When it’s time to put your baby or toddler in child care and go back to work, you will experience an adjustment period. It’s normal to feel anxious or out of place at work; however, there are many ways to make the transition easier on yourself and your family. Here’s some advice for navigating this process.

How to Make Returning to Work as a New Mom Less Challenging

1. Remind Yourself That It’s an Emotional Time

Don’t beat yourself up because you’ll be away from your child. Remember that most moms going back to work feel upset or worried in addition to tired and a little bewildered. These feelings won’t last, and you and your family will get used to the new schedule. Maintain a positive attitude as much as possible.

2. Do a Child Care Trial Run

Practice placing your baby in child care a few days before you return to work. Get up extra early to spend time feeding, bathing, dressing, and cuddling your baby. Drop the infant off at the day care for a few hours while you do other tasks, such as purchasing healthy food for your work lunches. Spending time away helps ease separation anxiety, so you don’t feel like it’s a shock when you go back to the office. It also helps your baby realize that you may leave for a while but come back.

3. Create a New Morning Routine

Come up with a morning routine everyone in your family can take advantage of. Having a schedule to follow keeps you from feeling overwhelmed, so you get used to your new life quickly. Divide morning chores between you and your partner so you neither of you have too many tasks to do before going to work.

4. Set Expectations With Your Boss & Colleagues

Avoid conflicts at work by calling a meeting with your boss. Let them know you will be leaving at the same time every day or cannot travel for the next few months. Also, let your colleagues know that the situation has changed; for example, mention that your lunch hour will be about baby-related errands instead of brainstorming sessions.

5. Get More Sleep

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night to avoid feeling extra overwhelmed, irritable, and stressed because you’re tired. Ask your partner to handle any middle-of-the-night crying while you sleep with earplugs. If your partner also works full time, consider hiring a baby nurse until the infant sleeps through the night.

Get peace of mind during this transition with child care services from Kids & Cribs Early Enrichment Center in Fort Thomas, KY. This family-owned center provides infant, toddler, preschool, and after-school child care services for residents throughout Campbell County to help little ones grow and thrive. Call (859) 441-5888 to discuss your child’s needs, or visit the center online for infant and toddler care services. Keep up with news on Facebook.