Welcoming your baby into the world is one of life’s most profound transitions. As you prepare to return to work, you’re navigating another. Every family’s experience is unique, but here are some expert tips from our pediatric providers to help ease the transition.
1. Give Yourself Grace
Even if you’re returning to the same job, you’re stepping into it with a new set of responsibilities and priorities. Adjusting takes time. Be patient with yourself and give yourself compassion as you find your rhythm.
2. Build Your Support Team: Deciding on Childcare
Finding the right childcare can provide tremendous peace of mind. Deciding on a babysitter vs. daycare is a personalized decision that will depend on factors like your schedule and need for flexibility from your childcare provider. Here are some questions to help guide your interviews and decisions.
For Daycare
- What does a typical day look like for infants in your care?
- Do you have drop-in hours or does my child need to be picked up/dropped off at specific times?
- How do you handle naps? If my child already has a nap schedule, how will you work with us to adapt their schedule?
- How do you handle starting solid foods? Allergens?
- How many infants are assigned to each caregiver?
- What is your illness policy?
- Are staff trained in infant CPR and choking? What is your staff vaccine policy (we recommend an up to date Tdap if working with infants and an annual flu vaccine)?
- How do you manage allergies, medications, or emergencies?
- What interface do you use to update parents during the day (app, text, or daily report)?
- Can I tour the spaces my baby will use, including nap and play areas?
- What does outdoor time look like? If you take children on a walk, do they get out of the group strollers to play? What safety measures are in place?
- Which holidays do you close for? Does your program run through the summer, and if not is there an additional session I can sign my child up for?
For Babysitters or Nannies
- What experience do you have with infants? Have you ever cared for multiple children before?
- How do you handle emergencies or schedule changes?
- Can you provide references from other families?
- Are you willing to help with baby-related tasks (meals, bottles, laundry)?
- Are you comfortable providing updates and photos via text during the day?
- What is your comfort level with taking the baby on outings and playdates?
- Do you have training in infant CPR and choking?
- Are your vaccines up to date (including flu and Tdap if caring for an infant)?
- Are you open to occasional evening or weekend hours?
- Do you have any planned time off or scheduling limitations?
Tip: Always call references/talk to parents with children enrolled at the daycare. These firsthand insights are invaluable in finding the right fit for your family.
4. Create an Emergency Plan
Prepare an emergency contact list for your home and childcare provider. Include:
- Your child’s full name, date of birth, and address (for emergency responders)
- Your child’s doctor’s name, address, and phone number
- Parent/guardian contact numbers and one backup contact
5. Breastfeeding, Pumping, and the PUMP Act
For many parents, continuing to breastfeed after returning to work is important. With the help of modern breast pumps and some advanced planning, this is totally possible!
Know Your Rights: The PUMP Act
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act (2022) expands protections for breastfeeding employees.
- Most employees are entitled to reasonable break time to express milk for up to one year after the baby’s birth.
- Employers must provide a private, non-bathroom space for pumping that’s shielded from view and free from intrusion.
Pumping Essentials for Work
Having a dedicated setup can make a big difference. Consider keeping a small “pumping kit” at work or in your bag.
Recommended supplies:
- A reliable breast pump (consider getting a second one to keep at work, you can often find one for free on Facebook/Buy Nothing groups)
- Extra pump parts, flanges, and tubing. If you have enough, it is easiest to bring one set of pump parts for each time you will need to pump at work.
- A hand pump (for emergencies or forgotten parts)
- Milk storage bags or bottles, and a cooler bag or milk thermos
- Wet/dry bags for used pump parts to bring home and wash
- A hands-free pumping bra
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle – hydration matters!
Tips for Success:
- Practice with your pump before your first day back.
- Hands-free pumps are convenient but may have less suction; use what works best for your body.
- Set alarms/reminders to pump during busy shifts.
- Bring an item that smells like your baby (a worn onesie or blanket) or have some favorite photos on your phone to help with let-down.
7. Anticipate Transitions
If you are able to, try out some of the transitions for a week before you return to work. Some daycares will start with a gradual schedule (1 hour the first day, 2 hours the second day, etc.) that makes it difficult to return to work the same week you start daycare. If you are hiring a babysitter, having a few days where you are working from home or haven’t started work yet can help you teach them your baby’s routine and gain comfort with them.
If your child will be transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding, make sure you have adequate time to practice this new skill and talk to your provider about specific timing that will work best for you and your baby. Bottle refusal and sleep regressions can commonly happen around the time when parents return to work, so we recommend connecting with your provider early to address some of these issues.
8. Take Care of Yourself and Stay Connected
Returning to work can be emotionally and physically challenging. Soak up the cuddles and time you have together. It can even make that early morning wake-up a little easier when you get some extra time together. Lean on your support systems, and take a deep breath – you can do this!
Your pediatrician is here to support you and your baby’s health. We’re here for you if you have questions or want to talk in more detail over a visit about what this looks like for you and your baby.
