5 ways to maximize naptime

Parents know that nap time is prime time for crossing off those to-dos: Laundry, dishes, meal planning... Sure, you could deal with the dirty diapers or clean up the playroom...again. But why not mix it up so you don't feel stuck on repeat? Here's a list of different ways you can maximize that two-hour sleeping span (or however long your child snoozes).

Take a shower — one long enough to shave your legs. And if the baby monitor is still quiet post-suds, go all out and slather on some yummy body lotion. You'll feel like a new woman...at least until your little one wakes up.

So what if it's the middle of spring? There's no harm in getting prepped for the holidays (even if they're still months away). New moms might enjoy this fun tip from our Type A baby blogger: When Sophie was a newborn, Katie spent nap time shopping online for Christmas goodies. Could there be a better distraction from diapers and sleep deprivation? It may not have been essential to get the holiday shopping out of the way, but come December it was smooth sailing for Katie — everything was already squared away!

On days you're feeling overwhelmed, try working up a sweat. Yes, really! Exercise is proven to lower stress levels, so throw on your favourite workout video when nap time hits and shimmy your way to cool, calm and collected. If you're having trouble finding a workout that suits you, look to YouTube for free instructional videos on things like pilates and yoga.

When you're covered in spit up, it's hard to feel sexy or think about date night. But adding a special evening to the calendar will give you something to look forward to, and will help boost romance levels at home. The best part? You can plan date night from the couch. Just grab your phone and make reservations online.

Pinterest is a mecca for moms during nap time. With the pretty photos and awesome DIY tips, it's pretty hard to beat when you need some inspiration. But instead of virtually pinning, why not check out the poster-making sites and make something you can actually pin on your wall at home? Create some sweet art for your child's nursery or something that will remind you what a great parent you are! If you are on Pinterest, follow Today's Parent.