If you are heading back to work in the near future, the follow tips will help make it a smooth process.
Organise your childcare now
Make sure you have your childcare organised well in advance of your return to work. Whether you are looking into a crèche, nanny, au pair or a relative or friend will be minding your youngster, make sure your baby is introduced to them from an early stage so that they are given a chance to feel comfortable and at ease with them. It is also important that your first day back at work is not their first day with their childminder as it can take a bit of time for them to settle down, and the last thing you want is to leave a crying baby as you rush out the door – you will already be feeling emotional.
Leave baby gradually
Over a period of a month or so, gradually get your baby used to you leaving them with someone else. Remember you have been their main carer for their whole life and it may take some time for them to get used to not being with you. If possible, leave them with their minder for an hour or two at first, gradually working up to a half or even full day. Knowing that they are happy and with someone they know and trust will go a long way to making the transition easier on both of you.
Get them into a routine that suits
If possible get them into a routine that will work with your work schedule. This includes feeding times, naps and bedtime. This way, while they will have to adjust to being looked after by someone new every day, their schedule won’t need to be re jigged or changed, which can be unsettling.
