Back to Work After Baby? Infant Teachers Share Tips to Make the Transition Easier
7-minute read
Article Overview:
If swapping diapers for a desk again seems daunting, these expert tips can help ease the transition for you and your child!
- Plan for peace of mind. It’s a good idea to start looking for child care early—before your little one arrives. This gives you plenty of time to find a place that feels just right.
- Pick a child care location near work or home. The more conveniently located, the better!
- Do a test run. Practice your morning routine and visit the daycare beforehand to reduce first-day jitters—for both you and your little one.
- Set clear communication expectations with the center. Decide how and when you want to be updated about your baby. This way, you won’t be anxiously eyeing your phone during meetings.
- Feel good about your choice. Trust your gut when choosing the right child care fit.
- Commit to self-care. Don’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for yourself, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support network.
Just when you’re getting the hang of caring for your baby, it’s time to go back to work. Besides the expected changes, now there’s a tiny, adorable reason your priorities have shifted. Lunch breaks might turn into pumping time. Happy hour? More like heading out early to pick up the baby. And to help you through this big transition, we’ve talked to some new-baby experts: our infant teachers.
1. Start your child care search early.
Starting your child care search in the first trimester can feel like a leap, but it’s a wise step! Visiting centers early gives you plenty of time to find a place that feels just right and aligns with your hopes and needs for your little one’s care. Plus, you’ll build a relationship with the caregivers who will become part of your extended family, making the transition even smoother when the time comes.
2. Make sure you feel great about the place you’re leaving your baby.
First impressions matter! When visiting a daycare, pay attention to how you feel the moment you walk in. Is the center staff warm and welcoming? Do the children look happy and engaged? Ask about their health and safety procedures and observe whether the staff follow these guidelines. Some key questions to ask during your visit might include:
- What will my child’s learning look like as they grow?
- Do the teachers love working with children?
- How are kids kept safe in an emergency?
- Will my baby be safe, even when they sleep?
- Can you accommodate special dietary restrictions or allergies?
Our teachers recommend visiting your daycare multiple times, ideally both before and after your child is born. Having confidence in your child care choice can make the transition back to work that much easier.
3. A daycare near work helps the transition—a lot.
When you go back to work a few short weeks or months from now, you might appreciate stopping by to see your baby during your break—whether you want to breastfeed or just get some midday snuggles.
Regina Campisi, an infant teacher in Ohio, says parents visit all the time. “We have an open-door policy. Come in during your lunch break, feed your baby, have lunch with us, and get to know your teachers. Be a part of their educational process. Lots of parents need to bridge that gap between work and child care.”
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Search for a center near you4. Decide what kind of communication you want during the workday.
Imagine this: You’re in your most important meeting of the day when your phone starts buzzing. It’s your child’s daycare calling. Maybe they’re just calling to check in … but what if something’s wrong?
To avoid mid-meeting panic, it’s essential to pre-arrange how your child’s daycare should contact you. Whether it’s regular updates via email or emergency-only calls, setting these expectations early can keep your workday smooth and stress-free. And with the KinderCare App, we’re always in touch with families, from sharing silly-sweet moments to chatting about your child’s day.
5. Boost your confidence with a test run.
If you thought your old morning routine was hectic, adding a new baby to the mix can be downright chaotic. Ease into it by visiting your baby’s new daycare ahead of time. “The Friday before, bring everything your baby needs. See where your baby will sleep, meet your teachers, and do your paperwork,” Campisi says.
6. Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for your baby.
New parent burnout is real. You have a lot on your plate—from sleepless nights to juggling work and your baby. And we’re here to help as your partner in parenting.
“Don’t pour from an empty cup,’” Campisi says. “If you have a day off, let me take care of your baby. Go to the grocery store. Enjoy a long shower. Do something for you. Take your lunch break. Get a new book. Go outside.”
It’s normal to feel anxious about making the transition back to work, but just know that you don’t have to do it all yourself. Besides your built-in support system of friends and family, you’ll also have a team at your child’s new daycare to help you through the big transition.
