Returning to Work, what's next?

Returning to work after having a baby is tough stuff.  My biggest concern, who could care for my daughter better than me? The answer to that is nobody.  

There are a few things "working mamas" have to realize before returning to work after having a baby. The first is finding the right caretaker, so your baby has a smooth transition and is in a safe, secure, comfortable environment with someone who is nurturing, patient, and trustworthy. The second is realizing that no one in the world can replace a child's mother.  

My husband and I were torn on what would be the best place for Lil E when I returned to work.  We liked the idea of a day care because she is in a safe environment, with a structured routine, and will get plenty of socialization with other children.  The down side to that was I'd have to wake her every morning and drag her out in the cold to get her there on time.  I would also have to make sure I bring her with enough diapers, wipes, food, formula, etc. daily, which is more work for me.  

We were recommended to three days cares and all of them were full.  I went off on a quest to look at a few that were not recommended and I did not get a good vibe.  As a mommy always go with your gut.  


One woman asked, "how old is your daughter?" I replied, "eleven months." She responded, "To give you an idea about a typical day for an eleven month old, we would give her plenty of tummy time and involve her in circle time."  Excuse me? Tummy time is great for a three month old and circle time is great for a three year old, but try getting Lil E on her belly and see how fast she crawls away.  Try sitting her down and expecting her to stay during circle time and I'd get a good laugh watching it.  I guess the woman didn't know I had a background in Early Childhood Education.  It angers me that she is selling people with a few "buzz words" to sound like she knows what she is talking about, when she clearly doesn't have a clue.  After about five day cares, I had enough.  I found a few great nursery schools for when she gets a little older, but decided day care wasn't a good fit for us, yet. Many of my friends have had great experiences with day cares, so don't rule it out based on my feelings.  

If you are considering day care, here a few tips:

1. Get Recommendations:Ask around, go off recommendations of friends, family, and co-workers.

2. Check References: Look online.  I googled a few of the day cares and some of them had terrible reviews. Huge red flag!

3. Go Visit: Never drop your child off somewhere you haven't seen. Go in to check it out in person and get a feel.

4. Ask Questions: Never feel like you have too many questions.  Ask how long they've been in business, experience/training/staff certifications, routines, emergency procedures, student/teacher ratio, activities, meal plans, and nap time.


Instead, we opted to go with hiring a nanny.  It is important to disrupt Lil E's life as little as possible.  She has been home with Mommy for an entire year and still takes two naps a day in her crib.  I can rest assured that she is in a safe, comfortable environment at our own home. Finding a nanny is also not an easy process.  


If you are considering hiring a nanny, here are a few tips:


1. Get Recommendations:Ask around, go off recommendations of friends, family, and co-workers.
2. Check References: I don't take this into too much consideration because anyone can be a reference nowadays.  I can ask plenty of family or friends to vouch for me, so this is not my favorite tip from people, but I felt like I should put it out there.
3. Do a Trial Run: Have the person come to your house before hiring her, so you can see how she interacts with baby and whether or not you are comfortable with her.
4. Pop In: Once you've hired a nanny, pop in at different times, on different days. My husband, mother, myself, and our neighbors will all be popping in occasionally.
5. Listen to Baby: If baby seems unhappy after the first three days, s/he is trying to tell you something.  It usually will take 1-3 days for baby to adjust, but after that if baby is screaming when you get home from work something is wrong.
6. Invest in a Nanny Cam: If you really have trust issues, invest in a nanny cam.  You never have to wonder what's going on, you can see for yourself.


Hiring a nanny can also make your life easier and less stressful.  I don't have to worry about carting Lil E out early in the morning, picking her up and dropping her off.  Since Lil E naps twice a day the nanny has plenty of free time to do her laundry, straighten up, make her food, and clean her bottles.  It gives me a few less things to do when I get home and on weekends, which allows me to spend more quality time with her.  Last, her and I can develop a relationship, Lil E will have the consistency of one person, and she can become a second mommy to her.

Good luck on your search for child care.  Feel free to leave any questions below.  I'd be happy to help.