#PLAN YOUR AGAIN KEEP IT SIMPLE HOW TO#
#PLAN YOUR AGAIN KEEP IT SIMPLE PLUS#

Also make sure if you are back to work at the office that there's a refrigerator you can use to store your milk. Ask your employer about places that you can comfortably and privately pump and try getting on a schedule so your coworkers can plan for your time away from your desk. If you’re going to be pumping at the office, dress accordingly so you can easily breastfeed without too much trouble. Leave policies are not standardized, so ask about your employer’s baby bonding policy, paternity leave policy, personal leave, sick leave and unpaid leave. If you need two hours at a standard appointment, can you make up the time in the future?Īsk about leave. Can you work from home (if you're not already)? Can you work a flexible schedule? The same should be asked about your baby's doctor's appointments. Ask your employer or manager once you get back to work what the policy is on caring for sick children. Here are a few tips from experts:Īsk about illness. Make sure you have an open and honest relationship with your employer. Your mornings will run more smoothly the more you practice and get as much done ahead of time as you can. Try to do some of your prep the night before, like packing lunches and snacks, preparing bottles, laying out everyone's clothes, getting your baby’s diaper bag ready, showering, etc. And you won’t lose too much time fumbling around (though be realistic and flexible, because babies, older children and life in general are unpredictable!). That way you’ll automatically know what you have to do before you either get out the door to start your commute or begin working from home. Make your mornings as easy as possibleĬreate a consistent morning routine for you, baby and other family members - and stick to it. That’s why it’s smart to have a backup sitter, family member or close friend who can babysit in case your caregiver cancels, the day care is closed or there’s another emergency.Īnother idea: Try to find a fellow mom in the neighborhood who can reliably help babysit for you in a pinch and vice versa. Have a backup babysitter in placeĮven the most carefully laid plans can fall through. That way, when it happens, you’ll be ready.

#PLAN YOUR AGAIN KEEP IT SIMPLE HOW TO#

If your baby gets sick and/or needs to go to the doctor, figure out how to divvy up who will handle baby's care. Coordinate your schedules and child care arrangements, and divide up household chores.ĭon’t forget to make a sick day plan too. Make sure you both are on the same page before your first day back at work. Sharing responsibilities can make all the difference if you have a partner in the picture. That way you won’t miss anything! Even if you're working from home, you won't always be able to be 'right there' for everything. If you've decided to hire a nanny or sitter, you might ask her to keep a daily journal of the baby’s schedules and development. This way you’ll be on top of your little one's safety and well-being, and still actively involved in his daily life - which in turn may help alleviate any guilty feelings you might have about working. It’s also important to communicate often and extensively with your nanny, babysitter and/or day care teachers and administrators. Get recommendations, interview day care centers or nannies, do a walk-through if you're able to, check references, ask about immunization records, drop by unannounced if you can and have a backup sitter in place. No matter what you decide, make sure you do your research. One way to alleviate much of the guilt and sadness about going back to work is to find good child care, whether you choose a nanny, a big day care center or a home day care. The calendar should make clear who’s picking up your little one when if applicable, noting any changes, as well as any doctor’s appointments, other commitments, day care closings, work obligations and other family activities.īest Swim Diapers Find good child care and have a healthy relationship with your caregiver You can also use a regular wall calendar hanging in the kitchen.

#PLAN YOUR AGAIN KEEP IT SIMPLE PLUS#

You’ll know at a glance what you need to do that week, plus it’s an easy way to keep your caregiver up-to-date on your family’s schedule - including baby’s.Ĭreate a shared calendar on Google or via family organizer apps like Cozi or Hub that you can access on your phone.

Having one place where every family member’s work schedules, appointments, commitments and other comings and goings are recorded is key for managing the chaos of work and family life. Here are some smart and simple strategies for balancing work and a new baby - and keep your sanity in the process.

It’s challenging, absolutely, but that’s where a little (or maybe a lot!) of planning and persistence can be helpful. But there is comforting news: Many, many working parents before you have not only experienced these concerns and frustrations but have also learned how to navigate the difficult post-baby return to work.

Plan your again keep it simple