What are the Best Side Hustles for Moms?

If you’re a mom, you’ve likely thought about finding a side hustle that allows you to make money while staying flexible for your family. Whether it’s supplementing your household income, saving up for something long-term, or just creating your own nest egg, plenty of moms get side hustles these days. But the thing is, there are SO many options out there. Ever wondered what are the best side hustles for moms?

Let’s go over five popular (and money-making!) side hustles for moms. Spoiler alert: baby sleep consulting may just be the perfect one for you. If you’re passionate about helping families and creating a career with both flexibility and earning potential, keep reading!

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is one of the most accessible side hustles for moms. You don’t need a specialized degree, and you can work from anywhere as long as you have a computer and internet access. Freelance writers create blog posts, website content, articles, and so much more.

It can be a great side hustle for moms who enjoy writing, have a knack for storytelling, or want to work with clients across different industries.

Pros:

• You can choose your own hours.
• There’s high demand for content writers, especially online.

Cons:

• It can be tough to break into higher-paying gigs.
• Income can fluctuate, and finding consistent work may take time.

While freelance writing has its perks, it can take months, if not years, to build a stable and lucrative income. Plus, deadlines can sometimes interfere with family time, which makes it a challenge to balance work and home life.

2. Direct Sales or Network Marketing

Direct sales companies like Pampered Chef, Scentsy, or skincare lines like Rodan + Fields have long been a popular side hustle for moms. With direct sales, you sell products to your network (typically friends or family) and earn a commission on those sales. Some moms really enjoy the community and opportunity for growth in these kinds of businesses.

Pros:

• Low barrier to entry – most companies have affordable startup kits.
• You can work from home and set your own schedule.

Cons:

• Success depends heavily on your network and how much you’re able to sell.
• It can sometimes feel uncomfortable selling to friends and family.
• Building a substantial income can take years.
• It can be hard to tell the difference between an actual direct sales opportunity and an MLM recruitment scheme!

While some moms find success with direct sales, it can also feel like an uphill battle. Plus, your income is limited by the size of your customer base, which makes scaling more challenging.

3. Virtual Assistant (VA)

With so many businesses operating online, there’s a growing demand for virtual assistants! As a VA, you help business owners and entrepreneurs with tasks like managing their email, scheduling social media posts, or handling administrative duties.

VA work can be a great side hustle for moms who enjoy being organized and detail-oriented. Plus, many VA positions are flexible, allowing you to work part-time or on your own terms.

Pros:

• You can work remotely and set your own hours.
• There’s a variety of tasks, so it can be flexible with something new to do each day.

Cons:

• Clients can be demanding, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects.
• The income potential can be limited, depending on how many hours you’re able to commit.

While working as a VA can provide decent income, the work can be inconsistent, and you’re often trading hours for dollars – so there’s a cap on how much you can earn without working more hours. Plus, you have to look out for overbearing bosses that can pull from your personal time. 

4. Etsy Shop or Craft Business

For creative moms, opening an Etsy shop or selling crafts online can be a super fun side hustle! Whether it’s handmade jewelry, custom artwork, or knitted scarves, there’s a market for one-of-a-kind items. So if you have a knack for crafting things, this could be a great way to earn some extra money while doing something you love.

Pros:

• You can turn your hobby into a business.
• You have full creative control over what you make and sell.

Cons:

• Crafting and fulfilling orders can take up a lot of time, especially during busy seasons.
• It can be hard to price your products fairly while making a profit.

While running a craft business on Etsy is a great creative outlet, it can also be time-consuming and challenging to scale. Plus, competition on platforms like Etsy can be tough, making it hard to stand out. There’s a lot more to the marketing in these businesses than you’d expect. 

5. Baby Sleep Consulting – The Best Side Hustle for Moms

Now, let’s talk about what I believe is the best, most lucrative side hustle for moms: baby sleep consulting. If you’re passionate about helping other parents, enjoy problem-solving, and want to build a flexible, rewarding career, this could be the perfect fit for you.

As a baby sleep consultant, you’ll work with families to create personalized sleep plans for their little ones, helping them establish healthy sleep habits and solve common sleep challenges. This is a service that parents are willing to invest in because, let’s face it – everyone needs sleep! And best of all, you already have experience. All you need to do is get certified, then you’re ready to get your side hustle set up. 

Pros:

• High demand. Every family with a baby or toddler faces sleep struggles, and many are willing to pay for expert help.
• Flexible hours. You can work from home, set your own hours, and choose how many clients you take on.
• Great income. Sleep consultants can earn anywhere from $400 to $4,000 per client, depending on the services offered. Even working part-time can cover your monthly expenses.
• Actually rewarding work. You’ll make a real difference in the lives of families, helping them regain sleep and sanity.

Cons:

• You’ll need proper training and certification to establish credibility.
• Like any business, it takes time and effort to grow.

What makes baby sleep consulting stand out as a side hustle is the combination of flexibility, great income, and the ability to truly help others. You’re not just working for a paycheck – you’re making a significant difference in the lives of sleep-deprived families. Plus, it’s a service that’s always in demand, no matter where you live.

Why Choose Baby Sleep Consulting?

If the idea of becoming a baby sleep consultant interests you, I can tell you from personal experience that it’s one of the best career decisions you can make as a mom. It gives you the flexibility to work from home and create your own schedule, and it pulls from your own experience – because you’ve been there, done that.

At the Institute of Pediatric Sleep, our certification program is designed specifically for moms like you who want to turn their passion for helping families into a business. We provide all the training and tools you need to get started, including proven sleep strategies, business support, and a community of consultants who fell in love with this career.

Ready to take the leap? It’s time to stop asking “What are the best side hustles for Moms?”, and take that step into your new career. Learn more about our Baby Sleep Consultant Certification Program here.