to sew and sell

Of course, right now you are in baby mode so how about checking out these DIY baby items to make and sell?

More Side Hustle Ideas 

15 Work From Home Jobs For Introverts 

Start A Gift Basket Business From Home

How To Make Money From Your Spare Room

HOW TO MAKE MONEY ON MATERNITY LEAVE