How to Make Money on Maternity Leave [20 Legit Ways to Make Extra Cash]

Are you on maternity leave and looking for ways to make some extra cash? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore over 20 legitimate ways for you to earn money during this time.

We’ve got you covered for various ways to boost income. Here are some of the best options:

• Try online freelance roles, like transcriptionist or virtual assistant.
• Start an online business venture.
• Explore passive income ideas.
• Make use of government support programs.
• Offer freelance services in different fields.
• Harness your skills and hobbies.
• Rent out assets for passive income.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to make money on maternity leave!

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

Key Takeaways

• During maternity leave, online freelancing can be a great way to earn some extra money. Jobs like transcription, writing, proofreading, virtual assistance, and managing social media are trendy options.
• An online business venture can be a source of passive income during maternity paid leave. Think about making a blog, online tutoring, or selling handmade crafts. Alternatively, you can rent out baby gear or become a consultant.
• Consider offline income opportunities to generate income on family leave. Focus on babysitting, pet sitting, home baking, freelance photography, and fitness instructor roles.
• Passive income ideas such as affiliate marketing, creating and selling e-books, renting out a room, stock photography, and creating online courses can provide a continuous stream of income during maternity leave.

Making Money On Maternity Leave Online

Sell handmade crafts on platforms like Etsy or start your blog. These are viable online business ventures that can generate income.

Here are some excellent ways you can make money online during your maternity leave:

• Start a Blog: Share your expertise online. Monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
• Online Tutoring: Offer your knowledge in a specific field to students. Use online tutoring platforms.
• Sell Handmade Crafts: Create and sell handmade items online. Utilize seasonal trends to make sales.
• Rent Out Baby Gear: Get paid for lending out baby gear. Lend things you no longer need to other parents through platforms like BabyQuip.
• Become a Consultant: Capitalize on your expertise in various fields and offer consulting services.
• Transcriptionist: Convert audio recordings into written form.
• Freelance Writing: Craft articles, blog posts, or other written content for various clients.
• Freelance Proofreading: Review and correct written content for grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.
• Virtual Assistant: Provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely.
• Social Media Management: Handle a brand or individual’s social media presence.

These online business ventures allow you to earn extra money while taking care of your newborn. Whether it’s writing, teaching, crafting, or renting out baby gear, there are plenty of opportunities to start an online business and make money during this special time in your life.

1/ Start a Blog

During your maternity leave, starting a blog can be a great way to share your expertise. You can monetize your content through various strategies like ads and affiliate marketing. It’s an opportunity to earn extra money while staying at home with your baby.

Starting a blog is relatively easy and doesn’t require any special technical skills.

You can choose a niche that aligns with your interests or knowledge. Go for parenting advice, DIY crafts, healthy recipes, or fashion tips for new moms. By consistently creating valuable content and promoting your blog through social media channels, you can attract readers and build a loyal audience.

As your blog grows in popularity, you can explore ways to earn extra money blogging. Use sponsored posts from brands or join affiliate programs to promote products relevant to your niche.

2/ Online Tutoring

If you have expertise in a specific subject, online tutoring can provide an opportunity to share your knowledge. You can earn income, and you don’t even have to leave your home. Online tutoring is a flexible way to earn money and make good money.

Here are four reasons why online tutoring is a great way to make passive income:

• Reach a global audience: Connect with students from all over the world. Expand your reach and increase your earning potential.
• Set your own schedule: As an online tutor, you have the freedom to choose when and how often you want to work. Create a schedule that fits your needs.
• Work from anywhere: Whether you prefer working from home or traveling while earning money, online tutoring allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Make a difference: By sharing your knowledge through online tutoring, you have the opportunity to help students succeed academically. You can make a positive impact on their lives.

3/ Sell Handmade Crafts

Sell your handmade crafts on platforms like Etsy and turn your creative skills into a profitable business.

Selling your handmade crafts is a great way to make money while on maternity leave or during any free time you have. With more and more people appreciating unique, handcrafted items, there is a growing demand for handmade crafts.

Whether you love knitting, painting, jewelry making, or woodworking, there is a market out there for your beautiful creations. By selling your handmade crafts online, you can reach customers from all over the world. This increases your chances of making sales.

4/ Rent Out Baby Gear

Renting out baby gear can be a convenient way to earn extra income while also helping other parents in need. Here are four reasons why renting out baby gear is a great way to make extra money on maternity leave:

• It’s easy: Renting out baby gear is a straightforward process. It doesn’t require much effort or time. Simply list your items on platforms like BabyQuip. Then, wait for interested parents to contact you.
• Minimal investment: You don’t need to spend a lot of money to start renting out baby gear. Use the items you already have and no longer need, such as strollers, cribs, or high chairs.
• Flexibility: Renting out baby gear allows you to work on your own schedule. You can choose when and how often you want to rent out your items. This gives you the flexibility needed during maternity leave.
• Helping others: By renting out your baby gear, you’re providing an affordable option for other parents. Some people may not be able to purchase these items themselves. It’s a win-win situation where you make extra cash while assisting families in need.

Renting out baby gear is one of the legit ways to make extra cash during maternity leave. It requires minimal investment, offers flexibility, and allows you to help other parents while earning money on the side. You can also consider selling maternity clothes you don’t need anymore.

5/ Become a Consultant

Becoming a consultant allows you to utilize your expertise in a particular field. You can offer valuable services and support to clients. It’s a great way to earn extra money while on maternity leave or as a side hustle during this time.

With paid maternity leave benefits, you can make money by sharing your knowledge. You can also provide guidance to others who need it. Whether you have experience in marketing, finance, HR, or any other industry, there are opportunities for consulting work.

You can offer one-on-one consultations. Develop training programs or provide strategic advice to businesses. By leveraging your skills and expertise, you can make the most of your maternity leave. This is a great opportunity to create a fulfilling and profitable side venture.

6/ Transcriptionist

As a transcriptionist, you can earn up to $15 per hour and potentially make $30 per hour with experience. This is a legitimate way to make extra cash while on maternity leave.

Transcription involves listening to audio recordings and typing them out accurately. Many companies and individuals are in need of transcription services for various purposes, including interviews, meetings, podcasts, and much more.

You can find freelance transcription opportunities on platforms like Upwork or Rev.com. The flexibility of this work allows you to choose your own hours and work from the comfort of your home. It’s a great option for new moms who want to make money while taking care of their little ones.

7/ Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a flexible and lucrative maternity leave side hustle. It’s perfect for new moms looking to earn income from home. It’s one of the many legit ways to make extra cash during your maternity leave.

With freelance writing, you can use your creativity to work on various projects. You can find freelance writing opportunities on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. These platforms connect freelancers with clients who need content. You can find opportunities for writing copy for websites, blogs, or marketing materials.

8/ Freelance Proofreading

When you freelance as a proofreader, you use your grammar skills and attention to detail to refine content. Your primary job is to examine documents. You look for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity errors.

By providing this valuable service, you help businesses present accurate and professional information. Clients will value your ability to spot mistakes. In doing so, you’ll improve readability, ensuring they have the highest quality written content.

9/ Virtual Assistant

If you have strong organizational skills and enjoy assisting others, becoming a virtual assistant can provide you with the opportunity to work remotely and support clients. You’ll perform tasks such as admin, data entry, and scheduling.

As a virtual assistant, you can:

• Help businesses stay organized by managing their calendars and scheduling appointments.
• Assist with administrative tasks like email management and document preparation.
• Provide data entry services, ensuring accurate record keeping for clients.
• Offer customer support by responding to inquiries and resolving issues.

By offering your services as a virtual assistant, you can earn income while working from the comfort of your own home. You have the flexibility to choose your own clients and hours of work. This freelance role is a great way to utilize your skills in an in-demand field.

10/ Social Media Management

Use your organizational skills to assist businesses with tasks like social media management. Help businesses boost their online presence by handling their social media accounts. This includes:

• creating engaging content
• scheduling posts
• engaging with followers
• analyzing metrics for better outcomes

You can earn extra income from the comfort of your home. As an SMM, you’re offering valuable social media management services.

Many businesses realize the importance of an active social media presence. Yet they lack the time or expertise to manage it well. This leads to a high demand for skilled social media managers in this field.

Offline Income Opportunities

There are several opportunities available if you need to make money while on unpaid maternity leave or parental leave. Here are some offline income options:

• Babysitting: Offer your services as a babysitter to other parents in your community.
• Pet Sitting: Take care of pets while their owners are away through pet sitting services.
• Home Baking: Sell homemade baked goods to friends, family, and local businesses.
• Freelance Photography: Use your photography skills to offer freelance photography services.
• Fitness Instructor: Offer fitness classes in your area for moms wanting to lose their pregnancy belly.

These offline income opportunities allow you to utilize your skills and interests. This way, you make money during the weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

11/ Babysitting

When babysitting, you can offer your services to other parents. This way, you can make extra income while on unpaid maternity leave. Babysitting is a great way to earn money on maternity leave. It allows you to work flexible hours and take care of children in your own home or theirs.

You can set your own rates and negotiate with parents based on the number of children you will be watching and the duration of the job. By advertising your services through word of mouth, social media, or local community groups, you can attract clients who need reliable childcare.

12/ Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is a flexible and rewarding way to earn income while on maternity leave. It allows you to work on your own schedule and spend time with adorable furry friends.

Here are four ways to make extra cash through pet sitting:

• Offer your services through pet sitting websites or apps like Rover or Wag.
• Advertise locally by creating flyers and posting them in vet clinics, pet stores, and community bulletin boards.
• Build a strong reputation by asking friends, family, and neighbors if they need pet care services and ask for referrals.
• Provide additional services such as dog walking, grooming, or overnight stays to increase your earning potential.

13/ Home Baking

If you’re on maternity leave and looking for ways to make extra money, home baking can be a delicious and profitable option. With your culinary skills, you can sell homemade baked goods to friends, family, and even local businesses.

Create a menu of mouthwatering treats like cookies, cakes, breads, and pastries that people will love. You can promote your baked goods through social media platforms or by word-of-mouth. Consider offering special packages for events like birthdays or baby showers to attract more customers.

Setting fair prices for your products will ensure you make a profit while still appealing to potential buyers. Home baking allows you to work from the comfort of your own kitchen and enjoy the flexibility that comes with it.

14/ Freelance Photography

Freelance photography can be a really flexible side hustle on maternity leave. By utilizing your skills and passion for capturing moments. It’s an excellent option for making extra cash while on maternity leave.

Here are four legit ways to make money through freelance photography:

• Offer family portrait sessions: Capture precious memories for families and individuals by offering professional photography services.
• Specialize in newborn photography: Many parents want beautiful photos of their newborns, providing an opportunity for you to showcase your talent and make money.
• Cover events and weddings: Photographing special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or corporate events can be lucrative and enjoyable.
• Sell stock photos online: Take stunning photographs and sell them on stock photography websites to earn passive income.

Use social media to build your online presence and show your work to your potential clients.

Freelance photography is one of the best creative ways to make extra cash. With a solid audience and a steady stream of commissions, you can potentially earn a full-time income.

15/ Fitness Instructor

If you have a passion for fitness and want to earn some extra cash during your maternity leave, consider becoming a fitness instructor. As a certified fitness instructor, you can offer classes in your community and help others achieve their health and wellness goals.

Whether it’s leading group workouts or offering one-on-one training sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to make money while doing something you love.

You can advertise your services through local community centers gyms, or even start your own independent business. With the increasing demand for fitness professionals, this is a great way to earn cash and stay active during your maternity leave.

Passive Income Ideas

Looking to generate income while you’re not actively working? Consider exploring passive income ideas that can provide a steady stream of earnings without requiring constant effort or time commitment.

Here are some excellent ways to make extra cash on maternity leave:

• Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.
• Create and Sell E-books: Write and publish e-books on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. You can also earn on KDP without writing books!
• Rent Out a Room: List a spare room in your home on platforms like Airbnb for short-term rentals.
• Stock Photography: Sell your photos on stock photography websites and earn royalties.
• Create an Online Course: Share your expertise with others by offering a class on any chosen subject.

These passive income ideas offer flexibility and the potential to earn money even when you’re not actively working. They can be great options for making extra cash during maternity leave while allowing you to focus on taking care of yourself and your newborn.

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

16/ Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral. It’s a popular method because it allows you to earn money without having to create your own products or handle customer service.

To get started with affiliate marketing, you’ll need to join an affiliate program or network, choose products or services that align with your niche or audience, and promote them through various channels such as your blog, social media accounts, or email newsletters.

The key is to provide valuable content and recommendations that genuinely help your audience while also driving sales for the products you’re promoting.

17/ Create and Sell E-books

Creating and selling e-books is a great way to monetize your expertise and generate passive income online. With weeks of unpaid maternity leave and the desire to earn money, this can be a perfect opportunity for you.

Here are four reasons why creating and selling e-books can be a great way to make money on maternity leave:

• Share Your Knowledge: Write about your area of expertise and share valuable information with others.
• Low Startup Costs: Creating an e-book requires minimal investment, making it accessible to anyone.
• Passive Income Potential: Once your e-book is created, you can continue earning money from sales without actively working.
• Flexible Schedule: You can work on your e-book during your free time, allowing you to manage both motherhood and entrepreneurship.

18/ Rent Out a Room

Renting out a room in your home on platforms like Airbnb can be a great way to make extra cash while on maternity leave. It’s one of the legit ways to earn money during this time.

By listing a spare room, you can provide travelers with a place to stay and earn income without leaving your house. This is especially beneficial if you have an extra room that isn’t being used.

Renting out a room allows you to capitalize on the growing sharing economy and leverage your space for financial gain. With platforms like Airbnb handling the logistics and providing insurance coverage, it’s easier than ever to rent out a room and make money on maternity leave.

19/ Stock Photography

While renting out a room can be a great way to make extra cash during your maternity leave, another legitimate way to boost your income is through stock photography. Stock photography involves selling your photos on stock photography websites and earning royalties whenever someone purchases or uses your images. This is a fantastic option if you have a passion for photography and want to turn it into a profitable venture from the comfort of your own home.

By capturing high-quality, in-demand images, you can make money even while on maternity leave by licensing them to businesses, websites, and publications. So grab your camera and start snapping those eye-catching shots!

Stock photography can help you make money during maternity leave in more ways than one. Here are some tips to get started on the right foot:

• Sell your photos on popular stock photography websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.
• Focus on niche subjects or themes that are in demand such as travel, food, lifestyle, or business.
• Continuously upload new content to keep attracting potential buyers.
• Optimize your keywords and captions to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

With stock photography, you have the opportunity to turn your passion for capturing moments into an extra source of income while enjoying precious time with your newborn.

20/ Create an Online Course

Starting an online course can be a rewarding way to share your knowledge and expertise while generating income on maternity leave. It’s one of the legit ways to make extra cash during this time.

By creating an online course, you have the opportunity to teach others valuable skills or provide insights into a specific topic. Whether you’re an expert in cooking, photography, fitness, or any other subject, there are people out there who are interested in learning from you.

With the convenience of online platforms like Skillshare or Teachable, you can easily create and sell your course to a wide audience. Not only will you be able to make money on maternity leave, but you’ll also be able to inspire and educate others along the way.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Final Thoughts

There are numerous legitimate ways for you to make money on maternity, family or medical leave. Whether it’s through online freelance opportunities like transcriptionist and virtual assistant, starting an online business venture such as blogging or selling handmade crafts, or exploring passive income ideas like affiliate marketing and creating online courses, the options are endless.

Don’t forget to leverage your skills and hobbies for income and take advantage of government support programs! With a little creativity and determination, you can earn extra cash while enjoying time with your new baby.

Frequently Asked Questions